INTRODUCING JONASJOYS

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.