Login Here
Last night after a dinner of homemade chili and freshly baked bread, and after we'd bundled The Peanut up for a bedtime story and a cuddle with her stuffed giraffe (Gerald), Mr. ReddHedd, egregious and I sat down with cups of tea to watch Miss Potter. (YouTube of film trailer here.) Well, to be honest, we, girls, sat down for the movie -- and Mr. ReddHedd sat down in our vicinity with a crossword puzzle, but ended up watching most of the movie instead.
Why, yes, I did say egregious -- she's visiting Casa Smith this weekend. And she has already been co-opted as "new bestest friend, knitting maestro and person for whom all Christmas presents must be displayed and demonstrated" by the wee one.
Egregious and I started talking a bit about children's literature, and favorite books and movies and such...and after she went up to bed, I realized that while we do a lot of reading to The Peanut -- lots of original Pooh from A.A. Milne, and of course Beatrix Potter's magical stories, and I've been easing her into the Little House books and lots of fairy stories and folk tales and such, at least at bedtime if not throughout the day as well, I'm not good at giving myself those giggle breaks on my own.
I haven't been very good at allowing myself a lot of whimsy of late. And that I miss it.
As the political season marches forward, growing increasingly more intense and competitive, it is easy to lose sight of some of the very real joys in life when you are buried watching negative attack ads. Really wonderful things like snuggling with your four year old in the comfy corner chair while reading her favorite story for the umpteenth time, that slightly damp feel of her newly washed hair cool against your cheek, and her laughter spilling out as Pooh Bear once again finds himself in a muddle of sorts and must think, think, think his way out of it. Or sharing a warm mug of tea with a friend and chatting about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...whatever form it may take in the moment. Or simply sitting still and watching the birdies flit back and forth from the hedges to the feeder, chattering all the while.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself and the people you care about it to stop and find yourself some whimsy.
I've decided I need more of it, so I'm asking for some help this morning: anyone read anything lately that made you laugh out loud? Or have you rediscovered a favorite book from childhood that makes you smile all over again? See a good movie -- old or new -- that made you giggle so much that tears ran down your face? Listen to a song that makes you belt out the words whether or not you carry a tune, all the while with a smile on your face? Have a favorite thing which always makes you smile? Do tell.
Lets talk whimsy and happiness this morning. Because everyone can use an extra smile or two. I'm gonna pour egregious and I another cuppa coffee. Why don't you pull up a chair...
Share This 
Spotlight
Good morning, Christy
g’morning firedogs
had something to post but will wait till we get serious
am sitting here in panera bread, having my spinach artichoke souffle, dark coffee, (which is more watery then most coffee houses regular blend) and haveing some free internet, doing my politiking (word?) on panera’s dime
then off to work, it’s a beutiful day here in lawn guyland new york
I have kept all the books from my childhood and my children’s. So many favorites to read my grandkids.
But one tattered and worn was “Brave Mr Buckingham” by the author of “Pat the Bunny”(1939). I looked it up on line and its worth a couple of hundred dollars now so Im making a copy for the Grands. What a job!
I love childrens books
Good morning to all at Casa Smith. Not an old movie but spouse and I watched Ratatouille the other night. Very funny and heartwarming. It also reminded me of one of my all time favourite books. “Down and out in Paris and London”. George Orwell. “Travels in Burma” is another of his I read again and again. I enjoy Orwell a lot. 1984 is not so bad either
Morning gang. Perris — that souffle sounds tasty…
Good morning Christy! [waves hi across the room]
Folks, it is enchanted wonderland here. Wonderful family, cutest doxie in the world, even the elusive cat and I have made friends, charming home. Ha! They think I’m leaving at the end of the weekend.
Song: Whistle While You Work [youtube]
Good Morning everyone.
I watched Rat Race on NYD and I have to say it was really funny. I’d like to reconnect to some whimsy and fun, thanks for this thread.
Good Morning Christy and waving to egregious across the room there *wave*
are we sure perris isn’t eating a swiss chard souffle?
Hi MM!
it’s yum
I listen to the podcast of Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on my morning commute once a week.
I do not always succeed keeping my laughter silent on the crowded commuter train.
Whimsy and happiness is seeing our transplanted CA six year old enjoying the snow. He sees the first flake fall, runs for his boots and sled, and says “It’s snowing, Daddy! Can we go sledding?” I tell him he has to wait with the sled until there’s more than a dusting on the ground.
Waiting for enough snow to cover the ground can be tough if you’re six.
*g*
Not any easier for our 8 year old.
KC doesn’t get that much snow, and it was funny for a transplanted Detroiter to see our office close at noon for the first ’storm’ of the year’s projected 1-2 inches.
Good morning Christy et al,
Scarecrow was with us at New Years and we watched I Was a Male War Bridewith Cary Grant and Ann Sheridan. Great for laughs! And then later that night another Grant movie, Holiday with Kate Hepburn.
Love the old movies especially at holiday time.
Christmas time I always take out my David Sidaris Christmas Elf recording and watch a Claymation Christmas—both funny and beautiful at the same time.
Now I have some serious work to do in prep for tomorrow. Will pop in when I need a break.
I’m in Chi now, where we get a bit more snow.
aw, egr - who would not want to make friends with you?
so glad to hear that you are having a lovely visit with christy and family.
E.B. White’s “Stewart Little”, teh book and 4 and up are a good combination.
RevDeb
“His Girl Friday” is my all-time fave.
It *defines* snappy dialogue.
I heard that crack about Swiss chard! “Stalkey and Company” by Rudyard Kipling still makes me howl, and the “Just So Stories” are wonderful too.
Hiya Elliot
Roz Russell was made for that part.
Mmmmm…swiss chard, sauteed in some extra virgin olive oil with a little minced garlic, some hot pepper flakes and a little pancetta…nummy.
oh, for the list of happy things… of course - visits from friends old and new. one of the best things in the whole world.
For whimsy — Rocky and Bullwinkle. Amusing in both first and second childhoods.
Laugh out loud books for ladies? Try Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. The funniest novels i’ve ever read. I buy them for all my vacations.
Good morning from L.A. What a lovely post to read first thing this a.m. Have a great visit, egregious & Christy & family.
“The Young Folks Shelf of Books,” a ten volume collection that I managed to wrestle away from my brothers, is something I still pick up from time to time & have xeroxed to teach reading, writing, & story structure, even to adults. Among a zillion wonderful fairy tales, stories from history, myths, & poems, these are old, old favorites:
The Story of Molly Pitcher- Agnes Reppelier
Thunderbird Limps Home- Ernie Pyle
The Devil and Daniel Webster- Stephen Vincent Benet
The Pumpkin Giant- Mary E. Wilkins
How They Broke Away to Go to the Rootabaga Country- Carl Sandburg
The Magic Fishbone- Charles Dickens
and one Dad used to read aloud to us during the holidays:
Christmas with Queen Bess-John Bennett
“Holiday” is subversive, speaking of holiday movies ;)
would love to hear the Christmas Elf recording, he’s hysterical, as is his sister Amy.
Enthusiasticly agree
The commentary about politicos and the press is apparently timeless as well.
Two movies that reduce me to helpless laughter are “Hopscotch” and “The In-Laws.” Serpentine, Shel, serpentine… And Hopscotch is where I learned that FBI stands for Fucking Ball-Busting Incompetents.
I’m reading this now, seeings that I don’t have little one’s nostalgia will have to replace whimsy!
White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s (Paperback)
by Joe Boyd (Author)
“This is the best book about music I’ve read in years, and a gripping piece of social history.”-Brian Eno
When Muddy Waters came to London at the start of the 1960s, a kid from Boston called Joe Boyd was his tour manager; when Dylan went electric at the Newport Festival, Joe Boyd was plugging in his guitar; when the summer of love got going, Joe Boyd was running UFO, the coolest club in London; when a bunch of club regulars called Pink Floyd recorded their first single, Joe Boyd was the producer; when a young songwriter named Nick Drake wanted to give his demo tape to someone, he chose Joe Boyd
My neighbor’s Great Dane, Annabelle has brought to life both Marmaduke and Scooby Doo for me. She always makes me smile, and whenever she come out of her house, she immediately looks to see if I’m out. I have to admit, I do the same thing.
Those are good. I also like the Agatha Raisin mysteries for sheer giggle out loudness. M.C. Beaton writes them — hilarious stuff. Can read one in a coupla hours, so they are great for a break.
Amy Sedaris on Martha Stewart was almost as funny as John Lydon on Tom Snyder.
Mrs Peterr and I have been treated to a Shrek marathon (I, II, and III) by our kid, who had the first already and got the other two for Christmas. Mrs. Peterr turned to me at the end and said “this reminds me of Rocky and Bullwinkle, for all the adult humor wedged in alongside the kids stuff.”
In the third movie, Eric Idle plays a wonderful new-age wizard/therapist named “Merlin,” there’s a nerdy kid names “Artie Pendragon” whom Shrek is trying to get to be the new king, etc. . . . It’s hilarious for the adults who know the King Arthur stories.
Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories in the definition of whimsy. Here’s a sampling of the stories you’ll find, all so wonderful to read aloud. Plus you can find mp3 versions online!
The Story of Jason Squiff and Why He Had a Popcorn Hat, Popcorn Mittens and Popcorn Shoes
The Potato Face Blind Man Who Lost the Diamond Rabbit on His Gold Accordion
The Wedding Procession of the Rag Doll and the Broom Handle and Who Was in It
Never Kick a Slipper at the Moon
…etcetera etcetera…
I always loved books by Virginia Lee Burton. She got a Caldicot award for The Little House. Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel is another title from her . My favorite book was Choo Choo: The Story of a Little Engine Who Ran Away. Just great illustrations that she did herself all through these books.
Whatssamatta U
Mr. ReddHedd suggests old SNL. Anyone for some Bass-o-matic.
Christy and all young parents, you must read the little ones “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. It has everything. Naughty children (which kids love), humor, compassion and the true Christmas story. A really lovely story. It was assigned to my oldest when she was in 4th grade (I think). She told me how much she was enjoying it so I read it, too. Wonderful.
The “Santaland Diaries”(Sedaris) can be downloaded as a MP3. They are as funny as anything Ive heard.
I love “Pull up a Chair” but don’t forget to get up out the chair and keep that exercise resolution!
good morning Christy, the Byrds ‘64-’65 and a good cup of coffee and a wonderful post like this….life is good,thank you.
Absolutely! And the movie is fabulous as well. We watch it at least once every Christmas season.
ROFL!
Who could ever forget the Bass-o-Matic!
I love this thread but I have to go help my husband hang his one man show at our local gallery.
Sandburg’s stories are wonderful to read aloud. My daughter @ age 25 still makes the occasional reference to the blue slab ticket that gets you on the train to Rootabaga Country. Thanks for the tip on mp3 versions!
Good Mornin’,
I woke this morning to my littlest one (just now 4)
climbing in to bed and curling up snuggley. The best!
Good luck and congratulations to your husband! A one man show is quite an honor.
Lover of the Bayou! Guess that was a bit later though.
My kids are older now, and there are no grandkids in sight, (thank God), but I still remember the words from Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore.
“Pigs from London, Pigs from France, Pigs in just their underpants”. There’s also a pig dressed like Elvis.
oh thanks!
Amy’s party book is also a scream:
I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
and what MM said!
The Santaland Diaries are very funny. And having been through the maze at Macy’s in NYC when my niece was young makes all the funnier for me.
I loved Miss Potter.
Good morning everyone. I recently discovered that a favorite cartoon from my childhood that I hadn’t seen for years is available on youtube, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I give you “The Dover Boys At Pimento University“
As for books, every once in a while I meet someone who also has fond memories of the Freddy the Pig series by Walter R Brooks.
Good morning everyone. Thank you all again for keeping me sane. Delurking to share….not from my childhood but I work in a school library environment and when “Stellaluna” was published, I fell in love. She’s my hero:
From Wikipedia:
A mother fruit bat loves her baby called Stellaluna very much and would never let anything happen to her. When the two are attacked by an owl, the predator knocks Stellaluna out of her mother’s safe embrace. Soon the baby bat ends up in a bird’s nest filled with three baby birds named Pip, Flitter and Flap. The mother bird will let Stellaluna be part of the family only if she eats bugs, not hang by her feet and sleep at night.
When all the baby animals grow, they learn to fly. When Stellaluna and the birds are out playing, it gets dark and the birds go home without her because they will not be able to see in the dark. Stellaluna keeps flying, but when Stellaluna’s wings hurt, she stops to rest. When she did, she hung by her thumbs. Soon another bat comes to ask why Stellaluna is hanging by her thumbs. She told the bats the story of what had happened after they were attacked by the owl. Another bat interrupts the story. That bat is Stellaluna’s mother. Stellaluna and her mother are happily reunited and Stellaluna finally understands why she is so different.
I have the book, the CD and a little wrap-around Stella pet that I keep on my refrigerator door handle.
Clarence White!
I picked up a couple of these at Half-Price Books for my daughter.
She’s ‘not that into them’ just yet, but I am patient.
I made reference to this on a thread of Swopa’s a couple weeks ago- for laugh out loud merriment there’s nothing quite like the cd compliations of BBC Radio’s “The Goon Show,” or as cast member Spike Milligan referred to it, “The highly esteemed & pressed Goon Show”:
Goon Show on CD
I don’t know how to do the html thingies but the Mark Teague books are a family favorite.
I had forgotten how long he has been gone.
My wonderful sister gave me a two disc Tribute to Fats Domino for Christmas so some nice new music to keep me company.
And I still go back and re-read all the Kipling stories every so often. Truly loved The Jungle Book and Riki Tiki Tavi when I was a young’un. As well as The Wind In The Willows
I’m rereading and old Nero Wolfe novel this week.
Rex Stout’s character development is brilliant.
Did someone say “Underpants”?
The “Adventures of Captain Underpants” is a series of spew-inducing stories for beginning readers, written by a guy named Dav Pilkey. In an interview describing how the series came to be, he says:
Click on the “Grownups Guide” button at the link for more.
My kid tried to read the first book out loud to me one day, but would laugh so hard that he had to stop to catch his breath. Finally he gave up, saying (very seriously), “You’ll just have to read it for yourself, Dad. It’s just too funny for me to read it to you.”
I’d like to give you an example of Amy Sedaris the hostess
how long until you could catch a breath after that one?
btw, we are watching classic Bugs Bunny cartoons this morning. At the moment, the Daffy Duck as Robin Hood one is on. Mwahahahahahahaha…
Yoiks, and away! SPLAT!
Edwards says that Clinton’s Third Place finish in Iowa could be the end of her campaign:
http://politicalticker.blogs.c.....-suggests/
(CNN) — Democrat John Edwards seemed to suggest Friday Hillary Clinton’s third place finish in Iowa may have rendered the New York senator effectively out of the presidential race.
Speaking at an early-morning campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Edwards pointed to entrance polls indicating Iowa voters overwhelmingly listed “change” as the most important attribute they are looking for in a candidate. That means, he added, there are now only “two choices.”
“I’m walking backwards to Christmas”
This is what happens when the County Board of Supervisors hires an election official from Ohio:
SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUES SECRETARY OF STATE BOWEN:
(San Diego does not want to count 10% of the vote in a close election of less than one half of one percent between candidates.)
December 18, 2007 San Diego County filed a complaint against Secretary of State Debra Bowen for allegedly exceeding her authority in cracking down on electronic voting machines.
The suit targets a directive by Bowen that counties using any of four electronic voting systems (including Premier/Diebold) conduct a manual tally of 10 percent of randomly selected precincts if a contest’s margin of victory is less than one-half of 1 percent.
To quote information from an article from the Sacramento Bee:
“We’re objecting based on the fact that it didn’t go through the Legislature, it didn’t go through any kind of regulatory process, and it isn’t really a workable plan,” Seiler said.
This lawsuit has been approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Other counties are not a party to the lawsuit but conceivably could be affected by its outcome.
Edwards is my fave, but that statement is as whimsical as anything from Sandburg.
“Cold Comfort Farm” by Stella Gibbons is hilarious
I second the Evanovich Stephanie Plum series
Anne Lamott pretty much across the board
Suzanne linked up the “What’s Opera, Doc?” YouTube the other night on Late Nite . . .
I wait every year for Martha Grimes’ latest fiction offering. She never lets me down, wit, clever plots, and very dry humor. If you can, rad her books in the order written, but this is not essential in order to enjoy them.
This christmas, as every year, my twentysomething kids and i watched The Muppet Christmas Carol, laughed out loud and felt great at the end of it.
I’ve been pimpimg the newer film Paris Je T’aime for the last few weeks to everyone i know for a feel great film all about love.
thanks for the making music in 60s recommendation. my son will love that and we are big Eno fans here.
I’ve been trying to get The Peanut interested in the Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers. I think they may be more amusing as an adult than when I read them as a kid, but it may be too early for the read for her.
Guess I’ll just have to read them for myself instead. *g*
And for sheer unabated whimsy?
William Bennett’s “Book of Virtues”
“My Pet Goat”
“Constitution for Dummies” by George W. Bush
Oh, and a reminder gang — we have the Book Salon for Craig Unger’s Fall Of The House Of Bush this afternoon at 5 pm ET. It is a fantastic book — very well documented throughout — and the salon with Craig and John Anderson (of Follow the Money) should be great today.
So just a reminder for everyone…
Love the Captain Underpants books! My son would do the same thing, except, he would come staggering and slurring with laughter out of his bedroom holding the page he wanted to show me and would try to tell me why it was funny. Of course, I would end up in the same condition after reading the page. LOL I loved the center of each book where you place your hand on one page and then quickly pull the page back and forth to give ya some action packed fun!
Find a collection of Uncle Remus stories to read, that is tall cotton for kids
Got the CD & it’s hilarious.
As far as favorite Goon Show broadcasts, I’ve got to go with “Six Charlies in Search of an Author.”
The Goon Show is one of Monty Python’s primary influences, according to Cleese & Palin in an interview I heard.
When the rats do their “heat wave” dance after Kermit asks for more coal and Scrooge yells at him, I laugh out loud every time. We watched that several times this year, as The Peanut has recently discovered the joy that is Muppets. *g*
Eloise at the Plaza?? My twentysomething daughter STILL quotes from that at will.
Oh Yes! And Uncle Wiggly as well. (My dad was from Mississippi.)
“The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” by Dick Cheney
Two entirely different types of movies to make you laugh out loud: Ratatouille and Kinky Boots. Both guaranteed to cheer you up.
As for books, rereading Charlie & the Chocolate Factory always fills my irony/sarcasm tanks as an adult yet still reminds me of when this book was read to me as a 4 year old.
Roald Dahl is marvelous.
Matilda is a delightful movie as well.
Is that really a book?? OMG too funny considering Carson McCullers committed suicide. Now that is black humor.
Kinky boots? Sounds interesting…
This video made me laugh out loud yesterday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX1rLv_hNeI
Is that wrong? Should I seek professional help?
Tumbled into my snarky mode there for a minute. Got going on books that should have/could have been written by others, based on title.
Case in point: The Velveteen Rabbit by Jimmy Carter
Ooooh…I love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Great Glass Elevator…and pretty much anything else that Roald Dahl ever wrote. It’s been ages since I’ve read those — thanks for the reminder. :)
hey, Kay. Cold enough fer ya? Have you managed to dig out of the snow? Are you rural or urban, uh, as urban as we mainers get?
I have a wonderful memory of visiting his home in Atlanta, The Wren’s Nest with my mother and my little sister, whereupon my scrupulously honest mother ripped off the little old lady auxiliary claiming we kids were both underage. She never lived that one down, not ever.
Seriously, the home itself was charming to see, especially that brier patch.
For reading aloud to real young ones,you can’t beat Dr.Seuss. I after about the third repitition, I can really throw myself into “Sam I Am.” I don’t know if the kids care for it, but it’s hard to get me to stop.
Pretty much anything by Mark Twain. Not exactly whimsical, but dang funny.
I pre-ordered “How to Rig an Election”. I’m sure there’s no way FDL would invite the SOB who wrote it for Book Salon (I hated giving him my money). But, could we have a Book Salon sans author? I expect it to be quite interesting.
Yesterday it was 2 degrees. Warm I tell ya! This weekend? It could reach 40 degrees. We’re thinking of going to the beach ’cause it’s gonna be so warm. LOL
The cord to my digital camera is under the snow, so I’m hoping today I can find a replacement. I’ve taken lots of pics and one video of the latest storm and am hoping I can get them up on my blog. We got over 15 inches in the last storm. I can only pahk one cah in the driveway now. ;-)
Marion @28 — Hopscotch — Walter Mathau, Glenda Jackson & filmed in Savannah !
Raven @ 29 — White Bicycles, the ‘06 hit Christmas present,resides permanently on my husbands’s bedside table.
KittyKitty, I’m in Oxford County (Oxfud, as we like to say heeyah). ;-) I’m in the foothills of the mountains.
Oh, and I came across these books while perusing boingboing.net before the holidays and ordered a set for my twin grand nieces (age 4) who live in Salsomaggiore, Italy. They love her.
Sardine in Outerspace. A true anarchist if I ever saw one.
If you go HERE you can read an excerpt.
Brilliantly drawn.
For adult whimsy, the blog “Chase Me Ladies,I’m in the Cavalry,” is hard to beat, both the posts and the comments. Definitely no children allowed.
Morning everyone. Warming up to the 20’s here today, and I’m taking my son skiing. Yea! It’s fun skiing with a 13 year old (well, he snowboards); he gets me to try all sorts of things - little jumps, skiing into the woods etc that I would never do on my own.
We’ve been cracking up lately with old Marx Brothers movies. Is it Duck Soup that is about Freedonia? I think so. We get goofy with laughter watching the antics of Harpo.
Ditto for Charlie Chaplin. We were helpless with laughter, almost had to turn it off, when we watched the dance scene in, I think it was The Idle Class.
As someone who was raised on the Uncle Remus stories as well as the ones I mentioned earlier, I would only offer the caution that reading them now, they should also be used for teaching. Honesty and all that.
Mrstrailerco @ 49 — Is that the same author as “Piggy in the Puddle”?
“See the piggy. See the Puddle. See the muddy little puddle. See the Piggy in the Middle of the Muddy Little Puddle. See him woggle, See him wiggle in the very merry middle….” Goood times
Actually, there are some blogs that make me laugh out loud. I’ve learned not to go to TBogg when I’m at work. But, even here at FDL, some of you people are sooo witty that I appear insane at my desk.
FYI….I shared the dancing Cockatoo with my co-workers. We were all quite impressed.
That cockatoo knew how to bust a move…
I’m busy adding all your book suggestions to my amazon.com wish list. I’ll check them out later.
I agree. Even Christy’s post this morning had me laughing! It’s fun to be around sarcasm, otherwise, I probably would have dried up and blown away by now.
I grew up with the Goons (not that the Goons ever grew up). The escape from Dartmoor prison will be a favourite forever.
Marx Brothers’ comedic anarchy is good for what ails you. Have you tried watching any W.C. Fields to go with?
“It’s a Gift” & “The Bank Dick” are particular favorites around here.
Which immediately brings to mind Spike Milligan’s “Silly Verse For Kids”.