APRIL begins with a very humorous day

SPRING music for April

April (the fourth month of the year) is known for its beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers and a multitude of festivals. The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open” and it is commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers beginning to “open” or bloom.

But, did you know that the 1^st day of April is called the “Fools’ Day”?

Yes… April 1^st is a day of big and small mischiefs all around the world, and the meaning of the tricks is to point out that you could be quite a gullible person.

It is not exactly known how it began, but most people believe that the origin of “April Fools’ Day” dates back to the 16^th century, and it came into existence when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar (the calendar switch happed on April 1, 1563).

“People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes
and were called ‘April fools’”, wrote “History” about this very day.

Aside of that, the timing of April Fools’ is suspiciously close to the Vernal Equinox – the time of the year when nature is known to play tricks on people with the unpredictable changes of the weather.

On the other hand, April is a month that feels like a breath of fresh air, and from a scientific perspective, it represents the full awakening of spring, which becomes a crucial time for all gardeners. The cherry blossoms are truly iconic for April in many parts of the world, especially in Japan, while Paris (at this time of the year) is considered the epitome of romance and elegance. Also, since this month is known for its weather fluctuations, in many cultures and traditions around the world, April represents a period of profound renewal encompassing the perfect blend of new beginnings, blossoming hope, and an invitation to embrace change. 

Spiritually speaking, Easter often falls in April, which is also a time of profound joy and elaborated celebrations for many.

So, dear friends, if the charm of the month inspires you, please try to put your thoughts on a piece of paper and let your heart deeply absorb the beauty that’s in the air....and don’t forget that “April showers bring May flowers”.

“April places the spirit of youth in everything around us.” (William Shakespeare)

MARCH into a new spring

“Spring” – by Antonio Vivaldi (classical music)

March, the third month of the year, marks the transition from winter to spring, bringing along a profound sense of rejuvenation and hope, when days are getting longer, flowers are budding and weather is getting warmer and warmer.

This is the first month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia and part of Africa) and the first month of fall or autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (South America, part of Africa, and Oceania).

As winter fades and spring emerges, March brings a unique blend of history, traditions and lots of natural wonders.

March and the arrival of spring always served as a powerful source of inspiration for poets worldwide and through their verses, they captured the essence of revival, rebirth and the enchanting beauty that accompanies this time of the year. Whether it is the blooming flowers, the gentle breezes, or the delicate songs of birds, their poems celebrate the magic of March and the fantastic transformative power of spring.

A new cycle of life in nature is beautifully unfolding each spring and this holds a special place in the hearts of so many for its symbolic significance and the marvelous beauty that comes with it. 

Spring adds new colors and new beauty to everything…enjoy!

May you cheerfully march into spring, dear ones, as it is the season of renewal!

March 20, 2025: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day

 The beginning of a new cycle of life is graciously unfolding in front of our eyes….enjoy it, dear ones! 

Wishing you a beautiful spring time!

On March 20, 2025, the entire world is also observing the International Day of Happiness.

This year’s theme CARING AND SHARING reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected & being part of something bigger.

● Short scientific background on SPRING EQUINOX:

“Spring Equinox” is an astronomical event, nearly noticed by everyone, when the day and night are almost of an equal length, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere; this is commonly regarded as the instant of time when the plane (extended indefinitely in all directions) of Earth's equator passes through the center of the Sun. This is one of the four seasonal turning points, when the strength of the old goes into the new as the power of life blossoms with grace while Nature springs again to LIFE. 

●My previous posts on the same themes: SPRING Equinox & World Happiness Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Alice’s Book Club – WINTER session of 2025

“Reading gives life more life.”

Before the astronomical winter it is completely over in our part of the world, on Wednesday (March 19, 2025) I was happy to be able to organize the winter session of the year for the Book Club of our Circle.

I truly enjoyed the company of those 16 beautiful and intelligent ladies, and together (using an open voting system) we chose three books this time (yes, you’ve heard it well…3 books were chosen to read as a group), books which we will discuss (together) by the end of the year….needless to say how interesting those sessions are!

On the other hand, while at this page, I would like to quickly mention again few valid points the scholars usually emphasize in their papers about the benefits of reading (in essence, why it helps to read at least a bit every day):

 - Reading books allow readers to gain better insights into human nature (you could gain interesting and helpful knowledge that never can be taken away from you)

- Readers become more sensitive to the emotions of other people, quality which seems to disappear in today’s world

- Good literature of any language improve and expand the comprehension skills; also, at the same time, by considering all the aspects involved, you could become even more versed with your critical and analytical thinking (the more skills you have, the better equipped you are to tackle any challenges that sometimes life might present). Additionally, a well written novel could 'transport' you to different places, while an engaging article might distract or keep you in the present moment allowing relaxation to occur. 

- A book always stimulates the brain (amazingly enough, through reading new brain pathways are created and the existing ones become even stronger, facts that assist with the short-term memory recalls as well as mood stabilization).  

So, dear friends, please be kindly reminded that the journey of a life time starts with the turning of a page. 

Once again, I am grateful to share that it is a true delight to continue to stay in touch with likeminded fellows who are passionate about arts and culture, about reading and harmonious conversations. Until next time, dear beautiful readers and members of our Book Club, my warmest regards to each of you!

Alice

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

Socializing: 2025 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day

Classical music for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s DAY

(celebrating women composers)

On Saturday (March 8, 2025) I was delighted to organize a morning gathering with a number of 16 dear friends and loyal supporters of our literary and socio-cultural Circle, featuring the International Women’s Day for the current year. Generally speaking, this particular day it is super busy for most women (none of us being an exception), but despite the busyness, we still did manage to put some time aside to meet and wish one another only the best as we each are further progressing with our lives.

At this gathering, my special guest was Deputy Consul General, Hon. Stefana Rotaru & Plenipotentiary Minister of Romania in Vancouver (who is participating for the 2^nd consecutive year at the International Women's Day organized by our Circle), who brought a beautiful message – as an official diplomat representing Romania abroad, and as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, dear friend & valuable supporter of our literary & socio-cultural group.

Our meeting was simply delightful, each of us being showered with several cultural manifestations! For instance, few of my beautiful guests recited poems (original compositions - an original poem posted in comments & few from classics), a dear lady sang a little heart-touching song we all remembered from our young days, others shared old words of wisdom (either from personal life experience or from scholars) & other ladies shared meaningful remarks about life in general & about women in particular.

The honest and generous messages of gratitude I’ve received at the meeting and then privately (after the meeting) from all the participating ladies, denoted appreciation, loyalty, trust, hope, and an urge to continue with these activities (with the already known perseverance) because they all consider that the existence of our Circle it is increasingly beneficial to more and more souls!

Over the last seven years of existence (yes, year 2025 marks the 7^th consecutive year that "ALICE & Friends" Circle is organizing a fairly large diversity of events, in various formats, including the International Women's Day), our literary and socio-cultural Circle has become a tangible oasis of peace and joy, inclusivist and culturally driven, where meaningful discussions (mutually respectful) are truly heart and mind opening!

For me, as a simple human being, who laid the first brick (metaphorically speaking) at the foundation of this wonderful group, the shared comments were music to my heart and all that remains (for me) to do at this moment it is to pass along a heart-felt THANK YOU to all those who have been, are and will continue to be by my side, because only together we can travel far!

Until our paths will meet again on the same wave length, my warmest personal regards to all my friends!

● Prominent feminine personalities:
Since the focus of this meeting was International Women’s Day, here I’m glad to share with you few more new names of famous women who changed the world.
This is something I do each year, in order to further promote the achievements of women throughout the world and throughout time!

    ✰ Few prominent WOMEN who adopted Romania as their own country:

– Queen Marie of Romania (1914 – 1927): She was the wife of Ferdinand I of Romania and Former Queen Consort of Romania. She was a descendant of Queen Victoria and born as the Princess of Edinburgh, before she married King Ferdinand I and became the last queen of Romania. A visual artist and a patron of the Art Nouveau movement, she was also a skilled equestrian and driver.

– Queen Anne of Romania (1923 – 2016): Princess Anne Antoinette came to be known as the Queen of Romania after her marriage to Romanian king Michael I. However, she was actually an uncrowned queen, since her husband was forced to abdicate by the Communists shortly before their marriage. She had also been a Free French forces nurse.

– Helen of Greece and Denmark (1896 – 1982): She was the Queen Mother of Romania during the Reign of Her Son King Michael I (1940–1947). Considered a Romanian hero, Helen of Greece and Denmark is remembered for her selfless act of saving Romanian Jews during World War II. She was also the daughter of Greek king Constantine I.

    ✰ Few prominent ROMANIAN WOMEN:

– Maria Tănase (1913 – 1963): she was a Romanian actress and singer. As a versatile singer, Tănase's music ranged from operetta to traditional Romanian music. During her long and illustrious career, Maria Tănase became known as Romania's national diva. She was admired for her voice, charisma, originality, and good looks. She is widely regarded as one of the 20th century's major cultural icons.

– Maia Morgenstern (1962 – present): she is best known to fans as “the Virgin Mary” from the 2004 biblical drama “The Passion of the Christ”. She has also appeared in series such as “Aniela” and “Las Fierbinți”. She has also won multiple awards for her role in “Balanța”, or “The Oak”.

– Elisabeta Polihroniade (1935 – 2016): she was a well-known Romanian chess player holding the title of “Woman Grandmaster” (WGM), and an “International Arbiter” (1986). She won the “Romanian Women's Championship” in 1966, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977. Polihroniade played for Romania in the “Women's Chess Olympiads” of 1966, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1988. Her peak rating was 2391, achieved in February 1992. Polihroniade was a journalist and broadcaster, with her own daily radio programme on contemporary culture. She was the editor of “Gambit” (the Romanian chess magazine), and wrote many books.

    ✰ Few prominent WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD: 

– Charlotte Brontë (1816 – 1855): she was an English novelist and poet, the eldest of the three Brontë sisters who survived into adulthood and whose novels became classics of English literature. She is best known for her novel “Jane Eyre”, which she published under the male pseudonym “Currer Bell”. “Jane Eyre” went on to become a success in publication, and is widely held in high regard in the gothic fiction genre of literature.

– Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886): she was an inventive American poet and a recluse. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. She was born into a prominent family with strong ties to its community. Evidence suggests that Dickinson lived much of her life in isolation. Although Dickinson was a prolific writer, her only publications during her lifetime were one letter and 10 of her nearly 1,800 poems.

– Elizabeth Blackwell (1821 – 1910): she was an English-American physician, notable as the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, and the first woman on the Medical Register of the General Medical Council for the United Kingdom. Blackwell played an important role in both the United States and the United Kingdom as a social reformer, and was a pioneer in promoting education for women in medicine. Her contributions remain celebrated with the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal, awarded annually to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the promotion of women in medicine.

● Reference ARTICLES about International Women’s Day:

“Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on International Women’s Day” (Source: Government of Canada – Office of the Prime Minister)

“International Women's Day: 8 March” (Source: United Nations)

 “International Women’s Day: What is it and why do we need it?” (Source: World Economic Forum)

“International Women’s Day is a celebration and a call to action. Here are things to know.” (Source: The Canadian Press)

“Why do we have International Women's Day?” (Source: BBC News)

● Previous events I organized on the same theme:

Socializing – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

● Some of my additional greetings referring to the same matter:

Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day! – March 8: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 

March 8, 2025: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

 Today, on the International Women’s Day, I extend my most sincere appreciation to all of the women in my life for making the world a better place!

I’m wishing to all the amazing women I know to always stay confident and to continue to shine brightly!

Cu ocazia zilei de 8 Martie, doamnelor și domnișoarelor,
vă doresc să fiți sănătoase, fericite, respectate și iubite!

La mulți ani – mamă, fiică, iubită, bunică, soție...FEMEIE!
  Îți doresc să fii mereu cu un surâs cald pe buze și cu soarele în suflet...să fii mereu frumoasă ca o primăvară!
Fie ca 8 Martie să vă aducă multe motive de bucurie, iar zâmbetul să rămână mereu cu voi!

● My previous posts on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Celebrating “Mărțișor” 2025 with ALICE & Friends

Time is flying by very fast, but despite that, on Saturday (March 1, 2025) I was absolutely delighted to meet in person with a number of 15 dear friends to offer them “mărțișoare“ (March amulets), while we were enjoying together a freshly brewed cup of coffee accompanied by several freshly backed pastries.

As most of you might know, this is one of those perfect recipes for a happy life...nice gifts for everyone, good coffee, good food, good friends, sharing spring related poems & definitively good, lengthy talks….what else was I to wish for my literary & socio-cultural Circle on a beautiful, chilly but sunny Saturday!

Definitively I consider myself blessed to be surrounded by so many beautiful souls carried by these beautiful and wise ladies, who are my dear friends! My deepest gratitude to each for their lovely presence in my life!

“A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.”

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture.

● For quick reference, here is a brief historical background:

    🌿 “Mărțișor” (March 1) or March amulet:

The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), & literally means "the little March". The actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white & red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong & healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, & especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more of a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation & respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring in addition to the snowdrop flowers.

NOTE: In 2017, UNESCO decided to inscribe “Mărțișor“ on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Please follow the links below for a more detailed reading about this significant gesture…thank you!

– Related ARTICLE: Romanian spring tradition included on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

– Related ARTICLE: UNESCO adds Mărțișor to its ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’ list

● Previous events I organized on the same concept: “Mărțișor”– 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

● Some of my additional greetings referring to the same theme: “Mărțișor“ – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

March 1, 2025: “Mărțișor”

 Another March 1^st has arrived, allowing Romanians around the world to celebrate an ancient custom, called “Mărțișor”, which is considered a symbol of spring to come and the awakening of a new cycle of life in nature.

To all my Romanian friends who honor this very old and truly beautiful tradition, I’m wishing them only the best!

De la mine, un Mărțișor în dar pentru fiecare, însoțit de un gând bun!

“Primăvara este în interiorul fiecărui gând, în faptele noastre, în privirea senină pe care o revărsăm asupra celor pe care-i privim, în zâmbetul larg și sincer, pornit din inimă, în mângâierea oferită unui copil, unei ființe dragi sau unui animal de companie, într-o îmbrățișare în care am împletit șnurul mărțișorului cel mai dorit și mai scump din lume, numit dragostea! Lăsaţi-o să vă decoreze inima, în miile de culori ale bucuriei, speranţei, credinţei, dăruirii, afecţiunii, înțelepciunii, înțelegerii, recunoștinţei și iubirii! Vă doresc mult bine și senin pentru zilele primăverii care e pe drum!”

● The legend of “Mărțișor” 

(as a courtesy, published here in Romanian language…to translate it into any other language, please use the automated translator installed at the bottom of the page…thank you!)

Legenda MĂRȚIŞORULUI

La marginea unui sat trăiau într-o coliba sărăcăcioasă o femeie cu fiica ei. Ca să câștige pâinea de zi cu zi și câțiva bănuți, femeia se îndeletnicea cu torsul lânii pentru oamenii din sat. Dar tot ce câștiga dădea pe doctorii pentru fata ei care era tare bolnavă. Într-o zi, pe când torcea și plângea de mila fiicei sale, femeia văzu o caleasca de foc trecând cu iuțieală dinspre pădure spre sat. Era Crăiasa Primăvara care, auzind-o, s-a oprit și a întrebat-o de ce este așa de necăjită. Aflând de boala copilei, Crăiasa a zis...

-,,Ține caierul acesta de foc și toarce-l firicel subțire, apoi leagă o fundiță și prinde-o de pieptul copilei. Puterile mele o vor trezi la viață, așa cum se trezește la viață întreaga natură după trecerea mea.

Femeia mulțumi și se apuca de lucru. Dar caierul îi ardea degetele și-i era cu neputință să rasucească un firicel cât de mic. Începu să plângă cu lacrimi grele și aproape că nu bagă de seama când o altă caleașcă de zăpadă se opri în dreptul colibei. Era Crăiasa Iarna, care dispărea cu iuțieală dinspre sat spre pădure și care, auzind necazul femeii, zise...

-,,Ține caierul acesta de zăpadă... Răcoarea lui va potoli fierbițeala celui de foc. Răsucește-le laolaltă, poate așa îți pot fi de folos și eu.

Femeia mulțumi din tot sufletul și se puse pe tors. Torcea laolalta fir roșu de foc cu fir alb de zăpadă și astfel ispravi de tors cele doua caiere. Iar după ce duse la capat lucrul, legă o fundiță de pieptul fetiței. Aceasta îndată prinse putere și culoare în obrajori, sări din pat și-și îmbrățișă cu drag mama. De atunci, în fiecare prag de primăvară, femeia împletea fundițe alb-roșii, împărțindu-le oamenilor din sat, să le aducă sanatate și bucurii.

● Reminder

In 2017, UNESCO decided to inscribe “Mărțișor“ on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity…please follow the links below for a more detailed reading about this significant gesture…thank you!

- ARTICLE: Romanian spring tradition included on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

 - ARTICLE: UNESCO adds Mărțișor to its ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’ list

● Brief historical background info about “Mărțișor” (March 1)

The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), & literally means "the little March". The actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white & red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong & healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, &especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more of a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation & respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring in addition to the snowdrop flowers.

● Previous events I organized featuring “MĂRȚIȘOR” –  2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

● My previous greetings on the same theme: “MĂRȚIȘOR” – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed).