When I saw the word for today’s #JusJoJan prompt by our host Linda Hill, I thought I knew just what to do. It involved a non verbal mini rant about my opinion of certain officials in certain high offices who certainly fall under the category of ridiculous. Then I took a long walk in the gorgeous early morning light and changed my mind, intending to share this image and a remark about the ridiculously perfect weather here.
But, then, something popped into my head that really sealed the deal for me. Our boys grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and we watched a lot of tv with them. There were some classic, never to be matched sitcoms that when viewed today don’t hold the same magic as they did back when. They nonetheless remain in my book of top funniest duos. So, without further ado, I give you…
Balki from Mypos. Don’t beeee…ridiculous!
Okay, okay, I have to pay homage to my all time favorite film series here, as well as honor the memory of the late Alan Rickman. Only he could wear a dress with such Shakespearean style. ❤️
Today’s prompt was provided by Lauren Try stopping by her blog to say hi and visit Lind at the link in the first paragraph to find the rules to this and other great prompts as well as meeting some pretty terrific bloggers.
In a world where so much ugliness slithers its way into our lives even as we struggle to find the beauty there, it can seem that the only day when people really share and care is Christmas.
If we just take a moment to step back and examine what the most beloved holiday of the year represents, we might realize that we experience its magic nearly every day of our lives. Friendship, gifts, love, beauty, brilliance and hope. And if we remember that little overblown holiday between Fright Night and Commercialism’s favorite day, we could add thanksgiving to our list.
So, starting off my list of Good Things is…
1) Traditions
Okay, okay. Yes, this a photo of Harry Potter and you might wonder how it fits in with my theme. Well, yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter movie franchise. I saw this film with my youngest son and it set in motion a tradition for he and I that went on for all the years of the story’s unfolding on the big screen. Harry holds a special place in our hearts. My son even buys me Lego Potter sets to build. It is a magical story that somehow screams of the holidays, likely because they often celebrated Christmas in the films. And it just makes you feel good.
Spending time with my kids has always been the greatest gift in the world and a very good thing.
2) Nature..
Living in such an eco diverse country brings so many moments of magical wonder. This is a Silkmoth Caterpillar. You don’t want to cuddle it. Those feelers pack quite a sting. But if left to continue its business will one day become a gorgeous adult moth.
I’ve seen one up close and they are so amazing.
Pretty huh?
3) Friendship and generosity..
How about this face? Meet Buzzbee. Yes, he’s a hedgehog. He has a brother named Weed who is a bit more shy. These brothers from the bushes are some of the cool ‘children’ of the sweet people who created our little residential oasis here. Les and Julie have a deep love of all things natural. They cultivate a wide variety of garden treasures in their greenhouse, raise chickens and quail and have turned a simple piece of property into an extraordinary bit of paradise. They happily share its bounty with all of us who live here and for this we are thankful.
4) Playtime..
Every evening is outdoor fun time for the little guys with their frisky, in-charge brother Trek keeping watch!
I love making new friends. 😀
5) A safe place to snuggle..
The hedgehogs love running around in the grass and hiding in their burrows on the hill.
Isn’t this a face you can’t resist? ❤️❤️
6) Caring and sharing..
Our hosts Les and Julie are a lovely couple who appreciate their life here in Panama and share with others whenever they can. Julie is involved in community efforts and helps organize and work charity events as well as networking to keep the ladies of Boquete connected. Les is a conscientious gardener and kindly shares the ‘fruits’ of his labors . 😱The lemons.
Julie and Buzzbee! 🤗
7) Thoughtfulness
I was sorely needing a ‘little Christmas’ and since Thanksgiving is not an official holiday here, I was more than happy to start jingling some bells.
This little tree was ours when we spent Christmas here last year, before the disaster. My sweet friend from where we lived before saved it for me, knowing we would return. Thanks Lissy for the encouragement and support during our hardship! We have been blessed with good friends and loving family.
8) Having a magical tree decorating hat! 😜
What do you think, is the magic working?
9) Ending the day watching one of my favorite shows..
I want to change my name to Bob and apply for an architecture apprenticeship at the Lego factory.
My youngest son, also my birthday buddy, saw every Harry Potter movie with me from the time he was around ten. It was our tradition and so much fun. We both love the books, the films and all that the story embodies. Jo Rowling is a hero in many ways. So, when he sent me pics of his own Lego set of Hogwarts, I was envious. It looked amazing. So, for Mother’s Day he surprised me with my own set! This one is Hagrid’s hut and Buckbeak’s near demise and rescue by Harry and Hermione.
I figured I would just start slow, doing a bit each night as a kind of meditation, a mindless enjoyment. I began the set with the adorable little Mother’s Day card kit. It is so sweet.
As you can see from the first photo, there were choices for the message. I asked him which one he would choose for me. He chose this one.😊💕
Then the real fun started. I put together a few pieces the first night.
Then last night I worked on it until I was too tired to see.
Today all bets were off. So much for stretching out the fun, as I worked with feverish glee to get every piece in the right place, making one of my favorite parts of The Prizoner of Azkaban film come to life. As you can see, the set even has a light that comes on for the fireplace! (That’s to keep Hagrid’s Dragon egg warm..)
So there you have it, my new career has been decided upon. But until then, I hope to get more sets cuz lego fun has been a mind saving distraction for me. And I get to have my good friends from Hogwarts with me all the time now. Thanks again Willard! 😘🤗
