My cheerful discussion...

[Wild Root]

Well, I hardly ever peek my head into this on most days a blood bath of brow beating points to death room but, I think I'd like to start something positive.

I have been thinking (I know, don't do it, it might hurt me) any way, I'm willing to take the risk!

What has been on my mind as of late is how great it is to know there are people out here that love the past and good old fashioned fun. We tend to focus on the bad in the world, I'd love to focus on the good in this thread so, let’s chat about the things that make us happy! What makes a day a good day for you guys? I'm some one who loves music and when I'm not having a good day I could put on a record that I love and then the day isn't so bad. Music of a different time has a powerful effect on me for some reason. Also, doing random acts of kindness makes my day as it does another’s. That’s a mighty fine feeling to have in a world that preaches to be evil and dark.

Any way, let’s talk about stuff that makes us happy! I don't want to hear anything about world politics in this thread, let’s keep it on things that make us happy.

Come on ladies and gents, what makes ya all happy?

=WR=

 

[J.B.]

Lurve, lurve, lurve my job!

Took a (lesser-paying) service-type job twelve years ago after a high-flying career path that I felt compelled to stick with had me burned out, stressed out, and had pretty much created a monster...

People at work must think I'm nuts 'cuz I'm always grinnin' like a Cheshire cat! ...(but if they'd only walked a mile under my fedora...)

Oh yeah.

You've got to ac-cent-chu-ate the positive,
Eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative,
Don't mess with Mister In-Between... ~ "Bing"/J. Mercer

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

I also love music and I find it almost always will improve my mood. I just come home after a long day of school, pour myself a glass of sherry from the antique decanter and put a Roger Wolfe Kahn or Sam Lanin 78 on my phonograph and just sit back in my wing chair and relax!

A package of some new vintage item from ebay also is a very good thing. Today a package arrived with the box of 15 new old stock stiff detachable shirt collars in it, in their original cardboard box from 1915 with the inspection card and advertising slip still inside.

 

[Novella]

Excellent idea for a discussion topic! It's nice to think about the positive for a change.

Music makes me happy too, but mostly when I'm dancing to it. If I can dance to a song, chances are I'll like it. Getting letters in the mail from family or friends is always an uplifter too. It's nice to think that someone thought of you and took the time to jot down a note, however long or short it may be. Spending time around old stuff is always an upper too. My Grandma called me a funny girl because I'm interested in all the old things she considers "junk", haha. Antique stores = bliss. I especially like one near my parents' house that has a vendor with a ton of old LIFE magazines. I'd take an old LIFE magazine over a modern magazine any day. History generally makes me happy. I like to use my imagination, and thinking about the past often involves a bit of imagination. I've always loved a good mystery, so I think that the mystery in history is also part of why it brightens my day. Tea is great too, and good dark chocolate, having a good chat with friends, and movies! A fantastic movie can turn any day around. I guess there's a lot that makes me happy!


I feel a bit Julie Andrews, "These are a few of my favorite things..."

 

[Burma Shave]

My best day recently...

... involved getting up at about 7 a.m. (early for me), putting on my leathers and heading out of town on my '99 BMW R1100S. Bombed around the countryside for about two hours, getting in a solid 110 miles, then headed back to my house in a historic area of Columbia, SC.

Put the water on to boil, coarse-ground some Sumatran coffee beans, and changed into flannel and tweed while the water heated. Made a French press of the best coffee I've ever had, and sat in my library/office, in a 1920s chair with high arms and a tall back, where I re-read a collection of P.G. Wodehouse's "Drones Club" stories for the umpteenth time.

By noon I was done with leisure time and got down to work. I work from home, so that entailed merely getting out of my armchair and shuffling over to the computer, where I banged out four articles in a single long afternoon, drinking a good Venezuelan rum while I worked.

At about 6 p.m., just before sundown, I put on a heavier jacket, grabbed my camera, and headed out around my neighborhood, taking dusk photos of some of the 1910-1930 era homes, with street lights beginning to appear.

Some of my good days involve other people, but the best parts of this one in particular involved me, my work, my camera, good coffee and the motorcycle -- the essentials of life. And when my lady friend came home from work at about 10, I was ready to talk to a human being. I'd had all the personal time I could handle for one day.

 

[Wild Root]

Oh this is just SWELL!

Hey, this is getting to be a nice little thread here! Ah, another thing that makes me happy is to see a thread I start go some place!

Novella, sounds like we have a lot in common! Antiques and anything old from the 20's to the 40's is just something I cant get enough of! But, you all know that by now I'm sure.

Movies are good too! They can make me feel good or feel sad or fill me with resolve to do better or be better.

There is one song that I just LOVE! No one here can relate because no one here has heard this record I have. It's by a lesser known Big Band leader named Emery Deutsch and the song name is Troika and let me tell you, no matter how down I might be, if I play that song it lifts me up and makes me want to cut a rug!

Also, finding vintage clothing in my size will put my spirits way up!

=WR=

PS. Novella, vintage LIFE magazines are way cool! I agree 100%.

 

[Burma Shave]

Speaking of music...

...the one recording I can always count on to lift my day is something (anything) by Django Reinhardt. Can't get enough of that gypsy! And to think he managed that magic with a couple of useless fingers on his fretting hand!

Another good day recently was when three new Bogart movies arrived in a little brown package early in the day. Watched Beat the Devil, Dead Reckoning and To Have and Have Not all for the first time that day. And I have Fedora Lounge members to thank for the Dead Reckoning reference. I'd read Have...Have Not several times, and knew the movie wasn't going to be like the book. But it's still a solid movie -- and reassured me that Lauren Bacall is indeed the ideal foil/Girl Friday for Mr. Bogart.

Thanks, FLers, for having good taste in movies and for being willing to opine vociferously in support of your favorites.

 

[katiemakeup]

Reading... especially about certain events in history and biographies (autobiographies tend not to be so objective) on the early studio systems and their stars. Just finished Norma Shearer

 

[Wolf]

A vintage razor, all restored, sharpened, and ready to shave with, a relaxing morning, shaving with that newly restored razor.

Dressing up, taking my wife out for sushi.

A warm sunny day riding my bike on long, curvy roads.

 

[Quigley Brown]

I love my dog more than anything...my joy for fifteen years. She gets a walk in the morning rain or shine, warm or cold...and this morning it was cold!

I was finally able to set up a display of my vintage neckties in my new apartment last evening. Tonight a local magazine is coming over to do a story about them. Most have have been in plastic boxes for over a year and it was fun to finally look at them again.

 

[Section10]

This is a good thread.
I see so much wrong with the world sometimes, yet I believe in an overpowering thread of goodness that is woven throughout everything. The world has been twisted, but it remains a truly wonderful place.
Aside from a few 78's on the victrola, I never listen to any music at all. People have asked me why and I tell them: Listening to the radio makes it too hard for me to hear the music.

 

[Naama]

I love my dog more than anything...my joy for fifteen years. She gets a walk in the morning rain or shine, warm or cold...and this morning it was cold!

If I only had a nicer dog....... But If I wake up in the morning and hear him yawn (that's actually the reason why I wake up mostly), that quite makes my day! He yawns very loud but it's so cute!

And yes, music and dancing takes away the pain

And winning some great items for low prices on ebay, or not so low prices but better items

When those items then arrive

When my hair looks just the way I wanted it to be (yes, I'm shallow....)

When I go out dancing with some great friends

sunshine when there's snow outside

When I know that my fafourite singer/band is coming to town

when I see people who had been away for a long time

I could go on and on
......
I never really realised what live has to offer..... °_0

Naama

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Ahh, coming home after a hard, long day at work (i call it work, most call it being a lazy student). The loving arms of a spouse, a cat that needs some attention - and maybe a new suit arrived in the mail. A record or cd player just begging to be used. Bach in the evening. Bach in the morning. Bach any time. A Bach cantata is probably the most uplifting thing i know. Such passion.

I must say, though, any time i feel really down, spending money is one of the best restoratives short of whiskey.

Great thread, Root. Another bloodbath in progress over the street. Namecalling coming soon, methinks.

bk

 

[photobyalan]

Any day I can take a good photograph, or at least spend the day trying to make a good photograph, is a good day.

 

[jake_fink]

Oh what a perfect day-ay-ay-ayeee...

1. Go to my son's room and see him smiling and hopping up and down in his crib. Change his diaper. Feed him breakfast, lots of smiles and chit chat. (*child points at various objects in room: "That; that; that; that...")

2. Get hair cut.

3. Eat a diner omelette or a pair of sunny side ups.

4. Get some writing done.

5. Watch a movie. Something black and white, with men in hats; old cars appreciated but not necessary.

6. Do some more writing.

7. Make dinner for wife and son. Eat dinner with wife and son.

8. Play with trucks on the floor. Kiss little guy nighty night.

9. Pour a large scotch and or brandy. Drink large scotch and or brandy. Repeat.

10. Read a book.

And then - as they say in the silents - to bed.

 

[K.D. Lightner]

Wildroot, you scored with this one. What a great idea.

Here's what makes me happy:

Getting to spend quality time with my sweet mother, who is 86. I lived away from her for most of my adulthood and am grateful she is still alive and kicking and I can be with her.

My computer. I love my computer. Having the internet is like having a public library in my home. I could surf forever....

Good books, good food, good whiskey, good friends, good movies to watch (recently scored a Bogie foursome off ebay: Key Largo, The Big Sleep, Casablanca, and To Have or Have Not. Also Burn's documentary on Jazz, which I missed when it was on PBS. Also a Val Lewton collection -- nine scary films).

Eating in interesting restaurants.

Shopping. Especially for fedoras, which is another reason I love my computer.

Being retired and not having to go to work every day. Now I can sit and watch the lovely snow fall and know I don't have to drive in it.

The only thing that is missing is a good dog, can't get one now, but I will in the future.

karol

 

[Michaelson]

I find quiet satisfaction in hearing an old clock running in correct 'beat', and seeing all my watches hanging on their watch hooks in the morning, running fine, and all showing the correct time.

Listening to a Scott Joplin ragtime.

Regards! Michaelson

 

[Feraud]

hmmm let's see what brings me joy.
#1 is my wife and son. Two great human beings, imho. They are the Yin to my Yang.
Great reading material and movie viewing bring me enlightenment and entertainment. I could never live long enough to read and view all that I want to! I enjoy most forms of music but Blues most of all. No electric blues for me. Just a guy with a guitar. If the guitar happens to be made from an old cigar box, the better. I like being on the road to a destination with the family. The maps, arguements, and the arrival..

My pets are cool too. I have two cockatiels. A tempermental female and sweet boy. Also two ferrets! Two young ladies who are as kooky as can be. I call 'em cat-dogs. They are independent as cats yet playful as puppies. Odd & wonderful creatures.

 

[Wild Root]

Well, seems every one likes this thread thus far! It’s moving right along and seeming to be real great fun to read!

Every one seems to enjoy the simple things in life! That makes me so happy to hear because I’m one who enjoys the simple little things.

Ok, I’m going to list a few other things that make me happy.

Using my vintage vacuum cleaners is fun! I know, cleaning fun? Well, when you do it with cool sounding 1930’s Hoover’s it’s not so bad

Sitting in my room and listening to a scary ghost story on “Coast to Coast� in the dark on my ’34 Philco cathedral. Huddled there in my blankets and just seeing the soft amber glow of the dial is really neat.

Taking a nice late afternoon drive in my Plymouth just after I washed it! I’m telling you, she really does drive nicer after a good bath.

Yes, having ebay winnings arrive in the mail does make a guys day pretty good!

Thanks again every one for making this thread so good thus far!:clap

=WR=

 

[Tin Pan Sally]

Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative

The ticking of an old clock...good one. It's something so simple, I take it for granted.
Cooking/baking, sewing, creating new things, volunteer work, music, dancing, camping and enjoying nature, finding vintage where I don't expect it, exploring abandoned ghost towns, walking around historic district, hanging out with my ultra cool son, snuggling my kitty, sipping a drink in a Tiki Lounge, getting dressed up, joking around with friends, family BBQ's, watching men with nice biceps lift things, my hair blowing in the wind while I drive through covered bridges, playing mini golf, smooching my beaufriend, hearing my Moms voice on the phone every week, getting compliments from my boss.