You are a child of the Universe

As much as the rain was very welcome today, it did put a dampener on book club's 3 year anniversary picnic!

A last minute change of venue meant we were still all able to get together, without  having to sit on a wet blanket in the pouring rain.

The idea had been to meet for a coffee in the Art Gallery and then have a wander round the exhibitions. Two and a half hours later, we were still chatting so didn't actually get to do anything else!

I had a wander around the Northern Quarter on my way back to the tram to have a look at the street art.

I also saw a beautiful mosiac but after my black wall incident earlier in the week, I decided to blip this in case they decided to repaint the shutter in the near future! The mosaic should still be there next time - or at least I am hoping so!

I really like the words that came with this and when I googled it, I realised it was part of a much bigger poem which I did recognise!

Quote for today:
“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 the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. 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 the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from 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 labours 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.” 
- Max Ehrmann, Desiderata: A Poem for a Way of Life