ARE MODELS TOO THIN?

The tabloids are all over Tyra Banks about gaining weight.She no longer is a runway model and may have gained some pounds, but do you think it is our business and if we should be mean about it. All over the internet there are pictures and mean captions about her and her weight. I think that too much emphasis is put on weight than beauty.Now I am not saying they should be fat because everyone is aware how detrimental obesity is to one's health.

Too many supermodels are very thin and a few have died of anorexia, should we not be concerned about this. I think the fashion industry is to blame because the models have to remain thin in order to keep their jobs. I am glad that organizations in Milan , London and Newyork have set some limits to as how much a model should weigh and are encouraging healthy models.
I am glad that Tyra Banks is fighting back about all those fat stories, it may send a healthy message to all young girls and women .Not all women can be a size 0 or size 2.

I really cannot understand how people can rejoice and be mean to someone because they have gained weight.I think being concerned would have been better.

Do you think Young girls are at risk and are they getting an unhealthy message?

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THE ALPHABET TAG

Was given the letter"S" by SANJAY to write 10 things that I love . I was happy with the letter given because a lot of things that I hold dear to my heart begin with the letter "S".

SUNNY SKIES & STARRY NIGHTS

Sunny skies always make you feel warm inside.gives you extra energy and somehow makes you refreshed. I think life would not be the same if we had no sunny skies. Gloom makes you feel sad.Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.
Starry nights..my favorite.hence the name starry nights.To just look up at night and see the stars and to look at the expanse of the limitless sky and know that I am just a speck in this universe.

SPACE
Have always been intrigued with space even though I am not very good in science. I love reading and watching shows about space, would love to go up into space if the opportunity arises.Sometimes I find it hard to understand but I think our whole solar system is awesome.

SHOPPING
This tag would not be complete if I did not include shopping.I know most women love shopping , sometimes even if it is window shopping. It has been a long time since I have been shopping but am looking forward to doing that.

SAREES
I think the sari is a beautiful garment, it can be worn by all women and it is very graceful.To just go to a sari shop and look at all the wonderful material, the color combinations and the array of designs is awesome.

SPIRITUAL
I consider myself a spiritual person rather than a religious one. To me spiritual means to learn to focus on making myself better .On what I can do to live a more meaningful life and to take responsibility for my feelings, experiences and actions.

SUNSET & SUNRISE
Sunset is defined as the time when the sun disappears below the Horizon.Sunset is also associated with summer, because most people are outdoors and can see the sun setting.The sunset is often more brightly colored than the sunrise, with the shades of red and orange being more vibrant.Sunrise is defined as a time when the sun begins to appear.Sunrise is what awakens us each morning and gives us that energy to get out of bed.I think the different colors that we see in the sky at sunrise and sunset is what makes them so special.

SEA SHELLS & SEA SHORES
For someone who is afraid to swim, I really like the sea shore. To take a nice brisk walk in the morning along the seashore.I remember collecting sea shells and pebbles,and different colored stones. I can sit for hours and just watch the waves .

SISTERS
I have been blessed to have really nice sisters.They have been a tower of strength to me during my illness. I think God put sisters on this earth for a very special reason. I thank God everyday for giving me sisters.

SEEDS
I love gardening.Have not been able to do any gardening of late but hopefully I will be able to plant something by the summer.It is just awesome to plant a seed and watch the plant grow.I planted a curry leaf seed in a pot and was really excited to see it grow into a plant.It is amazing to see all the different kinds of edible seeds there are.

SIGHT
I think I would be very sad if I did not have sight. Just to be able to see and admire God's creation. to see all the different animals and birds and to see the different seasons.And most of all to see the person I love and my children.I think sight would be a very hard thing to lose.

SICKNESS
I know everyone is thinking" why would anyone like sickness" I really don't like sickness but I think my illness has made me a better person. I am more tolerant and patient, have learned what it feels like to be in pain, so be able to be more sympathetic to others when they are sick. and at the same time appreciate my family.I think it has brought "J"and me a lot closer. I had a chance to spend quality time with my children, something I could not do before because I was too busy with other things. I have learned to appreciate good health and to look after myself and not take things for granted.To make the best of my life and to just take one day at a time.

SWEETS

I love Indian sweets and I think it is my weakness.DOn't eat too much of it these days because I dont get a lot of exercise so cannot work it off. I think it is the best .

SUPERBOWL

I had to mention superbowl because it is right around the corner and Iknow J is all excited about it.I know I am too. I know just enough to follow the game and I think the excitement is in everyone getting together, the cheering and the good food .It is fun especially when you have a favorite team in the finals and that happens to be the Chicago Bears.(used to live in Chicago)so it makes it even more fun.

Any one out there wanting to do this exciting tag,let me know and I will give you a letter.

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The comfort of returning home.


SO LONG- FAREWELL

My brother is returning
home to his roots.
He has lived his life,
now he will live his dream.
It may appear foolish to some
But it is happiness to him.

I ask God to guide him
This path that he returns to
Where the past and present mix,
Where the nights are black
And the stars are clear and bright.
And the fields stretch far and wide.


He is moving away
To familiar places and faces
To hear the eerie silence
Of a freeway-less night
And wake up every morning
Cheerie and bright.

He is going to learn a lot of new things
Make new friends and look for the old.
His body is going to join his heart
To reside where all his memories start.

Thirty long years
The children have grown
Just him and his wife are leaving to India
To A place they call Home.

My eldest brother has returned to India. I will miss him a lot and thank him for all the things he has done for me. He was always willing to lend a hand and help everyone in need. I know it was hard for him to leave but this is what he had always wanted to do. I just wish him and his wife good health, Happiness and lots of fun travelling.

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Two shy and timid creatures Have found each other in safe companionship... Through the lens ofTanja Askani of Alberta, Canada.

Sometimes friends come from unexpected
places, but they are life's most special gift!
Have a wonderful day my friend

Sorry that I have not been able to visit everyone's blog. My laptop is givng me a problem and "J" has promised to get it fixed. I am unable to sit for long periods at a desk top so rely on my laptop . Never knew I would miss it so much. In the meantime I thought I would share these incredible pictures. It goes to show that anyone can be friends no matter where you live or how the other person looks or what religion the other person follows..All it takes is kindness and love for a fellow human being.

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THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE

I was reading an article in the LA times last week about getting the best seat on the plane.I for one have been always particular about where I sit on the plane. Sometimes if I was lucky enough I got the window seat, at other times I had to do with whatever was available. I remember not so long ago before the advent of online booking, one had to go early to the airport to secure a good seat. Now with online booking we can to a certain degree control where we sit and this is very important especially if you travel economy. Here are a few tips......

1..Try to book your flight early.This way you can reserve the best seat in the house. The diagram of the plane shows you exactly where the seats are in relationship to different parts of the plane. Hopefully by the time you take your flight there are some empty seats next to you which will give you extra elbow room.

2..It is a myth that the safest part of the plane is the back, because if the plane nose dived you were safe and also the seats next to the wing is the best because it is the strongest part of the plane. I think most important is that you know where the exit doors are which will save your life .

3..There are a few who will say that the bulkhead or the seats near the emergency exit is the best because of more leg room.That may be true but the bulkhead seats are usually reserved for parents with children or the physically disabled. And the seats near the emergency exit for those who are physically fit.(You should be strong enough to open those doors.

4..Then there are the passengers who like the seats near the lavatory the ones who have to make frequent visits and don't want to wait in line. I for one don't like those seats because there is too much noise and a lot of small talk while waiting .

5..Business travelers who are traveling economy usually like the aisle seats for more leg room, but have to be careful that your feet don't get hit by the food cart or by passengers walking to and fro. And there is the extra arm rest , the one you don't have to share can lie your laptop on it ,or your newspaper or your weary head.
And it gives you access to the overhead compartments.

6..The row your seat is in is just as important.The front of the plane is furthest from the engines so it is quieter. Also often the food carts start from the front of the plane so you don't have to wait long especially if you are dying to have a drink and are extremely hungry.

7..The rear of the seat is least desirable of all because it takes longer to exit and takes a long time for the food cart to get to you and you have to put up with the passengers visiting the lavatory. But then there are few who like the rear of the plane because you get to board the plane first, you can claim as many over head compartments as you want and maybe an extra blanket or pillow.(you may be leaving a passenger with none, but very few think about that.)

8..I think the four empty seats in a row is what everyone has their eye on.They are like an eagle watching and waiting to descend on its prey eyes darting in and out and as soon as the exit doors are closed they stake their claim. They make themselves comfortable and don't wake up even to have a meal. Honestly I have never had luck with this.

As for me the window seat is the best.I don't know why I like the window seat so much, because apart from watching the plane land and take off there is not much to see. Maybe its because I can curl up ,and rest my head and pretend its my own little space. Nobody is going to be in my way, and there are no "excuse me" from passengers wanting to leave their seats, either because they have had too much to drink or they have small children. And if you have a person who likes to talk to much,(I am sure all of you have come across someone like that) you can retrieve into your corner and pretend to sleep. "J" he prefers the aisle seat so he can stretch his long legs .
Sometimes when you have not reserved a seat you find yourself right smack in the middle of four seats, this I think is the worst seat in the house.

What is your best seat on the plane and why?

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Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute

January 15th is Dr Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. It is a holiday and may we all remember and
celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example -- the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.

DR Martin Luther King pointed out that nonviolence means more than the absence of physical violence. Nonviolence is not passive, but a courageous, active resistance to injustice. It is a way of life reflected in thought and deed, a method of conducting yourself in all of your affairs.

Song By U2....Pride (in The Name Of Love) I have listened to this song numerous times and never knew it was written for Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

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Amitab vs Sharukh (Colbert Report)

I thought this was funny.

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Tagged By Mystic Rose To write Ten things that define my style.

1..I think everyone who knows me in blog world know that I love the stars, the sun
and the moon. I think I love anything that has anything to do with space. I would
love to go up in space. I dont' think it will happen in my life time. I love to look up
at the starlit night and bask in the moonlight.

2..I am a homebody.I love my home and am most comfortable here.I am a wife and a mother
of two.I love gardening and can spend a lot of time outdoors in my back yard.On
the whole I love the simple things in life. I like to build stuff and am pretty handy
around the house.

3..My favorite perfume is "Romance" by Ralph Lauren. love the mild smell.also
"Angel " by Victoria's secret. I dont like perfumes which are very strong and don't
use them daily, just on special occasions.

4..I love Music something soft and romantic. Occasional candelight dinners and a
getaway for two. I love the Tibetian people and would like to visit Tibet someday.

5..My favorite pastime is reading.anything from romance to mystery or anything
inbetween. I love anykind of handicraft especially knitting. I like watching Drama
movies. I like to go to the theatre and love to dance.

6..I am most comfortable in a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. Not into fancy clothes.

7.When I am stressed out I like to sit by the beach and just watch the waves .I think
I can spend endless hours just doing this. It has a very calming effect. Nowadays
when I am upset I just read to get my mind of other things.

8..I don't like an untidy house and when the children are home I am always yelling
at them to straighten or pick stuff up. I have mellowed over the years but it still
gets me.


9..I am not a very good cook. When I am better I am going to experiment and try out
new recipes. I am always afraid of not doing things perfect that I do not try new
things.

10..My indulgence..Indian sweets.and a Beamer. My weakness.. sometimes I think I
am too naive and trust everyone.

I would like to tag..Priya, eclipsed thoughts, passerby, Asha, Margie , Blessed ,kai , Shionge,Krithika ,Anali and sugarlips. Any one else who is interested please do the tag.Sorry guys it is limited to the girls this time.

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BOOK REVIEW

I just finished reading the book "SONG OF THE CUCKOO BIRD" By Amulya Malladi

This is a story set in southern India , where a group of outcasts create a family while holding on to their dreams.
It houses a girl who is deemed to be a goddess. Charvi is that young goddess; when she's born her father declares her a deity. The people in the village bring her offerings, and in turn Charvi's family gives individuals a place to stay, food, and blessings from the goddess. No one ever doubts the veracity of the situation, and even Charvi grows up believing that this is her fate, never questioning what she has been told for as long as she can remember.

Then there is Kokila barely a month after she is promised in marriage eleven year old orphan Kokila comes to Tella Meda an ashram by the Bay of Bengal.She makes a bad decision and instead of leaving to become a wife an mother she stays on , that foolish choice alters the fabric of her life. But by standing by her conviction she makes Tella Meda her home alongside other flawed women. sometimes they are her friends and sometimes her enemies but always they are her family.

Another inhabitant is Chetana, the daughter of a prostitute, and she becomes good friends with Kokila. Kokila, Chetana and Charvi grow up together but have may different lives due to the choices they make or are made for them, yet all three live their lives out at Tella Meda.

I loved this bookeven though it had many complex characters.The author transports you through different era's from the 1940's to present day India as many makeshift families seek comfort and joy in a makeshift homeTella Meda.
Thr story is mysterious and deals with life,death,and secrets. It is mesmerizing and this is one book you may not want to put down.

THE MEMORY KEEPERS DAUGHTER (sorry could not upload a pic of the book)

The #1 New York Times Bestseller!

Award-winning writer Kim Edwards's The Memory Keeper's Daughter is family drama that explores every mother's silent fear: what would happen if you lost your child and she grew up without you?

On a winter night in 1964 Dr Henry is forced by a blizzard to deliver his own twins.His son, born first is healthy. But his daughter is born with Down's Syndrome.

Wanting to protect his wife Norah he makes a decision that will alter their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby to an institution and not tell anyone. But Caroline the nurse decides to keep the baby and raise it as her own.

I liked this book because it captures the way life takes unexpected turns and how the mysterious ties that hold a family together help us survive the heartache that occurs when long buried secrets come out into the open.

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DURING THE HOLIDAY"S AND AFTER

My friend sojourner wanted me to write a post on what I did for the holidays. My first thought was "I dont have much to write because I was stuck at home and was not able to do much. what can I write about"? But as I looked back I did a lot of things during the holidays and I had a wonderful time. Having fun does not always mean going out shopping, having romantic dinners in a fancy restaurant or going to parties.( even though I would have loved to do those things), sometimes we have to accept life as it is presented to us and make the best of it.You can still have fun even if it means just staying at home.

The kids were home from school for the holidays. I love putting up a chrismas tree so my family decorated the house and made it all christmassy. The days were spent listening to music, reading and talking.I had a chance to talk to the children at great lengths because there was nothing else to do. we talked about their school, their friends and everything under the sun. My children decided that this year it was going to be a parent's Christmas. Most of the presents under the tree was from the children for me and "J". I thought that was a really sweet gesture on behalf of the children. There were books, magazine subscriptions and more books. A nice leather handbag and lots of stuff. There were visits from the family and lots of good food.

I got a kitchen Aid from J and the kids . I have been reading all these food blogs and want to bake, something I am not good at but want to experiment with. I think they got tired of me talking about how nice it would be to have this appliance that would make it easier for me to mix. This is going to be my first project when I am fully recovered.

Now that the holidays are over everyone is back to work and school. This is my first week alone at home since my surgery. J makes sure I have everything I need when he leaves so it is not too bad. My day is spent mainly reading. I don't watch too much of TV. I still walk threee times a day inside the house and cannot wait to go outside. From my bedroom window I can see the hillside , sometimes a few bunnies hopping around. I watch the birds and the butterflies. I can see new shoots and leaves erupting from the bare stems of the plants in my back yard. It is so quiet and serene and I think that is the hard part. I miss the talking, laughter and the hustle and bustle during the holidays.But all good things cannot last forever. It's just one day at a time. Soon I will be well enough to do a lot of things especially go on a vacation which I am looking forward to. Well! thats about all I did during the holidays. Not very exciting but still a lot of fun.Most important of all we spent it together as a family.And that I am thankful for.

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Portrait of a Friend . . .

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts,
or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
search for answers.

I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.

I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.

I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend . . .

Poem by - unknown

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