Desiderata - Things Desired

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 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.

Written by Max Ehrmann 1927

I love everything about Ehrmann's words, the bolded lines in particular. Read it, love it, and embrace the simplicity and truth in his poetic advice.

the birds, the bees and the snowmen

Today was the first morning (in god knows how long) that I haven't waken up to the sound of cold rain pounding on my bedroom window, a reminder of yet another dreary, damp, energy/soul- sucking "summer" day. I can't even begin to explain how bloody terrible it is and the cherry on top of the bloody terrible weather was mother nature's delightful surprise sunday morning. On the last day in May, fluffy white snowflakes covered roads and rooftops in this little home town of mine. But don't worry kids, it was the sticky kind! While I was on my return trip from Ottawa I unfortunately, or fortunately, missed the whole thing but a few friends of mine made the best of this summer-winter wonderland. I absolutely must share the evidence of this shocking truth (photo cred goes to jillian richmond) :

Oh the contradiction in these shots: a fatty snowman, lush green grass and blossomed purple garden flowers. Hilarious.

Anyways, the whole point of this funny little anecdote is that this morning's change of pace- waking up to the sunshine beaming, the smell of freshly mowed lawns and the birds whistling- was a beautiful treat. My morning anthem is "Birds Fly Away" by Theresa Andersson and is perfectly suitable for days like today. I found this glorious video on the super dope site www.booooooom.com but you can also search her on youtube. This song is amazing. She is amazing. And I fucking love loop pedals. I have a soft spot in my heart for musicians who are talented enough to :

a. play and incorporate that many instruments
b. have such impressive vocals

c. be co-ordinated enough to loop it all in one take and lastly

d. have so much damn fun while doing all of the above

She is inspiring and gives me no choice but to be in a marvelous mood after listening/watching-hence the obvious reason I dance and sing to it while I get dressed in the morning.

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