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200 words, caring, community, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, happy, kindness, laughter, love, smiles
“It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY people didn’t smile in old photographs?
In 17th century Europe it was a well-established fact that the only people who smiled were the poor, the lewd, the drunk, the innocent, and the entertainment. In some circles smiling was even thought to be a sign of madness.
If you wanted to be seen as upper class and as a person of good character. You didn’t smile.
Sometimes I wonder if remnants of this thinking have followed us into the twenty-first century.
Too bad.
Because smiling is a disarming tactic, in the sense that it can provide encouragement to another when they are doing well, or provide assurance that they are not being judged when they reach out for help.
In a very real sense a smile can be like the morning light that scatters the night and makes the day worth living for someone who didn’t previously think so.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
It costs you nothing to give the gift of your smile today.
Minuscule Moments said:
Diana I am learning from an expert, my mum has a golden smile it radiates outwards and effects those around her. Give me a smile any day it lifts ones spirits if that makes me common Im all for it.
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh Kath, I wish it was common/the norm, don’t you? ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
“a smile can be like the morning light that scatters the night and makes the day worth living for someone who didn’t previously think so”
This is an absolute gem of a way to live life. thanks!
Happy Christmas to you Diana.
Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you again after Christmas.
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dianasschwenk said:
Merry Christmas to you Elizabeth. Traveling to Canada for the holidays? You have a son that lives here, don’t you? ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Hello Diana, by ‘seeing’ I meant metaphorically by blogging. My son came home for Christmas, and for the first time in six years I had all the children together for Christmas. It was a joyous time. I am planning a trip to Canada mid 2016, probably in your summer. I hope to then be able to meet you in person. I am getting quite excited! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh wow all the children home for Christmas – that must have been awesome Elizabeth. I would LOVE to meet you in person – hope it works out my friend. On a side note, Louise and I had our annual pre-Christmas get together and you came up in conversation – she holds you in such high regard.
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elizabeth2560 said:
Oh thanks! I feel honored that you / she hold me in high regard as the feeling is the same for both of you from me.
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Zambian Lady said:
Smiles indeed spread joy and make someone approachable. Like Ian, above, I also told myself to be smiling a lot but unfortunately for me, I usually forget to. People say I look serious and not very approachable, so thanks for the reminder I will try again to be smiling more.
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dianasschwenk said:
don’t feel bad Zambian Lady. I think I was 23 when I first started practicing the art of smiling and I’m still working on it! ❤
Diana xo
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Patty B said:
I was told once it was because they had to stand still for long periods of time and be very very still. But I guess if it is a sign of madness, then I am mad!! lol
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dianasschwenk said:
And I’m mad as well Patty! ❤
Diana xo
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Patty B said:
Glad you are too!! 🙂 I even smile on my drivers license.
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Yeah! Everything we do creates ripples, and it’s just a question of what kind of ripples you want to send through the water.
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dianasschwenk said:
I like to think so as well Smitty! ❤
Diana xo
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sannyspear said:
What a wonderful post. Every day without smiling, is a lost day. A smile is so simple, everyone can afford it and it has such a positive impact on someone else. A smile simply makes happy, and who doesn’t like to be happy?
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dianasschwenk said:
So true sannyspear. Welcome to talktodiana and thank you so much for weighing in! ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Smiles make us smile. Enough said. Enough goodness spread! xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Yeah they’re catchy Val! ❤
Diana xo
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George said:
Never knew that about not smiling in older photos. I always thought it was because they didn’t have access to chocolate and it made them irritable..:)
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dianasschwenk said:
haha that would take the smile of my face George! ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
I am a smiling person, always have been, when someone smiles they feel happier, well
I think so
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dianasschwenk said:
I think so too Jo-Anne. ❤
Diana xo
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Ian Munro @ leadingessentially.com said:
Bang on Diana!! Last year, I made a concerted effort to make smiling a subconscious habit. Not a big silly grin, just enough of an upturn on the corners of my mouth. It is amazing what it did for me … it changed my dominant mood to joyful, and my default posture to “heads up, eyes searching for connection”. Best of the season!!
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dianasschwenk said:
You must have made that change before we met because I really felt that from you when we met Ian. ❤
Diana xo
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
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Healing Grief said:
Smiling can change our mood and the mood of those around us in a moment! Interesting facts Diana, and thanks for the reminder to smile more today! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
You’re welcome Karen. Thanks for stopping by! ❤
Diana xo
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Wendy L. Macdonald said:
I love your attitude and your smile, Diana. ❤ Retail clerks need our smiles more than ever during the Christmas season. I don't wait for them to smile first, cause I know they need it more than I do (I've worked in a gift store at Christmas–fun but exhausting).
Blessings & smiles ~ Wendy 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Me too Wendy and I totally agree! ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
For something that costs us nothing, it sure does give us great rewards. Beautiful Diana! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
It sure does, thank you Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
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Travel Spirit said:
Here’s a big SMILE for you! xoxo
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you very much my dear! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Love the quote! Smiles are a free gift that make the giver and the givee feel good. 😍
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dianasschwenk said:
So true Jennifer. May your days be filled with many a smile my friend! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Yours as well, sweetie. I know you’re facing a different Christmas this year and smiles may be more bittersweet. Hugs, Diana ❤️
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Jennifer ❤
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Don Royster said:
I knew I had some aristocracy in me. Now I know why.
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dianasschwenk said:
There ya go Don! ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
I have so many of those old photos, and the posed ones…never a smile. So severe ! Even the wedding portraits where they almost look angry. Great post, Diana, keep smiling…you have a great one. ☺
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Van. Hope your wedding pictures were ‘less severe’ ❤
Diana xo
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Louise Gallagher said:
Funny you should mention that! I was just wondering about why people didn’t smile in the ‘dark ages’ and thought it was probably because of bad teeth — and the fact their breath probably smelled really badly too!
I love smiles — they touch hearts, open minds and set spirits free to soar. Your post made me smile big time this morning Diana.
Hugs and many smiles my friend!
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dianasschwenk said:
Back at ya Louise, got your email. Will check my schedule and get back to you. ❤
In need of my Lousie 'fix'
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Your photo with this one makes me smile, Diana. Your smile in your photos makes me smile, Diana. ❤ Your thoughts make me smile, Diana. I too am a proponent of the smile, Diana. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Now that why doesn’t that surprise me Mark? As always, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Brings a smile to my face. ❤
Diana xo
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misifusa said:
Sending you a big smile xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Yvonne, right back at ya! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
My grandmother never smiled because she didn’t like her teeth. Maybe that had a lot to do with it in centuries past too. Who knows? Portraits were rather somber too. No central heat.. ha ha…
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dianasschwenk said:
Actually when I googled why people didn’t smile, one of the points that came up was bad teeth, however, everyone had bad teeth so it didn’t really determine attractiveness or anything back then…
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Val Boyko said:
That’s what I had thought Diana … I do so love your interpretation instead! Smile on😀
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Don said:
Love the image.
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dianasschwenk said:
yeah me too. I googled light scattering the darkness and this was one of many that popped up. Love the light on the water…
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Don said:
Agree, Diana. Nothing like a smile to awaken life in us, whether we do it or whether we are the recipients of a smile.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Exactly, Don! ❤
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
I am smiling now, Diana! ❤ xxoo
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dianasschwenk said:
And what a beautiful smile you have Ann! ❤
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
🙂
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jmgoyder said:
You are such an absolute gem, Diana. I smile easily so this post makes me feel great. Despite blog breaks like now I still want to keep in touch even as a silent reader. You are a fantastic example to me and I thank you! Julie xxx
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww you’re welcome Julie and ditto! ❤
Diana xo
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