Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Felix! (squish!)

Smiling Felix Face

Oh my goodness! My little nephew, Felix is so wonderful! He's growing and smiling and drooling and teething and talking in his very own language. He is also showing a preference for his left hand (like me and Mom!) and learning to fly (picture below). I love this little guy so much and see so much hope and potential in his face - we all started out like this. One thing I have learned is that parents do the best they possibly can with the gifts, talents, tools and understanding that they have. Though I'm not his parent, I am totally committed to being a positive influence in his life. There are other new children I feel this way about - like Theo!

We are never ending works in progress, life is a mystery. The more I learn, the less I know, but it's a beautiful road and there are many friends and allies along the way.

Felix learning to fly from his Daddy!

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise & the 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 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 & 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 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.

- Max Ehrmann

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