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2 1936 [[line]] HOME, FAMILY AND FRIENDS [[line]] On January 6, 1936, I wrote the following in my diary, which was slipping rapidly toward temporary oblivion: This is not written on New Year's Day but it will do. At the beginning of a new year, it has always seemed to me that one should get into contemplative state of mind. There is something urgent about this time--something that makes one pull up and take stock. What has life meant--what should it mean--what [[underlined]] will [[/underlined]] it mean? As always, I know it hasn't meant as it might. As always, I know it should mean a long, glorious adventure, swaying, soaring, singing through the days and weeks and months, and then on through the years to come. As to what it [[underlined]] will [[/underlined]] mean--ah, there's the question that's defying answering. It [[underlined]] can [[/underlined]] mean all these things that are so good and fine. All it takes is an unquestioned faith in one's ideals, and the guts to stick to those ideals. And so, once again, I determine to follow that trail with all I have and all I am--not to fail. But, ah, how difficult. However, therein lies the greatest value of all. The things that are easy bring less satisfaction than the things that are hard. The greatest satisfaction that life has to offer comes from a hard job well done. Nothing is harder to do then lead a full, well-balanced life, neither too good nor too bad--just a normal, straight life full to the brim with values that count--kindness, industry, beauty, thoughtfulness. In the coming year, I should like to make my motto: NEVER BE SATISFIED This is my idea and ably expressed by Phyllis Adams in the last Works news. "Never give up the ship," is another motto to be remembered. "Can't it be done better?" applied as well to the problems of everyday living as to a job in the office. Living with this before one always would guarantee living fully and well. Let us follow this faithfully. Except for the lake cruise, I have nothing but pictures of Bab and Rob in 1936. It is safe to say they were growing and the pictures make it clear. Bab isn't big enough not to stand topless while her picture is being taken at the beach, but is big enough to have her back to the camera. There are two cute shots of Bab and Rog in our backyard, flowers and picket fence in the background. Those were very precious days indeed.
