General

Canada-The Land Filled With The Milk of Human Kindness

Canada has regally and illustriously built an outstanding global reputation for its unique natural wonders-the paradisiacal Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, the spectacular Niagara Falls, the majestic Rockies with deep glacier-carved valleys, its universal healthcare system, its sophisticated fusion of multihued cultures and its ever flourishing, dynamic economy; but did you know that the charming country is not only that? What’s more, Canada is, in reality, a gorgeous land filled to the brim with the milk of human kindness!

I visited Canada in June 2022 for a few months as a deeply high-spirited, jubilant tourist. While I was travelling for the most part by car during my stay, adventurous-me decided one fine day to explore the one and a half hour Ontario journey from Guelph to Mississauga by bus. I was already feeling a shiver of excitement down my spine at the thought of discovering the Canadian public transportation structure and how it works. It was very early in the morning. My uncle drove my cousin, that is his daughter and me to Guelph Central Go where we both had to board the Go Transit bus to alight at Square One Bus Terminal. We were going for shopping at Square One Shopping Centre, that was a truly remarkable experience in itself.

There are different ways to purchase a Go Bus ticket, notably online, over the ticket counters, through the ticket vending machines amongst others. My cousin who is a Canadian, had her PRESTO card with her. Bingo! Since the ticket counter at the station was closed and there was an unexpected major internet outage across various regions on that day, I was left with only one option: to buy from the ticket vending machine. Well, don’t they say misfortunes always come in threes? Despite my numerous trials, the transaction at the machine couldn’t be effected. A generous local gentleman even went beyond, trying to use his own money to buy the Go Bus ticket but in vain. The time to take the bus had finally arrived. It was 08:05. My cousin and I looked at each other without saying anything. Cognizant of the fact that these elegant green buses are strictly on schedule, we then instinctively rushed to 29 Kipling Bus Terminal.

Voilà! The lovely bus was there. In it, was a lovelier lady driver who, at a first glance, gave me the impression that she had the best job in the world, that she was very happy to do what she was doing, that she proudly wakes up everyday to go to work with a smile on her face and fulfillment in her soul. And why not, I thought to myself after my personal beautiful experiences in Canada. I related the whole incident to the lady driver. At one point, I felt she was reading through me. She probably saw how I did not want to miss the faintest chance of riding in the gorgeous bus. She saw it in my cousin’s eyes how she did not want to disappoint me. These were priceless.

With an air of guarded professionalism combined with the sweetest smirk, she exclaimed, “You girls, just hop in!” I squealed with delight. AAAHHHH!!! Like two little kids, we sprang into the magnificent Go Bus. Once in, I couldn’t stop thanking the lady driver for her kind gesture. It was my maiden voyage in Canada by bus which came to me as a wonderful gift from a complete stranger. The ticket cost only CAD $12.75, yet the act of generosity was worth a billion dollars. Those who really know me, know that kindness is in my blood. I always believe there is good in the world. The rest is history. My cousin and I sat in the upper deck. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.

If Canada is the second biggest country in the world by landmass, it has to be made known that it is, par excellence, the first biggest country in the world by nobility and virtue, for its largeness truly lies in the heart of its people.

The Little Mermaid, MMXXIII

I have to add that I’m weeping with joy to be calling Canada home in a few months’ time. In the hope to give back what Canada has given me when I was simply a guest, although it will never be enough, I would be pleased to volunteer in organisations during my free time. A good turn deserves another, right? May I kindly solicit the help of my dear Canadian readers who may suggest some great ways I can volunteer in my free time? Thank you, darlings!

Let’s continue to build. Let’s continue to do good. Let’s continue to care.

 

Picture Location: CN Tower as seen from Lake Ontario, Canada

Picture Credits: The Little Mermaid

 

Picture Location: Niagara Falls, Canada

Picture Credits: The Little Mermaid

 

 

 

General

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023

It’s the season of scarlet red!

Merry Christmas and a very happy, prosperous New Year 2023 to you all, my cherished friends from around the globe.

On this glorious occasion, my special desire is for you to discover a blissful lightheartedness in your soul, which would most artlessly shine through your eyes. I solemnly hope that you will find the tenacity such that when life knocks you down 10 times, you get back up 11 times; when life knocks you down a 100 times, you get back up a 101 times; and when life knocks you down a million times, you get back up 100 001 times on your feet.

May you shoot to greater heights both in your personal and professional life. Keep chasing your dreams.

I love you.

Hugs and kisses

The Little Mermaid X

 

 

 

 

 

 

General

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2021

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is the special time of the year, yet again, for us to gather harmoniously to celebrate Christmastide with our beloved family and friends. As history unfolds itself today, by strange and unforeseen paths, when we have, quite ascertainably, little control over the future and no control at all over the past, let us not relegate the true meaning of Christmas; that is, to give up one’s very self-to think only of others; and how to bring the greatest happiness to others. From this perspective, and from this spirit of communion which unites us, I am writing to share my parrhesiastic thoughts with you.

I will begin by saying what many of us would like to skate over on this merry occasion. One thing I know for certain: It is better to be unhappy and to know the worst, than to be happy in a fond illusion. Nowadays, a lot of people are living a lie. However, without the masquerade of our superficial lives, without the titles and proprietorships, without the massive bank account and the sports car, the sexual conquests, the church gatherings, the charitable affairs, without the glamorous Instagram feeds and the medals on our chest-who are we? Who are we after we draw the curtain and we are left stark naked in the face of our reality? A calm or an unsettled soul? In this age of dynamic changes marked by perilous uncertainties, finding the center of strength within ourselves is the best contribution we can make to our fellow men. One person with inner strength exercises a salving effect on panic among people around him. This is what our society needs-not new ideas and gadgets; critical as these are, and not geniuses and superheroes, but persons who can “be”, that is, persons who have a center of strength within themselves.

There is before us a disaster namely the Coronavirus, the monstrosity of which is of the most grievous kind. You, my dears, ask, what do we do in the current circumstances? I will say: It is to move forward with all our might and with all the valiancy that God can give us: to brace ourselves to the sacred missions we are called upon to discharge, sweep the mine, plough the land, build the houses, patrol the streets, succour the afflicted, uplift the dispossessed and the lonely and honour the brave. Friends, let us go forward together in all parts of the world. There is not a week, nor a day, nor a second to lose. It is the hour not for disconsolateness, but for courage and rebuilding; and that is the ethos which should rule our mind in 2021.

I welcome this golden opportunity to tell you that I am continually surprised by the ingenuity of your works, the creativity of your ideas, the modernity of your thoughts and the largeness of your heart. We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, twirling and dancing in the eddies of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment indeed. I must also thank you for inspiring me everyday to dream more, to do more, to be more. May all of you continue to create wonders and magic in the coming year. Hope is not cancelled. Optimism is not cancelled. Faith is not cancelled. So, live the wonderful life that is in you! Spread your wings; be afraid of nothing.

I wish you and your close ones a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year 2021. Stay blessed!

Love, hugs and kisses

The Little Mermaid

 

General

The Little Mermaid is on Facebook! 

Hello loves,

I have a piece of good news for you. The Little Mermaid has launched her official Facebook Page. Yaay! I hope to stay more connected than ever with all of you and to continue contributing positively to your life–which is well, my mission.

So, in double-quick time I invite you to ‘like’ my Page on Facebook and to share it with your friends. Here we go!

Facebook Page: The Little Mermaid’s Blog

Thank you
The Little Mermaid xoxo

General

An L-Shaped Coronavirus Recession Looms Large Over The Global Economy

As the disastrous Coronavirus pandemic truculently spreads across the globe, killing hundreds of thousands of people, uprooting the life of many millions of humans like greased lightning, the probability of the world hitting a severe recession in the next few months is irrefragably a whole one; while a depression in subsequent years is but imminent. The unpredictable epidemiology of the disease has certainly given rise to a great deal of market uncertainty, rendering it almost difficult to draw a decisive conclusion. However, the risk of an L-shaped depression looms large over the global economy owing to the following baneful distinguishable indicators.

1. Deficit

Covid-19 has prompted governments to adopt urgent drastic expansionary fiscal policies in the form of increased spending on healthcare, financial rescue packages to businesses and aid to households at a time when they were already consistently running massive budget deficits. Air France has recently obtained a state aid worth $7.66 billion from the French state. Many airlines like Deutsche Lufthansa, American Airlines, Alitalia among others have filed for bankruptcy and have been saved by bailouts worth billions of dollars. Put it all together, with families coping with unemployment and firms with loss of income, potentially leading to mass defaults and bankruptcies, the future looks sorely unpromising.

2. Debt

The increase in borrowing by governments around the world as a result of the Coronavirus crisis will be dauntingly substantial. Globally, net public debt is projected to hike from 69.4% to 85.3% in 2020. As reported by the IMF, the debt ratio of the average advanced economy will surpass 120% of GDP. Emerging countries notably Africa, Afghanistan and Mozambique will bear the brunt of the pandemic.

3. Deflation

According to the OEDC, inflation plummeted considerably to 0.9% in Canada in March 2020. There were also steep declines in the general level of prices in the US, France, Germany and Italy for the same period. Against a backdrop of falling global oil prices exacerbated by a plunge in demand from consumers and businesses alike, the Coronavirus could trigger a dangerous deflationary spiral.

4. Currency debasement

In an endeavour to prevent liquidity problems, facilitate access to credit and anchor a healthy low interest rate environment conducive for investment, the key actions that most central banks will take include: decreasing the discount rate, lowering the reserve ratio, quantitative easing and printing of money. This will debase all the bigger currencies in the world as people will lose trust in the financial system. Presently, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have joined gold as a safe haven thereby heralding a gradual but certain migration from the traditional banking system to the distributed blockchain-based financial system which is majorly risky, complicated and fraudulent in nature.

5. Supply Chain Shock

The Coronavirus has adversely impacted global supply chains. China is at the heart of GVCs for many world-leading companies like Apple Inc., Intel and Sony. Companies will be more prudent in their future risks assessment before they decide to relocate production or assembly to other countries. In any event, the likelihood of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic or any other similar pandemic erupting anytime cannot be cast off.

6. Deglobalisation

Post the pandemic, countries will impose even more stringent protectionist policies: sanctions, trade controls and tariffs to shield their domestic firms and workers from global disturbances. There will be tighter restrictions on the movement of goods, services, capital, labour, technology, data and information. For instance, immigration to Australia and the US has largely been cut off.

7. International Conflicts

Diplomatic relations between different economies have been aggravating over the past years; the COVID-19 crisis will simply pour gasoline over the fire. The ongoing war between Saudi Arabia and Russia and the US and China will have significant far-ranging spillover effects on the rest of the world. Either to grasp at straws for survival or to seek economic dominance over one another, the scenario for a cyber warfare is perfectly staged. Spoiler alert: the future is bleak.

8. Technological Disruption

Worse, the threat posed by technological revolution will be more pronounced than ever because firms will re-think old operating models, accelerate the pace of automation, digitalise their business model and lay off more workers in the next few years in order to remain competitive. Technological unemployment may characteristically become structural in the long-term.

9. Climate Crisis

The financial implications of the current climate crisis are astronomical. There is an unmalleable pressure on governments to ensure a green Coronavirus recovery that will be intensely challenging in itself since it is going to force a disruption in many industries like coal on which we are heavily dependent. The agricultural industry will be the saviour in the face of widespread famine of biblical proportions. Are today’s Homo-technologicus ready for a 180 degrees turn?

10. Social Problems

The Coronavirus will damage society in many ways. As youngsters find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and joblessness, social problems specifically drug abuse, alcohol abuse, prostitution and theft, for e.g. hackers stealing people’s money from their bank accounts, will be on a historic rise. Hopeless adults may lapse into depression. Cases of suicide will soar. On a grander scale, the public will be confronted with an upsurge in money embezzlement, crime, corruption, violence and tax evasion.

The most appropriate policy response to the COVID-19 crisis would be one that prioritises the population’s well-being over economic growth. New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern is doing a laudatory feat for her country. Under New Zealand’s revised policy 2020, all new spending must promote one of five government priorities: improving mental health, reducing child poverty, addressing the inequalities faced by indigenous Maori and Pacific islands people, thriving in a digital age, and transitioning to a low-emission, sustainable economy.

In light of the above, it is hoped that people are not led to falsely believe that things will improve in a month or in a year; because things are going to get worse in the years to come. It is the same mighty storm although admittedly we are in different vessels; some are navigating in superyachts, some in ferries, some are skimming in sailing boats while others in canoes. Civilization is not standing at a crossroad but has come to the end of the road. We could be facing a lost decade ahead. The devastation has been done. People are going to be vulnerable. It is the sacrosanct responsibility of a conscientious state to adopt policies to empower its citizens.

If the Coronavirus is an ugly, frightening werewolf; and should mankind be reduced to mere tiny ants in comparison, let us not despair, for ants are also the epitome of hard-work, indefatigable perseverance and unswerving dedication.

Who’s with me?

Community Pool, Uncategorized

Join In The Fun! Join In The May 2020 Tea Party!

“What better way to suggest friendliness – and to create it – than with a cup of tea?” -J. Grayson Luttrell

Aloha, charming WordPressers!

I’m delighted to announce you that The Little Mermaid is hosting her 12th monthly tea party on her website. What? A tea party? On WordPress? When? How? For whom? Alright..alright…take it easy. I’m coming on to your questions.

Classically, a ‘tea party’ makes one think of superiorly elegant and elaborate affairs of the Victorian times. It also conjures up images of fluffy scones, flavoursome muffins, Devonshire Cream and dainty sandwiches served on fine silver or deluxe bone china. Still, the elemental part of a tea party remains the affable exchange of dialogue among the invitees. Almost indistinguishably, the tea party that I am organizing is an online social event hosted in honour of bloggers, that is US! Blogging is most enjoyable when it is done interactively. The tea party, therefore, is an ideal occasion for socialising and making, as well as maintaining the acquaintance of those in the blogosphere. It is a chance to truly relax and to take some time to recharge one’s batteries by engaging in a light-hearted conversation, to be with friends and simply delight in each other’s company. While the first tea party was open-ended, subsequent ones will be topical.

This month’s theme is:

MENTAL HEALTH

May is mental health awareness month. The outbreak of the Coronavirus has taken its toll on many people. We respond to stress in different ways and it is normal to experience a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, and grief. It is substantially true, also, that there are steps you can take to help manage your stress at the moment.

Please share about your struggles, we will listen. Share about the ways you are scraping through each day, it will inspire. We are in this together.

The May 2020 tea party begins today and will close on the 31th. Make sure that you share a blog post round to the subject as a comment and allure bloggers to read you. As for newcomers out there-grab the golden opportunity to let your freak flag fly by sharing your first post with a huge gathering. Aren’t you excited?

Now that you’re in, it is noteworthy to mention that along with tea and cups, tea parties bring to the table certain etiquettes in the bargain that must be followed to make it more respectful and all the more interesting. Not only does this process make the tea party an entertaining one for everyone involved, it also makes coordination a lot easier.

So, let’s check out the guidelines below.

-Etiquette Number 1- Introduce yourself.

Introduce yourself, your blog or even your latest post to the community in such a way that it encourages others to converse with you. Avoid posting just a link as a comment which looks rude and spammy. Be polite.

-Etiquette Number 2- Mix and mingle.

Tea is a communal experience and there it requires that you meet and greet at least some of the other wonderful people in attendance. Participate by actively reading others’ comments and visiting their links/sites.

-Etiquette Number 3- Share & reblog the most recent tea party.

The purpose of the event is to create a platform where everyone benefits from real diversity of thought; and for that we need to find people who genuinely hold different views and invite them into the conversation. So, please spread the word in the blogosphere through reblogs.

It’s a sure thing that the tea party ritual punctuates our day with precious, refreshing pauses. Perhaps that is the true gift of a teatime celebration: it fills our cups with joy, warmth and friendship. May the echo of the teacup’s message be heard not only at special functions, but anytime friends come together, both in the virtual world and in reality.

With love,
The Little Mermaid

Quotes

The Well-Being of Our Planet

“We are right in the throes of a malignant pandemic. What lies behind us is wistful, unavailing dereliction and what lies in front of us is sheer destruction. Yet, what lies inside of us at this hour are the potent powers of creation–to create what is healthy, life-renewing for our planet; for its wholesomeness and well-being have been ignominiously jeopardized for a long, long time.”

-The Little Mermaid, MMXX

Picture Credit: EskiPaper.com
Location: Mountain Lake, Virginia, US

Poems

My Sleeping Aurora!

Like a sly thief
delighting in his stolen chattel with mischief
I linger to watch Aurora
Aurora! The sthenic craving of my soul!
Aurora! The sizzling flame of my desire!
the one and only I admire
beautiful as the unblemished moon
her love’s worth a fortune

With ’em magnetic hyacinth-blue eyes
glistening behind a coy veil
Aurora! The sweetness to my lechery!
slips me into a pleasant reverie
Her midnight-black hair
contains the risqué secrets of Altair
Good heavens! My heart’s abloom
in my paramour’s lavender perfume

Gazing at her delicate tangerine lips
I long for a honeyed kiss
I am but a keen sailor
eager to brave the oceans of my lover
Oh! Her graceful swan-like neck
Aurora! The ecstasy to my folly! I beg
let me love every inch of you
Have pity! An adieu is not yet due

The soft swell of her bare breasts
aches to be suckled and possessed
I trace her figure’s gentle valley
until silence turns to a melody
Aurora! The luminous sun of my life!
having divine hips to incite
I’m a smitten libertine at her mercy
she’s my manhood’s eternal refuge

There’s an air comely glacial
tenderly canoodling my body’s vessel
I walk up to my sleeping Aurora, indeed
and fondle the alluring arch of her feet
Outside, I hear the playful droplets
of a demulcent, lulling rain
A perfect winter twilight it is
leaving me in raptures and bliss

General

My Final Goodbye

Farewell sweet husband of mine,

Here I am, lying on the unmerciful deathbed of the hospital. I look around the icy-cold room and feel the muscles in my body jitter with apprehension of what awaits me before the ink is dry. I am writing to you, David, my endearing husband, to put into words my final goodbye. I quail at the crushing thought of leaving so incipiently when it seems like only yesterday we’d taken our sacred vows of oneness. I do not want to die. I like living. I have sometimes been wretchedly miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive, as your wife, besides you, in our own little world made up of you, me and our love, is a grand thing.

It is true–love knows not its own depth until the pinch of separation. We have written our brief, yet incredible story in the sands of time. Surely, you will remember the instants of joy we have shared and smile at them with lightness in your heart. Your eyes spoke to me, the first time we met, a secret that in life after life, in age after age, forever, we will dote on each other. Darling, I am going with fond memories of how we have made love in the gentle summer rain; in the shepherd’s heaven, over the flocculent sunlit green pastures; in the quiet lodge at Emerald Waters. I cherish the times we have spent chasing the moon on our long drives, when we kissed like euphoric teenagers or when you daintily drew me closer to you in your sleep in the wee hours of the morning. We promised we would live together. We would die together. I am sorry I am not keeping my words, for this evil disease has got the best of me. It pains me a hundredfold to be in isolation–not to see your face, not to close my eyes for one last moment in your arms. This would have mollified the regrets of my harsh untimely departure from this world. I miss you.

You will live on, Dav, after I am gone. You will live a full life and do everything we have ever dreamt of. You will fall in love once again with a kind woman; her love will hit you like a thunderbolt, and will pierce through your soul. She will make you laugh when life gets tough. You will make wonderful babies and watch them grow. Your budding business will soar to heights you would have never conjectured. You will be a happy man; and nothing in the City of God would bring me greater pleasure than to see you happy. Life will be worth living if you plant lovelier, the journey will continue without me. Should you feel lost, hesitant or weak; should you crave to swaddle in the snugness of my loving embrace, you will still find me at all the places where we sang and danced–in the chilling breeze of the mountains, in the ebb and flow of the gentle waves of the sea, deep in your heart. You have given me love. I hope to give you dreams of your beautiful tomorrow.

David, I leave behind lasting pleasant memories for you which you will treasure for the rest of your life. Thank you for being the best husband I could have possibly asked for. I have loved you yesterday, I love you today and I will love you for always. It’s just goodbye for a little while. Only a little while…

Your beloved wife,

Jasmine

*This letter is a humble tribute to all those devoted wives and girlfriends who have been fighting hard and for the most part alone, but have sadly lost the battle against the Coronavirus.

May their soul rest in eternal peace.