"Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assault of thoughts on the unthinking."
-- John Maynard Keynes

This quotation was given to me by a friend who was looking for a bead with a writing quotation. I didn't have one, and I loved this quotation, so it's now my first bead about writing.

"The ideal of calm exists in the sitting cat."
-- Jules Renard

Whenever I feel myself getting overwhelmed by current events, I'm fortunate to have an expert in relaxation techniques right in my own home.

Frances is happy to demonstrate the proper frame of mind to me and, if I'm having trouble achieving it, she reminds me that simply admiring her for a few minutes will restore my tranquility.

Here is Frances demonstrating her version of the ideal of calm.