Winning Words 12/10/10
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” (Anne Bradstreet) Anne came to America with the Puritans in 1630. The new colony was plagued with illness and starvation, especially during the winter. Even though having a life of poor health, Anne went on to become one of the founders of Harvard Univ. Adversity doesn’t have to get us down. Springtime is coming. ;-) Jack

FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: if there were no sorrow, how could we experience joy? my mom told me that. a person important to us died this week. no matter how sad i feel, i can't stop from smiling when i remember her joyful whimsical spirit. we were lucky to have her in human form. FROM JACK: Attitude makes a big difference in our life. I like the song, "Put on a happy face."

PUT ON A HAPPY FACE
Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It's not your style;
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Ya' decide to smile!
Pick out a pleasant outlook,
Stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that "full of doubt" look,
Slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Just put on a happy face!
Put on a happy face
Put on a happy face
And if you're feeling cross and bitterish
Don't sit and whine
Think of banana split and licorice
And you'll feel fine
I knew a girl so glooming
She'd never laugh or sing
She wouldn't listen to me
Now she's a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face
So, put on a happy face

MORE FROM ML: we sang that song at pre-school graduation one year. just imagine a bunch of 5 year olds putting on happy faces! i'm glad you reminded me of it. we might have to try it again.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: All four seasons account for more than our pleasure. Nevertheless,
each of the seasons gives so many satisfying choices for personal pleasure. Bradstreet's
words are full of insight, and your closing words, "Springtime is coming", are comforting
words of hope. FROM JACK: If the spirit of being a complainer lives within us, no season is a happy one. Honey is sweeter than vinegar.

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE: A very good one! FROM JACK: ...especially since we woke up to snow this morning.

FROM MOLINER CF: Just knowing that spring is coming gives us the strength to shovel snow. FROM JACK: There was a time when I shoveled snow. That's when I dreamed of spring. Now, I just look at the calendar and let the plow guys deal with the snow.

FROM NK IN WISCONSIN: I'll keep this in mind after we just rec'd a major winter snow storm- the worst since 1991! thx! springtime is coming! FROM JACK: I'm waiting for Groundhog Day. When I watch that movie (as I do each year), I know that spring is around the corner. We had our first plowed snow today (Dec 12).

FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: With the temperature outside a stinging 12 degrees, it is good to remember 'Spring will come! I spent last weekend in Chicago, and it was blizzard-like Saturday eve. and Sunday. But Sarah's Chicago Chorale Concert was worth the trip! :-) I have that saying LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS. IT IS ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN prominently displayed in my living room. Adversity can make us better dancers! We have to at least TRY! FROM JACK: When I try dancing (in the rain or not) , it looks like Steve Martin in "The Jerk."