L is for Live, Laugh & Love
During my teenage years, I became acquainted with the phrase, "Live, Laugh & Love," through a friend of mine. I remember hand lettering it into journals and letters to other friends of mine. I did not know where this simple alliterative phrase came from, but I knew it was powerful. Later on, I realized they were derived from a poem titled "What Constitutes Success," by Bessie Anderson Stanley, from 1904. Below is her poem, which I feel is timeless:
![]() |
| The Dead - Los Muertos (Inspired by Luke 16:31) Mixed Media Tile Try It On Tuesday - Sun, Moon, Stars Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday - Week 30 Year 6 Alexandra's Sunday Sketches |
He has achieved success who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,
the respect of intelligent men,
and the love of little children;
![]() |
| Summer Fun 2016 Smash Book Spread Karen't Word Art Wednesday - Weeks #250-251 Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #247 Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 382 |
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
![]() |
| Pepsi Love Crate iPhone 6s Shot Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - Letter L Our Beautiful World ~ Paint Sue's Image-In-Ing |
Who has always looked for the best in others
and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.
I hope this poem speaks to you, as much as it does to me. Thank you for following my blog, as well as for taking the time to leave a comment. Blessings!




you know? I wish you all of that ... and keeping in touch with your blessings, it will be there.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice ABC-day / – week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (ABC-team)
http://melodymusic.nl/abc-wednesday-19l/
Great opening lines, never heard the poem before.
ReplyDeleteThat is a precious lesson to learn early in life!
ReplyDeleteHappy ABCW!
"Love" the crate. - Margy
ReplyDeleteLike you, I had often heard the phrase but never knew about its origin. What a wonderful poem! I'd love to have it scripted and framed so I could read it every day as a reminder of how to live life.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
what a beautiful poem. Love your pirate. :-) Creative Blessings! Kelly 339
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, thoughtful post...thank you.
ReplyDeleteHugs, LLJ 12 xxx
Hi Arnoldo, we can but hope. Have a great woyww and happy crafting, Angela x 19
ReplyDeleteArnoldo..you are truly blessed..with family & friends. An eye for beautiful things and a steady hand for drawing inspiration! I look forward to seeing your creations next week. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Chris #27
I had no idea it came from that poem And I LOVE that poem. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteApril #30
I have read those words of wisdom but not the full
ReplyDeletepoem, So wise ans succinct without being patronising..
Love it,
best wishes,
Di,
ABCW team.
Thank you for sharing the lovely poem, Arnoldo, and I'm going to borrow it to put on my blog! Thank you for your great comment - join the queue and turn up with a nice steaming hot pot of coffee and we'll all sit down together and pig out on my home baking, stoma cakes and all!! What fun we would have. I am sure I won't win the competition but as they say, "It's the taking part that counts," and at least I'll give them a laugh! I'm really looking forward to the meeting on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, and happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshi #51
Beautiful poem =)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work again, and thanks A lot for joining us at TIOT, Valerie
ReplyDeleteYour muerto pirate reminds me of the party where I met your lovely wife so many years ago.
ReplyDeleteLovely pirate. Thank you for joining us at TioT.
ReplyDeleteIn the eighties I bought four dear friends, and myself a gold necklace with Live, Love, and Laugh words on them. I lived it, and passed it to my daughter who also used it all her teen years! So yes I love this poem and these wonderful words too! Your artwork is beautiful as are your words!! A true inspiration...thanks for this little memory!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Love your Los Muertos-piece! Those piercing eyes ... That Smashbook will be such a treat to look into in the future. Thanks for sharing the poem! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletegood words to live by..spooky day of the dead portrait too
ReplyDeleteI had never heard the poem or knew the origin of L-L-L. My daughter has this saying in several places in her home. I really love your Los Muertos. He actually looks a bit happy. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteGreat art as usual, Arnoldo. And thanks for sharing that beautiful poem. I had never heard of it before. It sounds like something I'd want to put on my facebook so I will try to find it online to share.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem - and art!
ReplyDeleteFantastic artwork and wonderful poem! Happy PPF :)
ReplyDeleteBoth your art and the words of your heart speak to me, Arnoldo. I am blessed to know you and to have you share your talent with us.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and keep you always,
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Beautiful inspiring poem and wonderful 'Day of the Dead' piece!
ReplyDeleteI am touched to tears by this poem and I am grateful for your sharing today. Have a lovely week. ~~ Irene
ReplyDeleteSo often the things that speak to us are part of something greater. Thanks for sharing the poem which I'd never heard in its entirety. Your smash book pages are wonderful...love the tag and the flower that adorns it! Thanks for stopping by Word Art Wednesday to share your creativity! Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteChristine Miller
Guest Designer
Wonderful poem and wonderful art. Thanks for sharing that poem.
ReplyDeleteMy love for poetry and art run parallel to each other and you know that I believe:)
ReplyDeleteLove the post absolutely !!
http://beneathmyheartart.blogspot.in/2016/09/curiosity-leads-to-passion.html
Great artwork and thanks for sharing that wonderful poem with us at TioT
ReplyDeleteAvril
Oh yes, this poem speaks indeed to me and I love especially the last verse. Thank you so much for sharing it and telling us the background of live, laugh and love! Your art is alwas such a great inspiration. The dead looks remarkable and I love the scrapbook pages!
ReplyDeleteAhhh found you on Sunday Sketches. Very nice. I have joined in with a new drawing today. Have a very nice Sunday.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures, Arnoldo, especially Summer Fun 2016 Smash Book spread! I have heard that phrase often over the years and am pleased to see its origins. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week. :)
each of it makes the life LIFE in real means otherwise just breathing is not life really.
ReplyDeleteyou are very talented and blessed with beautiful heart dear
You may have the best attitude of anyone I've ever "met"
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
Very inspiring poem and art work ~ thanks for visiting and commenting ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Week ^_^
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and inspiring art as usual, Arnoldo and thanks for sharing that beautiful poem. I had never heard of it before.Thank you very much for joining TioT!
oxo Susi
I finally know the origin of a favorite saying! Love your "guy"!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely day of dead mask!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful poem. I always thought that quote was from a contemporary novel. Your beautiful artwork goes well with the poem.
ReplyDeleteIt's always so good to visit here! So pleased you found that poem! Your art as ever is fabulous! Thank you for joining us at Try It On Tuesday! Chrisx
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful poem! So happy you posted it! I always love reading your blog, though I've been MIA for a while now.
ReplyDelete