Tag: introspective

Posted in Daily, Family and Society, Life, Quotes

Gift of the Music

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

During college days, going home every weekend meant boarding the only bus that would go straight home without a change of buses during the transit. While waiting for the bus, one could observe the flow of people on the streets across. In front of the shop direct across the board was the street musician, who was the regular on most evenings for an hour or two. On some days it was the guitar, other days the flute or the violin; either way there was music played. Just as evening drew close, there were those among the passing crowd who had stopped for the music.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edward Everett Hale

On regular observation, many of the faces used to life with the sheer joy and pleasure of the music, waiting each day for the heartening performance. Watching this each weekend evening brought to the mind the realization that each of us have something to offer to this word. From good memories to pleasant feelings, while one mayn’t deem oneself important, your presence may be the significant point in someone else’s life.

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

“Everyone on Earth is a solution to someone’s problem,” my wise grandmother once said. I was very surprised at her words. “You are the solution to someone’s problem,” she repeated. And she explained: “The gift that was given to you may not be needed by everyone, but it certainly is simply necessary for someone — your smile, your love, your strength.”  ( Quote Source: vk.com)

On the journey made regular during those two years, the memories of the music used to linger till the final stop. Whether the music was being played for the cash or for the sheer joy of it, it brought out smiles in the hearts of all. For some like me, it was sweet beginning for a blessed weekend, while for others it signified the pleasant end of the day. While the effect mayn’t have been big, the memories made beautiful still linger and light up the dull moments in each of our lives.

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” Minor Myers

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Posted in Daily, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts

To Catch the “Now”

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

After school hours saw pairs of little legs running in the ground near home. An unexpected cloud burst resulted in these tiny legs scampering back into the shelter, while frantic adults made their way to the clothesline to grab and rush the dry linen back to safety. As the hours had passed and the sun had decided for an early night, the little legs balanced themselves cross-legged on the porch making little boats, listening for the croaking of frogs and catch a few droplets on the little palms. As the night grew stronger, the night meal was in tune with the stories of the stars above. The entire evening had a feeling of completeness, contentment and unclouded happiness.

“I always think of each night as a song. Or each moment as a song. But now I’m seeing we don’t live in a single song. We move from song to song, from lyric to lyric, from chord to chord. There is no ending here. It’s an infinite playlist.” David Levithan

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

Happiness arises from the simple things of life. Seeing through those little eyes, on learns to appreciate the simple pleasures, gifts as well as beauty of the present day, in those basic minutes. From grumbles of early rising to their joy in discovering that one can make a bridge with their forks to make milk bubbles to their unfettered joy on catching the lady bug on the leaf before the bus arrives, all these moments while taken in a hurry by the adult mind, later in silence acknowledge that these memories are quite priceless.

Be it the blooming buds and chirping of birds, to the tune of Spring, the hot summer days of lush green and impromptu picnics or lemonade runs, the colured piles of autumn leaves to jump into and the wintry snowfalls with decoration of the trees with multicolored lights, paper chains and pocketfuls of ginger snaps, these captured moments are what grace the memories of childhood as well as lighten the adult mind.

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

One doesn’t need to go far to be happy. As one learns from children, happiness is always there in their own backyard. It may be in a form far from expected, but it will always be there waiting to be experienced and added to the treasure chest of memories. Isn’t it a blessing to watch it all, just to be in it and to feel the warmth of life ? To work for the love of family and prepare for the future is important. Yet the most important thing is to appreciate the present.

“Close your eyes, imagine that you are five years old, and look out the window again. Imagine that you still do not need to choose what to believe, because there is no choice – everything is one, everything is indivisible. There is no need to search for meanings, endow anything else. You still confuse “yesterday” and “tomorrow” simply because time has no cuts, it does not even last, it just is. And you just are, and this is practically invulnerable and categorically immortal. And a slice An amber melon or a mug of fresh raspberries makes you absolutely, absolutely happy … ”  E. Kasyan

https://vk.com/slideshowarts
https://vk.com/slideshowarts
https://vk.com/monahos
https://vk.com/monahos
https://vk.com/slideshowarts

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 Daily, Family and Society, poetry, Reflections

Shades we Cast

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

“Every man casts a shadow; not his body only, but his imperfectly mingled spirit. This is his grief. Let him turn which way he will, it falls opposite to the sun; short at noon, long at eve. Did you never see it?” Henry David Thoreau

On an late noon shopping trip, the modern vehicle of convenience had decided to rest impromptu. Unfortunately, it was not by own command but by it’s own choosing. The point happened o be at a lone stretch of the local road. The long trek to the main road, provided little comfort except for the shadow that accompanied me on the short trek.

“We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things; because the shadow always follows. Choose a place where you won’t do harm – yes, choose a place where you won’t do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth, facing the sunshine.” E.M. Forster

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments
Source:https://vk.com/public75290000
Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

We all cast different shadows. Some of them long, short or just a line at times. Different times of the day, different shades or different lengths, each shadow leaves a trace of us at some point of time. Shadows always follows one. At times, they may be with us giving us comfort and peace. Other times, it may be protective as watching our shadows help us see who is behind ( especially on a lone city walk). At times, the shadows merge with the rest of the surroundings to be blurred, matching the mood of the moment. What ever way it may be, shadows are a part of us.

“This learned I from the shadow of a tree
That to and fro did sway upon a wall:
Our shadow selves, our influence may fall
Where we can never be.”
– A.E. Hamilton

Shadows are but a reflection of the reality of that moment. Whether it may be in complete or just partial, those are the prints or part of the evidence left behind. They are nothing but certain aspects of the reality. Though it mayn’t be a part of the complete picture, it may be associated with it. To quote Helen Keller, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” , but the shadow follows when possible, whether by choice or not.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public75290000
Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

The important thing is it mayn’t be true projection, but an association of shades or parts of it. Those shades are what defines one to others, even they mayn’t be in entire true. Yet the harsh truth is, that is how the world see each other. Some are known by their true forms, others obscured in part or whole by the shades of the shadows that are cast.

Shadows

How much of earth’s beauty is due to its shadows!
The tree and the cliff and the far-floating cloudlet,
The uniform light intercepting and crossing,
Give manifold color and change to the landscape.

How much, too, our life is in debt to its shadows;
To griefs that refine us and cares that develope,
And wants that keep friendship and love from decaying;
With nothing to cross us we perish of ennui.

– Thomas Durfee

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

Posted in Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Random Thoughts

Order to the Chaos

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

Bedlam. That is how one tends to describe most mornings at home, especially on Mondays. From the chaos of bringing order to things after the weekend trip to the family homestead, the arranging of lunches, office paperwork and getting uniforms ironed; it takes immense effort to keep own calm and settle the situation. Over the office break hour, the silent introspection begins. As far as my recall goes, morning chaos was never a part of my school years. Maybe it was because of the less tasks to be done. Or it could be attributed to the order brought by practice of time management as a fine art ( courtesy of my mother). So what happens on certain mornings these days? Time mismatched or poor division of responsibilities.

With the invention of electric clock, time has been transferred from the wall clocks to the digital manner of “smart watches, smart phones, and laptops.” As the seconds tick by, everyone seems to be in a hurry. At certain points of the day, week or month; each of us run short of time. At times, no matter how many gimmicks one tries; time is always on the run with us, mere mortals in it’s chase.

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

Putting in the opinion of experts; time has to be managed essentially on the lines of priority, task delegation and bringing an order or establishing a routine. Despite all this, the entire run seems tiresome and weekdays are most dreaded. As the pace increases, somewhere along the way we have lost the zest and interest that each new day brings.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

One of the secrets to managing time doesn’t lie in going fast or slow. Instead being in the moment, keeping the cool and sorting out is what keeps the day rolling out just fine. As the start to most mornings, spending some quiet time with Him will give us a spark to face the day. As one moves fast within the race with time, knowing why as well as learning from the situation around us help one to keep the pace.

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

The time allotted to each of us doesn’t live by clock-watching alone but by leaning to appreciate His Grace, His Kindness and His Love in each of our lives. As long as the Spirit is strong, the hassles brought by each hour can be faced with a steady mind. Spending time with Him, helps us to get in step with each other and ourselves as well.

“A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4).

While one may or mayn’t expect the same chaos most mornings, learning to keep the peace within helps us to manage the waking hours. While bringing about an order may result in a flurry of actions and words, keeping own cool and calm helps one to go ahead in time than be in the constant rush zone. And when the days start with His Word, the peace settles in soon and order is brought into the mayhem.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Source:https://vk.com/public138314547
Posted in Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

Quiet to Ease

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

On one of the early evenings, with all the chores done and kids put to bed early, there was plenty of time on the adult hands. With glee, the shows on Netflix were opted for and the movie run was on. Unfortunately midway, there was a power out which saw a no-show even after an hour. As the humming of the inverter increased, all additional power outlets had to be switched off, lest the power doesn’t return all night. With that in mind, it was just the quiet of the evening hours, a bit of quiet talk and plenty of starlight that gave us company during dinner. In those few hours minus any entertainment, modern gadgets or social media to keep us busy, the “quiet evening” experienced was a wonderful de-stressor for the mind and soul.

“Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.” Mark Buchanan

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

For many of us, be it during wok hours or just domestic life, staying busy has been the norm. At times, we are busy because we have to. From the daily “bread and butter” to the running of the household, the day has been organized in it’s set pace. While for a couple of weeks to months, the order is well appreciated. Eventually the known becomes mundane and tedious. The secret longing for a break comes on. Then on, the itch for a trip out of town or a change from the usual begins. On sitting down to reality, a long break seems impossible. In those moments, just being in quietness helps a lot. Deviating from the information highway and settling down to good old days of just the night or evening skies, the sounds of cricket as well as the fireplace provides solace for the soul.

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” Alan Cohen

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

As the days ends, unwinding oneself for a couple of minutes is a must, at least once in a while. While for some of us, it may mean a trip out of the town; for the others their own backyard is enough. Either way, knowing when it is time to call it a day and welcome the peace of night is both necessary and important. The beauty of rest is something when fully experienced, will be well appreciated over the years.

In the Evening

I
In the evening, love returns,
Like a wand’rer ’cross the sea;
In the evening, love returns
With a violet for me;
In the evening, life’s a song,
And the fields are full of green;
All the stars are golden crowns,
And the eye of God is keen.

II
In the evening, sorrow dies
With the setting of the sun;
In the evening, joy begins,
When the course of mirth is done;
In the evening, kisses sweet
Droop upon the passion vine;
In the evening comes your voice:
“I am yours, and you are mine.”

Fenton Johnson (1888-1958)

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma
Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts
Posted in Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes

Braid Those Strands

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

While shopping for a house welcoming gift, my husband and I, we had finally decided on a houseplant as a gift for close friends. That is when we had chanced upon the potted version of the “money tree plant”. Pachira acquatica ( a.k.a the Malabar chestnut, French peanut, Provision tree), a tropical wetland tree is native to Central and South America where it grows as a tropical wetland tree. Surprisingly, this is sold as a houseplant with it’s trunks braided. What the reason maybe ( the seller didn’t know why), the braided trunk supports the big leaves quite well, giving the plant a wholly aesthetic and balanced look.

“Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is thread, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.” Simone Signoret

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

These “braided trunks” are what one needs when going through a tough spot. The courage to bear the weight through tough times doesn’t happen when the weight is born on one lone spindly stalk. Instead when a cumulative support is given, the entire matter is sorted through and one learns to rise and stand tall and strong. Relationships are never bound by chains. If ever done so, those very chains rust over time, breaking away to fine powders and falling apart with the links scattered.

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

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

When these chains are held together not just by strength but by fine braids of feelings, emotions and positive associations; tendrils of love, kindness and warmth grow along and support each one through the thick and thin. Relationships grow stronger with stability, closeness and strength in God. Marriage, friendships as well as family ties require nurturing. Not just with love and kindness, merging these bonds with His Word and His Teachings abounds one with an endless source of love, grace and hope. On looking back, these are what brings a smile to the tired mind, body and soul. To experience life to the fullest, it entails one learning to hold these tiny threads above the chains. This difference is what holds the memories alive, making each day enriched and memorable over the years.

“It’s all those stories and how they braid together that tells us who and what and where we are.” Charles de Lint

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