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.