Wednesday 2 January 2013

Desiderata ...



Happy New Year for 2013 – may the desired things of life come happily to fruition for you during this coming year.


I’ve been ‘lounging’ in my sick bed feeling sorry for myself as the dreaded bugs decide to take themselves off into never-never land ... to while some of the hours away the radio got switched on (I didn’t want to do anything!).


Johnnie Walker, a knowledgeable DJ guru, of BBC’s Radio Two has some exceedingly interesting radio clips that are highly entertaining ... one was an hour long interview with Art Garfunkel, while a snippet I picked up was on ‘Desiderata’ ... I don’t think my ears would have pricked up but for the name.


Les Crane (1933 – 2008) was a radio and tv talk show host in the 1960s in the San Francisco district of California, a pioneer in interactive broadcasting (talk radio), who also scored a hit with his 1971 recording of this poem: Desiderata.


I found Les Crane’s background interesting ... apart from being a popular and controversial host on the radio powerhouse KGO; he was an advocate for the civil rights movement and was praised by the black press for his empathetic interviewing of black newsmakers, such as Muhammad Ali; and, together with John Barrett, was the first DJ to compile a top 40 list.


He became even more famous in 1971 for recording of Desiderata, for which he received a Grammy award for the best spoken word performance ... some of the phrases ...


·        You are a child of the universe ....
·        The universe is unfolding as it should ...
·        Be careful – strive to be happy ...


The poem is such a great manifest as a start to consider our approach to 2013 – there will be and are many difficulties for numerous peoples ... and we can remember to be there for everyone whose paths our lives cross, while reminding ourselves of populations’ plight beyond our boundaries ...


... while at the same time remembering that we are a microscopic dot in the universe as a whole ... the trees, plants, birds, beasts, creepy crawlies all deserve our care and support too: without them we wouldn’t be here.

Rossacroo-na-loo Wood, near Kilgarven,
Co Kerry, Ireland

The poem was only written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann (1872 – 1945) ... but has been assumed to have been around since 1692, because it had been included in a 1959 compilation of devotional materials by the rector of St Paul’s Church in Baltimore, Maryland, when the church’s foundation date was noted in the text.


When Adlai Stevenson died in 1965 this poem was found near his bedside ... Leonard Nimoy in his 1967 album “Spock Thoughts” recited the poem ...


... and to complete the billboard lists that Les Crane instituted ... the poem has peaked at #8 on the Billboard Chart, #4 on the Canadian RPM magazine chart, and #6 on the UK Melody Maker’s chart.


Desiderata seemed to be a thoughtful poem for the start of 2013 – I hope you enjoy hearing the words and perhaps during the year, we can all return to listen and remind ourselves of the words and meaning of the poem.


Go placidly amidst the noise and haste .... as 2013 charts its course for the year ahead ...


The British Library's poster for The Hobbit at 75 ...
Let your unexpected journey of 2013 begin ...
 A very happy and successful New Year to you all ...

Desiderata by Les Crane via YouTube – 4:19 mins

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

93 comments:

Bob Scotney said...

Sorry to hear that you have not been well, Hilary.

I really enjoyed this post and the recital by Les Crane.

Happy New Year!

Suzanne Furness said...

Sorry to hear you had one of the dreaded bugs, hope you are back on your feet soon.

Happy New Year to you.

A Lady's Life said...

I think the whole world is afflicted with colds. I havent met one person who isnt sick. lol
And so we enter the New Year!!

I hope you feel better soon and do wish you a Very Happy New Year!

Janie Junebug said...

Very interesting reading. I hope you're up and about soon.

Love,
Janie

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Hilary I hope you get to feeling better. Have a Happy New Year :)

Julie Flanders said...

Sorry to hear you've been sick, Hilary! I hope you are feeling much better soon.
I love Desiderata, one of my favorite poems. Happy New Year to you!

Angela said...

It's a good poem, and a timely reminder to be careful. *Looks over shoulder* Whew, no one there yet.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Happy New Year, dear Hilary. May 2013 bring you much joy.

For now, get well!

Wonderful poem.

T

Old Kitty said...

Lovely Hilary!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bit about avoiding loud and aggressive people!! Unfortunately I work with one and he's totally ruined my karma and equilibrium but this year I plan to truly tune him out! I can't avoid him but by golly he won't ruin my universe! As God is my witness!!! Ahem!

Awwww this clip is so lovely - the music is really inspirational and the voice of Les Crane is so so so so velvetty chocolatey!! YUM!!!

Please continue to get better and have a peaceful and positive 2013!!!

Take care
x

Manzanita said...

Bummer to hang out with ill health. But to stay in bed sometimes is good for the soul. It refreshed.

The music is so uplifting and so are the words. We all need that simplistic instruction for ourselves. Especially for this coming year. Wise choice, Hilary.

Unknown said...

So many people are sick. I have a house of guests and most are sick.

However, I find it interesting that a poem could win so many awards.

Get well soon!

Southpaw said...

Maybe it's lucky be sick at the beginning of a new year? We could make that a saying if we want to right?

Feel better and Happy New Year.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Bob – I’m improving thankfully. So pleased you enjoyed the post and recital ... HNY to you too!

@ Suzanne – thank you .. slow but sure I hope.

@ A Lady’s Life ... there certainly are a lot of bugs going around – and if this is all I get, then fine! Thanks for the thoughts ..

@ Janie – glad you enjoyed the post ... I’ve had my first most alright day so far ...

@ Keith – same to you and I sure hope ‘dem bugs start to disappear ...

@ Julie – frustrating being ill, I’m not good at that – but I found the inspiration for this post – so pleased Desiderata is a favourite ...

@ Angela – the poem has some wonderful reminder phrases in it – glad you’re not being followed!

@ Teresa .. lovely to see you back ... and yes I enjoyed your number 13 post .. sounds very good to me. Thanks so pleased you enjoyed the poem ...

@ Karen – oh boy I’ll commiserate with you – miserable .. and let’s hit the New Year healthier soon ...

@ Old Kitty – delighted you noted those words – and I do hope you can tune that chap out – they’re pains in the butts at best ... good luck, I’ll be thinking of you ..

So pleased the clip inspires you ... Les’ voice is lovely isn’t it ... and the photos just add some extra dimensions to the words ..

Thanks for your thoughts re my health ... I’m on the road to recovery – I hope! I’m sure ...

@ Manzanita – I’ve had way more time in bed than I need, but am still whacked! The soul via a few things feels easier ... particularly hearing various clips, including this poem – glad you were able to listen to the clip – Ehrmann’s words are so calming, yet so valid to this day and age – thanks so much for the thumbs up ..

@ Clarissa – good to see you – a house full of sick guests – now that’s not good news! Just me is bad enough ...?! It’s a classic poem though ... and seems to fall into the same category as Kipling’s “If ....”

I hope your guests improve – and I’ll be ‘normal’ again sometime soon ...

@ Holly – I think you might be right – at least I’ve done ill for 2013 (I sincerely hope) ... and have that healthy slate ahead ... I’m sure you are right and it’ll be lucky 2013 for me having been sick early on!

Thanks everyone ... Happy New Year to you all ... and a very healthy one, or a better healthy one – as I know some of you have long term struggles ... cheers for now - Hilary

Rosalind Adam said...

Take care and I hope you're feeling better soon. It's a moving poem and it's good to remember that in spite of everything it is a beautiful world.

Lynn said...

Oh - I hope you feel better soon, Hilary.

I used to have Desiderata posted in my room at home when I was a teenager. It would be so wonderful if everyone understood the power of those words. Thank you for the reminder.

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

A great many words for thought.

Laura Eno said...

Thank you for sharing Desiderata.

Hugs to you and get better soon!

Anonymous said...

Hilary, feel better soon! Happy 2013!

Denise Covey said...

Sorry you've been laid low Hilary. Hope you're feeling better now.
This was a great post and a great time to be reminded of how utterly small we all are in comparison to the big plan.

Happy New Year!

dolorah said...

I hope you get to feeling better soon Hilary. Thanks for sharing these insights.

........dhole

~Sia McKye~ said...

Interesting history, Hilary! I've always loved that poem--so much wisdom. I liked Les Crane's speaking it. I've heard it a lot over the years but it still make one catch their breathe at it's simple but profound message.

Happy New Year, Sweetie! Hugs to you and may you feel better soon.

Chatty Crone said...

This I have known about - I love it. I have a copy of it framed and in my home. If only we could all live like this - what a wonderful world it would be...

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,

So sorry to read that you have been poorly. And I'm in admiration you managed to muster up enough strength to listen to Radio Two and formulate this highly informative posting.

And incredibly, although not as familiar with Les Crane, on a clear night for radio reception, I would tune in my radio when I was a teenager and listen to KGO San Francisco, a distant of 1000 miles. I listened to the legendary Ira Blue and the theme tune to his radio talk show was "Rhapsody in Blue". Thanks for dredging up that memory in your excellent posting, Hilary.

A peaceful, healthy, hopeful New Year to you, my friend.

Gary

Chuck said...

Get well soon Hilary and Happy New Year! I have marked the youtube for listening to later but I am intrigued to hear it. I think that Hobbit poster is pretty cool...I have a poster in my living room for LOTR that is really interesting. I am trying to get a picture of it worthy of posting. Soon.

S. Susan Deborah said...

Dear Hilary:

Hope you are much better than what you were while writing this post. Wishing you and yours a very happy and blessed New Year. Ah, I used to have the poem Desiderata on my wall a few months ago. Then I had to leave that work place but I guess it's still there. I love the words of that poem. Thanks for giving us a wonderful message as we begin the new year.

Lots of love.

Joy always,
Susan

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Ros - I'm feeling better, but not much inspired with life except for trickling on! Glad you enjoyed the remembrances of the poem ..

@ Lynn - many thanks. I'm sure I've had a print out on occasions too - but didn't know the history, which I found interesting ..

@ Richard - yes, as you say: a great many words and phrases: food for thought ..

@ Laura - it seemed a good poem for the start of the year, so thank you ..

@ Susanne - I'm sure I'll be spring bunnying around sometime soon!

@ Denise - yes, the human as a part of the big plan - if only we could remember that and not think we're top of the food chain (or all chains for that matter!).

@ Donna - many thanks and glad you enjoyed the insights ..

@ Sia - I was fascinated by the history (especially with Gary's comment below re the radio station's reach as far as Seattle).

So pleased you appreciate the poem and its wisdom ... I guess you hear the poem being played occasionally in the States ... just listening to the words after hearing the history brought it even more to life and I thought this is a good message for the start of the year ... thanks for your thoughts

@ Sandie - it is a great poem and I'm sure sits in many homes to be read as and when necessary ... I loved hearing it again ..

@ Gary - just sometimes I need to switch off and I enjoy Johnnie Walker, his talks and his music choices - and the rest I agree with you.

JW used to live in California and said the spread of KGO would reach as far as Seattle ... now you confirm it - - - and I was able to take you back in time and dredge up some fun memories. 1,000 miles is a long way for a signal to travel isn't it ...

@ Chuck - excellent - I know you'll enjoy the YouTube clip. I loved the Hobbit poster - so thought I'd use it again - looking forward to seeing your LOTR photo - that will be interesting ..

@ Susan - lovely to see you and for your wishes for the New Year. The poster would be just right for a community work place and I hope others enjoy it. It's a brilliant poem isn't it ...

Thanks so much to you all for coming by .. and as Gary says above "A peaceful, healthy, hopeful New Year to us all" ... cheers Hilary

Glynis Peters said...

Hilary, hugs and Happy New Year! I am sorry to hear the bugs brought you down. Get better asap, and have a bright 2013.

Thank you for your tremendous support during 2012 x

Jo said...

Happy New Year Hilary, hope you are feeling better now.

I had forgotten Desiderata, haven't heard it in a while. It actually fits in very well with my NY "word" mindfulness.

MunirGhiasuddin said...

I hope that you are feeling better. A lot of people in New York are kind of sick but not sick enough to be in bed.
Leonard Nemoy and poetry? That is very interesting. I do not know much about English/ American music of the past, but I am learning as I connect with my kids through music as well. Thanks for sharing.
Please take care of yourself. I am too far away to make you a cup of soup:(

MorningAJ said...

I was a few months ahead of you with this one.

I hope you get better very soon.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Glynis - I'm up and about and will function properly soon! Thanks I hope we all have happy 2013s ... and I appreciate your thanks ..

@ Jo - you too ... and Mindfulness is a good word for 2013 ...

@ Munir - thank you .. improving each day. I sorted out some chicken soup for the soul ... that's all I wanted! Thanks for the thought ..

@ Anne - you are right - nine months earlier: and you printed up the words for us ... it's a great poem. Thanks - I'm on the mend ..

Cheers to you all - Happy New Years ... Hilary

Sherry Ellis said...

Happy New Year! I hope you feel better. I love that poem. It's hanging on the wall at my parent's house.

Linda said...

Hilary- Sorry to hear that have been sick. Apparently there are a lot of those nasties going around, because one has been kicking my butt since Saturday.

I am not familiar with Desiderata, but I'll definitely check it out. Here's to healthier days and a great 2013.

Sara said...

Hilary,

I hope you are feeling better. I loved this video and your brief history of it and Les Crane.

You are right. It is a good poem to start 2013. I hope this year is rich with adventures, history and new life experiences for you. I hope you get to travel and, most of all, I selfishly hope you continue to teach me things about history and life I wouldn't have known if you didn't write about it.

Happy new year:~)

Patsy said...

Happy New Year.

Hope you feel better soon.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!
I do hope you catch a healing soon. Xxx

Karen Jones Gowen said...

We've had the flu at our house too. Hope you're feeling better soon, Hilary.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Hope you're feeling better. I've got the tune in my head now, and I'm humming. LOL.

Happy New Year, Hilary. Hope all your dreams come true in 2013. And 2014. And so on and so on and so on.

Yes, I've got a nip of a bug myself. Alittle light headed. Think I'll go rest.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sherry - that's wonderful your parents have the poem framed and there for all to read ..

@ Linda - the bugs seem to be out in full force this year - I hope yours doesn't bite too hard!

Oh I'm glad you found out about Desiderata .. I'm sure you'll enjoy the YouTube clip ..

@ Sara - the video is great isn't it ... and I enjoyed learning a little more about the west coast radio scene.

Thanks so much .. I expect I'll be writing away at things that interest and amuse me and am delighted you enjoy the posts ...

@ Patsy .. many thanks and I hope you both don't get it while travelling around ..

@ Michelle - I'm feeling better thankyou - and each day brings some improvement ..

@ Karen - I keep my bugs to myself! But with your large family .. I hope you haven't all gone down and that full recovery mode soon occurs

@ Joylene - sorry about the tune! Funny how these things catch on ..

Hope you feel better too ..

Thanks everyone - let's get rid of these bugs ... and bring some sparkle back into our new beginnings for our dreams of 2013 and 2014 ... cheers Hilary

Empty Nest Insider said...

Hope you feel better soon Hilary! Even in sickness you never let us down, and still put together a wonderful post complete with an apropos poem!
Julie

Haddock said...

Hope you are out of bed by now.
Yes the Radio is the best solace at these times, - I depend on it most of the time :-)
Oh yes .... Happy New Year.

Scribbles From Jenn said...

I hope the bugs depart soon and you are back to your healthy self.

Anonymous said...

As I sit here struggling to come up with my first post of the new year, I happily came over here and found Desiderata. I'm quoting a few lines of it with a link to this complete wonderful post. "strive to be happy" We MUST do this. And there is so much to be happy about. Going back in history such as you do lets us view the beauties that have excited on planet earth, and that hopefully will continue to exist. Those beauties actually begin within each one of us.

Happy weekend, my friend!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Julie - lucky you and your Aruba holiday!! Many thanks - just delighted you enjoyed the post and accompanying poem - it is special.

@ Haddock - slowly improving thank you and am taking it slowly ...

@ Jenn - thanks for your thoughts ..

@ Ann - well that's luck isn't it and am so pleased I inspire you ... "strive to be happy" that's the thing and as you say we MUST do it.

We hold much within us ... and we can each help each other so much - and as you say the beauties of life do begin within each of us ...

Happy New Year everyone - may your blessings come true this year .. all the very best - Hilary

nutschell said...

Happy New Year!

Never heard of Les Crane but he sounds like an interesting person. Thanks for sharing!

Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Patricia said...

I am so happy you shared this lovely poem and it's history. A marvelous way to start the new year indeed.

I am so sorry you are not feeling well and am hoping the bugs have been shipped off at this moment in time.

I do love to listen to the radio when I am not feeling well too - comforting

Happy and Healthy New Years wishes to you also

Luanne G. Smith said...

Hope you are up and feeling better!! Happy New Year, Hilary. And, yes, what a great sentiment to hold on to for the approaching year.

Elise Fallson said...

Oh I do hope you are feeling better by now! Not a way to start the new year, but maybe it's good to get it out of the way now. (: I'd never heard of Les Crane, thanks for introducing me to his work, I really enjoyed the clip too.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year and I wish you wonderful things for 2013!

Anonymous said...

Hilary, I hope you get well rested and up and running soon!

I haven't heard of Les Crane but I do like to learn about pioneers of any kind. Thanks!

And have a very healthy and prosperoud New Year to you!

Deniz Bevan said...

Love Tolkien's drawing of Hobbiton!
I hadn't known about that poem, how interesting, especially if it really is from the 17th Century.
Hope you feel better soon! This year's bug is a harsh one - everyone seems to have it and suffer more than usual. Ick!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Nutschell - good to see you ..

@ Patricia - I can quite understand how it falls within your ambit; listening can send me off to sleep again .. I thought you enjoy the radio too ...

@ Luanne - so pleased you enjoyed the poem and the thoughts it contains ..

@ Elise - exactly .. I hope this year's illness has come and is on it way out - taking its time though! Glad you enjoyed the YouTube clip ..

@ Stephen - am definitely better, but not quite right. Les Crane fell into the pioneering category - radio history in the California region must be fascinating ... glad you enjoyed this small fragment.

@ Deniz - the Hobbiton poster is wonderful to see isn't it.

Desiderata was written in 1927 but no-one really took it up and realised its significance til after the War.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - so many bugs out there of varying descriptions ... I'm looking after mine! and giving it the gentle treatment ... still it's hanging around - but I feel better and that's the main thing ...

Cheers Hilary

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear you've been unwell, Hilary. Practically everyone I speak to has or has had a bug of some sort. I swear it's this horrid wet year we've had. (Blame everything on the weather, that's me. :))

Hope you're feeling better now and a very happy new year to you.

Morgan said...

Boo on being sick, Hilary! :/ So nasty. And so sorry! But gosh, I keep staring at that Ireland picture... I wish I were there RIGHT NOW. Gorgeous. Hope you feel better soon!!!!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Shirley - that seems to be right there's so many bugs around ... still slowly improving - but going out into the damp and cold wasn't too sensible today - needs must though.

@ Morgan - exactly boo on being sick .. Ireland in sunshine would be glorious wouldn't it .. actually sunshine would be good!

Cheers Shirley and Morgan - have wonderful 2013s ahead ... Hilary

Friko said...

If you had to have one of the nasty winter bugs, to have ‘Desiderata’ as a companion must have gone a little way towards healing yourself.

That was lovely, thank you.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love this poem. I cut it out of the newspaper many years ago, and it hung on the bulletin board in my bedroom when I was growing up. When I got married, the poem came with me, and for many years, hung on the fridge. But after a while, it got so yellowed and nasty, I had to throw it away, and (shame on me!) I pretty much forgot about it. Until now! I'd never heard that Les Crane version before, but I loved it. This poem is the perfect bit of inspiration to begin a new year... heck, it's a great way to begin each day. Thank you so much for reacquainting me with an old friend.

Happy New Year! I hope you're feeling fit as a fiddle now.

Inger said...

I remember this recording so well from back then. Thank you for bringing it to the forefront again, particularly now that I have my new computer and can enjoy youtube and other stuff that was difficult with my very old and very slow machine.

Inger said...

Please take good care of yourself and I hope you will feel better soon.

Ella said...

Get well soon Hilary! I too love this poem, thank you for sharing~
Happy New Year! Cheers :D

Symphony of Love said...

Dear Hilary, hope that you are already feeling alright. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and inspirational poem 'Desiderata' with us. Would certainly be sharing this in Symphony of Love too. Thank you.

Chase March said...

Hi Hilary,

This is cool. I'm researching the history of radio broadcasting and will be doing a radio show about it next week.

I never looked into talk radio's history though. Very interesting.

I love listening to talk radio and have called in a few times myself. I even tinkered around with doing a talk show, but the university station I am on doesn't approve of that format. There are a lot of liability issues apparently. Oh well.

Thanks for the radio talk this evening.

Cheers!

Francene Stanley said...

Thanks for posting this. I've included some of the words from the poem in my published novel: Still Rock Water, having known the words for more than 50 years.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Friko - Hearing the words being said from 1971 was really comforting and finding out how they came about provided my history top up! Delighted you enjoyed the post -thanks ..

@ Susan - fun to hear the history of the poem in your life .. and that perhaps now - you'll remember to listen to it on occasions. Desiderata has some great words in it ... and I'm so pleased to read I reacquainted you with your old friend!

@ Inger - gosh you heard it too back in the 70s .... wonderful that your new computer will allow you to listen more easily.

@ Ella - thank you ... I feel better, but the cough hangs around ...

@ BK - slowly improving thankfully. The poem does fit in with your blog and thoughts doesn't it ...

@ Chase - so pleased I've been able to share something of use re your history of radio broadcasting - and you'll mention this.

I can imagine there'd be a lot of liability issues - especially in this day and age ... but a pity you can't explore it for your own show. Enjoy doing your programme next week ...

@ Francene - it's a wonderful poem to include (or a few sentences) in your novel - then reminds readers to look out the poem once more ..

Thanks everyone - I am feeling better and hopefully the hacking cough will fade this week ...

Cheers to you all - Hilary

Manzanita said...

I haven't heard the words of the Desiderata in a long time but now, since you posted, I've been hearing it from other sources. Hilary, you ARE a trend-setter.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Recited by Nimoy - fascinating!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Hilary! How small we are in comparison to the Universe yet how great we can be. So sorry to hear you have been unwell. Those bugs have rampaged through our house too but I was mercifully exempt over Christmas.
May 2013 be kind to you. Debbie X

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Hilary! How small we are in comparison to the Universe yet how great we can be. So sorry to hear you have been unwell. Those bugs have rampaged through our house too but I was mercifully exempt over Christmas.
May 2013 be kind to you. Debbie X

Vallypee said...

Goodness, Hilary, I have never seen so many comments on a blog before. It must take you forever to read them all and respond! What an interesting post, though. I love the poem too, and it is a tribute to the universal chord that it touches that so many have quoted it. So sorry you have been ill, but I hope that by the time you read this rather late comment, you will be feeling heaps better. Happy new year in any event. I hope it just gets better and better for you!

Juliet said...

How interesting to hear this background about the Desiderata, which I've seen in various places. Do hope you are recovering well Hilary, and that you have a wonderful year in 2013. I'm about to watch the YouTube video.

Romance Reader said...

Hi Hilary,

All good thoughts - inspirational indeed.

Keep well and happy new year to you.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Manzanita - many thanks .. I think my posting stirred a few memories for people - that's good! Trend-setter .. not so sure

@ Diane - Nimoy has a lovely voice doesn't he ..

@ Deborah - the dreaded little things seem to be around - still have had them now ... and the rest of the year I should be healthy.

@ Val - I'm delighted to have so many comments - and it's great when people leave a relevant note - and I'm more than happy to reply. Good to see you here ...

Thanks everyone - I'm hoping this is the week .. the little remnants of said bugs disappear from me!

Cheers to you all - Hilary

Theresa Milstein said...

So sorry bugs are bugging you. Feel 100% better soon. Everyone seems to be getting sick on this side of the pond too.

Love that you're starting the new year with poetry. A happy and successful new year to you too. Cheers!

cleemckenzie said...

Hope you're better by now, Hillary. It's terrible to be sick, but even more terrible to sick at the beginning of the year--my superstition, not yours. :-)

I didn't know Desiderata had been written in the late 20's. I guess I had it place back further in time. Max Ehrmann created a thing of beauty.

Bish Denham said...

I do hope by now you're on the mend and that the bugs are leaving you alone. I remember the Desiderata well. Posters of it were very popular. It is one of those poems that moves well between the ages and is timeless.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Theresa .. I'm looking forward to feeling 100% again soon (preferably very soon!) ...

The Desiderata poem seemed a good choice for the year ahead - so thank you ..

@ Lee - thankfully once it's done it's done and I'm usually healthy - so here's to a healthy year ahead!

I was so fascinated to find the back-history for the poem .. Max Ehrmann's writing is truly beautiful ...

@ Bish - it is one of those special poems isn't it - and one we can easily print out now to remind ourselves .. or listen on YouTube ... as you say it is timeless.

Cheers to you and thanks for visiting ... Hilary

Tamara said...

Thanks for sharing this, Hilary. You always have the most interesting stuff!! I love this blog. :)

Really sorry to hear you've been under the weather. Hope you feel better soon!

Ciara said...

I'd never heard of Desiderata. I love being introduced to new things. :)
I'm SO sorry you have been so sick. I hope you are on the mend by now. *hugs*

Nick Wilford said...

Lovely poem, very inspirational (although I'm echoing so many in saying that!)

I just got over the bug myself - though luckily not bedridden. Hope you're feeling better.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Hope you're starting to feel better, Hilary. There are a lot of nasty bugs out and about this year.

The recording was a lovely thing to share with us. Thank you for the link.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I can empathize. Mom and I are battling sinus infections.

Hope you feel better soon, Hilary.

Nas said...

Sorry to hear that you have not been well, Hilary. Hope you're better now?

I really enjoyed this post and the recital by Les Crane.

Tammy Theriault said...

something fierce is going around, but girl you still manage a great post! kudos and feel better :D

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tamara - thanks so much ..

@ Ciara - so pleased I was able to introduce you to the poem - it's a standard ..

@ Nick - the poem is well known .. but the words are always so good to hear again ..

@ Patricia - the bug world is certainly having fun! Glad you enjoyed the link ..

@ Susan - sinus infections are really unpleasant - I do hope you and your mother get better soon ..

@ Nas - glad you enjoyed Les Crane's recital ..

@ Tammy - I was starting to feel better last week - just dragging on a little ..

Thanks everyone - hope to get another post up today .. cheers Hilary

Romance Book Paradise said...

Desiderata is something of a literary classic, I know. It's message is timeless.

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Hilary
I remember this poem. Thanks for the reminder and hope you get well soon.
Nancy

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

Happy New Year and hope you're feeling better!

Carol Kilgore said...

Hope you're better and back to your real self by now. Thanks for commenting today on Laura's blog.

Diane said...

Sorry that you are not well, hope by now that you are feeling better. Happy New Year Diane

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. :( Hopefully you'll feel better soon.

Happy 2013!

Jannie Funster said...

I had not thought of that poem in some years but it still rings true, and I appreciate hearing it today.

Quite something a Grammy was won for words that still ring true.

Sure hope you are feeling better, Hils!

xoxoxo

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Nas - the words are timeless aren't they ..

@ Nancy - good to see you and thank you re my health ..

@ Judy - appreciate your thoughts

@ Carol - just about - it's taking a while to completely clear up ..

@ Diane - I'm looking forward to reading about your Morocco sojourn - it'll be so interesting ..

@ Sharon - it'll be nice to feel completely better, I must say ...

@ Jannie - it's a good poem isn't it and as you say still rings true. Les Crane had a lovely voice ... mellifluous ...

Getting back to full health - thank you ..

Thanks so much for coming by and checking up on me and my bugs! Much appreciated ... cheers and have lovely weekends - Hilary

M. Reka said...

Sorry to hear that you have not been well, Hilary.
You always post the most interesting stuff, thanks for sharing :)

Warmly
Marinela

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks Marinela .. sorry I missed your comment and only checked in now - so pleased you enjoy the posts .. that's the main thing for me when I post ... cheers Hilary