"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

"Positive Thoughts, Ideas"

 

This is a really busy, important month for Greg and me. We're celebrating a big birthday and a big anniversary, etc., but I still wanted to take time to share some positive thoughts and ideas with you today.*

Here are some positive thoughts-

~"What I love most about my home is who I share it with."-Unknown

~"Even busy bees stop and smell the roses."-Unknown ( I'm working on this one!)

~"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."-Abraham Lincoln

~"Happiness is not a destination, it's a way of life."-Unknown

Here are some unique, fun ideas-

This is something that is relatively new to me, but it might be worth exploring-going to YouTube and watching and listening to the different hertz frequencies. I've only tried it briefly a couple of times, so I haven't really had time to form an opinion about its value.

However, one person, after watching one of the hertz videos, said, "...it is very powerful, and is healing my DNA....it truly changes your negative attitudes into positive...."

To access the hertz frequency videos on YouTube, go to YouTube and search for "hertz frequencies."

Otherwise, the only thing I know about the hertz frequencies is that Greg and I have two grounding mats that connect us to the frequency of the earth which is 7.83 hertz.

The Earth-7.83 Hertz

Our cats even seem to enjoy being on our downstairs grounding mat.

~"Work hard, be yourself, and have fun."-Michelle Kwan

For something else that's really fun, also on YouTube, is an old novelty song, a catchy little tune, that my mother used to sing to me when I was little. It was passed down to her from her mother. It's called "Mairzy Doats." Just search online for "Mairzy Doats," and you'll find singers singing it on YouTube. Also on YouTube, there is one video, "Sheet Music Singer" that has the words to this song written out.

Children seem to love this cute little song, but it's really for children of all ages! This is good old-fashioned fun that's sure to put a smile on  your face, and a spring in your step! Enjoy!

 For a gift for someone or as a gift for yourself, please check out my newest book, which is a positive memoir about my life in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, "Down Memory Lane." Just click on the widget above for more information about my book on Amazon.

*Disclaimer: Becky Arnott is not responsible for anything negative that might happen as a result of anything that is written in this or any other blog post on "The Art of Positive Living" blog.

Positive thought: "You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts."-Brian Tracy

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

A Fun Trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

 

Greg and I recently went on a fun trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee which is less than three hours from our home in Virginia. Beginning in childhood, Greg and I enjoyed going to Gatlinburg with our families, and we have continued going there throughout our adult lives. Over time, many of the shops and attractions have come and gone, but even today, it is still the same charming town.

There are several good restaurants with delicious food like the-

Pancake Pantry.

We hadn't been there in several years, so I'm so glad we got to enjoy the same great food that we had gotten there in the past.

For lunch, this is what Greg had-

He is somewhat of a cheeseburger expert, so he thought this was one was really good!

When I went to the Pancake Pantry when I was younger, I almost always ordered the Caribbean pancakes, but this time I decided to try something new- 

strawberry crepes. Great choice! Almost to pretty to eat, though!

After our big meal, we walked around and checked out the neat shops like those at-

The Village

We really like a shop that's been in Gatlinburg for many years-

which has a large array of tasty candies for those with a sweet tooth!

And for something unique, educational, and interesting, be sure and stop by-

Ripley's Believe It or Not! (Love the arty, creative building design!)

(Notice the Space Needle in the background. From there, you'll have a bird's eye view of Gatlinburg.)

If you'd like something adventurous, try riding-

the skylift up and down a mountain.

Instead of walking around town, you could take the-

Gatlinburg Trolley.

If we'd had more time, we could have enjoyed supper-

on a rooftop!

We might just do that on our next trip, or on the next one after that. Gatlinburg will still be there waiting for us to enjoy and explore.

What a great place to just get away with loved ones and have a good time. You can feel the positive energy, the camaraderie of the people there just having fun!

Positive Message

Just outside Gatlinburg, we saw this American flag made out of wood on an old building-

 

It is a symbol that reminds us that we are entitled to "...certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

-Thomas Jefferson, from "The Declaration of Independence"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Positive thought- Keep the faith!

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, December 5, 2021, Becky

Fun-days

 

We all know we can have fun at home, but since this is such a beautiful time of year, why not go out somewhere and have fun!

That's just what Greg and I have been doing these last few months, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air and going places and doing things, as have many other people.

"Never underestimate the importance of having fun." -Randy Pausch

We have been having picnics-

like at Veterans Memorial Park in Abingdon, Virginia.

We've visited interesting places like- 

 historic 150-year-old White's Mill which is near Abingdon.

They have a great gift shop with crafts, souvenirs, jams, etc.

We really enjoyed the recent-

in Abingdon which is an annual event.

There are arts and crafts and all types of unusual things at the festival.

There was a lot of food, like delicious hand-packed ice cream which is a cooling treat on a warm day.

And, I pulled out my old-

Fun Fest tee shirt to more fully to enjoy Fun Fest!

Fun Fest in Kingsport, Tennessee is a really popular event. It features hot air balloons, an outdoor food court, races, live music, as well as other fun things to do.

Some people bring their own seats so they can be more comfortable eating the great local food.

Bet this cute dog hopes he'll get some of this yummy food, too!

The person who painted the barrel above has an inspiring message.

"We didn't realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun." -Winnie the Pooh

Remember to make every day of the week a fun-day no matter what the season!

Featured Business-

The Arts Depot in Abingdon

It was wonderful to visit The Arts Depot and see artists creating their pieces of art. One man was painting portraits and others were painting landscapes and still lifes. There were also collages and mosaics. There was something for everyone. Most things were for sale, and others were just on display, like the unique guitar with its front covered in pieces of mosaic. 

Also, they have classes, galleries, and consignment space.

If you enjoy art, you would love this place.

Please remember:

Especially small business!

Positive thought: "Today is waiting for you. Enjoy!" -"Woman's World"

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, September 5, 2021, Becky

 

 

Life Is Meant to Be Enjoyed!

Start your day with a smile and a positive thought.

Hope you had an enjoyable, fun Labor Day weekend!

However, the fun doesn't have to stop now just because the holiday weekend is over.

Drop your cares,

and follow along for some fun ideas, for life is meant to be enjoyed every day!

Photo by Nick

Of course, there will still be special occasions like birthdays (above)...

and anniversary celebrations which might include high tea at The Martha in Abingdon, Virginia,...

or simply an ice cream treat at Southern Scoops & Sandwiches in North Carolina-

"Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts."
-www.ourmindfullife.com

Get-togethers with family or friends-

Or, just have fun with the special person in your life-

Be a kid again!

Look through photo albums and reminisce about the good ol' days-

like when festivals were allowed.

Enjoy a walk in the park.

Pursue a hobby.

Watch a funny DVD.

Make someone's day-send them a funny email.

This is a great idea! Why didn't I think of that!

Listen to music.

"Music is food for the soul. Our moods...can be elevated with...suitable music...."

-"Enki Quotes"

"Singing in the shower is all fun and games until you get shampoo in your mouth; then it just becomes a soap opera."
-"Pinterest"

"Dance like nobody's watching, because they are not; they are all checking their phones."
-"Good Housekeeping"

Hug your pet-

Happiness is a warm kitty.

Cats just wanna have fun!

Count your blessings.

"Be the reason someone smiles today."
-Anonymous

Have an enjoyable, fun fall, y'all!

Positive thought: "When fun gets deep enough, it can heal the world."-the Oaqui
Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, October 4, 2020, Becky