"Positive Bits and Pieces"

 

Take time to smell the flowers.

Sometimes it may seem hard to maintain a positive attitude, but for a better, more positive life, we need to work (or play, which is even better!) at being more positive.

Here are some positive bits and pieces that have helped Greg and me be happier and more positive-

~I love positive quotes, especially those with nice pictures, so we have calendars in several rooms of our house that are similar to my example below-

"Each moment of the year has its own beauty" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

~Being outside in nature can reduce negative thoughts and make us feel better about ourselves. Greg seems to be happiest when he can get outside and work in the yard. I love going out and taking pictures of nature. This spring has been especially nice with all of the pretty blooming things.

~Another thing that we enjoy is watching old comedies on TV at least once a day. Shows like "I Love Lucy" make us laugh and remind us to not take things so seriously. Laughter is really good, actually healthy!

~A few days ago, Greg and I went on a little trip, and when we got back home, we noticed that we had traveled exactly 100 miles! I wondered if that number had any important significance. I then remembered an old book I had that told the meaning of  numbers, so I looked up the number 100, and it said, "Keep you thoughts totally aligned with God's love and light. Your positive thoughts and actions make a huge difference-especially right now." -From "Angel Numbers" by Doreen Virtue

(Wow! Is this a timely message for today!)

~I really love the "Constitution Minute" on the radio which is beautifully read by the president of Hillsdale College. It is a patriotic message about our great country, accompanied by inspirational music that can bring tears to your eyes. You can also hear this message on www.constitutionminute.com . You can even request a free pocket-sized copy of The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence on their website.

~Helping others in some way is good, not only for those you help, but it can also make you feel better about yourself. We like to support our local animal shelter.

~Do things often that you truly enjoy doing whether it's reading, traveling, or doing sports, etc.

I've listed some of the things in this post that make Greg and me feel more positive. Hopefully, they have inspired you to maybe make a list of your own. If so, have fun becoming more positive!

~Cute Pet Feature- 

Someone sent me the above photograph of a pet they want me to do in pastel. This cute dog should make a nice portrait!

Positive thought: "Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life." -Mark Twain

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, May 4, 2024, Becky

"Positive Thoughts and Images"

 

Especially now, it's good to be as positive as possible. We need to expose ourselves regularly to positive thoughts and images, etc. for a better life.

Here are a few photos,* along with quotes, that might help put us in a better frame of mind-

"Be pawsitive!"

"Love lives here."

"Live life in full bloom."

Greg and I enjoy wall calendars with pictures that have quotes. For Christmas, I received a cute animal calendar with quotes, which I love. I gave Greg a famous-artist calendar featuring some of the artist's work, as well as his quotes.

Funny videos of  animals can put you in a really good mood. Someone recently sent us an email that featured baby monkeys. It was hilarious!

We love the old comedies on TV, and we even have a large collection of old comedies on some of our DVD's.

Also, the Hertz frequency videos on YouTube are supposed to be very healing. The music and images are really beautiful! The different frequencies are supposed to be good for different things.

Special kitty feature-

Here's our Mitzi, a few weeks ago, trying to warm herself with a heat duct. She, along with a lot of us, are looking forward to spring, with it's warmer weather. Spring is just a couple of weeks away!

Wishing you a very happy spring, and a happy, pawsitive life, no matter what the season!

Positive thought- "Let the sunshine in!"

*All photographs and written words on this, and all blog posts, for both "The Art of Positive Living" and "Spirit Photographs," are under the copyright of  Becky Arnott Artist and Becky Arnott Photography.

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, April 6, 2024, Becky

"Positive Signs"

                                                                           WELCOME!

(All photographs and text on this blog are under the copywrite of Becky Arnott Photography and Becky Arnott Artist.)

I am so glad to be back, writing my monthly blog post. I've had technical difficulties for over a week so I was unable to post until now. I really appreciate your understanding!

This blog post was inspired by the large sign which is outside of each of Pal's Sudden Service restaurants. (Pal's is a local drive-thru restaurant chain in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. They feature such tasty items as Chili Buns and Frenchie Fries.)

Pal's changes the messages on the signs daily.

I've often wondered what life would be like if you followed the suggestions on their signs every day. I betcha our lives would be a lot more positive since the messages are always so positive!

I thought that for this post, I'd come up with some ideas of my own for messages that are similar to those that Pal's might put on their signs.

Here they are-

~TAKE YOUR DOG FOR A WALK~

Recently, Greg and I got a carry-out from a local restaurant in Kingsport, Tennessee. We took our lunch to a nearby park where we had a fun picnic in our car.

While there, we went for a walk since it was warm (around 60 degrees) for this time of year. While on our walk, I took pictures, as usual. We noticed that a few people were walking their dogs.

One dog was particularly interesting since part of the fur on top of its head was dyed red. It's personable owner, Brittany, gave me permission to put its picture on my blog post, and here it is-

Boone, with Brittany

Boone got his name from beautiful Boone Lake which is a TVA reservoir located in upper East Tennessee.

~EAT LOCALLY~

Here's a new restaurant, Hen House, inside the new business, The Commons, located in Abingdon, Virginia-

It's a farm-to-table restaurant that has wholesome tasty food from local sources.

Greg and I both had the cheese sandwich which was absolutely delicious!

~VENTURE OUTSIDE THE BOX~

It's exciting and fun to occasionally step outside your comfort zone, and do something a little different, like-

-Read a book that is a little way-out-there, like a book that prolific author, David Icke, has written. His latest intriguing book is "The Dream." You'll probably never look at life the same after reading that one!

-Laten to late-night radio and/or visit a great paranormal news show website, www.coasttocoastam.com for some mind-boggling stories.

~BELIEVE IN YOURSELF~

(Love this one!)- "Believe in yourself even if no one else does." -Bigfoot

~PAY SOMEONE A COMPLIMENT~

It seems that paying other people a compliment is not done that much anymore. A few weeks ago, a woman I met by chance gave me a really nice compliment about my hair which made me feel really good. Now, I'm trying to give sincere compliments to other people to help them feel good about themselves. How wonderful it would be if we could all do this every day. We just might help change the world for the better, one compliment at a time!

Positive thought- "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."-Hamilton Wright Mabie

Thanks for visiting! Until (Hopefully!) Saturday, March 2, 2024, Becky

"Some Thoughts About Christmas Past, and the New Year"

 

I have some thoughts about this past Christmas, as well as about the new year.

In my last "The Art of Positive Living" blog post on Sunday, December 3, 2023, I discussed the spirit of Christmas. I mentioned several things that the spirit of Christmas could be, but there's another important one that I should have mentioned, but didn't, and that was-

music!

Around the first of December, I was really busy painting portraits and making coal jewelry, as well as doing the usual pre-Christmas activities, so much so that I just didn't have that spirit-of-Christmas feeling, until I was shopping in one store where I heard a beautiful song over the store's sound system, with the words, "That's Christmas to me." I researched those words, and I found out that the song was sung by a group that was new to me, Pentatonix. I also discovered that besides Christmas songs, they sing other types of songs, as well. So now, I'm a yearlong fan!

So, music is another great way to get yourself into the spirit of Christmas.

Thankfully, most of us have a relatively merry Christmas with family and/or friends, with Christmas cards, holiday gatherings, and various other holiday activities, but for some, the Christmas/New Year's holidays are not so happy, especially if a loved one has passed away during that time. In that case, Dr. Laura Koniver has the answer for depression, sorrow, and anxiety, etc., for then, as well as for any time of the year. (See www.intuition-physician.com for more information.)

For 2024, I started thinking about a quote that I really like, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" (Dr. Seuss) The truth is that we are all unique individuals, and we should just try to be ourselves, to be who God created us to be, instead of trying to be like everyone else.

For example, just because everyone else is wearing black tights, doesn't mean that is necessarily right for us. Instead, dress however you like; wear whatever suits you; don't try to be a carbon copy of everyone else.

Also, don't go along with the crowd on even more important matters. We need to decide if the path we're taking is the right one. 

I'm still working on several New Year's resolutions. I'm devoting one week for each one. For example, Greg and I tend to be workaholics, and we need to get more sleep, so we worked on a plan to get in bed 15 minutes earlier each night until we reach our target time. Another week, we're working to incorporate more fun into our lives. We've made out a fun-list of things to do and places to go, to just have fun! Sounds like a plan!

What positive changes would you like to see in your life?

~Cute pet feature-

This doggie (above) is all ready to go-"2024, here I come!" (Are you ready to go, too?)

Positive thought: "What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" -John Steinbeck

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, February 3, 2024, Becky

"The Spirit of Christmas"

 

It's that time of year again, and for many people, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." (From a song by Andy Williams) What makes it so wonderful?

It could be because of the spirit of Christmas! What is the spirit of Christmas?

Is it the decorations?

We often enjoy reading Pal's thought of the day.

There are several colorful decorated trees outside the welcome center in historic Abingdon, Virginia.

Is the spirit of Christmas fellowship?

Going with others to the world-famous Barter Theatre in Abingdon...

to see a Christmas play is a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Also, many people enjoy having a Christmas meal or refreshments with loved ones- 

Most people like to give gifts at Christmas-

These gifts don't need to be expensive. The Antique Barn in Abingdon, for example, has really nice gifts for really great prices! You could give gifts that you make yourself. You could give people something that you already have that you don't need. I have received gifts that are family heirlooms, which I really cherish. You could give someone a gift of your time, like organizing a closet for them.

When it comes to giving to charities, we're always careful since they are not always honest. We mostly give locally. We give food and other pet supplies to our local animal shelter which is run by the sheriff's department.

The decorations, fellowship, sharing and giving are a large part of Christmas, but, of course, without Jesus, the Christ Child, there would be no spirit of Christmas.

And, because of  Jesus, we can conclude that, the true spirit of Christmas is love.

"Infinite Love Is the Only Truth: Everything Else Is Illusion" -David Icke

"May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path." -Holy Hope

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas-From Our Home to Yours

Positive thought: "For it is in giving that we receive" -Saint Francis of Assisi

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, January 6, 2024, Becky

"The Importance of Being Thankful"

 

With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, I started thinking more about the importance of being thankful. Especially during this time of year, I like to contemplate the things in my life for which I am truly grateful. 

One thing that I am feeling thankful for right now is that I'm finally getting to write this blog post! I'm running a bit late with my post since I've been working on a pet portrait which was due yesterday. Just in the nick of time, I finally finished it! It must have been okay, since the ones who commissioned the portrait seemed to love it! Happy! Thankful!

Pastel Portrait of Cute Dog

I even have a thankful journal that I write in at the end of every day. My journal entries range from simple things like being thankful for a beautiful, sunny day or being thankful that I am still able make some calculations using a pencil and paper (I can cypher like Jethro who often does cyphering on one of our favorite television shows, "The Beverly Hillbillies," a '60's American sitcom.) instead of using a calculator.

In my journal, I write about important things, too, like being thankful that the vet's less-than-positive diagnosis for one of our beloved cats has changed- We researched healing our cat. We even contacted a psychic who is a reiki master that did long-distance reiki on her. Greg, who is a natural healer, continues healing her periodically. In addition, we contacted the prayer group at Julie Green Ministries to pray for our fur baby. (FYI- www.jgminternational.org ) 

Doing all of the above seems to be working because she has made a remarkable recovery for which we are truly grateful! (The power of prayer, positive thinking and doing, and being thankful for her healing all worked together for a positive outcome.)

For a better life, author Eldon Taylor says to say, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." and to smile.

Being thankful is really important since it opens the door for even more wonderful things to come into our lives. In fact, you can be thankful in advance for things you hope to manifest in your life!

We have a pretty painting of a colorful arrangement of vegetables that my father, Bill Botts, did when he first started painting. It hangs in our kitchen, along with a plaque above it, with the word "thankful." These are colorful, everyday reminders for us to always be thankful for our blessings, not just one day a year, but all year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For a positive memoir about living life in Southern Appalachia, check out Becky's book, "Down Memory Lane" which is on Amazon in both the Kindle and paperback versions. For more information, please see the widget above.

Positive thought: "Try to stay positive, and thankful, and believe that things will get better!" -Becky Arnott

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, December 2, 2023, Becky

 

"Happy Fall!"

 

I really love early fall, with all of the beautiful bright colors of the season.

~"When autumn moves with silent step across the summer scene, she weaves a vivid fabric to cover the woodland green. Over the quiet countryside, in glorious array, over the field and meadow, she spreads her bright display." -From "The Pageantry of Autumn" by Alexa Kirsten

There are, of course, colorful leaves on the trees-

and brightly colored flowers in people's yards  and beside the road-

Colorful produce greets you outside your grocery store or roadside stand-

All of these cheerful colors-the reds, oranges, and yellows, can help us feel happier. 

Also, this can be a great time to walk, in a park, or even your own back yard. Did you know that walking can actually "reduce negative thoughts and boost self-esteem"? -From Farm Bureau

Just recently, Greg and I visited Jonesborough, Tennessee which is about an hour from where we live. There, we met two of Greg's family members at The Black Olive for a delicious lunch-

Cheese Calzone

FYI-

The Black Olive, Jonesborough, Tennessee 

https://theblackolivetn.com

Then, we got to enjoy a really entertaining storyteller at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough. The storyteller was Donald Davis who was from Western North Carolina. (Our relatives that went with us are from that same area.) He made us laugh, and, of course, laughter is good for us all. It can be very healing, and make us happier!

Colorful Fall Decorations Outside the International Storytelling Center

FYI-

International Storytelling Center

https://www.storytellingcenter.net

(Of course, we don't have to go out somewhere to laugh and feel happier. We can watch funny TV shows on television, watch funny DVD's, or funny videos on the Internet. We can even read funny stories in books, etc.)

~"People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln

Outside the Crystal Raven store in Jonesborough-

Happy Fall, Y'all

~Recommended Reading- "Down Memory Lane" by Becky Arnott. "Down Memory Lane" is a true nostalgic memoir about growing up and growing older in Southern Appalachia. It is on Amazon in both the Kindle and paperback versions. Please see the widget above for more information.

Positive thoughts: "Who will remember that skies are gray if he carries a happy heart all day." -Author Unknown, and, "You happy up the world. The world thanks you." -Cheryl Gaines, Hallmark Writer

Thanks for visiting! Until Saturday, November 4, 2023, Becky