Monday, May 11, 2009

[1858 - Minnesota admitted as 32nd US state]

[1888 - Irving Berlin, songwriter, born in Tyumen, Russia]

[1894 - Martha Graham, modern dancer, born in Alleghny, Pennsylvania]

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others

from The Life and Work of Martha Graham

[1911 - Phil Silvers (Philip Silver), Emmy Award-winning comedian, born in Brooklyn]

[1912 - Foster Brooks, comedian, actor, born in Louisville, Kentucky]

[1965 - U.S. destroyers deliver first shore bombardment of Vietnam War]

All's Well . . .

'Twas said Will Shakespeare was Oxford or Bacon.
This could have been true; is probably mistaken.
Now, would Shakespeare's works be any the less
If instead of Will's they were Francis' largesse?
Or penned by poets at the local tavern?
Or found on scrolls in some ancient cavern?

William's Whimsical Words:

Where there is a Will there is a way.

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