tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post3098018367277162183..comments2024-03-23T16:18:34.397+00:00Comments on Where Five Valleys Meet: Escaping......Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03814070177137076757noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-1608084786875155272013-12-22T14:23:24.622+00:002013-12-22T14:23:24.622+00:00Good point, rosemary. Christmas in my country is j...Good point, rosemary. Christmas in my country is just a seasonal event and is very commercialized but some people get the idea, giving and sharing and love and forgiveness. Fund raising for the less fortunate seems to be easier at the Christmas season, but heartbreaking problems exist all the year round. I hope that tenderness and compassion wouldn’t get lost in the daily rush after Christmas is over.<br /><br />Yoko<br />stardusthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10684501661629146087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-53083888503566360582013-12-21T12:27:56.925+00:002013-12-21T12:27:56.925+00:00I know and love Syria and it is so painful to me t...I know and love Syria and it is so painful to me to see the plight of not only the children,but of the parents and others too. I already regularly support the Red Cross in its work there but thanks for reminding me to give an extra donation. I am going to start supporting UNICEF too. Jenny Woolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16881781466502273314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-33180620858643748982013-12-20T19:53:18.033+00:002013-12-20T19:53:18.033+00:00I agree with you too Rosemary. The true meaning of...I agree with you too Rosemary. The true meaning of Christmas has been taken over by the huge commercialisation of the season. I too feel like escaping from it all and giving my money to those in need.<br />SarahDown by the seahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06148800326418238027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-12036345921517920202013-12-20T13:46:19.938+00:002013-12-20T13:46:19.938+00:00It's heartbreaking always to see how children ...It's heartbreaking always to see how children suffer in many parts of the world. War in all it's forms is a terrible thing - the innocents of every age, babies to the elderly suffer. Even without war, but having to survive in despicable, inhumane conditions, is also sickening to us who appear to have everything and more, while little ones live moment to moment, many never reaching adulthood. What can we do? It's all so hard. Sending money which never reaches the children is useless - supplies shipped are usually stolen. I've visited the villages in Africa where smiling children go to school with no shoes and empty tummies, where tiny babies sleep in crowded orphanages because their parents have died of AIDS or drugs..........taking little presents doesn't really do it, giving cash at the source (to the nuns or caregivers is best). These lovely kids in the photos deserve so much more.............whether Christians or whatever. My heart hurts, my guilt simmers, my prayers will be given up in hopes someone can help them through the winter and beyond.<br /><br />Thank you Rosemary for making us think about those less fortunate. I for one will make do with less this Christmas.............I do not want gifts and certainly don't need a ton of food. Looking about the overloaded stores a few days ago made me cringe - I couldn't wait to get back home and think about the true meaning of Christmas. I think the coming year will see changes for me.<br /><br />Hoping for gentle blessings for you and your family.<br />Hugs - Mary<br /><br />Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11915239653283205065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-31570854533513364292013-12-20T03:38:31.357+00:002013-12-20T03:38:31.357+00:00Strange how not many people getting the full-on Ch...Strange how not many people getting the full-on Christmas seem that happy about it, if the blogosphere and my friends are to be believed. Maybe the age of excess is over?? I hope so, when there is so much that can be done with so little to make things better for someone else.Red Nomad OZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03020668094026661054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-42191044969034848402013-12-19T21:22:49.323+00:002013-12-19T21:22:49.323+00:00Dear Rosemary,
you got the gist of Christmas - he...Dear Rosemary, <br />you got the gist of Christmas - helpless in the face of so much unhappiness and suffering, but if everybody does a bit it will be a bit better. Brittahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10688373434576442657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-26541622486045566412013-12-19T18:05:39.256+00:002013-12-19T18:05:39.256+00:00Yes, Rosemary that is actually what Christmas is a...Yes, Rosemary that is actually what Christmas is about. Thinking of the less fortunate and supporting them. It is a political issue. I believe people like you and me would do anything to help. What do the politicians do? They do not care a copper! They are only interested in re-election and in keeping their power. I think what we can do is voting for the right politicians and party. I believe though, and I am sorry to say that, it is alright to enjoy life and it does not mean at all that we do not care. Wishing you wonderful days! You are such a treasure in the www! ChristaEmilie's daughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14396078121246379577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-82156701066978542402013-12-19T12:20:29.525+00:002013-12-19T12:20:29.525+00:00Amen to all that you wrote Rosemary,
I have always...Amen to all that you wrote Rosemary,<br />I have always had simple christmas times.. when my parents were alive even simpler.. more thought for the poor and he have <br />nots.<br />I chose to live here where I am to be away from maddening crowds.. To see mr. robin is a thrill.<br />I have been following all this horror on the news.. and have said to myself over and over.. if i had money. i would bring some of those poor poor children to be in the comfort here of my home and give them love.. nothning else..love , warmth, food.. poor poor people. <br />I sometimes am ashamed to be part of the human race, that can commit such atrosoties and politicians stand by and give speeches on how they might solve it.valerietilsten59.blogspot.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05617190196811279000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-52393477853302191482013-12-19T10:49:03.876+00:002013-12-19T10:49:03.876+00:00Thank you for those haunting images of Syria, Rose...Thank you for those haunting images of Syria, Rosemary. I have never thought of a refugee camp under snow - what difficult conditions indeed for these unfortunate people. We are proud that our sons have asked for gifts involving buying goats and vegetable gardens for impoverished people in Africa via a charity this year (they know we have been doing it ourselves for a few years). The commercial emphasis on over-indulgence at every level is really off-putting, and makes me also wish for a simple Christmas meal with family. Thank you for a timely and thoughtful post.Patriciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685403215601517267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-21529682802427915182013-12-19T10:35:11.883+00:002013-12-19T10:35:11.883+00:00So true, Rosemary. we don't think of the hot M...So true, Rosemary. we don't think of the hot Middle-East as having snow, but the cold must just add to the misery and heartbreak there. Such an evil, evil conflict!Perpetuahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01214396019726161983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-55300309818038780892013-12-19T03:12:34.603+00:002013-12-19T03:12:34.603+00:00Thank you for this post Rosemary. I agree. We ca...Thank you for this post Rosemary. I agree. We cannot imagine what life would be like for families in these terrible situations. It would be wonderful if we could all give, that others could enjoy a life half as fortunate as our own. Bettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10979455592865842458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-1847840780857056312013-12-18T23:44:40.258+00:002013-12-18T23:44:40.258+00:00As rusty duck says, we live in a very unequal worl...As rusty duck says, we live in a very unequal world. My grandparent's, parent's and my own generations thought that perhaps the world was gradually becoming a better place - it seems frighteningly unlikely at the moment.<br />We even have a food bank in Harrogate this Christmas.nillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09733433402466612700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-17391500349291739232013-12-18T23:04:19.887+00:002013-12-18T23:04:19.887+00:00A walk through the woods can give you a break from...A walk through the woods can give you a break from the sumptous reality of ours which is in such a strong contrast to those in war or need. Lovely and sensitive post. Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06592451071109351862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-37697271773324343162013-12-18T21:35:04.674+00:002013-12-18T21:35:04.674+00:00Dear Rosemary,
The number of orphaned children in...Dear Rosemary,<br /><br />The number of orphaned children in Syria is astounding, and it does not look as though that issue will be resolved any time soon. It seems that the balance of regional and international power trumps basic humanity. Sadly, sending money or materials to this situation probably would not be effective. I don't know what the answer is, but I do believe in the power of prayer to raise consciousness.Mark D. Ruffnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09241533547309049140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-78653772234687792572013-12-18T19:13:08.051+00:002013-12-18T19:13:08.051+00:00I love to walk in the woods at this time of year t...I love to walk in the woods at this time of year too - they are so peaceful after the frenzy of the shopping crowds. <br />I agree with you about a simple, modest Christmas. Surely this terrible situation in Syria should be a reminder to us all about what's truly important in life, particularly care for the well-being of others who are less fortunate. <br />I images of this conflict are very haunting, but I hope, all the same, that you have a lovely Christmas. Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02792703802542843791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-11504283098490619572013-12-18T19:05:35.716+00:002013-12-18T19:05:35.716+00:00I do agree that Christmas has become far too comme...I do agree that Christmas has become far too commercial and out of hand. It is not my favourite time of year to be honest and I have been ignoring all the hype for weeks. We too take it simply, decorations from the garden and no great indulgence on food and drink. Even so, we live in an unequal world. rusty duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12238493821002258459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-82281301393787665492013-12-18T18:20:22.729+00:002013-12-18T18:20:22.729+00:00This is a beautiful post. I am feeling as you this...This is a beautiful post. I am feeling as you this Christmas. I long for simplicity and the real spirit of Christmas instead of the commercial side. I love the architecture of winter trees, that image is lovely. Wishing you peace and happiness for this Christmas and in 2014. xLeeAnn at Mrs Black's https://www.blogger.com/profile/05923451542086673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-87759997752586927512013-12-18T18:14:07.659+00:002013-12-18T18:14:07.659+00:00A very valuable reminder Rosemary. We should alway...A very valuable reminder Rosemary. We should always help others as much as we can and be thankful for what we have.<br />Jean xShrimpton and Perfecthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11936163290981358252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-73970369097001105932013-12-18T17:59:03.541+00:002013-12-18T17:59:03.541+00:00It is a shame that this is happend in our world.
G...It is a shame that this is happend in our world.<br />Greetings,<br />Inge, my choiceAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09183601646822461246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-54681186336877419992013-12-18T17:36:50.457+00:002013-12-18T17:36:50.457+00:00I wrote to the Red Cross to see if we could provid... I wrote to the Red Cross to see if we could provide a temporary home for a refugee family or orphaned children. No way! Governments dead set against it. Something about weakening cultural ties too. Yes, I can send money but a warm home, food and security cannot be parcelled up. It seems we are not a global village when it comes to helping one's neighbour.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12830177691014290662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-73062427107284595592013-12-18T16:56:29.185+00:002013-12-18T16:56:29.185+00:00You're so right Rosemary. Thinking of those wh...You're so right Rosemary. Thinking of those who aren't as fortunate and try to lend a helping hand somehow is far more important than the overload of Christmas you can see in shops now. I pass on that and so glad I'm not the only one.<br />Marianflowersandhomehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02262453899981838266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-50610961209692382412013-12-18T16:51:21.087+00:002013-12-18T16:51:21.087+00:00Dear Rosemary, I really appreciate your post! My h...Dear Rosemary, I really appreciate your post! My husband and I don't take part in the whole Christmas shopping craziness anymore and keep our own celebrations much more simple. Things that are going on in Syria are just awful and as usual the children are hit the hardest. Your photos that you posted are really tugging at my heart... Still I would like to wish you Happy Holidays!<br />Christinaorganicgardendreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11122516730008378516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-25109113187525782822013-12-18T13:42:15.400+00:002013-12-18T13:42:15.400+00:00You are absolutely right. Many do not live in the ...You are absolutely right. Many do not live in the warm and cosy homes like we have. I do not talk much about how Joe and I celebrate the holiday but we do not buy gifts for family, friends, or each other. Our church has two underserved neighborhoods we do work in. We buy gifts only for those kiddos. Olivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04562775041134498313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-62027320539871802742013-12-18T12:56:14.455+00:002013-12-18T12:56:14.455+00:00The trees are lovely.
Feel sorry for the innocent ...The trees are lovely.<br />Feel sorry for the innocent children caught up in the war of their parents, and sometimes it's not the parents either, it's others. At least most of them don't recognize Christmas in their religion, but it is sad to see those photos without the children having really warm clothes on. <br />Down here we don't seems to get photos of troubles in Syria, we hear only sometimes about it in the news, on TV or on the net. I normally have to go afar on the net to find out about Syria and other countries that are having trouble.Margaret Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074619859060647600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7046286238110595318.post-26856168996360837072013-12-18T12:55:11.481+00:002013-12-18T12:55:11.481+00:00Thank you for this post Rosemary. There are so ma...Thank you for this post Rosemary. There are so many innocent ones suffering right now. We must stop and think how we who have so much can help practically and also change our own attitude to the temptations of excess and self indulgence. Linda Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10634839688042592781noreply@blogger.com