I grew up in a small house in India that was situated right on the main road with lots of shops all around.
Every traffic jam, every marriage procession, every funeral march was visible from our balcony, and audible from anywhere inside the house.
While the guests at home always complained of loud noises, we were innately accustomed to noise of horns, horse taps, and regular hustle-bustle that started with the opening of the first shop and continued till the last shop closed.
Along with lots of dust and noise, we were also a participant in all the festival celebrations that took place in that market – by default.
I woke up to a swarm of messages on Dusshehra and Vijay Dashmi yesterday and today (apparently it is being celebrated both days this year)
While now, it is limited to Whatsapp and Facebook messages and forwards from friends and family members, it used to be a lot different back then!
Dusshehra also marked the onset of chilly weather in the part of world I grew up in.
The sweet shop right in front of our house used to extend its display. The music shop on the other side played loud music for the occasion. The street and shops used to get decorated. People would start planning the whitewash for Diwali. Some of us also used to worship our vehicles that day.
There was a Ram leela on a ground close enough that we could hear all the dialogues. The Ravan they made used to be tall enough for us to see from our rooftops. The smell of fireworks mixed with a little wind chill at night, was a feeling I still remember. Some years we went to that Ramleela ground, some years we waited on our rooftop to see the fireworks, and some years we were in train coming back from the annual satsang that we used to go to…
It is strange that I never appreciated those days as much back then as I do now…Specially on the festivals. When I know there is an occasion, but I don’t see anyone else celebrating around me.
And that just reinforces my all-time policy of “Har pal yaha… Jee bhar jiyo…jo hai sama…kal ho na ho…”
Coming back to present -
While the mode of celebration has changed, place of celebration has changed, style of celebration has changed, one thing I surely would like to keep consistent with this festival is the message of “Triumph of Good over Evil”
No matter how we celebrate, it is a good day to remind ourselves to be nice to be good and to remember being that all year round…
My day would probably end telling stories about Dussehra to kids and maybe a drive down the local temple where they plan to burn Ravan effigy!
Happy Vijaydashmi to everyone and Happy upcoming festival season!
Wikipedia says” Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence”
I say, music is something that goes to the soul and touches the heart.
For me, music is magic.Music creates memories.
Music is something I feel and not listen to.
Music has the power to touch me deep inside my heart.
Music can sway me back in time.
It can remind me of a long lost friend or a phase of life.
It can make me happy and can make me sad.
It can bring a smile on my face and can bring tears to my eyes.
At times, I listen to music according to my mood and at times, music can set my mood.
After a long time today, I trusted the “random song” playlist.
And had a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
While a song reminded me of my brother’s wedding, another one reminded me of a sweet thing a friend said.
One song took me back to my high school and the other one to my early wedding days.
One song took me back to a phase of life that I would like to forget and another one to a virtual beach :D
Music has the power to take me to a different world altogether, and I had a great trip down the memory lane today.
Picture: Something I scribbled and clicked at work while on a tea break!
P.S. That is a music note with hearts in a big heart. Idea behind it - I love music!
October 2013. Our first trip to Disney world. My favorite attraction - "Carousel of Progress"
A ride where the audience revolves around a stage to see the Progress we made over the years starting from the turn of century... It is hard to believe that there was a time when there was no electricity, cell phones, planes, TV and even water supply at homes.
People back then never thought that they could fly one day, or there would be moving pictures on a box or they could talk to someone far far away...and the daily chores can be done by just pressing a button.
But this is all a reality today. Just because someone had a dream. And they worked on the dream to make it true.
I came out of the ride with a lovely song to hum...With a hope that tomorrow is going to be beautiful...And knowing that nothing is impossible. It is just a dream away!!! All we need to do is dream and work to make our dreams come true.
As much as I loved the concept, I loved the song that was played as we revolved around the stage. And I have been humming this ever since...:)
There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow Shining at the end of every day There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow And tomorrow’s just a dream away
Man has a dream and that’s the start He follows his dream with mind and heart And when it becomes a reality It’s a dream come true for you and me
So there’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow Shining at the end of every day There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away
PS. I went to this show/ ride thrice. Try to find this on youtube. I am sure you will end up humming this song all day long...
I was driving my kids to school this morning. At a red light, I looked back at my older one to say something and I felt some discomfort in my eye. I had never felt that before. The light turned green and we kept going. When I felt it again while in front of my computer later during the day, I resorted to our best (or not so best) friend google to see what it could be. Biggest mistake right? Ignorance is sometimes bliss.
After reading all the scary stories and looking at horrific pictures, I was scared that I might loose my eyesight. Too quick to conclude? Probably the mind is programmed to believe bad over good.
All of a sudden all these thoughts started coming to my mind as to how life would be if that happens. I wont be able to see my kids? No TV, No computer, No reading, No colors, No life?
Within an hour and half after pleading with the scheduler, I was at the Ophthalmologist. With every letter I read on the board I felt I topped the class. With every test being cleared, gave me a sense of satisfaction that everything is alright. The doctor concluded that everything is fine and the pain is due to the inflammation and should go away. I breathe a sigh of relief.
But wait, doctor, you dialated my pupil, I cannot see anything. How would I drive back home?
You are fine driving it is just in the room that you cannot see for a couple of hours.
I came out with blurry vision. Saw 2 missed calls on my phone, but could not read who was the caller. Sent voice message to Sachin and he replied with a text. Could not read it. Came back home and tried to work on computer, could not. Thought of catching up with my DVRed shows. Could not. Finally I resorted to bed and closed my eyes.
While I closed my eyes and got a moment to think, I thought about people who actually do not have eye sight or for some reason lost it. My heart was heavy, and I could feel their pain. I could feel a tear coming out of my dilated eyes.
As after a point, those thoughts started making me uncomfortable so I called some friends. By the time my phone calls ended I could see better. I thanked God for my vision and for everything I have. I realized that sometimes, being thankful is the most comforting thing you can do for yourself.
We have heard about it. We know about it. We have seen it on TV. But, what we don't know or understand is what they go through who are actually affected by it, till someone you know personally is affected by it.
Did you know that one in every eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? That’s one every three minutes
Some one in my office is taking chemotherapy. She has breast cancer. I was taken aback when I heard about it. The only thing that was likable about the whole situation was her spirit. Her spirit to fight the disease. Her spirit to support those who support the cause. Her enthusiasm to help eradicate the disease or at least have an early diagnostic.
Our firm took one step further and supported Lee National Denim Day.
Lee National Denim Day® is one of the largest single-day fund raisers for breast cancer. On Oct. 3, millions of people nationwide will slip into their favorite jeans and make a $5 donation (or more) to support the Women’s Cancer Programs of EIF, who are bringing together world-class scientists to develop an early detection blood test and working in Lee Labs nationwide to find less toxic, more effective treatments for breast cancer patients.
We are proud to support this event and the fight against breast cancer. You can check out our team page at http://www.denimday.com/team_page.aspx?tid=228322. There, you can donate money to this cause and learn more about breast cancer. Whatever we contributed, Our company matched it.
We did slip into our jeans yesterday with our pink ribbons broaches. I meant to write this blog before Oct 3, but somehow could not. But it is not over. You can show your support for whole month of October. So, go pink, donate if you can, put the pink ribbon in your profile and spread awareness.
I always say April is special for me. But this day, is even more special because it is special for the most special person in my life. It's Sachin's birthday.
Sachin,
It seems like we have known each other since ages now. We have reached a level where we just have to look at each other to know what we are thinking. It has been a wonderful journey with you and am hoping it continues till eternity. I just love you the way you are.
And on this special day, of the numerous things I simply adore about you, of the numerous times, I feel proud of you, of the numerous times I feel to be the luckiest person on earth, here are some:
The way you try to take up all the responsibilities on yourself when I am busy at work.
Love it when you know I am tired and make tea for me to surprise…
Adore you when you don’t care about it is a ladies purse in the mall and take it from me so that I can try stuff on…
When you always try hard to understand my problem and try to solve it.
When you come home early when we hang up the phone on an argument.
When you make papad to make things up
When you immediately start worrying when I have a headache
When you always say "Accha lag raha hai" to anything I like in stores.
The way you give in your 100% in whatever you do. May it be making a cup of tea or a big project at work.
Your sense of humor
Your sensibility.
The way you are more concerned about my health than myself.
The way you freak out when I don't put on the safety belt on treadmill
The way you act when you don’t sleep well.
The way you get up early with me on Saturdays…
The passion with which you love cricket, Amir Khan, Daal and Me.
The way you go to every extent for people who matter.
The kind of knowledge you possess from every sphere of life.
The way you sing and of course Dance. I love it!:-*
Your patience.
Proud of your achievements.
The way you sing gibberish when you don’t understand the lyrics of a song. Still remember "Chakdiye"
Your ability to eat anything anytime in any mood. Makes it sooooo easy on me.:)
The way you guide me in personal, professional or athletic matters.
When you are always game for the plans I make.
The way you slide on the foyer, when I come home and you are already there…although I get to see that for only 3 months a year.
The way you switched from Selson Blue Natural to Classic for me.:)
The way you do small things for me in your own special way.
The way you always call me at work and ask if I ate my breakfast.
The way you have helped me become what I am. You have made me a better person and given me all the love care and respect that I deserve and much more. I simply cannot thank God enough to have brought you in my life. On this special day, I wish you all the happiness in this world and our togetherness for life and beyond.
Happy Birthday Betu! Lots and lots of love…
Well, I can go on and on on this. But since 30 holds a special importance on this day of the year, I will stop here, and let some other special people of your life say something to you:
Daddy-Mom
Daddy:
People like you are loved by all. So, from all of us, Here are love filled greetings for a Happy Birthday and wishes for the very best of luck and life.
Mom: Akash me jitney tare ho Khushiya utne sare ho Khushiya itne sare ho Ki kisi bhi gham ka ehsas na ho
Mummy:
HI SACHIN HAPPY BIRTH DAY TO U BAR BAR DIN YE AAYE BAR BAR DIL YE GAYE TUM JIYO HAJARO SAAL SAAL KE DIN HO PACHAS HAJAR HAPPY BIRTH DAY TO U HAPPY BIRTH DAY TO U HAPPY BIRTH DAY TO DEAR SACHIN HAPPY BIRTH DAY TO U
Pehchan Kaun?
Appu:
Jijs for me is like one person I can always look up to for the answer of my questions. He is the one who guided me to the good part of my life since I know him. If I have to rank the person I really admire in my life he'll come right there after my parents :)
He is a gem of a person with whom you can do all kinds of talks, a full time Entertainer, A super intelligent Human Being, Pretty good singer and a Mind blowing comedian :)
Wishing you a very very happy birthday jijs!
Gudia:
Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai….
Hazaar karodon me mere Bhaiya hain….
Saari umar hamein sang rehna hai…..
Wish you thousands of Happy returns of the day….
Keep Smiling
With lots n lots of love & good wishes
Baby:
Hello Bhaiya many many happy returns of the day.....I hope dis bday brings u more happiness and success. Whenever ur bday comes in my mind it always reminds me the story which mom tell us every now and then about ur classmate in Gwalior i guess....really hilarious one...hope u also remember that. I hope we are meeting in India and we both will win one more Ludo game as u know u r a Ludo champ....aur waise bhi "hari baaji ko jeetana humien ata hai tanananana." once again Happy bday loads of love to world's best bhaiya.
luv
BABY
Suraj:
Happy Birthday Choci Chacha
Navya:
Sachin Chacha - Happy Birthday!!!
Lots of love
Navya
Uncle and Aunty:
Janmdin ki bahot bahot shubhkaamnayein aur aashirwaad
Love.
Bhatija, Urvashi, Saumya,
A gift for you from Nivaan – he has decided to call his Sachin tauji – Sachin chachu.. .Happy Birthday Sachin Chachu…
Lots of love.
Harsh, Tanu n Vanshika:
Sachin ke janamdin ki de rahe hain sabhi badhai...
Tanvi khushi se jhoom uthi hai and planning kar rahe hai surprise..
Prakriti ne bhi basant ki hai chaadar pehni..
Mano keh rahe hai Sachin tumhare hi leeye cherry blossom ki khushiyaan le aaye
Mile tumhe safalta.. aur khushi saalon saal...
Wish kar rahe hain manao tum apna janamdin isi prakaar barum baar...
Gunchu:
Gunchu: Hii Jijs
Wish you many many many many manyyyyyyyyyy
HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
Poonam :
Happy Birthday to someone who deserves a truly happy day!!
Sachiiiiin, Keep as always and do what u do, coz u r just the best!!!!! goodluck!!!
May ur birthday be filled with all the happiness and the most beautiful things in life!!
Looking forward to many more years of fun & friendship..lots of good wishes..
Abhinav:
Hi Sachin!
Wish u a Happy Birthday! Being 30 must be a different feeling, crossing the 20s line across. But I know you will always be young at heart;) and spread happiness with your uncomparable sense of humor, and great affection for people around you. Another year to celebrate having a wonderful friend like you because everything u r and everything u do makes u someone very special. Have a very very happy birthday.
Cheers...
Deep - Navodita,
Sachin,
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!!. Many happy returns of the day. Have a great day and a wonderful year ahead!! Where are we all going for dinner on the 9th?:-)
Mehul:
Dear Mitr, Wish you many many happy returns of the day. May all that you wish for come true. Safaltaon ki seedhiyon ke aur bade chalo !
Vibha:
Dear Sachin, Wishing you many many happy returns of day. Hope you have great day and year ahead.
Sunil, Mrinalini & Suraj:
Hi Sachin,
Wish you a very happy birthday!
Priya, Gurprit ,Kenny, and Arinder.:
Hi dear Sachin,
With lots of love, we wish you a very!!Happy Birthday!!
Today is your day to celebrate
Your day to be the star
So let the ones you love all cheer
And say how special you are
May this year brings you lots of happiness and joy, May all your wishes come true. Have a Great day and blessed year ahead.
!! Happy Birthday !!
Veren:
Wish you a very very happy birthday !! I hope destiny brings you happiness and cheerfulness to you like you bring to the group. See my face how cheerful i am just imagining a great get together.
Komal:
Pooja :
Sachin is so cool and fun to be with. He can always make anyone smile and its simply wonderful having a Friend like him. I Wish him a Very Happy Birthday and a year filled with Joy and Happiness, and may all his dreams come true. On a Special note:- Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake :Sachin - Happy Birthday Once again !!!!!!
Amit:
Sachin Bhai - I have Just one line for you. "Friends like Sachin are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget." Many Many Happy Returns of the day !!
Sabiha:
Here are my heartiest wishes for the coolest guy on his birthday. Sachin has to be one of the nicest persons around and he possesses the capability to make things better by his sheer presence and charisma. I admire him for his unflinching devotion and adoration he has for his pyaari-pyaari biwi who, then again, is one in a million. May this birthday bring a lot of happiness, success and love to him and he be forever blessed. Many, many happy returns of this day to you Sachin. God bless.
-Pal:
Hey Sachin!
Wish you Happy Birthday !!!
Birthdays are nature's way of telling you that you have got one more year less to enjoy. So Enjoy and have Fun as much as you can on THE DAY !!!
Anand:
"Sachin! We have a special previlege to say "Wish You the same" for Our birthdays! ;) Have a Wonderful Birthday"
Ujval:
Herez to 100 years of all forms of warehousing !!
Prajakta:
Happy B'day Sachin !!!!! A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. So....Enjoy the trip. :)
Anu :
Hope that for every candle on your cake you get a wonderful surprise.
Wishing u a day soft as silk.....
white as milk.....
sweet as honey & full of money.
may all ur dreams come true....
HAPPY BIRTH DAY SACHIN and Wish u many more....Have a great Time Together.
PS: Blogger is cropping my photos, so some of them are not even the full picture...but, whatever you see...Enjoy!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all....
Change. The only thing constant in life is change. As cliché as it may sound, it holds true. Anything and everything around us is changing. May it be our age, the time of the day, our priorities, our thoughts or for that matter weather…
It is quite fascinating to see how in spring all the trees get new leaves; they have flowers and look beautiful. In fall again they change colors and look gorgeous and eventually they just fall off the trees. They have their own cycle and so do we.
Some changes are for good, and some not for so good. Some changes are easy to accept and some not. Some people adopt changes easily and some take time. Some changes change your life, and some…don’t even matter.
Talking about change… In 2005, we changed our digicam and got Canon S1 IS. Initially, I did not like it, as I was pretty used to my old camera…but then after I saw the results, I started liking it. It is with that camera I did all my novice photography sessions, and sometimes blogged about it as well…Lately that camera was acting weird so we got another one…..and there it was…Déjà vu…I now was resistant to change to the new one! But this time I thought of giving it a try and we did a contest between the two!!!
With fall colors all over, it was great photo op…here are a few photos taken from both the cameras…I think the results are pretty much the same, so I think I am going to switch over to the new one and let go off the past (My old camz)…after all that is what moving on is all about!
Just Love this pic!
This pic is clicked by Sachin!!! Amazing pic...
This is Sachin's creativity!!! Should give him credit I guess...
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