These words speak strongly to me. And so I share them here with you.

Desiderata

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.

Max Ehrmann

Read more:
16th Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts in Port Angeles (May 22-25, 2009)

Read more:
38th Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle (May 22-25, 2009)

Read more:
35th Seattle International Film Festival (May 21 – June 14, 2009)

I bought this tiny monkey light for the child of a very special friend. I did not know the child, and I knew very little about him apart from the fact that he liked lights. My search for a suitable gift nearly ended unsuccessfully … until I came upon this item at one of my favorite stores, the Fireworks Gallery.

I am not a big fan of sock monkeys, but it made me smile when I shook it and turned on the light. And I figured if it made my inner child happy for at least a moment, there was hope for how it would go over well with a real one.

Sock Monkey Shimmer Light description found online:
“… from the Sock Monkey Collection at Seasons of Cannon Falls. There are four different mini sock monkey lights to choose from; there is green, red, orange and blue. The lights change colors, it changes from yellow, green, blue, purple, red to white and starts the cycle over. The shimmers gently float around in the monkey’s tummy. … measures 1.5 x 1.5 x 3 inches tall.”

I published my first article on Examiner.com today. See “200-plus local wineries at Taste Washington” for more information about this April 4-5, 2009 event.

Academy of Ancient Music:
“One of the world’s first period-instrument ensembles now in its fourth decade as one of the world’s finest.”
Benaroya Hall:
“Inside the rectangular S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, architecture and acoustical considerations are melded into a seamless aesthetic experience.”