My words and everything else :)
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to ALL !
I hope you like the small drawing as my way of sending each of you love and good wishes.
I don’t have enough beautiful words to write today but I have a song which echo my heart and which I am sure you will love 🙂 You might have heard it before but it’s kinda sweet to listen to it today.
Bachelor life is hard especially if you are a foodie. You don’t get much time to cook,you want to eat good and even if you have time,you lack half of the resources to make something nice to remind you of the luxuries of home. 🙂
I guess you realize how precious Mom’s food is. My mother has always been complimented for having excellent culinary skills and creativity. Naturally, my life was full of blissful favors. I left home for this drudgery in city and I crave for them all the time. When I returned from home after a mini-visit, Mom packed some home made snacks and a traditional sweet called ‘Suji Mandaa’ (Fried Semolina balls filled with shredded coconut inside). I was so busy in gobbling them last week that I actually forgot to take a snap ,hence this borrowed photo. They are identical to those of mom’s though.
I was nearing the end of my cache 😦 😦 and on the last Sunday morning, I ate up 4-5 and kept the last 3 for later evening in the fridge. The day passed, and I assume I forgot about it. Come Monday morning, I opened the fridge to enjoy them one final time and…. “WHERE WERE THEY ! ” 😦 😦
I have a very poor memory, I am aware but I can’t possibly forget an entire action of a just passed day ! I dredged into my mind again and again,I could remember of putting the packet inside fridge, no one visited, I recalled what I ate in dinner but I couldn’t remember myself opening the fridge, taking it out and eating and I couldn’t find the discarded empty packet too ! Normally, I try to retrace my steps slowly like on a road journey to counter my forgetfulness but nothing was working !
I know 3 is small number but when you can’t make it on your own and it’s made by mom’s happy hands, it’s priceless ! 😀 Flashback-I tried making them once here, and the round balls diffused into the oil rather than holding their shape and I ended up with Semolina Pool in Pan .
It’s been 2 days, I still can’t remember, I have searched and even if they existed in the house, they are spoiled now. I hope by any chance I have not kept them in odd places like clothes cabinet( a turbulent ocean btw, no thanks to my absent mindedness) which I guess I haven’t, all I do now is pine for those round balls of sweetness whom I couldn’t say Good Bye.
P.S Anyone interested in recipe,please click on the image 😀
The last post on roundworldnme was a sad moment. The wait still continues and the melancholy period drama continues but..... Thank you very much for all the wishes,prayers and love you have shown me in these weeks,so instead of brooding over, I thought of thinking of some happy memories to make me smile and hope to make you smile as well. 🙂
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Everytime I see mini Sand sculptures,I get a vivid flash back, rain pouring and I am looking through a small window at the tall buildings.
I had just started going to nursery school and like any of you, was enjoying my time playing with classmates, holding color pencils,the whitest eraser and 3-striped notebooks . I was happy yet something was bugging me. Majority of the children came in school rickshaws, made of green shiny tins and wheels where as I was picked up everyday by Mom. As our house was nearby, either She carried me or we walked. I chatted with Mom everyday through the way about what I studied and whether or not I finished my lunch box or had a fight. I also told her about my fantasy to sit in those rickshaws too. Mom did give me instructions on safety,strangers,hygiene etc etc but I guess I understood as much as a baby brain can.
One rainy day, it was pouring cats and dogs and school was over a bit early. Many children including me were waiting for parents to arrive and the students who came in rickshaws were hastily climbing into them to escape the rain. Always an impulsive creature, I don’t know what came over me but suddenly I entered one rickshaw. Everyone was wet, pushing against each other so the commotion made me unnoticeable. Off we went !!
The next two and half hours were the happiest moments of my life. I traveled from one stop to another, children got down one by one. I was peeking through the tiny window/skylight and seeing tall buildings. A 2-3 floors building was tall by my standards. When the last child and I remained,the rickshaw-wallah (driver) noticed me and was shocked. He asked me where did I live . I said, “My house is nearby and it’s next to a huge Sand Hill“. I raised my hand as much as I could to show how huge the hill was.
Courtesy:www.dailytravelphotos.com/So,we dropped the last child at his stop and then begin a search for the so called ‘nearby’ house. The Sand hill which I mentioned was actually few bags of sand deposited next to my house for some construction work where I played everyday. He paddled and I delightfully continued exclaiming over the big buildings, we went to the oldest part of town where the buildings were ornate and I always thought they were palaces of kings.
After a frantic search in rain where one could barely see faces,the rickshaw driver finally realized that I didn’t know where my home was and he gained the wisdom to return me back to school. As we approached the school gate, I could make out my Mom’s drenched figure, wiping her face full of tears. Till this moment, I hadn’t cried once but I guess crying is contagious especially when one sees Mother, so I started sobbing too. A tearful dramatic reunion. 🙂
There were no mobile phones in 90s and even Landlines were rare. My mom had alarmed school, and as the school had a phone they called my Dad in bank who set out for my search with few friends. I was a favorite of the Principal Ma’m Joleta, so her two sons had also joined the search for me. It was her elder son Valentine who found me mid-way returning and carried the news forward of my safe arrival.
Those were the days, when you could actually trust people. Today….just read the newspaper. Anyways, rain had stopped. In morning I was choking with cold but Mom says after my afternoon venture,the rain somehow washed it away and bedraggled and excited, I trotted with mom with a clean nose 😀 And I cheerfully recounted the whole way about so many things I saw, our regular fruit vendor,the temple, the palace, even a XYZ uncle’s house 😉
All’s Well That Ends Well,right !
Ok,First the answer to Thursday Gks-Sound mini quiz(Why do we hear ‘sound of the ocean’ in a seashell ? ) Answer- (Local noises around you that are altered by the shell)
Your responses—-
What happens is generally we hear different sounds around us and acquainted with it.The sea-shell suppresses certain sound(certain frequencies) around us and passes some sounds of other frequencies. The new mixture of sounds is what you haven’t heard before and hence the brain registers this sound as something different and we label it as ‘Sound of Ocean’.
Winners ,Congratulations 😀
I have decided to alternate Saturday stories and the Gks,one Saturday, story… the next Saturday Gks,anyone having a good title for Saturday GKs,please please tell me. Next Gk, next Saturday.
The Perfect Sign
In a small town, a rich couple recently had a son. One day the couple was sitting on the porch and chatting merrily. Amidst talks, the wife said,”Have you noticed, our son has a big birthmark on his forehead ? My mother says,this is the sign of greatness. He will be a minister in King’s court. “
“Nonsense ! Our family astrologer said,such birthmark defines the child will be a famous Doctor.” said the husband.
While both of them were arguing, a beggar came into the premises and asked for alms. The couple looked up and became silent. The beggar had the same mark on his forehead.
Source- Chandamama
Did you like the story ? Watch for next Saturday(the Thursday Gks shifted to Sat)
Thank you for reading.Have a great day ! 🙂
The third Segment of ‘Memories from my home’. Thank you for making this segment much loved and it fills my heart with joy when I know that you like my tiny hometown as well .
There were more pics of nature etc. but I thought of writing something else for a change. What do you think of the bull sculpture? Looks lively, isn’t it ? In the village(grandpa’s home),there are many small and smaller temples belonging to different deities. This sculptured bull is called ‘Nandi’ which serves as a ride for Lord Shiva and the temple is located in somewhat outskirts of village. It has few tiny temples, one main temple, a little garden and a small pond, quaint, right ?
I am not sure if you know but Hindu temples require washing feet before you enter the temple but very less number of temples has natural ponds. The ponds not only serve the purpose but also add to picturesque.
Coming to the picture below,What the Old man is wearing lower half is what any age group of males used to wear till few decades back. Probably his is the last generation to dress in ‘dhoti’. It used to define an Indian till early 20th century.
A brief praise about dhoti– Made of Pure extra-fine cotton, serves as an excellent natural AC in hot humid summer ;), mostly milky white color, so gives a clean formal feeling, dries up faster before you finish an episode from your daily soap opera . It is also used for wipe cloths for babies because of its superior quality and softness.
Caution for those who wear it- Look out for strong wind, tighten the knot strongly and try to not to get it caught in a nail, otherwise any of these can lead to losing your dignity 😛
Ok,coming back to Nandi,these are sculptures made out of stone and are much simpler and smaller. But,they have shared a part of history of the temple for many decades and are still worshiped. It such a different feeling to see them as milestones in time 🙂
Next MFMH,I will take you back to the green fields and clear skies and some more interesting things/anecdotes. I hope you have enjoyed this segment of MFMH. If you want to know more about my rural adventures, you will find them in Memories from my Home 2 and Memories from my Home 1.
What do you think about this one ? 😀
Once upon a time,there was a very famous and wise Astrologer in a kingdom. Many people believed him to be a man who directly spoke to Gods.
Even the King and his subjects respected him and consulted him. On several occasions during a case hearing in royal court,the King secretly asked the astrologer, which of the two parties were guilty. And whoever the astrologer named, the King used to punish them.
Slowly,the astrologer grew greedy and started suggesting the case in favor of those who bribed him. The King came to know this and called him one day and said,” One of our ministers is accusing an important person in court of taking bribery, can you tell me if the minister is speaking the truth ? “
The cunning astrologer replied,” Yes sir, Once I offer special prayer to the Gods, they will tell me the truth” The king said,” Alright,if the minister is lying,I will give harsh punishment”. That night the minister met the astrologer in private and begged,” Oh wise one ! If you say the king that I am lying, he will wipe me out !” And with this he gave him a bag full of gold coins.
Next morning the astrologer met and told the king, ” Dear Sire, the minister is saying the truth. “
“Arrest this man !” roared the King. The astrologer was dumbstruck but managed to mumble,”What is my crime ?” The kind retorted,” The person whom the minister was accusing of bribery is YOU !”
Source- Chandamama
Did you like today’s story ? Watch out for more Saturdays full of fun,simple stories. 😀
Thank you and Have a great day !
Time full of moments,
A year full of events,
Some brought cheers,
Some got my eyes brimming with tears
No time for tears today,
Spreading smiles and love
A big hug to friends I made
I celebrate my WordPress of 5 months
Let’s read a small story
Starting with a dame called Scifihammy
Smiles, surprises and happiness we shared
First friend and forever there
I thank you for all the love and care
Nhien & ladysighs,
Sometimes joy, sometimes pain
Made my world full of emotions
With their beautiful songs
FaburKhloe, a breath of fresh sweet air
Is she Winnie-the-Pooh, I wonder..
Eachday I hear our giggles in wind
Tinkling like little chimes
Sucheta & Trablogger,
We like to talk and talk and talk
While Sucheta I share our love for food and more
Picture perfect Trablog gives tips of abstinence and wander!
Violet writes comics
Chopstix write recipes,
Thank you for the delightful treats
Loved the beautiful stories and some heavenly delicacies
Crooked tracks wishes for Snow and more snow
Aditix’s visual delights are a rare sight
It’s fun to see Mrs.Bearfoot’s farm visits
Ouachita wishes in woods for an early spring
Garfield loves hugs and prayers
With a soul who feel for others
Ishkishmish as sweet as her name
Brings joys with ‘Smile project’
on a day mundane
Me in 8 inch heel versus unbolt in gumboots
A dance awaits this New year
I would have spared her feet
but she made me step on a spider
As a new year approaches
A token of Thank You to all
Sorry if I left out a friend
But do forgive and forget
As friendship never ends
A wish, a prayer
For a new tomorrow
Bidding farewell for a year about to leave
Thanking for the beautiful moments it gave me
New dreams,new hopes at the door,
With a happy heart
I wish you Happy New Year !
Special thanks to Eti whom I met briefly few days back and she happily posed for me . And without her,I wouldn’t have got this New Year Special 😀
Happy New Year to You Eti ! ❤
Today,I started a ‘5-Day Monochrome Photo series‘ in Color Palette,my photo blog. Lately,I have being kinda obsessed with monochrome images,so this post is a result of that obsession.
Dreams of an Amatueur
Let me begin my 5 day monochrome with a dream. Few days back,at midnight I found myself in grandpa’s village and I saw a shopping mall in the heart of village! That area still requires a decent grocery shop ! Since last few weeks Ann,my cousin abroad has been pestering me for some ethnic clothes,so I entered and shopped. As I came out ,I started walking and suddenly I found myself infront of a mysterious building.
Someone said,it was a shortcut to my house vicinity.So,I entered and next moment all I saw was big hallways,round stair cases,sunlight seeping sporadically and the entire building was in monochrome of grey scale. I begin to lament on why did I leave my camera with Dad(I had flashbacks of handing it over ! ) I was in a trance and went on seeing one amazing architecture after other. Suddenly,I came to senses,I still hadn’t found a way out. I started searching for exit and after few minutes I knew I was lost. I searched for someone to guide me towards a way out but then I begin to notice,there was almost no one,so far I had seen only 2-3 people !
After walking for sometime,I found a man sitting on a staircase,eyes half opened as if he was subconscious. With fear in heart I asked him if he knows how to go out . He said,”Wait for them,they will come and will show you” “Who ? Who will come ?” I shrieked. And I got no more answer as he had disappeared. I frantically tapped every wall and bit of ground. The monochrome of the walls and things were making it an infinite puzzle and the charisma had turned into dread. After what seemed to be a long time,I finally heard footsteps and saw two old men approaching. I tried to talk to them but they took no notice of me as if I was non-existent. Somehow I knew I had to follow them. After walking behind them for sometime,suddenly they stopped and one of them pushed a point in the wall.The wall opened and light flooded in and they went in. I too pushed the same area and it opened ! I stepped out and at first all I saw was white and suddenly I found myself in a crowded place flooded with colors and also found some friends ! While they chatted with me,I kept thinking of how nice it was to be back in the world full of loved ones,full of colors. 🙂
I have never written a story when I am awake, but who knew I write in my sleep. I know this is a bizarre story with loop holes all over but I had fun remembering it which seldom is the case.
A small kid is angry with mom for some reason and he is sitting outside on a bench in a huff with a bag with the intention of going away. Grandfather comes and sits besides him and asks him,’Are you still angry with Mommy ?” The kid with puffed cheeks nods his head. Grandfather whispers,” But Mom is making hot Jalebis,I suppose we will eat that as you are going” Immediately the kid’s face lights up and he exclaims,”Jalebi !!” The next moment it is seen that Jalebis are being fried in oil and with nice background music the Grandfather and the kid are shown to return and the kid happily munching on Jalebis. 🙂
This was no story but a TV commercial ! And it was about a certain brand of cooking oil. The ad did create a cute and happy feeling and increase the sales. As I was a kid then,my entire attention was on two things, those hot Jalebis and the tag line so that we kids could sing it( Dhaara Dhaara…Shuddh Dhaara !) 😀 . Sadly,mom was not influenced enough to make this advertisement an immediate reality !
Since,it’s Christmas and last few days I have been looking at the Christmas recipes by fellow bloggers with ravenous look,I couldn’t just sit with mouth drooling every time. So,this Sunday, I relived my childhood by trying this for second time ( 1st trial was 2 years back and it’s better left unspoken !) Mom did made this few times as I got older,so I did remember the process vaguely and big thanks to internet(recipe).
The results were much much better this time 🙂 Beware,if anyone wishes to make it ,throw out the health book for a day ! And toughest part is making the swirls,so don’t worry if you get stars or world map instead, in the end taste rules !
So,here’s a Merry Christmas to everyone with tons of sweetness and cheer ! 😀
First of all,the answer to yesterday’s quiz,” It is a Pomegranate blossom” Please notice the shiny portion behind the red petals,doesn’t it looks exactly like a pomegranate fruit’s outer skin?
And we have two winners !!! 
to Sucheta and Creekrose . Congratulations !!
Many Many thanks to All for participating ! 🙂 Here are the consolation prizes. Enjoy !
The Curse That Became Boon
Once upon a time,in a small village there was a man called Rama who sold mangoes from his orchard for a living. Everyday,he would carry a basketful of mangoes to the nearby town and sell them. To reach the town,he had to cross a jungle. It was rumored that the forest harbored wild animals,bandits and even spirits. That’s why Rama was always cautious while crossing it and made his returns before dusk.
One afternoon,Rama was returning in a happy mood having sold all his mangoes. Suddenly, while in forest he felt his basket felt heavy. He lowered the basket from his head and saw it was empty as it should be. He lifted it up again and started walking. He felt the same weight again; now he was scared. Then he heard a gentle voice,” Are you scared? Don’t be. Just put the basket down near that big tree ahead. ” Rama was a bit relieved to hear the sweet voice and did what he was told. Before his eyes, a shape of woman started forming and finally he was able to see a very beautiful deity like appearance. The woman spoke,” I am the spirit of this tree.Everyday,I take a walk around the forest. Today,I was a very tired,hence sat in the basket for sometime. Thank you for carrying me. I wish to give you something in return. Ask me anything. “
Being a simpleton, Rama said,” All the fruit vendors in market sell the same kind of mangoes like mine. Please give me some nice mangoes so that all of them will be sold tomorrow and I will return without a heavy basket.” The Goddess sighed,” Fool,you could have asked wealth …. Anyways, I am filling your basket with the juiciest and sweetest mangoes in the world” and she vanished.
When he reached his home and told everything to his wife, she was cross with him for not asking wealth. Later on, when she tasted one mango, she found them heavenly. She advised that Rama should sell each mango 10 times the usual price. Next day in market,when Rama said the price to his customers,they started mocking and went to other sellers. Later on, a rich man asked for a piece to taste and upon sampling it,immediately bought a dozen mangoes. Seeing this, other customers too tried it and with in few minutes his basket got empty. That night,the couple was very happy but the next day when he tried to sell his usual mangoes,customer said,” These mangoes are available every where. Why don’t you bring the yesterday’s variety again?” And he returned with a full basket and heavy heart to the tree where the spirit resided.
‘ O Spirit of tree, where are you ‘ he asked.
The Goddess made herself visible and inquired the reason of calling. Rama sobbed about his problem. The goddess said,” You wasted a boon on petty things. Anyways, I will grant you another boon. Choose wisely” “My wife wanted gold and jewels,please give me that” Rama answered.
“Alright, All your mangoes will turn into gold and jewels but it’s last boon so use it properly”
Rama gaily walked towards the village.After some,distance,suddenly a bandit jumped from shadows and asked,”What have you got there ? ” Rama replied in fear,” Jewels !” “Are you joking with me! open it”. Upon finding the jewels,the bandit threatened Rama,” Leave the basket and don’t return or else you will die. Do you know who I am ? I am Veer Singh, the fiercest of all !” Rama knew the notorious name from the wanted posters and the rewards announced to catch the bandit,so he knew he was lucky to be alive till this moment.Rama bolted from there and ran back to the Goddess again and called her,” O Goddess,whatever boons you are giving me,they are useless ! If you don’t give me a good boon this time, I will tell everyone you are not a true Goddess” The Goddess became angry and said,” Imbecile! because of your stupidity you lost everything. You say my boons are worthless. Then,I am giving you a curse,whichever face you first see before sunset,will die ,now go and never come here! “
Rama started wandering in the forest so that he will reach his home after sunset or else his wife’s life would be in line. Suddenly,he heard a voice from the back,” Hey,where did you get those jewels from? Tell me or I will kill you. ” He turned and saw Veer Singh. That very moment Veer Singh gave a sharp cry and fell down. Rama heaved a sigh of relief and carried him to King’s palace and collected the huge reward.Though,the boons didn’t help Rama much but the curse did change his life in the end.
Source- Chandamama
Did you like today’s story ? Watch out for more Saturdays full of fun,simple stories. 😀
Thank you and Have a great day !
So,this is what my Sunday morning started with.Overcast skies since two days threatening everyone by various means.So,the first agent was WIND ! As I stood in the terrace like a brave warrior facing the Icy wind, this scene made me smile 🙂
So,this year,we missed Rainy season.Afternoon,it decided to pay us a visit along with winter.Double surprise !! And above is my miniscule attempt to capture it.
So,here’s my cup of Green Tea in evening to unfreeze my fingers and brain and share my day with you.
Tea Anyone ? 🙂
I am sitting in the terrace and all senses focused on the story book and suddenly I hear a small lisp,”Whel is my daughther” (Actually I have translated it from my local dialect but this is how the speaker would have pronounced had she known English ). Oh, she is here,she follows me everywhere,I can see her head as she grabs a step and levitates herself to it and another and another,until she is before me. And here comes my around 2 feet, 2 year old Aunt !!! You read it correct. 😀
It’s summer vacation in late 90’s and am loving my stay at grandpa’s village,Kumbhari. And surrounded my numerous grandpas,grandmas and aunts and uncles. The family tree is a biiig one. My grandpa used to tell me the story of ‘Once there was an old man named Giridhaari and he had 4 sons…. (Fast-fast forwarding) now we are all the decedents of a,b,c,d,e etc etc and we all stay as neighbors,as every cousin had different life cycles, that’s how I come to have uncles and aunts varying from age 50 to age 0. Naturally, its no comfort to call a 2 year old mausi(aunt) and it’s more embarrassing when she calls me ‘daughther’ (who taught her that !! ) So,I made the rules,anyone younger than me or slightly older than me,call using names,so it’s ok now.
It was the time when Television was tv and not THE TV, so I enjoyed playing games with my so called aunts. Slightly differing in ages,we came along well. Playing cards was a game we all enjoyed on hot summer afternoons. I was a bit ignorant with different plays but I managed to learn two types,don’t know how you name them,we called it ‘3-2-5’ and ‘Color’ .
3-2-5 needed 3 players and the game goes like this,if you are supposed to win 3 tricks in a round,the one to your left should win 5 and the other to your right should win 2. So,if you win only 2 tricks instead of 3 and the right person wins 3 instead, she will pick a card from your set the next round and will give you one of her own cards.Oh no,they always manage to pick the big cards like Aces etc. and return a 2 or 3 😦 The 3-2-5 are rotated in every round. Nightmares come true when you have to win 5 tricks and you have already given away your 2 best cards because of last round loss.
There’s an alternative though,you deliberately loose all tricks and then the game will begin afresh with you start at 2 instead of 3 or 5 (2 is the best position to win more and grab from others.) But there’s a catch,you are at zero so you will be awarded with the title ‘Donkey’ and several hands will ruffle your head and shout “Boo Boo….” For some, they would rather keep donating their best cards than to die in shame.Not for me,I would rather be a donkey and start a new round and get the best cards from others.It wasn’t championship among strangers so I didn’t mind ruffling and the boos because I knew next round I will be winning even if they keep saying me donkey 😀
Color was the game where a single suit will dominate the other three suits so even a 2 of the ‘color suit’ can win over ‘Ace of another’. The players can be in any numbers. So,the afternoons,cots were aligned such a way that aunts and grandmas varying from 16 to 60 will sit around and play it. It was game of thrill,cheating,quarrels and yet fun 😉 They would hide their best cards so that opponents can’t pick them.Where ? Folds of dresses,sarees,below mattress etc. Also if someone has set the Joker as color,it means,once one starts win a trick and then plays with a suit no one else has,she will keep on winning. Once,it was found out, the outcry of cheating and defenders trying to wriggle out of it was fun to watch.
Many times,the quarrels led to abrupt stop in game and few would leave in huff but next day everything was forgotten(after all they are all one big family) and another game of cards.
Once I saw Ricky glancing at me frequently in middle of game.’ I wondered but kept quiet. After winning several times, She revealed in end,’We could see every card of yours in reflection from your specs’ ‘Tricksters !!!!’ I roar.And then all of us giggle 🙂
Summer vacations were so different with different friends,a different place. Now I remember the mementos long forgotten and cherish it all.
roundWorldnMe 