Family and Society – Page 29 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Quotes

Treasured Memories

Posted on April 29, 2019February 1, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child’s eye – it is very beautiful.” Kailash Satyarthi

The joyous days of fun, laughter and treasures are something that time or age can ever erase. For parents and guardians, having children around brings to mind and memory of their days. As children, they try to make out and see the best of everything. While it may be because they haven’t yet caught the cynicism and attitude of the world, the gentleness of children brings joy to the dark days.

“Imagination and invention go hand in hand. Remember how lack of resources was never a problem in childhood games? Shift a few pieces of furniture around the living room, and you have yourself a fort.” Alexandra Adornetto

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Yet what happens when they grow up ? Caught in the modern paced world of consumerism, materialism as well as ambition; along the lines the simplicity of childhood is lost. As parents, care givers, guardians and nurturers of the future generations, care should be taken that in the modernism that we surround ourselves, children shouldn’t lose out on their best years of their life, their childhood. True that academics, cultural and sports do matter; cultivate their talents but let them do what they love. Forcing them into a mould from the very early days, breaks them from their very essence.

“One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.” Agatha Christie

Roaming the lanes, exploring the backyard, learning how a frog leaps or why some plants creep and others grow tall, how the wind pane moves and the like are what engages their attention or interest. Their talents of dance, music and ball do matter; but let them pique their inquisitiveness as their minds grow. Draw the lines, set the limits but never curb their rightful curiosity. Let them grow and treasure the memories of their childhood; for its’ their right.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

“If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.” Tom Stoppard

In childhood, when we were immortal,
Were our wealth countless.
Each pebble was precious,
Life – well-dressed, as if on stage

Even fragments of broken dishes
Once again came to life in the mystery of a miracle.
There was no more beautiful doll rag,
It was not sweeter trickle krinynnoy.

Behind the wheel with an iron jump
into the future, boys ran away …
Old books, rare films
Were kept, were loved …

We, that we had a taste of the earthly paradise,
Were not surprised by the promise of another …
Believe me …
In childhood, when they were still immortal …

L. Znakovskaya

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/veruj

Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings

Affinity, Soul and Time

Posted on April 28, 2019February 1, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“How will a person know, Selina, when the soul that has the affinity with hers is near it?” She answered, “She will know. Does she look for air, before she breathes it? This love will be guided to her; and when it comes, she will know. And she will do anything to keep that love about her, then. Because to lose it will be like a death to her.” Sarah Waters (… the author of Affinity)

Boy meets girl, by chance. Sparks fly but not much more after that. Fast forward years later. Lady meets a gentleman. Sparks fly and the fire is lit. If not, years on, an elderly man meets the woman of his dreams. Both old, yet sparks fly and the fire is lit. Forever or not, only time will know.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

The above scenario may seem familiar. Our story or the story of someone we know or have heard of, may resonate with certain events as written above. What strikes one most on looking back, is the affinity between the two souls, no matter how far away. While “reel life” dramatizes the whole concept to “first look of pure love”; real life can range in varying degrees from mutual acceptance or comfort to instant attraction or the deep feeling of being complete. It varies from person to person.

For some “soul affinity” strikes instantly; while for others, it does not arise suddenly. Love with all its’ due respect, doesn’t arise from nothing. Where there is a fire, there are sparks. True love grows from a small sprout, of respect and admiration for a person, to love, affection and friendship comprising of pleasant moments through the attention given to each other. Love encompasses knowing the other; respecting the differences as well providing empathy, care and attention. Once experienced, its’ a feeling best described by emotions, memories and moments, more than the words that one can say.

“Love is the affinity which links and draws together the elements of the world… Love, in fact, is the agent of universal synthesis.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Quotes, Stories Around the World, Work

Communication Fillers and Gaps

Posted on April 25, 2019February 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

One of the recently circulated video on my social network pages, shows a social experiment in which four queues of employees are made to stand, with a message being conveyed as a sequence of actions likened to starting a motorbike. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH_7F3KI8yg)

Unfortunately as the message, in the form of sequence of actions, were passed on, minor alterations were being added on, which eventually resulted in the last person of the queue mimicking the actions that were no where close to the initial sequence or message that the first person had initiated. Although the video may seem hilarious at the end, on reflecting later, the lack of communication as well as the errors in the message being conveyed, understood and repeated are alarming.

“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” Paul J. Meyer

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

At every walk in life, communication is what brings man apart from other living species. Knowing how to convey ideas, bring about changes as well discuss and share various aspects makes human life meaningful, interesting and enriched. Yet when thoughts are shared wrong, with each one modifying the truth as per one’s short-lived understanding, thinking or viewpoint, the real sequence of events gets distorted, destroying the harmony and peaceful thinking.

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” Peter Drucker

Each time we come across any information, words or actions, thinking about them before e repeat them elsewhere would go a long way in maintaining one’s own peace and harmony. The process of adding one’s own bit to the real sequence of events, when not understood the right way, can do significant harm than plausible.

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes, Stories Around the World

To Care and Nurture

Posted on April 24, 2019February 1, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Margaret Mead

During my early years of university, attending classes and taking care of my infant was difficult. Unwilling to put my infant son in a daycare so early, I had turned to my parents and in laws for help. Besides stepping in completely and covering during my classes and training schedules, as my child grew under their care; their happiness and joy were marked to be seen.

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” James Keller

Source:https://vk.com/veruj

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

One of the oldest concepts of family has been their since civilization. Besides belonging to a fold, family helps and takes care of each other. The sociological concept of “nurture” has been widely studied and debated with the “nature” concept. Real life examples are present in our daily encounters, once we look around and observe.

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
Unknown

Caring for someone or nurturing them helps not the nurtured but also the nurturer. Besides giving new dimensions to focus on, the health, happiness as well as life for both becomes more meaningful and joyous. On the days that one in bone-tired, dejected, weary and worried; taking care of someone decreases the problems and gives the fuel to move on. Caring for others brings many closer, not just relationships by blood but also fragile relationships which become stronger out of the mutual love, respect and care for the other.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

“I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.” Pablo Casals

An old fox lived its’ last days in the zoo. Old, decrepit and shabby. When a couple of young foxes were left without their mother. And the young foxes were hooked to the old fox, as they were left without a mother. The decrepit fox began to take care of the little ones. The caring instincts were involved. And the old fox became younger, fluffy and energetic. She gained new youth and health; lived very well for several years, until the foxes grew up and became independent. (Source: A.Kiryanova)

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source: https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Christian, Family and Society, Food, Life, poetry, Stories Around the World

Of Easter,Tradition and Trends

Posted on April 20, 2019March 6, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and true love. Don’t even try to tell me different.” Dolly Parton

With Easter Sunday being celebrated tomorrow, preparations are quietly underway which would make the day special tomorrow primarily keeping the children in mind. Easter Sunday is the day signifying the love of God for man, a time for hope, renewal and resurrection through His Son. With the season of Lent coming to a close and breaking the Lenten fast involves special significance, especially when one has abstained from something dear to them through this period. Sacrificing something that one is fond of is never easy, but a whole new meaning and character is acquired when we abstain from the “materialistic” pleasure that we being man, often crave every now and then. Which is why, every Easter Sunday meal is something that the entire family and friends look forward to. Besides being a time for togetherness, it also signifies the breaking of the Lenten Fast.

“The blessing of food for the Easter Sunday meal is especially popular among people of Eastern European descent, especially those from Poland. Families prepare baskets with the food they will eat on Easter morning – decorated eggs, sausage, ham, bacon, a loaf of bread with a cross cut into the crust, cheese, salt, horseradish, and butter carved in the shape of a lamb.” Ken Untener, The Little White Book for Easter

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source: https://vk.com/public138314547

Around the world, various traditions are there on Easter. While initially they were modeled after the spring celebrations, later the trends were modified to give new relevance with the basis of the last supper or “Passover” or “Passove Sedar” in mind. Among the Easter Lunch, the fast is often broken by the “star of Easter”; painted, dyed, gilded in various hues, hidden or hung on trees, found on the treasure hunt, bough to church or given as gifts are the “Easter Eggs”. Most of the legends state them to be “symbol of life”.

“I agree. You don’t want it to look boring. It’s [the Easter egg] got to look good otherwise it’s just like every other chocolate. And size does matter when it comes to the egg, as that’s what Easter eggs are all about.” Liam Tomassi

Photo by zhugewala on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Previously believed by the Egyptian and few Persian civilization of the early times, eggs were considered to be symbolic of after life. Few traditions believe that Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary held eggs during the crucifixion or that they were eaten at the first meal after the Resurrection. In the Eastern Orthodox churches, the hard shell of the egg represents the stone walls of Jesus’ tomb, with the egg itself representing the new life of the Resurrection. Eggs also were the easiest, most economical and available foods to eat while breaking the Lenten Fast. This popularity has lead in the presence of “the Easter Egg” predominate every Easter celebration.

“The Easter eggs symbolizes our ability to break out of the hardened, protective shell we’ve surrounded ourselves with that limits our thoughts and beliefs. As we break open our hearts and minds we discover a transformation to new, life enhancing thoughts and beliefs.” Siobhan Shaw

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

Another popular tradition was the Easter Basket, which was an “Easter Nest” originally. Arising from the concepts of fertility and springtime, Eastern basket was a German tradition which had gained mass popularity. Initially children would make “nests,” filled with grass, in hopes that Peter Cottontail would fill the nest with eggs. Later these nests evolved into baskets, which were bigger, less messier and easy to carry.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Source: https://www.godairyfree.org/news/nutrition-headlines/dairy-free-chocolate-easter-bunny-round-up-updated-annually

Amidst the Easter Eggs in the basket would be the “hollow chocolate bunnies”. While there is no historical or religious documentation on why the bunny represents Easter, the association would be more by the calendar. With Easter mostly during Spring, the month of April showered not only spring flowers but also signals the birth of baby rabbits. Thus spring time and bunnies symbolize birth and renewal. Coat the bunnies with chocolate and hollow them out to fill them with candies; voila the treat is irresistible for every kid in the block.

Other Easter traditions include eating ham or meat to the making of “Hot cross buns” and other breads marked with an X to symbolize the cross are a tradition on many Easter tables. From the “Choreg” of Armenia, Ukranian “Paska”, Polish “Babka” to Tsoureki of Greece, a wide varied variety of sweet breads are made around the world. With eggs being baked in most, these are conspicuously risen breads, quite different from the Passover tradition of unleavened bread.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_cross_bun

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

As we get ready to break the Lenten Period and celebrate Easter, with all the food to be made ready, decorations to put up, church to be readied and tables to be set, the core message of renewal, togetherness and love shouldn’t be forgotten. One of the best ways to spread the message of love would be to share the delectable creations of Easter around.

The Easter Bunny came by today
and left surprises along his way.
Colorful eggs are all around.
With baskets in hand we search the ground.
Hiding in places here and there
Easter eggs are everywhere.
-Author Unknown

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

Photo by Alena Koval on Pexels.com

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Reflections, Work

Dealing With that Itch

Posted on April 17, 2019January 29, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

With spring season around and evening walks are in the to-do list, one may have encountered the occasional sting or bite when on or after the walk. When the mosquito bites or insect stings, the deadly red mark starts forming in the skin. There are few distinct pictures that follow. First the yell or howl, followed by the distinct smack (almost always missing the culprit) with the application of a balm to soothe the pain. Left alone, the bite slowly settles and passes after a while. On the other hand, once the sting appears and one enters the itch mode, then the bite is extensively combed, scratched and the blister (in the place of the little red spot) is born. Consequently the sting stays, the irritation grows and the pain doesn’t recede. Worse is the infection and the bleeding that then follows. Being a parent to a toddler, one must be familiar with this cycle.

“Without forgiveness life is governed by… an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.” Roberto Assagioli

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Yet what is familiar, is the “feeling of the itch” is something similar to resentment. How we deal with resentment falls into similar patterns of an insect bite. Resented when treated in the right manner, ceases to sting; but when scratched, makes the whole mood go down. When dealt with an insult; if one tries to forgive and forget it, then it gradually goes out of the hearts. On self -dissecting it and chronic dwelling on it similar to self-persecution or self-pity; then the insult becomes stronger and deadlier.

“Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.” Dale Carnegie

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Dealing with offense is not easy. True that we must reflect on the events that had happened and words or actions exchanged. But one doesn’t have to mark it against oneself and fester it, to the point of destroying the self. Instead hand over those feelings to the wind, for then we become more wiser and gracious. For when things are left to His Will, life becomes more sweet and simple. This is a very good skill that is learned over the course of time.

“Let go of resentment for it will hold you back. Do not worry about what could have been, what is to come is what matters.” Leon Brown

Take the burden that we can handle and the rest, hand them over to Him and let His Will be done. The same with resentment. Yes one was offended but one doesn’t have to carry it around and ruin the only life that we have been blessed with. Let things figure out eventually in His Time and then we discover that what was felt big, bad and ugly initially will seem inconsequential in the long run in His Time.

“The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment.” Elbert Hubbard

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Random Thoughts, Reflections

Paradoxes of Time

Posted on April 15, 2019February 15, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Silentium est aureum”

Over the weekend, with the entire family in the neighbourhood; it was quite refreshing and entertaining to exchange the various events, stories and happenings over the past few months. Listening to my cousins as they had regaled us the best parts of their college life; it brought back the memories of the younger days. From the days of classes, fun, music, dance, parties, sleepovers and all nighters to the present day of work, colleagues, time schedules, planners, pending household work and rambunctious toddlers running around the house; brings to mind the sharp contrast between the two lives. While in the younger days one had longed for the company of friends and fun; the older we grow, one longs for the occasional or frequent peace, quiet and solitude for a while. As the famous Latin proverb goes; Silence is indeed golden.

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.” Nicholas Sparks

Time has a huge list of paradoxes. Remember the younger days of sleep overs, gate crashing parties, Goobers, lemonade sprees, stuffing one self with kachoris, pizzas and the long list of the “forbidden” as well as movie nights over the weekends. These days, although one has the freedom to enjoy food, friends, parties, music and entertainment to the maximum, without the constant nagging and laying down of the rules; when in excess life feels mundane.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Over time, as our personal trends, habits and favorites change, alter or get refined; certain relationships tend to get overlooked. The ships that once had anchored us, may be lost due to bad navigation or the storms that we encounter. One might put them down to “growing up” or the transition phase. Unfortunately when caught up in the silence later; the feeling of guilt, regret and remorse run through as common thread leaving behind fond memories laced with guilt.

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” Frances Hodgson Burnett

To not let the set-down of remorse, guilt and incompleteness happen, one has to only look around and view the world from far. To enjoy the pleasures of nature, we need both the new and the old. The presence of the ever present flowers, plants and the green with comfort of our friends, family and good shoes making our walk through life more comfortable and memorable. To enjoy the garden, one needs both company and solace at the right time. Learning to put the situation to use at the given time is one of the arts that life has taught us and will keep on teaching us through its’ own time.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts