Burbank Bits: Paper Dragons by Susan Alton Schmeltz

In March, kites bite the wind

and shake their paper scales.

They strain against their fiber chains

to free their dragon tails.

MOMENTARY MUSINGS

"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." ~Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have
done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them
as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new
day. You shall begin it serenely and
with too high a spirit to be encumbered
with your old nonsense." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Promise me you'll always remember:
You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you
think." ~Christopher Robin to Pooh

"Mommy, please don't turn on the dark, because then I can't see you."
~Andrew, at bedtime in October 2011

"If there wasn't music in the world, then what would I do?" ~C., BCE second-grader

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Paper Dragons by Susan Alton Schmeltz

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