Go Placidly Amidst the Noise and Haste...
I got my very first tattoo yesterday...the first line from the poem
"Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann.
I wanted it in my moms handwriting, so Andy and I pieced together
words & letters from things she had written.
It looks exact. I love it!
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 vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952
Comments and faves
chamerling, GirlBianca, -Amira-, ðηë SëcðηD ðηë Shðt, and 224 other people added this photo to their favorites.
4mul8 (72 months ago | reply)
Very nice idea, and I like how it flows with the arch of your foot.
-Amira- (72 months ago | reply)
I love the poem and love the idea behind the tattoo. Excellent job:)
lindamccraven (72 months ago | reply)
i love that you put it in your moms handwriting. maybe you should send anne coulter this poem, i don't think shes read it yet. :)
♥Lauren♥ (72 months ago | reply)
oh wow. goosebumps. what a brilliant idea to get in your moms handwriting. very very special!
krapp1979 (72 months ago | reply)
I love this tattoo! What a great idea - and great placement! Simply Beautiful!
jonathanwing (72 months ago | reply)
I really love how it follows the curve of your foot. Very tasteful tattoo!
KCrlni (72 months ago | reply)
Thanks everyone, Its so great to get such positive feedback! My Mom was the most wonderful person, and she truly lived her life as the poem suggests. I try everyday to do the same and this tattoo has become the perfect reminder.
Take care you guys, Thanks again :)
photo.monkey (72 months ago | reply)
wow... this is amazing.... what a phenomenal idea.... did it hurt?!
Me.Brett.Me (72 months ago | reply)
What a reassuring poem, I love it. The tat looks great.
quickcow_80 (72 months ago | reply)
this is the first photo on flickr that has sent shivers down my spine...beautiful.
hoohaaa (72 months ago | reply)
The best tattoo I every did see.
Mulia (72 months ago | reply)
it looks beautiful! :)
KCrlni (72 months ago | reply)
Thank you! :)
jesse lula (72 months ago | reply)
that is the most beautiful thing i have heard in a long time. I wish u happiness in your life x x x
kdaisley (72 months ago | reply)
KCrlni - this is a fantastic photo and even more beautiful tattoo. With your permission, I would love to keep this up on my blog, Amid the Noise and Haste. Here is a link for you to see it: amidthenoiseandhaste.typepad.com/ Please let me know.
tuvagard (71 months ago | reply)
Love it!
living asleep (71 months ago | reply)
nice tat
paigeashley (71 months ago | reply)
This is beautiful, it is so classy and meaningful, I love when tattoos really mean something. I love it!!!
g.rohs (71 months ago | reply)
nice placement.
coffeeandcavaliers (71 months ago | reply)
Seriously, I love the fact that you guys pieced together your mom's handwriting to do this. That is such a great idea. The poem is beautiful, by the way. All around, I love your ink. :)
KCrlni (71 months ago | reply)
Thank you all :)
beccaspeace (70 months ago | reply)
I LOVE THIS.....I know this poem very well and the first line has ALWAYS been a favorite! Very nice homage to your mom!!!
cristina_luk (70 months ago | reply)
this is one of the best tatoos i've seen in my life
winglessangel383838 (70 months ago | reply)
What a wonderful tattoo!
{ Kirstin } (70 months ago | reply)
wow. this is gorgeous.
amy diene (70 months ago | reply)
so beautiful your intention wth de tattoo.
love it
Focused [deleted] (70 months ago | reply)
L o v e i t!
inthegan (70 months ago | reply)
beautiful
littlegonza (69 months ago | reply)
You made my day! Thanks!!! Great tattoo, great poem. Joy!!
acd150 (69 months ago | reply)
This tattoo is amazing.... the fact that it is in your mothers handwriting is awesome.....With a tattoo in this location is it prone to wearing away??
KCrlni (67 months ago | reply)
Thanks again everyone!
acd150,
So far so good. It hasn't faded yet. I spend most of my time in flipflops and I when i'm at work I'm barefoot!
It works out pretty well :)
AmareSiempre (67 months ago | reply)
great caption........love it on the foot.
smilingsoda [deleted] (66 months ago | reply)
thats really sweet :)
chip off 2 [deleted] (66 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called feet close up ( male and female), and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
duffea (66 months ago | reply)
Awesome
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Seen in Tatoo`s (?)
teacherholly (66 months ago | reply)
This is gorgeous! What a wonderful tribute to your mother! I have long wanted a foot tattoo and think I may have an idea to keep in the back of my head. Perhaps I will draw up something in a combo of lettering from my mom and dad. Simply Lovely!!! Instant Favorite!!
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Seen in A tribute to Mom (?)
OneMillionPeaceSigns.com (65 months ago | reply)
Show us your peace tattoos!
I'm an admin for a group called One Million Peace Signs, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
www.onemillionpeacesigns.com
www.onemillionpeacesigns.blogspot.com
We're looking for 1 million Peace signs...and there are a lot of tats that fit that description...will you send us yours? And don't be shy...if you have other Peace Photos, send those to the group too...the more the merrier! A million is a lot...we think someone is gonna notice.
Hope you'll join the project...it feels REALLY good!
Peace...pass it on!
Zoey
wittco.gmbh (65 months ago | reply)
Love how it follows the flow of the foot. Simple, great.
Mmm-mmm (65 months ago | reply)
Beautiful poem. Beautiful tat. Beautiful story. Beautiful/Sexy foot. Thank you.
SafeCage (65 months ago | reply)
This is a brilliant tattoo. Love everything about it, from the story behind, to the "font", quote and placement.
kleiner tiger [deleted] (65 months ago | reply)
a beautiful tattoo and a touching story...
sonnatec (64 months ago | reply)
WOW!!!
quickcow_80 (64 months ago | reply)
I still love this, I posted about 7mo ago, and I always go back to read the desiderata poem.
KCrlni (64 months ago | reply)
Aww... Thanks you guys!
quickcow_80 (64 months ago | reply)
I've printed this photo, it's so cool!
Selva Solimar Fotography (63 months ago | reply)
WOW! one of my very favorite poems...love the way it flows and to get it in your Mom's handwriting is extra special...what a wonderful idea! MUAH!
nataliechihara (63 months ago | reply)
hello,your tattooo is beautiful! i am getting one in the same exact place--- how was the pain? i've heard this is a pretty painful spot and i just wanted to get your thoughts!
KCrlni (63 months ago | reply)
It hurt...but it was quick, and worth it.
---> farm2.static.flickr.com/1359/720816367_265c7d 90ea.jpg?v=0
It actually felt exactly how you'd think dragging a needle through your skin might feel. Eek...
(This is my only tattoo so I dont know how it compares to other parts of the body.)
Hope that helps : )
zingara della Boemia (62 months ago | reply)
love this tat!! might start considering doing a tattoo in this part my feet!! looks beautiful!
amanda_got_mail (61 months ago | reply)
i think i saw this on miami ink, am i right? (: