Life – Page 8 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

One Vs. Two

Posted on March 18, 2020January 25, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Reading from the storybook wasn’t exactly a night ritual but more of an evening time practice. While the young mind holds thoughts of lions not getting their dinner or the stag running from the hunter; they are busy figuring out how the ending works and all are happy or sad. Yet for the adult mind, these ending linger and reflect out the similar analogy in the modern busy lives.

One of the recent reads was about the “lion who didn’t get it’s meal” because for a scant second he though to get more and gave chase without securing his first catch. Area lot of us like this lion ? A few of times, each of us may have felt a similar vein. Entering the race for securing a better project or incentive as compare to one hand, in view of better long term incentives. In few cases the decision may have been alright, while in the other cases it may have cost us quite a bit for that extra run. Whether the “cost” was worth it, only hindsight would prove.

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Alexander Graham Bell

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

The importance lies in knowing when to give chase and when to recognize the opportunity at hand, secure it and then embark on the hunt for the better opportunity. As the “greedy lion” always teaches us that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush; the difference lies in not just recognizing the essence or what is held within the hand but also to keep it anchored and use it to better ourselves. Identifying is one, but using it is another. In the hunt for the dove flying above, the sparrow at hand has more to offer. Learning that difference helps us to not just climb ladders for growth or success but also to pursue the meaningful things at own door than be embroiled in the fathomless pursuit of “deemed happiness or requirements” of life in general.

“The Greedy Lion. It was an incredibly hot day and a lion was feeling very hungry. He crawled out of his den and searched here and there, but he could only find a small hare. He caught the hare, but with some hesitation as he knew the hare wouldn’t fill him up. As the lion was about to kill the hare, he spotted a deer coming his way and thought, “Instead of eating this small hare, let me eat that big deer.” So he let the hare go and went after the deer, but it vanished in the forest. The lion now had nothing to eat as the hare was also long gone.” (Source: vk.com)

‘Der Spatz in der Hand ist besser als die Taube auf dem Dach’.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Reflections

Below the Surface

Posted on March 16, 2020January 16, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow;
He who would search for pearls, must dive below.”
John Dryden, All for Love

A school visit to the local underwater aquarium had lead to an exuberant eight year old going on and on about how big it was, the funny stringy umbrella creature with many legs (jelly fish), bright coloured fishes with funny noses as well as the rich colours of the underwater life. Among his expressions of surprise and wonder, what caught my mind was the comment that “no one would see all this if we just go to the beach alone, we need to go inside the ocean.” One would wholeheartedly agree with this. A quiet day at a beach would never give cause for one to imagine that there is another world teeming below the blue waters.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

“A human being has so many skins inside, covering the depths of the heart. We know so many things, but we don’t know ourselves! Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, as thick and hard as an ox’s or bear’s, cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there.” Meister Eckhart

The essence of human life is similar to the depths of the ocean. On the surface, each of us have our own basic essentials, food, clothing and shelter. Yet to feel complete, one needs to go beyond the creature comforts. Each of us need to find our own meaning in life, not just to find a purpose or define ourselves but also to feel complete when doing so. The innate human potential is boundless. It is only when one takes the step into the unknown waters, that one can challenge themselves to be better and explore the hidden talents.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

To breach beyond the surface requirements requires one to pursue their instincts and challenges to use the present strengths to become something more. The only care to be taken is to know that the difference between the ocean and the quicksand. As for the ocean, no matter how big or deep it is; knowing to put in a full set of diving gear and air supply tank is what counts the decision to stay for how long. To experience the joys of the sea-world, one must know to stay in with the reasoning to pull out as soon as required. To enjoy experiences and explore the hidden, a cautious touch to the mind with a realistic approach does help one to look beneath the surface and bring wonders for the soul.

“The desert and the ocean are realms of desolation on the surface.
The desert is a place of bones, where the innards are turned out, to desiccate into dust.
The ocean is a place of skin, rich outer membranes hiding thick juicy insides, laden with the soup of being.
Inside out and outside in. These are worlds of things that implode or explode, and the only catalyst that determines the direction of eco-movement is the balance of water.
Both worlds are deceptive, dangerous. Both, seething with hidden life.
The only veil that stands between perception of what is underneath the desolate surface is your courage.
Dare to breach the surface and sink.”
Vera Nazarian

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source: https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Christian, Family and Society, Life, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Not to Condemn

Posted on March 15, 2020February 18, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

At the turn of the spring, the yard resembles the after-effects of a wind-storm. As rakes get into action and leaves get piled up, a pit is dug for the dead leaves side-by-side before the dusk turns to night. The fear of the dead leaves starting an unprecedented fire always lies in the mind. The bush-fires of Australian and the Californian wildfires are some of the most damaging wildfires as recorded by time. While most of the times, the initiator is nature; the Northern Californian Carr Fire (2018) wasn’t so. These sparks rose from a trailer whose tire had burst en-course scraping the metal against the pavement. This wildfire had burnt nearly 230,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes and lives as well as rendering many moribund. One can only imagine the shame, grief and remorse the couple who had driven the trailer felt.

“… for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

As the survivors came to know about the details of wildfire, there were those who had condemned them and highlighted on the ramifications of being negligent and careless. Yet there were those survivors who on hearing that the couple were overcome with grief and shame, had extended their support to them with grace and kindness. They also had formed social media pages to show the same. As one survivor had written that blaming anyone doesn’t bring back the lost homes; accidents happen and no matter how much a burden one carries, we will all get through this together. (Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/15/us/carr-fire-community-sends-notes-trnd/index.html)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

To condemn another is relatively easy, but one has to learn to accept that condemnation doesn’t bring the loss back; neither does it reverse the hands of time. The act of condemnation, whether it be towards ourselves or others, is something that can damage the inner soul. Being human, one is prone to make innumerable mistakes. The latter of which some are accidental or made of ignorance, while the others are deliberate. Whatever the nature may be, correcting the mistake and taking care not to entertain a repeat is of more value. Condemning one doesn’t change anything. For some it may make one feel better, but to what extent. While for others, learning from mistakes or pointing out mistakes and their cause doesn’t give the right to condemn anyone or equate to the same.

“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22)

Everyone is redeemable through His Grace. Each of us have our own cache of mistakes, errors or carelessness. As we learn from them and regrets get accumulated, one has to realize that His Saving Grace will get us through all this. As the Scriptures say throughout, God is greater than our hearts. As Christ calls us towards repentance, He helps us to unmask the shame, grief and remorse engulfing us. Through His Divine Grace and redemption, our hearts can be at ease in once again. Though there may be many things, happenings and events that one wishes one could turn back or undo; God draws us out of them. He offers His Grace, His Love, His Understanding and His Peace to help us calm our restless heart, thoughts and soul again.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Photography Art, poetry, Quotes, Reflections

Reality of Empowerment

Posted on March 8, 2020March 8, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” Charlotte Brontë

Entering into morning hours of the international day symbolizing the empowerment of women while bringing them to an equal footing with men (especially as far as civic rights are concerned); this day marks the long struggle in breaking down the barriers laid down by the society of then. While this day may or mayn’t be commemorated in a special manner, this day holds a significant meaning.

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” Coco Chanel

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Empowerment by itself means, “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.” While this may be used more in terms of social, civic and human rights; there is a bigger spectrum beyond this. While as a child we all dream big, of doing the daring, being adventurous and focusing on our own passions. Somewhere along the line, we loose track of all these and think of the future days on the society that we live of today. In order to provide the daily bread and butter, we often change tracks and off the path. Along the way, most of us may get stuck in the rut; while a few of us may take charge later and do a little of things that we all dreamt to do. Yet there are still some of us, who start off working on our dreams, but along the way the rut deepens and we get stuck again.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” Steve Maraboli

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Empowerment includes us finding ourselves a way out of the rut. Getting out of the confines of society and seeking own dreams, involves tremendous strength and courage. Our life is more or less like the train on the railway tracks. Some of the destinations are known but unexpected landslides do occur and detours are made. By empowering own-selves and getting around those rocks. makes each of our own views breathtaking and spectacular; than being mere copycats of a kind. While the tracks of the train may be set to prevent the derail; at times finding the smaller routes with due care and caution, gives a view better beyond our wildest imagination.

The Railway Train
by Emily Dickinson

I like to see it lap the miles,
And lick the valleys up,
And stop to feed itself at tanks;
And then, prodigious, step

Around a pile of mountains,
And, supercilious, peer
In shanties by the sides of roads;
And then a quarry pare

To fit its sides, and crawl between,
Complaining all the while
In horrid, hooting stanza;
Then chase itself down hill

And neigh like Boanerges;
Then, punctual as a star,
Stop — docile and omnipotent —
At its own stable door.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, poetry, Reflections

Of Throwbacks and Reversions

Posted on March 6, 2020December 14, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

When the local community centre had sent out a notice asking for a donation of old clothes, books, toys, sheets and other commodities, there was a sudden spring cleaning mode. While packing up the clothes especially those of the infant style (some which weren’t worn much, others which they have outgrown), memories and tiny incidents associated with them would come to the forefront. Eventual what became a simple “pack and donate” activity took up the whole of the next three days.

“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” Oscar Wilde

All of us carry our own bag of moments. This bag contains all the good ones as well as the bad ones. Some may have been sweet, poignant, filled with happiness and joy, while others bring back hurt and sorrow.

Source:https://vk.com/comeshome

Delving into the bag, some of them we ought to scatter to the wind, while others we ought to bring them to the forefront occasionally. Either way memories are a precious thing, bringing a glimmer of light on the dark days, reminding one of the numerous blessings and gratitude in life. Learning to cherish them as well as let some of them go are both equally important. Each memorable experience defines us in one small way or the other. Let those reminders be those of the pleasant happy ones, for life is too short to dwell on the sad ones. Cherish the sweet happy moments but learn to revisit and not dwell in them alone. One can always reexamine the past, but living for the present now is what brings hope, warmth and happiness for the future.

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.” L.M. Montgomery

Source:https://vk.com/comeshome

https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Sweet Memories
By Charlotte Anselmo

In quiet times I often sit
And find my mind adrift
To another place, another time
And oh! My spirits lift!

I see your happy, smiling face,
And that twinkle in your eye.
I hear you sing your favorite song
And I laugh…and then I cry.

Inside my heart Sweet Memories
Stay with me each day
I cherish, and I cling to them
For I miss you in every way.

Each thing I see…
Each thing I do, brings you close to me
For everything upon this earth
Brings Sweet Memories of you.

I imagine our reunion
Some day at heaven’s gate
It fills my heart with happiness…
But for now, I’ll have to wait.

Until my life upon this earth
And my work here is complete
Sweet Memories will keep me
Until at last again we meet.

https://vk.com/comeshome

https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

https://vk.com/comeshome

https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

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

Standing Strong

Posted on March 2, 2020March 1, 2020 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

One of the longest suspension bridges of those days, this hybrid cable-stayed or suspension bridge; it was opened on May 24, 1883 to be the first fixed crossing over the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Renamed to Brooklyn Bridge (1915), proposals for this bridge were made in the early 19th century with the design plan initiated by architect John A. Roebling a famed canal engineer and bridge designer, completed by his son Washington A. Roebling. In those times, the initial design plans were considered to be a feat highly improbable to be accomplished. Yet applying the concepts of the known studies into practice in the modernization process, use of the wire-rope concept, suspension principles, anchorages and caissons.

“This is the vocation of our own and of every age: to grasp the knowledge that already exists, to make it our own, and in so doing to develop it further and raise it to a higher level; in thus appropriating it to ourselves we make it something different than it was before.” Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel (1770-1831)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

During during the initial surveys, an accident saw the amputation of Jon A. Roebling’s crushed toes, resulting in a tetanus infection leaving him in incapacitated and untimely death (June-July, 1869). As his son, Washington A. Roebling took over the project, the construction of the bridge continued and several improvements were made on the bridge design and the building of the two large pneumatic caissons which became the foundation of the two towers. Unfortunately a fire onsite (1870) in one of the pneumatic caissons caused him to suffer from decompression sickness, severely affecting his health and rendering him unable to move, talk or even visit the site.

Determined to continue the project, he had developed a code of communication with his wife using the only finger that he could move and tapping out the instructions against her arm. As for his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, she taught herself bridge construction, continued the day-to-day supervision and project management among other duties of the chief engineer. As recorded in McCullough’s The Great Bridge (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1972) that “nowhere in the history of great undertakings is there anything comparable” to Roebling conducting the largest and most difficult engineering project ever “in absentia.”

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Over the years, undergoing subtle changes and renovations, the Brooklyn Bridge still stands tall, a witness to exemplary will, strength and belief in ow dream, even in the face of strenuous hardship and hurdles. This great bridge recounts one of the most inspiring tales of motivation, perseverance and determination to own up their dream and make them come true.

In the face of repeated roadblocks, both father, son and his wife never gave up their dream. Though adversaries were rampant, they still found a way around it and completed one of the most finest structures in architecture, laying down a strong bind to the infrastructure that helped the economy flourish.

Each of us have our own set of snags as we set about a project. While some may be on a physical level, others may be at the personal front, or psychological or emotional extent. Facing all these impediments, one must always keep their true dream close to their heart. Where one can get support, take help. To know own strengths through struggles takes immense courage and iron will to stay on course and make sure it happens. As long as one thinks, plans, moves ahead, knows and firmly believes that one can do it, one will.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

Balance in the Wind

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

“ You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” Cayla Mills

Juggling through home and professional life is never easy, especially with family, kids and pets. In most situations, if the two adults and kids do their bit of the share, things fall into line. Yet what happens when the children are too small or physically challenged or here are not two, but only one pair of adult hands. Initially one may be able to tackle the situation, but later, one may feel quite defeated. This was experienced by a close friend of mine, with her husband transferred to another project for two weeks, a toddler with a cast (courtesy of a misjudged jump), one child sick with chickenpox and a deadline project on her work front. Like these, many similar situation may be experienced by us at certain points in our lifetime.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

During those initial parts of the difficult days, it may be mentally and physically possible to cover all aspects alone. But when the going gets more tough, taking a step back and moving ahead may help things work out in the long run. While circumstances may get more trying, cribbing would never help. Instead deal with what ever is possible, as for the rest get help or prioritize the more important aspects at that point or course of time. Remember that the trees survive through the cold of winter as well, the hot rays of summer and the cold winds laced with thunderstorms of autumn. Though they may lose their leaves, flowers and branches; they still stand tall with their roots going deep. As the start of spring rejuvenates them, thy grow back. Likewise we too need to go deep into the roots of support system of friends, family and neighbourhood (we all have them for no one is an island), the tough times will gradually fade and life gets back to the normal (if not the same) footing.

“ Life is, at times, tough. And all we need to do is to prove that we are tougher than it.” Sanhita Baruah

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

The Oak Tree

A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree’s leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark

But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak?

The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway

But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You’ll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me

Until today, I wasn’t sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I’ve found, with thanks to you
I’m stronger than I ever knew

– Johnny Ray Ryder Jr

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts