Need a laugh?

Could you use a good laugh today? 

Here are make-you-grin signs from a local taco restaurant named Cochino (pig, hog).

One element of humor is incongruity--two things are compared that don't usually go together. These are funny because they combine unlikely pairs: dinosaurs and tacos, two cultures-Chinese New Year and Mexican-American fast food, and a “scientific” recommendation for tacos. 

Another element is surprise. We expect one thing from a situation, and get something different.

Performer Ron Thomason, former English teacher, turned horse breeder and bluegrass musician is both smart and funny. At a recent concert he made a pitch for their "merch", slang for merchandise. In addition to the usual CD's and signed photos, he pitched their "thought repellant hats," equipped with "ignor(ance)-guard."  I couldn't write fast enough to keep up with the many reasons you may need one to stay safe in today's political environment, so I just sat back and laughed out loud. Enjoy his gift of humor in this monologue about his prize horse. 

Who would think a 70 year old former beauty queen would be funny? But Jeanne Robertson certainly is. I was excited when I finally bought a ticket for a live performance, and really bummed when I couldn't attend. I consoled myself by watching several of her monologues on youtube. She can find something comical about her husband's trip to the grocery store, sitting in a doctor's waiting room, or regifting.  Here's one of my favorites.  

Sometimes life creates laughable situations. Mine frequently come from my husband, and I call these Bill stories.

For example, looking at a friend's Facebook photo he noticed the man's weight gain and perceived it as "His head is getting smaller and smaller." He referred to a  100 year man as a centurion instead of a centenarian. And complaining about a erroneous charge for a flu shot he said, "They didn't charge us when we got the shots for ricketts." He meant shingles. 

Laughter is so important it's on the Mayo Clinic website. If you don't want to click and read, here's the summary:

         Laughter exercises our organs, releases good chemicals

 in the brain, relieves stress, improves your immune system, 

relieves pain, improves your mood, and increases 

personal satisfaction. 

They should add that humor can deflect bad moods and peevishness as well. 

Mayo suggests you learn a joke.  Instead, I'll share an anecdote from my seven year old grandson. "Mom" he said, I want to work to earn some money. But only dollar jobs." No loose change for that kid. 

PBS makes me chuckle on a regular basis with Father Brown, and The Durrells on Corfu. The book trilogy on which the Corfu series is based is now available in print. Written by Gerry, the youngest Durrell, his 1956 style vividly describes Corfu's unique natural world and the antics of his family. 

I know funny people who just have quick wits, and I've always wished I was one of them. 

As an adult university student I found my young classmates to be amusing. I was surprised when one of them said to me "You have a good sense of humor." I protested I really didn't. She pointed out that I was always ready to laugh, and receptivity was as essential to humor as the ability to produce it. 

So here I am, ready to receive your funny stories. Please share. I can always use a hearty laugh.