Spidey’s Serene Sundays | But I Smile Anyway...

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 339 – Appreciated

05 Sep 2021 31 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Appreciated, Birthday, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou

Thanks, Spidey, for this lovely quote.

It really hit home, especially after my birthday, on Friday.

As it has done, over the last few years, my birthday fell on a school day, and the beginning of the academic year.

This year was no different.

I had a day filled with home visits to some of my new students, before I was able to go home.

But, what made my day so special, was how those around me, made me feel. My whole team were so wonderful, and generous. I was spoilt with gifts and cards. Even one of the parents we visited, gave me a card. Children and parents from school who saw me, and were aware, wished me a happy birthday.

Yes, I stayed a little later than I had planned, but I left school feeling so loved.

Then I got home, and the feeling was doubled, no tripled. More love, presents and happiness from them.

That day, I went to sleep filled with the feeling of being appreciated, more than I ever thought I was.

It truly will be a birthday that will stick in my heart forever.

So, what about you? Share a moment or a day that you won’t ever forget, because of how you were made to feel?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 338 – The End Or The Beginning

29 Aug 2021 37 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Back to school, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“What feels like the end, is often the beginning.”
Anon

Thanks, Spidey, for putting a positive spin on a time of the year that I sometimes find quite difficult.

It is the end. Yup, the end of the summer holidays. Meaning time to go back go school.

But, just because a lovely break and time of rest has come to an end, it doesnt mean that there is nothing left to look forward to.

We are at the start of a new academic year. Soon, there will be my small army of new recruits joining the school. Who knows what the year will bring?

Will we manage a full year, with no remote learning or lockdowns? I hope so. These children have had far too much disruption over the last 18 months.

I’m dreading the thought of Ofsted coming to visit, though, as they might, this year, because I will be a part of the leadership team, so far more accountable for the way the department is run. That’s not so say I think I’m doing a bad job. No, we have a wonderful team, and every one works well together for the good of the children.

But, still, it is nerve wracking.

So, I’ll put that to the back of my mind and just get excited with everything else that is happening, and being able to welcome a whole host of new learners to school!

So, what about you? Do you enjoy new beginnings?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 337 – Rakhri

22 Aug 2021 26 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Brothers and Sisters, rakhri, Raksha Bandhan, siblings, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“Brothers and sisters separated by distance, joined by love.”
Chuck Danes

Thanks Spidey, for a wonderful quote, apt for today, as it is Rakhri, or Raksha Bandhan, today.

This is a special day, celebrated in India, and by Indians worldwide. It is a day for brothers and sisters.

Raksha means to look after. Bandhan means bound together.

Traditionally, a sister ties a special thread around the wrist of her brother(s) and feeds them something sweet. A brother returns this with a small gift.

That special thread is filled with blessings and a promise to always be there for the brother, praying for his wellbeing at all times. The brother takes this duty seriously, and if a rakhi is tied on him, he vows to look after his sister, forever, too.

When I was younger, it was a wonderfully profitable day! I have many, many cousins, and it’s not just your brother you tie on, but anyone who is like a brother to you, so cousins, friends who are close enough to be brothers, etc. and they all gave a token, or money, as their little gesture, responding to the sacred thread tied on them.

It was always an exciting time amongst all us girls, and oen that the brothers loved, but dreaded, knowing they would be lighter in the pocket by the end of the day, especially if they had lots of sisters!

Obviously, there are a few changes to this nowadays. Sisters tie on sisters, too, because you don’t have to be a male, or a brother, to look after one another. And, it’s not about the money, or gifts, either. It is the thought behind that thread that is tied. The bond that shouldn’t ever break.

It’s always a bittersweet day for me, as, nowadays, rarely will I get the chance to be with my own brother, to tie his rakhi on him, personally. We faithfully post ours, me to him, Lil Princess to her two little brothers, out there, in Helsinki, and they get tied on our behalfs. They know we are there for them, with them, forever.

At least I get to see my own two, performing this age old ritual. Though, the promises are to look after each other, not just the brother looking after his sister! (And she still expects a little gift!)

So, what about you? Do you have a close bond with your siblings, if you have them?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 336 – Smile

15 Aug 2021 38 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“Smile. It makes people wonder what you’re up to.”
Jill Shalvis

Thanks Spidey, for reminding me of that quote.

I’ve always liked it.

And it’s so true, isn’t it?

I’m not talking about that great big grin that some people flash, though, or the genuine smiles of happiness when you see people together, enjoying each other’s company.

I mean when you see someone, possibly alone, with that kind of Mona Lisa smile playing on their lips. Don’t you wonder what’s put that smile on their face? Is it a lovely message they received? Are they reminiscing some special moment? Thinking of something they arae about to do?

I love imagining what happiness is keeping a smile on their faces.

And, did you know, smiles are kinda addictive? Go on, try it. Smile at someone, pass on that kindness. It could trigger a smile revolution around you!

(Oh, and smiling is so, so good for exercising your facial muscles, so there is even more benefit!)

So, what about you? Do you exercise your smile muscles enough?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 335 – Chill? What Chill?

08 Aug 2021 58 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Break, Relax, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

Thanks for that Meme, Spidey. It pretty much sums up my feels, right now!

I know I have shared something similar in the past, but right now, this whole sentiment of being a permanently exhausted pigeon hits the spot!

So, last weekend, Spidey and I had a break, as Pops and Mum were down, and we did spend wonderful moments with them, that went far too quickly.

And I am two weeks into my summer break.

Er, and I still don’t feel rested. But then, I suppose, in order to be rested, I’d actually have to be able to stop, for a h

The first week comprised of cricket (what a surprise!), at least 4 days, as well as the visit from my parents, which was lovely, but busy, and emotional too, which is to be expected after seeing each other after a year!

They left on Sunday, and then this past week’s commitments started, with a cricket tournament starting on Sunday, all afternoon, as well as a match on Monday and Friday, plus an eyebrow appointment on Tuesday, and then three visits to hospitals, (not for me, I was designated driver for my in-laws and their apppintments!) Two of those appointments needed them to be at the relevant hospitals early morning, and I had a 25 minute journey to them, followed by another half an hour to the actual appointments, so I was tired. The last one was actually my father-in-law’s cataract surgery, so I was sat in the car for 3 hours, waiting, and reading until he came out.

Friday/Saturday, aside from cleaning the house, and grocery shopping, I also built the garden furniture that we had ordered. Now we just need the weather to change, so we can enjoy it!

I have been shattered. This is why. No real time to stop, and put the breaks on. At least, I haven’t been in school, yet. I have tried, purposely, to stop thinking about work, even though I do end up with emails coming, that are still important ones to act upon, but I have managed to put them on the back burner, so far.

But, my writing mojo has disappeared. I really wanted to use August to do some more writing on book two, but it’s just not there, at the moment. I have sat with my document open several times, but nothing flows. My body and mind are on a bit of a strike, I fear.

Talking of body, my aches and pains are coming back, in the knees and shoulder… it’s not a fantastic place to be.

At least I am snatching time to read, though. Heaven knows I have enough books on that TBR pile, including another fourteen arcs I have a deadline on, to read!

I really must try and slow down… Someone, have a word with Life, and ask it to give me a little break… please!

So, what about you? Do you find it easy to step away from responsibilities, and take a well deserved break?

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!