Get Your Laugh On

Today in National Belly Laugh Day!

Considering the weather, economy and all else, I think we could all use a good laugh. Laughter not only warms and lifts your spirits - and warms you up from the inside out.

The goal of National Belly Laugh Day is to spread the joy of laughter around the world. They want everyone at "1:24 p.m. (local time) to smile, throw your arms in the air and laugh out loud." It's the Laugh Bounce heard around the world.

But even if you miss the bounce, take some time to really laugh today:

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* Check out LOL Cats or the Daily Squee. It can be addicting and worthy of laughing out loud.

* Watch your favorite funny movie - or find a new one! If you really want to laugh, share it with a friend.

* Play a silly game. Games like Charades or Pictionary always get the laughter rolling.

Break the winter blues and celebrate National Belly Laugh Day.

Laughter is an instant vacation. ~Milton Berle

Don't Rush the Seasons

It was snowing again last night here in New Jersey. As the snow fell outside, I sat curled up on the couch with a lovely cup of Ducky Life Tea (some Ellen's Cranberry Orange tisane mixed with a little Wendy's Citrus Chamomile) sweetened with just a touch of elderberry honey and lemon herb honey. It smelled and tasted heavenly. My candles were lit throughout the house - some from Wickit Good, a few from Dreaming Tree Soapworks, and some made by my dear husband. The only other lights were the glow of the TV and the magical sparkle of the Christmas Tree. What a great way to relax on on cold and snowy winter night.

And yes, my Christmas tree is still up. Why not? It's still hanging on to it's needles and it makes the whole house feel festive and homey. I know so many people

who take their tree down almost the moment that Christmas has past. I just don't understand that. We spend so much time rushing to get things done before the holiday - shopping, baking, decorating, parties, etc. Then the big day comes and we're so used to rushing we practically speed through day without taking notice. Why rush? Celebrate Christmas, Happy New Year, take down the tree, where is spring? It just doesn't help your health or your spirit to go rushing through all these things with out taking some time to notice and enjoy them.

Take winter for instance. This is the second snowfall here in New Jersey. Now, I'll grant you, the first snow dropped upwards of 25 inches in many parts of the state and there were plowing issues in many towns. It could get annoying. But it's winter, it snow's in winter. If we're honest with ourselves, New Jersey has been pretty lucky in the snow department. Most winters haven't been that bad.

So many people are wishing the winter away, and it's only January. Heck, it's only been winter for 3 weeks! After this past hot, dry summer I'd say the land around here could use the nice winters nap, all tucked in and cozy. Do you like being rushed to wake up? I know I don't.

So, on my part, despite minor annoyance and inconvenience, I'm not rushing the seasons. They will end when it's their time to end. The tree will have to come down soon enough. Meanwhile, I'll stock up and candles, put a little Téigh on my hands and feet and a little Jazzy Lavender on my face and head out into the snowy, wintery wonderland.