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!
Gloria Manucia says
One thing that makes me happy is when I can control ambient sounds. To be able to choose what music I want to hear–or to make a conscious decision to accept whatever the ‘”shuffle” command brings my way–allows me to manage my mood and my energy level. Further the sounds of the water filters on my fish tanks gives me an incredible feeling of “rightness” and synchrony with the universe.
Rosie Henik says
Only 3 months into my 1-owner, never upgraded 1959 ranch I am in piggy- heaven! Lots to do and lots to discover – long winters for the inside, and great summers for the outside. Check back in 10 years!
Dianne K says
Having a house of my own would be wonderful…but I have my family and my two granddaughters to fulfill my life.
Kelly in Tacoma says
The changing seasons, my Boston terriers, my 4 kids, my husband, and my 1958 house all make me happy. 😀
emmy says
After an incredibly frustrating day… there is something about getting the Bar Keepers Friend cleaner out and turning your kitchen sink into a shining masterpiece… All that scrubbing, wiping, and rinsing your cares down the drain and then the soothing drying motions with a soft towel till you are standing there tired and satisfied: Ahhh… somedays happiness is a shiny sink.
And if anyone dares to put a water spot on it within the next 5 hours they’re dead meat.
Stefanie says
Getting my fingers in some paint has always lifted my spirit. And blowing bubbles with my kiddos nothing makes their faces light up like bubbles!
Patty says
Weekends make me happy.
CC in Virginia says
Amen sister!
Jessie says
I am happy staying at home working on our midcentury home. I love the rush after finishing a project be it big or small!
Gail DeVore says
Happiness, yes, love, family, sunshine, a good book, my pets, and all that… but lately happiness has also been retrorenovating my kitchen, hopefully soon to be able to share photos here!
Jacki says
Happiness is working on my house. I am almost finished replacing all the baseboard molding & trim. Today I replaced most of the switch plates. Yup, simple things make me the happiest!