photo: D. Paul Graham, ‘New Year Morning’, Fort Pulaski January 2021

“Monday 5 Things”™…..Not Guilty…..

I struggled on Saturday to keep my camera gear dry in sideways pouring rain and near gale-force winds, but I still had a big smile on my face. I was once again in my happy place getting to photograph some of the world’s most beautiful automobiles. While strolling the drenched grounds of the Hilton Head Island Concours d ’Elegance, I spent some time thinking about guilty pleasures. In a not so tongue-in-cheek start to our week, M5T shares some non-guilty pleasures that I make no excuses for.

1. You know the words.

And even if I don’t, I make them up. Top of my list of non-guilty pleasures is singing at the top of my lungs in the car. For the truly experienced, roll your window down at a stop light while you are singing. You’ll be surprised at how many people sing along. For the record, I am also a fantastic air/steering wheel drummer in the car.

2. Of Muppets.

I was recently introduced to ‘Fraggle Rock.’ How did I miss this whimsical gem in the 80’s? Especially since it was filmed in Toronto. It could very well be because I didn’t have a television for that decade. I have become fascinated with the message of these little furry creatures that live in a series of caves. I really believe Jim Henson made this for adults, not just kids. Sing, dance, and stay close to your Fraggles in life. Appreciate the Doozers for all they do, don’t overlook wisdom discarded by others, and, by all means, avoid the giant Gorgs.

3. All Warm and Cozy.

Nothing beats room service in a hotel suite wearing an over-sized bath robe that housekeeping has just warmed up in a dryer for me. No really, trust me on this. You owe it to yourself to try it sometime. While on the subject of warmth, I would also add to my non-guilty pleasures list, putting on warm underwear right out of the dryer. However, I strongly suggest that you do not ask hotel housekeeping to do this for you. Keep this non-guilty pleasure at home.

4. Rewind and Repeat.

Re-Re-Re-Re-watching “Wall Street”, “Joe Versus the Volcano”, “Margin Call”, “Power”, and “Top Gun” to name but a few. I’m also man enough to admit to re-re-re watching “The Bodyguard” and “Pretty Woman” multiple times.

5. Dance Moves.

Another non-guilty pleasure, well perhaps this one may involve some guilt, is found with Tik Tok. Put this under the category of how to spend 15 seconds multiple hours at a time. Can anyone help me with how those dance moves can be learned by an aging mustachioed man in a living room, in solitude, with the lights off so the neighbors can’t see? Asking for a friend.

Here’s to a week of your own non-guilty pleasures!

© 2021 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

D. Paul Graham is passionate about people, culture, photography and business. He has embraced his wanderlust with his travels around the globe and is at peace with his need for spirited drives in all things automotive.

You can find M5T each Monday here on www.southmag.com and by friending D. Paul Graham on Facebook. Paul is also a contributing photographer to South Magazine. His photographic work can be found on Instagram @dpgraham and at www.imageGRAHAM.com . Your feedback is always welcome. Email Paul at dpg@imagegraham.com