How did it get late so soon?!

Niccolo Paganini: “La campanella” (classical music)

I have no doubt that as we get older many of us observe time differently; for some people time can race, or it can drag interminably, and in rare situations, it feels as if it stands still.

Sometimes, the difference between the time measured by clocks or calendars and our own perception seems to be enormous, which leads us to believe that indeed we are the true architects of our ‘sense’ of time.

With that in mind, I believe that’s helpful to ponder upon some timeless concepts, while we walk the path of life….here are few thoughts…

- Carefully choose priorities in life; look for meaningful references (instead of trendy ones) & live by them

- Seek to stay near wise people if you wish to become like them; “madmen” could be spectacular, frothy, interesting, but their spectacularity lasts as long as the bubbles of champagne (don’t count on them)

- Read, observe, analyze; you do that to train yourself, not just to be informed; weather you use what you’ve learned in school or not, it is less significant…what really matters is what you’ve  became

- Be modest and humble; the light inside you just needs to be shown, not trumpeted (in darkness it will illuminate, anyway)

- Respect your parents and teachers; whatever you might consider, on their shoulders you grew up

- Have Faith…this is the only absolute in a vast ocean of relative

- Last, but not least, take care of your health when you still have it, otherwise when you don't have it anymore you would need to take care of your illness (how sardonic!).

“How did it get so late so soon?  /   It’s night before it’s afternoon.

 December is here before it’s June.  /  My goodness how the time has flown!

How did it get so late so soon?” (Dr.  Seuss)

November 11, 2022: REMEMBRANCE Day

Another November 11^th is bringing forward the “Remembrance Day” (also known as the “Veterans’ Day” or the “Memorial Day”). 

This is the day to pay a renewed tribute to all those who have fallen in the military service of their country. 

Collectively we stand to honor our heroes and their sacrifices to defend our values and freedoms. Lest we forget.

● A CANADIAN highlight, filled with words of respect and...remembrance... – "John McCrae's War: In Flanders Fields" (short doc.) 
● My previous greetings on the same theme: REMEMBRANCE Day – 2021, 2020, 2019

Alice’s Book Club – AUTUMN session of 2022

Special edition – live session with writer & painter Pnina Granirer

~ exclusively for ALICE & Friends Circle™ ~

With great joy I’m sharing that on Friday (October 28’22) we had a pleasant group conversation with my dear friend, writer and well-known painter, visual artist Pnina Granirer (for your quick reference, in the comments section is Pnina’s short  biography, and here is her website: www.pninagranirer.com), discussing author’s perspective on her book called ”LIGHT WITHIN THE SHADOWS – A Painter’s memoir” (in case you wish to have this book, here is the link  where you can procure it from; additionally, it might be also found in Indigo stores in Vancouver, or if you wish only to read it you could borrow it from a public library).

This on line event constituted the autumnal edition of my seasonal book club series, happening only 4 times per year. 

At my suggestion, given her impressive life experience, Pnina was very kind to agree to share with us her views on resilience, achievements, focus and positivity – aspects of inspirations for many. Our evening together was interactive and the audience had interesting questions of general interest so all guests could benefit from the answers received. I was super happy to have 36 people registered for this event, but since few of them couldn’t make it for objective reasons, I provided them with the recording of Pnina’s presentation.

Also, I would like to refresh that artist Pnina Granirer has been featured at one of my past literary gatherings, back in November 2019 (for your enjoyment, here is the link of the occasion I’m referring to).

For your reference, here is an overview of Pnina’s book, as it has been circulated by different publishing houses:

“Light Within the Shadows is a lively and moving memoir that chronicles Pnina Granirer’s life as an artist, wife and mother. Conceived as a play in three acts, it begins in her hometown in Romania, moves to its second act in Israel, and concludes with her life in North America. It encompasses her years in Romania, Israel, the USA, France and Canada, and her travels to Japan, Spain and Mexico, all of which inform her understanding of the world which is then reflected in her art.

Besides producing art and preparing for gallery shows, she is committed to educating her community about art. In 1993, Granirer co-foounded the on-going Artists in Our Midst, the first open studios walk in Vancouver.

In this compelling memoir, Granirer shares her successes and failures, addressing issues of dislocation, ‘otherness’ and uprooted soul’s wish for permanency. With determination and resilience, amidst the joys and restrictions of family life, Granirer created a large body of art, ignoring trends and searching for renewal.

She became an internationally respected artist whose profound work is an enduring expression of the search for beauty and spirituality. Her works are found in museums collections in Canada, Spain, Chile and Israel.

Light Within the Shadows gives and inside view of how art is forged and released into the world. Granirer’s work has been featured in two other books: Her own Trials of Eve (Gaea Press) and Portrait of an Artist, by Ted Lindbert (Ronsdale Press).”

Our time together flew by very quickly and we adjourned in a lovely note, concluding that resilience, kindness, focus and positivity are significant aspects of existence able to take one far in life.

Since this was the last book club session of the year, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those loyal, dear friends who each time (not just occasionally) make  themselves available to honor my invitations, and who genuinely & continuously are supporting the activities of ALICE & Friends Circle™.

Until our paths will meet again, my best regards to all!

Alice

SERENDIPITY....let it find you!