Friday, March 8, 2024

Socializing: 2024 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day

‘8 Martie – Ziua Internaţională a Femeii’
(in Ro language)
‘March 8 – International Women’s Day’
(in English language)
     A beautiful Friday on March 8, 2024, when we had a brief on-line reunion around noon time, honoring the annual
International Women’s Day! A super busy day for most of us, but we’ve quickly meet to voice few thoughts within our lovely Circle before we each spread out for different engagements of the evening.
     At this gathering, my guest of honor was Deputy Consul General Stefana Rotaru & Plenipotentiary Minister of Romania in Vancouver, who shared with us her vision as she begins a new mandate in Vancouver, as well as a beautiful message for the Romanian women who are competent contributors to the society they live in.
Consul Stefana Rotaru was kind to offer only to all participants of this gathering a consular consultation without previous appointment...indeed, a very nice gesture!

     Aside of that, during our group discussions I’ve read a poem about women, and our dear friend Dorina enumerated few remarkable Romanian women who brought significant contributions to the world; also, Dorina wrote for “Observatorul” from Toronto, an article called “Ochii Mamei” (please follow this link to read it).
     On the other hand, I would like to let you know that in Romania, on March 8th people salute not only the International Women’s Day, but also Mother’s Day as well, making it a double celebration of womanhood.

     Our group conversations this time as well were heart-felt and to the point, reminding us to appreciate even more all the women we each have in our lives.
     Pondering a bit further on this, I would like to refresh that women have the power to take the world by storm, and at the same time they could help the world transform into a better place for all.
     We concluded our gathering on a warm note, wishing each-other only the best for the spring to come!

Until next time, my warmest regards dear ladies, and once again: Happy International Women’s Day!



Prominent feminine personalities:
Since the focus of this meeting was International Women’s Day, here I’m glad to share with you some names of famous women who changed the world.
          ✰ Few prominent ROMANIAN WOMEN:
Dr. Ana Aslan (1897- 1988) was a Romanian biologist & physician, founder of the first National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics in the world, having famous patients, such as John Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Augusto Pinochet, Indira Gandhi, Salvador Dali, Charile Chaplin, Claudia Cardinale, Josiph Broz Tito, Marlene Dietrich, Konrad Adenauer, Kirk Douglas, Miguel Asturias, etc.
– Architect Virginia Andreescu Haret (1894–1962) was a Romanian architect and is credited as the first woman to graduate with a degree in architecture in Romania. She is also the first woman to reach the rank of Romanian Architectural Inspector General
– Eng. Aurora Gruescu (1914-2005) was the world’s first female forestry engineer as well as the first Romanian person in the Guinness Book
– Mathematician Silvia Creangă (1894-1952) was the first female in Romania mastering the PHD in mathematics
– Physicist Ștefania Mărăcineanu (1882-1944) was 
an internationally renowned Romanian chemist and physicist who formulated theories about radioactivity, artificial radioactivity and the process of artificial rainfall
          ✰ Few prominent WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD: 
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179):  Mystic, author and composer, she lived a withdrawn life, spending most of her time behind convent walls. However, her writings, poetry and music were revelatory for the time period. She was consulted by popes, kings and influential people of the time. Her writings and music have influenced people to this day.
Joan of Arc (1412–1431) The patron saint of France, Joan of Arc inspired a French revolt against the occupation of the English. An unlikely hero, at the age of just 17, the diminutive Joan successfully led the French to victory at Orleans. Her later trial and martyrdom only heightened her mystique
– Jane Austen (1775–1817) One of the most famous female authors of all time. She wrote several novels, which remain highly popular today. These include Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Northanger Abbey. Jane Austen wrote at a time when female writers were not encouraged, helping pave the way for future writers
– Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) One of America’s greatest poets, Emily Dickinson lived most of her life in seclusion. Her poems were published posthumously and received widespread literary praise for their bold and unconventional style. Her poetic style left a significant legacy on 20th Century poetry
– 
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) Wife and political aide of American president F.D.Roosevelt. In her own right Eleanor made a significant contribution to the field of human rights, a topic she campaigned upon throughout her life. As head of UN human rights commission she helped to draft the 1948 UN declaration of human rights.
Previous events I organized on the same theme: 
Socializing – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
Some of my additional greetings referring to the same matter: 
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day! – March 8: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 

March 8, 2024: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

March 8: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!
Ladies, on our day, I’m wishing you all good health, joy, prosperity & lasting love – today and forever!
8 Martie, 2024 
Astăzi sărbătorim femeia...acea ființă minunată care dă viața și curaj...acea ființă deosebită care este mamă, soție, fiică, prietenă, psiholog, bucătar...etc. 
Astăzi sărbătorim acea ființă care merita iubire și respect! 
La mulți ani, dragi femei frumoase!
● Additional background info:
ARTICLES: “International Women’s Day 2024” (Government of Canada) | “International Women’s Day” (UN headquarters)
My previous posts on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Monday, March 4, 2024

“Mărțișor 2024” with the Romanian Consulate

     On March 1st, 2024, I was invited by the new Consul General of Romania in Vancouver & by his lovely wife (who is Deputy Consul General of Romania in Vancouver) at their residence to spend an evening together with several Romanian ladies, honoring “Mărțișor” – a beautiful tradition most of us are very fond of. 
     Needless to say that good cheer was in our midst! Each lady attending the event received a beautiful “Mărțișor” handed by Consul Gabriel Rotaru, nicely prepared by the consular team in Vancouver.
     I was truly pleased to have interesting conversations with both Romanian Consuls, learning about their vision as they begin a new mandate here (Rotaru family arrived to Vancouver 2 months ago).
     This posting is marking the beginning of a more ample collaboration between Alice & Friends Circle™ and the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver. Without any doubt, uniting our efforts in order to further promote our Romanian culture, as well as our ancient traditions, and the timeless wisdom of our ancestors, is something we all are very proud of.
Until our paths will meet again, from me, only the best!
Alice

NOTE 1: For quick reference, here is the media coverage for Mărțișor” 2024
– The press release issued by the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver (also published on the Consulate’s website)
– In comments section is published the message received from Consul Ştefana Rotaru
– Here is the relating face-book post of the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver (and here is the Consulate’s face-book page)
– Here is an article about this, published by “Observatorul” from Toronto, Canada (and here the website of “Observatorul”)

NOTE 2: For the time being, the comments section of this posting was left open, so the willing guests of the evening could directly express their thoughts. 

Friday, March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024: “Mărțișor”

 MARCH 1st of 2024 has arrived, and to all my friends who celebrate “MĂRȚIȘOR” (a beautiful Romanian tradition) I’m wishing them only the best!
March well into spring, dear ones!  
● The legend of “Mărțișor”
As a courtesy, published here in Romanian language; if you wish to translate this "Legend" into any other language, please use the automated translator installed below. Thank you!
Legenda MĂRȚIŞORULUI
La marginea unui sat trăiau într-o coliba sărăcăcioasă o femeie cu fiica ei. Ca să câștige pâinea de zi cu zi și câțiva bănuți, femeia se îndeletnicea cu torsul lânii pentru oamenii din sat. Dar tot ce câștiga dădea pe doctorii pentru fata ei care era tare bolnavă. Într-o zi, pe când torcea și plângea de mila fiicei sale, femeia văzu o caleasca de foc trecând cu iuțieală dinspre pădure spre sat. Era Crăiasa Primăvara care, auzind-o, s-a oprit și a întrebat-o de ce este așa de necăjită. Aflând de boala copilei, Crăiasa a zis...
- "Ține caierul acesta de foc și toarce-l firicel subțire, apoi leagă o fundiță și prinde-o de pieptul copilei. Puterile mele o vor trezi la viață, așa cum se trezește la viață întreaga natură după trecerea mea."
Femeia mulțumi și se apuca de lucru. Dar caierul îi ardea degetele și-i era cu neputință să rasucească un firicel cât de mic. Începu să plângă cu lacrimi grele și aproape că nu bagă de seama când o altă caleașcă de zăpadă se opri în dreptul colibei. Era Crăiasa Iarna, care dispărea cu iuțieală dinspre sat spre pădure și care, auzind necazul femeii, zise...
- "Ține caierul acesta de zăpadă... Răcoarea lui va potoli fierbițeala celui de foc. Răsucește-le laolaltă, poate așa îți pot fi de folos și eu."
Femeia mulțumi din tot sufletul și se puse pe tors. Torcea laolalta fir roșu de foc cu fir alb de zăpadă și astfel ispravi de tors cele doua caiere. Iar după ce duse la capat lucrul, legă o fundiță de pieptul fetiței. Aceasta îndată prinse putere și culoare în obrajori, sări din pat și-și îmbrățișă cu drag mama.
De atunci, în fiecare prag de primăvară, femeia împletea fundițe alb-roșii, împărțindu-le oamenilor din sat, să le aducă sanatate și bucurii.
● Reminder: a brief historical background info about “Mărțișor” (March 1)
The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), & literally means "the little March". The actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white & red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong & healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, &especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more of a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation & respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring in addition to the snowdrop flowers.
● Few relaxing moments: 
E primăvară, iarăşi primăvară!” (Interpreter: Tudor Gheorghe) – audio   |  Rapsodii de primăvară” (Interpreter: Tudor Gheorghe) – audio   
● Previous events I organized featuring “Mărțișor”– 2024, 2023, 2022,  2021, 20202019
● My previous greetings on the same theme: MĂRȚIȘOR” – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
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)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Asking QUESTIONS

I truly believe that one of life's most treacherous races is to live without any questions, to live without any curiosity, to live without any novelty – in other words to live a “flat” life….
Without any doubt, nobody would desire hardship or suffering, but if life is lived without any horizon, flooded only with inner laziness (“blasé” style), or indifference, easily it could become quite dull and depressing.
Further pondering upon these concepts, here are some additional thoughts:
- When you no longer have questions, you no longer look "up", but "down" and you might be tempted to believe that this is enough
- When you run out of questions, you end up believing that you don't have any questions because you have all the answers, which is a big error
- When you run out of questions, nothing can convince you of anything else; most of the time the obvious could be in front of you and you might not be able to see it (which is often the case)
- When you no longer have questions, you lose your candor and humility
- When you let go of candor and humility, you automatically adopt sufficiency, and you become enough
- When you become enough, you become arrogant…and arrogance manifests right before decay.
In order to avoid sliding on this down spiral, scholars believe that doing the following might be helpful to correct yourself:
- Cultivate an inquiring and humble spirit
- Understand that no one can have all the answers, but at least keep your sense of wonder, which would keep you “alive”, and more than anything, would make you loop up more often…
“The ability to ask questions is the greatest resource in learning the truth.” (C. Jung)

Saturday, February 24, 2024

February 24, 2024: “DRAGOBETE” Day

 “DRAGOBETE” – An old Romanian custom featuring Love (or the Romanian version of Valentine’s Day)

As we all know, February seems to be the month when love is in the air
(probably anticipating the spring to come), and for many people (mostly of the Romanian descent) DRAGOBETE is an additional reason to celebrate love even more, occasion which allows me to wish my Romanian friends, Happy “Dragobete” Day!
“Le doresc celor care au găsit dragostea să o poată păstra vie.
Celor care au pierdut-o, să treacă peste durere.
Celor care încă mai cred, să o întâlnească.
Celor care așteaptă o a doua ocazie, să o aibă.
Celor care au o iubire care este în cer, să o simtă aproape.
Celor care se simt bătrâni și obosiți să iubească, să fie surprinși de o emoție.”
Dragii mei, iubiți pur si simplu pentru că iubirea vă dă bucurie....
Refreshing a brief historical background
“DRAGOBETE” is a day rich in traditions, which differ from region to region. In general, nowadays, many Romanians exchange gifts with their partners as a way of showing their affection for each other.
On the other hand, according to one of the many legends on the matter, this day is also known as the day of "The Engagement", "The birds accompanying" or "The birds wedding." According to a popular belief, birds gather in flocks, "courting", in an indescribable turmoil &, until the end, they’ll find their pair. Together they build the nest in which to grow their offspring. According to the same old legend, the birds that do not find their pair now, they remain single until next year.
Another legend says that “Dragobete” was the son of “Baba Dochia”, who is connected with the return of spring. The traditional story tells us that in the ancient times, young men and women together would go to search the meadows for fresh spring flowers. Nonetheless, a beautiful, old, tradition worth sharing further!
● Few short VIDEO-CLIPS:
         In English language: The Dragobete Meets Valentine's Day / Geographies of Tradition”  
         In Romanian language: “Despre Dragobete” (Arhiva TVR) |  “Povestea Dragobetelui sau legenda lui Dragobete
● My previous greetings on the same theme: ”DRAGOBETE” Day  2023, 2022, 20212020
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)

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

February 14, 2024: Happy VALENTINE’s Day!

 Dear friends, near and far, I’m wishing each of you a perfect Valentine's Day!
Open hearts see LOVE everywhere…
● ARTICLES:History of Valentine’s Day” | “Valentine’s Day” (background details)
● Short VIDEO-CLIPS: History of Valentine’s Day” (on History Channel) | “14 Cute DIY Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day” (gifts ideas)
● My previous greetings on the same theme: VALENTINE's Day – 20232022202120202019
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)

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

LOVE & the approaching Spring of 2024

 ~ Annual Romanian literary evening with our Circle, featuring Valentine’s Day, ‘Dragobete’ and ‘Mărțișor’ ~

‘Mărțișor’ (in Ro language)
or ‘March amulet’ (in English language)

Since February it is known as the month of love, this year we didn’t miss the occasion to honor it on Friday (February 13’24), while revisiting as well several dear themes to us, such as: Valentine’s Day, “Dragobete” and
Mărțișor.
For everybody's content, as well as a number of few different reasons, we had a warm and pleasing on-line gathering.  

Diligently joining our heart to heart talks, my friends unavoidably felt that making time to speak about love, to speak about self-care, to speak about the significance of having good relationships with our families and with our friends it is really beautiful and super meaningful in this very consumerist, go-go kind of world!

Also, since LOVE was a significant part of our conversation I will take a moment here to refresh that there are several types of love, and according to the scholars here they are:
Eros (romantic love)Agape (unconditional love)Storge (empathy)Philia (affectionate love)Pragma (long-lasting love), etc., but the highest of all is AGAPE (ancient Greek ἀγάπη…which is a Greco-Christian term referring to love, "the highest form of love, charity").

Now, quickly referring to our evening together, despite the fact that our gathering was rather cozy, our talks were truly extensive, genuine and really enjoyable.
For instance, specifically speaking,
our dear friend Dorina presented an interesting material (which is published in comments section), and our dear friend Mihaela recited a beautiful poem (also published in comments section). Then, we all continued with lengthy talks about the multiple facets of love, about old seasonal and timely customs (from back home and from here), about ancestors and inevitably about several (old and new) pages of history, all together defining the map of a new beautiful page from the book of existence of our lovely Circle. Truly charming heart "nourishment"...
Summarizing the main concepts, we all agreed that time is flying really fast showing us that if we don’t pay attention we could miss a lot, revelation which has the potential to put many things into a new perspective.

In closing, as I wrap up my briefing, once again, my most sincere appreciation to each friend who honored my invitation with kindness and heart-felt compassion. 
Until next time, my warmest regards to all for a great rest of the season!
Alice
 “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture.
● For a quick reference, here is a brief historical background for each observance:
🌿 Valentine’s Day (February 14):
Nowadays, the Valentine's Day became an annual festival celebrating the romantic love, friendship & admiration. Every year, on February 14, people honor this day by sending messages of love & regard to partners, family & friends, expressing their affection. This originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.
🌿 “Dragobete” (February 24):
While Valentine’s Day is mostly related to people (a well-known saint and those he helped) and their actions in the name of love, “DRAGOBETE” is a very old and truly beautiful Romanian festive holiday associated with the arrival of spring as well as romantic love. No one really knows exactly when "Dragobete" started, it is believed to go way back to ancient Romania (aka "Dacian Kingdom")In early myths, "Dragobete" is the son of “Baba Dochia” (in Romanian mythology, she is an old figure identified with the return of spring). He is the Romanian version of Cupid – bringing love and life with him. It is said that his magical presence could make the trees flower, insects, and birds to multiply and can turn men and women into lovers. Celebrated each year on February 24th, this holiday is linked to the time of the year when birds build their nests and mate, being mostly connected with nature. As the first signs of spring begin to show, nature & man begin a new cycle of life and love.
🌿 Mărțișor” (March 1) or March amulet:
The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), & literally means "the little March". The actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white & red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong & healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, & especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more of a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation & respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring in addition to the snowdrop flowers.
NOTEIn 2017, UNESCO decided to inscribe “Mărțișor“ on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Please follow the links below for a more detailed reading about this significant gesture…thank you!
● Previous events I organized on the same concepts: Love, Spring &“Mărțișor” 20232022202120202019
Some of my additional greetings referring to the same themes: 
VALENTINE’s Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
“Mărțișor“ – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019  | 
DRAGOBETE“ Day  2023, 2022, 2021, 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)