It was Saint David's Day, the feast day for Wales' patron saint on 1st March. The date marked his death in 589 AD. St David (Dewi Sant) was the only native-born patron saint of the countries of Britain and Ireland, which speaks for the deep roots of Welsh Christianity by the time of his birth in the early sixth century.
The Welsh would wear one or both of Wales' national emblems on the lapel: the leek, which was St David's personal symbol, and the daffodil, a traditional symbol of Wales which is in bloom during this time of year. I'd to explain to my colleagues why I'd a daffodil pin on my lapel. Just tells you how much they are aware/care of their culture/history.
It was also the time to pick the song to represent the UK at the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest. The finals on 24th May will be held in Belgrade, Serbia. I think the UK audiences made a big mistake of selecting Andy Abraham with his song Even If. They voted the singer not the song. I felt Michelle Gayle has a better chance with her catchy tune. I've got a feeling that nil pua (no points) will feature highly.
Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day in the UK and Ireland falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent which was three weeks before Easter. In Malaysia, as in the US, it falls on the second Sunday of May. For all mothers out there, especially my Emak, Uwan (grandmother), Mak Ciks (aunties), Dee, mother and sister in law, I wish you a Very Happy Mother's Day.
God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. ~Jewish Proverb
We also checked out the natives by the University's lakes. And they have been busy. The numerous swans, ducks, gulls and moorhens were getting ready to breed. I couldn't help feeling sorry for this poor female. She was being chased, mounted, bitten and nearly drowned by this drake, it only lasted a few seconds :-).
I spent the weekend reading Guiliano's "French women for all seasons" which I borrowed from the public library. I'd bought and read her first book "French women don't get fat" and wasn't aware of the sequel. Will buy it later. It was better than the first one with more personal stories, more, easier recipes and even fashion tips on how to dress chic, now that you ate like one :-).
Faire simple (keep it simple) is the guiding principle and she's also preaching a lifestyle. The first book laid out the basic elements of joie de vivre (the good life). This one is about l'art de vivre (art of living). What I don't get is on the scarf-tying instructions without diagrams. It's a bit much, French and their scarves eh?
I do like Guiliano's "The 50% solution". Sounds ominous but it roughly translates to : eat half of what is on your plate. From today onwards, I'm going to have half of whatever I'm eating except for fruits, vegs and water. Oo la la.
No comments:
Post a Comment