Look for the good in the bad, the happy in the sad . . .

It’s been a rather tough day, after an unpleasant night. I am well behind on social media and keeping up with other’s blog entries. A lot on my plate at present, a lot on my mind.

Someone very dear to me, a relative by marriage and a person with a great heart for animals and their welfare in our county, has been hurt by someone else with an equal passion for animals but very little tact and diplomacy. My sister-in-heart has actually been having bad dreams, worrying this may negatively impact our organization’s efforts to help find homes for as many animals as possible.

Yesterday at our humane society board meeting I saw my dear friend cry as she spoke of this. I had to get up and give her a hug. I also gave her the advice above, and I think it may have helped, at least at little. And maybe it will help some of you. I think we also need to remember the words below:

I have struggled at times with my self-image; I suspect many of us have done or do so, including our own dear Mr. Armitage.  He grew up doubtful of his looks, uncomfortable with his height, never as certain of his talent as he might have wished to be. One of the things I appreciate most about him is the honesty with which he shares his own struggles.

It hasn’t been easy for him by any stretch of the imagination, nothing was ever handed to him on the proverbial silver platter; he’s earned the successes he’s now achieving. It’s said that good things come to those who wait, but in Richard’s case, I would say good things come to those who are patient and still plug away, keep working, keep perfecting their craft, keep behaving like the class act they are. Our awkward duckling has blossomed into this elegant, beautiful swan, while the boyishly cute fellows who relied on their cheeky charm and dimpled smiles are left in the dust.

I’ve said I think he makes a great role model for other actors and people in general– after all, he’s a true, old-fashioned gentleman and a real professional with a strong work ethic and willingness to be a good team player.

I think this is what RA strives for in his work and life. I’d like to be the same. I don’t have his good health and natural athleticism, and I am afraid I’d never be able to endure all he does physically; still, when I look at him and his example, I know I’d like to be a better, stronger person in every way.

And so, even though it’s not been a “good” day, there are lessons to be learned, things to be gleaned and tomorrow to look forward to. I leave you with these words of wisdom . . .

And this adorable image (oh, Uncle Thorin had a few bad days, too, and more than just facing Azog and dragons!)

Some things to make you happy #1, Armitage Style

I love to get extra value out of any item, and so I am doing that with the Glamour UK that Fairy Godmother sent me. In addition to the Hottest Guy on Middle-Earth article, it also has a nice list of 1oo Things to Make You Happy.  I decided to tweak things about and share some images of Mr. A and his ChaRActers illustrating some of these happiness-inducing activities.  Have  a Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Cuddle. Twenty seconds of hugging releases magic anti-stress hormone oxytocin into the bloodstream, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina.

Dance. of all exercise, dancing is the best way to get your endorphin levels peaking due to a winning combination of feel-good factors, including a fun workout, mood-enhancing music and physical contact with others.

Give to Charity. A study in The Journal of Consumer Psychology show the happiest people are the biggest givers, no matter how much we earn.  And we all know Mr. Armitage is a charitably-minded fellow, don’t we?

Look at something blue. Research at the University of Sussex indicates that when we look at the color blue, our brainwaves show increased happiness levels. Anyone think looking at a certain blue-eyed bloke we all know and love might help?

Richard Armitage, a fellow dreamer

There was a discussion about the importance of holding onto dreams over at Twitter today and I shared these words from one of my favorite poems by Langston Hughes. I decided to do a bit of artwork to go with the words. And naturally, thoughts of my favorite actor, a man gifted with the ability to dream and dream big (and work hard to make those dreams come true).

Todd Garner  producer for Richard’s next film project “Black Sky,” actually Tweeted this quote below today. And it reminded me of Richard, too, and that sort of Zen-like aura he often seems to exude.

How wonderful it was to see Richard’s dream of playing Thorin come to fruition this year as he gave such a compelling performance, truly claiming the character as his and his alone. Richard certainly put that vivid imagination to very good use.

How proud his family and close friends must be, as those of us who have never met him are as pleased and proud as punch over his accomplishments. Hooray for my fellow dreamer! Here’s to many more dreams coming true.

I think Harry–and Richard–would approve

What do we live for if  it is not to make life less difficult for each other?~ George Eliot

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread~ Mother Teresa

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything within its vicinity freshen into smiles.~ Washington Irving

 

It takes so little to make people happy–just a touch, if we know how to give it, just a word, fitly spoken, or a slight readjustment of some bolt or pin or bearing in the delicate machinery of the human soul.~ Frank Crane

The best portion of a good man’s life, his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.~ William Wordsworth

Be kind–everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.~ Plato

Alone and without love we die. Life itself is as dependent upon relationships with others as it is on food.~M.N. Beck

Some words of wisdom I found inspirational and which reminded me of a certain fellow we all admire. Not having a particularly good day health-wise.  Sort of one of those “somebody took a Louisville slugger and beat the heck out of me” feelings. (A Louisville slugger is a famous brand of baseball bat FYI). Good to see all your comments, though, ladies and may I say keep up the good work. 😀