Can We Just Turn the Digits Around Please?

Okay - confession time... I get older this weekend.

I am not happy about this fact, although I do know it is better than the alternative -- so spare me that line please!!! I just somehow wish I could reverse the two digit number that is about to be mine to claim on Sunday. I definitely don't want to live my life over again - I just want to be that age -- NOW -- with all the wisdom I have gained, the hubby and child I have been given and all the energy and youthfulness of that former time. Is that really too much to ask? Uh... apparently so!

So, this morning, I dropped my sweet muffin off at preschool and hit the Target store. My purpose - to find something to stop the already started aging process. Surely up and down one of those aisles, there was something to do it. My real problem, other than I am a few dress sizes from when I was my younger self, is that I wake up with the puffiest eyes and deep lines now - a brand new phenomena these days. This is sinus and allergy season, so some of it can be chalked up to that - but I have a sneaking suspicion that most of it is age... age on my FACE -- aghh I could scream just thinking about this. I have purposely keep weight on my body to avoid those pesky old, skinny face wrinkles and now they are appearing anyway. (HEE HEE HEE) My eyes have always been my best feature - so you can imagine my trauma -- well, only if you are woman and only if you remember skating to Michael Jackson before his nose fell off, and watching Patrick Swayze and Baby do the Mamba and Kevin Bacon break all of our hearts as he fought for the right to DANCE!!!

Now I did find this and this and believe me, they are going to be used this evening -- oh yes, siree! But as I was strolling along, I remember something I read last week on a fellow blogger's site about Mentholatum and the wondrous effects it has on puffy eyes. So, you know what I did, I marched right over an bought me a big ole tub of it! Well, okay, they only come in little tubs, but still, I would have bought the biggest one they had!

First thing I did when I got home was dab a bit under each eye - and PEOPLE, BLOGGER FRIENDS, WOMEN OF THE 80's -- it was INCREDIBLE! Absolutely incredible. My lines disappeared and the puffy look vanished. Now, I don't quite look twenty something, but it is an awesome improvement. I am so thrilled I have been grinning all afternoon.

Since I learned this little known fact about the wonders of Mentholatum, it has caused me to wonder what else is out there that I don't know about? Do you have a little known secret that helps you with looking or feeling better? Please, please share in the comment section.

oh - and yes, I have heard about the Preparation H ointment and yes, I bought some of that too!! I sense an age crisis coming on....

Living Happily and Less Puffily Ever After,
Beverly

Pretty Blossoms, Pleasant Memories

It rained last night, well, yesterday and last night and this morning I awoke to see blossoms budding out all over my dogwood tree just outside of my kitchen window. What a pretty sight and what sweet thoughts it brought to my mind.

You see, not only does this mean spring is here, warm weather is just about with us for good, fun new clothes, sandals, and of course the inevitable pollen, it also means that my pretty dogwood is still alive and kicking. Even more tender is my heart to this tree because beneath it,lying, I hope peacefully, is my sweet Jake.

Jake was my constant companion for thirteen years. He was my comfort and my joy, and bless his heart, my first try at parenting skills. Since he has gone on to find an eternal pond to swim in, and sticks to fetch, I have been left to miss him, his soft ears, his heavy sighs and the warmth of his one hundred pounds of yellow Labrador stretched across my feet as I slept at night.

The world is truthfully not the same without him. I can never replace him or the place he holds in my heart and I will never forget him. Though pet lovers will often try and believe that time or a new pet can help to lessen the pain of a much loved companion, I am here to tell you that it is simply not true. I can cry today over the loss as much as I did that awful night in August,2005 when I lost him. The thought of him still catches a lump in my throat and causes my heart to skip a beat.

Before we all start crying, let me point out that this post is not to mourn, but to celebrate. For although Jake might be physically gone, he will live forever in our memories. And every spring, come a good rain, the tree that is a constant physical reminder of his life comes alive again, shooting out soft and fluffy buds everywhere. This tree is a testament to the fact that life goes on and with each pretty, delicate blossom, a small piece of my Jake lives on as well.

Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly

Happy Things...Ya'll Check It Out

Okay - so I have come to the realization that I might be a little addicted to Youtube. I realize that a lot of my blog posts are just clips from Youtube and although they are great, and fun and can brighten up a dreary weekday afternoon - it is kind of a lazy way to blog. Now, I am not one for being lazy, so I am reeling myself in on this practice.

I do however, know, especially after watching countless Intervention episodes on A&E, that addictions are hard to break and while I won't be adding Youtube clips to my blogs SO much anymore - I do feel the need to sometimes share them.

So, glance over there... over there on the right side of this screen. See that little line that says Happy Things Everyday and the little line below that says Things that Make Me Happy? Well, you can go there - and see lots of things that I want to share with you -- clips, funnies, products, links to other fun blogs and such. All there for you - hopefully on a daily basis.

Don't forget -- check that spot everyday -- you may never know what is there waiting for you.

Living happily ever after,
Beverly

Hot Dogs, Cheetos, and Cars - Oh My!

While other bloggers are leaving witty, thought-provoking posts this morning, sure to brighten up their readers' morning... I am leaving you this snippet of conversation between my daughter and I this morning:

Me: "What do you want for breakfast, honey?"
H: "I want a hot dog, cheetos, apple juice and to watch the Cars movie!"

Clearly, I have done a smashing job of working on her nutritional food choices and quality television/movie viewing!At least she requested apple juice and not Coke!

Heavens help me - I am off to fix a hot dog at 8:00 AM, oh and trying to find that Cars movie that I think I lost on purpose!

That's how we roll around here folks!

Living happily ever after,
Beverly

WELCOME!

Just a quick note to say Hello and Welcome to my new readers. I have noticed quite a few new "faces and places" popping up in my stats -- please know that you are welcome here anytime. If you have a blog, I would love to be included your blogroll as I am always excited about "meeting" new blogger friends. Please also feel free to link this blog through email to your friends and family.

Again, Welcome and I do hope you come back often - some days are better than others around here at Happy Moments -but I always strive to post something fun, inspirational, thought-provoking or just a happy moment in my life. Your comments are welcome here as well. Hearing from my blogger friends always makes me smile.

Happy, Happy
Beverly

Take You Back Thursday-80's Revival Time

The 80's! You have to love them - cool clothes, cool makeup, cool shoes and best of all the music. I am so glad I had the privilege of growing up in that "totally radical" decade and being able to have all this cool stuff in my memory banks. I miss it dearly. It does my heart good to walk through the stores and see some of the old stuff making a comeback - like madras plaid shirts, big, bold crayola colors in the clothing, big earrings, preppy shirts, shorts, and shoes --- whoo hoo!!

Now, if only we could re-do some of that great music and this, my blogger friends, seems like a great start. I loved this song back then (yeah, I know, Michael Jackson, but in the 80's he was different and his music was GREAT! He had the best songs to skate too... Billie Jean was no exception.) This song has gained new life recently, thanks to David Cook and American Idol. The musical arrangement in this performance is credited to someone named Chris Connell. Whoever he is - he did an awesome job on this track - and David Cook - well, he NEEDS to be the next Idol.

This version -- is "like totally awesome!" I could TOTALLY skate couples skate to this!



Happy, Happy
Beverly

To Lipstick, Or Not To Lipstick - There is NO Question!

Lipstick. Ever think about it? Well, today I did. For quite awhile actually. My friend Kim and I were doing the "mall thing" and found ourselves at the Mac counter in our favorite department store. She needed a new shade for an upcoming special event and I was thrilled to just be out shopping in the real world.

She found the perfect shade - New York Apple - and we were off again on our tour of the mall.

As we were concluding our shopping afternoon - we drifted back to a conversation we were having earlier in the day and as she seemed a bit insecure about the certain situation, I made the comment, "Just look in the mirror at your new lipstick shade and think happy thoughts."

Afterwards, we both thought about the truth in that statement. The wonderful, miraculous, healing powers of a new lipstick. Sad, depressed, lonely - go buy a new bright shade of lipstick. Happy, energetic, looking forward to a fun event, go buy an equally sassy shade of your favorite brand. Having an off day, not sure if you are confident enough for even the simplest of tasks, march up to your favorite makeup counter and boldly chose a shade of red, sure to complement your hair and skin tone. INSTANT mood makeover in a tube. What would our lives be without those sweet little tubes of petroleum? Shiny, glittery, and pearlized just for us!

A new lipstick can perk up your face, your fading highlights, and your last season's outfit. Lipstick is the key to a made up face. Go without and look tired - put a little dab on the center of your lips and you are vibrant and alive.

So, the next time you are having a "slow" day or as you glance at your tired face in the mirror - remember what my mother always says and put a little lipstick on... you will feel better, look better and maybe, just maybe your situation will look a little brighter too.

LONG LIVE MAC(and L'Oreal,Covergirl and Maybelline too!)

Happy, Happy,
Beverly

Easter Monday!

WHEW! That sums up my mood for today - WHEW! Glad the weekend is over!

We had a very large weekend around here - first we celebrated my parents and their ability to journey fifty years together as married folks. They are really a great example to follow, they have just set the standard SO high! The reception here at my home turned out really well - I was so happy to have been able to pull it off. I had lots of help from my hubby, and my in-laws and they all deserve a lot of credit for all that they did.

Saturday turned into a restful morning, as we all slept in and got to eat a late breakfast together for once. The afternoon was filled with our church's annual Egg Hunt at one of our member's pond. It was great fun - just a wonderful afternoon to sit in the sun (not TOO hot!) and soak in fun and friends and all the goodies the Easter Bunny brought.

Sunday was of course Easter Sunday. We overslept, but actually made it to Sunday School, just a little bit late. Then Hannah wanted to sit in Big Church with us - so we had a bag packed with lots of toddler quiet activity, food and candy. She made it through the service -- her daddy and I were so proud. Standing in the pew, with Hannah between us and then watching as she climbed up on her daddy's shoulder during the hymns rustled up a memory for me of when she was itty bitty and came in church with us always. Some of the favorite pictures in my memory are of Danny holding her and singing. Yesterday, I got to re visit that picture in my mind - and adjust it to add a 3 1/2 year old, holding onto her daddy. SO SWEET!

After church we were off to my parent's for lunch and another egg hunt. It was great fun and it must have been exhausting because Hannah fell asleep on the way home and didn't wake up until 8:00 this morning!

All, in all, we had a great Easter weekend. I wish I could say that we were super-spiritual this weekend, but truthfully, we were not. It really didn't seem like Easter to me - I did have fun Easter morning finding that video on youtube with Keith Green singing the Easter Song. I hope you enjoyed that. I was introduced to Keith Green way back in the earliest of the 80's, shortly before he passed away. I am forever grateful to the Channell boys for giving me the treasure of his songs. They are powerful and speak sermon upon sermon!

Happy, Happy!
Beverly

He Is Risen! Happy Easter

Happy Easter Weekend!

Happy Easter Everyone!
Beverly

Coming Soon!

Life in the HappyMoments household is crazy this week. We have lots happening here, parties, anniversaries, egg hunts, you name it, we have it going on. I didn't have time for a "real" post today - so just chew on this a bit!



Only a few more weeks! Thank heavens! I want to "laugh until my cheeks hurt" again!
Enjoy

Happy, Happy
Beverly

She Likes the Boys In the Band...

What is it about boys in a band?

For as long as I can remember, my friend Kim and I have been falling for guys who make music. We used to listen to music together and as teens we followed the bands that came to local churches with vengeance. There was always a lead singer who was “too cute” and our teenage hearts always followed with much devotion. Later, as young college girls, Kim usually ended up dragging me along (sometimes kicking and screaming) to various concerts and even varied venues that now I would never be caught dead in, following after some guy, in some band, somewhere. It was always fun and Kim was always finding ways to meet the certain someone. In fact, over the years, she has indeed met many of those targets and counts them as friends to this day.

There are several concerts that spring to my mind when I think of Kim and our musical adventures. In 1986, we “journeyed” to Columbia, SC to see – yep, you guessed it - JOURNEY in concert. It was a great night. That band wrote the soundtrack to my life in mid to late eighties, so to be at the concert, and thanks to Kim near the stage, was well – fantastic and memorable. Also memorable, was the adventure getting to the concert, changing our clothes in the mall restroom with a bus load of women, me in my dressiest “church” dress and Kim in her, well, let’s just say it was most MEMORABLE dress.

There was also the concert in Myrtle Beach, at one of the scariest venues ever, to see Sugar Creek, and hope that Kim got a chance to say hello to the lead singer. Now, to her credit, she did and even became friends (even still) with this guy, but the night caused me and our other friend Sue, much distress. Let’s just say, the night ended, in the pouring rain, as Sue and I walked back to our hotel in our “church” clothes to get the car and go pick Kim up to avoid her silk dress from being ruined in the rain.

I could go on and on, but I might lose space for the event that transpired last night.
As you all have been informed, I was able to go to a Bo Bice concert last night with my dear friend Kim and thanks to her friend at a local radio station, we were given VIP tickets and the opportunity to Meet and Greet with Bo himself.

Now, it has been at least 20 years since Kim and I have been to a concert together. As she has continued her love of following “the boys in the band” and I have resorted to just attending concerts with my hubby, laying dormant my fanatical love of bands and the boys that play in them, I have lived vicariously through Kim.

So, when I tell you that last night was something I was deeply looking forward to, now you can truly understand.

The show opened with a local favorite, Pat Blanchard and although I had heard of him and we have mutual friends, it was the first time I had seen him perform – and he was great – I am now a new fan.

After that set, Kim and I went “backstage” to meet Bo Bice at the Meet and Greet. Although I do like him as a performer, the Meet and Greet was a bit of a disappointment and as I have always been told, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything – so that’s enough said about that for this type of forum. Kim did get a picture taken with him, but overall, it was not the high point of the evening. I will say that when he did finally take the stage, he had that strong voice and dynamic we have all come to associate with this young man from Alabama and the American Idol fame he achieved.

After the somewhat disappointing Meet and Greet, we sat back down and were delighted to be introduced to the next act of the evening – Crossin Dixon. Up to this point, neither Kim nor I had ever heard of them, but forty-five minutes later, they were our new favorite band, and the “groupie” gene had kicked in. Plans were underway to try and find out when they were playing here again. Here is my plug --- if you get a chance to see them – anywhere – GO! They are great – you will not be disappointed. I may be a little partial,especially since they played my husband’s favorite type of music, but they were polite and it didn’t hurt that all four of them are from Mississippi. I am also confident that if you are a female and single, you will really appreciate their talent and stage presence!

As luck would have it, they exited the stage right where our seats were, so Kim jumped up to grab a picture with the foursome. Unfortunately, her camera battery decided to die at this very inopportune time and she was left with only one option – get them to sign something… except, she had no paper and the only thing that sprung to her mind was… well, it was to give them her leg to sign.

Yes, that’s right, her favorite, expensive pair of jeans and there she is, balancing on wedge heels, hanging onto the group, while they all four signed her leg. I know that words cannot adequately describe this event and I have kicked myself all day for not having my camera to have documented this hysterical sight, but ya’ll it was the highlight of the evening. Of all the things we have done in 25 plus years of concert going and friendship – this was one of the funniest and one of the most memorable.

So, I discovered a few things last night that I thought I would share:

#1 Even though I am an “old” married woman and a mommy, I still do enjoy a good concert, and even if the tickets had not been free – these types of things are worth the money.

#2 Sometimes those who want and desire fame, get it and then find that life is not all it could be – and I must remember to pray for the young people who set out on this journey.

#3 My town is not so bad, we have a cool amphitheatre and it is a great concert venue.

#4 When I go to a concert with my friend Kim, I must remember to pack extra batteries and my own camera as back-up.

#5 And lastly, when faced with four cute musicians, no paper for an autograph and no other option – it is perfectly acceptable to hand over your leg in your favorite pair of jeans, just as long as you can balance and not tip over. This will net you not only a nifty souvenir, but the awe and respect of your fellow concert-goers. And if you are the “groupie” type, perhaps this will also reserve a spot for you in the memory of your favorite “boy in the band.”

Happy, Happy
Beverly

edited to add: (after a rash of ridiculous comments!) Dear Bo Bice Fans... Be assured that I am still a fan of the Bo, please refrain from commenting on the post unless you can add something positive, something fun-like maybe some fun Bo-Facts, clips of concerts, etc. This a personal blog, and documents my experience. I appreciate and understand that not everyone had the same experience as my friend and I.

I got it - YOU LOVE BO - so do I, I can't find anything in my post to say the contrary. If you do not like the content of this post, please just feel free to travel elsewhere on the web - your mean and negative comments about me or my experience or my friend will not be published anyway - so PLEASE don't waste your time -- use it to listen to a Bo CD, enjoy your memories of the concert and ROCK ON, my blogger friend!

Parade Day and I Can't Go!

My paternal ancestors hailed from the North of Ireland - I have always been proud of my Irish heritage - what little I know about it. I really like the fact that I do not have to pretend to be Irish on this fun holiday - I can claim it - loud and proud.

I was disappointed this year by not being able to attend our city's annual celebration, I was so looking forward to showing it all to my dear Hannah. Circumstances beyond my control have kept me at home today but oh how I would so love to be downtown this afternoon enjoying the parade. Maybe next year - until then, I will just celebrate here at home, eating shamrock cookies and wearing my favorite IRISH t-shirt.

Because I wasn't able to attend the parade this year, I found this one - straight from Dublin to my computer - enjoy the highlights!



Happy, Happy!
Beverly

Take You Back Thursday - Just a Little Late

Well, this takes me back - I don't know if you were a fan - but I sure was! I loved Shaun Cassidy. I had every Tigerbeat that had any mention of his name, my walls were plastered with his pictures and I was certain that I was going to marry this boy one day. I had every cassette or album he ever produced - and I seriously knew more about him than the fifth grade math or science I was supposed to be learning!

One of my first heartbreaks was when he starred in The Hardy Boys and it aired on Sunday nights - being a preacher's kid, there was no way for me to really ever get to watch the show - this was pre-vcr/dvd/dvr days for you younger readers. It was heartbreaking for me not to be able to view "my love" weekly. This trauma still lingers with me today!

As luck would have it, dear Shaun came to Hawaii in concert while we were there and my dear parents saw to it that I got to go. I am sure I was not pleasant to live with until they consented!
We even went out to the beach and helped form the word ALOHA on the shore as he rode by in a helicopter! I remember it like it was yesterday!

There is something really precious about those first crushes, isn't there?

Now, through the years I have kept up with my"guy" Shaun, I know now that we weren't meant to be, but it does thrill me to see his name every now and then. He mostly produces television shows now, no more records and concerts with screaming girls. He is twice married and twice divorced and has several children, probably all grown by now. He never got to meet me, the true love of his life - ha ha ha - but I still remember him fondly.

So, on this the weekend before St. Patrick's Day - I have chosen to Take You Back to a simpler time, the 70's and my favorite Irish singer!

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you Shaun Cassidy - in all his teen idol glory! Enjoy!



Happy, Happy
Beverly

WHOA -- Is It Thursday Already?

WOW - I completely forgot it was TAKE YOU BACK Thursday, what with trying to get my hair did and picking out an outfit and sitting and thinking about the excitement of going to see BO BICE in three days - but I promise -- I will get something together for you blogger friends and post a Take You Back before the night is up.... oh and did I mention that I am going to see BO BICE in three days -----oh lordy mercy sakes alive!!!

Eleven Words That Make Me Smile

I AM GOING TO SEE BO BICE IN CONCERT SUNDAY NIGHT!

Any of you jealous? I have a friend who has arranged for us to have FREE - yes, that's right - FREE tickets to Bo's concert here on Sunday night and even better - we are almost certain we will get to go backstage - yes, BACKSTAGE to meet him.

Could my life be any better today? I don't think so -- I feel like I am 16 again!

Happy, Happy!
Beverly

Loving "The Office"

Not many things could make me want to go back to working in an office - but this show just makes me smile and remember the "good ole days" of my former life...SO EXCITED FOR APRIL 10th - can't come quick enough...enjoy "Office" fans!

The Office Compilation 1

Add to My Profile | More Videos

It Wasn't Meant To Be!

BRADY found his home. Turns out he belongs to one of our neighbors whom we hadn't met yet - the good news is that we will get to visit with him again in the future. We are a little sad, but so happy for him and his even happier family.

So, we are once again searching for a family housedog...know any young, male, yellow lab in need of a home -- send him our way!


Happy, Happy!
Beverly

Look What Showed Up At Our House!

Showed up last night and so far he is still here! We think he is about 2 years old and he is all boy and all labrador!

He is definitely a keeper, so barring anyone coming and claiming him - we will have a new member of the family. Isn't that the sweetest face? We are currently calling him Yellow Dog, but once he is definitely ours, we will change that -- I am pulling for HB aka - Harlan B. Lewis after my favorite character of all time on my favorite soap of all time. Hopefully the rest of my family will go along with this --- fingers crossed!

So - here is the fun part -- I just went outside and worked with him on SIT and STAY and he gets it - he totally gets it. I am sure he was once a housedog because ever since he showed up he has been trying to get inside - right now he is in the garage hanging out because it is raining. He is big and crazy and a bit wild, but when you sit with him, he immediately calms so I am hopeful for his future as a lap dog! He showed up with no collar and looking kinda hungry so that makes me even more hopeful that he can stay!

Anyway -- that is how our Friday is going.... what is going on with you?

Happy, Happy in Lab Heaven!
Beverly

Take You Back Thursday-# 3

Just a little 80's music quiz for your Take You Back Thursday! This post is dedicated to my faithful friend and reader, Kathy!

Song #8 is dedicated to my friend Abe - oh and so is #9 - can't hear either of them without thinking of him! Much love from Georgia to Colorado to Abe and his family!I miss you guys!

Well, happy strolling down 80's memory lane!
The answers are below...just in case your brain is tired!

ANSWERS
1.Erasure-A Little Respect
2.Men Without Hats-Safety Dance
3.I Want You to Want Me-Cheap Trick
4.Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-Cyndi Lauper
5.Funkytown-Lipps, Inc.
6.I Want Your Sex-George Michael
7.Sailing-Christopher Cross
8.Take on Me-Aha
9.I Ran (So Far Away)-A Flock of Seagulls
10.Like a Virgin-Madonna
11.Start Me Up-The Rolling Stones
12.Material Girl-Madonna
13.Electric Avenue-Eddy Grant
14.Footloose-Kenny Loggins
15.Lady in Red-Chris De Burgh

Happy, Happy!
Beverly