Smiles, Sparks and Spontaneity

Posted on by Miriam

Isn’t it amazing how the simplest things can make the biggest difference to our moods.

On Saturday I woke up feeling down but was determined to shake the mood. I’d read about an orchard of spectacular cherry blossoms in a neighboring suburb so I suggested to hubbs we take a drive to check them out. Unfortunately the blossoms that bloomed so profusely this time last year were barely a whisper now. We opted instead to stop at a local cafe.

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A sideways glance and smile while enjoying our coffee lead us to meeting a local character by the name of Albert.  He was holding a painting of a framed heart, one he had crafted himself. He was by his own words a “wannabe artist”, an ex-Head of English Department at a local school. Perhaps he was lonely but it was obvious he wanted to talk and he engaged us in his life story which lasted almost the entire time we were there.

We left at the same time. Outside we continued talking and when I told him I was a writer he was thrilled. He extended an invitation to visit and offered us his art piece, which we politely declined, offering instead to photograph it and share it. He even blessed us.

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So here it is, with Albert proudly holding it up.

He left us spellbound and speechless, a charming and lovable character who deeply affected me and I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face all morning.

He said that we made his morning but I think he made mine. All because we smiled at him.

Then on Saturday night we were driving home when we spotted the fireworks.

It was unexpected and totally spontaneous. A small town carnival with fireworks happening just as we passed through. We stopped the car and I snapped these photos with my phone as it bucketed down outside the car. It was a dazzling end to the day.

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Then on Sunday afternoon I chased away the blues that have held me captive all week and danced my socks off at a nearby pub to The Boogaloos. It was just what I needed.  For a few hours there was nothing but music and pure feel good energy.

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As we enter a new week may we all find joy in people and moments around us.  Let’s reach out and touch someone, smile at a stranger, find joy in the ordinary, enjoy some music and add some spark and spontaneity to our life.

Wishing you smiles, love and laughter as we continue the journey.

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Sharing this post as part of Trent’s Weekly Smile. You can share your smile here

76 thoughts on “Smiles, Sparks and Spontaneity”

  2. It looks like you had a great weekend. I hope it did send the blues away. From the picture the cherry blossoms don’t look bad even if they may have been better last year. I hope you have a great week ahead.

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  5. Such lovely writing. Something must be in the air as I have read two lovely articles, yours being one of them all touching on doing what you love etc, I do hope you like mine and so pleased to hear you had this lovely encounter with this stranger, they don’t stay strangers for long if they are open. I love people like that, no ulterior apart from to sit and chat and enjoy life xx They are the best types of people. Hope you can visit Up and Down the Rabbit Hole’s new blog about doing the things you love! – xx🐇🐇xx- http://goo.gl/ISuuJx

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  6. The blooms though sparse still have a fragile beauty about them. I wonder why they didn’t bloom as much this time around. It’s really the simple things that lift us up when we are down. I enjoy how you say these things accompanied with your photos Miriam.

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  9. Miriam, this is the first thing I read this morning and it sure made ME smile. 🙂 So glad you are finding ways to chop up the doom. I love the picture of you and those smiles on the dance floor. Wonderful! ❤

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  13. wow Miriam, that is a great story, I am a true believer in the fact that a smile is worth far more than money. So reading about your experience with this made my day. Lately I have received more smile than ever, but it’s due to my little chunky baby boy hanging on my neck everywhere I go. Thanks for the wonderful story. 👍👍

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  14. Pingback: Commentition Spontaneous September 2016 | I Read Encyclopedias for Fun

  20. How fun is that! I’m so happy you got to have such a blast! What an adventure you had this weekend! You look so happy in your picture, I love it. 😀 Yay for great times with lots of happiness and unexpected joy-bombs!

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  23. Hi Miriam, you had a lovely weekend. People are lonely these days, they want to talk, to share their experiences, and it’s difficult to find someone to stop and listen to them. For sure you’ve made that fellow happy.

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    1. I think you’re right Elizabeth. People are lonely and do want to talk. It was a nice exchange that definitely left me feeling good. Hope you’re having a lovely week.

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  24. I can really relate to this post! Sometimes when I’m feeling very sad or angry, I’ll just have the most random connection with someone and “poof” my mood changes instantly! Which just goes to show how important it is not to shut ourselves off from other people. I’m so glad you’re feeling better, and that you ended the weekend by losing yourself in dance! You have good instincts, Miriam, and you seem to know just exactly what you need to do to lift your spirits. Thanks for sharing this with the rest of us!

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  27. You know it usually it the simplest things that make us the happiest. Even though the cherry blossoms weren’t quite what they had been last year…I think that picture sums up your sentiment on the simple things. It’s still a pretty picture, sparse as they are. What a wonderful idea you had with Albert to photograph his work of art and then share it with so many more than if you had accepted it…how happy is he?! Fireworks and dancing to round out the weekend…sounds like the Universe heeded your need to want to shake the blues…literally!! They say when you are feeling down smile…that there’s no way you can feel down or sad when you smile, they just don’t go together!! Wishing you a week of smiles! xo Here’s one to start you off…even if it’s mid-week… 😉

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  28. Sometimes strangers make your day. And it all starts with a smile or a kind word. I just returned from walking the dogs and receiving a blessing of an old man who is often seen around the park I went. He seems to have lost his marbles. I think he might have dementia. He scares my children but I doubt he is “dangerous”. Today he blessed me. Out of the blew. I thanked him with a Namaste and he smiled and walked off. I hope I made his day as much as he put a smile on my face…

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