6/6/2008 6:59:22 PM: 'El Dorado'   Synopsis: Cherish the reality of the fantasy, and appreciate the REAL thing when you have it within grasp instead of chasing a fable ... DDM Johnny bedight,A gallant nightIn sunshine and in shadow,Had journeyed long,Singing a song,In search of El Dorado.But he grew old -This knight so bold -And - o'er his heart a shadowFell as he foundNo spot of groundThat looked like El Dorado.And, as his strengthFailed him at length,He met a pilgrim shadow -'Shadow, said he,'Where can it be -This land of El Dorado?''Over the Mountains Of the Moon,Down the Valley of the Shadow,Ride, boldly ride,'The shade replied -'If you seek for El Dorado.'by Edgar Allen Poe (altered just slightly... LOL)

6/2/2008 11:47:07 PM:  Desidirata-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --   Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to 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 universeno 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 in your soul.  With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.