Seeing the Humor Around Us

                 These folks look like they need a laugh, no? 

How about you? Do you like a good joke? Have you laughed until you cried?

Children laugh often, but by the time we "grow up," we have to "serious up," and behave as mature adults.  When I was in high school, I engaged in a lot of philosophical discussions. One of my friends asked, "Can't you be frivolous?"  I had to find what that word meant!

 

Many are familiar with the cliche, "Laughter is the best Medicine." That was derived from the Bible. In the book of Proverbs, Chapter 17, verse 22 which reads that “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”. So, "laughter is the best medicine" was coined from the first part of the verse as being merry is associated with being happy and lots of laughter.

While preparing this blog, I did a bit of research about humor and it took very little study to find plenty of grist for the mill.

The Mayo Clinic conducted studies about the benefits of humor. It can lessen stress and build self esteem. It strengthens the immune system, relieves pain, and increases personal satisfaction.

I have discovered that humor is almost as vital to my existence as air and water!  I receive it as a gift, and it is nearly as important as my Christian faith in navigating the maze of life.

My brother, who is 14 months my senior, also loves to laugh and to make others laugh. After he visits, I find myself still chuckling.

 Several years ago, while hospitalized, 3 friends visited to cheer me up. I ended up asking them to leave because they made me laugh so much, it hurt!

Anyone who knows me is familiar with my tactics to raise a smile. Some may be annoyed, but it is woven into the tapestry of my being like the threads intertwined in a prayer shawl.

I now live in a community of seniors, many of whom have various physical or mental limitations, but I find it just as affective in changing moods here as in the general populace.

Animals are great subjects for finding humor.

The Mayo Clinic study found that humor can be learned. It offers so many benefits, it may be worth your time and energy to pursue it.

As a photographer, I try to capture moments that make me smile; some even cause me to laugh out loud. Hopefully, they have the same impact on my viewers!

These "people" were actually shapes covered with moss and seaweed at the water's edge. I found them rather comical, especially the guy doing the push up!

Of course, children are always wonderful models for laughter.

These whimsical creatures were made by a man who created them from recycled articles.

     

Sometimes, you need knowledge of some things in order to see the humor.  When I came upon this church during a trip to Colorado, I found it very funny. Notice the name of the church is WETMORE. and it is a BAPTIST church. It was located in the town of Wetmore. The Baptists are enthused about water. They don't "sprinkle" their babies, nor pour water over them to baptize them. They do not offer infant baptism, but when someone opts to become a member of the congregation, (s)he wears a robe into a small pool about 3 ft. deep built right into the altar area of the church installed just for that purpose. The pastor proceeds to immerse the person under water for a few seconds before lifting them out. So a Baptist would want to be WET MORE, at least more than the Methodists, Lutherans or Catholics!  If I did not know those facts about Baptist, I would have totally missed the humor.

Yes! I definitely want to eat here!

Are you coming or going?

    

Sometimes, I just get ridiculous!  With my coworkers at my retirement party, I had one last time to "get them" with my humor.  

  OK, now it's your turn. See if you can discover things in your environment that may be good medicine! 

Get busy with your cameras.  Just look around, there's

 lots to smile about!

WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THOSE PHOTOS??

     More pictures are being captured these days than at any time in  history! Not only are traditional cameras being used, but also tablets and cell phones. Who knows what new technology is being developed to add to the melee of photography tools?  Some people store hundreds of pictures on their cell phones, while others uploaded to THE CLOUD, or  to websites like Shutterfly, Google and Flicker.

    Most folks have family photos on their walls or some other prominent place for display.  They not only keep our loved ones in mind, but may encourage inquiries when visitors stop by.

How many newlyweds and new parents purchase professionally produced albums?    💕  👶

 Photography is an enormous boon to the economy as customers purchase not only cameras, but lenses, tripods, filters, SD cards and batteries. These are only some of the accessories available to enhance the photographer's experience.     

     While developing film is no longer required to view the shots taken, printing them can be quite costly. How many retailers offer not only photo printing, but also provide a number of ways a basic snapshot can be turned into practical items?    📷

    Photoaffections.com and Printerpix.com are two websites I frequent to discover new ways to use my pictures. Most of the time, the cost is reasonable and  promo codes and coupons are available for discounts.  Groupon.com is a savings site where I often glean some great deals!   😀

Some of the things I've made are coffee mugs, photo books and photo blankets. These are not just for me, but often I create gifts for family and friends. What a unique present!  

                                  🎀

Designing greeting cards is a snap!

  

Due to climate change problems, the use of non-recyclable bags is being prohibited.   Individualized tote bags are good for the environment, and hold memories as well as the contents of a recent shopping trip.

If you have a competitive spirit there are many contests for camera buffs.  You might even win!

I have many high quality photos on my hard drive where no one sees them, except me, or those to whom I show them. Much time and effort went into taking, editing, and organizing them.                         

 So many moments preserved and conserved:  Flowers that will never bloom again 🌻   , a sunrise that will never be identical  The smiles of the aged,    👵  the freshness of an infant's peach-fuzzed head, and  toothless grin!  Most scenes will never be repeated and we have opportunity to  picture them from our particular perspective.

    Colors, patterns, and textures may be converted into many venues for display.       

    These  floral pictures all have the same base photo which was manipulated with various filters to give each a unique look.                                                                                                                                                           These kinds of experiments are learning opportunities and fun!

  

How many variations can you create from one photo?        

    Maybe it sounds like a lot of work, but to me it is also enjoyment--even excitement when I am fortunate to get a stunning shot--being at the right place at the right time, observant and skillful enough to catch it.

    You can also come up with your own way to use your pictures. Imagination and creativity develop as we explore these kinds of new uses for something as simple as a photo.  The result may never be hung in an art museum, but there is much fun to be had experimenting!