What makes you happy?
In this world, the way it is, sometimes it’s not easy to always be happy. Life isn’t an easy place to be, that’s for sure. So, sometimes, that happy feeling is hard.
For me, I try my best to be as happy as possible as much as I can. I know it’s hard sometimes, but I always figure what is making one unhappy is relative. I always look back at 2 1/2 years of unemployment and then see where I am now and know I am in a much better place.
Do you know what makes you happy?
It’s honestly not easy for me to put into words or photography. Certain things make me smile. Some things make me happy in odd ways. I love the smell of fresh cut grass or seeing a pristine look to a baseball field. That makes me happy. A great beer. Sitting on a beach. Naps. Cranking out a few solid blog posts. A baseball game that doesn’t even reach the two-hour mark. My nephew Cameron. A crazy and loud crowd at an independent wrestling show or two wrestlers working their tails off to entertain said crowd. Seeing family do well at things.
There’s probably quite a bit more.
Happy is a feeling everybody should experience as often as possible. Do what you can to have that feeling whenever possible. Always remember that things could (usually) be worse.
As Bobby McFerrin once said — Don’t worry … be happy!
My five are below! I had hoped for some photos of the changing season, but I couldn’t get anything vibrant enough, so I had to make due with some extra “people” shots. I look forward to seeing how other people interpreted this theme!
1. Fun
I must say, Cameron is growing up fast. It makes me happy to see him grow and develop. This was a day I got to stop by and see him and he was having a lot of fun on the swing. Seems like he can do it for hours!
Swinging!
2. Undefeated
It’s nice to see family members be successful as they take steps in life. My niece Nicole is in her first year of college and playing soccer. She’s starting and has done very well on her undefeated and nationally ranked team.
Chasing down the ball.
3. Teeth
Cameron is really growing and developing. He loves apples, as you can see here. He crunches away at one as his father (my brother) looks on.
Mmmm apple.
4. Success
Several years ago, I got back into watching independent wrestling — mainly as something interesting to photograph. Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to become friends with several of those involved. One of them is Sean Carr, an incredibly gifted and humble athlete. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to watch him get better and put on some amazing matches. On Monday, in front of his hometown, he won the championship of one of the finest promotions in the country. It was pretty awesome to watch.
The new champ!
5. All smiles
Here’s Cameron. His smiles are infectious!
Happy.
That’s my five and now it’s your turn!
If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below. And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!). Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too!
Also, don’t forget to get back here tomorrow, October 1, to see the theme for October!
NOTE: I set up a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!
Your photos of Cameron make me smile!
And cool idea to fit a wrestling picture in the group.
Danielle Kempe recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge – Happy
Pictures of him always make me smile, too! Thanks! 😀
I like how you really explored the different aspects of the theme.
Kathy M. recently posted..9-2015
I had a few other ideas I wish I could have explored, too, but I am pretty happy how it all came out!
OK, I have to say, Cameron is ADORABLE. I think my favorite happy picture is the apple picture. It takes my back to when my first son was that age and would share fruit with my father. Some of the happiest times of my life!
Katherine recently posted..HAPPY!
Cameron is pretty adorable, isn’t he? And he’s growing up so fast! The apple one is pretty cool. He likes his fruit!
So many fantastic smiles. You always have such great people photos in your posts.
I sometimes wish my kids were still young enough that I could take them to the playground and go on the sing myself. Actually, now you’ve got me thinking I should just go ride on a swing next time I’m riding my bike past a playground anyhow!
Mrs. GeoK recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge – Happy (September 2015)
It’s funny you say that about people … I always love that aspect of photography. Then I look at other blogs (such as yours) and am jealous with how you capture so many amazing scenes. It’s the beauty of photography, isn’t it?
I’m truly lucky to have Cameron as my nephew/godson as it’s allowed me to revisit child photography (though I’ve done it for a few years with friend’s kids) and experiment different angles and lighting. Cam is lucky (on one hand) to be growing up in this age as there will be so many photos of him showing him as he grows. My dream is to keep a file of photos throughout his life and create a book when he graduates high school. Many years away, I know, but I am excited to be able to help chronicle him growing up.
And nobody says you can’t go swing … go do it! 😀
It’s hard to find fall colors in September, at least in my neck of the woods. Most of my photos featured people, too!
Kristi recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge: Happy
Our colors are coming a little early this year, but with the recent rain they’ve at least become somewhat more vibrant.
I see a definite (Cameron) theme with this prompt! He is growing like a weed and is adorable. Always a good choice for a photo opp. The first shot look very “superman-ish” with the colors of the swing. 🙂
It’s hard not to include him in a theme like this … he does create happiness! And I am sure it’s going to get more supermanish as … well, he’s definitely an explorer and doesn’t have any fear.
Cameron is so cute. Its nice to see you have lots of happy moments with him. He really likes his swing. I think I would too.
Clare Barton recently posted..Happy
He can stay on that swing for a long time, too!
Wow this last picture of Cameron smiling is so adorable! He is definitely one little happy boy 🙂
Jana recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge: Happy
He truly is and it’s always good to catch him with those smiles.
Nice stuff again, sir. Certainly a good selection of happy. I love the swing shot. That is what it is all about.
I’m happy that you continue to post great themes to get me snapping. Thanks for keeping this going!
Mike D recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge (September 2015): Happy