Beauty Mantra

Here are some quick beauty tips - I was intending to say these are specially aimed at my female readers, but that is not true anymore in an age where men are getting regular facials and even getting their eye brows threaded ! So, use these tips as you please :)

*Have a party to go to, and don't have time for a facial ? Take a spoon of sugar, and scrub for two full minutes on a wet face. Rinse with cold water, and be ready to face the glow !
*Tomato is a great home made astringent
*Take a spoon of Papaya pulp, a spoon of cold milk, and half a spoon of honey. Mix and apply to face. Leave the mask on for at least half hour. The skin glows right after you rinse away !
*Crushed fenugreek seeds mixed with some yogurt is excellent for dandruff and for general hair health.
*A drop of lemon if used to rinse off your shampooed hair ensures a sheen to the mane :)
*Don't throw away an over ripe banana. It makes an excellent face mask. Mush and apply and rinse after 20 minutes.

try the above for now, and more tips to follow in subsequent articles...

Things that people say !

Today being a Monday morning, was as crazy as any other. I was busy getting my little one down and out of the car seat and at the same time convincing her that all big girls don't have to do everything on their own - that's when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

I was half inside the car, and half outside, struggling with the car seat belt. It was one of the moms I usually ran into every morning, and she was asking, “How are you doing” and breezed past me. Gone before I could bat an eyelid! It was as if she was never there. I had by now, come out of the car and was struggling to get the door shut without hitting the neighbor’s car, as the parking spot had said “Compact, and I still had ventured parking my car into the spot.

Now, I wanted to tell this lady all the hundred reasons why I was having a bad morning. A splitting headache, a sleepless night since the kiddo tossed due to a stuffy nose, a husband on the side who snored away, aching legs, hungry growl in the stomach since there was no time for breakfast, a bad hair day, or the fact that I was cold in a skirt – a bad choice on a rainy day!

I always wonder when people ask each other how the other is doing or Wassup - do they really ask because they care? If they do, they never really stop to find out. But, I assume it’s more for the formality. What use is this formality anyway? Why waste your time saying things you don’t mean and don’t have the time to follow through anyway?

I recently took a class, and the instructor taught things that were obsolete, but had to because it was part of the curriculum. So, every time he taught an obsolete command from the text book, he would say “If you ever use this syntax in real life, send me an e-mail”. Now, it tickled my imagination every time he said it. I sat there thinking, what will he do if everyone of us in the class uses one of these commands every single day, and sends him an e-mail? What’ll he do in the end with all those e-mails? Again, I realize it’s an expression he uses, but why say things you don’t mean? Who’s putting a gun to our heads to do these things?

All of us say and do things we really don’t mean or care about every single day of our lives. I know that there is no way out since we live in a society that is bound by rules – the very rules that were created by us. But, now the rules rule us, humans!

So, the next time you say something you really don’t mean – think of this article you have spent time reading. Look at your self in the mirror and try to be honest at least to yourself – believe me, you will be a happier person!!!

The Train

The engine blew it's whistle and chugged out of the little train station situated on the outskirts of our quiet little town.

I settled myself at the window and looked longingly at the green fields that belonged to people I knew and grew up with, all my life. I tried to capture one last loving glance of all my favorite sights - I would be gone to the city for a long long time on a job posting.

With a heavy sigh, I turned my gaze around the train compartment. There was an old couple opposite me - busy in getting their luggage arranged. Above them was a single guy already immersed in a book - he didn't seem to care about all that happened around him. On the farther side sat a middle aged lady, and along with her sat a young girl in her mid twenties. I saw that she was average in her looks, wore glasses and had a beautiful smile. Behind those glasses I saw big brown eyes- curious, ready to smile and happy!

Everyone seemed to have found their favorite spots and had settled in. Suddenly I heard a commotion, some arguing and then a thump of baggage being unloaded right next to me. I looked up and saw a fat man in his mid forties, carrying at least 3 bags and a big large suitcase - he had also managed to hold a cup of coffee with one hand. He was precariously balancing everything and he finally sat down carefully. Within 5 minutes of sitting, out came a packet of chips - he seemed such a friendly person with a very cheerful disposition. He turned to me and said "Has the ticket collector been here already ?" I nodded my head. He offered his pack of chips to everyone - I refused. He again said " what's the fun in travelling if you don't eat ?". I laughed - I hated to eat even a single bite even on the longest of my jouneys!

We were at least 3 hours into our journey. The young man who had buried himself in the book was alive to the world again - he had gotten down to stretch. He kept standing at the door and I noticed that he kept smoking and looking out for a long time. A thinker, a writer, an artist ? who could he be, I thought. He was unshaven, dark, tall, rugged and handsome in a very uncommon way. I shrugged - what do I care who all these people are.

An hour passed, and when I decided to get myself a coffee, I saw that the young man and the girl with the lady seemed to have gotten to know each other, and were busy chatting up. Young blood I thought - never waste a moment. Talk, talk all the time!
The guy seemed to have a good sense of humor - for everything he said, the girl seemed to be bursting into laughter. He then brought out a harmonica and played it for a while. He then set to teaching her how to play the harmonica.

Night fell, and everyone quietly ate their dinner. The fat man next to me had been a munching machine, and must have eaten at least a few pounds of nuts, crackers, candy, chips and god knows what. He had additionally guzzled a few quarts of soda, coffee, and water. Would he finish up all the food on planet Earth if left lose I thought. I laughed at my own imagination ! I was funny - at least I made myself laugh !

I glanced at the door, and on the steps I saw them - still chatting away. The girl and the guy were busy discussing - probably the most important topics they thought they could never find time to catch up on. Did they have to resolve world issues right this night sitting in that cold on that doorstep ? Why was I so bitter ? Why did it upset me that they were having such a good time? The soft sounds of the harmonica continued into the night.

I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night - still could hear their quiet banter, interspersed with soft laughter. I finally sat up at about 5AM in the morning. It was my usual time to be up. I peeked outside the window and saw that the train had stopped at a big station. There was the aroma of coffee!

I saw that the guy had gotten down to get them both some coffee. Will make a good husband to some girl one day I thought! I got myself a cup and watched the sunrise throught the crack of the window. Watching a sunrise and a sunset has always been very special for me - I feel very raw and primal in my gut when I see the elements of nature resplendent in it's true colors!

The friendship between the two seemed to have grown.They were very comfortable, and the girl seemed to have picked up playing the harmonica. I saw the girl's mother tell her to catch some sleep and that it was enough. She turned a deaf ear and on went their chat.

A day into the journey, I was ready to throw at the sight of any food - my fat neighbor had done that to me !

That night I saw them talk again on the door step - everyone in the compartment was fast asleep. I had nominated myself to be the watchdog ! well, the truth was that I couldn't sleep with all the coffee in the evening.

As I watched them, I saw the guy hold her hands for a brief minute - she seemed to be listening to him - very intently. Certainly they were discussing something very important to both of them ! I wish I could move closer to hear. I then looked at her mother and thought - why can't she tell her daughter to go to bed now ?

I woke up the next morning, and found the guy ready with his bags to get down. The train was at a station. The guy and the girl were saying their good-byes alomst at the top of thier voices, and at the very end, there was a quiet quick exchange of glances and the guy got down.I immediately saw a couple, who seemed like his parents come to receive him.

Since the train had a long stop at that station, I got down and walked to the news stand.

The guy seemed to have forgotten his book - the one he hadn't had the time to read since the first day. He had run back to the compartment to get it, and seeing his parents standing next to me, I smiled. His mother smiled back and began a casual conversation and told me that she was so happy to see him back home. Afterall, he was to become a father any day since his wife was expecting ! It stirred up something in me.

The guy had come back by then and they left.I silently began to walk back to the train.

I went back to the train and saw the girl at the window. She was busy talking to the fat man and the old couple now. The train moved on, and another day passed before we reached our destination. I was irritated with the girl - I now wonder why ?

The girl seemed to have moved on too - she did not waste another minute getting to know the entire compartment, and had ended up eating many packets of chips with the fat man ! And that night, I saw her sit at the door step - she had the harmonica ! She began to play the notes I heard them play before. He had left his music behind for her.

She seemed happy - so, why was I not ? why was I feeling as if something beautiful that could have happened did not happen? Why did it bother me that he had a wife who was to have a baby at home ? Maybe it didn't bother the girl at all. Maybe they did not even think the way I was thinking for them. Maybe they knew that they were just going to be very good friends - and friends for the time the journey lasted? In the end they had had a good time. So, why did I feel all this ?

Oh well, I thought in the end, my being single at fifty seemed so easy and uncomplicated...the world and it's relationships were too complex for me to handle.


I was happy and that was all I cared about !

Grateful Forever!

On this day I wish to thank you for making
me a mom
On this day I wish to forget the loneliness
I felt when I did not have you
On this day I wish to forget the day I was
watching children play
and people questioned "how is it not being a mom?"
On this day I wish to forget the fear
of never having any of my own

On this day forwards, I wish to remember the joy
I felt when I first held you in my arms
On this day I wish to remember your
first smile
Your cuddles, warm hugs and wet kisses
Your first steps, your first song


On this day I wish to thank you for warming my heart forever...

A few tickles !

Top Ten Indian Joint Ventures :

10. A chain of "Bhaskar-RaoBins" ice cream stores all over the country, in collaboration with Baskin Robins.

9. Kraft will make "PARAMESAN CHEESE" at Madras, in collaboration with Parameswaran & Co.

8. Kentucky Fried Chicken will open its chain of Indian version, to be named, "KARNATAKI FLY-ED CHICKEN" and will be headquartered at Bangalore.

7. Pizza Hut will open a chain, in the back alleys of all cities, its version, to be named:"PICHHE HUT". Headquarters: Kanpur. PICHHE = means back-alleys for the uneducated

6. McDonalds will open its fast food restaurants to be named: "McDosalu". Hqs. Hyderabad. Main menu: Idli and Dosa.

5. Mr. Submarine will name its restaurants as "Mr. SUBRAMANI", to be headquartered at Madras.

4. Red Carpets colored with biodegradable (hence environmentally friendly) red PAAN. Juice extracts will enjoy duty-free status in US.

3. Dallas Cowboys will own a new franchise: Dilli's COW-BHAIS, to teach Indians how to play Football.... with hands.

2. Duty-free import of Ambassador cars into USA, as long as they are not used outside of Demolition Derby.

1. Internal Revenue Service will provide technology transfer of its Tax System software to Indian Income Tax Dept and to be named: "UNCLE SHYAM".
=========================
Santa Singh with two red ears went to his doctor.

The doctor asked him what had happened to his ears and he answered, "I was ironing a shirt and the phone rang but instead of picking up the phone I accidentally picked up the iron and stuck it to my ear.."
"Oh Dear!" the doctor exclaimed in disbelief. "But .. what happened to your other ear?"
"The scoundrel called back."

==================
A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"
"I wouldn`t know what to say," the girl replied.
"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered.
The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"
===================
The world's most avid hockey fan, a beautiful sardarni, had arrived early at the stadium for the first game of the series between local rival teams only to realize that she had left her ticket at home.

Not wanting to miss any of the match, she went to the ticket booth and got in a long line for another seat. After an hour's wait she was just a few feet from the booth when a voice called out, 'Hey, Jasmeet!'

She looked up, stepped out of line and tried to find the owner of the voice - with no success. Then she realized she had lost her place in the line, and had to go back to the end of the line and wait all over again. Just as she got to the window, a voice called out, 'Hey, jasmeet!' Again she tried to find the voice and got out of line as she wandered looking for the owner of the voice.

But no luck. She was very upset as she got back in line for her ticket.

Finally she had her ticket and took her seat eager for the game to begin. As she waited for it to start, she heard the voice calling, 'Hey,Jasmeet!' once more.

Furious, she stood up and yelled at the top of her lungs, 'My name isn't Jasmeet!'
==============

What is yellow and white, and goes down railway lines at over 100 miles an hour? The train drivers egg sandwich!
============

What one thing is everybody in the world doing at exactly the same time?

Growing older!
===========

My Nest

The door to Nina's bedroom shut with a bang, and an instant later I heard her scream "Dad, I will go no matter what !". I immediately heard Ashok shout from his bedroom below, with equal gusto - "Do what you have to Nina, and don't blame me later when you have to look for two square meals a day. I'll never ever speak to you after today if you dare leave".

This argument between them was a few years old, but had now reached a new cresendo. Nina wanted to persue a career in fine arts in a little artsy town on the west coast of the country, and Ashok being the successful professional, was completely unnerved at the very thought. He had never heard any of his friend's or acquaintance's daughters or sons persue a career in fine arts. All he knew was these were to be left as hobbies and dealt with for one's own recreation in spare time. Running after these ideals never got anyone anything in life - his philosophy was that dreams are never fulfilled on an empty stomach!

But, Nina on the contrary was a stubborn, strong willed girl. She had read enough material on the philosophy of life and her ideas set on how she wanted to lead her own life. She loved life, and wanted to live it like there was no other day left of it, everyday - she did not want to grow up and work for the cliched "job" just because everyone did it.

So, the debate had grated onto my ears day after day, and the tempers had rosen for the last few days since Nina was to leave for her new assignment the very same evening. It's funny that she wanted to go so badly and I knew as her mom that she would go come what may - but she still wanted her father's approval for the very same act! And being Ashok's wife I know very well, that this approval she seeks from him will never come in Nina's lifetime.

I had tried to make peace in all ways possible, since Nina was our only child. But, my position only got to being a tougher spot to be in, by the day and the hour. They pulled me in exactly the opposite directions. I thought what each one said was the right thing to do when I was alone with them - they had conviction and believed in what they said. And me, I couldn't live without the either of them. They were the pillars of my very existence.

The evening came, and Nina left with a peck on my cheek and a tight hug. Ashok never left his room even to bid her a good-bye. The night turned to dawn and a whole day passed. Nina hadn't called to say she had reached her destination safely either, and I hadn't seen Ashok leave for work or come back home - he had shut himself away.

I went into Nina's room that late evening. The sun had just set, and I hadn't turned on the lights yet. The minute I opened the door, I was prepared for a blare of the music to hit me. Nina always played her music very loud. But today, nothing happened.Her clothes were neatly folded. No piles on the floor. Her bed was made. No blankets hanging from the corners. I missed the mess. A familiar scent of her perfume hung in the air!
I went to her closet, opened it and stood for a brief moment. I then took one of her shirts in my hand. I was terribly missing my baby ! I just held her shirt to my face - feeling her almost next to me. I longed for her to dance around me, not letting me even talk ...."Mumma...Mumma...". Where had my baby gone? Was she afraid somewhere in the dark? Did she have nightmares? who would comfort her if she awoke in the night and couldn't sleep? Was she hungry ? Was she in good company?

I looked out of the window and sobbed softly into her shirt..I just wanted my baby back...my nest was empty. My little one had flown the nest..

Outside the window, in the garden stood a Mango tree. The Mother sparrow had laid four eggs, and recently out of them had come the baby sparrows! They were a pleasure to watch - tweetering away and fighting over every worm their mommy got for them. Motther sparrow was doing her best to keep them cozy and fed at all times. There was no daddy sparrow in sight - well, he was never around since she had had the babies. Every morning she taught them how to feed themselves, and tried to encourage them to fly! Three of the baby sparrows flew with no fear in their heart - they circled high above till they were tired and came back right into their mother's arms to hear her say how proud she was of them! The little fourth sparrow refused - he just didn't want to fly. No amount of her coaxing helped him fly. Mother sparrow was at a loss. she didn't know what to do. She kept talking to her baby that it was important to know to fly. Last afternoon, baby sparrow had looked into her eyes and seemed to have understood how strongly she felt that he should fly. That's when a miracle happened- it was last evening! The baby sparrow had flown ! He flew. But, had not returned ever since!. Actually, none of the baby sparrows had returned since sunset yesterday. Now mother sparrow was worried why all her babies had not come back for over a day. She waited...and waited...none came.

Mother sparrow wondered if she had done the right thing by encouraging her baby to fly..he had not wanted to. Atleast she would have had him if she had not insisted. Was she to blame for the loss?

Tears flowed as she sat perched on a branch right above the window...

Both the mothers had tears in their eyes, and emptiness in the pits of their stomach..it hurt, since their nests were empty now- their existence meaningless now..and the two mothers waited for their babies to come back home with abundant hope in their hearts!

They knew - their nests would be full again ! with laughter...and happiness all around, and forever!!

Quick Bite!

Okay, here's a quick Indian sandwich (bread roll) to make - it's simply delicious, and I HAD to share with you :

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread
1/2 cup milk
1 boiled potato
1 tsp chopped onion
1 tsp grated carrot
1 tsp grated cheese
1 tsp green chutney or cilantro + green peppers chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1.Grate the boiled potato and mix all the ingredients except the milk and bread
2.quickly dip the slices of bread in the milk and fill all ingredients and press hard together to make a roll ( a dumpling) with the filling in the center
3.brush with olive oil on the top
4.In a pre-heated (400 degrees) oven, bake for about 10 -15 minutes, or until done to touch and sight.

Enjoy ! It's d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s !!!

The Neighbor

As I looked out of the window with my morning cup of coffee, a van that seemed to belong to the movers came and stopped in the neighbor's driveway. A bunch of boys quickly got down and one of them who seemed to be their supervisor began to shout orders at them to move it!

Furniture that seemed to be very expensive was carefully carried inside piece after piece. And finally after about six to seven hours, the hustle died down and the voices slowly started to drift away.

I was bursting with curiousity to see who had moved into the house next to mine. I could hardly wait till the next crack of dawn and finally when I couldn't wai any longer, I decided to carry a quick bite of dinner for my new neighbors, late that very evening. As I was walking up their driveway, I felt a familiar sense of excitement - it always excited me no end when I had to meet new people. I perceived this an opportunity to know people, their attitudes, the million different personalities and the hundred other ways each person's mind ticked away! The human canvas always intrigued me.

I reached the doorstep, and rang the door bell. After what seemed to be a brief 30 seconds, I heard a flurry of footsteps inside, right behind the door. I patiently kept waiting for the door to open. Me, ready with a bright smile and a welcome-to-the neighbourhood speech ready on my lips. But nothing happened. I kept patiently waiting shifting my weight from foot to foot. After a good 15 minute wait at the door and repeated ringing of the doorbell, when nothing seemed to happen, I decided to give up and turn around. I just left the food at the doorstep and left with a puzzled expression on my face.

The next morning, during my coffee routine of looking out of the window I saw the woman! So, she is my neighbor I thought to myself. She was indeed a very beautiful woman, with hair that glittered like gold in the sun - tall and poised.
I quickly approached my end of the fence to pipe in a hello, and to accept her thank you for the food last evening. I barely reached the fence, and she quickly turned on her toes and dissappered into the house. But before she went in, she signalled and waved at me from the doorway, and threw me a smile- that meant nothing to me!. I had caught a glimse of her eyes - they were filled with the softest look, filled with a million expressions in that brief moment!

I felt blood rush to my face - I was angry. She certainly did not have the courtesy and manners to match her ethereal beauty, I thought. Like all humans I think I wanted to quickly satisy myself that she lacked something too. She had a fault, and I had found it! I quickly came back in.

In the week that followed, on one of the days I was busy shopping for groceries at the local store. I thought I saw a familiar figure paying at the cashier's - I quickened my pace and as I stepped past the people, carts, kids, I saw that she was already at the door. She again smiled a fleeting smile in my direction and dissappeared. So, she did recognize me! Now what hurt most was that inspite of knowing it was me, she had ignored me! Amazing. I had never met someone so arrogant. And what was she proud of afterall ? Didn't she know that looks and wealth were never permanent? Here I was trying to extend my hand of friendship to her, who was new to the neighborhood and she kept thwarting me ? It hurt.

The next Sunday, one of the neighbors had a pool party that was the highlight of the summer in the neighbourhood. As I was busy munching on the goodies and explaining the flaws in a latest movie to a friend, I saw her walk in. Elegant and beautiful. All heads turned and there was a brief moment of silence. Before I knew, my exuberent hostess ran to receive her, and gave her a big welcome hug. I never got one from this very host, inspite of being the best neighbor ever - I walked her dogs, I watched her kids on a Saturday night, I cooked for her and even took care of her lawn at times. So, why not me? What had this angel done to walk into my territory, walk over me and take over my friends?

I didn't want to stay any longer - I told my hostess that I had to go to the airport to receive a friend and left the party.

For the next month or so, I saw all my friends in the neighborhood go in and out of the pompous diva's house ( I had named my new neighbor that). I felt left out. What had I done to deserve this? Anyway, who cared ?

Time flew by, and a season changed. Fall was here. I had stopped looking over my neigbor's yard with the coffee long ago. The curtains remained drawn.

After a long dull spell, I had gotten a call this morning!! It was from my sister and that she would be visitng me! At last there would be some activity in my now lonely life - even if for a few days. I had already made my plans of where to take her and what I would do with her! I was so excited - we would giggle and laugh just like we did growing up!.

I was late already and as I parked my car in the airport parking lot, I heard the annoucement that my sister's plane had landed. Gosh! I'am always late - I never learn. Thinking about what I could do to better myself, I rushed into an elevator. The doors almost closed on me! I finally got in. The person inside had held it open for me as I had run towards it.

I turned to thank the kind person, but the words froze on my lips. I couldn't hear my voice. I hated this situation - it was the pompous diva! She stood there with the happiest smile on her face, so elegant and untouchable. I hated the sight of her. There was nobody in the elevator other than the two of us.
The moment stood still - I thought to myself that I should not be the one to forget my etiquette and all the virtues that my good schooling and my parents had taught me. So, I said "Thank you". She smiled and nodded her head ! what would she lose if she just said something as simple as "you are very welcome" or even "that's alright"?

Who did she think she was and why did she treat me as if I were the lowest of the low? This got to me - I had to make her speak to me- so, unabashedly I continued the monologue - I said "we haven't met. I'am your neighbor by the way, and have been trying to just say hello to you. I had even left you some food on the evening of your arrival. Did you find it ? I was surprised you hadn't even mentioned it". I couldn't stop spitting out the venom.

Then she smiled a slow smile and raised her hands - and was using the sign language to say something. Oh my God ! She couldn't speak - She was dumb ! And all this time I was busy hating her. When she had signalled the first day to me, she was actually thanking me ! But, I was so blinded with my contempt for her that I could not see beyond.

We had reached the terminal I had to get off on - without saying a further word, I just squeezed her hand and said - "I'am sorry" and got off.

I saw the puzzled expression on her face as I turned around, and the doors of the elevators closed - I'am sure she was wondering - sorry for what ? I knew better - sorry for every negative thought I had about her, sorry for speaking ill about her to the others and sorry for being inhuman. I was sorry for myself...ashamed at my own thoughts....

I couldn't wait to get back home and make up to her ...

My Hundred Years!

I have been standing here, right at this corner of the huge bit of green land, for countless years. I hear them say it is a century now!

Standing here this morning, soaking in the rays of the rising sun, with the chirping of the birds, memories of my life come flooding to me. Wonder what it is about today, but something felt special.

Like my other friends and siblings, I had a very humble beginning too. A little boy brought me home from a forest nearby, and chose a spot for me and there I have stood for the past century ! Unwavering and unabated - a silent spectator to the change of times.

There have been storms, floods, droughts and many a scorching summers. But, I have seen that life goes on. Nothing ever seems to stop for anyone.

It had been a while since I was rooted here, and I remember that day when the little boy who put me here, came along with a rope, and a tire. His father I think was with him and he helped him tie a swing to my now sturdy left arm. The little boy squealed with delight and jumped off and on the swing. I felt as happy as him :)

A few seasons later I saw the little boy come all by himself, followed by an older lady in the distance and come and sit on a bench at my feet for a long time, silently playing with a tiny car and the older lady who seemed to be his mom, sobbed away and was silent after what seemed for hours. She was mute, cold, and seemed to be lost in some untold grief when she kept staring into the fading sunset. At last, she stood up and picked up the little boy who was fast asleep in her arms and walked into the fading sunset that had almost turned into darkness - there was something symbolic about the whole scene. There was a twinge in my heart too - I was sad for them.

A long time later, I found out that the little boy had lost his father.

I kept seeing the little boy time and again - he would come once in a way, run around me, hug me, hide behind me and run back in the direction he came from. It always made me happy to see him. And he seemed to be growing, just like me :)

I was busy living my life too - seasons came and seasons went. Everything that took place around me left it's mark on me in some way - I was growing wiser and older. I saw families of birds come and go, my friends around me turn colors, leaves fall. I simply stood there - tall, strong and firm on the ground.

After I had waited many many seasons, the little boy finally came!! He was not alone :) he had a girl with him !. They seemed to be so happy together! They sat on the same bench at my foot for a few hours, talked and laughed and at the end were suddenly silent. I was worried. They seemed to have had a fight.And, after a little while, the little boy said he was sorry to have hurt her, and they were fine again! I was so very happy to see them go in the direction they came from, hand-in-hand!

Seasons went by, rains came and went and one summer morning I saw the little boy, now turned into a grownup man come towards me with a tiny little fellow in tow! He addressed him as son! They had a rope and a tire and he made the swing for his little one too, who squealed and jumped just like his dad had - many many years ago.

Suddenly I heard a crackle from right side, and before I could react the rope of the swing broke and came lose. But, the little boy quickly rushed with his arms open to catch his little one from falling and actually did it! I was so relieved that his son was caught mid-air and not hurt falling on the ground. My heart warmed up just seeing this.

I had to wait for many many seasons to go past me before I saw my little boy again - when he did come, he had another little replica of himself in tow - and I was overjoyed to hear him address the little one as grandson :) The act of the swing was replayed! I swayed with glee !

This morning, as I stood I felt as if all time was coming to a stand still. What was it that I felt ? I didn't know. Amidst all my thoughts, I heard a roar. Then I saw - a few men with saws were approaching me. I felt a strange anxiety within me. And before I realized, they had begun to tear me apart from right to left!.

I felt a searing pain shoot through my body, I could hardly gather my wits about me. I felt a mixed feeling of both pain and my body float away to something unknown - it was bitter sweet.

As I began to fall, I lifted my head for one last time and there I saw my little boy looking at me - his face as withered as my own, with a look in his eyes as if all were lost in the world, helpless - with tears streaming down his eyes !

I began to fall, me a hundred year old tree - happy to see it all come to an end. I had seen enough for a lifetime!

Goodbye little boy...take care of yourself, and maybe I will see you soon.....

Mumma- look at me ! (A children's story)

The sunrise on the blue lake was the most beautiful one could imagine. But the forest adjoining the lake was the most dense and dark one could imagine.

Baby jumbo the little elephant ran as fast as he could to the river to take a bath. He had to please his mumma and show her that he could do a lot of things on his own now. Mumma elephant was fast asleep and so were baby Jumbo's 2 brothers.

Once baby Jumbo reached the river, he looked at his own reflection in the clear water, and hated what he saw ! He wasn't the same color as his brothers, or his parents, his friends or any of the other elephants he knew in the whole jungle. He was blue ! well, almost ...how did it matter, in the end he didn't look like one of them.

He was almost certain that his mommy did not love him as much - well, you couldn't blame her. He just didn't look like one of them. So, in his little mind, to gain her attention, he was always trying to impress her!. He tried to run the fatest, eat a lot more than his siblings, not trouble her at all even when all he wanted was a good cry and a tight big hug, specially when all his playmates and the lazy elephants lying along the river teased him about how different he looked ! All he ever wanted was his mom to love him !

Now, what baby Jumbo did not know was how much Mumma elephant really loved him. She thought he was so very special and was so proud of him. All that she did when met the other mommy elephants at the river was talk endlessly about her son's special looks - and how blue he looked, and how handsome !. Her special baby was the envy of all eyes !

This morning, gazing at his reflection, Baby Jumbo had a bright idea! One of the elephants who was known to be very wise in the herd of the lazy elephants by the river had mentioned that there was a bush at the western end of the jungle, that was black in color, and if one rolled and rubbed against it for some time, it could turn anything to a dark black color- be it an elephant's skin or even a rock.

Baby Jumbo was so charged at the thought, that he ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry him , and searched frantically for the black bush. It was nowhere in sight. After a persistent look high and low for a full half hour, he found it! Without wasting an extra minute he began to roll over the bush and rubbed himself as hard as he could against it. Once he was conviced the job was done, he ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction to the river. He looked into the water, and he couldn't find himeself - instead there was a black little elphant. He was completely confused! Then it dawned on him that it could be himself - he moved his trunk sideways, and the reflection did the same! He had done it! He had changed himself to look like all of them! YIPPEEEE !!! His joy knew no bounds !!!

He found mumma elephant and his brothers on the way to the river. Baby Jumbo stood along the path, patiently smiling and waiting for them to scream in joy, it could happen any minute now - the moment was here! But to his dismay, they just walked past him - without a second glance. What in the world was wrong ??? His own mumma didn't look at him ?

Baby Jumbo was puzzled. Then it struck him that they hadn't recognized him afterall. You don't smile at strangers do you ? ofcourse not. So they hadn't too inspite of seeing him. Ouch ! what now ? He ran to his mumma then and stopped her and told her the whole story. Mumma elephant just stared him in the eye, and then told him what he never knew. The fact that she loved him so much and also that she was soooo very proud of him, and of his special looks, and his color ! It was exactly the opposite of what he had thought !

Before mumma elephant could say the next sentence, baby Jumbo was running away in the direction of the river faster than his little legs could carry him....maybe to wash away the color ? let's wait and see...

The moral of this story is :

Parents, don't wait for too long to tell your kids that you love them, and to tell them that they are very special to you no matter what they can do and can't do !

Kiddos, don't try to pretend to be someone else without knowing your own worth. You maybe special for the very same reason you are different from the others ! Be proud of yourself !! always,in whatever you do !!

The Gift

Ameesha was jolted to reality when the bus schreeched to a halt at her bus stop - the rubber ground on the asphalt. She quickly got off and started walking towards the unlight street where her home was the second one on the right ! Her walk was not a walk, but more of a run. A shiver went up her spine !

On reaching the porch, she fished for her keys and came out with everything from fruit candy, to crayons, to tissues, to a small car :) She entered the house with her heart pounding, waiting to hear a disgruntled hello, and ready to defend herself for being late from work - but instead there was silence and she heard the pressure cooker go off!

This certainly was a miracle ! Her husband Neel had taken the effort to put on the rice, and dinner was really on the way - she could hardly believe her good fortune :)

Neel wasn't a bad person at all, fulfilled all his responsibilities as a husband and a father, but hated taking on domestic chores in her absence and lent a hand once in a way. He wanted a perfect wife when at home, and a career woman to the core when she stepped out of the house. Well, she could have all the 'avatars' possible, if he only appreciated what she did - specially for him and the family.

She walked into the bedroom and Sarthak her cute little bubbly 3 year old son came dashing at her, and wanted to climb on her, and have her play with him rightaway. Neel on the other hand muttered a gruntled welcome - and Ameesha quickly said "I had to tally the accounts today being the last day of the month- I have been wanting to catch the 5:00 o'clock bus, but I just couldn't leave work in a mess". Neel just nodded and left the room. He didn't really care - for him, she had failed in her role today. Period. He didn't believe in arguing.

Now, how could she explain to him that she was dying to come home early too, play with her son, eat good food and relax for some time. At work she still had left early compared to the other guys in her accounts department where she worked, and the guys who hung on till 10 PM complete with their smoking rounds and gossip and the pizza that the boss had ordered for the team. She just felt so spread thin - where was she driving herself to? Nobody seemed happy with her.

She felt lonely inspite of being surrounded by friends, relatives, siblings, a husband, and a son. Everyone expected something out of her - there was not a single soul around her who did something as simple as a smile for her just because of her being her.There were always unsaid strings attached, loaded with silent expectations to every favor done.
Her neighbour Neeta who promised to help her stich the curtains for the house wasn't doing it for free - she was eyeing being voted for an office bearer's position in the housing association. Her in-laws called her up every other day, again to find out about what she planned to give her sister-in-law for her wedding happening shortly, what she could do to help with her brother-in-law's studies or how she could help her mother-in-laws sister's son get a job in her own department at her office. Her parents wanted to know when she would be able to go to the village to dispose off the ancestral farm land - but,where was the time to do anything at all? And, where were all these people when she was struggling between her job, her son, and they, as a family were going through a financial crisis in the beginning years of their marriage?

Now,even her two good college buddies Aman and Rakesh were now not the best of friends- just because Aman had started a small company recently and did not want to talk about it to anyone for his own reasons and wanted to settle down before he proclaimed it to the world, including Rakesh.
Rakesh on the other hand, had learnt of this venture through Aman's own mother who believed in being a broad cast station when it came to any bit of sensational news she could lay her hands on. As a result Rakesh was angry with Ameesha too . Now who could she explain that either way she wasn't at a fault ? Was it her fault that Aman trusted her with this information ? Wouldn't she betray him if she leaked it to Rakesh ? Well, she had it tough either way !
Aman and Rakesh were entirely different kinds of people - one was very outgoing, and wanted everything life had to offer - the other was content with life and belived in a slower pace. Well, she liked to both of them for what they were, and was happy to have them around her - she wanted to just share a piece of her happy world with them with no strings attached, no commitments, and no expectatations. But was she lucky enough ? didn't seem like at this moment!
She simply, sincerely wished they would all be together again, and have a good time hanging out at coffee shops and share a joke and laugh till their sides hurt - where was the time for such silly squabbles - life was too precious. But, who could drive sense into these ego-centric buddies of her's who were wasting precious time together ?

She brushed all her thoughts aside and quickly set about getting dinner to the table and when she looked out of the window, saw that it had begun to drizzle. After a full two hour's battle with chores and Sarthak's tantrums, feeding him and putting him to bed, she was ready to call it a day.

She made herself comfortable on the sofa in the drawing room, cuddled herself up in a cozy blanket and right then, something on the mahogany side table caught her eye! It was a picture of a little girl with a painting in the back ground - the smile she had was one of the brightest ever - there were stars in the little eyes and she could almost feel her excited breath - the happiness was palpable ! This was the very painting she had made and sent to the little girl she had adopted at the orphange, on her birthday last month - who's expenses she paid for month after month.

The little one had taken the time to pose with her painting, her little gift, to show her appreciation ! That's when Ameesha felt a warmth in her heart.She had afterall made a difference somewhere, in someone's life - it was not all a waste....she smiled a contented smile !!

She dozed off to sleep thinking ...it's such a short life to be wasted on useless things like egos, quarrels, and gossip ! There is so much to do and so little time..

The rain outside had now turned to a downpour....




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Jan 06 is Cuddle up day - So, get up now, go ahead and give everyone in your family a big tight hug and cuddle up with your little ones or your favourite teddy bear :) !!!

Dreams

How many of us really remember what we dream about every morning? C'mmon tell me what did you dream about last night :) cars, stacks of money, food, project deadlines, parents, children or simply....don't remember ? :)

What color do you dream in ? I honestly don't know mine :)

Dreams are formally described as an experience of envisioned images, sounds, or other sensations during sleep. The events of dreams are often impossible or unlikely to occur in physical reality, and are usually outside the control of the dreamer.

The discipline of dream research is know as oneirology.

We as humans are often trying to interpret our dreams (that is if we remember them !), and seeing if there is some message being conveyed to us. Does a nightmare mean that we are being forewarned of an impending mishap ? Does a happy dream mean that we will be bestowed with untold good fortune ? Some of the religions even go to the extent of believing that good dreams are from God, and bad dreams are from Satan himself :) They are many times vehicles of prophecy and history has evidence where predictions were made with these as a basis.

One of the theory of dreams states that dreams are metaphorical translations of waking expectations. There is a fulfillment of these expectations, and thus it frees the brain to respond afresh to each new waking day.

Many hold different views on the purpose of dreams. Some believe dreams serve no purpose at all, while others believe they can help us understand their subconscious thought possesses to overcome psychological difficulties. One theory suggests that dreams help us compensate for the parts in our “total personality” that are underdeveloped in our waking life. A contradiction to this is that our psyche in dreams is the same as our conscious behavior.

There is a very popular theory that dreams help us solve problems we are currently dealing with in our lives, especially psychological problems.Some dreams may reflect upon a problem you are having (and you may even come to a solution once you’ve woken and thought about it), they almost never present a plausible solution during the dream sequence.

Enough said, but I firmly believe that a calm, positive mind is the key to all good things including waking up from a restful night filled with pleasant dreams - innun date your very core with positive thoughts - sleep well, and wake up with a smile!

J Krishnamurty who's philosphy I think is unparalleled, had to say the following on the unconscious mind -

"So it is very important to understand not only the conscious, but also the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is much more powerful, much more insistent much more directive and conservative than the conscious mind; because the conscious is merely the educated mind which adjusts itself to the environment. He is adjusting himself, as you do, to the environment, to the pressure from outside, but inwardly he is the same - that is, the unconscious is still the residue of the past"

Read the following poem - which talks about dreams as aspirations- dreams that we dream!

Dreams
by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Coffee !!

Ah ! My favorite ! I simply cannot imagine starting my day without a steaming kuppa - the invigorating, fragrant aroma is really a fitting welcome to every morning ! I know people who refer to this as 'fuel' :)

My first introduction to coffee as drunk in the western hemisphere, was when I first sipped the bitter dark brew immediately on my arrival to this part of the globe. After a 21 hour flight, when every nerve in my body was screaming for the frothy , milky brew, sweet and hot, a local coffee shop dished out the almost cold, bitter, sugarless, black liquid which they proudly called "coffee". I was almost driven to tears - I missed my mom most at that single moment.

Growing up, morning coffee was an almost sacred ritual - well, I make every attempt to keep it up even today :) A cup of delicious filter coffee - a blend of the right amount of chicory and coffee beans was always handed to me , and every evening was equally aromatic !. A milkman would deliver fresh milk at about 6:30 PM, and nothing could come near the bliss of sipping coffee made out of this !

Coffee they say is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. It is prepared from the roasted seeds—commonly referred to as beans—of the coffee plant, and is usually served hot but can also be served cold. A typical 7 fluid ounce (ca. 207 mL) cup of coffee contains 80-140 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the method of preparation.

There have been multiple researches that concluded that drinking coffee is the best thing you could to yourself or another one contradicted saying it was the worst. Either way, I think it hardly matters to die-hard coffee lovers (including me !) - who cares we live one life, and what's life without COFFEE !!!

There are multiple associations and coffee societies that have been formed, places where they have discussion forums, and recommendations on the varieties of beans and other barista competitions. It is really serious stuff ! And I believe that all honest conversations are had over coffee :)

Growing up, I distinctly remember the 'chai wallas' (vendors) selling "coffee, coffee' on railway platforms, and it used to be the best part of our long train journeys that would range from 1 -2 full days from place to place :). The jingles they used to come up with to sell their coffee was really hummable and catchy :)

Latte, Mocha, Espresso, Cappucino or the Indian filter coffee - whatever that works for you, get it, look out of the window specially on a rainy day, and drink deep from it ! Enjoy it to the last drop :) !