Bernie's Journey: The Lucky One

Sunday, February 18, 2007

The Lucky One

Another busy weekend in the Northland.

Michaela had a sleepover at Lizzie's on Friday night. And all day Saturday, she attended the Red Cross babysitting instructional course. Then she and Jamie went to Mom & Dad's for a sleepover.

Jamie and Shelly hung out together Saturday, including the Y and DQ.

I worked with geocachers newbie and old-hand on placing our caches for this spring's Treasure Hunt. There were only 8 of us out in the field, but we came from Rhinelander, Eagle River, and Omro. Yes, Omro. Mike LaPorte, rsplash40, was staying at his in-laws in Eagle River, and offered to help out. The Calvettis from Eagle River and their cognitively diasabled friends took along newbies, Tony Jones and his daughter, and they calculated and placed an urban puzzle cache. Mike and I placed three bushwhackers, and somehow found time for lunch at the Claridge.

After that, Pete and Phil were going out to Starks to look at Pete's Plum Creek firewood permit pickings. I went along to scout geocaching land. We all found something good.

Today, the kids and I placed a cache in a small stand of large remnant hemlock out there.

And no, we didn't win at Flambeau last night. I just feel lucky to have a good life full of good people and happy pursuits.

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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