There’s nothing more contagious than a smile. Try it. Just smile at a stranger, and they will smile back. You can also wave. For me a smile is hope. And thank you Ann-Christine for showing us that we can still find hope and smile.

So what makes me smile? I’ve chosen five things that help me smile. Let’s start with animals. First, here is my friend Marlene talking with an alpaca; and, second, a zebra at the Sacramento Zoo with an itch.

Now let’s move on to landscapes. I do smile when I see a field of flowers or a mountain covered with wildflowers. Each year the poppies and sunflowers come out, and I try to get capture them with my camera. Because the sunflowers are farmed, they are easier to find. However, to capture a field of wild poppies is more difficult.

How many of you have chuckled when you saw a clever sign? I love that people will pass along their sense of humor to the public. I have two signs to show you. One is outside the bathroom at the Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa and the other at Ruhstaller Farm in Dixon.

Ruhstaller Farm

If you’ve followed this blog, you know I love trees. They are so expressive and bring me joy.

And last, are people. They don’t have to smile at you to have you smile; they just need to be themselves in the moment. Here is my now teenage grandson at the California State Railroad Museum for the first time and a mother and son enjoying the music at a county fair.

Have these images brought a smile to your face? I hope so. Thank you Ann-Christine for helping us smile this week. When you post your response, remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week week Tina prepared us for smiling with her gratitude theme. I enjoyed seeing what you are all grateful for. Sometimes we just need a little poke to help us remember the goodness in life. Next week Sofia will present the challenge, so look for her post.

In the meantime smile and live in gratitude.

40 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #326: This Made Me Smile”

  1. Excellent gallery, Anne. You had me smiling right from the start. Those zebras are having a blast. It’s wonderful to smile at signs, too, but nature smiles are the most rewarding for me. Beautiful photos!

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  4. Terrific choices Anne – I must admit the bathroom sign made me laugh out loud! Some people are just so clever – would love to meet whomever came up with that one 😊. Also really loved the joy on your grandson’s face. Let’s hope he still finds that kind of joy!

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  12. Such a happy post this is, Anne! The poppies are wonderful – and all your smiles brightens my day! Love that zebra, as many answers already have told…and the signs! Often signs are really Made for smiles. People, yes, and children, they just have to exist to make me smile. Your grandson and the dancing couple – they feel genuinely happy!

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  15. A wonderful collection, Anne! I adore the obviously deep conversation between your friend and the alpaca. 😊 I can see myself in similar situations;). The ‘clever’ signs are hilarious, indeed. And to witness children having fun is simply irresistible. To sum it up: I love every single picture! Thank you for showering us with smiles❤️!

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