Someone else always gets there first

In my case, it would be Haruki Murakami, so that's okay since I'm in no position to compete with him. A short while after I returned from my trip to Hawaii (Maui and the Big Island), I began writing a story about a desperate and grieving woman who wanders the black sand beaches on the southeastern coast of the Big Island. In the evening, she visits the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory, hitchhikes rides in 4WDs to the summit and gives random bits of information to her unsuspecting drivers.

I'm sure there're plenty of stories set in Hawaii - I just haven't found and read them - but it was surprising to find one from a favorite author while I was working on mine. The Guardian is publishing Murakami's story in two parts over two weekends. Here is the first. And the story will also be part of his new book, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, due in July this year. I'm looking forward to it. In the meantime, I'll finish up my miniscule one that will probably be bound for the slush-and-then-reject pile.

I'm actually quite upbeat today despite the missed deadlines, despite the inherent despair of a Monday, despite the discovery of an eerily familiar Hawaiian story. This brings to mind a short text my father read me some eleven years ago. It may be familiar to many - "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. And despite the hoax, it's still a nice piece of writing.

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 not this 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.