word of the day: Beautiful

I wasn't exactly in the best of moods today. I had one of those mornings where it felt like the universe was working against me. Little annoying things were piling up and building their own little tower of sourness in front of me. One that I just didn't feel like tackling. I ignored it as best I could and went about my day.

I was at the counter of Toys R Us purchasing a pretty, pink bubble mower for Scarlett and mindlessly humming along to the store music. I noticed the cashier humming the same tune. She said, "this song is SO catchy!" I agreed and we discussed further. The song that was playing was One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful." Sure, it's one of those lame-o, teen-girl faves but it certainly catches the attention of women everywhere. It has such a great message especially for very impressionable young girls who all too often wander down the path of self destruction. Gee, what's that like? The cashier mentioned how she really likes the song and finds herself singing it in the aisles every time it comes on. I admitted that I also like it due to its cheery and uplifting message. We parted ways with overly friendly "have a great day!"s. The song had noticeably amped up our moods.

Continuing on my errands I had no choice but to sink back into a somewhat foul mood after being forced to drive the roads alongside typical Rhode Island assholes. Swerving, bumper-riding, speed-passing, non-blinker using assholes. It is unavoidable.

I grouchily headed to CVS to finish up my list. As I approached the door to enter, a man (who looked like a thin Cedric the Entertainer) was exiting. He energetically stepped aside and said, "Go ahead, Beautiful." Huh? Did he just...?  I smiled with sincerity and said, "Thank you so much." As I took off my sunglasses he exclaimed, "Wow, LOVE the eyes!" I again thanked him as he walked out toward his car and I entered the store. Now, I am not someone who normally falls for a compliment from a strange man. Having been jaded for a good fifteen years now, stranger compliments usually sound creepy or uncalled for or something along a negative line. However, I have good instincts about people and I have to say this man seemed like a genuinely kind man. He had a little pep in his step, cheer in his soul and a smile that was certainly true. My crumby mood was turned around for the second time today.

And for the second time the basis for this change was beautiful.

Moral of the story? Let things make you happy. Be it a corny-ass song that you aren't supposed to like. Or a word of kindness from a stranger. Don't linger too long in your doubts and dissection. Sometimes we hold ourselves back from our own happiness - and we just don't realize it.

Chaos in the Clouds

I'm linking up with The Lightning and the Lightning Bug once again for this week's Flicker of Inspiration prompt #47: Beautiful to Me

"Our individual insights and perspectives determine how we see the world and what we consider to be beautiful. I think it's fair to say that everything is beautiful to someone. A manhole cover can be a thing of beauty to the man who designed it, if to no one else."

The clean, white clouds slowly swell with shades of gray. What was once a slight breeze now gains momentum as it reaches the treetops. The distant rumbles and flashes inch closer as I count the seconds between them. I stand out on my deck, neck craned, spinning in circles to wholly witness the evolution. Soon, gargantuan drops of fresh-scented rain are polka-dotting the landscape. I take as many pictures as I can before needing to step inside. I enjoy the rest of the beautiful show from behind the sliding glass door, screen open of course. 

I am a storm junkie.

There have been days where I have watched The Weather Channel for hours on end as if it were The Godfather saga. In awe of the massive number of severe storms sprawling across the map. Jealous, at times, of the cities that are in "the red" and awaiting their potentially destructive disturbance. While tornadoes have wiped entire cities off the map I cannot help but be completely enthralled by them. My very first viewing of The Wizard of Oz at four years old is likely to blame for my lifelong fascination with storms. There is just something so captivating about a sky alive with natural, unstoppable force. 

The beauty that I find in a storm is immeasurable. Almost indescribable. My focus is unwavering as I gaze at the changing scenery. The white clouds mature into a palette of purples and grays. They move in waves, almost tsunami-like. Walls of wonder passing from town to town. I take countless pictures second after second and each image is so different. I feel a sense of cheerlessness as they move on.

A clear, blue sky is lovely but one filled with chaos is just beautiful.