When I first began blogging in 2006, I started reading "Typical Momma's" site. Early on in my newfound blogging experience, I read that ~d had proposed a challenge for folks to list a thing, or some things, each day during the month of August, that were positive and uplifting...things that brought happiness to life.

I was of course, all pumped up back then, and took part in all sorts of activities happening within the blogsphere, immediately. ~d explained this year where she encountered the information, and what the happiness challenge meant to her life during a time when she felt the need to focus on more positive things.

If you have read my recent posts, you know that we lost our little brown "Jesse" girl on July 15th. We are still having a rough time around here. Our "Bentley" boy (white, 12-year old toy poodle with heart condition), and "Pickle" (Vic's cat) have gone through a process of grieving as well. I think Pickle is still looking for Miss Jesse most every day, and into the night....So things haven't been so happy for the past few weeks.

I'm working at a job I really enjoy; and my program is picking up speed. This is really positive for my life as autumn approaches. I love fall of the year, and winter; but, I also love to feel motivated and productive. I suppose this would be my happiness challenge for today, along with the ice cream cone I had this afternoon from Dairy Queen....all dipped in chocolate and everything.

It may be tough to come up with a postive thing every day right now. Sam is so over-worked at the factory this summer that we barely have any hours together; except those we spend holding hands at night as we slumber. But, I am going to put forth my best effort to focus my thoughts toward the challenge for the rest of this month. I know this really helps when you work it...sort of like affirmations of one's faith. And the ole' "act as if, and you'll get there" approaches.

So thank you ~d. for reminding me of this. And, I hope others will join as well!