ForeverMissed
Large image
His Life

Desiderata

July 13, 2020
Pops loved this, found several copies in different places.

Desiderata

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 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.

By Max Ehrmann © 1927

Frank had many passions and interests over the years:

July 1, 2020
A flair for horticulture and container gardening
All things Parisian and the French Legionnaires
The allure of the desert and TE Lawrence
German food
Keeping up with current world events
Believing in the magic of Santa Claus
Napping
Art, music and film (Picasso, Miles, Brando, Eastwood, Clapton, & Van Gogh top the list)
Finding peace on the shoreline
And above all, books. 

To say he was a lover of books both new and old would be a significant understatement. Any visit required navigating around teetering columns of bound printed material, and any outing may include a detour to pick up or sell additional volumes. Frank was a first-class armchair traveler of the world who could converse about any number of places, events, or times. He took much pleasure, companionship, education, and solitude from books throughout his entire life.