Month: November 2019

Posted in Daily, Food, Photography Art

Art in the Jar

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The wonder of imagination is this: It has the power to light its own fire.” John Landis Mason

Rummaging through the church sale, there were numerous purchases, not just the clothes and books sections, but also collectibles ranging from the funny shaped lanterns to glass bottles and finally the mason jars. Speaking of the latter, these were a staple of the kitchens during the prime years of my grandmother and the generations before her. Without the existence of modern day refrigerators, the winter supply was primarily contributed by canning and preservation techniques.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Though the technique of preservation of food were in many rudimentary forms, it was the French chef Nicolas Appert who had brought about the method of preserving food by enclosing it in sealed containers. Among the earliest glass jars used for home canning were wax sealers (named so as attributed to the sealing wax poured into a channel around the lip to secure the tin lid). Although this process was complicated and error-prone, the wax sealing process was largely in popular use. As this method got slowly modified with screw on cap, till John Landis Mason took over with his innovative twist.

Source: https://vk.com/pub_mdma
Source: https://vk.com/homliness
Source: https://vk.com/homliness
Source: https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source: https://vk.com/homliness

For every canning enthusiast, antique collector or simply any collector, the Mason Jar is a must on the list. A Mason jar, named after John Landis Mason, is a molded glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. From the first patented form of 1857, to the present, Mason jars have had hundreds of variations in shape and cap design. Although the collector’s treasure is the “Patent Nov 30th 1858,” signifying the date of Mason’s patent, as embossed on thousands of jars, which were made in many shapes, sizes, and colors well into the 1900s.

Today mason jar aren’t confined to the “canning section” alone, but form a big part of many aspects. From the aesthetic turn to food art, serving jars as well as “healthy shakes”, party essentials to leaflet holder, coin jars or quote jars, gift ideas and many more, owning the original one is a collector’s dream. Over the years though technology as well as modern science has progressed in leaps and bounds; there are certain “antique” things in life which still remain in the personal favourite or choice list.

Source:https://blog.livelovely.com/2015/10/29/easy-mason-jar-diy-ideas/
Source:https://homesthetics.net/31-extraordinary-adorable-diy-mason-jar-crafts-pursue/
Photo by Plush Design Studio on Pexels.com
Source: https://vk.com/homliness
Source: https://vk.com/homliness
Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com
Photo by willsantt on Pexels.com
Posted in Family and Society, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

A bit of the Pebble or Clod ?!

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Your reality is as you perceive it to be. So, it is true, that by altering this perception we can alter our reality.” William Constantine

When one of my friends had received a promotion, the catch was the transfer attached to it. During the last meet, which was both a farewell and treat; we had asked her about the family. For her, family of four, relocating the kids to a new school would be difficult and transfer for her husband wasn’t an option. The new place being four hour drive, regular travel wasn’t an option. On asked, how would she manage; pat came the reply, it’s just for a couple of months and then things will fall into place. It was refreshing to feel the optimistic and practical approach.

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.” Al Neuharth

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

A lot many time, one often encounters many situation not to personal liking or choice. While at times, one does feel a bit trod on and over whelmed, sticking on and staying true is a matter of principle, perspective and perception. Situations do change like the wind, but it’s how one masters them with the right perspective that makes the approach different. To whine and grumble; or buckle up and forge a new way ahead, is all in the mind, beliefs and actions. The wind blows either for or against, depending on the position we stand in. When the wind becomes a tempest; learning to bend and flow helps one to find their feet in the aftermath.

“We must look at the lens through which we see the world, as well as the world we see, and that the lens itself shapes how we interpret the world.” Stephen R. Covey

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

The Clod and the Pebble
By William Blake
“Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.”

So sung a little Clod of Clay
Trodden with the cattle’s feet,
But a Pebble of the brook
Warbled out these metres meet:

“Love seeketh only self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in another’s loss of ease,
And builds a Hell in Heaven’s despite.”

“I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation. I may be, for I have also learnt from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances.” Martha Washington

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Posted in Life, Personal Musings, Quotes, Stories Around the World, Work

Alone or With A Leaf

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus

The absence of my toddler at the table for his allotted cartoon time, had sent me to the garden. With the rains and the winds still lashing on though in a minimal way, I was mentally prepared to see him in mud. Surprisingly, I found him by the small pond (covered with a strapped wire mesh thankfully) with a little leaf complete with a long stalk in hand. On closer view, he was gently prodding two tortoises to reach their temporary home soon, before the night fall. While one with the help of the “leaf” had reached the pond soon; the other had almost managed on it’s own. With both of them safely in their home, the wide smile on the young face was worth the muddy shirt.

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” Samuel Beckett

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

All of us have our own moments, of being “the tortoise” or “the child”. Wherein, one may need the extra support to go ahead or one has been the provider of that extra support. On the other hand, there have been many who have been in the shoes of the tortoise without that help. Each step was taken with effort, not calculating or finding the prospects in the future; but going about the task and dealing with each aspect along the way.

“At the very moment when people underestimate you is when you can make a breakthrough.”? Germany Kent

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Once one has crossed the finish line, on looking back, the feeling of awe, relief, happiness, contentment and thanksgiving all come rolled in one. Later as one dissects the situation, the realization comes that all things are possible, no matter how big it may seem; as long as we keep the self belief and start tackling it, no matter how small the step may seem to be. No sculpture is made one blow alone, but by series of continued chipping to create the many planes, inclinations, curves and angles for the final effect. Our lives reflect a lot similar. Help or no help, once we start moving, one reaches the end point sooner than just twiddling the thumbs or flapping around. Beauty in life as such, is experienced only after a wee little effort on own part.

“You may be the only person left who believes in you, but it’s enough. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. Never give up.” Richelle E. Goodrich

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

A Determined Spirit
Author Unknown

Once upon a time, a small bird named Tasoo lived in a vast jungle. One hot summer day, a terrible wildfire erupted and the flames devoured many trees and animals living in the jungle. Other birds flew high into the sky and far away to safety, but Tasoo couldn’t bear to leave her precious jungle home to burn. Day and night, she flew with all her might back and forth to the river, filling her tiny beak with water to drop on the raging fires. Tasoo’s rare heart of courage and unshakable determination moved the heavenly gods to shed tears, and a great rain poured down upon the jungle, extinguishing the flames. And so it is that even the smallest actions of a determined spirit can change the world.
(Popular parable of the Quechua (Incan) Indians of South America)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmomentsSource:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Posted in Daily, Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Enrich the Journey

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.” Henry David Thoreau

When the local community centre had opened the next six week course in Spanish cuisine and glass art, eyebrows were set high when a quartet of quinquagenarians had joined the latter course. The speculation had arose not because hey had joined the course, but because they all had their own successful professional lives in the field of bank, education, science and public works. Finding time for “glass art” in the midst of all their busy schedules was what set many talking about their own unfulfilled projects.

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.” Pope John XXII

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Growth is a personal effect. Be it in the chosen field, personal life or social life; each one of us need something to do, in order to develop, dream and achieve to make our lives feel fuller. Whether one be a chartered accountant indulging in salsa classes or a school teacher trying their hand at the canvas or a gym instructor learning a new cuisine, all of us have those cherished wild dreams, desires and targets that area apart of us. While one may go grow professionally, giving room for those extra interests helps us grow in our own potential.

“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.” Anais Nin

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Journey’s End

In western lands beneath the Sun
The flowers may rise in Spring,
The trees may bud, the waters run,
The merry finches sing.
Or there maybe ’tis cloudless night,
And swaying branches bear
The Elven-stars as jewels white
Amid their branching hair.

Though here at journey’s end I lie
In darkness buried deep,
Beyond all towers strong and high,
Beyond all mountains steep,
Above all shadows rides the Sun
And Stars for ever dwell:
I will not say the Day is done,
Nor bid the Stars farewell.

– J.R.R.Tolkien

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Posted in Daily, Food, Uncategorized

Of Parfait, Choice and Style

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

For any meal, the finale is marked by that delightful bit of sweetness. With the rising awareness of eating healthy and right, the right balance has to be struck at times between the temptation of the sugar craving to close the meal and to stay on the low healthy calorie counter too. Which is why “parfait” has evolved since it’s inception to the present day.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

The oldest known recipe can be traced to 1894, of French origin where it had started off as a frozen dessert. While the French prefer to make the base from cream, egg, sugar and syrup creating a perfect custard-like puree, known as “the parfait”; whereas the American counterpart includes an artful layering of varied ingredients like granola, nuts, yogurt, liqueurs with a topping of fruits or whipped cream layered and served in a tall glass.

Of recent, with new trends and various experimentation, parfaits have been introduced without the cream and liqueurs. Instead they are made by simply layering the fresh fruits ranging from berries, cut peaches, strawberries with yogurt , granola or nuts; served as a healthy snack, breakfast option or a light meal, as a change from the regular. Which ever way it may be, the popularity of the parfait lies not only in it’s ease of preparation and the delectable indulgence but also in the appealing art it holds in itself.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Posted in Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

More than Imprints

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

These days, while driving for an out of the town workshop ( with attendance made compulsory from the head boss); the hassles faced in mapping out the course or drive isn’t as big as compared to any similar happening, lets say, around twenty years ago. With Google giving the directions, vehicles equipped with navigation, phones that function as maps and better roads; on the whole venturing into a new territory isn’t met with fear of getting lost anymore.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Rewinding back to those years, one relied on the passerby who were generous with their navigation advice and sense of direction. Many a time, getting on the wrong road resulted in one stepping out at the local roadside shop, asking for specific directions, enjoying a good cup of coffee and then heading back on the road with fresh directions and in better spirits. Those better spirits are in part, from the print left behind by those around us. Though these days, Google helps us to navigate; there are still imprints left behind.

“I am grateful for every precious moment life offers me. It allows me to see the miracle in each experience.” Emmanuel Dagher

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

From the numerous social interactions that we all experience, few stay on the mind stronger than before. May be it could be attached with pleasantness, a warm feeling and happiness or peace within; while other imprints may leave a bitter feel. Which ever way, we all leave our imprints in different ways. Just like the fellow passerby of yesteryear, when one chooses to leave behind heart-prints ( not just imprints) it makes life more beautiful. Over the years, as one realizes the more heart-prints one leaves behind, the treasure chest of memories, happiness and peace with contentment can be experienced in every waking hour.

“Every day in every way we are leaving our mark.” Rachael Bermingham

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Heartprints
Author Unknown

Whatever our hands touch –
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There’s no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.

Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
“I felt your touch,”
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Posted in Christian, Daily, poetry, Reflections

His Peace at Heart

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

As the weekend had approached, there was a sense of restlessness going stronger with each passing hour. Come the weekend, it was no better. Saturday was enveloped in preparing for the neighbourhood Christmas programme amidst the weekend chores. With the fellowship meeting at church on the same evening, is when the unrest slowly began to cease. One of the best places to unwind and cast the cares of the world onto His Hands, is the better ways of being in peace within.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Inner peace is at times, an abstract term. After a week of confrontations, debates, schedules being completed or reschedules and redefined; each person needs an outlet to recharge, rejuvenate and relax. While some of us may find it in a book, few in the company of good friends in different relaxed surroundings, others following their creative interests and the rest seeking happiness in their home nest; the Christian peace is obtained through prayer and casting the burdens in His Hands. Such peace leaves not only one feeling content within but blessed by His Love and His Mercy. As nature, life and His Words have taught; inner peace mayn’t be as the world sees it, but as long as your heart and mind is at rest, one is happy. May His peace be in each of our lives and stay with us.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Peace
By Bessie Rayner Parkes

The steadfast coursing of the stars,
The waves that ripple to the shore,
The vigorous trees which year by year
Spread upwards more and more;

The jewel forming in the mine,
The snow that falls so soft and light,
The rising and the setting sun,
The growing glooms of night;

All natural things both live and move
In natural peace that is their own;
Only in our disordered life
Almost is she unknown.

She is not rest, nor sleep, nor death;
Order and motion ever stand
To carry out her firm behests
As guards at her right hand.

And something of her living force
Fashions the lips when Christians say
To Him Whose strength sustains the world,
“Give us Thy Peace, we pray!”

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547