Sunday, June 1, 2025

JUNE…the “midsummer month”

JUNE (the 6th month of the year) it is full of significance, both historically and culturally. It marks the halfway point of the year and it is the time when summer officially begins in our Northern Hemisphere (with the summer solstice, typically occurring between June 20-21, marking the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky).
The name "June" is believed to have originated from the Roman goddess Juno, who was the goddess of marriage and childbirth, and because of this, June has long been considered a favorable month for weddings. It is the threshold of summer – the month of ripening days and restless wanderings…it is the moment when spring lets go, sighing softly into the warmth of longer hours and fragrant air. In June, the sun lingers its golden thread stitching late evenings into the fabric of memory, and we can see that the lilacs surrender their last perfumed breath, while roses rise, unbowed.
June is neither a beginning nor an end, but rather a space in between – an interlude of possibilities and a summer’s overture. This month, the school bells become quiet, and somehow the city streets hum in a softer, wandering rhythm. Many gardens brim with expectations, while their roots are deepening as leaves unfold.
There is something effortless in the way June persuades – inviting us to go more often outdoors, to walk bare feet upon the warmer earth, while whispering of more and longer road trips and vacations.
In my opinion, there’s a certainty to the light in June…it arrives early & it lingers, making every shadow stretch longer, every morning softer. Also, it seems that the quality of the air itself shifts, holding promises of adventure/s, the scent of salt on distant shores & the crisp edges of impending change. This is the time of golden hours, where the world sways gently in the glow of twilight; this is a time when many conversations lengthen over patio tables, when the ice cubes are melting slowly in the hush between sentences...we watch as dusk hesitates, suspended, reluctant to surrender...beautiful moments of togetherness, having the love ones close to us.
June does not ask for urgency; it is a season of pause, of motion without hurry...the days brim with possibility, yet there is no demand.
Unlike July, with its fevered pulse, or May, which still clings to spring’s indecision, June stands confidently, balanced between what was and what will be.
It is the solstice’s quiet rebellion, a surrender to light without resistance.
June is memory before it is lived, it is the laughter carried through open windows, the scent of freshly cut grass hanging in the evening air; it is the soft unraveling of routine and the embrace of something looser – unstructured days with many moments unfolding without demand. During this time of the year, we find ourselves drawn to the simplicity of June – the ease of its warmth, the tenderness of its long-lit evenings…in this space, time is less rigid.
So, let June be what it is …an invitation to linger, a promise whispered in waves, a month that holds its breath & asks nothing but that we pause long enough to listen.
June arrives like a whispered promise, wrapping the world in golden light.
The air hums with possibility, and every sunset is a masterpiece painted in fire and rose.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Philosophers’ Café with ALICE & Friends: Spring 2025

 The complete briefing will be available soon. Thank you!

Saturday, May 24, 2025

About the TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN BLOUSE

A traditional Romanian blouse
("Ie românească")

Dear friends, please do know that the traditional Romanian blouse ("ie" by its original Romanian name) is a significant part of the Romanian culture, not just a simple traditional peasant blouse, which these days turned out to be a symbol of Romania, proudly emphasized along with its old legends. Every "ie", along with the other items of the traditional folk costume, has its own story…metaphorically speaking, a long and beautiful journey, told in symbols, colors and magnificent embroideries, passed on from generation to generation.
This type of blouse it is entirely hand-made, from a special fabric (called approx. in English "sheer lawn"), with exquisite embroideries on the chest, back and sleeves, with designs preserved for centuries. The signs and symbols embroidered on each traditional Romanian blouse aren’t just random decorations, but each has its own significance, depending on the region, the seamstress, and the person who wore it. For example, among the symbols embellished on each blouse there could be a tree or a tree-like design, which is the symbol of life, wisdom and rebirth. The fir tree is particularly drawn on the Romanian blouse, especially in the mountain rural areas, and symbolizes the immortality, a motif seldom found in Romanian mythology.
The circle or a sunflower represent the sun, day or Divinity; in Romanian tradition, the sun was at the core of life and often associated with abundance.
Other motifs related to daily activities can be found ranging from one region to another: water 
(either as a river or as sea waves) and fish in the fishing villages along the rivers and sea coast, wheat or corn stems in agricultural villages, wheels or coin in crafting traders’ villages, and so on. 
At the same time, the colors on the blouse also vary according to the geographic region; green and gold symbolize the plains, gray, red and brown for the mountains and blue for the rivers. 
For instance, in the past, young girls from the countryside, who were not married used to wear merry colors on their blouses, combinations of red, yellow, pink & light colors, while the dark ones (brown, black, dark green) & gold were usually worn by older women, married and / or having a certain social statute.
Generally speaking, this traditional Romanian blouse ("ie"pronounced "ee-eh") is a pretty simple blouse, commonly worn by Romanian girls and women, but has overcome its historic peasant confines, and it became an important source of inspiration for many fashion designers (ranging from less known to very well known) in Romania and abroad (for instance, high-ranking names, such as Tom Ford based his 2012 collection on the Romanian traditional motifs)
On December 1, 2022, (on Romania’s National Day), UNESCO has decided to inscribe
the 
Romanian traditional blouse on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and on the same list, in 2017, “Mărțișor was added.
Since 2013, on each June 24, Romanians around the world celebrate The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse, occasion which allows them to bring forward the richness of their cultural heritage, their traditional customs, and the timeless wisdom of their ancestors as well as their Romanian beautiful identity outfit – “ia”.
This type of celebration it is a good opportunity for all Romanians around the world to further promote this old and beautiful Romanian cultural artifact.
The tradition is alive, and the story goes on....
Symbols represented on the Romanian traditional blouses
The Romanian blouse, known as "ie," is adorned with a variety of symbols and motifs that hold a deep cultural significance. These symbols are often linked to the region of Romania where the blouse originates from and they can represent various aspects of life, such as age, marital status and social standing.
For your convenience, here are:
1) Few EVENTS I personally organized at my Circle, featuring the traditional Romanian blouse2023, 2022, 2021
2) The 1st event organized in partnership with few other groups from Vancouver, featuring the Romanian blouse 2024
3) Few promotional GREETING cards I’ve put together featuring the Romanian blouse2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

Sunday, May 11, 2025

May 2025: “Happy MOTHER’s Day!”

Today (May 11, 2025) we celebrate the love, the strength and the endless support of all the incredible mothers out there – the quiet warriors, the tireless nurturers, the everyday heroes. Today, we celebrate you – the ones who gave us love before we even knew what it meant… who stood by us with strength, warmth, and endless patience. Whether you're a mom, remembering a mom, a grandma, a mother figure, or celebrating a mother figure in your life, or someone who’s poured love into others – this day is for you.
Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! 
My previous greetings on the same theme: MOTHER’s Day20242023202220212020, 2019

Thursday, May 1, 2025

7 Years Anniversary of ALICE & FRIENDS CIRCLE™

 The complete briefing will be available very soon. Thank you!
Meanwhile, please continue to enjoy and appreciate this beautiful spring!

MAY….we be happy!

MAY is the 5th month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars (it length is 31 days); it is a month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and a month of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
The spiritual meaning of May encompasses themes of renewal, growth, fertility (alongside love and relationships), abundance, and prosperity celebrations, while honoring old traditions in various cultures around the world.
May it is seen as a time when nature fully awakens – the blossoming of so many flowers, the emergence of new leaves, and the return of wildlife all serve as powerful reminders of the cycle of life (the cyclical nature of life) and the interconnectedness of all living beings. These interpretations reflect the month’s vibrancy and importance in contemporary life.
On the other hand, the month of May isn’t just a transition into summer; this period invites us to connect with nature and to embrace the dynamic energy of change (it could serve as a catalyst for personal transformation).
Many view this month as an opportunity to set fresh goals, to embrace change, and to foster self-improvement. May’s vibrant energy invites us to celebrate renewal and growth in our own lives.
It’s a perfect time to embrace change
(to change what needs to be changed) and to reflect on our personal journey while appreciating the beauty around us. Activities like gardening and nature walks during May allow people to connect with the earth and promote mental clarity. For instance, starting a new exercise routine or picking up a hobby aligns with the season’s spirit of growth. Many can also benefit from the various workshops or community events, fostering not just personal advancement, but also social connections.
This month it is also marked by few important celebrations, 
such as International Workers’ Day and Mother’s Day.
Whether you’re honoring your mother or participating in cultural festivities, May offers countless opportunities to connect with others and nature. As you enjoy the blooms and longer days, remember to take a moment for yourself – set new goals or just simply enjoy the present moment.
MAY is all about fresh beginnings and deepening relationships,
so let its spirit inspire you to cultivate joy and gratitude in your everyday life!

Friday, April 25, 2025

The relevance of staying connected

Social connections are an important part of living a healthy life, and mostly refers to our relationships with the people in our network.
Extrapolating further, we can safely imply that social connections are truly about connectedness – the extent to which we engage with important, supportive people in our lives in ways that heighten our sense of belonging and well-being. 
Many scientists believe that the need to connect with other human beings is programmed in our DNA and we are “wired” for social connection.
Since prehistoric time, people have lived together in (larger or smaller) groups where they found protection, help, support, common identity and shared knowledge.
Throughout history, families lived under the same roof, where the young would look after the infants and the old ones, incapable to care for themselves. 
However, our gregarious behavior changed with the development of big urban centers, frequent job changes, family disintegration or physical distancing, progress of technology, hectic lifestyles and intense work schedules and demands. 
These days, we are more “connected” than ever via social media (for example WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.), but we lack connectedness or a sense of belonging to a group or community. Plenty of research documents show that many adults feel more isolated and lonelier than ever. Sadly, loneliness and isolation can create a reinforcing cycle that makes meaningful social connection and a feeling of connectedness harder to achieve. This slowly, but steadily, takes a toll on our physical and mental well-being. The negative effects show up in the performance at work, in people's personal lives, and in the ability to handle disruptions, uncertainty, and setbacks. 
It isn’t so much the struggles with external factors that bring people down as it is the sense of facing difficulties alone versus being in it together. 
Medical science has been writing for years about the importance of social interactions as a critical component for health, happiness and longevity.
The effect of social connectedness in our lives is so strong that when we feel rejected or suffer some other type of negative social interaction, our brain feels “hurt” in the same way than when we feel physical pain. Social pain is more similar to physical pain than we think. 
To give you an idea of how to stay connected and prevent loneliness, consider the following suggestions, highly recommended by many specialists:
- Start with yourself…becoming aware of why you act and react in certain ways may be helpful for developing more healthy ways of interacting with others. 
- Watch for your thoughts….decreasing negative self-talk will help you have a brighter outlook for life and attract people you want to interact with. 
- Say “yes” more often……participate in social events (even the online ones) or activities that interest you. 
- Get outside of your house and your head….go for a walk or run at a local park; start talking to people...you’ll make an acquaintance and possibly a new friend.
- Be proactive…even if you are an introvert; make a list of people you care about and reach out...don't wait for others to initiate contact.
- Be friendly at work….work relationships can be a source of care and comradery and a place to get support when setbacks happen. If you work in a physical office, be open to chatting for a few minutes with whomever you encounter at the water cooler or coffee machine; consider making a habit of eating lunch together each week instead of working through it.
- Be present…whenever possible, shut your computer down and meet a friend or an acquaintance for a coffee or a drink; face-to-face communication, eye contact, a smile, and closeness have amazing benefits. 
- Stay close to your inner circle….having a group of close friends promotes mental health and a quicker recovery from physical illness. It also could enhance your quality of life with good conversations and feeling supported and understood.
- Speak regularly to immediate or extended family…these are people who in some ways know you best and often will help you in challenging times.
- Spend quality time with your loved ones….organize a weekly Zoom movie club spanning 3 generations of your extended family, where each one selects a movie that everybody has to watch with a discussion to follow. 
- Prioritize social connections in your schedule…set time each week on your calendar to connect with people you care about whether personally or electronically.
- Remember the “little things”….sending a quick birthday note or a congratulation for a happy event make people know that you care about them.
- Re-establish past social connections….reliving experiences and events is a great tool to be more resilient and emotionally healthy.
- Maintain present social connections….relationships go through periods of ups and downs; however, you can keep them alive by being more patient, less judgmental, and giving people the temporary space they need.
- Join a formal group….consider enrolling in a new class, join a book club, volunteer, chat with or help a neighbor. If you are a foreigner living in an adopted country, join an expat group. There are plenty of them that cater to all ages...personal and professional interests. 
Finally, remember that life teaches us every day that our most wonderful, inspiring, happy, funny, sad, or dreadful moments have to do with people in our lives.
What keeps us healthy, meaningful, and fulfilled in our life is not money, power, or fame, but the quality of our social ties.
Making an effort to nurture and strengthen our relationships
will have the most impact on our lives and the biggest return in our happiness.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025: INTERNATIONAL EARTH Day

 Earth Day 2025: Today, Tuesday, April 22, countries all over the world come together to commemorate World Earth Day, which will be celebrated for the 55th year running in 2025. This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet’, to achieve the ‘triple clean electricity’ target by 2030 through the usage of renewable energy.
This occasion is more than just a celebration; it is an important day for raising awareness, advocating, and engaging people in activities aimed at addressing the global climate changes and supporting environmental lifestyle adjustments.”
Happy Earth Day! May we all be inspired to care for our planet with the same love and respect it provides us!
● Basic background info:
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events in more than 193 countries, focusing on engaging more than 1 billion people, governments, institutions and businesses to recognize our collective responsibility and to help accelerate the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all.
My previous greetings on the same theme: International Earth Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019