Another Long Day..

First of all I want to wish everyone a happy Halloween. I think next year I will be able to go to a Halloween party and maybe dress up as something scary. I love Halloween and all the scary stuff that goes with it, but I really don't think gruesome Halloween decorations belong in a Blood bank.

I made a visit to the American Red Cross on Friday to donate my blood for my upcoming surgery. I was lying down on a recliner and the nurse stuck a really big needle in my arm, looked like a mini skewer. There were long tubes attached to a bag and I can feel my blood just being pulled into the bag. I open my eyes and I see pictures of Dracula with blood dripping from his teeth , tombstones and pictures of people with blood dripping all over the place, for a minute I thought I died and went to hell. I had just posted something about God ,maybe I made him angry. I was lying there for a whole hour looking at these awful pictures while all my blood was being drained from me. I closed my eyes and took a nap.If dracula was hungry he could just have all my blood.

Yesterday was a really long day with doctors and more doctors. First saw the internst, who said my ekg was a little abnormal and made me do a stress echo.After doing the echo on my heart she says I have to get on a bike. I thought she was kidding me. First of all I have not been on a bike in maybe 20 years, and secondly I was here with a really bad back. Anyway I passed the test, my heart is still good inspite of J making me skip a beat ever so often.

Then came more blood work and then a chest X-Ray. It was all over by 7pm. J was really patient and I think he just about read every magazine that was there. On the way home we picked up some Chinese food. I was really exhausted but its behind me. I have one more visit with a Vascular Surgeon tomorrow.Then I am all done and ready for the big day . Sorry I have not visited too many blogs. I promise to catch up and read all the beautiful stories, and poems .

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HOW DO YOU SEE GOD?

There was an article in the LA times about how Americans see God. Is God wrathful and ready to give punishment or is God a more Benevolent creator? Americans were asked this Question and they came up with four kinds of Gods. According to the study done by Baylor University people have four perceptions of God.

Authoritarian God...— God who is "very judgmental and engaged" with the world.
This God was defined as a judgmental deity capable of inflicting punishment on the unfaithful or ungodly.

Benevolent God... — God who is not judgmental but still very active in human affairs.
A God who judges humankind but is less likely to be angry or act in "wrathful ways." This God is mainly a positive influence on the world and less willing to punish individuals.

Distant God ... deity who is removed from human affairs.
A kind of a God, defined as one who does not interact with the world and "is not especially angry either." Such a God, researchers said, is viewed more as a "cosmic force which sets the laws of nature in motion."

Critical God ...— God who does not interact with the world, but who still views some events on Earth with disfavor.
This deity is similar to the Distant God in that this God does not interact with the world. Still, the Critical God watches the world — and punishes offenders eventually.


Most Americans according to the study believed in God. Americans in the East leaned towards a critical God, the west towards a distant God, Midwesterners towards a Benevolent God and southerners towards a Authoritarian God.

I believe in a Benevolent God, because I don't think God is looking down on this earth wanting to hurt people. I believe that God is Good , I cannot see God looking down at the poor and the hungry, the tragedies of war and all the chaos that is happening in this world ,and smiling and saying they deserve this. I don't believe that God does these things. We are always blaming god when bad things happen to us.I find it hard to think that God is partial and blesses only certain people. I think man is responsible for what is happening around the world. This is my view of God.. HOW DO YOU SEE GOD? Check this out " An interview with God"
Turn up the volume ,the music , pictures and the words are awesome.

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HALLOWEEN

The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland,

One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.

Naturally, the still-living did not want to be possessed. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and noisily paraded around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.

The custom of Halloween was brought to America in the 1840's by Irish immigrants fleeing their country's potato famine. At that time, the favorite pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates.

The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated not with the Irish Celts, but with a ninth-century European custom called souling. On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes," made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven.

The Jack-o-lantern custom probably comes from Irish folklore. As the tale is told, a man named Jack, who was notorious as a drunkard and trickster, tricked Satan into climbing a tree. Jack then carved an image of a cross in the tree's trunk, trapping the devil up the tree. Jack made a deal with the devil that, if he would never tempt him again, he would promise to let him down the tree.

Looking back over the years, Halloween has always been a special day at our house. For weeks ahead, the children would be excited picking out what costumes they would wear, for the most part I made them costumes and there was always a pumpkin to carve. Sometimes even I would wear a costume and go out with the children Trick or treating. We would bring all the candy home, keep some and give the rest to the other children who would come by. J would stay home and pass the candy out. Sometimes he would just leave the basket of candy outside the door and hope that the kids would take only one each.

I remember when we first moved to California, I did not want the children eating so much of candy, so I decided to give out pencils instead, not the regular ones but the ones with cartoon characters on them. As the children stopped by I handed each a pencil, later on I heard that the kids were yelling " dont go to Maya's house, her mother is giving out pencils. So the next year it was candy for all.

Now the children are away at school, many of the children who grew up in this neighborhood have also gone away to school, so there are only a few little ones left. I love to see the children dressed up, carrying their bags and shouting "Trick or Treat." Sometimes I wish my children were little again and we can dress up and walk the streets shouting "Trick or Treat"

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A BLOGGERS POTRAIT.

Tagged by Alex

Are you happy/satisfied with your blog, with its content and look? Does your family know about your blog?

I am very happy with my blog, its content and look. I think Yogi did a really good job with my template. My family knows about my blog, I dont think there is anything to hide. Actually J was the one who encouraged me to write.

Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or do you consider it a private thing.

I am happy to share my blog with my friends. anything on the internet is a public thing.


Did Blogs have a positive change in your thoughts?

Yes they did. I was lonely and sad because I was home with a bad back. Blogging made me think positively and all my friends have encouraged me and also given me advice. Blogging has been a very positive thing for me.

Do you only open the blogs of those who comment on your blog or do you love to go and discover new blogs for yourself.

I always go and explore new blogs, I make it a point to comment on the blogs of people who visit me, but I like meeting new bloggers too.

What does the visitor counter mean to you? do you care about putting it on your blog?

The counter just tells me how many visitors read my post and also tells me where they are from? I dont give it too much importance.

Do you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures.

I do try and imagine who my blogger friends are. sometimes I get a mental picture of the person who is writing a post. I do not post any real pictures, I dont think it is necessary.

Do you think there is a real benefit to blogging.

I can only say that blogging changed my life. I have been home with a back injury and was lonely, I stumbled on a blog by accident and am so glad I did. I dont feel as lonely as before, I occupy myself by writing posts or reading other bloggers posts. It also made me a better writer.

Do you think that bloggers society is isolated from the real world or interacts with events.

I dont think bloggers are isolated in any way. I think all bloggers are very well informed with whats going on all around the world. By reading different posts I know whats going on in my world and across the miles to whats going on in India.

Does criticism annoy you or do you feel it is a normal thing?

I enjoy positive criticism and have learned from it. It really has never annoyed me. It has actually made me want to do better.

Do you fear some political blogs and do you avoid them.

I do not fear political blogs and sometimes like to read the posts.There is nothing to be afraid of, you just get to know what other people think.

Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?

Yes I did. I think people should have the right and freedom to express themselves.

Do you think about what will happen to your blog after you die.

I began to think about it after reading about Keshi's friend Janice. I think when I die my family will post something about it.they are aware of how important my blog and my readers are.

What do you like to hear and what song would you like to put a link to in your blog.

I love all sorts of different music, nothing in particular. I would like to post the lyrics of Josh Grobin..

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.


Sorry I have not been able to read too many posts, have not been feeling too well. will catch up soon and leave my comment. Thanks to everyone for checking up on me.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIJAY

Today is Vijay's Birthday. He is growing up to be a kind, sensitive soul. I wish him nothing but Happiness always. I love you Vijay and I hope you have a fun day.

I want to share a poem written by Maya

A SWEET MEMORY
By Maya At Age 11

I woke up one morning
With a tear in my eye.
My mother was gone
And I wasn't sure why.
I found my dear aunt beside my small bed
Mom is in the hospital she said.
My mom in the hospital?
What a scare!
Even though I knew why she was there.

My aunt and I left for the hospital
To see if she was alright.
We hurried the taxi driver
With all our might.

We quickly walked down the squeaky floors
I peeked inside patients open door's.
I scrunched up my nose
At the funny smell, but
my eyes lit up at the gift shop
with things to sell.

Then my heart filled with joy
when I saw my Dad and Mom
With a bundle in her arms.

I saw his tiny face and head
Looking so new.
My baby brother, Vijay.
I whispered in his ear,
" I love You".

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THE TRAIN RIDE

My love of trains goes back as far as I can remember.The trains in India are as ancient as India itself, it looks like part of the landscape. Much of the Indian life is lived within sights of the railway station or the train tracks. The Indian railway is not merely a way of going to and from work but rather a solution to the complex demands of family life. Births, deaths, marriage and religious festivals all require a journey home. At the time when I was growing up in India air flights were expensive so most people depended on the train.

My father was home once a year, I looked forward so much to that visit because not only did I get time to spend with him but he would take me and my younger brother for train rides. We would usually go from one station to another but sometimes we would just ride the train all day and then take the return train home. The exciting part was there was no destination.

I remember one such day, scattered showers of the monsoon had begun to appear, I sat by the window in the train, looking out. I could see the rice fields, planting had begun and it was a luscious green. The cool air filled my nostrils, I could smell the fresh earth,the children playing in the fields appeared happy with no care in the world. I wanted to be one of those children, the expanse of the green fields and wild flowers beckoned me.

At the first stop, I see people scurrying back and forth, you can tell the long distance traveler because they always carrying a big trunk. The trunk had many uses, children would use it as a seat, when lunch was served it converted to a table and you suddenly felt like home, it was also used as a back or head rest.

Across the tracks I see many vendors selling food, books, trinkets and even sunglasses. One cannot miss the meals on wheels, hot tea and also vegetables and rice. I always liked the hot masala peanuts which was wrapped in note book paper, after eating the peanuts I would try and figure out what was written and wonder who the book belonged to .

The train thunders on, passing small villages . I see men and women washing clothes by the river and mud huts with grass roofs in the distance. We pass by a bridge and I see cattle grazing. It was a clear evening after a rainstorm, there was not a dark cloud in the sky , the blue color reflected in the pools of water in the paddy fields.

I keep gazing out of the window, the skies slowly begin to get darker and soon all that can be seen is the flicker of lights in the distance which gets brighter as we reach the station. Very few words are exchanged the whole trip, it was a time to see and enjoy the world outside of my home.

Suddenly the train comes to a halt, I feel my fathers hand on my shoulder, it was time to disembark. He gets himself a hot cup of tea and gets us some peanuts. I was too excited to eat. I can feel my fathers hand gripped in mine, as we make our way home. I had been on this beautiful journey and had spent time with my father, I wished this train ride could have gone on forever.

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SUNSET


I sit by my window
Looking out beyond the hills
I watch the sunset
And am happy to be me.

I watch the brilliant blue
Turn to a soft pink and grey
Some dark clouds begin to form
At the end of the day.

I see the trees change from
Dark green to burnt orange
So many colors to herald fall.

I hear the dogs bark
I can hear the birds chirping
Feeding their young
Soon it will be dusk
Time to quiet down.

I look up at the sky
It is twilight
The stars slowly fill the sky
I look up at the full moon
It is time to say good night.

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ITS A TAG WORLD OUT THERE

I have been tagged By Adi.

Rules of the game.
1. Name the person who tagged you.
2. Eight things about you.
3. Tag six people

1. I think most of you know quite a bit about me. I am a wife and a mother of two and a sister. I am originally from Bangalore, and have lived in the U.S. all of my adult life.
   
2. I am sensitive, ( J thinks I am ultra sensitive). I love nature, especially the sun, moon and the stars. I enjoy the seasons and would love to live on a farm.
3. I used to be upset about little things but have learnt not to let these things upset me. There are so many other things to think about , no use sweating about the small stuff.
4. I love to read and did not know how much I loved to write until I started to blog.
5. I am not a very religious person, spiritual in a sense, I think there is one God and we all take different paths to reach this god.
6. I do not like guns and violence. I think most problems can be solved with non-violence.
7. The simple things in life excite me.

8. I am blessed with a wonderful husband , children , a large family and many beautiful
friends.
9. I love everything that has to do with the universe and OuterSpace.
10.I love all my blogger friends out there. Even though sometimes I don't feel so well,
reading your posts makes me smile.


I have been tagged By Hip Grandma and Alex To name six weird things about me. I have done this tag before, but decided to do it again because I can come up with more than six weird things

1. I love to dance and always talk about dancing, the weird thing is I really don't know how to dance.
2. When I wake up in the morning I have to make my bed, even when I don't feel so good.
3. I check and recheck the stove top to make sure it is turned off a number of times children always laugh about this.
4. I am always waiting to see the end of a show or a movie even after it has ended. Pretty weird don't you think?
5. I love to sit at the beach and watch the waves but I am extremely scared of the water.
6. I was told to tag six more people, the weird thing is I cannot stop at six. So I am going to tag the next 10 bloggers who comment on this post.
   

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