Thursday, March 20, 2014

International Day of Happiness and the Equinox

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
Nathaniel Hawthorne

International Day of Happiness
Did you even know there was such an occasion?  I didn't until I saw some posts on Instagram.  Turns out it was established by the United Nations General Assembly on June 28, 2012.
Our school held its International Day Festival today with the theme "The World is Our Village".  Unfortunately, my days are always so busy there's little time for much else, so I just had a quick look around at noon.   Booths were set up by regions rather than by countries as they have been in the past.
Today also marks the first day of spring in the US and some other parts of the Northern Hemisphere.  As you can see by all the short sleeves, it was a warm day here.  I know many of you are truly wishing warmer weather would come your way to stay rather than just visit for a day.
As for my little visitor yesterday, Marilyn tells me that it was not a bee but a wasp.  Interesting!  I've only ever had experience with the sort of wasps that build nests and go crazy when they are bothered.  This little fellow was happy as could be flitting about my geraniums and wasn't bothered by my presence at all. Amazing what you learn when you Google.  Turns out there are solitary wasps and social wasps.  Perhaps my fellow was a solitary wasp which is why I mistook him for a bee.
 
I sure hope Jingles doesn't come into contact with a wasp or a bee.  She tried to catch one when she was little and got stung which caused her mouth to swell up.  Not sure how she managed it today, but she did wind up catching a butterfly.  She ran in from the balcony and was batting it around the living room before I knew what was going.  Saving it was futile, of course.
Another weekend here has begun and that makes me very happy.
Happy day!
Happy Spring!

19 comments:

Mereknits said...

The beginning of the weekend is reason enough to celebrate National Happiness Day. Have a wonderful day,
Hugs,
Meredith

Createology said...

My wish is for everyday to be International Happiness day and we all listen to Pharrell Williams sing "Happy, Clap Along". No matter what is happening this absolutely elevates me and my mood. Stay safe from flying/stinging creatures dear...

Betsy said...

Our Chloe once snapped at a bee and had quite a swollen lip for awhile. I would hope she has learned her lesson but I'm afraid she would do it again anyway. :-). I sure thought it was a bee yesterday too. Well, you learn something new every day! Have a lovely weekend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Kate said...

What a nice reason to celebrate :-) Happy International Day of Happiness!

homemade@myplace said...

happy day to you!!!!!
xxxxxx Ale

Susan said...

Hi Tammy....Didnt know about that holiday at all. Hope your weekend continues to be VERY happy! Susan

Teresa Kasner said...

What a neat celebration! We should all do that every day. Poor butterfly, but happy kitty.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

A little happy place said...

I love seeing your ginger cat Tammy....we sadly lost ours this year, but she has a long and happy life chasing butterflies. Have a great weekend. Sarah xo

Tanna said...

I'd never seen a wasp like that either. Isn't it fun the things you learn through blogging and the internet!? I'll be Jingles was pleased with herself. Our cat, Velvet, would always come bringing her "prize" to the door meowing to the top of her little lungs for affirmation of her wonderful hunting skills. ;)

Since I didn't know about the Happy Day until it was over, I'm celebrating today! LOL! blessings ~ tanna

Linda said...

Yes, the Cicada Killer wasps here are solitary wasps and rarely ever bother anyone or sting, but they are so large and scary that it bothers me when they're in our yard mid summer to fall.

We're very happy here to be beginning our spring break week! My husband and I always take time off around this time as well because family is #1 so when our daughter is off, we like to be as well. :)

Hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend,
Linda

Sam I Am...... said...

Happy Spring to you...it was very nice here yesterday and warm. It's nice to air out the house and have the windows open for a change. How did you manage to take a picture of a flying wasp and a pretty one at that? Yes, Jingles...stay away from things that "buzz"! Enjoy your weekend!

Laurie said...

Hi Tammy, I didn't know there was an International Day of Happiness, either. I learn something new everyday. How awesome!

We once had a cat that looked like Jingles. Her name was Milo. She lived a long happy life. And, she used to catch lizards and bring them to us. Yuck! But to her, she was gifting us with one of her greatest treasures. LOL!

Anonymous said...

I think you must have had a great Int'l Day of Happiness. Just seeing Jingles on the chair made my day a little happier.

Tanya said...

Looks like you're in for a wonderful weekend...hope it's FILLED with butterflies, Tammy! XOXO

Our Neck of the Woods said...

I'm so glad spring is finally here in my neck of the woods! Today we are supposed to hit 70 degrees F. I am so excited! I didn't know there was an International Day of Happiness. That's awesome!

PS - So sorry about your neighbor. I do hope someone is taking care of his bees!

Linda said...

What a nice day for International happiness Day, the sun is flitting in and out of the clouds here in the UK, but it's not cold and the sun is pleasant.

Have a great day x

TLC said...

Jingles with a butterfly... that is priceless! Yes let's hope he doesn't get near something that would sting him

Jennifer Hays said...

What an interesting wasp. It's huge! The school event looks very nice, I would have loved to attend. I hope you're having a good day.

Vicki Boster said...

Such beautiful spring blooms-- love that color!! I always love seeing photos of your sweet Jingles-- he's so pretty-- a bad boy though for nabbing the butterfly!

Vicki

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