Store Your Happy Memories Here:

[Croix]

Dear All~

What this place is for:
This thread is a tool, a resource, and also I guess a dash of entertainment.

I’ve found that when life is grim that sometimes thoughts of past happiness can create a chink of light in the grey overwhelming press of down. They can help occupy the mind with lighter reflections.

With that in view I invite people to set down a brief passage describing some happy event they look back to with fondness and peace.

They - and others too - can then return to it when they feel the need to glean a little warmth.

It is not a place for gloomy or dire tales, those can go elsewhere.

What to do:
Just set out, as simply as you like, your recollection of some past experience that means something good to you, something you enjoyed, something from safe times.

It can be, like my story below, anything – from an account of visiting grandparents to simply cooking and eating a melted-cheese sandwich in a favorite kitchen – you get to choose.

How to do it:
Write. Write enough so someone else can feel the mood, know what happened, find the goodness. (stop at 2,500 characters please!)

Grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation are not compulsory, just write as you can – the only important thing is the content - not literary merit. Short or long - it does not matter.


I hope you enjoy, contribute and find a little distraction here when you need it.

Croix

[Elizabeth CP]

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).

[Croix]

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

[Doolhof]

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

[blondguy]

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

[Elizabeth CP]

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.

[Doolhof]

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

[Croix]

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

[Elizabeth CP]

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.

[monkey_magic]

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.

[Croix]

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