Now you know my ‘imaginary’ friend Bubba and me go way back. He seems to be always hanging out with me when I want to discuss something new; this week was no exception.
When Bubba comes over to my house, he always likes something to eat and drink. I try to be prepared. There is always some coffee in the java maker.
And already I’ve been practicing my ‘hand’ at making pumpkin pies; who doesn’t like pumpkin pies in November when a turkey shows up in the oven?
This year was no exception; my friend Donna Litton from Litton farms up Lappan’s crossroads way provided me with four cups of cooked pumpkin which makes two nice pies. Bubba likes pumpkin pie.
Bubba, here’s a slice of pie and cup of java to make you feel at home; now tell me what you know about ‘happiness’
Well Dargan boy, some people have a tough time being happy. They are far too busy doing things that don’t matter much and stay more grouchy than happy.
Too much work, too much computer, too much worry, too much insomnia, too much Artificial Intelligence stuff and too many hours wasted.
“Are you doing much of that kind of stuff Dargan Boy,” Bubba asked?
“I don’t sleep much Bubba”
“Then what makes you happy, Dargan Boy?” queried Bubba.
“Well, I used to stay pretty busy and did a lot of work; usually had my calendar full; and had lots of things to do. I often worked several jobs, and did chores at home, and didn’t get much sleep.”
“But what makes me happy most?”
“Well, Bubba, I do enjoy helping those folks that are not very happy because of illness, old age, money problems and many other issues; they go to bed unhappy and wake up unhappy; that’s not a good place to be.”
And then?
“Well, I found a friend to talk to; she even went to the cemetery with me to see the Harvest moon the other night.”
“A big spender you are, Dargan Boy,” Bubba said. “They don’t even sell popcorn at cemeteries,” and then he smiled.
“Well, Bubba, believe this or not, people would be wise to visit the cemetery now and then. Because worry and unhappiness will get you there permanently a lot quicker than the Harvest moon these days.”
“For me, I was most happy on this moonlit night. Sometimes a kind hello will make one happy; sometimes a soft embrace will warm your soul; and a peck on the cheek ain’t all bad either,” offered the Dargan boy.
I guess for me Bubba, some very special people can make a person happy.
And what about you?
“Well,” said Bubba, “some things I know and some things I read can make me happy; here are a few of them:
“For certain Dargan Boy, your pumpkin pie and berry elixir makes me happy’;
“Some say 90% of our happiness is determined by our perception of the world;
“Some say having a loving partner can keep you happy with embraces, kisses, conversation and a warm heart.”
Albert Einstein once suggested that “A calm and modest life can bring more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.“
“Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.’“(Nathaniel Hawthorne).
“We don’t laugh because we’re happy; we’re happy because we laugh’” (William James).
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” (Thich Nhat Hanh.
“But most of all I remember this one,” said Bubba:
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” (Mother Teresa).
Mother Teresa worked in the Calcutta slums of India practically her whole life; she provided help to people who were sick, lonely and the ‘poorest of the poor’.
Death was a daily visitor to this part of town.
Mother Teresa provided love, care, a gentle touch and presence for those who knew not much happiness in their own lifetime.
“Embracing the troubled and downtrodden people with a simple ‘touch’ can bring a glimpse of happiness, Dargan Boy’.
“The world can be a very difficult place on earth to live absent a simple touch or embrace.
“By giving joy, one can receive joy, the best way to be happy,” said the Dargan Boy.
And another good pal who celebrated his 90th birthday recently offered this advice:
“In sum, be happy with happiness.”
And be kind.
