GROUCHY: "sulky; morose; ill-tempered"

On October 15th. we will celebrate National Grouch Day, acknowledging all the grouches in the world.  There is no specific date associated with this celebration.  However, the day has been celebrated since 1975 when it was inspired by the magazine Sesame Street.  It is also associated with Bill and Helen Chase, of Chase's Calendar of Events.  It seems they were inspired by their granddaughter Monica.  She had a very grouchy teacher whose birthday was October 15th.   So, Monica and her friends dubbed the date as National Grouch Day.

So, what is a grouch?  They are often complaining, and they do it constantly, irritating those around them. They are not fond of noisy places or too much silence or any form of activity around them.  They are happy when those around them are unhappy or grouchy.  Undoubtedly the most famous grouch is Oscar the crotchety Muppet.  He was created by Jim Henson in 1969 and was inspired by a rude waiter at a restaurant named Oscar's Salt of the Sea.  The original version was an orange character.  But Henson decided that Oscar should be green due to his visit to Swamp Mushy Muddy.  He lived in a trash can and sang about how much he truly loved trash!  Other famous grouches include Charles Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge, Dr. Suess' The Grinch, and Disney's Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  One of the most well-known and funniest memes of all time was Grumpy Cat, AKA Tartar Sauce.  Although he passed on in May of 2017, his memes will last forever!

And how do we celebrate these sourpusses or curmudgeons?  Act grouchy reminding others that it's healthy to process negative emotions at times.  Whine a little.  Post your gripe, grouse, or grumble.  The top three grumpiest travelers are Spanish, Irish, and Icelandic people.  At the opposite end of the scale, the top three happiest travelers are Russians, Serbians, and Lebanese people.

Now that you've gotten your grouchiness taken care of let's turn that frown upside down.  Get yourself a big bowl of popcorn and settle down to lots of laughs as you watch Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in Grumpy Old Men.  Being silly is fun! 

We would like to share our image (above) of "Pain and Pleasure".  We were taking a respite on a square in Camogli, Italy when this man's laughter caught my ears and eyes.  The juxtaposition of the two men's expressions could easily have allowed the image to be titled "Happy Camper and Grouch" as well.  

This image is available in tabletop to wall size, triple matted, and with or without a frame.  The matted versions are yours at a 10% discount and the framed matted versions in sizes 11x14 and larger can be yours at a 15% discount.

Visit our website, www.throughthelensoflee-margaret.com for available sizes and prices.

Stop by and see us on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The gallery is open for arranged Saturday appointments.  Call us at 904-387-8710 to schedule your special visit.  Come see us and order now.

                           Grouches of the world unite!                      

        Stand up for your grouchy rights!     

 Don't let the sunshine spoil the rain

                  Just stand up and complain.               

                    The first verse of the Grouch anthem sung by Oscar the Crotchety Muppet