Here is a collection of some of my favourite pieces of writing. If I was asked to explain why I like them, I don't really know. They just evoke a lot of thought and emotion. Perhaps one day I will post some of my own material. At any rate, I hope you enjoy these.

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 ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and agressive 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 with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life their was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints, I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."



Author unknown

- words re-written September 2, 1997 by Bernie Taupin, music by Elton John
- lyrics transcribed from the televised performance by Elton John at the
  funeral of Princess Diana in Westminster Abbey, September 6, 1997

Goodbye England's rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed yourself
Where lives were torn apart
You called out to our country
And you whispered to those in pain
Now you belong to heaven
And the stars spell out your name


And it seems to me you've lived your life like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset when the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here along England's greenest hills
Your candles burned out long before your legend ever will

Loveliness we've lost
Those empty days without your smile
This torch we'll always carry
For our nation's golden child
And even though we try
The truth brings us to tears
All our words cannot express
The joy you've brought us through the years


And it seems to me you've lived your life like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset when the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here along England's greenest hills
Your candles burned out long before your legend ever will

Goodbye England's rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed yourself
Where lives were torn apart
Goodbye England's rose
From the country lost without your soul
Who'll miss the wings of your compassion
More than you will ever know


And it seems to me you've lived your life like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset when the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here along England's greenest hills
Your candles burned out long before your legend ever will