A New World in the making

Remembering those who are gone...

2012-01-12T11:46:00.002Z

I want to dedicate this post to my friend Tricia, whose blog yesterday had a post dedicated to her late Mum.

I can relate to Tricia's loss, at the age of 11, as my Dad also died when I was barely 15.
I can still remember the feeling of loss and unbelief during the first hours and days of his disappearance...
Walking to secondary school in a March day with sporadic rain and a lot of cold sunshine, and telling myself repeatedly "My Father is dead..."

This feeling of missing someone, this very deep sense of loss, of having half of ourselves that is missing, in Portuguese we have a word for it: SAUDADE.

SAUDADE is a beautiful, musical word that brings us recollections of people and situations forgone and a cosy feeling of familiarity, or else the hard feeling of loss and bereavement.

Looking back to those we love, I think that what we can do is to recall their inner beauty, the loving ties that still shine between them and us and - just like Tricia did, to recall what they loved to do.

Maybe Tricia can one day publish something written by her Mother. Better still, blend in one of her own books, her Mum's words...

Dear Tricia, my heart goes out to you and never forget: Your Mum lives inside your heart and her Love will forever inspire and protect you and your Children.

Love,

Maria Carmo.

Lisbon, 12th. January 2012.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE WORLD AND TO ALL OF GOOD WILL!

2012-01-01T13:10:00.003Z

"The Star of the Hero" - Nicholas Roerich

I chose this image because for me it represents Human Aspiration and our profoundly ingrained wish to surpass ourselves and reach out to the stars.

May today be the beginning of a Happy Journey! After all, our small planet travelling in blue space is like a vessel where we are all together. That is why whatever one does affects all others, and also why it would be intelligent to cooperate for the sake of all.

Bearing this friendly spirit in mind, I wish you all a year of deep self realization through positive endeavours, full of Love, Health and inner and outer richness.

May the Goodness in everyone's hearts be strenghthened and shine like a light in the darkness of despair and doubt.

Maria Carmo

Lisbon 1st. January 2012.

Christmas past and present - childhood dreams...

2011-12-28T12:47:00.008Z

Christmas Traditions are different in different parts of the world, and sometimes even in the same country there may be variations…

When I was a child, Portugal had already started celebrating Christmas Eve not only by going to the Midnight Mass, but also by distributing Christmas presents at around midnight… Previously, before the "midnight gifts tradition" was adopted, people would go to Mass and then to sleep, and Children would be excited to wake up next day and find what Little Jesus had left in their shoes, by the chimney…

But when I was a child, my Family already commemorated the 24^th. Including the gifts being unwrapped just after midnight… The excitement was enormous, all the Family would gather at my Parent’s, and the supper would prolong itself so that “Santa” had time to drop his presents by the Tree in the living room without us, kids, seeing him! Of course, it was only later that I understood that someone invariably managed to leave the Dinning room and ring the door bell without us kids noticing it, and then in the confusion, as we tried to get quickly to the tree which shone in the half lit room, with the gifts shining under it, we never noticed that!…

On the 25^th, the day was also dedicated to the Family and Friends that would come over for lunch and dinner, the table always full and the dishes regularly piling up and being washed and brought back to use…

Invariably, some of the gifts I most enjoyed were books! Yes, I loved to “loose myself” inside a good story, and in my time Enid Blyton’s books were among the most coveted by boys and girls who loved adventure. Later I found out that some critics considered her books had “bad stereotypes” for kids – but, as I read her adventurous tales of boys and girls depending on themselves to discover the truth and solve whatever problems they were faced with, all this accompanied by delicious food and wonderful pets, nothing like that ever crossed my mind. In fact, I think that trying to solve all those mysteries developed my mind with a “detective” flavor and contributed to make me more attentive to details and a great “observer”…

Today, with such crisis all over the world, these are happy memories to treasure! Even though for so many this not possible now, may the spirit of Christmas still rise from our Hearts and allow us to be Generous with LOVE and LIGHT and GOOD WISHES FOR ALL!

Maria Carmo

Lisbon, 24^th December 2011.

11 11 11

2011-11-11T15:16:00.005Z

Today many people are wondering what is the meaning of this strange number:

11 - 11 - 11 !

Because I always go to bed late, I started after midnight wondering if anything special would make this day different.

These last few days have seen an increase in activity of El Hierro Volcano in the Canaries - something a lot of people don't seem to realize as a potentially hazardous situation - and renewed Earthquakes in Turkey and Greece emphasize the instability of the geophysical and weather conditions.

Gigantic storms are hitting Alaska, terrible, almost biblical floods have been striking Thailand for weeks now. In usually mild Spain, weeks ago two elderly foreign people spending a Holiday at Marbella or Benidorm where swept away by a sudden flash flood and died!

This is not one of these "end of times" text, relax... But it does make one wonder about the harshness and unpredictability of current conditions - no to mention the economy collapsing all over...

So, around midnight I watched the news about El Hierro, the strong Earthquake in Greece, the raising numbers of people caught in the most recent Turkish Earthquake, and I thought about the 7th Billionth Child that is supposed to have been born on the last day of October. Ans I wondered about what this world may hold for the seven billions who currently inhabit it...

In the mean time, of course I had to sleep. There was work to be done today and this morning traffic probably would be terrible, with strikes going on against the crises and people trying to avoid the rain.

So this morning I was startled when I was called to attend an urgent meeting.
I rushed down the hall merely to find several Colleagues in a circle, holding hands. One of them said: since it is almost 11H11 of the 11th. of the 11th. month of this 11th year of this century, we thought we might meet briefly to share this moment.

In a way, I was extremely relieved to see that no impending news were going to crush us with any more negativity! On the contrary, this was very much the spirit I would like to see among us "mortals", every day, no matter what its numerology: That we would be able, as HUMANKIND, to hold hands and cooperate in order to find POSITIVE SOLUTIONS for the diverse crises that are often cornering us into a fearful, limited space.

Crises, if anything, should bring Humans the possibility to find NEW FORMS OF LEADERSHIP, more humane and wise, a NEW-FOUND RESPECT FOR NATURE AND ALL BEINGS and an AVAILABILITY TO SHARE AND TO FIND BEAUTY AND SIMPLE GOODNESS.

Throughout the day (it is not over yet) I randomly followed the news, but until now I did not find those that would really inspire me. And what would these be, you might ask?
So, let me finish with a wishful list of news that would put a smile on my lips:

11 - 11 - 11 NEWS:

The 7th Billionth Girl born 12 days ago has received a grant from the government to study. She has become the image of a new sort of woman, that is cherished and welcomed from birth till death in this land called Earth.

The countries of the world have decided to finance a campaign about HUMAN VALUES - instead of marketing for other commodities, during one year all public transport in the world will bring quotes about lofty ideals, human aspiration, the courage to "be change we would like to see".

In an unprecedented move, the most powerful governments of the planet decided to support special Educational efforts. All children will be entitled to free education. Older children will also be taught HOW TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES.

Yes, I can hear your comments: CRAZY!

But why should this be any crazier than for people on such a small planet to kill and hurt each other?

So, I do not know how many Earthquakes today may still bring, how many economic blunders in this terminally ill Civilization. But I do know that all we may take as certain is WHO WE ARE, and we owe it to us and to all to BE THE BEST WE CAN BE, TODAY AND ALWAYS!

Maria Carmo.

Lisbon 11 11 11 around 15H50.

We are all Japanese these days...

2011-03-21T12:01:00.004Z

The Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Crisis in Japan moved us all deeply.
Even if we are half a world away, the world is getting smaller and smaller, and it is clear to all that we are intertwined in a Planet where we all depend on each other.

From the blogs of two friends (Isabel and José António - mostly blogs in Portuguese, but also one in English, the blog http://newsletterfromlisbon.blogspot.com/ ) I asked permission to use some photos of Japan to illustrate this post. They were taken by Isabel some years ago.

I sincerely hope that the suffering in Japan will come to an end and that people all over will turn this sad event into an opportunity for cooperation, friendship and hope to build a better future.

Once and again, we praise the attitude and courage of the Japanese people, who's millennial wisdom tradition certainly has something to do with their discipline, spirit of self sacrifice and fortitude.

Let us all contribute to a better, more ethical and friendlier world.

Maria Carmo

Lisbon under a foggy mist... the amazing photo of a TAP PILOT!

2011-01-27T12:23:00.002Z

Photo by Commander José Costa taken from the cockpit of his plane on 13th Jan 2011

After a long time without updating this blog (Mum has been ill for 10 months now...) I finally gathered the strength to "shake it off" and write again.

Some days ago, I was wondering what theme might be appealing but not shallow: in this new year, I really feel one ought to go deep into ourselves to try and answer life's questions and discover fortitude in shared values and true friendship.

That's when I found that a great friend of mine was seriously ill. Even though she is still young, she struggles between life and death and the sheer realization of this makes one aware of our common mortality.

What seems to be a gloomy discovery, very soon becomes a beacon of light, as I read the hand written messages she send through her Brother or Partner. These short messages tell of how much more she values life now, how beautiful everything seems and how much she wants to enjoy it once this crisis is over.

This reminded me that sadness is very much like a gloomy day: everywhere we look, everything looks grim ... But that is where the photo taken by TAP's Pilot Commander José Costa reminds us that one can always rise ABOVE THE CLOUDS of our lives to have a DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE:

This photo, taken from the cockpit on the 13th. January above the skies of Lisbon, reveals only, besides thee apparent ocean of blue grey clouds, the pics of Lisbon's Bridge and the statue of Christ the King.

Likewise, maybe if in life we have our own reference points, when everything gets dark and cloudy, we can always rise and, from the sky, perceive our beacons of light and trust in the only thing that does not change: everything passes...

Maria Carmo

Lisbon, 27th January 2011.

Women Who Roar- Beliefnet.com

2011-01-03T15:59:00.001Z

Women Who Roar- Beliefnet.com

Those things I love...

2010-01-31T11:32:00.002Z

Sundays at home, during winter, can be so cosy and warm!

To just BE, without pressure or stress, and the feeling of "owning" time!

Sunday morning and still the sun may come through the winter clouds to fill the kitchen with light that makes me hopeful for a great day!

Drinking coffee and already imagining all I am going to do and write during those free hours...

Working before lunch on creative projects, then maybe out for lunch, both of us talking about projects, poetry, presentations..

If there is enough time, we may drive to the seaside and just go to a small restaurant or coffee shop, stay there, overlooking the vast expanse of sea and reading r writing... strolling along and just breathing can be wonderful!

Back home for a family dinner. And then for a nice cup of Indian Tea and a good book..

WONDERFUL SUNDAYS!

Maria Carmo

Lisboa 31 January 2010

ALMOST FULL MOON WITH ECLIPSE...THE END OF 2009

2009-12-31T12:51:00.005Z

The Lisbon X´masTree! Beautiful and enourmous, overooking the city from one of its 7 hills!

Dear Friends,

For a long while I have not updated this blog, mostly out of tiredness for too much work and a year that was also rich in tribulations... But, how else would we learn and acquire more skills, if we would not be faced with CHALLENGES?

There are things we know, such as the power of being POSITIVE and rising up to each challenge - but ONLY the REALITY of LIFE can put us to the test and help us GROW!

Imagine, I am over forty and still growing! Is this not wonderful???

Even though it has been an exacting year, I am ending it in a POSITIVE note which I wanted to share with all of you!!! Welcome to my good wishes for a New Year filled with laughter, love, good health, success and fulfillement!

Let the JOY that is not bound by external achievement be BORN from your HEART!

Best wishes,

Maria Carmo

Lisbon 31st December 13H00.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR FRIEND SOURAV !

2009-09-10T13:46:00.002+01:00

Dear Sourav,

Even though we live on the other side of the world, we want you to fell that we wish you a Happy Birthday with many Happy Returns!

Living is not merely going through the motions - but when we are young we think it only has to do with the speed with which we attain our ideals and desires.

Of course, one must have something to look forward to and to want to reach - without goals, no man can fulfill himself or feel the energy to go on.

But maybe wisdom comes from learning to choose our goals in life and the, stiking to our ideals.

We celebrate this day and hope you will have every chance of celebrating it, too.

You ar a youthful entrepreneus and you will attain all your goals if you follow some simple principles:

Do unto others, as you would like to be done unto you

Live with gusto and enthusiasm: cry if you have to, laugh whenver possible, be good and be Happy!

Never forget those who helped you and never stop generously giving your friendship

Happy burthday dear friend, LIVE A GOOD LIFE!

Be yourself and be happy.

Maria Carmo

Lisbon, 10th. September 2009.

(My photos).

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER...

2009-07-08T13:44:00.005+01:00

It was July 1969 and I was seven years old.

Lisbon was a quiet city back then, much as many others around the world, and yet, that night there was a certain excitement in the air!!! Were the Astronauts going to be able to land on the Moon? Suddenly, life itself became a bit like science fiction and this was a source of excitment for all!

Dad said I could stay up, exceptionally, because "this was an historic moment"!

Even at that young age, I had the feeling I was living something exceptional. One day, I would be able to tell my children or my children's children: I saw the first Man who walked on the Moon!

In Portugal, the actual landing happened during the wee hours of the morning. But I managed to keep my eyes open and watch through it all... And I never forgot it!

Today, thinking back, I felt like sharing this with you. Do you still remember where you were back then? Leave me a comment!

Even though it may have been "a small step for man, but a giant leap for Humanity" - for me this landing also marked the moment from which it became visible that EARTH is but a small HOME where we ALL live together - so, why not make the best of it? With Friendliness, Respect for others and Good Will? We can make this a BETTER WORLD!

Maria Carmo

Lisbon, 08th. Julhy 2009

(Photos from Wikipedia)

Are we all witnessing a new world in the making?

2009-06-17T13:34:00.001+01:00

Having been alive during the last bit of the twentieth century and now through the almost first decade of the twenty forst, makes one wonder about the conditions in the world and how one is supposed to deal with them...

My dream has always been one of change and improvement, from the social and cultural conditions of citizens all over the world, to their well being and even spiritual achievement and happiness.

We are on the verge of apparent changes in climate, geography and and geo political panorama... Leadership is needed and wea re also witnessing novelty there.

Is it possible to do good without finding goodness in ourselves first?

A great educational campaign would probably be a good start into helping people all over to learn to live better, know more and find happier lives.

Maria Carmo