It's amazing what you will see while sitting at a traffic light.
Article by: Norma W. Beaird
Photography by: Curtis and Norma Beaird
Curtis and I absolutely love photography, mostly outdoor photography to include nature, landscapes, coastal scenes and old churches. At the same time, in searching for beautiful and interesting photos, we sometimes come across signs that are very humorous (at least they're humorous to us). On top of this, we love to laugh! Laughter is like medicine, except it has less side effects!
Sometimes, we need to trade the serious for the humorous,
and trade the chaos for the calm.
As you can probably tell, we're a little eclectic in our subject matter. Even though the world seems to have gone crazy at the moment, we need to train ourselves to occasionally view the positive and joyful side of life. If we always feed our mind the constant bad news, the never-ending political spin and the horrifying apocalyptic predictions, we'll be a prime candidate for the latest anti-depressant on the market today.
Sometimes, despite the negativity that surrounds us 24/7, we need to laugh and find the humor that is all around us. Sometimes, we need to photograph that funny sign that may not contribute anything towards world peace, but it gives us some emotional relief. As a matter of fact, the Mayo Clinic endorses laughter as an effective means of stress management.
It's okay to laugh. It's okay to have a sense of humor and be happy.
Proverbs 15: 13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:
but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Sometimes, we need to take a break from the stress, the traumas, and the little life dramas. (Wow!......how poetic) Sometimes, we need to "lighten up" and give it a break......or a rest. It may be as simple as going camping and admiring the beauty of nature. It may be as simple as spending time with the grandchildren. It may be as simple as a husband and wife scheduling a date night at their favorite secluded restaurant.
Sometimes, it may be as simple as photographing your pet or a bird in the front yard. You may relieve stress by writing your thoughts in a journal. It may be as easy as watching a funny re-run on TV. It may be as soothing as a pedicure or as relaxing as a drive through the quiet countryside. It may be as simple as going fishing in your favorite pond or lake. It doesn't have to be expensive or require a lot of planning, but it does need to relieve stress and redirect your thoughts to what is really important in life.
Find a reason to laugh and bring some sunshine to a cloudy day.
Laughter is contagious!
As part of our humor therapy, we want to share some of the things that we find funny. Since we live in Georgia, we have noticed that Georgia businesses have a knack for producing three things in their signage.
1. Signs with part of the lights out. Blown-out light bulbs are a sure-fire sign you're in Georgia.
2. Signs with funny messages, whether or not it's meant to be humorous.
3. Signs with straight talk about their requirements for entering the premises.
We also find pictures of things that don't necessarily classify as signage, but they're so funny that we have to share them! Living in Georgia provides many opportunities for entertainment.
There are times when we don't always have our cameras with us. A few of these were photographed with our cell phone. We just couldn't pass them up! Hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
This sign doesn't mean that Georgia is filled with so many skinny folks that they can't keep their pants up. No, siree! Georgia is home to many buffets, where fried chicken, cornbread and grease are part of the food pyramid. We do have some young folks who are really proud of their underwear.
**************
Signs like this are everywhere. I thought Missouri was the "Show Me" state.
**************
I'll never forget when we posted this sign on Facebook. A very humorous and single friend of mine posted the following comment under this sign...."I'd like to have a hot Doug!" Well, it wasn't long before she found one. His name wasn't Doug, but according to her Facebook photos, it looks as though her love life has certainly improved!
**************
Curtis attended a drag race at this particular drag strip near Macon just one time. That's all it took. Most businesses warn about illegal drugs and alcohol. In Georgia, there are a few additions.
**************
St. R Bucks?
Do they need to increase the price of their Mocha Lattes to afford a few light bulbs?
**************
With a name like Ed Obster, I would vote for him for president.
**************
Are you serious? Don't turn Uncle Ned loose on the Oconee River!
**************
First of all, we're not very traditional. We had a nice dinner buffet on the Savannah Riverboat on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, we had a more casual dinner at IHOP (yes, you read IHOP). When we walked out of IHOP, this is what we saw in front of us. As a man exited the driver's side, I inquired about his unusual passenger. He replied with a grin, "Oh yes, that's my son-in-law!"
**************
You have to understand something. When you eat at greasy (pronounced gree-zee) All-You-Can-Eat buffets in Georgia, you need to be near a restroom at all times. Sometimes our digestive systems are not wired for an onslaught of fried catfish, collard greens, hushpuppies and sweet tea. If you don't believe this, just ask Paula Deen.
**************
Four things are really important to Georgia folks:
Church fish fries, deer hunting, firearms and working bathrooms
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8 (King James Version)
1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Copyright 2012, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
