Mitch's blog this past week tapped into something that has been rattling around in my mind.  My way has always been to try and fix things, to create discussion, to inquire when I am not sure about something, to present my ideas when I feel strongly about something.  

Have you heard of Air BNB? Interesting concept where ordinary people – just like you and me – offer their homes as accommodations to strangers.

It happened again a few nights ago. I was having some trouble sleeping so I began channel surfing. As I came upon one certain movie, I knew my surfing would come to an end. I can never seem to get past it. Whenever it comes up on my television screen, I have to stop and watch it.

Most mornings I get a cup of coffee at a place next to my office and I bring it upstairs.  One small coffee for $1.60.  I hand over two bills, and they give me my change, an empty cup (that sometimes they stick their fingers in)....and a receipt.   I really don't need documentary proof of this transaction.  No receipt is necessary.  

IMHO most people tend to dwell on negative issues. They complain about the weather, business, food...whatever. News outlets use bad news as a method to gain viewers and readers. In fact, the ratio of bad news to good news on a typcial broadcast can be as much as 17 to 1.   I know that people seem to discount joy and happiness. They choose to push it aside after they experience it. Maybe they don't feel they deserve it. Maybe because true happiness and joy seems fleeting. It happens in a moment and then the moment is gone.  

Jefferson's three examples of our unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.Happiness is the state of Felicity.It has been said that it's not how much we have but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness (Charles Spurgeon). Lincoln added most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.The top 10 things that come mind that make me happy are (not necessarily in the order of importance):1) French Champagne2) Family3) Gotham4) Winning (fun is more fun when you win)

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a Happy One!

Rona's blog regarding happiness and money inspired my thoughts and blog in this theme week.   While I do not believe that there is a direct relationship between money and happiness, I do believe that they are interconnected, perhaps dysfunctionally.  Most of the wealthy people lI have seen lead miserable lives, ieven if they don't acknowledge it.  Yet I also believe that poverty tends to lead to misery, tragedy and unhappiness.