UPBEAT TIMES • January 2014 • 7


Redwood Empire Guest Writers 'Just Chillin'


Rooting for A Happy New 2014! By guest columnist Ellie Schmidt * eschmidtty@sbcglobal.net


Santa Rosa, CA. ~ “Out with the old, in with the new!” In parts of Europe, the “New Year’s baby” has been a catchy symbol since the fourteenth century. The old geezer did not always carry a scythe, but acted as the protector who carried the baby around in a basket while showing off during some big-time festivities. Immigrant families brought to America this ever-pop- ular,


symbol of new beginnings, in addition to many of their various old customs and favorite foods. All immi- grant families bring in the new. Who would have thought pizza would be such a favorite?


There is a charming old saying throughout the wine country of Europe that predicts: “If the eve of Epiphany is bright and clear that predicts a very good wine year!” Shakespeare carried that thought a lot further in the happy festivi- ties of his Twelfth Night, the holiday that wrapped up the fun times annually. Maybe because of a tradition in Scotland that January 2 is also a no work holiday— perhaps to recover from too much celebrating—most people then break out their onerous list of body alter- ing resolutions. However, globally, the outlook is now inclined in a different direc- tion, a different,unselfish search.


want out of life?” most folks


answers but almost always include “…and to be happy.” Because a lot of the programs on KQED PBS are excellent, it was excit- ing to see the Roko and Adrian Belic impressive documentary simply enti-


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Upbeat Times 1.2014 Rohnert Park, CA. © 2014 Graton Resort & Casino You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need. ~Vernon Howard JOB #: GRT 96653 UPBEAT TIMES • January 2014 • 7 AD TITLE: Post Open - Kitchen Sink 116


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tled: “Happy” and to dis- cover that it is possible to buy it in DVD form through Amazon and other outlets. Surely, the Belic brothers would get along famously with the Doyles and highly approve of the UPBEAT TIMES!


diapered


“Happy” took six years in the making, but a lifetime of understanding of uni- versal human needs went into it. Visiting with ordi- nary folks all around the globe, with young and old, the results let us in on the fundamental truths that, as humans, we need each other in order to survive. From the cherubic toddlers in Okinawa, who join in a little foot race to the fin- ish line where ancient, 100 plus-year-olds are gleefully waiting to catch them up in hugs, to people inter- viewed on street corners all over the world, to leading academics who now take the psychology of positive behavior, as first promoted by Professor Ed Diener of the University of Illinois, very seriously indeed, the “secrets” of happiness are now revealed. We obviously do not do well if we are too self- absorbed, not physically, emotionally, or psychologi-


... continued on page 18


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