All posts filed under: a year in review

My Outlook For The New Year…

As we all know, today is the day, we reflect upon the ‘soon to be’ passing year, and determine how we wish to set the tone for the new year. As I type this, in some parts of the world, New Years is nearly 4 minutes away, while in my part, the day is just beginning. I find this transition the most fascinating part of our existence, that on the 31st of December  to the start of the New Year is experienced in many time zones across the globe. I don’t know about you, but on this day, I have the worst anxiety – dont’ you?  I guess since we are programmed to feel something for every major event in our lifetime,  on the 31st of December, it is anxiety – about leaving the year we’ve grown accustomed to – bad or good, and moving on, ready into the unknown in the coming year. When I was younger, I believed that the new year was responsible for bringing me the happiness I so deserved, and …

Lifestyle: This Could Be Me…

The first of November! And I have to say, I am a little sad that there are only two months remaining to 2018. What and how, naturally comes to mind right about now – even though I pretend while speaking to friends and family, that I do not keep track of the small stuff. I really do. The small stuff is what the bigger picture is made of.  Think of it as a paint-by-number canvas, once filled, the result could very well become a masterpiece or a disaster, especially if you paint outside the lines. 🙂 I know, I am nuts. But did it make you think? Or laugh, or smile? If so, than I’ve done my job for today.  So, here’s to November and me wishing these could be me –  right about now? Would you or have you read this novel? I’ve added it to my November must-read list {featured image source}

Lifestyle: Consider These Eye-Opening Suggestions

The end to the year is only 32 days away. Sorry, did I scare you?  And outside of the decoration, and hunt for that perfect Christmas gift, or dinner parties and such, we need to think about how to proceed in the next coming year. I know for me 2017 was probably the most challenging year and I would love to move into 2018 with the best attitude and approach to positive living. So, I’ve been reading this and that, and figured I should share, in case you aim to make some pretty constructive changes or adjustments to your life:

RS&S Topic of Interest: Friday The 13th Explained

I am not superstitious much – but I do have to bring to attention that today is Friday the 13th – and although the day and date has not much meaning to me, it does to some folks. So I decided to find out what the hype is all about. Check out what I discovered: According to the Brits, the Mirror reports: National Geographic explains the history behind the superstition: The Irish have their take on the matter: And then there is a list of 13 blizzare historical events according to ABC7 News

Why Some Things I Adore

Occasionally I get a little nostalgic about the silliest things. Like a place I’d been, the people I’ve spent time with, my childhood, their childhood, first day of school, last day of school and then the day my family decided to immigrate. Even a simple picnic on the beaches of the French Riviera has me longing. Especially more, when I come across beautiful photographs like these: You get the picture of what I mean. So if you are up to it. I’d love to hear what makes you nostalgic. {featured image source}

Happy Blogging Anniversary To Me

Just sayin’ Although I’ve been with WP for seven years, I’ve actually been blogging for twelve. I started with Blogger, creating several blogs at a time when everything about blogging was basic and really mostly BETA. Then someone told me about WP, and I decided to move Rawsilkandsaffron here, and leave the other one with Blogger. I love the idea of exciting topics to talk about, and re-designing my blog every few years, adding all of the features offered to create a fun place to maintain and share. And although sometimes I second-guess the nature of the topics – in terms of what to share and what to keep private, at the end of the day we are all the same people – in good and in bad times. So, thank you for staying loyal, and adding your comments and clicking away the like button, and even sending me personal emails. I appreciate all of you and I look forward to the next decade or so of keeping you entertained. Here’s to hoping blogging never …

What Do You Do When Your Life is Unraveling?

A few days ago I was faced with a harsh reality, forcing me to take a step back to think about all that is my life. I decided while lying awake those nights, that if I maintained a daily routine I can stay focused or not feel totally disillusioned.  But I am finding  it difficult to continue as if…everything is okay. What do you do when your life is unraveling right before your very eyes?  I ask because  we all know that there are a number of components that make up this thing called life.  Relationship, kids, or family, work and a sliver of play and if one of those things is falling to pieces,  you find yourself…in a most fragile state. Worrying that the changes that are being forced upon you, are truly going to be for the better, like everyone insists or is it going to bring out the worst in me. Perhaps, I am vulnerable right now, and scared of what the future holds. And what sucks the most, is that right now I …

On Nostalgia

I read an article the other day, someone detailing the pro’s and con’s of going home, and it got me thinking about – my previous life abroad where the town I grew up in no longer exists and the only thing I am left with is the memories of… Living in the top apartment of a 5-story walk up, and the daily bolt and race down the stairs with my brother, and then the counting the steps going back up game we played. Rolling and putting away the area rugs in the summer months, exposing the tiles to help cool down the house naturally. Washing the floors every Friday morning, mostly my mother, while my brother and I played, splashing around barefoot from room to room. The women in the family getting together every Autumn to sun-dry tomatoes, and other vegetables to be used during the harsh winter months. Visiting with the extended families, or walking to the central park  to meet them in an outdoor garden cafe, where we hung out for hours talking and …