Luck never gives: it only lends. Chinese Proverb

Stratosphere and moon, Las Vegas, Nevada

An optimist is a person who sees only the lights in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadows, but in addition sees something else: the possibility of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows. Anonymous

(click to enlarge)

If one keeps loving faithfully what is really worth loving, and does not waste one’s love on insignificant and unworthy and meaningless things, one will get more light by and by and grow stronger. Sometimes it is well to go into the world and converse with people, and at times one is obliged to do so, but he who would prefer to be quietly alone with his work, and who wants but very few friends, will go safest through the world and among people. And even in the most refined circles and with the best surroundings and circumstances, one must keep something of the original character of an anchorite, for other wise one has no root in oneself; one must never let the fire go out in one’s soul, but keep it burning. Vincent Van Gogh

Outside my office window at home.

A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. Maya Angelou

We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting.
Kahlil Gibran

This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy. Anonymous

There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in
any place except what you bring to it yourself. Henry David Thoreau

When I look at ugliness, I see beauty. When I am far from home, I see old friends. When there is noise, I hear a robin’s song instead. When I am in a crowd, it is the mountain’s peace I feel. In the winter of my sorrow, I remember the summer of my joy. In the nighttime of my loneliness, I breathe the day of my thanksgiving. But when the sadness spreads its blanket and that is what I see, I take my eyes to some high place until I find a reflection of what lies deep inside of me. Navajo saying

Like the best wine, for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of
those that are asleep to speak. Song of Solomon

We find comfort among those who agree with us — growth among those who don’t. Frank A. Clark