An echo of a thought

The profound joy of the moments when reaching into the space of true peace it is beyond any description…the exquisite tranquility deeply heals and completely refreshes, so it is with enormous gratitude to experience such a rejuvenating bliss!

"Each one has to find his peace from within, and that peace in order to be real it must be unaffected by the outside circumstances.” 

A short story featuring PERSISTENCE

We all know that persistence is the quality of continuing with something despite challenges encountered, and history has shown us again and again that powerful characters have it. As a key element of self-discipline, persistence also provides its own motivation; you become more eager to do something when your actions start showing results. We've noticed in life that successful people don’t give up easily because they understand that only by being persistent you would be able to continuously chase your dreams. Once again, I guess it helps to be kindly reminded that's important not to get distracted and nor to lose the focus of the journey; working with diligence toward our goals (either professional, social, spiritual, etc.), one step at the time, would definitively lead to substantial achievements!   
While at this page, here I’m sharing a beautiful story which carries a very powerful message – there is no doubt that perhaps many of you already know it, but at times a quick refresher is always gratifying. Enjoy!

Story: “The Daffodil Principle”
Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday, "I promised, a little reluctantly, on her third call. 

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and so I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house and hugged and greeted my grandchildren, I said, "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in the clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see bad enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."
"Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.
"I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car."
"How far will we have to drive?"
"Just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this."
After several minutes, I had to ask, "Where are we going? This isn't the way to the garage!"
"We're going to my garage the long way," Carolyn smiled, "by way of the daffodils."
"Carolyn," I said sternly, "please turn around."
"It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience."
After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand-lettered sign that said, "Daffodil Garden."
We got out of the car and each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, we turned a corner of the path, and I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it down over the mountain peak and slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns-great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron, and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted as a group so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.
"But who has done this?" I asked Carolyn.
"It's just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home."
Carolyn pointed to a well-kept frame house that looked small and modest in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house. On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking" was the headline.
The first answer was a simple one."50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958."
There it was, The Daffodil Principle. For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun ~ one bulb at a time ~ to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top. Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of ineffable (indescribable) magnificence, beauty, and inspiration.
The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time ~ often just one baby-step at a time ~ and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world.
"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"
My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow," she said.

According to a number of people, the daffodil garden mentioned in this story really does exist (it is located below Running Springs, California, in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles ) and anyone can visit during peak bloom time, early March to early April. 

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you keep going.”

About GRATITUDE

According to the definition given by dictionary, GRATITUDE is the ability of showing appreciation or of being thankful for all what you have been given, helping us to focus more on the abundant side of life and by doing so we increase our capacity of being happy!

In fact, by extrapolation, we could say that gratitude is a form of love for one another too, because when we feel true gratitude for another we truly begin to harmonize with that person, while relationship becomes much stronger.

On the other hand, scientific research has been shown that heartfelt gratitude it is the most effective medicine for depression, while taking nothing for granted!

 “Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart,” wrote Seneca once upon a time, while Cicero (a great Roman philosopher) said that “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

Feeling grateful is a desired state of being because it is nurturing in every way; it is believed that the more appreciative you are for all the things you have in your life you would receive even more to be grateful for. And once again, please be kindly reminded that it is not happiness that brings us GRATITUDE, but rather gratitude that brings us HAPPINESS!  

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire ... if you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something ... for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times ... during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations ... they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge... which will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes ... they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary ... because it means you've given your all.

It's easy to be thankful for the 'good' things ... yet, a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive ... find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

March 20, 2019: SPRING has arrived!

SPRING has sprung and the entire nature is unfolding the next cycle of re-birth...flowers are blooming, trees are flowering, birds are singing, days are getting slightly longer and longer, and the sun is getting shinier and shiner. With sincere joy and gratitude we celebrate again the greening of the Earth, welcoming beautiful beginnings. At this time of the year, I’m wishing each of you a wonderful season, trusting that the sun would shine bright upon you!

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” (Lev Tolstoy)

SPRING EQUINOX: a short scientific briefing  

“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. Enjoy!

SPRING (by Antonio Vivaldi) – audio

Socializing: 2019 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day

Another beautiful group event, on Friday (March 8, 2019) celebrating the “International Women's Day“…eating together, socializing while enjoying each other’s company made it for another special page written in the book of time.  Once again dear friends, HAPPY International Women's Day!

“Girls with dreams become women with vision.“

Mesaj primit înspre publicare din partea Domnului Dr. Ovidiu Grecea* şi al Doamnei Liliana Grecea

Draga Alice, am ajuns cu bine acasă. Cât de distinse, frumoase și bucuroase au fost doamnele din comunitatea romanilor-canadieni din Vancouver, care au răspuns invitatiei tale și cât de bine s-a simțit toată lumea! Astfel de momente speciale, fără eticheta și protocol excesiv, aduc normalitatea și scot in evidentă adevăratele valori, aduna și nu dezbina, sunt pe sufletul romanilor adevarati care simt nevoia de a se aduna și de a petrece impreuna. Aceasta seara, acest eveniment cu o dedicație specială poate sa se constituie ca un exemplu dar și un punct de reper la revigorarea comunității si la înțelegerea ca numai impreuna, cu toleranta și dorința de bine, ne vom regăsi poziția binemeritata in multiculturalismul societății canadiene de astăzi. Romanii sunt frumoși, deștepți, muncitori și puternic legati de tradițiile lor dar trebuie sa se coaguleze, sa-și depășească niște complexe, frustrări sau animozități și sa construiască încet, sigur și solid o relație interumana de buna înțelegere și sprijin reciproc. Te-ai angajat pe un drum greu și nu vei avea o misiune ușoară dar intențiile tale bune, noblețea sufleteasca, delicatețea și gingasia ta, dublate de voința de a face ceva palpabil și concret se vor constitui in ingredientele benefice acestei comunități, in viitorul apropiat. A fost o reala onoare și plăcere pentru noi de a fi impreuna cu romanii noștri, cu care am discutat, împărtășit multe experiențe de viața și am petrecut prin muzica, dans și antren, o seara minunata.... iar acestea nu sunt cuvinte de diplomație ieftină, ci sunt trăirile unor oameni care in afara demnităților efemere deținute in timp, au avut șansa ca prin umila lor educație din familie și cea dobândită, înfruntând destule vicisitudini ale vieții sa cunoască mulți romani, in cele mai diferite continente din lumea asta. Tocmai de aceea, înțelegem și apreciem eforturile și implicarea ta și îți dorim mult succes, cu tact, calm și înțelepciune. Speram sa ne revedem sănătoși și voioși, 

Liliana și Ovidiu Grecea

*Domnul Ovidiu Grecea este Consul General şi Ministru Plenipotenţiar al României la Vancouver

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

March 8, 2019: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

As the entire world is celebrating today (March 8'19) the beauty of womanhood, I’m sending along my best greetings wishing all my friends, near & far, a marvelous International Women’s Day, filled with much love & joy!

Ladies, wishing you each have a wonderful day, packed with many precious moments together with your dear ones, while feeling loved & appreciated!

 “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” (Melinda Gates)

Saluting the Romanian tradition called “Mărțișor”

On Friday (March 1, 2019) I was delighted to be able to meet at a public library with a group of friends to celebrate an ancient Romanian tradition, called 'Mărțișor'. 

Before I will give you the usual, concise, update on how things went, I would like to briefly elaborate a bit on what “Mărțișor” really means. The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), and literally means "the little March". On the other hand, the actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white and red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1^st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong and healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, and especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation and respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring in addition to the snowdrop flowers. (In the comments section I’m posting a more elaborated description of the history & the legend of “Mărțișor”.)

For this very occasion (this evening's event being called "LEGENDA MARTISORULUI"), personally, I’ve crafted a number of “Mărțișoare” and I was truly happy to be able to gift each of my guests with…each lady that night was glowing with joy.

Our group this time was fairly large and we all were pleased to have with us again two guests of honor – Dr. Ovidiu Grecea together with his wife. Dr. Grecea is Consul General of Romania in Vancouver, Head of the Romanian Diplomatic Mission here as well as Plenipotentiary Minister of Romania.

Dr. Grecea transmitted us all a beautiful message of peace, highlighting again the importance of effective communication and productive collaboration.

Additionally, Dr. Grecea brought us a number of special “Mărțișoare” especially hand crafted by a group of young students from an elementary school from Bucharest (Romania), accompanied by a kind letter, initialised by all those children; personally, I found this gesture truly heart touching!

Aside of that, two other guests (Maria & Dana) also brought “Mărțișoare” for each participant, creating even larger waves of joy and excitement.

After all the gifts were distributed, we continued our program with the cultural section, which was meant to focus on the legend of “Mărțișor” as well as sharing regional customs inherited from our ancestors.

All the presenters that night (Dorina, Lidia, Ileana, Ligia, Monica, Dana, Camelia, John and Teodor) highly spoke about this Romanian tradition (called “Mărțișor”) ….different legends were re-iterated, poems were recited (some are published in the comments section below) and fond memories were refreshed….facts that made each of us recall the childhood times filled with such unforgettable fragrance…you know, those little special memories, which last a lifetime!

The time we spent together flew by very, very fast and by the end of the night, we all enjoyed a well garnished selection of light refreshments, which allowed for prolonged socialization. Definitively, a beautiful evening filled with many special moments and for these I’m sending along my sincere gratitude to each participant that night. Until next time, best wishes to all!

Alice

Mesaj primit înspre publicare din partea Domnului Dr. Ovidiu Grecea* şi al Doamnei Liliana Grecea

Draga Alice, am ajuns cu bine acasă, parca mai bogați sufletește și intelectual, mai bucuroși că am avut ocazia, privilegiul și onoarea de a fi împreună cu niște oameni deosebiți, atât de erudiți, de binevoitori și de înțelepți. Desigur că, un merit deosebit îl ai tu care prin stăruința, tact, perseverență și gingășie ai reușit ca să aduni niște adevărate repere ale românilor-canadieni din Vancouver. Fie ca acești primi pași în prag de primăvară să aducă revigorarea adevăratei calități umane și de înaltă ținută, de adevărata probitate profesională și morală, de reprezentativitate a sevei sănătoase românești pe aceste meleaguri. Sperăm să auzim numai de bine și să ne revedem sănătoși și voioși la alte asemenea întâmplări ale lui Alice cu ... comoara minunilor de caractere frumoase prin simplitatea lor și atât de puternice, prin sensibilitatea sufletească pe care o împărtășesc cu o deosebită generozitate.

Cu sentimente prietenești,

Liliana și Ovidiu Grecea

*Domnul Ovidiu Grecea este Consul General şi Ministru Plenipotenţiar al României la Vancouver

“Our culture, our traditions, our language make the foundation
upon which we build our identity.“

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

● A previous card I've created referring to "Mărțișor" – 2019 

● Fotogallery published on their website by the General Consulate of Romania in Vancouver

● ARTICLE featuring our event on March 1’19 offered by OBSERVATORUL (from Toronto)

“March 1” – a day to celebrate spring return

On "March 1" some European countries celebrate (un-conventionally) the beginning of spring, when small tokens of appreciation, mostly flowers, are exchanged amongst friends.
Wishing you & your friends share this beautiful custom, meant to harmonize even more your existing relationships.

“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.” (Oscar Wilde)

Love is in the air – Happy VALENTINE’s Day!

Dear friends, by this note I’m wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day, filled with much love, peace and joy!

LOVE is the bridge between you and everything.

~ A brief historic background ~

       Valentine's Day is named after ‘Saint Valentine’, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3^rd century. There are many stories about St. Valentine and over time these stories grew into the legend we know today.

       In our days, the Valentine's Day became an annual festival celebrating the romantic love, friendship and admiration. Every year, on February 14, people honor this day by sending messages of love and regard to partners, family and friends expressing their affection.

     While Valentine's Day is celebrated in most countries, different cultures have developed additional traditions for this. The greeting cards especially crafted for the occasion usually are decorated with pictures of cupid, hearts & flowers, while containing few sentimental rimes, emphasizing how special the receiver is, becoming easily recognizable all over the world. With the rise of technology, the Valentine's Day customs diversified even more, but continue to have LOVE at the core.