Carpe Diem & A Sneak Preview

The importance of "seizing the moment" has never been more relevant than in recent times.

With the wars waging, the decline in people's confidence as they face the grave challenges of life, and the various calamities and complexities that have struck globally, every person on Earth has become aware of the importance of Carpe Diem.

The future is uncertain. 

I believe that even the best-planned initiatives can encounter unforeseen circumstances. Success is never guaranteed; no matter how iconic or legendary you are in your field, there is always an element of uncertainty. Just look at the conglomerates that have gone bankrupt.

The phrase Carpe Diem was invented by Horace.  Horace was a prominent Roman poet and satirist whose works greatly influenced Western literature.

The philosophical content of Carpe Diem in his poetry embraces the present moment and asks that we enjoy the pleasures of life, highlighting the shortness of life and mortality.

It is terrible to think about the likelihood of World War 3. I don't know how I'd face the loss of freedom and fear for our lives while the bombs and sirens go off in warning.

Here's a passage of Horace's Ode where he emphasizes Carpe Diem.

"Do not ask, Leuconoe, (it is forbidden to know) what fate the gods have granted to you or me; do not waste your time on Babylonian horoscopes. How much better to suffer what happens, whether Jupiter has granted us more winters or this is the last one that wears out the Tyrrhenian sea on the opposing cliffs. Be wise, drink your wine, and limit your long hopes. While we speak, envious time has already fled; seize the day, trusting as little as possible in tomorrow."

This Ode emphasizes living for the moment to enjoy life's fleeting pleasures. It is symbolic in today's era that Horace says to trust as little as possible in tomorrow.  Aren't we witnessing it now?

Let's be thankful for the peace and stability in our nations.

-shobana-

Something New Coming Your Way:

My New Book, Christmas Tales & Wishes will be out soon. I hope for the magic of Christmas to invade our lives and bring back peace to the world.

Here's a sneak preview of what's inside:

Christmas begins

With kingly thoughts

&

A Wishful heart

The Star of David shines brightly to lead the way to a stable forlorn

          

Whilst angels played the harps

With golden bowls of incense   

Heavenly songs of praise 

Filled the Earth

 

           

t

Let them shine, let them shine

Let the light shine bright to spring forth the colours of Christmas 

Shine on YOU

Shine on ME

Shine on Every Man

who walks the Earth

A Poem 

A Wish to End Wars

As a child, I loved stories that began with “Once Upon A Time.” It took me to a distant scene,

someplace that would create intrigue and adventure for the child in me.

Then I loved Christmas for the specialness of the season. Christmas carried an air of

merriment and joy for even the most downtrodden. Christmas gave me renewed upliftment.

The stories here will intrigue, and fill you with a sense of adventure and renew your love

for Christmas.

Let Christmas be the season to enlighten minds and hearts, and peace reign throughout

the universe.

Silent Night, Holy Night, All is Calm, All is Bright, Round Yon Virgin Mother and Child,

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Sleep in Heavenly Peace!

May that Golden Peace that we seek remain with us forever.

The Heavens did open up joyously, as the newborn brought forth a new love for creation.

Titles of Stories in this Book

On a Christmas Morn, the Snow Falls Delicately

A Wish Come True

The Chapel on the Hill

Look out for the date of publication.

I can't wait to share this book with you.

Do you want your books reviewed? A special offer for a limited time.

https://reviewservicebyshobana.blogspot.com/2024/10/want-your-books-reviewed-for-usd1000.html

October

October brings back memories of when I was in France in 2022. It seems a long time ago now. For Catholics worldwide, it is the month of the rosary. and the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and, notably, Our Lady of the Rosary.

Every day, when I wake up,  I recite that life-saving rosary prayer - a constant protection and guide throughout all my days of pain and trials. I say the French version of the rosary and gaze endearingly at Our Lady's face - so pristine,  beautiful and she projects love for me. She has brought forth much peace and sanity amid turmoil in my life. I can safely say that I have been saved a million times over by reciting the rosary.

The rosary is recited to attain peace in our hearts and minds. Our Lady is the Queen of Peace. We pray for the peace of the world today by reciting the rosary.

At these hours of much strife and war, a rosary a day will work miracles.

Miracles happen when you put your faith above everything else. 

At the age of six, I was blessed by an anointing. As I have written in my part memoir, Raised by God, a book that is immensely close to my heart,  since the day I was touched by Our Lady's light at that tender age, I believe and know now that I have always been in her embrace and have overshadowed my adversities to rise to triumph. It isn't always easy to accept the numerous challenges I have faced, but I found strength in my prayers - the only thing I could rely on to protect myself and the well-being of my family. 

If you face extreme difficulties and challenges, I hope you find your channel of peace and release from pain your special way.

On another note: 

I came across this gorgeous French song titled Aline by Christophe on TikTok. I was captivated by the artistic lyrics of the song. I wonder what inspired the singer to write this song.

It's about a man who draws an image of a girl on the wet sands of the beach. The girl's name is Aline. Then, a storm arises and the girl disappears. He shouts out her name and goes in search of her. 

Here's my rendition of Aline by Christophe.at the link below. I just love the song. The lyrics are written for you. I took long walks on the beach during school holidays when at my mom's house. I used to draw faces on the beach sands and watch the tides wash them away.  Maybe, Aline was somewhere there too:)

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1383499/episodes/15847406

Lyrics to Christophe's Aline.

J'avais dessiné sur le sable

I drew on the sand

Son doux visage

Your sweet face

Qui me souriait

That smiled at me

Puis il a plu

Then it rained

sur cette plage

on the beach

Et dans cette orage

And in that storm

Elle a disparu

She disappeared.

Et j'ai crié, crié, Aline, pour qu'elle revienne

And I shouted, shouted, Aline, for her return

Et j'ai pleuré, pleuré, oh, j'avais trop de peine
And I cried, cried, Oh, I had so much pain

Je me suis assis près de son âme

I sat me down, near her soul

Mais la belle dame, s'était enfuie

But the lovely lady, had gone away

Je l'ai cherchée sans plus y croire

I searched everywhere without believing it

Et sans un espoir, pour me guider

And without a hope, to guide me

Et j'ai crié, crié, Aline, pour qu'elle revienne

And I shouted, shouted, Aline, for her return

Et j'ai pleuré, pleuré, oh, j'avais trop de peine
And I cried, cried, Oh, I had so much pain

Et j'ai crié, crié, Aline, pour qu'elle revienne

And I shouted, shouted, Aline, for her return

Et j'ai pleuré, pleuré, oh, j'avais trop de peine

And I cried, cried, Oh, I had so much pain

Je n'ai gardé, que ce doux visage

I only kept this sweet face

Et comme une épave sur le sable mouillé

And like a wreck on the wet sand

Et j'ai crié, crié, Aline, pour qu'elle revienne
And I shouted, shouted, Aline, for her return
Et j'ai pleuré, pleuré, oh, j'avais trop de peine
And I cried, cried, Oh, I had so much pain

Et j'ai crié, crié, Aline, pour qu'elle revienne
And I shouted, shouted, Aline, for her return
Et j'ai pleuré, pleuré, oh, j'avais trop de peine
And I cried, cried, Oh, I had so much pain
Aline!

Thank you for reading and listening to the song. I'm sure you'd love it too.  

Have a lovely month of October.

-shobana-