Tuesday, 31 December 2024






Everything must end. It should be possible to find as much joy in endings as there is in beginnings. Yet we cling to the present, and resist acknowledging when it is time to move on.
Each year we are given a small opportunity to learn to release the past. Each year ends, moving into our memories. On New Year's Eve, we think about starting the new year. But we are also ending the old one. It is a good time to examine our lives, seeking to discover what we cling to that needs to be released.
That release can bring joy. We only have to open our hands, and let it drift away — the relationship, the ambition, the craving, the addiction.
Whether it was once good or not, whether it was something we had held for a long or short time, we can now let it go. And as we do so, we can laugh in the freedom that follows.
~ Patricia Monaghan
tks to the Cosmic Dancer

Sunday, 22 December 2024


 


This holiday season, I'm wishing for the kind of wealth that money could never buy - the gentle peace of a quiet mind, the warmth of laughter echoing through rooms filled with those we love, and the pure joy of adventures that remind us we're alive.
But most of all, I wish for each of you to see your own light, to feel the depth of your worth, to know that in this vast universe, your presence creates ripples of magic that touch more lives than you'll ever know.
You are not just loved - you are essential, extraordinary, and irreplaceable. May this season remind you of that truth, over and over again.
~ 'December's Gentle Grace' by Etheric Echoes ~ Etheric Echoes

~ Art by Pascal Campion
tks to spiritofahippie 

Friday, 20 December 2024

El 2024 ha sido otro capítulo importante para los estudiantes de English Connection, un año en el que seguimos trabajando y mejorando este idioma que amamos y que nos hace renegar al mismo tiempo. Juntos hemos sentado las bases para un futuro con más confianza al expresarnos y estamos ansiosos por continuar el viaje en 2025. English Connection y Once upon a Book Club les desean unas Fiestas llenas de alegría, descanso y tiempo con sus seres queridos.









 

Tuesday, 17 December 2024


"Letters from Father Christmas" by J.R.R. Tolkien is a collection of charming and imaginative letters Tolkien wrote to his children, pretending to be Father Christmas. The letters blend magical storytelling with humor and heartfelt messages. Here are ten lessons from the book:
1. Imagination is a gift.
The letters demonstrate how creativity can bring joy and wonder to others. Tolkien used his imagination to create a magical world for his children, inspiring them to dream and believe in magic.
2. The value of tradition.
The annual letters from Father Christmas became a cherished tradition in the Tolkien household, highlighting how small, consistent acts of love can strengthen family bonds over time.
3. Joy in storytelling.
Tolkien’s intricate tales of the North Pole, with Polar Bear and the mischievous goblins, emphasize the joy of storytelling and its power to entertain, educate, and connect.
4. Cherish the magic of childhood.
Through these letters, Tolkien preserved the innocence and wonder of childhood, showing how adults can create magical moments for the younger generation.
5. The importance of humor.
The humorous interactions between Polar Bear and Father Christmas remind readers that laughter and lightheartedness are essential, even in challenging times.
6. Small gestures make a big impact.
The effort Tolkien put into writing and illustrating the letters reflects how even simple acts of love and care can leave lasting memories.
7. Resilience in adversity.
Father Christmas often describes the troubles he faces at the North Pole, such as battles with goblins, showing that perseverance and teamwork help overcome challenges.
8. Creativity in parenting.
Tolkien’s inventive approach to connecting with his children offers inspiration for parents to use their creativity to foster meaningful connections with their kids.
9. Love is shown through effort.
The time and detail Tolkien put into the letters reflect his deep love for his children, teaching that love is best demonstrated through actions, not just words.
10. Preserving memories.
The collection of letters became a treasure trove of memories for the Tolkien family, reminding us to document meaningful moments to reflect on in the future.

This book serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of imagination, love, and family traditions.
tks to bookplug 



"The Mists of Avalon" is a historical fantasy novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley, published in 1983. This groundbreaking work reimagines the Arthurian legends from the perspective of the female characters, particularly focusing on Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), who is portrayed as a priestess striving to preserve the old pagan traditions in the face of the rising influence of Christianity in Britain.
The novel intricately weaves themes of feminism, power, and spirituality, exploring the lives of women such as Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere), Viviane (the Lady of the Lake), and Morgaine herself. It presents a rich tapestry of Camelot's politics and intrigue, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of these women as they navigate a world dominated by male figures like King Arthur and Uther Pendragon.
Bradley's narrative is noted for its depth and complexity, offering a monumental reimagining of the traditional Arthurian tales. The book not only delves into the personal lives and motivations of its characters but also critiques the historical marginalization of women's voices in these legendary stories.
"The Mists of Avalon" has become a significant work in both fantasy literature and feminist discourse, inviting readers to reconsider the narratives surrounding one of the most enduring legends in Western literature.
Tks to classic bookworm

 




”The bedtime story is a genius invention. A tiny gift of wonder before you fall asleep.”
~Carolyn Watson

Download the pdf book at

https://vk.com/doc253459611_464988004?hash=ArA4yKUGx3IkdqT5pDQcQGJB2lsiAcYErixsTaoh3YT 

Monday, 16 December 2024