Tags

An artfully-served cup of Ecuadorian Coffee!
“Good Morning,” I’d say, as I plunked down mugs of hot coffee in front of my regulars as soon as they came in the door. I knew the exceptions that wanted decaf or tea, instead. I knew who might order a little breakfast, after a couple cups of coffee. I knew who needed to get to work quickly, and who would sit for an hour or more. They were friends, sort of, though we only met over morning coffee, and mine was a position of servitude. They felt like family, all of us still groggy from sleep, making conversation in the early morning hours. – (Cindy Ricksgers)
Cindy Ricksgers’ ‘Good Morning’ post reminds us how two simple words have the power to brighten another’s day. The rest of Cindy’s ‘Good Morning’ post is HERE.
“Some days I wake up grumpy; other mornings I let him sleep.” (From a cocktail napkin)
When I lived in Costa Rica, the howler monkeys often slept in the canopy over the roof of my studio/casita. Some mornings they awakened quietly, and other mornings they began with pre-dawn guttural sounds that slowly increased into grumpy roars. On those ‘grumpy’ mornings I would go outside, gape up at them and smile as I replied in my heart-felt “Good Morning! BuenOs dias – Umph-umph-umph-umph!”
My attempts to mock their passive ‘we’re happy and content’ sounds seemed to pacify them. After five or so minutes of quiet time in their presence, I began my day and they began theirs! Like any living being, they just wanted to be acknowledged!
“…Smiling is infectious, You catch it like the flu. When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too. I passed around the corner And someone saw my grin. When he smiled I realised I’d passed it on to him. I thought about that smile Then I realised its worth… ” Enjoy Pommepal’s artful pairing of images to that poem! – Living in Paradise
My friend Francisca smiles when I walk into her tienda and state, “Good Morning -BuenOs dias!” and she repeats, “Gud morning!” It’s a ritual that gives us all a refreshing chuckle, especially when she is the one that laughs the most. Ah! The power of a smile!

She’s an archaeologist; he specializes in roasting cafe over a fire. The secret ingredient in their coffee is happiness!

Friends Stephen and Xiomara sample that lovingly-roasted coffee!

An impromptu moment in Cayambe Ecuador…

It’s always great to see a familiar face in a crowd of strangers, especially when he gives such a genuine smile!

Birthday Traditions

(Can you imagine how different our world would be if all scowls were replaced by lighthearted smiles? Would it feel strange if we embraced each day with a heart as happy as his?)
Participants in this week’s WordPress theme helped wrap smiles around the world.
…..
My friends remain in a holding pattern while taking shifts at the hospital. Even though the patient’s condition is still listed as critical, the doctors say that he is very strong and has an amazing will to live. The family is finding moments to smile, and at times they laugh. They send heart-felt thanks to many of you who are sending strong energy and prayers in their direction. Thanks, also, for your comments, which I’ve passed along while stating the many countries you represent.