Anna's Music and More

Anna's first serious composition . . .

. . . became a CD recording thanks to Chuck Hicks . . .

. . . some diligent work . . .

. . . and one special flute teacher who is that and so much more!

Dentist Ian's first composer tooth pull.

Deserve It! (Author Unknown)

This gem came from the Abeka World Lit book, and while one could argue from a theological angle about what we all actually deserve, the exhortation to a strong character and diligent work ethic is excellent.

Ne'er droop your head upon your hand,

And wail the bitter times;

The self-same bell 

That tolls a knell

Can ring out merry chimes.

And we have still the elements

That made up fame of old,

The wealth to prize

Within us lies,

And not in senseless gold.

Yes; there exists a certain plan,

If you will but observe it,

That opes success to any man;

The secret is--deserve it!

What use to stand by Fortune's hill

And idly sigh and mope?

Its sides are rough, 

And steep enough,

'Tis true; but if you hope

To battle 'gainst impediments

That rudely stop your way,

Go boldly to't;

Strike at the root:

You'll surely gain the day.

 Prate not about new-fangled plans,--

Mine's best, if you'll observe it:

I say success is any man's

If he will but deserve it!

Homer and Milton reign supreme

With Shakespeare--worthy band;

And Howard's name,

And Harvey's claim,

Are sung throughout the land;

And Marlborough and Wellington

Illustrious stand in fight;

And Newton gleams 

Amid the beams

Of an undying light!

What did they do to gain a name?

What did they to preserve it

With an untarnished, deathless fame?

They simply did--deserve it!

And thus may you--and you--and YOU--

From depths the most profound,

Your wishes teach

Success to reach

Up to the topmost round.

But if, from some unreckoned cause,

(Say market overstocked,)

Your hoped-for spoil

Pay others' toil,

Think not your efforts mocked:

If Fortune's smile so faintly beam

That you can scarce preserve it,

Remember, there is One above,

Who knows that you deserve it!