Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Taking the next step

I just finished reading and commenting on a few of my favorite blog sites that are talking about dealing with pain, illness, stress, operations, and just recovering from grief. Yesterday my Life Partner sent me this picture, which I think he pulled off reddit or some similar place. It has continued to make me smile, every time I look at it, so I am offering it to all of you as a possible next step to take. I know I can find a waterfall somewhere, but I'll have a little difficulty blowing water out my snout, so I might skip that step.

Sometimes I think it's just fun to slip my consciousness into the skin of another creature and imagine what it would be like to be filled with joy and smiles like this beautiful elephant. If it is true that our state of mind is up to us, well then, can I choose this?

Yesterday I went to see the new movie Contagion. It was good, but it wasn't great. I didn't spend any time thinking about it after I left the theater, other than noticing all the times I touch public places that have been touched by others (like doorknobs) and thinking about how many times I bring my hands to my face without thinking. With the stellar cast of this movie, I expected more, so perhaps it was my preconceived notion that kept me from enjoying it more.

The weather has turned from unremitting sunshine to cloudy skies for the past two days. Tomorrow's hike is going to be cloudy and maybe even have some rain. But I'll be having a good time and looking forward to bringing it here to share. Until then, see if you can find some rainbows!
:-)

13 comments:

  1. That is a truly enchanting elephant. Thank you for sharing its obvious joy.

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  2. What a fun picture...makes me think of the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and it's all small stuff.
    Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from. Taking Over Your Life. By Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
    Makes you realize what is REALLY important.
    Glad to hear you are enjoying lovely weather, good for hiking !
    ~Jo

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  3. I love the elephant photo. He has the look of absolute joy!

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  4. Sometimes it's good to put yourself in a totally different skin and try to see how life is.
    Sometimes I think there is an over emphasis on danger of contagious risk. There is some thought out there now that our children have not played in earth and have not picked up whatever they need to give immunity .
    Enjoy your trip tomorrow.

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  5. ha. i would not mind being in the waterfall either as long as i did not have to blow water out my nose...lol...will wait for the dollar theatre on the movie...

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  6. The elephant made me smile. Have to admit I'm happy to be having cool overcast days again. I must be adjusting to the PNW, can't stand too much of that sunshine and warm temps anymore. Have fun tomorrow. Daughter and I are headed for Seattle in the morning.

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  7. Oh, what a happy picture. Latest bulletin in the English papers is laughter creates endorphins and that helps ease pain. It really does work, along with exercise and weight loss. I e have experienced it the past six months.

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  8. hmmm. That baby elephant tells me that I don't laugh enough. I need more endorphins in my system. Enjoy the hike tomorrow.

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  9. The elephant looks so joyous, of course waterfalls have that effect. I'm not too good at the water out of the snout either.

    I haven't seen Contagion yet but I won't set my hopes too high.

    I was out on the patio just a bit ago and a few raindrops were falling, maybe your rain will come this way and give you a nice hike tomorrow DJan.

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  10. I love, love, love that picture. What joy that elephant is showing us. I shall carry that image around with me all day. Thank you.

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  11. Yes, you can choose that!! :):):)

    I plan to see Contagion when it comes out on DVD (Netflix, my dear friends). With all the good actors, I would expect it to be pretty good, too. Hummm. :(

    Have a great time! Even if it is in your rain gear. If anyone might see a glorious real rainbow, it might be you on your hike tomorrow! Or...just choose that!! ;)

    Have a grand weekend, sweet lady! :) :)

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  12. That elephant is certainly enjoying his waterfall!
    Germs are everywhere, I TRY not to touch door knobs or doors in public places..soon I will disinfect my grocery cart again because every little kid in Minnesota will have a runny nose. :)

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