28 December 2010

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 to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious 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 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 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




Or....
be a grump....
smiles....

27 December 2010

The BAKW.....winter version....

Yes,
I spent a good portion of the day in front of my 
Big Ass Kitchen Window
taking in the sites....

Yesterday's bird photos were all taken there....

And yesterday evening,
as my sweetie made us dinner,
I started the afternoon coffee and sat down to watch
a bit more of the bird soap opera...

People were venturing out,
walking dogs,
playing in the snow,
clearing their front porches,
getting their mail from last week....

I love my BAKW!
It is my window on the world.
The bird feeder is only a few feet outside and
the birds hardly notice me, inside.

Hope your day is calm 
and bright...
smiles.







26 December 2010

Snow Birds....

this morning they came...
as soon as it was light....
they flew in silently...
at least,
for a while...
and then,
the crowd started to gather....
and they all had things to say.

They talked about the traffic...
the weather...
the kids...
the accomodations..
the relatives...
you name it,
it was spoken of...

and then they "broke bread"...
and scurried around the brunch buffet...
"Enjoy" said I....