THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Smile

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I like to smile, probably can’t tell under that mask I’ve had on for a few years now. There are times when it’s tough to find that smile. Sometimes I slip and get in a funk and forget to make the effort. Happens a lot less now thankfully than in my younger years when I could use a smile or laugh to hide how I was feeling.

I can sit by myself and smile. I can smile listening to others. My smile triples when I hear my children’s voices. I could smile at someone who thinks they know everything in the world but might not have a clue their shoes aren’t tied.

Smile. Photo by Mike Hartley

The older I’ve gotten the more smiles I’ve been blessed with. Grandchildren really add to the grand total quickly. Acceptance of some things that are no longer worth fighting over or for brings a smile. Having found a barber I like now brings a smile to my face when it’s time to cut the roof.

I’m starting to smile at things on the job that would just drive me nuts before. I’m starting to smile when I make a mistake instead of beating myself up for a few days.

I just smiled at the thought of a warm summer morning around this time and heading out to the ocean and catching a sunrise as I cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Looking west coming over the Bay Bridge. Photo by Mike Hartley

I smiled at the thought that I’d been given another day. Life has so many things to smile at but anger seems to be the emotion of the day at times now. Things are tough for a lot of people. But there are people out there who don’t value life which makes it tough for the rest of us.

I need to make it part of my mission to help people find reasons to smile. Because when you don’t see an opportunity or feel poorly mentally or physically, it’s hard to smile, but not impossible to turn around.


Random Thoughts of the Day

  • And the Baltimore Sun loses another customer.
  • You know what season is upon us, Candy season. (Valentines and Easter) some of my favorite candies.
  • Wishing an important person to us a speedy recovery starting tomorrow.
  • There’s never been a better time to make things better for everyone. But its also a good time to prepare for the worst of everyone.

Author: Mike Hartley

With a lifetime and a half in the Newspaper industry I'm preparing for my retirement career as an Artist, Writer, Photographer and Video content provider. I'm a proud father of two wonderful children and I'm still married to the first girl I fell in love with and probably only one that would have me.

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