MAKING THE WORLD SING ✨️✍️

Barry Manilow singing 'I WRITE THE SONGS'.😊🎶

(From a 1978 BBC Special)

Carlton Braganza somehow always manages to sing every song, almost as well, and often even better, than the original singers. Some people are just 'Super Talented'.🎤❤️

I WRITE THE SONGS ✨️✍️  (Song Lyrics)

- Barry Manilow

I've been alive forever

And I wrote the very first song

I put the words and the melodies together

I am music

And I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

My home lies deep within you

And I've got my own place in your soul

Now when I look out through your eyes

I feel young again, even tho' I'm very old

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

Oh, my music makes you dance and gives you spirit to take a chance

And I wrote some rock 'n roll so you can move

Music fills your heart, well that's a real fine place to start

It's from me, it's for you

It's from you, it's for me

It's a worldwide symphony

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

I am music and I write the songs 🎶❤️

CLUTCH THAT CRUTCH ✨️✍️

Fragile and Sensitive
Damaged and Bruised
Mortal and Human
Keep Cruising Along Anyway.

Sometimes Strong
Sometimes, Maybe Not
Halting, Faltering
Keep Hobbling Along Anyway.

Peaceful Days
Restless Nights
Smiles or Tears
Keep Waltzing Along Anyway.

Faith or Friends,
A Memory or a Melody;
'Clutch that Crutch', you really Need
And Keep Sailing Along Anyway.😊

(Originally posted on fb, a year ago, on 28th November '22. Shared this pic that I found online, with the post, because I thought it somehow captured the essence of what I had written. Don't know who took it though.)

REFLECTIONS AROUND US ✍️

 

In the water 

We see the sun on the ripples and waves,

Making it shine so sparkling bright,

Like a thousand twinkling stars at night.

In a mirror

We see an image of what the world can see;

But beyond that appearance, perfect or not,

Is the real person, the looking-glass hasn't caught.

In the eyes

We see every laugh, every tear, every deep thought;

Though our words, we may think are a great disguise,

They talk and speak, Look into them if you're wise.

In a heart

We may not always know, what's hidden in there;

Deep feelings, unspoken thoughts, filled to the brim,

Its glow, warmth and light, nothing could ever dim.✨️

(Originally shared this as a post on FB, last year on 24th November '22. 

I just found these pics online and thought they matched what I had written. So shared them too, though I don't know who took them.)

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS ✍️

 

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?🤔

One Word - Different Perspectives
One Object - Varied Facets

One Country - Myriad Traditions
One World - Diverse Cultures

One Person - Multiple Personalities
One Life - Complex Experiences

How two people see one thing, got me wondering,
About how wonderfully unique we all are;
'Everywhere' and 'Somewhere', both places to belong,
Ripples in a steady lake, An ocean wave traversing far.

The same things, could mean something different,
Cause opinions vary, with no one right or wrong;
Each individual perceives the world in distinct ways,
Like multiple beautiful versions of a song.🎶😊💕

(Originally posted on FB a year ago, on the 16th of November'22.)

ANTICIPATION ✍️

 

The results of a test, that you think you aced,
A marksheet, after an exam you just faced.

10 minutes at a bus-stop on a humid day,
A train that decides, it'll arrive when it may.

The onset of the monsoon, so you won't fry,
A shady tree when it's hot, to find we try.

The sight of food, after the aroma drew you in,
The dessert that comes next, is always a sure win.

Postmen who stopped by, when snail-mail was king,
Stories and posts, when notification bells ring.

Little moments and situations, that we eagerly await,
I'm looking at the calendar, 'What is today's date?'🤔

(Originally shared on FB a year ago, on 15th November' 22.)

REAL ILLUSIONS ✍️

Found this picture online some time ago and thought it was so well done. I don't know who created it, but to whoever did.👍 I guess, it depends on what you're focusing on. Look carefully and once you see it, I think you will be amazed too.😊 

It also got me thinking about how so much of our lives, is a dance between 'what's Real and what is merely an Illusion, that often stems from an Over-Imaginative Mind'. 

What an Artist does with Colours, a Writer does with Words.✨️

MY WORLD OF WORDS✍️

So, what're you going to write about?
That's a question a lot of people ask;
But the answer to that, I know not yet,
Just baby steps now, before the real task.

Can writing ever be completely 'real'?
I sometimes have to question myself;
Imagination, Illusion, Fiction and Fact
All jumbled up, in every book on the shelf.

Where does Inspiration come from?
Everywhere, Somewhere, you never know;
A person, a picture, a word, a song,
Once a thought wanders through, 'Off you go'.

What's the most fascinating thing about it?
This Word-Play in the stadium of Life; 
Giving a voice to feelings, Real enough to cry,
The sheer Joy of creating, a pathway out of strife.😊

(Originally posted on FB on 24th November' 22)

DE-CLUTTERING THE MIND ✍️

When I was growing up, I used to steer clear of groups of boys, who were standing or sitting together on building compound walls in the neighbourhood. They somehow always seemed to have something to say about every person who walked past, which obviously made those who were passing by, a little uncomfortable and nervous, and often caused us to try and avoid venturing out at the times, when these compound wall chats happened.

Then some years later I went to college; and once again, I found this different group of guys there as well, who constantly stood around a particular spot, and passed comments about everyone who walked by. I don't think they ever realised how many people (girls especially) preferred to take a longer round-about route, to go wherever they needed to go, just so that they didn't become a part of those daily male gossip sessions.

Almost two decades after that, (because I worked with mostly women during that time, where my female colleagues always out-numbered the male ones; and so thankfully, I didn't have to deal with that discomfort, during those years), I was re-visited by those very similar unsettling feelings once more. They somehow took me right back in time, and made me think of those childhood compound wall boys, and those college bullies, who were just always standing around, making everyone feel uncomfortable, with their unkind remarks and boyish giggles. 

You would probably think, that boys mature and outgrow those silly school and college-boy habits, when they turn into men. However, I discovered that this group, was still doing exactly the same thing, each time they got together. 

Pulling people down with harsh words, being rude and unkind, at the drop of a hat, passing judgements based on their own personal biases; to a point where they actually began to seem like those same 'bullies' that I used to keep my distance from, both in my neighbourhood and in college.

Grown men, with wives and children, still behaving like they could say 'anything' to and about anyone; and all the time, not even caring how their 'insensitive words' (that they consider jokes), could really affect another person's morale or hurt another person. Someone, who may just be trying to find a small way, to make them smile everyday; and ended up finding 'insensitivity' instead.😔

Experiences like these just make me wonder about so many things...

What makes people so critical and cynical in life, that they have to always pass rude remarks and offensive comments about other people?

Why can't people just 'live and let live', instead of always having an opinion about everything that someone else does, to the point of causing the other, a feeling of discomfort in their presence?

Why don't people realise that the same things that they are saying and doing to others today, may one day come full circle and happen to someone, in their own families too?

I don't usually write posts like these, (and maybe my words and thoughts won't even matter and may just be passed off as 'nonsense or rubbish' by a few); but occasionally, there are things that need to be said, because 'what is of no consequence to someone, may actually matter to another'. Also because, these thoughts have been weighing heavily on the mind for a very long time. Unfortunately though, saying them to the people who actually need to hear it, only results in hurt and misunderstandings, leading to 'fractured friendships' (which no one really wants to cause or happen). 

But I guess, at the same time, getting it out of the system and putting it down in words somewhere, is extremely necessary for our own sanity and peace of mind. It's what might probably prevent us, from turning into just another over-cynical and extremely critical individual.

...and it is always better to be a person, who simply tries to 'fill the world with a little ray of sunshine', even in the tiniest of ways, if and when we can.✍️

NEW ADVENTURES...NEW BEGINNINGS ✍️

As someone who loves to write, I know that the minute I start writing something new, the thoughts just flow; and sometimes, I have to rein myself in and force myself to stop...Otherwise, I can just go on and on and on.😊 Friends who've been at the listening end or who are forced to read what I write, would know exactly what I mean.😂

I guess, every new thing we do in life, is kind of like writing a new story too.💕 At the beginning, you're completely clueless about where it's going to lead; but slowly, the thoughts become a wonderful creation of words and feelings...and so often, when I go back and read things that I've written, I wonder where those thoughts came from or how I ever came up with whatever I was reading.

I guess, till we actually set out on a new adventure of creating something new, we would never know that we can actually do it.❤

(Originally posted on FB, last year on the 3rd of April '22. 

These pictures, I just found on the internet in a random search and I shared them, because they matched what I wanted to say.)

THE WONDER OF YOU ✨️✍️

 

Different
Unique
One of a kind;
Exceptional
Unusual
Not easy to find.

Distinctive
Individual
With no parallel;
Outstanding
Remarkable
So completely swell.

Rare
Special
A class apart;
Singular
Extraordinary
A work of art.

Strangely Spectacular
The Creator's ways;
No Duplication
His policy stays.

Carefully Crafted
With utmost Care;
Artistic Genius
Each, Beyond Compare.

Amazingly Awesome
A Mysterious Melody;
Imperfect Perfection
In Genetic Harmony.

You're A 'Masterpiece'
'Limited Edition' Alright;
Another Like You
Is Nowhere in Sight.️✍️

If we substitute 'You' with 'Me'; we would have some 'Self-Affirmations' and some 'Positive Reinforcement' to make us feel so good, about 'The Wonder' that We Truly Are.😊

For all those times, when we need to remind ourselves of the fact that,
'I Am Me and I Am Special'.❤️

As I wrote this post, it took me back to a memory with my mum.😊️ We had this kind of 'special joke' between us, when I would sometimes say to her; 'You know, you're lucky to have a daughter like ME'...and her reply would always be, 'I know I am'❤️...and those simple moments, would always make us laugh and keep smiling for a long time.😊

Writing sometimes stems from a memory; and at other times, it brings back an old memory.✨️❤️✍️

(Originally posted on FB, earlier this year on the 16th of February '23.)

GOING PLACES ✍️

 

A little world of my own,
That no one else can share;
Probably only a select few,
Find their way in there.

A little virtual space,
My alternate reality in a way;
A welcome hideaway, an escape,
Comfort I turn to everyday.

A little cozy nook, I love to be,
Where words suddenly appear;
Like a fountain sprinkling joy,
Making the silence, magically disappear.

A little parallel dimension,
Imagination, Creativity, A Dream;
Somewhere, it all flows as freely,
As a harmonious, glimmering stream.

A little mirage, this sunlit paradise,
My Happy Place, you know;
Sometimes 'Blessings' just happen,
Setting Grateful Smiles aglow.✨️😊

(Originally posted on FB, earlier this year on the 24th of February '23) 

WHEN THOUGHTS BECOME WORDS ✍️

WANDERING THOUGHTS ✍️

Imperfectly Perfect
People

Impossibly Possible
Situations

Indefinitely Definite
Moments

Infinitely Finite
Life

(Originally posted on FB, last year on 9th November'22)

THE HEAD vs THE HEART✍️

 

Sometimes, I just feel like putting down my thoughts in verse, and exercising those poetic skills too; instead of just long endless paragraphs. Today is one of those days.🙂

Always a tough decision...When faced with a choice, which one do you listen to more?🤔

THE HEAD vs THE HEART

Often on two opposite tracks,
Both direct us on which way to turn;
But which one we must listen to,
Is a lesson very hard to learn.

For they both seem to have their reasons,
And they both seem to be so right;
But somehow, most times they confuse us,
Leave us questioning, wondering thru' the night.

The head is always so logical
Seems to leave nothing to chance;
The heart of course is carefree
Ever ready to get out there, to dance.

In listening to one, you may be correct now;
But one day, you may realise you were wrong.
How do you choose which way to go?
In this tug of war, which team is strong?

I guess some guidance would always help,
From family, from friends, from God above;
Cause the head may know which way to go,
But a heartless decision it would be, with no Love.✨️❤

(I first shared this as a post on FB on 24th June, 2022. I posted this picture that I found online in a random search, with my post, only because it matched what I had written, so perfectly.)

I DIDN'T ASK, DID I? 🤔✍️

 

There's no 'quick-fix solution' to anything in life
I wish more people could understand that;
Every time you offer someone an 'instant remedy',
Which seems to just flow, right off your bat.

It's probably human nature to problem solve,
And so it comes automatically to a few;
But there are some self-professed 'hermit crabs',
Who prefer to find their own way, in its lieu.

You may think your suggestions will help
Someone that seems lost, or so you think;
But those nesting crablets, always find the ocean
And some weather beaten ships, don't easily sink.

Curious, inquiring minds, with noses that poke a lot,
Are the reason some would rather be alone;
Quiet concern and 'a listening ear', more appreciated
Than intrusive fixers, who're always 'in the zone'.🙊

If you've ever been at the receiving end of 'unsolicited free advice', you'll get this post, a little quicker than the ones, who constantly dish it out.😊 With my 'teacher' hat on, I think this comes naturally to me; and I may probably be guilty, of offering unwanted advice, innumerable times to students, family and friends too. So maybe, this post is for me also.🤷‍♀️

But actually, over the last few years of pondering, while retreating into a relatively 'silent cocoon', away from the maddening crowd; I've realised that I consciously stay away from any and all situations, where I have to communicate with and talk to people (preferring virtual interactions, over real ones, like a 'friendly recluse'), precisely because I do not wish to hear anybody's opinions about my life situations, during 'every' interaction.

May seem like a very extreme and unhealthy 'coping mechanism'; but every time I do take a step out of my sound-proofed comfort zone; the annoying voices of the overbearing, willing helpers, drown out my solitude completely.

So, I think this is some 'Free Advice', to anyone who thinks they are being helpful; 'Don't butt in, till someone asks for your assistance. Let people find their own way'. Everyone eventually does, at their own pace and in their own time.😊

(I first shared this post on FB last year, on 27th October, 2023. Obviously, I was in some strange mood, when I wrote this 'very uncharacteristic' post. Found a picture that matched that crazy mood, online as well.)

BEING DIFFERENTLY 'ME'.✍️

 

Our differences make us unique
And give us a mind of our own;
They add variety and spice to life,
And when we co-exist, we've grown.

When we're different, we stand out
We make a mark in the world;
Countless 'out of the box' ideas
In an innovative mind, are twirled.

Seeing everything around us differently
Gives us new perspectives, new insights;
Every creative thought makes us soar
To reach, unbelievable new heights.

But, being different could also mean,
Fitting in, is not always a piece of cake;
It's really impossible to fit into a groove
To be who you're not, to be fake.

Just two different, like chalk and cheese
And never the twain shall meet;
Like parallel lines, running side by side
Nowhere intersecting, forever incomplete.

Our differences make us who we are
In this world, help us make a place;
But instead of celebrating that variety
Why do we wear masks over our face? 🤔✍️

(Went online to find the stories of those cover pics, of the two 'Children's Story Books' I shared with my post today. Just found those pics in a random search and then went to check, what the stories were about.😊

The stories were lovely; and one of them led me to this video. It's meant for kids, but with a lesson for everyone. I liked it. So, thought I would share it for anyone who wants to listen to a nice little uplifting story for kids, that kind of matches what I wrote in this post.)💕

YOU ARE SPECIAL

- Max Lucado

(I originally shared this post on FB, a year ago on the 6th of November'22)

WHEN I NEED YOU✨️❤️

 

WHEN I NEED YOU (Leo Sayer)

- Carlton Braganza and Sonia Shirsat

  (Jukebox Jammies, Live from Lisbon)

One of those songs, that you can keep listening to over and over again, because it's so melodious and meaningful.✨️❤️

DO WE REALLY KNOW?🤔✍️

OF LOVE AND LOSS ✨️❤️

That faraway look in those tear-filled eyes,
A thousand crazy questions whirling around,
A million confused thoughts in that restless mind,
Everyone's talking; but she can't hear a sound.

I want to say, 'How well I know this pain!'
And I wish, her anguish I could share;
Instead, I quietly sit close by, holding her hand,
Just so she knows, that 'I'm There'.

Words almost seem like 'noise' sometimes,
A meaningless jumble, a clanging cymbal, a resounding gong;
Pointless, Unnecessary - They bring absolutely no comfort,
Even from a well-meaning, concerned, friendly throng.

No one really knows that feeling of loss,
Even if you've been there yourself, a few times before;
Every painful experience is different, Each one's story, 'Their Own',
On this, our inevitable solitary journey, towards heaven's door.✨️✍️

Two of my teacher friends from DB, lost their husbands over the last two weeks; and one of them (whose life partner bid adieu to this world, only a couple of days ago) used to sit right next to me in the staffroom, for many, many years...When you've worked together for two long decades, you get to know the families of your colleagues, a little bit as well; a few, more than others. You meet them at school events, family functions and occasions; you keep hearing about everyday household stories and experiences, in free periods and at recess time in school; and if you happen to live in the same vicinity, you even bump into them at random places like the market or the bank, or they sometimes give you a lift, on your way to school as well. In the process, they become a tiny part of your world too.😔

So, when they just suddenly and unexpectedly vanish one day, (and at a very young age too), it is as much of a shock to you, as it is to your friend and her family. You're left just as lost and speechless, as everyone else. You actually know all those feelings, that she is going through, and you almost re-live them, all over again...The million questions, the innumerable words left unspoken, the countless things left incomplete and half-done, the sense of being completely overwhelmed, by the enormity of everything that is still to be done, in this (who knows how long) uncertain life, that lies ahead.

...But more than anything, it just breaks your already wounded and bruised heart, one more time.😪                  

ONE MORE DAY 🎶

- Diamond Rio (Boyce Avenue)

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?🤔

THE PERSONA VS THE PERSON ✍️

Have been thinking about why 'celebrity' deaths in another part of the world, especially untimely and unexpected ones, make people everywhere, feel just a little sad.😪 We've never met or seen them in person; and they don't even know that we exist, in some part of the universe, oceans apart from where they are.

...and yet, there is a sense of loss in our hearts, when we hear that they've moved on from this life. Just the thought that we will never watch them on screen again, fills us with a very strange and difficult to explain 'emptiness'.😔

Each time any actor, singer or performer that we've watched or heard a lot on TV, in movies or on stage, or whose songs we've listened to often, passes away, we feel that slight sadness. That feeling lingers on for a while too, and it's sometimes difficult to understand 'why'.🤔

I think it affects us a little more, if we've been especially fond of a particular artist. I know I felt like that, when I heard that the Patch Adams/ Mrs.Doubtfire actor - Robin Williams, had died, some years ago; and I felt it again, when I heard about Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), a couple of days ago.

It's not that I was a huge fan of either of them, and I didn't really follow their careers or the things they did, all the time; but there was something about some of their performances, or the characters they played on screen, that endeared them to me. Maybe, I just liked them, because they made me Laugh.😊

These were two people however, who 'In Reality' definitely were the perfect representation, of those Charlie Chaplin lyrics, from the 'happiest sad song' or the 'saddest happy song', that I love...

'Smile though your heart is aching,
Smile even though it's breaking;
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by,
If you just Smile.'🎶😪

They truly made the whole world Smile and Laugh all the time; even when their own lives were full of long and relentless personal struggles of their own. It makes us all ponder on the difference between the 'On Screen Stage Personas', that people who are always in the limelight, create for the whole world to see...Completely the opposite and different, from what lies behind those smiles; those 'Real Life Feelings and Experiences' that they actually struggle and battle with, every single day.🎭

But hiding behind masks, creating alternate versions of reality, almost living in a parallel universe, somehow seems to be something, that every single person does constantly; and from long before the pandemic forced us to wear masks, for a few years.😷 

Whether a 'celebrity' or just another 'ordinary human being', I think in some ways, we're all a little like that, in our own lives too, aren't we?🤔

I WONDER WHY...

PERHAPS LOVE ✨️❤️

 

Lyrics like these make songs Special.😊

I like the many 'comparisons' used by the Songwriter, to describe Love.💞

PERHAPS LOVE (Song Lyrics) 🎶

- John Denver and Placido Domingo

Perhaps Love is like a resting place
A shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort
It is there to keep you warm;
And in those times of trouble
When you are most alone
The memory of Love will bring you home.❤️

Perhaps Love is like a window
Perhaps an open door
It invites you to come closer
It wants to show you more;
And even if you lose yourself
And don't know what to do
The memory of Love will see you through.✨️

Oh, Love to some is like a cloud
To some as strong as steel
For some a way of living
For some a way to feel;

And some say Love is holding on
And some say letting go
And some say Love is everything
And some say they don't know.🤔

Perhaps Love is like the ocean
Full of conflict, full of pain
Like a fire when it's cold outside
Or thunder when it rains;
If I should live forever
And all my dreams come true
My memories of Love will be of you.✍️🎶

I first discovered this beautiful song, when Carlton Braganza sang it on his online show 'Jukebox Jammies' some years ago. I thought the lyrics were exceptionally meaningful and beautiful; and I've loved the song ever since that first time, when I heard it.❤️

This is from a more recent show, earlier this year. Carlton singing that same song as Placido, in a cover duet version with John Denver.😊

DARE TO DREAM ✨️❤️

Many years ago, we had picked the Theme 'Dare to Dream' for our Annual Day at DB; because we wanted our students to see, how 'Every Dreamer is an Inspiration and a Role-Model'.✨️

As I worked on writing that Script, I remember how I spent many weeks reading about the most 'Inspirational Dreamers' around the world, from various fields;😊 together with also looking for a whole bunch of appropriate 'Songs written about Dreamers', to match the script.🎶💃

This was a song that I had picked that year. It was also one of the songs, sung at the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, by John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John.❤️

DARE TO DREAM (Song Lyrics) ✍️🎶

- John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John

I am my own Believer
In my Heart the Reason
I will follow the Light from within;
I'm not afraid of weakness
I'm gonna taste the sweetness
Of the power not to give in.
Oh I will see it through
I Believe, this is my Moment of Truth.

Dare to Dream
Dare to Fly
Dare to be the ever Chosen One to touch the sky
Dare to Reach
Dare to Rise
Find the Strength to set my spirit free
Dare to Dream.🌟

I will Go the Distance
Embrace resistance
I will lay my soul on the line;
When the wait is over
And the hunger has spoken
If I give my all, I will shine.
Oh I will see it through
I Believe, this is my Moment of Truth.

Dare to Dream
Dare to Fly
Dare to be the ever Chosen One to touch the sky
Dare to Reach
Dare to Rise
Find the Strength to set my spirit free
Dare to Dream.🌟

And my Heart will Shine like the Sun
A million voices Together as One
I Believe, I Believe, I Believe, I Believe.💞

Dare to Dream
Dare to Fly
Dare to be the ever Chosen One to touch the sky
Dare to Reach
Dare to Rise
Find the Strength to set my spirit free.

Dare to Dream
Dare to Fly
Dare to be the ever Chosen One to touch the sky
Dare to Reach
Dare to Rise
Find the Strength to set my spirit free
Find the Strength to do what I Believe

Dare To Dream

Dare To Dream✨️❤️

A26 at RAY' 2022 in IC 🎶💕

So, I went to the St.Francis Grounds a little early last evening, because I wanted to meet Chrystal Farrell (another awesome friend that I made, because of Carlton Braganza and Jukebox Jammies) before the show. I ended up meeting and posing for an unexpected pic with the whole Band.😊 That didn't even happen, when I went to listen to A26 at Cohiba in Goa; and I felt like some celebrity myself, as I stood there for a pic, with all these awesome musicians together.🙈 Thanks Chrystal!🤗❤️

I don't even need to say this, but just about everybody loved the show.This time, I decided to enjoy the show from right in front of the stage, instead of watching from the back. The energy and enthusiasm there, was quite something.😊 

Our parishioners, friends and lots of people from elsewhere too, who love A26, all dancing the night away, jumping, cheering and singing along. I usually stay away from being 'in the heart of the action' like that, and always prefer to watch from the sidelines...But I went closer to the stage last night, only because I wanted some nice clear videos.

After reading this post, someone who knows me well, asked me with a very confused expression, 'So, were you dancing, when you were so close to the stage?'😂😂😂 

A26 is simply amazing and definitely one of 'India's Finest Bands' today. You just have to look at their social media pages, to know how much and how often they're travelling, all over the place. Part of the 'Frequent Flyers Club', like someone calls them.😊 But, the fact that they travel so much and constantly have shows all over, proves how much in demand they are everywhere...and that can only be, because they are so good.❤️

In conversations with musically inclined friends from IC, after the show, there was one common feeling. We were just so 'Happy' to have had a 4-day event like this in IC.😊 Has never happened before and it really made us 'feel good'. 

To see how so many talented musicians were in the audience last night (few, not even from IC), made us feel 'Proud', that our Parish hosted something like this. 

So, once again to the organisers of 'Ray - Asha ki Kiran, 2022'; a big 'Thumbs-Up' for a job really well done. It truly was a 'Fabulous' event, in every respect.👏👏👏

This has also been a really eventful week for me. Beginning with the two days of the International Jazz Festival at the NCPA, then Darren and Niloufer's 'That Christmas Spirit and more' at St.Andrew's, followed by these two days that I attended at 'Ray' here in IC, hearing Remo and A26 'Live'.

I'm sure the 'Chief Musician', who writes the music score of all our lives, was in the mood to fill my life, with lots of music this week😊🎶💕

...and actually, my heart still longed to be at a couple of other shows too; because there were so many events happening this week. If only, I could have been, in more than one place at once.😊

...but another thought that comes to mind is that, if I was still in school, I would have never been able to make the time to attend so many concerts in one week, with all the endless school work. So, I must be 'Grateful' for the musical experiences I did have, and the many countless friends I met this week.

...and yes, 'EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.'✨️❤️

(This is a post I shared on FB a year ago, in December' 2022.)

MAKING MUSIC THE 'A26' WAY 🎶💕

Was introduced to A26, this amazing Band from Goa, on Carlton Braganza's online music show 'Jukebox Jammies', during the lockdown. Loved the voices of both Lester Rodrigues and Chrystal Farrell.🤗❤ I think they are both fantastic.

Since then, over the last three years, I have followed them and listened to many of their songs online; and have discovered how talented every single member of the band is. Grayston Vaz, Marwino Da Costa, Ignatius Rodrigues, Alfin Fernandes, Joe Pereira - Fabulous musicians, who all sing too, play multiple instruments; and most of all, they just enjoy the music. You can see that in every song they sing.🙂🎶💕

If you follow them online, you'll realise how packed and hectic their schedule is sometimes, because they travel all over, singing and performing; but you'll still always see them smiling and enjoying themselves, when they're on stage. That enjoyment is infectious, and the audience catches it instantly too.😃

So, when I was in Goa for a few days in May 2022, I made sure I went and listened to them 'Live'; since they're at 'Cohiba' every Wednesday night. They almost didn't perform there, in the week I was in Goa, because of another event; but thankfully, their plans changed at the last minute, and the show that day, didn't get cancelled. Whenever you are in Goa, you must make sure you go, and experience a 'Live' A26 performance.🙂

They really are such a great band; and while their online videos are awesome, listening to them 'Live', makes you feel proud that we have a band as good as that in India, and a little more proud that it's a band from Goa.❤

(This was a post, that I had shared on FB, in July 2022)

YOU'RE THE INSPIRATION ✨️🎶 (Song Lyrics)

- Chicago

You know our love was meant to be
The kind of love that lasts forever;
And I want you here with me
From tonight until the end of time.

You should know, 

Everywhere I go;

Always on my mind, 

in my heart,

In my soul, baby.

You're the meaning in my life
You're the Inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the Inspiration✨️
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me sayin'
No one needs you more than I Need You.❤️

And I know, yes I know that it's plain to see
So in love when we're together;
Now I know that I need you here with me
From tonight until the end of time.

You should know, 

Everywhere I go;

Always on my mind, 

In my heart,

In my soul.

You're the meaning in my life
You're the Inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the Inspiration✨️
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me sayin'
No one needs you more than I Need You.❤️

Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me sayin'
No one needs you more than I need you.

You're the meaning in my life
You're the Inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the Inspiration

When you love somebody 'til the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind
No one needs you more than I

When you love somebody 'til the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind
I Need You.✨️❤️

EXTRA-ORDINARILY 'YOU' 🌟💕

Sometimes, we may think we haven't really done that much, to deserve praise and accolades... 

What we may not realise, is that what we thought was just Ordinary to us, was actually 'Extra-Ordinary' to someone else; because to those people, a lot of 'little bits of nonsense' actually made 'a whole bunch of sense'.😊💕

I guess, we can all try to fill the world with the warmth, brightness and love that a ray of sunshine brings, in little ways everyday. That 'one ray' that creeps into a dark corner, even through a little crevice, a tiny slit somewhere or even through a locked door, could 'make the biggest difference' to another person's life, without us even realising it.✨️

BE THAT RAY ❤️

To know just how much brightness,
You bring to each new day;
Look through those tear-laden eyes,
Whose pain you laugh away.

To know just how much sunshine,
You bring to every dark room;
Look at that storm-beaten life,
Filled with cheer, instead of gloom.

To know just how much warmth,
You bring to each chilly night;
Look at the cloud-filled sky,
Where rainbows, are now in sight.

To know just how much light,
You bring to every lonely heart;
Look at those frown-clad faces,
Smiling more, with the 'Will to Restart'.😊

(From a post I had shared on FB, exactly a year ago, on this day in October'22.)

WISH YOU JOY IN THE YEAR AHEAD 😊🎶

There is no better way to bring in a New Year, than by listening to some beautiful songs. Children always know how to share a smile, and I found this wonderful song, in which some little children are sharing a lot of joy, through their melodious New Year song.💕

The second song is also a lovely prayer, that the world may be a better place in the New Year. 

Happy Listening!😊🎶

LIVE IN THE MOMENT, ONE DAY AT A TIME ✨️🌈

Sometimes, the unexpected turns that life takes are so difficult to comprehend and understand. They come out of nowhere just when you think that everything is going really smoothly; and they just hit you so straight in the face, that you don't even have the time to duck.

Close on the heels of one tragedy, the first major illness, made its way into our lives, about 9 years ago. After two surgeries and a prolonged treatment, we thought that it was over and done with. We went on with our lives as usual; and almost forgot about what had happened, as time went by, because we had got busy with everything we were doing everyday.

And then, like a thief in the night, lurking in the shadows, the sickness re-surfaced once again. This time, with a vengeance, and in a part of the body where most treatments, however good and intensive, would most certainly fail.

Still, we went through the grind of another major surgery, followed by numerous sessions of the dreaded chemos. Supplemented the treatment, with the right food and nutrition. Took every precaution under the sun, to avoid infection. Tried to stay exceptionally positive, even through times, when we knew things were steadily headed downhill...and most of all, we constantly lived in hope, that maybe, things might just get better; and possibly, there could be a tiny glimmer of light, at the end of a long and endless dark tunnel, that lasted almost one and a half years.😔

But despite every effort and ceaseless prayers from family, friends and loved ones everywhere; the body just kept growing steadily weaker and weaker. The cells were spreading like wild-fire, and gradually infesting the important organs, one after another, irrespective of the treatment. It was as if the treatment, just hadn't made the slightest dent on the sickness at all; despite being quite intensive.😢

The 'body weight' kept dwindling at a rapid pace. Extensive research (which I eventually became a master at doing, because there really is so much to learn and know about, in the field of medicine and treatment), showed that it is precisely this factor, of rapid and continuous weight loss, which actually takes its toll on the patient, and not just the Cancer itself. So, we tried our best to keep the weight loss at bay too; but despite everything we did, eventually the body gave up.🤷🏻‍♀️

The battle to outsmart this challenging disease, raged on for almost a year and a half. Nothing worked. 

I remember being utterly devastated nine years ago, when I first heard the news that my mother had developed Breast Cancer. To hear that she had developed Pancreatic Cancer, a little over seven years later, just when we thought all was well, was so difficult to handle, especially since there are very few encouraging stories, that you hear about Pancreatic Cancer survivors. The struggle to beat the sickness was long and hard; and finally, even though we did so much, we could do absolutely nothing to overcome it.😔

Words would not be able to describe the ordeal, both of us went through together; and the pain she experienced, constantly every single day, for months at a stretch, was too unbearable to even see.😢 

The sickness literally squeezed out so much life, energy, enthusiasm and everything else, from both of us. God gave us the strength to stay positive for a large part of this journey; but there were many moments, when it was a real challenge, to keep our spirits up.

So why am I sharing, this sad and painful experience. Simply because through everything that we went through and experienced, I learned so much. 

What did this experience teach me?🤔

I think the most important lesson I have learned, is to just 'Live in the Moment'. No one knows what tomorrow holds in store; and it is absolutely pointless, to worry about the future. Just live life 'One Day At A Time', and cherish all the special people you care about, while they are still here; because one day, they suddenly won't be around anymore, and no matter how much you wish you could talk to them again, you won't be able to.💕

'Smile' a little more everyday.😊

'Be Grateful' for the memories and the good times.✨️ 

Just be 'Thankful' for everything and everyone who adds some joy to your life.🙏

'Share a Laugh'.😂 

Cherish every experience. Life is beautiful. Just live life, being a good human being at every step of the way.

Above everything else, have a strong Faith in the Creator. Even though, there may be times, when things may not seem to be going our way in life, He knows what's best for us; and He will always be there, to accompany us at every step of the way, no matter how difficult the journey may be. Always believe that.🤍

I cannot end this post, without the biggest word of Gratitude, to the innumerable number of doctors, nurses, nutritionists and health care professionals, that we interacted with, over the last nine years. They truly are the 'Hands of God' in this world.🤗❤️

I often wonder, how they cope with the stress and strain of the work they do. Their efforts, so often go unnoticed. They may not always be able to work miracles, but they never stop trying to make a difference; and that is so commendable. 

So grateful to have met every single one of them. I may never see them again; but I will always be Thankful, for their role in my journey through life.✨️🌈

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME ✨️❤️

     

I often wonder about how so many of my Friendships first began. It's fascinating to think about how two people, whose paths never crossed at all for years, suddenly met one day; and then as time passed by, he or she became a Dear Friend. 

Some may call it a chance encounter; but I think that every person who I call My Friend, was meant to be an important part of my life.✨️

I'm happy God chose to bring each one of my Friends into my life, at different stages of time, over the years. With each Friend, I have special memories, and lasting bonds of Love and Friendship. 

Time and Distance keeps some far away; but the Love we share, will forever stay. Grateful for every 'Special Gift' in Life, that I am blessed to call my 'Friends'.😊  

 

(The adorable Claire Crosby with her Dad, singing 'You've got a Friend in Me', on The Ellen Show.)❤️

BUTTERFLY 🦋

I had the sweetest experience one bright and sunny day, in late September last year. 

A little yellow butterfly,  started flying around me for a few moments; and then quietly came and settled on my green outfit a couple of times, before flying off, in its quest to find another pretty flower.🦋🌻

This joyful moment lasted for less than a few minutes but it made me and a few other children around me smile for those few moments. The joy that those brief moments brought, has lasted right through the day; and it also made me think of this really old song, that I had heard many years ago. 

I still have that old audio cassette by 'Nicole' called 'A Little Peace', which has this song called 'Butterfly' on it. As a child, I loved listening to that cassette, over and over again. It used to be one of my favourites, back then. 🎶  

Was happy to find this song online. Just passing the joy along. Keep smiling everyone!😊

A LITTLE PEACE 🤍💕

   

Moments of trials and difficulties are inevitable in life. They crop up unexpectedly and without a warning; but through every trial in life, there is always a 'glimmer of hope', that things will get better. There is always a new sunrise after every dark night, a bright ray of sunshine after every storm has passed; and a long awaited light at the end of every tunnel.✨️

We just have to believe that a little love and a small prayer, can make a 'big difference'. Together with this, a tiny bit of patience and a little understanding, is all we need to bring about a change.😊

Here's a beautiful song called 'A Little Peace' by Nicole, that has always been one of my favourites, ever since I was in school. I'm glad someone has uploaded this album on YT. It used to be a favourite of mine, when I was growing up. 💕

JUST THOUGHTS THAT CROSS MY MIND ✍️

Even though I enjoy writing, I just haven't been able to find the time to sit and put down my thoughts. However, I still try to post a few of my thoughts on social media, from time to time. So, I've just pulled out some of those random posts from FB, and shared them here.
 
3rd October,2016 ✍️

Each of us is called to be an instrument of love and peace in this world. 

We only have one life to live, so much to give and so much to share. 

There is love to be found, let's look around...There's happiness at every bend and turn. 

Share a smile...Spread the joy.😊😊😊

(Lyrics from the song 'People over the world').🎶

20th October,2016 ✍️

Life is an Adventure...So many memories, friendships and unforgettable moments, at every step of the way, along this journey. I thank God for all the smiles, the special friendships, the precious memories.✨️

26th October,2016 ✍️

I can write a book on all the beautiful memories, spent with my boys on school trips. There have been so many over the years; but I have vivid memories of every single one. Right now, all those memories are floating around in my head; but maybe some day, they will find their way into a book.

Without a doubt, a lot of my students and friends will be important characters, in those happy stories...

A very exciting thought!

Just another thing to add to my long-term 'To-do' list.😊

10th November,2016 ✍️

Happiness comes from just celebrating and re-living, the joyous moments of life, whenever you feel like. 

Life is beautiful, when 'Happy Memories' are your 'Travel Companions' everyday.✨️

4th December,2016 ✍️

Sometimes, there are so many things we want to say...

So many feelings we wish we could express...

A number of thoughts we would like to share...

But then, we choose not to say anything instead. We decide not to express, what we really feel. We refrain from sharing what we really wish we could...

There are times when choosing not to speak out, could be the reason, for allowing a lot of things to go wrong; but sometimes, silence really does speak louder than words.🤷🏻‍♀️

10th December,2016 ✍️

God has blessed all of us human beings, with the beautiful gift of a SMILE.😊

A simple yet precious gift, that enables us to express and communicate our joy.

Let's try and use this wonderful gift more often. Share a smile wherever you are. It won't take long for the world around us, to become a happier place. 

Keep smiling everyone!😊😊😊

19th February,2017 ✍️

There's so much to be thankful for, 

In our lives everyday.
There's so much to smile about, 

And with grateful hearts to pray.🙏

Life is full of countless blessings, 

Of which all the ups and downs are a part.
And each person we encounter in life, 

Leaves an imprint of themselves, on our heart.❤️

Grateful for every memorable moment 

And for every person, who makes life worthwhile.
Thankful for every special friend, near and far, Just thinking of them makes me smile.😊

There's no real reason, 

No occasion, no special day.
But just because I felt like it, 

I'm sharing some love in my own way.💕

23rd February, 2017 ✍️

Our stories in life are shaped by our experiences. 

They may make us, break us, teach us or inspire us.

It all depends on how we respond to every situation. 

There are countless twists and turns in the tale of life; and what makes it so exciting, is that we never really know, what the next page has in store.🤔

ECHOES FROM THE HEART ✨️❤️

There are days when she just wants to sit down and weep,
When her tears fall as quick as the rain,
When she's upset and sad, and hurt beyond words,
When her heart just cries out in pain.😢

There are moments when she feels so lost and alone,
When she longs for a shoulder to cry on;
When she wishes she had someone to share things with,
When she longs for the night to turn to dawn.😔

The world only sees the warmth and the happy smiles,
And hears the cheerful chatter, the joyous laugh.
Friends often think her life is just a breeze,
And that her cares can be measured in half.🙄

People are always mistaken, that someone else's life,
Is much better, than what they go through every day.
They compare, contrast and finally conclude
That someone else is better off, in every little way.🤔

But the reality though, is a bitter pill,
One that's hard to swallow and understand;
Cause while the world is surrounded by those they love,
She often ends up longing, for that one elusive hand.✨️

That one hand to hold, when she's all alone,
That one hand that can reach out and say, "I'm there."
That one pair of hands to extend a warm hug,
That one hand that will always say, "I care."🤗

Her life is filled with blessings aplenty,
With countless happy moments and precious memories galore.
She has met people, who've left an indelible mark,
And friends, as many as the shells on a shore.💕

But amidst all the smiles and the joyful cheer,
There is always a lingering sense of loss.
The wishing and hoping, the yearning and praying,
For the grace and courage to bear every cross.🙏

She sometimes wishes, she could take her loved ones home,
And forever with her, keep them near and close;
But wishes and dreams don't always come true
That's a reality, that everyone knows.🤷🏻‍♀️

So she keeps on Smiling her way through life,
And teaches everyone she meets, to do the same.
While the sadness, the tears and the lonely heart remains,
Hidden behind 'The Perfect Smile', so synonymous with her name. 😊✍️

PASSING THOUGHTS ✍️

June 10, 2016 ✍️

The sun peeps out from behind the rain clouds...

The cuckoo is joyfully singing her song...

A scorching city anxiously awaits those soothing droplets from the skies...

A bright new morning with all its possibilities awaits us...

June 19, 2016 ✍️

A wet day....

A drop in the temperature...

A nice cool breeze...

Sounds heavenly, after the really hot summer and the scorching heat, doesn't it?

But you know what, our human nature will soon lead us to start complaining, about the muck and the puddles, the filth and the dirt.

What if we could react a little differently this year?🤔

If someone passing by in a car, splashes muddy water all over our clean clothes, we may be tempted to say a few unkind words.

Instead, what if we could just look up to heaven, smile and say, "Thank you Lord for the rain. Please let it keep coming."😊☔️

June 22, 2016 ✍️

The sun and shade of life, is something that is part and parcel of our very existence. 

Moments of joy and sorrow, keep playing hide and seek, right through our lives. They are so deeply woven into the fibre of our lives, that they just slip in and out, before we've even realised.

It's easy to smile through the happy times; but the real test, is learning how to 'Keep Smiling', even through the tears.

I pray that more people, will learn how to live each day with a smile; even at times, when the clouds of sadness hide the sunshine in their lives for a while.😊💕

June 25, 2016 ✍️

Just watching the precious drops of rain fall from the skies...

The green trees in my compound, seem even more green and beautiful...

The droplets of rain, continue to hang on to the grills in my window; and each one, almost resembles a little colourless pearl.

The cycle of nature is such a wonderful thing. I can sit and just watch the rain for hours.✨️☔️

June 28, 2016 ✍️

Life is a series of new encounters, new friendships, new beginnings.

I often wonder about, how friendships grow and change, with the passing years. As the years go by, we grow apart from some, and we grow closer to others.

Time and distance, sometimes keeps us away from friends, who were closest to our hearts, at some point in our lives; but somehow, new friends always step in, to fill up the void that their absence creates.❤️

Just the thought, that the constant changes in life, may separate us from the friends we love, is something that we find hard to accept; but I guess, some friendships do last forever. 

No matter how far from one another, life takes us, the bond of love we share, remains strong and lasting...

Grateful for every Friend, who has ever been a part of my life. Always miss the ones who are far away. ✨️🤗