Backwards or Forwards…it’s all the same.

I thought today I would share some cool palindromes that I discovered. Each of these statements or words all read the same backwards or forwards.

Rise to vote sir.

Madam I’m Adam.

No lemons, no melon.

Never odd or even.

If I had a hi-fi.

Doc note, I dissent. A fast never prevents a fatness. I diet on cod.

Race car.

Eye.

Borrow or rob?

Oh, no! Don Ho!

Then I found that there is a whole website of them: http://www.palindromelist.net/ You know what is ironic? The word palindrome is not a palindrome; however, life in many ways is like a palindrome.

Life at times seem to take us full circle. Could it also be (in many ways) the same going backwards or forwards? I know there is humor around the idea…for example babies needing to be fed and diapered, as some of our older population end up needing.

Wouldn’t it be nice to recapture our youthful optimism and fearlessness? Children are also quite trusting and loving in their first 8 to 10 years. As we gain more and more wisdom through our experiences, can we grow to become more child-like again. Some of us do; but, there are many who stay in the cynical and fearful state of adulthood, where we believe everyone is out for themselves and we can never get ahead and similar type of (negative) thinking.

If we could just let go of that negative self-talk; then we can recapture our youth, our love, our fearlessness, and our hope. Happiness and joy would be easy. We could enjoy life more as we did as children where splashing in a rain puddles and watching clouds were fun! And, where, making friends was so easy. And, when, loving people came so naturally. And, when, climbing trees and rooftops were an adventure. So, perhaps we need to make our lives a palindrome.

Ten Things that Instantly Make Me Happy

Just thinking about joyful things instantly make me happy! ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I am certain there are more than ten things that instantly make me happy; but, these are the top ten things that make me instantly happy that I can think of at the moment! I encourage you to create your own list.

1. Seeing a butterfly flutter by.

2. The scent of home-baked breads, cookies or pastries, especially if there is a hint of cinnamon.

3. The warmth of the sun on a cold winter’s day.

4. A cool, gentle breeze off the ocean on a hot summer’s day.

5. Rainbows.

6. Waterfalls.

7. Seashells.

8. Sasha, my fur-baby, greeting me at the door after I have been out.

9. Sandcastles.

10. A full moon on a clear night.

These are in no particular order as each of these equally and instantly bring a smile to my face, joy to my soul, and tickle my heart! I would love to know what instantly makes you happy. Please share in the comments below.

Related articles

• Foster Monday: Sasha (washhumane.typepad.com)
• Lessons from Puppy Dogs (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• We Are All Someone Special (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Wake Up Happy! (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)

My Top Ten for the Week

Ah, the delight in accomplishment! ~Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

Okay, so I have a whole week ahead of me, which includes a brand new month! August is upon us on Wednesday! So, these are the top ten things I would like to get done:

1. Re-organize my computer desk.

2. Organize my art supplies.

3. Organize my research materials.

4. Clear off my art desk and craft table.

5. Get ahead in my writing and art projects.

6. Tweak my exercise routine and menu for the week (and maybe the month of August).

7. Create a time-line for my Friends-Of-The-Library Fall Paperback Book Sale at the Seafood Festival

8. Tie up all the loose ends of all my July projects and look at what needs to be done in August.

9. Consider the upcoming Fall season and flesh out what I would like to accomplish with Hearts That Care.

10. Visualize my future, show up for it by taking a few action steps daily.

Doable, yes! If I take on each one at a time and breaking them into steps. So, the rest of this evening I will chunk this list up into fun and manageable steps. Should I do a before and after picture for some of these? Hmm.

Related articles

• Work in Progress (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Rest (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Fresh Start (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)

John Cleese on Creativity

Video

John Cleese on Creativity

Creativity

Creativity is what you make of it; everyone is creative, as each of us are capable of making things. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

‎Why is it that many equate creativity with being able to paint, draw and the like? Creativity is really about being able to visualize beyond the norm. Creative people do not see obstacles or problems; instead, they see solvable challenges. Many may even get a charge out of it. They thrive when faced with a challenge because it provides an opportunity to try something new and to experiment.

Creativity is looking at things upside down instead of right-side up. Creativity is using different tools and materials in a new way to achieve different effects. Creativity is seeking tools and/or materials when others do not work or are unavailable. For example, suppose you ran out of dish soap. Creative people would find seek alternatives such as a bar of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, lemon juice, vinegar, etc.

Creative people are often: inventive, inquisitive, optimistic, enthusiastic, energetic, determined and open to possibilities. They are not attached to one idea. They are comfortable with surprises. In fact, many creative people get excited with unexpected outcomes.

Children are naturally creative. They are open to try new things and experiment. Unfortunately, too many adults teach children that there is only one way to do various things “right”. They give them rules, procedures and routines to the point where these children lose sight of their creative nature. They succumb to only doing things one way because they want to please and be loved.

Too much television watching and video game playing also zap creativity out of humanity. Sometimes it seems that the days where we used our imagination are gone. We have grown dependent on doing things only one way; but, it is not too late to develop our creativity. We only need to challenge ourselves with little problems.

Playing the “what if” game is a good way to enhance our creativity. Again, children are great at doing this. Remember all the “what if” questions you used to ask or your children asked you? What if don’t have this, that or the other? What if it rains? What if the store is closed? What if they aren’t home? What if everything were the color purple? What if there were no spoons? You can go on and on.

Another great activity to do is to invent new purposes for various items like a paper clip, a sponge or whatever. What are other uses for a towel, a hair brush, a toothbrush, an old car tire, etc? This can be quite fun to do and a great way to develop and expand your creativity. Can you think of some other ways to develop your creative ability? I can. And so can you!

Related articles

• Trust Your Creative Flow (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Creativity can be a scary word (thecre8tivenative.com)
• How Creativity is Like Matter (themaleblueprint.wordpress.com)
• Creative Confidence – All Ideas Have Value (unlockedbox.typepad.com)
• Demystifying Creativity (thenarcissisticanthropologist.com)

Lines Going Straight….Bah humbug!

Untitled ART BOOK 101 Chapter 1.1 (This will be an ongoing work in progress.)

chapter 1 Straight Lines and Stick Figures, Oh My

Lines Going Straight….Bah humbug!

How many times have you said to yourself, I can’t even draw a straight line or stick figure? How am I suppose to create…..(fill in the blank). What is holding you back? Lack of confidence? Fear? Discouragement? It couldn’t be laziness, could it?

First of all, let us dispel the belief that your lines need to be straight and exact. Very few creative projects require precision unless you are constructing a house or a bridge. Now, pick up your favorite writing/drawing tool. Get out a scrap piece of paper. In fact, go ahead and gather as much scrap paper as you can find. Let’s has some fun creating lines.

I am going to have you close your eyes and create lines for at least 60 seconds (yes, a whole minute). Set up your space so you are sitting comfortably. Have your tools in place: paper and pen/pencil/any other art material you would like. Get ready, get set, GO! Now, take a look at your creation. Never mind passing judgment on your creation, focus on how it felt to just put your pen or pencil to paper and allow yourself to freely create lines? This is one of many ways you can express yourself. It is quite liberating.

I challenge you to try this at least once a day!

©AKOrobko

Follow the development of this book on BLISSFUL ART…my other fabulous WordPress blog dedicated to my artwork.

Related articles

• Philosophy of Straight Lines (2voices1song.com)
• Carry an Axe, and some Dynamite. (boblobslaw.wordpress.com)

Gotcha!

Those “gotcha” moments can be upsetting and make you feel like you’ve been “had”; but, it doesn’t have to dampen your positive outlook.
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I would be dishonest if I did not share with you that I have my moments where I feel disappointment and anger, especially when I follow through and fulfill my promises and the respective party does not. The expectation is there, with verbal agreements and contracts; but, then the communication starts becoming one-sided. The other party has “GOTCHA!” I want to be positive about it and give everyone who touches my life the benefit of doubt (as Jesus would do), but it is not easy. Why would anyone say something and then not follow through. Is it fear? Is it mean-spiritedness? Is it neglect and forgetfulness?

I suppose it is not really for me to know why; but, more for me to decide what will I CHOOSE to do next. I could become cynical and negative, but what does that get me. Will that make me feel any better? No! I need to see the positiveness in this latest event in my life and learn from this experience. I would rather look like the sunflower in the summer sun with my head up high; after all, even a sunflower must experience a rainstorm in order to grow. She always comes out stronger and taller from the nourishment of the water. This rainstorm in my life need not wound my positive spirit or outlook. I will turn this “GOTCHA” moment into a learning experience that will allow me to grow and evolve. Consider the “GOTCHA” moments in your life, how will it shape you?

Related articles

• Please Be Patient As I Learn to Be a Patient (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
• Practicing Patience (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Reaction…Let’s Keep it Positive (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Fresh Start (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• It Only Takes a Second… (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)

Up Your Nose!

Giggles, positive fun, love and laughter are what make our lives worth living!
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

My sister sent me this photo of herself and I about died laughing! The snail up her nose was too  funny to keep to myself. I had to share it on my blog. My brother-in-law captured this picture a couple of days ago. It is as if the snail is checking to see if my sister is keeping her nose clean. Feel free to share it! Let’s go viral with it. Have a wonderful and wacky Wednesday!

It Only Takes a Second…

With 86,400 seconds per day…that is 3600 seconds an hour, I have more than enough time to use a few of those to make someone’s day. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

It only takes a second or two to say hello, thank you, bless you and I love you. It only takes a moment to smile or pat someone on the back. It only takes a few moments to hold open a door or help someone. However, it is in those few selfless moments that touch the hearts of others. How deeply we may impact another, only God knows. How much more time would we spend with others, if we knew today was his or her last day (or last few moments)? Consider making someone’s day. It only takes a second.

Wake Up Happy!

Just because I am not a morning person does not mean I cannot wake up happy!  ~Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

Here are some tips on how to wake up happy that work for me. First of all my bedroom is my sanctuary; therefore, it is cozy and comfortable. The walls are painted in a soothing blue and I have lots of pillows on my bed. I am totally able to relax in my bedroom. I keep the temperature around 72 degrees year round. Sometimes I use fragrances like lavender and soft ambient music to set the mood before I go to sleep. Occasionally I will have chamomile tea or milk before bedtime. Setting the stage is important.

Schedule your sleep so that you routinely get up the same time every day. You will want to have plenty of time in the morning to leisurely take your bath or shower, dress and have a healthy breakfast. This should be a sacred time for you (and your family).

How you are roused from you sleep each morning is also important. Use an alarm clock that can wake you using soft, gentle or happy music whether it is a radio station that plays that type of  music or a CD/mp3 of your favorite ambient or happy music. One of my favorite radio stations is K-LOVE which has some amazingly inspirational music. There is one song that gets me in a great mood each time I hear it called Good Morning by Mandisa.

Good Morning by Mandisa

Another great thing to do is have either your comfy robe and slippers handy or simply have your clothes set out for the day (prepared the night before). My best mornings are when I have everything ready and set out the night before like my outfit, my supplies and writing materials, my purse, my cellular phone, sunglasses and keys. What makes it even better is having breakfast planned/ready so I can eat in a relaxed state. My lunch has been prepared the night before (usually leftover dinner) so that it is ready to take with me out the door. Taking a little time the night before to prepare for the next day make the following mornings wonderful!

One of the BEST things to do to GUARANTEE a JOYFUL morning is to simply CHOOSE to be HAPPY. No amount of preparation and scheduling is going to make anyone happy if they have not already chosen to be happy. So, CHOOSE to WAKE UP HAPPY! I dare you!