Lighten Up! SMILE!

I am always looking for great blogs on the philosophies I agree with and wish I had wrote. I really like this smile blogand it really does work if we remember to smile.

http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2006/09/need_a_reason_t.html

Need a reason to smile as you walk down the street or drive alone in your car? As part of my resolution to “Lighten up,” I’ve been trying to remember to smile in odd moments.

At first I felt a bit silly as I walked along with a smile on my face, but I quickly realized that no one minds if you’re looking happy. I also try to smile whenever I interact with someone—buying a cup of coffee, checking in at the gym, going through security before going up to an office (is it only in New York City that you have to show your driver’s license in order to go into an office building?). Facial expressions don’t merely reflect emotions, they also affect emotions. In “facial feedback,” studies show, the mere act of smiling makes people happier—even when they smile mechanically, as I’m doing, or when they’re asked not to “smile” but rather to contract specific facial muscles.

Random smiling is an example of my resolution to “Act as I want to feel”: while people suppose that feelings inspire actions, in fact, actions also inspire feelings. So by acting happier, I should feel happier. And you know, I think I do. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,” Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

Also, because of emotional contagion, people often mimic the faces of people they see. I’ve definitely noticed that people are much more likely to smile at me when I’m smiling. The biggest challenge is to remember to do it. I’m reminded of my various efforts to improve my posture. I’m good for a little while, then get distracted and don’t think about it for the rest of the day. So I’ve been trying to use the sight of a traffic light as a prompt.

New Books For June

Heartless by Diana Palmer 5/26
As a teenager, Gracie worshipped her stepbrother, Jason, a strong, silent young cowboy who left home early to seek his fortune. Though Gracie hadn't seen him in years, when her mother passed away, Jason ensured that Gracie would be cared for. Now the wealthy owner of Comanche Wells ranch, Jason has finally come back home, and discovered that the little girl he knew is all grown up.

Fearless by Diana Palmer 6/1/09
DEA agent Rodrigo Ramirez is sent undercover to Gloryanne Barnes's stepbrother's farm in Jacobsville, Texas, where he's looking to bust a new and vicious drug cartel. Gloryanne is smart, savvy and fiercely independent, but her job has put her in danger from the same criminal Rodrigo is investigating. She's drawn to the enigmatic new farmhand, Rodrigo, a man who is much more than he seems.

Medusa by Clive Cussler 6/2
In the Micronesian Islands, a top secret, U.S. government– sponsored undersea lab conducting vital biomedical research on a rare jellyfish known as the Blue Medusa suddenly . . . disappears. At the same time, off Bermuda, a bathysphere is attacked by an underwater vehicle and left helpless a half mile below the surface, its passengers—including Zavala—left to die. Only Kurt Austin’s heroic measures save them from a watery grave, but, suspecting a connection, Austin puts the NUMA® team on the case.

Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton 6/2
When a vampire serial killer sends Anita Blake a grisly souvenir from Las Vegas, she has to warn Sin City’s local authorities what they’re dealing with. Only it’s worse than she thought. Ten officers and one executioner have been slain—paranormal style. Anita heads to Vegas, where’s she’s joined by three other federal marshals, including the ruthless Edward. It’s a good thing he always has her back, because when she gets close to the bodies, Anita senses “tiger” too strongly to ignore it. The weretigers are very powerful in Las Vegas, which means the odds of her rubbing someone important the wrong way just got a lot higher.

Matters of the Heart by Danielle Steel 6/2
A powerful and unusual story of one woman’s journey from darkness into light, as she fights to escape a mesmerizing sociopath who holds her in his thrall….a spellbinding blend of suspense and human drama.

Roadside Crosses by Jeffrey Deaver 6/9
The Monterey Peninsula is rocked when a killer begins to leave roadside crosses beside local highways -- not in memoriam, but as announcements of his intention to kill. And to kill in particularly horrific and efficient ways: using the personal details about the victims that they've carelessly posted in blogs and on social networking websites.






Relentless by Dean Koontz 6/9
A mesmerizing new thriller that explores the razor-thin line between the best and worst of human nature—and the anarchy simmering just beneath society’s surface—as a likeable, successful family man is drawn into a confrontation with a foe of unimaginable malice….

Knockout by Catherine Coulter 6/16
Seven-year-old Autumn Backman has a gift: She can communicate telepathically with others. Not everyone, mind you, but with a select few with whom she shares a special kinship. When Autumn and her mother, Joanna, take her father’s ashes to be buried in the family plot in Brickers Bowl, Georgia, the child witnesses a horrifying sight: her grandmother and two uncles, burying a pile of dead bodies in the middle of the night. children. Savich, Sherlock, and Merriweather face their most elusive foes to keep Autumn out of harm’s way—before it’s too late.

A Rouge of My Own by Johanna Lindsay 6/16
How does an innocent lady find herself forced to wed a royal spy who seduced her -- by mistake? For Lady Rebecca Marshall, a whirlwind of passion and excitement begins when, to her mother's great delight, she becomes a maid of honor at the court of Queen Victoria. Rebecca's mother sees this appointment as a golden opportunity for Rebecca to make a good match.

Finger Lickin Fifteen by Janet Evanovich 6/23
Complications arise, loyalties are tested, cliffhangers are resolved, and donuts are eaten.

Swimsuit by James Patterson 6/29
Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot in Hawaii, disappears. Fearing the worst, her parents travel to Hawaii to investigate for themselves, never expecting the horror that awaits them. LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is conducting his own research into the case, hoping to help the victim and get an idea for his next bestseller. Ben gets a shocking visit that pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil.

Cats Storytime May 26&27

This week's theme was cats. Library Director Bonnie talked and read about cats . The children colored their very own cats, the children colored cats ranging from black, to rainbow.

Additonal pictures of storytimes can be viewed at Flikr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary

Wednesday, May 27th

Finished Cats.

Tuesday, May 26th

Newest Library Patron

Children's Librarian Ingvild and her husband Patrick had a baby boy born yesterday afternoon May 21st. After a few false starts Thorstein finally decided to come into the world. Thorstein has a big brother and sister eagerly waiting to meet him today. Best wishes to all of the family!!


Thorstein

















Ingvild, Thorstein and Patrick.

Owls Storytime 5/19-20

This week's theme was owls. Library Director Bonnie talked about owls and then read stories about owls. The children then colored their very own owls.

Additonal pictures of storytimes can be viewed at Flikr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary

Wednesday, May 20th

Tuesday, May 19th

Three Ways You Relax and Unwind

I’m looking for the ways you unwind. Taking some moments for yourself can help create the balance and clarity that will serve you well in any challenge you may face.

Here’s what I do:
Close my eyes and listen to a mellow playlist.
Sit in a big, comfy chair and take a nap.
Work in my perennial flower beds.

That’s not very exciting, but it works for me.
What works for you?

Eyes Storytime 5/12-13

Additonal pictures of storytimes can be viewed at Flikr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary

My Daughter's Graduation

My daughter graduated from the Univerity of South Carolina as a nurse last week and my husband, sister, and I traveled to Columbia SC to watch the pinning ceremony. My daughter has re-enlisted in the army as a second lieutenant for the next five years.

Mother Day Storytime 5/5-6/09

Additonal pictures of the two storytimes can be viewed at Flikr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary

37 Easy Ways to Say “I Love You For Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this weekend and I found a great site called On Simplicity by Sara. Enjoy.

My name is Sara, and I’m slowly reaching for a life of greater simplicity and deeper meaning. I write not from the position of a guru, but from someone who is learning as she goes. I share my successes and failures and love it when readers do the same. On Simplicity is about enjoying the journey while keeping an eye on the destination.
http://www.onsimplicity.net/2009/03/37-easy-ways-to-say-i-love-you/


I can’t speak for everyone, but in my limited experience, relationships don’t have to be hard. One of the best ways to nurture a relationship is to let your partner know that you love and appreciate him or her. And even better than telling someone you love them is to show them you love them. If you’re in the mood for love, try saying “I love you” in a new way this weekend for Mother's Day.

1. Make their lunch to take to work.


2. Leave a note on their pillow with a sweet message.


3. Take on one of their household chores for a week and don’t even mention it.


4. Give them a footrub. (If their feet are funky, soak a towel in water, microwave it to heat it up, and use it to rub them tootsies. Wonderful for them, less gross for you.)


5. Pick up their favorite indulgence at the grocery store. (Mmmm… bacon…)


6. Wear a nice outfit just for them.


7. Light a candle at dinnertime.


8. Automatically choose a movie your partner would enjoy for a night.


9. Make their coffee in the morning.


10. Leave a post-it note on their steering wheel.


11. Sincerely compliment your partner the next time you have a nice thought about them.


12. Put together a mini photo album or slideshow of pictures of you together.


13. Put on a favorite song and share a dance. It’s amazing how much closer that 3 or 4 minutes can bring you.


14. Turn down their side of the bed.


15. Offer a hand massage.


16. Tell a friend how much you love your partner.


17. Try their hobby for a day. (Fore!)


18. Gentlemen, open her car door. Ladies, open their door from the inside.


19. Make “I love you” the last words you say to each other before drifting off.


20. Put on their favorite cologne or perfume even if you’re just sitting around the house together.


21. Hold their hand during a movie.


22. Let them tell you about their day and their dreams, and really listen.


23. Make a “Songs That Remind Me of You” playlist on their mp3 player.


24. Towel off their hair after a shower.


25. Feed them the first bite of dinner.


26. Have a chilled glass of wine waiting at the end of a long day.


27. IM just to say “hi” on your lunch break.


28. Tell a joke and make your partner laugh.


29. Put more covers back on their side.


30. Ask their opinion.


31. Ask questions before jumping to conclusions.


32. Trust their judgement.


33. Send a handwritten love note in the mail.


34. Arrange for your partner to have a night out with their best friend.


35. Keep their secrets.


36. Call when you’re going to be late.


37. Fix the toilet that won’t stop running. (Wait, maybe that’s just me…)