MARK TWAIN 1835-1910

American author and humorist

 

-o0o-

 

Always do the right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest
 

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ECCLESIASTICUS

Also known as the Wisdom of Sirach. A book of ethical teachings from the early 2nd century BC

-o0o-

Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.

ANON

A lonesome man on a rainy day is one who does not know how to read. 

-o0o-

THE SATURDAY POEM

 

Contagion
by Spike Milligan 1918-2002

Elephants are contagious!
Be careful how you tread.
An Elephant that's been trodden on
Should be confined to bed!

Leopards are contagious too.
Be careful tiny tots.
They don't give you a temperature
But lots and lots - of spots.

The Herring is a lucky fish
From all disease inured.
Should he be ill when caught at sea;
Immediately - he's cured! 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

SOCRATES c.469-399 BC

Classical Greek philosopher

-o0o-

He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARTIN LUTHER 1483-1546

A professor of theology, a leading figure of the reform movement in 16th century Christianity.

-o0o-

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. 

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DOLLY PARTON b.1946

American singer-songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist

-o0o-

If you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAUREEN DOWD b.1952

Columnist for The New York Times and best-selling author

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.

-o0o-

Today on A GALLERY OF COUNTRY GIRLS -Women Washing Clothes

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ALFRED NOBEL 1833-96

 Swedish chemist, inventor and armaments manufacturer. After his death, his fortune instigated the Nobel Prizes.

Contentment is the only real wealth.

-o0o-

Now online

A GALLERY OF COUNTRY GIRLS 

The link is at "My Current Blogs"

HENRY FIELDING 1707-54

English novelist and dramatist

I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.

-o0o-

NEW - now online - NEW

A GALLERY OF COUNTRY GIRLS

http://agalleryofcountrygirls.blogspot.com

JONATHAN EDWARDS 1703-58

Christian preacher and theologian

Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind.

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

The Birth of Venus, by Botticelli

-o0o-

THE SATURDAY POEM 

On a Tired Housewife

 Anon

Here lies a poor woman who was always tired,
She lived in a house where help wasn't hired:
Her last words on earth were: “Dear friends, I am going
To where there's no cooking, or washing, or sewing,
For everything there is exact to my wishes,
For where they don't eat there's no washing of dishes.
I'll be where loud anthems will always be ringing,
But having no voice I'll be quit of the singing.
Don't mourn for me now, don't mourn for me never,
I am going to do nothing for ever and ever.”
 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- 

WALT WHITMAN 1819-92

American poet, essayist and journalist

I have learned that to be with those I like is enough

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

The Young Guitarist, by Abraham Leon Kroll

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NIKKI GIOVANNI b.1943

American writer, activist and educator

-o0o-

 

I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try.

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

Queen Sophia, by Anders Leonard Zorn

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 1858-1919

President of the USA 1901-09

-o0o-

Believe you can and you're halfway there. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

 

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

Repose, by Karl Albert Buehr

MARY WILSON LITTLE

There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.

-o0o-

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

two famous paintings by Goya

"The Unclothed Maja" and "The Clothed Maja"

A.J. KITT b.1968

 World Cup Alpine ski racer, a member of the US ski team

-o0o-

You have no control over what the other guy does. You only have control over what you do.

Today on THE ETERNAL EVE

Flaming June, by Lord Frederick Leighton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DENIS DIDEROT 1713-84

French philosopher, art critic and writer

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

-o0o-

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

The Reader, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard

DIANNE HOUSTON b.1954

African-American film director and screen-writer

-o0o-

Only some people get what they want. Those are the people who show up to get it.

THE SATURDAY POEM

Lucy
William Wordsworth 1770-1850

She dwelt among the untrodden ways
Beside the springs of Dove,
A Maid whom there were none to praise
And very few to love:

A violet by a mossy stone
Half hidden from the eye!
Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.

She lived unknown, and few could know
When Lucy ceased to be;
But she is in her grave, and oh,
The difference to me!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARK TWAIN (Samuel Clemens) 1835-1910

American humorist, author of Huckleberry Finn

-o0o-

It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart; the one to slander you and the other to get the news to you.

 

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ALBERT SCHWEITZER 1875-1965

German medical missionary, theologian, philosopher and musician.

-o0o-

An optomist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stop-light. The truly wise person is colour-blind.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

RANDALL JARRELL 1914-65

American poet and critic

-o0o-

One of the most obvious facts about grown-ups, to a child, is that they have forgotten what it is like to be a child.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English lexicographer, critic and poet.

-o0o-

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS - Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT 1884-1962

First Lady of the USA from 1933 to 1945

-o0o-

 

I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn one's back on life.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

AMBROSE PHILIPS 1674-1749

English poet and politician

-o0o-

The flowers anew returning seasons bring,
But beauty faded has no second spring. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ZHAO ZHENKA b.1949

Chinese writer of poetry and fiction

-o0o-

Freedom is only the distance between the hunter and his prey.

THE SATURDAY POEM

True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.

True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.

True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The hearts that it entwines. - ANON
 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

NORMAN VINCENT PEALE

Change your thoughts and you change your world. 

-o0o-

NEW - now online - NEW

THE THOMAS HARDY POETRY PAGE

http://thethomashardypoetrypage.blogspot.com

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ELIZABETH TAYLOR 1932-2011

British-American actress

-o0o-

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BOB MARLEY 1945-81

Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

GRANDMA MOSES 1860-1961

American folk artist

Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.

-o0o-

NEW - beginning Friday 26th April - NEW

The Thomas Hardy Poetry Page

http://thethomashardypoetrypage.blogspot.com

A.P. HERBERT 1890-1971

 English writer, poet and politician

-o0o-

Well, fancy giving money to the Government!
Might as well have put it down the drain.
Fancy giving money to the Government!
Nobody will see the stuff again. 

JUST JAZZ

has been updated today

http://mykindofjazz.blogspot.com

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

REBECCA WEST 1892-1983

English novelist, journalist and critic. 

-o0o-

There is, of course, no reason for the existence of the male sex except that one sometimes needs help with moving the piano.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

VICTOR HUGO 1802-85

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.

THE SATURDAY POEM

Jenny kiss’d me when we met,

    Jumping from the chair she sat in;

Time, you thief, who love to get

    Sweets into your list, put that in!

Say I’m weary, say I’m sad,

    Say that health and wealth have miss’d me,

Say I’m growing old, but add,

    Jenny kiss’d me    - Leigh Hunt. 1784–1859

SOCRATES c.469BC-369BC

Greek Athenian philosopher

-o0o-

The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

AUDREY HEPBURN

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.

-o0o-

Today on JUST JAZZ

The Benny Goodman Trio

http://mykindofjazz.blogspot.com

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

NIDO QUBEIN

American businessman and motivational speaker

-o0o-

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAHATMA GANDHI 1869-1948

Indian nationalist leader who advocated peaceful non-co-operation to achieve independence.

 

-o0o-

 

Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our very being. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

OPRAH WINFREY b.1954

American media proprietor and talk show host.

-o0o-

If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. That's the lesson. 

That lesson alone, will save you a lot of grief. Even doubt means don't.

A new blog began today  -

JUST JAZZ

three videos featuring the late Kenny Ball

http://mykindofjazz.blogspot.com

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. 1929-68

American clergyman who was leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. 

-o0o-

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a moulder of consensus.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANATOLE FRANCE 1844-1924

French poet, journalist and novelist

-o0o-

When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple: 

take it and copy it.

THE SATURDAY POEM

I meant to do my work today -
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand -
So what could I do but laugh and go?

- Richard Le Gallienne 1866-1947

This is a new feature which will be included here every Saturday

LAWANA BLACKWELL

American novelist

-o0o-

 

The hatred you're carrying is a live coal in your heart - far more damaging to yourself than to them.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

THEOPHILE GAUTIER 1811-72

French poet, novelist and critic.

-o0o-

Pride leaves the heart the moment love enters it.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

GAUTAMA BUDDHA c563-c483 BC

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

CARL LEWIS b.1961

American track and field athlete. United Nations Goodwill Ambassador

-o0o-

If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAYA ANGELOU b.1928

American author and poet.

-o0o-

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived. However, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

PLATO 428/427–348/347 BC

Greek philosopher and mathematician.

-o0o-

He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANTON CHEKHOV 1860-1904

Russian physicist, dramatist and author 

-o0o-

Tell me what you want, and I will tell you what manner of man you are. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BILL GATES b.1955

American business magnate and philanthropist. He is the former chief executive of Microsoft which he co-founded with Paul Allen.

-o0o-

Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANITA LOOS 1889-1981

American screenwriter, playwright and author

-o0o-

I’m furious about the Woman’s Liberationists. They keep getting up on soap-boxes and proclaiming that women are brighter than men. That’s true, but it should be kept very quiet or it ruins the whole racket.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FRANCIS BACON 1561-1626

English philosopher and statesman

-o0o-

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANON

Don’t regret growing older; it’s a privilege denied to many. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

OMAR KHAYYAM 1048-1131

Persian philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and poet who wrote the Rubaiyat. 

-o0o-

Never anticipate tomorrow’s sorrows; live always in this paradisal (paradise) now.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

RUDYARD KIPLING 1865-1935

English writer of popular verse who was famous for his “Jungle Book.”

-o0o-

Take my word for it, the silliest woman can manage a clever man, but it takes a very clever woman to manage a fool.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FRAN LEBOWITZ b1951

American writer

-o0o-

 

I never met anyone who didn't have a very smart child. 

What happens to these children, you wonder, when they reach adulthood?

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAXIM GORKY 1868-1936

Soviet writer and political activist  

-o0o-

Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

WASHINGTON IRVING 1783-1859

American essayist who wrote “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”  

-o0o-

A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

 

HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW 1807-82

American poet and educator

-o0o-

Sorrow and silence are strong and patient; endurance is godlike.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

J.K. ROWLING b.1965

British novelist best known for her Harry Potter books

-o0o-

Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.

-o0o-

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

Florence Nightingale Receiving the Wounded at Scutari, by Jerry Barrett

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

ISAAC NEWTON 1642-1727

English physicist and mathematician

-o0o-

If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS 

The Lady with the Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

CARL JUNG 1875-1961

Swiss psychiatrist

-o0o-

You are what you do, not what you say you will do.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARCUS AURELIUS 121-180 AD

Roman Emperor from 161-180

-o0o-

Nowhere can a man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Chinese Proverb

Before setting out for revenge, first dig two graves - one for your enemy and one for yourself

-o0o-

EMILY DICKINSON 1830-86

American poet

-o0o-

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne’er succeed.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ARNOLD BENNETT 1867-1931

English novelist  

-o0o-

A most curious and useful thing to realise is that one never knows the impression one is creating on other people. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

WILLIAM FEATHER 1889-1981

American publisher and author

-o0o-

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness. Not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE 1820-1910

English nurse and hospital reformer during the Crimean War

-o0o-

No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this - "devoted and obedient." This definition would do just as well for a porter. It might even do for a horse.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANTOINE de SAINT-EXUPERY 1900-44

French aristocrat writer, poet and pioneering aviator

-o0o-

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but on looking together in the same direction.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

HELEN KELLER 1880-1968

American writer and lecturer who was both deaf and blind

-o0o-

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE 1844-1900

German philosopher

-o0o-

Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Updated every Friday - QUIRKIE QUOTES 
http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com
 

BERTRAND RUSSELL 1872-1970

British philosopher, mathematician, historian and social critic

-o0o-

 No rules, however wise, are a substitute for affection and tact.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

DORIS LESSING b.1919

 Rhodesian writer exiled to Britain

-o0o-

There is only one real sin, and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but the second best.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ROBERT SOUTHEY 1774-1843

English poet who was Poet Laureate from 1813 till his death.

-o0o-

Curses are like young chickens. They always come home to roost.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

L.M. MONTGOMERY 1874-1942

Canadian author best known for "Anne of Green Gables"

-o0o-

Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.

-o0o-

beginning today - THE ETERNAL VENUS

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English poet, essayist, critic and biographer

-o0o-

Almost every man wastes part of his life in attempting to display qualities which he does not possess, and to gain applause which he cannot keep.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

JOHN RUSKIN 1819-1900

English art critic

-o0o-

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies, for instance.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

EMILY BRONTE 1818-48

English novelist and poet

-o0o-

I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they've gone through and through me like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

beginning Monday 11th March

THE ETERNAL VENUS

a celebration of women in paintings

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

CONFUCIUS 551BC-479BC

Chinese teacher and philosopher

-o0o-

I hear and I forget,

I see and I remember,

I do and I understand.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

PENELOPE FITZGERALD 1916-2000

Booker prize-winning English novelist and poet

-o0o-

Twice in your life you know that you are approved by everyone; 

when you learn to walk and when you learn to read.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARCEL PROUST 1871-1922

French novelist and essayist

-o0o-

We do not receive wisdom. We must discover it for ourselves after experience which no one else can have for us and from which no one else can spare us.

NEW - beginning Monday 11th March - NEW
THE ETERNAL VENUS
a celebration of women in paintings
http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

GAUTAMA BUDDHA circa563 BC to 483 BC

A spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. 

-o0o-

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; 

not going all the way, and not starting.

 -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

IRIS MURDOCH 1919-99

Irish-born British author and philosopher

-o0o-

What can one do with the past? 

Forgive it. Let it enter into you in peace.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

H.L. MENCKEN 1880-1956

American journalist, essayist and satirist

-o0o-

A good politician is quite as unthinkable as a good burglar. 

updated every week-end

QUIRKIE QUOTES

including "What a Nasty Thing to Say"

http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com

BLAISE PASCAL 1623-62

French mathematician, inventor and philosopher

-o0o-

The more intelligent a man is, the more originality he discovers in others. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-