Traditional Romanian embroidery class (part 1 of 3)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT (Circle’s friends = Circle’s members); part 1 of 3

Dear friends of our Circle,

Following up on the artisanal Romanian mini-workshop I initiated during “Ziua Iei 2026” celebration (aka: “The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse 2026”) and responding to the interest expressed directly to me by several friends of our socio-cultural community, I am delighted to share that on Thursday (August 13’26), on a very beautiful and peaceful summer day around here, I organized for the friends of our Circle the first part (part 1 of 3) of a hands-on workshop, dedicated to the ancient art of the traditional Romanian embroidery, craft being taught by artisan Lucreția Cioată. This class was offered exclusively to the friends of our literary and socio-cultural Circle (Circle’s friends = Circle’s members), and each participant was offered a starter kit, as a base to commence the learning process.

This traditional Romanian embroidery of a recognizable value, perceived as a distinct “manual art”, it is a centuries-old hand-made artistry, 
gracefully encompassing our ancient cultural heritage and a skillful handcraft. Truly beautiful! 

Needless to say that we all enjoyed wonderful moments of art and creativity in a warm atmosphere, where every thread came to life, telling us timeless stories. 
Both, Ms. Lucreția and I had a blast weaving beautiful memories together with our friends, and with much anticipation we are looking forward to the next session (part 2 of 3) of this workshop, which belongs to the educational serries of events of our Circle. 

Until then, from me, only the best!

Alice

Hand-sewing traditional Romanian embroideries promote cultural literacy, informed sustainable practices, intergenerational memory and reflective engagement – all embedded in a simple and humble stitch!

This is was a MEMBERS ONLY EVENT (Circle’s friends = Circle’s members).

● NOTE: For your convenience, here is the related social media posting.

Summer vibes of 2026

This year, the ongoing summer in our part of the world brought along a large variety of experiences, nicely harmonized with an interesting mix of sights, sounds and emotions. The beautiful weather and the long sunny days are allowing to deeply enjoy the amazing beaches of our beautiful city, Vancouver – a place which feels, at times, like a huge canvas painted with warmth, hints of the ocean breeze and vibrant energy. At large, the surrounding nature generously keeps spoiling us with its splendid abundance of greenery, rejuvenating fragrances of the countless flours, grace, elegance and above all, with a profound sense of peace!

Without any doubt, each summer day is worth savoring!

Socializing: Picnic 2026 & Our Chamber Choir Launch

With much delight I’m sharing here that on Friday (July 24’26) I organized the annual summer picnic of my Circle, event which brought together a nice group of dear friends (Circle’s friends = Circle’s members) for an engaging evening of music, dance, shared memories, enjoyment and community spirit.

The highlight of this social event was the launching of VOCAL ART – The Chamber Choir of ALICE & Friends Circle™.

On this occasion, it was profoundly significant for each of us to have our chamber choir’s inaugural performance taking place at an event I organized for my Circle.

Bringing together emerging talents, amateur artists and music professionals, our choir aims to present inspirational choral music across the realm, to create a cultural experience that resonates with audiences of all ages, and to explore a wide repertoire, ranging from timeless classical masterpieces, Byzantine and Baroque florilegia to contemporary choral works.

Our first mini-concert was featuring pieces by Romanian composers. In the foreseeable future, we will deliver both public concerts and bespoke performances to special events, while featuring the beauty and the extensive versatility of choral music. Beyond artistic performance, our choir’s launch signals a clear emphasis on musical art and cultural dialogue. 

Over the last 8 years of existence of our socio-cultural Circle, amongst other events of our Circle, the annual summer picnic of ALICE & Friends Circle™ has become a truly cherished tradition, each time providing excellent opportunities to strengthen community ties, while enjoying the fantastic scenic outdoors of our beautiful Vancouver – this time featuring, the one and the only, Granville Island.

Additionally, invited by Alice to offer a dancing demonstration as part of the event, our old friend Sandu Oprea presented several (dancing) styles for everybody to join. Needless to say how much fun the engaging experience it was for all guests! 

This complimentary event was open to the public, expressing interest proactively – enthusiasts were asked to RSVP via email before the specified due date.

The purpose of this gathering was to create an inclusivist ambiance, meant to strengthen culture, diversity and shared experiences.

Overall, this summer picnic of our Circle was a successful combination of cultural appreciation, leisure and fine gastronomy, leaving all participants with lasting memories of a nice sunny day well spent!

Until our paths will meet again on the same wavelength, from me only the best!

Alice

● For your convenience here is the Press Release  for the launching of  VOCAL ART – The Chamber Choir of ALICE & Friends Circle™

● For your convenience here is the Press Release  for this event – the annual summer picnic of ALICE & Friends Circle™

Reflections on MUSIC

     Music is one of the most important forms of human expressions because it brings together countless emotions, creativity and communication in ways that go beyond any language and or cultural differences. Throughout history, music has been part of everyday life, helping people express their feelings, helping them celebrate important events and to connect with others. From the simple rhythms created by early civilizations to the advanced digital music produced today, music has continued to evolve while maintaining its significance in society.

At its most basic level, music is a combination of sounds organized through rhythm, melody and harmony. Although this seems simple, music can have a powerful effect on the human mind.

Extensive research has shown that listening to music activates different parts of the brain that are responsible for emotions, memory and movement. For instance, this is a reason why a particular song can remind someone of a special moment or change their mood almost immediately. Whether people feel happiness, sadness, excitement or comfort, music often allows them to experience emotions in a way that words cannot fully express.

     Music also has an important social role. Across different cultures and historical periods, it has brought people together during religious ceremonies, celebrations, festivals and other community events. Singing and performing music as a group helps create a sense of belonging and strengthens relationships between people. Even today, concerts, cultural festivals and community performances continue to show how music can unite individuals from different backgrounds through a shared experience.

     Another reason music is important is because it helps preserve culture and history. Many traditional songs tell stories about historical events, beliefs and customs that have been passed down from one generation to another.

Before written records became common, music was one of the main ways people remembered and shared important knowledge. Even in modern society, music continues to reflect social issues, personal experiences and cultural values, making it an important way of understanding both the past and the present.

     In recent years, researchers have also recognized the benefits of music for health and well-being. Music therapy is now used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health programs to support patients in different ways.

Studies suggest that music can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and help people recover after neurological injuries such as strokes. It can also influence physical responses like heart rate and hormone levels, showing that music has effects on both the mind and the body.

     One of the most unique qualities of music is that it is understood almost everywhere in the world. Even when people do not speak the same language, they can still appreciate rhythm, melody and emotions through music. The internet and streaming platforms have made it easier than ever for people to discover music from different countries and cultures. This has encouraged the cultural exchange and helped people develop a greater appreciation for traditions that may be very different from their own.

     At the same time, music continues to change as new technologies and styles emerge. Many artists combine traditional musical elements with modern techniques to create new sounds while still respecting the influence of earlier generations. This balance between tradition and innovation allows music to remain relevant and meaningful in a constantly changing world.

      In conclusion, music is much more than a form of entertainment. It plays an important role in expressing emotions, bringing people together, preserving culture and even improving health and well-being. Its ability to connect people across different backgrounds and communicate feelings that words cannot always express makes it an essential part of human life. As society continues to change, music will likely remain one of the most powerful and meaningful ways people understand themselves and connect with others.

"Music can change the world, because it can change people."

Socializing: CANADA Day 2026 – Morning Coffee Talks

 A briefing will be available soon on this website, meanwhile, here is the Press Release.

July 1, 2026: CANADA Day

Today (July 1, 2026), all Canadians across the realm take the time to celebrate the beauty and the diversity of this incredible country we all call it home now.

It is important to realize that Canada Day is not just a simple holiday; it is a great opportunity to honor the generations who build this country and to appreciate those who will carry it forward; it is the perfect time to deeply reflect on the shared history, to honor the land we live on and to embrace the values that make Canada so special: the kindness, the inclusivity and the resilience. Here is to the pride, to the promise and to the enduring wonders of Canada!

To all those who consider Canada their home, a very HAPPY CANADA DAY, dear fellow Canadians!

Here are few interesting facts about Canada:

1. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area.

2. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with over 243,000 kilometers of shoreline.

3. Canada has more lakes than any other country, with over 2 million lakes covering about 8% of its land area.

4. The country's name comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word "kanata," meaning "village" or "settlement."

5. Canada is home to the world's oldest known rock, the Acasta Gneiss, which is approximately 4.01 billion years old.

6. The country has six time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

7. Canada is home to the world's longest street, the Trans-Canada Highway, which spans over 7,800 kilometers.

8. The country has a vast array of wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, and beavers.

9. Canada is the world's largest producer of maple syrup, accounting for over 70% of global production.

10. The country has a diverse population, with over 20% of Canadians being foreign-born.

11. Canada has two official languages: English and French.

12. The country is home to the world's largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron.

13. Canada has a strong reputation for its natural beauty, with many famous attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Canadian Rockies.

14. The country has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals.

15. Canada is known for its friendly and welcoming people, with a high standard of living and a strong social safety net.

(Source: Love Canada)

● My previous greetings on the same theme: CANADA Day – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

June 24, 2026 – Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE

Each year, on June 24 (during the Ro “Sânziene” feast), Romanians in the country and around the world celebrate The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse.

The traditional Romanian blouse is not just a piece of clothing; it is a form of collective memory, a textile manuscript in which the stories of village women, the values ​​of a community and the aesthetic vision passed down from generation to generation were written with needle and thread.

Long live our Romanian traditional blouse – a bearer of memory, culture and identity!

24 iunie 2026: : Ziua Universală a Iei Românești

Pe 24 iunie (de Sânziene), românii din ţară şi de pretutindeni sărbătoresc Ziua Universală a Iei Românești.

IA nu este doar o piesă vestimentară; este o formă de memorie colectivă, un manuscris textil în care s-au scris cu ac și ață poveștile femeilor din sate, valorile unei comunități și viziunea estetică transmisă din generație în generație. 

Să ne trăiasca IA – purtătoare de memorie, cultură și identitate!IA – purtătoare de memorie, cultură și identitate!

● My previous greetings on the same theme:
The Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

In brief, about “The Midsummer” festival

As time goes by very fast, we all are enjoying the beautiful summer days – warm days that allow for many (local and international) cultural manifestations.

Generally speaking, a very popular summer celebration is “The Midsummer Festival”, which in essence celebrates the community bonding, the beauty of daylight and the peak of nature.

This tradition is celebrated around the summer solstice in our Northern Hemisphere, and it is rooted in the ancient practices that honor the power of the sun, the solstice being an indicator of the daylight reaching its zenith.
Historically speaking, across the ages long past, many agrarian societies regarded this time of the year (the actual summer solstice) as a very special period, suitable to invoke blessings for rich crops and households’ prosperity.

All over Europe (in countries such as Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark Sweden, Germany and beyond) the Midsummer festival is influenced by the local customs of the respective country. 
Beyond Europe, this festival exploded in a wider variety of celebrations across the world.

For instance, in Vancouver many people organize different public gatherings, abundantly “seasoned” with traditional dances, performing arts and countless interactive workshops that explore traditional crafting.

All these adaptations clearly are illustrating the amazing versatility of Midsummer festival and above all its splendid emphasis on the active involvement of people, rather than being something for cold and distant observers; many connections established between participants at this type of festival last much longer after the solstice is over.  

Summarizing, as the Midsummer festival continues to captivate the hearts and minds of so many people over so many centuries, we can safely imply that it is way more than a seasonal festival; it is a beautiful celebration of light, prosperity and human connections, which nicely blends history, symbolism and shared experiences.

Midsummer festival is an outstanding reminder of
 how true beauty arises when various communities come together to honor nature and each other.

June 21, 2026: SUMMER solstice & Father’s Day

✰ Welcome, SUMMER of 2026! May it bring us joy and peaceful days!

June 21, 2026: The SUMMER SOLSTICE = the longest day of the year. Officially, a new summer has arrived! At this time the Sun is most powerful, but after the Solstice, days will start getting shorter & shorter…meanwhile, all is green & growing – a beautiful celestial reminder of the perpetual miracle of creation. May the radiant Sun Light fill & nourish your hearts!

June 21, 2026 is also the WORLD SUN DAY. This date is not a random one, but it was chosen because it represents the beginning of the astronomical summer.

● My previous greetings on the same theme: SUMMER Solstice – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

🌞

✰ 21 June 2026: FATHER’S DAY in Canada

Today (June 21’26) we honor and celebrate all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers and father figures who lead with strength, wisdom, love and dedication. Your countless lessons, unwavering support, and values you pass on to future generations are deeply valued.

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers out there! I’m wishing all a day filled with love, appreciation, and cherished moments together with the loved ones.

● My previous greetings on the same theme:  FATHER’s Day – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

PARTNERSHIP: June 2026 – The ROMANIAN BLOUSE Day

 Celebrating the rich heritage of the Traditional Romanian Blouse Day in Vancouver

Social-cultural event organized  by ALICE & Friends Circle™ in partnership with Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver 

     The artistic and the unique cultural vibrancy of the Romanian ancestral heritage was brought to life during the event organized by ALICE & Friends Circle™ in partnership with Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver.    

     The event, held in the iconic Granville Island (a truly representative landmark for Vancouver) brought together members of the local and international community, who have a shared passion for arts and culture.

     On this special occasion, we all were delighted to have in the audience several representatives of the Consular Corps of BC (based in Vancouver).

     After the opening remarks were delivered by Alice then Hon. Stefana Rotaru (Deputy Consul General of Romania) took the stage for her speech on the cultural significance of the Romanian traditional blouse and sharing with the audience that in June 2024, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim proclaimed June 24th as “The Romanian Blouse Day in Vancouver”; she also took a moment to thank the event sponsors [(RE/MAX City Realty (rep. Camelia Manea) & Insurance by Dana (rep. Dana Ciocan)] and to all participants for joining us today, reminding that despite life's business of the city, we all managed to gather in such a beautiful and sunny day!

     At this event we were also pleased to have with us Hon. Gabriel Rotaru (Consul General of Romania) who also delivered a brief speech about the cultural significance of the “Romanian Blouse Day”, about the Romanian heritage and about our very own event of the day.

     Then Dr. Iurascu (Associate Professor of Cultural Studies, at UBC) had a heartfelt talk about the Romanian Blouse (listed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity), who graciously transitioning from very well documented historic materials to personal perspectives.

     The program of the day continued with the traditional folkloric songs and dances offered by the Romanian Treasure Society and few poems recited by Teodor Trandafir, who is a well known elder from the Romanian community in Vancouver.

     Our time together continued with two mini-interactive workshops on Romanian traditional embroideries (offered by artisan Lucretia Cioata) and natural flowers braided wreaths (offered by florist Katy Horvath), where our guests had the opportunity to participate, to ask questions and to learn new skills. We wrapped up the day with extensive socialization and good cheer!

     It was a real joy to have with us Rompost TV (the only Romanian television station in Vancouver) and Ada Bucur (a professional photographer who captured many special moments).

     We all were truly delighted to see that our event drew attendees from across Metro Vancouver and most of them were wearing traditional outfits, making all of us realize the beautiful evolution of our Romanian traditional blouse (also known as “ie”) from its folkloric roots to our modern days.

     Personally, I’m truly delighted that initiatives such as this could have the potential to further strengthen Vancouver’s position as a real hub for multicultural artistic expression and for a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue; through such events, our community gains a deeper understanding of ancestral traditions, while promoting cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.

Sincerely,

Alice

This event has been delivered in Romanian & English Languages, featuring Romanian culture.

● For your convenience here is the Press Release for this event.
● A related social media POSTING published on the official face-book page by the General Consulate of Romania.

● Here is a relevant VIDEO REPORT produced by Rompost TV (a local TV station in Vancouver) featuring this event.