GAZ@SIMPLYMEGA.COM

Thanks go to: (expect glaring omissions.lol)

My work colleagues (you know who you are) especially Ian, Emma, Zoe, Dawn, Jit, Faisal, Pauly, CGP and Ken, the old friends that I have re-established contact with over the last 12 months and the new ones that I have made (again you know who you are), the peeps at ukpagan.com, Malefice, Behemoth, Devildriver, Amon Amarth, Trivium and Slayer for blinding gigs, Metallica for releasing Death Magnetic and proving everyone wrong. Dr. Ruth Sutherland for her ongoing help, Dr. J. Dixon for being one of the finest GP’s that the NHS employs, the staff at Moorside Surgery, Wards 4 and 19 of the BRI for helping Su, OCDaction and Time To Change, Mark, Carol, Nikki, Jon, Bob, Jan, Robin and all my extended family – you rock people, Helen, Andy and Chilli for always making us smile and for making opera cool, Scott for simply being him, Mark for not losing the 40k faith,  Tom and Dez for being cool beyond words, Nikki for proving that Patterdales are the best type of dog, Roxy for many mental months, Dixy, Smirnoff and Tigz for simply being the cats they are, Owen and Morgan for being the best two sons a dad could ask for and, last but far from least, Su for being my best friend, my soulmate and the love of my life.

X X X

\m/

Having calmed down a little since my previous post I thought I’d share something a little different.

This is called Desiderata. It’s be Max Ehrmann and I think it’s one of the best poems/verse I’ve read in a while….

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 to 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 perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to 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 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

\m/