I'm going to try to make this a new, regular, weeklyish feature. The world needs to focus on happy things, don't you agree?...
1. PERSON: Jimmy Stewart. I recently saw the sweetest PBS television special about James Stewart. I've always loved his movies, and I was extrasuperpleased to discover what an animal lover he was. He and his horse, Pie, starred together in over 17 movies, and shared a strong, loving bond based on mutual respect. Mr. Stewart spoke to Pie openly on set. Jimmy would even sometimes prep Pie by giving him "stage directions," telling him verbally where he would need to hit his marks for various shots. In one famous western scene, Pie had to slowly walk down a long, dark street by himself, and stop at a specific spot, all without anyone riding him, or leading him along. The Assistant Director asked Jimmy if he could explain the scene to the horse. He did, and, to the surprise of everyone but Jimmy and Pie, the horse seemed to understand perfectly. As the cast and crew watched in amazement, Pie completed his scene in one shot.
Here's one of my favorite Jimmy Stewart quotes:
"Animals give me more pleasure through the viewfinder of a camera than they ever did in the crosshairs of a gunsight. And after I've finished 'shooting,' my unharmed victims are still around for others to enjoy. I have developed a deep respect for animals. I consider them fellow living creatures with certain rights that should not be violated any more than those of humans."
2. PLACE: Powell's Sweet Shoppe. No, not Sweat Shop... we're talking sweets! Yumyumyum. Remember the little candy store Charlie went to before his life-changing visit with Mr. Wonka? This is that store's doppelganger. It's bright, cheerful, and, most importantly... FULL OF CANDY! Kids love this place, but, honestly I think that grownups probably love it even more. Powell's carries all the nostalgic yummies from olden times, hard-to-find weirdo tasties, and the latest "kid cool" candies, too. On the website, grownups can print out these awesome, free candy reward certificates for kids. DID YOU HEAR THAT, TEACHERS? There is a little fine print, but it's reasonable, simple, happy fine print (don't worry, the candy's really free, and your child won't turn into a huge blueberry!) Powell's also throws birthday parties and has really excellent fundraising programs for schools & things. Unlike Starbucks & stuff, there aren't a whole lot of Powell's, so when you find one, it's an especially treatsy treat :)
3. THING: The Bonnie Hunt Show. This is a delightful program! Now, how often do you hear people say the words "this is a delightful program"...? TV seems to have a lot of depressing, angry, creepy stuff on it these days...lots of explosions, yelling, and mean spirited wisecracking. The Bonnie Hunt Show is a refreshingly Creepish Free Zone. Bonnie Hunt herself is a warm, silly-smart, funny girl, and she has the cutest dog ever (named Charlie, who makes regular guest appearances.) Her topics are fun, friendly, & positive (and, in being so, IMPORTANT!) If you like dogs and cute stuff, you'll likely like this show,too :)
So, those are three things I love right now. If you have a blog, maybe you'll want to try sharing three weekly things, too... then there'll be six happy things, then nine, then... maybe one week...2,400!
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