Category: Life

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.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“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 …

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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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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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Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

Silent and Treasured

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

Last week saw impromptu weekday walks with the family, most during the early evenings before the dusk gives way to the darkness of the night. While the basic purpose was to complete the requirement for the nature projects of my kids, these walks saw the quietness of nature at their best. School secrets were shared, ideas were discussed and explored and above all, one was listening for the notes in the silence.

“Keep silent, because the world of silence is a vast fullness.” Rumi

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Through the silence of the walks and stillness, one learnt to appreciate the gifts around them. Besides refreshing oneself, this stillness helps one to rejuvenate their thoughts and start off fresh. Many a time, one forgets to appreciate the silent blessing s and gifts showered on one, if one is constantly clamouring for the busy thoughts or caught in the chaos of the day. To break free and find some foothold in the melee, one needs to escape to few impromptu and sudden periods of silence to refresh and rediscover oneself. Yet discernment is required at all times. Certain things are best heard when one is silent; while some things require the silence to be broken. Knowing which is which will happen as the maturity grows over time.

“Everything that’s created comes out of silence. Thoughts emerge from the nothingness of silence. Words come out of the void. Your very essence emerged from emptiness. All creativity requires some stillness.” Wayne Dyer

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Voices of the Air

But then there comes that moment rare
When, for no cause that I can find,
The little voices of the air
Sound above all the sea and wind.

The sea and wind do then obey
And sighing, sighing double notes
Of double basses, content to play
A droning chord for the little throats—

The little throats that sing and rise
Up into the light with lovely ease
And a kind of magical, sweet surprise
To hear and know themselves for these—

For these little voices: the bee, the fly,
The leaf that taps, the pod that breaks,
The breeze on the grass-tops bending by,
The shrill quick sound that the insect makes.
– Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield, “Voice of the Air,” from Poems (London: Constable, 1923 and New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1924).

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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Choices They Be

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

“All things are ready, if our mind be so.” William Shakespeare

Entering into the first few hours of the fresh year, the anticipation runs high as numerous hopes, dreams and thoughts run through the mind. Amidst all these are the subtle changes that will be made over time. To know which change or decision is right, requires one to acknowledge the basic facts at hand, put a whole lot of thought processing to work as well as to with the innate gut instinct with humaneness in it.

“May you listen to the voice within the beat even when you are tired. When you feel yourself breaking down, may you break open instead. May every experience in life be a door that opens your heart, expands your understanding and leads you to freedom.” Elizabeth Lesser

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Till date, one can never predict how the future will be to the point. As plans are made and decisions made, knowing that things mayn’t go as per the proper plan is important. Some plans may work, other not so. Some dreams may be crushed due to unforeseeable circumstances, while others may be affected by situations to a manner which may be unjust. Either way, unless one learns to battle the tide and cross the shores, the horizon over may just be a vision in distance. As we cross our respective shores, may each one of us learn to ring out the “right” old and ring in the “right new”.

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Ring Out, Wild Bells

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Alfred Tennyson

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

Au revoir to Hello

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

Bidding adieu to the last few hours of the year brings back fond memories as well as interesting traditions followed to welcome the new year. While the last day may be a holiday, for some it is the last few hours of another work day. Yet battling the traffic and rushing to make it to home base for the last few hours is done so as to usher in the next year with family and friends. While some are on a rampage while setting up the traditional new year watch night, attend the night service, host the family gathering, get the first few traditional customs of the new year ready and the like, the option lies in joining the fray or sitting on the sidelines and enjoying the celebrations.

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As we usher in the next year, customs both family and country wise may be followed. From the Siberian tradition of diving into a frozen lake while holding a tree trunk to be placed underneath the ice or the Singaporean tradition of releasing wishing spheres into the river, painting front doors red (Chinese), sprinkling salt on the doorstep (Turkey) are just few of the countless traditional new year customs. Each home and family can make their won set of traditions. Be it enjoying a glass of champagne or ice-cream for the children after the night watch service to having fireside games, each of us can make our own tradition to usher in the new year.

“In our perfect ways. In the ways we are beautiful. In the ways we are human. We are here. Happy New Year’s. Let’s make it ours.” Beyoncé

Through all the celebrations, one mustn’t fail to remember that each day is a new year, a chance to do something new, for the better and an opportunity for new chances and attempts. Each new day is an opportunity to make our closest dreams come true. Life always holds a myriad of new beginnings, it is taking them on and changing the circumstances for making oneself better that makes all the difference.

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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

For the Last Say

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

“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

As the hours of the last year slowly go by and the countdown begins, the preparations of the new year slowly get underway. Looking at the winter canvas and reflecting through the turns of the previous year, each of us have gone through some of the best parts and also the “bad bits” of our lives. Whether the measure may be totally out of or in proportion, only time can ever tell. Whether tomorrow could have been better, one doesn’t know.

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To comment, critique or to envy would be easy, but each one has their own baggage to handle. Some of it may look light upfront more like the tip of the iceberg while for others, it may be evident. Whichever way it may be, each of us have been blessed in a manner. Some of those blessing may be trying events initially, but whether the disguise falls off and they turn out to be blessings of a kind, only time can tell. On a retrospective view, changing circumstances to do one’s best may be more rewarding than when felt then. To be fortunate, would be so if one has the chance to experience the gift of time and circumstances. For those things haven’t been under the control of man, despite numerous efforts and attempts for the same. Using the talents one has been overtly or subtly blessed with, change or adapt to circumstances, make moments as well as memories over time would be gifts and blessings more rewarding than any other. Venturing into the new year, let what has been done be done with, but embrace the future with His Grace, Love, Kindness as well as an alert mind, patient souls and welcoming hearts.

“It’s never too late. Don’t focus on what was taken away. Find something to replace it, and acknowledge the blessing you have.” Drew Barrymore

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A Song for New Year’s Eve

Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay—
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.

The year, whose hopes were high and strong,
Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and song
For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One mirthful hour, and then away.

The kindly year, his liberal hands
Have lavished all his store.
And shall we turn from where he stands,
Because he gives no more?
Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.

Days brightly came and calmly went,
While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was spent!
How sweet the seventh day’s rest!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One golden hour, and then away.

Dear friends were with us, some who sleep
Beneath the coffin-lid:
What pleasant memories we keep
Of all they said and did!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One tender hour, and then away.

Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh be the new as kind!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting strain, and then away.

William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878)

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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

Getting Back On

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

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.” Napoleon Bonaparte

Winding down to the end of the year, while many of us may have a feel of pleasantness and personal achievements to remember the year by; for few it mayn’t be so. This year may have brought more struggle, loss or grief than the years before. This year may have brought unhappiness from the start, bringing more memories of sorrow than joy. Despite all this, the courage to go on is what matter the most.

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True that one may have more than their fair share of experiences of the “downhills” more than many. Yet looking beyond all this, to have the opportunity to see another tomorrow may be the gift of our presence and support to someone else. Life never goes as planned. Even when the ship goes smooth sailing, knowing how to face the turbulence and brave the storm makes the journey more enriching and rewarding. In the face of all odds, taking each day as it comes helps one to gear and get prepared for another chance or experience of the year to be.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

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Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson

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