DESIDERATA

Hiya All,

Well, I've returned to Antigua after a week away in Trinidad to attend the STCW course, and passed!  Now officially certified in Basic Safety Training, and confident to put out just about any fire.

Upon my return the following prose was hanging in the upper right hand corner of the mirror in my room.  A pleasant reminder of the nicer things in life.  No doubt many of you will have already seen this at some point but for those of you who haven't, enjoy!

In the next couple of days I'll be posting some highlights on my trip to Antigua including local music with improvised instruments and some wonderful sounds from Antiguan guitar pans (steel drums).  Check back soon!

JDPaine

DESIDERATA

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 & 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 and loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.  You are a child of the universe, no less that the trees and 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.

                (found in old Saint Paul’s Church, Baltimore; dated 1692)