#384: Getting a Movie Theatre All To Yourself

Reason to Be Happy #384:

Getting A Movie All To Yourself

Okay, so it's not such a great thing for the movie theatre itself, but every now and then, this is a lovely treat. No one's talking, no one's texting, no one's answering their damn phone. Clear, unobstructed view. It's fantastic.

So is the blog by James Napoli for Huff Post Comedy which is the source of the photo:

Dear Movie-Going Friends: 'It Wasn't as Bad as You Think' No Longer Qualifies as a Good Review

#383: The Little Black Snip on Joey's Pink Nose

Reason to Be Happy #383:

The Little Black Snip on Joey's Pink Nose

I admit it. I know I'm obviously very partial, but I love my cat's face. I've already used his crazy eyebrows as a reason to be happy. Another facial feature I'm fond of is his pink pink nose, and that little snippet of black that curls into one nostril—like the makeup from his black mask dripped. 

This is his "I'm very serious and thoughtful" expression.

#382: Chilly Autumn Nights for Great Sleep

Reason to Be Happy #382:

Chilly Autumn Nights for Great Sleep

I love love love opening the windows on a chilly autumn night and snuggling under lots of quilts and blankets. Best sleep in the world. The fine fellow in this photo is Montgomery, a big yellow tom I was lucky to know for almost fifteen years. He was a big ol' snuggler.

Thanks to Tracy Wasmer for listing this great reason to be happy on my Facebook Author Page.

#381: The Old Man Who Sits In His Yard & Waves When I Run By

Reason to Be Happy #381:

The Old Man Who Sits in His Yard & Waves at Me When I Run By

I don't know his name. He doesn't know mine. But we'd recognize each other anywhere. On nice days, he sits in his yard in a lawn chair. He always looks happy and content. As I jog by he waves and we both call, "Hello!" and comment on the weather.

Every fourth or fifth time he'll tell me, "The cops are gonna ticket you for speeding!" I laugh like he's never said it before. (It's never, ever true, by the way, about my speed).

When I round that corner and he's not there, I'm disappointed.

When I round the corner and see his baseball cap and his cheery smile, I'm genuinely happy.

#380: The Wrinkles on Puppy Foreheads

 Reason to Be Happy #380:

The Wrinkles on Puppy Foreheads

 This adorable cutie patootie's name is Wilbee, and he belongs to Jean Howat Berry (lucky Jean).

This is a wonderful reason to be happy. I wish I'd thought of it myself, but it came from a reader on my Facebook Author page. Cathy Nigg Thayer won a copy of the wonderful new novel by Kelly O'Connor McNees called In Need of a Good Wife (and even though you didn't win a copy, you should check that book out! It will be published in October, and it's really, really good!)

While you wait for that publication day, just admire this sweet puppy's forehead wrinkles.

Ahh...

#379: Play Dates With Humphrey

 Reason to Be Happy #379:

Play Dates With Humphrey

 I love goats. I think that's no secret. I love them because they're smart and mischievous and funny. I probably love them because I'm Capricorn and a little bit of a tenacious, stubborn goat girl myself. But as much as I love goats in general, I love one particular goat in specific.

 Humphrey is my very favorite goat in the whole wide world. He's a very fine fellow and getting to go hang out with him is always a reason to be happy. He's very playful, but also very affectionate. If he's in the mood, you can get him to rear up and come charging at you, which is kind of a riot. He looks very fierce and comedic at the same time when he does his infamous rearing pose, with his pretty little head cocked to the side.

 He has beautiful markings and a very noble face, in my humble opinion. And his long white beard makes me grin. His funny atonal voice? It's like an infusion of happiness. You kinda have to giggle when you hear it.

Humphrey belongs to dear friends of mine, and I think they are very lucky people to get to bask in Humphrey's presence every day (and they are wise enough to know that, too).

All these photos were taken by the very talented Libbi Burgan.