Are we obsessed with being happy?

The other day I came to a conclusion that as a society we are addicted to the idea of being "HAPPY" (forgive me I don't have a degree in sociology), but it seems to be a trend that either hasn't been truly studied or understood.
Everyone seem to strive to be happy but forget that there is an effort that has to be made in order to stay or be in that state of mind. It's a conscious decision to develop another attitude and perception, in order to get to a better place. Notice I didn't state happy, but better. Happiness is important but for me Joy is much better. Why? What's the difference....for me personally happiness is an emotion that happens in the moment, Joy is an experience, a memory, a moment that seem to last a lifetime. I am not sure if I make complete sense. But I think as humans we have a tendency to think very superficially... and a life without thought is an existence with no promise.
Happiness is a great thing and at a moment make us feel exhilarated, vibrant and alive, but like every other emotion it's fleeting. But something that is more vital, important and meaningful too me is living a life and being content. Looking to what I have and being satisfied and fulfilled. Not looking outside of myself to be "happy" but looking inside and seeking for that inner peace.
This is just the surface of my point hopefully I get to finish my thought some other time.
A.S.

Update!!!

So here is the dress that I am working on....she is beautiful in theory but ... I am beginning to think too much pink. I have two tears left so not bad.... but the gatherings is a bit frustrating. Sorry about the fuzzy pic but that's all I got for right now.

That's it for now.

A.S.

There is no bigger truth in....

this statement.... It all starts with you. As of lately I have not been totally dedicated to sewing and in thinking I can start a group...it would reignite my interest. But the truth of the matter is this, sewing happens in time, it happens with constant practice, frustration, commitment, mistakes and a sense of dedication. I love to see the end result of a garment construction...but do I hate the work that it takes too make it happen. So why don't I shop for RTW clothing or have it made. I don't know it isn't the same... because after it all said and done... I DID IT!
I have not given up on the idea of starting a group because there is one meeting at the end of the month. (Which is awesome) But I now realize I have to make things happen on my own. That means get the freaking machine of the shelf, dust it off and start getting reacquainted with the whole sewing world. There is really no excuse, and I am not making one.
Okay now that is done. I have a question do you sew to relieve stress or cannot be bothered when situation is getting rough? I always thought that depending on the situation sewing can either be a life saver or a hindrance. What is your take on this?

A little too AMBITIOUS!!!!

Hello everyone,
My name is Naomie and I am a professional stalker, and I need help. I have never known myself to be a crazed, hungry, overbearing individual until now. I have turned into a psycho stalker trying to get this whole sewing group thing together. What kind of person out of the blue start talking to random strangers in order to get inspiration to sew. Have I finally lost it? I mean I will walk around and try to analyze a person while looking at fabric...trying to see if this person would like to be committed into a sewing cult. I said it CULT, I think I am aiming to start a new religion with this whole thing. Don't be too surprised if you see me with scrap wood in my backyard trying to build a chapel. Where the holy sewing machine will have it's own alter. I have gone off the deep end people....WATCH OUT!!!! Sewer gone crazy!!!!!

Making your own iron board.

Last night I saw this awesome video on how to make a simple ironing board all it required was a staple gun, some polyester batting, more batting, a sheet of muslin and BOOM! Your own portable ironing board. I think it's on youtube, but don't quote me on it.
I was so surprised that making your own ironing board could be soooo easy, actually I didn't think it was possible. I am getting the creative itch, that's always good news.
How many of you out there made your own?

Do you believe in signs? (not sewing related)

Hey everyone,
I have to start by being honest with you, today isn't such a good day not because it wasn't a beautiful day, because it was. But my cat died last night, she got hit by a car and I was just so pissed. Believe in me this isn't the first pet we have lost as a matter of fact it could be the 9th or 10th animal we lost. I don't know what is exactly wrong with my house or the people in my area but it seems that my family specifically isn't allowed to have/or own any animal without a tragic ending. Now could this be because we are bad owners? or not meant to have animals?
Sometimes I wonder allot about my life...I know for a fact that I am not considered to be in a very bad scenario (because it could always get from bad too worse) but nothing good seems to happen. I sometimes wonder if it is because of my attitude/outlook on life that makes things seem so gloomy or is it because I live a life that is just filled with sorrow that inevitably made me see things in a negative light.
It's funny though because the other night I had a dream that I was going to have to let someone go. I literally was standing on a cliff holding a lifeless body and forced to make a decision on either letting myself linger in sorrow or let the body drop. When I woke up I cried allot because of all the emotions I felt. I couldn't understand why I had to make such a horrible decision but in the end I had to let go and turn away. Then last night I had to pick up my cat's lifeless body and let her go. Some how I wasn't so distraught as my neighbor who was just beside herself (she is a real cat lover). I think in a way God was preparing me for a huge loss. (I lied I did cry allot but in my room with my 4 month old nephew who was sleeping.)
He (G0d) allowed me too feel all these things before I had to deal with the reality of my lost. I loved my cat MYA. She was the sweetest cat I ever owned, but unfortunately she ended up with us. Now she is gone.
So am I to believe that my dream was a sign? Or is there such a thing? And if the dream was about lost then should I prepare for more?

Would it be weird if I ....

Was too actually try to find sewing friends in my neck of the woods...or is that a little juvenile. I mean I have seen many adds online on sites (that are not too reputable) asking for all kinds of "friends" but am I retarded if I were to put an add trying to make friends with similar interest...more importantly a strong interest in sewing.
Is that weird or what?
I think it would be more fun having someone (doing it with) ...wait hold on that didn't sound right....someone to participate in these friendly, clean activity would be another motivation for me to keep sewing on a regular basis. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.