Friday, September 3, 2021

Be well, be happy…

More often than not, multiple situations remind us to live in the present, to appreciate more, to love more, to be better (with ourselves and with those around us), to laugh more, to enjoy the beauty of nature and (last but not least) to remember “TO BE”, rather than working hard in order “TO HAVE”.
Here are some additional thoughts…enjoy this light reading!
Why some people are happy and others are not? Simple. 
Because some people choose to be happy and others choose to always be concerned about what they lack.
Because some choose to see the beauty of everything and others remain eternally dissatisfied with the thought of what might happen in the future, losing the essence of the momentary thing.
Because some really live, putting soul into everything they do, while others are superficial, cold and selfish.
Because some are looking for their place, while others do everything in such a way as to create their own place, in which to develop harmoniously!
Because some seek happiness in money, while others build their own lives and happiness around people.
Because some choose to be human, while others dehumanize themselves every day in search of a perfect life, painted by opportunities, so that they could control other people!
Because some choose to find themselves and discover their vocation, while others get lost (lack of vision).
Because some understand that a purity of a thought is truly important and in one's own life automatically influences the world around them. The fact is that often society is just a reflection of your personality.
May we never forget that we are truly well as long as we are healthy, happy, and surrounded by wonderful, loving, people.


Tuesday, August 31, 2021

August 31, 2021: ROMANIAN LANGUAGE Day

Since 2013, each year, on August 31st, Romanians (around the world & in the country) celebrate ROMANIAN LANGUAGE DAY, which offers them a good occasion to honor their roots. This is also a great moment of reflection on the importance and richness of the Romanian language, celebrated throughout the world by promoting the arts, culture, traditions and history of Romania.
May we each take a moment to remember Eminescu’s comment vis-à-vis of that, which says: “The language is the very flower of Romanians' ethnic soul.”
“To learn the Romanian language means to get to know the identity of the Romanians and
to have a better understanding of their personalities.”
NOTEDear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed)

Monday, August 30, 2021

Understandings, perceptions, conclusions….

In life, many of us encounter all sorts of situations when it comes to relationships (such as friends, acquaintances of any sort, collaborators, etc.) - some of them really fill our hearts with joy & sincere gratitude, but others manage to bring along a deep and heavy sense of disappointment and a very bitter taste (especially when you walk the extra mile in helping or supporting them, & they don’t even recognize it…they act like you owe them something, but in reality it is the other way around).
So, in the light of these concepts, below I’m sharing with you a text which carries a lot of wisdom, trusting that by doing so it could shed some light upon few essential life matters. 
Observe and absorb appropriately.    
Life findings
"It took me a while to understand and accept…
That not everyone who smiles at you truly likes you;
That not everyone who compliments you truly appreciates you;
That not everyone who approves of you truly agrees with you…
That not everyone who listens to you truly understands you or is really interested in your fate.
That too few people sincerely rejoice in your successes, and that their frustration and their envy often lie behind the displayed joy…
That many of the benevolent faces that people display in public are, in fact, masks and that many of their positive feelings are just skillfully played feelings…
That you are gossiped by those who know you the least and you are judged by those who are more immoral than you…
That nothing is free in the world and that very few people offer you something without waiting for something else in return (without having hidden interests).
That too few people voluntarily extend a helping hand to you, without you having to ask them…
That many show compassion and kindness only in the eyes of the world, when in reality they are indifferent and just interested in showing a public image of a generous person (in fact, all is only about them, and never about you, even though they pretend to be your friend/s - more like a colorful façade strategically placed).
That not everyone who says he forgives really does it and that some never forgive, they even hide their hatred behind their smiles.
That some people immediately forget the good you did to them, but they will reproach you endlessly the most insignificant mistake.
That today you can mean everything to someone, and in an instant you can become nobody even if you didn't do anything wrong; when you no longer serve their purposes they become indifferent, cold and mean (and that is the moment when such individuals show their real character, their true colors).
It took me a while to fully understand and most than anything to accept these missing truths, but from the moment I accepted them my life became much easier. ”
After all, keeping in your circle only the nice, honest, compatible, positive, supportive, respectful and gentle people is a sign of practical wisdom. Choose wisely! 
In life, if the respect and appreciation are mutual then the efforts would be equal.

Friday, August 27, 2021

Socializing: Summer Picnic 2021 & Book Launch

Since the social austerity in our province at this very moment is slightly more relaxed, on Friday (August 27, 2021) I was happy to organize (in a public park), a summer picnic together with my group, this being the only ‘in person’ meeting of the current year.
Also, that evening, we all were very pleased to have with us again two dear guests of honor – Dr. Ovidiu Grecea together with his wife. As already mentioned few times before, Dr. Grecea is the Head of the Romanian Diplomatic Mission in Vancouver, as well as Plenipotentiary Minister of Romania in Canada.
In his remarks, Dr. Grecea congratulated ALICE & Friends Circle
 for the ongoing cultural activity, re-emphasizing again the role the group plays in the local cultural arena, as well as refreshing the special tenderness Romanians (in general) are capable of.
On this occasion, I’ve included into our program a “book launch section” as two friends of my group – Teodor and Cristian Trandafir (father & son) – were each publishing at the same time a volume of poetry. I did find appropriate to present the audience these two books, as nowadays it is quite seldom to encounter such synchronicities…father & son, both amateur poets, each publishing a poetry book…a nice coincidence that I enjoyed highlighting at my Circle.
Aside of that, at this gathering I suggested Teodor to invite some of his personal friends, who are not coming at our usual events, and I was pleased to notice that all of them enjoyed the evening. After I introduced these 2 books, Consul Grecea as well as few other guests shared some personal remarks on this matter too.
In brief about the 2 books presented:
·         Teodor’s poetry book called “Balsam pentru suflet” is mainly a collection of religiously inspired poems, patriotic poetry, short elegies, brief meditations, plenty of friends’ anniversaries and lots of wishes he formulated for his close fellows belonging to Romanian community from Vancouver.
·         Cristian’s book, called “Cuvinte alese” includes poems that illustrate feelings, personal experiences he collected over a number of years, as well as thoughts, opinions, impressions and appreciations, all springing from the overflow of his soul.
Each guest received a poetry book, and Teodor together with his wife Marcela were kind to interpret a few for the audience.
Next, while we enjoyed the light refreshments brought along, we continued the evening with a number of group songs. At this point in time, I was glad to distribute few brochures with several well-known Romanian songs so we all could sing together…some guests loved the gesture so much that they didn’t even return the copies back, but rather preferring to keep them as a souvenir and eventually using them as further templates for other occasions. I found that amusing!
Our evening together was pleasant and relaxing, and the fresh air from that secular forest brought upon each of us a splendid sense of peace and emotional sanity.
Concluding my briefing here, once again I’m sending along my appreciation to each guest of the evening, wishing them all best personal regards!
This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture. 
Message gratefully received from “OBSERVATORUL”, from Toronto
Please use the automated translator installed at the bottom of the page to translate this message into any language you wish…thank you!
(In Romanian Language) 
"Bucuroşi să vă prezentăm un alt eveniment cultural reuşit al grupului ALICE & FRIENDS CIRCLE™  din Vancouver.
Plăcere să publicăm crónica colaboratorei noastre, doamna 
Dorina Cornelia Aldea la
http://www.observatorul.com/default.asp?action=articleviewdetail&ID=22960  şi o poză de la acest picnic şi lansare de carte la:
http://www.observatorul.com/events_main.asp
Sănătate şi numai bine vă dorim!"

  ARTICLE featuring our event on August 27, 2021, offered by OBSERVATORUL (from Toronto, Canada)
NOTĂ:
Începând cu anul 2000 Revista Observatorul face parte din 'The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada' (o organizație ne-guvernamentală, care reprezintă publicații, ce servesc 150 de limbi şi comunități culturale din Canada).  
Relațiile între membrii organizației au devenit apropiate, ne cunoaștem sărbătorile tradiționale, participăm, ne felicităm la diferite ocazii speciale, aniversări, împărțim informații diverse.

La pagina 8 (în acest link: http://www.observatorul.com/events_main.asp), este redat picnicul organizat de
Alice & Friends Circle (articol & fotografie),
pe data de 27 august 2021. Este o plăcere să vedem acest articol şi fotografia aferentă în forma tiparită. Lectură plăcută
  ARTICLE featuring our event on August 27, 2021, offered by Uniunea Ziariştilor Profesionişti din România, under their “BREAKING NEWS” section  (from Romania)
 ARTICLE featuring our event on August 27, 2021, offered by Ziarul românilor din Andalucía, under their “Cultură, Români în lume” section (from Spain)

Monday, July 19, 2021

Summer vibes of 2021

SUMMER – perfect in every way….the sun is most active, people are more relaxed, everything in nature is flourishing abundantly, flowers are blooming with lots of splendid colors and fragrances allowing everyone to feel their amazing smell in the air, trees are radiant, birds are singing...and if you might happen to watch a sunset, allow yourself to ponder the shades and the contrasts…or if you would choose to observe your surroundings more closely, or to appreciate a light breeze which might come from the ocean or from the hills stirring the leaves, you could experience a beautiful serenity of being, a better health, and above all, a quality time and a rejuvenating inner peace, which is beyond the brain…enjoy these beautiful, summery, moments!

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Socializing: CANADA Day 2021 – Morning Coffee Talks

Each year, on July 1st is Canada Day (“National Day”), and on Thursday morning (July 1, 2021) I was happy to meet on line, for a short while, with a small group of available friends to cross reference notes about Canada – the beautiful country we all live in!
Somehow, the 1st of July this time appeared to be slightly more relaxed than the previous one, still left thought with numerous pandemic related restrictions in place, observed to various degrees throughout the entire realm.
But "Canada Day" is "Canada Day" and we each did our best to honor the occasion. 
Without any doubt, for every Canadian this is the perfect time of the year to slow down and ponder (at large) about the many things we are blessed with (as Canadians), such as peace, wonderful nature, clean air, pure waters, splendid landscape!
At today’s dialogue table (under my brand of “Morning Coffee Talks with Alice”), I’ve invited again few people belonging to different generations, eager to listen to their renewed perspectives about their life in Canada, about their experiences (good or lesser), about their dreams and about their plans for future….all in one, genuine gratitude was nicely emerging around the circle.
Once again, to each and every guest of this gathering, HAPPY CANADA DAY, dear fellow Canadians, many thanks for joining me this time and for honestly sharing your thoughts with the rest of the group…your contribution is truly appreciated!

This event was featuring the Canadian life & culture.  
● A previous event I organized on the same theme: CANADA Day – 2020
● Some of my additional greetings referring to CANADA Day – 20202019

July 1, 2021: CANADA Day

Canada Day is the day we all think about how far we've come, it is a day we reflect on what it means to each of us to be part of this beautiful country, it is a day to ponder and honor. Every year, on July 1st, Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture and achievements…a special day, when many festivities are held throughout the entire realm, since 1868. CANADA indeed reflects well the old concept of unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.
Congratulations to youCanada…and once again, a very happy Canada Day to one and all!
● My previous greetings on the same theme: CANADA Day – 20202019

Thursday, June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021: Celebrating the ROMANIAN BLOUSE Day

Romanian ethnography and folklore - ancestral legends and traditions
Beautiful day on Tuesday (June 24, 2021), when I organized an evening assembly featuring the Universal day of the Romanian Blouse, highlighting at the same time relevant concepts pertaining to Romanian ethnography and folklore, as well as ancestral legends and traditions. 
Aside of that, I would like to remind that our province slowly continues to reopen further and further (in staged phases), but since I still can sense a significant amount of anxiety in the air, for the time being, I've decided to continue with my events on line.  

At this gathering, I was very happy that Consul Grecea could join the group (Honorable Grecea is the General Consul of Romania and Head of the Romanian Diplomatic Mission in Vancouver, as well as Plenipotentiary Minister of Romania in Canada).

After all my guests arrived, I delivered my opening remarks and then I’ve presented a condensed slide show (published below) featuring the fundamental concepts of the Romanian Blouse (Ro: 'Ie'), as well as highlighting another old tradition, called 'Sânzienele' (or 'Drăgaica' in some parts of Romania).
Before I will give you a general overview of the talks that happened, for your convenience, below are some reference details:
a) Background info about the UNIVERSAL DAY OF THE ROMANIAN BLOUSE
The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse (Ro: 'Ziua Iei') is celebrated each year on June 24, all around the world, since 2013….over the last few years, this occasion has become a truly global event celebrated on six continents and in more than 55 countries. This movement grew exponentially, with an audience of millions of people around the world, fact which contributed decisively to the rebirth and a renewed interest in traditional Romanian culture.
This festivity (the Day of the Romanian Blouse) entered the annual program of museums and cultural institutions in the country and abroad, being marked both by the Romanian embassies and by the diplomatic missions of Romania. Generally speaking, these blouses are very beautiful and highly regarded by many, being considered special "ethnological artifacts, communicating through hand-embroidered symbols the identity of their wearer".
On this day, Romanians and all those who love and appreciate the Romanian culture, are asked to wear a traditional Romanian blouse or shirt.
b) Background info about 'SÂNZIENE'
Also, in Romanian folk beliefs, June 24 marks the Midsummer Day, called 'Sânzienele' (or 'Drăgaica' in some parts of the country) – a summer festival which celebrates nature and fertility (fecundity). According to several legends, 'Sânzienele' are very beautiful girls who live in forests or areas unexplored by people, “considered to be the fairies of the field, giving special powers to the flowers and the weeds, which are turned into medicinal herbs around the June 24 celebration. It is not a coincidence that all the plants stop growing after the day of Sânziene.” On the same day (June 24) Christians celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist.  

Then the evening continued with Consul Grecea’s talk, which re-emphasized the historic significance of the Romanian traditional blouse ('Ie'), its authenticity, as well as its beautiful continuity over centuries. (note: another personal message from Consul Grecea is in comments section).
After that, each guest of the evening spoke about his or her regional outfit (the Romanian blouse as well as the other component elements of their traditional costumes) interweaving these descriptions with the popular legends, traditional festivals (such as 'Călușarii' & 'Junii Brașovului') of the area to which they belong to.
All the myths, stories, poems, songs or personal perspectives shared that evening were full of warmth & genuine emotions, which warmed our hearts even more (to some bringing even a playful tear into the corner of an eye), leading to a general state of peace & profound well-being, while bringing so much joy to our souls! 
The evening ended with the famous Romanian song, called “Cu caciulile pe frunte” that our friend Teodor start singing for the group & then we all joined in!
We all experienced such a special & uplifting sense of unity…truly beautiful! 
Without any doubt, a splendid evening well spent together with likeminded friends.

In winding up, given that people on this part of the world just celebrated Father’s Day (few days ago), at this time I’m sending along my very best regards to all fathers who are part of Alice & Friends Circle™ wishing them good health, joy and happiness!

Until we meet again, best wishes to all for a pleasing summer!
Alice
It is very inspiring to observe how a tradition gathers enough strength to go on for centuries.

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

June 24, 2021 – Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE

June 24 has been recognized and celebrated around the world as the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse. This circumstance marks the Midsummer Day, also known as “Sânzienele” in the Romanian folk beliefs. Also, it is important to mention that “the Romanian Blouse has been an international symbol of the Romanian culture and a source of inspiration for some of the world’s greatest fashion.” Initiated and coordinated by the online community La Blouse Romaine, in 2013, this type of celebration is an opportunity to publicize and further broadcast an old and beautiful Romanian cultural tradition.
My warmest regards to all who observe this occasion & continuously promote the Romanian identity outfit – “ia”.

June 24 marks the Midsummer Day – “Sânzienele” in Romanian folk beliefs. 
● A previous post on the same theme: The Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE – 2020
NOTEDear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed)