Saturday, October 11, 2008

Desiderata

The inspirational poem "Desiderata" has always been a favorite of mine. It brings a calming peace to me whenever I read it.

When Galen and I were first married, (37 years ago) he brought home this poster of Desiderata and wanted to hang it in our bedroom at the bottom of the bed. He found inspiration in the poem as well as I did. ~ After many years, and all the moving we've done, the poster has long been gone and it is now just a memory.

Last week, my daugher, Jen, gave me a small copy of "Desiderata". She said it gave her a peacefulness whenever she read it, and thought I might like a copy. I smiled and told her the story of her Dad and the poster that he hung in our bedroom at the bottom of the bed many years ago.



After reading the copy again, I decided to frame it. I had an old wood picture/frame in the attic (it had a flower in the center), and I covered the flower with the copy of "Desiderata". I painted the copy to make it look antique. Then I used several coats of mod podge to seal it.

Voila! Finished.

I was happy with the results.








And guess where I hung it?




That's right......in our bedroom, at the bottom of the bed.








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 vexations 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 herioism.
Be yourself. Especially do not fein 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.


Nuture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatique 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.


~Max Ehrmann, 1927





16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sentiments, beautiful story too. Happy anniversary, you're just a few behind us (45).

Ruth Welter said...

donna, you have done a beautiful job with this poem, love how you framed and antiqued it.

Holy cow, you look so wonderful, no way would I believe you have been married for 37 years. Good for you. Love your husband's name by the way. : )

Ruth

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a wonderful piece...It could have been written today.
Hugs,
Penny

Unknown said...

Donna,

I agree that you dont look old enough to be married 37 years! I love this poem and what a sweet story that it was with you at the beginning of your marriage and again now. It is a beautiful poem and words to live by.

annie
p.s. I used one of your beautiful notecards today and thought of you!

Naturegirl said...

Donna this a wonderful poem and yes good reminders to be inspired by! Thank you for sharing with us! hugs and peace

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Donna. I have always loved this, too.

It proves that wisdom is ageless and proves itself in all times.

Nance said...

Hi Donna,
I got here via Penny @lavender hill. My first time to read Desiderata, it has a lot of wisdom in it ... good one to live by.

nance

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Donna

I've always loved Desiderata too! I first read it in 1971 and I ahd a poster of it once too! It's timeless. That is a beautiful frame you have the new copy in.

I can't believe you daughter once worked in Hog's Breath! It was our favorite place in Key West --we went alomot every night. I just loved sitting under the trees listening to the great bands they had every night and sipping a frozen margarita I bet your daughter would get a kick out of the 24 hour web cams they have now.

Hugs, Pat

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for sharing.
Through your blog, a lot of people including me of course have a chance to read and learn from.
I have read some of your post and I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks again and looking forward for more of your posting soon!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely little history Desiderata has in your family. We love it here too and have on more than one occaion been heard to quote "they are vexations to the spirit".

Sheila said...

I had forgotten about this lovely poem. I like the treatment you gave the frame and words. It's kind of nice to know it is there in your bedroom again.
Here's to many more years of wedded happiness.
hugs
x

Suzanne said...

That's beautiful...the poem and the sentiment. Lovely job!

Mimi Sue said...

I remember back in the day that so many of us had a copy of the desiderata in one form or another. I had a little plaque with it on it. That frame you put it in is gorgeous. It seems to be as meaningful now as it was then. The mister and I will have been married 37 years in Jan. Time has certainly flown by. Mimi

Meggie said...

Hey Donna: I think I discovered the Desiderada while I was in high school. I've given it as a gift many times over the years. My own copy hangs in my bathroom so I can see it first thing in the morning, every morning. I love the message and find it quite inspirational.

Rosie's Whimsy said...

I love it, Donna. The framing is as beautiful as the poem.

Gisele said...

"Desiderata" was the poem my husband and I decided to read at our only child's baptism. 26 yrs later, our daughter Janet is getting married(May16th/09, sadly her father is deceased. I have fretted over the Mother-of-the-Bride speech expected of me at her reception. I am grateful that "Desiderata" hangs in my home too...seeing it again with this commitment ahead of me...I feel I have my support in place. The words we've treasured for years and a connection to her dad all in one gift!