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Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 271 – VE Day 75th Anniverary

10 May 2020 45 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday, VE Day

“Never give up, never despair.”
Queen Elizabeth II

In case it missed your spot in the world, we were celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day, here in the UK, in the midst of lockdown.

VE Day – Victory in Europe Day. The day Europe officially won the war against Hitler and the Nazi regime. Of course, it went on in certain places a little longer, and declaring a win didn’t automatically mean that all the soldiers were miraculously back at home, homes weren’t suddenly rebuilt, the world wasn’t back to normal, by any means.

But it was a momentous day because hope was restored. It wouldn’t be long before the troops came back. Lives could be rebuilt and slowly, normality would resume.

It was going to be aa huge thing here, pre-Lockdown.

Our usual May Day bank holiday was even changed from a Monday to Friday as it fell on the 8th May, which was the exact date the anniversary would be.

The plan was for huge street parties to mirror the celebrations that took place three quarters of a century ago. Bunting, flags, decorations. Music, food and drink. A real sense of community spirit.

But then Lockdown happened.

The whole huge event was going to be a muted affair.

But how can you let it go, unmarked?

At school, on my teaching day, we talked about VE Day and its meaning. We watched a video, made bunting and even a bunker out of huge cardboard boxes, because that’s what the kids wanted to do.

And an invitation was popped into our letterbox for a socially distanced street party too!

So we baked and dressed in red, white and blue. Quick home made patriotic decorations were hung from windows and doors.

And it was lovely to see the community coming together.

We stayed, the kids and I for a short while, seated at a safe distance from others, but able to talk a little.

The children blossomed at the chance to see other faces, and chat to friends they were unable to see usually, from a distance, of course.

We left before things started to get a little crowded. As the drink flowed, I’m sure the urge to break social distancing rules would win against staying safe.

So we came home to do some mindful colouring in the garden instead!

So… tell me, did you celebrate VE Day? What did you do?

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 270 – Knowledge

03 May 2020 42 Comments

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

“Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than when you woke up.”
Anon

Well, thank you for that one, Spidey. It’s quite appropriate for me, and many others, right now, too.

During this strange time of lockdown, we have been granted the gift of time.

I know, sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it, but we have.

There is the extra time in the day where you would be commuting to work, Or if you are working from home, you might find that as other businesses are in the same boat, there is less to do, so you gain more time there.

So why not use that extra time to be productive? Do things to improve your own self?

At the beginning, I had all sorts of plans, then the whole change of lifestyle rendered me incapable of doing anything.

I adopted the mantra du jour of “It’s not a normal time, it’s okay to not be productive.”

A couple of weeks in and I settled into a routine: my #newnormal.

Though I still have to go into school, periodically, and, when I am home, I need to makes sure the kids are up and ready for their remote learning, as well as doing some online training myself, and planning. I still find myself with time.

Time to do other things.

So I’m reading more. I’m (finally) writing more. I have started back up with a writing course I signed up to last year, and nearly finished it.

And I have even done an Instagram course, on how to build a brand there.

I’ve done two modules of a course in Calligraphy. (It’s all been theory so far, but I look forward to the practical bit!)

And I have been learning about Scrivener, a new to me piece of software that I have invested in, to help with my writing.

Last night, I watched a free webinar about some basics on the software and it blew my mind! I am so excited to use it now, knowing a few more tricks of the trade, and I have signed up for another course, in more detail, so I can learn exactly how this software will be useful to me.

See, learning new things every day, here!

And the best thing?

Once I’ve learned it, I know my knowledge may be of use to someone I know, and I can pass it on.

After all, to learn, is to teach, is it not?

So… tell me, what is something new you have learned, over these strange lockdown times?

Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps. And enjoy your week! ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 269 – Middle Aged

26 Apr 2020 57 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Middle age, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“You know you’ve reached middle age when you’re cautioned to slow down by your doctor, instead of by the police.”
Joan Rivers

Yeah, thanks for rubbing it in, Spidey.

He’s been laughing at me for the last 48 hours, you know.

Why?

Because I am sitting here all stiff and achey.

Because I am definitely not as young as I used to be…

Because I took a spectacular fall on Friday morning, while climbing up. on Lil Man’s bed to sort his curtains out.

One minute I was upright, the next, flat on my back, on his floor, narrowly missing his newly fixed laptop and pair of glasses, which were on the floor, but I did manage to land kinda on to corner of one of his dumbell weights.

Yup, guess who’s feeling like a dumb belle right now?

All jokes aside, I am definitely feeling the pull of middle age now. If I do anything fitness based, that is not just a good walk, regardless of warm ups and cool downs, I feel it for a good couple of days after.

I walk around like a zombie.

And the knee is playing up. My heel is too, I think the Planters thing is making a reappearance. My shoulders ache…

I need a full body MOT right now.

And, if I could get to a doctor, for a bog standard appointment, I am pretty sure he’d be telling me to take it easy. To slow down.

Am I going to listen?

Well, right now, there isn’t much choice, but to slow down in normal life, but it doesn’t stop the world turning, does it, this COVID-19?

We still need clean clothes, beds, towels, the house needs to be kept clean too. Food needs to be made, shopping needs to be done, and making sure the the kids wake up to do their online learning, and hubby is well watered as he settles at his new office space that used to be known as our dining room, as well as either going into work, or working from home…

Nope. Still can’t slow down…

So… tell me, how are you feeling, right now?

Have a peaceful Sunday, Peeps. And enjoy your week! ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 268 – Laughter

19 Apr 2020 31 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Laughter, smiles, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.”
― Audrey Hepburn

Thank you, Spidey. I’m definitely an advocate for smiles!

You know, I’m aware that laughter, smiles and giggles aren’t going to cure this pandemic, but I tell you what, during this time of self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine, a good old belly laugh sure helps get through.

I’ve been trying to read books that are light-hearted. If they are an arc I requested, that are a bit heavy, I’ve found them hard to get into. But a good old Rom Com or a bit of humour has been very well received.

I’ve definitely been clicking on and reading more posts via the blog and other social media platforms that are more likely to make me smile.

I’ve watched films that are high in comedic factor, or old, nostalgic films have been getting a revisit. Things I know will leave me with a smile on my face.

And… I discovered TikTok.

A very dangerous app in my hands!

I’ve been aware of it for a long while, impossible to avoid, when you have teens, especially in the shape of Lil Princess, who is always doing funny little snippets of dances. It took a while, but I realised she and her friends all learn the moves to these snippets of songs, and the choreography originates from these mini clips.

Now TikTok isn’t just all dance. People use the medium and it’s various effects to create little video clips that can be really funny.

So… after a long time, I decided I would download it to see what the fuss was about. I haven’t created a public profile, as I don’t think I could cope with ANOTHER platform to manage, but we’ve been recording really silly videos.

Of course, you know, I don’t post my children at all, but I did manage to make some silly skit style videos, that feature just me… and posted them on my Instagram.

So… did you want a giggle?

Oh, okay then (yes, I know you didn’t need to twist too hard!), here’s one…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ritu Bhathal ✍🏽📚💜 (@ritubhathalwrites)

Funny enough? Okay, another…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ritu Bhathal ✍🏽📚💜 (@ritubhathalwrites)

So… tell me, what have you found, to make you laugh or smile during the pandemic?

Have a peaceful Sunday, Peeps. And enjoy your week! ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 267 – Gratitude

12 Apr 2020 44 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“Some painful endings bring the best new beginnings.”
Shae Ross

Well, that is a kinda apt quote for today, and the today the world is living in, Spidey. You’ve obviously got a lot more time on your hands… because, as we all know, the real superheroes of now, are the frontline carers, not you colourfully costumed figures!

I know, we’ll always need, you, but alas, your facemask is not actually medical grade, and therefore not really going to help you stay healthy… and as for Batman, just an eye mask? Really? Did no one tell him he needs to rethink his facial wear for a little while?

Sorry, I digress. Firstly, may I wish all those that celebrate, a very Happy Easter Sunday!

I know it’s a quieter one than usual. There won’t be gatherings of family over an Easter meal, exchanging eggs as per the traditions, after attending a service at church.

But, essentially, Easter is a time for rebirth. Think of new beginnings. And in order for there to be a new beginning, we need to finish the previous chapter.

Now, I know that we are far from finished with the current chapter of this world’s life, but have you noticed the shoots of new beginnings, already trying to burst through into our bubble of lockdown?

Skies are beginning to clear of the clouds of pollution that hung heavy for many years. Animals that feared the open, are beginning to venture out into the world that was once theirs, before humankind began to destroy their natural habitat to build upon it. Gardens are beginning to bloom with the signs of spring. Each morning, and throughout the day, due to less traffic on roads, the chorus of birdsong is audible to all.

And that’s just nature.

Within our humankind, people are reaching out to others, in various ways, be it shopping for vulnerable family members, or neighbours, or making a phone or video call, to catch up with someone you haven’t spoken to in forever. We are appreciating, more than ever, those folk who do the jobs that keep the world as we know it, spinning smoothly, while we go about our very important lives.

Who knew, Mr Dustbin Man is far more important to me than an overpaid lawyer. A supermarket worker holds higher regard than Mr Business Man who travels to the office daily to spin money from deals. Thank you Delivery Drivers, for making sure we have all we need. Mrs Teacher, after spending so many months with my own children, I think you must be a saint to want to do that for a living! (Sorry, had to nod at my own profession!)

And those health workers. I doff my cap to you all, I clap every Thursday at 8pm with the rest of the nation, but inside, I’m clapping 24/7. From the nurses and doctors, to the orderlies and hospital cleaners, the paramedics and the pharmasists, to the carers visiting vulderable folk at home. Thank you.

I truly hope that after this awful time is over, the new beginnings that emerge include much, much, much more appreciation for all you do.

So… tell me, what will you appreciate more, when this pandemic is done with us?

Have a peaceful Sunday, Peeps And enjoy your week! ❤