hot days and lemonade

on my way back from lunch, i took a side road to make my way back to work. i happened upon a lemonade stand set up by three little girls. i passed it not expecting it to be there but had to turn around and go back and give my support. i had the most refreshing glass of lemonade for only 50 cents...it's a good thing that's all it cost, that's all i had on me at the time.

the little girls were giggly and their excitement showed on their faces as they made another sale. i remember the one time i tried to have my own lemonade stand. however, i think i ended up with a kool-aid stand...cherry i think. i have so many after thoughts when i do things...i wish i would have grabbed the camera and snapped their photo to share their cheery faces...but perhaps this bit of summer joy is enough to be imagined.

de·sid·er·a·tum: something considered necessary or highly desirable.

white flowers.nikon d100 

desiderata

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.

max ehrmann, desiderata, copyright 1952.

photo friday-used

wood and iron.nikon n65 

photo friday's theme this week is "used"