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March Merriment

March 14, 2017 By Jean Wise

March Madness Merriment

 merriment. healthyspirituality.org

How about some March Madness Merriment?

Winter dreariness is getting me down.  The news, arguments, and tensions wear on my nerves.  I need some joy, a touch of laughter, and something whimsical to ponder. And March is my birthday month so why not write about something light, inspirational and fun today!

Brain Pickings printed an insightful article about Hermann Hesse’s wisdom about busyness. Here is one quote that jumped out for me:

“I would simply like to reclaim an old and, alas, quite unfashionable private formula:

Moderate enjoyment is double enjoyment.

And: Do not overlook the little joys!”

Let’s have some March Merriment!

Middle Name Merriment

Did you know and miss that March 10th was National Middle Name Day?  I know I missed that celebration.

What is your middle name and how did you get it?  My second name is Anne and I was named for my great Aunt Anna.   And yes, as Anne Shirley would say proudly (if you watched Anne of Green Gables) – “Yes, that is Anne with an “E!”

Actually, the national day is called Middle Name Pride Day as many people are ashamed of their middle names.  I wonder how many people do feel embarrassed by their second names.  Used to be people were given a name that was a family name – my dad’s middle name was Rinkes, not very popular.

Napping Merriment

Yesterday, March 13, was National Napping Day – on a Monday???

Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk

about three o’clock every afternoon

and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.
– Barbara Jordan

Story Merriment

I love the celebration of World Storytelling Day on Monday March 20.  Think of the joy and good news we could spread that day and everyday using stories. Just like Jesus used parables to teach, having a good story to share brings people together, gives smiles and fills hope in hearts.

merriment. healthyspirituality.org

Math Merriment

March 14 is Pi Day, as 3.14.  Can you define Pi?  I had to look it up – it’s the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.  I think I will just eat pie instead.

March 14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday – a coincidence??

Birthday Merriment

Speaking of birthdays – mine arrives this Saturday.  To celebrate I lowered the price of one of my books Spiritual Retreats – A Guide to Slowing down to be with God. The e-book version is only 99 cents and the print version is $5.99 until Sunday, March 19.

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Buzzard Merriment

The buzzards return to Hinkley, Ohio on March 15th. See how desperate Ohio gets in winter time?  Though I admit I was giddy as a kid on Christmas morning when I spotted my first robin last week.

merriment. healthyspirituality.org

Puppy Merriment

And who can resist smiling when seeing puppies?  March 23 is National Puppy Day.

Puppies are the most trusting and joyous creatures on the planet.
Oh, to be more like a puppy.
~Colleen Paige

If you are reading this by email, take the time to come to the blog and watch this adorable You-tube video.

Biblical Merriment

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17: 22

It lifts the spirit to smile and ponder the silly, whimsical and quirky aspects of living.

Play can be a good spiritual discipline to practice.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;

 he will rejoice over you with gladness.”

Zephaniah 3:17

What bring merriment to your spirit this month?

 

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Filed Under: Seasonal, spiritual practices

Comments

  1. blankCeil says

    March 15, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Hi Jean! My husband was very proud that he took a nap on ‘Nap Day’, which I had no idea there was such a thing. My SIL mentioned it was Pi Day. I don’t like fruit pie, but I did do a pie puzzle on my phone puzzle app. Does that count?
    Still in mourning over St. Cecilia’s harsh defeat…
    My middle name is Mary!
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      March 16, 2017 at 6:32 pm

      I even took a small nap today – still celebrating. LOL> Yah, I saw her harsh defeat. There have been several on the list I never heard of before so have enjoyed learning about them. Just about everyone, not all, but most I voted for so far have lost. Not a good bracket for me this year.. Mary is a classic middle name! lovely

  2. blankDolly @ Soulstops.com says

    March 14, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    Jean,
    That idea about a 3 pm nap 🙂 And Happy Birthday, early, my dear friend 🙂 Praying it is extra special like you. The news, ah yes, it makes me pray…it is so hard to hear about so much suffering and injustice. I included a positive story at the end of my post today.

    • blankJean Wise says

      March 16, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      Thanks for the birthday wishes. Going to be with friends one night and family the next so can’t get much better than that. Let’s keep working on that joy, right?

  3. blankNancy Ruegg says

    March 14, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Thank you for all the smile-inducing tid-bits, Jean. Especially enjoyed the pi/pie segment. Math never was my strong suit! March merriment has included a visit from a dear out-of-state friend, a weekend getaway, and lots of snuggle time with our new granddaughter, Maarit ANNE (partially named for me, even though I’m just plain Nancy Ann–no E on the end! 🙂 )

    • blankJean Wise says

      March 16, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      I just needed a bright joyous post when I wrote this. Winter has me down and I am so ready for spring and flowers and warm weather…. I still love you with or without an “E” lol

      • blankNancy Ruegg says

        March 16, 2017 at 7:19 pm

        So glad an E won’t come between us! 🙂

        • blankJean Wise says

          March 16, 2017 at 7:25 pm

          NEVER!!! LOL

  4. blankMartha Orlando says

    March 14, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    Oh, how I loved this merry post, Jean! It definitely made me smile, and reminded me to find the joy and laughter in the little things around me each day.
    My middle name is “Jane” after my dad’s sister, “Mary Jane.” The “Martha” comes from my mom’s sister. So cool to have been given family names, I think. It keeps the legacy going.
    Thanks so much for the cheer today, my friend, and Happy Early Birthday to you!!!

    • blankJean Wise says

      March 16, 2017 at 6:29 pm

      Sometimes I just need to mix things up, right? And Joy is always the right direction. Glad you enjoyed the post. Happy birthday again by the way. Just read your post!

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