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what makes you smile?


This month, let's talk about emotions -- every thing about feelings.

 So today, let's start with smile. Let's write down the little things that make us smile.



This picture was one of many pictures taken by my husband on Sunday after the scheduled follow-up interview by UNTV for my book, "Out of Status". 

The very polite UNTV crew of four was 90 minutes early, so I didn't get plenty of time to get ready. But regardless, it ended up being a cathartic interview - one that's loaded with emotions.

Maybe it's the color of my dress.
Maybe it's the gorgeous sunny afternoon.
Maybe it's the well mannered UNTV crew.
Maybe it's the idea of being able to help others.
Maybe it was just another day to be thankful. 
Or maybe I was just in the mood to smile.

Dictionary.com defines smile as "a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor or amusement, characterized by the upturning of the corners of the mouth."

Wikipedia.com describes a smile as a facial expression that "can also be found around the eyes  Among humans, it is an expression denoting pleasure, joy, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it is known as a grimace. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communicating emotions throughout the world. But there are large differences between different cultures. A smile can also be spontaneous or artificial."

My husband always manages to make me smile. Even when I'm getting frustrated, he'll say something that will force my lips to curl up in a way that I end up laughing.







I have problems nailing down the perfect smile for a headshot, but when it's time to be silly or candid -- well, the kid in me just comes out.

When not posing for pictures, there are a lot of things that make me smile.


My 11yo's sweet voice always makes me smile. Whenever I call him on the phone and he answers, "Hello", no matter how awful the day seems to be, the sound of his voice reminds me of pure happiness. If I can just bottle up that cuteness, I'll probably be able to share that joyful feeling with anyone -- anywhere!





Peonies make me smile. They remind me of my mom.  Seeing these flowers bloom is like seeing my mom in the garden - right next to me.

This picture was taken 7 years ago. It was the first time (and hopefully not the last) that 4 generations of women were able to be together. And, look at our smiles! Our hearts were so filled with joy that day that our eyes and lips were smiling in harmony.

Our emotions and feelings are contagious. Try smiling at a stranger. You'll notice that he'll smile back at you.

Keep smiling.

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