Did deck work again. The hour a day idea is a good one, makes the work seem painless. The squirrels have generously amassed a pile of walnut shells on the railing. They must have fun while I am away. The Jays are still playing and the geese have not left yet (I am surprised at this because they started their practice maneuvers particularly early this year)

I would turn on the news as I paint, but music is so much more uplifting. (Van Morrison is on now - prolific musician and poet) It would be easy to depress yourself listening to the news, especially with all of the insanity in Washington now. Wouldn't it be something if our leaders actually pulled the country together instead of dividing the nation? I believe they are attempting to create a crisis instead of prevent one and just using the American people as a means to their ends.  Come on - isn't everyone's job essential to them? Since all of the jobs create jobs for others in some way shape or form aren't they all essential? And what about the ones that generate an income for the states, like the parks, aren't they essential too? And why is Congress not subject to the rules they make?  You could get extremely stressed listening to the news, which is why, I live in a cave. When I think of leaders, I think of Churchill - keep calm and carry on, bringing the country together, not splitting it. You didn't see the Brits riot when they were bombed, they worked together. We need to remember that we are in this together. I promised myself there would be no  politics in this blog, so that's the extent of my soapbox.

That is why having some spiritual strength is handy. In hard times it can lift you up and in good times it can help you help others. Plus, believe it or not, what you read and listen to affects your mood. I would rather be in a good mood, share a laugh and read a good story that brood all day. The world moved forward when people had hope and optimism (just look at history to prove it).

If you're looking for inspiration you can talk to hopeful people, immigrants of each generation who have made their lives better. You can think of the Edisons and Fords and Jobs, who dared to dream... or you can search the web. AOL has a link called the 10 happiest places on the internet (pasted below)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/30/positive-thinking-the-10-_n_2582102.html

In my dark days (and I've had them) it was the spiritual side that gave me hope. That and friends will get you far.

By the way, my friend says that he is getting some sleep and is feeling a bit improved.