Wishes for 2021

 I start this beautiful dawn of 2021 , with a beautiful prayer for the citizens of the globe. May your hearts and hearths be filled with cheerful positivity . Poverty sees the far reaches of the globe . Eradicate negativity . Ma y we see the end of the Pandemic.  May only joy ride high in each one’s lives. 

May no heart know sorrow. Drive away hatred from the hearts of fellow beings. Let each rejoice on other’s happiness. The ones who have known losses in 2021, May they only know immense joy. 

Keep each one in a warm globe of warmth . Kindness becomes the mantra of the day. 

Please make a list of all that hurt you in 2020 . Write it down on a paper. Your swallowed pain and anger. Then crumple it and let your anger be released. Throw it in the dustbin .

Draw another list of all you would like in 2021 . Send it out in the Universe . See it Manifest.

As you say the prayer . Let’s include all in the group energy . I’m going to say “ Be it” for all your wishes . 

You can drop your wishes in the comments box as each one reads they can say “ Be  it” .

Hopefully each one’s will come true!! “ Be  it”. 

Stay blessed beautiful souls!! May each one only see the doorway to joy and happiness in Abundance!!

A note of Thanks!

 I would sincerely like to thank each one of you , who have been visiting my blog . Thank you for the encouragement and helping my blog grow. Without you all it would not have been possible.

Thank you and stay blesssed!

In the journey of blogging , I came across a lot of beautiful souls . May you be blessed immensely .

Stay tuned for more stories in 2021!

Hopefully the year will be good for all of us and the world peace.

Keep the faith going 😊

The last day

 The last day of 2020 emerges. I cannot use the phrase” dawned bright and Sunny” because incidentally it’s still misty and cloudy. A cold day!

This year has been tough, there’s no doubt about it. We had a mixed year. We went through various phases. Yet! I would still like to take a moment and send  gratitude.

It could have been worse. Many lost their loved ones to the battle of covid . Faced various losses. A new style of life had to be designed  . Apprehension and fear laced our breaths. The fear of covid and what it would be unravelling, kept taking us in it’s fearful grip. 

Today! In my quietest moments , I sit back and look at 2020. My dream of my blog was realised . My official poetry page came about and it’s growing . I truly have a reason to be immensely grateful and thankful . Indeed I feel blessed .

What I would like all of you to do . I practise a small exercise of gratitude on 31 st evening, since years . Make a list of your blessings, it’s just for you . You will find a lot to be thankful for . 

It really helps us to look at things differently. In the journey of life , numerous times , we are given something and simultaneously something is taken away from us . We find our strength and power to fight it out. We learn to grow . Life is a maze . We have to just learn just how to get to the end , in the best possible way.

Stay blessed beautiful souls!! 

Women’s various roles

 Women have donned various roles through history and life . Women have come out into the battlefield to fight their wars . Even in the battlefield of life , they are constantly fighting battles. 

Women are strong and resilient creatures by birth. We veil ourselves in softness and tenderness and easily malleable to every situation and circumstance in life .

But never doubt a woman’s hidden inbuilt strength. Where she can show her softness, she can even display her unmatched strength . Pulled out from her deep hidden resorvoirs. 

Many women from history have fought for their rights and protected what was theirs . Lady fatima , Prophet’s daughter, fought for the injustice meted out to her . She fought for her right and showed the world that Islam believes in women standing up for their rights . Her daughter Bibi Zainab , fought for her rights through out Damascus . They believed in girls being educated. Bibi Zainab was an excellent calligrapher, orator and an artist . This was almost 1500 years ago . If in those days they encouraged girls to fortify themselves in the armour of education. Today would they not!

Never think women and girls should be devoid of education and rights . Every walk of life and religion does give it to them. We have women from history too, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, so many more . Women can fight any wars but do not keep them bereft of their basic rights.

Educate your girl child ! It’s mandatory and the biggest wealth you can give her .

More power to women and girls .

Stay blessed. Stay safe .

Gratitude 🙏

 The countdown to the year 2021 has already begun. I don’t want to set any resolutions and goals . No pressures! No stress!

Just want to take each day as it comes.

Pandemic has taught me a very important lesson, do not plan and schedule excessively.

Let go ! Breathe and Enjoy each day as it comes. Surprisingly ! Since I have been doing this , I’m feeling much better too😊.

I just want to sincerely thank all my well wishers, my dear friends and family! Who have been very supportive in my journey .

Today I just want to sincerely thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Thankful, Blessed!

Truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life . Stay blessed. Stay safe .

Let’s call in 2021 with a lot of positivity and gratitude.

Importance of Hobby

 Importance of Hobby in a child’s life is paramount.

Hobby cultivates and betters their multiple intelligence . Giving them a different perspective to life lessons .

The more they venture into hobbies , the more their multiple intelligence will be enhanced . It’s something which they should be doing apart from academics. Whether it’s sports , music or a skill.

You never know they might build a career in that . It gives them food for thought . Showing that they could even make a living doing one of those . 

For a child to grow and develop holistically, it’s very important. Being a special educator for the last 15 years , I have seen how my students have done well in their respective fields . Their hobbies went on to become their careers later on .

Baking , Pottery , Drama ,singing ,Public Speaking  ,music  , stitching , embroidery , cooking, Photography.

Careers can be made in any of these fields . Encourage your children or wards to take up hobbies . 

Hopefully we will see more artistic souls in 2021.

More Beethoven’s , Michael Angelo ‘s , Leonardo da Vinci  and many more . 

All the Best !!

Introspection

 “ Are we nothing more than a recycled tragedy”

This was the poem prompt , I had to write on . What made me really ponder was , is it apt!

Isn’t this close to the pattern of life. Generations and decades and centuries ago , are being recycled into a tragic better living.

It’s so ironical when the Pandemic broke out , we were comparing it to a flu in 1920.

Then surprisingly as more data was unearthed . Some more epidemics had struck out in 1720,1820, so on and so forth.

Then people who had some experience of then started sharing some information. Isn’t it interesting to note that are being processed a little better to handle a periodic cycle!

Is it that we are re -inventing ourselves better in the centuries which follow . Brand new mechanisms to handle pathos and satire better . 

If you go back to the Renaissance and the Literary Renaissance, which was brought about Shaw and Shakespeare. They wrote on the Society’s doings in various Satires. Don’t the writers and poets of the present Era do the same ! Then how are we different!

Do we evolve just to handle it better to a brand new mould.

It’s a thought to Ponder 🤔 

Good Morning Beautiful souls . Stay blessed. Stay safe.

Christmas Morning

 There’s something very beautiful about a Christmas Morning . Everyone sits around exchanging gifts! Excitement rants the air . Getting ready to indulge in a Christmas breakfast. 

I always visualise a beautiful table laid out with delicacies. Warm baking smells! Grandma feeding the children. Cookies, hot cocoa , coffee , gingerbread man , candies all laid out . Warm crusty bread straight from the oven!

Enjoying the breakfast. Sitting around the hearth . Then getting ready for Christmas lunch. Shared morsels together leaves a different feel.

Food always does play an important role in all the celebrations 🎉🎊. Warm aroma wafting from the oven and kitchen . 

A warmth engulfs all. The spirit of giving strongly reinforced . 

Sharing is caring ! Definitely! 

The essence of our living too. Trimmed with small acts of kindness!!

Merry Christmas 🎄 to all you beautiful souls out there! Let’s enjoy the spirit of Christmas🎊💐🎉🎄🎁

May your hearts and hearths be abundantly blessed 🎊🎉💐🎄🎁

The joy of sharing

 I always felt Christmas is more about sharing . Gifting Abundantly . By Gifting , I don’t mean materialisticaly .The art of sharing with others . Showing appreciation. 

Gifting is the other word for gratitude. We gift differently. Sometimes we gift by praying for others . Sometimes just being there . Sometimes helping out . Gratitude and sharing comes in various forms . 

Planting a smile on a sorrowful face . Wiping someone’s tears . Complimenting people . We all live to receive gifts . Who doesn’t? Let’s spread the cheer of positivity. Gifting people in Abundance by being there for them. Show kindness , it costs nothing . 

Merry Christmas 🎄 💐🎄🎉🎊🎁

Let’s share and gift the world with cheerful, positive vibes!!

Jar of Hope

 

 

A beautiful jar of hope lit with positivity for the citizens of the Globe! 

Please fill it with your lovely wishes!!

Let’s send out the cheers and good tidings put in the world . Let us all come together and wish for the best!!

Please take a minute and drop a wish in this jar . Leave your wishes in the comments section!!

Let’s fill this jar and keep the candle burning!!😊

Little Moments of Joy

 When things look bleak ! That’s when pull out your little treasures from the treasure chest of memories . Those little moments of joy , happy moments help you in hoping. Takes you forward. Savour those moments.

Life is a series of change . We are going through a tough time . There’s no doubt about that . There are two ways to overcome it . Either you keep worrying about the present moment or you start envisaging a beautiful future ahead .

Your thoughts are in your control. How you steer it, it’s upto you . Some things are beyond our control. But what’s in ours is ours totally. Your thoughts are totally , exclusively yours . 

In the moment , while living , how can you make it better . Look for little pleasures .

I didn’t realise how much I was missing my favourite cookies , which I usually like to have . Once in a while with my mug of cappuccino. I had today . It’s definitely not much . But made me feel good . 

We have to keep looking for small moments of joy . That’s what is going to keep you going and help us cross the bridge .

So you beautiful souls out there.  Start working on it . 

Hopefully I’m not sounding like a boring teacher here 😁😁

My secret list to Santa

 Dear Santa 

Firstly please drop an unlimited supply of chocolates, preferably low cal. Hopefully Mars could top the list followed by Galaxy .

Just making life easier for you 😁

Then all my favourite chocolate desserts .

one year paid membership to Sephora with  all my favourite makeup brands 😉

I can feel Santa getting a fit already!

But Santa 🎅, I’m still not done.

Free traveling packages to all my favourite places inclusive of spas . 

Just a little humour . We all need it !

Do not stop wishing. Wishes do come true. 

Do not let the child like quality in you die either . Keep the child in you mischievous and laughing just like Santa’s naughty Elves!!

Stay blessed beautiful souls!!

 Get down to making your secret Santa list!

Lastly a special note for Santa 🎅. You can choose any two from the above . Being an English teacher , I believe in giving multiple choice questions. Santa any two are good by me😁💐🎁🎊🎄🎉🎅

Disastrous Monday

 I tried fighting the Monday Blues, but to no avail. I woke up in a terrible mood . I don’t know whether it was the Monday blues or my moods. My coffee tasted terrible. I was forced to make a second cup. I had just made it, when I knocked it by mistake . 

I had to clean up the whole mess. Leaving me in a more messy mood . Anyway ,I resulted in logging in late . My class was okay . But the best part was , I forgot an important appointment. I left for it hurriedly . 

Guess what awaited me!! A bumper to bumper , traffic jam . I was doomed . Then to topi it further . There was an accident too. As usual they got down to fighting a duel . I was seething in anger . Using every curse word , incidentally ., I don’t know many . Whatever I know from my own Dictionary, was repeated . I’m sure my B.P must have hit the roof . 

By now I needed a strong doze of caffeine. A huge dessert in chocolate. Next on my agenda. 

I reached the clinic and my doctor had left . Calling her, I got a mouthful to hear . A long lecture on punctuality and to  value time. It did not stop at that, I also was invited for a class on Time Management as well. Of all the things .

I drove straight to my coffee shop . I ordered for a huge cup of cappuccino and my favourite dessert . I kept waiting . Of all the days they were per- booked today . My resolve did not tether . I decided to sit in my car and enjoy it. I was also in a stubborn mood . I was not going to let anything spoil my time with coffee and dessert . 

Anyway I sat in the car and enjoyed it. 

My coffee and Dessert always do come to my rescue.

This is when I miss Santa 🎅. 

Your Opinion

 “ Your opinion about yourself is the most important”! This is what keeps you going always!

There will be moments in life, that we do not feel worthy or appreciated. Remember! It’s from someone else’s perspective. A perspective which does not matter at all. Truly ! Who understands you the best! 

Honestly ! No one! And no one will be able to. You are a unique being . Sculpted and carved by your own perfections, imperfections, likes , dislikes and numerous experiences.

Joy and sorrow too add their own trimmings. No matter how much anyone thinks they understand you. It’s highly unlikely. We live various stages and phases of life by what is happening then . The situations change and so are you . You are evolving. So how will anyone be able to understand you to the fullest!

Just keep living! Do not be bothered by other’s perception of you. That’s theirs . They are entitled to their opinion . You know what you are!!

Be your truest self always!!

Good Morning beautiful Souls!!

Woman’s Resilience

 A woman is type casted in various roles. Asked to perform so many acts . Mind you ! All to perfection and with ease!

From the time of her birth , she’s put into various mound already prepared by society! Well in Advance! Her check list is also prepared to perfection. The check list starts with , Be Lady like, Don’t behave like that, Don’t laugh so loudly, Be a perfect everything. From being a daughter, daughter in law, Mother , wife , so many roles.

Have you noticed , there’s never a Question about what truly makes you happy? They tell us not to laugh loudly! Have they ever said , it’s very unladylike to cry loudly . 

Does a woman’s dejection, despair , misery , tears are of no value. Does her value only come with perfection!

What happens if she doesn’t perform to perfection! What happens if she wants to carve a niche for herself and might not be so good at , for instance , cooking or keeping a house . Should she be punished for it. 

Why are moulds created to stifle a woman? Why? Does society time and again throttle her to death with their norms? Why after being educated, women still do not breathe freely?

So many why’s?? With no answers.

Just a resounding silence!

A deep Echo , in the form of an answer!!

A deep sigh and the death of hopes and dreams!!

Christmas Landscape

 As a child I was always fascinated by Christmas. In love with the whole feel of it. Incidentally which has grown stronger over the years . The white snowy landscape. The blazing hearths from the beautiful wooded houses. Illuminate everything to a golden sparkle around them . Beautiful shadows cast around . Which help you in forgetting your painful shadows .

The glowing cheer of red and green, Mistletoes, Carols , stars , bells of hope . The white is being splashed with red , gold and green . There is a beautiful festivity in the air. 

The cheer is infectious . It’s truly “ Deck the halls with boughs of Holly” “ Fa la la la”. 

This time of the year , I always remember the story of the “ Little Match Girl”, which was read to me by my loving father. I miss him. But what I always took back from the story was, how blessed I was and the positivity. Which I still carry around with me. With my smile in place. 

Let’s spread the cheer in the air and hope for a beautiful , Smashing 2021.

Hopefully the cheer finds it’s way to each of your Hearths and keeps it warm. 

Good Morning Beautiful souls !!

Stay blessed. Stay safe .

“ Joy to the World “

Envisage

 As I was growing up , I decorated a lot of dreams. Thinking they usually come true . Hoping they would . Then I realised, they are just dreams . Meant not to manifest or rather to be broken repeatedly. 

The reality started creeping in slowly into my being . Taking over the realm of imagination and dream like quality of my thoughts . I felt like a drill sergeant. There was a time in my life where I could not pen down a single word . Then one day , the dream like quality of my being fought with the drill sergeant . Rest is history like they say .

Today I have my blog . My heartfelt poems and that reality has to be there but only with dreams . Dreams take you to a field outside your realm of life for sometime. Hoping against hope for a lot.

Sometimes ! We do need that too. To keep us going. 

What the universe manifests , it’s totally upto it. We can hope , envisage , dream and breathe . 

Today the world is in a turmoil . Basic existence has become a Herculean task for many . Anxiety attacks are on the rise . The will to live is being lost. Then what comes to your rescue . The desire to hope .

Hope for the Best!!

Let’s hope together and throw it out to the universe . We want a Rocking 2021. Please make it happen . 

Stay blessed. Stay safe .

Measuring up

 How we all hate this statement? So many times callously used by others . Without realising the harm they do . 

Believe me!! Even your actions and emotions construe this very strongly . Specially in front of children, be very careful. You might be thinking they do not sense it. They do it. They might not be letting on. But it’s sitting somewhere deep in their system. 

No one has to and should measure up to another’s standards. Why should you? We are all made differently, beautifully and uniquely. We are all signature pieces of the creators. That one creator designed us but differently . 

Then how will we all be similar . How boring would it be! Imagine!

You know yourself the best . Never let another’s judgement make you feel any less . That’s their perception and from a space they are coming from. You don’t know their space, their traumas and their experiences. So just chill . Enjoy life .

Remember after all this we are still not getting out of it Alive . So! Live to the Best!! Love yourself abundantly!! Enjoy to the hilt!!

Good Morning beautiful souls!! Monday Morning! Phew 😅. Trying to beat the blues . Paint the pinks( Mu favourite colour) . Changing the phrase to my liking 😜.

Stay blessed . Stay safe 😊

Power of Praying

 A quote written by a famous Saint” When you truly pray for others, the need to pray for yourself ceases”!! My favourite,Quote from Imam Ali(a.s).

Believe me!! I have been doing this for years . Praying for others . Praying for world peace . The satisfaction is immense . Praying for others fills you with a wondrous feeling. Maybe your prayers are working their way back towards someone ‘s happiness. Someone’s troubles are being washed away due to your prayers . 

Never undermine the power of praying for others . Remember your account is getting credited . 

I have noticed since I have been praying , I rarely pray for myself anymore. I feel I just get taken care of . It’s a lovely feeling to be remembered in someone’s heart and prayers . 

This is my legacy which I want to leave behind .

Walk and yoga

 The power of walking! You must be thinking, God! Not one more article on walking!! Believe me! No scientific facts here . I hated science myself since school. Still do . What I am going to share is what it did to me. 

Firstly those few steps in the morning. Take me afar from my stress from bygones . I feel a new person walking out in the open . Waking upto a fresh start . A beautiful sunrise . The hope for new . Scientifically it must be doing a lot . I will not be getting into that now . It just gives me a new perspective to live my day beautifully. Keeps me rejuvenated and refreshed . 

Yoga helps me to do away with my bottled stress . Which incidentally we all like to keep it in an air tight bottle with a tight cap on . Rarely it fizzes out . When it does , you leave a battlefield behind, without actually realising it . All this I have learnt through my journey. How to let go . How to de-stress?

What works best for me is my walk and yoga. One teaches me to walk away . The other one teaches me how to breathe through it and continue breathing through life. 

Of course my yoga teacher’s favourite line goes” Shireen keep breathing . Breath is important “.

Truly now I have understood the meaning of real breathing and how important breath is . 

Good morning beautiful souls!! As promised no scientific facts . Just some heartfelt of mine . 

Keep Breathing and keep walking towards a better tomorrow. 

“ Me Time” Mandatory

 Lately I have come across a lot of dissatisfied posts from women . You can see a growing rise of frustration and antagonism in them. Reason being available 24/7. Please! Don’t get me wrong here . What I mean is . Women are juggling a lot of different roles from the same domain . 

Earlier when they stepped out for work. They would leave all their worries at home . Only concentrating on work . When they entered the house after 6 or 8 hours . That’s when they would again focus on the house and family . But now work from home could be a bane or boon , I really don’t know. 

Now she’s getting the children ready for online classes . Logs in for her work . In between she’s juggling the cooking or other household chores . Being cooped up at home all the time, could be rising her frustration levels .

Earlier she would step out and find her break . Meet friends over coffee . Catch a good movie at the theatres . Just go for some shopping . Visit a bookstore . She had a lot of choices . Her favourite would be booking her herself for a spa day .

Well! Now what you could do is , plan at home .

Allot some free or Me time . Meaning strictly yours . 

If you want to catch a movie . Treat the children to a nice one too. Play a favourite movie of theirs with popcorn . Creating the effect at home . Believe me! They will love it and so would you. 

You have to take out that time for yourself. Meet a friend. If you are apprehensive about sitting at a coffee shop . Look for an outdoor one . Grab a coffee ☕️ or maybe take the coffee and go for a short spin.

Change is inevitable and we have to live with the change by searching a new . It can be very taxing and frustrating. The reason why I’m sharing this today is , I went through my own share and discovered small ways of combating it . So far it’s worked . 

You have to take out some time for yourself. Where you are left alone doing what you like . The day you don’t feel like cooking , don’t beat yourself about it . Make it something light or call for a take away . 

The pandemic is quite stubborn. He likes us . He wants to stay and enjoy our hospitality for some more time . That was on a lighter note . 

Let’s look for ways to keep our sanity going. 

Stay blessed. Stay safe .

Keep breathing. 

Live in the Moment

 “ Live in the Moment “. “ Shireen always be present in the moment”. This is how my first yoga session had started 5 years ago . In my hearts of hearts , it was all Greek and Latin to me . I was thinking , “ I’m living! Now what is living in the Moment ?

I was thinking! Now after repeatedly practising  for years . I have come to understand it so well. 

We as humans are always either thinking about the past or what has to be done I would also be doing that a lot . I was a  worrier. I would sitting in a party or a wedding and busy drafting my Mental 

Checklist . Ticking what was done . Underlining what still had to be done . It resulted in me becoming more anxious . Losing out on all the happy , fun moments with family and friends . 

I took control of my thoughts , Thanks to Yoga . Now I understand it fully . The great Pandemic has made it even more clearer . Don’t postpone anything for tomorrow. We rarely do if Tomorrow comes! Will it ? Or will it not? Who knows?

When I step out of the house . I leave my to do , not done , has to be done lists at home . I truly having fun and enjoying the moment . Enjoying myself to the hilt. Like Cinderella I enjoy the ball. Once I’m home , I get back into the attic 😉.

The reason behind penning this down today is , many people think like this today . Just live in the moment truly . 

Do what your heart feels like . But that outfit. Have that coffee , Indulge in your favourite dessert , meet your friends, go on that road trip .

Live it !!

We are all going to go away . No one’s staying here forever!!

Good Morning beautiful souls!!

Stay blessed. Stay Safe .

Life as a Desert

 Today my thoughts are inspired by my poem on Desert . While writing and looking up for desert pictures , these thoughts flowed into my mind . Isn’t life like a desert . 

Life starts as barren as a desert . Over the years we plant what survives in the desert. What stands against the harshness . Then sometimes we are lucky to find an oasis . A cool , refreshing one . Cool as a spring stream .

We weather the sting of Dust storms . Buried deep in it . It stings our whole being . Yet we fight and come out of the layers in which we are buried . Learning the technique of survival.

We only work hard towards searching for a lovely oasis . Which will quench our thirst . Give us some respite from the harshness . We travel miles afar . Sometimes we find it . Sometimes we keep traveling endlessly. Sometimes we do not find it in our entire journey . 

That’s Life !!

Good Morning beautiful people!! Stay blessed. Stay safe .

Authentic Me

 How did I discover her ? Do you think it was an easy task ? In this world of shadows and veils , I had to struggle too. 

I was often called too blunt , too frank and maybe at times “ Brutually Honest”. One think about me was , What I felt in my heart!! Was always expressed in my words . I believe in saying what you feel. I’m not someone who believes in sugar coating her words . Though an ardent fan of desserts , a die hard sweet lover . Anything in chocolate beckons me from miles afar . But my words can be plain , bland and maybe sometimes sour . 

I always believed in being my true self . Authentic , honest and open . I don’t believe in mincing words . My policy is simple in life , if you are good with me , I’ll walk the ends if the world for you . But if you rub me the wrong way then you are offered the worst of me . The choice is totally yours . Okay!! Relax I’m not so bad . 

Always believe fully in what you would want to do . When you truly realise and understand yourself, you will realise your purpose too. In this journey half the problems come up because we are too busy trying to comprehend ourselves. Which in turn makes us make bad choices . You are one of a kind . Always Remember that . So do what works for you. What makes your soul sing and dance . Keeps your heart at ease. Don’t stress too much , Eveb after all this we are no way coming out of this alive . So make most of the party , while it is still on . 

Have a blessed day ahead . Keep smiling .

Sunday Bliss

 Sunday always brings mixed emotions . I start radiating joy and positivity. As the day starts going down, towards dusk my emotions take a 360 degrees turn . I’m thinking about the week ahead . Omg !! My positivity and happiness vanish like Cinderella’s chariot at midnight . All gone in a poof!!.

Okay now let’s talk about why I’m Positive on a s Sunday morning? I start my day with usually nothing planned out to the T. I like it to unfold lazily . Just like I do now from my warm bed on a winter Sunday morning. Sit with my piping hot cup of cappuccino. Looking out at the sky . Listening to the cheerful chirping of the birds . Then I think about what boring chores I have to do . Which incidentally, I Keep putt off during the week . Usually I like to finish my work on Saturday and then unwind and recharge my batteries for the week ahead . I feel like Cinderella’s ball is over . Now “ Sweetheart back to the Attic “.

Then I plan to visit my friends who I have not met for a long time . My ideal Sunday evening would be spent by a river in a bistro with my favourite coffee and book .Listening to my friends and watching the passer bys . 

The unadulterated pleasure and joy is always found in the simplest things . Which in today’s time unfortunately we don’t spend on that too. 

I always give a few hours on Sunday to myself. Sometimes I like to get a mini spa done . My treat to my week long Cinderella self . I make her feel important too😁. Sometimes it’s just a relaxing head massage. The reason why I’m sharing this is , you don’t have to look for huge pleasures to make you happy. Learn what makes you happy even in the basic .

Believe me!! Once you have identified it , even the present scenario of the Pandemic will not affect you . 

Good Morning Beautiful souls!! I would love to hear in the comments what works for you . Let’s have an interactive session today!!

Stay blessed. Stay safe . Stay smiling!!

Keep the power on of your Million Dollar Smile 😊

Daily chores for Teenagers

 In today’s times , making teenagers self sufficient is very important. I would say mandatory. It’s a must know .

More than them knowing how to manage in life , it works on their skill development too. 

Fine motor , Gross motor, eye hand co- ordination . It’s mandatory for their movement too. 

It’s a growing need for boys and girls to knowall the household chores. From cooking ,  , washing , ironing . It’s not the domain or perogative of girls . It’s necessary for both . Today the women are busy multi tasking . They cannot be doing everything and managing everything to the hilt . Everyone has to pitch in . 

It teaches them how to manage their time . How to multi task. If tomorrow there is no help , in any given situation, they should be doing all this . 

I strongly  recommend it for teenage boys too. Just don’t be busy imparting skill development to your Princesses  , please make the Prince’s work too. 

It’s the decade to work . So strive to be meticulous like Cinderella and master the chores!!

Rebecca Kidnapped

 Rebecca rested for almost 10 days . She was feeling much better . John had never left her side for more than a couple of hours a day . He would come 2,3 times in a day and spend a long time with her . Reading to her . Taking care of her food . He was the perfect caregiver anyone could hope for. 

Tonight was a big society ball , an annual event at the Greenby’s Estate Manor House . A huge Establishment. The Creme la Creme would be here tonight . Rebecca was feeling happier after a long time . She did not want anything to mar her happiness . She wore a lovely Ruby vine velvet gown . With lace trimmings and a beautiful ruby set . She was looking a bit pale but beautiful. 

She reached the Ball in high spirits . She was like the most sought after celebrity tonight . Everyone enquiring after her health . Her friends were very happy to see her . She met John out in the dark corner of the terrace for sometime. He placed a welcoming kiss on her lips . Then they got busy with the dancing . 

As Rebecca was going towards the table to eat something. A small boy dropped a message in her palm . A folded piece of paper. She opened it and lost her colour . It just said “ Come quickly outside! It’s urgent! Waiting for you!” . It was signed as John . She panicked and without thinking twice , she walked quickly towards the door . 

She came out , there was no one . Suddenly she heard muffled footsteps . She was just turning . When she felt something hard on her scalp . Then everything became dark . 

John was watching Rebecca from across the room . He felt odd , when she was rushing towards the door . He followed her . He just came out in time to see the carriage going away . A black Hackney . Rebecca was nowhere in sight . Just then he spotted his friend. Quickly explained to him . Called their other friend, who was standing close to the door . Quickly they called for a carriage and rushed .

The power of Exercising

 It feels bliss to be out in the open . Surrounded by nature . Listening to the chirping of birds . The sounds of Nature keep you going like none other . 

During winter it’s more paramount to exercise. Lately I have been reading a lot of posts on how people are going into Depression. The reason of course is the lack of social interaction. 

Secondly, winter tends to make you a little more inactive . This is the time when you have to get into some form of exercise . It is very easy to slip into a depressive quality of thought processes . If you want to fight it , you have to make exercise your perogative .

A walk in the park , yoga , meditation , Zumba , Aerobics , Pilates . The list is endless . Whatever makes you happy. 

To stay ahead of Winter and the pandemic. Both for your mind , body and soul , Exercising is Mandatory !!

Don’t underestimate the power of Exercising.

Another tip I would like to share is doing praynayma. During winter to increase your lung capacity. It’s very important. It keeps your body warm . Cold at bay . Gives your nature a sunny disposition . 

I can go on and on . Have an Awesome  day ahead !! 

Stay blessed. Stay Safe .

Road Trips

 Road trips are the new in thing . Always fun!! The excitement before a road trip is Immense !

The planning leaves you breathless 

Hearts fluttering 

What to pack ?

What to eat ?

Everything takes an excited Momentum!!

We keep beating to it’s Rhythm 

If the trip is with friends 

Then the frolic takes a whole new meaning!

On the way , Stops are a fun thing 

Of their own!

From snacky outdoor meals 

To the roadside cafes!!

All are visited and enjoyed!

Each becomes a singer 

Belting out their favourite numbers !

The pulsating energy keeps 

Continuing in the form of 

Jokes , Anecdotes , teasing 

It’s just endless excitement!’

Finish Each Day

 Finish each day as it comes. Complete it . Whatever and however it was, give it a closure before you sleep . Intend for the next day to be a good one . 

We tend to carry on the misgivings and unhappiness. , into our today . That’s when we don’t “ live in the moment “. We are busy harping on our losses or how it should have been . When you learn to live each day to it’s best . 

Make a strong intention for the next day to be a good one . Universe listens to strong intentions and a stubborn heart. 

The best we can always do is hope for the best.

These small practices in life take us through the storms . Through thick and thin , we still learn to survive. 

After all life is nothing but the “ Survival of the fittest “.

This lesson the Great Pandemic has really driven home . 

What has helped many people is maintaining a gratitude journal. We tend to be caught up with so many things in life . We forget our blessings. Every day just mention in few words, what you have been grateful for . Towards the end of the month , you will have a lot to be grateful for . 

Stay blessed. Staysafe .

Practice Gratitude at all times .

December Cheer

 My favourite month since I was little. I just love the festivity and the winter . Brought up in Kuwait, my memories are very beautiful of winter . It used to get very cold . Christmas and New year used to be freezing but I loved every bit of it . My school wore a festive cheer from December 1st . So Nostalgic today .

We would be practising for the Christmas play and carol singing . Excitedly planning activities for Christmas. We had a long week celebration in our school . I miss those days dearly .

Christmas Eve , I would be invited for dinner to my friend’s place . Singing carols and enjoying the sumptuous dinner . 

Christmas added the cheer of red and green . I always felt everyone would be wearing a special , cheery winter coat . 

I just miss those beautiful days . I still live it . Trying to bring some memories back in the present . 

Joy to the world . 

Stay tuned for my secret Santa list . I’ll let you out on a secret 😉. I still write one 😁😁

Social Issues

 Centuries have passed 

Decades and Eras 

Gone by!

Our plight has still remained 

The same !

So where is Development 

And progress?

Every Era called us by

Various names 

From concubines , to what not !

From Harems to Brothels 

Names changed a new 

Not our plight !

We are still given dirty looks 

Respect never known 

Not one understood us 

We all have a story 

Just like anyone out there 

Some were forced here 

Some in the name of poverty 

Some disillusioned and duped !

Each more heart rending than the other !

Ohh!! The Harbingers of Morality !

Tell me which one of you have not come and seen any of us ?

We screamed for centuries!

It all fell on deafened ears !

Stoic souls 

Our plight continues till today !!

Our souls were sold 

Our hearts buried forever 

We are only reduced to 

A priced list of sorts !

Everyone puts a new

Price Tag !!

Alas !! It still continues 

My poem on a picture prompt , on social issues .

Rested

 After a long time and through a lot of trials, I’m at my most rested . Surprised! 

During the pandemic, how is she managing to be so rested . This question must be popping in your minds as you read through it . 

Yes ! The realisation hit me , when I realised sub consciously , I stopped planning ahead . 

Now I truly live in the moment . Take each day as it comes. I just strive to do the best I can “ Today “, just “ Today “. 

Tomorrow is not promised . I don’t know what tomorrow will bring . Nothing is promised . Only what you have now .

What matters is the power of you . And how well you live in the now . 

Pandemic taught me the best lesson of life “ Don’t plan , Don’t stress “

Being a moderate “ OCD” myself . I always needed everything planned well in Advance . Systematically and meticulously running my monthly schedule . Stressing if it would go haywire . Now I just live by the day . And believe me , I’m a much happier being . 

Truly rested and calm . 

Stay blessed. Stay safe . 

Hypocrisy

 Sugar coated words 

Are dripped from succulent lip!!

The words sound like 

Melted warm Honey 

But the beauty of it 

Remains that it does not 

Come anywhere close from 

The heart 

Devoid of Emotions, feelings 

And heartfelt essence 

It just pays lip service 

And only stays till ther!!

Does not touch the being 

Heart or soul !!

So easily forgotten 

What was said 

And easily moved on 

To greener pastures 

Without any remorse 

Or guilt 

Of any remotest kind!!

Halycon

 I remember our best Halycon 

Moments of Happiness!!

Blissful and complete 

Resplendent in its joyous Glory!!

When did it sonder 

Know not I!

I have craved the Minutiae 

In my Album of life 

Treasured it like my Best 

Most precious possession

For a long time to come!

Now in the hands of Moira 

I stay trapped!!

Waiting to free Myself again 

To Revisit Halycon!!

Once Again 

Another Encore 

Another taste of it!!

Taste of Optimism

 The ever lasting 

Taste of Optimism remained 

Steadfast and same 

Like the taste of 

My balm on chapped lips 

Here it worked on my 

Chapped and crushed 

Feeling of defeat 

Every time renewing 

And soothing 

My chapped and broken 

Aspirations!

The taste of Optimism 

Till today remains 

Constant and consistent!!

The same taste 

The same feel!!

Warmth

 In the frigidity of Emotions

And the frozen landscapes

Of hearts and Earth 

Let’s melt it 

With the warmth of 

Our emotions

Veins are turning to ice

Emotions are cold and frozen

Eyes have turned stoic 

Hearts devoid of Emotions 

All frozen and still

I set out to 

Seek the warmth again 

When I could not 

I decided to fill it 

With mine!!

Hope to leave a warmer place!!

And some warmth 

Of kindered souls!!

A Bigger shift !!

Is Pandemic playing a catalyst to the suppression which was stilled . 

Is  it the calm before the storm 

A storm which is brewing in every corner of the world . A chaotic cauldron of problems which is slowly brewing in the form of  Financial collapse, Recession , Uncountable deaths , Protests and Rebellions .

Where are we heading ? 

I do not see any iota of peace in any form . 

I just see a deep restlessness . It feels like the lava brewing just before the volcanic burst .

Every heart is worried . Every eye tearful. Where is peace ?

This is the time when you have to lend your comfort and support to your near and dear ones .keep the faith on .

Positivity will keep you going.

Keep praying for the world and mankind . 

The storm is brewing .

Street of Life

 This morning my inspiration was a beautiful lit street . With old lamppost’s and an open cafe setting . Rustic wrought iron chairs and tables. There was a sense of serenity and quiet about it . A beautiful moment from life . 

That got me thinking . Life is something similar to a beautiful street . We keep sitting at the cafe . Some moments are beautifully spent in the company of like minded people. Some are spent quietly , just with yourself. Some with you and your misery . We keep gathering these over the time . Some leave a deep impact, some just touch and leave , some stay on till your last breath.

But what really makes an impact are the people with you . Some become your family , friends turned family. And I have been very lucky and blessed in that aspect . God has been very kind in giving me these “ HUMAN STARS “. When I forget myself, they are the ones who remember me more than I do .

Sincerely grateful and thankful to all of them . My heartfelt gratitude, I sent to each of you . Keep you all time in my thoughts and prayers . Enveloping you in a heartfelt hug of prayers . 

Stay blessed. Stay safe !

On the occasion of Thanksgiving, I thank each one of you for being a part of my life and always looking out for me 😊

Lost Moments with my Dad

 I was all of 9 when I lost you forever!

Your earthly journey ended forever! I lived more without you than with you . But our bond was strengthened even after you left for your heavenly abode !! untimely !

Life went on . I went on the path taught by you . Life wasn’t easy . But perseverance and strength took me through ! Today again the realisation hit me in all my major milestones of life you could never be with me . But no moment goes without missing you . You were an epitome of true values . You were an ideal for many . You were always the life of a gathering . No guest of ours left without a smile and a full stomach . 

From sports to spirituality a perfect mix . The lesson of self respect was driven right home to me at a tender age . He would always say “ The most important in life is your “ Self Respect “ . Never knock at a door again where you are not respected . Take your responsibilities seriously and always be kind to others . Thankful and Grateful when you are blessed . Never look at people who might have been blessed more than you . Look at the ones who have nothing. Then you’ll always be satisfied and contented . He never instilled the importance of materialistic value in me . His values were much deeper !!

Though it’s been almost 35 years since you have left us . People still remember you so fondly and always say” What a man he was ! “ 

What more do we need in life . And it always makes me proud to be your daughter. 

Today for the first time my poem got published in a book . My long awaited dream come true . I dedicate it to you . In your fond memory , I shall continue penning my thoughts . Till we meet again 😊

Sanjana’s Roka

 Sanjana woke up on a cheerful note . She sat in meditative silence for a while . Thinking of what lay ahead . Today was truly the turning point in her life . That’s where it ended . There was a loud knock on the door. 

The house was a buzz with activity . The flower decorators were already here . The caterers were setting up the tables and arranging the chairs . Sanjana was quickly made to have her breakfast. By the time she could catch her breath , the girl who was going to apply Mehendi had come . She was just settling when her friends walked in . After that it was a blur . After Mehendi they all gathered for lunch. She had just finished lunch and was watching the decoration being completed, when her dress came from the tailors . It looked beautiful!! Her favourite colours !! Her friends rushed her to the room , the girl from the parlour had come. One after the other and by the time she realised , it was 7.30 in the evening. Sanjana looked beautiful in her outfit and jewellery!! Ready for the evening!!

Just then the excited chatter of guests was heard . Amit’s family had arrived too. She was taken down and the ceremony started . Sanjana’s fate sealed with the beautiful diamond on her finger . It winked back at her !!

Dinner followed and her friends danced on beautiful numbers . It was festivity all the way !!

Amit and Sanjana stoke some quiet moments !

Amit asked her “ How does it feel “?

She laughed “ It hasn’t sunk in yet “!

The wedding was in a month’s time. 

Sanjana would have to get down to work immediately. Lots had to be done !!

The house looked beautiful. After everyone had gone ,  She sat with her sisters for a while . Enjoying coffee together. She turned and looked back at the house . It had given her warmth , shelter and happiness. She became poignant, she would be leaving it soon . 

The need for perfection

 Today my thoughts were unusually quiet . Since morning I have been racking my brains thinking what to write . There was a lull. I gave into the lull . The restorative silence . Something compelled me to write this now . It couldn’t wait till morning. 

Lately I have been writing my poems on disturbing and heavy topics . Sometimes as a writer, I think I need the lull too.

What caught my attention at this time was a young girl’s thoughts . I didn’t realise we were living to this extreme in a make believe and to look good at any cost at all times . 

Has love also become commercial . A commodity which you can only experience if you have such and such characteristics.

Firstly the most important goes without saying looks . At the end of the day is that all that matters . 

What about a person’s pure nature . A kind temperament. Being humble . Practising kindness . Filled with compassion. Have all these become passé. 

What touched me was that girl’s soliloquy about how like a checklist love is ticked . Then people fall in love ! 

Really!! What happens if you don’t adhere to it . You are out of the game . 

A humble request teach your daughters the art of being a beautiful person from inside . Make them confident . Teach them to be courageous and brave . How to be kind . Looks should come last . 

Being confident and unique. They don’t need anyone’s approval to be accepted . They just need their own . Educate them so that they walk confidently on the path of life . 

Change your outlook!! Adorn them with confidence and Education. 

Teach them to face life as best as they can . 

Doorway to Life

 This morning I came across a beautiful picture of a pink doorway . Decorated beautifully with fresh flowers . It was a breath taking vision . Clean and pink . Scented and floral .

I thought to myself imagine our life doorway like this . What would we bringing into our lives then ? Scented floral bouquets of wishes coming into your lives . 

Life unfolds how we visualise it . Always look for something positive . It’s very easy to be bogged down by anxiety , worries and disappointments. We are humans so at some time we might given in to disappointments. If you do learn to bounce back again !! More fiesty and with more gusto !

All days are not the same !! If there’s darkness there will be light too . Dusk gives rise to a new dawn . If the tunnel is dark , there will be light towards the end of it . 

Go with this belief in life that you will get what is meant for you . We all have been given our own share . When we learn to be satisfied with it, our purpose is realised . 

I always think ! No matter how much we have we all have to leave it behind and go onwards to our next destination.

My favourite is a page from history . Alexander ‘s dying words “ Keep my hands out and show the world how I’m going empty handed from the world . All left behind !! “

Play your part in the best possible way and leave the rest to the universe 😊It foo plays its part 😊

Excitement in the house

 Sanjana woke up with a beaming smile . Truly a turning point in her life . There was a little sadness , she missed her parents dearly . Wish they were with her today to share her joy . 

Her sisters came knocking. She was quickly rushed through her breakfast and was headed to the tailor . Then was dropped at the parlour , while they ran some errands . They had lunch out. Came back home in the evening. 

The flower decorator was already discussing the details with her brother and uncle . In total there were 75 guests . The caterer was waiting for them . They quickly ran through the list and finalised . By 8 in the evening everyone was tired but happy . Everything had fallen in place . 

Her uncle and aunt were truly happy but a little sad . They would miss Sanjana. Sanjana would be leaving for London after her wedding. 

Everyone sat after dinner for sometime out on the lawns . Quickly running through the last minute details . The Mehendi lady was coming early in the morning to do Sanjana and her sisters Mehendi . So far everything looked to be in place .

Sanjana bid everyone good night. Her friends were coming in the morning to help her out . How life changed ? 

Who knew this Diwali her light of Hope would be lit Finally !!

She sent up a silent prayer of gratitude 😊

Life relaunched 2021

 Life can you seriously think about a make over !! Highly recommended. 2020 not good for you . We need a lift of every kind . 

Could you please send work on relaunching . Think about how you could better yourself. What different lifts do you need ? From face lifts to serious make overs , it goes on . 

You have roughly a month to work with, please put to productive use . 

We want 2021 to start with a bang !!!

Brand new ideas 

Brand new way of life 

A new lift to thought processes 

An over all face lift given to the world and Life !! 

Let’s start working towards it . 

2021 needs to be happy , cheerful and filled with positivity. Good Tidings Galore !!

Joy to the world ... we all need it 😊

Happy working Life !!

Taste of Life

 I would often ask this question to life . When I had my quiet moments with him. Which is usually rare 😁Not that I minded it . 

I asked him” Why did you give me so many different tastes of you “?

I tasted bitterness , extreme sweetness , sometimes totally bland . A mix of spice and sweet , tangy and sharp , so many variations of your flavours . 

Sometimes the happiness would bubble within me due to your sweet flavour. Your spiciness would make the tears roll down my cheeks . 

Yet your flavours , I braved . I carried on always waiting for what next flavour were you working on ? 

Life took me through his journey of culinary flavours innovated by him. I bravely went along tasting each one with a smile 😊.

O’ Dear Life ! I carry on with my smile waiting for this bland taste of life to finish soon 😊

Please work on some good culinary skills of yours ! A serious Recommendation! 

Need to enjoy some outstanding Desserts exclusively produced by you 😊

Thanksgiving

 Gratitude should be the essence of our life . I have always liked the feel about Thanksgiving. Practised with friends and family . Showing your gratitude to all . Sharing your heart , hearth and grub . 

For me every day is Thanksgiving. Everyday is an opportunity to practice gratitude . I have come across many people during the gratitude who have lost their will . They feel everything is lost . But I always think , it could have been much worse . 

I would like to share an incident where I learnt my first lesson of gratitude . A memoir which I hold dearly to . I had seen a beautiful eraser in a stationery shop . I must have been 8 then . I asked my father to buy it for me . He was a very indulgent father . But a stickler for manners as well . For some reason that day he did not buy it for me . I was a bit upset like how an 8 year old would react . We decided to go to our favourite joint at Hardees . I loved the burgers there . 

As we were going in , we came across a boy of 10 . Sitting alone and wiping his tears . My dad asked him in Arabic “ What had happened “?. He hesitatingly replied that he had lost his parents in an Accident. His remaining family was in Iraq . My father called the police . So that he could be in safe hands . We made him wash his hands and bought him burgers and a drink . By then the police had come and took him and promised to trace his family . 

I still remember the smile on that boy’s face . Something about it had touched me . 

Practising gratitude with family and friends is beautiful.

But to do it with a complete stranger is the best. 

Let’s practice Thanksgiving for what we have and intend for the world to become safer , happier and a beautiful place for Mankind . 

May the people of the world know immense joy . Compassion and kindness to fill the far reaches of the Universe . 

Stay safe . Stay Blessed.

Celebrations Galore

 There was excitement since early morning. Amit had gone to receive his parents and siblings . His sister had come with her family. Her brother was here with his . Amit was moving in with them at the hotel . 

They would be coming later on for dinner to fix the Roka ceremony. The house was made ready for the guests . Sanjana was busy in the kitchen supervising and helping with the dinner preparations. Her sisters had to literally drag her out of there bodil.Reprimanded and sent  to her room to get ready just in time for Dinner . 

Sanjana wore a beautiful light green and golden suit . She looked Elegant . She kept her jewellery simple . She was just finishing her make up , when the door bell rang . She could hear the excited chatter from downstairs. Just then her sister Preeti came and winked . Taking her down . 

Amit’s family were very warm . Instantly putting her at ease . It was lovely interacting with all . The Roka was fixed for day after. Her outfit was brought by them . A beautiful Rose pink and golden . Incidentally her favourite colour . 

They had a lovely time . They all left but Amit stayed back . Urging Sanjana to go with him for coffee. Sanjana agreed .

They spoke at length about their likes and dislikes . Amit wanted to put her at ease . He also wanted to know how she felt about his family  . 

Amit was very happy. He dropped her back and headed back to the hotel . 

Her sisters were waiting for her . Quickly planning the next day with her . Their first stop would be at the tailor . Her outfit had to be ready . Then they had to go to the boutique to pick clothes for them . There was a lot of excitement in the house . 

Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks .

Teenage guide

 Adolescence the hardest and most confusing stage . For the care givers , parents and the adolescent themselves. It’s a phase where there is tremendous transition and unsurity.

Dealing with this it’s a Herculean task ! Some pointers which have helped me dealing with my adolescent students . 

Adolescents are always searching . It’s like they are on an exploring , self-designated journey . The biggest problem is with an unknown destination in mind . 

They will carry a lot of sensitivity around them at this time . Tread with care . Anything you do or say could work for you or against you . It’s like you are handling a very sensitive case in the court . You are the lawyer. How you deal with it , could build your case with your witness . 

They need very strong egos and role models to look upto now . Compassion with assertiveness . How you mix the two is very important. To make an Adolescent trust in you and confide it’s not less than receiving the”  Nobel Prize “! 

Believe me ! 

Sometimes they come with you with their past hurts and traumas . They might just want you to listen to them without judging. Days like that seal your lips . Just be their sound box . Honour them . 

Some days they might come looking to you for Advice. 

Remember! An adolescent will go through severe mood swings . One day they will look the happiest. The next day they will be down in the doldrums. 

Motivating an adolescent at all times is the main requisite . But has to be done subtly. The minute they feel your pandora box of Advices is open , you have lost them. 

To motivate them you have to get down to doing it . To motivate my daughter in exercising . I’m seen more often at the park and on the yoga mat then her 😁.

It’s a beautiful phase. Let them experience it . Their crushes , their likes , feelings . Let them go thorough it. The more you suppress , the more difficult adulthood will become for them . 

What stays suppress in the system finds it way out somehow . 

Listen to them ! They want that !

Academics ! Another Battlefield with the parents . Both standing across on the Battleground. Facing each other like the worst enemies. 

Let them choose their field of interest . Do not force your likes and dislikes on them . It’s not fair !!

For an Adolescent exercising is Paramount. They have to exercise. Their body needs it . 

Again ! What they like !

I’ll come up with more in few weeks . 

Have a lovely day ! Enjoy your journey with an Adolescent!!

Health of your Mind

 This has lately been a growing concern . Compelling me to write a little more on this . Each one deals differently with stress . But at the end of the day there is one thumb rule that takes us through life” Survival of the fittest”!.

True ! But are we here  in a competition to prove ourselves how fit we are . No ! Not at all! We are here to just realise our purpose and make the most of our journey while we are still here . 

The pandemic has taken its toll on many . The fear and anxiety is eating into many . Some have financial stress , some are bogged down with emotional anxiety and for some it’s the fear of the Pandemic itself. 

Remember this ! Every decade has been put through this . They have fought and emerged victorious .

I think what is missing is the social aspect . We are social animals ! We have to meet people. Do meet them but be cautious. Go out into the open.  Meet in the park . Organise a small picnic . If your house is big enough, meet by practising social distancing. Sanitize and wear masks when going out on a group . Go for a short drive . Pick up an ice- cream or coffee depending on the weather . Go for a walk out in the open . Listen to your favourite music . Be connected to your loved ones ! 

I repeat ! The sense of being isolated is a killer ! 

Do not let that happen. Take up your favourite hobby . Join an online class . Yoga , meditation, Zumba , Aerobics or any other which you like . If you are a creative person join a creative craft class . If you reading books , join a book reading club . If you cannot find one , make one with your friends. The ones who are interested. 

Let not the pandemic take anything away from you . Learn to manoeuvre around it . Not to give into it . 

If nothing play some music and dance . Sit out in the open and listen to the sounds of nature . 

Stay happy. Stay positive. Stay blessed.

Rebecca Attacked

 It was a beautiful sunny morning. Sisters of Charity met at the “ Tea House “ fulfilling their monthly ritual . Once a month their meeting was held here . They enjoyed their sandwiches, tea cakes and their favourite fragrant tea . Today the mood was a little somber. They discussed the happenings and dispersed quickly. They were going to meet at the candlelight dinner tonight . 

Rebecca had to visit the hat shop . She stopped there picked her hat and went home . 

She was wearing a cream and burgundy gown tonight. She took time in dressing today. It was the biggest event of the year . She was excited to see John . She looked beautiful. Ruby and pearls decorating her slender throat . 

They reached the Manor House done up beautifully in candles and flowers . They were seated at their places and treated to a live musical . The candlelight playing different hues on the seated guests . It looked right out of the fairy tale . John motioned to her discreetly to meet him outside. Rebecca met him in the Gazebo . He couldn’t resist it . She looked irresistible tonight. He took her in his arms and kissed her for long . They were inseparable for sometime. Then suddenly remembered the dinner and went in . They would be missed . 

They quickly went and sat and continued socialising . Just as Rebecca was getting up from the table . She found a note next to her plate . It said “ Meet me in the library! Quick “ It was signed by John .

Thinking he had to say something, she quickly went towards it . As she was going, she heard footsteps behind her . She turned and suddenly she was hit from behind . She fainted with a loud thud .

John had seen her earlier going towards the library. He reached her just in time as she fainted . He quickly carried her in his arms and left the party . Her mother met him outside. She looked all worried and flustered . John assured her and offered to follow them . Her parents looked very worried .

They quickly reached her house . The doctor was called . He checked and said she might be out till tomorrow morning due to the impact . Otherwise she looked fine . John offered to stay at their house in case they needed anything.

John was now more worried than ever !

Lessons unfolded

 I came into this world with a loud gusty cry . Keeping the whole hospital ward awake at 5 in the morning 😉. Then started the lesson of don’t do this , don’t touch that . 

Then progressed to can do this and you cannot do that . Didn’t realise when I stepped into my teens . More lessons in Modals of life ! From my literature class to countless grammar exercises it was put in practise in my life lesson . You must do and must not do this . Okay . Understood ! 

Then came the next . You should know this and you shouldn’t be doing this .

Then shall’s and will’s redefined . 

In the journey of learning modals and literally putting it into practise . 

I have stayed with this now . I will do what I want to or rather what I feel like. .

Modals redefined and understood in my own way . 

My new discovery of accepting what I want to do . Pursuing me calling . Enjoying my new found freedom to voice what I want on the quiet crisp white sheets !

Who quietly smile while I relentlessly voice everything !

Good Morning beautiful souls!!! 

Light of Hope Lit

 Day of Diwali dawned bright and clear . There was a lot of excited fervour in the house . Everyone was getting ready for the evening. Sanjana was very busy whole day . Organising the last minute things . Amit and Rahul were out . They came in late . By that time Sanjana had gone to her room . Rahul quickly gathered his parents and sisters and told them about Amit’s decision . He wanted to marry Sanjana . They were all very happy and truly excited. 

Rahul’s father cleared his throat and said “ 

Beta ! We truly don’t have any objection. But the decision rests with Sanjana !

Amit replied “ Yes ! Uncle , I truly understand “.

They all got busy getting ready for the evening. Sanjana wore a beautiful red and gold suit specifically designed by her designer friend . She wore her traditional gold jewellery to accentuate her suit . Her kohl lined eyes were done beautifully tonight. But what stood out was the sparkle and twinkle in her eyes.

Everyone gathered for the celebrations. Amit wore the emerald green kurta gifted by her . He looked good too. While everyone was busy , Sanjana quietly slipped out to light her Diya of Hope . She wandered to herself. Would this year be any different. 

Just then Amit came and cleared his throat . He  said “ Sanjana I really like you . I have grown very fond of you . The qualities I always looked for in my life partner , they all resound in you . Would you do me the honours of being my life partner “.

Sanjana took some time. But deep down she felt the same . She agreed . They hugged each other . Finally both of them together lit her Diya of Hope .

There was a lot of excitement and teasing in the house tonight .

Amit’s parents were coming in 2 days for the Roka ceremony . Stay tuned for the wedding celebrations in the house !!

A lot of excitement in store 😊

Talking to yourself

 Do we even realise that something like this exists ! Maybe it’s existence, yes! But how do you go about it.   Repeatedly we are groomed and conditioned to our others before us . To undermine the compliments given to us . 

Believe me ! It still makes me uncomfortable when I’m given compliments. It somehow unnerves me . For years I have underplayed it . 

Until I came across a beautiful book . In which it spoke exclusively about honouring yourself. That’s when I realised the grave injustice I was subconsciously doing to myself. 

Yes! I know I have used a very strong term “ Grave Injustice “. It is !

Each one of us is a beautiful, exquisite and a unique creation of the best creators . We need to learn to accept compliments . Realise our strong points and honour ourselves. 

Please do Remember! Do not at any point , let all that make you egoistic, self - centered and cocky ! 

You should always strive to be a compassionate, kind and a giving person. Being there for others ! 

Yes! But being there for yourself too!

Striking the right balance is the key !

Next time ! When someone compliments you , accept it graciously and thank them . 

Remember they have good taste 😁😁😁This was on a lighter note . 

Stay blessed beautiful souls out there . Don’t forget to wear your million dollar smile 😊

Celebrations continue

 The Diwali celebrations were underway . The household was being decorated with flowers and diyas . 

More guests were expected. Till Diwali it would be like this . Sanjana was helping with the preparation of sweets in the kitchen. Just then Amit came . He started helping her too . Sanjana was feeling bad that he was helping her , instead of enjoying. After they were done. He hesitatingly asked her “ Could you please take me to the store to buy Diwali gifts for everyone! I don’t want to put you out . If you could help me , it would be nice “.

Sanjana agreed and went to get ready . She wanted to get Amit something for Diwali too . 

They quickly bought the gifts and decided to have lunch out . They finished and came back home . Just in time for Chothi Diwali dinner . They both went to get ready . Tonight Sanjana was wearing a burnt orange and pink Traditional Banarasi suit . She wore her traditional jhumkas and flowers . 

She came down in time as the first guests arrived . She was doing  the finishing touches. Just then Amit walked in . He complimented her “ you look beautiful tonight ! He look mesemerised . She smiled at him “ you look dapper too ! “

Then she took out the beautiful kurta she had bought for him . A beautiful emerald green kurta . He loved it . He said “ l’ll wear it for Diwali “

He took out a gift bag for him . He gifted her Diwali gift . He had bought a beautiful baby pink and gold saree for her . He had seen her eyeing it at the store . She loved it . 

After that she got busy . Then late at night , they sat together having coffee. 

They spoke for sometime and bade good night to each other . 

Strength

 This one  word has all the power packed into it . How often we need it? We long to be filled with it . But this is the hardest . The strength to fight the battles of lives .

There is no soul who has not known sorrow , pain or sadness . Each shall taste it like death . In their own way . It’s true . How best we learn to fight and overcome it , is where our strength lies . 

Some days it’s hard . Some phases in life are impossible. That’s when you have to build agood support system around you and draw from your inner reserves of strength. 

There was an incident from college which has stayed with me till today . It gave me a lot of strength then . I was not in the best of moods . I decided to go for a walk . On my walk , I came across a man who had lost all his limbs . He just waited near the entrance. I still remember his smile . A beautiful brilliant smile and a twinkle in his eyes. I learnt my biggest lesson. Not from a text book . Not in the 4 walls of my class room . 

Later on I went back and read the poem “ Vagabond “ . One of my favourites. I still do . 

“ Leisure “ another favourite of mine . So beautifully penned down . 

The brightest smiles and the twinkles came from the ones who materialistically had very little . They had the true treasures !

Remember our journey itself is a treasure of sorts . Cherish it ! Make it worthwhile !

Stay blessed. Stay safe .

Light of Hope continues

 Sanjana woke up next morning feeling elated . For sometime there would  be a lot of excitement in the house . Literally! She quickly got dressed and went down. She was just sitting with her mug of coffee, when Rahul came in and said “ Sanjana I was looking for you ! 

Before she could ask him. He continued . “ I need a huge favour from you . Could you please take Amit for shopping? He needs to buy a kurta for our celebration “!

Before she could make up her mind, Amit walked in . She politely conceded. She wanted to kill Rahul for putting her in a spot . 

They quickly left after breakfast. Amit was an epitome of good manners . They discussed quite a few things on the way . They reached the store , which  had the best stock for Diwali . Amit tried a lot of kurtas and finally decided to buy . Both incidentally Sanjana ‘s choice . One was beautiful beige and golden , the other a deep brick red and golden . 

They stopped to look at a pair of jhumkas in the next store . Sanjana was almost going to buy it . Then she decided not to . Sanjana was window shopping when suddenly Amit told her he needed to get something. He urged her to wait at the coffee shop . 

They quickly headed back home for the dinner . More guests were expected. Some more cousins and an uncle and aunt . 

Sanjana decided to wear a beautiful strawberry pink and gold saree . It was one of her favourites . She had wanted to buy the jhumkas to go with this . She was thinking to herself as she was looking for another pair to wear . She muttered to herself “ I should have just picked it up” 

Just then there was a knock on the door . Amit was standing with a gift bag . He said “ This is a small gift for you . Thank you for taking me around today . I hope you like it “!

Saying this he turned away . Sanjana took some time to comprehend . She opened the box . She couldn’t believe it ! Her favourite jhumkas were nestling and winking at her from the velvet box .

She quickly wore them and went down . She got a lot of compliments. 

Later on when they were sitting on the lawn with their midnight coffees . Amit whispered to her “ My choice is good right “!

Sanjana was in a naughty mood “ she winked  and answered “ The jhumkas ! Yes !!

Amit laughed . He had meant her . 

They bid good night to each other and went to their rooms with a dreamy smile .

Stay tuned for more .

Essence of Celebration

 Why is it that we always look forward to  celebrations ? What is that makes us excited ? What do we actually do ?

I always enjoyed celebrating festivals with my cousins and friends. It was the joy of being together. Sharing a meal , catching up , laughing on anecdotes. The simple joy of just being together. The feeling of happiness would always be immense. Festivals deep down teach you the oneness . The importance of sharing a meal with your loved ones . Dropping all the negativity and looking forward to positivity. 

Personally I have always looked forward to all the festivals. It feels like I’m a part of a big happy family . A part of each one somewhere along the way. 

During the pandemic the festive  fervour has dimmed a bit . Due to social distancing, it might not be the same . But let not the joy be wiped out . Look for means to spend time with your near and dear ones . With a small number of relations . Maybe a zoom party with your near and dear ones . Find means !! Let the joy and excitement take you through !!

Remember it’s just a bend in the road not an end !! 

Stay blessed. Stay safe and stay positive beautiful souls !!

Soon we are all going to rock again to the old tunes !!

Light of Hope

 Sanjana’s hope stayed out every Diwali . A creative director for a prestigious Ad firm kept her busy most of the time . She lived with her aunt and uncle and cousins in a huge house . She lost her parents a few years back in a plane crash . An only child , she lived with her uncle and aunt ( her father’s brother and his wife ). They both loved her dearly , just like their own child . They had 3 children of their own . They loved her as one of their own siblings . Her two cousins were married, having one child of their own . Her cousin lived abroad , in U.K . Still unmarried and in no hurry . For Diwali everyone came down . It used to be beautiful at that time of the year . The house adopted a beautiful festive look . Sanjana was out with her soul sisters , Vandana and Samara . They were inseparable. They had just finished and were sitting at a coffee shop. 

They asked her so “ This year again you will light a Diya in the hope of meeting your Mr.Perfect “! 

She answered with a beaming “ Yes”! 

They quickly had their favourites and wrapped up . 

She headed home . Everyone was arriving tomorrow. After 3 days the celebrations for Diwali would began . She was very exhausted today . Thinking to herself her ritual of lighting that Diya would still continue this year . She had still not found anyone . At this time , she missed her parents . But she was blessed to be given such a loving family . Tomorrow the house will be resounding with joy  and laughter . 

Next morning there was a lot of running around . Shefali the eldest arrived from Delhi in the afternoon with her family . Preeti arrived in the evening with her family. Rahul was coming late at night . This time he said there was a surprise for them . 

The whole day passed in catching up . It was time for Rahul to come. The children had gone to sleep . They kept chatting and waiting for each other . Suddenly there were footsteps outside the drawing room . Rahul’s excited voice boomed “ I’m here “!

Everyone hugged each other . Just then Rahul said “ I would like you to meet my friend “ Amit “! He will be staying with us for a week “

A tall good looking man walked in . Epitome of politeness. Suvave and dignified . He greeted everyone. But his gaze rested on  Sanjana . She also couldn’t tear her gaze from him . 

What do you think happens? Stay tuned .

Rebecca Threatened

 Her uncle had recognised Rebecca. He was furious . He hated his brother’s family . Perfect way to extract vengeance! He thought to himself. He knew about John’s group too . The secret service of theirs was well hidden . But known to him.

He called his aide and entrusted him with a threatening letter. He wanted it to be discreetly dropped at Rebecca ‘s house . The needful was done . Rebecca woke up to this . She was going to meet John at mid day . Before that she quickly called for her group meeting. They met at Janette’s house . 

She briefed them about what happened. And urged them to be careful. They in turn urged her to be cautious. They decided to meet tonight at the candlelight dinner . The biggest event hosted by Marquis Steele at his Country  Manor House .

Rebecca was just in time to meet John . He was already there . He greeted her with a brilliant smile . She quickly told him what happened. He was very worried . They decided to be on the look out . 

They were going to be meeting at the dinner . He hugged her tight and asked her to be very careful tonight. 

He kissed her on the forehead and watched her long after she left . 

A worried frown  gracing his expression.

Sanity

 Lately there are lot of instances of people losing their sanity . Succumbing to anxiety , depression and paranoia. What is triggering them to it ?

If you look for the answer , it’s actually very simple !!

You always go back to the childhood. It’s not in adulthood where the answers are seeked . It could be some trauma, some unaddressed issue, some buried sorrow . Taking the children through each phase of their issues is very important. Today in this world of social media it’s all out in the open . Everyone wants attention from a totally shallow form. It’s either all out or all bottled in. The right balance is totally missing . Earlier on the Norms were different. Today we live in an attention seeking world . Competition galore . Youngsters are under constant pressure to perform better . Tremendous comparison sometimes from close quarters . At times between the siblings . 

The pressure is mounting . In this scenario very rarely they find true friends . If they have found then they’ll be able to tread the rough waters . If they haven’t then the ventilation happens in the form of anxiety, psycho somatic disorders , paranoia or depression.

The age of free play has taken a backseat . They like to be among machines and gymming . I honestly have nothing against it . Rather the youngsters exercised in a park , out in the open . It’s beautiful to be out with nature . It’s very therapeutic and invigorating. The release of negativity and stress just happens .

The best we could do is be supportive, encourage them and let them speak of their fears . It’s very important for parents or care givers to be their true confidante’s . 

Let them stay positive . Vent out their anger . A sport is a must . Good company is paramount. 

Take them through the journey of life smiling .

Crescendo

 Today I woke up with this thought . How many times we have danced to life’s tune. It’s the biggest musician of all times . From birth to death , we are only dancing to it’s numerous tunes . 

At times we are rocking and rolling . There are times when we are softly dancing and enjoying the soul music . At times it’s a mad frenzy . Then it’s a foot  tapping Invirogating salsa . The best is waltzing in the arms of your favourite person. From high pitched to low pitched , we are doing it all. 

Then the most touching is dancing in the rain alone to your heart music . The tears mixing with the rain and gently falling by your feet . 

But don’t we beautifully manage all the beats ! Without even realising that we ever had to dance to so many different tunes !! 

How many roles we play in life !

Just a different take on life ! 

The highest is when we reach the crescendo above all this and find our true purspose . Then it’s just the crescendo just takes you ahead . 

It’s like when we are children our choice of music is different . As you keep growing up different likes at different stages . But the last one that stays is the crescendo. 

Discover your crescendo!!

Stay blessed. Stay safe !

Makeup suggestions

 This comes out on the insistence of my friends. We are almost into the celebration and festive reason . Nip in the air also is a beautiful add on . 

My winter shades are always a bit darker . With the festive season , it’s wonderful to play with dark colours . Winter does call for it . 

Some of my favourite lipsticks from different brands are as follows :

1) Mac - Ruby woo, Meher , Twig, Creme in your coffee , All fired up and party line . 

2) L’Oréal- Divine Mocha ,Beige Reveur and pure rouge .

3) Maybelline -Path finder (155) super stay Matt ink .

Others have good shades too . I’m experimenting with My Glamm too . Once I’m certain about a shade , I’ll come back with more . 

Many of you might be wondering, with the mask on . What’s the use ?

Why not ! Wear your shades . Enjoy the festive season like any other time . Don’t let the pandemic take that from you . 

Eye liners :

I’m expirementing with a lot of greys , greens and blues . Avon has come up with a beautiful grey crayon liner . Mix and match the colours . You can expirement with different smokey eyed hues . I enjoy matching these colours . Grey and green , grey and blue , blue and green  . Whatever works for you. 

Remember! The golden rule is to be confident in whatever colour you use . The best beauty blogger is you ! 

What you feel best in !! Enjoy the season of colours !! 

Message in a bottle

Imagine you are walking down the beach on a beautiful, sunkissed morning . Enjoying the calm and solitude . Thinking to yourself , what is in store for me ? Suddenly your toe touches something cool . You bend up and find a bottle and a parchment . 

Wouldn’t you be excited to open it . You open it and find a beautiful message from beyond “ Live your life to be best . Fill it with laughter , joy and kindness. Let all your dreams , hopes and aspirations become a reality . Let all see the light of the day”.

What would you feel after reading this ? A new surge of hope ! Wanting and willing to do the same . It’s the same like reading a fortune cookie.  Don’t we get excited momentarily . It does  make us think for sometime. 

Every morning give yourself a fortune cookie and a message. See how your whole being radiates with positivity. We need motivators like these . 

Have a blessed day ahead 😊

A captive ‘s desire

 Time immemorial, injustice has been served . Women have always played a multi faceted role in a patriarchal society . The underlying truth is , it has never been easy for her . Living in the 21 st century , what has really changed ?

Dowry deaths, women burned and killed in the name of dowry . Girls sold for money . Flesh trade is rampant . Human trafficking, domestic abuse so many still have no end . Assaults on the rise ! Then tell me ? What has really changed ? 

Today it’s even more murkier . Girls are still buried alive . A male heir mandatory ! Girls are derived from education in some remote areas . Reason it’s a perogative of the male . There are so many instances where a girl is repeatedly shunned . In some places there’s a discrimination in the way food is served . From a young age , she is conditioned to keep the likes and dislikes of the men in the family . Stand and serve food while they are eating ! Why ? For a change why can’t the men serve ?

When a girl is getting married , why is she asked to learn all the household chores . Why isn’t the boy questioned the same ?

In the name of compatibility, she’s left sometimes at the altar and sometimes post altar. If she fails to beget a male heir , it’s the biggest sin she has committed . She’s mercilessly taunted for being a barren .Sometimes even left callously . Does she have the same right if the roles are reversed . 

Every action of hers is questioned by different moral judges . Equality is it really understood or it has just reduced to being spelled in our English essays and readers . 

Abuse if women physically and emotionally is something which really makes me think the most . 

Women have to fight the shackles . Wear the armour of confidence and fight the patriarchal mindset . Some women have reached the moon and some still yearn for the moon . There are two diverse sides of womanhood . The balance is still missing 

Vibrations and connections

 These are things which we always tend to undermine . But if you trace your life path , you will find them always around . We humans are complexed . We don’t understand how we get attached and detached . It’s always a mystery!

We end up in new places . Meet people out of the blue and those people become important over the time . It’s a human maze of relations . 

Our vibrations always pull us to our calling . At the right place at the right time , things just happen . Sometimes it’s like a secret hand playing out your life chess board . 

We feel we are playing our game but we are just pawns . Always treasure your heartfelt vibrations and connections . Connections are what make the pasta of your life more interesting . 

They take us forward towards our purpose !

Purpose another important term heard often . Do we really identify our purpose or is it just our calling or simply could be vibrations. 

What it is , just simply enjoy all. 

Have a blessed day ahead 😊

Note to my Dad

 My journey started with reading fairy tales with my dad . Today as a blogger , when I look back it feels like a long path . I still remember sitting in his lap and listening to fairy tales . Then to be tucked into bed by him . Being read every night religiously by him . Today I owe it to him . I miss him the most today . 

It’s a truly turning point in my life . So many firsts of mine , without you , I achieved . Today I miss you the most . You would have truly been the happiest . I always feel your quiet presence in all my stages of different achievements . 

Today my success of the blog , I gift it to you . An ode to all you taught me . You were always the strongest force and support of my life . Though physically not with me . I always felt you with me at every point . 

Today I owe it to you for my achievement . I would like to dedicate it to you .

I miss you today the most . But I know you are smiling from up there . Applauding my achievement from there . My flair for writing inherited from you . 

Some heartfelt musings of the poet . 

House of Trades

 Lady Rebecca White was summoned by John . They hurriedly met at the park . John asked her about her investigation. She pretended not to know about anything. After a lot of coaxing, she confessed . She told him about the contact living in the “ House of Trades “.

John instantly told her “ You cannot be seen there . A woman of your noble origin “ . Rebecca was also equally adamant . John agreed only if she disguised herself. She decided to wear a glittery mask . He informed the other members of his club . 2 of them were going to accompany her . 

Finally they reached it . It was loud and cheap . Decorated in gold and red . A constant stream of men walking in and out . John did not like getting Rebecca here one bit . Finally with great difficulty, they located their contact . After tactfully cornering her alone they got the information. Rebecca was shocked , it was her paternal uncle , who was behind all this . 

She met few more women , each one’s story more heart rending than the other . She wowed to discuss it with the sisters of Charity . She wanted to work for these women . The shunned members of their society . Yet all the elite did pay them a visit at some point . 

Some of them were sold , some of them duped and some out of a need to earn found themselves here . Woman who had lost the men in their family . They knew no trade . No means of supporting themselves . Rebecca thought to herself. They had to be taught some skill . They had to be furnished with confidence . Give them a means to earn . 

They quietly left the place . John knew there had to be more people involved. It was a group . So far they had got one name . Touching him would be very risky . They had to keep an eye on him and infiltrate slowly. 

John took Rebecca home to help her get out of the disguise . They sat for sometime together. John could not resist planting a kiss on her freshly washed face . He wished he could keep her longer . Rebecca wanted to keep sitting by the fireplace tucked cozily in his arms . Sadly , all good things have to come to an end . She left for home . He had promised to meet her tomorrow at the “ Tea House “ again . Rebecca was due for a visit to the seamstress tomorrow.

1 year - 365 opportunities

 I came across this and thought to myself “ What positivity “. This is so true !

Every dawn a new sunrise , every sunset the end . If we go with this , it’s actually very easy to be positive . If every morning you wake up thinking, today’s a new beginning. Look forward to the day . Go with this belief that if for some reason, it’s not going the way you like it with the sunset, it’s going to end . Tomorrow is another new day . 

All days cannot and will not be the same . Neither do we ? That’s the beauty of change. We are both in a cycle of constant change without realising it . Subtly changing now and then . 

This thought of 365 opportunities really got me going. If we think of it like that how many opportunities are going to come my way . In whatever form ! Believe me ! It does work !

Remember! Universe is listening ! It’s our sound box . Shout it out to the universe and see how beautifully things unfold . Wa

Wake up with a smile and a positive mindset . Think what new opportunity is in store for me . Start thinking and the opportunity will take shape . 

Life itself is an unknown path and a destination we keep going towards . No journal , no manual to guide us . Each to its own . 

How well we walk the path is the true test !!

Stay blessed beautiful souls and think of the beautiful opportunities lying in wait for you 😊

A Bygone Era

 Some things from the yester years have a magnetic pull after a few hundred years too. One such Dynasty is the Qutub Shahi . There is something magnetic about it . Whether you go to their forts or their tombs , it’s Mesmerising. Every time I go , I feel a different aura . 

Being a history student and loving history could have added to it . But what I loved was the feel of the place . It always gives a different vibe . I always feel strongly about it . It’s like history is coming alive . 

The beautiful reign of a dynamic Dynasty coming alive once again . Their stories , their fight against power , it’s all so interesting . How each one ruled . The best is the reign of the powerful queen . A symbol of strength and embodiment of a ruler in it’s truest sense 

After a long time, finally their restoration is going on. It’s interesting to see how methodolically it’s been carrying out . Meticulously planned . Whenever I go there , I can feel the glory of the bygone , how they must have reigned . 

Every good thing does come to an end and so did this Dynasty. What I’m happy about it is it’s being restored and preserved for the future generations to witness . 

“ We are gone ! Long after we are gone , you will come searching for us in our resting places . You will bring us alive amidst our resting places “

I hope they start their story telling sessions in the midst of the tombs . The beautiful stories of them , who walked the earth once upon a time . I can go on and on . 

Will come back later with more interesting facts . 

Chance Meeting

 Lady Rebecca White got a missive from her friends , to meet at the market . They were going for their monthly shopping sojourn . New fabrics had come into the market . They needed trimmings , laces from their seamstress. New gowns had to be ordered for the countryside events . It was a never ending story . 

Lady Rebecca White wore her lemon yellow walking day dress . It was a lovely colour making her look even more beautiful .

.It complimented  her natural auburn highlights and her eyes . She was excited to meet her friends. They were going to stop at their favourite “ Tea House “ for tea and scones. One of her favourites after the shopping . 

They visited the seamstress, ordered their gowns . Explained the trimmings . They found good fabric in the market . They ordered their matching hats too. Finally they sat at the “ Tea House “ and ordered their favourites.

They ordered dainty sandwiches too. Special homemade chocolates had just come in . They were served those too. Just then John walked in with his friend . John and Rebecca both instantly happy to see each other there . He joined their group along with his friend on 

their request. It was very enjoyable. They all got busy discussing the events of the past few days . 

John quietly whispered to Rebecca “ You look beautiful today “!

She blushed to her roots !

He gave a soft , naughty chuckle !!

Winter Skin Tips

 The weather has suddenly turned . You can feel a dryness and an itichness . Some tips which help me . Thought of sharing with all of you . 

Tips which work for me :

1) Stay hydrated . Drink a lot of water 

2) Keep your skin moisturised at all times . This is the time when you will have to switch your moisturisers to slightly heavier ones or creamy ones . 

3) Exfoliating the skin in very important . 

4) Do not use very strong cleansers . It dries out your skin unnaturally. Sometimes leading to break outs .

5) Moisturise your skin during the day too. Many of us only do it at night . Winter calls for it . 

6) I usually dab a bit of oil all over and clean it with a damp towel. This helps the skin not to dry out faster . I usually leave the mix in a bottle or glass jar near my shower area . It helps us in remembering. The mix is grape seed Sula oil, almond oil and any essential oil ( few drops) just for fragrance. Mix equal quantities of Sula grape seed oil and Almond oil. It really works wonders .

I usually use a mix of almond oil , olive oil , coconut oil for my hair . Leaving it to assimilate together in a jar . 

This is the time when your throat feels parched and your skin is patching too. 

Be very careful of what products you use . All the oilswhich I have mentioned , please see that they are pure and organic !

Lastly enjoy the nip in the air . Personally my favourite weather . I enjoy 😉 winter evenings and the feel of crispness in the air . 

Have fun. Compiled on the insistence of few friends 😁.