Monday, September 28

A Day of Atonement

Today is Yom Kippur. It is considered the holiest day within the Jewish faith. It falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah (aka Jewish New Year). I am not Jewish, but as I have many friends that are, I became aware of this day while I lived in New York City.
A day of reflection and forgiveness. It is a solemn day where Jews become closer to God through prayer and fasting. It is also a day of reconciliation. In the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jews are encouraged to seek out those who have been offended over the past year and genuinely ask for forgiveness. Only on Yom Kippur can one seek forgiveness from God. That is why it is important to 'make it right' in the ten days prior to Yom Kippur.
This holiday always falls in September, which is also the month of the harvest. In my interfaith mixture of beliefs, it makes sense that Yom Kippur falls at this time. Not only are we reaping the benefits of the harvest, it should be a time that we reflect on the past year that has brought us to this day. The saying "You reap what you sow" is very fitting right now.
I may be wrong, but I see it also as a time of renewal to start the New Year with a clean slate. Time to think about what transgressions we have put upon others and to honestly look within ourselves to become better human beings.
Forgiveness is a very important element to be able to move forward.It is also fundamental to achieve peace in this world that is so strife with conflict.

Thursday, September 24

My Rio de Janeiro

Ah que saudades, minha cidade maravilhosa!!!
Oh how I miss you, my marvelous city!!!


Wednesday, September 16

Where Are We Now, 40 Years After the Bras Were Burned

I believe that the TV series " Sex and the City" actually has caused more harm than good for relationships. I admit that I am a fan and have probably seen every episode including the movie. I did relate to some of the story lines and did find myself in the same predicaments as the characters portrayed.
What I find in retrospect is that the characters basically found men to be disposable. They would meet them and basically sleep with them on the first date. Samantha was the worst for this, but she was never shy or hypocritical of what she wanted from men. They were her prey and she was the predator. Miranda would get involved with men but her underlying bitterness and cynicism would get in the way, which in turn caused her to be even more bitter and cynical. Carrie was portrayed as a free spirit but I found that she was shallow and selfish and just used men to get her to where she wanted. Charlotte was dillusional (for this day and age), because she believed in the myth of Prince Charming coming to rescue her. Of the four, I found myself most like Charlotte because of her high standards she held for the men she wanted to be involved with. She had her heart broken more often than the other three. She wanted to fall in love and live happily ever after.
So if the characters of SATC were role models for young single women, where does this leave the men of this world? Unfortunately it has left them even more confused of the female psyche. Men have always played the field because society expects this of them. They are the 'hunters'. Now that women have become 'hunters' in both the workplace and in relationships, it has caused men to become more vain (metrosexuals, increase in cosmetic surgery procedures, grooming product lines expanding etc.). The worst result, I believe, is that men have lost their respect for women. Men do not want 'hunters', they want women to be their supporters and allies in this cruel world.
When the battle of the sexes has finally fnished, could someone let me know?

Friday, September 11

Beautiful....

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love." --- Washington Irving

Wednesday, September 9

Quote of the Day

Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Saturday, September 5

Saturday's Quote

If truth is beauty, how come no one has their hair done in the library?
Lily Tomlin

Signs

This award winning short film is so heartwarming. I am a hopeless romantic at heart.Enjoy...................


Tuesday, September 1

Communication Breakdown

A hilarious story of what can happen when people in a relationship have a disconnect...