Max Ehrmann's 'Desiderata'

Walk in peace - this was how I felt when I visited this picturesque piece of history.
Marie Antoinette's Estate, Versailles, France
Photo by: Atty. Cashmer

A repost from my old blog.
About the poem:    Desiderata (Latin: desired things), a prose poem written by American author Max Ehrmann in 1927.  Copies in poster form started to circulate in the mid-60s.  In 1967, the prose went mainstream as recited by artist Leonard Nimoy, calling it “Spock Thoughts”.  – Wikipedia.org

What it means to me:  This poem is a gem! A theater director handed me a copy of Desiderata twenty years ago; she even asked me to memorize it.  The poem turned out to be ‘a gift’.  A couple of months ago, for the first time in N years, I had to dig it out of a virtual treasure chest, for there are moments that warrant the need to read something relevant; for us to be reminded of things, which we already know.  After all, wellness is not just about a fit physique, but it also goes together with our our mental and emotional well-being.  

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Desiderata

Go placidly amidst 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 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 universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have the 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. 

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

Be cheerful.  Strive to be happy.

From my travel compilation
Blooms at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam - capturing a thing of beauty through the stillness of a portrait.
Photo by Atty Cashmer.

Bingo Bonanza National Open Tournament

Inviting all badminton players / enthusiasts...

RiCo Corn Rice Makes Healthy, Yummy!

In pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, there is no need to deprive ourselves of the pleasure of a good meal. With RiCo Corn Rice, we can have the best of both worlds. 

Rico corn rice is made from 100% Philippine-grown corn fortified with iron and calcium. It tastes just like regular rice, but provides the nutrition of corn. Each grain is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, as well as beta-carotene and lutein for good eyesight. As a complex carbohydrate, corn provides sustained energy. It is ideal for athletes and those who lead active lifestyles. Corn is known for its high fiber content, a quality valued by the figure-conscious. In addition, corn has no cholesterol and has lower glycemic index for controlled and balanced blood sugar that is ideal for diabetics and weight watchers. 

Incorporating RiCo corn rice into the daily routine is fairly simple. Its preparation is not far from what we are accustomed to. At the recent launch of RiCo, RiCo’s very own Chef Joey dela Cruz demonstrated the three easy steps of cooking RiCo: boil, pour, and simmer. Boil the suggested amount of water. Then, pour the desired amount of RiCo. Finally, simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. To prevent loss of water-soluble nutrients, the grains should not be washed. If a loose and fluffy consistency or buhaghag is preferred, RiCo should be cooked like pasta: boil the water, put in RiCo, and then, drain. RiCo retains its yellow hue even after it is cooked, making it very visually appealing and a hit among children.

During the launch, Chef Jessie Sincioco demonstrated the versatility of the ingredient through a sit-down meal of mesclun greens salad with prawn RiCo pops, minestrone with RiCo, a main course of pan-fried codfish fillet in pommery mustard sauce and grilled chicken breast in creamy pepper sauce served with RiCo pilaf and sautéed French beans, and RiCo crocant roll. At home, you can use RiCo in your daily favorites such as sinangag, java rice, yang chow rice, and paella.

The locally produced RiCo is a first from the Philippines. Aside from making healthy yummy, this innovation also provides increased livelihood for our farmers and develops our country’s natural resources.

RiCo is available in 1-kilogram, 2-kilogram, and 5-kilogram packs at SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Rustan’s Supermarket, Walter Mart Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Ever Supermarket, The Landmark Supermarket, Sta. Lucia East Supermarket, Pioneer Centre Supermart, Hi-Top Supermart, Cherry Foodarama, South Supermarket, NCCC Supermarket, Gaisano Mall, and other leading supermarkets nationwide.

For more information and recipes, visit www.yummyhealthy.ph. You may also click on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/yummyhealthylife. Follow the news about RiCo on Instagram via www.instagram.com/yummyhealthylife and Twitter via www.twitter.com/yummyhealthyph.

Meowth's verdict

Taste:  4/5 - Yummy!  It blends quite well with staple Pinoy viands (ulam).

Texture: 4/5 - Corn rice is more filling so you tend to eat less carbs.

Nutrition:  5/5  - If you have dietary restriction due to health problem, consult your physician

Price:  3/5 - About PHP 72.00 per kilo, PHP 125.00 per 2 kilos. 

Preparation:  4/5 - It should be cooked like pasta - boil, pour, simmer. It takes about 10-15min.

Should I recommend this product to friends?  Yes!  :)