And Then, Very Best Wishes...

In line with tradition, there’ll probably be a blank here over the holiday period so from me, myself and I, I’d like to wish all who peer through the Foggy Mirror on occasion, a most enjoyable Christmas and I sincerely hope all your hopes and aspirations come to fruition in the coming year. Most importantly, stay well and happy; always be on the lookout for something, anything, that’ll make you smile regardless of wot our ‘betters’ may throw at you.

I make no excuses, again, for inserting the Desiderata, again; everyone should read it. In fact everyone should read it every morning while partaking of their first coffee.

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 three songs I hope you enjoy – okay, okay, so they’re all repeats. So what? First, a sob of sentimentality followed by a slice of humour and lastly – but not leastly - something for all those who, rather than being at home, will be doing business on the sea; exactly where most of my Christmases were spent which is probably why I now only think of Christmas day and New Years day as the two days in the year when everything’s shut...

                                           

Quote;  ??

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas; but if it runs out I'll drink the red.”