Deutschland

Need I say more? Just see the fabulous pictures. I wish I had taken my Digital SLR! Next time!

;) (a.k.a. smiles)

JZ

DS

DN

MB

SD

LM

Its amazing how the simplest of action brings the greatest affect on things and people. Smiling is underrated. People are so busy with dealing/living life that sometimes, they simply forget to smile. Smile has a way of making one forget the woes of life. It is infectious. Smile gives you good character line in your face. Try it when you are in the middle of a traffic jam or someone cut you off, or when the weather is crappy. Its amazing how it soothes ones soul and makes things a whole lot better.

On my way through the security line in Atlanta airport, I caught myself thinking of a special moment in life and inadvertently smiled. The stern looking TSA security guard noticed me smiling for no good reason and gave me a "dap". No word, no expression, but just a "dap". I guess it was his way of saying "you go girl!". Not realizing the impact of a small smile, I continued to gloat in the smile because of the unintended reaction I got from the TSA security guard. Low and behold, the second TSA security guard, at the end of the screening machine, gleamed with a smile after noticing my smile. He came over and asked my reason for the smile, to which I replied, "I am happy to be home". The mood just became pleasant. Who would have ever thought that security line through one of the busiest airports in the world would have been one of the most pleasant experiences? All because of a simple smile.

Lesson learnt -- smile and the whole world will smile with you. Now, isn't that a better world to live in??

Pictures of friends in my life who's smile make me smile. These are just few of them.

Character

Scliersee Lake near the Alps in Germany.

Old house in Noerdlingen, Germany

Common architecture in Noerdlingen, Germany

Character can mean so many things. Today, my interpretation is about what a moment/monument can say for itself. All three pictures were taken in Germany but each one of them have their own unique character.

First: The old couple by the lake

Its not too often that we see people together for more than a few years, let alone decades. Time are different these days. Being married to one person for 30+ years is a rare commodity. Seeing this old couple, together by the lake, feeding the ducks was simply endearing. Their character is LOVE!

Second: The old, uninhabited house

While tall rise buildings and contemporary architecture seem to be the norm these days, this old house in shambles caught my attention due to its simplicity. The fading color sand the rustic look give it a whole new life despite of its desolate state. I call this, the character of AGE!

Third: Architectures of the houses

Who ever said that straight is good (no pun intended!)? Its interesting when things are done out of the norm. After many years, these buildings are still inhabited and standing still. Different is good and brings spice to life. The character for this is UNIQUE/DIFFERENT.