Happy Things, Because Wow Do We Need Happy Things Today

This was supposed to be a post about practical ways to reduce anxiety, but ironically I was feeling  too scattered yesterday to finish writing it. I really do try to keep Epbot as our sweet geeky bubble insulated from the ickiness of the real world, but I have to admit, that world is getting to me at the moment. I bet it's getting to some of you, too.

So instead of practical advice, here come a few things that have made me smile through my fear, laugh through my anger, and reminded me there is still good and beauty out there.

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Rowena Meadows is a photographer in Australia who roped her family into the most colorful quarantine project I've seen yet - and the longer you look, the better these get:

 

 

 Their prop choices are perfection.

Bahaha! The dad looking at the baby doll cracks me up every time.

This makes me want to do my own series, but just with toys and art and random objects from around the house. That would be such a fun project, right?

But first head to Rowena's IG post to see the rest of her family's color portraits, 'cuz they are so, so worth it.

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Some of you know the DoubleClicks, the sibling duo nerdy music group that gives the BEST live concerts. Obviously they can't do in-person concerts right now,  though, so they put together a virtual one... in Animal Crossing, New Horizons.

Prepare to smile a whole lot:

 

SO CUTE.

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About a month ago Weird Secondhand Finds (one of my favorite Facebook groups) had a trend where everyone was posting their collection photos. I LOVE COLLECTION PHOTOS. They're so satisfying, they make me so happy.  I saved a few of my favorites to show you:

Amy's vintage swag lamps:

(Click to embiggen)

This is MAGICAL. Omigosh. And those perfectly spaced brackets are so satisfying.

Ami's vintage Jem collection:

Hit the link to see some close-ups.

I'm always thrilled to see "girl's" toy collections, since they seem kinda rare, which is a shame. Why should it be more acceptable to display Star Wars figures as an adult, than, say, Polly Pocket or My Little Pony? They're all toys! So hey, DISPLAY WHAT YOU LOVE, make pew pew! noises at the haters. 

Donna's hanging keys:

 I love this idea for a display. In fact I think I saw someone else make a window valance out of keys like this - in which case I'd add some hanging crystals for sparkle.

And finally, Tina's mid-century glass:

Every one of these photos is heaven for my eyeballs.

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 I recently discovered Rangoli art through the FB page My Modern Met, and oh my sweet velvety color goodness:

 

 Get this: it's made of sand.

Best of all, it has to be the most soothing and beautiful art to watch come together:

I went looking for more videos, so now I follow Rangoli Colors and Designs by Keerthi
on Facebook (she's the one in this video) and also RangoliColors on Instagram.


Both are stunning, and provide perfect little 3-minute mental breaks during my day.

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This next find is an older one from last year, but deserves more attention: A couple had a Harry Potter themed sex-reveal party, and I can't stop grinning:

Ready? 

Set?

PULL!

WHEEEE! Happy Hufflepuffs! 

And they're even wearing earmuffs, omigosh. This is the cutest.

Of course they served mandrake cupcakes, too:

 

Finally some edible baby cakes I can get behind.

I hope we see more themed sex-reveals in the future, I love it when geeks get creative! Head over to The Common Room to see the original post and the rest of their decorations.

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Can you remember the last time something in the news made you laugh? Like, in a happy way?

If not, I got you:

"Astrophysicist gets magnets stuck up nose while inventing coronavirus device"

Stick with this article, my friends, because it is comedy gold.

"...things went downhill pretty quickly when I clipped the magnets to my other nostril.”

“My partner took me to the hospital that she works in because she wanted all her colleagues to laugh at me."

I could go on, but you should really just read the whole thing here.

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And finally,  I asked John to send me the cutest thing he's seen all week, and while he missed a PRIMO opportunity to send me a photo of myself, he still delivered:

For me? from r/aww

The fluffy little paws!! Eeee!


I hope these made you smile and laugh and took your mind off the world a bit today. Remember, the fight for good and right will always be there, and it's OK to take a break sometimes to heal up. When the darkness feels too great, stop to bask in the light of the people who love you (like me!) and the things that strengthen you. Read a comic, watch a show, sit in stillness and color or craft for a while. Surround yourself with as much beauty and light as you can find - and when that's not working, surround someone you love with as much beauty and light as you can find.

Brene Brown said something last month that's stuck with me. She said we're not supposed to help ourselves, we're supposed to help each other. I've always found that to be true. I know that writing this post - which I hope helps some of you - has definitely helped me. So if you're struggling right now, if you can't find the helpers, maybe look for a small way you can be one this week.

Also remember you are loved, and that this - yes, even this - will get better. I promise.

::squishy internet hugs::

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Just a reminder that we have an Epbot t-shirt shop, since I often forget myself. :D  Let me know which design John should make next! I'm thinking... Potter 'Bot? Or would you rather the 'Bot in Mickey Ears?