NO TECHNOLOGY

Merry Christmas to me…

…I got the new iPod nano…small…pink...a pocket-sized music box. 

It got me thinking…

In order to get this WONDERFUL gift working…I had to load it on my computer.  Of course…I wanted the world to know how happy I was…so I got on face book and posted the news…I texted a few friends.

Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE MY PRESENTS.

More so…I LOVE TECHNOLOGY.

But if I wanted to unplug for a day...  How might that go…?

I think for the first few hours I could keep myself occupied.

But today is as good a day as any. 

It’s SNOWING!

So, I think I’m going to take this day and unplug as best I can.

I’m going to continue to listen to my sweet little brother sing…

Not songs mind you…but stuff he’s made up.

For instance…he got a buzz light-year for Christmas…this is what he was singing…

“I can fly...over the city…I can fly over the city.  Flyyyyy..over the city, city, city, city…fly over the city.”

I’m sure we’ll play a board game of some sort.  I can imagine it would be a trivia game.

With all this snow, we’re bound to build a snowman….make snow angels…throw snow balls. 

Maybe we can come inside and warm up by the fire...

How would you spend an unplugged day?  Plan it here and then DO IT! 

- The Happy Book

Childhood Games!

Not knowing how the world works can leave your mind to wander. 

You believe things based off of what you already know. 

Children are notorious for behaving this way. 

You did it! 

I did it. 

The next HUNDREDS of generations will do it. 

A child’s imagination is something. 

It’s very comical to think the way that they do.

I remember a lot of the games my sisters and I used to play. 

Being that there were three of us, we had to use quite a bit of our imagination – after all board games were usually designed for an even amount of participants.

LAUGHING…I decided to let others in on the adventures of…

 ‘the Peyton sisters’.

Game # 1:

“If Baby licks you, you have to have Petey lick you within 10 minutes or you die!”

The name of the game, pretty much speaks for itself.

Players:  3

In order to play, you will need the following:

-       (2) small dogs (preferably one named BABY and one named PETEY) (preferably one that licks a lot and another that doesn’t)

-       A lot of room to RUN!

The object of the game: don’t get licked by BABY…or the dog that licks a lot.

Getting started:

-       Decide which dog is ‘evil’ and which dog is ‘good’.  It’s easy to decide!  (The dog that licks a lot is evil – the dog that doesn’t is good.)  oh, how our little, young minds think. : )

-       Start at a random place in this big area…be sure that both dogs are with all participants.

-       Play with the dogs.

Rules:

-       If the ‘evil’ dog licks you, you have TEN minutes to try to get the ‘good’ dog to lick you.

o   If the ‘good’ dog licks you, you have been saved.

o   If the ‘good’ dog did NOT lick you, whatever body part that ‘evil’ dog licked, is dead. i.e. if the ‘evil’ dog licked your arm, you can no longer use that arm.

-       You play like this until all your body parts die.  Once all your body parts die, then you are dead…and must lay where you were last licked.

-       House rules are acceptable!  The more imagination, the better!

Deciding the winner:

-       The winner is the LAST person still alive.

Game # 2:

Brockey

‘Brockey’ is an imaginary term.  It stems from the words BROOM and HOCKEY.  (Apparently it's a real game.  Of course..ours is BETTER!)

Players: 3

In order to play, you will need:

-       Brooms, one for each player

-       Roller blades, a pair for each player

-       Tennis ball

-       Suggestion – pads! (Let’s be safe people!)

 The object of the game:  SCORE!

Getting started:

-       Choose two hockey players (note, you will be on opposing teams)

-       Choose a goalie (note, you will guard one goal for both teams)

-       Choose a goal.  (The goal must be the doorway to another room…)

Rules:

-       The opposing team members start in the center of the room with the tennis ball on the ground…each in a HOCKEY pose.

-       The goalie says GO, and you try to get the tennis ball into the next room…using the BROOM and your skates…that’s it!

-       The goalie doesn’t want ANYONE to score…and can stop you from scoring however they want.

-       House rules are acceptable!  The more imagination, the better!

Deciding the winner:

a.    The goalie either decides the winner…

b.   Or the person with the most goals wins.

Game # 3:

Hot, deathly, killing, monstrous LAVA

Players: 3

In order to play, you will need:

-       Lots of furniture.

 The object of the game:  Don’t die from the LAVA…

-       You want to go from one end of the house to the other, WITHOUT touching the floor. 

-       This will involve lots of jumping…and screaming…close calls…and even death!

-       House rules are acceptable!  The more imagination, the better!

Deciding the winner:

You are a winner as long as you can make it to the other end of the house – without dying!

Have FUN!

What were your favorite games to play as a kid?  - The Happy Book

Author: You!

She was as blind as Santa without Rudolph

written by: 

Chelsea Peyton

Kasie Pryor

Ashley Metz

Jamie Peyton

Tommy Metz

It was the night before Christmas and Santa was nowhere to be seen.

All you could hear was the crackling of the fire; and Santa’s sugar cookies waited to be munched on.

Unfortunately, Liz (the owner of said fire) had mistakenly put out dog biscuits for Santa to gobble down rather than sugar cookies (you see she was nearly as blind as a bat and in her haste, she grabbed the wrong prescription glasses and even more unfortunately, the smell of sugar cookies was an imposter... plug in smell makers come in every scent these days). So there the "cookies" sat, in all their glory.

As they sat on the kitchen table, Liz waited for her warm Christmas dinner to cook and thought about how kind it would be if Mr. Friendly (her not so nice neighbor) had a warm dinner too. If only he were nice enough to accept the offer though. Liz and her four girls, so curious, go up to his front steps every year and leave a pie coupled with a Christmas card hoping to break Mr. Friendly of his un-inviting smirk; maybe this year he’ll be more pleasing to be around. Maybe he does have a soft spot, she thought.  As usual, his Christmas spirit was low, and as Liz always told her girls, Christmas spirit played a very important part in Santa’s whereabouts.  At this rate, Santa will never get to those “cookies”.  

As some might have guessed, Mr. Friendly did have his heart broken.  This damage was done by his not so friendly wife, 15 years ago around this time. This is why he never has Christmas spirit, nor does he care to be around his thoughtful neighbors. The truth of the fact is he was happy to be rid of such a nit-picky wife.  And his heart breaking had little to do with her leaving, and more to do with the memories she left behind.  Mr. Friendly was simply scared that Liz might try to set him up with another over bearing woman; she did after all set him up with the last four.

Liz had little realization of her fondness of Mr. Friendly; she only wanted to see him happy…and sought after his soul mate for that reason.  Liz was blind in more ways than one.  It’s a good thing she asked for better eye-sight from Santa and being that she was good all year, and probably put down on the ‘nice’ list; she was bound to get more than she bargained for. 

Proof of Santa started to become evident the next morning.  After a few more slices of Liz’ pie and a trip to the hospital, Mr. Friendly started to live up to his name.  Liz walked outside in hopes to catch Mr. Friendly taking his morning walk, when she slipped on some ice.  With a broken leg and damped cheeks, Liz was carried to the hospital with Mr. Friendly by her side.  Months spent in recovery, Mr. Friendly being her care-taker, Liz pulled through.  Her fondness grew to love, and she wasn’t the only one who realized this gift.

‘The Friendly’s’ found out the true meaning of Christmas as Santa gave them the best gift of all time, love. Love is the most important thing anyone can have, and it comes from many different things (from family or neighbors…from your friends who are always there for you). But that year, they found the greatest love of all. It was the unexpected love; the kind that finds its way around you and blinds you for very long periods of time. Liz realized her passion for Mr. Friendly’s happiness would only be complete if he were in her life. This is what makes Christmas so special. Love is the most sought after, and the most underestimated.

Merry Christmas!

May you find your true love.

Come up with the most odd, cryptic, or ridiculous scenario you can imagine, and write it as the first line of the story in an email.  Forward the email to a friend to write the next line (have them return the email, so you can keep up with the story).  After that, share it with another friend to write the third line, and so on.  Enlist as many friends as you want.  Once everyone’s written a line, write another line, and pass it around again.  The only rules?  Build the story in new and unexpected ways.  The weirder, wackier, and more ridiculous the better. 

Need help getting started, try one of these prompts:

-       You go to the grocery store and realize all the food has been replaced by toasters.

-       You bring home a kitten from the animal shelter and learn it speaks perfect English.

-       Once upon a time, there was a girl named Kyra who wanted to create a magical roller skating rink.

-       The Happy Book

Happy Songs

As my grandpa Jimmy says, there is a song for everything. 

As a fan of ‘instrumental music’…I want to introduce my second series. 

The first was not officially established; to rewind a little, the happy list. 

The second though…will be a list of happy songs. 

These songs are simply those you wish to share with others. 

The list will start off small, but will grow as the weeks pass.

I will post the music video, link, pictures, a story, etc.; something to represent what I think the song is saying, and why it makes me happy.

Feel free to add to my list. 

Of course, you’re always welcome to create a list of your own.

NOW

Of course…the first song on the list is related to… CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

I would tell you what it is, but what’s the fun in that? 

Just see the HAPPY SONGS page…and don’t forget to SING ALONG!


Start a list of happy songs here.  Try to add a new song every week.  Ask your friends to contribute.  – The Happy Book

Choose your pen...leave your mark!

The difference in those things that make people happy is worth discovering. 

I am a happy person…a lot of things make me happy.  When I first started this blog, I asked everyone to create a list of things that make them happy.  What’s great about this list is you can continuously add to it; every day I find something new that makes me smile. 

Not only can you add to your own list, but you can ask others to create a list as well…spreading the joy…isn’t that what it’s all about?

With Christmas just 23 days away, most new HAPPY moments is in relation to this merry holiday.  Out of pure excitement, I wanted to add to my list.

11. Listening to ‘Santa Claus Is Back In Town’ by Elvis Presley

12. Reading Christmas children books at Barnes & Noble (specifically those that involve interaction)

13.  Finding a station on the radio, that plays Christmas music ALL day long

14.  Taking a detour to look at Christmas lights

15.  Finding mistletoe and using it to make an excuse to kiss your honey passionately in public

16.  Bumping into ‘Santa Claus’ everywhere you go

17.  Jumping up and down like a 5-year-old child, excited to tell Santa…or a man in red, that looks like Santa…what you want for Christmas

18.  Picking out Christmas cards and writing to your loved ones, wishing them a joyful holiday

19.  Christmas Shopping

20.  Watching someone un-wrap the present you gave them

Guest Scribble

Justin Rice (Tito) from Texas says the smell of new shoes, the smell of a new car, and a puppy sleeping are a few things that make him happy.

Kasie Pryor from Seattle says ice cream sandwiches make her happy. 

To check out things on the other side of the world, that could make you happy, visit 

http://luv2bme2008.blogspot.com/

Tommy Metz from Irmo, SC (God's Country) says seeing someone get something they really deserve, (usually someone who has worked really hard to get it), makes him happy.

 Every day, you see the same people – colleagues, classmates, your bus driver, your neighbor.  Find one of those people – someone you see every day, but don’t know well at all – and invite him or her to write a list of a few things that make him or her happy – post it here.

Feeling sheepish? Visit www.writeinmyjournal.com for inspiration.

 – The Happy Book

Happy Map

Travel to a place where dreams come true!

As lucky as a girl can be, I recently took a trip to the ever so magical Disney World.  Shaking pixie dust from my hair and finding it hard to quit practicing ‘princess hands’ is not enough.  As a diehard fan of a place that makes every dream come true, it is my duty to pass on the enchantment of Walt. 

Disney Fan?

http://www.istinkinlovedisney.blogspot.com/ 

View Larger Map

Head on over to Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) and create your own personalized happy map of the all the countries, cities, and streets that mean the world to you. 

Print it out and paste a copy here.

-       The Happy Book

A little wisdom from Walt...

“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.”

“All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles has strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

 Disney Fans? 

http://www.istinkinlovedisney.blogspot.com/

What’s your favorite thing?  Find a bunch of happy quotes about it and write them here.  – The Happy Book

Absolute Favorite People

One of my absolute favorite people is my Momall. 

Rita Carol Peyton

Birthday: (Today) – November 5

One thing that’s great about your grandparents is the comfort you feel when you’re with them or talking to them.

I know when I talk to my Momall; I can always count on talking about the weather.  It’s such a simple choice in topic – and yet hearing about the seasons change warms my heart. 

It reminds me that although life continues and as things alter in their age or beauty, one thing remains…family.

Who are your favorite people in the world?  List them here... 

– The Happy Book

Where the Sidewalk Ends...

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

If you’re familiar with Shel Silverstein books, you know that he is the master of the silly but poignant rhyme, and that he has awesome poems about picking one’s nose, bears living in refrigerators, and the perils of not taking out the garbage.  If you’re not familiar with his work, it’s time to start, www.shelsilverstein.com. 

Write your favorite Shel Silverstein poem here, and then try and memorize it. 

– The Happy Book

ooohhh...shiny!!

Glittery and sparkly items?  Collect them like a bird building nest – with an eye for shiny things and a willingness to put them all together willy-nilly.  Paste em’ here.  – The Happy Book

It's Pumpkin Carving Time!!

Meet HOWARD.  He's my pumpkin.

There are so many wonderful reasons to love this time of year. 

1.    Walking out of the house in the morning, and feeling a little chilly

2.    Walking to your car, and listening to the leaves crunch under your feet

3.    Driving down the street, watching the leaves fall onto your car...

4.    …looking in your rearview mirror and seeing the leaves dance behind you

5.    Wearing boots…

6.    …wrapping scarves around your neck

7.    Festivals

8.    The State Fair

9.    Dressing up in costumes

10. And of course, carving pumpkins!!!!!!!!

Without a doubt, the most recognizable symbol of Halloween is a carved pumpkin…the jack-o-lantern. 

Halloween is a night invested in make-up, masks, gowns, capes, wigs, haunted houses, ringing door bells, “tricks” or “treat’s”…

Like most anti-holiday, un-happy people, it’s a reason for candy makers to indulge in there riches and schemes.  But, even if there wasn’t such a thing as all hollows eve or Halloween…we would come up with some other way to celebrate this time of year…something to look forward to.

Did you know…  

“Halloween is actually based on the summer’s end, an ancient Celtic holiday.  It was the end of the Celtic year, starting at sundown on October 31^st and going through

to sundown November 1^st.  It was a night to honor loved ones that had passed on

 since the veil between their realm and ours is at its thinnest on that night.

Celebrated for centuries by the Celts of old, Witches and many other nature based religions, it is the most magical night of the year.  It is the Witches’ New Year, and the Last Harvest.  Although the religious significance of it has passed for the general public, Halloween is a “magical” night for all.

On this magical night, glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, were set on porches and in windows to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection against malevolent spirits.  Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.

When European settlers, particularly the Irish, arrived in America, they found the native pumpkin to be larger, easier, and seemed the perfect choice for jack-o-lanterns.  Halloween didn’t really catch on big in this country until the late 1800’s and has been celebrated in so many ways since!”

Choosing your pumpkins…

There is no particular way to choose the right pumpkin for your Halloween festivities.  You just have to know what you want.  There are different colors, shapes, sizes...just know that if it isn't a traditional pumpkin, it might be harder to carve.  But it can be done. 

Around this time of year, you can find pumpkins, of all kinds, just about anywhere.

We picked up HOWARD from the farmer’s market.

Pumpkin carving tools…

Where ever you pick up your pumpkin, there should also be tools to carve them.  I know you can find tool kits at Wal-Mart. Everything you need, including stencils, are packaged together.

Traditional Carving or Carving with Stencils…

Either way you carve your pumpkin – it will be fun! 

Going the traditional way is the way I like to do it.  There’s nothing better than to see a fun loving pumpkin smiling at you from the front porch, when you pull into your drive way at night.

...see Howard...

Carving with a stencil will take more time and more effort as it requires more patience.  But once you’ve finished, it is totally worth it.

The act of actually carving…

So…you’ve chosen your pumpkin…you’ve gathered the tools…you decided to either do a traditional face or to use a stencil…

Now you have to actually carve the pumpkin.  This part is not hard…it is a little difficult for a dainty girl like me…

Step 1: Create a lid…

All you have to do is carve a hole at the top of the pumpkin.  Be sure to cut the hole at an inward angle, so the lid will stay on once you are finished.  If you cut the hole straight down, the lid will fall in on itself…

Step 2:  Remove all the guts…

This is my favorite part.  It is an orange mess…oh.so.much.fun!

It’s as simple as it suggests…just get all of that stuff out of there…

Step 3: Carve the inside of the walls…

The pumpkin needs to be smooth and rid of all its junk.  So to be sure you do this, carve the walls to where all the grim is gone.  Be sure that it’s as smooth as you can get it.  But don’t carve it to where there is no pumpkin left.  Use your best judgment.

Step 4:  Make a face…

Well…you did it.  Now just create the face…or follow the directions in using the stencil.

  Celebrate the season.  Go out and get a pumpkin.  Create a masterpiece, take pictures of your orange adventure, and paste them here!