A blues altering conversation with myself has brought me to the revelation that blues can’t stick around forever, they teach us lessons when we sing along with them, and “The best medicine when we’re feeling blue is laughter.”
Right?
The blues are what I’ve turned to, what has given me inspiration and relief in all the trials of my life. – Eric Clapton
Yeah, but laughter, or singing for that matter, is tough when you have a cracked rib. That has been my argument of late for keeping the good ol’ blues hanging around.
Really?
Yes, from my current experience, I can say, “You can’t laugh (hard), at least not the big fully belly kind of laugh when you have a cracked rib.”
At least we humans can chuckle, just a little, right?
Yeah, it’s okay to try that out for size as you heal.
Alright, you’re right, I tried that, and it does work…I’m smiling more, and the blues are fading.
Good things are associated with blue, like clear days, more than singing the blues. Just the word ‘blue’ in the singular is full of optimism and positive connotation to most people. – David Carson
Okay, now that I’ve lost the ‘but my rib hurts so I can’t’ argument, I’m on a roll, and I’m feeling better already. All I needed to do was look around and see things that make me smile to brighten my spirits.
If you can’t ride a bike, at least keep your smile muscles in shape. – ME
Yikes, I’ve been exhausting myself with my frown muscles. Oh, dear, that’s not good!
On a quest to remind myself of what makes me smile, I took a walk down memory lane and a walk with a friend (or two).
Yesterday, Mr. and I went to our favorite vineyard to try their new, 7 years in the making, Extended Tirage Sparkling Wine. It was a pleasure to taste. We’re normally not fond of champagne, but this wine was surprisingly enjoyable. The bubbles tickled my throat and the light finish in my mouth brought about a smile. We toasted success for the owners and their newest batch of wine. It paired exceptionally well with the paninis we had from Marigold Cafe. The only thing that would’ve made it better would’ve been a sunny day. The weather was rainy so we couldn’t sit outside for long to enjoy the vineyard, but I have nice memories of how it looked last year with blue skies against the green of the growing vines. And, of course, I have the fond memories of yesterday’s party in my mouth to keep me smiling today!
That reminds me of the other vineyard we visited this summer. Blue skies were prevalent that day, so a picture of that’ll do for now.
It’s fun to do things with people we love. It’s also great to have a friend by your side that makes you smile. Mr. is my best friend. This is one of my favorite shots of us together -3 years ago. Ah…seeing that blue ocean and sky and our smiles, I can’t help but smile!
That was such a great trip. It was full of smiling moments even up to the last-minute when we met a furry little friend who came out to wish us goodbye.
Good thing another tropical trip is in the works. Looking forward to something also makes me smile.
Today is National Friendship Day. Dessy and Copper are on top of the stairs kind of friends. Seeing them sit together in such close proximity makes me smile.
The best place I can think of for me when I’m feeling blue and wanting to be alone (as I’ve said many times before…) is behind the lens of my camera. My preference would be on a beach somewhere, but since that’s not always possible, I do the next best thing.
I take a wanderlust trip around my yard with my furry little friend, Copper. Out there, I can visualize the blues of the ocean when I look at the sky. And it’s cheap and I don’t have to travel far, it is right here in front of me.
No matter what the season, I smile when I see contrasting images with blues. I can’t believe I’m going to admit it or put it in writing…but the winter colors do make me smile. There’s a certain charm to the blue and whites of winter that I enjoy.
When I’m not at the beach (or plowing through the snow), I take my best friend (a dog is a human’s best friend) outside and watch the sunrise. The soft faint blues in the golden hour or the blue hour make me smile.
The cool blues of the morning enhanced by the contrasting orange sun.
Copper sees this from his view. No wonder he squints?
There’s a small window of time when the sun glows through the trees casting the warm rays across the cool grass and black top. Copper and I enjoy those moments.
I know he’s smiling.
On our walkabout in the yard, I enjoy inspecting the gardens for the tiny blue flowers.
This year’s gardening attempts have brought many a smile to my face this year.
When I’m not looking down, or feeling down, I look up. We are blessed to have a view of the blue skies from all directions. It is fun to sit and watch the clouds move across the sky.
And I dream…just dream…
Our skies with raging storm clouds or an inviting space for fluffy white clouds to roam – are beautiful. We get to see so many colors of sky and clouds.
Every shade of blue and all the colors in between can be seen here, and that is smile-worthy to me.
As I reflect on the past 3 weeks, since my bike crash, it has been filled with awkward moments. It’s been a struggle at times to stay positive. I have an appreciation for a slower pace and for how not to take my physical health for granted. I am damn glad I’m starting to feel stronger and less pain with each passing day. I drove for the first time, post-injury, this week and I even tried running a bit yesterday. I could drive, but I couldn’t run. I wasn’t crying when I tried either one, so YAY, I am getting better. One more week of slow-mo action for me is in order. And I have plans to get together with friends at the end of the week…I sure hope I can laugh by then!
The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. – Hubert H. Humphrey
Post inspiration thanks to Patti with Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: Blue (be sure to check out her website and more about the challenge here). And Terri at Sunday Stills – You’ve Got A Friend.
PS – Do you love the color blue, too? What is your favorite blue object? Do you have special friendships that are like therapy? Thanks for stopping by – your comments always bring a smile to my face!
All blues, the color of pools and skies, are beautiful to me. And “the blues” seem to induce good writing, so there’s that. Nice post!
Aw, thank you, Rebecca! Your comments brightened my day :-)!
I’m so glad you could join us, Shelley! Your post covers a lot of ground for two challenges (love it when that happens)! Lovely photos…I’ve had my share of winter blues and know what it takes to climb out!
Thank you, Terri!! I’m happy to hear of a fellow-climber-out-of-the-blues person! 🙂 Your challenge and kind words helped me tremendously today!
Oh and I forgot to say how intrigued I am with your changing avatar! Both shots of you are quite lovely!
Thank you! My daughter made it for me :-)!
It is pretty cool! Have a wonderful day!
Thank you, hope you have a wonderful day, too!!!
I love your photos, especially the sky ones at the end. The sunset oranges and yellows are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing and glad you are feeling a bit better.
Thank you, your kind words warm my heart!! xx
Your photos are gorgeous! What a great shot of you and your husband. I love the blue skies. I just don’t think we ever see skies that blue here in the south. I’m wondering why.
Thank you, Gail! Maybe our cool mornings add to the blue of the skies? I do enjoy the bright blue days – some days are less colorful due to haze or pollen…!
I remember flying to Minnesota with my dad once when I was in college. I remember stepping off the plane at the airport and pointing up to the deep blue skies and telling my dad I had never seen skies so blue in all my life. I’ve lived in the south my entire life and every time I’ve seen deep blue skies, it’s always been in the north.
That is so interesting! I’m glad we’ve got something up north that you enjoy seeing!
I like all 16,777,216 colors you can get on a computer monitor and all the ones you can’t. I really don’t have a favorite color, in other words; they’re all unique and special. Mary says I look good in royal blue, so I’ll go with that for this discussion. Great photos!
Buddy Guy (at least I think it was him) had a song that said “The blues ain’t nothin’ but a botheration on your mind.” And really, listening to blues is a great way to get yourself out of a funk.
Mary has excellent color choices – my Mr. and I love royal blue – it was one of our wedding colors. It is a regal and confident color – I can see how Mary would suggest it looks good on you! Good song quote! I read or heard somewhere that listening to blues does help. I’m going to have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom, I do appreciate hearing from you!
Glad you are hanging in there. Your photos are stunning! The vineyard photo from last year makes me want to go with you. Yes, you will have to return when the day is that nice again. My favorite is of you and your husband on the beach. Such a nice day and clearly the trip of a lifetime.
Thank you, Donna! Yes, after your recent trip you’d enjoy seeing the history of that vineyard in Wisconsin – it is the oldest one around the state. We adore that picture of us, even if it was the day we left – it reminds us of how much fun we had and how relaxed we were to have spent a great time there. We’re hoping our next trip is as enjoyable :-)!
Seems to me, where ever you go together IS a great time. And yes, I would indeed love the visit to the winery, maybe someday. They would certainly have good Wisconsin Cheese to go with it I am sure.
Yes, so true! Yes, they have coolers with a variety of WI cheese, and I hear they also have to die for chocolates available (I’m allergic, so never notice).
Hi Shelley I was going to tell you an excellent joke – but I am scared it will make you RIB with laughter…
LOL – Abrie, thank you for sparing my ribs ;-)!
Lovely skies! Glad you’re beating those blues 🙂 🙂
Thank you!!