December Newsletter

Hello caring friends, 

This is our last newsletter of the year 2024, thank you all for your continued support and interest in our work.

Come Fly with us! 

November was a thrilling month for aviation enthusiasts like Nora, who attended the AeroSud conference in Provence. This captivating event offered a glimpse into the future of flight, exploring a wide range of groundbreaking innovations. From the development of eco-friendly fuels to the integration of cutting-edge propulsion systems, the industry gathering showcased the potential to revolutionize air travel. As we witness the rise of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft and the optimization of aerodynamic designs, it's clear that the way we soar through the skies in the next five years will be nothing short of extraordinary. One of the points of contention for air travel these days is decarbonizing aeronautics fuels which remains a complex challenge with no single solution. A combination of strategies is required to achieve significant reductions in aviation's carbon footprint. It was most insightful to explore some of the key approaches being explored…more on that soon!

Making room for sacred spaces…

Earlier this month, Nora had the privilege of attending "Les Rencards du Beau," (which literately poetically translates into "The rendez-vous with beauty"),  an intimate gathering hosted by Plendi. If you don’t yet know Plendi, you probably know their exquisite work. If you have been to a luxury retail space or hotel, this holiday season or this past year, chances are it was built by Plendi. This exclusive event, limited to 20 participants, delved into the fascinating world of natural shapes and their impact on creative inspiration. A highlight was the insightful talk by Marion Waller (from the Palais de L'Arsenal) she spoke of death and religious and non-religious sacred sites. 

Cities remain a dynamic hub for the expressions of sacred spaces. We are bound to discover new forms of sacredness which are emerging in cities worldwide, challenging traditional notions and redefining urban identity. Sacred spaces continue to shape urban landscapes and inspire collective identity. The restoration of Notre-Dame highlighted the enduring power of the sacred, even in a secular age, a topic we'll explore in our upcoming guide, LIVe LIKe YOu CARe. 

Notre Dame, which reopened this past weekend is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and has been a place of worship and cultural significance for centuries… 

The cathedral's reopening after the devastating fire of 2019 is a testament to the power and enduring appeal for sacred sites. 

Some have expressed that the event became a stage for political theater and social elitism, overshadowing the sacrality of the cathedral, the act of restoration, the power of human resilience and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Others worry that the focus on tourism and commercialization may overshadow the spiritual and cultural value of the cathedral. The debate about the cathedral's role in contemporary society also reflects broader discussions about the place of religion in public life and the increasing secularization of many Western societies.

The Hunchback’s values and resonance in 2024…

We cannot speak of the Cathedral without mentioning Victor Hugo’s masterpiece. Set in 1482, it was written in 1831, and yet its content remains so prevalent today! See for yourselves…

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is rich with symbolism, exploring themes of appearance vs. reality, social injustice, and the power of love and redemption.

Quasimodo with his physical deformity represents the way society often rejects those who don't conform to societal norms… However, his pure heart and unwavering loyalty to Esmeralda reveal the true beauty within.

Esmeralda with her beauty and free spirit challenge the rigid social structures of the time. She embodies the power of love and compassion, even in the face of persecution.

Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic structure symbolizes the grandeur and power of the Church, as well as the city of Paris itself. It also serves as a sanctuary for Quasimodo, offering him a sense of belonging and protection.

Frollo, as the archdeacon of Notre Dame, represents the hypocrisy and moral corruption that can exist within institutions of power. His obsession with Esmeralda highlights the destructive nature of lust and unchecked desire.

Gold.. this precious metal is associated with alchemy, God, and humanity's quest for knowledge. It also symbolizes the corrupting influence of wealth and power.

Overall, Victor Hugo uses these symbols to explore the complexities of human nature and the consequences of social injustice. Through its characters and themes, the novel invites readers to consider the importance of compassion, acceptance, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. 

CC Forum in Paris.

Alongside one of our partners and friend, Santiago Lefebvre, (founder of Change Now Summit), Nora attended the 11th edition of CC FORUM Investment in Sustainable Development which took place on 5 - 6 December 2024. The main highlights was a meeting with E.U representative Michiel Scheffer discussing the E.I project and A.I, meeting with Swiss based Quechua Cocoa Activist Andrea Falcon. Always good to see Indigenous voices being represented in today’s global conferences. Her cacao installation was a testament to the much-needed integration of indigenous principles into modern societies. Lastly, it was great (as always) to scheme with Santiago Lefebvre and see him in action on stage discussing investment and funding!

Indigo makes it to another festival!!!

Our 2019 short film, Indigo, has been selected from a pool of 200 films from over 40 countries! This heartwarming story of young Syrian refugee Rahaf, told through the lens of art therapy, will be screened alongside 6 other films. The best part? The jury is made up of children and young adults from around the world.

The unique perspective of a child jury makes this selection even more special.

Indigo is the last shade of the pink color family before the blue color range. In Art therapy blue is often referring to despair and pink is considered the color of caring and the color of empathy.  The film’s objective was to give a voice to the voiceless. Indigo is a metaphor to our last chance to give the refugee crisis the attention it deserves and the actions it requires… Indigo was officially selected at the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus in 2020, at the Tampere Film Festival of Finland, and at the European Short Film Festival in Brest. 

The film was selected once again, last week…it seems the developing news which happened over the weekend in Syria are giving even more context to this short little story, if you have time over the holidays, watch it. Let us know what you think! 

A word from our Founder:

This is the last newsletter of the year, and I am happy to share this last one with all of you.

Writing a newsletter is something I take seriously, (as expressed previously), I wanted this letter to be a monthly virtual rendez vous, with the people who care about WHo CAREs!?’s values, and care about what we are trying to achieve.

As the year 2024 closes, it is always a time of reflection not only because we all close a chapter and open a new one. It has added meaning as it is also the beginning ‘my’ new year…(my birthday happens, just at the beginning of the year). This year will be a milestone, one that invites for even more reflection but will save that for our next newsletter, for now, I am looking forward to spending time with some of you soon, and I look forward to celebrating a new era… 

Whether you are into astrology or not, you must have heard of the recent massive astrological shift… which also happened to have special resonance for me…

Indeed… (A much welcomed) brand new era has finally begun for Capricorns…(if you are also a Capricorn, this will resonate). 

On November 19th, Pluto moved out of the zodiac, making its way on to Aquarius. If you can't tell, it's a big deal…

16 years. That's how long Pluto had stationed itself in the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Having entered the cardinal sign back in 2008, the planet of death, destruction and transformation, Pluto's dance with Capricorn has been brutally eye-opening… Though in hindsight, everything that Pluto sets into motion does serve a greater purpose of redefining and strengthening oneself but going through it can be soul-crushing. (Facts!)

16 years’ worth of lessons must count for something? In many ways, I feel like I have just graduated from the hardest school…groomed, and ready to take on this next phase with renewed wisdom, resilience, and a sharper vision onto what matters most. 

November 19, 2024, marked the commencement of a brand-new era for Capricorns. In the same breath, it also kickstarted Pluto's next big cosmic trot — that through the zodiac sign of Aquarius.  The concept of the Age of Aquarius has been popularized by the 5th Dimension’s song "The Age of Aquarius" from the musical Hair, which was released in 1967. This song helped to spread awareness of the astrological concept and its association with peace, love, and social change.

The Age of Aquarius is not some leftover from the “hippie” movement of the 1960s. Astrologically, this Great Age will accompany a couple of thousand years of harmony, egalitarianism, and understanding. The Age of Aquarius is culturally more intellectual, networked, and integrated around the globe. Exactly what WHo CAREs has been trying to promote for decades. 😊

This holiday will be spent doing/thinking, planning, scheming, laughing, celebrating, and reading Bell Hooks’ masterpiece ALL ABOUT LOVE - NEW VISIONS, something, I have been delving more and more into – the power of LOVE, its place in our public spaces and even the topic of an upcoming panel… 

May this new year, be: ALL ABOUT LOVE and New Visions!

May you also enter this new year with a renewed sense of joy and wonder!!

Until 2025,

I am wishing you a lovely holiday season!

Nora & the WHo CAREs!? Chronicles team,