And when the tide rolls out, what do you see?

    Life isn't about stumbling across whatever it may be that you're searching for. It's about pursuing those things and embracing all you see in the smallest yet grandest forms.
    Today, I went on a trip with Lauren to pick up 2 five month old opossums. The drive to Boston alone was an adventure. Nobody on the road seemed to have a license or even the most basic concepts of driving. The city of tunnels had us going through withdrawal from the sunlight. Each path seemed to be against us, as the direction we didn't want was always bathed in sunlight while our own was dark and somewhat depressing.
    Arriving at the cargo pickup location was yet another adventure. An adventure filled with rude individuals and extreme confusion. Seeing as we arrived early, we ventured into East Boston. We were lost, but a subtle lost. We seemed out of place (of course) but with a purpose.
    We came across a small, beautiful park with a playground. We parked the van and did the logical thing; we got out and played on the swings. Then we moved on to the rest of the playground.
    At times I find myself missing my childhood. My childhood laughter ended early, so I often find myself trying to relive the things that used to make me smile. Playing on playgrounds is one of those things. I refuse to sit by and wait for something to make me happy. I actively pursue the things I know I love, and if those are nowhere to be found.... I find the joy in what I have around me. I laugh at the slightest humor. I smile at every passing person. I hug everyone and everything when I get the chance. I look at pictures of basset hounds running, because it's adorable and inspiring. Have you ever tried running with that long os a body and extremely short, stubby legs with your ears flopping everywhere? :)

    Don't wait for happiness to find you. You have two acceptable options. Find it yourself or make it. You'll never be disappointed when your happiness is in your own hands.


One habit I have taken to during my search for smiles is collecting the stickers from bananas. I currently hold four.

"I <3 your heart"

"I'm good for you and the Earth"

"I'm ECO-friendly"

"Kiss me, I'm organic"

    I hope you find joy around every corner. I hope you find friends in the darkest of times when their presence alone means more than you realize. I hope you find love, when all you feel is hate.

    Remember to smile before you realize you're frowning. We expect the sun to rise tomorrow. Remember, it expects the same of you. Every moment of your life can be an adventure. Live it.

Old friends can remind you that they still care with simple things. "whenever I see a picture of you laughing, I always hear your laugh" - Miranda. Remember not to forget them.