Family and Society – Page 11 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Daily, Family and Society, poetry, Reflections

Shades we Cast

Posted on February 3, 2020November 28, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Every man casts a shadow; not his body only, but his imperfectly mingled spirit. This is his grief. Let him turn which way he will, it falls opposite to the sun; short at noon, long at eve. Did you never see it?” Henry David Thoreau

On an late noon shopping trip, the modern vehicle of convenience had decided to rest impromptu. Unfortunately, it was not by own command but by it’s own choosing. The point happened o be at a lone stretch of the local road. The long trek to the main road, provided little comfort except for the shadow that accompanied me on the short trek.

“We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things; because the shadow always follows. Choose a place where you won’t do harm – yes, choose a place where you won’t do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth, facing the sunshine.” E.M. Forster

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

We all cast different shadows. Some of them long, short or just a line at times. Different times of the day, different shades or different lengths, each shadow leaves a trace of us at some point of time. Shadows always follows one. At times, they may be with us giving us comfort and peace. Other times, it may be protective as watching our shadows help us see who is behind ( especially on a lone city walk). At times, the shadows merge with the rest of the surroundings to be blurred, matching the mood of the moment. What ever way it may be, shadows are a part of us.

“This learned I from the shadow of a tree
That to and fro did sway upon a wall:
Our shadow selves, our influence may fall
Where we can never be.”
– A.E. Hamilton

Shadows are but a reflection of the reality of that moment. Whether it may be in complete or just partial, those are the prints or part of the evidence left behind. They are nothing but certain aspects of the reality. Though it mayn’t be a part of the complete picture, it may be associated with it. To quote Helen Keller, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” , but the shadow follows when possible, whether by choice or not.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

The important thing is it mayn’t be true projection, but an association of shades or parts of it. Those shades are what defines one to others, even they mayn’t be in entire true. Yet the harsh truth is, that is how the world see each other. Some are known by their true forms, others obscured in part or whole by the shades of the shadows that are cast.

Shadows

How much of earth’s beauty is due to its shadows!
The tree and the cliff and the far-floating cloudlet,
The uniform light intercepting and crossing,
Give manifold color and change to the landscape.

How much, too, our life is in debt to its shadows;
To griefs that refine us and cares that develope,
And wants that keep friendship and love from decaying;
With nothing to cross us we perish of ennui.

– Thomas Durfee

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Random Thoughts

Order to the Chaos

Posted on February 2, 2020January 31, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Bedlam. That is how one tends to describe most mornings at home, especially on Mondays. From the chaos of bringing order to things after the weekend trip to the family homestead, the arranging of lunches, office paperwork and getting uniforms ironed; it takes immense effort to keep own calm and settle the situation. Over the office break hour, the silent introspection begins. As far as my recall goes, morning chaos was never a part of my school years. Maybe it was because of the less tasks to be done. Or it could be attributed to the order brought by practice of time management as a fine art ( courtesy of my mother). So what happens on certain mornings these days? Time mismatched or poor division of responsibilities.

With the invention of electric clock, time has been transferred from the wall clocks to the digital manner of “smart watches, smart phones, and laptops.” As the seconds tick by, everyone seems to be in a hurry. At certain points of the day, week or month; each of us run short of time. At times, no matter how many gimmicks one tries; time is always on the run with us, mere mortals in it’s chase.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Putting in the opinion of experts; time has to be managed essentially on the lines of priority, task delegation and bringing an order or establishing a routine. Despite all this, the entire run seems tiresome and weekdays are most dreaded. As the pace increases, somewhere along the way we have lost the zest and interest that each new day brings.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

One of the secrets to managing time doesn’t lie in going fast or slow. Instead being in the moment, keeping the cool and sorting out is what keeps the day rolling out just fine. As the start to most mornings, spending some quiet time with Him will give us a spark to face the day. As one moves fast within the race with time, knowing why as well as learning from the situation around us help one to keep the pace.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

The time allotted to each of us doesn’t live by clock-watching alone but by leaning to appreciate His Grace, His Kindness and His Love in each of our lives. As long as the Spirit is strong, the hassles brought by each hour can be faced with a steady mind. Spending time with Him, helps us to get in step with each other and ourselves as well.

“A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4).

While one may or mayn’t expect the same chaos most mornings, learning to keep the peace within helps us to manage the waking hours. While bringing about an order may result in a flurry of actions and words, keeping own cool and calm helps one to go ahead in time than be in the constant rush zone. And when the days start with His Word, the peace settles in soon and order is brought into the mayhem.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes

Braid Those Strands

Posted on January 29, 2020November 13, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

While shopping for a house welcoming gift, my husband and I, we had finally decided on a houseplant as a gift for close friends. That is when we had chanced upon the potted version of the “money tree plant”. Pachira acquatica ( a.k.a the Malabar chestnut, French peanut, Provision tree), a tropical wetland tree is native to Central and South America where it grows as a tropical wetland tree. Surprisingly, this is sold as a houseplant with it’s trunks braided. What the reason maybe ( the seller didn’t know why), the braided trunk supports the big leaves quite well, giving the plant a wholly aesthetic and balanced look.

“Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is thread, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.” Simone Signoret

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://wikipedia.com

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

These “braided trunks” are what one needs when going through a tough spot. The courage to bear the weight through tough times doesn’t happen when the weight is born on one lone spindly stalk. Instead when a cumulative support is given, the entire matter is sorted through and one learns to rise and stand tall and strong. Relationships are never bound by chains. If ever done so, those very chains rust over time, breaking away to fine powders and falling apart with the links scattered.

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

When these chains are held together not just by strength but by fine braids of feelings, emotions and positive associations; tendrils of love, kindness and warmth grow along and support each one through the thick and thin. Relationships grow stronger with stability, closeness and strength in God. Marriage, friendships as well as family ties require nurturing. Not just with love and kindness, merging these bonds with His Word and His Teachings abounds one with an endless source of love, grace and hope. On looking back, these are what brings a smile to the tired mind, body and soul. To experience life to the fullest, it entails one learning to hold these tiny threads above the chains. This difference is what holds the memories alive, making each day enriched and memorable over the years.

“It’s all those stories and how they braid together that tells us who and what and where we are.” Charles de Lint

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/comeshomements

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/comeshomements

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Beyond the Logic

Posted on January 27, 2020December 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Drawing up plans for constructing a new house, my maternal cousins had asked for an appointment for the leading architect in the city to draw up their plans. Imagine their surprise post-consultation, that there was a common element of family connections. As they had dropped in for dinner with their plans, in the due course of discussion, their architect was one of my distant paternal cousins who had decided to break from the family business to follow his dream. Recalling the earlier days, we both had attended the same high school and his passion for art and drawing was simply amazing. On choosing the main subjects for college, it took plenty of inner strength and courage to go away from the regular choices and plan a new path.

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” Roy T. Bennett

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Each of us may have seen similar episodes or events in our lives. From the days of high school to the present day, there will those among us who decide to pursue their dream. Each of us, too may had similar dreams but were held back by the voices either in our head, or echoing around us. Those who go against those voices may reach their dream eventually, either now or later. As for the others, there may be a sense of regrets that may follow. And worse of all, the guilt of “not trying” and “missed chances” makes things difficult all round.

“There will be a few times in your life when all your instincts will tell you to do something, something that defies logic, upsets your plans, and may seem crazy to others. When that happens, you do it. Listen to your instincts and ignore everything else. Ignore logic, ignore the odds, ignore the complications, and just go for it.” Judith McNaught

Unless one tries, one will never know. While the odds mayn’t be in own favour the first time round, keep the drive and inner will. For one day, we will reach the skies in the dreams that we hold true to ourselves. The choice to follow the inner dream lies within. Barring aside the logic, possibilities or probabilities, the most important and main factor is the choice to try. On looking back, that alone makes the biggest difference in all.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Rise Above The Crowd
by Anonymous
The world is full of people,
content to be what they are
Who never know the joy of success;
they lack the will to go that far.

Yet in this world there is a need,
for some to lead the rest
To rise above the average life,
by giving of their best.

Are you the one who dares,
to try when challenged by the task
To rise to heights you’ve never dreamed,
Or is that too much to ask?

This can be your year,
for great purpose to achieve
If you accept the challenge,
and in yourself believe.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, poetry, Quotes, Reflections, Work

Strain of the Indisposition

Posted on January 24, 2020October 2, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

On the days when the work schedule drags, the events then on tend to go on in a discordant manner. Eventually on reaching home, with the usual things not done like dinner late, homework hours not supervised and the like; the entire mood sours down and the evenings end on an unhappy or dissatisfied note. While journalling such days and reading them later on, at times it’s how one learns to behave when things go beyond the expectation (especially when in a negative manner) that makes the biggest difference in the long run.

“The greatest joys of life are happy memories. Your job is to create as many of them as possible.” Brian Tracy

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Emotional infection is a deadly thing. A chain effect triggered by it can have far reaching consequences; avoidable, unnecessary with a significant negative impact, spoiling relationships and makes the daily hours unpleasant, of discontent as well as unhappy. As the scales of the balance go awry, the urge to initiate the “blame game” and point fingers start soon, as compared to making efforts to try and reschedule to get back on track. Guarantee for everything or anything never exists in reality. There is always a chance of a miss or an error present even in the best laid plans, schedules or goals. When one lets their emotions fly unchecked, the consequences can go deadly and far reaching, be it on the professional, personal or domestic front. To keep the inner peace best within, learning how to handle the unexpected is necessary skill. Though this may take time and plenty of effort, they are all worth when the impact is taken into account. For words and memories have a far lasting effect, than targets or achievements as scored on paper.

“I am convinced that the greatest legacy we can leave our children are happy memories: those precious moments so much like pebbles on the beach that are plucked from the white sand and placed in tiny boxes that lay undisturbed on tall shelves until one day they spill out and time repeats itself, with joy and sweet sadness, in the child now an adult.” Og Mandino

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

No matter how many precautionary measures one may take; when things go haywire, take a quick breathe and continue on. The art of learning to manage any curve-ball lies in the way we behave to these sudden turns. Instead of fretting and getting dejected on the “why me, why now” aspect, settling and finding effective be it temporary or permanent solutions may help make the days (or evenings) end better. More than achievements, goals or occasions, what stays etched in the mind are “feelings”. The feeling of calm and happiness in the children as their parents return from work, the approach that another person feels or learns as the crisis period is sorted and the cumulative efforts taken to settle any environment are just few of the better emotional memories that linger and stay on as the years pass through.

“I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.”
Helen Lowrie Marshall

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts, Work

Trace Not These Steps

Posted on January 20, 2020November 9, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Interacting with peers on the neighbourhood level, workplace to society on the whole, one walks through various situations. From the good-natured ribbing to snide remarks, comments are always being passed around, whether one wants to actively join in it or happens in own presence; inevitably it happens. In such moments, getting affected is easy. Among all those remarks, taking some in the true sense and few with a pinch of salt or just let them float above the mind helps.

“Keep on the sunny side.” Ada Blenkhorn

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

To keep the mind sane and thoughts happen, a lot of just walking away helps. To pass a remark in defense to company who really wants to pull one down, doesn’t really help. Instead time gets wasted in sorting out blurry thoughts all the time, some of which in hindsight, one realizes isn’t really worth it. To keep the thoughts in one’s right mind, one needs to learn when to leave or abstain from joining in purposeless and meaningless thoughts. Once we learn to walk away from the taunts and comments, one learns to embrace the challenges as they come, keeping the mind of reasonable thoughts, sane, happy, clam and at peace with a will to put the inner best forward.

“A lot of walking away will do your life good.
Walk away from arguments that lead you to anger and nowhere.
Walk away from people who deliberately put you down.
Walk away from the practice of pleasing people who choose to never see your worth. Walk away from any thought that undermines your peace of mind.
Walk away from judgmental people, they do not know the struggle you are facing and what you have been through. All away from your mistakes and fear, they do not determine your fate.
The more you walk away from things that poison your soul, the healthier your life will be.”
Dodinsky

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts

Stars in the Dark

Posted on January 16, 2020October 18, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Helping out my niece with their science assignment, we had rigged up a makeshift primitive telescope to take the pictures of the night sky. The purpose was to either get a constellation or two in full focus or click a shooting star. As the project was underway, the beauty of the night sky was something to reckon with. All the twinkling lights reminded of the bright points scattered across the vast dark canvas.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Looking at one of the many mysteries of nature and gifts of life, one often feels the awe and magnificence in His Works. Though at times, unbidden thoughts enter the mind, especially during the trying days, of “Why me?”and as the feeling of helplessness overwhelms; it is the faith in the hope of a better day tomorrow that helps one survive.

Faith is a bluebird you see from afar.
It’s for real, and as true as the first evening star.
You can’t touch it, or buy it, or wrap it up tight;
But it’s there just the same, making things turn out right.
– Rufus Wainwright (The Rescuers, 1977)

Faith is the anchor in the unbidden thoughts of negativity, self-doubt, depressive or defeated nature, which often occur every now and then. Getting out across these boulders and pits, requires something as simple but deeply profound as faith. Days like those which promote the negativism can be shot down by the Faith one holds deep inside.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” Oswald Chambers

One can’t possibly get everything figured out. There are things that happen, either in a single moment or as a sequence of events; that mayn’t be explained by simple logic or by own understanding. During those standstill moments, it is the inner Faith that helps us find a way to get to the light of tomorrow. And the more when one is thrown off the deep edge, devoid of the understanding why; the more one can deepen their Faith in the glory of His Way, His Will and His Word. Life never makes sense, but by faith in the hope that things will eventually work out, difficulties are crossed out, trouble overcome and the inner spirit strengthened making the present livable. For one day in the future, these days of the past will be acknowledged for their way in them making our Faith stronger in Him and helping one to reach those better days of the tomorrow.

Source:https://vk.com/veruj

Source:https://vk.com

Source:https://vk.com/veruj