Desiderata

Not really a song, but I have loved this this for many, many years.


Desiderata


Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the 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 or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own 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 not this 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 cynical 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 dark 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.


Strive to be happy.


--- Max Ehrmann, 1927

I have always loved that as well.

So why didn't you tell us you are so beautiful? Why - you look like me 40 years ago! lol

Oh sake, thank you so much. You are beautiful inside and outside I am sure as well. I am getting old, and I know you can't be 92! HA HA

Desiderata is my all time favorite. I am glad you love it too.

Sake I have to tell you that I identify with your slippers. I was born in Kansas, and have always loved the ruby slippers. I wanted a pair when I was young. LOL

(I have a pair - shhhh)

Baum is on the top of my list of favorite authors. I love how he played with words. He used the language like poetry. The books are better than the movie, I have all 14 and have read all 14 of them, and of course, I have always loved the movie. When I was a tadpole they brought it back to the theaters every year and my big sister would take me to see it and we'd sit through it 3 times. So my first viewings of that piece of cinematic artwork were as they should be - on the big screen.

I'm an ozophile from way back. I've seen the original slippers (there were more than one pair) at the Smithsonian in DC, and she had incredibly tiny feet!

When I was a single parent living in San Diego I used to picnic in a little park across the street from Baum's house on Coronado Island - a block from the Hotel Del, which was his prototype for the Emerald City. He wrote several of the books there.

With all the special effects magic used in movie making today, those primative flying monkeys and the witch still hold up beautifully.

I'm not 92 yet. lol. Only 59, but I still believe in magic.

Sake I am 52, and starting to feel it.

I loved the Wizard of Oz. I have probably seen it 20 times. I have not been lucky enough to see the things you have. That is so interesting. I studied this work in political philosophy, and it is believed to have been based on the political climate at the time. Each character is based on a real human. Very involved study.

Something about those flying monkeys though. In the early sixties I was watching Oz on my little black and white TV and when the wicked witch showed up in the castle with the flying monkeys I was screaming at Dorothy to run. I jumped up and down on my little folding stool and cut the ends off two of my fingers. This movie has left a deep impression on me! HA HA

Oh my Dad insisted they sew them back on when the doctor refused, and guess what they took. I have some scars though all around each ring finger.

I may have to steal your pair of Ruby Red Slippers though. I will get a pair before I die!

yes it is a very beautiful song

I say we are all 21, yes thats it, not a day older

You are so pretty Spring Miracle, this is honest statement! :love3:

Edited to add:
I forgot to say what I meant to say, I enjoy reading your post :)