Cry if you want to – but it’s not your party.

Not too desperately seeking a record-setting party girl.

Lesley, cry if you want to. We’ll hear.

But not gonna stay long to console you

Just too close to the Washington news right now.

Too much drama.

Here, it’s my party and I’ll post what want to.

Ah, the Alhambra. (Image: Yves Remedios / Commons.wikimedia.org)

Each Morn a thousand Roses brings, you say;

Yes, but where leaves the Rose of Yesterday?

(From the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, IX – FitzGerald translation, 1889)

Bedouin and his prize steed.(1893)

Ran across some antiquities while musing over The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 

From horsemen under different skies – not quite as elegant.

But also reflections by troubadours from a bygone era.

Return with us now to the exciting days of yesteryear.

Cowboy Rules from not so long ago.

McClintock’s horse. (Image: McClintock, 1870-1949.Beinecke Library/commons.wikimedia.org)

Hopalong Cassidy’s “Creed for Boys and Girls”:

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful at all times.
2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show off.
6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9. Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American

(Image: McClintock, 1870-1949. Beinecke Library.Commons.wikimedia.org)

Roy Roger’s “Rider’s Rules”

1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave but never take chances.
6. Study hard and learn all you can
7. Be kind to animals and care for them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.
10. Always respect our flag and our country.

Gene Autry’s “Ten Commandments of the Cowboy”

1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage.
2. A cowboy never betrays a trust.
3. A cowboy always tells the truth.
4. A cowboy is kind to small children, to old folks, and to animals.
5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
6. A cowboy is helpful and when anyone’s in trouble he lends a hand.
7. A cowboy is a good worker.
8. A cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.
9. A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents, and the laws of his country.
10. A cowboy is a patriot.

1957 My Friend Flicka.

The Lone Ranger’s Creed:

“I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has. That “this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people,” shall live always. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number. That sooner or later…somewhere…somehow…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.”

There’s more than meets the eye. (Image.www.ForestWanderer.com:commons.wikimedia.org)

That’s some cowboy thoughts from the Wild West.

All those nights out along under the stars gave perspective?

Simple. Plain spoken.

Essential stuff.

Funny, probably 90% of these could be translated into other languages and they would fit right in there, too.

Universal truths?

Forgotten cosmic melodies?

Stellar sight. (Image: http://www.eso.org:public:outreach:press-rel:pr-2004:phot-34-04.html / commons.wikimedia.org)

A seat outside: quite a gift.

Icing on the cake, for sure.

(Image. MarcCooperUK/commons.wikimedia.org)

One more bit of brain candy:

The sphere upon which mortals come and go,

Has no end nor beginning that we know;

And none there is to tell us in plain truth:

Whence do we come and whither do we go. 

(from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. 75.Ahmad Saidi translation.)

Now have some cake.

Watch out for the candles.

And altogether now:

Happy Trails to You. ‘Til we meet again.

Seems fittin’

After all, it’s my party and I’ll post what I want to.

Thanks for coming!

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.