It has, once again, been a bit of a while since I felt like pontificating about my quest to get Vancouverites smiling. When walking the dog in the wee hours of the morning's darkness I can't blame people for not even glancing my way - as I don't necessarily feel like chatting, or offering a clever quip, much less smiling.
Then the sun starts to shine, I'm noticing blooms on the trees, and am caught stating, to my dog, "Look Bogie, there are buds!" or "Hey Bogie, you smell the flowers?" And I wonder why people turn away. But, you see, the difference is that Bogie smiles back - at least it looks like a smile, with a bit of drool - so charming. Then the rains come again, I sink into a gloomy mood, and stop smiling, even at Bogie.
Suddenly it's winter again - snow is on the ground, people are throwing it in the air (okay, the "people" I'm referring to is me, but still), and "hellos" are being offered willy nilly. The clouds open and water pours from the sky and once again we forget about one another. Now, it's icy, and slushy, and I'm realizing how this whole post is about the weather.
Weather really does affect our mood. I'm not offering a cutting edge theory here, but as I live it, here in Vancouver, it becomes ever more apparent. As opposed to living in Florida where everybody ambled around in their sand encrusted sandals with goofy smiles on their faces. What's more important, being friendly or intelligent? Is it possible to have both?
I think so. Look at me. Okay, don't look at me - but look at my friends; they're pretty smart and are quick to offer a "hello" to the passersby. Regardless of IQ it's important to keep it going, flowing, whatever the weather. Guess whose getting the lesson here? Moi.
