[StephanieLH]

I have always loved the poem Desiderata... since i was a teenager really. I stumbled across it and have always held it close to my heart.

Today i had the idea of scrapping it. I am going to do a ten page album with parts of the poem on each page... Not sure yet what the content will be in terms of pictures but I thought it might be a great gift for my kids when they graduate HS which isn't for 8-12 years away. LOL So plenty of time.

Here are the word if you have never read it:

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 vexatious 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 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.

Maxx Erhman

[SandiC.]

What a fantastic, marvelous idea. I'm sure you'll find the right photos.

[StephanieLH]

SandiC., on 10 February 2011 - 10:55 PM, said:

What a fantastic, marvelous idea. I'm sure you'll find the right photos.

thanks Sandi

[B&K Mom]

Lovely poem I faintly remember reading it in high school. I'm filing it away. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see your book (in a few years??? lol)

[Sara Arell]

It's a beautiful poem - it's always been one of my favorites too. Thanks for sharing your idea here - I am sure this will make an amazing and beautiful book combined with you photos. Can't wait to see the finished pages.

[MariJ]

Beautiful Idea and I love that poem too.
Wow -- it would be cool if during these growing-up years you saved appropriate photos from each child that might go with a page saying..
What a special gift you have thought of giving your children!

[MariJ]

Beautiful Idea and I love that poem too.
Wow -- it would be cool if during these growing-up years you saved appropriate photos from each child that might go with a page saying..
What a special gift you have thought of giving your children!

[Heatheranne]

It's a beautiful poem and a great idea, but I thiink you may want to check the spelling of the author's name. I believe it's spelled Max Ehrmann. Have a ton of fun with your project! :-)

[teecee]

It's a beautiful poem and I really like your idea. TFS

[ArizonaAngel]

What a great idea! I'd forgotten what a wonderful poem this was. Thanks for the reminder!

[glassbird]

I remember this poem on a poster in my mom's laundry room back in the early 1970's. It has been a favorite of mine ever since. According to that poster, the poem was written in the 1600s. But I just did a little research on it, and apparently that date is a myth! It was copyrighted in 1920, and written probably a few years before that. You learn something new every day!

http://www.businessb...ideratapoem.htm

[Bride]

It is a great poem. I used it with one of the layouts using s photos of my son on their backpacking trip at Isle Royale and it was very fitting for a particular photo. They both loved it. Good luck with your idea!

[tinkerbell11]

What a great poem thanks for sharing it!