To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends. — Samuel Johnson, the Rambler, No, 68.
That’s the very first quote in Gretchen Rubin’s brand new book, Happier at Home (affiliate link) which — like its predecessor The Happiness Project — is sure to be a blockbuster. The Samuel Johnson quote immediately hit home for me, because 
golly, isn’t this blog about finding happiness in our sweet little midcentury homes… about loving the house you’re in, instead of pining after what it may lack… and about giving our houses our tender loving care — so that they can give theirs back?
Crikes, sorry to get all mushy there. But in case you haven’t guessed, I am hugely enormously, gigantically, sentimental about happiness in house and home. It is kind of… all that I think about. I also just read Gretchen Rubin’s first book The Happiness Project (affiliate link) in July. I thought that the book was hugely enormously gigantically brilliant. It was a #1 New York Times best-seller for good reason. The book is NOT self-help FLUFF. This woman is a take-no-prisoners serious, avid researcher. She wrote lauded history books about Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy before she turned to the more prosaic, yet elusive, topic of Happiness. In a nut, with The Happiness Project, she synthesized amazing amounts of research on the topic… and then… and this was the especially brilliant part: She put her findings to work in her own life, small-step-by-small-step, over a 12-month period, and chronicled her experience. The book is super easy to read, super encouraging — but at the same time, it’s deeeeeep. How often can you say that.
Now, Gretchen (I don’t think she will mind my familiarity) has followed up her first best-selling happiness book with a second one that focuses even more specifically on cultivating happiness within your home and with the creatures who may live there with you. UPDATE: Happier at Home has just hit #2 on the New York Times best-seller list, in just its FIRST week on sale. THIS BOOK IS A MUST-HAVE!
One more happy thing: Gretchen once gave a shout out to Retro Renovation on her blog — and send several hundred new visitors our way. She like the retro. Can ya believe it. I can: Retro is Happy!
Elizabeth says
I’m happy when the weather is cooler and I think about making soup and apple crisp. The yard gets a bit messy as the leaves begin to fall, and it just seems right to accept some messiness.
Carolyn Beach says
I’m happier at home when I return from a trip or even just an errand and realize how lucky I am to have this much loved home to come back to.
bECKY says
I’m happier at home when I make my bed.
Jeni Powell says
I am happier with the humidity of our southern summer abating!
Lisa says
Hanging bed sheets out in the sunshine on a crisp day, taking the time to make French Press Coffee, and having household items organized all make me happier at home. <3
Laura says
I’m happier at home when clutter is picked up and surfaces are clean. Would love to read Gretchen’s latest book!
Big C says
I am happier at home sitting in my back yard swing with a nice glass of sweet tea, watching the birds at the feeder, and enjoying the sounds of children playing in the neighborhood.
Rita Lee says
I am happier at home when I have the opportunity to be there. I am 65 and I currently teach nursing Monday through Friday and run a small gift shop on weekends. Going home creates an “awe” moment for me.
Mary pat acquaviva says
reading by candle light on my porch on a cool evening….bliss
Sandy Douglass Abalos says
I’m happy when I see the first glimpse of green sprouting from the soil where I planted seeds for my fall garden. I’m happier when the plants grow & thrive under my care. I’m happiest when I am able to harvest produce from the seeds I have sown & prepare a fresh, healthy vegetable dish for my husband to enjoy with me.