THIS IS MY DREAM

LIVE LIFE LIKE AN ADVENTURE

I have entered my 70th.yr. with a lot of fun,food,family,friendship,and wonderful gifts,making it memorable in every way.And usually, thats how b'days are celebrated.With a party,at home, or outside,plenty of food, and lots of fun with dear ones.Organising,arranging, planning, and preparing,all add to the fun,and the person celebrating, excitedly awaits whats in store,since there is a lot of secrecy involved.My parents always made this day very special for me,and the tradition has continued all through my life.First by my husband,who didn't know much about the "perfect gift", but we did go out together,and celebrate. Then my son's took over,followed by their wives, then the children,and thats how it continues.
This picture I have uploaded is wonderful, and something I would love to do,for my 70th.b'day.Its something I have been thinking about for a very long time,and would love to enjoy the moment.What an exciting, adventurous way to celebrate.I would choose a beautiful,bright balloon,then get in, and float away, alone in the sky,with myself,and my thoughts,and exhilarate in the joy of such a precious, priceless experience.From my vantage point, the world would appear so different,so beautiful,and I would be stocking up all those special moments in the data bank of my heart.Of course, a party, with family, friends, plenty of food, and loads of fun,is always welcome,but I love excitement, and adventure, so this would be great.
I think there should be some class,and quality to living,always looking forward to doing something special,which adds interest, and fun,and gives a zing to life.There is so much to do,so why not go ahead and indulge in something different,which will make it a memorable event?I live life like a constant celebration,and always look forward to doing something that will be extraordinary, and great fun.Thats A lovely thought, and looking forward to it, so exciting.

THE REASON BEHIND THANKSGIVING.

Thanksgiving is, necessarily, a festival celebrated in the US,and it is truly huge.If a person hasn't experienced it, it is difficult to describe, but definitely worth knowing.Since I am in the US right now, it is extremely interesting, educative,and informative,and every family is very particular,and involved, in celebrating it to the hilt.It is all about being thankful for having family,friends, PLENTY of food,and getting together to enjoy the love,fun,and merriment, that is the common bond, for which everyone comes together.Everything closes down after 5 PM, the day before Thanksgiving,and people get totally immersed in their personal celebrations.Children are happy to get a break from their skejules,and the festivity brings a very cheerful and smiling touch to the air.A most welcome chahge from the usual back-breaking, daily grind.

I am constantly reminded of the atmosphere in India,during the festival season,when all lof us Indians, are completely engrossed in enjoying each one,the planning,and preparing of which starts months in advance.Shopping for gifts,choosing the right one,planning the menu,guest list,who will wear what,and innumerable other aspects that are a part of any celebration.Even my maid, who is a sweet, elderly person,gives me full details ,of what she plans during the festivals,and is all smiles as she talks about it.And it is this feeling of joy,hope, and anticipation, that makes festivals special to one, and all.And Thanksgiving, in the US is really no different,only the methods are.
I am very interested in acquiring knowledge ,about the different facets of the culture of the places I visit,and am an active participant in the festivals here, whenever I visit.It is customary for families to get-together,either at the parents, or grandparents home,and apart from the joy of togetherness,it is the Thanksgiving lunch, that is the focal point of attraction,and what everyone looks forward to.The planning, preparation, and hard work, behind this lunch, cannot be described in words,but it is an exercise in itself.A huge roasted turkey is the main attraction,as also the accompaniments,and everyone joins in, to make it a family affair.Roast turkey, the stuffing, biscuits,mashed potatoes with brown gravy,coleslaw,cranberry relish,and dessert is usually the standard menu,with a few variations, from family to family.I had the greatest pleasure in witnessing my son Ashis, and grandsons,Ayon 16, and Aryik 13, actively participate in the preparations, each cook one dish,help in the setting of the festive table,and dress up for the special dinner.It was a GREAT experience,and we should all be thankful for whatever we have, cherish whatever comes our way, as God's blessings,and be thankful to Him for having each other,to care and share, and always be there.And throughout this beautiful day, I thanked God all the time, for my family, and friends, and all the joys He has given me.Enjoy the photos.

THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL/OCT.2009

Hello out there to all of you, who visit my blog, and keep telling me, how much you enjoy reading my reports, about my life here, in the US.Its a lot of fun, made more so, because of my own attitude to life, and the way I look at things. But let me tell you about the pumpkin festival, going on everywhere in the US right now, to usher in Halloween, which falls on the 31st. of Oct.It is celebrated very widely, by everyone, specially children, who put on all kinds of scary costumes, go all over the neighbourhood, visiting every home,dressed in their scarriest, to collect the goodies, that are ready for them. And yes, since I am here, I will be joining my grandchildren in this adventure, and be a part of the celebration.It will be something I will greatly enjoy, since I love excitement, adventure, and most of all, to be with children.
We went to a pumpkin festival on Sunday,because pumpkins are carved, decorated, and displayed everywhere, for Halloween, and it was a wonderful experience for me.Travelling has always been a passion with me, and it has opened new vistas for me, at every step. But I didn't know that a pumpkin festival is so widely celebrated, is a great learning experience, and a wonderful sight to behold.It was freezing cold, and my hands were like blocks of ice, but I didn't stop at anything.I went all over the huge area, completely awe- struck at the display of pumpkins, in all shapes, and sizes, in so many different colours, and the excitement of the hordes of people, of all ages, picking out the pumpkins, that best suit their plans.
My 2yr. old grandson chose one for himself, a very small one, just like a ball, with his favourite cartoon characted painted on it, and decided to carry it, throughout.There were the prize winners, proudly displayed, huge pumpkins, weighing well over 50/60 kgs. or even more, a work of love by its owner.And then there were all kinds of rides to enjoy, and believe it, or not, this is the part I love most about a fair.The giant wheel, or the ferris wheel as it is known here, is my favourite, and I joined my little grandson on all these rides, and couldn't go on some, because they were meant only for little children, not for those who were mentally childlike.I also enjoyed cotton candy, a big ice-cream,(wow! It was freezing!), coffee with marshmallows, another first for me, and also bought a big fried onion, which looked like a lotus in bloom, because I wanted to photograph it, and show everyone at home.It was a lovely experience, thoroughly enjoyable,and very memorable.I will upload the photos for everyone to enjoy, and will be a beautiful memory of my wonderful experience.

WINDOW GAZING

What I love most about my stay here in Buffalo, is the pleasure of sitting at the dining table, and looking out at the innumerable joys, unfolding before my eyes, at different times, throughout each day. Its like watching a movie, with its various vignettes, and the expectancy of what comes next.I spend a lot of time there, because old age has given me the greatest gift in life, the ability to sit down, and enjoy, whatever comes my way, and nothing, or no one can come in the way, of my thoughts, or choices.A nice hot cup of tea, and something to write on, is the perfect combination, for fulfilment, and true mental peace. And I treasure that.
Life here is truly crazy, and the constant running around, unending chores,and innumerable demands on personal time, takes a very heavy toll,and each day just merges into another,just a mere spoke, in the grinding wheel of life.I wonder how people manage to live it this way, day in, and day out, year in, and year out.In the chapter of my life, where I dealt with family, home, husband, marriage,and all social commitments,I always made time for myself, my own slot in daily life, where only I and my desires existed.It was my "ME " time, and my own world, where I indulged in whatever my heart desired, at that moment.It may have been reading a book, listening to music,cooking, knitting, writing, or any of the other innumerable things I've always loved doing.It provided the mental pleasure and peace, that is so very essential, to handle endless demands and duties, with energy, and enthusiasm.If the inner person is happy, life becomes enjoyable, but without it, very mechanical, and dull.But perhaps ,here, the choices are very limited,and demands overpowering.
While I sit in my favourite place, looking out, I see the lovely trees, in various shades of vibrant colours, swaying in the breeze, showing off their splendid fall colours, burgundy, light yellow, burnt orange, or just in the process of wearing their look of the season, a great feast for the eyes.And then, huge furry grey squirrels, come into the yard, to eat berries off their favourite tree, which is loaded now, but will soon disappear, when snow comes in, to cover them. So they have to hurry, before it is too late.Beautiful birds, small or big, in various different colours, keep chirping to each other,busy in their own world,and providing me with the beauty, that fills my canvass of life. And my tea provides the right touch to this great experience.
Many of my friends constantly ask me, how I spend my time, when I visit, and how do I endure the "boredom" that visiting parents face. And my answer is simple, enjoy what you get, cherish what comes your way, and live it, with thanks, happiness, and grace,because its living life that is the biggest education, and the true test of a person. Thankfully, God has blessed me with the ability to enjoy, and savour life, which I do, with great energy, and spirit, so each day, opens new vistas for me, and fills my data bank with precious memories.

LITTLE THINGS MATTER MOST

My two year old grandson, follows me around like my shadow, and will just not let me out of sight, even for a single minute.I have to play with him, run around,(I'm 70, remember?)sing, dance, read endless stories from books of his choice,and entertain him, in every possible way.He is a very sunny child, but with well defined opinions, very clear likes, and dislikes, and makes his decisions very vocally, always with a sweet smile, and an american accented thank you.His manners are perfect,and gets me to do things I have never done, very smoothly.And looking at him, I always wonder, why children are looked upon as helpless, poor little things, when they are extremely smart, capable, and clever, and know exactly how to handle each and very family member, according to his needs.
His mother is there to attend to his daily, basic needs, like food/sleep/ bath/ potty/ school. After that, ever since I have come, its almost a week now,he turns to me, for all the fun. If I want to watch TV, he insists that I take him to my room upstairs, and play.Disturbance is never allowed, or enjoyed, and taking him away from his little world, in that room, is almost like a crime. How dare you? Thats the question in his bright dark eyes.And the more I see him, I wonder at the innocense of such a little person.He has created his own world, where he is extremely happy, does exactly what pleases him, and doesn't encourage, or allow anyone, or anything, to interfere in his thoughts and actions,living life on his own terms.
How many adults can even imagine doing anything in this way?Isn't adulthood all about always trying to please everyone, for everything, at all times, and never giving importance to the most important person in life, the one inside?How many of us even listen to our inner voice,and live life according to our own desires, and not always fitting in with the expectations of others?I think we all can learn very valuable lessons, from the little kids all around us, and enjoy life, instead of making it the drudgery it becomes, for almost everyone.

LOVE MAKES THE JOURNEY WORTHWHILE

After months of hectic preparations,lots of planning,and innumerable things to attend to, I have arrived in Buffalo, to a very loving, warm welcome, from my son and his family, specially the darling children. Buffalo is well known for its severe, and almost never-ending winter,and for a visitor from India, extremely cold, on any given day. But I love winter, and enjoy going out in heavy jackets given by my grandsons,warm with the love that is in it.They have provided me, with every possible garment I may need, to make my stay comfortable, and that is what family, and love is all about.And the reason behind my happily,and excitedly, taking on a huge, long journey, to get here.
I have come across many, who do not like to visit their children, because of the long,tedious journey, and the sitting,and waiting involved.But for me, these are very small incidents, in comparison to the warmth that awaits me, when I arrive, and that keeps pulling me, like a magnet.What is family after all?Its all about being there for each other,with love, care, respect,compassion, and sensitivity,and providing the strength and comfort, each person requires, at every step in life.Thankfully, God has given this gift to me,and also the ability to live my life my own way,which is indeed a great blessing.
So now, my tryst with Buffalo is on,and I have a lot of plans to enjoy myself.Scouting, and scouring around, for gifts for my beautiful home,buying lovely decorative wool, and knitting striking sweaters for everyone I know, walking around, enjoying the changing colours on the trees, proudly showing off the grandeur of fall,eating warm pancakes with ham, and eggs, in the famous pancake house all around,and so much more.Its after all, a question of attitude,that makes a situation enjoyable, and, for me, the beauty of life is in the living.So, I'm always concerned about living with energy, quality, excitement,productivity,and of course, a lot of fun, because smiles make all the difference to everything, and everyone.
So, lets create our own joys, with whatever we get, live with energy, and passion, and savour the precious moments that come our way.For true happiness comes from a smile, a hug, a look of approval, the strength of presence, appreciation, and the unspoken, unwritten message,"I am always there for you!"The severe winter of Buffalo, cannot dampen the warmth of the love, that surrounds me, at all times, during my stay,and I truly cherish these precious moments, that come my way.

THE FLIGHT OF TIME

I have heard many people say, that they are terribly bored with life,and suffer from lethargy, disinterest,and dullness.And this situation arises because, after their household duties are done, when the children have gone on to lead their own lives, they find they have nothing to do,are totally lost,and a terrible vacuum is created.But for me, life has always been an exciting adventure,and living every moment with spirit,energy, enthusiasm,and passion, makes my days just fly past,and trying to keep in step, is a constant battle.
The frenzy of Durga Pujo is just over,and Bijoya is going on,which means lots of sweets are being made,and consumed. And, since my sweets are very popular, I am making various different ones, every day.But I am also preparing to go to Buffalo,US, to have a wonderful holiday with my grandchildren. It is a huge trip,involving many hours of travelling,lots of preparations,plenty of work at home,and tremendous running around.Each morning, I make a list of all the things that need to be tackled, in order of their importance,and start moving.And after hours of going to innumerable different destinations, return home, totally drained,and find something else, waiting to be tackled.And this has been going on for the last several days.
While I am there, lots of special days will be celebrated, so buying gifts for each one, is a huge,and very puzzling task.Once again a lot of running goes on,from one store to another, trying to pick something appropriate,and quite often, it turns out to be a total waste of time.Yet, the search goes on, because it is for very special people,who deserve only the best.
So right now, my days are flying at top speed, and there are too many things to tackle,but very little time. But, travelling is something I love, and enjoy,and so, I am looking forward to visiting the famous Blue Pottery Store at Schipol airport, during my halt there.This is a new route for me, so it will be nice. I have passed through Schipol many times before, but that was a long time ago. I'm sure there will be a lot of changes well worth it.And from there, I go to Toronto, where I will meet those, I am dying to see,my darling grandchildren. Their little faces are like magnets, and can make me do anything.
So , am making the most,of the little time I have,before Friday 9th. when I leave.But wherever I look, something is waiting to be tackled,and I hav eto plunge in. But inspite of the frenetic pace of my life, I love every moment,and hope I can live it this way, till the end."The living of life,is an education in itself!"Also,"departing,leave behind me,footsteps on the sands of time!"

FESTIVAL FRENZY

From August to October, it is considered to be the festival season here in India, and for me, the best part of the year.I am very careful to see, that I never make plans to go anywhere, at this time of the year,because I love the excitement,and totally chaotic conditions, at home,and outside,which is a natural outcome of this season.Pune has become a very crowded city,but at this time,there are lots of visitors from all over,who come to enjoy the festivities,and join their families,friends,and relatives, to really live it up.
For me, festivals arouse very nostalgic memories, and create the yearning, for lovely moments, which are ever fresh, but cannot be associated with modern times,and that is truly a pity.As far as I can remember, the coming of a festival could be felt months in advance, when my mother would sit down to decide, the kinds of dresses each child would wear, what sweets would be made, and which places were to be visited, to enjoy each festival. For Janmashtami, it was always the grand,gorgeous, Birla Mandir of Delhi,where the celebrations have to be seen, to be believed,and all visitors ,freely moved around the exquisite temple,to worship,sit around,or enjoy the various kinds of delicious food, available there.Their chaat was to die for,and thats where I would head for,as soon as I was allowed.But today,this temple is like a fortress,and constant vigilance, at every step, makes it a very claustrophobic experience. But there is no choice, the world today is a very different place, from what it was,in my childhood.
During Durga Pujo, we loved visiting various different pandals, wearing the pretty frocks specially tailor made for us,and the joy of that was enough. We were given a little pocket money, morning,and evening, to eat from the food stalls,and that was a great excitement for us children.
Although things are very different now, I still continue to be a very hard core pandalite, and love roaming around,from one pandal, to the other, meeting my friends,enjoying a cup of very sugary tea, small hot samosas, and the endless adda, that is second nature to us all,specially with me.The swish of new saris, and elegant,trendy dhoties,the latest in designer dresses, and the colours,smells, and hullabaloo associated with these pandals, is a feeling that has to be experienced,and savoured.and is a second nature with all Bengalis. But I love the whole package deal, will not miss it for anything,and inspite of the huge crowds, the jostling,and pushing on the streets,and frenzy at home, its the best time of the year,and my most favourite moments ever.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

One of my sons will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow,and I too am spending all my time, going over the beautiful memories we share, between us. Does a mother ever stop being a mother?I don't think so,and I've always referred to myself as a professional mother,because mothering is the only thing I am good at,greatly enjoy, and find very fulfilling.A mother has this very uncanny ability, to always know, exactly what goes on , in the childs mind, and although my child, is over forty(sorry dear!), I still love to do little things for him,like cooking his favourite dish,and watching him enjoy it,or give him a little gift,that only I know will please him,etc.Its just a mother and son thing, instinctive,inborn,and indelible.

Unfortunately, in todays modern, and so-called smart,fast-paced world, many mothers have been tossed out of the son's life, and he has walked out, in search of his fortunes, and his mother has no place in his life..But even this fractured relationship, cannot separate a mother from her son,because she continues to love him through her tears,prays to God to look after him,and also for his success in life. That is the strength of the bond---its always there,and will continue to be the cushion, that is life's integral part.
My son Manna, was in a great hurry to enter the world,and did so, under very dramatic conditions. For ten days before his entry, I was unwell,and the night before, there was a terrific storm, while I continued to have strong pains. Going out was completely impossible,but he wasn't willing to wait. So, as soon as it was morning, I was rushed to the hospital,and before the doctor could even get ready to welcome him, he announced his arrival very loudly,very vocally.I knew then and there, that he would be a strong individual, and make his own decisions, though this one may have proved a big disaster, if we were even a fraction of an instant, late.He was very fair,very thin,but always smiled.

Our years together, have been very enjoyable,with a fair share of ups,and downs,we'ev fought very tough battles,and shared very soft,soothing,endearing moments. But through it all, our bond kept us going. I prayed for him to just go on his path,and be happy,and he also,tried to do his best for me. I've seen him handle all his problems with balance,self-control, and sensibility,and be a very caring,committed, extremely loving husband, father,and home-maker. Yes, thats right, usually women are referred to, as home makers, but Manna is a very good cook, and loves to experiment(I loved the delicious hot,mutton puffs he made for me,during my recent trip!)and also shares the housework. Since they live abroad, there is no house help,and sharing is imperative.He is also a doting father,and enjoys a wonderfully vibrant relationship with his lovely daughter.And most of all,is a very hilarious person!

Since I visit them regularly, I watch everything all the time,and store them in the data bank of my heart. And today, on his b'day, I pray to God, to grant him good health,mental peace,fulfillment,and help him to realise all his dreams. To give him the strength to keep moving,make the correct choices,and live his life with the values, ethics, and principles, instilled in him,by his parents,who loved him dearly. And now that his father is not around, I am playing the role of both, and watching him happy,and satisfied with himself,is the gift I'll always treasure. Happy b'day dear,may God always bless you!

MY RACE WITH LIFE

Hello all of you guyz,who visit my blog,read what I write,and cheer me on,though writing is something I love doing,and don't really need a push. But most people cannot even imagine the kind of life I live,specially when I am happily,and excitedly, preparing to step into my seventieth year.Yes, thats right,and at a time,when people are scared of crossing thirty, here I am,living life to the hilt,with lots of dreams,hopes,and aspirations to fulfill,and always working towards the next rung, on my ladder of personal achievements. I just keep moving towards the goals I set for myself,and continue to sing my own song,because,"A cuckoo sings,not because it has an audience,but because it has a song to sing!"And I have many songs to sing. I write my own words, tune it myself,and enjoy it too,thats how I travel in the journey of life.

This is the festival season, and my favourite Durga Pujo is just around the corner.All of us Bengalis,have very pleasant memories of pujo,and thats what makes it a great attraction to us.I remember in early childhood, I loved to wear the pretty frocks, my mother got tailored for me. There were new shoes, maybe a matching beaded necklace,and a little money, to eat at the food stalls,or buy a little toy,or trinket,from the balloonwallah, standing at the gate of the pandal.But all these brought so much pleasure to us,so much joy,that the thought of pujo, always brought on happy smiles,and till today,when I have four grandchildren,these days are very special to me,and I am always rearing to go to the pandals,and freak out.
However, with the passage of time,the simplicity has almost completely disappeared,and its more about flaunting monetary strength,and gettings things done. So now,designer saris and dresses are in vogue,mothers don't play any role in their selection.Men make it a point to go to well known boutiques in Kolkata, and wear the latest in haute couture.But the atmosphere of the pandals are more or less, the same,very vibrant, friendly,colourful,and crowded.
Believe it or not, even this year, I will be making a few hundred sweets,by public demand,and that is the crux of this piece.My days just fly past, hands are always full, and I have still not experienced boredom, which unfortunately, is the disease of most people,after the children leave for their chosen fields. But since I'm managing,I wish to keep going,although sometimes I yearn for a little break. But, God has other plans,and I have to go on. As Celine Dion has sung,"Climb every mountain,thats how my heart goes on!"

THE FRAGRANCE OF FRIENDSHIP

Today I am very excited,because I am getting ready to leave for my best friends son's wedding,and it is the relationship we share,that makes this, a very special moment.I met his father,when he came to Pune,straight out of I.I.T,and joined his first job.I cannot remember how,or where we met,it must have been at our local Bengali club,or perhaps during Durga puja,but what does matter is that,even after 30 years,we are still enjoying a beautiful friendship,and enjoying each others company. As we moved on in life,he got married,and I was there to welcome his new wife. Then this boy was born,and I have been a part of his life, ever since.I remember when he was a little baby,his parents, who are very talented people,would put up programmes during Durga Puja,and all of us would take turns to baby sit . As he grew up,he loved to come over to spend the day with me,and between us,we enjoyed every moment of the day.And now, when he is on the verge of marriage, having chosen the girl himself,I feel very happy for him,and thrilled to be able to participate in this very special moment in his life.Its really a very thrilling experience,and I am as excited as a child with a new toy,or a favourite chocolate.In todays world, relationships are almost non-existent,and I know of children who toss out parents, without any qualms,who do not care for anybody,or anything,other then self,and cannot imagine lifting a finger for anyone,or anything. And here I am, merrily participating in my friend's sons wedding,helping out in whatever way required,and celebrating a dear,deep friendship."It is the relationships we build,and the way we culture,and nurture them,that sustain us,in our journey through life!"And I am thankful to God,for blessing me with this truly priceless gift, and giving me the ability to celebrate,and enjoy it to the hilt.

CRISIS CREATES COURAGE

Swine flu is a fear that is spreading all over the world,but right now,it has assumed epidemic proportions,specially here in Pune,where I live.There have been many deaths, more people are on the critical list,and fear has created hysteria everywhere. Life here has come to a grinding halt,schools,colleges,malls,multiplexes,shopping centres,all have been ordered to close down for the next ten days,and doctors have adviced people to stay at home,as much as possible.A huge modern city like Pune has been thrown completely out of gear,and one can feel the perplexity,anxiety,animosity,in everyone,everywhere. Whats going to happen,and how do we bring this to an end?But I always believe, that it is in times of crisis,that the real person inside emerges,and shows the inner capabilities that lie dormant,when life flows along,peacefully.I find I can devote more time to my writing,which gives me tremendous joy. I sit in my lovely terrace,enjoy the sunset,when the sky is bathed in gorgeous hues,and think about the many ways I can contribute, to create awareness, about this critical situation. I try to educate my maid,and the other poor people around,who do all our dirty work,and don't have any clue about hygiene,and what to do to combat swine flu.Any pending work is also attended to,and being forced to stay indoors, has opened doors, to other avenues of interest,which I may not have realised before this.Fear does not achieve anything,only weakens the mind,and hinders clear thinking.Its important to be careful,sensible,aware,and informed,and help others to handle this difficult situation.With all this,I am busily preparing for my best friend's son's wedding,writing poetry,and planning the sweets that I have to make. It is important to stand up,and face a tough situation with balance,and hope for concrete results,for it is hope that fuels the mind to continue,inspite of it all.

TIME CANNOT WAIT!

I've been dying to come to my blog,and write my thoughts, for everyone to enjoy,but, being busy with too many things, takes up all my time. My best friend's son is getting married,the son,and I, are also great friends, so I'm excitedly planning,and preparing, for the wedding. I've known them, from the time his father came to Pune,and joined his job.Then he got married, this boy was born,I've done a lot of baby-sitting,and he used to come over,to spend the day with me,when he was very small. So we go back a long way,and the relationship is a very loving,and special one.Naturally,everything about his wedding is extra special to me,and I want to be present during all the celebrations.The first of these, was a grand dinner at my home, called 'IBURO BHATH!'where we gather, to wish him all the best for his new journey, to felicitate,and congratulate him for his new role.And wow! what an evening it was!We had sooooo much fun, that no one even looked at the clock,and time just flew away. I had planned the evening very meticulously,and was thrilled to see it was such a thumping success. I think,when something is done with love,it reaches the peak of success,and is a very fulfilling experience. And it was!I was very happy. Now,there are a series of events ahead,and I am preparing for that. Innumerable things are going on in my personal life as well,but I take things as they come,and try to do my best. I believe that,"If God puts you in a situation,He will also see you through!" and thats how I live. But to Prantik(thats his name!) I say,"Take up your new role with love, devotion,and dedication,make the time for it,stop to look,listen,think,and always create lots of smiles.Love is the biggest motivator,and always leads to success.All the best! Enjoy!"

MY CONSTANT BATTLE FOR TIME

I love writing,and started writing very early in life.As a child,my favourite past time was scribbling on a piece of paper,and either penning my thoughts,or writing poetry,and was very happy doing it too. In those days, we weren't allowed to go here,and there,and playing with friends in the neighbourhood, was constantly monitored, there were time limits,and lots of other restrictions. So,we were encouraged to do interesting things at home,and thats when my fondness for writing surfaced,and blossomed. I won my first public prize, for a piece Iwrote, for the children's corner, in The Illustrated Weekly Of India, when I was ten.The prize was Rs.100/- a huge amount at that time,but the adulation I received from my family,my teachers,and friends,was truly exhilarating,and a moment that is fresh, even today. The postman who brought the money order,wanted to know what it was all about,and then asked for his 'baksheesh!'And, I've never looked back,after that.Even today, I love to write,and having moved on,from writing on paper,to the more convenient,and far-reaching internet,my most enjoyable moments are when I'm putting my thoughts down,only now,getting time for that is quite a battle.I don't know why,at this "age," I have so much on my plate,and can't lift my head,due to the demands from everywhere.My hands are always overfull,and I just can't get down to doing what I love most. But I take the example of the extraordinary Mr.Bachchan.He writes in his blog everyday,and very well too,I love reading what he writes,and then realise,that if he can find the time,then why can't I?A world icon,a huge star,devoted family man,doing multifarious activities,and still faithfully writing every day,then why can't I?Its just getting the correct slot, for doing what brings peace,and fulfilment,and not making excuses.I think I must fight this battle with time,and win it,for I have no choice! I can't stop writing,and time has a way of flying away.But everything is possible if the will is there,so lets see how I can handle it better.Keep reading all of you.I'll always have something to offer.

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

A few days ago, I was getting ready to watch my favourite programme on TV,and have dinner.Having returned after a holiday in Singapore,I was longing to enjoy macher jhol,with potol,which is my top favourite.But just as I was settling down, the phone rang,and my world suddenly turned topsy turvy.My very dear friend of thirty years,had to be rushed to hospital, in a very bad condition,and her husband,and daughter were completely shocked.Of course, I left everything,and rushed to the hospital,and had suddenly lost the capability to even talk.She was lying on the bed,completely lost to her surroundings, hooked to saline,and waiting for the situation to improve.All of us were there,looking at each other,but didn't know what to say,or do.It is these sudden twists,and turns of life,which brings us face to face with reality,that we are totally helpless at such times,and must rely on each other to come out of it.And it is at times of trouble that the strength of friendships surface.As I sat and watched her,I prayed for things to improve,and images of incidents in our thirty years of togetherness,kept flashing before my eyes,like the slides of a movie.But actions speak louder than words,and so I decided to get things moving.Her husband needed some tea,then dinner,and the doctor asked for some light food for her.Friends living nearby were contacted,I came home to organise things,and prepare a plan of action.Soon things seemed to be in place,and my friend smiled peacefully.The crisis seemed to be over,but she needed lots of care.It is at times of trouble,that the real face of those around, can be seen,and it is at such times,when we must come together as one.But do we?When she returned home,thank God, it was impossible for her to cook,or do anything at all.Everyone around, should step in, and be there for her.Bring in food for husband and wife,see what needs to be done,any help is welcome.But very few even make phonecalls,leave alone doing anything concrete.I've been wondering,in the word "Human Being," human comes before being,but today,the human is lost,only the being remains,that is why,even though my friend is slowly recovering,I have been at her side constantly,but I didn't see anyone else offer any kind of help.What a sad reflection on society today."True friends are like diamonds,precious,and rare,False friends are like dried leaves,scattered everywhere!"

THE MAGICAL BEAUTY OF THE RAINS

The monsoon is here,and being a water sign,I love the rains.Its such a wonderful feeling to go out in the rain,when it is drizzling of course,with the light,wet breeze blowing my hair and clothes all over,while raindrops find their place on my body. They glisten like pearls, and create a feeling of being totally carefree,attuned to nature,and soaking in the beauties,and bounties of this season.Strange as it may seem,I never carry an umbrella,because the childhood pleasure of getting wet in the rain,is so inviting,and exciting.Sitting with a steaming cup of my favourite tea,and just looking at the beautiful scenery all around, is so soothing,and so enjoyable,that getting up,and going ahead with the responsibilities of every day life, seems to be an unwelcome disturbance,an unavoidable intrusion.I just want to sit around and enjoy the beauty all around me.Everything is so green,freshly washed by the very welcome showers,and Pune is unbelievably beautiful at this time of the year.And going on long drives,with dear friends,and loads of good food,is a favourite way of celebrating the rainy season.Talking of food,piping hot bhajias,the famous Bengali khichuri,with crispy papar,freshly roasted bhutta,roasted peanuts,all are an inseparable part of this season,and no one can stay away from these delights.This year,2009, the situation here is very bad.The monsoon is late,the dams are dry,there is no rain in the catchment areas,leading to severe water shortage.We have to manage with water which comes only for a few hours a day,and its tough.But with all this, I still sit down to soak in the joy of the rains,which comes with its own beauty,and it looks like an exquisite painting all around.Ang the view from my home is truly magnificent.

WHAT IS PEACE?

It is already one week since I have returned home,from my fabulous trip to Singapore,and I cannot imagine where time flies.It has always been said,Home,sweet home,or Home is where the heart is,but what is it about a home,that makes it the best place on earth?Is it because its all about the person/persons who live in it, giving it the atmosphere that is inseparable,indelible,and so endearing?My home is all about me,everything exactly as I like it,in the way I'd want it,and there is such an air of calm,and solace,that coming back,from the best places in the world,is something I always look forward to.When I enter,after a long absence,one look around, tells me the tremendous work waiting for me, which will keep me busy for quite a few days.But, the joy is overpowering,and its like being welcomed, into the comforting arms of a loving,doting mother,which is a feeling that is unique,so pleasurable,and warm.So homecoming has always been a very peaceful, and soothing experience for me,and I truly thank God for this gift.Also,my greatest source of inner fulfilment,complete peace,solace,comfort,and endless joy,are my grandchildren,who,by their love,and innocence,have embellished my life with richness,that defies description,and is penetrating,everlasting,and enriching.I miss my darling rainbow very much,and wish we could be together more often. But her presence in my life is the gift I treasure,and enjoy all the time.May God bless her with good health,loads of smiles,success,and may her dreams come true, and may we continue to savour the relationship we share, forever.Love you deeply,my dearest Tia!

BACK HOME

Hello my friends and visitors,I am back home in Pune,after a wonderful time with my rainbow,Noyonika,and believe me,this isn't EZ at all.Coming away is very tough,specially when two hearts are tied with the deep bonds of love.I've always loved children,greatly enjoyed mine,and now, celebrate the joy of being a grandmother,with pride,and great enthusiasm.They have filled my life with smiles,fulfilment,and great peace,and I always thank God for this blessing.Now,as I am busy putting the house back in order,I keep seeing a sweet, little ,naughty face, before me,and remember all the fun we had together.Age does not figure in a friendship,but tuning does,and that is why we were so happy with each other.Whatever we did, brought us so much happiness,be it roaming around in the mall,talking at night,going for a walk,an ice cream,or just having fun,and now,all these thoughts bring tears to my eyes constantly.Of course,her parents too, went out of their way, to do the best for me,but she is truly unique,a very special child,and she fills my cup of joy to the brim.Throughout the day,I am deeply involved in 1001 things, that are an important part of my life,but this little girl keeps walking in,and overshadows everything else.I bless her with all my heart,and pray, that she always has something to smile about,love to share,and those who care,and may the joy she gives me,go back to her, a thousand times.Thank you,my little pixie,you are truly my rainbow,and I miss you all the time,but treasure the joy we shared.Bye for now.

ON THE WINGS OF FRIENDSHIP

Hello my readers,and visitors,my Singapore trip is at its end,and I am leaving in a day.It is a very difficult moment to face for all of us,but more so for me, because leaving behind a darling grandchild, is a separation that cannot be described in words.But instead of giving in to tears,and depression, here's what I decided to do.My son asked me if there is some place I would like to visit,and I jumped up,"Of course,lets go to the Bird Park!"And off we went,to the place I love most,in this beautiful island state.Luckily,it was a cloudy day,and we enjoyed walking around the whole park,looking at the exquisite birds,kept in such wonderful surroundings.It was enthralling,enjoyable,and the constant chatter of Noyonika,matching with the birds, made it a day to cherish.The photos above will tell you, that I am truly in love with life,and never miss out on some fun.This tree had a small place cut out in its bark,from where one has to go inside,climb a ladder, to reach this hole,and peep out.Noyonika did it first,and when I decided to follow,she just couldn't believe her eyes.But in I went,and did it,and I'm absolutely sure, that my son must have thought me to be quite mad.But I enjoyed it,and thats what matters.Life is full of moments that are difficult,and create a lot of pressure,but one must learn to deal with them,accept them,and be graceful about it.There will be a lot of tears,and it will take time to get into our grooves,but there is no harm in softening the edges,and making it a little easy.I will always treasure this day,as a very special gift from God.

THE GREAT ESCAPE(REMEMBERING MICHAEL)

My 12 yr.old grand daughter,the very talented Noyonika,has written a very touching tribute to Michael Jackson,the pop icon of this century, who collapsed,and died on Thurs.25th.June,at 2 PM.And I have decided to pen my thoughts as well,although I wasn't a fan, so to say,but knew his music,watched his concerts on TV,read about him,and thanks to the very active media,every aspect of his personal life,was up for public scrutiny.His songs were super duper hits,his shows completely sold out,and because of his persona,he was feted, followed, and imitated, by millions.And his dancing mesmerised his fans,who couldn't get enough of him,and many decided to follow in his footsteps,by dressing up like him,and trying to perform like him.It is said that,"imitation is the highest form of flattery,"and Michael was iconised,idolised,and admired by millions.
But behind this very glamorous facade, of a huge star celebrity,lived a very sad,lonely man,traumatised by his mental complexities,innumerable physical disabilities,and his incapability to handle himself,and walk on his chosen track.His personal life was in shambles,he made strange choices, which only created more complications,and health was not on his side.Over the last ten years,he had to battle court cases against very cruel allegations,and life seemed to take a downward trend,from where he saw no way out.But he did get out,God helped him to escape it all, from the depths of desperation, he has attained final peace,and left the world to figure him out,in whatever way it chose.But there is nothing to figure out,he will always remain the greatest pop icon of this century,idolised by millions,feted by his peers in the industry,and loved by his children,and family.Let us all join in,and respect a great singer,and performer,who has touched the lives of so many, in his own way."Mortality has an expiry date,but the living of life,and work, will always be immortal!' R.I.P.

MISHTI MOOKH (DESSERTS) MALPO

Here is my first recipe,for the recipe file.Since all Indians love desserts,I've decided to start with a very traditional,typically Bengali sweet,called Malpo,which is a great favourite with all my family members,and close friends.So get started:
Ingredients:1 cup maida(white flour)+1 tsp baking pwd.Sieve.
1Tblspn.ghee,melted
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1tspn. saunf(aniseeds)/green cardamom pwd.
Handful raisins
1/2 cup grated fresh coconut
Milk to mix
Sugar syrup from 2 cups sugar+1 1/2 cups water.
Method: Take a deep, round bowl,put in the maida,add ghee,mix well,then with milk,mix into a smooth batter.Add condensed milk,all other ingredients,and with more milk,make a batter as for pancakes.It should not be thick.Leave to rest for 15 mins.Take a non-stick pan,brush with oil,heat,then pour in one ladlefull of the batter,and spread to make a perfect round.Cook on low fire,adding little oil on the sides,and turn,so both sides are golden.Dip in warm syrup,and remove after half a minute.If served with a smile,it becomes very enticing,and attractive.Try it.Best of luck.

MOMSPOT.COM

Is there any mother in this world wide web, who doesn't like to talk about her children?Who doesn't think that hers are definitely THE best,and loves everything about them?I don't think so,and I am NO exception."A mother is a mother, all her life!" and frankly,thats what I do best,mothering,and now that I am a 4-time grand mother,I really love my job.This photo was taken on Father's Day,2009,when I was present in Singapore,to celebrate it with Manna,and my darling fireball,Noyonika.I had come fully prepared for this,and since he is a voracious reader,I brought two lovely books,as gifts.And here you can see us all,enjoying the moment of gift giving.Manna was a very sweet,very humorous,and ever smiling child,who followed his brother Ashis,like a lamb,and was full of little pranks.He loved eating,sweets being his all time favourite,and was a sportsperson too.He was a champion at T.T/Badminton/tennis/chess,was in his school gymnastics team, a good scout, and a great partner for his equally sports loving father.I loved the excitement when they played against each other in T.T, or any other sport,and my husband always teased me ,because I cheered for Manna,always.We were a very happy family,happy with each other.But now,when I see Manna as a father,I feel very proud,because he has excelled himself,in every way.He is extremely caring,does everything for his daughter,and I love to see their perfect rapport.That is, after all,what relationships are about.Inspite of his very busy professional life,he doesn't hesitate to do anything for her, no matter how tired he may be,(I can see that!),and is there for her,willingly,happily.Manna,I am always blessing you,from my heart,that both of you enjoy your life together,and always have a lot of smiles between you.Well done,my dear child,nothing can stop you from going on your track.You're doing GREAT!All my love always.

WEDDING WONDERS

This is an activity for which, I am always in great demand, throughtout the year, and those who are getting ready for the BIIIIG event,book me,months in advance, 2B sure I will be in town,and add a much needed touch of glamour, to their special day.Yes,I am talking of weddings,which,even today,are huge affairs in every Indian household,and we Bengalis ,love to freak out in the food department.We are all food addicts,greatly enjoy all kinds of food,and planning,and preparing for any event, will be totally incomplete,without a very elaborate,very intricate, menu.And this is where I enter,my speciality being desserts,and some of the very popular Bengali savouries,associated with this occasion.In the picture above, you can see the different sweets,and mishti doi,(our famous sweet yoghurt!),all dressed up,ready to leave for the bride's home, on the morning of the wedding.This part of the ritual is very important,and special ,for a Bengali wedding,and a lot of care,planning,and dedication goes into its execution.In Pune,where I live,I have done this job for innumerable weddings,and when the person getting married, comes to me, and says,"You must take charge of all the sweets etc.which will go there,I don't want anything from the shops!"I feel truly fulfilled,and its a compliment I treasure.Most of the brides,and grooms,are children I have known, from their school days,seen them growing up,and to be chosen to play this role, on their most important day,is a great tribute to my passion for cooking,and the level it has reached.I think the reason I am still doing this, is because I love the job,love creating now items, that are received with tremendous appreciation, and it gives me an infinite sense of satisfaction,at a job well done."The greatest source of fulfilment,is pride in what you are doing,"and so,I take on every event as a new,and exciting adventure,and am deeply engrossed in doing a perfect job,every time.That I am still in demand for this intricate,time-consuming,very meticulous job,while stepping into my 70th.year ,is a blessing of God,for which I am ever grateful,and very thankful.C'mon U guyz,where RUR comments?

THE FOCAL POINT IN MY HOME( PUNE)

"No matter where in the world you may roam,there's never really a place like home!"Or,"Home is where the heart is," Home sweet home!"These are some of the ways a home is referred to,but my home is my haven,the best place in the world,very peaceful,comfortable,full of love,friendship,and smiles,where I enjoy living,and which creates the atmosphere for me,to give vent to my creativity,dreams,hopes,and aspirations ,and where I am in constant touch with the real me,the person inside.Every one has innumerable facets, but not many explore them,or even realise their presence.But today,I want to share with you,my dear visitors,the place in my home,which is my favourite,and a great attraction for my friends.This is a picture of my terrace,just outside the living/dining/kitchen area,and is always buzzing with animated conversation sessions,lots of food,and musical get-togethers.Many of my friends, refuse to move from here,specially the swing,when they have loaded their plate,chosen their drink,and are fully geared to enjoy their visit.And I love it that way, for it shows they are relaxed,and happy.It has a fairytale appearance on full moon nights,and watching the gorgeous sunset is truly mesmerising,and a photographers delight.It is also my favourite place for thinking,reading,planning my innumerable projects,and just dreaming.I am completely at peace in this little red corner of my precious home.
In the other picture,you can see my dining table, as it looks, when I entertain,which is very often,and regularly,with my dear friend Aninda,who is always an important helping hand,for every occasion.I had to show you this one,so you can see the connexion, between food,friendship,and enjoyment.Thats the real me,and the values I live by. "What is this life,if,full of care,You have no time, to stand,and stare"?Yes,this is my time to enjoy the pleasure of being free of compulsions,and demands,and soaking in the beautiful feeling, of giving in to my own desires,and always doing what I love most.You are most welcome to join me,and share my life,if you have a liking for all of these.

PRECIOUS GIFTS 2 GIVE,AND RECEIVE.

Yesterday, Iwas invited to the home, of one of my young friends,whom I met during my visits,and who are friends of my son Ashis,and his wife Rima.And it was a truly beautiful,soothing experience.Apart from being very simple,down-to -earth people,the feeling I got from the moment I stepped in to their lovely home,was the constant giving of love,care,thoughtfulness,and personal time,to welcome me,and make my visit extra special.In today's hectic,fast paced world,to make time for someone,and be caring,and kind, is the greatest gift to give,and I am thankful to God for this blessing,which I will store in my heart forever.As I sat there,enjoying the company,I was collecting every bit of the precious moments coming my way,to treasure,which will be my greatest source of comfort,and smiles,as I travel on the journey of life.And love is so fulfilling,all encompassing,energising, such a motivator,and creator,with a warmth that touches every heart, and reaches far,and wide.Both husband,and wife,and their lovely kind,well -brought -up children, personally looked after me,the food was great,all arrangements perfect,and it was an expression of knowing what to do,how to do it,and doing it well.I had a great time,but the whole evening was a precious,priceless gift,which was a most joyous experience.There is never any price tag on love,because it is invaluable,but both the giver,and receiver benefit from it,because it brings tremendous peace,and inner calmness.Thank you guyz,lets all give the precious gifts of time and love to everyone,and create happiness all around.

FATHER"S DAY, 2009

Today is Father's Day,and every year,on this day,I am immediately reminded of my father,and what a wonderful,great person he was,and a huge influence in my life,even today.In those days,people were very simple,had very lofty principles,and ideals,and lived exemplary lives of honesty,dignity,good values,and stood out as towering examples in every way.My father was a doctor,but well known for being a very humble, soft-spoken,thorough gentleman,devoted to his family,and profession,and always available to both.He wore a charming smile,and his kind,caring ways, gave him instant entry, to every heart he touched.But he was very humorous,and always entertained us with innumerable humorous anecdotes,about life in general.He was a Jack of many trades,fishing,making superb jams, jellies,pickles,and sherbets,an all-in-one musician,who played several instruments with consummate ease,but most of all,a wonderful, caring,loving father,an example to follow.I must also mention my darling father-in-law,who taught me many invaluable lessons in life,which are still my guide lines,and is a huge influence in whatever I do.My husband was also an excellent father in every way,who adored his children,and enjoyed his time with them.
Things are very different now,life is very fast paced,lifestyles have changed,children are facing a very tough,competitive world,but fathers are playing their roles to the hilt.When I see my son's as fathers, I enjoy every moment,and am surprised at the numerous things they tackle,so easily,and comfortably,inspite of their own backbreaking schedules.From bathing their new-born children,to changing diapers,feeding,playing,teaching,and always being there for them,they do it all,which makes me very happy indeed.After all, that is the job of every parent,and every role comes with its own demands,and frills.But the relationship between a father and his children is very special,and today,on Father's Day,I wish all fathers happiness,peace,and fulfilment, in this,their very important role in life.Have fun guyz,enjoy,and smile,and things will fall into place.

SEVENTY IS LIBERTY

Hello you guyz!This is how I plan to enter my 70th. year,which is just around the corner,totally freaking out,and doing just what I want,enjoying living my style.And those of you who know me,are fully aware of my love for very bright colours,bold designs,and general attractiveness.My grand daughter loved my red necklace,so I will be gifting it to her,and this beautiful place is S'Pore's exquisite Botanical Gardens.It is truly marvelous,very peaceful,and a veritable feast for the eyes.Walking through the lush,beautifully maintained gardens,with your own thoughts for company,or watching hordes of pretty fishes swarming for the food they are given,listening to the birds,while they merrily fly around,or sitting near the lake,just looking,all combine to create an atmosphere, that is soothing,and so peaceful.I have visited this heavenly place several times,but every visit has something more to offer,and carry away,as precious memories.And,as I prepare to step into my 70th. year,I plan to celebrate all 12 months,living it up in style,doing all the things I have always done,and loved,with my near,and dear ones actively participating in my joy.And that will be a life well lived,enjoyed,savoured,and nurtured as a special gift from God.

Hello my dear friends and visitors,hope you are fine,and enjoying doing UR own thing,which is what makes life beautiful,and happy.Well,here I am,doing what I love most,caught on camera by my son Manna,with the spread I had prepared for his anniversary.The table looked attractive,and inviting,and although, if I was back in my home in India,I could have done a much better job,this was fine too.Its all about having a good time,and we were very happy.Food is something everyone is interested in,the degrees may vary,but the excitement is always there,and,for a food addict like me,it is an experience in creativity,which defies description.There is a special joy in turning out dishes that are each ones favourite,and then,when they dig in,the look of satisfaction on their faces, is the biggest reward for the creator.I derive great pleasure in doing something for someone,and near, and dear ones, make it a special moment.Being present here is S'Pore to celebrate their special days with them,was a gift of God Iwill always treasure."happiness lies in making a bouquet, of those flowers, within reach!"And while blessing Manna and Losita with good health,mental peace,and warm smiles,Ithank God, for giving me the ability, to live my life my own way,doing what I love,and having a great time.So c'mon friends,live it up,and go for it!

A GIFT 4 ME!

From the time I have seen this photo,I am flying high,like a little bird,feeling great,because it is the realisation of a dream, I have always harboured,and now that it has come true,it is truly a gift to me.I'm sure you,my visitors, are wondering what I am talking about?Well,the pretty young lady,3rd.from left,is my elder bahu Rima,and seeing her sing on stage ,for a special Bengali programme,has brought me tremendous joy.She has received training in Odissi dance,and is a very graceful dancer.At my insistence,she joined the competition for Dhunuchi dance,during Durga Puja,in the 1st.year after marriage,and won the 1st prize.The potential and talent is there,she needs to take the steps to come out,and perform.That is the day I am waiting for.I have always encouraged my two bahu's, to go ahead ,and realise their dreams,specially their talents,which must be nurtured with dedication,and devotion.And for that,if I can help in any way,I am always ready.The ball is in their court.Of course I understand,that living in different foreign countries,with little children to take care of,plus 1001 other heavy responsibilities,it is difficult,or rather impossible, to take time out for one's own self.But to Rima I say,very well done!You have taken one step,now take a few more,and dance,and that will be a gift to me,and to yourself,because you will then have recognised an important person,waiting in the wings to fly,yourself!Remember what it says in the L'oreal ad?"Because I'm worth it!"Congrats!Yeh dil maange more!Love you my dear girl!UR sasuri!

Hridu's Pics!

Hello you guyz,today I am intent on making you smile,which is a very good feeling indeed.And that is why,I have put these two photos on my page for you to see what beauty,happiness,and love is all about.My darling Noyonika,who,like all kidz of today, is a computer wizard, helped me with this,and made me very happy.And the photo is of my new grandson ,who is called Hridu by his parents,(meaning from the heart!) and whom I call Raja,the king of my heart.He is a real darling,very sunny,friendly,always smiling,and has added a warmth, and colour to my life, like a bright rainbow,and is the source of a lot of smiles.That is the speciality of children,their innocence,total lack of pretences,honesty,and pure unadulterated joy, that makes them so adorable,pleasurable,and delightful.I am very thankful to God for bringing this bundle of joy in my life,and my time with him, takes me to another world altogether.I am sharing this with all of you, because I looooove children,and you too can be happy,and peaceful,if you spend more time with them,their sweetness will be a balm to every heart.Look at my darling, and a smile will automatically light up UR face.Keep smiling!

THE POWER OF A SMILE

Whenever I come outside the door of my beautiful home, I always smile,and say hello, to everyone I meet,young,elderly,helpers,workers,those I meet in the lift,and everyone in general.At first,this attitude of mine,surprised everyone,and some were rather unwilling to respond,others even dismissed me as silly.But I continued in my way,and my belief, that it doesn't do anyone any harm to smile,in fact, it starts a journey of joy,which is contageous,and I want to be a carrier,and spread happiness far,and wide.In today's world,there is so much hatred,animosity,suspicion,intolerance,and selfishness,that all of us must wake up,and take concrete steps, to be the change we want to see,and must bring,around us.And a smile,and hello can work wonders.I say this from personal experience.Now, everyone in the apartment complex where I live,wears a big smile as soon as they see me,we always stop to chat,enjoy the camaraderie,and they even call me"the smiling aunty!"Little children ring my doorbell,and come in to chat,and my friends children,and grandchildren, love to day spend with me,so I feel,I am on the right track.I travel a lot,and very regularly,and when I return home,the security guards at the gate, immediately wear big smiles,and say,"Good that you have returned,the smiles,and hellos, had gone with you!"So my dear friends,and visitors,"smile awhile,and while you smile, make others smile,and soon there will be miles,and miles of smiles,and life will be worthwhile,because you smile!"Smiles can remove tears,fears,and create strength,courage,and confidence.Isn't it worth a try?Love to all.

TIMELESS GIFTS

Yesterday,it was Manna and Losita's anniversary,(my son and daughter-in -law,for new comers!)and at such times,I always get nostalgic,and must take a trip down memory lane.I remember every moment, of the time he was born,and then, as we started moving together,on our journey of life, studded with memorable moments,good and bad,which are treasured memories, in the data bank of my heart.And today,he has his own life,with his family,our moments together are few,and far between,because we are separated by many miles,but when we meet,I treasure,and enjoy my time,because "happiness lies, in making a bouquet ,of those flowers within reach!"But,it is also a time for gift giving,and that can be a very problematic situation.But not for me,because I gave them gifts which are very rare for them ,very easy for me,and the returns,enjoyable,and fulfilling.I gifted them with my time, which I shared with my sweet Noyonika,while they got the time to spend their special day together,with each other,without having to bother about their little daughter, in any way.To me, the most precious gifts are time,love,care,compassion,and thoughtfulness,and I think I gave all these to my son and daughter -in-law.Can you think of a better gift?Try!

A LESSON FROM KIDZ ZONE

Hello world,hope all of you,my dear visitors,are smiling, and raring to go,in whichever direction you have chosen?Well, heres something for all parents,young,or old,grandparents,and all elders in general.The more time I spend with my grandchildren,ages ranging from two to sixteen,I am filled with wonder, at their tremendous capabilities,their cool attitude,their knowledge about most things,and the ease with which they blend into their fast paced world.They are my constant learning experience,and I watch,study,and try to pick up things from them, at every step.Why then ,do adults always dismiss children, as helpless,silly,or poor things,who don't know anything,and must be tutored,handheld,guided,and goaded, every step of their way?I think its time, all elders, sit up and learn some important lessons, from the children around.And the first steps in that direction would be to love,laugh,listen(this is of primary importance),learn,and give importance to them as individuals,help them to flower like an expert gardener,not coerce,and cajole,or control them to become someone they are not cut out for,but suit the parental mould.Every child I have come across,specially in the 21st.century,is a wake up call to parents and adults,to free themselves from the fetters of a time-warped mind,and enter the kidz zone,to realise what a beautiful,knowledgeable, enriching,and entertaining experience a child can be.A change of attitude,in parents,and all adults,is definitely called for,and I would love everyone to hear my voice,and help our kids grow up, as happy,fulfilled,successful individuals.Happy parenting!

BE A LOSER

A very warm,smiley hello, to all of you,my dear visitors,and, I'm sure you must be wondering ,what I'm talking about.Yes,I AM talking about losing all those things ,that make life miserable,create unhappiness all around,and spread tension,and sorrow.The first thing to lose is UR ego,the most damaging,destructive,and defeating of human emotions.Lose the "I",and you will feel lighter,there will be happy faces all around.Next,don't have a fixation with yourself,put your hand out towards someone else,and receive the gift of smiles.In the bible it says,"give,and you shall receive!"Lose yourself,and gain fulfilment,that is a life well lived.Lose the heavy burden of jealousy,rivalry,criticism,oneupmanship,and enjoy the freedom of being mentally light,the joy of a good nights sleep,of always having a song in your heart,and a smile on your lips.And be forgetful,lose the necessity of harping on unnecessary, unwanted,incidents,for they take you away from your goal.Lets all try to be clean,fresh persons,by keeping ourselves clean inside,and being a carrier of happiness,and joy.lets give it a try,and see the difference,for its making a difference that really matters.Have a very peaceful day love you all.

Hi Kakima,
You sure are doing great...as always!! Your blog is fantastic. You are an inspiration for everyone :)
Mondira

LOVE IS ALL ABOUT GIVING

Tomorrow is my daughter-in-laws b'day,and the next day,their anniversary,so I have been planning some surprises, to catch them unawares.It is this planning,and preparing,and then seeing their surprised faces,that is giving me the initiative to just go for it,and give it my best shot.If I was in India now,it would have been a breeze,because I have a wonderful kitchen,professionally equipped,and working in it,my greatest pleasure on earth.I have a poem outside it, which begins with the lines,"My kitchen is my favourite place",and indeed it is.I love being in my kitchen,because it is my greatest source of inspiration,energy,and creativity,and also a research centre.But since I am in Singapore,I have to find my way around,search for the correct ingredients,improvise,and then comeout with whatever I have planned.But everything becomes easy,when the outcome involves near,and dear ones.and the will to achieve ,maximum.I think, love is all about caring,giving,compassion,and kindness,and these propel a person to do the best,no matter what the situation is.So,although Iam here,I will be putting my best foot forward,and having planned everything perfectly,I am certain I will succeed in surprising them,on both days.The best part is,neither of them know anything about my plans,and are wondering what I am up to.They know me after all!I am excited,and charged,and love is always, the biggest motivator.Love you all.

Letter to a Granny

The joy of having her with us is too good to be put into words. My granny is
A being filled with happiness, energy and fun.
Times are good and happy when she is around. She is a
Helping hand in times of trouble. Her smile is as bright as the shing sun
On a bright, hot summer's day.
Oh, how lucky I am that she is my granny. It is always a pleasure to have her with us!

YEARN TO LEARN

I read Amitabh Bachchans blog every day, and can't help wondering how, a person like him,with his lifestyle,can write on his blog,consistently,constantly,and with a good sense of humour.How many hours does he have in each day?24 hrs.cannot possibly be sufficient, to put in so much, yet,he does it with ease.My analysis is, that where there is a will to achieve,and dedication to go for it,anything is possible,and therein lies his secret.And if he can do it,then what excuse is there ,for ordinary everyday people, to constantly keep procrastinating from everything,because they didn't have the time?I know young men,and women,who very openly say,that they haven't called their parents for months,because they didn't have the time.And everything, other than money making,or for personal gain,is shelved,all behind the facade of being busy.But doing what?And why are important things nudged out, and replaced by those that do not give any personal pleasure,or mental satisfaction?The truth is, if there is a list of priorities,and a will to achieve,everything is possible,and that is the secret to the gigantic persona ,of a world icon,like Amitabh Bachchan.

POSTCARD FROM SINGAPORE

Since I am in Singapore now,enjoying with my lovely grand daughter,I must tell you about some of the most charming features of this place,which is normally not seen any where else.Firstly,there is a constant air of festivity here,as if everyone is busy celebrating something,or the other.I love going to Orchard Rd.which is the nerve centre,and backbone of this pulsating country,and I feel like a little child,all excited,and totally awe-struck, with the elegance,and bustling energy of the whole place,and all the people,swarming around,like bees to honey.A trip to Takashimaya is also one of my favourites,not only inside,but outside as well,where,after playing musical chairs to acquire a seat,my grand daughter and I, pick out the street food we each love,and relish them,while watching the world go by.The huge, magnificent,buildings all around,housing all the famous brand names of the fashion world,add sophistication,and festivity to the whole place,and excited buyers,tons of tourists from every corner of the world,or people like me who love gallivanting,give flavour,colour,and character, to one of the worlds most famous boulevards.Come, visit me again, for more postcards from S'Pore.Have a very happy day.

SPREAD LOVE

For the last few days,I have been very perturbed, because of the totally unwarranted violence against Indian students, in Australia.It is horrific,and shocking,and the very thought of such mindless attacks,creates extreme anxiety,a sense of defeat,and worry, at what the future holds, for those, who have so much hate inside.Why are people today so intolerant,disrespectful,critical,and unkind to someone, because of his country,language,colour,looks,or simply because someone is different?And those perpetrating these hate crimes, are very young persons, who should have been full of fun,joy,and everything that youngsters are known for,instead of carrying hate bombs in their hearts.Truly a very scary situation,and no one knows how things will turn out,or will there be an end to such inhuman attacks, on innocent fellow humans. If only we could learn to respect,accept,be tolerant,try to understand another person and adjust,the world would be so much nicer for everyone.We are all citizens of this world,and should move hand in hand as one.Why fracture it with personal prejudices,and pre-conceived notions,which almost always are an outcome of ignorance,an dalso low self esteem.

THE BEAUTY OF SUNDAY!

Ever since I can remember,Sundays were always known as fun days,because it was a holiday from everything that goes on over the week.Getting up late,going over the huge pile of newspapers,not bothering about anything,just relaxing, and enjoying it.It was a day for outings,movies,or just pure enjoyment.Everyone was doing his/her own thing,but in a very relaxed,and lazy way.This was a way to energize one's self, for the week ahead.
But nowadays,life is so hectic,that enjoyment is out,and "doing" things is in.Children have to be taken for innumerable classes,and parents start running around for that.Both parents also have their own goals to follow,so the running around continues.But in life,learning to stop, is also a very important lesson,which most people do not know about,or give importance to,and thats what creates all the problems, that we see in most families.Learning to unwind,enjoying life,and getting to know and enjoy each other, is extremely important,and worth every effort.So go for it,and add a new dimension to life, and your mind.It will be worth it, for mental,and physical enhancement.Take care all.

WHY?WHY?

This morning,my son took me for a walk, to the exquisite Botanical Gardens of Singapore,which is the most heavenly place I have visited.And although I have gone there several times, every visit is a new,and beautiful experience.The government has done a stupendous job ,of preparing a place ,for the public to enjoy,and indeed,it is a great attraction for those ,who are health conscious,to enjoy their walking,jogging,exercise,or for tourists,and those who just love looking around.I fall into all these categories,so I was thrilled.But I was shocked to see a gentleman ,park his car, on the lucious green grass, just outside the gate,so that he could escape the parking charge!Why may I ask?Should we be so disrespectful,and unconcerned, about the facilities offered to us?And why break rules?Why be so careless about the lovely velvety grass,which has taken hours of labour to look as pretty as it does?So,although I enjoyed my visit,these questions continue to bother me,and we need to be more thoughtful,concerned,and respectful, about our surroundings,and those around,if we want beauty,and happiness as our gifts.Thats the thought for today!Have a smiley day.

NOTES FROM SINGAPORE

Thanks to my sons, I have been coming here, for many years now,and greatly enjoy the experience.I love going for walks every morning,which is also a time to discover innumerable aspects of life here.The most important one being the cleanliness,which is truly exemplary.It is so neat,and tidy, that there isn't a leaf out of place,so to speak.And on these walks,I make many friends,though Singaporeans are not too out going.But I smile at them the first few days,and then there is some reaction,which we enjoy.My belief and experience is that, one smile, creates another,and people warm up to each other.And it is from these friends ,that I get to know ,where to find good fish,where to go for garden fresh vegetables,and what are the things I can enjoy during my stay.I travel extensively,regularly,and when I visit someone,I do not expect them to stop their life,and start attending to me.Instead,I find things to do,and enjoy doing them.If we respect each other,and understand the need to give space to every relationship,we can all live in peace,and harmony.So lets all resolve to work for that,and create an atmosphere of peace,love,and smiles. Start now.Bye,have a very smiley day.

EACH DAY IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY

Hello world,its a fresh new day,and I get up every morning, with a smile,and a prayer of thanks to God, for giving me another chance, to do something useful for someone,somewhere,somehow,and then,with myself.There is so much to do,the choices are endless,but most people waste precious time in doing things that do not contribute positivity,and create a sense of emptiness inside.I am right now in Singapore,enjoying my time with my darling fairy princess,my grand daughter,and every moment with her is sheer joy.Children are so innocent,truthful,and unaffected,that being with them is an experience in pure enjoyment.Smiles come easily,and so do the hugs,and messy kisses,and the heart soars like a free bird.She guides me in everything,corrects my computer glitches,and teaches me the proper way of using the numerous gadgets ,that are a way of life for any young family.Since I live on my own in Pune,India,and am an elderly person,my home is very uncomplicated,and user friendly,perhaps like the person who lives in it!But thats how one should live life,in simplicity,honesty,and positivity,and that is the sure way to inner peace,and fulfilment.Bye,and love to all.

WELCOME ABOARD!

Hello everybody,welcome to my blog.As I have already mentioned in my profile,my 70th.b'day is just around the corner,and I am eagerly,and excitedly, looking forward to celebrating,all 12 months.This is my way of thanking God, for looking after me, and giving me many precious gifts, which embellish my life,and make me the person I am,and the way I live."The living of life, is an education in itself,"and its the joy of living, that consumes me,every moment of every day.There are many people I have to thank,at this very special moment of my life,because all of them have played a very vital role, in every step I have taken,to reach here.My wonderful parents,who pointed me in the right direction,and taught me the values,ethics,and principles,to live with dignity,and self-respect,and be a good human being.My darling father-in-law,who is still a very important part of my life,although he left me,many years ago.My grandparents,my wonderful husband,with whom I had twenty five of the very best years of my life.My sons,who have been my strength,guide,mentor,and sounding board,always standing by,always supportive.Their wives,who were a bit taken aback with my unconventional ways,but soon became good friends,and allies.My dearest friends,who form a ring all around me,with their care,compassion,love,thoughtfulness,and help,which is truly a great blessing.But most of all,my darling grandchildren,4 right now,(May2009!),who are the loves of my life.My time with them is very precious,so soothing,so comforting,and fun-filled,that life suddenly becomes rainbow coloured,warm,and constantly smiley.God bless them always.So you see,I am very family oriented,it always was,and will always be,my only priority,everything else comes much later.So c'mon ,join me,and lets embark on a journey to celebrate the joy of living with gusto.Bye.Love you.