Placid

This is an adulterated photo (taken some years back) of water, 'quiet' boats 

and gray sky all melding together into one magic moment. Hence, the title "Placid."  

To accompany this, here is an old favorite writing to ponder by Max Ehrmann 

(1927; an American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana.) 

When I was a girl, oh~I don't know, from about 1973 to 1976, 

this poem entitled 'Desiderata,' was the absolute RAGE. 

I mean, it was EVERYWHERE, just everywhere. 

We decoupaged it onto boxes and we put it on wall plaques. 

Maybe if more people were decoupaging 'Desiderata' unto boxes today 

(remember what decoupaging was?) we would have far less turmoil 

(and trouble.) 

(Just sayin.')

:-) 

I think me saying that goes back to the old adage 

"It is good to work with your hands..." 

or something like that!

Drink it in deeply. 

We need it (today.) 

Here is "Desiderata" to go with my (own) photo 

that evokes some peace and some calm in a world of chaos 

and sometimes, even calamity. 

Let's do it all and evoke some 

'Oneness" 

(too.) 

Karen 

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927