They live on

Definition of death: the termination of biological functions that define a living organism. It refers both to a particular event and to the conditions that result thereby.

Death is something that is celebrated, embraced and feared all across the world. It has no qualms, about who it encounters - social class, religion, gender, age; these all are irrelevant. If there is one thing we can be certain of in life is that eventually, one day we will all die. Some people have a hard time adjusting whilst others seem to accept it effortlessly. No matter how prepared you think you may be, spiritually, practically etc, somehow it never seems enough. What’s worse than your own death is losing a loved one; knowing that you can’t help and leaving you to helplessly watch on. There is nothing that can compare to the feeling of losing a loved one and it is something that I feel you never really get over.

When I read this story, I found it incredibly sweet and sad at the same time. I was amazed at how such a small young mind was able to accept her imminent death and not only that but she had the strength to see her family through the tough times that would follow after her departure and help them in her own special way.

ARTICLE:
To say that “Notes Left Behind” is a book about a 6-year-old girl who died is accurate, but woefully inadequate. By filling her family’s house with hidden messages of love and hope, Elena Desserich continues to celebrate life long after she succumbed to pediatric brain cancer...
Please continue reading the article here.

Wedding invite

A friend of mine recently got married and it was a lovely day. Unfortunately some of her family abroad couldn’t make it to the ceremony and as there was a delay in the wedding DVD, she decided to place bits of the wedding video online. Whilst searching for it, I come across a plethora of wedding videos, first dances and what not. I have no idea why this particular one stood out and I’m sure many will think that there are better videos out there. Whilst watching it I just thought what a way to make an entrance - a fun couple for a) having the initiative to do it and b) for getting their family to join in :)

Also whilst we’re on the topic of weddings, I might as well mention a few other bits and bobs :)

First up a paper clipping of someone’s wedding announcement wedding announcement. It’s such a different way to announce your wedding compared to the other announcements in the paper. It definitely brought a smile to my face reading their story. Knowing how the couple got together makes you feel a part of it and makes it a lot more personal. So cute! :)

Flicking through the articles online, I found this. So the writer’s main focus of the article was on Kate Moss and the number of celebrities that were present at this wedding. However it was the final two pictures right at the end that caught my eye. How many weddings have you heard of where the bride and the mother-in-law wear matching outfits? Isn’t the general rule assumed to be that you do NOT upstage the bride on her wedding day?

Also I love listening to guests that give the newly wedded couple advice on how to build a successful marriage. Social scientists have felt the need to add to this barrage of advice by conducting some scientific research. According to this research, wedded bliss only lasts a year after which the magic fades – which let’s face it, is kind of depressing isn’t it? The article states that if you make it past the 3 to 5 year mark, then they may be some hope for the couple. Personally I believe life is what you make it. Running along this same train of thought, another article suggested that accepting misery and conflict is a key part of a happy and healthy relationship. So I guess the take home message there is that it IS good to argue... err sometimes.

I have to say this latest article is perhaps my favourite so far. Experts have discovered that the key thing is for men to have a smarter and younger wife (who is preferably not a divorcee); if they would like to have a long and happy marriage. Switch the situation around however (older woman and younger man) and the odds are not in the couples favour. Ooh err, somewhat sexist and ageist? Honestly, I cannot wait for the next new piece of social research, lol. :)

Demetri Martin

Another favourite comedian of mine… :)

Demetri Martin and some of his quotes.