“Don’t touch that squirrel’s clams! It’ll make him crazy!
~ Willy Wonka (if he were talking about mollusks)
ITALIAN LESSON: clam = vongola
Just a random thought: I just uttered the words “happy as a clam” and then wondered, why are clams so damn happy anyway?
Perhaps it’s because they enjoy living in the deep blue sea and cavorting with mermaids. It appears they have a no-stress attitude, like “ya eat me, ya eat me” kind of mentality (if they even have a brain), and I’m sure they’re good friends with SpongeBob and his crew.
Hey, when you can yell “EAT IT RAW!!!” to someone and stand behind the statement 100%, that’s pretty funny to me.
BONUS ITALIAN LESSON: TO CLAM UP = Fare scena muta
Consider this a WIKI of sorts — here’s what I dug up on clams: It’s been suggested that open clams give the appearance of smiling, but the derivation is more likely to come from the fuller version of the phrase, “happy as a clam at high tide,” since high tide is when clams are free from predators.
The phrase originated in the north-eastern states of the USA in the early 19th century. The earliest citation is from a frontier memoir called “The Harpe’s Head – A Legend of Kentucky” c. 1833.
So, who or what in your life makes you feel “happy as a clam”? Don’t worry, I won’t make you say it!
Please share in the comments section HERE.


My puppies always make me happy as, well happy as I used to think clams were.
b
barbara recently posted..My Dog Wrote His Biography
@ Barbara:

Any of our puppies are certainly much happier than any clam!
"Me" recently posted..Happy as a …
This post is great!!!! Awesome quote from Willy Wonka! Reminds me of the clams and spaghetti I ate in Sanremo, Italy in September.
@ Skelly:
Glad you liked! MMMM… did someone say clams and spaghetti?
"Me" recently posted..Happy as a …
I’ve always wondered if clams were really happy. Thanks for being a clam WIKI today! ciao – xos
SusieR recently posted..A Life Set Apart
@ SusieR:
You are welcome. Funny, how many people do you know that add the
“high tide” part?
"Me" recently posted..Happy as a …
My husband’s humor. Chillaxing with my nieces. Traveling with my sister. Long table, family gathered ’round, laughter and wine flowing. Gorgeous art, soulful music. A great dress that fits perfectly. Books, beaches, blogging. These are a few of my favorite things.
Style Maniac recently posted..Hot Style In The City
You do have great taste, @ Style Maniac!
"Me" recently posted..Happy as a …
Hi Lee, love your blog, it reminded me that I didn’t eat any vongolas when I was in OBX. Say hello to Andrew, Elton and Sophie (did I get their names right?).
@ Wilson (aka Bobby):

I made up for you in the vongola department, so no worries my friend! Thanks so much for stopping by for a cup of madness!
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