This post was a nice reminder of the power of a smile. I just Love Ann-Christine‘s theme this week.
I have been in the dumps nothing serious, November blues, but I am doing my best to crawl out of it, finding the glimmers of hope amidst the dullness I feel. A smile always is uplifting, like a beacon of light in the dark. I’ve had a few smiles and laughs with friends lately, which served as a much-needed reminder of the joy that friends bring. Thank you all for your comments lately, even if I have been very bad, very naughty, at responding and reciprocating. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and I still have had smiles seeing your posts and comments. Each interaction, no matter how small, a connection that pulls me in, and it’s this sense of community that inspires me to keep pushing forward and rediscovering the need to crawl out of the inactive mode.
Now for the smiles. This young women made me smile when I saw her 🙂 She sure likes pink.
The look and the contrast with his clown get-up for some reason made me smile. Not a happy dude in happy gear.
A good bookstore and a book can bring surely bring a smile when you discover it.
Random encounters like a man and his pig, also an old fella with pigeons, add a touch of whimsy to everyday life. The sight brings a smile to my face, while the elderly gentleman carefully holding his feathered friends creates a serene yet delightful scene. Twins, never fail to bring joy wherever I see them 🙂 The duck with fish, is a sight I don’t often see. These are some of the smile-triggering moments that remind me of the simple pleasures life has to offer, creating little pockets of happiness throughout the day. And every time I see cows in the field I need to point them out.
Signs that have some humor in them… I’ll just post this one.
Thank you Ann-Christine for your uplifting post. When you post your response, remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, Tina emphasized gratitude and reflection on appreciation beautifully, setting the stage for an this week challenge. Next week, Sofia will take over the challenge, so look out for her post and join us again.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
I always enjoy a funny sign, but my favorite is the lady in pink. 🙂
She was so Pink, absolutely make me smile too
I am glad cows make you smile, they do me as well.
There used to be vans like that in Australia until there were too many complaints and they have gone now.
The person on their phone in the bookshop made me smile.
A good fun post PR 😀
Thanks Brian, hopefully PR will also enjoy it. That last statement made me smile 😀
Oh damn. Sorry Ritva 🙄
I’ve made similar mistakes 😀 happy not to be the only one
I have been doing name swapping a little too often of late. It is driving me crazy
You’ve got a bit of everythg here Ritva, from the lovely, to the heartwarming, via cheeky and just downright rude!
I know I have a wicked sense of humour..
The smile on the pink lady is infectious!
Thanks Dawn , it was 🙂
The lady in pink looks super and she has such a lovely smile 🙂 I had to laugh at that van too. I’m sorry you have the November blues, but hopefully your efforts to give yourself a lift will pay off soon 🫂
Oh my, that is QUITE a bit of pink Ritva!! It seems she was most happy to pose for you 😊. And the unhappy clown really cracked me up – perhaps he needs to look for a different job or costume. A fun set of smiles. Here’s hoping it helps you get past the doldrums!
A fun post, Ritva. The girl in pink…I am so glad she enjoyed being photographed. She looks lovely!
Naughty sign? Perhaps. But let’s just say while we’re on the topic, I’m glad I married another woman. 😉
😀 no gps eh,
GPS is unnecessarily when your spouse knows where it is. 😉
I’m grinning from ear to ear, Ritva. Job done! Wishing you a happier week.
I’m glad you have friends to remind you of joy and kindness. We all need that. I especially like the sad clown, twins, and cow images.
There’s a lot in this post that made me smile. I especially like the sign, the pink girl (because pink is my least favorite color), and the van. I remember last November was difficult for you also. December is around the corner!
November is so dark, gray at the moment sunrise is at 8:50 and sunset 15:30 and it gets still darker for a month .
💕
Ritva, what a fun post! I liked all the photos, especially the sign at the end. Was the girl in pink going to see Barbie, the movie? 🙂
Thanks, no she was at work 😀
These are Ritva, lots to smile about here.
Smiling through your lovely gallery, Ritva – so many different smiles was put on my face…I really …is still smiling! The man and the pig, the lovely cows (always a smile) the pink lady (big smile because pink is NOT a favourite colour of mine…), the van, the “phoney” bookshop…Maybe the saddest smile was for the clown – he was obviously not happy with himself or the situation.
Hope you will “recover” when December makes it entrance!
The lady in pink is a smile maker!!
The lady in pink is so cool!
Cool gallery, Ritva and I hope your mood improves soon. Maybe this challenge will help, even if just a bit. I love the clown, that’s the kind of situation that would definitely make me stop.
Sad clown 😦
I’m definitely smiling, Ritva! The first set brings the phrase “Pretty in Pink” to a whole new level! And the road sign is priceless!
Yes, she was definitely Pink, head to toes
Wow! fantastic captures.
Thanks Rupali
Lots of smiles Ritva! The lady in pink is just superb.