Daisies

There are lots of different versions of "Daisies" around. I came across it in the 80s, and thought then that it had been written by a 'Nadine Stair'.

A longer piece, from which Daisies comes, was published in Reader's' Digest in October 1953, under the name of Don Herold.

It may not have been original then. It doesn't matter; it's lovely and warms your heart.

If I had my life to live over again, I'd try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things I would take seriously. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets. I would do more walking and looking. I would eat more ice-cream and less beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. 

You see, I am one of those people who lives prophylactically and sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments; and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin and a parachute. 

If I had it to do over again, I would go places, do things and travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hooky more. I wouldn't make good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I'd pick more daisies.