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!"
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
FESTIVAL FRENZY
From August to October, it is considered to be the festival season here in India, and for me, the best part of the year.I am very careful to see, that I never make plans to go anywhere, at this time of the year,because I love the excitement,and totally chaotic conditions, at home,and outside,which is a natural outcome of this season.Pune has become a very crowded city,but at this time,there are lots of visitors from all over,who come to enjoy the festivities,and join their families,friends,and relatives, to really live it up.
For me, festivals arouse very nostalgic memories, and create the yearning, for lovely moments, which are ever fresh, but cannot be associated with modern times,and that is truly a pity.As far as I can remember, the coming of a festival could be felt months in advance, when my mother would sit down to decide, the kinds of dresses each child would wear, what sweets would be made, and which places were to be visited, to enjoy each festival. For Janmashtami, it was always the grand,gorgeous, Birla Mandir of Delhi,where the celebrations have to be seen, to be believed,and all visitors ,freely moved around the exquisite temple,to worship,sit around,or enjoy the various kinds of delicious food, available there.Their chaat was to die for,and thats where I would head for,as soon as I was allowed.But today,this temple is like a fortress,and constant vigilance, at every step, makes it a very claustrophobic experience. But there is no choice, the world today is a very different place, from what it was,in my childhood.
During Durga Pujo, we loved visiting various different pandals, wearing the pretty frocks specially tailor made for us,and the joy of that was enough. We were given a little pocket money, morning,and evening, to eat from the food stalls,and that was a great excitement for us children.
Although things are very different now, I still continue to be a very hard core pandalite, and love roaming around,from one pandal, to the other, meeting my friends,enjoying a cup of very sugary tea, small hot samosas, and the endless adda, that is second nature to us all,specially with me.The swish of new saris, and elegant,trendy dhoties,the latest in designer dresses, and the colours,smells, and hullabaloo associated with these pandals, is a feeling that has to be experienced,and savoured.and is a second nature with all Bengalis. But I love the whole package deal, will not miss it for anything,and inspite of the huge crowds, the jostling,and pushing on the streets,and frenzy at home, its the best time of the year,and my most favourite moments ever.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS
One of my sons will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow,and I too am spending all my time, going over the beautiful memories we share, between us. Does a mother ever stop being a mother?I don't think so,and I've always referred to myself as a professional mother,because mothering is the only thing I am good at,greatly enjoy, and find very fulfilling.A mother has this very uncanny ability, to always know, exactly what goes on , in the childs mind, and although my child, is over forty(sorry dear!), I still love to do little things for him,like cooking his favourite dish,and watching him enjoy it,or give him a little gift,that only I know will please him,etc.Its just a mother and son thing, instinctive,inborn,and indelible.
Unfortunately, in todays modern, and so-called smart,fast-paced world, many mothers have been tossed out of the son's life, and he has walked out, in search of his fortunes, and his mother has no place in his life..But even this fractured relationship, cannot separate a mother from her son,because she continues to love him through her tears,prays to God to look after him,and also for his success in life. That is the strength of the bond---its always there,and will continue to be the cushion, that is life's integral part.
My son Manna, was in a great hurry to enter the world,and did so, under very dramatic conditions. For ten days before his entry, I was unwell,and the night before, there was a terrific storm, while I continued to have strong pains. Going out was completely impossible,but he wasn't willing to wait. So, as soon as it was morning, I was rushed to the hospital,and before the doctor could even get ready to welcome him, he announced his arrival very loudly,very vocally.I knew then and there, that he would be a strong individual, and make his own decisions, though this one may have proved a big disaster, if we were even a fraction of an instant, late.He was very fair,very thin,but always smiled.
Our years together, have been very enjoyable,with a fair share of ups,and downs,we'ev fought very tough battles,and shared very soft,soothing,endearing moments. But through it all, our bond kept us going. I prayed for him to just go on his path,and be happy,and he also,tried to do his best for me. I've seen him handle all his problems with balance,self-control, and sensibility,and be a very caring,committed, extremely loving husband, father,and home-maker. Yes, thats right, usually women are referred to, as home makers, but Manna is a very good cook, and loves to experiment(I loved the delicious hot,mutton puffs he made for me,during my recent trip!)and also shares the housework. Since they live abroad, there is no house help,and sharing is imperative.He is also a doting father,and enjoys a wonderfully vibrant relationship with his lovely daughter.And most of all,is a very hilarious person!
Since I visit them regularly, I watch everything all the time,and store them in the data bank of my heart. And today, on his b'day, I pray to God, to grant him good health,mental peace,fulfillment,and help him to realise all his dreams. To give him the strength to keep moving,make the correct choices,and live his life with the values, ethics, and principles, instilled in him,by his parents,who loved him dearly. And now that his father is not around, I am playing the role of both, and watching him happy,and satisfied with himself,is the gift I'll always treasure. Happy b'day dear,may God always bless you!
Unfortunately, in todays modern, and so-called smart,fast-paced world, many mothers have been tossed out of the son's life, and he has walked out, in search of his fortunes, and his mother has no place in his life..But even this fractured relationship, cannot separate a mother from her son,because she continues to love him through her tears,prays to God to look after him,and also for his success in life. That is the strength of the bond---its always there,and will continue to be the cushion, that is life's integral part.
My son Manna, was in a great hurry to enter the world,and did so, under very dramatic conditions. For ten days before his entry, I was unwell,and the night before, there was a terrific storm, while I continued to have strong pains. Going out was completely impossible,but he wasn't willing to wait. So, as soon as it was morning, I was rushed to the hospital,and before the doctor could even get ready to welcome him, he announced his arrival very loudly,very vocally.I knew then and there, that he would be a strong individual, and make his own decisions, though this one may have proved a big disaster, if we were even a fraction of an instant, late.He was very fair,very thin,but always smiled.
Our years together, have been very enjoyable,with a fair share of ups,and downs,we'ev fought very tough battles,and shared very soft,soothing,endearing moments. But through it all, our bond kept us going. I prayed for him to just go on his path,and be happy,and he also,tried to do his best for me. I've seen him handle all his problems with balance,self-control, and sensibility,and be a very caring,committed, extremely loving husband, father,and home-maker. Yes, thats right, usually women are referred to, as home makers, but Manna is a very good cook, and loves to experiment(I loved the delicious hot,mutton puffs he made for me,during my recent trip!)and also shares the housework. Since they live abroad, there is no house help,and sharing is imperative.He is also a doting father,and enjoys a wonderfully vibrant relationship with his lovely daughter.And most of all,is a very hilarious person!
Since I visit them regularly, I watch everything all the time,and store them in the data bank of my heart. And today, on his b'day, I pray to God, to grant him good health,mental peace,fulfillment,and help him to realise all his dreams. To give him the strength to keep moving,make the correct choices,and live his life with the values, ethics, and principles, instilled in him,by his parents,who loved him dearly. And now that his father is not around, I am playing the role of both, and watching him happy,and satisfied with himself,is the gift I'll always treasure. Happy b'day dear,may God always bless you!
MY RACE WITH LIFE
Hello all of you guyz,who visit my blog,read what I write,and cheer me on,though writing is something I love doing,and don't really need a push. But most people cannot even imagine the kind of life I live,specially when I am happily,and excitedly, preparing to step into my seventieth year.Yes, thats right,and at a time,when people are scared of crossing thirty, here I am,living life to the hilt,with lots of dreams,hopes,and aspirations to fulfill,and always working towards the next rung, on my ladder of personal achievements. I just keep moving towards the goals I set for myself,and continue to sing my own song,because,"A cuckoo sings,not because it has an audience,but because it has a song to sing!"And I have many songs to sing. I write my own words, tune it myself,and enjoy it too,thats how I travel in the journey of life.
This is the festival season, and my favourite Durga Pujo is just around the corner.All of us Bengalis,have very pleasant memories of pujo,and thats what makes it a great attraction to us.I remember in early childhood, I loved to wear the pretty frocks, my mother got tailored for me. There were new shoes, maybe a matching beaded necklace,and a little money, to eat at the food stalls,or buy a little toy,or trinket,from the balloonwallah, standing at the gate of the pandal.But all these brought so much pleasure to us,so much joy,that the thought of pujo, always brought on happy smiles,and till today,when I have four grandchildren,these days are very special to me,and I am always rearing to go to the pandals,and freak out.
However, with the passage of time,the simplicity has almost completely disappeared,and its more about flaunting monetary strength,and gettings things done. So now,designer saris and dresses are in vogue,mothers don't play any role in their selection.Men make it a point to go to well known boutiques in Kolkata, and wear the latest in haute couture.But the atmosphere of the pandals are more or less, the same,very vibrant, friendly,colourful,and crowded.
Believe it or not, even this year, I will be making a few hundred sweets,by public demand,and that is the crux of this piece.My days just fly past, hands are always full, and I have still not experienced boredom, which unfortunately, is the disease of most people,after the children leave for their chosen fields. But since I'm managing,I wish to keep going,although sometimes I yearn for a little break. But, God has other plans,and I have to go on. As Celine Dion has sung,"Climb every mountain,thats how my heart goes on!"
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!"
Saturday, August 22, 2009
THE FRAGRANCE OF FRIENDSHIP
Today I am very excited,because I am getting ready to leave for my best friends son's wedding,and it is the relationship we share,that makes this, a very special moment.I met his father,when he came to Pune,straight out of I.I.T,and joined his first job.I cannot remember how,or where we met,it must have been at our local Bengali club,or perhaps during Durga puja,but what does matter is that,even after 30 years,we are still enjoying a beautiful friendship,and enjoying each others company. As we moved on in life,he got married,and I was there to welcome his new wife. Then this boy was born,and I have been a part of his life, ever since.I remember when he was a little baby,his parents, who are very talented people,would put up programmes during Durga Puja,and all of us would take turns to baby sit . As he grew up,he loved to come over to spend the day with me,and between us,we enjoyed every moment of the day.And now, when he is on the verge of marriage, having chosen the girl himself,I feel very happy for him,and thrilled to be able to participate in this very special moment in his life.Its really a very thrilling experience,and I am as excited as a child with a new toy,or a favourite chocolate.In todays world, relationships are almost non-existent,and I know of children who toss out parents, without any qualms,who do not care for anybody,or anything,other then self,and cannot imagine lifting a finger for anyone,or anything. And here I am, merrily participating in my friend's sons wedding,helping out in whatever way required,and celebrating a dear,deep friendship."It is the relationships we build,and the way we culture,and nurture them,that sustain us,in our journey through life!"And I am thankful to God,for blessing me with this truly priceless gift, and giving me the ability to celebrate,and enjoy it to the hilt.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
CRISIS CREATES COURAGE
Swine flu is a fear that is spreading all over the world,but right now,it has assumed epidemic proportions,specially here in Pune,where I live.There have been many deaths, more people are on the critical list,and fear has created hysteria everywhere. Life here has come to a grinding halt,schools,colleges,malls,multiplexes,shopping centres,all have been ordered to close down for the next ten days,and doctors have adviced people to stay at home,as much as possible.A huge modern city like Pune has been thrown completely out of gear,and one can feel the perplexity,anxiety,animosity,in everyone,everywhere. Whats going to happen,and how do we bring this to an end?But I always believe, that it is in times of crisis,that the real person inside emerges,and shows the inner capabilities that lie dormant,when life flows along,peacefully.I find I can devote more time to my writing,which gives me tremendous joy. I sit in my lovely terrace,enjoy the sunset,when the sky is bathed in gorgeous hues,and think about the many ways I can contribute, to create awareness, about this critical situation. I try to educate my maid,and the other poor people around,who do all our dirty work,and don't have any clue about hygiene,and what to do to combat swine flu.Any pending work is also attended to,and being forced to stay indoors, has opened doors, to other avenues of interest,which I may not have realised before this.Fear does not achieve anything,only weakens the mind,and hinders clear thinking.Its important to be careful,sensible,aware,and informed,and help others to handle this difficult situation.With all this,I am busily preparing for my best friend's son's wedding,writing poetry,and planning the sweets that I have to make. It is important to stand up,and face a tough situation with balance,and hope for concrete results,for it is hope that fuels the mind to continue,inspite of it all.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
TIME CANNOT WAIT!
I've been dying to come to my blog,and write my thoughts, for everyone to enjoy,but, being busy with too many things, takes up all my time. My best friend's son is getting married,the son,and I, are also great friends, so I'm excitedly planning,and preparing, for the wedding. I've known them, from the time his father came to Pune,and joined his job.Then he got married, this boy was born,I've done a lot of baby-sitting,and he used to come over,to spend the day with me,when he was very small. So we go back a long way,and the relationship is a very loving,and special one.Naturally,everything about his wedding is extra special to me,and I want to be present during all the celebrations.The first of these, was a grand dinner at my home, called 'IBURO BHATH!'where we gather, to wish him all the best for his new journey, to felicitate,and congratulate him for his new role.And wow! what an evening it was!We had sooooo much fun, that no one even looked at the clock,and time just flew away. I had planned the evening very meticulously,and was thrilled to see it was such a thumping success. I think,when something is done with love,it reaches the peak of success,and is a very fulfilling experience. And it was!I was very happy. Now,there are a series of events ahead,and I am preparing for that. Innumerable things are going on in my personal life as well,but I take things as they come,and try to do my best. I believe that,"If God puts you in a situation,He will also see you through!" and thats how I live. But to Prantik(thats his name!) I say,"Take up your new role with love, devotion,and dedication,make the time for it,stop to look,listen,think,and always create lots of smiles.Love is the biggest motivator,and always leads to success.All the best! Enjoy!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)