Thoughts . . . I think and that's all that I'm!!!

Beauty expressed as in the eyes of Beholder

2011-11-17T00:47:00.001+05:30

Well, work and home and my small kiddo kept me busy enough that I just couldn’t take out any time to blog. And the one thing that motivated me to manage to put up a post today is the product that I work for - Canvas .

When I came to Dubai, just as everyone else who has had a pretty wide background of working in India, I was worried on how I’ll manage to find a good work place. I was worried that – 1. I wouldn’t manage to get a proper pay scale and 2. What if the colleagues are reserved and apprehensive to change and improvement? My work tenure in India saw the peak of MNC working environment and all the need and urge for Quality assurance and improvements in processes. Guess that’s enough rationale for all my fears.

Fortunate enough I had my interview call soon enough and on the 14^th day of my arrival to Dubai, I was already employed in one of the publication houses in Media City. I was glad that I will have my chances to be associated with art and the freakiness that comes along with that. I weaved the dream of writing my first official article some day in our magazine. I was happy and motivated and all set to start a new journey.

Reality!? My first 10 months were depressing and overwhelming. Never in the past had I worked under people whom I dint look upon or felt frustrating to be with. But most of the days I spent with Ex-(thank god for that!) Manager was discouraging and de-motivating. It was hard to believe that though I ended up getting a job in a place filled with paintings, design, artworks and books (which had always interested me); I was still sad and waiting to get out of that place. He sure must have been a good colleague to work along with, but never a good manager.

But, the fortunate being that I am, a lot of things changed in my dream company when I was away on maternity leave. The new F & A Controller on board was everything that I had always got used to. A person whom you can look upon and be inspired to learn. And it was then that I got my first chance to read Canvas. I fell in love with the articles and the artists and it was immediate. It’s the closest you can get for an artwork (which might cost you millions of dollars to acquire) I was in awe for the editorial team because the words pinned in those pages, actually took you to a different world – a world of art, pride of collectors and raw emotions of a naive artist.

The Art Fair is happening currently in Abudhabi and Canvas is out there interviewing artists and gallerists, photoshooting and updating on the sales figures ofcourse! Our Zaha Hadid deisgned Bvlgari Pavilion is exhibiting the premium jewellery collection. The Art Collectors Dinner proved to be the gathering of a very fine crowd - the Sheikhas, Zaha Hadid Design team, Chrisitie's, Bvlgari, Cartier, Dior, Artisits like Jeff Koons and all the participating Gallerists.

As for me, its not these high end brands that we are associated with which matters. But its the way the magazine lets you connect with the artists, their opinions and the art itself that makes this experience special and enriching - be it a painting, a peice of metal work or jewellery.

Update on last update

2011-07-18T18:23:00.000+05:30

My last personal post was titled “Everything new but old Us” and I had mentioned how life has taken a new turn. Today, after almost a year and half, there’s an update to the last update (?!) – the another reason for my long absence and return

An Open Book - Hasan Elahi

2011-07-18T18:00:00.001+05:30

Having been away for more than a year from blogging and that's quite a reason for this post, I guess. Still have blogging blocks!! :P And again, taking a lote more time to get used to the new layout in blogger!

Anyways, came across an article in my google reader subscriptions and thought it would be a great information to share with you (those who are still interested in checking on my blog, even after such a long gap)

"Hasan Elahi was targeted for screening by the FBI after a case of mistaken identity. So he decided to open his life completely. “There’s 46,000 images on my site now. I trust the FBI has seen all of them"

A US based Bangladeshi who mistakenly got into FBI list of suspects. And as for his part, he started posting pictures of his every move, location and transaction in his website, inorder to avoid getting arrested again. Sources mention that he has more than 20,000 images in his website http://elahi.umd.edu/
But again, more interesting are the images of this artist who has had his share of art exhibitions; even at Kassel Kulturbahnhof & Venice Biennale. Check out http://elahi.umd.edu/

Award!!!

2010-01-12T12:46:00.000+05:30

My 1st Blog Award

Thanks to Reflections on that one

Everything new, but Old Us

2010-01-02T20:05:00.002+05:30

Suddenly everything is new around me - A New Year, a new place, (hopefully soon) a new job, a new neighbour and a completly new lifestyle. The day somehow start off as early as at 5.30 in the morning, mainly because the sun is up by then and that golden streak of early morning brightness wakes me up. Guess, the days of wakeup @ 9 have gone :D And, should admit that staying all day long at home cooking, cleaning and setting up things (there is nothing much yet) is surely as enjoyable as working a job.

Courtesy to R for making the single room a Home!

Jatkaaas

2009-12-30T12:44:00.000+05:30

Leaving my own God owned Kerala and that means leaving behind all the freedom - of roaming around through the wilderness of university campus, all alone; of crossing roads at my convenience, of getting on a shopping spree, eating spree and what not...

As if all this is not enough am currently jobless after a long long time and if you still dint get what I mean, its just that am no more financially independent :P :O

All these issues have anyways taken away the little humor left in me ( okie i know I don't have that, but still the pinch is also gone now :) )

And then.....

The most humourous incident happened. My flight to Dubai got canceled!!!!!!

.... A sparkle....

2009-12-17T15:04:00.004+05:30

Listening to the whisper of night, I lay awake

Letting my thoughts ramble, I lay unaware

The way a fragile leaf fall, unable to hold on, anymore

A Memoir, in from the past

Gauging each with the present

Turning them around in the depths of mind

Analyzing the reasons for change,

I drifted along, with locked smile and a closed fist

--------------------------------------------------

A gush of thoughts and the words drooled out

Like water I surge, with boundaries, no more

Fears despised, I delve in tomorrow

From the joy of past and solace of present

Has evolved a sparkle, in to Eternity!

(its not a debate forum)

2009-12-10T18:07:00.001+05:30

"lol.... I pity you for the kind of girl in your life" That's the statement I feel like throwing at when some Guys talk about their perception on Girls. They talk it with so much of conviction that at times, I really pity them. They deny accepting that most women of today share an equal or rather a greater share in family responsibilities.

It’s a real pain when I see some of them applying the universal rules for girls. Yes, I do accept that a few of them does match the qualities that’s mentioned in the e-mail forwards. But that cannot be universally applied. Every person is different and so is ever girl. Why is it that the guys are not able to broaden their outlook?

• “Girls go round about while shopping”

The email forwards on this must be the ones that have highest rank. But I can tell that in my lifetime of 29 years, I have come across just one girl of that type. Usually most of us DO KNOW what we want to buy and what we are looking for.

• “Girls don’t need to worry about finance”

That’s the most absurd statement I have heard and that too in view of the current times. For your information in most of the households, of the present and the past, it is the women of the house that help men to plan and save for future. It’s their continuous support that motivates a man and brings in meaning to his otherwise unruly life.

• “Girls take sooooo much time to deck up”

Oh yeah!!! As if the Guy would ever approve if the Girl walks in an old pair of jean and t-shirt. If you want your Girl to look the way you want her to, then obviously she’s need more time than you take to wear a shirt & pant

If a guy is looking down at any girl without taking the time to look at her actual self, then I guess the sole reason would be that the girl in his life is the same as he describes any other to be.

(I know this is one rude post :P But couldnt help it)

Stickie - Quickie

2009-12-02T16:53:00.004+05:30

Heard of Quickies???

(lol not that one :D)

Its about Intelligent Post-Its. Check the site to know more about this development made by a MIT Grad.
Check out more of his projects here

Time on Tiptoe

2009-12-02T11:48:00.000+05:30

Resigning from a job can turn out to be little sensitive and many a times it doesn’t seem to retain the vivacity of the initial days. As days near, its natural for fear to creep in; for one, you are leaving the comfort zone for the unknown. And then again there is that moment where you have to pass on the crown of glory, to the successor.

Did you hear that sound?

Can you feel the tremor?

It’s the Time on tiptoe

The sky is dark outside

You close your eyes to sleep

A peek again and lo!

The sky is bright;

Everything light and clear

It’s the Time on tiptoe

You were running in the pasture

And you bent to pick up the bloom

You rise and lo;

The warmth of green has vanished

Leaving a structure in stone

The bloom you held has fallen

Urging you to look for more

It’s the Time on tiptoe

The Pole is your Man

2009-12-02T10:53:00.002+05:30

Few days back I watched a movie about Pole dancing and so when a friend of mine came back from Goa and described her experience in a Pub there, I was suddenly fascinated with this art form.

If we set aside the nudity and the sex appeal associated with this, Pole dancing is all about a great deal of Dancing and Sensuality. With the recent significance given to health and diet, Pole dancing has become a widely accepted medium of exercise involving aerobics and gymnasium. The standard dance pole is Steel or Brass section that can be comfortably gripped with one hand. The movements in Pole Dancing help improve the Upper Body strength and the proficiency does take time to develop. It helps burn calories, Tone your abs and legs, define your arms and shoulders, make your body more flexible and moreover Teaches you to Dance which can be an enjoyable pastime and relaxing.

My Unfulfilled Wishlist for year 2009 includes (2008 was pretty successful)

Nose piercing, getting a Tattoo done and learning Dance

365 days schedule

2009-11-27T09:59:00.004+05:30

It was a year back that I posted this one. The people around me are still the same but a lot have happened in the past 365 days.

Our friend is celebrating his b'day today; but none of us are around to give him an early morning surprise. Nisha, Latesha, Parvathy & Lakshmi have all parted ways and moved ahead with their lives.

Everyone in the Country remembered and paid homage to the victims of the Terror Attack that happened last year.

Life went on, Faces remained in thoughts

One got away, A few reached back from past.

New ones stepped In and Out.

Days passed; Dwellings changed

Travel progressed
Spirits raised
Resilience and Buoyant

Life went on, Faces remained

The One who got away Stayed

And Thankful at heart I Settled.

Freezing Misery

2009-11-26T14:10:00.004+05:30

It’s freezing in here...

Oops.. no .. I am not writing this from some place in Canada; I am still in Kerala and the weather outside is just the right combination of cold and heat, because of the rains.

If the weather is so fine then why am I freezing this way!! The villain is the Air Conditioner in our office; the one that is located right above my head. Its been blowing so much of cool air that all the paper in my desk keeps flying. My fingers are frozen and don’t budge to move fast with the keys (keyboard) anymore. And, Yes, there's no way anyone can do anything about this situation around me, mostly because everyone else seems to be fine with the low temperature and then the A/C service guys have warned the Admin against making any changes to the existing temperature set up.

As for me, the only way to survive today is by covering myself with the duppatta. Empathetic friends :-) have inserted papers into the panel above to reduce the air blow.

There was just one question in everyone's eyes - How am I going to survive in Dubai if I cannot handle A/C temperature

I know I'll have a tough time when I land in Dubai and managing with Air Condition inside the house is among the majors. It's always been difficult for me to handle extreme cold (my extreme might be a normal one for you :P) While travelling in buses & cars, I prefer the wind from open windows than switching on the A/C. And on a rainy morning, my head hurts with the effort to breathe in some oxygen from the cool air outside. The short time that I was in Dubai, I used to switch off the A/C as soon as R leaves for work and I On them only just before he gets back home. If I have to spend a night in an A/C room, its nothing less than a nightmare. I'll have cover myself with 3-4 blankets to warm myself, enough to get a good sleep. I'll freeze (literally) otherwise :P

Hmmm.... Can you empathize with my situation? Is there a way out of this, so that I can master it before I land the All Air-Conditioned Dubai City.

Vasudeva Vilasam Ayurvedic Center

2009-11-25T12:12:00.002+05:30

A good ayurvedic massage can be very rejuvinating and refreshing and the right place for this is very near in here, Trivandrum - Vasudeva Vilasam Ayurvedic Center

The massage treatments given here, the oil and the medication can relax all the tough nerves in your body. In case you pass through Trivandrum, Kerala; do book for a Rejuvination Therapy :P

* Good news - A good oil massage for one hour would cost just Rs.600 ;-)

Sibling Silly's

2009-11-24T17:58:00.000+05:30

My Mom's Sad!!! Cos her immediate sister has not been talking to her for a long time now and she got to know from another (big) sister of her's that her son's wedding is going to take place soon. Why mom is sad is because she knows that there will be no invitation for her.

They are 5 sisters and 1 brother at her part of family and 5 brothers and 2 sisters on my dad's side. A few among them share very close relationship with each other while some others maintain a safe distance. At times its difficult to understand how there is no attachment between these people who have grown under one roof. And its not that they have always been this way. My parents can never get bored narrating the good old times they have had with their siblings. Their small little fights, concern for each other, how they all used to help out each other in household and later as they grew up how each of them supported the other - mentally, physically and financially. But somewhere down the line, as the family tree expanded, the links they shared, with each other, broke. A chillness creeped into their hearts as days passed by, just like the Snow Queen who's got the frozen heart. With so many of them in a house, they fought for silly things as kids, but still the issues were easily solved or rather, easily forgotten over a candy during those days. Now, as grown ups they somehow manage to fight for more silly reasons and worse is that they are never able to resolve any of them. Nothing is forgotten anymore - every word, every reaction, every smile carries a different meaning which is perceived at the other one's convenience. It looks like they dont want to resolve anything anymore. They want to fight and everyone wants to win.

Do they remember those good old days when they had dreaded the word marriage, for they would have to leave their siblings behind and move over to a new place, I wonder! Do they remember the times, they had hugged each other and shared the same bed. Do they not want to peek in there and for once go back and be the old sis or bro? What has happened to those small little girls and boys who played together.. cried together... who had planned to share a lifetime together....in relationship... what has happened to them?

"All You Need is Love"

2009-11-12T11:13:00.001+05:30

What Beatles song are you?
Take the quiz and find out

And my result:

You Are "All You Need is Love"

You are compassionate, kind, and giving. You truly believe that love can heal the world.

In some ways, you are a bit of hippie. You think that peace is still very undervalued in this world.

You feel like people make life too complex. Happiness is often as simple as just allowing yourself to be happy.

There isn't much people really need in this life. If you're truly loved, then you're lucky.

What Beatles Song Are You?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

Carrots & Cards of Value

2009-11-09T15:40:00.004+05:30

It's the time in HP (Hewlett Packard) that shaped my outlook with regard to career and work environment. The different nationalities that we had to interact with automatically brought in a constant need for improvement and vast exposure. Days passed and I moved out of to a new workplace and the first thing to strike me was how can people still manage to work at such slow pace. I found it very difficult, initially, to digest the fact that no one is trying to make any changes to the routine work they do; nobody is thinking about any improvement that they can bring in, to make their days filled with excitement and Change.

In HP we used to give away Value cards to the fellow associates, for helping us out in any way. It was a way of telling them that their effort is appreciated and very much valued. And when I moved onto the new work place, this was one suggestion that we made to the management in order to facilitate team building. Today, after 2 years of my tenure here, I finally sent out Carats to my colleagues to let them know that I appreciate their efforts in supporting my profile. Am not sure about the excitement this would build in among the people here, around me. But I still do remember the days in HP when we used to feel so great while giving away or receiving those cards. When we appreciated someone, we felt great for being able to do that; for letting them know that what they do is nothing small. And the person receiving those cards had always been in the limelight.

I guess, these are few things that tie you to the strangers around, in a work place. These kind of R&R's always bring in a feeling of empathy among colleagues, rather than the usual bossing around or seclusion. Even though every profile carry the threat for some amount of criticism, such thoughtful ideas motivate people to look for good work to appreciate. And that ofcourse would help remove the hostility out there in any office.

* you can see the value cards pinned onto the board, behind us

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T14:49:00.004+05:30

Years Back they said "I Do" .... And for the Coming Years, they said again "I Do, still" !!

Movie Thought - The Notebook

2009-11-04T14:08:00.002+05:30

"I am no one special, just a common man with common thoughts. There are no monuments dedicated to me, and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and for me, that has always been enough."

"It was an improbable romance. He was a country boy. She was from the city. She had the world at her feet, while he didn't have two dimes to rub together."

"Summer romances end for all kinds of reasons. But when all is said and done, they have one thing in common: They are shooting stars-a spectacular moment of light in the heavens, a fleeting glimpse of eternity. And in a flash, they're gone."

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds."

Trouble with Colors

2009-10-23T13:32:00.002+05:30

When your Boss send you an excel sheet with so many colors in it, it just means trouble...

Trouble with numbers... trouble with financials...

All in all - One Big Trouble waiting to be Solved!!!

Reading - A Bend in The Road

2009-10-22T10:47:00.005+05:30

A story of New Beginnings!!!

Miles and Sarah find love in each other as they try to mend their broken hearts. Sarah's parents and Jonah are thrilled with this new union. Even the townsfolk can't help but notice the happiness. It is possible to love again.

Then their relationship is suddenly threatened by a devastating secret.

I felt the entire plot and the conclusion is a little too much apparent. A good one-time read though.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T08:52:00.005+05:30

“Wet with the showers of the mountains, they embrace the rock for want of a shelter.” - Bible Quote

* My post for Wordless Wednesday, this week

Salutation to Flaws too !!!

2009-10-20T17:56:00.002+05:30

I was travelling back to Trivandrum from my home town (Kochi) in a KSRTC when my joojoo stepped into the bus. It was somewhere close to Kollam and I was sitting in the front seat of the bus, just behind the driver and so did not notice him moving forward from the back door.

Only when that man reached my seat did I realise the dire situation I was in. He asked me to show my bus tickets and ‘lol’ I did not have them. Somewhere during the 4 hour journey, the tickets had flown off from my hand. I had never imagined coming face to face with a Ticket Checker and so I was least bothered about keeping them safe.

Now it wouldn’t be really fair to hold me onto to that, coz in all the years that I have travelled around Kerala, a Checker has never been the person to run into. And that should be the reason, I guess, I dint have a clue on how to handle the situation. He kept asking me to check for the tickets in the bag (yeah…. he repeated that statement 6 times) and I kept trying to tell him with words and gestures that its all flown away, out through the window.

Our conversations interrupted the otherwise drowsy crowd and I am sure atleast a few of them would have thought that I got caught for not taking the tickets and made a little conversation within themselves, with a chuckle down their throat. Meanwhile I framed an innocent smile on my face and never cocked my eyes to look at the faces around me. :D For sometime I had completely related to the proverb - Cat who’s shut her eyes while stealing the cream!!!

Anyways, after checking my bag pockets for the 6th time, it became clear to our Checker that my tickets have indeed flown off. He reminded me of the penalty of the crime (for few minutes, that’s exactly how I looked like – a Criminal) - Rs. 500/- & tickets to be purchased once again. It was then that I used that bait – innocence and repentance. I had to convince him that this will not be repeated and that I would forever here onwards take extra care and retain the tickets for examination, while in bus. The look on my face along with the words should have melted him I guess, for he left me without charge.

While getting down the bus, for the first time, I felt great gratitude to those leaders out there for having found ways to dodge Rules and Laws they have voted for. If this had happened in any other country, am sure I would have had to abide by Rules and pay the penalty :P

How should it be - Wide Open or Half - Shut?

2009-10-14T17:11:00.002+05:30

"Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half-shut afterwards." - Benjamin Franklin

Extra Marital Relationships - a phrase that has gained lot of light in the recent past. Is there anything that you can judge about it? Is it right or Is it wrong???

I myself had sometime back written about my take on how it is absolutely fine to move ahead or rather, out of a relationship, if you feel at any point that it is injustice to cling on anymore. At times it really surprises me to know that there are a lot of women/men out there who are ready to carry on with the pain in their hearts, knowing well that even though they might end up sharing the bed they no longer share the heart of the ~~better~~ other half. The word Divorce is dreaded for the commotion it creates in the family. And at times the only reason for the wedlock to continue is sheer ignorance - ignorance that the other half is sharing an other relationship also.

I don’t want to look at the morality of this concept here, as there are many whom I have come across, keeping it up with this quarter-game in life. And worst is that many a times the reason they give appear to be completely valid.

* When am completely in love with my other half, why should it be a wrong thing for me to take some time for myself and share a little time with someone who match with my thoughts.

* Am taking care of my better half and kid.. I do everything for them and share all that I have with my family around. Then what reason do they have to tell me I shouldn’t indulge in something that kind of relaxes me? When am with 'her' I don’t have to worry about the bills I have to pay or the contracts I have to close. I talk about my dreams and she cares about it. Then why not???

* Loneliness - simple.

* The need to feel needed by someone... to know that out there is that one person who would like to see you the next day.

The only conclusion I could manage is that it is loneliness that force people to side-line the vows. And at times, they could be so doomed that even while sharing a fulfilling meal with the whole family around, they still feel completely alone. Thoughts sometimes don’t match and dreams don’t harmonize well around that table.

Marriage as they say will either make you a philospher or a complete, happy person. Its always easier to hop, ignoring the fact that you could be let down any moment. But then, why is it so difficult to try and put some of what they call as "effort" and nourish the relationship that you are bound to share this lifetime. Why not talk, teach, learn and improve. I know its easier said than done specially 'cos of the 3 letter word we all share in common - - EGO.

After having read so many of Mills&Boons', I guess, its just normal for me to think, hope and beleive in beautiful marriages; to look at the brighter side of it.

Though not quite sure about how to conclude this topic that I brought up, I would surely like to get a few insights from you on this.

* What in your opinion is the best nourishment for a relationship?

* What do you think is the reason for anyone to go astray?

* Have you ever come across a situation when you felt - that the reason is... oopss a valid one, ofcourse.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T08:05:00.004+05:30

Even God cannot undo the Past!!! We are just Human....

My Post for Wordless Wednesday

Reading - Thanks for the Memories

2009-10-04T11:27:00.001+05:30

Recently I got to read "Thanks for the Memories" and I had thoroughly enjoyed it. On the cover page I noticed that the same author had written "PS, I Love You" The name sounded familiar but I had never got a chance to watch the movie.

The other day, while staying over at a friends place we chose this movie from her collections. And, Oh I just loved the movie and I watched it twice. ( I do that for all the movies I love ;) )

So I would recommend it to all those who enjoy nice, soft english movies, this is a must watch.

And for the book Thanks for Memories, its was a nice read, ofcourse. I would say that she's got a completely different style in her story telling.

Also I watched The Ugly Truth recently and this one's speciality is that this is the 1st movie me and my other half watched for the first time in a theatre. ;-) We laughed together, held hands and looked at each other. The movie was a great one. Another must watch to make the evening a nice one.

PS. Gerard Butler is real smart as you can see ;-) Dont miss it!!! :P

You are being watched over

2009-10-03T22:31:00.000+05:30

How many times in life have you felt sure that "HE's watching over you"??

As for me its uncountable and the ones I am most greatful to him are all when I have escaped just at the right second from death/inability. Gratitude is really a great feeling I suppose. It makes us feel humble inside for a while; makes us feel blessed. For me, it gives the confidence that nothing wrong will happen ever as long as HE's watching over me.

;-) Howabout You?

Boys are Boys...

2009-10-03T16:42:00.002+05:30

Now , I have this friend of mine who plays Cricket and very soon there are chances that he'll play for KPL (Karnataka ..... League)

:P the dots out there means that I know absolutely nothing about Cricket and truly at times I really wonder how people can sit for hours and watch this game. And the most intriguing part for me is why ~~the &#*@!~~ do they take so much time to throw that ball...???

ha.. okie.. no offense to all those cricket lovers out there. Now this friend of mine keep updating me about his tournaments and though most of the things are way beyond my understanding of the game, most of the times I end up cheering up for one reason that he's all excited out there with his performance.

And when he got to know that am in Dubai one thing he asked me to get from there was Cricket Shoes. He found out some showroom that sell all sports goods and since the place was just a walk away from our home, me and R went out to get them. The catch here is that we got those shoes for him for AED 99 when it costs close to INR 6000 (AED 500) in India. I couriered his shoes to Bangalore and looking at them he's all excited and is just waiting to show them off in the ground.

At times I really feel that these men never grow up. They just have to get their hands on some sports or electronic stuffs and you can see them back in their high school days.

Away ... Far Away I went

2009-10-01T13:12:00.002+05:30

I felt reeally great when a few of them checked out if I was doing fine and why am not posting any new blogs. Thanks a lot for checking out on me ;-)

Hmmm ... so it’s been more than 2 months since I became silent and am sure a lot of you would be anxious to know what really happened.

I was busy planning and executing that long awaited dream of travelling all 3000 miles from Cochin to Dubai .. of running into the arms of my better half. ;-)

I guess its all about what they call as “The Right Time”. At times it is so very difficult to work out the simplest of the things, but once the Right Time sets in, everything will fall into place and its all done before you even realize it. That is exactly what happened with me this time. We had tried to work out so many different plans in the past but everything in vain and this time, every part was done in an effortless, unhindered flow.

And thus….. Sandya gets a Resident Visa to land in the city of Dubai and finally there is a stamping in her Passport.

(I don’t want to include allll the details in this one post. So let me take time and post my experiences one by one)

As for stay out there, I had a whole lot of First time experiences.

For the

1st time I travelled in an Airplane

1st time I went out of Country

1st time in 5 years, me and my other half watched a movie in a Theatre

1st time I tried a Japanese Delicacy - Sushi ( It was a disaster and I could'nt manage the 2nd bite :D )

1st time I saw the Live Band playing Music

1st time I saw Vending Machines give away water bottles (never got to see this in Cochin or Trivandrum) :P

1st time I relished the combination of ripe Strawberries dipped in Chocolate {thanks to Nancy for mentioning about it } ;-)

1st time I ever saw so many people of different nationalities around me :O

There are a lot more of first time’s but then you shouldn’t end up thinking am naïve and so let it be Secret :P

On the whole It was a wonderful trip I had, except for the initial adjustment problems with heat, humidity and price (I ended up converting everything to INR) :D

There's more.. just give me a few days to catch up ;-)

Quote A Day

2009-07-21T15:28:00.006+05:30

'One reason God created time was so that there would be a place to bury the failures of the past.”

Get past the past! Shun out the pangs and cries of past, the disappointments and hurt feelings, the rejection and sadness.

Love really does have that capacity, to make you forget the sadness and highlight the brighter side alone, of every sunset. It makes you believe that every dark night is only the beginning of yet another brighter morning. It makes you realise that the little shadow of pain is only to reckon a lot more happiness into all our lives.

Time Pass

2009-07-17T10:38:00.006+05:30

What am I engaged in nowadays??? ;)

This first one dint come out in the right shape and so ended up adorning by room mate (that tiny hat u see.. )

And then I got the swing of it and the 2nd one did make it to a square shape

And this is how it looks like on Day 2 :-)

Oh yeah.. You'll have to wait for few more days to get the final look :-)

Mood Swings

2009-07-16T12:44:00.010+05:30

Sometimes it's that vague memory of an early morning dream ....Or may be that final look in the mirror.... At times it's just the climate around....

The reason for the tinge of sadness that creep into our hearts can be endless and yet completely unknown. And many a times this unknown sadness can pull out the old forgotten sad moments from the past and also bring in an anguish about those waiting ahead, on the way forward.

It can hurt inside and that hurt can at times really hurt our morale too, right?

Most of us do have a very well developed brain and so we can think, use logic, analyse situations and evaluate them. But surely we cannot associate any logic in that so called "No Mood" feel, that we sometimes get into. The walk in through these No Mood feelings are one on the chute and there are chances that we'll slip and fall back.

How can we avoid or rather come out of such "No Mood" 's

1. Talk about the best things that's happened to you.

2. Think about the most romantic/embarassing moment (any happy moment that can make you smile is fine.. i guess)

3. Take a walk.. Breathe in some of that fresh air

4. Tell yourself "Its all fine"... Isnt it?

5. Ask yourself.. Are u unhappy? (If its No - then move forward; If Its Yes - then work out on the problem)

Wat say? End of it all dont you think this 'No Mood' doesnt have much logic at all. How can anyone have absolutely No Mood. That's not possible right!!

So... What's your Mood today? Or you too have the same illusion like me - "No Mood"???

Radha Evide - Dance show by Gopika Varma

2009-07-06T09:39:00.009+05:30

Last evening, we had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the Elite group in Trivandrum. The audience included Maharaja of Travancore, who lighted the lamp and inaugrated the function, members of the Royal Family, poets like ONV Kurup & Sugatha Kumari and people from Film industry like Karthika, M. Jayachandran, Arundhathi etc etc etc...

Sugathakumari teacher gave the inaugural speech, finely elaborating on her poem Radha Evidey (Where is Radha – Lord Krishna’s beloved) and I should say, Gopika Varma did succeed in bringing out the depth of the theme through her Natyam

The storyline begins with the description of Mathura, once Krishna leaves from there and Radha in her state of deep grief walks along her path to Himalayas. In there, Lord Siva, understanding her grief readies to bless her with Moksha. But Radha prefer the unending circle of Life and Death for only her life and heart to continue as the abode of her Love for Lord Krishna. And thus her spirit shatters into various pieces and takes new lives – the Life of Meera in Rajasthan, Aandal in Tamilnadu and Kurooramma in Kerala.

The emotion of Love and Devotion continue to remain in the heart of every Women

There was this one portion where she actually managed to draw a peacock with her footsteps, on the floor and the screen display and the music was so very beautiful that the audience almost got into a trance.

All in all, it was a blissful experience to watch the entire performance.

Love Unlimited

2009-07-03T11:42:00.005+05:30

They say

"A successful marriage requires falling in Love many times, Always with the same Person"

Can we? Lets see...

"We only regard those unions as real examples of Love and real Marriages in which a fixed and unalterable decision has been taken. If men or women contemplate an escape, they do not collect all their powers for the task. In none of the serious and important tasks of life do we arrange such a "Getaway." We cannot Love and be Limited."

I hope I Love Unlimited .. atleast try to.... :)

A'Round Places - Bangalore

2009-06-30T16:40:00.006+05:30

Visit to Bangalore - 25th to 28th June'09

Itinerary --> Vishwesharaya Museum -- Vidhan Soudha -- Hardrock Cafe, MG Road --ISKON Temple -- Lunch @ Nandini -- Paani Puri & Pizza @ Malleswaram 8th Cross (you get pizza for Rs.15 there) -- Corner House (Death By Chocolate) -- Shopping @ Commercial Street & Brigade Road.

A Collection of Romance

2009-06-25T14:10:00.009+05:30

One conversation lead to another and the question lingered in all our minds

"What according to you is the most romantic gesture? "

A: Okie.. tell me what is the most romantic thing according to you?
B : Hmmm.. “Cuddling up”

A: That’s it?
B: (eyes all wide and a 90 mm smile pasted on her face)
You see, Its something like cuddling up together for a whole day or something like that. I would say Romance is something that should be part of your everyday life and not a one time gesture. So I prefer to ‘touch’ base – something like casually holding hands, touching shoulders while moving around in the house, cuddling up together for a movie. It kind of gears you up for the rest of the day.
A: Cuddling up for a whole day? That would be difficult
B: (laughs) Okie I can compromise; every half an hour would do the magic

B: Hey guys, I have a question
(All eyebrows raise)
B: What is the most romantic gesture according to you?
BA: Opening up your arms to invite your love; A huge Hug to give that secured feeling
B: hmmm..

C: You mean in private or public (haha)
Hmmm.. (that’s pretty long time he’s taking :P)
Looking into each other’s eyes!

D: A Smile
B: ??
D: A Sweet Smile, looking at you, at the end of day
B: cool.. that can be really sweeett

E: hmmmm.. Kissing each other?
(Okie now don’t look me for answers, I thought I asked the Q)
EA: Holding her at the shoulder when her hair is all wet
(now that’s ROMANCE)

F: Hug tightly and caress them at the ear
(oooh... no further comments on that one)
FA: Look in to the eyes with love

G: A big huge Hug.
Okie 1 more - A Candle lit dinner with Champagne and Soft Music
Howabout thaatt??

H: hmmm difficult
A Smile with love filled Eyes… that will be the most romantic gesture for me

(Back to the start)

A: A nice evening at the beach; walking behind her, placing my feet on top of her footmarks

I’d like to hear more ideas, specially your’s if you’d share them.

Bore-in(g) Blog

2009-06-19T14:50:00.010+05:30

After a pretty long gap I got to talk to an age old friend recently and one thing he asked me to do was to write a Boring Blog. He had seen all the updates I made in FB about the 1 year completion and had called up to speak to me on an impulse, I guess. Anyways, he called up and just how it happen nowadays, for friends daring to speak to me , he ended up listening to all my worries as I poured out. We ended up having a very long conversation though I would rather say a long monologue since after the initial 15 minutes my speech was limited to a ‘Yes’, ‘Yeah’, “Okie”, ‘I’ll do’ and all that

It was a pleasant conversation (somehow he does manage that with his 'gyan') and he spoke about the sessions he’s taken on how to remain motivated, appreciate the self, having GT’s Good Time) and by the end of the call he was getting ready to be my PIP not considering his old age (…am sure he wouldn't sneak in to read this and so only boldly mentioning about his age else would I ever dare do it? :P… by the way its 'Partner In Pranks')

He talked for long about how to make every single day beautiful in simple ways. Later on when I thought about them, I felt they were things that wouldn’t take any special effort from us but yet the outcome could be very positive and encouraging.

*Don’t forget to pat yourself and tell “Hey that was a nice job that you did”

Ofcourse there are few times when we do appreciate ourselves but we don’t do it that frequently and specially not every day. At least I don’t do it and so when he told me about this I found it quite strange.

But then, on an afterthought the question that came up was 'Why shouldn't I do it often?' I can always tell myself after the regular walk that “Hey Sandya that was a cool thing to do today, Great my dear!” and feel nice about myself for a second. I can take that moment to feel good inside once done with my tasks at work. We can always take time to appreciate ourselves instead of waiting for someone else to do it for us. And another advantage of practicing to appreciate oneself would be that we wouldn’t forget to appreciate the efforts of others, the ones around us. And ofcourse this is one thing that every organization is looking for in a good team and this is exactly the best way to improve today’s deteriorating family bondage. What do you say?

* Take time to unwind during weekends

“Not in a boring city like this” - the first thought that crossed my mind then and was quite embarrassed to know that he was not mentioning about roaming in Malls and wailing away time doing window shopping. Things he suggested were quite simple like staying lazy at home trying out a different hairstyle, watching some cartoons or a funny movie that can make you laugh out loud, Calling up the close people and talking to them, laughing out at the GOT’s (Good Old Times) Since my weekends usually ends up with a fat book and some snacks in hand, I found his suggestions exciting.

The ideas that he gave me doesn’t need that mountain of effort but somewhere with the passage of time ~~most of us~~ a few of us have got into that “Boring Days” mode. There’s many a time when we wonder how we can kill time instead of enjoying the time that we have. We get into hobbies so that there is something that we can do quite monotonously and in a few weeks we actually forget to enjoy that process too. I feel it is just an extension to this, when we start looking for that ‘something’ to do add spice into our present – the present where job’s become boring, days are monotonous, conversations are depressing and emotions tumbling.

Boredom is a sure thing to cross paths with those single women over 25 and married ones staying alone. As for the guys they pretty much find their own getaways with the boozing sessions and long rides, I hope. And among the married people, staying together as family, they might never stop to take that time and look around in order to realize if there’s any boredom. The only possibility for them could be that they feel life’s become a little too monotonous [from where I sit Grass is surely Greener on the Other Side ;-) ]

So are you bored in life?
How about doing the same things that we do everyday, but for a change, take that second to appreciate ourselves for doing it and tell within that we did have a Good Time doing it?
Why don’t we try something crazy and have another GT?

Lets bore that boredom out of life :-) Wat say?

Anniversary It Is!!

2009-06-18T13:26:00.010+05:30

My Friends celebrated the 1st Anniversary of my Blog :D

A year of them having fun, teasing me with all the write ups :D

Do we realise it that often?

2009-06-16T16:56:00.005+05:30

"- That Life indeed is a great event that's happening to us"

It’s going to be a year since I started amusing myself with all these blogging stuffs and there’s been times when the entire day was occupied sorting out the layouts, reading thoughts of other people, prying into the comment section to know how does all the others out there react to it etc etc etc….

And one thing that I noticed in this time span is that mostly all those people who are good writers, who have nice blogs, are those who bring up valuable thoughts from the little things that happen around them. The topic they bring out is something sensible and touching most of the times. And that is something to be thought about when life is so busy and people just don't find enough time to stick around or still down a second to see what exactly is happening at their own backyards. I sometimes really wonder, how it is so easy for them (the good writers) to bring out an age old memory of their childhood or beautiful thoughts and viewpoints to certain situations. Has to have that writer’s intuit I guess, to be able to contemplate and write pages on small things around like a beautiful butterfly, flowers and little incidents that most people forget and ignore in their daily life.

It is this positive excitement which most of the blogs impart, that I like about this whole stuff. Reading those inspiring thoughts, many a times have made a good start for my day and have persuaded me to believe in heart that Life as it is, is really beautiful and precious; but if only we can give in the time to stay still for a while and really look at all that is happening around us. Thoughts like this are easier said than done and surely I would rank the highest when it comes to lack of awareness and memory. But still, during this time span that I have stayed in here, I did put in some real good effort to improvise those skills of mine. Going forward, its only going to get better, I sincerely hope :-) So that there would soon be that day when I'll be able to write beautiful logic on a simple incident and may be get approx. a 50 sweet comments from other bloggers. Is it that big a desire that cannot be fulfilled? I hope and wish that its not.. :-) :P

Its beautiful when the skies turn dark

2009-06-16T11:04:00.011+05:30

A walk in the evening is always refreshing and nowadays am just too eager to get out of my room and on to the road. Passing by those unknown faces staring at you, sometimes do send a chill through my spine. Mostly all of them would be people leaving eagerly to get back to their loved ones at home. As for me, staring hard at the setting sun and feeling that cold wind blow away the drops of sweat makes those walks a nice getaway. All the more, it gives me that time to be on my own, in my own world and thoughts.

And then there's many a time when I topple over a stone, slither on the smooth ground caused by the rain and walk along blindly ahead, just to know where I reach in the end.

And that makes me wonder - Isn't the journey of our life also laid out in a similar manner? We can have a destination or a goal in mind and walk along trying out the different paths available, to reach there. We also have certain situations where we know surely the road to be taken but is unknown of the destination that it would take us to. And then we take that path and keep moving forward until we know what exactly is there, at the end of it.

The important thing I guess, is that on a retrospect, which ever option we take, all of it has to be a gratifying journey - Either we would have reached our desired destination or We would have known where exactly the Path is leading to. And all the more significant is, to enjoy the journey itself, isn't it? The cool breeze, the heat, sweat, feel of those obliging muscles....

A long time before, I was associated with an organisation that talked a lot about Walking Meditation. And being there I have both heard and witnessed a lot of miracles that a simple walk can do to your mind and also the things around. A sincere touch can bring back life to the dried grass beneath. A deep breath can make you feel inside, the same energy that is there around you, outside. Its been a long time now and I regret that I have lost the connecting loop to all those simple experiences. And that makes me wonder how much does it take to be simple - within and all around.

Quite a lot I guess... Simplicity isn't something that comes as simple as that. What do you say?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Check out this post to see those beautiful expressions of the Sky above.

2009-06-11T11:14:00.004+05:30

Feel as if the only Hope to Light is denied
As though the Sand beneath is being washed away
Feel as though the Time has arrived
To take leave from the glowing daylight, the burning Sun
And painful yet is when the Chance is denied
To stand beside the Moon,
Glowing bright and warm, at that hour of darkness

And oh why all this ?
Just that her heart is now Blind to Love.

Quote A Day

2009-06-01T12:23:00.001+05:30

"When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it"

Obstacles to Dreams mean you are Close to Achieving

2009-06-01T12:15:00.003+05:30

I found this article while browsing through and I guess it helps a lot for the present. :-) And hence thought it shud come in here.. under my archives

"Are there times when it almost seems like you are finally going to reach your goal, but then something shows up in the way and puts it out of reach once again or makes you feel that you are never going to get it?

The truth is you are never closer to your dreams than when you are facing a big obstacle that threatens to push you further away than ever before. The reason why that obstacle shows up is because you are just about to grasp what you really want at last.

Just when you thought that the way is finally open for you, just when you thought you are finally getting your breakthrough. Then what you experience next causes you to be disappointed once again. Because the results that got is far less than what you expected. Or things might even appear worse in some ways than before. It can put you into such distress and frustration because you don’t know what else to do to make it work.

The reason why darkness appear, is to allow you to experience the light even more. You can’t feel like light when you are surrounded by light. The time you never felt more like light is when you are in the midst of darkness. Opposites make each other. Light and darkness define each other. Success and failure define each other. You can never fully know something without knowing its opposite.

Whenever you create a dream, the universe will bring in opposing circumstances, not to deter you from achieving the dream, but to allow you to experience the fullness of that dream."

There's many a times when I fear

2009-06-01T09:34:00.006+05:30

"Are you afraid of Death" that's what she asked and as always the immediate answer that crossed my mind was "No..am not" But she continued her talk and as I listened to her I lost the conviction in my answer. She continued...

"There are people who agrees with you when you ask them if they are scared of Death and there are many who seems to have no fear when their hair loses it color. But more than the death of physical body, we are trying to concentrate here on the psychological death which can happen every moment for a person. The fear of losing a friend can be compared to fear of death - of a relationship. The fear of falling behind in your work is very similar to the fear of death - of an impression. And likewise it goes on and most people experience this fear of death in every moment of their life. Now do you accept that you are not afraid of death? It is something that most of the people feel about a ten times in every day of their life. All fear eventually boils down to the fear of dissolution, the fear of death and its cause is the existence of Self. It is the fear of losing something that I Own. Enlightenment is the only process where the Self dies and Fear loses its foot ground

The first step towards realisation is to know where you are, what your fears are about. Bhagavan says "You can only start from where you are and not from where you want to be" So get inside yourselves and understand what you are like, your fears and your feelings"

And that's exactly when I related to what she was talking about. I am afraid... I do have the fear of death - of relationships, of future, of hope.. of love. How do we come out of it am not sure. Though the same subject will be discussed in further episodes of the programme I wouldn't be able to watch them, but I do hope that a little contemplation on the topic would help me understand it and pick it up from there.

And to support my efforts these words would always ring in my ears

"Change is Eternal in life. And its only because of Change that Love is possible in our lives. Situations, people and feelings Change and that is the only reason why we should be able to Love every situation and Live in the present. Once this is past it would be gone forever and you wouldn't get a chance to enjoy them again!"

Farewell's 'dont' Fare Well Enough Most Times...

2009-05-20T17:06:00.007+05:30

Parting time - Farewells... they can always cast that gloomy spell around for a few days, I guess...

She's leaving today... leaving to get on with a new journey in life.

Okie... I know I need not make it all so very dramatic! Nisha's leaving her job and this town, for good and so from now on, I wouldn't have that double-head support on all those Palakkad slang's and dishes and etc etc... The day went on normal as any other and I guess the absence of something is what we come to realise later; when the day actually rises out with the person being completely absent around. (okie... now that is something that I have really got used to ...)

A farewell mail, a group lunch and quite a lot of those 'round the desk - along with coffee' conversations filled up the office hours, today. And yeah.. of course some of those last minute KT's too :D (cant ever be done with them, i guess)

And yeah... I got all hitched up when she mentioned about having a nice time with me around. hahahha... not very sure though as to what exactly she's learnt from me and which attitude of mine she's gonna carry ahead :D :P ;-)

And there... it happened.. as always, I remembered those days... my previous work places, the people who had always inspired me around (and yeah they all still do), the people who I had been thankful to be with, sharing those moments. Its always a great feeling for me when I can recollect about the past days of life, the people that I have crossed paths with, for whom I am always.. mostly always.. thankful for.

I don't think ever a person has moved away without having given a light touch inside my heart. And over here I am remembering that friend who always talked so much about people "ENRICHING" each other in LIFE. ( :D okie.. I admit I do miss getting into those endless conversations)

Badly need this...

2009-05-18T15:20:00.003+05:30

Baby, I know you're hurting

Right now you feel like you could never

Love again

Now all I ask is for a chance

To prove that I love you

I'll never break your heart

I'll never make you cry

I'd rather die than live without you

I'll give you all of me

Honey, that's no lie........

Its my BirthDay Today!!

2009-05-18T09:24:00.010+05:30

Its my BirthDay Today!!

A year went by...

With days so Full and Live

And there, an other one came in

Filled with hopes and a Life Anew! :-)

(Card and chocolates from my friends )

2009-05-13T14:41:00.005+05:30

Never Thought it'd happen Again
Never Expected the feelings to spring once Again
Never Knew I’d be given another Chance

For Love and Life to Enhance!

A'Round Places

2009-05-11T12:24:00.007+05:30

Trip to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) - It was a visit to the tip of Kerala - tip of country India and tip of the Continent Asia :P

2nd May 2009 Itinerary --> Padmanabhapuram Palace -- Sucheendram Temple -- Wax Museum -- Kerala House, Kanyakumari Beach, Temple, Vivekananda Rock and Statue of Thiruvalluvar.

View all

Get your own

Resting...

2009-05-11T09:17:00.005+05:30

5 weeks is a pretty long time but there's no other go and so am gonna be away from Blogging...

Its a little difficult to do all the keying in of my wild thoughts with just 5 fingers. Am on a vacation period for the next 4 weeks.... (not on the whole but just for the left hand) cos....

... this's what happens when you try to miss 7-8 steps off the stairs... ;-)

For those who's concerned... :-) am absolutely fine and getting better every day ;-)

2009-04-30T14:25:00.003+05:30

Hmmmm... and so like that.. am moving out tomorrow from the place that I had occupied for the past 1 year and 9 months. Hope the new place will bring in beautiful memories and better things in life ;-)

Reading - A Thousand Splendid Suns

2009-04-30T13:44:00.004+05:30

A Nice Read on the whole, showcasing the lifetime and transformation of a Girl to a Woman and finally a Mother.

Her dreams and whims of life shatters when Mariam gets to see a glimpse of her father at the mansion's window. When the reality dawns in, she finds herself in a new town with no known ones around. The days of love and care ends for her when she fails to bear children and from then on its all about the pain and agony at both the physical and mental plane.

On the other side, there is Laila whose childhood ends when her parents die in that bomb blast and when Rasheed gives her refuge in his house, it is only an expected outcome that she would end up marrying him to retain the roof over her. But hope lingers in her life from the day she gets to know that she's bearing the child of her loved one, within her.

And this is the part which I loved reading the most - where her hopes are raised high and with time and days she shares them with Mariam, bringing in light into her lifetime too.

The story ends in that typical all goes well with everyone way (exactly what I like to hear :P) Though I want to put in here a bit of those final details of the story, am stopping myself so that the pleasure of the suspense and ending is not taken away from you.

Reading - From Sanyas to Marriage

2009-04-22T11:16:00.008+05:30

I came across this story while browsing through .Thought of putting it in here as it raised an eyebrow :-)

A gentleman wanting to renounce the world took to Sanyas after the loss of his wife. He donated all his possessions to various charities and settled himself in a hut built by himself away from the city, keeping with him one trusted shishya and the started meditation.

He discarded wearing cloths but for a Kaupeenam i.e. loin cloth. He wore one and washed the other himself and left it to dry on the rocks for next day’s use. But after some time he found the Kaupeenam missing. He got one more and carried on. But after few days even the new one was missing. He asked his shisya to keep a watch on how a worthless object like Kaupeenam could be missing every other day.

The sishya found out it was the handiwork of a mouse which was dragging and dropping it in the valley next to the ashram. He suggested that they should keep a cat to prevent the rat coming. The Swami gave him some money to get a cat from the town. After that the menace of the mouse ceased but their problem increased.The Shisya had to go to the far off town and get milk for the cat. As much of his time was wasted in getting milk and feeding the cat, he suggested to the Guru that they should have a cow at home.

At the same time, some body from the town presented him a cow as ‘Go-Daan' (giving the cow free) to the Swamiji which he gladly accepted. The owner told him “Swamiji! The cow is pregnant and we should have an attendant to take care of it. I shall send one of my servants.” Swami gratefully accepted the offer. Soon after, the cow delivered a calf, and the milk was sufficient only for the calf. So they got one more cow. To look after all these animals and attend to the cooking and serving the growing number of mouths, they had to maintain a maidservant. She was irregular in attendance and needed constant supervision.

The Shisya finally told his Guru “Swamiji, the only way to circumvent all these problems is for you to get married. Your wife will take care of all of us." The Sanyasi finally had to become a family man, got married and settled down.

He told to himself “To get away from the family I became a Sanyasi. Just for protecting the Kaupeena, I have now renounced Sanyas and become a married man.

“Kaupeena samrakshanartham ayam patatopah"

One should not allow one's concentration to get disturbed and one's determination dissipated by listening to others' advice. Something worth thinking about I guess! :-)

2009-04-22T10:58:00.005+05:30

It’s been quite sometime…

What to write in here, I have no idea about,
And trying to find that ‘bout,
I wandered in through here, the past few days.

Life is on its way…

Blooming and fading out is each day,
Mind is trying to find that path,
While heart is trying to restore faith!

'Round the Corner & Over the Walls

2009-04-09T11:51:00.014+05:30

The way back from office would usually be a long walk inside the campus to that other end. Its nice to watch those people, along the way, getting on to their vehicles eager to reach back home; people roaming around in the campus taking a break after that long busy day.

And at this part of the year when all the trees around (mainly konna) are fully bloomed in, there is that yellow glow all around and the reddish gleam of the sunset adds upto the beauty of the evening.

The cashew fruit plants in the campus and on the way, are all bowed down unable to bear the weight of their yield for the year – the green, yellow and red combination is giving them a majestic look.

The mango trees are full of the younger green ones and the way they are sprouting up, all together in bunches, would look as though there is never enough space up there on the top.

Looking at the time around, I remembered my early school days. There was this farm nearby which was full of cashew trees and during summer, on the way back from school it was a routine to throw out some stones to get down a few ripe yellow fruits. My cousin, though smaller than me but with the strength of a man, was my companion in all those ventures. Later, on reaching home, we used to cut the cashew fruits each into 4 pieces and put them in salt water to remove the sourness. Obviously he used to give me a lesser share since his’ used to be that better throws, always!! :S

And yet another fruit that we used to sneak around for, were Cherries... and I used to love those not so ripe ones – green and the yellowish ones. There was this small tree in our neighbourhood and if not all red and ripe ones, there would be a few of those green ones atleast on it, always. I guess the other children around never knew the taste of the fruit, and me and my cousin would be the only ones peeping up the wall to see if anyone’s around, before plucking them all (ofcourse, the owner of the tree never knew of our little stealing :D)

As for mangoes, guava, sappotta and jack fruit, we had enough and more of those in our own backyards and so we never had to jump a wall or sneak around for them :P

Remember mulberries?? Hehehe.. we never used to wait for the fruits to ripen (it would be black then) and so by the time they turn from green to red, we would gobble them all. And as though the tree in our yard just doesn’t bear enough, we used to roam around plucking them over the walls of other houses in the neighbourhood.. (ohh what fun it used to be to jump around the walls.. :D I miss them)

And then there are those white and red Jambu’s (our own champakka)

Hmmm.. now I know why I am not much interested in Apples and Oranges. Having known the taste of all these fruits plucked from the tree and eaten right away; who can ever favourite the artificially injected fruits of today? :P hahaha

Signature Strengths??

2009-04-07T14:25:00.004+05:30

Found this article in IBN. What are your signature strengths?

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/take-this-quiz-find-out-your-signature-strengths/89602-19-single.html

1. Love of Learning - You love learning new things, whether you are in a class or on your own. You find opportunities to learn wherever you go and what ever you do.

2. Bravery (valour) - You don’t shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if you encounter opposition and act on convictions even if they are unpopular.

3. Vitality (zest, enthusiasm, vigor, energy) - You approach life with zest, enthusiasm, and energy - For you, life is an adventure.

4. Leadership - You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included.

5. Appreciation of beauty and excellence (awe, wonder, elevation) - You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and skilled performance in all domains of life.

6. Humor (playfulness) - You like to laugh and tease. You try to see the light side of all situations.

7. Creativity (originality, ingenuity) - Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

8. Curiosity (interest, novelty-seeking, openness to experience) - You take an interest in all of ongoing experience for its own sake. You find subjects and topics fascinating, and love exploring and discovering.

9. Open-mindedness (judgment, critical thinking) - You tend to think things through and examine them from all sides. You don’t jump to conclusions and are able to change your mind in light of evidence.

10. Perspective (wisdom) - You are able to provide wise counsel to others. You have ways of looking at the world that make sense to yourself and to other people.

11. Persistence (perseverance, industriousness) - You work hard to finish what you start. No matter what the project is, you get it done in time.

12. Integrity [authenticity, honesty] - You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way.

13. Love - You value close relations with others. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

14. Kindness (generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, “niceness”) - You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favour.

15. Social Intelligence (emotional intelligence, personal intelligence) - You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

16. Fairness - Treating all people fairly is one of your most important principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people.

17. Gratitude - You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. You always take the time to express your thanks.

18. Hope [optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation] - You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

19. Spirituality [religiousness, faith, purpose] - You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe.

20. Forgiveness and mercy - You forgive those who have done you wrong. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

21. Self-regulation [self-control] - You regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person.

22. Citizenship [social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork] - You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate.

23. Humility/Modesty - You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special.

24. Prudence - You are a careful person. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

My top strenghts? Love of Learning, a bit of Creativity and Curiosity combined, Persistence [ofcourse! :D] Spirituality and Gratitude

My weaknesses? :-P

I guess it would be Prudence, Self-regulation, Forgiveness - mercy and Hope that needs all immediate attention and then would come in Creativity and Open-mindedness :-)

Lot of work to do for me. But I can always drop in to see what's yours, if only you would tell me them :-)

Resolutions - Are they progressing?

2009-04-07T13:30:00.007+05:30

Browsing through some of those blogs and a little of my own ones, suddenly it dawned on me that 3 months of the New Year has passed by. The year began with promises within to wrap up in love, happiness and better days every day, all along.

But a review today only reflected the drop down and the new additions to that group of All Forgotten Resolutions.

It dint take long for those inspired days to roll over onto the depressing and sad ones. It dint take long for the newly found hopes to die hard. It dint take long for that happiness and love within to deteriorate as emotions of anger, disappointment and boredom.

What ever happened to those resolutions, am wondering. The promise to have the flame of happiness within, lit all along; the promise to step up and jump over the walls around; the promise to continue moving along and ahead, forward.

Anyways, the review has proved good and experiences would assist the movement ahead, I guess. So now that the shadows have cleared, the gleam of light is brightening up those promises once again, asking to give life to Life.

How about you? What happened to your resolutions? I would be happy to know about them if you would like to share :-)

Vaadakakk' Oru little space :D

2009-04-03T14:20:00.007+05:30

A friend of mine wanted to do this Songs Tag. But since she is not interested in starting up a blog for this one purpose; am publishing in here her favourites ;-)

Late's Favourites
1. Onnam Ragam Paadi – cos its so very romantic ;-)

2. Aaro Viral Meetti – cos its melodious

3. Pacha Panamtathe – Nostalgic!

4. Unarumee gaanam

5. Arikil nee undayirunenkilennu njan

6. Vaathil pazhuthillode

7. Oru Kochu swapnathin

8. Vezhambal kezhum

9. Shruthiyil ninnunarum

10. Ambalapuzhai unni kannanodu nee

:D :D hehehe

All about the feeling of Music

2009-04-03T12:11:00.007+05:30

Even if I listen to the same song a dozen times, I wouldnt be able to recollect the lyrics of it. The only thing that creeps into my thoughts when I try to remember the songs that I have listened to would be the feeling that the music let enter into me - if it was a nice soulful one, or those big bang types.

Nancy tagged me to put in 10 favourite songs. My all times fvourites would be those fusion and chantings and yet, out here I have tried and put in some of those Malayalam songs that I would love to listen to

Shyaama Vaanil -Movie Name : Aanachandam (2006)
Music Director : Jason J Nair; Lyrics : Kaithapram

Katte Nee Veesaruthippol -Movie Name : Meghamalhar (2001)
Singer : Chithra K S; Music Director : Ramesh Narayanan; Lyrics : Kurup O N V

Oru Naru Pushpamayi -Movie Name : Meghamalhar (2001)
Singer : Chithra K S; Music Director : Ramesh Narayanan; Lyrics : Kurup O N V

Ennu Varum Nee - Movie Name : Kannagi (2002)
Singer : Chithra K S; Music Director : Kaithapram Viswanathan; Lyrics : Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri

Chentharmizhi - Movie Name : Perumazhakaalam (2005)
Singer : Chitra K S, Madhu Balakrishnan; Music Director : Jayachandran M; Lyrics : Kaithapram
Ashadam - Movie Name : Mazha (1982)
Singer : Chithra K S, Yesudas KJ;Music Director : Raveendran; Lyrics : Usha

Aaro Viral - Movie Name : Pranaya Varnankal (1998)
Singer : Chithra K S; Music Director : Vidya Sagar; Lyrics : Girish Puthenchery

Mellayonnu - Movie Name : Manassinakkare
Singer : Jyotsna, Yesudas K J; Music Director : Ilayaraja; Lyrics : Girish Puthenchery

Pooja Bhimpam - Movie Name : Harikrishnans (1998)
Singer : Chithra K S, Yesudas KJ; Music Director : Ouseppachan; Lyrics : Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri

Vathil Pazhuthilude - Movie Name : Idanazhiyil Oru Kaalocha (1987)
Singer : Chithra K S; Music Director : Dakshina Murthy; Lyrics : Kurup O N V

Now for some of those Chantings/Classical/Fusion that I love listening to over and over again

The Other Rythm - Album Shankar Mahadevan and team

Sivamansapooja

Bhavani Ashtakam

Vaidhyanathashtakam

Madhurashtakam

Ashtalakhmi Ashtakam

Kalabhairavastakam

Sriman Narayana

Guru Ashtakam

Holy Chants

Hope you enjoyed my favourites :-)

Ten to One ;-)

2009-04-01T15:18:00.009+05:30

The number tag - and for a change am taking it in the reverse order ;-)

kilos is what I gained when in b’lore during a span of 2 years

My favourite number

The day I got married

Cent of land that I own

No. of cities I have been to

years is the time I had to push for my dream come true

No. of companies I have worked in

No of times my bones were meddled with. A Spine surgery, Shoulder bone Fracture and a Shoulder Dislocation

No of Slam Books and Diaries I have saved

No of sibling I have. A bro :-)

Change & the tinge of Pain

2009-04-01T14:40:00.001+05:30

Finally, after almost 2 years of a stay, am moving out to a new PG accommodation next month. Something that never happened in the past years whenever I moved out from one place to another is happening right now – a tinge of striking pain inside the heart at the thought of moving out from this place, which was my abode for sometime now.

The initial days when I came in here, the feeling was of happiness and enjoyment as it was all about a new job, new people and a new place of my own wherein I can endure into all those thoughts and deeds that’s connected with me alone. But it dint take long for the happy days to end and move up into frustrations of missing home and family and loved ones. And soon after that the frustration heightened into depression and took much lesser time for me to end up with a sad heart and boiling brains. In the mean time, this friend L joined me and got wedged at the listening end of all my sad tales, trying to work out possible solutions to the boiling issues of my life.

Right now when all the boiling kettles cooled down, I am going ahead with another change in life – moving out to a new place for stay. Not a big deal as such for I guess this is almost my 4th PG stay in the past 3 years.

But still, when all decided I unlocked the door yesterday, the knowledge that its only for a few more days that I can sweep into the alms of this known 4 walls of my room kind of made me feel home sick or rather room sick. Somehow this time am scared to take in this change, though it was much awaited since past few months.

I guess now I know why people are afraid of death. It’s like leaving a place that’s so very familiar to you - your body; to move out into that eternity that is completely unknown.

I guess its directly proportional – As Age Increases, familiarity increases and henceforth Fear of Change/Death Increases!

A Letter to You from God

2009-03-26T16:30:00.003+05:30

This post from Nancy reminded me of Letter from God which I heard for the first time while attending a Yajna in Oneness. Jut thot of putting this up in here so that all the times when I tend to forget about him being next to me; a glance through my list of thoughts would remind me that he's just in here, beside me and within me, waiting for that one look, a smile and a few moments spared out of my life for Him.

A LETTER FROM GOD

Hi,

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were to busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to work. I waited again.

When you ran around the house getting ready I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello. But you were too busy. At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me, but you ran to the phone and called a friend

I watched as you went to work and I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.

I noticed that before lunch you looked around. Maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me andthat is why you didn't bow your head.

There is still more time left, and I have hope that you will talk to me... Yet you went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do.

After a few of them were done you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not. Just about anything goes there and you spent a lot of time each day in front of it, not thinking about anything.

I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal... But again you didn't talk to me. I guess you felt too tired as you fell asleep in no time.

That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience more than you will ever know.

I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart.

It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but love for you hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day!
Your friend, GOD

Treating & Re-Treating Yourself

2009-03-26T15:13:00.011+05:30

Sometimes treating your taste buds' gives that greaatt feeling of happiness inside and a very similar one I had sometime back, today.

The whole thing started when I felt like having something sweet after Lunch

1. Decided to entertain myself with a piece of Swiss Chocolate.

2. Not satiated, next came a piece of another Chocolate cake which I heated up so that the frozen chocolate layer on top would melt in my mouth (sorry no photo was taken as i was busy attacking the pastry piece)

3. Considering that too much of sweet at a time can give you a high, there followed a serving of Hot, Crispy French Fries ;-)

I knew it well that I wanted another piece of cake to satisfy my craving. But on second thoughts decided against and started back to office.

4&5. Just like my stubbornness, the craving also found its way through and what came behind or rather along with me to office was 2 pieces of Black Forest!

Howabout thaaat!!! :D

And for the time being, considering the amount of cocoa I had in the last 2 hours, I guess my mood should be elevated and in high spirits ofcourse, for the rest of the day! :-)

And this is what I call as treating and re-treating yourself! Surely can be indulged in once in a while to Keep you in Good Spirits! :D ;-)

Re-treating at its heights!!!

Mulagu bhajji - 3 Nos. in the evening all over again as I went to accompany my colleagues for snacks.

Heights for Entertainment! Isnt it?

Re-Wind

2009-03-23T13:36:00.004+05:30

http://third--eye.blogspot.com/2008/08/love-enternal-and-most-blessed-feeling.html

When it comes to music I usually prefer Love songs and when it comes to books I love to read all about romance, the late night dinners and the doorstep good night kisses... I guess most of us , just like me, love to live in a world of fantasy where things are so loving, everything so right and good..

Marriage... does this word mean that we can never fall in love again?? I certainly don't think so.. As you grow old.. your preferences change.. your interests grow up along with you and in case your spouse is not able to meet or stand side by side along with them, there's every chance that you can fall in love again with some one who does that.

You just have one life to live with and so many of your dreams to be fulfilled. No one has the right to kill those, how much ever close the person is to you and at one point if its required that you need to move forward alone or holding a different pair of hands, its completely natural.

After all, the life.. your life.. and your dreams.. atleast you are worth it and have every right to live them.

MARRIAGE.. the blessing which God bestowed on us from the time he created this thing called the earth and the planets -- the whole creation in itself; so that never will there be a human who is a loner; who's deprived of the feeling of Love -- the feeling that makes you one with this whole creation in itself.

What is the point in continuing a relationship when there is no love in it. All the spiritual leaders of today would say that setting right your close relationships is the only solution to all the physical and spiritual problems in your life; the close relationships with your parents, siblings, spouse and children. I also share the same belief that unless these close relationships are filled with love no person can be completely happy or successful in Life. This is the rule of nature; the rule of Life itself... But this rule doesn't tie us for life to any relationship and that is exactly where people are unable to distinguish, i guess.

We should develop the quality of love within ourselves.. and keep that love alive in and all around us. But that doesn't mean that we have to try and stick on to an already dead relationship, trying to convince ourselves that its still completely alive. Believe me, all the others around you are completely sure that you are just wasting your time and there's nothing that you are going to gain from this futile effort.

End of it all, as far as I am concerned LOVE is the only emotion that a human can feel to make her completely free and secured in this lifetime... the only emotion that can bring in most of the bliss in this small life... the emotion that make you fly out there in the limitless sky and swim out in the deepest of the oceans..... :-)

What about you....Do you Love???

Listening to what?? ;-)

2009-03-23T11:35:00.003+05:30

When you love someone - you'll do anything
You'll do all the crazy things that you cant explain
You'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
When you love someone

You'll deny the truth - believe a lie
There'll be times that you'll believe you can really fly
But your lonely nights - have just begun
When you love someone

When you love someone - you'll feel it deep inside
And nothin else can ever change your mind
When you want someone - when you need someone
When you love someone...

When you love someone - you'll sacrifice
You'd give it everything you got and you wont think twice
You'd risk it all - no matter what may come
When you love someone

You'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
When you love someone.........

Movie Thought

2009-03-19T14:23:00.007+05:30

U Remember watching this movie??? Just crossed my thoughts last evening ;-)

Geethanjali - Telugu film directed by Mani Ratnam in 1989.

Music: Ilayaraja
Playback: S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki, K.S. Chitra
Lyrics: Veturi Sundararamamurthy
Story, Screenplay, and Direction: Maniratnam

That's a Lazy Bug which Bit

2009-03-18T16:17:00.009+05:30

I prefer all work and play in the hours after noon time mainly cos am not among those lark types. And its one another thing that makes me step behind when it comes to working out/exercise is Laziness.

And that’s when I tried to google on the word Laziness and this is what I found

Ø Laziness (also called indolence) is disinclination to activity or exertion despite having the ability to do so. Chronic laziness may be an underlying psychological condition.

Ø Remember those rotating dining tables? They are called Lazy Susans :D

Ø John Steinbeck said “Only in Laziness can one achieve a state of contemplation which is a balancing of values, a weighing of oneself against the world, and the world against itself.”

Ø Cats, Dogs, even Solar Bears come under the category of Lazy Beings.

Ø Lazy Town is an Icelandic children's television program (where it is known as Latibær) that features a cast and crew from Iceland, the United Kingdom and the United States

Ø Lazy Bird is a musical composition by John Coltrane, first appearing on his 1957 album Blue Train.

Ø The Lazy Woman’s Guide to Just About Everything - Practical tips & Lazy wisodom for a Life of ease by By Judie O'Neill and Bridget Fonger

Ø Lazy Man is an adventure group trying to define that new lazyman lifestyle

Ø “As Lazy as a sloth” the word used to describe people who are very very Lazy

Ø Looks like the word doesn’t leave computers too. In computer programming, lazy evaluation is the technique of delaying a computation until such time as the result of the computation is known to be needed.

Ø Lazy eye is a disorder characterized by poor vision in an eye that is otherwise physically normal. It is estimated to affect 1–5% of the population

Ø Among the planets Uranus is considered to be the Lazy one. The planet orbits lying on its side at a angle of 97 degree.

Ø Telling a story to your kids?? Talk about Fuyuzuru Tadashi, who was known far and wide as the world's Laziest King

HAHAHAHA .... So much of Laziness around so I can happily join the group I guess.. :D

How about you??

Feeling Down... Inside and All Around?

2009-03-18T14:27:00.011+05:30

Tips to Releive Stress, if you are feeling all tight and held up inside ur heart :)

Take a deep breath. This is your first, most immediate defense against stress. If you can get in the habit of pausing and taking a nice, deep breath every time you feel stress beginning to take hold, you'll have won half the battle just by preventing it from taking over. The other half is won by addressing the causes of your stress.

Soothe the senses. Light a scented candle that has a calming fragrance like lavender. Listen to your favorite, most relaxing music or, better yet, go somewhere that you can listen to wind rustle through trees or waves crash on the beach. Enjoy the scenery, whether you're outdoors or viewing an art exhibit. Drink some warm tea or taste--really taste--some dark chocolate. Treat yourself by getting a massage or, if you want to be alone, take a bath (bubbles are recommended).

Communicate. Whether you talk to a friend or talk to your cat, getting it off your chest will help a lot. If you don't feel like talking about it, write it down. Keep a journal and write down whatever it is that's bothering you. Writing is a therapy of its own.

Laugh. Rediscover your sense of humor by making fun of your situation. View it from your future self's perspective, telling this story to a bunch of your friends over pizza and soda. Crack some jokes. Do your goofiest impression. Tickle a child that you love. Laughter, whether it's yours or someone else's, is the best medicine--and it's contagious!

Get fit. Being physically fit can directly help relieve stress, which exists on both a mental and a physical level. Sometimes there's nothing like a long run, an intense yoga session, or a fresh swim after a stressful day to help you feel relaxed and stress-free again.

Be organized. For the most part, stress arises from feeling overwhelmed. There's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Being organized and getting your priorities straight can help you break responsibilities down into manageable pieces and focus on the things that really matter to you, rather than getting caught up in details and creating extra work for yourself--all of which leads to more stress.

Do nothing. That's right, do nothing at all!!!! :D Close the door, open the window, have a seat, and take a little break from life. If your mind is racing, learn to meditate and just let that stress go.

My Preferences?? Mostly Chocolate milk shake, sometimes a Book and few times a Walk all Alone will do the Magic.

Happy Relaxing!!! :D :D

Cool thoughts for Monday Blues

2009-03-16T17:49:00.010+05:30

* Click on the image to get a better view of the wording ;-)

Reading - Emma by Jane Austen

2009-03-16T11:32:00.006+05:30

Emma by Jane Austen

It 'll soon be an year now since I bought this book and guess what .. I have only read half of it. One book that am just not able make myself sit and read in one go, till the end :-D

U tell Go Away and there.. Am Gone

2009-03-11T14:29:00.003+05:30

It was during my high school days that once my mom got so very angry with me that she put me outside the door and asked me to go away. I don’t remember the reason now; but it has to be something related to my reading sessions. Cos if there's a book around me then my routine would be something like this - wake up with the book, continue lying down with it and sometime in the noon rush to brush the teeth and get back on the cot with the book, grabbing some dosas or snacks. Till the time I finish reading the entire book I'll glued onto the cot even if it means to lie there without food.

Surely must have been a tough thing for my mom to handle and so now when I think back, absolutely no wonder why I got so many bashings. Imagine the girl who’s supposed to learn the household - to keep the house beautifully, has parked herself onto the cot for the whole day with all the books spread across. Not a great picture, Isnt it?

So one fine day when my mom lost all her patience she asked me to get out of the house. And as if I had no disapproval on her command (but then the tears gave away); I went ahead and started on my way. (hahahahaha)

“Okie.. Now that am out of the house where do I go? Hmmm okie I can walk till it becomes evening and then by night I can get into

Plan A -- Some house and I can ask them to make me their maid and then along with the household I can also continue my studies.
Plan B -- An orphanage that would give me shelter and then I can stay there forever taking care of the younger ones.”

All moms’, who’s reading this, please know that this is exactly what is going on in your girl’s thoughts when you fight with them and tell something rude. Not the mistake of the mother or the child; just that this is how it mostly works around like.

Okie now for the later part of the story; my mom came running behind me as she had seen me closing the gate behind. And with much pampering she got me home and as soon as I got inside the house surely got one whack on my back for going away just like that.

Something really funny that I remembered this incident now. The fact is somehow, somewhere down the lane, this became part of my character. Even today I don’t stay when am asked to leave or when my presence is not entertained – either explicitly or by sheer accident. Be it a party or a get together; be it my friends, parents, brother or my husband – the moment I feel or they tell it out due to some upsetting matters, I Leave. But only with the hope that they’ll call me back as, always I believe that they along with me only makes it a complete one.

Moments back at home

2009-03-10T21:39:00.003+05:30

Okie.. so its been some time since I actually wrote something. Reasons???

1. Am not frustrated or irritated and so there is no much disturbing thoughts wandering around inside my head ;-)
2. Am feeling a little distant with things as my mom's not keeping well.

The first one ofcourse is a good sign for my head and brains but not for my blogging routine :D May be its just time to move ahead and think out of the box, so that I can actually write about things that makes sense rather than random thoughts from inside of my head. Anyways, the new start will anyways have to wait for some more time till I can take an easy breath.

As for my mom’s health, she’s fine now except for the little tiredness. And till the time she wakes up with all energy, I own this whole house of ours and believe me it’s really a big deal to manage the household. Something that I had pushed aside from my memories with the recent stays in PG’s and right now am trying to refresh all my memories of cooking and not just that; its even difficult for me to recollect now as to which cupboard has got the bed covers and which one’s got my bro’s clothes. It’s all the more embarrassing to mention about the storeroom details and kitchen cabinets!! Anyways the time now is good except for the feeling of missing that creeps in for those days when I shared a real small home out there in B’lore.

I am just wondering if it’s the age of my mother or just that days are moving into those difficult times which we all fear about. Unmanageable is not just the word! 50’s is not quite an age at this time of the century and so it has to be the constant illness of her physical body that is taking her back to the childhood behavior. She can be happy in everything that is happening around and at the same time worry about the next forthcoming incident. She can talk for hours together and feel happiness and also be sad at things that just don’t affect her in anyways.

And for all the time that I spend with her she makes me wonder if I have grown up a little too much for I have no time or space inside this heart or mind to bother about anyone except me and the real close ones ofcourse. I have absolutely no topics to chatter about and if not for the alert on food and medicines its silence that reigns between us but if only she manages to rest her mouth. So where do I stand in terms like empathy, social being etc. My social life sucks and am not a person who have too many friends and even for the real close ones, am real bad in probing into their thoughts unless they decide to share it. So as a social animal am just wondering if it is my mom, who’s confined to the four walls of the house that’s much better than me, though I boast about thet chance to meet people and talk to them and understand and grow.

I was busy in the kitchen when I heard the sounds of those young ones in our lane playing on the road. And for a moment I remembered my brother’s younger days when he ran around the road playing with his ball. The small boy who hung around me in his shorts have grown up to a man now and is ready to hold me when am failing.

Too many memories passing inside my head and so this is just a random post where am trying to put them all in. :D Getting back to the house which's seen me transform from a small little girl to a sister, to a daughter and to a wife and I guess, spending some ample time in here, not just on a weekend visit, is bringing up all those memories from the past, which has actually made up the ME of today.

Look forward for some beautiful memories from the past! :D

End your Suffering - - An eMail Forward

2009-03-03T09:55:00.004+05:30

"Suffering is not in the situation (fact) but in the perception of the fact "

There is a common belief in the world today that we can transform a situation by changing it. That is called situation content. We think by transforming the content that we are going to be happy with it, but in reality the situation has nothing to do with your happiness or your sadness. It is in the way you look at the situation – the way you perceive the situation.

Very often when something has happened, which you did not expect, which you don't like or appriciate, the situation has long past, but you still carry the situation inside of you. You are constantly questioning the situation with, Why? – Why did this happen to me? What could I have done differently? And you try to offer many explanations as to why it happened to you.

You see, the suffering is not caused from the situation itself, but in the way you are questioning the situation, in your inability to accept the situation, and all the reasons you think this happened to you. It is impossible in the current state of the world, and with the karma, that one can become completely free of all problems. Problems are bound to be there, for anybody and everybody – whether they be rich or poor, educated or uneducated or of any class or location.

Problems can be there, but there is no reason for one to suffer, because the situation – the problem – intrinsically does not contain any suffering. When you reach a level of consciousness where you can accept situation in life fully, by being alive to the situation, no matter what the situation is, you will be happy.......................................................

Reading - Love in the Time of Cholera

2009-03-02T09:34:00.010+05:30

The weekend boredom was bypassed with this book and if not for the initial dragging sequences; the story actually made it up for an interesting read.

All about 2 people (Fermina Daza and Florentino Ariza) who fall in love; but then with life and circumstances they pass along in different routes until finally the death of Dr. Urbino (Fermina Daza’s husband) brings them back under the shelter of their eternal love for each other.

A beautiful story where in love buds in the minds of 2 people at a very young age but then blooms out completely at an older age. After 53 years and 7 months, both Fermina Daza and Florentino Ariza unites together to celebrate the remaining few days in their love and it is for the extent and the stillness of the ocean to witness this re-union.

Memories - II

2009-02-27T15:07:00.005+05:30

An email from year 2007!

Memories; they bring in the shadow of the past along with the glow of present!

-----------------------------------------------

I don't know how we get into these fights.

A fter them I look back at the ashes
M ore shocked than hurt, as when a light plane crashes

S lanting numb through strange, unearthly lights.
O h, how I wish I could get off that plane
R ushing to its rendezvous with tears!
R age is but a mask for my shy fears.
Y et I would die before I caused you pain.

-----------------------------------------------

I thought I must give up on life, And turn into a stone;
The desert wind quite suited me, No heart, no mind--just bone.

I thought it would be dumb to try, To want something again;
Wanting turns to need, and then,Transmogrifies to pain.

I laughed at people still loving to live,Who trusted someone's word;
To make my happiness depend,On faith, seemed quite absurd.

I lay alone and wonder-struck, Sleepless in my bed,
Still numb, still dumb, still ice cold, Not knowing I was dead.

And then you came and shone upon,My meadow full of snow,
And saw the flowers only love,Could recognize and grow;

And made me feel so beautiful,I shed my cold, cold skin,
And opened up my heart to you,And, fearful though, I let you in.

And from then, my dear, I am in love,
With all that I've been through,I know the worst of all the world

And I Believe in You!

-----------------------------------------------

T here aren't many things I've gotten right in life.
H ow you stay with me I'll never know.
A ll I can say is that I love you deeply,
N or could I stand the pain if you should go,
K nowing what I know of wind and night.

Y our love remains my passion and my light.
O nly that can fill my heart completely.
U nless you're there with me, all my life's laid low.

-----------------------------------------------

To say you are my world means,

That when I look at the sky I see your face,
And when I pause alone at the window;

I feel your hands on my back.

That the beauty of the garden,

Is all in the words I tell you;
That winter is my fear of losing you,

And that spring is the hope I never will.

That I have wrapped my life, completely around yours
That the beauty of a late summer evening is;

Inseparable from the beauty of our love.

-- -- With loads of love.... forever yours

Memories - I

2009-02-26T17:04:00.006+05:30

A greeting card from year 2004!

Memories; they bring in the glow of the past along with the shadow of present!

Picture Perfect or Mirage

2009-02-26T11:34:00.013+05:30

A good friend for a short but yet a long time, I had always thought of him as that little bro whose better capabilities were hidden deep inside, thriving to prove it all to himself and the world outside. And ofcourse that specific impression I created was pretty good a reason for me to get all still shocked and pinch myself to realise the matter of fact that I had actually missed out on a very important portion of his lifetime, which lied buried deep down - that he's a Widower. Something that I just couldnt come in agreement with, considering the loss that has befallen him at the young age of 26 - Loss of his Love!

How much do we know about the people who we relate to, day in and out? How much do we know about the people whom we tell, are among the ones close to our heart? I am just wondering now! Or is it that in every relationship we share, it's absolutely fine to know just that what is enough, about the other one. Not very sure on anything, but this is one thing that has caught me in the middle and is wandering in the back of my mind.

On putting a little thought on this, if I take my parents, I really don't know much about their life, though am a very important part of them. I know, just enough to relate to some of those few old times that they have spent in school or college or at home. I only know about some of those very few incidents that they have felt inspired at and been happy for. And then the rest of all that I know about my parents is the picture that I have created for My Father and Mother. Even if I try to think now as to what they really are, at some juncture it always merge in with this impression I have created and then the effort to get it back to know them as they really are, is little enormous.

When we talk about husband, wife, friends and who ever that cross in life, a major part of their image is something that is created by us in our mind with that one talk or a glance at them. But how far does this picture that we have created match with the real person is something to be actually thought of I guess. It could be the way they talk, walk, care or handle a situation that creates in us a particular impression of that person. And once imprinted in the heart, this image might take a long time or a pretty lot of related incidents for any kind of alteration or changes. And it has to be during the course of this change that the words like shocked, stunned, amazed etc would come into picture.

There are many a people who cross our paths in this journey of life, but I think its really important to know all about the people who are close to us and part of family, atleast. That itself might take away a lifetime ofcourse; getting to know about your parents, siblings, husband wife and kids. And getting to know them would include understanding and relating to their past, present and future dreams and creating a picture that is very similar to the outside real one, inside our heart.

On a second thought, I guess, it should be this course of understanding each other that make lives easy for some of those people out there. For, as long as you take every reaction as a related new learning of the persona, there is no assumptions, no comparison and nothing to be upset about. When you are not trying to fit in a person with the image in your head, there is no course for dissatisfaction in anything that they do, for you tend to accept them as they are and more importantly you are open to identify that all new factor about the person.

Quite crazy a thing to think about, obviously; but am really wondering if the people close to me, who are always loving me, who wish me good times - Do they Reeaally know Who I Am? What I Am?

Celebration of Maha Sivarathri

2009-02-24T13:46:00.000+05:30

Thus goes the story behind the celebration of Maha Sivarathri!

During the Samudra Madhanam by Gods and demons, a poison that could have wiped out the entire creation, came out of the ocean. And at this time Lord Shiva consumed this poison to protect the beings. As soon as Goddess Parvathy came to know about this, she ran ahead and held the throat of Siva so that the poison wouldn’t be consumed and as a result Siva's throat became blue. A snake was placed around Lord’s neck to cool the effect of the poison. Goddess Parvathy and all the other Gods and Devaganas stayed awake the whole night to confirm that the poison did not affect Lord Siva.

According to the Vedas Shivratri symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. There is also a belief that Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya - the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The day is celebrated in a customary manner wherein devotees pour milk to the Lingam and the night is spent by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord. The festival holds special meaning for the ladies as they pray to Goddess Parvati for good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.

The twelve Jyotirlingas (lingams of light) are the sacred places of worship of Lord Shiva. They are known as "Swayambhus", meaning that the lingams sprung up by themselves at these places and temples were built there afterwards.

The Three eyes of Lord Shiva are depicted as the Sun (right eye), the Moon (left eye) and Fire (third eye). The two eyes on the Right and Left indicate His activity in the physical world and the Third eye in the centre of the forehead symbolizes spiritual knowledge and power, and is hence called the eye of Wisdom or Knowledge.

2009-02-23T18:10:00.002+05:30

How did he do it?"

A. He cheated

B. He is lucky

C. He is a genius

D. It is written

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Won 8 Oscars. Another 62 wins & 29 nominations

HIS Wish or ...?

2009-02-23T17:42:00.003+05:30

Right from childhood I have listened to many of them heave a sigh and talk about destiny and the God's Will in our life. At every turn of life, for all given situations most people tend to pacify themselves telling that "yes, this is what it is all about" and "this is what is fate" or "this is what is HIS wish for our life" Ofcourse, I am not exempted of this and at many a turn, I myself have kept the inner self all motivated telling that this is the best situation and the perfect one.

But it was very recently that I got to know the real difference of the feeling. The time when my better half had to take leave; the moment when I stood out there facing the whole reality of the situation, I don't know but somehow, somewhere deep down there, I knew that it was the most perfect moment of my life. On a retrospect, I found myself all calm and quite, accepting it as if all this while my heart and soul was getting trained to take this one situation in chastity.

And then I understood how the feeling is when things happens in life, according to HIS will. You just take it in fully completely without regrets. And when I say regrets, it doesn't meant that you'll happy or overjoyed or in bliss. You are sad but that sadness does not bring in craving or pity. It is just that after a point the sadness within, seeps into that abundant silence and then everything becomes completely silent all around leaving you with just a drop of hope inside.

25 things about Me :-)

2009-02-19T13:26:00.013+05:30

I have been tagged by Reflections to jot down 25 random things about me. Since this is the first time am getting tagged on something, I was in full spirits to go ahead on this one.

Now the rules - Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to link the person who tagged you.

And as to why I have tagged you, its 'cos I would like to know more about you.

Okie... so here goes those little details about me :D

1. Favourite Music – chanting, anything soft, slow and melodious

2. Books – I enjoy reading Mills & Boons and I can also enjoy reading serious stuffs like The Unconsoled & Life After Death and all that. But Fairy Tales, Amar Chitra Katha and Romantic Novels are my all time favourites.

3. I have been wearing glasses right from the age of 13 – Concave Lens

4. Love anything and everything in chocolate flavour ;-) - ice cream, chocolates, pastries. I had this wish to have one full chocolate cake some day and for my last b'day my friends out here made this wish come true. I had almost 3/4th of a chocolate cream cake in one sitting... sluurrpp!!

5. Dress – favourite is Saree and Kurta Pyjamas. And one day I want to get into that perfect shape so that I can wear a Lehenga

6. There are these few days when I get into this Eating Spree and then, once it sets off in my mind and stomach, I can go on eating and eating and eating for the whole day…… But since it’s very seasonal it almost goes unnoticeable and my mom continues to tell that I eat very less :D

7. I had weighed 60-62kgs for almost like 10 years and then suddenly in a span of a year and a half I gained 10 kgs.

8. Though I can eat anything that’s served on a clean platter in a Restaurant, I have many a preferences when it comes to home food. I don’t eat boiled onions cut squarely, boiled brinjal (fried one will go in one gulp), lady’s finger, carrot, pumpkin, beans that's cut 1 inch size etc etc.. the list can go on and on.

Unless the food looks good (Very important), smells good (too important) and tastes good (important) I wouldn’t touch it. Again one exception here is, if the food is cooked by a person whom I like and love, then however the smell is and the looks are, I would happily wolf.

9. When I was in school I used to have this aluminium box with all the kitchen items and I had loved playing with them for a very long time. I guess I have it all even now at home. I used to have these mud pots also in which many a times I have cooked rice and made sweet kheer, lighting up a brief fire underneath.

10. For a very long time, for almost like 15 years, I used to address God as “ambaatti” and I remember this one time when my mom asked me to say sorry to God for doing something wrong and then I went upto the Krishna Idol and said “Ambaatti.. ennodu kshamikkane” (God.. pls forgive me) My mom who was all red with anger bursted out laughing then.

11. I have this habit called “chundu kudi” You might have seen small kids sucking their thumbs and then as they grow up they leave this habit. I had the habit of holding onto cotton clothes and fidgeting with the cloth to get into sleep and somehow I couldn't outgrow this habit. And so even today, at the age of 28, I still continue to rub my fingers on a cotton cloth when I get to sleep or when am sleepy :D

12. My wardrobe is full of Cotton dresses (except the 3-4 chiffon material salwars/tops that I have) and I prefer wearing only and only Cotton stuffs. Partly cos of comfort and mainly cos of my habit of holding onto the material when am all sleepy.

13. I had started dancing right from the age of 5 years and I learned it for almost like 9 years from then on. But by the time I really understood the value of the art form, I got busy with studies and then work and then a life. One of my dreams in life includes doing that one performance where in I can forget the whole world around me and completely immerse in the dance and feel the purity of love filled in it.

14. Very quick in decking up and shopping! No spending hours in getting ready for a wedding and similarly, no hours spent on shopping things that I really need. I go in and then come out happily, successfully in less than half an hour ;) - make up room or a cloth shop.

15. I fantasise this dream where am living in a backward area in the North of India, teaching in a small school and my house filled with kids (almost 20) and their prams and toys.

16. Ask me about the best of my friends, and I would say its in odd no. progression - A single one became 3 and now 5, with time and years.

17. I have loved 2 Guys in my life – I got married to One and the another continues to be my love for lifetime. Am talking about God ;-) (hahaha) and for me, HE’s a person fully alive in my thoughts, helping me out in all the turns and twists of life. And HE loves me and only me the most! ;-)

18. Craziest thing that I have done – I drank a Can Beer while travelling in KSRTC Bus in Trivandrum at 7 in the evening. Is'nt that a crazy thing for a girl to do???

19. Most proud thing - No regrets for any of the decisions that I have taken in life; believe me, I have taken quite a few at my own risk. Only at one instance I ended up hurting another person in the course of my stubbornness and that’s my Better Half. I was stubborn enough to marry him and try to lead a happy life :D But surely it was worth the effort and so I can tell - not a single regret in life.

My Motto - Everything that happens in life is for a Reason and is the Best - the Perfect thing!

20. One thing am very sure of not doing ever in my lifetime is driving a Car. So bad at the directions and roads that am sure if I get out, it’ll only be a nuisance for everyone out there on the road.

21. I can get excited for anything and everything happening around me. The reasons can be endless and silly – wedding for a known one, baby, job... anything and everything good that’s happening around can make me all excited. And when I say excitement it’s the heights of it as my friends have had tough times calming me down.

22. At one point I had thot that I wanted to become a Painter and had actually tried to sketch out the cover page of the book “The Mother” The sketch is still there in my belongings and that’s the one and only sketch that I made ever. Anyways, the sketch does have a close resemblance to the cover page and so any time I want, I can actually, consider this as a serious career option ;-)

23. I have stored all the greeting cards that I received till now from loved ones and close ones. Still have my slam books of 10th and 12th standard; Love letters, Love cards and every thing of care, concern and love that I have received till date.

24. My first job that I did was to sell out Dictionaries. Not a perfect job for a person who was pursuing CA, but at that time being on my own was the priority and so I got into this job of going from house to house and sell dictionaries. Did that for 2 weeks and by then I got an accounting job in one among the best Advertising Agencies in India. I still in keep in touch with few of those people that I had met then, who had bought the books just to have a good conversation with me.

25. Basically am a silent person. If am talking too much then it only tells that either am too excited about something or am too depressed and sad about something.

ooohh.. finally I finished my part! Surely a tiring task to write down about yourself :-)

And now to the next part of the story - am tagging all these people to write about themselves
(did u think I was going to spare you guys..? surely not.. hahahaha)

CBeth
CU
Sam
GoldenAgeGuy
Roopa
Menna
NovoneeL ChakrabortY
Bjcharles
Lakshmi
Sajeesh

V-Day

2009-02-13T09:50:00.011+05:30

Valentine's Day .......

The Day when Celebrations fill up the air around and the Hearts brimming with Love seek out to the Loved ones, to hold and reveal how it feels like to share it all with each other.

Sigh!!! ;D

And for all those out there.. I have a wonderful plan to gift your loved one on such special occasions.

A Life Size Greeting Card with Beautiful Letters forming out into Beautiful Words to convey those Beautiful Feelings / Memories of those Beautiful Days - to tell them How Beautiful it is to Be with him/her.

The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.

On St. Valentine's day, the lovely sun,

Carrying along its lighted candle,

Made its way that fine dawn, not long ago,

Into my locked chamber, all in secret.

The gleaming brightness that it brought therein

Awakened me then from the sleep of Care,

In which I had been drowsing all night long

While lying on the bed of Painful Thought.

That day as well, to share out their booty

Of the benefits of Love, all the birds

Did assemble, who, speaking their language,

Cried out loud, demanding the provision

That Nature had ordained to serve them all:

This was a mate, as each had made their choice.

With their noise I could not fall back asleep

While lying on the bed of Painful Thought.

Then, with hot tears moistening the pillow,

I bemoaned all my bitter destiny,

Saying: “Birds, I see you on the pathway

Of all things that please, with joy expectant.

You each have a companion who suits you,

And I have none, for Death, betraying me,

Took my mate, so I languish all in pain

While lying on the bed of Painful Thought.

May the men and women of love's party

Be granted their St. Valentine this year!

Alone I remain, bereft of comfort

While lying on the bed of Painful Thought.

???????? What are you gifting your Valentine?? :-)

My Best Friend's Wedding!

2009-02-11T11:08:00.007+05:30

The "L" who kept torturing me with her nutrition talks :=), who listened to all my cribs and cries, who shared the good and bad times for last 3 years, is on her way home for the greatest time in the life of a girl - her Wedding!!

Wedding - when life changes for everyone, with that one additional person coming in to share your sorrow and joy; to hold hands with you and walk through, together, the difficult of the paths; to share a lifetime growing, giving, receiving and then finally, that one fine morning relaxing over a coffee or a breakfast, to look behind and enjoy the whole ride together and appreciate one another for being there; for holding on!

Weddings still gives me that goose bump all over and more than the gala that accompanies the occasion, it is the subtle promises that the Bride and the Groom shares between each other silently, that touches my heart.

In today's life, must be with the changing lifestyle and evolution of men and women, the promises they share don't hold good for much long time.

But knowing the better of, I pray and hope that Let all the Blessings and Love be showered on these 2 people who are close to my heart; that Let them walk through, till the End of this Path, together and holding each other.

Hopeless but still lingering on

2009-02-09T11:35:00.006+05:30

"God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless."

She waited for him to call up and talk to her, even though the first lines of the budding conflict had set on, out from her. And as if the wait for a lifetime was drawing to an end, he said that he's tried it all and have got tired of all the efforts to keep up their relationship. I guess, that's how it looks like when a relationship of togetherness comes to an end. Nothing much to tell, no more to explain than mere truth of the feelings felt within.

But still, the strings that bound them up didn't sever itself. How the body clings on to life knowing that the next one is the last breath, their feelings for each other and the love they shared clinged on to them, trying hard to be alive once again; leaving them hanging in mid air for a very long time. Time and Life didn't wait for their revival and kept moving ahead while their resting hearts never realised a lifetime slipping off their hands. The only thing that remained was Hope! that even though their relationship didn't enrich each other anymore, though it reached a point where they were no more bound together; Still Somewhere deeper in the journey of Life, the reason for not being able to let go of each other could be found. And likewise the Hope and the Journey still continues for each of them!

The quote above pulled a known series from among my memories. There's been many a times, I guess in all our lives, when we have felt that something, a person or a life situation is completely hopeless. But still just couldn't manage to seep in the courage to get out of that person or the situation and move ahead; cos somewhere deep down inside the heart, we felt that its meant for me and its the right one. But the hopelessness of the situation lingers on in the minds until Time once again gets into the role of showing away the answer for holding onto it... for never having allowed to let it go!

* Sorry am with a sad face today and my blog sucks! :-(

-----------------

Looks like Time indeed gave an answer and Life asked for a new start, but this time the path is laid out in different directions promising never to cross again.

Week 's Ending

2009-02-07T12:17:00.005+05:30

The work week 's ending and its going to be a boring 2 days coming up.

Can any of you please give me ideas on how I can spend my weekends, in the most useful manner. All kinds of suggestions and ideas are welcome and would surely be considered for their practical inclusion into my life schedule :-)

Notes:-

* Cannot spend time on household stuffs like cooking, cleaning etc since I stay in hostel and so the routine work is very minimal

* Cannot learn music since am interested in Veena and there's no nearby place where they teach that instrument

* Reading is going on in full swing and so you can leave out on that :D

Long lost Ship - but they Return

2009-02-06T11:25:00.017+05:30

Some Like Wooden Ship,

Some Like Silver Ship,

Some Like Gold Ship,

But I only Like FriendShip

There are many a lines of the similar kind filled in my autograph books of Xth and XIIth standard. Then, we had bid goodbye to each other, with tear filled eyes and a promise to keep in touch. But as days went by and life moved ahead, somewhere the connecting wires crossed ahead and parted in different directions, leaving behind some beautiful memories of innocence.

Why all this flash back is cos yesterday I got to talk to my age old friend - she was "my best friend" from 4th standard till 10th. After school we were in touch for few years and then whoosh!!!... looking behind we had no idea where the link had broken loose. Talking to her after almost 13 years was like digging into the core of our brains and remembering the school days once again. And what made me more happier was that I didn't get drained away at the end of the conversation

( I usually do get that feeling.. Sometimes, how much ever you try, it becomes difficult to connect back to people, even if you have been close to them during those early days)

I was happy, contended and more over felt at peace knowing that all those people are still there around, to whom I can just turn back and hold hands with. As for her, she's managed to remain just the same, bossing around me, telling me what to do and what not do!! (oh pls.. not after all these years... ;D but I really loved the way she did that, for it proved that time haven't changed anything much)

Sometimes, certain relationships, no matter how much the distance is or how much you have stayed away; Somewhere around the corner, you once again bump into them and more comforting it is, when you know that you can still cling on to those links and welcome them with open arms and a warming heart.

Health - Its yours but still not your's

2009-02-04T14:19:00.006+05:30

To be in Good health is one thing that is very important for the lifestyle and situations that we have today. With the constant run that we all do in our everyday life, it sometimes is impossible to remain sick or to take a days rest in bed.

Ben Franklin once quoted like this - “While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us”

It’s really essential to understand our body and relate to the many changes that it keeps undergoing. And I would vouch for the fact that, even if you take your time to once in a while touch and hold yourself, specially your arms, legs, eyes etc and thank them for helping you to carry out your daily activities, it just wouldn’t count as insanity. But instead these organs of our own body might end up stretching themselves inorder to help us in carrying on with our will and vision for the future.

I have come across many a people who’ll start to feel down and low as soon as they are diagnosed with diseases – small or big. But in my own experiences, I have witnessed the extent to which a body can actually rise up, to your expectations from it; if only you would spend sometime understanding it’s problem and make that effort to get the body relax itself. The end result for that little pampering you give would be a tremendous recovery from what ever it is – the disease that’s beaten you up.

Mostly we never understand this different but yet intertwined concept – you, your mind, your thoughts, your body. When each of these aspects retains their own individuality, it is their combined efficiency that makes the “You”. And this is exactly the reason why we don’t have the right to take it for granted these individual aspects or rather, it turns out to be a responsibility on our part to tender to each of their distinct requirements.

It’s obviously impossible for any person to keep their body devoid of any forms of disease. But it is the tender care that we are able to give for the affected part, which would help an easy recovery and a complete revival. At times, just like a naughty child, this body of ours also would have that tendency to go haywire and behave unreasonably for the situation. And then is the time for us to gulp in the power of our will and bring in a bit of strictness and rigour into our routine.

In the current day life, where most of us have chosen to park ourselves in front of the computer screens, the most of our will power is required to get that lazy body of ours exert a little.

Bernard Shaw Quotes on Health "Use your health, even to the point of wearing it out. That is what it is for. Spend all you have before you die; do not outlive yourself."

The wind blew with the song of their Love

2009-02-03T15:08:00.023+05:30

The breeze that flew in allowed the paddy crops to dance around and as if listening to the calling of the rice plants, she came out from inside the small hut that stayed in the middle of the field. Though the afternoon sun glowed bright and hot, the sway of those rice plants was one sight that she never missed during the day. And as if on a premonition, she turned and looked over at the bungalow that stood on the far end of the fields and there he was, among the shadow of the walls, glancing at her down from the terrace.

The whole of the paddy fields that extended over, along with the surrounding acres of land was owned by the aristocratic family. As generations passed by, most of the lineage migrated away to the cities, leaving the family who currently occupied the ancestral nalukettu. Padmanabhan had paid off the due shares to all the other members of the family and now owned the entire property around, to himself. The big house with the lot number of rooms spread across around the nadumittam, was now occupied by him, his wife and his son who is working in B’lore. Madhu visited his parents twice a month and the urge to wrap himself in the peace and quietness of the village was just one of the reasons that pulled him home every time, away from the city life.

He was strolling through the coconut groves one evening and there she was; coming opposite to him with the halo of serenity and simplicity glowing all around her. She wished him with a smile and that prompted a flash of memories in his eyes, of the small girl and boy who ran around the widespread fields, who played together those long forgotten games in the dark rooms of the nalukettu, who held hands and walked through the riverside talking away in endless innocence.

He could never tell if it was the thought of old memories or the simplicity in her beauty that made him fall in love with her. From then on, the desire for him to reach back to his home increased, and the silent conversations that he shared with her through the breeze that blew over the fields only reiterated those initial feelings that he had felt for her. Believing on his instinct, he revealed his love to his parents, his desire to marry the girl who had till then lived on his family’s kindness and consideration.

It has to be the wisdom that had accumulated with their life experiences, his parents were more than happy to include her in the family, for they had always wished for the well being of that one girl who grew up under their shadows. And nothing could have made them more happy, than to allow her to take their own lineage ahead. A grand wedding was arranged within the decorated nadumittam of the nalukettu and the people who came in asserted it on the virtues of the family which’s being retained since generations without fail.

It was on the wedding night that she revealed to him, that it was he who had always filled in her dreams – the dreams of her childhood, adolescence and as for her their uneventful wedding only proved that it was a life together for them, decided right from the heaven above.

After a few days stay, the newly wed couple flew into the busy city life once again and from then on, it was the silent days of their love that pulled both of them back home.

As if to bless them a “happily ever after” the rice plants swayed on a dancing pace and a cool breeze blew across the field, singing for them, the song of their own love.

--------------------------------------------------

Thinking why such a topic covered in here? This was a story that I used to fantasise about when I was a kid. I had this habit of making up stories in my head while getting into sleep and this's one among them. Nothing surprising ofcourse for the people who know the better of me; fantasied love have always been there inside my head right from childhood :D

A Light of Soul - but a Wandering One

2009-02-03T10:34:00.026+05:30

She was a thin, short, dark girl and she kept talking on the phone late through the night. And it was on a much darker hour of the nightfall that she unfolded her life story.

Married since 5 years, but somewhere during the time span, she got divorced from her husband who was also her lover for another 6 years before the wedding. He was a Dance Trainer and the time that she spent with the guy made a well trained, beautiful dancer out of her. Though dark in complexion, it must be her composure on the whole that caught everyone’s eye and forced that second look on her.

On the wedding night, the love that they had shared for all those years suddenly vanished and what remained were days of unfulfilled expectations, agony and annoyance which finally transformed into a never ending hatred between the two. Their much awaited love life and togetherness lasted not more than a year and later they got legally separated.

She was a person, who had almost nothing to look forward in life – no dear ones, no career and absolutely no future plans. Her parents and siblings were well settled and moreover her brothers preferred to keep her away from the family, for all the shame of a not so family approved wedding and the certainly unpleasant divorce. She stayed away from all of them and restricted her visits to once in 2 weeks or less, ideally when her brothers were out at work.

As for the workplace, she had no much ambition to grow up the ladder and her only interest was on keeping up her job (or any job for that matter) for the pay that came in at the end of every month. And must be because of the way she carried herself, or the aura of insecurity that was all around her, the people who approached with tender talks and loving concern, mostly guys, were interested only in spending that temporary night alongside her. The knowledge of her past relationship and the lonely present added it up to the odds for each one of them.

All the insecurity that she had borne with and lived with mounted up and made her let herself loose to that one guy who was most certainly never the best but definitely the worst for her life and her consciousness. He was a married man in his early 40’s who was so grossed in setting up his business, that, the time he spent with her made him unwind himself, out from his own family concerns. As for her, she was fascinated by the power of his will to attain all that he wishes to achieve in life, not realising that she was also just one among his fantasies. Giving the reason of his business, he remained away from his home and family at nights accompanied by her, working hard in his small office and then spending the rest of the time in his newly set up resort.

Days, months and years passed by and their relationship even with the ups and downs, continued its flow. He had the reason of his hard work and not a soul to sympathise with him, to keep her hooked onto the relationship. As for her, the fact that someone actually needed her out there to talk, to share and to hold onto, was more than an enough reason for living and to give away a lifetime, by being that silent, unknown partner of his nights.

Whenever she tried to get away from their empty relationship, it pulled her much deeper into it just like quicksand and all the wrestle with guilt and her consciousness about right and wrong, ended up right out there in vain. And as if all the remorse and burden that she carried silently within her was just not enough, she ended up having a child with him and out of the absolute practicality of the situation; she had to go in for an abortion.

At times, when love and hope turns their faces away, humans do end up choosing the most embarrassing way of living a lifetime. Even though many of her close ones gave her the option of working for an NGO or adopting a child to give her life a meaningful tincture, she chose it to pour it away completely on him, for him, accompanying his lonely nights, whenever he asked for it.

What do they deserve?

2009-01-30T12:02:00.007+05:30

I was browsing through my usual reading list and there was this new post from CU. A very touching and thought provoking anecdote, ofcourse. It’s really sad sometimes to see that the children when they grow up consider it rather easy to move away from their home than to move along.

I remember the story I had heard as a kid – of a father, child and the grandfather and am wondering if this is one battle, among many, which Man tends to embrace for passing over to the generations ahead. And as if to prove that it is, we have many a live examples of such parent’s whose efforts in bringing up their children are ignored or easily forgotten.

At times, this generation consider it more easy to close their eyes off on the struggle that each parent takes for giving the best education possible or a decent dowry. And once settled the receiving end goes on with their own individual family chores, for they would have borne with the generation next, thereon moving onto the next phase.

So then, what happens to the age old parents at this point of time? By the time the son is settled with a good job, or the daughter is married away, they would have obviously spared with almost the entire income earned during the time and then at the age of 50-60, they are forced to struggle more so that they can earn enough to support themselves. There was this Uncle whom we knew as a family and he had got his daugther married off by the last year of his service. After the wedding, the daughter had accompanied her husband abroad. Once we were just passing by and we saw this uncle doing labor work for a building and all of us stood shock still. It was equally painful for all to see him having ended up in that situation at his age, just so that he can pay off the loans he took for his daughter's wedding.

I guess its important for every one of us to put some thought into this and evaluate their feelings towards the older ones. And also ask this one question to yourself

“Will you want your child to abandon you at the old age?”

If the answer is “No” then,

“Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you”

Again, over here am just not supposing to tell that every one of the generation today is part of above mentioned category.

There are many who happily help and support their parents at every turn of their life and sometimes they even include the near and dear ones under their wings. There are many who easily give forth a helping hand to the unknown ones too. And surely it has to be the existence of this other half that is helping the Nature and Mother Earth to sustain itself without venturing into that one time, total destruction of the inhuman human kind.

2009-01-28T13:58:00.009+05:30

Pastries found in a sweet shop in Thirunelveli :D

Adayar Ananda Bhavan, Chennai ;-)

A hoarding in Chennai - Not sure how people would ever dine in, looking at the man in there.

Time explains it all

2009-01-28T09:26:00.015+05:30

I can only tell that it was a wonderful journey both outwardly and in the inside and end of it all, I was in Ecstasy. These are the times when words fall short and they just cannot convey the emotions.

The journey begins - On the way to Music College for getting on the bus to Chennai

Gooseberries - This was my food for the rest of the day and the next day till noon.

Finally, after 20 hours of sitting in bus, I reached Chennai

On the way to Varadayapalayam, from Tada.

Golden Temple at a Distance

VP - Campus I. I stayed in one of those cottages

VP - Campus I

VP - Campus I. I stayed in one of those cottages

My favourite path - Way from Campus I to Campus II

Walking through this road, I got answers to all my questions. :-)

The Golden Temple at night.

No words can ever explain the feeling of entering into this one place, on the face of Earth.

Rejuvenate... Refresh... Revive

2009-01-20T16:53:00.006+05:30

I think 6 years is a long time to have lived carelessly, to have tossed off the desire to rejuvenate, to refresh and to revive. Its really time now may be, or else I would not have booked off my tickets to Chennai so soon on just an afternoon thought! May be life had to force its decision upon me, to make me realise how much I missed it, being out there, being in the land where its all about freedom.. freedom of life, action and thoughts.

So I'll set out on this much prolonged journey this weekend and the rest is left to His wish. As to where am heading to... Check out here! :-)

More photos and updates on my return :-)

Reading - A thing Beyond Forever

2009-01-19T13:31:00.007+05:30

Ask me what I did on a weekend and the answer would be no different than "I finished reading another book". Yesterday it was "A Thing Beyond Forever" the debut novel by Novoneel Chakraborty.

Its all about Dr. Radhika, her life long ambition to become a doctor and her first and the only love of her life who dies at an early age. She manages to keep him alive through her thoughts and within her until her love, actually manifests, once again in front of her as a 9 year old boy. His drawers were filled with the sketches of this young doctor, without ever having met her. Her efforts to be one with her love finally succeeds when she embarks death and then the unison happens in an entirely different world.

The story doesn't end here and there is a baby girl born in a different part of the world at the same time. The story continues and so is the life saga with birth and re-birth of the same consciousness. The book talks about love, its eternity and then about the rebirth of unfulfilled dreams and desires.

"Life, with its endless wings spreads all across and Death, is never an ending, but just the beginning of an other Life!"

Problems can be swapped off as Blessings

2009-01-19T11:32:00.014+05:30

"Every problem has a gift for you in its hands"

It was 2 years back that I had a major surgery for TB Spine and the doctors had then told that any further delay would have got me all paralysed, right from the waist below. After the surgery there happened to be a major change in all our lives and it seemed like Life was taking a different route, a major turn altogether. Even today when I think back about the situation, I strongly feel that the whole surgery incident was planned by The One above, just for those other major happenings of my life. And those happenings would ofcourse count today as among the great blessings of my life.

It might sound a lot philosophical when we try consoling someone telling 'its fine', 'its all for the better only'.. etc etc. But as days pass on and years move up, a retrospect on the same incident usually gives us a better view and then it we move them away towards the bunch of blessings and out from the problems bundle. May be that's what every philosopher means when they talk about the Divine Will and the Eagle's View. We, sometimes, need to have that higher perspect on situations to understand the gift behind those problems that we solve. But then, as humans we are, this is more easily said than done. Its like we are in the middle of the ocean and the only indulging thought would be on how to get out and how did we ever end up there.

It is only with the passage of Time that the transition is possible and then the same tearful incident would count among those great Life Transforming situations. I guess, Problems when Accelerated with Time turn out to be Blessings in Life!

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(About the image - The Chamsa Seven Blessings Jewish Art features the Chamsa, which has been used as a good luck symbol for centuries. The fish protect against injury and the birds are powerful symbols of protection against the evil eye. According to the Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), the blue eye is a protective layer from evil. Seven Blessings: Luck - Love - Health - Prosperity - Blessing - Joy - Success)

Will you listen? Hearing also will do!

2009-01-16T16:42:00.010+05:30

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is listen to each other's stories"

I remember those days when everyone around used to talk about the importance of "Listening". They said Listening - actually listening, calls for understanding the words, feelings and the emotions in it. And Hearing is just being able to hear the sound and it stood nowhere up in the line when compared to the impact of Listening. Those days even me, among the group, used to practice Listening to the noises of both the inside and the outside world. But then again, that era of life have completely fallen back, off me, long ago itself.

When I came across that first line, the next thought that passed through was, even hearing could be of a lot of aid most of the times. Many a times when I have to pour out, it just doesn't matter whether the other end is actually listening or connecting to what am telling. Sometimes, the only thing matters is that we want to tell and we just want to tell it all out; so that the pain lightens in our own hearts. Even the reverse is true for this; when we share the happy moments, it gives us an opportunity to relish the event once again adding to bliss in our heart.

So, I guess, if there is someone who is there to just sit right across, that should do the magic and most times, it just doesn't matter even if that person is deep down in his/her own thoughts. It just doesn't matter if they don't connect to even a single word of what we tell. We just need a hearing aid! :D

Haven't you guys came across situations like this, where you just want someone to tell it to and you are not bothered if that person relates to the whole matter or not? I remember once when I kept on pouring out my frustration and my friend actually fell asleep listening to the boring saga. But still I continued talking to her, fully aware that she's not holding onto no word of what am telling. What was more important then, was to just throw it all up :-)

I have had many of those situations where I get contended with Hearing and may be that's one reason why I keep thanking those special people who end up always on the other end. (poor them, ofcourse! but its one thing that I just cannot help them on) I surely understand the effort it takes :D to remain unconnected to all those words falling out ;-)

So I would vouch that if Listening can heal miraculously, sometimes, just Hearing could also do the magic! May be the significance is more on being able to talk about it all, as mentioned in this previous blog.

It's essential that a part of you to not grow up

2009-01-15T15:21:00.004+05:30

It's essential that a part of you to not grow up.

Isn't that a much thought provoking statement? I guess so.. Its with growth that learning happens and with learning comes analysis and then every analysis ends up in a statement of yes or no Or a right or wrong. The innocence and the much known feeling of love is overpowered with other grave feelings as we grow up. With growth comes endless need for focusing on increasing the growth itself. And may be that's why its required to keep something back there, in the same old fashion, so that it remains untouched by all prospects of growth and development.

This would be one statement that stands true to all kinds of growth - growth of nations or economy or individual. That one part of it, which is held back, might be the one that help sustain the balances. The existence of the past helps to acknowledge the present and create that one grateful feeling; within an individual and also in and all around. It is very much required to unwind sometimes, to get the view of a that one path with a better or may be, the best growth prospects.

Happy Birthday Sobhu!

2009-01-14T13:05:00.014+05:30

It was destiny that our paths had to cross in this journey of life!

My friends and colleagues here in Tvm would tell that am very "filmy" when it comes to romance, celebrating occasions, etc etc etc. But this was not the case 6 years back, when the fragrances of love and romance remained all buried up, deep down in me. And thaaat was exactly when I met her. Working in the same office and though elder to me, she connected with my thoughts at all levels. Those were the days of learning for me and so a lot of her ideologies and outlook about life influenced me and became part of my thinking.

It was she who brought in the thoughts of romance and wedding within me and it was looking at her marriage that I started believing in the existence of perfect couples. And from her I learned all about celebrations, surprises, care and concern. (So.. what I intend to say is that... she's the one responsible for all the filmy things i do now :D hahaha)

Ask about people who have had an impact on me in life and her name would top the list. Even today, when life stumbles upon at times, thoughts of her or a conversation with her on phone, would revive all the energy back in. I want to thank you today, Sobhu.. for being there. Its really a great feeling to think that you are out there always... ever approachable.

Sobhana... Its her birthday today and she has lot of reasons to celebrate her life. Her love for life - Vinu, parents, brother and sis in law makes her life complete and the recent entry of the little one has only highlighted the happiness in her life.

This is for you Sobhu... my gift on your b'day to tell you that even if I don't call you, or mail you.. you are still there in my thoughts always... :-)

Time for Everything

2009-01-06T20:48:00.013+05:30

Time for Everything

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There's a time for everything and a season,

for every activity under heaven;

A time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot;

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build;

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance;

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;

A time to embrace and a time to refrain;

A time to search and a time to give up;

A time to keep and a time to throw away;

A time to tear and a time to mend;

A time for war and a time for peace!

Now that am sitting at home, trying to concentrate on the books in front of me, its just natural to wander about, through my age old belongings - my autograph books, collection of stickers, cards & letters from my friends passing on their love and my diary with quite a lot of information that I have completely forgotten now ;-) It felt so nice to go through those old times.

The poem above is one that I found in the diary and right now am not very sure from where I found this one then. But I do quite surely know that I had no idea of the below information, the time when this poem was collected.

"Ecclesiastes is a book of the Hebrew Bible. The main speaker in the book, identified by the name Qohelet, introduces himself as "son of David, and king in Jerusalem." The work consists of personal or autobiographic matter, with reflections on the meaning of life and the best way of life."

Today - yet to day

2009-01-06T18:42:00.007+05:30

This would be the first blog popping up in the year 2009. I know its been really a long long time ago, but still feels just like yesterday.

--> It was just a day behind that I moved out to my new school leaving a few of those close friends behind from my 3rd standard.

--> It was just a day behind that I sneaked out from my high school classes and roamed around in the campus with friends, hiding from the principal and teachers

--> It was just a day behind that I got caught with few other strangers and then feels like it just took few seconds to make friends with them; but then when the clocked ticked again, it was time to leave them too

--> It was just a day behind that I earned my first stipend and went out for a treat with those other new friends for lifetime

--> It was just a day behind that a few other new people came into my life and then they promised to stay forever for me, just beside me.

--> It was just yesterday that I fell in love with and promised to share this lifetime with him; being there forever and always

--> It was just yesterday that the reality dawned in and fought against those dreams unlimited; but end of it all as they say dreams do come true and it all did!

--> It was just yesterday, that everything was so simple and graceful and then suddenly looking at today am just wondering how things changed so drastically, leaving behind an innocent mind out there in the woods; all alone to wander about

--> And it's today that I am waiting for that innocent mind to finds its way out into the tomorrow that would be further more graceful and simple

--> And it's today that I am waiting for more of those gifts that would make the tomorrow's just as beautiful as my yesterday's

And as of the today's, its just yet 'to day'!