Oh, Issyk-Kul, my Issyk-Kul--my unfinished song! Why did I have to remember that day when I came here with Asel and stopped on the same rise, right above the water? Everything was the same. The blue-and-white waves ran up the yellow shore holding hands. The sun was setting behind the mountains, and at the far end of the lake the water was tinged with pink. The swans wheeled over the water with excited, exultant cries. They soared up and dropped down on outspread wings that seemed to hum. They whipped up the water and started wide, foaming circles. Everything was the same, only there was no Asel with me. Where are you, my slender poplar in a red kerchief, where are you now?

---

Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too. —Mark Twain

---

One is a great deal less anxious if one feels perfectly free to be anxious, and the same may be said of guilt. ― Alan Wilson Watts

---

I willingly allow that money does not guarantee happiness; but it must also be allowed that it makes happiness a great deal easier to achieve. ― Pierre A.F. Choderlos de Laclos

---

Great! He has indigestion, so let's torture him with cake. ― Kristin Cashore

---

Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure. — Napoleon Hill

---

Stop allowing your day-to-day life to be clouded by busy nothingness. ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

---

You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. - Dr. Seuss

---

I have great respect for the Pope. I like the Pope. I actually like him.- Donald Trump

---

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. — Mark Twain

---