24 Dec 2016

And Then, Very Best Wishes...

As it’s the ‘big’ day tomorrow I may not be here because I’ll probably be there. Hay, I can’t be everywhere.

Those with sharp eyes and superb memories may well spot the remarkable similarities this post bears to last years post but really, what else is there to say? I could re-writ or change the word order but the message would be just the same, right?

So, to all family, friends and all who pay me the great honour of looking into the Foggy Mirror and also to all the Blog authors of the sites listed on the left, and so many others, who work tirelessly to give so much enjoyment, insight, information and brain food, stay well good people and, against all the odds, enjoy your days. My sincere best wishes to you, one and all. And a special thought is with all those working on rigs, wet and dry, and ships plying the worlds oceans. Stay safe one and all.

Here’s a lovely piece of seasonal music by, I believe, The Merry Wives of Windsor.  Drink deeply of the lyrics good people.

    

Once you’ve cleared that choked-up sensation and dabbed that tear away, please proceed to read Desiderata – a piece I never tire of. Read on and, if you’re ever feeling a little down, feel the words pick you right back up right quick.

DESIDERATA  Max Ehrmann (1927)

   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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it’s still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Now you’re suitably uplifted, here’s a fine renditioning, by The Poxy Boggards, of another Christmas favourite, ‘Miss Fogarty’s Christmas cake.’

     

Be well and of good heart my friends. And remember,  Illegitimi non carborundum. Now that may well be a bit of fakery, but it still works for me...

Quote;  Aaron Machado.

“The imaginary friends I had as a kid dropped me because their friends thought I didn’t exist.”

4 comments:

A K Haart said...

Merry Christmas Mac - make sure your unique sense of humour is kept good and sharp for 2017.

Mac said...

A K Haart,
Thank you Sir and the same to you and yours.
I do believe 2017 is going to be very interesting on many levels with endless possibilities for the Blog Brotherhood. And the Sisterhood of course...

Caratacus said...

Thank you Mac, and a reciprocated wish for a very Merry Christmas to thee and thine also.

"Illegitimi non carborundum", a very sound motto and one I have always admired. Along with "Carpe jugulum" :-)

Mac said...

Caratacus,
Thank you old friend. Are you ready for 2017? Carpe jugulum? I have a feeling it'll be a roller coaster ride with the need to grab many by the neck...