looking at of late ...

"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.”  ~ Helen Keller

“Do the things that interest you and do them with all your heart. Don't be concerned about whether people are watching you or criticizing you. The chances are that they aren't paying any attention to you. It's your attention to yourself that is so stultifying. But you have to disregard yourself as completely as possible. If you fail the first time then you'll just have to try harder the second time. After all, there's no real reason why you should fail. Just stop thinking about yourself.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 
(You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a more Fulfilling Life)

“A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it.” ~ Ray Davis

“I realize the simple truth is that power isn’t control at all- power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others so that they may have the strength to stand on their own.” ~ Beth Revis
(Across the Universe)

"Licking your wounds will not stop the bleeding, but applying pressure will.” ~ Orrin Woodward

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer

"One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity." ~ Albert Schweitzer 

Albert Schweitzer

This is the kitten who wandered up at camp (we brought him home).  His eyes were huge, terrified.  He spent the first little while in our home scouting hiding places ... and while he is still skittish, he loves to snuggle with us ... still very afraid of outside.  Watching him grow comfortable and open to the good things available here where he is safe and cared for is really neat.  He is so different from the cats we raised without their mother cat.  He teaches them, and they teach him.  You can feel his gratitude when he is near as in this photo ... you can feel him relax in to the love.  It's pretty special.