Good news and a happy dance
Friday, July 27, 2012 I don't know about you, but the continual bad news of this summer is taking a toll on my mind, mood, and disposition. While I'm far from wanting to play Pollyanna, I have been craving some news that warms my heart rather than hurts it.
With that in mind, here are six happier bits of news I've been thankful for the last few days—followed by a happy dance, courtesy of Bubby:
The Olympics. When in the mood for uplifting and inspiring, nothing tops the stories of the young women and men doing what they do best and going for the gold. There's not just one good story associated with the 2012 Summer Olympics, there are hundreds, if not more. And the Opening Ceremony this evening will undoubtedly lift spirits, warm hearts—and, if you're anything like me, elicit a few tears, as well.
Miracles. There's so, so much horror and heartbreak associated with the Aurora movie-theater massacre that took place just 70 miles up the road from me; it's often just too much for me to watch, read, think about, talk about. But the incredible story of Petra Anderson, the young musician who was shot in the head but won't suffer brain damage because the bullet hit her at exactly the point of a minimal and previously undetected brain defect is absolutely worth a smile. And a fist pump. Truly miraculous.
Tickets to ride. When my grandsons left my house to return home a few weeks ago, we had no plans to visit again, which is unusual. Since Bubby's birth, there's been virtually no visit that ended without plans in the works for the next gathering—until this last time. Budgets are tight, schedules are packed, and as far as the eye could see on the calendar, even into 2013, it didn't appear I'd get any time with my boys. The other night, Jim said, "What the heck—just book it!" I now hold tickets for Jim and me to fly to see Bubby and Mac in October. THAT, to me, is great news!
Bear watching. Sure, there are lots of animal videos online to take your mind off the serious and sad stuff, but when I read of this one in the paper, it made me smile and head for the computer. Just this past week, news was that Explore.org recently started live streaming footage from the high-definition webcams they set up along Alaska's Brooks River in Katmai National Park. Now folks everywhere can watch the annual rite of hundreds of black bears feasting from the largest Sockeye salmon run in the world. It's grand diversion of a different sort, so refreshing and engaging—and thrilling when you see a catch. This good news is worth sharing with the grandkids, too, who will get a kick out of the imposing bears patiently awaiting fish to come their way. (Hint: It seems to stream better when choosing the "pop-out" option.)
More streaming video. Like the aforementioned plane tickets, this one is more of a personal bit of good news. Sort of. Though I'm willing to bet someone out there is just as happy about this good news as I am. You see, Jim and I have become addicted to the (yes, rather violent) series, Breaking Bad. We've gone through the entire first four seasons in just the last couple months. Wednesday night we stayed up late and watched the final four episodes available on Netflix, then lamented being in limbo waiting for the fifth season—which started two weeks ago—to come out on DVD or be available on Netflix. We don't have cable, thus no AMC television channel on which the series airs. Then, lo and behold, I checked AMC online yesterday and, YES! Full episodes of the current season are streamed online. Very good news indeed! At least for me and Jim—and any other non-cable subscriber who can't get enough of Walt and Jesse.
Snow. Yes, I said that word again. On the very same day that I posted about snow, it appeared—in July, mind you—on Pikes Peak! Imagine that. Per the comments on that post, it's clear many of you would not consider the arrival of snow good news. But as hot and dry (and flammable and uncomfortable) as it's been the last few months where I live, news of moisture—of snow!—on the mountain overlooking my city was very good, refreshing, and smile-worthy news to me.
And now, for the promised happy dance from Bubby:
Today's question:
What recent good news—personal or public—elicited from you a happy dance?
This post linked to the Saturday Sharefest.
Reader Comments (17)
LOL he's so stinkin' cute doing his little dance!!!! :)
Oh, great. Here comes Debbie Downer first thing in the morning. I'm usually a glass half full vs. half empty person, but this summer I've been extremely crabby. Couldn't even answer your 'swish' post on your one word Wednesday.
I'm really reaching here. I guess the two times that I've come closest to a happy dance have been a 20% off coupon and great sale at Toys R' Us for Grandson's bday and finding more USA made products at a recent trade show.
Sorry, that's all I've got. Snow would NOT make me do a happy dance unless it's inside a really cute globe.
Thereby proving that while I may not be jealous of the other grandparents, I am human. Also proving that I am the queen of run on sentences, so please hand me my crown Ms. Terri S...I've darn well earned it:)
Good news and happy dances are so welcome right now! Thanks!
Wonderful stuff, and love the adorable one's happy dance! This is very wise, Grandma, to consider all the lovely things we have in our lives instead of focusing on the news. I am a journalist, but have learned to keep the TV off and to read less of the newspaper lately. Otherwise, I would be angry or sad all the time ... Cheers to you!
LOVED this post! All those are very happy-making things.
My recent happy dance news was that my sister got a job she really, REALLY wanted. She's had a tough year and she deserved for something good to come her way.
This has been such a sad, unhappy week for me, personally, that it's hard to even remember a happy dance time for me. But, then, I'd never be able to do one as cute as Bubby's.
Thank you for gathering together some that you've managed to find and sharing.
It does make me happy that you and Jim will get October Time with your boys; enjoy.
Enjoy that UNEXPECTED 'gift' of a visit in October... I know you will be smiling all the way until then.. and .... 'then some'....
Bubby looks so cute dancing but I bet your happy dance was even better once those tickets were booked!
Lisa, You this is a good reminder to focus on the things that we can change. The news we hear is going to be bad but to learn every detail only weighs on our hearts and infects our minds. Your Bubba is so very precious and he is what you can rejoice in...along with many other things I am sure. I think that is why all of us should take the time to "do the happy dance" on our blogs. You are a wonderful leader so I will do it too very soon.
My good news was that I found an extra $30 in my paypal account sent by a person that I had posted a guest blog for. I did not ask for money until after and then only for future posts. It was a very nice surprise.
Because you don't have cable you are protected from the 24/7 news channels...I wish we were on that page. I love netflix but I guess we don't need it (darn).
Here is to many more good news days!!!
b
My happiness is that I enjoyed the local street fair with the kiddos last night AND it's my day off today!
Thank you for the link to view the brown bears. AWESOME! I watched 2 separate bears catch salmon in a five minute time span a little bit ago. So neat. I called the older kids in to watch as well.
Wow! Thanks, everyone! What great comments. All the more reason to smile today, for sure! I'm so glad my smidgen of good news is a shiny spot, especially for those having exceptionally bad weeks. And I just love that many of you are enjoying the bears web cam as much as I am. Nothing like watching nature in action to put things into perspective. No multitasking or bad news for them, just getting on with what it takes for survival (and surely enjoying that chilly stream!).
Again, thank you for all the thoughtful comments so far today! It's great we can all lift each other up and warm each others hearts.
Great dancer Lisa.
The news that made me dance & sing, not that anyone in hearing distance would want to hear, is that my lovely cousin Jan from Christchurch will be coming up for Lucy's birthday party next Sunday. Haven't seen her in 18 months.
Cutest happy dance ever! hehe
I have had several opportunities to do the happy dance lately (although I opted for my easy chair and a big glass of red wine) due to my new job, new book, and the news that my younger son plans on spending Christmas with me here in Vegas. Good stuff!
How exciting - you get to anticipate seeing those handsome boys for a few weeks and then fly off to squeeze them tight. That's a good thing! My granddaughter loves horses. Once a year about 25 minutes from home, there is an International Show Jumping Event in New England - The Jumper Classic. As you can imagine, the tickets are expensive. But, this wonderful organization allows people to go for free to watch the preliminary rounds. So, we'll be going next Friday to spend the day and see some spectacular show jumping. My granddaughter is walking on air. Before signing out, I have to comment on the various notes on the 'news.' I have stopped watching as much as I use to as well because I think they have moved to fear mongering and I'm sick of it. They probably don't care that one TV doesn't tune it, but it is the only way I can show I want and expect more.
Aww!!! He is so cute!! I loved this post - I'm excited for the Olympics too!! I LOVED the opening ceremony!!
This summer has been a challenge for many from heat and draught , and the Aurora shooting was so unbelievably tragic and sad. It is easy to let these events overwhelm our lives and bring us into depression, so dwelling on happy things and gratitude is definitely a good way to prevent that.
I love Bubby's happy dance and the boys trip to California looked so wonderful!
Knowing when you will see a far away loved one again is a lifeline I still use with my mom in TX with me and out kids in NY, after being apart for 30 years. Im so glad you have your tickets and thanks for the adorable video clip.