Victorian Age - 2

Hey guys! My post about Victorian Era is going to be incomplete If I did not mention the creepy and random facts of that age. It so happens that Victorian Era with all its charm and delicateness also had a whole lot of drawbacks. This post will cover a few points about them.

Like I mentioned in my Earlier post about this Era "Victorian Age" this time was full of new challenges, classes, meanings, subtleties and a lot of drama. Fact is, people were progressing and a lot of time in this period was said to be dedicated to discovery.

A few creepy aspects and random facts about The VICTORIAN ERA are:

• During this era, the government was running a "Poorhouse" facility where all the poor, mentally ill and people rejected by society were made to live. Many of these people who lived in these dirty and unclean houses were required to work to earn their board right and sometimes families couldn't live together.
• During the Victorian Era the food was a little creepy (Note: England has the best of food now). Victorians loved to eat every part of an animal (that set me off). Brains and specially turtle soups were a favorite then.
• The population of Britain exploded from 16 million to 37 million during the Victorian Era.
• London during the Victorian Era was famed for its pea-soupers (Fogs so thick you could barely see through them). Interestingly London had suffered from thick fog since centuries. The Victorian Atmosphere is greatly enhanced by the thick smoke and this creepy environment made possible the acts of people like Jack the Ripper.
• We all know about Jack the Ripper, known as "The Ripper" slaughtered 5 or more prostitutes working in the east end. The killer's identity could never be confirmed hence the legend surrounding the murders have become a part of research and speculation till date.
• The upper class and later the middle class had no means of entertainment then. One of the popular forms was for friends and families to dress in outrageous costumes and pose for each other (Vignettes). This sounds OK but can you imagine your grandmother dressing up as a Greek Nymph while everyone applauds? It's way too creepy. For Victorians this was normal and fun.
• During this Era you would be very lucky if you found a good doctor with a clean theatre. There was NO Anasthesia, no painkillers and no electric equipments to reduce the duration of an operation. It was outright horrific to get a surgery during this era if you read the description of surgeries.
• Victorian Era had freak shows. They used to have shows where - unusually short or tall humans, weird diseases or conditions were asked to perform. These were very creepy.
• How can I forget my fav.? Thanks to Victorian Era Gothic Novels were introduced (a literature that combines both horror and romance). It was this Era that gave us such great works of terror such as Dracula, and the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The Victorians knew how to frighten people and do it in a grand style (Hell yeah! Thank you guys, else I would have been deprived of Edward Cullen, and the Vampire Diaries) :P
• During this Era photography was new and extremely expensive. When a loved one died the victorians would sometimes get their picture with the dead corpse in their memory. This was called "Momento Mori." 

These are a few freaky facts about the Victorian Era. Well not everything is best, sometimes people have weird ways of life. Who knows, if they were alive today we might seem stupid to them.

Peace

xoxoxo

Who defines the society?

It is so mandatory for a few of us to watch what we talk. People in our society are so watchful of what others do. It's so very annoying and frustrating to keep a watch on what you do, how you behave or how you present yourself to others, and why all this? Just to entertain the damn society and keep ourselves in the good books.

People never realize what we go through. Seldom will they leave an opportunity to bring you down. Its like a lobsters world, whenever a Lobster tries to escape the small jar, the other lobsters will PULL IT DOWN. That's exactly how our society is, they are opportunists and sadists. None of them will be happy at your happiness or joys, but all of them will be happy when you're at you're lowest. People like to speculate, interfere and scandalize other's personal life. Leave alone good times, they wish they could do something to ruin the peaceful time you're having by starting some sort of unwanted gossip or drama. That's how decent the society is, That's where we live.

It's very sad to see people of higher society's judging randomly. I mean do they even take a look at their own messed up life? Similarly people from a lower society are not very receptive to broad notions. Either way everyone suffers. A young girl who wants to party late night with all good intentions of just hanging out till late cannot do so, and even if she does she has to sneakily get in the house. WHY? Because the pesky neighbor's or society are out there to ruin her happiness by talking utter crap about her being a slut, drunk, doping maybe, sleeping with someone or maybe even claiming she has an affair. The parents are well aware about their Girl and her intentions and they allow so, but when the rumors reach them, they unwillingly or maybe get carried away and stop such a life. Similarly the case with a guy.

Now not all girls and guys are the same. TRUE! But not all the guys and girls out there to ruin their family names either, right? I wish the society had some better business in life like LOOK AT THEIR OWN STUPID MESSED UP lives. People want to be left alone sometimes. The saddest part is when a person breaks down you never see people or even FRIENDS to that matter to help you out. Instead they say sad little things and speculate. They won't even say kind words or support you. Well then, lesson learnt. I mean yes we Cuss, some of them have tattoos and they drink and socialize. What is anybody's problem if they do? I mean why can't people let it be?

These people who define the society -- SCREW YOU!

What is the point of living in a society where you can't be yourself? And when you're yourself you're simply not accepted. In the end you go so confused in a way. It's because you don't know how to balance your life anymore. Do you pretend to be someone or be yourself, balancing life becomes such a STRESS! Whatever said and done, I would say, if you want to live your life, live it like you wish. People will judge, disrespect wear masks and say good things about you behind your back. Just do good, be honest to yourself. All the other people can go to hell, you're own judge.

Keep it cool! Live life king size cuz this too shall pass!
Peace
xoxoxo

Victorian Age

Whenever I talk of an era I would love to have lived in, I always end up saying "The Victorian Era". It is something that fascinates me so much. What's amazing about it is, the lifestyles, the flirting, the clothes, the drama, the creepy and vague stories, the wines and dines and of course the best of polished behavior.

Victorian Age or Era as you may put it was names after Queen Victoria and the sources say that she was very freaky and dark in her own way. Hence the Victorian Age was also as some of you may know it very dark, full of thrills, mysteries and dramatic back locks. There are many facts to be learnt from the Victorian Age (For a person like me at least, adore the mystery and subtleties).

There are so many facts and subtleties that I can't even describe to be so sweet. Well, I loved the fact that courtship was widely accepted and practiced during that Era. A man and woman had to be very careful about how they met and engaged in conversations. Balls and dances was the medium through which a young girl  was introduced to the society. Items of apparel such as fans, gloves and handkerchiefs were objects given meaning as "Love Tokens". The diamond ring that signifies innocence became popular as the engagement stone during this era.

Courtship during that era was more of a career move for men because the lady's property would be in the man's name.The Victorian times manners were as important as being educated. Some important rules and Etiquette's were:

• A single woman never walked out alone, her Chaperone had to be older and preferably married.
• If she progressed to the stage of Courtship in which she walked out with a gentleman, they always walked apart.A gentleman could offer his hand over rough spots, the only contact he was allowed with a woman who was not his fiancee.
• A lady should not attend a public ball without an escort, in fact no lady should be left unattended.
• An introduction in the public ball room must be understood by the gentleman to be for that evening only, after which acquaintanceship ceases, unless the lady chooses to recognize it any further time or place.
• Now this is Epic - A true gentleman always tips his hat to greet a lady, always opens doors, and always walks on the outside.
• A gentleman may delicately kiss a lady's hand, the forehead, or at the most, the cheek.
• Proper women never rode alone in a carriage with a man who wasn't a relative.
• She would never call upon an unmarried gentleman at his place of residence.
• She couldn't receive a man at home if she was alone. Another family member had to be present in the room.
• No impure conversations were held in front of single women.
• No sexual contact was allowed before marriage.Innocence was demanded by men from girls in his class, and most especially from his future wife.
• Dancing with the same man more than 3 times was considered as forward. However, only if there were some relation that was formed it was acceptable.

Did you all know though a woman was not allowed to say things or speak her heart but a few liberties were given to women. She could flirt with her fan. YES! Her fan! This behavior was within the protocol of accepted behavior. Here are what different signals meant. 

1. When She moved her fan fast - I am independent
2. When She moved her fan slow - I am engaged
3. When she fanned with her right hand in front of her face - Come on
4. When she fanned with her left hand in front of her face - Leave me
5. Fan open and shut - Kiss me
6. Fan half open - Friendship
7. Fan wide open - Love
8. Fan shut - Hate
9. Fan swinging - Can I see you home?

Isn't it cute? I love the entire feel of courtship and chivalry. For me a person with a chivalrous attitude is in my good books for life. These were a few trivia's about how courtship was held during the Victorian Age. This doesn't mean that everything was on a brighter side, there were a lot of negatives about this age as well. I will write about it in my next post.

Hope you all liked this post. It's something I adore since a very long time or since I could remember.

Peace

xoxoxo

Love in vain

They try so hard to start something they're both afraid of, love. They've been hurt a lot before and are scared again. "Is this love the right choice? Am I making a good decision? What if I end up being hurt again?" She kept asking herself. It's been long since that happened lets move on she thought.

Every love story has a base .. To fall in love is easy they say .. But some stories are never as easy as they seem. She started this love story with a guy who lived very far, they were away and never met each other. They were shy and they were both hopelessly in love. Who knew how this silly relation turn out? She gave all her time to him, in the midst of any situation she made it a point to be BY HIS SIDE without fail. No matter how hurt or how lonely she felt she always spoke to him, called him and told him she loved him. Like any other guy he said he loved her too, who knew what was true? 

Days went by, they spoke to each other through different mediums - internet, texts, twitter, facebook and messengers. They fought occasionally, well long distance relationships aren't a joke. They thought they'd lose each other if they did not keep tabs. She made time even when she was busy, he didn't even when he was free. He said it was complicated. Oh well? If you're ready to take up something as delicate as a relationship, you should've been careful, but since you're in one now, why don't you make time for her? She kept texting him and put in a million efforts to make it work, but how long could she handle this? With him it was all "Complicated" at home. 

She said it wasn't a problem that he was busy, that she will wait. She waited days, months and a year then for things to get better, but little did she know that 'promises are meant to be broken' and he believed the same.

Every day she would wait for a day to come where he did one thing right. Is it too much to ask? Why should everything be your way? "I ask you to do something you don't do it, when you ask me to do something I do it right away! Why this, it's so unfair, do I not feel hurt baby? Why don't you listen just once, you're so addicted to doing things your own way that you wouldn't listen anymore." 

She thought things would get better, he kept making promises that he would meet her one day, that he would  take care and make sure he kept his word everyday. Sigh, it did not happen. It was all too much to take. There's a thin line between love and taking people for granted, she felt she was unheard and not given her right. She wanted him to be available more, a year had passed by. She asked a few favors from him, like be where she could spend time with him online maybe? He was there no doubt, that made her so happy her heart overjoyed but then again other things and people were important to him as well. She longed complete importance and asked him to let go of the distractions JUST FOR ONCE, he said "you're making rules for me? Why? Why is everything with you about rules? Why can't I talk to others. You are such a sadist." She only wanted him to spare time for her JUST ONCE, but he couldn't do it. Instead he blasted her with accusations that she stopped him from making friends. She yearned for importance all to herself from him, was it wrong? He completely misunderstood her intentions. She didn't want to fight because she cared too much. She kept quiet and said sorry and called it a night. Misunderstandings is all she had in sight. How could she ever explain to him what he never understood? It had been a year they knew each other and he never understood?

This is love, or is it addiction? Does this mean She'll never get her due? She deserves happiness and all that from him, the distances are enough torture for both of them. He's a very nice guy and she loved him so did he, but when it came to compromises and promises only she fulfilled her deed. She wishes and wishes he changed and understood, that what she wants is for him to be best and sometimes give in to what she says. She only asks him for small favors not big. Just a day was not a lot to ask, then why can't he forget the rest who won't even love him as much as she, why baby why? Why wouldn't you see? 

She waits today and tomorrow or any day to come where he would understand how it hurts her to be apart and willingly accept that they need to work things out. She loves him and he loved her but there was too much to yet understand and they had it all! Love is NEVER IN VAIN! They always loved each other forever and a day .....

(P.S. Attempt at fiction)

Peace

xoxoxo

Caffeine, Yes Please

Hey Guys! Don't get me wrong there, the only Caffeine I am addicted to comes from my daily dose of coffee. Coffee? Yes please.  All of us have some or the other fav. beverage, cold drink (Hard drinks psst) and refreshments. For people who come in  my category "Coffee Lovers" a big Hi5 to you guys!

Well little do we know about our refreshing and much loved drink. For me, personally, my fav. hangout would be a coffee shop any day. There's just something about a coffee shop isn't it? (Ahem not the people, the aroma) As soon as you enter a coffee shop the rich strong Aroma calls you and automatically moves you and places you on the seat and gets you in the right mood. (Uggh, too much?) :P On a serious note, it's one time when you can sip your divine cup of caffeine and sink into the chair and feel your head go stress-free (Well works in my case). There are a variety of different types of coffees that we haven't heard of out of which we use only 2-3.

In humans, Caffeine acts as a Central Nervous System stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. It is the world's most widely consumed Psychoactive drug, but, unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is both legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world. There's an article by Dr. Rallie McAllister that says: "Coffee may have even greater benefits on the human brain, protecting it from degenerative disorders that lead to dementia. Recent studies suggest that habitual coffee drinkers have a lower risk for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease than individuals who abstain." But then people also say there are the negatives which are? Coffee may affect your hours of sleep, it contributes to CARIES of the teeth, it aggravates stress in people who drink it everyday (That's a bummer).

Now all that said and done, I still love my cup of caffeine in the morning, afternoon and evening (maybe more than that sometimes) .. It's not fair to not love this one amazing beverage created my God. It's sinfully amazing and helps people up during boring exams, long meetings, deadlines, stressed up day, boring conversations and so on. I'm sure as soon as it's time for your mug of coffee you'll automatically crave it. :P

Cheers to everyone who loves coffee! My fav. forms of coffees are: Double shot cappuccino, espresso, Cafe Mocha, Black Coffee and the simple beaten coffee of course! :D

Did you know?
1. Do not drink coffee if you have mental insomnia or anxiety.
2. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
3. Do not drink coffee if you are pregnant or nursing.
4. Coffee has four times the anti-oxidants of Green Tea, makes an excellent 
anti-depressant, and enhances performance and memory.
5. The FDA considers caffeine to be “Generally Recognized as Safe.” 
6. Use lower caffeine coffees: Arabica beans have lower caffeine than 
Robusta beans.  Darker roasted beans also have less caffeine.


All the information above was gathered from Google! Please refer Google for facts.
(Psst, if you're a patient I advise you to ask your doctor about your health and food habits)

Peace
xoxoxo