The February sunshine...

...steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within"

What wonderful words to finish the second month of the year, as the days become gradually longer and the sun shines brighter than ever. The picture above was taken whilst enjoying a picnic on a walk in Nature. Surrounded by soft green grass, talk strong trees and the babbling water, this photo signifies a beautiful memory in my mind and one which foreshadows the coming of Spring and warmer times.

I was reminded of the importance of light by a loved one, who sent a message during this month which read:

By the end of the month, the sun won't set until 5.41pm

By the end of March it will be 7.37pm

April: 8.30pm

May: 9.17pm

June 9.34pm

There are brighter days ahead.

I think there is great value in recognising the brighter days ahead, as the light can provide us with hope, reassurance and good company whilst we navigate through these challenging times.

Much has taken place during this second month of the year, and I will cover a few of the notable events which I feel can fill us with determination and good spirit to move forwards through March and beyond.

Firstly, Friday February 12th signalled Chinese New Year and thus began the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the second of all Zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said that the order of the animals would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Hence, Ox became the second animal.

In Chinese culture, the Ox is a highly valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, multiple positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it. Consequently, I think we can learn much from the Year of the Ox as Oxen are depicted as honest and earnest creatures. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the centre of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.

Rarely losing their temper, the Oxen are known to think logically and make great leaders. During these difficult times, we can learn much from being hardworking and determined to keep going. Let's keep in mind the nature and characteristics of the oxen for the year ahead.

Another notable event to take place during this month of February was the passing away of two British icons, Sir Captain Tom Moore and Christopher Plummer. What is remarkable about both of these men is the legacy they will leave behind them.

Vitor Belfort epitomises the value of this word:

"Legacy is not what I did for myself. It's what I'm doing for the next generation"

Let's continue looking at both men and how their actions have contributed positive changes the world for future generations. They encourage us to look beyond the limitations of our individual lives and envelop the greater universal.

Sir Captain Tom Moore served in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War, dedicating his life like so many others during this time. After the war, he worked as a Managing Director of a concrete company..and was an avid motorcycle racer. We can learn much from his love of life, demonstrated ostensibly with his happy-go-lucky nature. As an admirer of comedian Spike Milligan, he even asked for the words "I told you I was old" to be engraved on his headstone. What a way to keep life light and joyous...he clearly was content enough not to take life too seriously!

One of his well-known quotes is encouragement for us all to keep optimistic:

"For all those people finding it difficult at the moment, the sun shine will shine on you again and the clouds will go away"

Sir Captain acknowledged that there are obstacles that we must overcome, but we should stay true to the internal confidence that brighter times will come. His actions display this perseverance. He began on 6th April 2020 with the goal of walking 100 laps of his garden in aid of NHS Charities Together, and raising £1,000 by his 100th birthday. Not only was he sure of reaching his centenary celebration, but he was absolutely resolute in keeping mentally and physically active during the first UK lockdown. On the morning of his 100th birthday, the total raised by his walk passed £30 million, and increased to nearly £33 million by the end of the day. His spirit surpassed his wildest of dreams...

A man born in Keighley attracted over 1.5 million individual donations, through his dedication to not stop trying. Everyone was inspired to move alongside him to initiate positive change. He received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award given "for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity" at the 2020 ceremony. He performed in a cover version of the song "You'll never walk alone" sung by Michael Ball and became the oldest person to achieve a UK number one. In July, he was personally knighted at Windsor Castle by the Queen. He completed all these tremendous achievements with a strong willpower and by not giving in...

His story is a powerful example for us all to remember what fantastic things are possible, and how united we can become around the world. I am not suggesting that you have to break world records to reach happiness, but Sir Captain Tom's legacy can bolster our lives...and it seems appropriate for me to recall here the important words of a beloved fish:

The other person I would like to discuss is Christopher Plummer, who passed away in February. His career spanned seven decades, during which he gained recognition for performances in film, television and theatre. Throughout his life, he won numerous awards for his work, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, two Tony Awards and a Golden Globe Award. What is more, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor aged 82, becoming the oldest person to win an acting award. His devotion and passion for his work meant that age was not a limit or obstruction, and he even received a nomination for an award at the age of 88.

Above all, he won great acclaim for his performance as Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music. Let us set aside the politics of the situation and focus on the inherent qualities and essence of the film. It celebrates the power of music. Music is presented as a powerful force which doesn’t just unite the Trapp family; it also underlines how the strength of togetherness, love, and a sense of community could prevail over so many horrors of war. Quirky Maria is able to soften up the strict Captain, bring joy and fun to his children's lives, and she ultimately helps the whole family escape to America.

The solidarity and stability of the family unit is truly uplifting throughout the story and one which Christopher will hand down in his legacy. The children learn from Maria to be confident in themselves and not be afraid of what others think. They travel through the town in recycled fabric outfits and do so without shame. In times when awareness about the environment is becoming an increasingly important topic in our lives, this displays a fantastic example of recycling.

Furthermore, the film reminds us of the significance of essential emotions. Like all great films, it has a certain intangible magic that makes it special - great direction, chemistry between Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews, multiple beautiful settings, and marvellous music. However, the amount of love that is present in it, is another key aspect of Christopher Plummer's legacy. The love of music, freedom, family, and, of course, the love between a man and a woman (which - as the Reverend Mother wisely reminds us - is holy, too).

We all may need prompts from time to time about our emotions and how they are part of us, and should be received gratefully in order for us to grow and expand our relationships with those nearest and dearest. A great way to remind us about the value of emotions and who we are, arose from this delightful film, the Sound of Music.

What better service to mankind?

Thank you Christopher, and for your commitment to life. I finish my thoughts about Christopher Plummer with one of his thought-provoking quotes:

"Sometimes you have to look into a mirror and look at the worst you could have been if you're ever going to know the best you were meant to be"

What a way to convert your worst into your best! These are heartening words for us to embrace all parts of ourselves. In the same way that Sir Captain Tom refused to give up, Christopher Plummer discusses how we can become our best by recognising our worst. Both men identify the outstanding and most unfavourable qualities contained in all of us, but move beyond these qualities...they leave behind excellent values and behaviour for us all to aspire towards.

I have presented these two people not for us to compare ourselves to, but to remind us all of the legacy we can leave for generations beyond us. Our actions, however large or small, can have a momentous impact on the future. As we look towards times of greater light, let us all take a moment to consider how we can add to our own valuable legacies. A simple smile, wave or kind note for a neighbour may seem insignificant but may be just what that individual requires at that time...

And lastly, February of course would not be the same without Pancake Day! I hope you enjoyed flipping and stacking your favourite range of American, scotch, crepes and savoury foodie creations on Shrove Tuesday this year. I enjoyed a fabulous array of pancakes throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, particularly as there was no opportunity to eat out and indulge in some with friends and family. You can find these posts and a range of other foodie inspiration on the instagram account.

Whilst we are all more limited with our food options at home, treat yourself and those around you to some different cuisine. Experiment and have fun with the time you have. For me, I cannot believe that it has nearly been a year since lockdown has started but the huge growth in local businesses, particularly related to food, is a reminder of how many opportunities may present themselves during the most unexpected periods of time...

Please continue to let me know of any suggestions or ideas which you would like to see in the future. Thank you for all your continued support and enjoy your time in the kitchen! Below is my breakfast creation of Percy Pig - style pancakes topped with fruit compote and mixed nuts and seeds...dig in :)

There is another update for your weekly diaries. Following a reshuffle at Lymm Radio, I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to present on a Sunday morning to celebrate the final day of the week. It is an early show, taking place each week on Sunday 6-8am broadcast on Lymm Radio. I hope you can join me then, with your favourite coffee, tea or hot chocolate in bed to celebrate a relaxing weekend...

I shall continue with a range of songs, guests, games and quotes and the second thoughtful hour including song requests and special mentions. Tune in via your smart speaker or online via this link...a positive way to start the day! #sundaysunrise

I conclude this second blog of the year with a quote by Martin Luther King Junior:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Remember to be kind to those nearest and dearest around you. But most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Lots of love always,

Sitara xxx