I claim none of it as original nor especially insightful, although I've liked it enough to keep it at some time. If anyone thinks their copyright is being infringed by a piece of material included here, e-mail me and I'll have it removed immediately.
At the moment there's no specific order, just a random collection...
The Wooden Bowl
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor". So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden
bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfathers direction, sometimes he had a
tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple
had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilt food. The
four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps
on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just
as sweetly the boy responded, "Oh I am making a little bowl for you and
mum to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went
back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfathers hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.
The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future.
Let's be wise builders and role models. Lord, we ask not that you move the mountains, but that You give us the strength to climb. "Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference".
Take care of yourself and those you love, today, and everyday! On a positive note: I've learnt that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things, a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.
I've learnt that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they've gone from your life.
I've learnt that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life". I've learnt that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learnt that you should not go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learnt that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learnt that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learnt that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learnt that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learnt that you should pass this on to everyone youcare about. I just did. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile. People may forget what you said?. People will not forget what you do/did.
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Desiderata
"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 not this 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."
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Dorothy Parker Poems
Ode to Violets
You are small and frail and blue
Little sisters I am too
You are heaven's masterpieces
Little dears the likeness ceases
Inventory
Four be the things I am wiser to know
Idleness, sorrow, a friend and a foe
Four be the things I'd been better without
Love, curiousity, freckles and doubt
Three be the things I shall never attain
Envy, content and sufficient champagne
Three be the things I shall have till I die
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.
One perfect rose
A single flower he gave me since we met
All tenderly his messenger he chose
Deep coloured, scented, with honeyed dew still wet
One perfect rose.
I knew the language of that floweret
"My tender leaves" it said "his heart enclose"
Love long has taken for its amulet
One perfect rose
Why is it no one ever gave me yet
One perfect limousine do you suppose?
Ah no, its always my luck to get
One perfect rose.
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