Skip chose this photo:
Hope is a word that makes you want to listen. We listen to others who are sounding hopeless and give them our attention and some hopeful words. Their expressions change and you can read that change in their eyes. You chat, the two of you, each to go on your appointed ways when then you realize that not only the stranger gained from your hopeful chat, but you gained as well. Your steps are lighter, smiles stayed on your lips, longer, and you are left to wonder who you can chat with next.
Joy comes packaged inside the brain called the neo cortex, wrapped lightly in disappearing bands, holding the various lobes. This is a boiled down version, but you know how to activate joy by speaking lovely soliloquies to other person who will hear and take it to his or her neo cortex. We get it, yet practice makes it natural.x
You are hoping to work out a little experiment. The next encounter you make will seize and give confidence. The little petite lady who dyes her hair black emerges from the pharmacy scowling. She is definitely not happy. You go up to her and do a little old time jig. She lifts her eyes and dances with you. Certainly this was not expected. You both continue the laughing and end in laughter as well. She thanks you for the enjoyment of the moment and you thank her for yours. Off you both go to share a smile and the laughter elsewhere.
Peace has many and varied connotations. The one I refer to here may be the one you get from smelling the roses. Peace is freedom to enjoy and a lack of fear. Prayers for peace between nations are on record. Peace and peaceful negotiations between people and places on the earth are needed to be able to share our planet with all of its inhabitants. Love strong and share peaceful moments, as your love is the ingredient that glues all of the elements together
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Oct 15, 2016 @ 14:35:21
Hi friends: What a great picture of you both. hope you are all well, and I can’t believe the car business. Glad you are safe. The Lexus is the best……Hope to see you soon….Love, Diane
On Sat, Oct 15, 2016 at 11:04 AM, Sheilaclapkin’s Blog wrote:
> Sheila Clapkin posted: “Skip chose this photo: Hope is a word that makes > you want to listen. We listen to others who are sounding hopeless and give > them our attention and some hopeful words. Their expressions change and you > can read that change in their eyes. You chat, the two” >
Oct 16, 2016 @ 09:49:50
I thought the photo showed Hope and Peace because we have always been careful not to step to much into the other’s space. We are fine, but out car shopping. Oh dear!!! Thanks for your concern.
Oct 15, 2016 @ 16:24:30
Great photo and text! Thanks.
Oct 16, 2016 @ 09:51:45
And, thank you for all of your stories. You are such a magnificent writer!!!
Oct 17, 2016 @ 07:59:44
My goodness. You sure do know how to make a gal feel good! Thanks
Oct 15, 2016 @ 16:26:26
p.s. Many years ago when I was working toward my M.A. at B.U., I decided one day to smile at everyone I met. What a joyous response. Oh, I know. I was a bit naive. Smiling at everyone may be dangerous. But spreading smiles adds to one’s own joy. Been trying to do it ever since.
Oct 16, 2016 @ 09:54:36
Thank you for sharing your own personal field study. Looks like it is a winner. Love to you and so pleased you shared your findings on smiles and joyous responses not only outward, but inward as well.
Oct 15, 2016 @ 19:50:51
We can adjust the joy so easily. Most days I turn up the volume. It’s very contagious, a smile, a kind gesture. The Golden Rule, rules!
Oct 16, 2016 @ 09:51:03
Keep the volume turned up, but when your head hits the pillow, turn it way
down!
Oct 16, 2016 @ 05:05:33
the picture of you and Skip shows Love ” .it is priceless.
Oct 18, 2016 @ 10:28:08
Sometimes when things get other than perfect, I shall refer to this photo and your statement of love. Love helps most all things. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Love!
Oct 16, 2016 @ 20:25:28
The picture is wonderful. I like how the post began with a discussion of hope, and ended with a discussion of peace. Hope and peace are intertwined in ways that are sometimes difficult to understand.
Oct 17, 2016 @ 10:13:07
You have sent this message as a guide to all of us. The Beginning is Hope and the Result at the end of the rainbow is Peace. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your astute skills.
Sending great HOPE.
Oct 17, 2016 @ 12:27:23
You are so correct – this picture is Hope and Peace and Friendship – Beautiful photo and wonderful article! Thank you!
Oct 18, 2016 @ 10:32:10
We have been enjoying each other’s journeys for many years now. Let us keep it going. Hope, Peace and Friendship! I love these concepts. Bless you Etty10.
Oct 18, 2016 @ 09:28:07
I love this picture. Love that has lasted through the years…..contentment !!
Oct 18, 2016 @ 10:29:05
Happy with your statement….contentment. Without it we will go crazy!
Oct 19, 2016 @ 21:13:22
what a beautiful photo of both of you—Love, Reene
Oct 20, 2016 @ 14:06:47
Thank you 😊
Nov 02, 2016 @ 15:20:34
After reading this I have decided to smile and look directly into the eyes of everyone as I ride in elevators😍
Interesting the varied responses and sometimes even reluctant reflexes! Planning to continue this challenge and just let things happen. Thanks for your inspiration, and grace.
Nov 02, 2016 @ 18:42:14
We should smile more often for certain and reluctant reflexes
Must be brain worthy and coaxed out of hiding. So smile while coaxing out reflexes. We then have an open road to a firmer relationship 💓
Nov 02, 2016 @ 18:44:18
Oops top comment means our internal resources coax out reluctant reflexes.
You think.