Approaching a fresh new year!

Sometimes I feel like going back
To sweet old memories days!
I wonder if I could hold the clock's hand
And walk anticlockwise a few years!
To relive few evergreen moments
And to change few gray moments!
That would be beautifully wonderful,
Nevertheless it might change green ones too!
So I settle wisely to embrace
The new year along with sweet memories!
Hoping earnestly to shape more greener,
More sweeter, joyous days ahead!

Apple

Dived, immersed, searched, got lost, enlightened, confused,... yeah yeah, am coming to the point. I've been doing all these and more for a while, to ascertain at least the bottom step in photography for me. 

My D80 captured many scenes and objects and would have wondered why I was deleting those pics within minutes! I switched between modes, adjusted exposure, ISO, white balance, focus and huh.., excuse me, that's all I remember! :-) After doing all those, sometimes I was completely clueless on what was happening! But yes, that happens when we learn something I guess. I read so many articles and sometimes ended up making a kichadi out of those!!  After all those endeavors, I got this apple. To my eyes, after many failures, this appears good. But still I feel something is missing. The point is , shhhhh, come near, "I don't know".

So please folks, tell me your opinions, real opinions!

Snowman

This snow man comes at anytime of the year, with or without snow! May be he is a cousin of snowman - he is cotton man!! Beware he is spicy too, with pepper eyes and mouth!
We had fun creating this cottonsnowman, but he is little wobbly! Thats no problem as I can use him as a puppet!

Do it now, for kids grow up quick!

“If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging.“ -Diane Loomans.

I think I have followed the above quote to a little extent but I wish I had done more! Nevertheless the limited strength of humans acts as a resistor! If moms are allowed the luxury of no work than playing with kids.....how wonderful it would be!!!

Adapting Trees

Trees, Who told you?
The time to dress your leaves
In vivid yellow and red
And send them to Mother Earth;

Trees, who told you?
That the icy cold is approaching;
How do you know the time?
To shed or grow new leaves;

Trees, who told you?
I believe you exist since before man
I assume you know not the months
For the calendar is designed by mankind;

Behold trees! You are awe-inspiring!
I salute thee indeed! Know ye the times
To bloom, yield and shed, ever gladdening
Yet stand humble and serene!

Loved ones

Hard it is to understand the mind!
It feels so lonely when surrounded by people
But feels serene and content while alone!
Oh! It isn't constant indeed, for at times
The same mind longs for company
And feels agitated while alone!
Could I associate the feelings in someway?
Am afraid I don't! Nevertheless I could discern
That the mind invariably yearns for love
At least a slightest tinge of it!
Certainly! How wonderful it is!
To have love ones around!

Majestic Moon

Is it a piece of pie?
Or a compact disc coming out?
Is it God's silver plate?
But why isn't it falling down?
So that I could make it my own!
Well, Its put up there for all
The silvery majestic moon!

வாழ்க்கை

மனதில் இருப்பது ஆயிரமாயிரம் எண்ணங்கள்

யார் புரிந்து கொள்ளமுடியும்?

சொன்னாலும் சொல்லாவிட்டாலும் அவை அவரவர்க்கே

பின் சொல்வதில் என்ன லாபம்? 

சொல்லாமல் இருந்தால் உறவுகளின் அர்த்தம் என்ன?

வாழ்க்கையில் ஏன் இந்த முரண்?

அருள் தாரும்

கடவுளை நினைத்து நான் எழுதியது ...in March 2007

பல்லவி:
அருள் தாரும் அருள் தாரும்
உம் வழி நடக்க அருள் தாரும்
அருள் தாரும் அருள் தாரும்
உம்முடன் நடக்க அருள் தாரும்

1. பள்ளமோ முள்ளோ என்று அய்யுறாமல்

    காடோ மேடோ  என்று கலங்காமல்
    உம் வழி நடக்க உறுதி கொண்டு
    உம்முடன் நடக்க அருள் தாரும்

2. இருளோ ஒளியோ என்று நினையாமல்
   திருப்பம் வருமோ என்று அஞ்சிடாமல்
  என்னை முழுவதும் உம்மிடம் கொடுத்து
  உம்முடன் நடக்க அருள் தாரும்

என்னோடினைந்த இறைவா

2007 மார்ச்சில் எழுதியது ...

பல்லவி:
என்னோடினைந்த இறைவா நன்றி

என்னுள்ளம் எழுந்திட்ட  தலைவா நன்றி

1. காலையில் தோன்றும் கதிரவனாய்
    மாலையில் வீசும் தென்றலாய்
   இரவில் ஒளிரும் விண்மீனாய்
   என்னோடினைந்த இறைவா நன்றி

2. சுவாசத்தில் கலந்த காற்றாய்
    என்னுள் ஓடும் உதிரமாய்
    என்னுள் துடிக்கும் இதயமாய்
    என்னோடினைந்த இறைவா நன்றி

என் முதல் கவிதை

பதினோராம் வகுப்பு படிக்கும் பொழுது நான் எழுதிய கவிதை (!?) இது. எனக்கு தெரிந்தவரை தமிழில் அதுதான் என்னுடைய முதல்  முயற்சி என்று நினைக்கிறேன்.

வானச் சீலையில் நட்சத்திர ஓட்டைகள்
பூமியின் வறுமை விண்ணையும் தாக்கி விட்டதோ?

வானத்தின் வளமான நட்சத்திரங்களை வறுமையாக ஏன் கற்பனை செய்தேன் என்று எனக்கே தெரியவில்லை. :-)

My Love, My Soul

My Love, sweet heart, my life, how do I address you?
I would be wrong if I say you are my heart,
for one day it will stop beating!
I would be wrong if I say you are my blood,
for it flows not to my nails!
I would be wrong if I say you are my breath,
for I do exhale leaving it out!
I would be wrong if I say you are my life,
for its not always sweet as you!
I would say you are my soul not parted in death,
for am yours and you mine eternally!

I had written this poem in 2006 and it got published in a book (in US) too.. :-). I have that book with me.

என் அன்பு தாலாட்டு

என்னுடைய முதல் மகன் பிறந்த பொழுது (nov 2004 ), வீடு சென்றதிலிருந்து நிறைய பாட்டு பாடுவேன். நிறைய அவனுடன் பேசுவேன். அப்பொழுது நானாக, என் சொந்த வார்த்தைகளால் தமிழில் அவனை கொஞ்சி பாடிய தாலாட்டுப் பாடலை இங்கே பதிவு செய்கிறேன். எண்ணற்ற முறை பாடி அவனுக்கே இப்பாடல் நன்றாக தெரியும். 

பிறகு என் இரண்டாவது மகனுக்கும் இதைப் பாடியிருக்கிறேன், பெயரை மட்டும் மாற்றி... :-)

ஆழ் கடல் முத்தே

நீல் வான நிலவே
சோலை மலர் மணமே
மலைத்தேன் சுவையே
கானமயில் நடமே
கூவும் குயில் இசையே
வீசும் தென்றல் காற்றே
என் இதய துடிப்பே
என் செல்ல மகனே ....Haaaanikuttyyy .... :-)

இதைப் பாடினால் Hani முகத்தில் தோன்றும் மகிழ்ச்சியையும் அவன் கண்களில் தெரியும் பிரகாசிப்பையும் பார்க்க அவ்வளவு இனிமையாய் இருக்கும். :-)

Independence Day

Wishing Happy Independence Day, whether or not feeling inside the heart;
Whether or not understanding the true meaning of it;
Its high time, we realize our part, instead of looking around for pits; Just a few simple things will make a wonderful India -
1.Respect traffic signals, even if tens around us don't; Make a difference!
2.Do not just throw trash onto the roads making sure its out of our car or house, it ends up on the land, OUR country!
3.Do not take the monuments for granted-lets do our small part to preserve them. Instead of just talking about great kings and scholars of India, understand their cause and what they foresaw, in the depth of our mind. I think that understanding and feeling itself will make us do what we have to do!
Pass on stories about the heritage of ancient India, about  pre-independence and what it took to gain freedom, to the younger generation! Its our responsibility to enlighten our children and make them feel proud, and make them feel responsible!
A lot more could be added, I could write a big essay....let each of us think about that...Am tired of people saying Happy Independence Day, watching movie, eating popcorn, leaving the trash on the seat; Am tired of people saying Happy Independence Day, but could not wait in signal for a few minutes, or do not follow the lanes; Am tired of many more things....Am not wishing Happy Independence day...I wish every citizen of India understands what it is to be a free Nation, and what it takes to be a good citizen! God Bless India and all Indians!!

To go sailing

I've got a sudden whim to go sailing. Yes, this thought blossomed in my mind out of the blue. I wonder how it would be to go far away from the land. Swayed by the waves, hope that to be gentle rather than a storm.I would like to gaze at the horizon for endless hours, may be see a whale or shark. Well, am feeling like writing a poem now...Let me do..

I've got a sudden whim
To go sailing;
Yes, Surely out of the blue
This thought blossomed;
Swayed gently by the waves
Gazing the horizon;

Immersed in the sparkling luster
Caressed by breeze;
Listening to sounds of ocean
Luxuriously happily relaxed;

I imagined myself in the sea, living each of this line and now am absolutely calm!! :-) Wow, Awesome!! (patting myself)

Horse and Crow

I started the story to Alvin, and it had its own twists..hilarious :-)
One sunny day, a horse was grazing in the meadow. It was full and satisfied and then it was looking around lazily. When the horse looked at the sky above, he saw a horse shaped cloud. He said hi, "neigh, neigh"(act like a horse here) to the cloud-horse. Then it asked the cloud-horse where it was going. The cloud-horse replied, "around the world". So the horse from the meadow wanted to join the cloud-horse. So he started walking with the cloud. (Now, Alvin saw a apple picture on the wall and asked me to tell a apple story). 

After walking a long distance the horse was hungry. So the horse looked around for something to eat. He saw some apple trees. He plucked one apple and ate that. (Alvin interrupted here saying, "apple பிரேக் ஆனவுடனே காக்கா வந்துச்சு"!!!!! I said utterly astonished, "காக்காவா?!!" and he said, குட்டி காக்காமா!", with a mischievous smile. We both laughed and continued with the story.

The horse took another apple and when he bit that, a crow came out. Seeing a crow come out of a apple the horse was taken aback. He started running without turning back. When he rested he saw a crow sitting on a tree. The horse said to the crow, "I know you came from an apple.". The crow was shocked and furious at the horse, "Are you mad, foolish horse?" and it flew away. The crow narrated this to all its friends and all the crows started saying, "foolish horse! foolish horse!". The horse was very angry and gave a kick to the crows. The crow screamed in pain, "kkaaa" and from then all the crows are saying "கா கா கா..."!!!!

Me and Alvin were laughing for long time saying the story again and again. hehehehe think its a great hilarious story, forget about any logic. :-) Tell teh story with expressions and actions and am sure kids will love this story. ;-)

Serenity I would have missed...

While having dinner my younger son asked me if it has become dark outside. I said no and he wanted to go and see what's there in the sky. So my husband and kids went out for a stroll to find out. I finished my dinner and stepped out too. They were not in sight. Resisted strongly by the caress of the breeze to go back inside, I stood there in the porch. What a beautiful sight it was! The pool waters sparkling gold here and there, dancing so gently. The sky was covered in dark clouds except for two white patches of clouds. The serenity was only complimented by the chirps of the crickets. I would have stood there for eternity if God had not sprinkled from the clouds. I came in with the tranquility of the wonderful scene. I would have missed that had I not stepped out.

The Invader

Something caught my eye
When I was relaxing
I turned to figure out
And My goodness!!
There he was running swiftly
Across my living room!
I slowly went around
to grab my weapon, a mop-
All the while resting my eyes on him.
He went behind the couch
and I stood there thinking
what is best, to hit
or to wait for my husband!
But then, that will be too late
So I collected all my courage,
and gave a swing with the mop..
He ran to the other side,
and under the couch
I poked here and there,
the mop refusing to reach him
I came in and locked my room
He, the invader under the couch!
Wish he comes out when I have help
Then he would be hit and thrown out!
Giving me goosebumps..I detest him
what an invader, a cockroach!!!!!

World is shrinking- boon or a bane?

World, once a huge thing - talked about of in terms of countries and continents, reachable in terms of months or even years. There was even a tinge of mystery when thought beyond one's own dwelling. Well, thats history and today, world with all its size and distance has shrunk into a global village, thanks to technological advancements. And am not going to talk about this in a technological perspective, but from a normal human mind.
I wonder if all these advancements are a boon or bane in a polished coating!! Yes, world is a village, huge though. We have friends and loved ones in ever corner of this village. But how far is the basic love and attachment? In a traditional village, there was more love and bond shared over simpler meals. In a global village, there is more of luxury and comfort, may be atleast from the outer view, but what about the small thing beating inside? Is it beating a happy tune? May be technological milestones have given a lot of options to engage oneself into or divert one's mind. I wonder what is the point? Is everything about money or material? Our ancestors, weren't they happy sharing a small meal under a small roof?
We can reach for the stars and even beyond, but what could it possibly do in terms of simple hugs, touch, the warmth of loved ones. Whatever could be given easily in this global village can in no way stand before the warmth of the traditional village. The world might have shrunk to a village, but each person has become a world!!! Am I wrong in thinking everyone is trying to hide their own feelings and creating a shell around? Every person is interested in global community, but how far do they think about their immediate community? How far is it feasible to get involved with each other? Laughing together or wiping each other's tears has taken a back seat amidst today's hustle and bustle. The enormous growth of online communities alarms me. Will it take away the normal human bonds? I started wondering what is life all about? Is it something to be cherished with loved ones or just a time pass?

A bunny near my door

I had opened the blinds and standing with Alvin just inside my door, while I noticed a cute little bunny. I wish he comes back for the carrots left by my kids.

A bunny hopping in front of my door
Cute little baby looking timid
Made himself a good breakfast
Out of the plants and grass
All the while watching around
I stood still not to frighten him
While he relished the leaves
And I the beautiful sight
But he hopped into the bush
Sooner than I wished
Will he know that I will wait
Again for the beautiful sight
With crunchy carrots
And two cute kids!

Thats a different story that Alvin wanted me to take him around to see a bunny. I walked around looking into the woods, in places I had seen bunnies before but in vain. Never know when and where they will hop in!!! :-) 

ஆறுவது சினம்

ஒரு அழகான ஊரில் அழகான ஒரு வீடு இருந்தது. அவ்வீட்டில் அன்பு என்று ஒரு பையனும் அவனுடைய தங்கை அனிதாவும் தங்கள் பெற்றோருடன் வசித்து வந்தனர். அன்புக்கு எட்டு வயது. அனிதாவுக்கு நான்கு வயது.  ஒரு நாள் பள்ளி விட்டு வந்தபின்னர் இருவரும் விளையாடிக் கொண்டிருந்தனர். ஒரு பொம்மை  காரை வைத்து விளையாடிக் கொண்டிருந்த அன்பு வேறு ஏதோ எடுக்க உள்ளே சென்றான். அப்பொழுது ஆசையாக அவனுடைய காரை எடுத்த அனிதா அதை தெரியாமல் உடைத்துவிட்டாள். உள்ளிருந்து வந்த அன்பு உடைந்த காரைப் பார்த்தவுடன் கோபம் கொண்டான். "ஏன் என் கார உடைச்ச?" என்று கத்திகொண்டே வந்தவன் கீழே இருந்த அனிதாவின் பொம்மையை தூக்கி எறிந்தான். அது ஒரு மண்ணில் செய்த தஞ்சாவூர் பொம்மை. அழகான அந்த பொம்மை உடைந்து சிதறியது. தஞ்சாவூர் சென்ற பொழுது அவர்கள் அப்பா வாங்கிவந்தது. உடனே அனிதா அழ ஆரம்பித்தாள். பொம்மை உடைந்தவுடன் அன்புக்கு பாவமாக இருந்தது. தான் கோபப்படாமல் இருந்திருக்கலாம் என்று வருந்தினான். கோபத்தை அடக்கியிருந்தால் அழகான பொம்மை உடைந்திருக்காதே என்று நினைத்தான். அவ்வைப்பாட்டி கோபம் அடக்கப்படவேண்டும் என்பதற்குதான்   "ஆறுவது சினம்" என்று சொன்னதைப் புரிந்துகொண்டான்.

கோபத்தை அடக்க கற்று கொள்ளுங்கள் குழந்தைகளே!

Life and Nature

This is a poem which I had written around 2 years back, in Bangalore...It surfaced today in my mind and subsequently here too :-)

A rose bud blooming into a beautiful flower,
Rain drops making notes on the roof,
Eagle circling in the clear sky,
Squirrel relishing a small nut,
Many more to be admired
But even more are the chores;
Lo, When I had no responsibilities,
and had all the time for myself,
I didn't even know these could be enjoyed
Such is the irony of life!

experiment with art and crafts

To relax, for the satisfaction of doing something, to inspire kids.... whatever, I ended up doing all these.

Moving flowers

Once I was taking a walk along the woods. All of a sudden I was attracted by a wonderful fragrance. I was curious to find out. So I followed the scent. I sniffed and sniffed and took 5 steps to my right.
(My son asked, "Amma, are you making up?". I said, "May be yes or may be not". He asked, "How old were you? and I replied, "hmmmm 2 years"! My son gave a look at me and smiled. I continued with the story.)

I sniffed and sniffed and took 5 steps to my left. I sniffed and sniffed and took 10 steps to my right. Then I took 15 steps to my left.

To write or not to write...

Its been a while and it was itching for me to record few things here. And I thought the time for some writing has come and sat down here. Here they are, my cuties..asking for videos, games, pulling me, talking right into both my ears..and well, I'll better stop and go, read a book for them...If possible will continue this after few more times the Earth spins on its axis :-)

Potato Printing

I too tried potato printing with my boys. Think Alvin liked this very much and he wanted to get copyright!! He came close to me and sat down saying, "baby ammala..." :-)

experiment with art

I always like artwork and crafts. But I've been thinking am not so good in drawing and its a fact. The point is, now even if am not a great artist I want to try things...am not shy to display my not-good works. :-) And having kids is an advantage now, that I can try many things with them. Not to mention the fact that the kids are not interested in few of those activities. Anyways I do it!
I liked my friend's daughter's painting, she had done a painting method of Wassily Kandinsky. And I tried something similar to it..drawing with crayons and then a coat of water color. Here it is...
I dropped a bouquet in water!!!! Howz it? :-)

And then I tried drawing flowers and coloring them with different shades. But couldn't get the effect I wanted. My husband said, I should get a nice paint and try that and that it wont come nicely with normal water color. Whatever, I wanted to put that too..Even though it is not very nice, its good enough for me and I had a good me-time doing this while kids were sleeping ;-)

But thanks to my friend and her daughter Dheekshu for having given me this idea..Its so interesting and am trying more...will add once I take pictures of those.

Me, a bad amma

Always thinking for the kids. What can I play? What activity can I do? How to engage them so that TV or electronic time is minimal? How to stimulate their minds? How to build a strong foundation?,  etc etc.
Well, yesterday morning after waking up late, making kids' favorite pasta, then feeding them both while letting them play interestingly, I felt tired and dizzy, may be because I had not eaten. So by the time I was about to eat it was 11.30 am. Kids wanted TV and I said yes, but for half an hour. In that time I finished breakfast, prepared for lunch and took the kids out to play. Then it was 1.05pm and kids wanted TV again. So I said yes to TV and went to finish off my cooking. It was 2.20 when I asked the kids to switch off TV, but they were not willing to do. So I lost my patience and shouted and then TV was switched off. Well, after lunch and resting for a while, kids went to the swimming pool. After coming back and taking bath they were playing. And I went to take bath and we had plans to go out in the evening. By the time I took bath, they were watching TV again, along with my husband who had put something. I got very uncomfortable. So I came and switched it off. My husband told the kids, "if you had not seen much time in the afternoon, now I would have seen TV"!!!! And my elder son came and told me, "amma you are getting bad" !!!!!???!!!!! I try to control my wishes to see TV for the sake of kids. I want them to get their physical. I play with them even if am tired or not interested. I want them to learn more things. And I am bad amma. Am very happy now!!!!! Don't I know to give them TV or video games and spend time for myself? Will stop here.....

just a trial

एक गाव में एक आधमी रहता था! उसके पास एक गाय था! वो रोज बीस लीटर ढूध दे रहा था! वो आधमी दूधको बेज्कर अपने  घर के लिए सामान लिया! 

ये मेरी पहली हिंदी कहानी!!! 

Just got bored of doing anything...so tried to write Hindi...कब क्या होगा किशको पता !!!!

Note: Please forgive me if anything is wrong!!!! Already my better half corrected two words.. ;-)

sunset

Driving to catch that rolling ball... :-)

Life in Clouds

In the picture above, I see a fish swimming by, do you?

And here above, three fish jump away happy to have escaped from the big fish sweeping by...

Your minds can say a different story as imaginations differ. Its not a problem as long as you see something :-)

ரம்மியமான அந்திப் பொழுது

விண்ணைத் தொட்டு பிடித்துவிடவே உயரும் மரங்கள் 

பிடித்துப் பாரென்றே பஞ்சாய்ப் பறக்கும் வெண்முகில்கள் 

இவ்விளையாட்டை கண்டுகளிக்க கருநீல போர்வையை 

முக்கால்வாசி விலக்கிப் பார்க்கும் வளர்மதி 

என்னே ஒரு ரம்மியமான அந்திப் பொழுது

Nature - diverse and powerful

The sun shines bright
Yet the mild wind chills;
Its inappropriate to ask,
which is powerful, for...
Both are mighty in their own!
And this is the thought I got
While going for a walk!

Row of trees which stood bare
Sprang into life within a week
Colorful flowers blossom all over
Dancing to the chirps and squeaks
How do they know this is the time?
Where was this life hidden all winter?
Seasons are four, knowing their power and time

The nature is so wonderful
With hills, plains, oceans and deserts
With all its hues and colors
Few calm and few noisy
Whatever it is, it so beautiful
And this is the thought I got
While going for a walk!

அறம் செய்ய விரும்பு

ஆலன் பள்ளியிலிருந்து ஒரு நாள் மகிழ்வுலா ஏற்பாடு செய்திருந்தனர். ஆலன் மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் தயாரானான். அம்மா செய்து கொடுத்த ஆலூப் பராத்தா, வாழைப்பழம் மற்றும் தண்ணீர் பாட்டிலுடன் கிளம்பி விட்டான். அவர்கள் சென்றது ஒரு பூங்கா. பல வண்ண மலர்களையும் செடி கொடிகளையும் பார்த்துக் களித்தனர். செடிகளை மயில், யானை போலவெல்லாம் வடிவாய் வெட்டி அழகு செய்திருந்தனர். அதைப் பார்த்து வியந்து மகிழ்ந்தனர் குழந்தைகள். பிறகு சாப்பிடும் நேரம் வந்தபொழுது ஆசிரியர் குழந்தைகளை புல்வெளியில் வட்டமாக அமரச்செய்தார். ஆலனும் அமர்ந்து தன்னுடைய சாப்பாட்டை எடுத்தான். அப்பொழுது அருகிலிருந்த மரத்தின் பின்னிருந்து பார்த்துக் கொண்டிருந்த ஒரு சிறுவனைப் பார்த்தான். அவன் பசியோடு அனைவரது சாப்பாட்டையும் பார்த்துக் கொண்டிருந்தான். ஆலன் ஆசிரியரிடம் சென்று, "அறம் செய்ய விரும்புன்னு படித்தோமே, அவனை கூப்பிடட்டுமா?" என்று கேட்டான். ஆசிரியரும் பெருமையுடன் அனுமதி கொடுத்தார். ஆலன் அந்தச் சிறுவனை அழைத்தான்.  பயந்து கொண்டே வந்த அந்த சிறுவனையும் அமரச் செய்து பாதி பராத்தாவும், பாதி பழமும் கொடுத்தான். பள்ளியில் புரியாமலிருந்த சில பிள்ளைகளும் "ஒ இதுதான் அறம் செய்ய விரும்புரதா?" அப்படின்னு புரிந்து கொண்டார்கள். பிறகு அனைவரும் புல்வெளியில் விளையாடி விட்டு கிளம்பினர். மகிழ்வுலா மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் பயனுள்ளதாகவும் அமைந்தது.

Hope

Lost in the mighty ocean

Lucky to have held a log

Its the wise thing to hold on to it

Instead of thinking the vastness of the ocean

However vast it might be

we just need a small log

And that's a great hope to find the lighthouse

So its all about focus

Focus not on the ocean

But on the lighthouse

Log is the faith in God

Just cling on to it

in times of distress!

Love is all feelings

The world has shrunk to a tiny village. Technology advancements boast of connecting people, anywhere, anytime. I would like to look beyond the technicalities of these so called advancements. People are connected wherever they are. But what does this connection mean? Is it related to the electronic data- picture or video? That puts quite a lot of questions and doubts in my mind.
Well, let me try to put it this way. I see a picture of a plate with tasty looking food. Green veggies, fruits, dessert etc. Does that satisfy my hunger? I see an orange. Its so brightly colored, smooth and round. Is that look greater than the feeling of touching the orange, peeling it, smelling the citrus aroma, with few drops getting into my eyes and then feeling the juice just awakening my taste buds? I see the technological connection as the first scenario. It does not kindle my heart nor does it post a melody in my heart. Seeing a picture of apple is far different from feeling the juicy cruch in the mouth. So to me connection with loved ones, is being nearer, giving and getting hugs and kisses and lot more. Its more of heart's feelings and warmth. Wiping the tears is different from saying not to cry. I feel technology has drifted people apart rather than connecting.

A poem about mother

I had learnt a poem when I was in the ninth standard. I remember that often and its very much afresh in my mind. Its a very beautiful poem about mother's love. Today I thought I will share that poem here. Also I had a wonderful teacher who taught me this and I remember her too, fondly.

My Mother

Who sat and watched my infant head
When sleeping on my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray
And love God’s holy book and day,
And walk in wisdom’s pleasant way?
My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who wast so very kind to me,
My Mother?

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear,
And if God please my life to spare
I hope I shall reward they care,
My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and grey,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My Mother.
-poem by Ann Taylor

Praying phone numbers

My younger son plays with my cell phone often. He plays cricket, car racing, listens to music etc. Last Sunday in the church, he wanted the cellphone. To avoid him making noise in the church we gave him the cellphone. He was busy with it for a while. We came back home and went on with usual routines. I discovered that the phonebook was empty on Wednesday. And its obvious that my son had messed it up. Today me and my husband talked about that, while we were playing with kids. I asked my younger son about that. I asked, "Where are the numbers which I had stored in the cell? What did you do?". He replied, "I didn't do anything. I was playing and showing that to Jesus. And I prayed". I asked, "Where are the phone numbers then?". Pat came the reply from my son, "The numbers are in the church, praying"!!!. What can I say?? :-)

Tale of a mouse and a cat

A small fat mouse
Ran around the house
The big brown cat
Saw the mouse so fat

The cat chased the mouse
All around the house
And caught it by the tail
While it was hiding under a pail

The big brown cat
Ate the mouse so fat
Curled up under a chair
And took a nap with a purr

This is a poem which I sang while playing with my son. It was great fun to sing with action.
Am thinking to make small puppets for the cat and mouse and sing this song.

Happy Womens Day

Am proud to be a woman. Am proud to be a daughter, a sister, a wife and most importantly am proud to be a mom.
Everybody today wants to make the world a better place to live. It couldn't be thought of without women. The contributions made by women are tremendous, be it any field.
Being a woman, we should be proud, motivated and be a wonderful role model for the future generations. Being a woman is all about being ourselves.
The world is in our hands, lets contribute our part for its betterment. Not a single thing can stop us. We are like brooks, flexible changing courses over obstacles, but not getting stopped. And for sure, like the brook, over the course of our journey, we create a beautiful world. Whatever we do, small or big, lets do it with all our heart. There's no stopping, no failure. The future is in our hands. Lets shape it with love, with determination and of course with pride.
Get empowered, the world is sure to become a better place, and eventually the best place.
Think of womens' empowerment , I think of the great tamil poet Bharathiar.

"நிமிர்ந்த நன்னடை நேர்கொண்ட பார்வையும்,
நிலத்தில் யார்க்கும் அஞ்சாத நெறிகளும்,
திமிர்ந்த ஞானச் செருக்கும் இருப்பதால்
செம்மை மாதர் திறம்புவ தில்லையாம்;
...............

சாத்தி ரங்கள் பலபல கற்பராம்;
சவுரி யங்கள் பலபல செய்வராம்;
மூத்த பொய்மைகள் யாவும் அழிப்பராம்;
மூடக் கட்டுக்கள் யாவுந் தகர்ப்பராம்;
காத்து மானிடர் செய்கை யனைத்தையும்
கடவு ளர்க்கினி தாகச் சமைப்பராம்;
ஏத்தி ஆண்மக்கள் போற்றிட வாழ்வராம்;
இளைய நங்கையின் எண்ணங்கள் கேட்டிரோ;"

Lets all work together to make the great poet Bharathiar's words very very true.

I salute my mom, the best. She gave me this life and cared for me that am here today, to write this for that matter. And I salute my sisters, for their love and support too helped me grow. And also I salute all my teachers throughout my education.
Well, on International Womens Day, its appropriate to think of the women who shaped my life. As I salute them today, I also get another thought. Why not remember the men who helped me grow into a successful woman? And that brings my dad first. I salute him, thank him and I want to let him know that he had molded four successful women, his daughters. Without his love, advice and guidance we wouldn't have made it. He never had a doubt in his girls. He gave us the right education, freedom and what not - all the best things in our life. And many a thanks to my sweet husband who encourages and acknowledges me in whatever I do. Also I think of many more people on this day, not mentioning just to keep my post short.

Be proud of being a woman. Keep moving forward. Happy Womens Day!

Why is the Orange called Orange?

Why is the orange called orange? Why is apple not called red? May be because we have red apple and green apple, but have only orange orange. :-)
Well, I will tell the story of orange called an orange.
Once God created all the fruits and vegetables. He was naming each one of the fruit and each one of the vegetable. It was a grand ceremony attended by all the flowers, animals and birds. There was music and dance. It was all fun.
There was a huge applause when round red fruit was named Apple. Beloved Banana, gorgeous grapes and proud pineapple were all done.
Then rolled the round fruit. God named it grape fruit, because it was round and juicy like grapes. But the round fruit did not want to be called grape fruit. It wanted its own identity and asked God to name it Orange, on its color. Orange suited it as teh fruit was orange inside and outside. So God was about to agree. Then grapes came forward and said, " I was happy that you were going to name this fruit after my name. Please do not disappoint me". So God named the round fruit Orange. And then he created another similar fruit and named it 'grape fruit'. All the fruits were happy. So we have orange and grape fruit which looks like orange.

wow wow patting myself for this story :-). So no more confusions between orange and grape fruit!!!

Welcome Sunlight

Weather is getting better and the sun is kind enough to shine through our windows. Me and my son open the blinds. We have lots of fun. A good way to start the day. On the course of our play, I found myself singing this.... And yes, I think it makes a good post in my blog!

"Welcome sunlight welcome
Into our sweet sweet home
You bring your warm light
And make our home bright

I play shadows with you
On the walls, on the floor
I see butterflies fluttering
Deers running, bunnies hopping

Its so much fun to play
The shadow game
Welcome sunlight welcome
Into our sweet sweet home"

Birbal and McQueen

The usual routine of bedtime stories for my two adorable sons is taking its own twists and turns. Very interesting ones, thanks to my princes. Well, today my elder one wanted a Akbar and Birbal story. The younger one was inclined towards McQueen story. Yes, Lightning McQueen, the race car is his favorite and always wants to talk and listen about it.
Coming back to the story, both wanted their own wish to be done first. I thought I was wise telling them that I'll tell a story which suits both their wishes. And I started, "Once there was a king named Akbar...". My younger one interrupted, "tell McQueen story"!! So I started, "There was a ...". Again interrupted, the story should start with "McQueen", the magic word!! God please help me... And here goes the story....
"McQueen was racing through the town one day. He came to the outskirts where he was attracted by an unusual trailer. He went straight to the trailer and climbed in."
(Here, I had to convince my elder one that Akbar and Birbal were on their way).
"McQueen saw many switches and lights inside the trailer. He was intrigued by a button with date panel near it. McQueen tried entering some numbers and pushed the button. The trailer started off in a sudden pulse. McQueen saw the trailer drive through different towns and cities, mountains and valleys and finally came to a stop.
McQueen slowly got down the trailer and was amused by the surroundings. There were different looking people, bullock-carts and horses, many many trees, and not a single car around him.
McQueen started moving around slowly looking at the new surroundings. The people were bewildered and frightened. They ran away from him and looked at McQueen from a distance, from behind trees and buildings. There was panic all over the town.
By the time, McQueen ran out of fuel and halted. He too was confused now, not knowing what to do.
Word reached the king about an unusual thing in the town. The king Akbar summoned his ministers. One of his minister, Birbal was very wise and clever. Akbar sent Birbal to look at "the animal" and decide the course of action.
When Birbal looked at McQueen, he remembered about motors he had read about. He went near McQueen and examined. He asked for a can of petrol and poured in the fuel tank. The grateful McQueen drove towards the trailer followed by Birbal. Birbal had read about time machines and so he was able to understand. Birbal was a very clever and wise minister, indeed.
Birbal pressed few buttons to send McQueen from where he had come from. McQueen revved up his engine to say thanks to Birbal. Birbal nodded with a smile. He closed the trailer and away it went.
People who were watching all the while, cheered for Birbal. Akbar felt proud of his favorite minister."
I said to my sons, "And McQueen came back here to say Good Night to you.".
End of story. My kids were really enchanted with this story. :)

not sure of the title!!

I scattered few rice in my patio
Two sparrows came hopping by
One said to another, "Hello, how are you?";
The another said "Am great, how are you?";
The first one said "this rice is yummy",
And the second said "absolutely sweet as this lady";
Yes, Those sparrows said all these...
But I heard only "chirp, chirp"
"Chirp chirp", and "chirp, chirp"!!

Who instituted the numeric order?

Well, the title might look like a general knowledge question. But that's not my intention for sure.

Three circles in my preschooler's toy caught his attention today. He exclaimed to me "Amma, circle". You can imagine the pride and happiness that welled up immediately in my heart. I was all hugs and kisses for him "chella kutty you started recognizing circles!!". He was all smiles and beaming. Then the greedy(or not greedy?) mother in me, said "one, two, three circles". My dear son replied "2 circles..see one, three, two". He knows the numbers. He understood the concept of counting, that there were more than one circle. Between me and him, and in a child's world, numeric order doesn't matter, isn't it? What matters most is just the fun, pride and happiness of the mother and son! No degree or money can bring that.