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!"