Wednesday, December 30, 2009
SNOW...time..
snow lake
snow house
snow craft
snow cave
snow deers
snow..Sun
snow mess..
snow backyard..
snow bank..
snow leopard
My snow house..
official snow day..
snow park...
snow street..
michigan lake
snow ..white car
snowing..
...Every year Michigan has lots of snow.. in winters Blizzards to storms ..Mother nature plays its role some time beyond expectations...here are few pictures ..hope you like it..
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
relationship!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Golden Temple
...The heaven on earth...the biggest shrine in the Sikh religion ... my day starts officially ..with the live telecast of golden temple and all the rituals performed by our priests in the morning... It is a place of both stupendous beauty and sublime peacefulness. Beautiful memories of Amritsar take my years back ..running on the white marble floor as a kid and then sitting next to sarovar for hours and listening to evening Aardas performed by the priest... ..The whole place has an aura .. which cannot be denied..Sometimes I feel leaving India ..the biggest loss of my life is when I cannot visit Harmandir Sahib.. There is no other place or Gurudwara in this world which has that charisma like Harmandir sahib..so divine ,pure and Captivating...In one word place ,where we can feel his power ..the Diety himself .. his presence is felt when we look at the beautiful Golden temple standing amidst of everything.. Echoing across the sarovar, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the sarovar and temple. People all over the world visit this place want to see the artifacts and how it is built in Gold..Golden Temple is widely regarded as being amongst the most tastefully decorated shrines anywhere. The art and architecture of the temple has been praised lavishly by generations....
My mom who belongs to Amritsar ..and my Nanu(moms father) who spent his whole life in service to Harmandir sahib(head priest ....Golden temple) last days of their life donated everything they had in cash to Harmindar sahib..from where they got everything.. people of Amritsar still remember him ..when they read their names on the outerwalls....of Golden temple.. His power is supreme and it can be felt...all we need is to..Feel..
Sunday, December 27, 2009
holidays!!!!
..at home and spending ..some time with family ..is always fun,but I could see more then fun ..the house now looks like an amusement park.. The day starts at the same time and all I could hear is loud noise of TV..downstairs.. all I could see is a movie or game being played ...
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas!!!!
..So very busy with shopping for Christmas... all personal gifts, for the family... and then coming home and hiding them at different places so that nobody can see... but my hubby looked at the shopping bag in my hand yesterday by chance... and asked me.. What is this??? a portable TV.. I said no..its a digital photo frame!!! he laughed...its a portable TV..I opened the whole bag and he could see the rest of the gifts too..yes its was a portable TV instead of a digital photo frame by mistake.... I went back to the store and brought a digital photo frame for mom and dad( my -in -laws) ..and showed it to him again to make sure.... .... Going back and fourth to stores and exchanging the gifts is a big hassle... stores are open till midnight..huge discounts... with coupons and cash back ... it worth the DEAL...
Every year ...we buy gifts for kids and parents.. or close relatives....In our neighbourhood an old (American) couple gives Christmas gift every year.. so as a customary we return them ....then gifts from office in cash or kind......all gifts are kept under our Christmas tree in the family room..which is decorated by my hubby and kids..I give a final touch to the tree by putting an extra ornament or ribbon... Its always fun to decorate a seven feet big tree.... by the window..as its adds up ..to the beauty..of the room.. Today ..I wrapped all the gifts sitting in a small room .. where kids could not see.. it took me two hours.. writing names and keeping some as a surprise in the fire place where Mr Santa is going to come inn..I went to the basement to get some wrapping paper ..and laughed at the gifts in the basement wrapped properly ..hidden by my hubby.... My son gave me his wish list.. few days back ..I could see all the things in the world written in that piece of paper..from clothes to tooth brush to games ,toys ..name it ..and u have it...I called Kevin(son) and asked him whether anything is left sarcastically .. he took the paper back and wrote few more things like pencils,erasers,notebook...
Its the best time of the year when we are close to new year.. and celebrating Christmas at same time.. I ts even better for those who have their birthdays in the month of December... Its the time to give and share and celebrate.. holidays till second of January .... time to relax and feel good... whether we celebrate Christmas or not!!!
Happy..Holidays!!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Miracles!!!
Miracles... I always believed in power of prayer and miracles...since childhood..
I think .. every person gets to see one miracle in his or her life..but..we need to believe..
its a message ,Intuitions are signals and manifestion is reality..basically what we firmly believe will happen one day... which comes back to us in form of miracle...
I have seen many unusual things and could feel the power... somewhere... Like standing once in a parking lot in the morning,the lot was absolutely vacant..in winters..when its still dark at seven am ..I could smell like a fragrance next (not my perfume)to me.. looked around ,nobody is there... such sweet fragrance.. nobody is in parking.. .where is this smell coming from???..its an Angel??
Then once in Montreal I had gone for vacation..on a street in downtown a guy was selling some pictures in the form of sketches..I looked at them and picked one sketch in hundreds of pictures..... kept it in my hand ,so that it doesn't get ripped... in the evening when we decided to go back to hotel ...I met a lady on the street ...who was Indian ..she started asking me my nationality and religion.... then told me to see a place before I left for US....I did go to see this place.. it was a beautiful church ...great artifacts..huge gardens ...just like a palace of a king... I could see people taking a ride on Victoria and sitting in the gardens...
I took a break and sat on a bench ..kept the picture in my hand on the bench...but ..it was amazing ..the picture was same .. the scenes depicted was what I could see sitting on the bench in front of the church... ..every minor detail in the picture was same ...to me it was amazing..!!!was this planned???
Our grand mother was in the hospital... was near to death..the doctors here in US..told us that.. nothing can help... she was on life support ..in a very pathetic state...we all prayed for her that night... ... next day in the morning we got a call from the hospital.. she is doing fine .. they are planning to remove the life support ... and in a week believe me she was at home!!! was it a power of prayer???..so in Nuts shell..if we believe in God.. then miracles are there..
Believe....it or not..
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Shoppin season..
..Yesterday I went to buy a gift ..I was amazed to see the parkin lot..no place to park..had to literally wait for few minutes.. before parkin.. The stores are full of people ..shopping like crazy.. All Christmas feel I could get.. I hope it gives a head start to the US economy..
As I entered the store.. practically everythin is on sale.. thankfully not store people:)..
All designer shirts.. best brands on sale..!!! wow.. I picked one for my hubby..who usually wears these kind for his office.. then went to see a gift..for my friend.. lookin for a jacket..and coats..OH..My Goosh!! so much variety..all major brands.. like.. Guess.. Tommy.. LIZ.. polo.. I could see the beautiful ..winter colors.. Plaid(chex) is very mch in fashion.. short waist cut..jackets or A-Line coats..are in trend.. I picked one plaid.. jacket and and woollen top.. in black, to match this ..took bright red scarf ... but I could see..people goin crazy.. not many Indians are here where I live..more confined to ..white skin.. but then Michigan is ..as known motor... city ..An Auto world ,so most of the Indians here are ..workin in auto industry.. and they belong to south of India..
Christmas.always brings an excitement to..shop move around.. everythin is decorated.. the city looks divine..
I always believe in giving during this..season.. to needy..clothes or money or anythin I can afford...I am thankful to God ..for that I can share with others..worthy of that!!!
..coz.."Sharing is Caring"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Indian ...X my heart
...talkin to one of my friends today ..online ..it hit me somewhere when he said... We are indians..(those livin in India)..though he was jus kiddin I knew..but given a thought... ..I think.. everybody is Indian by heart as we follow same traditions or religion living is US..Change of place doesn't change the identity or culture..and we stand high in foreign community as Indian by nationality.. I think living outside India ..in US ,I would say we are better Indians then people livin in India.. Coz..we repect our values.... we are away from our country and the reason we are more attached to our roots.. Goin to gurudwara,following rituals is very common in sikh community here in USA.. helping the country by sending donations or kids learning Punjabi is a very common sight here..In fact In Toronto Sikh community has opened their own school and organizations to help poor communities in India.. Every year.. millions of dollars are sent to charitable institutions by NRIs.. to India .. I think change of place doesn't effect a person but family values ..if they change with place effect more to the society... ..The media shows all...youth of India is lured by western culture..and specially gurls..I am surprised by songs and movies that depict Indian culture ..so where are we???.... I think every person born in India is Indian... no matter.. where in the world we are....we should respect that...
JAI...HIND
(lemme know..ur views..pls.. as we r all Indians, by heart)
Monday, December 14, 2009
food..and Cuisines
I like to eat in small portions ..the reason behind it....cuisines of different culture ... but Authentic food to try of any culture needs courage...Authentic Chinese is worst of all times....all smelly with insects and worms or Japanese ..I remember invited for dinner to a Japanese restaurant ..where the food was too smelly , I ended up leaving the place..Thai is close to Indian food ..may be one reason I like it...and relish,every dish has lots of salads and spice.....Italian is good... but pasta in most of the dishes with white sauce is kinda little difficult to eat....pizza or lasagna or spaghetti with meat balls... r good ..but I don't eat beef so... I have to stick to chicken or fish..dishes..
Another cuisine Mexican..which I can say is good.."Don Pablos" is good to some extent...for quesdilla and fajita or nachos with ground chicken..burritos or enchiladas..are delicacy ,good if made properly but this cuisine also has some flaws which I personally dont like....the black bean fillin..Taco Bell ..Mexican chain is good for its tacos and chilupas.. in USA...
Greek food.. another cuisine which is good with kaboobs and rice ..and chicken in pita bread , chicken dishes in different forms..sweet,spicy lots of peanut and nuts..added..
Mediterranean food..Its very very close to Indian food....Shwarmas (chicken rolled in pita bread with salads)..or garlic.hummus or thinni as sauce..I personally like this food if available.. its more with Indian touch and our kind of spices..
Mongolian Kitchen also one good place ....I like where BD's chain has customised the platter.."What u choose is what you get"all kinds of uncooked pastas are in front of you ...
I like this kinda food...usually.. its.."what you pick is what you get",with uncooked seafood and uncooked chicken or beef .. then all kinds of spices are kept,with vegetables.... pick and give it to the cook who will ,cook infront of you...costs..like $10 per person..healthy and fresh..
American cuisine..like TGi Friday..or apple bee..or Ruby Tuesday ..and many more like that.... Caters to all kind of burgers and steaks ..with authentic American breakfast ,,like pork strips and sausages with pancakes..loaded with maple syrup..
But ...but....Indian cuisine.."The Best"..lol..never get tired.. talkin of home made Indian food.. made with all fresh ingredients..its healthy!!!
...Tried all cuisines..But nothin like Indian food..It takes to be an Indian "DISH"...
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Art of good living!!!
A good living can be termed where there is peace of mind ........and happiness..many a times we follow superficial things which leads to anxiety and then ...not getting it leads to depression... To me on my personal level ..I think positive attitude or good behaviour not only helps others but ourself too...One good deed will not only earn respective but will clean the inner conscience..which in turn helps to build confidence and gives you happiness..
The Addictive Behaviors, individuals with compulsive disorders, including alcoholism, gambling, overeating, or smoking, often increase negative behavior, or undergo a relapse, after they have been through a stressful time period. I believe that anger resulting from stressful situations also plays a part in some addictive disorders. As an example, individuals who do not express anger outwardly often turn it inward. When this occurs, it may lead to depression. To relieve the discomfort they feel because they have not expressed their anger, these individuals begin to over eat or engage in other addictive behaviours.
Exercising is one way to take out negative energy by goin to gym and meditating helps to clean soul by reducing stress,calming the body ,helps to sleep better and then helps keepin a positive attitude..
Music.. also the right music can inspire us and elevate our consciousness. To get the most from meditative music we should listen with our heart rather than mind. Our mind tends to criticise and complicate things. Our heart embraces the consciousness of the music...Love yourself..before loving others..
In this society, we're taught that praising ourselves is selfish and wrong. But praising ourselves for things that are good about ourselves only helps us, It is a healing thing to do, something that nourishes our self-worth. When we love ourselves, we're happier and more true to our own selves...and that happiness and ability to be free spreads to others.
So...try to think of something that you like about yourself, or something that you did today that made you or someone else feel good -- no matter how small it may seem. Give yourself the kind of warm praise that you would to a friend.
Compassion..try healing others.. BUDDHIST PRAYER OF COMPASSION With every breath i take today, i vow to be awake; And every step i take, i vow to take with a grateful heart. So i may see with eyes of love into the hearts of all i meet, To ease their burden when i can and touch them with a smile of peace...
Extend a helping hand .. a small help can save someone... and in return you will get a feeling as never before...
love means to be forgiving, to act selflessly kind and helpful and to accept the other/s whatever their faults or downfalls. Love is a deep emotion that impacts ones very soul and dictates ones actions. A deep love in contrast to a shallow love is one that lasts long after any turbulence experienced.The kind of love, becomes a kind of infatuation, excusing another’s faults. If we see their faults reflected in our own lives, how can we accept them and not ourselves? If you love yourself, you will be loved the way you want to be. You will go out and seek persons who are kind to themselves...
Clean house I remember my Mom telling me once or twice that a clean house leads to a clean mind. Over the years I’ve really grown fond of that notion: if the area you surround yourself with is clean and organized, then your mind is free to think clearly. Your surroundings, whether that be your living room or your office cube, become a blank slate for your imagination and productivity to really take off. The same be said about your money and finances? I would think so. I know I feel better when I know where my money is going and can see how I’m progressing towards my goals... Family... Family...your loved ones help you to come out of stress or anxiety...mom or dad.. or if..married then family..coming home from work ..and lookin at your loved ones will take out the fatigue and relax you .... ...These are the few..tips..but if incorporated in daily life ...even few of them if not all ,will help us for a better living... ONE life..MAKE it...OR ...FAKE it..
Thursday, December 10, 2009
pretty..women!!
This is the picture or her Majesty Queen Rania is the world's youngest queen. A Cold-play fan, she's also a fashion designer's darling (Givenchy and Roland Mouret are favorites)..so beautiful ..and so graceful..
I think a pretty face" IS "..confidence.. etiquette's..and Command over language..groomed and patient listener.. with positive attitude.. ..now you must be thinking how is this possible in one person?..why not... depends on environment and upbringing,then opportunity to grow, the reason I said in my "previous blog" let the nature play its role before we mess...
it’s my belief that when most people find a woman is both beautiful and intelligent they are taken aback at first .
The research shows men who spend even a few minutes in the company of an attractive woman perform less well in tests designed to measure brain function than those who chat to someone . they do not find attractive...
Psychologists at Radboud University in The Netherlands ...carried out the study after one of them was so struck on impressing an attractive woman he had never met before, that he could not remember his address ......when she asked him where he lived.
Another study..
Swedish scientists have discovered that long life and good health have nothing to do with a man's education and everything to do with his wife's. Men married to smart women live longer.
...A pretty face is approached by all ,no doubt it fills the open space with a kind of Aura liked by all ..
I usually see women of today goin bold ..with cheap stuff ..speakin of Indian women ...where gurls like Mallika sherawat..or Rakhi sawant believe in practically wearin limited clothes ... and people crackin jokes on them cannot be termed as beautiful....but cheap!!!
A pretty face is '); //--> beyon all this ...it doesnt require loads of make up or jewelry or goin in skimpy outfits ..coz..respect is integral part of a beautiful women...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Indian traditions..!!!
..an Indian female is always infused with traditions right from birth...small things like walking, talking or body language is always directed ..its part of the culture...I always thought why so many limitations are there for girls as compared to boys.. I had two brothers and they comparatively got more freedom then me ..to which I thought it was a biased decision of my parents....
Gurls from India have more cultural values then any other gurl in the world ,though it may sound good but then many of them have laid back attitude due to lack of confidence or cultural values which is kinda hindrance..
Referring to an Indian female where mothers play an important part in grooming their daughters and bringing out best of their skills is also termed as culture..or Indian society..
I remember during weddings or gatherings cousins in the family were like body guards ..restrictions were always ahead... ..before a proper layout ..
Cooking is another skill which I think every mother wants her daughter to learn .....to be a perfect cook to make her score higher then her peers..I always laughed when my mom forced me to cook... and mom being more finicky when I was in an age to get married...
But today whenever ..she is in US with me she is surprised by my cooking skills ...
I think every person learns at its pace and with responsibility...
The term culture refers to a state of intellectual development or manners. The social and political forces that influence the growth of a human being is defined as culture.
“Respect one another” is another lesson that is taught from the books of Indian culture. All people are alike and respecting one another is ones duty. Opening a door or leaving a seat for a elderly person is considered as a kind gesture..
"Helpful nature is another striking feature in our Indian culture. Right from our early days of childhood we are taught to help one another in need of help and distress. If not monetary then at least in kind or non-monetary ways. Indian culture tells us to multiply and distribute joy and happiness and share sadness and pain. It tells us that by all this we can develop co-operation and better living amongst ourselves and subsequently make this world a better place to live in."
All this might sound good or great ..to me it appears a..Gurl child looses her own identity and childhood amongst all ..its nature..let the child grow and understand before putting responsibilities on her or restricting her every other reason ..Give her a space and little freedom to build her confidence.."Save the gurl child"
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Trip..to Canada!!
Recently I was in Toronto for vacation..this was much awaited trip..not only meeting family and friends but wanted to meet a special person......
I am actually totally impressed by meditation and after reading a lot about it and experiencing this ..heard about this women in Toronto..This women,may be in her late forties, holds meditation classes in Toronto .. A doctorate degree in hand .. from Punjabi university (patiala)India ......with master s degree ,again from Canada and several courses on meditation from Japan..writes columns in newspapers ..recently published a book on meditation and holds several sessions on meditation in different parts of Toronto ...a very well educated women...
I met her after a session ..as I entered the room..I could see people sittin on the floor with closed eyes, I was with my brother...I greeted her and she came forward , told us to sit next to her.. A very graceful women .. I could see lot of confidence in her personality.
She started her introduction ..and then asked me few questions on meditation ...to which I answered ..Yes I know lot about meditation as I had done this in past..
..She invited me to her house next day..givin an appointment.. to meet her and experience meditating with her..
Next day at 12 pm, Monday..I went to her place.. as I entered the house ,place was like SO pure.. so..divine..I could big picture of Guru Nanakdev ji in the hall ...
after talking to her in office and given my introduction ..she told me to follow her in the meditation room....The room was all white,with a dim light and sounds of OM..that was played all over the place..
She told to relax and close my eyes ..flow all thoughts and outside noises..then concentrate on my breath..it was for half an hour.. but awesome experience ..feeling so light relaxed and calm when I came back to her office..
This type of meditation is based on being mindful, or having an increased awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment. You focus on what you experience during meditation, such as the flow of your breath. You can observe your thoughts and emotions but let them pass without judgement....
Meditation, considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine, produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind....During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of ....jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process results in enhanced physical and emotional well-being....
I asked her several questions..to which she smiled and answered each of them ..by bro sitting next to me ..who also took an experience of meditation was really convinced ..how it works..
.....In the end I would say..taking out time for our self in busy schedule....is what one should strive for...
Thursday, December 3, 2009
the other end of the line!!!!(call center)
Anybody can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy...but I gave him my peace of mind...
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Let’s get one thing very straight....The vast majority of people we meet are nice, caring and considerate. They go out of their way to be polite, they help if they can and they truly care about the well-being of people around them.
Yes, there are inconsiderate, annoying jerks out there sure, but they are a minority. They may seem like they’re everywhere (just read Bob Sutton’s excellent book The No Asshole Rule for some great examples), but that’s only because we tend to let annoying people take up more mind space, making them more visible than their numbers warrant.
Talkin of telemarketing ..they are so annoyin they can bug you any time or any moment..I get lot of calls from these people ..even after putting up a blocker.. still they manage to come..
We had a death in the family a year back and jus got a call from hospital ..late night..The whole family was in a great shock.... ,I was sitting next to the phone ..its was 11 pm.. A call ,I thought from India.. may be they got the news of this death..so the other end of the line ... was a guy..started talkin to me .... not revealing the real reason of call... then abruptly he asked ..which shows I watch on dish..as he was a dealer and wanted to sell me a package ..I was so furious.. jus banged the phone...
Amid of meetings sometimes there is a call on cell from telemarketing ..I dont understand how these people manage to get cell numbers and trouble people during office hours..
The tone and style of speaking is like someone who knows you from ages and we are meeting after a century ..might sound hilarious but it is basically to keep your interest..intact..so that you don't bang the phone..
Call centers might create jobs or outsourcing has lifted the economy ,but etiquette's and decency lessons should also be given before calling unknown people..
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Leisure.....or constant Rush!!!
Our lives are governed by time and we don’t have a moment to look at the simplest and the most wonderful things that the world offers amid all our tensions and worries.
Today morning, I was contemplating if this is what life is? We rush to office? We rush to complete our work? We rush to take credit for everything good that happens with us? We strive to impress our boss, colleagues and peers. It seems everyone’s in a constant state of “rush”.
Recession and job insecurity has further added to our worries and we have simply lost our self-belief and the 'old' feeling “to do something” which we had when we began our career!
We should keep worries aside and think, if we could do it once we can do it again. A job loss or business loss is not the end of life. Life begins with the moment when WE THINK WE CAN!
An absolutely wonderful poem where the poet tells us how the life is full of stress and hard work , getting up early in the morning where the nature is at its best but we don't have time to stand and stare at this creation created by God...Everything is there,,but its the human nature and life style where does not permit to take care this ...
what is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.