A BLOGGING BREAK
So long farewell
I hate to say goodbye
I hate to go and leave this pretty
site.
I will be back before long
with new poems and stories
and news about family
to bore you immensely.
Take care one and all
Happy holidays and have a wonderful new year.
I will be back to visit your blogs
At the start of the year.
I do hope you don't miss me too much.I know I am going to.
RENEWAL
This is how the Banana plants looked after the wind blew it to the ground
we had the branches cut down to the stem.
Do you see the new leaves emerging from the stems.
I walked over to the Banana plants expecting them to be dead, but was surprised to see new leaves emerging from the stems that were cut.Is that how life is, no matter what happens in your life and no matter how down you are , you can always get up and go.It may take a long time and it may be a difficult path but all is not dead.Look at the banana plant, it was swept to the ground, my gardener cut all the stems down but still the plant had the will to survive, I see new leaves and shoots .New life begins.Just looking at this plant gives me a sense of hope and renewal.We should not give up and die but rather pick up ourselves and give it our all and fight to live. Sometimes I do find myself giving up , do you feel like that and what do you do?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
I am really sorry for not updating my blog and also for not visiting any. I have no excuse to give. It has been a bit hectic though.Most of the time it is either to physical therapy or Dr visits or just sitting around or usually on the phone with family .This thanksgiving I am thankful for fairly good health, a wonderful family and friends like you. I am going over to my brother's house to-morrow for Thanksgiving dinner.Maya will be home for thanksgiving so I am really happy. will give you an update on everything next week.Untill then have a wonderful Thanksgiving day and weekend.When you look back what are you thankful for ?
TIME TO REFLECT
Nobody likes going to the hospital or the doctors office. The problem is not so much as seeing the doctor but the wait.I am beginning to think that there is a purpose in waiting. First of all you get time to just sit, stretch your legs, make conversation with strangers, watch TV.(the doctor I go to has this nice plasma TV in the waiting room)and most of all you get to read all these magazines.sometimes the wait can get annoying and may send your blood pressure up the roof by the time you see the doctor.Today I did not feel like watching TV or reading and there was no one else in the waiting room, but I still sat there for more than an hour before I was seen.
Today makes one year since I had my back surgery and as I was sitting in the waiting room to have some Doppler studies done on my feet, I had time to reflect on the year that was behind me. so much has happened.I am able to do a lot more that I could before my surgery. I do have some residual pain in my left leg and the numbness and burning in my toes.sometimes I do have an aching back also, but all in all I have so much to be thankful for.I am on the road to recovery .I am thankful to all the people in my life who stood by me, gave me encouragement and prayed.I would not be the person I am today without their help.I am also thankful to the blogging community who made me think positive and even in the times that I was sad, uplifted my spirit and got me through the rough times.Thank you everyone.
So what do you do while you are in the doctors waiting room or any other place you have to wait. do you just get stressed out waiting impatiently or do you use this time to reflect?
Picture courtesy of the internet.
RIGHT BRAIN vs LEFT BRAIN
THE Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise? FOR RESULTS CLICK ON THIS LINK
Just some weekend fun.
Dare to Dream
I was tagged by Hip grandma to write about my dreams.
"So where did you go last night?"J" says. "This trip was not very good" I say to him, I don't remember the details. I have been taking these nightly trips but without the burden of paying for Air fare and Hotel. And the best part is that these trips have been always fun , no vacation nightmares for me. I have been to faraway lands, sometimes with people I don't even know but mostly with my family.The downside is I have not piled up any miles.and no pictures to post.I bet everyone wants to know how I go on these free trips. well! I have been put on a drug called LYRICA for some nerve damage that I have , it is supposed to help with the burning sensation I have in my feet.Ever since I started to take this medication I go on these trips, they are always peaceful but in the morning I wake up and try to remember parts of the dream and it has always been a journey to some place or another. Sometimes I am able to recall the whole trip and sometimes it is bits and pieces.I am always going somewhere.
So what are dreams? Dreams wake us up to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. according to Robert Moss the author of the book "The three only things, tapping the power of dreams, coincidence and imagination."
He also goes on to say that dreams can make us smarter, more creative and better able to cope with problems. And also they are tied to goals , motivations and desires.I am sure there are many instances where dreams have played a part in someone being successful, or have alerted them of an impending disaster.
As for me I am just happy that I get to go on these free trips with no baggage and passport. A world with no borders.where I am free to roam and enjoy nature, meet new people and just be ME.Is that not how this world is supposed to be? What do you dream about. Do you always remember your dreams. Has your dream helped you in your work or in your daily living?
Do you have any dreams that you want to share? Starry would like to know. I will leave this as an open ended question without tagging anyone.but please feel free to write about your dreams.
I DON'T KNOW WHY
Sometimes life seems unreasonable
I am blamed for everything that goes wrong.
There is no explaining, or reasoning.
Everything should be perfect, no use complaining.
Sometimes I am just tired, I don't want to argue
I am not trying to give excuses
Just my point of view.
Maybe I should just be quiet
And pretend it does not bother me.
Is that giving in, being subdued
Or is just trying to get by
And live each day as it comes
Without being understood.
I really don't know. Do You?
I have been awarded the 'Schmooze Award". By cuckooThis is what she says Lalitha – She always comments on my blog when I don’t expect her and I don’t remember since when it is happening. A selfless blogger, full of life. Her blog reflects the same. Do I need to say more ? Thank you so much cuckoo.the award is much appreciated.
.About the award :- "This award is “for blogger who “effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”
I have to pass this award on to some other bloggers who rightfully deserve this.
1..Pria..always there to dot a few lines.
2..Asha...I think you have been awarded this before but I think you fall into this catogory, so I bestow this award on you again.
3..Jeevan...always stopping by even when you least expect him to.
4..Kalyan....I pass this award to you with pride.always have something nice to say.
5...Kai....leaves her smiles whereever she goes.
5..DotM....Blogworld would not be the same without you.
6..Keshi..all the hugz I have got when I really needed it.
7..Anali..Always weaves in and out with something positive
8..Aviana...Even though she is always stressed for time, finds a few minutes to stop by my blog.
9..Lotus reads..Even with all the books she has to review still finds time to stop by and say hello.
10..Pink ginger...suddenly she will appear when i am least expecting her and drop a few lines.
I can go on and on but have to stop.forgive me if I have missed names.In my heart everyone of you deseerve this award. Accept this award and pass it on to the bloggers you think deserve it.
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE
We took a drive to see what was happenning around the neighborhood, all we could see was smoke. The sun looks so red against the smoke.I took this video from the car.
As all of you know by now that parts of california is on fire.I am so glad that the fire skipped our side of the valley but came really close.It is sad that thousands of homes were damaged in the fire.We just had no electricity for two days, so there was no TV or internet service so "J" and myself spent time reading and talking, mostly reminiscing about our childhood.The winds were really strong , below is a video of the wind, and the trees swaying.Can you hear the wind? I took this video from the porch upstairs. Thank you for all the enquiries, sorry I could not update earlier because we had no service,all the lines were down.
A picture of my curry leaf plant ,looks so sad.I was protecting this plant and watched it grow all summer to be torn down by the wind.
See what happened to my banana trees.just bowing down in awe of the mighty wind.
I spent my weekend reading "A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS".by Khaled Hosseini. This book ate at my soul and I was just unable to put it down.The author is a great story teller and takes you through three generations and three decades through the war in Afghanistan in the 1970's .through the 80's and 90's and through the war in 2001.The story begins with Nana, Mariam's mother ,who commits suicide then Mariam who is only 15years old is forced to marry Rasheed who is so much older.later on .Laila comes into Mariam's life and marries her husband, but in the end it is Mariam who saves her life and loses her own.The author gives a description of the cruelty of war and what Afghan women had to endure at the hands of the Taliban.I really liked the ending of the story because it gave hope and that true love is never lost and women do stand by each other . This book was irresistible.
A MOMENT IN TIME
RED OCTOBER
Summer is over,fall has begun
The leaves turned red, gold and a beautiful brown
lie fallen on the ground.
I wake up this morning to the rustling of the leaves
As they are tossed around the hillside
by the Autumn wind at play.
It is natures way of saying goodbye
to picnics in the park, barbeques and the summer sun.
But brings me closer to a trip to India
To visits with family,shopping and a place called home.
A NAME IS A NAME IS A NAME
was tagged by DOTM for the following tag.
If you are tagged, here are the rules to follow.
The first thing you have to do is post the rules . So, here they are:
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
My name is Lalitha and I like the name I have so I thought I would just use this name in this Tag.My name has quite a few letters , so please be patient I will try not to make it a long post.
WHAT'S IN A NAME
L.....What comes to mind is the luxury of having a large and loving family.When I was ill with the back injury they stood by me and helped me every step of the way.I would not have made it this far without them.
A.....I love Astronomy,the sun, moon and stars and everything that is in the sky.I hope to take an astronomy class next spring.
L....Another L! well I think it has to be love.I have a lot of love to give and am a hopeless romantic.
I.....I think it is India.Even though I have been away from India for many, many years, I still feel drawn to India and I always tell the children about my childhood in India. I am planning to visit India soon.I am so excited.
.....It has to be the love I have for Tibet. I would really like to visit Tibet one day.I love the people, the religion and the mountains.I want to go there and tie a prayer flag.
H.....I am really a home body.I am happiest in the comfort of my home.and I love handicrafts, love to knit, sew and crochet.i try to do some scrapbooking.
A.....Another A and I dont have anything to say.
I am going to tag Keshi, Neers, Jeevan, Priya, Kalyan,Shiv and MM.
UNDER THE WEATHER
Sorry everyone for not updating, I have literally been under the weather.First it has been raining non stop ,I should not complain because it is a much needed rain.I have not been feeling too well either. I was having quite a bit of pain in both my hips, apparently I have Trochanteric bursitis .
I had never heard of something like this but I am told it is pretty common especially if you have had back surgery. So i went in to see the surgeon and got two injections in my hips, it was pretty painful and has me bruised but it is getting better. I hope to be up and running on my treadmill and my blog soon.( actually I meant walking). Take care and will be posting soon.Actually missed all of you.I am feeling better but it is still pouring.
THE SCHMOOZE AWARD Has been awarded to me by Kalpana
" The POWER OF SCHMOOZE AWARD is the award for bloggers who effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don't limit their visits only to the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship. "
Thank you Kalapana. I have met so many wonderful bloggers and I think each and everyone deserves this award that I just cannot give it to a few.
"DON'T BLAME ME"
This is part TWO of the class that "J" attended.He shared this with me and I have found it helpful ( I am still in the learning stage)so thought I would share it with you.
How often when something goes wrong, our first thoughts are "Don't blame me". I know I am guilty of doing this. I either do this because I am afraid to say that I have made a mistake, appear to look like a failure or it is my ego .we are always looking to place the blame on someone else. I can only speak for me and I think this happens in my relationship with "J". I feel I always have to defend myself and place blame on circumstances in my life that have made me do or be the person I am.
We have to be accountable for our actions.There are different levels of accountability
1.WE CAN GET ON WITH IT
2.FIND SOLUTIONS,OWN IT
3.ACKNOWLEDGE REALITY
4.WAIT & HOPE
5.GIVE PERSONAL EXCUSES, want sympathy.
6.BLAME OTHERS.
When we find ourselves in a given situation there are different things we can do.The first three make us powerful,it shows a desire and willingness to learn and change. and the last three make us powerless and gives us a feeling of helplessness and makes us feel like a victim.
Sometimes it is hard to choose the levels of accountability and it is so much easier to just blame others and pretend that you are the victim. But by accepting that we made a mistake we may look imperfect,but we reap many benefits, such as we learn, we grow, we have better relationships and have more control of our lives.
Sometimes the results we get are not the results we expected.And this happens to all of us , some people feel victimized by the circumstance and events in their lives, while others make the best of whatever happens.The difference between the two is how they see things.It is not possible always to make the right choice but if we are aware that we have the ability to make a change by our choices I am sure we can.
INSTEAD OF WANTING TO CHANGE THE OTHER PERSON ,TRY CHANGING ME (That's what I have to do in my life)
ACCEPTING THE SITUATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU CONDONE THE BEHAVIOR OR THE OUTCOME.RATHER ACCEPTANCE AND HUMILITY RELEASES A RESILIENCE AND ENERGY TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE DEMANDS OF THE DAY AND TO GAIN THE PERSPECTIVE NECESSARY TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH.
"A success is one who decided to succeed and worked.A failure is one who decided to succeed and wished" William ward.
"He that is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else." Benjamin Franklin
"As adults our choices are almost unlimited.That does not mean that they are not painful.Frequently our choices lie between the lesser of two evils,but it is still within our power to make these choices."Author unknown.
I have learned that I have to be accountable in my life,to the choices I make and that Only I can change me. I know that I have always felt that my relationship with "J" would be better if he changed. (Maybe it would help a little) But I think it is in my hands to make it better. I think the first step is to accept blame and not be the victim.("Dear God please help me follow this")
credit to "Senn Delaney leadership class."
"BE HERE NOW"
"J" had just returned from a leadership class from his work.He was trying to tell me what the class was about but I was busy trying to get dinner ready, so he sets this sign on the table which read"BE HERE NOW" and asked me to read it."What on earth is this and what does it mean" I said.
He began to explain to me how two people can be talking and one person is not really there.So often when we are at work we are busy thinking of home, the children and maybe what we will be doing on the weekend. At the same time when you are at home you may be thinking of work and the project you have to complete.The class also says that you cannot be effective in either if you are not there mentally and physically.We are often caught up in the past or the future that we lose our ability to be present in the moment.We do the same things at home.we are distracted with things going on at work that our relationships suffer and we lose valuable time that we could have spent with our loved ones because we are constantly thinking of work.
Another point that "J" brought up was the ability to listen.Listening to what is being said with an open mind rather than judging whether the person or the content is right or wrong.This allows you to see the other person's point of view.
I began to understand maybe that's why sometimes "J" and I don't see eye to eye .Maybe because one of us is not listening and we are quick to come to conclusions.I decided to read the book he brought home.It is written by the "Senn-Delaney consulting group" I learned quite a few things and I am trying to use it in my life.
The value of being here now
Better balance of personal life....The more that we can fully be present both at home and work the more we will have a rich, fulfilling environment in both places.
Easier, more fulfilling relationships...when people feel heard and appreciated, they feel better about you and themselves.
Less stress, more peace of mind....when we think about the past or worry about the future, our thoughts can often create stress and reduce our peace of mind,
Better creativity.. When you are in a reflective state of mind you can think better and you are more creative, that's because there are no distractions.
"Behavior is a mirror in which everyone displays his own image" Johann wolfgang
Another quote that i really liked."Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today's sunshine. William Feather.
Part two of this class will be posted next. I learned a few things from this book so thought I would share it with you.
WHERE WAS GOD?
A magnitude-8 earthquake struck the coast of Peru.Thousands of families were left homeless.According to the peruvian Government the quake's death toll stands at over 500, with hundreds more injured and at least 80,000 people affected. Authorities estimate that at least 80 percent of houses in Pisco have been destroyed, leaving at least thousands of people homeless .
Pisco's mayor said at least 200 people were buried in the rubble of a church where they had been attending a service. Some 17 others were killed inside a church in Ica, according to the Canal N cable news station. The historic Senor de Luren church was among several heavily damaged in Ica, where at least 57 bodies were taken to the morgue.
Services were packed when the quake struck at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday because Aug. 15 is celebrated by Roman Catholics as the day when the Virgin Mary rose up to heaven.
As I sit reading this today I am sad because I ask myself this question "where was God?" These people were praying to God, most probably asking Him to take care of their families and themselves. I am always troubled when I read something like this. In my mind if God was the protector of all people how did he allow this to happen? I have so many questions and most of them unanswered. Most people will say that it is God's will,I find it hard to believe that God would do this especially to children. Do you have any answers. Where do you think God was?
SILENCE
A moment of anger
hurtful words
Pierces the soul
shatters like glass
The pain is endless
Then there is silence
days go into nights
Nights go into days
No words are exchanged
No apologies,only the silence
and the pain.
Will it ever ease?
CALM,QUIET AND TRANQUIL
UPDATE
I first want to thank each and everyone of you for stopping by and asking about my sister.I have some good news, the doctor said she does not need the last two chemo's so they have stopped it.she was getting very weak and her heart was getting overloaded. so now she just has to get stronger and her hair has to start growing back. We could not have made it without all the prayers and kind wishes from everyone especially all my dearest, dearest blogging friends.Thank you for staying with me through this rough course. Now I see the light at the end of this tunnel.I will be back blogging soon ,I have so much to catch up on and so many posts to read.take care.
