Dear Moon and All~

Yes I enjoyed Murder by Death though I don't think there was actually any murder was there?

Quoting form old shows is getting embarrassing, such well known phrases as 'Sorry about that chief" and "Ah, the old xyz trick" just get me blank looks. Even the more modern "Make it so" is only just recognized.

I prefer that version of Charlie in the Chocolate Factory to the Johnny Depp one.

Riddler: "You and your trained exploding shark."
Penguin: "Faugh, Quack! How should I know they'd have a can of shark-repellent Batspray handy? Why, you sniveling sardine!"

-C

Hey Croix.....this is about Happy Memories isn't it? Here's a couple more quotes if you can stand it...because...I've just found out it helps me recall the Happy Memories of watching and listening to such brilliant lines...(thank you recently departed genius playwright Neil Simon).

here's a couple from Maggie Smith from California Suite..(examining face in mirror) .."I've aged Sidney..I look like a brand new steel belted radial tyre"...."I have a definite "hump" on my left shoulder...can you see it Sidney, the hump? I'm about to go on National Television and all people will see is this hump on my left shoulder!! Put your hand on my shoulder as we walk in Sidney...keep your hand on my shoulder at all times!"

Ah, they don't write 'em like that any more!

Dear Moon and all~

There's one from Maggie playing Violet Crawley - I'm not sure you would not agree with her sentiments:

Violet: "I'm afraid Tom's small talk is very small indeed."
Robert: "Not everyone can be Oscar Wilde."
Violet: "What a relief."

-C

Ha ha....love it Croix! (come to think of it, Maggie has been lucky enough to get some brilliant lines in her movies/plays...words to savour on your lips before and as you utter them into the waiting void...delicious!! )

Dear Moon and All~

words to savour on your lips before and as you utter them into the waiting void

Very occasionally when writing a post the exact thing to say pops into my mind (very very occasionally that is) and your phrase above exactly fits.

Thank you for mentioning it as you did. I'll think of your post if I'm lucky enough for it to happen again.

Croix

I haven't been on here for a while... but that's mainly because I've been away at Brunswick Heads, NSW. It's a lovely little town where I have been holidaying since I was 6 years old. I love it so much, I'm doing a series of landscape paintings of it and the surrounding area. In the next year or two I hope to have enough paintings to get an exhibition going.

The sea air has done me good - but the dust storm has left me all blocked up in the head. Yep, Brisbane has had a horrible dust storm and now I'm cleaning the house and everything to clear my head and sinus'... blegh! Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting into some good writing and painting soon.

I had a weird dream the other night. I dreamt of being in Batman's car - the one from the tv series, not the movies - and Batman took me for a joyride. It was so much fun! As we were about to really take off and the car was about to hit top speed, Batman looked over at me and asked 'I'm going to go faster, okay?' I smiled and said 'Yeah!' and I wondered if it was Adam West or Michael Keaton under that mask (not Clooney, I would have spotted him immediately)... suddenly as he made the car go faster, my alarm went off. I woke up. I was very disappointed to find it was just a dream.

Dear Mozette~

I'm glad you had a good break, do you do representational or impressionistic landscapes?

I always enjoyed the Adam West, Burt Ward series, probably becuse it did not take itself seriously, the later Batmans seemed so dark and grim.

Robin: 'Where'd you get a live fish, Batman?"
Batman: "The true crimefighter always carries everything he needs in his utility belt, Robin."

Dust is another matter. I once drove my land-rover from Alice to Port Augusta, in those days it was a corrugated road and the dust was amazing, covered everything, got into everywhere. I was young and silly, no mask, no eye protection, just changed color totally to red. An interesting experience.

Arriving at Port Augusta and using most of SA's water supply in a long shower is the happy memory:)

Croix

Hey Croix,

I think I do a bit of both. But people know what the places are. I did get more photographs of Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby and some gorgeous views of the valley from the Tweed River Art Gallery. So, I'm hoping to get in and work on more paintings in the coming year.

I think the dream meant that I shouldn't take myself too seriously... but still have fun what I'm doing too.

And yeah, dust always clogs up my nose and makes me feel like I've got a head cold - but it does go away once we get a heck of a storm happening around Brisbane.

Dear All~

I think this evening's walk will give me smile in the future, a happy memory being made.

I've mentioned elsewhere I'm now walking along a riverbank of an evening, hopefully before it gets to dark. A platypus, 2 rats, lots of ducks, geese, a couple of chooks (who head home at dusk) plus umpteen native hens. (We don't count the insects)

The path is right beside the bank, which has thick reeds in places, trees overhanging at others. Foxy dog takes a keen interest in all of this and normally pulls on the lead for a closer look.

At one place we always hear a very noise native hen. It makes a sounds a bit like a football rattle, one of those things you twirl around. My wife thinks it must have swallowed a duck decoy. We have always wondered why it was such a noisy little bird.

This evening it came charging out of the reeds straight towards us, sounding off as it came. This is quite the opposite of all the usual native hens which head for the water as whenever we get close.

Foxy for once did not strain and try to lunge forward, but kept close to 'mum'. We walked passed and the hen kept following, making its noise and staying within a couple of meters. A little further on it turned round and scooted back to its reeds. A job well done, driving off those humans and their dog.

Croix

My father was a sugar cane farmer, working long hours and coming home covered in dirty clothes with a wonderful burnt sugary, cane trash, black sooty smell. One day I had a sick day from school and for some reason, (probably a machinery or harvester break-down or something) my father also had some very rare spare time.

We played card games, for what seemed like hours, on a spare bed on the verandah...just the two of us. I was the youngest in the family and never got to spend time alone with him...cane farmers then and now work very hard.

I never wanted the day to end. I wished he had every day off so we could play cards like this. I remember the next day how disappointed I was that he was back out in the field....I had so wanted to play cards again. Of course he never knew how precious the day-off we shared was to me......I wonder why that has stuck in my memory all these years?????

That's lovely Moon, you are right it is a precious memory, perhaps for your dad too.

Croix

Hi Everyone,

My new happy memory happened earlier today. While out in the garden I discovered a Willy Wagtail nest with two cute baby birds in it. The parents were certainly trying to get my attention so I was diverted from their babies.

Yesterday I caught up with a friend I have not seen for ages so that was a lovely memory formed as well.

Cheers all from Dools

Dear Mrs Dools and All~

It says something about us to see a happy memory in the making. So much of life can be unpleasant that it casts a cloud over everything, so being able to see such events with hope they will be remembered fondly in the future is a sort of strength.

We have wagtails, but the best nests, only thimble sized and soft, come from our Superb Wrens who hop around in troops, each lead by a male who looks so colorful in relation to the females you'd think they were different species. None at the moment though.

Croix

Hi Croix and All,

I agree with your comments Croix. It is so easy to see the negatives in life and so easy when we are feeling depressed to miss the pleasantness of life.

My happy memory from today was my early morning walk. My ankle was quite sore, so I decided I would be careful how I walked, stopped half way for a rest then hobbled home again.

I could have kept thinking negatively about my ankle, instead I concentrated on the clouds, the slight breeze, the birds, the colours in the countryside, the sound of the sheep walking in the stubble.

By looking for the pleasures around me I created a happy memory which will encourage me to go out walking again and it helped lift my soul.

Cheers all from Dools

Hi Croix and Mrs D and Moon and everyone reading.

Moon... I think that is the first time you have shared a happy memory. Not sure what changed that you were able to find a happy memory but it was a lovely one.

Mr C and Mrs D finding joy wherever you can is admirable.

Today's moments...

Driving to work I pulled over to take a photo of a tree (Cassia Fistula) in bloom. Masses of yellow frothy flowers. Reminded me of jam and cream sandwiches my friend and I shared with our teddies under a similar tree as kids.

At work I was cleaning a long neglected little memorial garden. After all the plants were pruned and the leaves swept I hosed down the stone path. Beneath all the sand and leaves and debris was a circle of stone pavers surrounded by a circle of red bricks. A red brick path emerged too.

The arch behind was covered in a Pandorea vine gone rogue. Clipping away revealed a shape made of woven metal and the old wood against the red brick wall. Clip. Clip. Ah! It is a sun. Someone made this in her memory and I am glad to have unearthed it.

Behind the camera lens I see four raised garden beds. Weed free. A blank canvas ready to be planted. I think of the tomato and sunflower seedlings waiting at home. Specially grown for this moment.

Hello Nat

What a lovely memory to put in your memento box. I find it good to keep those sorts of goodies where I can see them again and again. I think your school picked a winner when they employed you.

Mary

hi everyone my happy moments for today is just now when my beautiful baby furgirl just brushed past my leg with her beautiful long tail in saying 'hello' & now standing under the table looking up @ me waiting for some attention from me, oh she has moved to lay down beside the chair where I am chatting now and meanwhile smelling the beautiful smells coming from the kitchen of roast veggies cooking in the oven, time now to go and brush my furbaby's long luscious coat, such a joy she is and a wonderful moment in time. All the best for a great night. Cathy

Dear Cathy, with a wave to Nat, Mary & Mrs D~

I'm very pleased to see you here and know that there are moments in the day that are special for you. We have Foxy Dog, who has long decided that being under the table at meal times is a very excellent place to be, but this is because of the scraps each of use feed her when we think no one else is looking.

The two cats, Nasty & Sumo do not join in, Sumo's too lazy and prefers to be "busy" (snoozing) and Nasty is off somewhere plotting.

No long fur to brush but Foxy got a bath today, a happy moment for her, she enjoyed it in as the temperature was very high.

Croix

Hello Croix, I've just been reading about people's happy memories on your thread.

I was just having a cuppa and realised my happy memory was when my health was really good in all areas of my life.

I miss that so much, it's nice to have a place where I can talk about a happy memory.

Best wishes and thank you.

Geoff.

Dear Geoff~

I guess before life starts to bite there are a lot of things to look back on with happiness and that is a blessing. Apart from anything else it gives perspective and a little relief.

One thing I do know, that one has to snatch up a memory as it passes right now, even in a life that has many sharp edges.

We have a fair bit in common. As an example sometimes a person has come back here and says thanks. Particularly where I've been a bit worried I've been too blunt, or been on the wrong track it has meant a lot. I'm sure you would be the same.

Another is we both have high regard for pets, your pics always have a dog paying attention and looking interested, I have a cat at my elbow a lot (particularly in winter before the fire)

I'm realy glad this place - which is made up of so many people contributing - has given you a moment's pleasure

Croix

On Tuesday I saw my psych & ended up talking about an event from my early childhood which was quite traumatic. There was then discussion re how my parents reacted & led to more negatives re my upbringing. While it was needed to help understand my reactions to future events & how I cope (or don't)

I kept getting this feeling that this was out of context giving the impression that my parents somehow failed in helping me when I needed it. I would like to balance things up by sharing some good memories from my childhood.

I remember mealtimes my parents would reminisce about when they were younger. There were times we wanted them to stop talking so they could finish their meal so we could leave the table but we often enjoyed listening to the stories. There was a sense of adventure present in many stories & a willingness to push through even when things were tough. They met through a walking club & they would talk about getting lost in thick mist & almost missing the bus back. Mum went to boarding school in Wales during the war. They would collect berries to bring back to the cook so they could have dessert. Listening to these stories had a big impact on me & my sister. I remember having a midnight feast like mum had in boarding school. We saved our favourite parts of our meals that day hiding them on our laps & then in our bedroom. I'm sure mum noticed but turned a blind eye to it. Later when I returned to England for a holiday as a young adult I walked through the Lake district staying in youth hostels like my parents did when young & visiting the places they visited on their honeymoon. It was even more beautiful than the picture I had in my mind from my parents stories. My parents values came though clearly from these talks & led me to take those values for myself. These values included that sense of adventure, willingness to keep trying even when things go wrong, caring for family & others particularly those in need. (it was clear they got a lot of satisfaction from helping others).

Dear Elizabeth~

It's nice to see you here, and I like your reasoning, trying for a balance so the negatives don't take over is rather wise.

I've enjoyed the Lake District (Windermere) too, I think Beatrix Potter might have as well.

Going to look for yourself was a wonderful idea and it's great you enjoyed the same things, a real link with your parents and the past. You certainly got a dose of the values you mention.

Croix

Hello Croix and Everyone,

A couple of days ago I took out a photo album and had a look at some old happy memories and thought about those times and places, the people I was with and how much pleasure can be gained form photos.

hanks all for sharing here!

Cheers from Dools

Hello Croix

It may be basic yet one of my happy memories was watching 'Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid' at the drive- in a year after its release in 1970 with my dad....may he RIP

ahhh...yes...that was a 'carefree' time...even as a kid!

Nice1 Croix

Paul

I also remember going to the drive in with my parents in the late 60s early seventys. Occasionally as a special treat we go icecream & could choose our own toppings. Can't remember what we saw though. It was just fun being together.

We grew up in an area with no drive ins for hundreds of miles. Occasionally movies would be shown in a town hall and hour's drive from our place.

Our parents had a station wagon, they would put a mattress in the back with pillows and a blanket. When the children's movie was over, we would go to sleep in the car and our parents would watch the adults movie.

Can you imagine parents doing that these days!

Cheers all from Dools

Dear All~

I'm really sorry drive-ins are out of fashion. They were fun, and if one had kids that made it more fun, a little special world with lots of other little special worlds in rows around you.

I don't miss the fast food, which consisted of grease and batter, with just a scrap of something in the middle, however even the rain was ok, with the wipers going.

Plus on a fine nights one got out at intermission and stood looking up at the stars.

Croix

Dools Things have really changed. When I was a baby I was draped across the handlebars of my dad's bike With a small pillow for support while we went to visit his parents. Later I remember being dinked on the crossbar on his way to work & then would walk home alone (I was under 5 ) I loved it. My dad provided my sons hammers nails & saws to cut & nail his front decking. They started using real tools before they could walk. Of course he did watch them until they were competent. One son is an engineer but does a lot of home renovations by himself. The other is a stairbuilder/ joiner.

When we came to Australia we had a small car & couldn't afford camping equipment. At night the back of the back seat was removed so we could sleep with our feet in the boot. Mum & dad lay on the grass outside or slept sitting up in the front seats if it rained. We got to explore Victoria & escape the migrant hostel.

Spontaneously searching for our next slice of paradise while we book hotels in different locations. A walk along the water breathing in the fresh air watching people as they freeze in the ocean pool. Him making me laugh with many passing comments to peoples faces.

A walk along the sand watching surfers and thinking about sharks as they've been on the news lately.

Next morning looking for a cafe to have breakfast in after spending the night in a large, comfortable hotel. Hot cacoa with an acai, granola fruit bowl for me and bacon, eggs and mushrooms for him.

A long drive amoungst the countryside and coast which are places we can surely boast.

Snacks of triple buttered popcorn and corn chips watching TV in the next hotel room.

We wake up to do it all again. Bacon and egg rolls for breaky the next day with another drive and walk by the countryside then coast.

Dear All~

Elizabeth: Things have certainly changed, I was allowed to bus to the Euston Station in London, then catch the Irish Mail (steam) train to North Wales all by myself, I guess I was maybe 8, not sure now.

I still have some school reports from around that time so could look it up I guess, mind you I did not enjoy reading "Croix has much room for improvement" back then, would like it no better now:) My parents tended to take quite an unreasonable attitude to such remarks.

That sort of independence is no longer practiced, but the world has changed too.

MM: I'm realy glad to read you happier than I have for a while now, that really is great.
As for the acupuncture - why not?

Croix