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!

October 2022 – Message for THANKSGIVING Day

Dear friends, once again this time around we are reminded that there is a lot to be thankful for; without any doubt, sincere appreciation could change everything!
 Happy Thanksgiving Day!

● My previous greetings on the same theme: THANKSGIVING Day – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

September 22, 2022: Happy AUTUMN, dear friends!

Dear friends, slowly but surely, leaves began changing colors, reminding us that summer is over, while autumn has arrived! 

Officially speaking, today (September 22’22) is the fall equinox, marking around here the 1^st day of the new season, & as I usually do, I send you all my best regards!

Let the bounty of the autumn fill your hearts and homes, and once again dear ones, Happy Autumnal Equinox!

● My previous greetings on the same theme: AUTUMNAL Equinox – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

Classical music for autumn (audio)

September 21, 2022: INTERNATIONAL PEACE Day

A new September 21^st arrived, reminding us that today is the International Peace Day (also known as the “World Peace Day”), which constitutes another inspiring occasion for all to celebrate PEACE. The chosen theme for this year is: "End racism. Build peace." Let's give PEACE a new chance!

"It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace." (Aristotle)

● Historical background info:

“The International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1981 and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people.” (Source: Encyclopedia)

● Excerpt (UNITED NATIONS – International Peace Day 2022):

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

As Secretary-General António Guterres has said: 
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.

● My previous post on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL PEACE Day – 2021