Happy Days..
 

Ladies & Gents, I know that most people around these parts and all parts for that matter are experiencing economic difficulties beyond our own control. What I would like to do here in this Thread is the exact opposite of dwelling on this bad situation and focus on the good things that happen from day to day.

Call this the 'Good News' thread with personal stories of success and happy times regardless of how big or small it may seem.

So, to start things off I will post a few personal things to get the ball rolling and maybe set the pace.:):)

This month started off sluggish business wise but in the 3rd week we had some good sales. Not enough to get over the top but a good sign none the less. Then, a few days ago some more orders came in and put us back on track to finish up with a good month as far as the numbers we need to cover expenses and such.

On the personal side, the Big English Gamba bass I waited 5 years to hear a single note from came through its long extensive and expensive restoration a few weeks back but something was not right and the Neck was just too big and chunky for me. On the Neck part I took matters into my own hands knowing that Jeff Bollbach would match up the Heel varnish when he did the new C-Extension for me. The other problem was a Buzz coming from the lower bout Top on the G side near the Tailpiece. Well, Jeff found a few things that were rattled loose and the Buzz is now gone. Tomorrow I will actually pick up the Bass and hear it again but with its thunder providing lows from the new Bollbach Chromatic Extension. This to me is happier news than heaving a good month in the Shop.

So, post some Happy Days here in this Thread and maybe it will help ease the pain as we get through this long slow recession..

I am super-happy that I have recovered from a year's excrutiating shoulder pain (without surgery!) and am really making progress getting my golf game back in shape. I hadn't been able to play for a year, and my shoulder had messed up my swing for a couple years. It also had messed with my ability to do strenous work in the shop. Turned out I had been afflicted with a condition called adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder. A big THANK YOU goes out to my physical therapist Angel, who tortured me ruthlessly for four months and got me back on track.

Now then Ken, are you ready to face me on the links?

Despite a lot of messing around from my part, I am admitted to the school of Zürich for an exchange year. That's pretty swell. And I think I've worked just enough to be able to afford it, too... it'll be nice learning to play and all!

Its Springtime, (Winter is over).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/...11f450.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/...2e71f7.jpg?v=0

Wise words, Craig!!

Here's why I am happy about that, too:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._6544266_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...97_4075195.jpg

Craig, I don't think there should be a tower in the winter scene, maybe just a shed.
Okay, let's see... find the positive.
I got up and had to take my car out to put some gas in it because my daughter needs it to get to work. It's Sunday. It is bitterly cold and raining. I turned on the wipers, only to find that they wouldn't work.
Tomorrow is a public holiday, but I have to go to work. There will be no heaters on at work and I'll have to drive there without windscreen wipers.
But, the good thing, I watched a documentry film about Beethoven last night and his life seemed harder than mine.

Richard, you're a real bundle of joy...:mad:

wow... lol
 

Richard, such a breath of fresh air. That's if you're having trouble breathing..:eek:

Arnold, this thread is called 'Happy Days'. I don't think it was in the right spirit for you to use the red angry face.

Ken, I'm an asthmatic in temporary remission.


Monday.
I'm in at work now, writing millions of reports. The door lock on C Block is broken, so I can't get material I need to complete what I must get done.
I've been here since before 8am and am forced to work in the admin block with limited resources. No one else is here, just me. Me and the cold.
However, the good news is that it didn't rain too hard this morning and I was able to get to work with no windscreen wipers. I think I might be on a roll.

I apologize. Perhaps it was also not in the spirit for you to engage in self-absorbed whining...Ken was trying to nudge people toward looking at things with a positive perspective.

But both my posts had a happy ending. Some people believe that one must experience sadness in order to truely appreciate happiness. Both of my posts ended on a happy note and, I think, were tales of rising above adversity. What is happiness if it cannot be compared to struggle? I'm sure that I managed to uplift quite a few people.
You watch - Ken will post soon to say,
"Well done Richard."
Don't forget, too, how positive I was about Craig's spring tower - it reminded me of The Rite of Spring - pagan fertility rituals, and all that.

Here is my short list of happy:

1) 4 Days of school left!!!!!!!

2) Got my A/C hooked up in the shop!!!! Ready to make some saw dust!!

3) Bought a cordless/rechargeable lawnmower yesterday at Lowes!

4) Going to Ruth Chris' for my wifes birthday Wednesday!

5) Going to bust out the golf clubs for the first time since January... Arnold- if you come down to SC I will gladly take you out on the links!

Whoo-hooo!
Summer here I come!
BG

Happy week...
 

Happy week.....

I'm enjoying my new Smith BSR5EG Zebra, WOW! :) :D

Cabela's (my home away from home) is having an incredible sidewalk sale: Around 80+% off of top-notch everything. Made a killing on some great buys yesterday. :D

I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend, however, I may go out and sight in my AR-15's. :)

The Texas Rangers are in first place :) as they head to Boston. :eek:

My dog's are happy and doing great! :)

My recent fuel fill-up confirmed 59 MPG. :)

All in all, I'd say this has been my happy week! :):D

The wife, the baby and I will be moving in to our new condo in one week. Finally get to enjoy this whole property ownership thing. Quite a big step for us.

Now who wants to help us pay our mortgage?

Yeah for Tour!
 

My gig last night provided lodging at a nice hotel. My roommate did not snore, I slept peacefully and awoke to find soft towels and good coffee available.

Congrats!
 

Congratulations! Good luck with that mortgage payment help. :)

Good for you.....
 

Sounds great. No snoring; good sleep; a good thing!

Well, isn't this a happy little thread!
I suppose I'm happy because it's Saturday morning. I know that's not exactly up there with having a new bass or getting a big mortgage, or not snoring in a hotal room but, credit where credit is due, I am working on being happy.

I'm assuming that Brian's on holiday now. Maybe he needs to update us about his happiness levels. On second thoughts, he's probably out using the lawnmower. Maybe he's mowing the golf course. Oh happy days!

1. School's out for summer.:D

2. The lawnmower works beautifully, however we have had 2" of rain in the last two days- so until it dries out, no mowing for me. :D

3. I have repaired some school instruments- broken necks from clumsy children. (No repair money left, so it's up to me):rolleyes:

4. Haven't hit the golf course yet- too wet. But might make it to the driving range tomorrow. ;)

Wishing I could go to ISB- but, can't get there. I am on staycation this summer. :(

I would say I am at a 3.5 out of 5 right now... not bad for the first weekend out of school.

BG

No ISB?
 

Guys, this is a one and only life time event. I will not be able to drive to any other ISB unless it's as close or closer to this one!;)

I'm feeling very happy this morning. This is not the happiest I've ever been, but I am happy.
The cause of my happiness? Well, Brian fixed those instruments. I often have to fix school instruments too. I feel a kinship, like I am no longer alone. This makes me happy. Thanks Ken for starting this thread.

Friends!
 

i am happy because i have 5 friends here:
richard, oren, paul, stefano and robert.
having friends makes me happy.

Nice sentiment, my dear friend.
Ridiculous amounts of money would make me happy.

I know, I know... :(

Fortunately, I have been to ISB before. Actually I performed a recital with my bass professor at the '97 convention in Houston at Rice. Trust me, I thought about driving up, but I just have too much to do here.

Ken- it would actually be closer for me to drive up to your shop. Just have to make the excuse to do it.

I am happy because Brian is thinking about visiting Ken.

It's The Fonz here. Hey. So just don't sit on it, do something with it. OK Richie, Potsie and Ralph M.? I'm still looking for Joanie.

Thank you Anselm for the Happy inclusion in your friends post.

My day is ending happy. I've just purchased a late 60s-early70s JBL D140F speaker. :)

1. After my wife getting laid off, can still pay our mortgage. Knock on wood.
2. Love where we live and the trees are full and green.
3. Read great article in New Yorker called "The Fall of Kings" about the world economic crisis and wall street.
4. Am a musician and not a stockbroker:D

Sorry Arturo but the happiness in this post is borderline, to say the least! I feel that neither Ken, nor Arnold, will be happy to see 'faint glimmers of hope' on a thread that is defined with the word 'happy'.
I have taken the liberty of rewritting your post:
"1. After my wife getting laid off, can still pay our mortgage. Knock on my door; I hope I've won money.
2. Love where we live and the trees are full and green. We can probably eat them.
3. Read great article in New Yorker called "The Fall of Kings" about the world economic crisis and wall street. Used the New Yorker to start a fire - warm now.
4. Am a musician and not a stockbroker, but I'm studying dentistry and have stopped using those silly green faces."

Sorry Arturo but the happiness in this post is borderline, to say the least! I feel that neither Ken, nor Arnold, will be happy to see 'faint glimmers of hope' on a thread that is defined with the word 'happy'.
I have taken the liberty of rewritting your post:
"1. After my wife getting laid off, can still pay our mortgage. Knock on my door; I hope I've won money.
2. Love where we live and the trees are full and green. We can probably eat them.
3. Read great article in New Yorker called "The Fall of Kings" about the world economic crisis and wall street. Used the New Yorker to start a fire - warm now.
4. Am a musician and not a stockbroker, but I'm studying dentistry and have stopped using those silly green faces."


And you my friend have a future in writing copy.

P.S. Can't I keep the silly green face. So much is being taken away these days.

Here's your "happy" for today, June 9th, 2009. Les Paul celebrates his 94th. Happy Birthday. :)

i hope i have some fellow musicians like les when i´m 94...

Nice fellow musicians. Wow! Elton John on piano. Looks like a nice string section too. :)

It's true, I am to fixing basses what Ivan the Terrible probably was to kissing babies. The action on my bass, in thumb position, has been too high for far too long and it has been really making me sad. This morning I read and reread Ken's and Arnold's thoughts on setup on this site. I've had my bass at three luthiers trying to get the action right. Today, following Ken's and Arnold's advice, and having set up the living room with tools and a padded table, I slowly lowered my bridge. Success!!! I am honestly feeling so happy and looking forward to lots of practice! Thank you Ken and Arnold for sharing a bit of your expertise and making an old guy (though a bit younger than Ken) very happy.
Sincere thanks - when my bass is happy, I am happy.

I think that's the happiest thing you've posted, Richard. And that makes me happy.

Nathan, lets make it a rule - when I'm happy, you're happy too.
Thanks for worrying about me.
Gosh, this happy thread of Ken's really does work!

Call me pedantic but...
 

I've just noticed that there's a section called "Luthier's Corner". The title should actually read "Luthiers' Corner" because, I assume, it is an area where more than one luthier is welcome. I'm sure that Ken will read this and fix the problem. I'm always happy* when grammar mistakes are fixed.

*Nathan will be happy too.

'Tis true, that made me happy.

On another happy note, I'm quite pleased with my new bass. It is kickin' ass all over my old bass. And, I'm getting a lot of compliments, both on the looks and the sound.

That's great Nathan, but I don't understand why your bass would want to kick a donkey.

Hey - The Fonz here. Oh happy day, since it's time to go way. Way down South in Dixie. Actually not too far from where the Civil War began.

So - I'll be heading out to the beach soon and will be back in about 10 days. :)