Sunscreen

What did people do before sunscreen?  I guess the easy answer is that people didn't move and thus the different "races" that we've evolved.  There are incredible benefits to living in sunny areas.  I love sunshine, and don't know that I'll ever be able to live in a cloudy environment again.  Portland, for one, did a number on my psyche, even in the short time that I lived there.  There's got to be a reason society has developed terms associated with poor moods with dark environments and vise-versa.  Would you rather be influenced by gloomy, stormy, cold weather (or people) or bright, sunny, warm weather (or people)?  Who's the sunshine of your life? :-)

Bella

Bella, our favorite neighbor (by far), visits us from the prison of her porch, but greets us excitedly at least once each day.  As punishment, her siblings set her free (I hope you feel the sarcasm of the word choice here) to either one of two 4' X 8' second-story patios for hours on end.  Bella's journeys nearly always run short on water and food exists as a mere memory of hours past. 

However, as Bella's self-proclaimed god-parent she greets me with kisses and happiness on every occasion.  Somehow, through yelling parents, jaded siblings, and a drugged-out uncle she maintains the sweetest personality one could ask for.  Its a shame such a wonderful creature came into this situation.  But, I'll continually receive her kisses and happiness as reminders of the spirit which refuses sadness and perpetually celebrates life and joy.