Every day of every month, is national something-or-other day. So, just for fun, I decided to look up today and see what I could find and, as I suspected, March 31st didn't disappoint.
Today is, among other things:
1. Cesar Chavez Day - This man is one of my heros. He's come to represent the underdogs, both in civil rights and the labor movement, and it's high-time he had a day to commemorate his birth and legacy. Thank's President Obama for recognizing this great leader!
2. Dance Marathon Day - How long can you two-step or boogie-woogie?
3. Effel Tower Day - Today marks the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. This is one of my favorite places to visit and I'm happy to see that it has it's own day!
4. National Bunsen Burner Day - Yep, you guessed it. Today marks the birthday of its creator, Robert Wihelm von Bunsen.
5. National Clams on the Half Shell Day - Not much I can say here, except Bon Appetit! 
6. National Crayola Crayon Day - For those of us who love to color...inside or ouside of the lines...this is a special day. There are now over 400 crayon Crayola shades. The original colors were first produced in 1903. The basic, or core, colors consist of 120 shades but the company has since added many others, including a few that are scented! So why not let your inner child out and buy a fresh box of crayons today. I'm sure you can find something wonderful to color! Coloring can be very relaxing , too.  I have even seen coloring books for adults. These are used to help reduce stress and pass the time in a creative way. Pick one up for your next tedious airline trip.
7. National Farm Workers Day - It's not surprising that this day happens to fall on Cesar Chavez Day. This is the 17th National Farm Workers Day and it is the day set aside each year to honor their important contributions. I think that every time we eat, we need to recognize their hard, and often, thankless work. Way to go farmers!
8. National Tater Day - Today we celebrate the humble potato, both white and sweet. Potatoes are a big part of the human diet and have been known to keep starvation at bay during times of extreme drought. If you've seen the movie, The Martian, you'll understand how important this modest vegetable can be.
9. World Back-up Day - This is a day set aside  for people, and us frogs, to learn about the increasing role that data plays in our daily lives and to remind us of the importance to back-up our computers on a regular basis. I need to do mine...I bet you do, too. Today's a great day to get 'er done!
 
So, if you were looking for a reason to have a party today, here are nine excellent things to commenorate. Whether you're into 'taters, crayons, bunsen burners, or just love the Eiffel Tower, today is your day.  How will you celebrate? 
​

Lately, I've noticed a great deal of human interest in bugs. As a frog, they've always been endlessly fascinating, and tasty, for me but I am surprised by the sudden appreciation that you humans have with these creepy-crawly little critters. And that's good news! Yesterday, while I was out for my morning hop, I noticed a couple of bugs that I'd never seen before. Lucky for them, I'd already had my breakfast. So, instead of gobbling them down in my usual fashion, I spent a few minutes and simply watched them. They were fascinating! When I got back to the lily pad, I decided to do a little research on these amazing creatures. There is so much to learn!
I was surprised to find out that there are over a million species of bugs that are currently known and an estimated 1 million more that have yet to be discovered! Insects, like humans and us frogs, are a very diverse group and fall into many categories. Most insects hatch from eggs (like frogs) and go through several stages of life. Some bugs, like the praying mantis, hatch looking like tiny versions of their parents. Very cool!  Even more surprising is the fact that the fuzzy-wuzzy caterpillaris actually an insect. Who knew?
So what exactly is a bug and what is an insect...or are they the same thing? The answer is yes, they're the same and no, they're different. Huh? Bugs, it seems, are a certain kind of insect, much the way that toads are a certain kind of frog! Ok, so now I'm starting to understand a little better.  True bugs have a stylet mouth, shaped like a straw, for sucking the juice out of plants. Then there are the assassin bugs that suck blood out of other insects. YIKES! I also learned that the front wings of a true bug are thicker and have more color nearer the body and become thinner and clearer towards the tip. The hind wings are usually clear and are tucked under the front wings. From now on I'll have to be more observant of the bugs, and insects, that I eat! I'm learned so much about something that I have always taken for granted. 
And isn't this true about a lot of things? We all tend to take everyday occurances, some of which are mini-miracles, for granted.; things like sunrises, wind blowing, flowers blooming, and even frogs singing...
Bugs can teach a lot if we spent a little time observing them. I think life is like that, too. We are all so busy participating in life that we, oftentimes, forget to step back and observe the world around us. Bugs are a great place to start. But if bugs aren't your thing, try watching the birds or studing the flowers in your garden. I'm sure you have loads of things in your daily life that would make interesting topics to learn more about. Developing a real appreciation for the everyday things in our lives fosters gratitude and, as we all know, gratitude makes us happier, healthier, and just plain more fun to be around.
What will you observe today...and learn to appreciate, in a whole new way?

In days gone by, the three R's used to mean reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic. But for me, the preferred meaning is Relax, Regenerate, Restore.

As I've already said this season, Spring is a time for rebirth. Animals shed skins, come out of hibernation, and new babies are born. For humans, Springtime, can also be a time of rebirth. Humans shed their heavy clothing, they become more active outside, and there's a feeling of reinvigoration. Humans tackle projects that they've put off all winter. Busy, busy, busy.

But shouldn't this wonderous season be more than just about getting stuff done? Doing thing is nice, and often necessary, but shouldn't there be equal time given to the three R's of balanced living?

Spring can be a great time for relaxing; enjoying a simple picnic in a meadow filled with wildflowers or, perhaps, laying back and watching the clouds drift by while experiencing the warm breeze brush against your skin. Being, as Eastern philosophers term it, means being present in the here and now; alive in the moment without thought or worries of the pas,t or concerns for the future. We don't always the take time to truly relax. Human brains never stop. Humans think all the time even while they pretend to rest...like mentally preparing your shopping list, or prioritizing your tasks at the office. But simply being, is so important. It's key to living a balanced and meaningful life.

Restoration means, accorning to the dictionary, " the act of returning something (like ourselves) to a former owner, place, or condition." No one is born thinking worrying about the future. This is learned behavior, and a bad one at that. If we can learn it, we can unlearn it, right? Maybe now's the time to start. Spring can be the perfect season to restore ourselves to that place of balance; to that place where there's less stress, less struggle, and more time spent becoming the person you were born to be; happy, loving, and fulfilled. Who wouldn't want to feel like that everyday?

Restoration isn't about a new Spring outfit or a new exercise routine; those things are little more than Rustoleum for people. True restoration is something deeper and more satisfying. Once you find it, you'll never want to let it go. The feeling is indescribable! And it won't cost you anything. And I bet you can't say that about the new dress in your closet!

On Friday, I talked about waging a war with the inevitable weight that most of us accumulates over the winter. The final battle is usually Easter, when all the great food and fattening treats abound. The time has come to fight that Battle of the Bulge.

Swimsuit weather is just around the corner and I know I'm sure not looking my best...at least not yet...but I know that with a little hard work and self-awareness, I can shed those unwanted winter pounds and emerge a lighter, more fabulous frog! And you can, too. Well, perhaps not the frog part, but you can become a lighter, more vibrant "springier" you. Cutting back on the calories, though, is only part of shedding the weight. There is a definite connection between the mind and body that can no longer be denied. If you don't believe that the mind/body connection truly exists, try this little experiment: lift weights, do a few sit-ups, or other exercise, listening to music. Then try them again, but this time without the music. Not as much fun, is it? The mind responds positively when you listen to your favorite tunes. Your mind works the same way with positive thoughts.

Thinking negatively about ourselves won't help us lose weight. In fact, it might even make us gain more! So how do we go about changing our negative perceptions about the way we approach weight loss?  One expert suggests making a list of the negative things we feel about ourselves; then make a list of the positive things we like. If you're like many of us, your negative list will be quite a bit longer than than the positive one. They suggest that you focus on the positive list, adding every little thing that you can think of, until the positive list is far longer than the negative one! Sometimes this can be difficult to do, especially at first. But, as they say, Practice Makes Perect. If you drop a pound, add that 1 pound to your positive list. Did you overcome the desire to snack in the evening? Great! Add theat to your pluses.

Changing your thinking will help, too. Instead of berating yourself with thoughts of,"I can't lose the weight" or "I always fail when I try to diet." Instead, turn them around and tell yourself you can do anything you set your mind to; that dieting is easy...and that eating healthier not only feels good, but is actually kind of fun! Fell the difference? You mind and your body react in a good way when you reward yourself; not with food, but with positivity.

But, for me, the biggest single way to improve your mind/body connection is self-love; being compassionate towards yourself. The more you hate yourself, the more you belittle your weight and your appearance, the harder it will be to change it. When you tell yourself that you're OK, no matter what size you are; when you allow yourself to be human (or amphibian) and knowing that one slip-up won't break you, then your mind will be better equipped to work with the body and actually help you shed those pounds. I'm a little rolly-poly right now, but that's not who I am. It's not ALL of me. I am so much more than my excess weight. I know this. But I often forget and need reminding.

No matter if you're trying to lose 5 or 10 pounds, or if you struggle with excessive weight, being kind to yourself works far better than self-doubt amd self-hatred ever will. We are all perfect. That doesn't mean we don't have flaws. Quite the contrary. Those flaws are what make us percect. Working slowly, mindfully, and with compassion towards ourselfs and others, is a better and gentler way to live. And you'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel...all over! And when your mind is happy, your body will be, too. So dive right in. Take the plunge. Love yourself and the way you look right now. You can lose the weight. You will lose the weight. You just have to believe it.
So now, I'm off for my morning swim...even if my bathing suit is still way too snug. I will enjoy myself anyway. Because I know that my body and mind are working in concert. And that's always beautiful music!

It's Easter! And we all know what that means...lots of delicious food and sweet treats. These are never good for anyone's waistline, especially mine! So I'm declaring WAR on the extra pounds I always seemto put on this time of year.

Everyone knows that Spring bugs and worms are the tasiest and my mom, and grandmother, take advantage and prepare some of their best meals of the year at Eastertime. And let's not forget my little brother, Quigley. The Easter Frobbit is always very good to him and he gets mounds of chocolate covered insects and dirty worms in his Sunday morning Easter basket. Of course, I can't resist trying a few of each. Ok, most of the time it's more than a few....
There's plenty of pond scum and swampagne for all, to wash down the delicacies. I've put on 10 pounds just thinking about it!

Easter is a time for sharing; a time to spend with family and friends. I think the best part of this Easter season, is getting up early and watching the sunrise before sitting down to a yummy (and fattening) meal with my family. For some, Easter is a religious holiday; for others, it's a celebration of Spring; of new life and new beginnings.

I plan on enjoying myself this weekend and partaking of all the wonderous joys that come with Spring. I'll begin my battle of the bulge on Monday. However you choose to celebrate Easter, do it whole-heartedly. There's so much to celebrate. Spring is a bountiful season and no time to skimp. Easter only comes once a year. Your war on those unwanted pounds can wait another few days.
​
And don't forget to keep your eyes out for the Frobbit. This wonderful little critter is only around once a year and, believe you me...he's really something to see!

Time flys. That's a saying we've all heard, and said, hundreds of times. But does time really fly by, or is it just an illusion? In a mere seven days, we'll be one quarter of the way three 2016. Where has the time gone?

The flow of time is central to human existence. "The past drifts away and the future relentlessly approaches," so says Paul Davies from the World of Science. Einstein suggested that the passage of time, the distinction between past, present, and future, is just an illusion. Countless writers and poets throughout the ages have written about the passage of time. And time does, truly, seem to fly by; and it moves even faster as we get older. A day, a week, or a month, can be an eternity for a child. For adults, with our busy lives and demanding schedules, next month is here in what seems to be an instant. So can time simply be an illusion? It seems real to me! But, perhaps, I'm wrong.

I recently read in the Huffington Post where the passage of time could be psychological. If we think next week is a long way off, it will seem to take forever to get here. Conversely, if we think next week "will be here before we know it" then it will, indeed, come barrelling down on us. Our own senses become the primary measuring tool. But here's the interesting thing about time. It really can be altered.

A study was done whereby two, exact atomic clocks were set perfectly in sync. One was kept on the ground and the other was loaded onto a jet, circling the earth as fast as it could go. When the jet landed, the clocks were checked against each other. The one that had been on the jet was different; it had lost time because it's timeframe had been altered. Nothing else in the world had been affected, only the clock traveling on the jet plane. So we learn that time is not linear, direct and undeviating but is, in fact, subject to change. The closer we get to traveling at the speed of light, the more time slows down. This is pretty cool stuff!

As we age, time does seem to literally "fly by." It oftentimes can seem scary; so much to do...so little time. Kids live pretty much in the here and now. How lucky they are! They have very little concept of time passing. At breakfast, dinner seems like a lifetime away. We might all do well to try living in the present. Like the old adage goes, "the present is a gift." And it really is. Now is all we have, all that we can be certain of. If we remind ourselves to stop worrying about what's already happened, or what might happen in the unknown future, and really lived in present moment awareness we can, indeed, make time stand still. And who among us can't use more time?​

I just spent an hour and a half writing a stirring blog about yesterday's attacks in Brussels. It was, perhaps, my finest piece of writing...ever. But as often happens on this site, it crashed as I tried to uploaded the image I always include at the end. The whole thing disappeared and technical support can't/won't help.  Honestly, folks, I'm too frustrated to rewrite it so I will give you the reader's digest condensed version, and my deepest apolgies.
I stressed the need for a little old-fashioned Faith, Hope, and Charity in the wake of yesterday's devasting attacks in Belgium. Faith that humans are basically good and deserving, although it wasn't too evident yesterday.  Hope for a brigher future for our children. And the need to be Charitable. We must not judge people for the actions of a few. All humans, and all frogs, deserve to be judged by their own merits and not by the actions of a select few who just happen to belong to the same age, gender, political, religious, or ethnic goup that they do.
I concluded by saying that Jackie DeShannon wrote a song back many years ago that is so appropriate for today...and everyday going forward.
"What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone."
Take a little time today to hug your kids. Pet your cat or dog. Be grateful for all the wonderful things in your life. Try not to focus on the negative. Negativity breeds negativity. And we certanly don't need any more of that! Together, with love, kindness, and compassion we can make this world a far better for every living thing.
Peace.

Did you know that happy people respond differently to negative things than people who aren't as happy? It's true. It's all in the brain's amygdala. Research has shown that happy people are better able to accept the bad, with the good, that is inevitable in everyone's life.

The amygdala is the part of the brain that regulates our emotions. If the amygdala is, for whatever reason, malfunctioning, we can become depressed (less happy) and therefore less able to handle the stress and aggrivation of daily living. That's a  pretty simplistic explanation, but you get he idea. But that's why some of us become stressed out when we get struck in traffic, or when the boss yells at us, or the kids mishave. It is a fact that those folks born with a sunnier disposition are better able to handle life's little setbacks. Why is this?

Research shows that some people just naturally wear the proverbial "rose-colored glasses" that allow them to focus on the positive instead of the negative. Another reason could be that, for some of us, it's just easier to to savor the good things in life which, in turns, lifts our moods while still allowing us to see the bad. It seems that humans have a negativity bias, a tendency to focus on threats, but science has proven that it is possible for people to compensate for this by consciously trying to focus on more positive things. Some research shows that the amygdala is also at the heart of our compassionate instincts and by focusing on the needs of others can actually make us happier individuals.

So, is it possible to become happier people? Or are those of us with a cloudier disposition, destined to stay that way? I think we can change. We can learn to be happier, just as we can learn a new language or learn a new skill. It takes practice and patience. It's not something that will happen overnight. But, overtime, we can change our outlook. The next time you feel stressed over rush-hour traffic, try listening to calming or soothing music. Or when you find yourself standing in an endless check-out line at the grocery, focus on your weekend plans, or mentally plan a romantic dinner for your partner; anthing positive that will take your mind off the negative and place it on something positive. Watch how time, and stress, disappear! Brains, it seem, love patterns so if we give it lots of love and positivity, in time, it'll  begin to "think" that ways on it's own, thus creating new patterns of thought. I believe this. I've seen it happen, not  only in myself, but in others, as well. Reading something positive and uplifting, before retiring at night, can also help us sleep better. And when we sleep better, we will awaken rested and happier with the new day.

I've got some city driving to do today and I know I will inevitably encounter heavy traffic. I've loaded up some great tunes on my iPod and I know that no matter what unpleasant and irritating stuff I encounter today, I'll feel better, be less angry, and nicer to be around. And doesn't that benefit everyone?

​As Bobby McFerrin famously wrote, "Don't worry, Be happy." ​ Thanks. I think I will.

 This is Easter week and I can feel that Spring is really in the air! Everything seems more alive. The birds and squirrels are more active, the grass is turning green, the trees are flowering, and there's a newness in everything we see. Ah, the joys of Spring! But what is it that makes everybody love this time of year?

​It's no coincidence that the first day of Spring and International Day of Happiness fall on the same day.  The warmer temperatures, the spring flowers, the buds on the trees, birds singing and, of course, longer days, always brings a smile to my face. I bet it does to yours, too.  Everything seems new and fresh...a rebirth for us all. Humans shed their their heavy winter clothing and nature abounds with new life.

Here are, I think, seven of the best reasons why we love Spring.
1.  Spending more time outside. The weather is pleasant, the skies are blue, the birds sing, and spring flowers are everywhere. Who wouldn't want to be outside enjoying all this splendor? And it's free!
2. The days are longer. This gives us more daylight hours in the evening; it's nicer to come home from work and still have it light outside.
3. A new year, a new beginning. Did you know that March 25 used to be New Years Day? It did. It makes sense to me to have the new year start with the rebirth of Spring instead of the dark and cold of January. Maybe we should start a petition to get it changed back.
4. Flowers. I can't mention this enough. Spring flowers are bright and colorful. They make us happy just to see them. And who hasn't taken photos of their loved ones sitting in a field of wildflowers? What would this glorious season be like without the tulips, daffodils, and crocus...well, it just wouldn't be Spring, would it?
5.  The feel of new grass between our toes. Not only does grass feel wonderful (it's nature's plush carpeting) but it also smells great. The grass always smells the sweetest this time of year. And for those critters who eat grass...cows, deer, sheep, goats, and more...well, Spring grass tastes better!
6. Picnics. Dining outside, this time of year is egg-stra special. Picnics are always fun, but when Spring arrives they become a feast for the eyes, as well as the tummy. Throwing out the checkered tablecloth and lunching on fresh fruits and vegetable, or delicious homemade sandwhiches is a treat that everybody can enjoy. Even your basic PB&J tastes better when it's enjoyed in the the warm sunshine, surrounded by the the beauty of nature. As a frog, I can tell you that the bugs and worms are jucier, fatter, and tastier than they are at any other time of year. 
And I saved the best reason for last...
7. Love and kindness. I can't think of any other time of year, with the exception of the Christmas season, when everyone is nicer, more loving, and even kinder, than they are in Springtime. Spring brings out the best in everyone. We're happy to be alive and we let it show. It's glorious!

With Easter fast approaching, I hope you'll schedule some time over the next few days to get out and say "Hello" to Mother Nature. Welcome her back and don't forget to being your camera. Wonderful, memory-making photos are just just a click away.

Although I'm not a fan, or supporter, of the circus, I am attending a very special one this weekend. It's a flea circus! This was something i thought was only a myth but, it turns out, is real. They're not all that anymore, so I was surpised to find out that one was coming to my area. I decided I had to take this rare opportunity to attend.

Whether or not you enjoy a circus, you do have to admire the miniature art, and craftsmanship, that goes into making up a flea circus. There is definitely that WOW! fctor. Did you know that a flea, with legs as fine as a stand of human hair, can pull 700 times its own weight? And a flea can jump 150 times its own height. For a jumper like me, I find this fact amazing! Here's an interesting fact; a human flea is easier to train than one found on your average dog or cat. But, thank goodness, human fleas are much harder to find. For a flea, every performance can be their last, so they do give it their 100%. 

• Fleas can live for about a year.
• It takes 6 months for a flea to mature enough to be trained.
• It takes 3 months to train a flea.
• They, then, have only 3 months to perform.

Performing fleas have been around for awhile, some say since Ancient Egypt. In the 1600's, flea tainers were condemned as soccerers. Flea Circus really gained popularity in the Victorian Era, when Mr. Bertolotto started touring the UK, Europe, and American with his 'Educated and learned Fleas.' His fleas pulled chariots, drew water from a well, and even performed parodies of current events. European watchmakers and jewelers often crafted tiny ivory scuptures and silver chains. The art of flea-training really took off when one artisan crafted a chain so small that the flea could actually be harnessed to it. Now that's tiny!

Flea circuses were shown alll over at county fairs and sideshows until the 1960's. No one is quite sure what caused their deline in the popularity, but it is thought that the advent of TV...or possibly the vacuum cleam...is to blame. But for whatever reason that they're no longer popular, I will have the opportunity to witness this exciting spectacle this weekend. Friedo's Flying Fleas will perform at the Liy Pad's Civic Center tonight and  Saturday. Quigley, Jr. will, I'm sure, to want to attend both shows. In addition this this flea circus, there are two others that are still around and doing performances; The Hans Mathes Flea Circus at Oktoberfest and the Acme Miniature Flea circus. Just in case you can't get to Germany, or Acme doesn't visit your area, videos of both can be found on Youtube. 

​I hope you have exciting plans for the weekend, too. As for my visit to the flea circus, let's just say that I hope I don't get hungry during the performance....