THE WAY TO EVERY HEART

THE TOSS OF THE COIN-----SEPT.2011

2011-09-04T02:51:00.000-07:00

From January this year,I'm constantly dealing with the death of persons, very dear to me,and with whom,I've moved very closely,intimately,for several years.I know that death is a reality,and must accompany birth,but when it hits people, who are excellent human beings,very devoted worshippers of God,who cannot hurt a fly,who could have led many years of a very fruitful,useful existence,looking after their families,the injustice of it all,is very defeating,& depressing.Why does it always happen to good people?What is the use of being good,when God will deal such a harsh blow?There are so many questions,bothering me ALL the time,to which I know, there are no answers.And so,I live with the feeling of intense helplessness,watching my friends die,slowly,surely,and the pain of visiting them is intense,and killing,but nothing compared to what they are going through.

Today is Sun.4th.Sept.2011,and I have just returned, after visiting Debashish,who is completely bed ridden,and cannot even move a finger.And the experience has devastated me beyond my imagination.More than 6ft.tall,a wonderful human being,very soft spoken,very kind,very helpful,very God fearing, and a wonderful father to his three excellent sons,he is confined to bed,completely dependant on life support systems,and the people around him.Just one year ago,I was visiting them in Chennai,where he held a very senior position in Ashok Leyland,and the care,thoughtfulness,and gentleness shown to me,was exemplary,and will always be a treasured memory.I could never,ever imagine,that one year later,he would be in this state.Every evening,after he returned from work,he would insist, that I accompany him, to different restaurants in Chennai,enjoying the various cuisines,as that would give him the opportunity to relish the food too.So we went to Buhari's,which is a landmark there,then for authentic South Indian delicacies,Karaikudi specialities,Chettinad food,the best dosas,it was just great.And his mother,my dearest Mashima,was so thrilled about it.And today?Thankfully,Mashima left in Jan.2011,and though I was devastated,I am grateful, she didn't have to see her only son,go through this.Why God ,Why?Why does such a good man,have to face this,and why should his family suffer so much pain?I can't look at the son's,because I know whats going on,inside them,and no one can do anything to help.And his wife?Did she deserve this?

My best friend in Chennai,Shyamolie,was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer,had to go through an emergency mastectomy,is going through chemotherapy,and her life has been turned completely topsy turvy.She has faced a lot of ups,and downs, in her life,but handled them well,and just when things were improving,she lost her husband Arun,a gem of a man,and a very dear friend.Then it was mother,and son,both happy,living their own lives,and Amit took very good care of his mother.Things were just fine.And when I was with her,last year,2010,she was happily giving me all the details,about how God has been so kind to her,inspite of her losses.And then,this.I don't have any words, to express my sorrow,and anguish,at the pain these two,and more of my friends are facing,and its the helplessness,that makes it so cruel.

Life is like a coin,when it is tossed, one has to take what comes,God doesn't give a choice, but these experiences, have made me determined, to live my life,with much more devotion,passion,dedication,hard work,and to go the extra mile,to achieve my goal,because no one knows when life will come to a full stop.So, while feeling completely defeated,and distressed at the pain around me,involving very dear ones,and every visit is an exercise in self-control,I work harder all the time,spread love all the time,because "This minute is in our hands,the next one?We do not know!"

LIVING IS CONSTANT LEARNING! MAY 2011

2011-05-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Manna, I don't know whether you will read this,because, in UR very BZ life,you may not find the time,or,perhaps you won't think it worthwhile, to spend it, on the musings an 'OLD' person.Specially UR mother!It is a strange fact of life, that most children, think their mothers to be,someone necessary around the house,but never think of her as a person,an individual,who has dreams,hopes,aspirations,and capabilities, beyond household work.Who loves her home,and family above ALL else,but also,loves to live her life,according to her vision,and is actually a very multi-faceted person.Anyway,instead of ranting,I will come straight to the point of my effort today.You have helped, me sort out a situation in my life,which was giving me a lot of worry,and I just didn't know what to do.But you have shown me the way,and I am really happy.I'm back on the rails once again.

After I shifted to Aundh,going for a walk had become a nightmare.This is a new,upcoming area,so there is a lot of construction going on, everywhere.There are no pavements,one has to walk on the roads,where the traffic is very heavy,being the Bombay-Pune highway.Having spent 32 years opposite the beautiful Kamala Nehru Park,was making it more miserable.There, I used to go for my walk around 9-30 AM,and loved every moment.The huge trees provided cool shade,so I could enjoy walking.But how was I going to sort this out here?In the evenings, it is impossible to walk anywhere, because of crowds,heavy traffic,and, because I live alone,for which I am the cynosure of all eyes,I didn't feel like doing it.But,not being able to go for a walk,was making me miserable.
But, my dear, you showed me the way,and I've learnt an important lesson from my child.You must be wondering what I'm raving,and ranting about?(MOTHER'S!) From early childhood,you've always been an ardent sports person,skilled at many,and enjoyed exercising.And you have continued that,inspite of a very gruelling skejule,and innumerable committments.Today when I see you, never missing out on UR exercise,no matter what, and whether it is going to the gym,or swimmimg,cycling,jogging,or playing some sport,you will do it,no excuses there.Just like your father!And I'm really proud of you,for being so dedicated about this.Because health IS wealth,no two ways about that.But what lesson have you taught me?

I thought about my problem at length,and wondered what you would have done.And then it clicked!I decided to get up at 5AM,go for a walk around 5-30,walk briskly for 45/50 mins.and return.And I've been doing that, successfully,for some time now.The weather at that time is lovely,very cool,no traffic,no horns blaring,no one coming in the way.Only lovely birds chirping away,and I am perfectly tuned to myself.Its a beautiful feeling.I'm thrilled to have found a way out from a situation that was bothering me,and you have taught me a very valuable lesson. Where there's a will,there's a way,and I've fought all problems, of heat,congested roads,too many people,a suitable timing, and found my way out.I'm happy,and enjoying myself,and I'm sending you a BIIIIIG hug, for showing me the way out.

MOTHER'S DAY, AN ETERNAL CELEBRATION--MAY 2011

2011-05-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner,and the western world celebrates this day,with great fervour.In fact,these celebrations were virtually unknown in India, till a few years back,thanks to the publicity done by the card companies.And today, it has become a big occasion,with a lot of hype,and hoopla attached to it.But, I feel, that a mother is a mother, till the end of her days,and she plays her role to perfection,till the end of her days.The age,status,success,name,and fame of her child is totally immaterial,she always looks at him as her child,and nothing else matters,everything is unimportant.And the relationship between a mother and child, is sacred,special,unconditional,constant,and permanent,and it will NEVER change.
Today, Ashis is near 50,thats how the world sees him, also as the smart, hot shot executive,intelligent,capable,holding a good position,in a leading company.But to me, he's the tiny,wriggly baby, I brought home on a very stormy day,and both of us didn't know a thing about babies,how to handle them,or what to do.We learnt as we went along,and love was our only guide,mentor,and trainer.And he started his life, totally dependent on me.When he cried, he looked at me to soothe him,and when happy,he wanted to share it with me.I accompanied him on his first day at school,held him to my heart, to reassure him,and waited outside the classroom door to pick him up,after school,knowing he would feel lost, if he didn't see me.And his eyes were full of tears when he saw me,as if he said,"Why did you leave me here?"

From school to college,and further,he kept taking every step, with great confidence,and academic brilliance,but behind it all,mother and son shared innumerable soft,sweet, touching moments,which are the threads, that bind this very precious, relationship.I was always there, to soothe his fears,give him courage to go in his chosen direction,and applaud him,for his innumerable achievements.And he too,always stood with me,for everything,all the time.I was excited as a child when he got married,thrilled beyond measure when his children were born,enjoyed a lovely comraderie with his wife,and lived my role to the hilt,in all its various colours.He was my son, and I would be with him throughout his life,whenever,and wherever the need.And not only for the need,but because I will always be his mother.

Manna was a very thin,very fair child,with pitch black eyes,born early one morning,in the middle of a huge storm, in Chennai,and I took permission from the doctor, to allow Ashis to stay with me, in the hospital,while his father was away at work, so that he didn't feel lonely,and lost.And he loved his brother.He kept looking at him,wanted to hold him,and was curious as to why he didn't say anything.And then started a relationship that amazed everyone,Ashis was an exemplary elder brother,and mothered Manna, till he left home, for IIM Kolkata,when Manna was almost 18.And a beautiful friendship grew between us.We were very happy being together,and had lots of very enjoyable moments, as well as very tough, tragic ones too.Amid broken bones, hits, hurts, gashes,they grew up,and so did our relationship,and I've always stood with them,at every moment of their lives,watching their success, and also, their problems.But my love for them continues unchanged,unwavering,and is constant.

Today,as I get ready to celebrate Mother's Day,Innumerable little incidents flash before my eyes, like the scenes of a movie,that remind me, of our life together,which is our real strength.And when the world tells me, that they have their own lives,and I should stay away, I only want to say, that no matter where I am, or what I do,I will always be their mother, nothing,or no one ,can change that, and I will happily,proudly, stand up in this role,and celebrate every day as Mother's Day, because once a mother,always a mother.

SEVERING TIES--MOVING ON!

2011-04-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

The whole of last week,my rainbow Tia Rani,and her mother Losita,were away, in two different places,different directions,different roles.Of course, they must have enjoyed themselves,while doing whatever they were supposed to do,on their respective trips.Tia is a bundle of energy,like me,(I love this comparison!), enjoys everything,while spreading her infectious charm,and smile loaded nature,all around her.Losita is a business woman,and since I'm not very knowledgeable in this area,I'll just say, that she was busy getting her work done,whatever it was.My son Manna, has been on his own, from Sept.1986,when he went to the US to study,and is quite adept at every angle of housework,and a very good cook,(like me!).This too I love!Then, what was the problem?Why was I constantly worrying about all of them,and waiting for them, to return home, to Singapore,and get back to their usual life?Because I'm a mother, and grandmother,and worrying is an occupational hazard of my job,specially because, we don't live together,so the only thing I can do, all the time is, worry."She NEVER learns to severe her ties,wherever her children,thats where her heart lies!"
But the world is very different now.Its all about I,Me and mine,and the younger generation is extremely insensitive towards the elderly.Emotions are ridiculed,and once the children have grown up,and moved on, thinking,and worrying, about them,wanting to be with them,or longing for their visit,to spend some time together, are all considered stupid,outdated notions."He's got his own life Aunty,and why should you sit here,and worry about them?"Why indeed! Because I'm his mother,and nothing,or no one on this earth,can change that,or make me forget it.I'll be his mother till I die,and I WILL worry about him,and his family,because they are ALL, a precious part of my life.

Just because he is a successful young man,perfectly capable of handling his life,and whatever comes his way,at home,and outside, do I cease to be his mother?Can I look at him from any other angle,or just forget about him?I wanted to talk to him every night,to find out if he has had his dinner,if things are OK,and how are Losita and Tia,is he feeling alright,and so many other questions.Why is it so difficult for others to understand, that "a mother,is a mother till the end of her days!"And why is it the norm, that thinking,worrying,and praying for the happiness of a child,is something to ridicule,or denigrate?

I was more worried about my darling Tia,because she is young,and when kids are in a crowd,it is always important to be watching over them,constantly,because an innocent move,can be damaging forever.Every night, I would see her pretty face,wreathed in smiles,planning some mischief,or the other,as any child would,and I'd send a silent prayer to God,to keep her safe,and happy.Here , the argument is, she has parents,who know what to do,so why should you worry?Why indeed?Because a grandchild, is more precious, than anything else,in this whole world,and she is my family.I am her grandmother,she is apart of my life,and world,and her well being will dictate my functioning.Can I forget all this, and just pretend to be unaffected by anything that goes on with them,just because my son has his own life,and knows what to do?Am I not a part of their life?
But now that they are back,we are all back to our lives,and things are in place once again.I just want the world, to TRY to understand, that a mother is a mother till the end of her days, her children are more precious to her, than her life,and the depth of love is measured by our feelings for each other,which are eternal.The child's age,status,financial capability,name,or fame, is not the defining factor to a mother,because he will always be my little boy, whom I brought home from the hospital,and who used to look deep into my eyes, for everything.That was where we got our understanding.Can I, or rather should I, just forget everything we have shared,and pretend it doesn't matter to me anymore?Because it does matter,and will,till I die. May 2011.

AN ENGLISH WEDDING/A PAGE IN HISTORY.

2011-04-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've just spent four hours in front of the TV,enjoying a ringside view, of the biggest event, in the British royal family,after 30 years.And believe me, every moment was worth it.Some of my very dear,and close friends, joined me,and we had a whale of a time.I loved the excitement,and grandeur,and everything was conducted with so much perfection,that it was a feast for the eyes. William, the elder son of Prince Charles,and the porcelain doll,Diana,married his sweetheart of eight years,Kate Middleton,in a beautiful ceremony,that was dignified,graceful,and classy.Both looked wonderful,were perfectly behaved throughout,and never lost their balance,even for a single minute.Yes, they belong to the British royal family,where it is understood, that sobriety,demeanour,and perfect manners are ingrained,and expected,but, it was wonderful to watch them handle the occasion with so much charm.
I have had the good fortune of watching his grandmother,Queen Elizabeth's coronation,which was a very grand affair.And I remember the excitement it generated then.Her beautiful gown,jewel encrusted tiara,and the way she handled herself,at such an young age,was definitely worth the admiration it received.When Prince Charles was born,it was a huge celebration,followed by the births of the other children.Then Charles married the beautiful Diana,who looked like a Dresden doll on her wedding day,and Britain went wild.I've watched their two sons from birth, to their growing up years,darlings of their mother Diana,who loved looking after them,personally.And, when Diana died, in a terrible car crash, in France, their world came crashing down.The sight of the two little boys, walking forlornly,behind their mother's casket,and their bouquet, with a card, that said,"Mummy", broke every heart,and there wasn't a single dry eye.

But they've done well for themselves,and handled every situation with dignity. Prince Charles married Camilla,and the boys were completely supportive.They've been a good friend of their father,and enjoy their time together.So it was wonderful to see William get married,and both of them looked so happy,and peaceful together.But what impressed me most,was the behaviour of the huge crowds,assembled all along the route of the procession.They were very happy,extremely excited,enjoying themselves,and every bit of the ceremony,but in a very peaceful manner.No one was bothering anyone,it was all so organised,controlled,and decent. Hats off to all the people who were their,and showed the whole world, what decency,and politeness is all about.Very impressive,and something I will always remember.I wish the young couple, constant happiness, in their new life together,and it is their behaviour,grace,and charm, that will take them successfully,on their way.I firmly believe that behaviour is like a passport,it tells everything about the person. 29th.April.2011.

TO MASHIMA,WITH LOVE! APRIL 2011.

2011-04-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

It happened so suddenly, that all of us,who had the good fortune,and privilege, of being in Mashima's life,were completely stunned,speechless,and unable to move.I remember every incident leading to that fateful moment,and I don't think I can ever forget,or pretend, it doesn't matter.Because it does!Its been a very big blow for me,and I'm still limping my way around,trying to handle the sudden emptiness inside me, that is all engulfing.I feel lonely,lost,blank,and miss her,every moment,of each day.People try to sympathise, to explain, that this is life,and it must go on , and I have to keep moving with it. But none of those people, shared,and enjoyed, a 15 yr. relationship,with one of the MOST outstanding,extraordinary,exemplary human beings ,God gifted me with,and who filled my life with happiness,and fulfilment, that I will always treasure,and cherish.Definitely some of the very BEST moments of my life.She showered me with deep love,and always stood with me,supporting,and comforting me,and giving me the strength,and courage to just keep going.Oh! God.How I miss her!Where will I find a friend,philosopher,and guide like her?

It was a Sunday,and I had gone with some friends, for a picnic ,to a lovely farm house,on the outskirts of Pune.It was a lovely experience, a very enjoyable day,and I returned home,in a very happy,satisfied mood.Here, I must say, that I have been very lucky, to have really good friends, who love me,care for me, and are always there, to help out, whenever the situation calls for it.And this picnic was specially organised, "Because you love going out,and will enjoy yourself!"Which indeed, I did!But,as soon as I returned, the phone rang,and I just fell into the nearest chair. My heart was thumping away, and my mind completely blank.No! This was just not possible!It cannot be true!No! No! No!I wanted to scream,but I felt as if I had lost my voice.From the other side, I vaguely heard a voice say,"UR Mashima just left!She has gone away!"Even as I write this, I feel as if my heart has been cut up in ribbons,and the blow,impossible to accept,or realise.Mashima gone?
But one has to face,accept,and be graceful about reality, no matter how impossible,or tough it may be,for that is the only way to go.And although I am well past 70,have faced many,very severe blows in life,I just couldn't stand up to this blow, which hit me more that I could have ever imagined.Because it was totally unexpected,sudden, when no one expected it.She was almost 90, but more active that a 50 yr.old,and her love knew no bounds.She greatly enjoyed looking after her whole family, and I was very special to her,a relationship, probably from our previous birth.This is what Hinduism teaches,and my father,and father-in-law, greatly believed in.They passed this belief to me,during my most memorable,and precious moments with them,as long as they lived.

I met Mashima,after they shifted into the apartment just below ours,and my neighbour said,"Aunty, a Bengali family has shifted here,have you met them?"No, I hadn't,but one day,while returning home,a very sweet elderly lady,looked at me, with a very warm,beautiful smile, and said,"Oh! You must be Jonaki! I've heard so much about you.Now I can get to know you better!"And indeed we did.From a very slow,cautious start,it soon blossomed into a wonderful friendship,and we were almost inseparable.Not a day went by,when we didn't see each other,shared our joys,and sorrows,ups,and downs,and always moved together.She was a great fan of my cooking,and I enjoyed making her favourite dishes,which she enjoyed,
effusively.She too was an excellent cook,and I marvelled at the ease, with which she turned out delicacies,at the drop of a hat.

But more than anything,Mashima was a person par excellence,an extraordinary human being,of grace,class,culture,and dignity,and took everything in her stride,both the good,and the bad.I loved and admired her,and she gave me so much love,that today,even in my loneliness, I feel honoured,and privileged, to have had her in my life,and spent beautiful years with her.After she left, for days, I was completely blank,my mind just refused to function,and I felt as if, half my body was gone.It was too difficult to handle,and, since I live alone, it was extra painful.I still wish the phone would ring,and she would ask me to make her favourite sweets,or sambhar,green mango jam,nimki,and the innumerable things she so loved to eat.But reality is tough to handle,and each person has to find a way out.But I will love Mashima forever,because she was my dearest,and best friend,and gave me very valuable lessons, on how to be a good person,above all else.And I will make every endeavour to follow whatever she said, as my tribute to a great lady,my best friend,my inspiration,guide,and a very precious part of my life.R.I.P Mashima,chirodin bhalobeshe jaabo,jaemon aapni dekheiyechen.

12th.APRIL,A SPECIAL DAY 4 ME.

2011-04-12T03:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my husband's b'day,and, although he left me more than 25 yrs. ago,this day continues to come, loaded with wonderfully happy memories,and also tinged with sadness, at what might have been.Yes, there is a space in my heart which is full of pain,and a deep sense of loss, and lots of unanswered questions.But ,we shared lovely moments together,and I can still recall every birthday,and the unending joy we managed to create.

He came from a very conservative family,and celebrating b'days etc. were just not done,for fear of the evil eye.And, in my family, we celebrated everything in a big way,and my parents would go all out,to make the day special, in every possible way.They say, opposites attract,but, in our case, we were just thrown together, two completely unknown people,and it was left to us, to go, in whichever direction we wanted to follow.And we didn't really know much about attraction etc.Or rather, we didn't know much about anything.But everyone is born with survival skills,and learns soon enough,how to tackle the situation.So did we, or, to put it correctly,I did.He didn't know a thing about anything relating to the home,so I had to take things in hand,and find my way out.But we had loads of fun,as we made our way together,and as love grew,and blossomed, we started enjoying many things, which were new to him,and which soon became an inseparable part of our lives.

I still remember his 1st. b'day after marriage,12th Apr.1962.When he left for work, I just told him not to return late, because a friend was dropping in, to meet him.He didn't suspect anything,and in those days, there were no hassles like cell-phone etc. so I knew he wouldn't find out anything. And he wouldn't remember either.After he left, I got started with my plans,and being young,and new,it was a difficult task.But I managed to make payesh,keemar ghoogni,luchi,aloor dom,and decorated the dinner table with lovely fresh flowers.We were living in Salem,Tamilnadu, so flowers were available everywhere, and I had my own flower seller,coming home.I also dressed up well,and was completely ready, when the b'day boy returned.He was surprised to see me all dolled up,and more surprised,when he entered, and went to the dining table.It was a rickety cane table,but love had worked wonders,and created a beautiful,dreamy atmosphere.

He was shy,embarrased, hesitant, but I could see the glow of happiness in his eyes,and that was my biggest reward.I had baked a small cake,which he cut,and after that,we sat down to enjoy the party.It was simple, certainly not perfect,very amateurish,but we felt as if we were in heaven.He enjoyed every morsel,was full of praise, and then I gave him his gift.It was his favourite book,with a few poetic lines from me,and he just melted.It was the happiest day for us,sweet,simple, and straight from the heart.

Over the years, we celebrated every occasion, with a lot of excitement, preparation, and planning. The children's b'days were huge events,eagerly looked forward to,by everyone, and thanks to the coaching he received from them, he also learnt to select gifts for each one of us.If they were not up to the mark,he was apologetic,but I loved him as he was,and didn't really care for what he bought.And, he always loved to talk about that 1st. b'day, which caught him unawares,and introduced him, to fun,and joy, he had never experienced.And till today, I believe, that its the simple,loving, acts of thoughtfulness,care,sensitivity, that matter,and money can never,ever substitute the workings of the heart.

LIVING,IS MY FAVOURITE THING.

2011-04-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

This morning,a friend of mine, asked me, to name, five of my favourite things,and I immediately said,"Only five?I can name fifty,or more.My list is endless!"She was completely taken aback,specially because, she was talking to a person,who,in the eyes of the world,lives a life, that cannot have anything good about it.In fact, most people feel sorry for me.But I laugh it off,as is my nature,because, it is only at the tree laden with fruits, that people cast stones.Happiness is an art, that has to be cultivated.It is self-generating,and is not dependant on anyone,or anything.It grows inside,and blooms,and blossoms into great joy,and beauty,by the way it is nurtured,and cultured.It is very personal,and brings tremendous peace,inner solace,and fulfilment.

What then, ARE my favourite things?Watching the sun rise every morning,like an exquisite painting,and marvel at the different colours that accompany this gorgeous sight.Beautiful birds,big,and small,flitting around,chirping away,happy to welcome a new day,and looking at me,with surprise in their little,shiny eyes.The cool breeze,softly caressing me,as I sit down, to enjoy my favourite tea,made,exactly as I like it.Watching the world come to life,in various different ways,as the day demands,from each person,is also a great experience.
The whole world knows that I am a passionate cook,and my time in my kitchen,is indeed,one of my MOST favourite things.There,I'm at my creative best,and every moment is exciting,and very enjoyable.Decorating my home is also something I love,so I'm always shifting,cleaning,adding, substituting,and trying to make it a place loved,admired,and enjoyed by all.And, I'm very proud to say, it is.When I was young,the happiest place for me,was Disneyland.It still is,I would love to go there again,but now,in the evening of my life,my home,is the best,and happiest place in the world.Everything about it, shows my love,and what I value,and I feel happy here.

I love to travel,and every place, has its own, charming story to tell.Meeting people,and making friends, is also something I love,because it opens the door to so much knowledge,awareness,and insight, into the human psyche.I love good food,am always eager to try out different cuisines,of different countries. Sitting on the beach,and quietly watching the waves come thrashing to the shore,and then go back,in soft,white foam.I have seen the Alps in heavy snow,and some of the spectacular wonders of the world. So how can I name only five of my favourite things?

Reading,listening to soft,beautiful music,talking to friends,spending time with the superstars of my life,my beautiful grandchildren,giving a little gift to my son,and watching the emotions on his face,which he takes care to hide,cooking something for a loved one,that will bring on a smile,writing, which I do ALL the time,compose verse,my first love,knitting,sewing,you name it,I do it.Which ones should I pick?Actually, I'm deeply in love with life,and living it with joy,energy,enthusiasm,excitement,lots of fun,and happy smiles,takes up all my time,so everything about living, is my favourite.

I'M MAD! RU?

2011-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

No,its not a laughing matter,although I personally feel ,that a sense of humour, is certainly, the most important trait in a person's character,and helps in any situation.But, this is something very important, something I feel very strongly about,and want to create public awareness.MAD here means, Making A Difference,living life in such a way,that there is some concrete contribution to society,and trying to be the change, that we want to see around us.Talking is easy, that is why most people talk about everything all around us, and thats where it all ends.But, its when we decide to do our bit,even if it makes a small difference,that big changes will take place,and we can be of use to society.

Our maids play a very vital role in the household,but lead lives of tremendous hardship,and there's never any end in sight.Every moment means constant struggle,endless worries,with no respite.But if each family decides to help, in some form,or the other,in any small way,things will be different,and the maid will get strength from knowing,that help is available.Of course,there are innumerable instances of a good samaritan,being at the receiving end,but should that stop us from trying to MAD?No,in fact,a small step today,will make a big difference, tomorrow.

In the '40's,when I was very young,I used to see my mother,regularly visit a settlement, of very poor people,near our home,sometimes several times a day.Being too young, I didn't know what she was doing.But one day,she asked me to accompany her,and I've never forgotten that experience.She was completely in charge of the whole settlement,and looked after all their needs.The children were put in schools,and she diligently checked to see how they were coping.My father, being a doctor,was roped in, to look after their medical problems,which were many,and she had arranged for bhajan sessions, counselling,community kitchens,social workers to provide guidance, and help.Every angle was looked after by a lady,who had never been near the gates of a school,as was the system at that time,but who had values,principles,and goals,that surprised everyone,and worked had,to achieve them.And she did.She MAD!

Littering,throwing garbage all over,being disrespectful to the people around us,and our surroundings,talking loudly on the cell phone(the biggest nuisance of the 21st. century!) being late for an appointment,being rude,and discourteous,the list is endless,and the problems, ever increasing.But all we choose to do,is sit around,and talk.But hey! Lets do something concrete,and be responsible,accountable,answerable,for the change,around us. Lets MAD! Start now,and keep going,it really matters!

LIFE IS CONSTANT LEARNING

2011-04-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Like millions of people,all over the world,I too, am an ardent fan,and admirer, of the iconic Sachin Tendulkar,not only because of his cricketing prowess,but for the person he is,and the way he handles himself,and his life.His humility,courtesy,grace,and calm demeanour,stand out, at every step he takes,and adds an aura around him,that is both charming,and very touching.He never gets blown away by anything,although he is responsible for many path breaking records,and takes everything in his stride,with humility,and complete control.And it is this great quality,that makes him a world icon, idol,and a tremendous inspiration to both the young,and the old.

India has just lifted the mighty World Cup,which in itself,is a huge achievement.And, all the team members, vociferously announced, that they wanted to do this for Sachin,because he deserved this glory.And to me, this is a very big honour,because, to be loved,and respected is the biggest achievement in life,and the "Little Master" has got it all,totally on his own merit.It is his perfect behaviour, constant self-control,kind,caring,helpful,sensitive nature,that has brought him, to the height of personal achievement,with a glorious gift from his team mates.The adoration,admiration,accolades,from everyone around him,don't make a difference.He walks on his own path,in his own way,handles things with dignity,and stands tall,and straight.Small in stature,but extremely large in presence.It is his innate self-belief,self confidence,and the ability to keep doing his own thing,that has taken him to the pinnacle of success.

All his team mates have mentioned, that it was always Sachin,who willingly,readily, stood by them,in their difficult times,encouraged, motivated,and guided them,and helped them gain confidence, and get back on track.The mighty Yuvraj Singh has said, that he owes his present form, to constant support from this icon,and the encouragement he always gave.When the entire team moves as one, to win the cup,as a tribute to their idol,and fights to the finish,it is an honour,very few can even dream of.And a very well deserved one too.

So,instead of gloating over the enormity of the situation,which of course, is perfectly natural,and to be expected, let us learn life's MOST valuable lessons, from this great man.That it is important,and imperative, to be humble,grateful to God, to be courteous, respectful,sensitive,and well-mannered,at all times,with everyone,and treat people with love,and kindness,support,and encourage when it is needed,and always be there,for someone,who needs help,no matter what the situation.Greatness lies in being in control of one's self,when the moment can over throw alll ideals,and even in this hour of highest honour,Sachin has given ALL the credit to his team mates,and thanked them,for giving him the most prestigeous gift.

BEING A PART OF HISTORY

2011-04-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today is Sun.3rd. April 2011,and I write this, in an extremely euphoric,ecstatic,and wonderfully happy frame of mind.Because, once again, I have witnessed a very historical moment in the life of every Indian,and being a very patriotic,and proud Indian,it has made me delirious with joy.India has won the World Cup,and what a show it was!Tears flowed freely, proud,happy smiles, wreathed every face,and congratulatory shouts rent the air! It was as if,everyone had gone mad,and the occasion was worth every bit of this,and much more.Behind this memorable moment,lies a lot of very hard work, stress, frustrations,mental,and physical problems,but to fight against insurmountable odds,and emerge the winner,speaks of character,calibre,capability,and above all,the desire to fight it out.And our team is the embodiment of all this,which helped them reach the pinnacle of success.

From a very young age,we have been taught that,"Unity is strength!"and because the team worked as one,they reached their coveted goal.Each and every member,had only one aim,one goal,one thought,to lift the Cup,and moved towards achieveing this,as one entity.And they also wanted to gift this victory, to a world icon,a giant among leaders,a cricketing wizard,an acknowledged maestro,the great Sachin Tendulkar,who wanted to add this coveted trophy, to his already over loaded haul.And they did it!Every member of the team proudly said, that they were happy to do it for him,and when they lifted him, on their shoulders,and took him around the stadium for a victory lap,I must confess, my tears refused to be in control.It was the biggest expression of love and respect,for an outstanding colleague,and this is a very rare achievement in an individuals life.But when it comes to this superstar of cricket, nothing is really enough,his stature is too high,his personality so royal,and he's truly deserving of his status as an icon,and an idol.

What exactly contributes to this frame of mind,and the desire to make someone's dream come true?The answer is very simple,and easily found in the values, instilled in us,from birth.It is all about being loving,respectful,thoughtful,sensitive,caring,true friendship,and togetherness,and when the happiness of someone else ,becomes a priority,and goal,it is easy to reach it,because after all,love is MORE about giving,LESS of taking.And if we all move through life,constantly practicing what our parents,and elders taught us,then the world would be such a very happy place,and we, calm,and peaceful individuals.

So,hats off to our team! And, for once, blue is the colour of everything worth working for,the colour of love,happiness,togetherness,power,and professionalism,the colour that will be painting the country,for a very long time.And I'm SOOOOOO happy,proud,and thrilled beyond measure, to have witnessed history being made,and been a part of such a momentous day, in the life of every Indian.And after the match,when the sky was lit up with exquisite fireworks,and the roads thronged with hundreds of elated Indians,gone mad with joy,I sent a silent prayer of thanks to God,for giving me the gift of a moment, I will cherish,and treasure,for the rest of my life.The memorable date is Sat. 2nd.April 2011.

SHAKE HANDS WITH YOURSELF!

2011-03-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

One of the many questions I am constantly asked is,"What exactly do you do,specially because you live all alone?"Well,I don't mind this curiosity,its perfectly natural,specially because, In Indian society,it is extremely unusual for a lady, of my age,and stage,to live alone,and enjoy every moment of it.The popular concept is,in young age,its always the family,and life revolves around them,and their never ending demands.Its always the woman,who has to stand up to every expectation.And in the process,completely put herself on the shelf, so that she forgets who she is,and loses touch with her inner feelings,her desires,hopes,and aspirations,and becomes an empty shell,holding on to others, to survive.And then, a day dawns, when children have left the coop,the husband is perpetually busy,and the wife has to fend for herself,which she has never learnt to do,because she was either not allowed,or not encouraged to do so.And then starts a life of despair,loneliness,and dejection.
Fortunately for me, my mother taught me,very early in life,that no matter what I was doing,it is extremely imperative, that everyday,I find some time,only for myself,doing things I love,which bring me mental happiness,and give wings to my desires.And I have always followed that,and do it, even now.Having multi-faceted interests, has definitely helped,and being very passionate about whatever I take up,is the secret to the success, that everyone talks about."Where there is love,passion,and dedication,success,fulfilment,and mental peace,are bound to follow".And I can proudly say,that today,after having crossed 70,and "living alone", I am completely at peace with myself,and happy with the way I live.How many can claim that?
To be in love with life,and enjoying the joy of living,creates the energy,and will, to keep going,exploring every avenue,and always looking for ways to improve, enhance,upgrade life, to make it a satisfying experience.I start my day with my favourite hot cup of tea,watching the sun rise,and the magic of the moment, is very mesmerising,and beautiful.I love to write,and do it all the time,even when I'm watching the milk from boiling over.Reading,cooking,travelling,composing poems,music,watching my favourite shows on TV,sports, spending time with friends,talking to my darling grandchildren,being involved in the numerous projects I endorse,you name it,I do it,thats what keeps my life so fulfilling,and creative."The greatest source of energy, is pride in what you are doing!"And of course, the internet has brought the world, within my fingertips.

The person inside is my real guide,and I always give vent to my inner desires,hopes,and aspirations.What people say,or think about me,is irrelevant,unimportant,but what I think about myself, is ALL that matters,because being happy is all about inner peace,and personal calm,which is self generating,and cannot come from outside.

GIVING IN TO NOSTALGIA--REEDO'S B'DAY, 27th Mar 2011

2011-03-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today,my darling butterball, Reedoo,celebrates his 4th.b'day,and my only thought is,I wish I was there, to celebrate with him.I would have loved to cook something special for him,maybe luchi torkari,some sweets,or a cake,anything that would give the celebration my personal touch.And then,enjoy the day with him.But none of this is possible,and so, I spend my time, thinking of the innumerable memories, that come tumbling out, of the data bank, of my heart,where they are stored,with deep love.

I remember,very vividly,the day Ashis was born.I arrived in the hospital in the afternoon,and a severe storm started,soon after.Being young,and totally unaware of whats going to happen,I was walking around,talking to the other mothers,lined up for their proper time.The doctor,a very renowned expert, kept a watch on me,and my husband sat around, trying to read, to hide his anxiety.He was like a cat on a hot tin roof,nervous,edgy, ignorant about everything,and constantly looking at me,trying to figure out what was happening.In those days, it was innocence that was so touching, in a relationship.We only had each other,and at that crucial moment,he wanted to help, in any way possible.And when I was taken away into the delivery room,the look on his face, is still clearly etched, in my mind.Worry,helplessness,anxiety,all rolled into one.
He was born around 5-40 PM,after a very normal,easy birth,and when we were taken to our room,the huge smile on his fathers sweaty,tired face,made my day,and I forgot about the physical upheaval I had gone through.He was like a little child,excited,happy,and thrilled with the little face in front of him.Both of us loved children,and were completely overjoyed with the arrival of Ashis.He held my hand,as I sipped the hot filter coffee,and lovely soft,white iddlis he had bought,specially for me.The expression of love, varies from person to person,and my husband came from a very simple,conservative family,where it wasn't proper to be demonstrative about such things.But it was this simplicity that always appealed to me,and his childlike gestures really touched my heart.And,in that tiny hospital room,two young people,very mush in love,held their baby,and were getting ready, to write the next chapter, in their beautiful love story.
But hey! Its Reedo's b'day,and he is the most beautiful,cheerful,happy child imaginable,very friendly,very social,loves talking,and a real bundle of joy.My friends say, God brought him into my life,as a special gift,because I love children,love spending time with them,love to knit for them, in short,I enjoy everything with them.And indeed, that is very true.Its a joy to be with my darling, just like the other three,and they have brought me joy,and fulfilment, that cannot be described.And today, on his b'day,I wish him all the very best in everything,and may he always enjoy happiness, in whatever he undertakes,wherever he goes.May God gift him with good health,peace,and lots of smiles,that is my prayer on his 4th.b'day.Love you,my sweetheart!

AOL..com

2011-03-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

No,that is not my new mail id,but the most important aspect of life,which very few know of,or have any idea, about how to get there.It is the Art Of Living,which is the essence of life,and the pursuit of which,brings fulfilment,peace,and is the biggest achievement in life.To most people, specially nowadays,(2011)the meaning of life is, acquiring material assets,in every sphere,every form,the more the merrier,and in the course of achieving this,trample on all the most important values of life,without even a backward glance.Yet,surrounded by the best that money can provide,there is a constant feeling of discontent,restlessness,a mental vacuum,and the feeling, that something is seriously lacking.And that,is the art of living.

Is living all about I,Me and Mine?Is it constantly running in a rat race,trying to keep pace with others,and living according to the terms dictated by personal lifestyle?Making money,is not the same, as making a life,so everyone knows about money making,but very few have any idea of living,or how to enjoy life.Having acquired everything that money can buy,what next?Slowly the realisation dawns,that money doesn't guarantee some of the MOST important gifts of life,like love,good health,mental peace,a sense of fulfilment,and inner calm.If it did, then all the richest people in the world,would have been the happiest, but are they?Liz Taylor died this morning,(Wed.23rd.Mar.)one of the world's most beautiful women,extremely wealthy,surrounded by the world's most eligible men,lacking nothing,except mental peace,health,and the strength of relationships.Many worldwide figures have led miserable personal lives,and Mother Teresa,who owned nothing,was a very peaceful,satisfied,happy person.

The art of living is all about being in love with the joy of living,of loving people,of being there for someone,its about kindness,care,compassion,togetherness,of being ever ready to help,and to hold,and sharing whatever one has,for the benefit of someone, who needs it more.Last year, Mumbai was facing severe floods,but even in that terrible catastrophe,a little roadside boy,was cuddling a small puppy,and holding it tightly, to his heart,to save him,even sharing his meagre food with him.And there are innumerable such instances, of the generosity of human spirit.And strangely,in my own experience, I have seen,that some of the richest, are the meanest,most unscrupulous,unkind,and totally devoid of basic human values.
A life that is lived with love,with sensitivity,respect for others, and constantly looking for opportunities to be of use,somewhere,to someone,somehow.Being happy with whatever God gives,thanking Him for His gifts,and living with contentment,committment,and constantly creating avenues which bring fulfilment,is the art of living,the ultimate achievement in life.One who manages this, is truly a very rich person indeed,for he has attained richness,where it matters most,mentally,and personally.

INTRODUCING JONASJOYS

2011-03-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

Recently,I was being interviewed, for an article,in a leading publication,and it started with,"Tell us something about Jonasjoys.What exactly is it?"Well,I'm always very happy to talk about Jonasjoys,because it is entirely my own creation,in which, I have given shape, to my numerous dreams,and with constant hard work,have made it a famous name, here, in a megapolis like Pune.And it gives me immense joy,when I attend parties,or get-togethers,where the gourmet items have been prepared by me, when guests inspect the dinner table and say,"Wow! This looks like a Jonasjoys creation?"It is a very fulfilling,satisfying,and happy moment indeed.

How did this name originate,and who thought about it?The idea was entirely mine,and Jonas comes from my name Jonaki,which means firefly.This name was given to me, by my darling Dad, who always said,that when he came to see me,after I was born,I gave him a big smile.And there and then, he decided to call me, Jonaki, which lights up darkness.As I grew up, I tried telling him,that new-born babies don't smile.But he stuck to his theory,the name stuck to me,and now,it has become famous.And Joys?Because I love to spread joy,whenever,and wherever I can, so Jonasjoys means,the joy spread by Jonaki.
Initially,it was mostly about food,which,as everyone knows, is my passion,hobby, the greatest source of enjoyment,and, in my opinion,the greatest example of love.So, whatever I made,went with this label.Slowly,it branched out into party preparations,infant food,health food,no oil food,and everyone loved it.I was constantly coming out with new ideas,and there were requests for something, in a different avenue.One thing led to another,and my repertoire became very large,very popular,and in constant demand.

Later,Jonasjoys started writing on various topics,composing poems for special occasions,giving advice on different aspects of life,ideas on good living,showing the way out of many difficult moments in life,and writing articles of topical interest,but in a very humourous way,and the reaction to all these was surprising,and amusing.I loved the recognition that came my way,and it only fuelled my desire to achieve more.And today,Jonasjoys is well known for its creativity, in many spheres.Pretty gift wrapping,knitted articles for every age, babies being my top favourites,verses for house-warming,weddings,a new birth,any special occasion,and unhesitatingly, their choice?Jonasjoys!

Now, having crossed 70, Jonasjoys is a constant source of excitement,fun,enjoyment,endless creativity,and always opening up to new horizons.I love challenges,and take them up with great enthusiasm,for if I can handle them well,I will push Jonasjoys up another rung, in the ladder of success.Isn't that a goal worth working for?

I'M AN ADDICT MARCH 2011

2011-03-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm an addict,and a proud one too,

Nothing,or no one,can help me,thats true,

All this, has now, become my obsession,
I'm totally in the grip of my various addictions.

I'm addicted to love,and the happiness it brings,
There is a spring in the step,and makes the heart sing,

Addicted to putting out my hand to hold,

To give peace to someone,and pleasures untold.

My addiction is to wipe a tear,

And always try to spread some cheer,
My life is not about I,Me,or Mine,

Creating smiles, makes me feel so fine.

I'm addicted to spreading warmth everywhere,

In times of need, to always be there,

Give me the strength,Oh Lord,I pray,
To be addicted to living,in every way.

A VERY SPECIAL DAY--LOVE U AYON.20th.Mar.2011

2011-03-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

My dearest Ayon, I can't believe it,but its UR 18th.b'day,and I must confess,I'm feeling really sad, that I couldn't join you, and celebrate this special b'day with you.I would have given you a BIIIIIG hug,held you to my heart,and blessed you,wishing all the very best always,and hoping ALL UR dreams come true.I would have loved to cook something special 4U,the choice would have been yours,and enjoyed every moment with you.A grandchild is always extra special,and the first one,more so,because he brings joy, never experienced B4,and opens the door to so much excitement.

Time has a way of flying past,and you have raced into UR 18th year,B4 we even realised it.Where have the years gone?I remember that day,early morning,when the doctor came, and put you in my hands,and UR head fitted in my palm.I looked at that little face,and suddenly,the tears started flowing,as if a dam had burst.I couldn't do anything to stop them,and all those around were wondering, why I reacted that way.I've never said this to anyone,but today,I'll tell you,UR Dadu had huge plans of what he would do,with his first grandchild,and discussed them with me very often, with the excitement of a little child.I can still see his handsome face,wreathed in smiles,as he listed all that he had in mind,for that occasion.But things turned out differently.I had to handle that moment,all on my own,and that is why I felt so much pain.But soon,that little face, was like a balm to my heart,and I got so much love from you,that my life was completely fulfilled.You made me very happy.

Over the years, we'ev shared lovely moments,and also some very difficult ones too.It wasn't EZ for me to see you go through so many health problems,specially because I couldn't do anything to ease it 4U.But my dearest Ayon,we share deep love,care for each other,have respect,and sensitivity,and on UR 18th b'day,I pray that all UR troubles disappear,and you can enjoy UR life,just as you would want to.And, my darling musician,I love the beautiful music you create,and one day,the world will talk about it,just wait.

So ,Happy 18th.b'day,to someone I love deeply,a very good human being,and just walk on UR own track,UR dreams WILL come true.LOVE YOU,FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART,UR very precious to me.

THE SENSATIONAL SEVENTIES

2011-03-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm in the sensational seventies,and life is a ball,

My energy,and enthusiasm,nothing can stall,
I have a lot of dreams,hopes,and aspirations,

Every moment for me now, is a constant celebration.

This is the best time of life for me,

Of compulsions,and demands,I'm completely free,

No deadlines to meet,my time is mine,

And the way I live is perfectly fine!

With a hot cup of tea,I watch the sun rise,

The master painter never ceases to surprise,
Lovely birds flit around,chirping away,

This is how I start each day.

If I feel like it,I just go for a walk,
Or call a friend over,and sit,and talk,

Movies,picnics,and many more,

My life's full of fun,thats for sure.

I can watch a new bud,bloom into a flower,

Or enjoy getting wet,in the season's first shower,

Talk to my grandchildren,the biggest stars in my world,

They add colours of joy,great love,they have stirred.

I can read,or write, or just sit around,
Peace,and pleasure I have found,

What is this life,if full of care

I have no time for enjoyment to spare?

BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME!

2011-03-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

My dearest Rainbow,this is specially for you.I love talking to you,because I feel really happy,and that is the test of a good relationship.You don't say things just for saying,but because you care,and that makes me feel very good.It is very comforting to know, that there is someone, who thinks about me,cares about what I do,and is in contact all the time.I'm sure you must be wondering what I'm talking about?Yes,UR2 small to understand,but when you asked me, why I don't write in my blog,I realised, that someone is interested in me,in what I do,and wants me to keep doing it.And that was the push I needed.So,here I am, doing what I enjoy most,writing my blog,and talking 2U.

As you know already, I love to write,and I'm always writing something,or the other,and winning awards for them too.But frankly, after my dearest friend,wonderful companion,and the nicest,kindest person in my life,my dearest Mashima, left me, I felt as if, half my body is gone with her,and the loss was too much to handle.You remember the wonderful granny who used to live in the apartment downstairs?Yes, we were best friends,and loving companions, for close to 15 yrs.and the sudden break was a huge shock.Although I wanted to go to my blog,and thought about it constantly,I just didn't have the will to continue.But you have done exactly what a good friend does ,given me the push I needed. So,here I am,doing what I enjoy most,letting my fingers fly,and get my thoughts across.

Thank you for the nudge,and I will be regular now. The New Year(2011) started off very well,but this incident proved 2B a setback,and it was very tough for me.But as you know from FB,I'm having fun, doing whatever I enjoy,and creating things that give me joy.Holi,the festival of colours is around the corner,and all of us RBZ with the preparations.The whole city is in a festive mood,and everyone is fully prepared to plunge into the excitement,and fun.I am making special sweets,because it is customary to serve sweets, after playing with colours.And Jonasjoys preparations are very hot right now.Specially after Loy endorsed it,my name is very high on the list of speciality food, here in Pune.Thats great,right?
Well my dear,bye for now.Leave UR comments,and I'm going 2B very regular now.Thanks for being a very loving,and true friend.God has given me a very special gift I'm always thankful for---YOU!Bhalobasha.

ON MY ANNIVERSARY,18th.NOV.2010

2010-11-18T05:16:00.000-08:00

Today is our anniversary,and we would have completed 49 blissful,beautiful,warm,love-filled,charming years.Yes, that is what my life, with my extraordinary husband was like.He had a great sense of humour,and always said,with a big smile,"We are on a permanent honeymoon!"And indeed we were.We never stopped talking,laughing,sharing,enjoying,and our life was full of fun.He knew how to create smiles,and we enjoyed every moment of the beautiful togetherness,we shared.Friends very often asked us,"What do you constantly talk about?Whenever we see you driving past,you are so busy talking to each other,that you don't notice anything else!"Yes,our life was like an exciting adventure,full of happiness to the core,and never ever did we imagine that it would be so short lived.

On every a'versary,what is the first thought that comes to my mind?Why?Why? Why did this have to happen,and why did our beautiful,happy world, suddenly come crashing down,destroying everything into smithereens,and leaving me completely shattered,alone,helpless,and sunk in the depths pf despair?We shared many dreams,planned for many achievements,looked forward to so much.But suddenly I felt as if I was in a dark tunnel,with no chance of anything to look forward to.Even today,after almost 25 yrs. of steering the boat alone,I still haven't got over the shock of that devastating moment,that turned my life upside down,ripping it apart,and constant tears,and fears,my steady companions.

But, its the love we shared,our dreams together,the various plans we had,and the success of my children, that gave me the strength, to get started,and keep moving,inspite of the pain,and the urge to give up.We had never met each other before we got married,but in him,I found a wonderful human being,shared many similarities,and most of all,we loved each other,which was Gods gift to us.When something is built on love,it cannot be destroyed,and thats what kept me going.To make all his dreams come true,and not put obstacles in the path of our son's.Today,in 2010, I can say, that all this has been achieved,and I should be happy,and proud.But the pain inside, is as bad as ever.

Every a'sary,its the same feelings,the hurt,pain,loneliness,as bad as ever,and the injustice of it all,creating helplessness.But joy,and sorrow, are two sides of the same coin,and one has to face what comes in life.Today,I miss him terribly,think of the fun we would have had,his surprise gifts,and so much more,and the pain increases.But I have come so far,don't know how much time I have,and will continue to live in my own way,because love conquers all,and is a many splendoured thing,to be treasured,and enjoyed.So,while I do have a constant nagging pain,I also greatly savour the 25 beautiful,happy, fulfilling years, he gave me,as a fitting tribute to a great marriage,and a wonderful relationship.

MY 70th.YEAR. NOV 2010

2010-11-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

When I stepped into my 70th.yr. in Nov.2009, I announced it to the world,that I would be celebrating every moment of this special year,and have a blast.Being a very happy,fun-loving person, I thought that would be the best way to celebrate the life I have lived,and the way I live it.To me,life is a very precious gift,and living it with joy,committment,energy,enthusiasm,and most of all love,is how I do it.So,I wanted to make every moment of each day in my 70th.yr.full of fun,and also my way of thanking God,for blessing me,with the capability to live my life,exactly as I want to,and make my dreams come true.And indeed, now that the year is over,I can say with justifiable pride,that I have done it!Dreams do come true.

I was in Buffalo when 2010 started,and was having a wonderful time with my darling little friends,my grandchildren,Ayon/Eric/and little Reedoo.And every day I thanked God for this pleasure,which is life's greatest gift to me.I love children,and my time with them is more precious, than anything else in this whole world.I returned to Pune in the last week of Jan. and, after a few days,left for Delhi, to celebrate this year,with very special people.

The whole trip was full of fun,and everyone plunged into the celebrations, with so much love,and care,that I was truly overwhelmed. I was born,brought up,educated,and married in Delhi, so it will always be a place full of very precious memories,of the most important persons in my life.But I also wanted to meet those, who have been with me,through the ups,and downs of my life,and readily put out the hand,that steadied me,whenever I needed it.That is why I went to Delhi.And what a fabulous trip it was.

I stayed with people I've known for more than 60 yrs. and the love they poured on me,was a very touching, yet fulfilling experience.Today,in 2010, relationships have no value,and are almost non-existent.But I am very proud to say,that all my relationships, are as fresh as a new flower,and their fragrance fills my life with beauty.I visited everyone,friends,relatives,and had a great time everywhere.We all got together to enjoy endless adda,went shopping,ate out,or just sat around to talk about the innumerable things we always can talk about.And I loved every moment.Truly a most unforgettable trip.

I returned to Pune, and immediately got busy with my life here,again full of all my favourite activities,and made joyful by my dear friends.In May,I left for Singapore, to enjoy my time with my dear friend,and favourite companion,my 12 yr.old grand daughter,Tia Rani,who is the personification of all that is wonderful in life.Children have a way of embellishing life with their pure,and unsullied charm,and it is their purity of thoughts,and their innocence,that makes every moment so precious.We talked,shopped,walked,ate endlessly,and loved every moment.But the highlight of my trip, in 2010, was my 70th.b'day gift, a trip to the newly opened Universal Studios,and wow!what an absolutely fantastic place.Just what I love too.

I have been visiting S'Pore, for close to 14 yrs. now,and the way their govt.runs the city,is most admirable,an example to the whole world.And their version of the famous Universal Studios,has definitely become the talking point, of the millions of tourists,who throng there,every day.And I can vouch for every word of appreciation,people say.In fact,words cannot describe the grandeur,and the fascinating,awesome, and very beautiful atmosphere, created.Every moment spent there,is a visual treat,and a delight.I loved every moment,and felt like a little child,with its favourite chocolate,or toy.My loving thanks go to my son,Losita,and of course Tia Rani,for this outstanding gift.Thank you guyz.

After a very warm,and wonderful trip to S'Pore, I returned to Pune,but within a few days, left for Chennai,to attend the wedding of Ria,my young friend from my apartment complex,Riverview.I love travelling,meeting friends,and enjoying with them,and once again,it was a very enjoyable trip,from beginning,to end.I enjoyed the wedding,where they took personal care of me,met up with all my dear friends,shopped,looked around,and since we'ev lived there for many years,the whole city is full of very precious memories for me.

After my return to Pune, my friends were gasping at the way I was going on at 70,but no one could stop me.I enjoyed participating in Ganpati,Durga pujo,Divali celebrations,and then came the GREAT day,my b'day.I spent the whole day in Mahabaleshwar,with my friends,just the way I had always wanted.The scenic beauty is unparalled,boating on the crystal clear lake was just so serene,and soothing,and the weather was gorgeous throughtout the day.We went all over the place,stopped for coffee, enjoyed unending adda at lunch,shopped,and just soaked in the joy of the moment.It was a very fulfilling end to a most outstanding year. Thanks are due to innumerable people,who eagerly,happily, came forward to celebrate with me,and make my special year memorable.But above all,I must gratefully thank God,for blessing me, with such a beautiful year,which will be ever fresh in my mind,as long as I live.

TRIP TO CHENNAI/JULY 2010

2010-07-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Chennai,where I went to attend the wedding of Ria, a lovely girl,with whom I have developed a beautiful friendship.We have spent lovely times together,when they were living in an apartment downstairs,and that friendship has just grown, with love for each other.Ria is a very warm,caring, loving person,and at her own wedding,constantly took personal care of me,to see that I was comfortable,and well looked after.Not too many people can do that.And I must say, I enjoyed every moment of the wedding.She looked lovely,and her parents looked after every angle to perfection.

Chennai holds a very special place in my life,because we'ev spent 10 beautiful years there.From 1964 to 1974.So at every step, every turn,every nook and corner,memories kept flooding my mind,and it was a beautiful feeling,nostalgic,but happy.Ashis was born in Salem,and at that time,there were no good schools there.So, if we stayed on,he would have to be put into a boarding school in Yercaud,a little hill station nearby.But his father decided he would never do that,and so he started looking for a change in his job, so he could allocate to a big city.And that is how,and why ,we landed in Chennai,Madras,at that time.

And from then on, we had a very happy life there.Ashis started with Presentation Convent,my alma mater,and then went to Don Bosco.Four years later Manna was born,and joined him there,when it was time for his schooling.They were good students, and did well for themselves.And we had a wonderful social life.Lots of friends, lots of activities,picnics,travelling,and enjoyed everything.My husband was very happy in his job,I was happy leading my own life,and things were great.

So my visit to Chennai was very exciting, from the time I landed.Friends welcomed me with so much happiness,that it was truly touching.Invitations kept pouring in,and I was constantly shuttling, between one family,and another,and enjoying the love,and care, from all quarters.I visited many of my favourite places, loaded with happy memories,ate at famous joints like Buhari,which are now more than 50 yrs. old,and was a great favourite with us.Enjoyed authentic Tamilian cuisine,and the pongal,and feather lite iddlis were to die for.The people are simple,and kind,and I received very nice treatment even from taxi drivers.

So, my trip to Chennai has been a lovely experience,very enjoyable, very loving,and fun.And I'm so glad I went.Every moment will be treasured forever,and be fresh in my mind, to be savoured,and enjoyed.Thats what relationships give to life,great joy,and loads of smiles.

LOVE BRINGS PEACE,AND SMILES.

2010-07-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am writing this, just before leaving for Chennai,where I am going, to attend a wedding,and meet up, with the innumerable friends I have, there.We'ev lived in Chennai from' 64-'74,and this is 2010.But, after a gap of so many years, the kind of love I am getting from all my friends there,is truly overwhelming,and a great eye-opener.They are eagerly,excitedly waiting to welcome me, and lunches/dinners/ get-togethers/outings, have already been organised,"because we love you,and want to enjoy every moment of your visit!"And although I have visited Chennai, a few times, in between, the tremendous pouring of love,and care, is very touching,and,which, I consider, a great gift of God. Love is the greatest,and strongest bond, that keeps relationships alive,fresh,and enjoyable,and nothing in the world, can ever, match up to its power.

Why is it then, that many people are so miserly about giving love, ignorant about its all-encompassing joy,and the fulfilment it brings?Just a warm smile,a phone-call,a few kind words,a hug,or a pat on the back,can change the day for a person,and put a spring in his step.And there are many, who do not know how to receive love,who misunderstand a gesture of love,and give their own connotations to an innocuous act. According to me,such people are unfortunate,sad,and misguided, for even an infant, understands a touch of love.And what a sad way of going through life,by rejecting love, the most valuable,and prized gift, that makes all the difference to living,and the energy behind everything.
I have myself had, many bitter experiences,with such empty people,who misunderstood,or misconstrued my gesture of love,and gave it a completely different picture.But I always look at such incidents as a learning experience,refrain from interacting with such lonely,pathetic people, and continue on my quest to do everything with love,which makes all the difference to life,and living.
My friends in Chennai are waiting to give me a welcome fit for a queen,and my happiness knows no bounds.I am constantly reminded of the famous song,sung by my favourite, Th eBeatle,"I don't care so much for money,for money can't buy me love!"Money is indeed very necessary,but all the money in the world doesn't guarantee health,happiness and peace,the three MOST important requirements, for success,and fulfilment.I thank God all the time,for filling my life with so much love,and for giving me so much joy as an incentive to go on a big trip,just to savour its pleasures.

MEN CAN BE BOYZ,ALWAYZ.

2010-06-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

Father's Day has just been celebrated, by everyone,everywhere,at least I hope so,because I believe,that every act of love, must be appreciated,reciprocated,for it to continue growing.We start taking things for granted, or don't feel the need to count our blessings.And thats when relationships start getting stale,and lose their lustre.On Father's Day,I was with Manna in S'Pore,and throughout the day,many very touching incidents,over the years gone by, were continuously flashing before my eyes,and they were all about being loving,and kind.I must go over some of those,just to show,that even after moving on in life,with all its pressures,stresses,and strains, the love,care,compassion,and kindness, is very much existant,and their precious gift to me.

Let me start with Ashis.When he was about four, I was serving dinner to some guests who had come over,when I realised, I needed bread for breakfast the next morning. So I told everyone to continue,while I would run down,and get it.Suddenly,Ashis stopped eating,got down,put on his chappals and said,"You cannot go out alone,at night.I will come with you!"He took my hand,and started going down the stairs.I still get tears, whenever I think of this incident.

Manna was also very caring,kind,and attentive,and always making sure,I was alright.During Durga Puja,whenever he bought something for himself,he would come to me, to ask, if I wanted to share it with him.And once,we were on a trip to Kerala,and in Trivandrum,I suddenly came down with fever, due to the extreme heat.Manna was about two at the time.He came and took another pillow,right next to mine,lay down,and refused to leave me,till I recovered.I have a photograph of this lovely moment,preserved like a treasure.Innumerable such sweet,and touching incidents,filled my life with joy.And today, as I see them as fathers,or in the myriad roles they play,I can still see their love,and kindness,every step of the way,and that is the gift I cherish,and treasure.

I was in Buffalo,US, from Oct. 2009 to Jan.2010,in very extreme weather conditions.Heavy snow,completely home bound,and all movement very restricted.But Ashis would always organise things in such a way,that I could go out, and enjoy doing what I liked.Browsing in my favourite store Michaels,or Target,Kohls,or J.C Penny,take a walk in the Mall,or whatever I enjoyed.This caring makes a very huge difference to life.And when I was leaving,to reduce the tension in the air, he said,"Would you like to go out and choose some more red things for your home?I can take you!"Thanks Ashis, but no red thing can compare with the love,care,thoughtfulness,and kindness shown to me.Thats what I value most.

And while in S'Pore,even after leading an extremely hectic,stressful life,Manna would get up early,every Sat/Sun. to take me to lovely places,which are exquisite in the early mornings,and sit around patiently,while I did the photography,or enjoyed a walk.And he took leave from work,to spend a day, at the newly opened Universal Studios, specially for me,because I love such places.And many little incidents were constantly taking place,a reminder of the special relationship we share,and how much it is valued.

I can go on,and on,and on.But those who travel the journey of life,without losing their values,are on the right track,and when I am with my boys, I feel very blessed,and privileged,and pray to God to give them all the best in the world,so that they can live their lives, happily,peacefully,successfully.Because to me, these men will always be the special boyz in my life,my treasures,my joy,my wealth.Happy Father's Day,dears.Enjoy it. June 2010.

"You are old"

2010-06-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

I thought this poem describes Tathoo very well, and I know she'll enjoy it!

"You are old, father William," the young man said,
"And your hair has become very white;
And yet you incessantly stand on your head
Do you think, at your age, it is right?

"In my youth," father William replied to his son,
"I feared it might injure the brain;
But, now that I'm perfectly sure I have none,
Why, I do it again and again."

"You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before,
And you have grown most uncommonly fat;
Yet you turned a back-somersault in at the door
Pray what is the reason for that?"

"In my youth," said the sage, as he shook his grey locks,
"I kept all my limbs very supple
By the use of this ointment one shilling a box
Allow me to sell you a couple?"

"You are old," said the youth, "and your jaws are too weak
For anything tougher than suet;
Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and the beak
Pray, how did you manage to do it?"

"In my youth," said his fater, "I took to the law,
And argued each case with my wife;
And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw,
Has lasted the rest of my life."

"You are old," said the youth, "one would hardly suppose
That your eye was as steady as ever;
Yet you balanced an eel on the end of your nose
What made you so awfully clever?"

"I have answered three questions, and that is enough,"
Said his father. "Don't give yourself airs!
Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff?
Be off, or I'll kick you down stairs.
-Lewis Carroll

SPECIALLY FOR ASHIS,AND MANNA

2010-06-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

While flipping through some magazines,during my stay in S'Pore,2010, I came across this poem,which was your father's favourite.And subsequently,he wrote it out, in his own handwriting,(computers didn't substitute human feelings then!),and I still have it,welll preserved, amongst my very personal,and precious possessions.But I'm putting it here, so it will occupy pride of place,and maybe,IF,when you read it,you will think of the person,and what he wished for you. Here it is----

IF, BY RUDYARD KIPLING

If you can keep your head,when all about you
Are losing theirs,and blaming it,on you,
If you can trust yourself,when all men doubt you.
But make allowance for their doubting too.

If you can wait,and not be tired of waiting,
Or being lied about,don't deal in lies,
Or being hated,don't give way to hating.
And yet don't look too good,nor talk too wise,

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think,and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with triumph,and disaster,
And treat those two imposters just the same.

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken,
Twisted by knaves, to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to,broken,
And stoop,and build them up, with worn out tools,

If you can make a heap of all your winnings,
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and -toss,
And lose,and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss.

If you can force your heart,and nerve,and sinew
To serve your turn,long after they are gone,
And so hold on,when there is nothing in you,
Except the Will,which says to them,'Hold on'!

If you can talk with crowds,and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes,nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you,but none too much.

If you can fill the unforgiving minute,
With sixty seconds worth of distance run,
Yours is the earth,and everything that's in it,
And which is more--you'll be a man,my son!

It would be a fitting tribute to a wonderful person,a great scholar,and a very loving father,if you showed this to your children,and they understood its inner meaning.They will learn about their grand father,my son!

TREASURED MOMENTS/S'PORE SUMMER 2010

2010-06-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

People spend their whole lives,running after big things,when its the little things in life, that are important,and make a huge difference.I go for those little moments,or incidents,which fill my heart,and are a constant source of pleasure,carefully stored inside,and my personal wealth."For gold is cold,and lifeless,it can neither see,nor hear,And in the time of trouble,it is powerless to cheer!"And its the little persons in my life,who have filled it ,to the brim,with untold happiness,and made my life a very exciting,and joyful adventure.
Noyonika, who is twelve,loves sweets,and from the time I have arrived,has been after me,to make the ones she loves.And this morning,I prepared her favourite rangaloor puli,to give her a surprise,after she got up.And indeed she was.Her excitement knew no bounds,and she wore a big smile,as she savoured the inviting smell of what she had been waiting for.That she would have them for breakfast,made her day,and she was ready with her plate and spoon, to dig in.There was a box of sweets lying in front of her,from one of the reputed shops of S'Pore.She pushed it aside with a big smile and said,"Who wants you now,when the real thing is before me!"and took her first bite of the warm,juicy, pulis.And that moment will always be a very special memory for me,a priceless gift,from a very special person.Because children are very innocent,and spontaneous,and do not hesitate to say things as they are.An adult would not have reacted in this way, and even if a compliment is due,will be guarded about it.But she put her heart out,because her happiness knew no bounds,and gave me, a Kodak moment.Cooking is my passion,but its moments like these,that are truly prized,and make all my efforts worth it.My kitchen is my most favourite place, in the whole, wide world,but its little incidents like these,that add to its joy.
Another day,she and I, were gallivanting in the mall,as we often do,and when we came out we saw, it had been raining.Being a water sign,I love the rain,and happily said, that since we live across the road,it didn't matter.But she immediately held my hand tightly, and said,"Don't worry,I won't let you fall!"Believe me,it was one of the the most touching moments of my life,that too from a little child.And after that,she has told me, innumerable times,that she,and her cousins, Ayon,and Aryik,(my grandsons) will always look after me!Is there anything else that can be more precious than this?Not to me,and I wish adults took some lessons from children, on how to be caring,and kind.They could change the world,and reduce the tremendous disrespect,neglect,and abuse, faced by the elderly,in society today.But I am very thankful to God,for these "little" joys in my life,who make a "HUGE" difference,and play a very impressive,and indelible role in my life.

CELEBRATING THE JOY OF LIVING

2010-03-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from an almost month long trip to Delhi,which was a wonderful experience, every moment of each day.Wherever I went, I was received with so much love,warmth,affection,and care,and each and every person went out of their way,to make me comfortable.And that was really touching.Because these are what I value most of all,and treasure. I think,most people spend all their time, pursuing things that really do not matter,and forget to go for those that are important.But I only look for love and respect,and wherever I get these, I am totally fulfilled,and happy.The joyful faces of all those I visited,and the fun that filled every moment of our time,made it a very memorable trip.
I am Delhi girl,born,brought up,educated,and married in Delhi,and have very lovely memories of my life there.My school days, which were indeed the best, not at all the tension- filled,constant competition it is today.We had so much fun, and learning was never a bother,or problem.And with school, I was learning kathak dance at the now very famous Sangeet Bharathi,my teacher being non other than the doyen Achchan Maharaj,father of the renowned Birju Maharaj.Life was full of friends,varied activities,with a lot of discipline instilled,at home,and at school,and we were a very happy bunch of people.
Out of the blue, one fine day, I got married,arranged by my parents. We 'saw' each other just once,for about 5 mins.and then met after marriage.Can anyone today even imagine the situation?But we went on to live a beautiful marriage, full of happiness,constant smiles,loaded with fun,and most of all,we never finished talking,or laughing.We were best friends, very dear companions,and didn't ever need anyone else to complete our joy.Togetherness was our bond,from beginning right to the end.We wove love into whatever we did,and that became the fabric of our life.
My son's got married to Delhi girls,and my friendship increased.More Delhi people were added to my list,making every trip merrier.And although I have now lived away from Delhi for close to 50 years, I love going back,mainly because of the memories that are embedded in my mind.This time though, I found total chaos everywhere in Delhi.Because of the Commonwealth Games in Oct 2010, the whole city has been completely torn up,and new roads,beautification of all public building etc. have made daily life a huge problem. Commuting was horrible,and it took hours to go anywhere,and the dust and dirt truly unbearable.But did that stop me from doing anything?Certainly not,because everyone came forward to make my trip happy,and successful.And it was,in every way.
We went out together for movies,for chaat at my favourite Evergreen,which I have seen growing, from a small nondescript shed, to one of Delhi's most famous landmarks.Shopping at Dilli Haat, which is again a lovely experience,pouncing on Kababs from the famous Wengers,delicious Bengali sweets from Annapurna,and moghlai from C.R.Park.You name it,I've done it,and loved it all.And all those who joined me in every trip,played a major role in making my trip so happy,and memorable. Thank you guyz for being in my life,you presence made all the difference.

HOME,SWEET HOME----JAN.2010.

2010-01-22T04:12:00.000-08:00

"No matter where in the world you may roam,there's never any place like home!"And indeed,thats very true.I have returned home, after an extensive 3-month trip to Buffalo, to be with my darling grandchildren,who made every moment a treasure.It was great fun,extremely enjoyable,and a tremendous learning experience.If one is alert,watchful,eager,and attentive, it is easy to learn so much, about so many aspects of life,and their expertise is amazing.They seem to know everything about everything,and are so cool,and comfortable handling situations,that I often wished I had their kind of exposure,and could handle things with their kind of ease.
I enjoyed the beauty of the seasons,and it was truly an amazing experience.The colours of fall are just beautiful,in various hues of bright red,copper,orange,yellow,and a great visual treat.The scenic beauty all around is wonderful,and I would go around with my camera,to hold them, in the data bank of my heart.This was followed by winter,which is very fierce there.Xmas,and New Year were fun,with Rima's beautiful Xmas tree, decorated,and loaded with gifts,the New Years eve party,after which,we got together at home, and ushered in 2010 with champagne.I loved it.
From now, till April,Buffalo will be completely covered in mountains of snow,dark from 4 PM,and very grey,most of the time, But inside, it was always warm,with the constant care,love,and affection which was always in abundance.I treasure every moment of my time,and will always cherish the lovely memories I carry.
But home is home,and although, leaving them,and coming away, is very agonising,it felt good to come back.This is my domain,created by me,in exactly the way I like,everything tailormade, just the way I want them.It is comfortable,very joyful,and a real happy place.It provides me with mental peace,smiles,and a peaceful sleep at night,all of which are very precious gifts of God.And I thank Him for that.Buffalo was very nice, thanks to my family,but this is my home, the best place in the world,where I am completely at peace with myself.

THIS IS MY DREAM

2009-12-07T05:22:00.001-08:00

LIVE LIFE LIKE AN ADVENTURE

2009-12-07T04:55:00.002-08:00

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.

2009-11-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T03:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-06-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-25T03:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-06-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

"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.

2009-06-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-14T19:03:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-09T01:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-05-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

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.