Smile

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
Phyllis Diller

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.
Mother Teresa


I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.  Not only do I live in a gorgeous town, but I also live close to the ocean and amazing scenery is literally footsteps away.  Now truth be told, I am not a naturally cheerful person...sometimes I feel that I have to work hard at focusing on the positives and not letting the negatives get me down.   The other day I went for a walk and was feeling a bit off kilter but as I neared the beach I realized that I had just dropped my beautiful children at school, I have the cutest dog ever at the end of my leash and I am walking in paradise.  All that was missing  was a smile.  You know there are studies that say smiling will naturally put you in a better mood. 
So I tried it.  It worked! 

 

Watercolor in sketchbook

 

WIP's on my desk

When I walk Obi I am very aware of the people around us. He is attracted to everyone and is likely to strain at his leash and reach his wet nose to any passer by. I often watch people's faces to see if they are receptive to 35 pounds of wiggling puppy or not. Almost everyone is charmed by Obi and will smile at him. It's hard to be in a bad mood when everyone is smiling.

Still a bit afraid of the water

Obi is smiling

Beautiful morning