23 Dec 2019

And Then, Seasons Greetings...

Firstly, it was my birthday a couple of days ago and I must say that, after the unprovoked attack on my heart, it was quite comforting to still be here to celebrate it. The celebrations continued when I suddenly had a stunning idea. So stunning was the idea that I stupidly took a moment to congratulate myself for thinking of it. Sadly, as my self congratulatory phase faded, I found the stunning idea had also faded away like a ghost in the night. Such is life with an old head.

And thus, as we spiral towards yet another year**, with no apologies for repeating wot follows, may I wish all who gaze through the Foggy Mirror on occasion a most enjoyable Christmas and may 2020 be all you hope and wish for.
**Freedom year?

          

                     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 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 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 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Finally, for those doing business on the sea, be cool; get home safe.

          

           

Okay, okay, it wouldn’t be Christmas without some cake, right?

          

Take care good people.

Quote;  Bridger Winegar.

“Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and receipts for all major purchases.”

4 comments:

A K Haart said...

I sometimes have stunning ideas too, then away they go I know not where. Usually they pop up when I'm half asleep, so mostly at night or during the day.

Merry Christmas Mac and a healthy New Year.

Mac said...

A K Haart,
I know what you mean and I decided to keep pen and paper by the bed but I forget to put it there...

With very best wishes to you and yours.

Elwyn said...

Have a very good Christmas Mac and long may you continue to be among my morning reads.
Very best wishes to all in your household.

Mac said...

Elwyn,
Best wishes right back at ya and I'll do my best to keep 'em coming with some sort of regularity. Take car.