December is still a few days away, but I've been listening to Christmas songs already, over the past 3 or 4 weeks. New ones, which I haven't heard before; and others, which are always good to listen to every year, as the Christmas season draws closer.
I'm sharing two songs from my favourite Acapella group today, because I love so many of their Christmas songs.🎶
I am also sure, that I have posted these two songs before, some years ago; but it's always great to start the Christmas season, with tunes we enjoy hearing, repeatedly.😊
I love how each member of the band, has shared Christmas memories, from when they were children, in this video. Together with the lovely lyrics, that's what adds to the nostalgic element of the song.💕
It was good to be at the NCPA, for the 'Mumbai Lit Fest' for two of the three days of the festival, on the 7th and 8th of November.
This is the 16th year of Mumbai's Literary Festival; and the programme for this year, included many varied authors, book launches, well-known presenters and moderators, young writers and poets, performances, awards, a book swap, workshops, a little festival for children and lots more.
I was at the festival on the first two days, and the second day, drew in very large crowds of people, who were there to listen to, some of the prominent celebrity authors and speakers. Even the large Tata Theatre couldn't accommodate, all those who had queued up, for an hour or two before the sessions; and so, there were quite a few people who were upset that they missed out, on sessions that they had initially wanted to listen to.
Of course, since there were many other interesting events, happening at the other smaller auditoriums of the NCPA, they still got an opportunity, to enjoy the other speakers at the fest.
One of the sessions that I attended, was a conversation between Amrita Raichand and Luke Coutinho, in which Luke spoke about the 'importance of sleep and reducing stress', among other things, which are simple, yet necessary things to focus on, as lifestyle changes that everyone needs to consciously make. These were based on his book 'The Calm Prescription'.
During the process of my mother's long illness, of going through two Cancers, which lasted for close to 9 years, from 2010 to 2018; I have realised, that these are two big factors, that can help us live a healthier life, and that could possibly prevent chronic, life-threatening sicknesses. They are probably equally, or maybe even more important, than controlling our food intake, and focussing on nutrition and exercise.
It was really good to listen to Luke Coutinho in person, after many years of learning a lot through his online videos on health, nutrition and making healthier lifestyle choices.
This session was one that I attended, because I have personally gained, so much of well-researched information and knowledge, from listening to Luke's videos, for the last 10 years.
His team of Doctors and Nutritionists, were also an unforgettable support to us, through the last few months of my mother's Cancer journey, back in 2018. So, I will always be Grateful to him and to them, for everything.🤗💕
Besides that, I also thoroughly enjoyed a very interactive conversation between Sumanto Chattopadhyay and Anuvab Pal.
I had discovered Sumanto's love for language through his weekly videos called 'The English Nut', back in 2020. It was great to meet this creative personality, from the world of advertising, and to get a signed copy of his book.
Anuvab Pal is someone, that I was hearing for the first time; and I can see why, he is known as the 'intelligent stand up comedian'. Together, these two made a conversation about the English language, very entertaining.😊
I was also pleasantly surprised to meet an old student, at the Kitab Khana book stall. I felt really proud to discover, that he was a winner of one of the contests, that was conducted on college campuses a few weeks before that, as part of the festival.😊
Marine Drive is much quieter in the afternoons, as compared to the evenings, when it is very crowded. Crossing the street, and standing there by the ocean for a few minutes, is something that I always do, whenever I go to the NCPA for an event.✍️
(Was reminded of this old post today. I wrote this 7 years ago, on 20th October '2018, just a little over a month, after my Mum passed away.
Maybe, it will help another person who reads this post, to find strength in times of prolonged sicknesses in the family; or help someone deal with their own tragic losses of loved ones, and with the unbearable pain that we all feel, during and after the death of people, who matter to us. Hopefully, it will just encourage us to try and be grateful anyway, even when it is very, very difficult.)
It's easy to have a positive outlook, when everything goes well, and when life is filled with joyful moments.
The real challenge is to try and keep smiling,
- when there is absolutely no reason to,
- when the situations in life cause your world, to come crashing down all around you,
- when you don't know how you're going to get through, the long road ahead,
- and when your pain is so intense, that it leaves you completely heart-broken.😪
It's always a struggle to smile through the tears and hard times, when a family member is sick or when we lose them forever; because those are the times, when it is easiest to give up on everything, and to feel completely dejected, lost and upset.
Somehow though, that same God who created us and who knows every falling tear, is always there, in the form of people who care;
- to make sure that he fills us, with the courage and strength to face the future,
- to keep moving ahead,
- and to keep living life, one moment at a time, without worrying about, what the uncertain future may have in store for us.
The greatest gift I ever received in life, was the 'Gift of a Family', and the struggles we faced together, all through our journey; because it was those very trials and difficulties, that taught me these important lessons, which will stay with me forever. I will always be Thankful to God for that.🙏😊
The 2nd of October, which is the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is also the 'International Day of Non-Violence'.🕊
A few years ago, I discovered this beautiful song sung by one of my favourite singers, Olivia Newton-John and her daughter.
If only every nation around the globe, would find ways in which to dialogue with one another, stop the violence and end the mindless and meaningless wars, our world would be a more peaceful and a happier place.🤍
I thought I would share this song today, at the start of the month of October.
WINDOW IN THE WALL 🎶
- Olivia Newton-John and Chloe
I also saw this video today, where the Pope prays for collaboration between different religious traditions, to help people realise that we are 'One Human Family'; and that we need to work together, to bring about peace and unity, in our fragmented world. 🙏
(Videos shared from the different YT pages and I found this picture on the Internet.)
The rainy season has just been endless, this year. Much longer than the usual 4 months. The unseasonal showers began in May, and we're almost in October; but it doesn't seem to have finished, pouring down on the earth. It almost feels like we've been sitting under a waterfall, non-stop for so many months.🌧☔️
While we're so 'Grateful', for a more than adequate supply of water, for the year ahead; we can't help smiling, every time the sun peeps out, from behind those gloomy clouds, which are still visible.🙏
But very soon, as the monsoon ends and the weather changes again, we'll be grumbling and complaining about the October heat.🌞
I guess, our human nature makes us behave like that.🤷🏻♀️ We forget to be 'Thankful for the many Blessings', which we receive in abundance, every single day.
The end of the rains, is usually the time, to look out for rainbows. I haven't seen one yet, this year. But I did think of two songs that talk about 'Rainbows', sung beautifully by Eva Cassidy.🌈
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW 🎶
- Eva Cassidy
TRUE COLOURS 🎶
- Eva Cassidy
(Songs shared from the YT page of the singer and the pictures are from the internet.)
No one could ever take the place of a 'Mother', in the life of her 'Daughter'.😪
In a week, when there is an absolute fruit salad of a million flashbacks and questions, floating around in my mind; these lovely 'Mother-Daughter' songs, made me smile, for a little while.✨️💖
The Stop-Gaps brought together many amazing choirs and performers, that we all enjoy listening to, in their Concert 'A Call to Peace', which happened at the Tata Theatre, NCPA yesterday.
'Bridging the World with Song' - That is what Alfred D'Souza and 'The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy' have been doing for many, many years, at every concert they do. Each Choir and Soloist who sang last night, chose very meaningful songs, that brought out the message of 'Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood'.🤍
In a world that is constantly tattered and torn by violence, disharmony, bloodshed, negativity, irrational thinking and the completely illogical loss of innocent lives; an evening like this, filled with melodious songs, that calm and soothe the heart and soul, is like 'A Rainbow of Hope'.🌈 🕊One that reminds all of us, who love music, that the joyous 'Melody, Harmony and Rhythm' of beautifully written songs, filled with positive thoughts, can truly 'Heal the World and make it a better place, for the entire human race'.🎶
It was wonderful to have a choir from Borivali 'Symphony Voices', conducted by Allan Rodrigues, performing in this concert also. They made us feel so proud, with their wonderful harmonious singing.👏👏👏
The best part about an evening like this, besides enjoying all the beautiful songs, sung by every choir and soloist, is getting an opportunity to hear many of my favourite choirs and singers on one evening, and to meet lots of music loving friends.
A chance to listen to lots of old friends, singing in, or accompanying various choirs, to hear some amazing soloists, to feel proud of a few ex-students who were performing, and to meet many, many friends, who were in the audience too; made last night, even more special.😊💕
The One Voice Children's Choir just shared this song, a few days ago on their YT page. I like this Choir and have been listening to their cover versions of songs, for many years.
COUNT ON ME 🎶
- One Voice Children's Choir
If you ever forget, how much you really mean to me,
Every day I will, remind you.
You can 'Count on Me', like 1 2 3
I'll Be There;
Cause that's what 'Friends' are supposed to do.😊💕
I'm also sharing the lyric video of the original song.
- Bruno Mars
(Video shared from the YT pages of the singer and choir.)
I read a post last night, which shared an unbelievable experience, of a person who had to recently undergo a heart surgery, due to serious blocks, even though he had always been doing all the right things, to stay healthy, whether it was fitness, food or habits.
Thankfully, he discovered that something was wrong, in time; and could take corrective medical action immediately...and hopefully, he will now recover and get better slowly.🙏
But this is not the first time, that I have heard about a person, experiencing a 'completely unexpected thunderbolt' or 'health scare' like this, in their lives. One, that seemed to have appeared suddenly, out of nowhere.
A little less than 2 years ago, another friend, who was also just 50 years old, and was just as conscious about his health and fitness, had an almost similar experience.
Sadly, he wasn't as lucky; and passed away, just a few days, after tests revealed the blocks in his arteries. His condition couldn't be reversed, even after a medical procedure; to the complete shock and disbelief, of everyone who knew him.
He was another person, who had always been conscious about health and fitness; and yet, he couldn't prevent this from happening.
At times like these, when even doctors and heart surgeons, find it difficult to offer explanations, as to what could have caused such extreme health conditions, in people who actually seemed to consciously look after their health; it becomes difficult to understand, how these things could happen to anyone, without any warning.🤔
In my many years, of looking after sick parents; I have done extensive reading and research, about health related issues, food, nutrition and other similar topics. In the process, I have become more aware and learned a lot, about how lifestyle, stress, sleep, emotions, food, nutrition, gut health, and numerous other factors, are just as important as fitness and exercise, when we talk about overall health and well-being.
It's true that 'Death', can never be predicted, and it often comes without a warning. I've experienced that enough of times in my own life, to know that anything can happen to anyone, at anytime. Unexpected sicknesses and unforseen incidents, can cause people to just disappear from our lives forever, in a moment.😔
Very often, even when we think we are doing all the right things, we still experience 'health scares', even among young and healthy people. We try our best to take care of everything, that we think we know; but there is always so much, that we are not really aware of, that could be happening silently, on the inside, causing irreversible damage to our health.
Making little conscious and long term 'Lifestyle Changes', and focusing on our 'Emotional Well-Being', does make a difference to our health, to a large extent. I have discovered that for myself, over the last 10 or 15 years.
But at the same time, when you have watched so many people in your family die, you also become aware of the fact, that 'Death' is one thing, that we can never really predict. It could happen to any of us, at any time; and no one or nothing could stop it, even if we tried.
So, 'One Day at a Time.
One Moment at a Time.'
The only way to live this uncertain, unpredictable 'Life'. That's what my own experiences, have always taught me. This Life that we've been blessed with, is a Gift to us anyway. We just don't know, how long it will last.🤷🏻♀️✍️
(An old post, that I wrote on FB, 9 years ago on this day.
It's nice to read these 'Reflections about Life', that I had written a long time ago, once again, after a gap of many years.)
11th August '2016 ✍️
Life is full of many twists and turns along the way. Some of those, we are prepared for; but some crop up so unexpectedly, that they sometimes take us completely by surprise.
When these sudden turn of events are happy ones, they absolutely make our day; and we can't help but Smile, from ear to ear.
However occasionally, these unexpected twists, could result in a lot of sadness, hurt and pain.
Overcoming these hurdles, that come our way in life though, just takes a little bit of Acceptance, Forgiveness and the ability to Smile; even though we know, that it would have been better, if life had turned out differently.
Here's hoping, we are always prepared, to 'Expect the Unexpected' and are blest with the Gift of Acceptance, no matter how difficult the situation may be. ✍️
(These are a couple of quotes, that I had found online, during the pandemic. I posted them, 6 years ago on this day.
I had shared these, just as 'Motivational Thoughts' for myself, and for anyone else who may have needed it, at that very strange time, which everyone struggled to get through.
I guess, it's always thought-provoking to read quotes like these again, whenever you're reminded of them.) 🤔
(Was reminded of this old post today. I found this song on this day, two years ago, and wrote this post, on the 10th of August '2023.
I loved it, because I identified with all the experiences, that people spoke about, in this video.)
These little sharings, interspersed with this lovely song, from those who have experienced how Cancer invades the lives, of not just the person, but their entire family; are what make this song, so much more meaningful.
It was very special to hear different people, speaking about their 'Support System' and the 'Care-Givers', who were always there, and who loved them through it all.✨️💖
I'M GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT 🎶
- Martina McBride
I'm also sharing another song, which I discoved some time ago. It is composed by a musician, who writes scripture based Biblical songs, mostly for children. I like many of her songs; and this one, has such beautiful and comforting lyrics.
It somehow, also matches the previous song; as there is strength in knowing, that through every struggle in life, 'God Knows' what we are experiencing. 'He Knows exactly how we feel'; and He constantly accompanies us, on our journey.🙏🌈
HE KNOWS 🎶
- Shawna Edwards
(Videos shared from the YT pages of the singer and musician.)
(Olivia Newton John left this world on the 8th of August '2022. She was one of my favourites; and on the day she died, I found this song.
I have shared it before, here also; but I read these two old FB Memories today, written on this day, back in 2022 and 2023.
So, I'm sharing the song again, with those old posts today.)
9th August '2022 ✍️
'Love is all we leave when we are gone,
Shining like the words of this song.
In every heart of those we touch,
In every dream that means so much.
Live on'.💕
Hadn't heard this song by oLIVia newtON john before.
It has such beautiful, beautiful words🙂(which I have shared below, for anyone who wants to read them.)
I know how going through or being around, a person with an illness like Cancer, takes you through experiences and teaches you 'Lessons for Life', which you can never, ever forget. So, I can identify with every word of this song so much; and I know, many others will too.
What a lovely and special song to leave behind!
I think she will 'LIV ON' in many memories and in many hearts.❤❤️❤️
Cancer takes people through many highs and lows. I think this song was created, at one of the good stages of her journey.
It's a heart-breaking, yet uplifting song, both at once.💔🌈
LIV ON ✨️💖🎶
- Olivia Newton John, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Amy Sky
9th August '2023 ✍️
I found this song last year, on the day Olivia Newton-John passed away, and thought it was such an uplifting song for her to have recorded; during all the struggles she had been through.🎶️
People respond and react to pain, emotional losses and long struggles with sickness, in different ways.
I guess through these songs, that she recorded in the last few years of her life, it was as if she was consciously leaving lots of positive messages behind, for everyone to listen to, after she was gone.✨️
I shared this song on that day too; and exactly a year later, I thought of it again. I think it's a beautiful song.❤️
(Song Lyrics) ✍️🎶
oLIVia newtON john❤
I'm wakin' up this morning
Grateful for the gift of one more day,
The light of hope is dawning,
It fills my heart and lifts my fears away.
Sometimes there's a 'miracle', just beyond the pain;
You can see the 'rainbow' in the rain.
Live on!
Live on!
Brighter skies will come again,
Cry the tears you cry,
And then LIVE ON.
Live on!
Love is all we leave, when we are gone
LIVE ON.
We've shared so much together,
Think of all the mountains we have climbed.
Sorrow, joy and laughter,
Woven thru' the tapestry of time.
Even as we're letting go,
We will not lose faith;
All the precious memories we've made.
Live on!
Live on!
In the hearts of those we touch,
All the dreams inside of us,
LIVE ON.
Live on!
Love is all we leave, when we are gone;
LIVE ON.
You've got to LIVE
You've got to LIVE ON.
Live on!
Live on!
More than just survive, my friend,
Or learning how to drive,
And then LIVE ON.
Live on!
Shining like the words inside this song.
LIVE ON.
Live on!
LOVE is all we leave when we are gone;
LIVE ON.
In every heart of those we touch,
In every dream, that means so much.
LIVE ON
Yes I believe that all of us,
LIVE ON.✨️💖
