On Lifes Journey ....

Happy New Year to all you dear readers. I started this year with a lot of trepidation, but delightfully thrown in was a bit of excitement. So, what is it you ask? A move, to a new city! 

Being an avid traveler and food lover, (I'll skip the term "foodie", it's so clichéd), this comes with a lot of expectancy in exploring the unknown. I've always possessed the need to understand what is beyond the realm of my immediate purview and then use it to grow and overcome what I see as self-imposed boundaries. So a new language, culture, food habits definitely falls under that category.

Another year has gone by and I have a question, do you make resolutions? I for one, don't, and I never have. But there were a few things that came to mind as the clock struck 12 and the new year awaited with open arms... 

My contemplations on a bygone year had given me a lot to think about. I am eternally  grateful for what's passed and expectant for what was to come. I had decided to live in the moment, savoring each precious second as it is more than what someone else could have wished for. It would be great to do something that would bring a smile to my face - like read a book, watch a movie, pot a plant, or even visit someone and if that's not possible then pick up the phone and call. 

So with my bags strapped and ready and with spring now heralding the new, I wish you all the very best! 

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow 🌈 you gotta put up with the rain ⛈ ~ Dolly Parton

India is known for its monsoons and the pre-monsoons are a sight to behold. For most it could be intimidating, but if you take a step back and grab some seats, I can guarantee you the show is epic. It's one you wouldn't want to miss and this is Nature at it's very best. You'll just have to take my word for it.

So the summer has been surprisingly bearable, the temperature always hovering in the high 30 degree celcius (and that is bearable by Indian standards). I've been observing the varying angles of the sun's rays and you know earth is most assuredly spinning. Here we, the minions, are praying for a respite from the heat (Justin Beiber, who was performing in India last week, found it all too much and wrapped up ahead of schedule). As the time draws close for the seasons to change from the hot to the wet, nature must pass the baton. 

It's late in the evening and the clouds begin to roll in. At first it's a little inconspicuous, till you notice the strange orange hue to the sky. Then comes the strong winds, more like a dust storm that bathes everyone and everything in it's path. The trees are bent over and swaying, as though paying homage. All the while it's getting darker and I might add it' s a tad bit scary. As the sun sets, the sky is soon raven black, with no sign of the moon and not even a tiny bit of sparkle from the stars. But the darkness is soon broken by lightning streaking it's way across the dark canvas bringing along with it the rumble and tumble of thunder. The omnious growl which is distant at first is soon crashing and shaking the Earth in a ear splitting and teeth chattering symphony. The lighting is as bright as day and with the thunder together, it's mesmerizing. I would like to imagine, the Gods are in Vegas, rolling their dice and laughing at a private joke. And finally the rain drops fall, humongous drops, washing the earth. This sound and light show lasts for a good couple of hours. Then the lightning drops in it's intensity and the thunder begins to recede as both take a bow holding hands and make their backstage exit.

Just to reiterate, the show is free and worth every bone quaking moment. I'm actually holding my breath and praying, ''Oh God have mercy" and "Boy this is good!" But do I want an encore? 

The Hills and the rain - clicked on one of my holidays

"Her Smile was like armor & everyday she went to war ..." - r.h. Sin

And this makes me smile and I hope you do too

Chet Baker Quartet - Polka Dots and Moonbeams

Stolen moments

As you must already know, I am not a fan of the proverbial Indian SUMMER!!!

I am never without my trusted and 'ugly' Tweety fan

😭 I decided a haircut was the need of the hour. I promptly arrived at my hairdressers and waited patiently to be called while flipping through a magazine. To many of us, our hairdresser is a confidant and friend, someone who will listen, mostly impassively, as you download .... And as I waited I couldn't help but eavesdrop on a telephone conversation. Oops 😮 ... But in my defense, it was a little loud, on the other side i.e. After the conversation was over I snuck a glance and knew straight away that this time around I had to don the 'listener hat' for a change.
So the problem here was the lack of any personal space. My friend here had to be home on time and account for every minute spent. Oh God how I felt! My empathy stemmed from the fact that I grew up in a matriachal household - I rebelled in my own way and this was creating unhappiness deep within me. I longed for the freedom my friends took for granted, like catching​ a movie at will, going out shopping​ or for a meal, visiting friends.... all of this without being made to feel guilty. It's just emotionally exhausting and overwhelming. And in a marriage, a relationship that defines your future, this is unacceptable. Bottom line - it's the product of a deep-rooted insecurity, of an emotionally handicapped person and to me this person is nothing short of a bully. There is an inhererent need to control and trying to live life through those of others. This in my book, my friends, is unhealthy!!!!

One needs to understand and respect the fact that we all need our personal space and the excuses for this sickness may be varied but it boils down to a personal issue, and again, excuses notwithstanding.
I liken this situation to a bird trapped in a gilded cage, fluttering and just waiting to spread it's wings and soar into the blue skies .. to freedom.

I feel for my poor Tweety bird

I hope this is not the reason for a marriage to bite the dust, a relationship so sacred! I hope not ....

Thank you for listening/reading 🙏

As I journey on ... 🚗

And when the road goes on and on ...

We follow the red bus ...

And I do stop to forage for fresh, juicy cashew fruit

And take in the scenery

While breathing in some fresh mountain air

And after a good 9 hours on the road, cold beer, jackfruit chips and a classic on the telly. Bliss!

On the sands ... 👒

The setting sun as it bids adieu for the day. 

Something we all like to .... Playing in the sand ..😊

As the footprints are washed away by  moving waters, here is a poem that comes to mind ~

So until the next time ...

As I do some Soul Searching​ 🔭 ....

I was listening to Joyce Meyer the other day. I absolutely love her simple and honest to goodness messages that apply to an ordinary, mortal life like mine. This particular message stood out for me where she spoke about growing up in turmoil. For that instant she was a kindred spirit. Broken homes, there I've finally said it, tend to create broken lives leaving behind indelible scars. So the decision to get married is a crucial one and a life partner who promises to stand by you even when the whole world walks out, is huge.

 Marriage is a turning point that changes everything. Its paramount to build a strong foundation that will determine the core values for your family life. This is what you will be handing down with worldly inheritances.

I was fortunate to have found someone who refused to give up on

me even when I was ready to quit. So look for your buoy 🚨 or lighthouse, swim hard and don't fear to reach out. There are different avenues like prayer or social circles, good friends ... Make the conscious choice to surround yourself with all things positive and good, like sugar and spice and all things nice. ☺
Do see the following link -
Learning to be vulnerable healed my trauma

We are only as strong as we are united as weak as we are divided ~ J K Rowling

Going back some years, we didn't have too many choices when it came to watching television. Since satellite TV and on demand had not made their appearance then we had but one channel. So life, I believe, was less complicated. All we had was a half hour of television viewing everyday. That would also explain the oaters I had mentioned about previously 😐. So this meant more time on our hands to spend on meaningful and constructive activities like "family-time" i.e. dinner together, catching up on each others day, reading books to better your knowledge 😋 and so on and so forth. Not to mention the time on my hands to bully my little sister. 😗 Oooops... However that half hour was precious time and something we looked forward to. The reason I got to writing this was to mention the documentaries that were aired on TV just before our shows began. These were simple social messages that focused on varied topics, Unity being one of them.
To me, a sense of being United is what overlooks cultural and racial barriers, encouraging fraternization across all humanity. In other words - Unity in Diversity. A recent share of this beautiful video on social media made me want to watch it again so many years later.

The above video can't boast of high-tech animation or fancy story telling but it can do it's job and get the message across.

Be Happy For this Moment. This moment is your life! ~ Omar Khayyam

On world happiness day I would like to wish my readers much happiness and joy.

How do you define happiness? That's a word, the definition of which, would mean different things to different people. And rightfully so! For some it could be emotional, for others material, then for some spiritual ....

We go through so much each day right from the moment we wake up, that in the whirl of all the busyness and the flurry of activities it's easy to forget the good moments. Most times it is the unpleasant ones that stays with us long after the day is over. So what can be done? Do what I do - be an accountant and keep a ledger/diary of happiness. Mostly as the day draws to an end out comes my book where I jot down the things that made me happy or simply smile. The end of the day works best - just as I'm winding down seems like the perfect time to acknowledge how lucky I am. Most times memory fades. My little journal helps to remind me of all the happy, silly and fun memories of moments passed. This is so therapeutic and a perfect reminder of how blessed we are in so many ways.

Here is 'Happy' sung by none other than my favorite singer. A young, innocent voice, 

So heart wrenchingly melancholic and haunting!

Communication is 🔑 to a great relationship!

So to further my personal opinion on relationships .. Watch out for where you bare your soul. 🙊 🙈 🙉 Not everyone you consider to be a friend will have your best interest at heart and your story could be just the gossip they've been looking for .. How could anyone be trusted to give any advice when they haven't walked a day in your shoes to know your journey and where you're coming from? So trust your instincts implicitly.
And leave the lines of communication always open. It's easy to get all righteous during an argument. But try to remove yourself from the given situation, view it abstractly and the matter at hand will probably take on a whole different meaning. Give yourselves a break.
With digitization growing in leaps and bounds it is definitely invading personal space, whether we like it or not. But life is racing by super fast and the chasms created by busyness/business will only keep growing. So here's the perfect excuse to create some 'couple me time', something akin to a date-night. It doesn't​ have to get fancy - a delicious home-cooked meal even, some flowers to brighten things up, a scented candle wafting your favorite fragrance and with no interruptions from  the telly or telephones, mind you. This must be your time to unwind with each other, to talk and catch-up.
I can swear by this 👍. Again, communication is sooo important. I cannot say that enough. 😉

The following link is one I found extremely helpful and I thought it would be a great one to share.
7 ways to prepare for a lifelong relationship! Courtesy - MBG

On love and relationships!

While penning down my synopsis for 'Baby baby baby' I didn't feel like I had said all there was to say on my thoughts on relationships.
I adore the following verse from the Bible on LOVE ~ 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthian 13:4-5

Can you really compete with that?
I may get a little candid here with my thoughts and believe me, it's not something I'm comfortable doing. As I see it, we seek the best deals in most things - like when buying a car, a home, furniture, clothes and even groceries for that matter. So why stop when it comes to something as huge as a relationship? Sow the seeds of your time and nurture with love and patience and reap the bounty of a fulfilled relationship. Dishonesty is the weed that could choke a beautiful bond and so as difficult as it may be being honest is paramount for every relationship to work.
Growing up I haven't been lucky to witness strong marriages and it's a heavy burden to carry for a young, impressionable mind. That would explain why, for the longest time, I carried a clouded opinion on the institution of marriage and what it stood for. To find someone to trust and for that someone to understand where I came from was extremely difficult. From my standpoint I had much to prove to myself and it was important to be open to learning, considering I was stepping in with a disadvantage. There is no reason to turn bitter but only better ( Oh the cliches .. 😐 please work with me here). But like I said, it takes a long time to settle in, like a good, mature and full-bodied wine ... I know, I know me glass of red again! 😃
                   ....... More to come 

Baby Baby Baby (2015)

And just in time for Valentine's day I watched "Baby, Baby, Baby". I'd never heard of this movie but the story definitely intrigued me.
LA, the city of angels and where people come to fulfill their dreams is the stage for this drama. Meet beautiful, tall and "thin" Sunny, a struggling artist by day and a bartender by night and Sydney, a struggling actor who has made it to a few commercials but in not too flattering a role. A chance meeting in a park, a brief conversation and a quick introduction later this story is rolling. Watch the tale unfold as Sydney and Sunny struggle through life and their relationship, riding all it's highs and lows. 
I love that the movie is simple and real and it will strike a cord with almost anyone.

I've been asked before if there is anything as being lucky in love? I don't think so! Finding love is probably destiny but keeping it is pure hard-work and this coming from someone who has been in a relationship for the past 20 years. I am no expert, oh no Sir! 👆But there is one thing I do know - Nothing is easy. Love hurts and heals, it tries and rewards, it breaks and builds.

Remember this - there are no manuals or a super-glue for relationships .. a commitment and your readiness to work your "ass-off" is what will keep your relationship going. There is no place for three in a marriage so you gotta boot that ego out the door, keep an openess for self-improvement and practicing patience would go a long way;  Oh! A little give and take wouldn't hurt anyone and could make you smile a whole lot wider.😊
I found the following link so refreshing - 
When you know you've found the one.

"You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together." - Nicholas Sparks

... There is more to come ... Stay tuned ..

My Church Mouse and Frank Sinatra - Cheek To Cheek (lyrics)

My favorite mouse is here!

I hope we all find someone to dance "Cheek To Cheek" with! I love this song! 💃

The Yellow Bench!

It was a long time coming! Vacay time - the coconut trees, warm sun and wet sands beckoned. I was happy to leave behind the smog filled air, the cacophony of rush hour traffic and the pressure filled city life for a brief interlude with life on the beach.

On the long road trip, in the middle of nowhere, I sighted a bright yellow bench amidst the trees. I had to stop. I was struck by the solitude, the intense quiet broken by the song of birds and the quiet rustle of the leaves. I wanted to Buddhify and be lost in deep meditation. No network, the bane and boon of society these days, waiting to crash into the sanctitude. Oh what bliss!

Then I thought to myself, what is that bench doing here after all? I hadn't seen a bus for the entire distance so far, no humans either treading the dusty earth and civilization seemed far removed... The mystery continues ... But that bench I loved ... Yellow, sturdy and alone nestled in the lap of nature.

I had to move on and here I am writing about it and thinking about it!

My relaxation go to!

The sea in the evening

And by day

Some baked goodness with a Cosmopolitan ...

My last post for 2016 ~ See you in the New Year 2017

As the curtains close on another year and the ball drops ... Cheers to the year gone by, and be safe in the thought that we are richer for all the experiences and remain eager for the ones waiting to happen.
A year older and hopefully wiser! 😉 Thank you and God bless you all!

Happy Thanksgiving ~ 2016 ❤

My little tropical thanksgiving dinner! Cheers!
I am grateful for you all!

Happy Dussehra to all!

The rains are slowly retreating and just a day before Dussehra they worked their
magic. Having rained all evening, Dussehra morning dawned sparklingly (is that even a word) bright and beautiful. The weak rays of the rising sun showed off how squeaky clean everything was with the dust mercifully washed off and so giving the fiery orange of the marigold flowers no competition.

Dussehra heralds the start of the best part of the year, the weather is pleasant (bye-bye humidity) without it is being too hot or cold. Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor to signify victory of good over evil and these celebrations vary from region to region all over India. Weapons, tools, all musical instruments, books etc. are honored on that day.
To know more here is a link - Dussehra - Vijayadashami
And soon it will be Diwali, my absolute favorite.  

Just being Audrey! ( 1929-1993)

I was in love the instant I watched "My Fair Lady" (1964), my first Hepburn movie. After I watched Roman Holiday (1953) starring Audrey and Gregory Peck, two of my favorite old-timers, I was impressed. So after Sabrina (1954) and Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), I was a numero uno fan.

To me Pink and Audrey Hepburn go hand in hand - remembering her poise and grace that has ruled hearts from time immemorial.

Shanti - The power and beauty of Silence!

Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace   

                           
            Shanti – Meaning: Silence! But what does this word mean to each one of us?

            To me…? Well, it changed my life! This is an old story for which I had to delve deep into my archives ....

             Shanti was a non-descript lady … Old, bent over with age, with a head full of white hair and a face so heavily lined with the sun over the years, they seemed to tell a story of their own …. And yet, to me she had a beautiful face that always smiled and never once showed the pain that was a part of her life, her being … like the very air that she breathed.                                                

Shanti lived in the same neighborhood as me. For years we would meet while taking our walks and we’d stop for a moment to say a quick hello, share a laugh … and then be on our way.  This was a routine for as long as I can remember and for some reason if I wouldn’t see her or she me, we would ask around and make sure all was well.

There wasn’t a whole lot I knew about her, except for the fact that she loved flowers, the ones in red were her favorite. And she loved sweets, jalebis to be a bit specific.

Shanti was a domestic help with the Sharmas who reside in my neighborhood. She was brought in to take care of the little ones in the family. This was over 20 years ago. With time, the ‘little ones’ had flown the nest and here she was feeling like the very essence of her life was over.                         

This once ... time seemed to have eluded me and it was weeks before I realized that Shanti was not around. When I asked for her, I was told that she was she was in an old-age home. Shocked, I made a mental note to pay her a visit.

It was two weeks later that I could actually go pay her a visit, armed with a bunch of red roses and some jalebis. I entered ‘Eventide’, a bit apprehensively, not sure what to expect. I was conscious of the curious stares I got from many and after asking my way around, I found myself in a little room. There she was … on a rocking chair, looking forlorn. My heart went out to her and for a second all I could do was stand and watch, she seemed so old and vulnerable. On hearing my voice she whipped around, joy radiating from her face and laughter twinkling in her eyes. She hugged the flowers I gave her and squirreled the sweets away for later. And then we talked like there was no tomorrow… She needed someone to listen to her. And I did just that!  Before I knew it two hours had flown by. It was the best two hours of my life. Sadly I had to say good-bye, with a promise that I would visit again. I did. It was not at ‘Eventide’ but at the hospital. She was covered in tubes, with machines beeping around her. Despite it all, she looked at me and smiled. She whispered a ‘Thank-You’. Two magical words! For a second I was confused. Then like a light bulb going off in my head I knew what I had to do.

I have a grandmother at home, whom I’d barely spoken five words to in a long time. When I visited I listened, once again! I thought of all the years she looked after me, lovingly wiping my tears, washing my wounds when I would fall and being my counselor, through all of life’s highs and lows, never letting go or giving up … All those memories came rushing back. I hugged her and told her I loved her.             

Shanti was gone soon after. And I sent up a silent prayer.

There is someone in our life we need to reach out to. Touch a life today; make a difference … as “time and tide waits for no man”.

Reflection Song: Whatsoever You Do

My maternal grandparents were staunch supporters for an assortment of causes. They were there to lend a hand to their church and community, financially supporting institutions like the blind school, hard up students studying in seminaries, the school for the deaf ... all these were the few I knew of. I was grandpa's self-appointed "mailman", only too happy to mail his letters, pick up stamps when he would run out and I didn't mind ferrying the mail to him as soon as it would arrive. There seemed to be so much in the mail and at times I would wonder what a retired man was doing to receive all this correspondence. When my grandpa passed and news spread to all those far-and-wide, we were inundated with mail. These letters were from the strangest places all of them passing on to the grieving family their condolences. We were taken aback when we realized the numerous causes he was involved with. By nature he was stoic and self-effacing! Characteristics I've tried to imbibe. In my own little way, I strived to do my best. If I could only go back in time for just a moment, I would love to see him bent at his desk nursing his glass of Wincarnis deeply buried in a book ..

A man at a Desk - Leopold von Kalckreuth,

The National Museum in Warsaw

My tooth-fairy was pretty generous, let me tell you. I had accumulated quite the packet by the time my last milk tooth bid farewell. Our school would take us to an orphanage annually where we would spend the day and I would return home grateful and humbled by the experience. Without any qualms whatsoever I was convinced this was where I wanted to deploy my kitty. As little as that was, I hoped I made a difference.
We are all angels and are unaware of the impact we make in this world, in our own way - a smile, a kind word, a helping hand ... ! To all the blessed people reading this, continue to make a difference and stay blessed!

Here is one of my favorite hymns -