Christmas and the Lion: Narnia in London!

Hello again!! I am here again to share thoughts and ideas, ready to hear your opinions!

This time I am not going to talk about something specifically related to Ashwell, but since I am an Ashwellian I hope you will forgive me for taking the liberty to post something that made me think and wonder.

Few weeks ago, I decided to have a free afternoon, going shopping in Oxford Street (well, at least window-shopping!). Everything was already decorated for Christmas. Lights on. Prices up. People in.

Nice atmosphere, but....

But.....

                 But....

                                But......

There is a reason why we call Christmas.... CHRISTmas. I was not expecting a crib, I was not expecting much, but at least a Christmas tree, something lay related in a way or another to the celebration. BUT ladies and gentlemen, the only thing I saw was a HUGE poster of the new Narnia film.

That's what we celebrate once a year: the release of a new Walt Disney movie. How EXCITING!!!

Although I generally try not to show it (let's underline try!!!!), I do have a bad temper and this discovery aroused all my sarcasm and contempt. Why?

1) As a nonbeliever, at a really simple level -- Christmas is an expression of humanity. It's the power to say at least ONCE A YEAR: I will be there for YOU. I will do something for YOU. It gives you the strengh to go out of yourself and the chance to have a bigger perspective: the OTHER.

2) As a believer, again at a quite elementary level -- Christmas is your concrete sign of hope. It is the reason why you get up in the morning and you are able to smile, even if outside it is - 9.

Well, to make a long story short, I was a bit upset, but then.... but then....

I realised the trick and I burst into laughter.

The Lion in Narnia has a Christian meaning. It is the expression of  that concrete sign of hope that I mentioned before. It is such a clear symbol that it is really impossible to miss!! Among so many pictures of the film, they chose THAT one. How funny and refreshing!!

From that moment on, every time I go to Oxford Street and see the poster, I cannot help myself to smile and sign hello to that Lion, laughing inside.



Have a nice afternoon!! xxx

Carol Concert

Ashwell House Student Choir

Christmas Carol Concert

Ashwell House

Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7NA

020 7490 3296

Sunday 12th December 2010 at 3.15pm

There will be mulled wine, mince pies and a raffle. 

Family £12   

Individual £8  

Student £5

All proceeds are donated to DHEF,a registered charity

No man is an island!

"No man is an island" John Donne.

I've been thinking a lot in the past few weeks on how to describe Ashwell, and tonight, all of a sudden ....the right thought came.

After a long conversation with a friend, I realized how true John Donne's sentence is. The world out there will try to make you believe you're born to be alone, to be indipendent, not to trust anyone. Are you surprised? Don't be. Just look at London, look at yourself and on how you react when something happens. Don't you try to face it alone? Doesn't it sound cool to say "I can do it myself, I don't need your help".

I DO NOT NEED YOUR HELP --- yes, these are the words. They make us feel wonderwomen....still, how sad it is....

We are NOT islands, entire of ourselves. Come on, girls, we are MUCH MORE than that. We are human beings who needs to care for others and to be cared for. We need to be loved and love. We need to give help and to be helped. We need to feel warm and cold. We need to suffer and joy. This apathy of emotions and feelings that people often try to reach by being complete in themselves, is....let's say it.... SAD!

Well, Ashwell is a sort of cure to this sort of apathy. It is a wake up call:

1) To be brave and allow yourself to be known as you truly are (scary but how refreshing it is)

2) To accept the wonderful reality that you're not alone out there (demanding but how joyful it is)

Well, this is Ashwell for me. The opportunity to refuse the "island concept" and to take up the challenge to be a real woman...

Good night!!XX

Cultural Activities Calendar

Tuesdays, 8pm
 

Nadia Bettega,

Photographer

19^th October

http://www.nadiabettega.com/ 

Anna Maria Rossi,

Rossi & Rossi Asian Art Gallery

26th October

http://www.rossirossi.com/ 

Asun Gaytan De Ayala,

Colour Me Beatiful

2^nd November

Marjory Clark,

Etiquette
23rd November

 

Reunion for Alumni who were at Hyde Park!

On Saturday 9 October there will be a reunion for all old girls who were at the Papal Vigil in Hyde Park, to share your experiences and photos!

email Misel if you want to attend! misel.mapaATgmail.com

More info on the Papal visit here

Welcome!

This is our new blog! As Ashwell Old Girls, setting this up, as usual we can't wait for a great Ashwell dinner!!!

No time to write, rushing to the dining room!

Do keep in touch!!!!