The Joy of Ducks!

"I've had a pretty nice few days of recent all because of the often overlooked joys of watching ducks be themselves! It all started a week ago when out of the skies came two unmistakeable objects. Usually they fly over but on this given day they decided to land in our neighbors rather sizable pond. From my vantage point I was able to watch them all day going about their ducky business as they preened and bobbed, ducked and dived before settling on the side of the pond with their heads burred in their backs for a lot afternoon snooze.

I thought it was going to be a one off but since then they've been back regular as clock work for mid morning swim and doze before flying off for lunch and then returning around 5pm and settling in for the night. I have no idea why they make me so happy but they do. There's something about watching them waddle I suppose. That and the quacking.

Whatever it is they have made this writers week very enjoyable and I look forward to more adventures from the comedy double act."

What Makes You Happy? || Submitted By Grace

Finding Joy in the Little Moments

Sometimes, when I find myself getting caught up in complaining, not feeling grateful for what I have, or wishing I was having a better day, I have to take a deep breath, pause, and be still. For you see – I have much to be thankful for. The little things in life are what make a complete life, a life full of love, joy, and contentment. No, not everything is rosy every single day. But you can take what you want out of each day, and you can choose to remember the happy moments as opposed to the sad ones. Here are just a few small moments that I like to dwell on whenever I find myself getting in a funk or a bad mood. 

Nature: The Gateway To Heaven

Being in nature is such a soothing, invigorating experience. It takes me to another place. It feels as if I am getting a glimpse of heaven, if only for the moment. It puts me in such a meditative state that if I had a problem when I came to this sacred space, it dissolves instantly. The calming, relaxing breeze, the beautiful melody of the birds singing in harmony, the trees hypnotically swaying in the wind, and the scenery is breathtaking. If there's anything you can do in this life, it definitely should be to experience the therapeutic , healing effect of nature. You'll be glad you did!

What Makes You Happy? || Submitted By Monay

Walking on a Sunny but Cold Winter's Day

Whilst I'm not someone who loves the cold particularly I do love a big walk on the beach on a winters day when the sun is out. There's something about fighting the wind, being wrapped up and battling the elements that gives you a real sense of having earned your hot chocolate in front of the fire at the end. It also helps calm the mind somehow especially when looking out to sea and seeing wave after wave crashing against the shoreline. There's something about those cold winter waves that again leaves you thankful for the fact you are not out there and will soon be home again inside in the warm. It's just the way it is and is something that makes me happy time and again, something in fact that I have just done hence this post. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thanks, Grace

What Makes You Happy |  Submitted By Grace

The Best Dinner I Ever Cooked

Guest Article Written  By Wendy

The best dinner I ever cooked for myself was a delicious summer supper of Greek food. I researched the perfect recipes, bought the items, cooked everything myself and truly enjoyed every minute I spent eating the meal with my best friend and my boyfriend.

Seeing my Dad Walk

Sent in By Animal flip flops.

My father had a stroke 1 month ago today. Seeing him in hospital that morning was the most scariest moment of my life. Hooked up to machines, unable to move and looking at us with eyes like the little boy he once was broke my heart. He was scared, we were scared, was this it?

One month on and I've moved back to be with my Dad as he works hard to recover. We went for a walk on the cliff tops overlooking the sea this morning. He walked further than usual and was smiling all the way. That to be was happiness right there. Juxtaposed against the fear and dread of only one month ago he's already come a heck of a way.

Changing the world, one person at a time

Sent in by Allen. 
This information is from the about page on http://www.Max-Opp.com. 
Changing the world, one-person-at-a-time with my writing makes me happy.
I know that I will never be a politician who influences the fate of the population of an entire country. I accept that I will never be a business magnate that influences the global population. But, I also know that every single day, in a very small way, my writing improves the life of children and adults.
It makes me happy when I get a letter from a parent telling me that her child has read The Monster on Top of the Bed (http://www.Monbed.com) and now falls asleep easily at night. It delights me when a child tells me that my book taught them that friendship banishes fear.
My writing gives allows children and adults to find peace in their hearts
Here is why that is one my goals:
LAO-TSE (a.k.a. Laozi, Laotze and Lao Tzu, Born 604 B.C.), the founder of Taoism, wrote this poem.
Peace In the Heart
By Lao Tzu
If there is to be peace in the world,
there must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
there must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
there must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
there must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
there must be peace in the heart.

Finding Happiness In Books. There. I Said It.

Bio: An ocean dreamer at heart and in real life, Sierra Greenman thrives on visiting and living near the beach and could never imagine herself anywhere else. She recently ventured out into the freelance world and now is a Freelance Writer and Social Media Specialist and absolutely loves it. Writing about fashion and style are on of her many passions. You can also find Sierra at her blog Ocean Dreams and follow her on Twitter @oceandreams4u. She also is a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com  and her e-mail is oceandreams4sierra@gmail.com if you want to say hello!

Books make me extremely happy. There. I said it. The smell of the pages, obsessing over the cover, reading about the author, and completely throwing myself into the story makes me happy. Reading is like finding a new friend. Your friends are within the covers, and once you discover their personalities, their interests, and their story, you are touched and you take away something new about yourself. 

I have a small obsession with keeping books, and I mean lots of books. There. I’ve said it. They sit on my book shelf, many read and many, I confess, not read yet. I can’t seem to get rid of my favorite reads. I love sifting through the pages, reminiscing on the plot. You see, they bring back memories of what age I was when I read the novel. Suddenly, like a rush, I am outside sitting on the grass, near my house, with my book. I’m sitting by the pool or I’m chasing after my first pet bunny Patchy while trying to remember what page I was on.

I wish I could transfer myself into the pages and live in the story of the book sometimes. There. I said it. Why not? I would love to exist in a futuristic world, a mermaid’s den, a grassy hill, live in Ireland for the summer, or even live happily ever after. The good news is that when I am reading my enticing read, I can temporarily live in my dream land. I choose what each character looks like, wears, and I can choose to ignore the author’s descriptions of their physical attributes. It’s all in my imagination and I can live in my fairy tale land…

After reading The Hunger Games trilogy I felt a void. That’s how you know whether something truly touched you and whether you connected with the characters or not. Unlike Twilight, in my opinion, I feel that this character in The Hunger Games is a strong leader and a good book role model for our youth. She doesn’t become obsessed with a vampire while losing her identity, but instead she finds her own identity while striving to make a difference in her world and change it for the better. Now I’ve found a new book to temporarily feed my void: the book Matched by Ally Condle. Similar to The Hunger Games, this book takes you to the future and begs the question what would we do without free will and choices? 

I wish I could be reading right now. Every day. All day. There. I said it. Reading makes me extremely happy. I hope it makes you happy too. If it doesn’t – go and find a book that will take you to another world and back!

Good Doggies

We've had terrible storms all week, and our big yellow lab, Max, and his little buddy Madison (our daughter's bichon/cockapoo mix, aka Q-tip)have been a little extra cuddly. That doesn't bother me because I'm a big chicken, too.

I let them out in the backyard (we have a deck with a gate, and part of the yard on the other side is fenced) and next thing I know, I see Max walking across the front yard. Apparently, the deck gate got blown open from all the wind. Max comes when he's called-- but Madison is great at ignoring us, and really fast for such a little thing. She was nowhere to be seen. So, I got a squeaky toy, some treats, and the car keys and was heading for the driveway so I could go track her down-- but as soon as I got to the front door, she was waiting for me! I know it does not seem like much, but it's wonderful to not have to go search and stress out over. That is why moment of happy for today. Now, if the sun would just come out to stay!

Today's Moment of Happiness sent in by Denise from Write and Get Paid

The Write Moment

Most of my days are filled with happiness. However, some moments are better than others, and some are just "best." The best one so far today? Finding the right word. Yes, just one word. I write - novels, poetry, short stories. First thing in this morning I was working on a new prose-poem. One line didn't scan properly. Ten minutes, fifteen, twenty: then the aha. One word - not even an important word, a simple change of a character's name.There it was - a moment of happiness. 

Moment of Happiness Submitted By Auther Kenneth Weene 

Blogging Makes me Happy

Nathan says:

When I blog daily, it literally changes the way I perceive the world. As any good blogger knows, you have update your site daily. Watching the news or surfing the internet means I have to be keep a watchful eye for interesting stories or things that are culturally relevant. You have be open minded, objective yet criticize everything.

Informing my readers and changing their own perception is fun for many reasons. Not only, are bloggers taking the role of an aspiring journalist, but writing really helps to solidify, and become conscious of your own views and beliefs.

Writing is also brain exercise, increasing your vocabulary, and giving you a better reasoning and argumentative skills. So blog already!

-This post was written by Nathan Richardson the author of ComplexSearch.com, a personal finance blog.

Helping People Makes Me Happy.

Wendy Says:

Helping people makes me happy. Yes, helping people with directions when they are lost is fun. But what I am really passionate about is helping people who have drug problems, or loved ones who have drug problems.

To be able to support someone when they are in such a challenging situation is by far the best thing in the world. Drugs are literally made to take advantage of our brain's weaknesses, so when you can help someone quit, it is the best feeling in the world.

But you know what, I lied. I actually don't try and help people get off drugs, I help people help themselves. That makes me happy :)

Wendy Bailey has a support site for people trying to stop abusing Adderall. Email her any time!

Happiness is Magic

Brian said:

Happiness is something that you create for yourself. Things can’t make you happy, people can’t make you happy, even experiences can’t make you happy. Happiness is only found when we allow ourselves to experience it. I know this, because my job is to make other people happy.


As a professional magician I’m hired to appear at parties and other special plans and make people laugh, applaud and feel happy. Now a lot of people think that a magician’s job is to trick and fool people into believing in his illusions, but that’s not true. A magician who merely tricks you is no more entertaining then a puzzle you are not permitted to solve. My job is to help people enter a world of wonder and surprise and encourage them to experience the magic of wonder.


Of course, without trickery there’d be no surprises and wonder. And yes, I take a secret delight when my audiences are slack-jawed and dumbfounded when I magically produce a bunny rabbit or read an individual’s mind. But my real bit of happiness comes when I see the expression of delight on other people’s faces as they give in to the power of wonder.


I perform magic for a number of company events like trade shows and client appreciation cocktail parties. Most of my clients are high powered Wall Street types, lawyers and media tycoons. There’s something very satisfying about transforming a room full of stodgy and uptight adults into a bunch of wonderstruck and laughing kids. I find that the more I focus on making them happy, the happier I become. And that’s pretty magical to me.


When people watch my magic show they’re transported to place a mystery and wonder. They’re not thinking about their to-do lists. They’re not worrying about tomorrow, they’re not lamenting the past, they’re just experiencing the present moment. As my illusions challenge their senses and sensibilities slowly they give up preoccupying thoughts and just experience the magic.


Brian McGovern is a magician in NYC. For more information, visit his Brooklyn Magicians website.

My Happiness Comes From the Fall of the Hammer.

Two-Part Ring ©2010 WTEK sterling silver, peridot

Wendy Says: 

My happiness comes from the fall of the hammer. The sound it makes as it strikes metal, the way I can shape things with it. My happiness comes from taking a blank sheet of metal and forming it into something new and beautiful.

I love to take pieces of forms I’ve made and put them together in different ways, to see which one calls out the strongest to me. Designing a piece of jewelry around a particular gemstone or seeing which way the metal wants to move today – these are things which make me happy.

The Zen meditation I get from slowly planishing a bowl into shape, the satisfaction I get when I see a piece completed, the joy I feel when someone else wants my work because it speaks to them. These are all the reasons that I’m a jewelry artist and metalsmith. This is what brings happiness to my life.

Wendy Edsall-Kerwin is a jewelry artist and metalsmith living and working out of her home in Elizabethtown, PA. When she isn't in the studio pounding away at metal, you can usually find her online at her blog http://hammermarks.wordpress.com, her website www.hammerstrokeandfire.com, or on Twitter as @wtek.

As Ms. Crow would say.. It cant be that bad.

Liv Says:

Hi.. My name is Liv and I am stopping by from Simply Sunshine and Daisy's my home blog to tell you guys a little bit about what makes me happy...

I believe happiness comes in all shapes in forms and nothing is too silly or too wild to make you happy...

Things that make me happy are the small things in life and to others they could be just plain ridiculous but that is ok by me! I get happy by the sound of my little sister laughing at just about anything; she is a silly preteen with dreams of becoming the next Miranda Cosgrove and her ambitions make me proud and that pride makes me happy. Flowers that I get every Friday from my Mr is something that puts a huge smile on my face because no matter what by Friday I have lost track of what day it is and Im not expecting them! The blogging community and all of my lovely new friends make me so very happy with their love, devotion and encouragement of my everyday life without them even really knowing me! My success in life thus far makes me happy because with this happiness I can be happy for a long time and make others happy. My faith in the Lord makes me happy for I know that I make him happy!
As you see my list could probably go on and on and on but I will not put you people through any more of that...
What makes you happy?
Is it silly?
Are you thankful for it? This being the month of gratefulness maybe you should take the time to count your happy blessings; I bet you have more then you think!

Thank you so much A Bit of Happy for allowing me this wonderful chance to write this post!

Signing out!

Liv Kit
http://simplysunshineanddaisys.blogspot.com

My Happy Place

Karyn Says:

I miss my “happy place” … it’s been 3 years since I spent my summer in the Bahamas. I’ve been going there every year since 1979 and I’ve fallen in love with the ocean, long stretches of white beaches, the laid back life style and, of course, my Bahamian friends.

A couple of trips really stand out in my memory. When I was 7 months pregnant with my first son, Josh, my husband and I went for a quick one-week holiday. We knew this was the last trip where we’d be free to do whatever we wanted … no agenda, no obligations and no responsibilities.

I remember the summer when my kids were 3 and 1½ years old. My mom joined me in order to help with the kids and was mortified because I was toilet training them by the poolside. She couldn’t believe I put the “chicken potty” on the pool deck and allowed the boys to run around bare bum. The British in her was appalled by my casual attitude.

Thank goodness for the all in one swimsuit with the built in life preservers. Of course, we were with the kids at all times but the boys were so impulsive. They’d jump in to the water without warning because they were fearless.

My kids grew up knowing that the Bahamas was their 2nd home. My kids still refer to our dear friend, Michael, as their “black” father. He’s taught them how to skin and clean a fish, cook an amazing Bahamian dinner, and build a dog pen. We taught Michael how to scuba dive. It has always amazed me that a lot of the islanders don’t spend more time swimming in the ocean and enjoying their beaches. I can’t wait to get in the ocean whenever I’m there.

Both of my kids are now accomplished scuba divers, fishermen, golfers and tennis players because of their time in the Bahamas. More importantly, they felt the joy of carefree days away from big city life and enjoyed the quality time we spent as a family.

Part of the reason we haven’t been there for the last 3 years is that my eldest son has a job as a golf instructor that he adores. My youngest son is currently taking an extra high school credit course. As well, ever since I started my own business, Tail Wags Helmet Covers, it is hard to “goof off” for the summer. Friends tell me I should just jump on the next plane even if it’s only for a mini vacation. What’s stopping me? Good question!

Where do you go when you need to recharge your batteries and unwind? What’s your “happy” place? We all need one!

Author: Karyn Climans
www.karynclimans.com

What Makes Me Happy

Margo Says:

So many little things make me smile, are you the same? I am happy when I find a close parking spot to the store entrance on a rainy day. I am even happier when I decide to leave that close spot for someone who may need it more.

Wearing red cheers me up immeasurably – it just makes me feel brighter and better right away. Putting on my favorite pair of pants gives me a smile of satisfaction too. There’s just nothing better than that pair that fits just right.

Nature carries a bit of the sublime and being part of it gives me deep happiness. Watching the sunrise – or the sunset – brings beauty and peace to my soul. Seeing a field or plot of flowers makes me smile – I think it is all the happy riot of colors.

Babies make me smile - maybe it is those rosy chubby cheeks. Even better is to see a loving father with his children as they fly a kite or play in the park or ride a bike. Children really are our promise for a better world, and that makes me smile.

Music makes me smile indeed. Isn’t it just wonderful to hear your favorite song? Don’t you just breathe a sigh of contentment clear down through your toes as you listen? I do. Berthold Auerbach said it well, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

One thing that always has the power to bring a smile to my face is a good book. Curling up in a comfy chair and entering the world of a well-loved author is a sure fire ticket to helping me be happy. Books and the printed word open the world up wide so I can drink it in.

So here is to finding your bliss in life, or, more importantly, creating it out of those simple moments. May we all see those tiny moments that bring a smile to our faces and appreciate what we have. I know I am happiest when I choose to be happy and put a smile on my face before I even have a reason to smile.

About the Author
Margo Smith is a graduate of Brigham Young University. She enjoys writing about a variety of subjects from cloning to online classes to making the most of life. She draws from her own education, her years in college and an author’s perspective on life when compiling articles.

A Picture of More Than a Thousand Pixels.

Marvin Says:

Photography is what makes me happy. Creating memories and making it last for a lifetime. Every time I take a photo of our client, new or old, it brings a certain nostalgic feeling that I am a part of their history.

After every digital image has been processed and selected it brings me even more joy to know that I have contributed to their success and the most important part of why it makes me happy? Friendship and Trust.

What Make You Happy?

Maria says:

Kudos To Some Kiddos

There are millions of kids in North America. Some are contented just to sit in front of the TV or video games and spend their free time that way.

But there are others that are driven to do something to help others in this world. And this lens is to give a blue ribbon to a few of them to celebrate their social conscience.

Ruthann - What makes me happy?

Ruthann says "Starting a lazy spring Saturday with a morning cup of coffee outside on a sunny day."

What makes YOU happy?