Dear Reader:

When I got to participate in the Danish-American Teacher Exchange in the early nineties, I learned first-hand about hygge-an old Norse word ” Hugr” which later became the English derivative-hug.

However in this case… hug meant ” soul, mind, and consciousness ” . It derives from a 16th century term ” hugga” meaning to comfort or to console. ” Hugga is pronounced ” HOO-gah, like an old timey car horn-symbolizing coziness and well-being.

While I was staying at Benedikte Christensen’s home her youngest daughter, Marlana, had a birthday and I never had so much fun… songs, riddles, stories, board games, her favorite meal and homemade cake… the laughter went far into the night… it was coziness and a picture album that brought back memories of family vacations and holiday celebrations from her past year as her grand accumulated gift…a comforting birthday -so much more meaningful than so many American expensive birthday parties given by strangers for profit at some unknown locale.

Time is so precious in our lives that the opportunity to share time with family is increasingly blessed.

Family members come in all shapes and sizes! But finding time to play together is a top priority and to comfort siblings …a lesson in caring.

Rutledge’s team had a rough start in their football tournament and Rutledge needed some encouraging support so Lachlan and Eloise made pictures that I then, took snapshots of us to send Rutledge!

In the past several years Finland, along with Denmark have vived for the title of The Happiest Country in the World, repeatedly.

What they share in common is a cultural commitment to free education, along with healthcare. They seem to understand that there are no inalienable rights or pursuit of happiness without good health. Seriously… how can anyone be happy without affordable health care for all-not just the fortunates with life insurance?

People before profit… a seemingly lost and fading concept in our troubled democracy. The basic differences in happiness countries/atmosphere, presence, “” WE” over ” ME” gratitude and harmony … a way of living that promises warmth, security, and commonality.

So until tomorrow…

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh