Decency to consider others' lives … as here – the Kviv Symphony Orchestra was allowed, by the Ministry of Culture, also the Ministry of Defence, to leave Ukraine in early 2022 …
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| Kviv Orchestra |
… but most importantly with their families and children … this leadership from the Ukrainian government is extraordinary and so commendable - how that country is setting examples for the rest of the world.
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| The Queen in platinum colours - looking happy |
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend will be celebrated by many … those who've been through WW2 and other wars, and others like me who've known the Queen as our head of state for almost all my life …
She has been another exemplar of living life to the full, fairly, squarely and with honesty setting personal examples as well as maintaining moral standards …
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| Leek Town Council's - very pretty, I thought, marketing ad |
Peace is the bold, courageous and ultimate response to the notion that violence provides any viable solution for the conflicts of our world.
Where war destroys and tears apart ...
… Peace builds, strengthens and restores.
As the 21st century continues – let us all do our best to bring humanity and compassion into our communities – and to ensure our progeny are here to guard this world for everyone's and everything of value's future.
We will be celebrating our Queen's life … while remembering all who have served us in many wars, as well as today remembering Ukraine …
To conclude I would like to copy a piece from Wikipedia on the Orchestra's chief conductor … Luke Gaggero:
He came to Ukraine as a performing percussionist around 2012, and was impressed by the quiet attention of the audience, listening like to a spiritual message ("geistige Botschaft").
Gaggero was born in Italy, studied in Germany, has taught in France, and has a vision of building Europe.
The orchestra has toured in Spain and the Netherlands. They have played at national occasions such as the 30th anniversary of independence in 2021. The orchestra has run an orchestra academy.
Here is a true European embracing all cultures and learning from them … then we have our Queen who has overseen the growth of diversity amongst her peoples … many countries which have requested to join the organisation: The Commonwealth of Nations ...
I wish everyone the best for the years ahead, particularly for us here in Europe who are not believing what we see happening in Ukraine, yet how their heads are held high and absolutely deserve the return of their country.
With thoughts to all around the world …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
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40 comments:
I would totally agree with you that peace is the bold, courageous and ultimate response to the notion that violence provides any viable solution for the conflicts of our world. In fact I cannot imagine anyone on the planet saying they would happily accept their own children being killed, in order to solve some conflict or another. If no adult is prepared to have his/her own children massacred, then they should be able to understand that other parents want to save THEIR own children.
Yes conflicts require lots of citizens' work and sweat, face to face meetings between the national heads, newspapers' editorials, but most of all painful compromises! If Russia wants to make Luhansk and Donetsk Russian again, then the Russians would have to pay for every block of flats they bombed, every school and factory they destroyed, every funeral they caused.
The Queen is truly amazing. What a world she has seen. I do hope she remains in leadership for a long time.
Good words, Hilary. I had a chat with my brother last week about how he saw life before the Queen, since I am a New Elizabethan. Interesting perspective. By the time I was born we were convinced that war was a thing of the past if only we could keep the Cold War under control. Then in the nineties it seemed that wars were in far-off places.
But through it all there is room for humanity, and humanity shines through, just as duplicity and powoer-craziness runs its course.
I've decided to do a June Birthday Fundraiser...I selected Medecins Sans Frontieres' Afghan appeal, for many reasons, including Drunk Chickens and Burnt Macaroni (Mary Smith). It's not much, but it helps.
I've just finished reading East-West Street by Philippe Sands, which centres on the city of Lviv in the years leading up to and during WWII. It is followed through the author's own family and the lives of two lawyers, both from Lviv, whose work led to legislation regarding human rights and the concept of genocide. It's sad to see what is happening in Ukraine right now in that light.
I'd always thought of the Queen as a rather proper and humourless lady, but anyone who can skive off the state opening of Parliament, then turn up at the Horse of the Year Show and Chelsea Flower Show, must have a spark of rebellion in her soul.
I admire the Queen a lot. She has been a steward of history, exemplary service, and class. I join you in celebrating her. As for Ukraine - wow. The people, the leadership, the country have shown fortitude. We can only keep supporting them. Peace must win out. I'm with you in your writing
Hari OM
I am a republican at heart, having little time for the antiquated institution of royalty; that said, it is impossible not to respect the Queen for her endurance and longevity and to wish her well on this remarkable occasion. On the need to spread peace and the accord of community, I could not agree more... YAM xx
I was not aware of the Kviv Symphony Orchestra, it's wonderful that they are able to display a positive attitude to the world through their music. How lucky we are to have had the Queen as a focal point for most of our lives. I still remember, as a child, watching the coronation on a little back and white television!
Like Yam I have republican leanings but have a great deal of respect for the Queen - and don't envy her job.
How I hope that peace becomes the norm. World wide.
Given how quickly most heads of state fall from grace, your Queen is remarkable. The people of Ukraine are teaching us, and other nations, so much. I hope we have the courage to learn from both these examples.
@ Hels - yes ... I liked the concept of peace for all and no violence - and agree with you re I'm sure any parent would never wish their children to go to War ...
I'm not sure I can see to the future for eastern Ukraine - I just sincerely hope Russia and its leader can stop the completely unnecessary killing ... though 'he' doesn't seem to want to do that. I agree - what country are they getting - once the towns, villages and countryside have been razed, as they are being: it is so awful.
@ Jacqui - yes the Queen is quite extraordinary - and what a world she has seen ... I too hope she'll be with us for a while yet ...
@ Jemima - thanks ... I agree I certainly thought war was over - but I wasn't here for the Falklands War. Also as the 21st century dawned I seriously thought that we'd put war behind us ... we probably have, but not the selfish, bully, cruel leaders in certain countries of the world.
Well done for your fundraiser ... I'm joining friends in a nearby town to raise funds for St Wilfrid's Hospice and a children's charity ...
@ John - thanks for the information re East-West Street ... I've just ordered it - sounds very interesting and informative, especially re the human rights aspect and the concept of genocide.
Yes - re the Queen one can get the veneer of a lady who is in control of things - yet she obviously has a wicked sense of humour, which comes through at times ... as has been shown in some of the tv of her life I've seen.
@ Joanne - You're so right in your comment ... and thank you for joining with us.
Again you're right re Ukraine and most definitely we can only keep supporting them.
Peace must win out - thank you ...
@ Yam - I know you're a republican at heart ... but I appreciate the Queen and our royal history - it's our culture as a nation.
Yes I'm sure we all can agree on spreading peace, and ensuring we do it at home too ...
@ Keith - thank you re the Kviv Symphony Orchestra - I was delighted to find out about it ...
I think I remember seeing the Queen on a black and white set too - I think we were up on the River Thames at a rower's house, a friend of my father's - we didn't have a tv til I was 11 ... and yes we've been lucky to have the Queen for most of our lives ...
Great to see you all - and with such lovely appreciative comments - all the best - cheers Hilary
@ Dan - thank you for your comment - yes our Queen has been extraordinary - and remarkable as you mention.
I totally agree and certainly support your comment that we have the courage to learn from their examples ...
I can only wish them the best - Hilary
I think I have gone to spam again. Blogger really is playing hard ball again.
Hi EC - you had, you're right ... I'd been into spam not long ago - but spammer decided that's where you'd go! Sorry!! - now rescued.
Thanks - for commenting - yes a huge respect for the Queen ... but like you I don't envy her ...
I agree with you 100% - peace for the world as the norm ...
Great to see you - thank you ... cheers Hilary
May peace find us once again.
That's good the orchestra and their families got out.
The Queen is still going strong. She just might outlive Charles.
Good on you for writing this uplifting post, Hils.
Let me try one more time. Blogger is playing games again and would not publish two previous attempts at leaving a comment. Like YAM I am a staunch republican, yet I have great admiration for the queen as an individual, more than can be said for several other members of the royal tribe. I reject inherited wealth and privilege with all its titles and trappings. As you know the queen is head of state in Canada, a clearly anachronistic situation, where we hold allegiance to a foreigner who does not even live in our country, doesn't even talk like us! It must have seemed even more odd in Barbados which recently turfed the monarchy, soon to be followed by Jamaica, when a white old-age pensioner was the head of state of a black nation. There is strong republican sentiment in Canada, but the mechanism to remove the monarchy makes it a daunting prospect. One needs the unanimous agreement of all the provinces for a start, something almost impossible to achieve. No one that I know is looking forward to King Charles and that may set the ball rolling. In Australia, a referendum a few years ago was close, but there was insufficient agreement as to what to replace it with. As for peace, I fear it will never be a lasting component of human existence. History has proven that time and again.
The Queen is amazing. She looks frail, but she keeps pushing forward. We can all learn a lesson from that.
I wish for peace, too, but that isn't likely in this world.
Teresa
The Queen just keeps going and going.
So well put. An excellent post Hilary XX
What a lovely post, Hilary!
"Think it, Speak it, Believe it" I love that!
I see that you won the 2022 Encouragement Award - well done! and no small wonder - you are an inspiration ;-)
That's a great pic of the queen:)
A very interesting and thought-proving theme :)
The news is so horrid and yet there are always those bits of light like the orchestra. I worry for all of Europe and hope my country stands strong by your side and at the same time, hope even more that we don't have to.
I love that photo of the Queen. Her happiness there is infectious.
I wholeheartedly agree with your opening comments about the leadership in Ukraine. I've been impressed with the common sense and decency Zelensky has shown throughout the unforgiveable intrusion and devastation brought into their lives.
@ Liz - yes I do so hope the world can find peace again …
@ Alex – yes … I found the information about the orchestra and their families having this opportunity to promote their music out of Ukraine - very inspiring …
Yes – Charles won't be King for long, if she doesn't outlive him …
@ Sandra – thank you … I try and find 'fun' images of the Queen that appeal to me … glad it does you too … while reminding us about positivity in the world …
@ David – I've rescued a few comments for this post – so thank you for persevering. I appreciate your choice of preferring Republicanism … for me I've grown up with the Queen and all she stands for, as well as the history she represents – our culture would be very different without monarchy …
The colonial aspect – barbarianism and slavery have been part of 'war' for millennia … horrible I agree – yet the world opened up by the English and Europeans is perhaps a positive outcome, amongst the darkness of slavery. We live in an English speaking developed world – I'm glad I'm here …
Sadly I suspect you're right about Peace – yet we can continue to promote and encourage it …
@ Teresa – yes – she is inspiring. I think catching covid probably did not help … but she continues to set examples for us all.
Sadly I think you might be right – but it'd be good if we could all work towards it and not quarrel/disagree amongst ourselves and appreciate others, while understanding their points of view …
@ Diane – thank you … she is extraordinary – she does keep doing the right thing ..
@ Deborah – good to see you and thanks so much …
@ Diedre – many thanks … you're right about those phrases: “Think it, Speak it, Believe it”.
I'm grateful the WEP team keep encouraging us … I've quite enjoyed writing up stories for the prompts …
@ Damyanti – thank you … I thought it was appropriate for this time in 2022 and am grateful to find other commenters seem to agree …
@ Susan – I loved the positiveness about the orchestra – incredible leadership.
Europe seems to be pulling together – and somehow Ukraine is leading the western world through the atrocity Russia is chucking at its country, with no thought for the people they are killing, maiming or devastating their country or their lives … let alone his own 'kids' put out to 'fight' …
@ Lynda – she does photograph well – excellent skin! And I love seeing her when she's happy and enjoying herself …
@ Ian – it is quite extraordinary the leadership Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set in motion … as you say 'common sense and decency' overrides all he has led with … how he's kept his composure, through all the atrocities and devastation he is seeing, just amazes me …
Thank you so much everyone – it's so good to see you all – I never expected to write about these sort of times … let's keep encouraging peace and understanding … all the best - Hilary
A truly inspiring post for these troubled times, Hilary! I'm glad the Kviv orchestra could leave with their families. The conductor sounds like a wonderful man. As for Her Majesty, it's heartwarming to know she will appear at her Platinum Jubilee. She has certainly seen her share of troubled times, as have we all. May peace reign, sooner than later.
Queen Elizabeth is the only queen I've ever known. My sister was able to see her in Victoria when I was still a baby. I am a huge fan. I hope she can sustain good health for years to come. Why not? Her mother lived to be 102? Or thereabouts. Hi, Hilary. Another very nice post. Best to you.
Here's hoping the world will learn to live in peace.
Cheers,
I'll echo your wish!
@ Debbie - we are very sadly in troubled times - I do so feel for Ukraine, but at least decency prevailed for the Kviv Symphony Orchestra members and their families to leave to play concerts abroad.
Our Queen is amazing ... she made yesterday, sadly today she stayed at home (Windsor Castle) to watch on tv (we suppose!) ... as you rightly say - May Peace Reign ... soon for Ukraine and around the world for us all.
@ Joylene - thanks for coming by it's good to see you here ... yes I've seen her - but only at a distance as an adult at a Garden Party in Buckingham Palace. The Queen Mother had a hip replacement at 97 ... so perhaps that's what the Queen needs - who knows, but I do hope she lives on for a few more years - comfortably and happily (and not in pain). You're right the Queen Mother lived to 101, in her 102nd year.
@ Sandra - our Jubilee weekend has been fine for now - rain due for tomorrow and Sunday for us down here ... I hope not, but probably ...
@ Deniz - thanks - it's a good wish, that I sincerely hope comes true very soon.
Great to see you all here - thank you for supporting me and the blog - cheers Hilary
I'm slowly making my way around to my favorite blogs, and once again,I thoroughly enjoyed your post. You make a beautiful plea for all of us to build community and seek a peaceful world for everyone to live in.
Here's to the Queen's Jubilee and the Kviv orchestra. May they both carry on!
Cheers to you, Hilary
am very late to your post Hilary - am travelling and for the first time in days I can use my lap top. Yes the Queen is remarkable. One who is steadfast and true. A constant in these troubled times. I wish I could have watched the Jubilee celebrations but where I am does not have TV connection! But I hear that all the coverage has been wonderful and emotionally rewarding. Yes, let's pray for peace .. All best, Susan
You will have to let us know how the jubilee goes:)
Cheers,
@ Lee - you must have had the most glorious of trips - always lovely photos of the hike - so pleased for you. Thank you ... if only we could all pull together and appreciate each other ... as we do here in the blogging community. I so agree - the Jubilee has been fun to watch from afar ... I'm off to a lunch today, raising funds for a local hospice.
Here's to the Queen and to the Kviv orchestra - long may they last ...
@ Susan - no worries ... I don't count the minutes off!! Very glad to hear you've been travelling again - gorgeous country is South Africa.
We're extraordinarily lucky with our Queen - she has been quite remarkable - as you say ... steadfast and true and who sets that example of exemplary leadership ...
I've been lazy (and busy with other things) and watched on tv ... today I'm off for a fundraising lunch for a local hospice ... but as you say we need peace for all the world.
@ Sandra - thank you ... the Jubilee seems to have gone off very well - we're a bit damp down here ... let's hope much of the country stays dry ...
Take care everyone - cheers for now - Hilary
Long live the Queen. What an icon she has been to the world for 70 years. Just wow! :) x
Peace will overcome war...amen to that! The Queen is a super example of courage, grace and dignity, not sure we have those same qualities in the later generations. Hope you had a wonderful jubilee weekend.
Enjoy your day.
Cheers,
@ Debby - yes long live our Queen. It is extraordinary her years of service to the country and world ... just wow! as you say ...
@ Nila - Peace will overcome war eventually - it's the deaths and devastation that are so appalling to have to go through now ...
You're right about her (the Queen's) courage, grace and dignity - I hope the monarchy survives - William and Kate seem to have the right credentials for that position ...
@ Sandra - thank you ...
Have a peaceful weekend - each and all of you - cheers Hilary
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