August Photo-A-Day: Decorate

“She well knew the great architectural secret of decorating her constructions, and never condescended to construct a decoration.” Anthony Trollope 

In NYC, Rockefeller Center and its vicinity brightly decorated for the season.

Today's photo prompt reminds me of the holiday season. From around Thanksgiving on, everywhere we go, we see decorative holiday lights and music to boot. The world is lit up with lights, music and bright colors, especially red and gold, welcoming the holidays. Since I don't spend time decorating things, I reached for photos I took last Christmas holidays. The trees and streets are decorated, and we see the magic of the season flourishing around us. What comes to mind when you hear the word - DECORATE?
Do share.
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10 Simple Things That Make Me Happy… What Makes You Happy?

"Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy." Robert Anthony

Sunrise on Painted Hills, Oregon

 As you already know, the holiday season is upon us. We have many reasons to celebrate; from Thanksgiving, to Hanukkah, to Kwanzaa, Christmas and more… It is a joyful time and you find many in a happy mood because of all the revelry going on. Of course, this is not the case for everyone and we must remember to say a prayer for the destitute, the sick, and all who are going through unhappy times.

When I think about the statement above, I am drawn, not only to things about the holidays that I enjoy, but to what makes me happy in general. If you take the holidays out of the equation and consider what in life in general makes you happy, what would your list of 10 look like? 

It doesn’t have to be a heavy duty list with all the politically correct or philosophically astute things we all think of… family, friends, health, wealth, and so on. Those are a given.  I’m thinking about the simple things that we take for granted. For instance, an early morning sunrise on a summer day… You know, simple things that add to our joy or should I say, those every day things that meet us on our way to a happy day.

Below is a list of 10 simple things that make me happy. What makes you happy?  What does your list look like? Do share.