Positive Sparks Monday June Fourth – A National Treasure

To quote Annie of McGuffy’s Reader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!” She is currently on a blogging hiatus. Please keep Annie and her loved ones in your prayers.

As a child I admired Sammy Davis, Jr. as a great comedian and singer. He always struck me as a super cool fellow with a heart of gold. We lost him to throat cancer back in 1990 but something made  me think of him yesterday.

Looking up a biography, I was horrified to learn what terrible racism he faced, especially in the military. The hatred mystifies me, and it never occurred to me the reality of his youth. Call it denial if you will, I never wish such treatment upon anyone and guess a part of me wanted to believe this man I admired was spared the cruelty.

I decided then and there to find a quote from him for today. As expected, there were a plethora ranging from comedic to regretful to nostalgic to poetic to uplifting. It took me two seconds to find and decided on this one:

Image Courtesy of Brainy Quotes

Did you ever see a Sammy Davis, Jr. performance?

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Sparks Monday May 7 2018

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

A fellow writer and FB acquaintance shared an excellent quote by Dolly Parton a while back. I immediately searched and found this on Brainy Quotes to save for today:

Which do you prefer, a straight path or the road less traveled?

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Sparks Monday - April 30 2018

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

I am once again sticking with the musical theme. Today enjoy an inspiring remark by the amazing Bruno Mars.

Quote Courtesy of Brainy Quotes

Have you ever heard him sing the Mark Ronson tune ‘Uptown Funk’?

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Sparks Monday – Wise Words from the King

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

I remember my precise location when Elvis Presley passed away. Barely tall enough to reach, I was in the basement washing my clothes with the radio playing. When I decided to pay tribute to him today, the following (amazing) quote popped up at the top of the Brainy Quotes website. I’m grateful to whoever took the included photo.

What were you doing August 16, 1977?

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Positive Sparks Monday April 2nd, 2018 - A Musical Quote

To quote Annie of McGuffy’s Reader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

First I must share my terrible quip about the leg amputation our friend’s father endured. He is a chatty fellow, our pal Phoenix. When SO told me how well the prosthetic fitting went for his dad, I said, “Phoenix literally talked off someone’s leg!”

Divorce proceedings have yet to begin. ~grin~ Meanwhile, our friend arrived with a big hug for me and promise he would tell his father what I said. And that leads to today’s positive spark. You see, our buddy is mechanically inclined in a way far surpassing what SO or I would attempt. Therefore I asked for help fortifying my busted and fallen metallic wind spinner. Thus you have:

See the Fortifying Wooden Stake? Thanks for the Suggestion, Phoenix

It felt good to take out a power sander, making me think of Pam of Life Through My Eyes. Meanwhile, I’ve since embarked upon a 1,667 daily fiction word journey with Camp NaNo, so I’m back to the more cerebral pursuits. Forgive me if I’m not as present this month.

Do you suffer high winds where you live?

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Positive Sparks March 26, 2018 – A Musical Note

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

As usual, today I’m sharing words from a (late) great musician. Today I give you the incomparable Prince. As I am more likely to read the Bible and pray than attend any church, the following quote rings true to me. And I like to think that if even atheists could agree with it, the world would be a better place.

Out of the Entire Book, I Most Adore Psalms and Proverbs

Thanks to Brainy Quote for this saying. Photo courteous of Matias Rengel from Unsplash.

As I want this heart for my wall, I have to ask if anyone has any neon at home.

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Spark by a Musician (from an Obsessive Music Geek)

Marilyn Manson Image Courtesy of Fan Pop

To quote Annie of McGuffy’s Reader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!” 

Before I share Marilyn Manson's quote, let me share the inspiration. Yesterday my writing track was what I named “Marilyn Manson Singles” on iTunes. There are 37, not music released by the band for radio play but rather B-sides and rare finds.

I have four additional categories: one for studio albums and compilations, talking (interviews), live performances, and ‘oddities’. That last was named for some weird early experimentation but generally is just repeated tunes from having bought many singles for their rare and cool B-sides.

That said, here is a quote from Brian Warner (aka Mr. Manson) that caught my attention. As I like to tell folks, the man is wicked smart (when sober).  ;)  I snagged this from Brainy Quotes.

"Don't ever empty the bucket of mystery. Never let people define what you do. It's not about zigging when you should zag. It's not about doing something unprecedented and unpredictable. It's just about never being a word, or something that is not in the process of transformation."

- Marilyn Manson

Did you know he scored the brilliant soundtrack for the original “Resident Evil” film?

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Positive Sparks - Monday March 5

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

For this week I decided to share something by the amazing Henry David Thoreau. To my surprise, some were obsolete. But come on, he lived a long time ago, so it's understandable he was wrong about mankind cluttering the skies. Oh, well. This one from Brainy Quotes struck me as particularly poignant. Happy Monday!

Alas, I Cannot Take Credit for this Photo

Unlike my sorry self, have you ever read “Walden” by Mr. Thoreau?
 

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Positive Sparks Monday - A Departure From Formula

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

As mentioned in the title, this spark is a different take on Annie’s lovely idea. I hope sharing humor counts. Knowing many of my delightful blogger friends are also fellow writers, this seemed especially fitting for those native English speakers among us…

Rules Were Made to Be Broken

Do you have any special plans for the coming week?

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Mixed Blessings and Tremendous Joy

Just to warn my Facebook friends, this has already been shared there. But it seemed worthy of repeating as my busy morning explains why I am not joining in the Positive Sparks Monday blog hop.

Anyway, only I would develop an impacted ear canal during a deadly flu season while my doctor is on vacation. As a result I had to go to an urgent care center. There I spent two hours with a roomful of desperately sick people and had to shell out $100(USD). That stung.

In addition, my social anxiety kicked into high gear again, partly because I was nervous about potentially losing my hearing. Also, I fear catching this flu that is killing my fellow US citizens.

Before leaving I coating the insides of my nose with antibiotic ointment hoping to create something of a germ barrier. Returned home, I washed every exposed surface of skin, put my clothes in the laundry hamper, and sanitized everything I could think of. Paranoid much?

But the staff was great and my ear is better than before (wax was building up for a while, no doubt). I’m ecstatic to be able to enjoy music again. Yesterday and this morning sounds echoed in my head and made me feel claustrophobic.

And now that half my head doesn’t feel stuffed with cotton, my jitters receded. I feel wonderful at the moment, about to get better delving back into my latest WIP. By the way, I write strictly for personal pleasure, which I’ve failed to make clear. So there is no publishing or financial anxiety involved. ~shakes head~ Anyway, I appreciate all the kind words regarding this condition.

Oh, we also have a health savings account (!), meaning the money came from a predetermined, dedicated source. So it could have been much, much worse. The universe is very kind to me, generally balancing out small nuisances with great fortune.

A Random Bit of Hilarity That Cracks Me Up

Back to being serious, I feel bad for all the really ill folks. One little girl in kitty slippers and coughing behind the medical face mask her socially responsible mother put on her made me want to cry.

~raises hand~

Does this influenza bug strike you with fear?

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Positive Sparks Monday – Back to Music

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

I am an obsessive music geek who only toned back purchases because retirement is so worth the minor sacrifice. That said, I did order a “Rock Sound” magazine from the United Kingdom because they featured Palaye Royale. Within its pages a silly advice column stood out.

This young bloke, previously unknown to me, is the American lead singer of British pop punk band As It Is. Part of his answer to the question about making New Year’s resolutions really resonated.

I Like How the Column Adopted the Band Name - Cute

“Generally, I just aim to be nicer and work harder. I like to think that I’m already a nice, hardworking guy, but there’s always room to improve, and I think any day of the year is as good as any to invest in and love yourself.”

- Patty Walters

Thanks, Annie!

My Mag - Great Cover, No?

Do you like punk music?

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Positive Sparks Monday - An American Great

I decided to stray from my ongoing music theme. Poking around Brainy Quotes last week, words by the great Frederick Douglass popped out to me. This great American became my hero the instant a grade school teacher introduced me to his works. I think the following quote sums up his spirit, and represents a philosophy we should all embrace without hesitation.

Amen, good sir. May you rest in peace.

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

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Positive Sparks Monday - Music to My Ears

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

I don’t know why, but the band Bon Jovi tends to be put down by folks a lot. They’re sort of like Nickelback that way. And I’m sorry, but I’ve enjoyed concerts by both groups. That said, I decided to follow my ongoing theme of inspirational quotes by musicians and go with one by John Bongiovi (see what he did with his name there? And yes, I’ve been an obsessive music geek since grade school).

Thanks again to Brainy Quote. The image is my own.

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Positive Sparks Monday - Another Musical Note

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

Today I’m going with another musician, one who I adored as a child. The world was a better place for having you in it, John Denver.

Thanks once again to Brainy Quotes for this. The photo is my own.

Do you know any of John Denver's music? 

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Happy New Year with a Sparks Monday Jolt

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

This sparks Monday kicks off a new year in the Gregorian calendar. Personally, I think resolutions are just resolves we should tackle on a day to day basis. That said, here is my spark:

 Thanks go to Brainy Quote

Do you have any exciting plans for 2018?

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Positive Sparks Monday - The Meaning of Love

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

Merry Christmas! And Best Wishes, Much Joy, and Peace to All the World Over!

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Positive Sparks Monday - Musical Inspiration

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

Despite his fierce, antisocial seeming stance, Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson) actually stands for independence. He inspires me to be myself, not try to fit into some mold, and I knew Brainy Quote would have some good stuff. Thanks to that website, I found this:

May you have a magical Monday.

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Positive Sparks Monday – A New Take on an Old Phrase

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

On Friday I thanked a man for holding a door open as I entered the lobby of a local YMCA, finished with my swim. As I reached the main entrance he gave me what sounded like a standard friendly greeting – “Have a great day” – to which I replied, “You, too!” Then it dawned on me what words he actually spoke and knew I had found my spark for today.

“Make a great day!” – Anonymous

Inspired twist on an old phrase, don’t you think?

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Positive Sparks Monday - A Smile for the Day

To quote Annie of McGuffy’sReader, the bright spirited blog where she created Sparks Mondays, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”

Today I’m departing from the idea of an uplifting quote, having decided to share a joke. I hope anyone reading forgives my artistic license and enjoys a laugh to brighten the day.

“Everybody looks cool under a black light. Except for me... because I was under the impression that the mustard stain came out.” – Mitch Hedberg

Rest in peace, Mr. Hedberg. I still miss you. And heroin, I hate you.

Photo Credit - Twitter

Are you familiar with the unique cadence and dry humor of Mitch Hedberg?

https://twitter.com/M_Hedberg

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