We have reached the tragic part of Cinderella’s life. Ella has no one. Her parents have both passed, the servants were let go and now the only family she has, is making her slave away cooking, cleaning and tending to the animals all on her own. The only hope she carries with her is that this is her home. It was her parents home as well and they loved it dearly. With only her mouse friends and her horse, Gallahad for companionship, life gets dimmer for Ella. It amazes me that her hope and gratitude for life continues to shine through her, despite her now being so exhausted she is sleeping in the Cinders.
Question: Would you stay in your home if you were treated like a lowly servant girl?
I would imagine myself running away to my friend Flora seeking work and kinship. I believe it is important to one’s mental health to be around people who love and respect you. Ella lost all of this with her fathers’ passing. I believe she has strength because she knew what love and courage were, through the example of her parents. This had to be her driving purpose through it all. Would you be strong enough?
TEA TIME
The tea of the month is Twinnings Raspberry and Pomegranate. I love a fruity tea for the summer. Raspberries are my favorite and paired with the pomegranate it is fresh and airy. I believe some fresh strawberries and cream perfect the treat. But really what is tea without the pleasure of sweets. Pumpkin pudding is a family favorite for Ella’s family so I decided to cook up some. It is relatively easy and can be garnished with anything you please.
I will end with a follow up. Have you been making it goal to more kind, more patient, and compassionate? I have been and as always when the effort is put in, one can see the outcome. For myself it has resulted in more harmony in the home. One does not have to agree on everything to be respectful and kind. I am still learning and have moments when I succeed as well as fail. Kindness means more when you respect others with different opinions, be kind when the other person is cruel, or lend a listening ear when others refuse to do the same. In a world where everyone is screaming to be heard and ready to lash out in anger, choose kindness. Like fury and rage, kindness and calm can be contagious. Pass it on.
Tea Time Book Club 