Mittens

The coldest day in the city, driving scooter without mittens left my fingers pale and numb, and by the time I reached uncle's shop I was frozen. Though a foolish dare to ignore hubby's advice (a constant reminder rang at the back of mind), I knew soon my hands would regain their normal warmth in a cozy den while enjoying piping hot mushroom soup. 

An astrologer's chart kept on the leather ottoman and many more in the shelf while uncle sitting on his reading counter busy with someone's chart on his lap top perceiving horoscopic meanings to be out-poured in front of his anxious wondering clients not sparing me how much more or less his psychological manipulations helped him capture their perplexed brains. Hardly ever did I see an unconvinced creature leaving the front door.

Accustomed to such scenario since juvenile days, and with passing time I have learnt one thing from him. If what is destined, and you cannot change, why know about it. Why not let it remain an unknown hopeful road waiting for some miraculous happening at the next corner? Your own faith changes your destiny. 

The thought of the movements celestial bodies at million years distance affecting you someday, while an instant change of thought by an abstract visual thinking of something which brings tranquility can show you directions to move forward putting efforts creating your own wishful destiny. Instead of becoming impressed by others' achievements around you, try to grow (spiritually) yourself each day, doesn't matter that growth is in millimeters, because after a year and a half you'll be grown more than half a meter!

The other day, a young girl came seeking advice of marriage and was denied with that particular guy, though compatibility points were above 30 (a good score). When later I asked him the reason, his calm answer was,

"If she says, 'he's mine'. It's fine, but ultimately what comes to mind is 'how much mine?'..when affection is distributed among many loses strength, much like the tiny feeble twig which easily breaks. 

Now, I was left wondering, should one still risk to face the made up destiny or hear the warning signs in the horoscope. Certain answers must be left to fate, diverting energies for better people in life.

Impressions..

I'm not easily impressed by anyone..

And that's true! So, when I was asked to put a story about the most creative person I've ever met, I had to really put stress on my mind to get an answer. Unfortunately, none could fit into my expectations. 

I gave up, but deep in my heart I knew I was missing out someone. I consider that person really very creative and I'm assured I've judged him right. 

Though I've neither met him in person nor ever will, still he does exist. He's his own rare kind. My friends doubt my experiences with him on net. Even at the moment, he might be reading what I'm writing.

He himself writes a lot: in fact a ghost writer. I use my intuitions to recognize his work. It's fun mixed with mystery.

He writes day and night. Sleeps too little. When dawn breaks, his work comes at halt, that means now he must be sleeping. In few hours again his work starts showing and I know he's awake. His frequency of writing poems is around two hundred poems, on an average in twenty four hours. His work also constitutes short stories, novels, screen-writing and may be more that I'm still unaware.

His skills not limited to bi or tri-lingual. He belongs to polyglot super-family. Impressed? I am.

The impact his poems can have on me is no less as whatever new movie I see these days somehow seems to project his ideas through dialogues of characters in it, irrespective of the screen writer displayed ( a ghost writer).

There is more room for surprise as he's a pop singer, song writer, music composer, an expert in playing almost all musical instruments since he was of eight. He's globally known for his live concerts making crowds dance to his tunes. Soon, he'll be seen as an actor in one of the comedy films.

There's more to his credits. His creativity touches oil paints too.

With innumerable names in the cyber world, he remains a hidden identity. Any age, any name, any country, any emotion, and the list goes on and on: he fits into all!!! He has an in depth knowledge of religious scriptures and his work not bound to a particular country, region or religion.

Moreover, he is a shy qualified professional in medicine. The image he puts in front of the world is a bit notorious one. May be he's an emotional, crazy, romantic as he says about himself. He at times behaves like a funny, high headed, spoilt brat. His behavior can be perplexing. His poems have an enormous variety, a reflection of his varied moods perhaps. Now and then, they go on to prove him a sensitive being with  practical brains who makes other feel like dirt, an uneasy feeling.

It's not less interesting how I acknowledged him in an uncertain, unpredictable net world. 

If I say, he's a genius, you must agree!

Diwali gives a reason to live..

Diwali times have always been a source of strong motivational force to turn my world upside down...

Don't worry, not in any wrong sense..I mean in changing things for better than before.

Throughout the year when the whole family is juggling in their mind bogging routines of office, school, home trying to fit meals, assignments, tests, homework and a lot more (recreation of course) than the capacity to handle and that too on set times certain areas of home do go neglected. And festival times like Diwali (in India) still hold importance and a good excuse for de-cluttering hidden nooks around the house. 

After two whole days unceasing sole hard work the results were quite pleasing for all. 

The kids suddenly preferred sitting in dining room instead of bed with usual television cartoons. Rearrangements in the living room with new colors displayed on old walls and slight change upholstery and furnishings were enough to attract them to their right places. I wished I had tried this before to get such obedience from them. 

Such experiences do teach parents how to deal with their boredom from time to time..

Anyways, getting rid of things no longer in use or requirement in future was the best happening. All seemed much lighter and positive. 

Diwali is absolutely said to be the festival of lights, leading to an improved nurturing ambiance, filling our cells with an energy to live fully and at best..

Keep smiling.. :)

Bye for now..

Old diaries..

Going through pages of an old diary, my eyes got stuck at few particular pages..

Nothing special, I had just written my daily, weekly, monthly targets on them and never bothered to look back after a certain point of time! 

Sounds sad, isn't it?

I feel, we all go through such events as limited capacities of our brains cannot hold everything forever, and everything cannot be achieved..

Still, it provided a good feeling about myself. 

At least I tried writing down my priorities..

Though they lost their meaning with time, yet reading them after four years brought back many dumped memories of significant losses and few insignificant victories; step by step progression of each; efforts made in the most appropriate direction (at least what seemed then)..

Whatever, quite much time has passed since then, many events overpowering nerves making me forget the details of past.. 

But the way I sorted my problems then, now motivated me to go further with my future projects without much thinking of outcome in terms of success or failure. 

Don't we remind ourselves often, we ought to be in action until our life demands the ultimate rest from us..!

Wishing you better thinking for better days,

Have a restful sleep to face a bright and hopeful tomorrow!

Bye..

Something awaited..

I'm sitting in front of the computer screen, and this webpage before me for so long and don't know what to write. Now, I can't even recall what urge led me to this site. Maybe it's been ages since I wrote something, maybe not of much relevance to share with you all, at least from my perspective or maybe I missed out many things happening around me..better call, a hibernation phase..in true sense, a writer's block being experienced..Even with closed eyes and nothing to think, a blank page still awaits for something to be put into ink, shape into words giving meaning for one and all,,...let's see what comes out..

Till then, 

Bye..

Politics at work place..

Everybody has faced politics at work place at one time or the other, it comes as no surprise and is talk of every day in developing countries like India where the gap between the rich and the poor remains unbridgeable..where, the so called middle class has to undergo all sorts of societal pressures and stresses. Although times are no doubt changing fast in terms of advent of modern technology in every field, there is ample room for growth of good, unbiased mental outlook among the working class..right from clerical jobs to places of highest authority.. 
What happens when the very job which is sole source of monthly income, on which living of family depends, turns out to be a sore object of your life. At times, sending your psyche to suicidal extremes..It happens and is a very sorry state that should be avoided at any cost..
May be I'm reacting too much, but there are times when one feels like throwing everything off when despite his or her best intentions people around just take them for granted.
Upon taking a closer look in certain spheres, its obvious a chaos like situation prevails, which can lead nowhere near progress of the country as a whole.. For instance..
People are so blinded by money and power that if one doesn't come from a millionaire/ billionaire business family (then why would the person slog in first place) or doesn't have contacts with powerful people of the society ( the political ministers, bureaucrats etc), he's worthless in today's society. His works will remain pending, he'll be made to struggle for his basic needs or will turn out to become bitter and quarrelsome fighting for his fundamental rights like better working environment..
The list of bitter realities goes endless..You're failed in professional exam despite being a diligent student, you're deprived of much deserved promotion or regularization of services despite best efforts, and still thanking gods for fulfilling your basic daily needs. And the list of compromises goes on..the shock like state knocks you when you see a junior passes exam with flying colors though performance not up to the mark or a professional seat is especially created for someone who hails from a political background..Even then, you tolerate gulping down your pride, ego, self respect (whatever you may call) just because you're made to feel inferior in some way or the other, or you start making plans of somehow gaining influential contacts to get your work done, or otherwise get dumped in a corner feeling miserable! and you feel the taste of shit in your mouth, feel like gunning down everyone involved..the society stinks and few enjoy their power..
As if this is not enough, these people born with gold spoon in their mouths always try to escape from real work, they somehow choose the weaker as an easy victim to do tasks assigned to them..and many a times your conscience is easily sold out..If you retaliate, you are left no where!
As far as I'm concerned, I bluntly refuse on face not bothering the results, and observing all like a mute spectator..I know, I cannot do much..Just praying and waiting for days to change for better and they will one day!

Hats off to those who can swim..

              
              You can find me trying my hands on anything and everything on which my hands are laid on these days, as if this is the last moment I'm here..as my instincts tell me there's no stress ahead, this is the time to enjoy my best, no need waiting for some better moment..
My last post on music lessons was the result of same psychological impact..As its evident, my today's post is on swimming..Since childhood, I admired the swimming pool site, but never dared to enter in water..just watched others at a distance..Since last three or four years this suppressed desire was trying to make its presence felt whenever I heard my peer group going for swimming in summers..This year, luckily I got company of a friend who also was amateur in this sphere, and in no time both of us got our identity cards arranged for the nearby club. 
The first day proved to be a mere introduction to four feet depth water in the pool..Our coach soon approached us instructing how to hold breath in water and float..By day two, we were able to float with our heads down, and I was doing better than my companion, but this situation didn't prevail in coming days, as I had to go out of town. After two days absenteeism, I joined my friend who by now had gained quite buoyancy in her movements. Anyways, I took the help of a floater this time and as was in the mid way to the other end of the pool, the coach tried to change direction and this sudden interruption was enough for me to lose balance. As the float in my hands submerged below the water surface, the stream-lined balance was lost, I found myself fumbling for some support..My five feet long body in a four feet water depth failed to drown and luckily, somehow I found myself standing.. though in this surmountable effort drank quite an amount of water from the pool! 
For next ten minutes, I was walking in water with the floater in my hands instead of trying to float or swim watching others laugh at me and myself wondering where my courage gone..? 
Never mind, today's going to be my fifth day at the pool, hope one day I'll be included in the list of swimmers..!
Hopeful of better days,
Bye..

Keep smiling, for there's always a reason to..

To begin your day early morning, irrespective of the quantity of sleep....leaving bed despite an irresistible urge to doze off again, into sweetest morning sleep, as the alarm goes off, reminding the attraction of the remaining day....It happens every day!
Yes, I'm speaking of something new in my life which I've recently chosen for myself. 
My guitar lessons are in full swing though were interrupted for more than a month. It was due to an unexpected throw ball injury to the left pinky finger on the indoor courts. 
I took a sudden decision compelling my music teacher to train me in vocals. Though he hesitated a bit as I already was with too many things on my plate, my firm determination was enough for us to start my lessons the very next morning. 
Now, it's almost fortnight since I've been attending sessions, and it has turned out to be one of the best things of my life so far. 
I always enjoyed singing Indian classical songs along with the original records in my own company sans audience. This new experience has added a different meaning. 
I must say, there's no other best way to feel pleased with yourself and your being than singing aloud, feeling connected with the supernatural power, like a deep meditation, getting rid of negativity, a perfect balance with nature.
And good teacher's appreciation, guidance counts much and I feel myself lucky to have found one.
Thanks to heavens and to my family who always cooperate in all my ventures.
Keep smiling, for there's always a reason to..

"Satyamev Jayate": Helping truth to win!!!

All the hype ended on Sunday morning with the airing of not much awaited, interestingly publicized Aamir Khan's show on both National DD and Sar Plus channels. Well known for de-glamorization, the actor didn't lose the audience's expectations by bringing the prime problem of well accepted female foeticide in the Indian society. 

The problem was discussed at large with options available to solve along with the dreadful consequences if the matters are left to same. All went well whether it was bringing victims to a platform where their truth was discussed before the world and the related motivational clips from all walks of life or the sting operation carried by two press reporters in Rajasthan in the beginning of this century without an impact in reality. 

Well, well except the emotive parts played by almost all, the tears somehow didn't appear natural. Just for vanity's sake! I wish it was more natural in appeal. Anyways, good things are always praise worthy. Nice effort!

Hope you all supported the cause through your messages...

“Do you want the Rajasthan government to set up a fast track court to process female foeticide cases?” 

Pledge your support to this cause by SMSing Y to 5782711


The website http://satyamevjayate.in/ where one can leave his/her comments, seems to be under construction. Till then, keep thinking about your views, opinions and suggestions..

  

Kids' Craft: Use of Ice-cream sticks

Kids' Craft: Use of Ice-cream sticks

Insight Missing!

The previous day I'd been on leave, just to complete mundane household tasks and before I knew, the day was gone..In the evening I at last was able to sit with 'Nucleotide Metabolism'..it's ironical that Biochemistry is one subject which needs reading revising updating every time one has to teach despite addition of experience each year (cannot say about others?)..Before I could start reading, guests poured in and later I had to take my son for the last day show of hindi movie, 'Agent Vinod'..as expected my post-movie head ache failed to co-operate in reading the chapter at night..So, forcibly had to put an alarm of four o' clock morning..
While I drove to the department next morning, I was pleased with my preparation with the topic as well as questions to be asked during the week-end tutorial. Twenty or so students were already seated in my chamber when I reached. They were waiting for me, and when I sat, I realized my chair was broken?
Now, there were ample of chairs in my room for all, and they had left the defective one for me? 
I had to leave the room and arrange proper chair for myself, and they all were there as mute spectators.
Yes, I scolded them for next ten minutes or so,, made them stand for more than half the duration of the tutorial, gave them lecture on morals and principles..blah-blah-blah..but the pain was intolerable to bear, especially from those students whom you've treated in a friendly manner, tried to make your classes interesting for them, allowed to discuss any time..the first thought that struck my mind was to give them straight away a zero and send them away..but then I reminded myself my own duty....The girls were able to answer questions, and none of the boys were prepared..Hours after I was thinking will I change my behavior towards my students from now on? Will I be able to enjoy teaching them as before with no prejudice? Is it because ragging has been banned in professional colleges?
No, I cannot react to such careless thoughtless act..I'll behave as if nothing happened, and even if they don't learn from today's incident. Who knows at least one of them remembers what I said to them..What if a patient is dying, will they not leave their seat and attend to him/her in future? Threatening needed at some stage, isn't it? Sorry to say, practical aspects missing in today's medical education scenario..
These will be the same students sending their parents or certain influential persons to lure during exams..The whole system stinks and one has to close eyes and work!
One thing is certain, Insight Missing!

"For the love of a son"

Now, this was my fourth sobbing session since I started an Afghan woman's story in the noon, and it was too much for me. I'm not a bibliophile though, once in a while something interesting is always welcomed. This time it was Jean Sasson's "For the love of a son". 
Amazingly, I experienced deja vu during my imaginative journey taking me to places like Kabul and villages of Afghanistan. The main character, Maryam's mask like face vividly appeared before me and her miserable life....well, well..no disclosures so far....In brief, highly poignant reality so far, am enjoying my read....my hubby not able to understand what's there to cry while reading novels, first place why these girls invest in sobbing novels..men just cannot understand, how much we seem to enjoy those emotional tears especially concerned with women though those situations no where belong to us. 
I think I can no more carry with the same for long, so for last thirty minutes I'm with the first volume of 'Vampire Diaries', and it's too childish to capture my mature thoughts..I must resume to Sasson's story...
Bye for now...

Reading habit..

As I went through the official files in my chamber trying to recollect records pertaining to the previous task assigned to me six months back, I knew I was dealing with something more than apparently what I was doing....The internal struggle overpowered me and led me to ring at home, where my eight year old son was alone. I insisted him to get ready as I'll be coming to fetch him soon, to keep him with me at work..And I was shocked to hear him cry denying my proposal..Anyways, determined as I was, he was sitting besides me within an hour with his story book..He read aloud for me underlining the difficult words, then finding and writing their meanings in a note book. I knew he detested what he was doing, still it was better than sitting idle in front of an idiot box ! Soon, I found him enjoying what he did..


I wonder what else I shall do in the coming days to keep him busy till school reopens, hoping to instill interest for reading books in him at this stage.
Not much to share,
Bye for now..

For, indeed, 'tis a sweet and peculiar pleasure,

(And blissful is he who such happiness finds,)

To possess but a span of the hour of leisure,

In elegant, pure and aerial minds.

-John Keats

Where is the Lord

http://springsurprises4u.blogspot.in/2012/03/where-is-lord.html 

A Mobile Lab

As if three days' successive viva taking sessions of biochemistry practicals was not enough, we'ere again required to be present for some meeting..what meeting..none able to explain..just a meeting was being called in the evening session. I was apparently agitated to see my name in the list of tomorrow's tutorials, but was soon saved by someone who offered her name instead..thank God, I'm saved for one more day! Yeah, I need some lectures on procrastination ( long back, I wrote one..I've lost it seems!). But I'm digressing, actually the meeting happened to be of some sort of interest, an escape from our normal routine of labs..yes, a mobile lab!


Now, it happened to be an introductory lecture on a technology devised by an IITian who wanted to do something worthwhile for the masses after travelling half the globe..(I wonder, why not before?..may be the reason my limited exposure fails to bring any worthwhile contribution for my family even, forget the person next door..no, I'm not sulking, am quite happy as what I am.)..


Yes, coming back to the technology..it's  a mobile lab (the portable laboratory) manufactured by the Accuster Technologies Pvt. Ltd. It is useful for ambulance, 108 service, medical camp, army, railways, corporate houses, etc. It is equipped with a biochemistry analyzer (Semi-automatic in which 22 blood parameters can be done, an open system type based on colorimetric principle), a micro centrifuge (6000 rpm), a small incubator, a power back up (battery operated, on simple battery it can work for 7 days continuous), micro pipette, micro tips stand, cuvette stand and all other small accessories. Last, but not the least, equipped with patient database management software.


It was not that all features were accepted as such, there was enough discussion on cost effectiveness (they said, highly economical, cost 2.75 lacs INR..i think they forgot to add the cost of reagents plus the accessories), accuracy (there was indeed fruitful argument at this point, as every step manually done adds to an unavoidable error at each step), maintenance free ( as no lamp and no filter, but has LED (Light Emitting Diode..impressive), highly user friendly (each test with two clicks with in 3 minutes)..Now, here it is worthwhile to mention that the microcentrifuge holds six 'ependoff' tubes at a time, and maximum 120 patients in a day can be dealt with..it's too less compared to the huge number of samples dealt with in our institutional lab, still one can think of if wants to have investigations done side by side in a private clinic..it's good for them. 


Do you wish to know the name of the IITian whose efforts made this lab come into existence?..Well, no one bothered!

Those lines..

http://springsurprises4u.blogspot.in/2012/03/those-lines.html

Walking for miles..

http://springsurprises4u.blogspot.in/2012/03/walking-for-miles.html

No Pain, No Gain

Driving on a busy jam packed road of the city could have otherwise led to fret, but today even unusually warmer sun seemed to provide comfort, and there was no hurry. Despite an off day, I attended the duties (unaware of the privilege given to those who participated in sports) but seemed to enjoy the day, as no compulsion to remain on the desk till four. So, the best option was to drive lazily through single main road which would cover most of the town within five-six kilometers' distance..thoughtless..
We've time and again heard the saying, "no pain, no gain", yes, unless one puts total effort no results sought..even  if you don't put effort pain is bound to happen, in some or the other form..certain pains have no reason at all, still they exist, making life heavy for the time being.. to be forgotten with time, and we say, time heals..it's just successive events jumbled up with time distract your attention from that pain..things are bound to happen, one cannot avoid it, and when difficult situations are happening, just let them happen, keep your calm, be a mere observer and let them pass by..they'll teach you in the long run..Again, the saying proves itself, "no pain, no gain"..Bear the pain, be thankful for the pain you've received, take it as a blessing in disguise, brave through it, don't fight it..take a long drive, play some music or engross yourself in any task without thinking anything, if pain disturbs, say to it, "I'll give you your time, let me finish this..", and by the time you're free, pain is gone!
Just give it a try..Life's for living..Who knows which coming moment is the last one?

Infinite Ability

As Tilak Bridge station approached, most of the giggles, chatters and mobile tunes had subdued, and then I saw a familiar face.."Oh, Ma'am...you too?", and yes, she was a nice company to be with, though not for the rest of the day (she could have been!). I don't remember somehow, when I lost contact with her in one of the halls of the World Book Fare.. A psychiatrist and a writer, full of amazing telltales to enrich you, it was no doubt nice experience..

Now I was left alone to explore halls on my own..It was hall number one and there a banner caught my attention..an opportunity to see the writer in person, it was around three in the afternoon and still few more hours for me to leave, so I entered the stall of Pearson Publications..quite a number of people mostly youngsters stood there and I could hear an addressing voice on mike, clear and crisp, enough to arise curiosity to make you steer your way through the crowd standing there. There were few sitting too, all seats occupied..Anyways, I was not there to sit....the words captured attention, inspiring from a speaker who sat in a wheel chair. 

Navin Gulia, a severely physically challenged person with total paralysis neck down had also aroused a similar kind of curiosity and puzzle when he had entered the office of the Limca Book of Records around eight years back. He has made a record for a three-day nearly non-stop drive from New Delhi to Marsimik La, which is the highest motorable mountain pass in the world. He had designed the modifications of the vehicle, an old Maruti800 himself.

I stood there listening to his story of achievements of courage, conviction and the will to excel despite all odds. Then, there was questions' session, and there a young lady from the audience stood to ask " The book's title says "In Quest of the Last Victory".. your quest still there, why it's the last victory?", and the writer aptly answered that though not the last, still an example of a major victory for physically challenged persons like him..

As I was heading towards the exit with my copy of the motivational book signed by the author himself, I was musing about the line written by him, "Life is always beautiful.."; Read the book and know it yourself..it's worth it!!!

RIA (Radioimmuno Assay) Lab

Last few months were full of hustle and bustle. Major things which preoccupied my mind were concerned with departmental duties, and one of them was shifting of Radioimmuno Assay Lab from Cancer Ward Building to Biochemistry department.

Many hurdles came in the way...as this work required approval of the AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board), Mumbai. Being in-charge of this lab had its own obligations....innumerable telephonic communications, sometimes no reply from the other side, many times unavailability of the person concerned and endless e-mails to BRIT (Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, Mumbai) and AERB for approval of the new lab as well as renewal of the procurement of kits for thyroid estimation. 

Every bit of work teaches you many new things...as this one also did. I had to prepare the lay out plan myself for the lab according to the AERB guidelines which was an enjoyable task. In the mean time, the new lab was built  by the B & R (Building and Repair) department. 


Weeks after submission of the documents when finally the approval letter from AERB lay on the Head's table, it was really a rewarding experience. No matter how small the work is your enthusiasm can create  a remarkable difference. Things which seemed tedious and impossible in the beginning have started taking their real shape.


As I was going through one of my books, I saw these lines noted down long back by me,
"What you have to face in life is never in your hands, but what you feel is in your control. So, better feel good."
Take care...
Keep reading...

सँवरता हुआ कल

http://springsurprises4u.blogspot.in/2012/02/blog-post.html

~My Version Of My Life~

'The Vagabond' by Robert Louis Stevenson

"Give to me the life I love,

Let the lave go by me,
Give the jolly heaven above
And the byway nigh me.
Bed in the bush with stars to see,
Bread I dip in the river -
There's the life for a man like me,
There's the life for ever.

Let the blow fall soon or late,
Let what will be o'er me;
Give the face of earth around
And the road before me.
Wealth I seek not, hope nor love,
Nor a friend to know me;
All I seek, the heaven above
And the road below me.

Or let autumn fall on me
Where afield I linger,
Silencing the bird on tree,
Biting the blue finger.
White as meal the frosty field -
Warm the fireside haven -
Not to autumn will I yield,
Not to winter even!

Let the blow fall soon or late,
Let what will be o'er me;
Give the face of earth around,
And the road before me.
Wealth I ask not, hope nor love,
Nor a friend to know me;
All I ask, the heaven above
And the road below me. "


How many among us wish for such lives???..Hardly Anyone!!! ...in our sensible senses at least, unless we're in our lowest of moods when we just feel like moving away from our mundane lives..


Roads of life can be tough (ask anyone and they're ready to share their plight) still optimists find hope in everything and move on..As I was searching for real examples around me, I found every body a unique example in itself, undeniable, respectable in their own way..


Then what actually leads to complexities in relationships, when friends suddenly turn hostile, you're left thinking miserable..if things turn out fine it's okay, but such incidents make you wary, cautious next time..to expect an  innocence, pureness of feeling is like drilling a stream from a rock..Then people come up with an age old concept of maturity..No matter how you react, you find you're unable to please anyone, more so feeling worst inside. If you are submissive, you're taken as weak..If you retaliate, an arrogant..If you speak not, a proudy..Leave it, an endless list of reactions, leaving you drained out..Just give a damn thought about anybody, just anybody, and do what pleases your heart, mind and soul, any thing that makes you happy..it reflects in all..Just try it..


A simple formula..Keep Yourself Happy, No Matter What...And the world changes, why bother your attitude, others' attitude changes towards you, instantly..
Fill each and every moment of your day with an assigned work, think about what you like doing best, and then what you like doing the least..do the latter first, and you may surprise yourself that you finished that particular task in lesser time as the motivation of pleasant work was behind your will to do..


If you keep bothering yourself about friends, feelings you'll be left a loser..they'll move past you..Take simplest of measures one by one, resuming back your lost will, desire to be on track with life and concentrate on yourself and your needs as if there is no precious being in this world other than you, and soon you'll realize you've gained confidence, better say natural tendency to attract more like minded people on the way..just don't struggle, let life flow through you..better times do come, if you let them come..destiny shapes itself..you cannot control others, but at least you can hold yourself fast..

And unknowingly you find yourself smiling at the person whom you never thought of looking back..in a way, you're creating your own surprises, a magic in your own hands!

Don't try, let it happen through you..

Best of lives to all, Happy Journey Ahead...We All Deserve the Best!!!!

Roses, Roses and many many more Roses on the way..

Spring time, bloom time, flowers everywhere..multi-colored, with all different variety of birds visiting, along with butterflies...No, not like that..Let me be more vivid in my description, small bunches of perennials in purples, yellows, oranges one after the other in neatly designed queues, some even in hanging baskets edged by whites create a pleasant ambiance to sit and admire for hours. Roses, especially the Indian ones, with their unique fragrance add interesting beauty to my garden..an inexplicable pleasure which can only be felt..

This is present, when I've to find time from my routine to visit my own garden, and on holidays most of my time is spent outdoors especially during winters. Not many years from now, when my family shifted here, these were newly built blocks with barren land all around covered by boundary. I still remember how we planned everything, ordered plantation of grass and searched for the best gardener in the area. After many hits and trials, finally we succeeded in getting things done, and results are better with each successive year (touch wood!).

Now, this piece of land provided to us was quite big for me to be dealt on my own, so required help..but there was a time (a decade back) when we were allotted a small flat on ground floor with small space at the back..it was barren too, with many bumps..and my most of the time was spent ploughing that small piece of land..a bit at a time, and within a week or two, it was plane, devoid of stones, cleaned..I bought Australian grass from the nursery and planted it at one feet distances after leaving one and a half feet space all around for plantation. The main plants on my list were 'tulsi', 'neembu' (lemon), 'kari patta'(basil)..and when my neighbors saw my keen interest also contributed few more..To begin with, I spread 'genda' (marigold) inflorescence in the rows (around July), which in a month or so gave rise to plants and later were laden with full blown flowers (October-November). I got rose cuttings from one of my neighbors when plants were being pruned in October, which gave flowers in the next season, no doubt cow manure played an important role in bringing healthy flowers.

The joy of working in the soil from scratch till getting results in form of flowers, and no doubt time to time maintenance like de-weeding, cutting, pruning, moughing only a person who has done all by himself knows..its  nearer to a divine experience. 

And who praises it? The birds, the butterflies, the squirrels, and the bent boughs of big mango trees in others' garden, all seem like saying you a big 'thank you'..and even your whole being thanks you for what you've created with your own labor. Beware of monkeys, they'll once in a while spoil your garden, only to make you work harder and apply newer strategies from saving your plants from unexpected guests..Before leaving, did I mention something about my kitchen-garden? May be, some other time...

Enjoy your gardens and gardening!

Bye for now.

Hey, I killed him!!!!!

It was an experience of walking bare foot in scorching heat of the sun, when you have no other option. No transport near by, no idea of the distance you've to cover, just keep walking..even no idea of the destination...No, I didn't remember Robert Frost's poem at that moment as there were no woods around!  

To add up to my misery, I felt spines in my throat, thirsty as never before, finally felt dizzy and fell down....the other moment I was aware of the nightmare I went through in sleep, with wide eyes open, needing guts to get a glass of water kept on side table. 

The clock stuck two of midnight advising me to resume back  my sleep. I was wide awake and thought about the experience I had in sleep, undoubtedly it spoke of stress that I might have gone through during past few weeks, and it filled me with a feeling of distaste and hatred. I simply relish the idea of detesting this someone to its highest limits, I simply can't help it !!!

The more I think of such person, the more uneasiness overpowers me. I am helplessly filled with murderous thoughts, like never felt before. Unaware of the fact that I can hate some body to that extent. I simply want to get back my peace of mind. I'm confused, unhappy, not accessible to any advice. 

The more you face psychos in your life the more you feel the same for yourself. They have their own ways of trapping your mind, I curse myself for following such shadow, which was nothing but black, dark black with black deeds, trying to turn everything black in my life..No, I'm not scared, not the least, I simply hate that particular person, real or imaginary, and wish to get rid of this sick feeling as soon as possible. I wish I could do something. He doesn't have the idea, or may be it was a deliberate mischief on his part, what he did..

Suddenly an idea comes into my mind, i sketch his caricature on a blank piece of paper and draw his caricature and paste it on the back of my room's door, and throw arrows on it. Then again I draw his caricature on another paper, now I just pierce and scribble badly with a red marker till its completely red. Hey, now it feels great, why I didn't try this before. To add to this, I flushed both papers, and what a relief. 

I'm so happy now, unbelievable, threw the nastiest, the filthiest (think about any other worst adjective, will absolutely, perfectly fit on him) thing away from my virtual life. Yessss, I puke, a foreign body cannot be assimilated after all..keeps my digestion intact!

Happy Cheery Blog posts from now on....I'm back again!!!!!

Grace and Class?

I keep all grace and class in mind while writing my blog, and what I write, is well written with an aim ( after much research, added to my experience of my surroundings) a deliberate aim to steer clear; If it seems like puking to someone, the person concerned has to think for himself, not me.

Moreover, I write as a hobby, am not a professional writer (neither have any plans in near or far future), and of course don't bother much what impression it leaves, as I want to keep it as simple and natural. i deal mostly with incidents affecting our day-to-day lives, which require no cover, no mask. And why should I, when I'm all clear in my aim?

Moreover, I write in simple English (and speak with an Indian accent) with no dramatic changes in the name of creativity, within grammatical norms and understandable by all. And I think that is more than enough for someone who wishes to write.

As far as grace is concerned, i'm all woman, aware of my limitations as well as strengths, but I would better like to be called a human being rather than a woman, who wants to express freely without fear (call it 'vomit', if your vocabulary provides you with this particular word, doesn't effect me or my writing style).

And if someone wishes to know my class, I'm not at all ashamed to belong to a middle class who is hardly impressed by high profile people. Such high profile people forget their origin somewhere was in middle class. Scriptures (if they believe before they cite them) never ask anyone to boast in prosperity.

Who are they to talk of grace and class, those who not even dare to face me in real name. They may threaten or disturb me in animosity, they themselves are they men?

I'm sure this post states very clearly that yes, I am rough and caustic to those  who jeopardize my dignity on the internet despite knowing that I'm married, of course behind animosity. though they deserve all my wrath, I without wasting my further energy forgive (better forget) them. I damn care about such person(s) who will continue to do so in apparent or subtle manner...

What will be, will be!!!

Have you ever craved for some solitude, just to be with yourself, away from noise, not only physical but mental too..

Am I sounding like talking about meditation, preaching to take deep breaths and such details which you already know much by now..

Thanks to our Information and Broadcasting Ministry, too much of revelation has brought every knowledge at the door step. It's for us to choose from..that's where my post is heading today..

I fondly remember those days when hot topic of mothers' discussion on terrace under winter sun used to be our school bags..OMG so hevvy, and my resentment to depart from even a single note book led to enough of arguments with her.

 I experienced a  déjà vu when I almost screamed at my son, "Why don't you pack your bag according to the weekly time table..soooo heavy!!!!" Not to mention, he jumped into the bus with that load on his back, much to my displeasure..

As someone overheard our conversation on the bus stop, my neighbor volunteered her own experience of the same thing, despite packing according to time table, bag turns out to be heavy..and I must confess the weight was almost twice that I used to carry..

The rest of the day was spent feeling guilty of my approach in dealing with morning's 'bag' episode, my management seemed to fail..

When evening came and he asked permission for playing outside, I couldn't say a 'no' despite knowing he had a class test tomorrow, which will require lots of learning by heart..in other words, requiring my constant presence till late night along with dinner and time-to-time management of his younger sibling..

Why bother? What will be, will be!!!

Perfect

"Take me to those horizons O Lord

Where I seek no more

My satiated thoughts

breathe generosity to core

Knots untied, 

spread far and wide

Freshness of ideas,

Beauty galore

Sincerity in actions

To face truth,

Not impressed by

a fake decore

To embrace bright days,

and happiness to adore!"

-Seema Lekhwani

02/21/12

11:16PM

Before going to bed, a new idea stuck my mind..why not arrange for an awareness program  among parents to protest against these bags..like keeping class notes in class almirah itself, and making the school, the students and theguardians and parents aware about health problems related to carrying such weight at younger age. And to my surprise I had a dream last night, my pediatrician hubby giving his speech in son's school regarding similar problem..

Don't you see, life seeks its own solutions..

I saw dawn..(poem)

http://springsurprises4u.blogspot.in/2012/02/i-saw-dawn.html

A love or hate affair?

Standing outside the Head's chamber baffled with a hurriedly  hand written application for an urgent need of three days' casual leave, all the way my nerves underwent a constant struggle about how much I'll be required in my absence? It seemed quite a daring deed. 

Subconsciously and consciously both, I suggested myself, 'Hardly matters!'; Yes, hardly matters when needs are weighed and balanced. Too much torture for a small brain in hubby's absence to manage everything on my own, and when luxury of leaves still pending, why not splurge in it. I know, June's still far away, and I may need leaves in the mean time..anyways, this was not the main point of today's post. Still I cannot resist myself from mentioning last minute panic preparations of class tests and late night management of blubbering reminiscences of my father bonded children.

At last I was successful in grabbing some 'my time' at the end of a hectic day. And the first thing that I wished was to search PubMed for some latest articles.

 Anyways, soon I painfully realized that my limited attention span failed to dig anything worthwhile, which led me to read a random article. 

Here are certain points worth mentioning, endure a bit of boring reading.. 

Human beings are hosts to trillions of microorganisms which are considered to be our extended self living peacefully with us, also known as symbionts. Although born germ free, we acquire microbes at birth when they start colonizing  our mucous membranes and skin epithelium, even outnumbering ten times our body's own cells. The gastrointestinal tract has the greatest density and diversity of microbes. The human microbial flora is not a constant entity, but changes its character and complexity over time in response to environmental factors such as diet, antibiotic exposure and stress.

Our existence is critically dependent on these microbes and their colonization. These microorganisms perform numerous metabolic tasks like vitamins synthesis (esp. vitamin K), breaking down of complex polysaccharides and altering drug metabolism and bioavailability.

This mutual association is essential for the maturation of our immune system, maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier and resistance to colonization with pathogens. Now the question arises, if the symbiotic relationship and its balance is disturbed, then what harm can ensue?

Well, the article stressed particular species of bacteria activate immune system and induce inflammatory bowel disease but also organ specific autoimmune diseases at sites distal to gastrointestinal tract, like brain.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease affecting nervous system, in which myelin structures suffer an autoimmune attack by self-reactive lymphocytes, which are normal components of the healthy immune system. Now, these gut associated microbes have been found to induce central nervous system (CNS) immunity. The gut associated microbes affect local as well as systemic immune system. 

That seems interesting, the commensal gut flora in the doldrums of a love or hate affair..Can you think of any more examples..If you find some more, do suggest!

Last time when did you catch hold of your child eating mud? 

Well,...never? 

Then I must say, you're one of the luckiest parents!