Tag: challenges

Posted in Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes

Building On

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

In the holiday-to-do projects, my nephew had drawn up the plan for a real miniature boat for the creative arts class. To call it a boat would be a little primitive. After building two models to get an idea of the specifics, he had decided to go ahead with his plan for an English galleon with the four mast type. Although the initial work of the basic models of ” the dhow” and “the cutter” were simple, the real work was for the bigger galleon. It would have been so easy to go with the basic model as submission for the holiday art project, yet he didn’t. He had wanted to his pet project and that was it. While initially masts had refused to hold up, later they did. The sense of completeness was an experience in itself when the project was finally complete.

“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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_Galleon_Model.jpg
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhow#/media/File:Another_Dhow.JPG
Source:vk.com/veruj

Working out the principle of “sticking on” in our daily lives, the rewards in itself would be great. Watching a fledgling gear up their wings or a novice worker with his tools, is akin to trying something new. As one learns to experiment and grow from their mistakes, the confidence within slowly builds up and plans work out. Eventually one learns to fly.

“When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ” Unknown

We all need beginnings. When the beginnings work out, it is the staying on that matters the most. Like walking for a toddler, the first few steps maybe difficult then things catch up on being easy. One the other hand, learning to do a skilled embroidery, the first few stitches may go in easy, but as the patterns become more complicated the difficulty arises. But it’s when one learns to perfect the art through a slow and steady approach, the entire work gets done.

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

The experience of achieving a dream, is something that can be felt only in the aftermath. There is always the possibility of fall in every step. Unless we gather the courage for a step, we would miss out the joys of experiencing the unknown.

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
― Erin Hanson

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma
Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma
Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma
Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma
Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma
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

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

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”.

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

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

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

 

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.

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

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

Source:https://vk.com/monahos
Source:https://vk.com/monahos
Source:https://vk.com/monahos

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)

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

Given Another Try

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

One of the local downtown stores was having it’s usual year end sales. While most sections were having the regular holiday rush, one section set apart as a temporary built structure was having an unexpected inflow of customers. For a change this year, they had opened a new section meant for second hand goods like old toys, clothes, decors, sports goods and the like with the proceeds going to the local orphanage. As the second hand goods went at throw-away prices, all these products were given a second chance at being useful to those in need, somewhere else or to someone else.

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

A lot like these goods, many people are in need of second chances. While second chances do indeed transform lives, when this chance is from God, there is a whole new lease to life as it unfolds. Many a time we encounter His Grace whether it be through sheer luck, unexplained acts of random kindness or a stroke of luck or goodness that happens by chance; all these second chances gives a fresh face to life.

“Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!” (Micah 7:19)

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

With the year coming to a close, there may have been mistakes made, some knowingly or by chance (as just happened) or inevitable circumstances. Setting all these causes and factors aside, while changing the circumstances mayn’t be possible, giving ourselves a fresh chance to cope with them would help face the day. While this year or month mayn’t haven’t gone as per plan, one can always attempt again or find a new way. All of us need second chances, for no one is perfect at every strike or moment. Accepting His Grace and seeking His Help would help us overcome the downhills and find a fresh chances in the coming year.

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

Posted in Life, Personal Musings, Quotes, Stories Around the World, Work

Alone or With A Leaf

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

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus

The absence of my toddler at the table for his allotted cartoon time, had sent me to the garden. With the rains and the winds still lashing on though in a minimal way, I was mentally prepared to see him in mud. Surprisingly, I found him by the small pond (covered with a strapped wire mesh thankfully) with a little leaf complete with a long stalk in hand. On closer view, he was gently prodding two tortoises to reach their temporary home soon, before the night fall. While one with the help of the “leaf” had reached the pond soon; the other had almost managed on it’s own. With both of them safely in their home, the wide smile on the young face was worth the muddy shirt.

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” Samuel Beckett

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

All of us have our own moments, of being “the tortoise” or “the child”. Wherein, one may need the extra support to go ahead or one has been the provider of that extra support. On the other hand, there have been many who have been in the shoes of the tortoise without that help. Each step was taken with effort, not calculating or finding the prospects in the future; but going about the task and dealing with each aspect along the way.

“At the very moment when people underestimate you is when you can make a breakthrough.”? Germany Kent

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

Once one has crossed the finish line, on looking back, the feeling of awe, relief, happiness, contentment and thanksgiving all come rolled in one. Later as one dissects the situation, the realization comes that all things are possible, no matter how big it may seem; as long as we keep the self belief and start tackling it, no matter how small the step may seem to be. No sculpture is made one blow alone, but by series of continued chipping to create the many planes, inclinations, curves and angles for the final effect. Our lives reflect a lot similar. Help or no help, once we start moving, one reaches the end point sooner than just twiddling the thumbs or flapping around. Beauty in life as such, is experienced only after a wee little effort on own part.

“You may be the only person left who believes in you, but it’s enough. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. Never give up.” Richelle E. Goodrich

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

A Determined Spirit
Author Unknown

Once upon a time, a small bird named Tasoo lived in a vast jungle. One hot summer day, a terrible wildfire erupted and the flames devoured many trees and animals living in the jungle. Other birds flew high into the sky and far away to safety, but Tasoo couldn’t bear to leave her precious jungle home to burn. Day and night, she flew with all her might back and forth to the river, filling her tiny beak with water to drop on the raging fires. Tasoo’s rare heart of courage and unshakable determination moved the heavenly gods to shed tears, and a great rain poured down upon the jungle, extinguishing the flames. And so it is that even the smallest actions of a determined spirit can change the world.
(Popular parable of the Quechua (Incan) Indians of South America)

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