Heaven for me ....

Is a cool autumn evening on a stony beach. Sky meeting water with exactly the same hue of grey-blue. Dog jumping through waves eagerly anticipating yet another stick. Small child heading with wet feet heading back to the ocean. Sausages sizzling. Fire blazing. Marsh mellow sticks sharpened and at the ready. A full bottle of apple Fresh Up beckoning. Old friends nearby. Family at my side. Belly full and warm.

What about you?

Mummy's Day doesn't have to be about spending money

I've been thinking about Mother's Day. As a new mother myself, the key ingredient of this day, for me, is feeling appreciated. We were musing about what to get our mother this Sunday. I said out loud 'what would be the best present we could give to Mum?' and someone very perceptively replied 'go to church with her'. Now the church issue has long been a colourful one on our family. Mum's a born-again Christian and my father was a staunch atheist (what ever that means these days). Being closer to my father I was raised to be an atheist too. So as soon as this innocent suggestion was made I felt my old defences rise and I automatically began to shun the idea. On second thoughts though, I realised what it would mean to Mum, and how easy and possibly quite interesting it could be for me. There was even the chance, I realised, that I might even come away feeling quite inspired. So, my little sister and I are accompanying Mum to church this Sunday. We've already announced our intentions and my mother was suitably impressed. She was lost-for-words impressed, and excited - holding her breath with anticipation excited. Just goes to show, when we really think about what would make our loved one's happy, even the simplest actions, acts that don't mean much to us, can mean the world to them. And they don't need to cost us a cent.

Good News Being Broadcasted Across Ten Community Radio Stations

Good news for Happyzine - the top three good news stories of each week are now going to be broadcasted across ten community radio stations within New Zealand. Gradually, the good news is seeping through the nation ... hee hee hee. There's just one small detail - we need a major sponsor. So if you have any suggestions or ideas please drop us an email: info@happyzine.co.nz

When Happyzine is playing on Fresh FM

Would you like to absorb the good news in audio form as well? If you're in the top of the South Island you can now tune into Happyzine on Fresh FM on Mondays at 7.10 pm, Wednesdays at 10.10 am and Saturday at 4.10 pm. Happyzine will also soon feature on nine other community radio stations around Aotearoa!!! Ahhhh happy happy joy joy.

Check out Erin Cole-Baker

I'm just listening to Erin Cole-Baker on the National Programme (NZ) and she's got the most beautiful melodic voice and this amazing attitude to becoming a successful musician. She's a Kiwi with ties to Nashville, US. She's toured and performed heaps in the States and here in Aotearoa. It's not often I get excited about new musicians, I'm pretty fussy. But this woman is fresh, unique and going places. You've just got to listen to her.

How to be Happy - Three Easy Ways

a) Ask yourself what feeds your soul and brings you happiness and observe the first thought that flashes into your mind - don't judge it, just pay attention. It may be something you're already doing, something you know you could be doing, or something you've hardly given any thought to for ages. It may be a few things. Don't be afraid of what ever comes to mind. Your subconsciousness is powerful, and what ever flashed into your mind is worth contemplating. If you're not already doing at least one of these things, take small steps to begin, today.

b) Ask yourself which foods fill you with energy - are you eating them? Can you eat more of these foods? Organise a great kai (food) date for yourself, put it in your diary, organise it, make it happen, enjoy it and pay attention to how you feel afterwards. If it makes you feel good, you deserve it as often as possible.

c) Think physical - how can do you get the most enjoyment out of that amazing human body you're living in? What makes it feel fantastic? Is this activity a part of your general lifestyle? What's an activity that makes your body thrive, that you absolutely can incorporate into your weekly schedule? Become your own personal trainer and make it happen.

Happy as Larry

An introduction to Happy as Larry from Larry Cat:

Happy as Larry is a 'no catch' word of mouth project promoting random acts of giving, generosity and good karma!Larry is a cat and his own philosophy is "You get what you give".There are at least 10 giveaways each month, which have either been randomly donated to Larry, or stuff that Larry has himself has scored Robin Hood style. Its free to join just visit http://www.happyaslarry.co.nz/

Regards

Larry Cat