Dear All~

Mrs Dools: We sometimes get those balloons taking off near us, and flying/drifting quite low, we can hear the roar of the burners and other times peoples voices. Have no idea where they land. I've often wondered what it would be like, but like a lot of things never got around to doing anything. you make it sound magical.

DB: It's amazing how something can make such an impression that it travels down the years, it sounds like you still have a pretty clear picture of that little doggie. I'm well thanks, hope you are doing OK now.

Jackson: every time you post here you strengthen the impression of scamps and mischief. I'd bet that list of things you could not be trusted with grew to a pretty impressive size. I like the way you 'accidentally' kept on bouncing!

Croix

Hi Everyone,
Jackson's story has reminded me of a time we took my niece to a fun park. She was enjoying the bouncy pillow thing all to herself when some larger kids got on. She was airborne in a flash and bounced right off the thing.

The operator apologised and presented my niece and I with free rides for the Ferris wheel. We both enjoyed that ride and had some laughs when I started to feel motion sickness!

Spending time with my nieces when they were younger, sharing their childhoods, will always be a happy memory for me.

Mrs D....you and Croix mentioned hot-air balloons! some years back i was lucky enough to go up in one...free trip, part of work assignment...as I recall there was only one other person in it, apart from the operator...had no idea how glorious it would be, that slow drifting at just the right height...over suburbs and streets I knew so well, but obviously never seen from that angle....absolutely gorgeous.

The ultimate relaxant.

Dear All~

Mrs Dools: I'm not sure exactly how having motion sickness can tickle one's funny bone, you'll have to explain it to me I guess.

Jackson: I do not doubt for a moment your mum is strong -she would have to be! any more stores of miss-spent oyuth welcome.

Moon: Thank you for a happy memory, just at the moment hard for you, why it means much. Hot air balloons have wicker baskets (or the one's I've seen do anyway) and wicker reminds me of my Nain's wicker basket, which had a lid. I had a bucket. She had a shopping bag for ordinary, and the basket for the beach, which contained a towel (for her to sit on) a bottle of (cold) tea, sandwiches and barabrith (a sort of cross between bread and cake).

She would supervise me (read gossip with other ladies of her vintage) as I clambered over rocks and the jetty, hunting for crabs and winkles. These went in the bucket to be eaten at home. Those rocks were sharp and covered in even sharper limpets. I remember being presented with a pair of plastic sandals -amazing, a novelty, you could get them wet! - after which my feet no longer got scratched or scraped.

Croix (who thinks grandparents are a good invention:)

Hello

I remember listening to the radio in 1970 and listening to Tom T Hall singing 'Old Dogs Children and Watermelon Wine' It was a time of childhood peace devoid of the complications and high expectations that society expects now

Thankyou Croix for the great post (again) :-)

Paul

Happy, NO, not at all, why is it that I'm the one.

Geoff.

I'm feeling jealous. I've never been in a hot air balloon. I would love it. I love being up high and looking down. I love lookouts. My husband jokes that I can't help myself as I turn off automatically when there is a lookout or a path which looks like it might lead to a nice view. I was always the well-behaved child I loved to explore. Mum used to tell me about the time I followed the window cleaner up his ladder. He screamed for mum to rescue me as he was too scared to move in case I fell any years later my husband was home with out 3 year old

He was trying to renovate the house so went on the roof to do some work. Our daughter followed him up the ladder and then played chasy on the roof when her dad tried to get her to take her to safety. He ended up leaving her until she was ready to go down as the alternative was too dangerous. Maybe climbing is genetic

All my kids are adventurous

Hi Everyone,

It is lovely to be able to recall happy memories.

Croix, the motion sickness was funny because I made it that way! Maybe I need to dot hat with my depression!

Back to motion sickness, it is an awful feeling! I used to have to take a very curvy road to my sister's house. Each time I arrived I was feeling very ill and would have a cup of strong black tea and some dried biscuits outside while my body recovered. My nieces thought it was funny too.

I could either consider this as a bother or as being quite a funny thing to experience. Funny was better.

I do believe some pilots have a wonderful sense of humour as well. I am quite sure some of them say to the airhostesses, "Hold on. Don't serve those meals and drinks just yet. Wait! Wait! Okay now! Serve those foods and drinks right now as we have just hit the worst turbulence patch for the whole journey!"

Cheers all from Dools

Hi Geoff...it's been a long time since we spoke...I am not sure what you meant by your last post on here...perhaps you can clarify if I am on the wrong track.

Do you, like me, have trouble recalling any specific "happy memories"to put on here....or, again like me, find no benefit at all in writing them down here in detail...in fact I am the opposite.....it would make me feel quite melancholy, that those happy memories are just that...memories and can never be re-lived........ Am I confusing you totally yet?

I've explained this to others on here before and enjoy reading theirs....the only reason I mentioned my ride in the balloon was that Mrs D's comments about it simply reminded me......I wouldn't put it on my list of "happy memories".just an experience that's all. I never think about it.

re childhood memories....most of those were bad ones....I can recall the unhappy ones easily....and if I can summon up some happy ones....this thread will be the first to know...they will most likely feature my father...certainly not my mother (only bad ones of her I'm afraid).

well, have a good day everyone....hope I haven't depressed you all.......(Full Moon on thursday I believe folks)

Hello Moonstruck, it does seem like a long time since we spoke, but it's good that we recognise each other and thanks so much.

It was brief because we are limited in how to word our comments.

I appreciate you for picking this up.

See you on the site, hope you are looking after yourself.

Thanks.

Geoff.

Hi Geoff,

Thinking of you! Sorry if you are doing it tough right now!

Cheers from Dools

Hi Dools, thanks for getting back to me.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

Dear All~

Geoff: I think from what you said you are going though a rough patch (sorry if I've misunderstood). From what I know life has handed you all sorts of rough patches, and if there was one person here on the forum I'd be certain will overcome them it is you.

If things seem black please reflect on all the hope, advice and encouragement you have given here. True the landscape inside one's mid has great influence, but so do deeds, and you have done so many.

You've turned round life's hardships and used them - from separation to OCD to alcohol - to become a source of (hard won) wisdom. Those you have touched have gained.

Paul: Thank you for reminding me of music from the past, so much is an enjoyable escape. Actually saying 'thank you' reminds me of the Scaffolds' "Thank you very much, thank you very very much ..." :)

Mrs Dools: Only you could think of such an ailment with humor, I'd be curled up in a corner feeling sorry for myself (I presume walruses can curl up)

Elizabeth: It's not too late! I suspect I'm much more ancient than you and will jump at the chance if I they have flights my way again (and it's not raining).

Croix

Hi Croix and All,

I'm still working on finding ways to incorporate more humour into my life to deal with my depression!

My happy memory today is from childhood. We lived in a small beachside town. I spent many hours down at the beach and walking along the cliffs.

We would make sandcastles, go swimming, snorkel, look for crabs, fish, pull periwinkles of the rocks and roast them down at the beach, eating them with the thorns from box thorn bushes.

The beach is still be peaceful place. Time for another trip to a beach!

Cheers all from Dools

Dear All~

I'm doing this for me at the moment to drive my mind away from some hassles. My mind, like many here, wants to concentrate on them to the exclusion of all else.

So I'm conjuring up in my mind memories of my peaceful scene - yes I know I've mentioned it before, but it's just an exercise for me, if you want to travel along that's fine.

I start with a cry of a gull as it is swept overhead. Did you know they sound different in Wales where I partly grew up? More plaintive and lonely. I see sheep in the distance, black heads down, tails to the wind and rain, cropping the turf between rocky outcrops.

There's plenty of turf for then to eat, patches on a mountainside leading to cliffs. All the turf is short, nibbled down.

I'm on a path near the cliffs and my eyes follow the gull, over the sea which is gray, with light grey wind-swept foam. The horizon is hidden due to squalls.

I face into the wind and rain, snug in a heavy coat except for my face. The rain stings my face and forms its own tears that run down to my neck. Not my tears. The wind is real, part of a bigger real world, it is more powerful than my troubles, reduces them in size and importance and blows them away.

Thoughts of Welsh grandparents begin.

C

Dear Croix,

My thoughts of care and concern are with you. I'm sorry to read that your mind is taking you on a trip you would rather not travel. May you find comfort in knowing that I and many others care for you. May distraction help as well.

The sea has always been a comfort to me. I grew up just a short walk from a beach. I will take you on a journey from my childhood.

I walk down to the beach with its white glistening sand, there are a few seagulls on the shoreline, staring out to see. They fly away as I approach, some squawking, others silent in their flight. I stand and watch them and watch the rhythmic movement of the waves as they tumble onto the beach, I watch as the water retreats, then comes back in, leaving froth on the sand.

As I walk along the beach I look for shells and pick some up, admiring their colour, texture and wonder where they come from. I look out to sea and wonder what life is like for people who live in other places.

Along the beach front there are lots of holiday houses, vacant generally, empty buildings, windows facing a view no one is there to appr4eciate most of the year.

I like to leave the beach and walk up into the hills following the coast along the cliff tops and back down into the gullies. The rocks are sharp and are black in colour where the waves have washed over them. The water gurgles as it swirls around the rocks.

Sometimes I can see dolphins and watch them for quite a while. Now and then an eagle flies over head or a larger sea bird. The gulls have stayed near the beach.

Wandering along an old bullock track I walk through the she-oaks, the wind makes a haunting noise as it flows through the trees. Now and then I can see and hear wallabies hopping through the undergrowth.

I walk to the top of the hill and look back over the coast, to the beach below and the town in which I live. Tall grass surrounds me and I swish my hands through it as it dances in the breeze.

Crows are watching me as they sit perched in the gum trees surrounding the clearing.

It is time to return to the sea and to the sounds of the waves.

Dear Croix,

I really hope that the hassles that are invading your mind and energy will dissipate and you can find your calm again.

I am remembering a quiet, cool cave in the mountains, moss on the walls, clear, cool water dripping from the green soft furriness.

The small boy who is with me, around 7 years old, rests on his haunches and gazes, with huge blue eyes, up at the roof and walls that have been standing, coolly, for millennia.

He says, "this is a special place, isn't it?"

I look at him with overwhelming love and nod, tears welling.

Wishing you calm Croix.

🌻birdy

Here is a happy memory. At one stage I assisted the elderly in their homes. One dear lady whom I will call Alice suffered from depression now and then.

Usually I was able to make her laugh and we had a lovely time together. She had a smile that lit up her whole face and it was such a joy to hear her laugh.

One day she was not doing so good at all. She was trying to bake her family goodies for Christmas. I offered to help. As I was pouring the icing sugar into the electric mixing bowl, I accidently turned her machine on to flat out! I was soon enveloped in a cloud of white!

We both laughed so hard we had to sit down! My black pants and dark coloured top were covered in white!

Cooking was a lot of fun that day!

Cheers all from Dools

Oh Birdy...I loved that.

and Croix, I am sorry I've just read that you haven't been in a very good place lately....I wish i could say something to ease your mind - your memories of the gulls, the sheep etc were so beautifully written down..I could easily visualise the scene in my mind.

Dools I envy you, your funny, happy, laughing memories. I honestly can't bring any to mind so readily. I wonder why? I think it's because they are "Memories" that writing down certain happy events would give me no great pleasure, describing them in detail etc..it would be well written and descriptive...but end up making me sad, not happy....no matter how happy the actual memory was!!!

Bit of a mystery aren't I...or do others feel like this? perhaps Geoff can relate to me...I believe he understands what I mean....anyway...happy Wednesday everyone!!

Hi everyone,

Thank you all for the lovely memories you shared.

Mr Croix I'm sorry to hear you're struggling... I wonder if you could use the word prompt idea we tried quite a while ago to focus on positive memories?

The word that makes me happy today is colours.

I remember...

Red gravel underfoot. Patches of blue flowers spreading as far as I can see. And a little girl with a stripy pink and purple sunhat crouching to peer at the flowers. She is proud as punch at being able to pronounce the name Leschenaultia.

Two little kids standing on a beachside wall. Blue sky. White sand. Wind is blowing. Arms outstretched. Two massive streamers of rainbow ribbon fly and spin and twirl behind them as they walk along the wall.

I hope this works for you Croix.

Moon it's ok if this kind of visualisation doesn't work for you. We're all different.

❤nat

Hi Everyone,

Moon, sometimes I sit here for a while with a very blank mind trying to recall something that is happy! I do understand what you were writing regarding "happy" memories making you feel sad. It is such a paradox!

I am going to try Nat's suggestion with the word colour.

Pale Pink - the early morning glow of colour appearing in the sky, ushering in a new day. The warm glow adding a feeling of hope and peace.

A riot of colour - riding a highly decorated camel in India, feeling like a princess!

Yellow - the buds on my rose planted in memory of a very dear friend, brings a smile to my face as I think of her.

Black, yellow and white- the colour of little birds flitting in and out of the birdbath chirping away in frenzy of flapping wings with water flying everywhere, makes me laugh.

Special greetings to you Croix!

Cheers all from Dools

Hello all and very special greetings to the walrus.

Mention of Wales and rain brings back lovely memories of St David's hostel near the Surf Living Saving Boat yard, Aberystwyth ex school hostel and blocked chimney. The blocked chimney was a huge laugh as we tried to unblock it. Soot throughout the kitchen and lounge, all over the meal we'd just cooked. Then there was the 3 km walk up a mountain with our backpacks LOL. But we did it. 3km maybe exaggerating, but I think it felt like it.

Sorry to hear you're not doing so well Croix.

Kind regards

PamelaR

if you're reading this here Croix...(thanks for posting on my thread etc..you know what I mean..you always know what I mean, you're cleverer than you look!!)

I am referring to Wales. I've never been there, but I do recall a brief but satisfying connection with Under Milkwood by Dylan Thomas.....thats about the closest I've ever come to anything Welsh I believe.............

Dear All~

It is amazing to get such kind thoughts, it is a real boost, lets me know I'm not alone and also that there are others to look to.

Moon: ALL walruses are cleverer than they look (just as well) - you should know that! As for Under Milkwood, yes I can identify, For some reason Mrs. Dai Bread the second comes to mind. Even more with A Child's Christmas In Wales.

"after dinner the Uncles sat in front of the fire, loosened all buttons, put their large moist hands over their watch chains, groaned a little and slept. Mothers, aunts and sisters scuttled to and fro"

PamelaR: I remember Aberystwyth too, with I think a long shingle beach, one could go from there to Mt Snowdon, though ascending was easier by the little railway. A world of promenade guest-houses and polished brass front steps.

Mrs Dools: Despite hardships you have an amazing mind (I'm sure at times you might not agree), I think the word resilience was invented especially for you. Humor is a wonderful thing, even wry humor in the face of adversity. I do think a smile works in two directions, you plaster one on even when not feeling like it and it tends to seep inside a little. Your words always encourage no matter what.

Birdy: The cave I remember was the one on a lake in NZ, where in a little boat one drifted inside to see the festoons of glow-worms like Christmas lights in the dark. One would not believe there were such wonders in the world.

Natalie: A colour? Well OK, a sheeny metallic copper colour. In fact it was a marine product for painting the hulls of boats. Our first house was small, and we could not afford wallpaper, however I got a roller with a raised pattern on it, and rolling the colour over white paint was just as good.We were quite proud of our living room.

Croix (who is a sensible grey colour like all walruses)

Gold Coast vacations: I travel to the Gold Coast often, at least once every year. My happiest memories are:

2014 - I was driving pass Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and had my MP3 Player on, listening to Michael Jackson's "A Place With No Name". Something about the song and the area I was in - the sun, the palm trees, the clear air, the breeze, the close distance to the beach, less people walking on the streets - was a happy time in an otherwise depressing year.

2017 - in another trip I took with the Gold Coast, I travelled with my sister. We had planned that I would wash the dishes in the holiday resort, between 7-9pm every night. The kitchen and the living room was in the same space, so I had the TV on while I was washing dishes - the evening news and Home And Away. I recall washing the dishes with dishwashing liquid I purchased from Coles at Surfer's Paradise - at the sink was a window that showed Queensland mountains in the distance. Sunset was slow and did not complete till about 8:30pm, so I enjoyed looking out into salmon-pink tinged skies and fresh air.

Dear ScarlettR~

I'm glad you are able to find pockets of happiness with music and the sunset on the Queensland ranges. Doing household chores can leave a feeling of stability.

Music has changed for me since joining this Forum, everything from Tom Waits to Amy Winehouse, before I was very rigid in my tastes, being confined to classical and 60's rock.

I hope those pockets do join up

Croix

Hey Croix....do you remember Lily Smalls? I had forgotten all about Dai Bread until you mentioned it....Lily is the only name I remember (guess why...hahah)

Hi Croix,

I thought of this thread very early this morning driving to work. You mention music and that is exactly what brought this memory to mind....

Everything is dark. Sunrise is still 2 hours away. The road is empty. Not a single fox or kangaroo or rabbit even to be seen.

The sound of Jon Bellion (of course!) fills the car. Set to random. A new memory for every well loved song. Always happy memories.

Even in the dark I can see the memory of light from the stained glass window making his white tie a rainbow of colours.

I laugh remembering how we had worried that our priest wouldn't be able to pronounce his name but on the day it was my easy name that proved challenging.

Turn up the music and I remember how serious he looked. Reached for my hand. Our priest went to tell us we could take each others hands and the church filled with quiet chuckles. One raised eyebrow tells us we missed our cue.

Something as simple as a song brings back memories.

Do you have a song that never fails to lift you?

❤nat

Dear Natalie

A pleasure to see you here.

Yes and it ends:

As the images unwind
Like the circles
That you find
In the windmills of your mind !

Minds going in circles is one of the real hassles many of us have to endure. I like to think the song unravels some of them and sends them down fresh paths.

Of course one of the important paths for me is that cliff-top I've written about before. Today the winds are so strong I have to lean into them, the sheep have sensibly departed to their little huts for the night.

I can see the lighthouse beam sweeping around in the distance, offering safety in a beacon.

Croix (who wonders how it can be random if JB comes up every time:)