HAPPINESS - A Choice!

Life is what happens as we are planning our future. Many of us make the mistake of believing that all of our expectations will happen down the road, as we prepare for what we expect our life to be. We believe that once we get there, everything will be perfect and we will finally be happy. We forget that there is much to be gained if we enjoy our journey as we are living our life. We should revel in every moment that we're moving toward that higher goal. We need to enjoy the accomplishments we gain while we achieve our goals. We should make it a worthwhile journey, and in doing this, we will savor the end result that much more.

The most important thing we need to understand about Happiness is that it is a choice we make from moment to moment. We should try to not let the little things bother us because this will block the happiness we would otherwise feel. Embrace happiness, smile, and enjoy the moment.  As The Undercover Divas, we enjoy happiness when we discover and experience new things and then share those experiences with others through our blog.  It is a hobby that makes us happy.  Try finding something that you love doing, and enjoy that time while you experience doing it.  And don't forget to always be kind to one another.  

Author Carol Holmes said, “A happy life is made up of little things: a gift sent, a letter written, a call made, a recommendation given, transportation provided, a cake made, a book lent, a check sent.” Success and happiness is not in getting rich or rising high to fame. Happiness comes when we are big of heart, and clean and broad in mind. It is being faithful to your friends, and to the stranger, be kind. Learn to enjoy the little things, there are so many of them.

A hidden part of us rejoices when we reach out to one another in everyday life. We search for happiness in romance, achievements, possessions, exciting experiences, and all of these bring us some satisfaction, but not enough to bring us real joy. When we help others, we receive happiness back, tenfold. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.

Tuesdays at Eastern Market, Detroit, Michigan

Looking for somewhere fun to go on Tuesdays? Why not try Detroit's Eastern Market. Parking is not as congested as Saturday mornings, and there are less vendors, but you can still find everything there on Tuesdays that you find on Saturdays.

Eastern Market is the largest historic market in the country, a 4.5 acre display of the freshest fruits and vegetables in the metro Detroit area. Surrounding the market area are several blocks of restaurants, boutiques, wine, cheese and candles, art and coffee shops, bakeries, and antique and resale shops.

Available in the market area are many types of blooming flowers, whether it be hanging baskets, potted sunflowers, other potted flowers or flowers cut for your dinner table. We found (fresher than anything you've ever experienced) produce from area farmers, super-sized, and ready for smoothies or family meals. Real farm-fresh eggs were also available. Specialty products, art, jewelry, Michigan-made products and several food trucks are also nearby. Vendors are independently run businesses and can change week to week, so it is always a surprise at the hidden treasures available that day.

The Undercover Divas left with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, nectarines, and beets for smoothies, a couple of potted sunflower plants, reading material from Michigan State University's Extension Program on healthy growing and eating of fruits and vegetables, hanging baskets, potatoes and onions. Be sure to bring a wagon, if you plan on buying like we did.

Tuesdays at Eastern Market starts the beginning of June and ends the last Tuesday of October. Stands open early-early and are usually gone by 3pm. Driving to Eastern Market, take I-75 to the Mack exit. Then travel past McDonalds to Russell St. and turn right. It is an open-air market located in the downtown Detroit area. Make sure you allow plenty of time as there is so much to see and experience in the Eastern Market area.  

Detroit's Ransom Gillis House, From Batman vs. Superman, and Rehab Addict

The Undercover Divas are out and about in the downtown Detroit area.  We have been hearing about a historical house where much seems to be happening.  Not wanting to be left out, we decided to explore.

Our research led us to Brush Park, just outside of the downtown area.  One of the abandoned historic mansions in Brush Park, the Ransom Gillis House, is getting a good bit of attention.  It will appear in the new Batman vs. Superman:  Dawn of Justice, movie.  This historic house is one of the few homes from the mid-1800's left in this Detroit neighborhood.  Filming has been completed and word on the street is that this Brush Park mansion will be the new Wayne Manor in the film.  We decided to visit this “dark, Creepy Gotham” neighborhood, and were surprised at what a hidden jewel this neighborhood appears to be.  Many of the mansions in the area are gone, demolished, burned, etc.  There are a few standing here and there, but most in need of serious renovations, including this Ransom Gillis House. 

That brings us to the real reason The Undercover Divasdecided to do some investigative work.  Seems that this Ransom Gillis House is the newly-announced project for Nicole Curtis, of the Rehab Addict show on HGTV.  This house is perfect for the show.  Nicole works for the restoration of existing homes over demolition.  She has done other homes in the Detroit area, and brought them all back to their full glory. 

As you can see from the pictures we took today, the Rehab Addict project has not yet been started.  Across the street is the Brush Park urban garden, and when we look down the block, we can see Comerica Park and Ford Field.  The Renaissance Center, home of GM, is also visible. 

We were impressed with improvements already underway in the neighborhood and will be watching, and updating, with new developments.   Detroitis a city full of pride, on the come-back trail, reinventing itself along the way.  It is coming back more innovative and powerful than ever imagined and we are excited to do more exploring in Detroit this summer.