Desiderata

Consider   The only safe thing is to take a chance. — Mike Nichols When I was twenty, I took my mother on her first airplane trip. We flew nonstop from Pittsburgh to San Francisco. It was a combination birthday and Mother’s Day gift. All these years later, three things remain most memorable. Watching my mother drink for the first time as she prepared to board the jetliner Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Finding the “Desiderata” poster in a Fisherman’s Wharf gift shop. That list for life made a huge difference. This post shares a beautiful video. Please enjoy. Best wishes that 20provided great foundations for a happier, healthier new year. Click Here to View.  Desiderata Beautiful images. Gospel chorus. 3 minutes, 54 seconds.Please download a free 8.5 x 11, printable PDF of “Desiderata,” a Succeed and Soar gift. SkyScapes Pouches Organize travels and carry possessions safe and secure  in these unique and beautiful wallets.  Details: Three sizes:  Small  6” x 4” , Medium 9.5” x 6” and Large 12.5” x 8.5” Crafted with 100% poly-poplin fabric Double-stitched at seams for extra durability Durable metal zipper Visit All Zippered Pouches  Thanks for shopping!  

Post Election Oasis

You must be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi   Have you, like me, worked to avoid being upset about this election? Tuesday morning, I woke with the sobering thought that  personal preparations must be made to thrive in a country that could wrap me in energy I don’t want. Therefore, I decided to: Become my own sovereign nation Create a constitution describing conditions in my territory Outlaw certain behaviors in my domain Deny border crossings to anyone who violates my country’s laws and constitution. Where did I get such notions? First, when a teenager, I discovered Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata  which begins, “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste.” Near the end, the poem advises, “whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” Desiderata ends, “Strive to be happy.” Second, an Ancient Truth on how to change the world. Third, this prayer, which begins:  “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.” Fourth, The Four Agreements. Click here for a short and lovely, profound and enlightening video. Wanderings & Wonders Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks for your support! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE:  size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.    

Desiderata [the List]

When I was twenty, I worked for an airline and used my first travel passes to fly my mom cross country to San Francisco for her birthday-Mother’s Day. In a Fisherman’s Wharf gift shop, I found Desiderata. It raised my awareness. From time to time, I like to share this list:   Go placidly amid the noise & haste & 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 & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & 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 & 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 & disenchantment it is 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 & loneliness. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & 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 & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann Wisdoms Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks for your support! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE:  size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.    

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