Viola, violet and pansy blossoms always seem to be smiling when I look in their velvety faces. They remind me of the wonderful song from “Bye Bye Birdie,” Put On A Happy Face.

In a Vase on Monday, is hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.

This week’s photo challenge gives us the option to share a photo that captures the beauty of morning or evening half-light, or a photo inspired by a favorite poem, verse, story, or song lyric. As a young person, whenever I felt afraid “…I’d hold my head erect, and whistle [or hum] a happy tune…” (Rodgers and Hammerstein). As an adult I find when I present a warm, smiling face to the world, spirits are elevated. In the darkness of winter, I remind myself to “brush off the clouds and cheer up…” 

Half-Light

Put On A Happy Face, composed by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams

Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It’s not your style;
You’ll look so good that you’ll be glad
Ya’ decide to smile!
Pick out a pleasant outlook,
Stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that “full of doubt” look,
Slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Just put on a happy face!
Put on a happy face
Put on a happy face
And if you’re feeling cross and bickerish
Don’t sit and whine
Think of banana splits and licorice
And you’ll feel fine
I knew a girl so gloomy
She’d never laugh or sing
She wouldn’t listen to me
Now she’s a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face
So, put on a happy face