Category: Family and Society

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

On the Canvas

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

“Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.” Albert Camus (Notebooks 1935-1942)

One of the best things about entertaining a group of toddlers, is their spontaneity. Following their flow of energy, children are more keen on dwelling in the “now”. What about the adult “nows”? More or less, they do happen more in the professional sphere than the personal zone. Eventually some “now” never happens, neither does “the later”.

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

As each of us “adult” reserve their time and energy for the tomorrow, those proposed plans mayn’t happen. Time has it’s own flow. At times the tomorrows may work out, at times it mayn’t be so. If it was done at the “now” of then, then maybe it would be have happened or done only. Time has and always will be contrary. Sometimes as the toddlers say “let’s play tent” or “play with us” maybe some of the most precious memories made as one unwinds from work than catching up with “the telly”.

“It’s being here now that’s important. There’s no past and there’s no future. Time is a very misleading thing. All there is ever, is the now. We can gain experience from the past, but we can’t relive it; and we can hope for the future, but we don’t know if there is one.” George Harrison

Time has a beginning and ending, but those moments in between are what fills up the blank canvas. It may be filled by phases of dark hues, spots of brightness scattered in the dark template or hues of varying colours depending on own choice. As one decides on how the space on the canvas needs to be made so for the future days, take care that the spaces of now don’t go void.

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

Hymn to Time

Time says “Let there be”
every moment and instantly
there is space and the radiance
of each bright galaxy.

And eyes beholding radiance.
And the gnats’ flickering dance.
And the seas’ expanse.
And death, and chance.

Time makes room
for going and coming home
and in time’s womb
begins all ending.

Time is being and being
time, it is all one thing,
the shining, the seeing,
the dark abounding.

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018)
(From Late in the Day: Poems 2010-2014 (PM Press, 2015). Copyright © 2015 by Ursula K. Le Guin.).

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Posted in Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Reflections, Stories Around the World

A Hand We all Need

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

While doing the weekend stint of shopping, the difficulty in managing a capricious toddler was fully felt. From cooperating in the first few minutes to putting everything into the cart and running loose down the aisles, I had my hands fully occupied. Fortunately, a kind saleslady took some pity and gave me a hand while making my toddler help her in putting the sticker on the weighed and bagged vegetables.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holmes

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Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

One needs help in many forms. From being given a space in the traffic queue during rush hour to given a compliment for the successful completion of a project or trying a new skill, settling into a new neighbourhood, we all need various degrees of help. While some types of help may be in a pure physical manner, others may be in the form of lending an ear more than a hand or simply offering mental support to ease the burdens and stress. Happiness mayn’t be so, if achieved by the sole exclusivity of the world around one. Instead the sheer joy of giving and receiving help in any form may result in a shared feeling of contentment, a state of happiness, peace and calm.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

“I parked in front of a mall, wiping my car, when a tramp approached me. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but sometimes you just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of those “don’t want to be bothered times”. I hope he doesn’t ask me for money, I thought. He didn’t. He sat down on the curb and after a few minutes he spoke. “That’s a very pretty car,” he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly beard keep more than his face warm. I said, “Thanks,” and continued wiping my car. He sat quietly. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside me said, “Ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure he would say “Yes” but I held true to the inner voice. “Do you need any help?” I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. But he spoke the three words that shook me.

“Don’t we all?” he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a tramp in the street, until those three words hit me. *Don’t we all?* I needed help. Maybe not for a meal or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him enough to get a warm meal. Those three little words still ring true.

No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it’s just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. But they may be waiting for you to give them what they don’t have! A different perspective on life. A glimpse at something beautiful. A respite from daily chaos, that only you with a different view can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to people too comfortable in themselves. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a tramp, then said, “Go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help.” *DON’T WE ALL?*

Source: vk.com”

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Posted in Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Stories Around the World

Travel with Faith

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

“None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have Faith.” Paulo Coelho

Uncertainty has always been a part of our lives. No matter how many calculations, predictions, foretelling or insights may be given or done, things may still run out of hand. Through all those clamouring thoughts and echoes, finding a way out at times may seem near impossible especially when advice is poured out aplenty.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James1:5)

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Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
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The young man was driving with his wife in a car along a dangerous road. When they drove into a very narrow stretch of road, his wife got scared and grabbed the wheel. The husband let go of the wheel, allowing her to drive. Then she was even more frightened and begged, “Please do not let the steering wheel go!” The husband replied:” Two can not simultaneously drive a car. Or you lead, or I.” Then the woman let go of the wheel, trusting her husband, and he safely drove the car through a dangerous place.

“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”” (Luke 11:28)

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Each of us have our own share of experiences through turbulent times. During those moments seeking direction would be easier if one learns to put their trust in a secure place. As likened to the mustard seed, faith can work well when the control is transferred into His Hands. No one can foretell with exact precision. Yet what keeps one going through all this fracas, is the inner hope in His Faith and His Guidance that things will eventually work out.

“I have faith that God will show you the answer. But you have to understand that sometimes it takes a while to be able to recognize what God wants you to do. That’s how it often is. God’s voice is usually nothing more than a whisper, and you have to listen very carefully to hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments, the answer is obvious and rings as loud as a church bell.” Nicholas Sparks (excerpt and author of The Last Song)

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Posted in Family and Society, Life, Random Thoughts, Stories Around the World

When Shared, then Found

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

“If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.’
If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”
Chinese Proverb

One of the gifts of the holiday season is the delightful art of bringing that smile on the faces around us. With all the carol singing, Christmas games at the retirement and palliative homes, the local teen and youth community had an engaging and meaningful Christmas time. A week later while reviewing the photographs and write-ups in the community newsletter, the happy accounts and candid moments brought a smile from within the heart.

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha

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

Many a time, happiness is accounted by the gifts accumulated, places visited, accolades and awards received and other social markers (as perceived by society) obtained. Yet the reality is far from that. True that all these achievements and more, may bring some amount of pleasure and joy; but does it ever last.

Doing and scoring for oneself brings only meaning at the height of achievement. If there aren’t any who really share in our happiness from within, it holds no meaning. Yet bringing a smile on a stranger’s face by saying “thank you” or offering assistance to a mother with a struggling toddler to help with their grocery cart in the long queue; these hold a wealth of meaning as they bring a smile from the bottom of the heart.

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

Truly being happy is never by capturing the butterfly, but allowing it to fly and share the colours it has along the path it takes, bringing smiles of happiness, peace, joy and contentment everywhere.

FIND HAPPINESS
Once a group of 50 people were attending a seminar. Suddenly the speaker stopped and decided to do a group activity. He started giving each attendee one balloon. Each one was asked to write his/her name on it using a marker pen. Then all the balloons were collected and put in another room.

Now these delegates were let into that room and asked to find the balloon which had their name written within 5 minutes. Everyone was frantically searching for their name, colliding with each other, pushing around others and there was utter chaos.

At the end of 5 minutes no one could find their own balloon. Now each one was asked to randomly collect a balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it. Within minutes everyone had their own balloon.

The speaker then began, “This is happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for happiness all around, not knowing where it is.

Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness. And this is the purpose of human life…the pursuit of happiness.”

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Posted in Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Priceless in More Ways than One

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

One of the most treasured possessions in the family chest is the watch my grandfather had given my brother for his graduation. Those days with the economic slow down hitting hard, this graduation gift had meant a lot of saving, toil and loss of the daily pleasures which may have affordable if not set aside for the watch. Looking through our grandfather’s eyes, his days had echoed the effect of the Great Depression and the feel of not having the benefits of today. Each effort for a better tomorrow included certain sacrifices from both our grandparents. In comparison to the days of the present, every help or sacrifice whether it be in relative terms or not, as long as it is from the heart; it makes a difference for all.

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“Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you’re not really losing it. You’re just passing it on to someone else.” Mitch Albom

None of us really don’t know the extent of the priceless things that we have been blessed with. Reflecting back, each one of us have been showered with infinite Grace and blessings, many which may go beyond than what may have been expected. Underlining these blessings, lie hidden hours of unending sacrifices and priceless sequence of events, made so by giving their all to ensure their best. The truth is the one realizes the priceless treasures that each of us hold, a bit too late. Beyond the physical world, to feel the immense selflessness, love and warmth of human nature, it is those that are priceless that matter the most.

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She paid the highest price.
The seller stood behind the store counter and stared absently at the street. One little girl went to the store and literally stuck to the window. When she saw what she was looking for, her eyes sparkled with delight. She went inside and asked her to be shown the turquoise beads. “This is for my sister. Can you wrap them beautifully?”, asked the girl. The owner looked in disbelief at the baby and asked:”And how much money do you have?” The girl pulled a handkerchief from her pocket, unfolded it and poured a handful of little things onto the counter. With hope in her voice, she asked: “Is that enough?” There were only a few small coins. The girl proudly continued: “You know, I want to make a present to my older sister.” Since our mother died, my sister takes care of us, and she does not have time for herself. Today is her birthday and I am sure that she will be happy to receive such beads, they will be very suitable for the color of her eyes.

The man took the beads, went deep into the store, brought the case, put the turquoise in it, wrapped it with a ribbon and tied a bow. ” Hold on!”, he said to the girl,” And carry it carefully!” The girl ran out and skipped toward the house. The working day was drawing to a close when a young girl crossed the threshold of the same store. She put on the counter a case familiar to the seller and separately wrapping paper and an untied bow. “Were these beads bought here? How much did they cost? ”
“BUT!”, said the owner of the store, “the cost of any product in my store is always a confidential agreement between me and the client.” The girl said: “But my sister only had a few coins.” Beads from real turquoise, right? They must be very expensive. We can’t afford it.”

The man took the case, with great tenderness and warmth restored the packaging, handed it to the girl and said:“She paid the highest price … More than any adult could pay: she gave everything she had.” Silence filled a small shop, and two tears rolled down the face of a girl clutching a small bundle in her trembling hand …

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Posted in Daily, Family and Society, poetry, Reflections

Series of the “Little”…

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

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” George Eliot

After the long two hour commute was dragged to three hours by being held up in the traffic, the mental list of “things to do” kept on going longer than the usual. Consequently while walking into home after doing the daily grocery shopping, instead of the expected mess in the kitchen, it was a pleasant surprise to witness the orderliness at the domestic front. With my “better half” in charge, the kids had instructed me to put my feet and to enjoy the hot steaming cup of joe. Though eventually the domestic front had to be tackled, the few minutes of silence and solitude improved the frame of mind.

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

“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.” Barbara Pym

One never realizes the importance of the little events of the day that stay etched in the mind. The recollections turn up at the most unusual moments. For the inner strength during difficult moments, the support when the temporary setbacks mount up and the drive to go ahead, all have few of their rots in the little moments of life, which now become among the treasured memories of happiness to give comfort and light for the rainy days.

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
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The Little Things
Mary Dawson Hughes

It really is the little things
That mean the most of all…
The “let me help you with that” things
That may seem very small
The “I’ll be glad to do it” things
That make your cares much lighter,
The “laugh with me, it’s funny” things
That make your outlook brighter…

The “never mind the trouble” things,
The “yes, I understand,”
The interest and encouragement
In everything you’ve planned
It really is the little things,
The friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life
And make it more worth while.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
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Posted in Family and Society, Life, Random Thoughts, Reflections

In Front of Us

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

Long weekends are meant for a break from the usual routine. While the family homestead is the usual go-to place for a change from the town or suburban life, with kids the eagerness to go somewhere special for the holidays arises. When the purse strings are tight, inventiveness goes a long way. Unlike the Englishman Mr. Hopp, sometimes the best thing would be a planned event in the company of friends and family, at times even in own backyard. Putting it more explicitly, this long weekend saw a camp-out with family at the beach, a two day event sufficient to keep everyone occupied. Spending some wholesome time with kith and kin put many little things in a new perspective.

“Sometimes what you’re looking for is right under your nose and you don’t even know it.” John Hall

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Opportunities and memories don’t lie in the outreaches alone. Sometimes the best things of life are right under our nose, which may be missed when we are constantly seeking for the unusual or the exotic. Learning to appreciate the present as well to gradually build on the available options at hand, helps the right balance to be struck in life. Glitter and glamour may be present beyond the immediate circle, but one may tend to forget how temporary those aspects are. The innumerable bequests of the present once when neglected or in gradual ruin, their absence or loss when remembered draws out many regrets from within.

“A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” Tom Wilson

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Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
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Every now and then, there are many special moments when we take an effort to uncover them and view them from a different aspect. While the natural instinct is to provide for the day and chase after the hidden dreams or the glamour of the other side; this pursuit is to checked especially to ensure that the blessings of the present aren’t taken for granted. The future is a definite aspects that looms about, putting a definite amount of insecurity and uncertainties arise deep within while considering it. Yet knowing when to strike a balance to those thoughts, help one to discover the beauty of the present around. For though the future look through the telescope of plans, optimism and dreams is important; neglecting the present hours of gifts, blessings and opportunities would result in a hazy, murky vision ahead ridden with guilt and plenty of what-ifs.

Englishman Mr. Hopp
Looks through a long telescope.
Sees mountains and forests,
Clouds and skies.
But he does not see anything,
That under his nose.

Daniil Kharms, 1936 (1905-1942)

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