The Cycle of Life

With Joana's kind permission & cooperation, this comes mostly with you in mind, dear Ruth.

A few weeks ago, I published "Time and a Word" here.
Then, in "The Flames of Eden", it was the turning of circles.
360º, in a single turn. It seems to me a much better, more accurate way to describe our time. We measure it in years, months, days, minutes, because it is more convenient. Either way, none of know how long it will take for our 360º revolution to be completed.
Maybe long; maybe short. Who knows?
What do we do with it, a single turn of our one circle?
So much can happen in a lifetime. And then again, not so much.
As we alone, among all the species, have the power to decide, we can have aims, aspirations, ambitions, goals.
We can choose to look it straight in the face and plunge in, trying to do the very best we can to make it better. For ourselves alone, or for others.
Or we can sit back, take the easy ride, kid ourselves how tough it is, too tough, be lazy, be afraid if it, moan, blame, live vicariously other people's lives - real or fictitious - that are served up on the TV...A kind of sleep for 75 years or so.
We can live small, we can live mediocre, we can live big - BUT we can choose, to fill it right to the brim, or settle for half-empty, or less.
I know that many only know struggle, enough who drew the bad card, to whom life dictated that it must be that way. But that too can be faced up to; or we can just give up.
Whatever, it is all potentially there in our 360º. Sometimes all mixed up together, sometimes overlapping.
Beginnings know that they will end, in time. Nevertheless, the Spring always returns.

On 6th April, it was Mick's turn to complete his circle.
Last Saturday, the 28th, I learned via her comment to the previous post that Joana, a Portuguese blog-pal living in London, had given birth to her first child on 23rd March.
Ruth, say "Hi" to Filipe, or Piriquito (Parakeet), as he is affectionately known to his Mum & Dad. Here are photos of his first month:

 

Ruth, I was particularly happy to get this news, not only because of the timing, but because Piriquito is especially welcome. Joana suffered so much with, and after, her first pregnancy in London, which ended in a miscarriage and a huge amount of insensitivity from the NHS.
Knowing you as I do, I am sure you will rejoice for this birth and take some comfort from this brand-new cycle of life just starting out. Isn't he something?
And something else: Piriquito is also the world's youngest blogger. He's waiting for your comments at
http://bebecareca.blogspot.com

For the point at which every 360º circle meets, end embraces beginning; I accept to be an intermediary uniting two immense events into one.
Ruth, although your landscape is irrevocably, unequivocally altered, the pain will be relieved from time to time, and with time. Celebration is no bad thing, is it?
UPDATED 3 May, to offer the below also to Ame, in Santa Clara, Cal., with my condolences, after I learned late last night that your Dad passed away last Weds, 25th April. Joana, your landscape too has changed; may it be filled with warmth and joys through a long, happy, healthy & fulfilled lifetime.
I am therefore happy to unite you, in the form of these roses:

 

Joana e o teu marido, muitos parabéns, carinho, beijinhos e abraços grandes para voces.
Ruth, long may our friendship run. long may you be you, with kisses and love.
Piriquito, bemvindo & welcome! For you, here is Álvaro, who arrived on my terrace one night and wanted to come in. We couldn't have him, but we gave him a nice hour, eating, drinknig & playing. he's the nearest thing to a parakeet that I could find for you:

 

When the time comes, Piriquito, make the right choices. Do the right thing. But take your time please, not like your Tio Icarus. It is all yours!

Stewart