Happiness 101

The Modern Traditionalist tagged me on this a number of weeks ago, but ambivalence has muted my response.  I actually had to think about what 10 things made me most happy.   I essentially spooked myself by thinking too abstractly.   That was more difficult than I had anticipated.   One often defines their likes by their dislikes.  To dislike something takes no sweat off one’s brow.  To like something or to derive happiness from it requires a serious understanding of a thing and its component parts.  With all this in mind, here are 10 things that make me happy in no particular order or classification.  Keep in mind; this is not a top 10 list.

Award Rules:

List 10 things that make you happy.

Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.

If you are one of the 10 bloggers awarded, link back to this blog and pass along.

1. Bow Ties and sundry formalities of a time forgotten.

Many of the items to follow can certainly fall in the later category. In an age of when widgets are merely assembled and created with its disposability in mind, I seek out the rather rare items made to last generations. I love when something is created with care and consideration.  Items with storied histories and blemishes of age attract my attention.

Fred and Adele Astaire in 1921 Courtesy of Wkipedia

2. Cigars & Fine Scotch


Nothing enlightens the mind and refuels the soul faster.

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

3. Fitted Clothes

There, I’ve declared it.  Clothes make me happy.  While confidence cannot be drawn from the clothes on your back, it can be enhanced.  This isn’t fashion by any means.  I really do not care what other people seem to believe is “in”.  Sticking to the well-tailored classics has always suited me well.

Courtesy of The Modern Traditionalist

4. Driving Cars

I simply love to drive. To me destination and distance don’t matter, but rather what I am driving.

Courtesy of Autoblog

5. Gadgets and Technology

I think it is a guy thing.  We all want to be James Bond for one reason or another.  Jet pack, grenade pen, laser watch, underwater car...you name it he had it.  Of course those are slightly more advanced that what is available to us today.  I should add that these things make me happy, when they work. My iPhone being the obvious exception since it only frustrates. 

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

6. Keeping Fit

Strenuous physical activity certainly clears the mind of the trivial and keeps the body functioning efficiently.  

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

7. Manly Pursuits

From shooting skeet to shooting the proverbial, you name the manly pursuit and I likely enjoy it.

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

8. History

"If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development."

Aristotle

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

9. Family and close Friends

Sure they exasperate from time to time, but there is little else more rewarding than the good times we have. The fond memories of shared experiences, inside jokes, and family dinners will always be some of the most influential ingredients of BTG.

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

10. Time with the Modern Traditionalist

Here are ten bloggers who add to my happiness daily:

Being Manly

Red Clay Soul

Young Man/Old Man

Southern Gent

The Art of Manliness

Unabashedly Prep

Wasp 101

Sartorially Inclined

The Modern Traditionalist

Easy and Elegant Life

BTG