I WILL SURVIVE ✍️

You haven't lived my very unique life,

Full of ups and downs, joy and strife,

So don't tell me, how I should live;

You haven't walked this bumpy road,

Or carried that same heavy load,

So just avoid, the free advice you give.

You haven't shed endless sorrowful tears,

Panicked all night, with never-ending fears,

So don't put, your own spin on my day;

You haven't felt the darts that were aimed,

When your hard work, someone else claimed,

So it's best, that not a word you say.

You haven't lived, hoping against hope,

Sleepless, helpless, barely managing to cope,

So don't tell me, how to do each thing;

You haven't often cried yourself to sleep,

With your world crumbling, tumbling in a heap,

So I'd rather, no words of wisdom you bring.

To tell people, how and what they need to do,

To many, comes just as easily as wearing a shoe,

And eager helpers, always want you to know;

That their way, is always right and best,

That they have solutions to every test,

Follow them, and for certain you will grow.

But I know for certain, I'll never learn,

Till everything, does topsy-turvy turn,

Each moment, an experience only mine;

I may tumble and fall along the way,

But I'll pick up the pieces, every single day,

And hopefully at the end, I'll still be fine. ✍️

'TODAY' IS ALL I HAVE ✍️

 I cry, I sigh

And I often wonder Why,

That restless Yesterday, I remember,

A Life-Time of saying Goodbye.😢

I think, I blink

And I sometimes wonder Where,

That uncertain Tomorrow may lead,

A Journey, with many an unforseen care.🤔

But until then...

I Live, I Give

And I ask no What, no When, no How,

This Today I face, One Moment at a Time,

With A Song to Cheer Each Now.🎶

(Like so many countless, random thoughts that I've put into words, over the last 4 or 5 years, I wrote and posted this one on FB two years ago, on the 26th of Jan '22; and then I forgot all about it. 

Thanks to FB reminders, I can read these again, and now, save them here too.)

MORNING HAS BROKEN 🌤✍️

 

As the long, teary night, 

Turns into a miraculous new day,

As the gloomy darkness fades, 

Slowly giving way to a bright light,

As those wondrous rays, 

Out of nowhere, begin to appear;

Some much needed reminders, 

On the wings of a fresh morn, they bring.

To always keep thinking 

Of the kindest words to say,

To constantly ensure

Those happy thoughts are in sight,

To listen to the birds sing 

They never let their cheerful song disappear.✨️

(Posted on FB, last year on the 23rd of Jan '23.)

MORNING HAS BROKEN 🎶

A beautiful Piano Instrumental version of this song by Ben Fernandez, from Auckland, NZ. 🎶

THERE YOU'LL BE ✨️🎶

 

THERE YOU'LL BE 🎶 (Song Lyrics)

- Faith Hill

When I think back on these times

And the dreams we left behind

I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed to get to have you in my life.

When I look back on these days

I look and see your face

You were right there for me.

In my dreams, I'll always see you soar above the sky,

In my heart, there'll always be a place for you for all my life,

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am, there you'll be

And everywhere I am, there you'll be.

Well, you showed me how it feels

To feel the sky within my reach

And I always will remember all the strength you gave to me.

Your love made me make it through

Oh, I owe so much to you

You were right there for me.

In my dreams, I'll always see you soar above the sky,

In my heart, there'll always be a place for you for all my life,

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am, there you'll be.

'Cause I always saw in you my Light, my Strength,

And I wanna Thank You now for all the ways

You were right there for me

You were right there for me

For Always.

In my dreams, I'll always see you soar above the sky,

In my heart, there'll always be a place for you for all my life,

I'll keep a part of you with me

And everywhere I am, there you'll be

And everywhere I am, there you'll be

There you'll be. ✨️

(I like the 'Music and Lyrics' of this song from the movie 'Pearl Harbour', and found this version that someone posted on YT. It's one in which Faith Hill is singing the song, together with an entire orchestra. So, I thought I would share this one.) 🎶✍️

LESSONS FROM A SMALL SQUARE BOX ✍️😢

In one small square box is now all that remains,

After the creepy crawly tiny creatures have had a royal feast.

Two years down the road, to see your 'Best Friend' reduced to just skull and bones,

Just mud and dust and dirt, mortal remains torn down to the very least.

Not the prettiest sight to watch them put the third set in,

Back into that same little box, where all that's left of a 'Family' will now stay.

While you all enjoy eternity in heaven, this day was a lesson for me,

To be humble and grounded forever, for that's exactly what I will be too, one day.

(I wrote the above verses on FB, on the 22nd of January' 2021, after I had an experience, that I will never forget.)

I've never really been one to visit graves often, because I know there's nothing there, but mortal remains...but this, just happened to be the day on which, whatever little was still left of my mum (over two years after she had passed away), was transferred from her grave, and for that, they opened up the family niche. That gave me a glimpse of the 2 previous bundles of remains, of my dad and brother as well...And even though I know, it's not really them but just bones, it was still extremely hard, to see that and to get through the day. The 'not so pleasant memory' of what I saw the undertakers digging out of her grave that day, is something that will stay with me forever.😢

Today coincidentally, (exactly three years later, on that very same day), I was back in that same spot, standing in front of that small square box. This time though, it was for a very untimely funeral of an old friend, who passed away completely unexpectedly, a couple of days ago. Surrounded by lots and lots of very shocked and equally bewildered friends at his funeral, and looking at my friend (his wife) and their little 11 year old daughter, I couldn't help thinking about how history was kind of repeating itself, in the life of another family and another little girl, who was learning the meaning of 'Death' at almost the same age as me.😔

A DRAMATIC PAUSE ✍️

This post almost turned into a really long 'Short Story';😄 but this is an incident that happened years ago in DB, and one, that I think of, very often. 

A student of mine, who was once playing the main role in an Annual Day Production in school, suddenly forgot his lines on stage, in the middle of the dress rehearsal; and there were a few moments of a very awkward silence, during which all the other actors on stage, just stopped and stared at him.

...and after a little while, this boy, who was actually a 'fabulous actor', just very casually continued his lines, as if nothing had happened.😆

At the end of the show, when I asked him what had happened, he said, "Miss, it was nothing. I was just taking a 'DRAMATIC PAUSE."😂 

I laughed so much at his answer, that day; and have used it as an example, when training the children to act, for years after that; whenever I had to tell students, not to worry or panic, if they ever forgot their dialogues on stage.

I know my teacher friends back in DB, are busy getting set for the Annual Day at the moment. In most Salesian schools, the 'Annual Thanksgiving Days' happen somewhere around the Feast of St.John Bosco. I guess, that's why this memory popped up, in my mind today.😊

This is the first year, after almost two decades, when I'm not part of the preparations...and so every few days, I find myself wondering about, what must be going on in school, during this time.🤔

Really can't help missing it all. Being part of the Planning, Co-ordinating and Writing process year after year; and together with the other teachers in school, training the Comperes, the Actors, the Singers, the Choir, finding just the right Music and Songs, working with the teams helping with Stage set-ups, Props, Sound, Lights, LED graphics for the Backdrops, Choreography...and the countless little things, that went into staging huge School Productions, was always so much fun. 

Sounds really exhausting, when I think about it now; and it definitely was. I used to need a few weeks of rest and lots of sleep, to recover after it all, every year. But, it also gave me the opportunity to use and develop, so many of my 'Creative Talents' and the large variety of things I learnt in the process, from the different people we worked with every year, was so wonderful too.😊

It used to be a very hectic two or three months, from around November to January; because the other events, academics, exams, (and worst of all) paper-corrections,🙈 in school, kept happening simultaneously too. The end result though, was always so satisfying, when I would see almost 1000 students and more, standing on the huge stage 'together at the Finale', from the 'Sound Console'. That was where I would always be, from beginning to end; because like most big events, that was kind of the 'Control Centre', from where everything could be co-ordinated.

I loved how ex-students coming back to school for the Annual Days, always came there directly, if they wanted to meet me.They somehow knew, that they would find me there; because that was where they saw me every year, on the Annual Days. It kind of became my 'permanent spot' for years.😊 

It has been more than a decade, since that, 'Oops, what's my next line?' incident, happened on stage;  but it always makes me 'Smile', whenever I think about it. Somehow, I have never forgotten that 'tiny little hiccup of a story'; and especially, that boy's 'Fabulous Answer'.

As a teacher, there were many times, when our students taught us little lessons like that one...I think, what that 13 or 14 year old child taught me, is that there may be many times in life, when (like the forgotten lines of a play) things just happen a little differently, from the way we thought they would...Instead of getting worked up about it though, all we can do, is to just casually and calmly take a 'Dramatic Pause'; and eventually, things will fall into place, exactly when they need to.️ 

Life is 'the Biggest Production' of all, but it's only just 'A Play', to which we haven't seen the script yet; and as a result, we have absolutely no clue how the next scene might unfold...Of course, I guess not knowing how it's going to end, is what makes a story more interesting...and the 'Author of Life', somehow always knows what He's doing, even when we don't. After all, He is the one Co-ordinating this fascinating Production, from His Control Centre, 'Somewhere Out There'.✍️✨️

* (Shared this last year, on the 18th Jan '23. FB memories reminded me of this 'Story-Time' post of mine today; and since I'm trying to revive this dormant blog and collect as many of the random things I've written over the last few years as I can find, in one place, I thought I would post this here as well.)

DISNEY MAGIC ✨️🎶

'Love will find a way
Anywhere I go
I'm Home
As long as you're beside me;
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way'. 🎶

The 'Magic' of a Disney Song. They've always been my favourite. I'm a huge Disney fan, and it's mostly because of the 'Music' in their movies, which is always magically beautiful.✨️

There are so many Disney songs that I love. This is one of them.😊

LOVE WILL FIND A WAY (Lion King 2) 🎶

In a perfect world
One we've never known
We would never need
To face the world alone.

They can have their world
We'll create our own
I may not be brave
Or strong or smart
But somewhere in my secret heart
I know

Love will find a way
Anywhere I go
I'm Home
As long as you're beside me;
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way.

I was so afraid
Now I realise
Love is never wrong
And so it never dies.

There's a perfect world
Shining in your eyes
And if only they could feel it too
The happiness
I feel with you
They'd know.

Love will find a way
Anywhere we go
We're Home
If we are there together;
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way.

I know
Love will find a way
Anywhere we go
I'm Home
If we are there together;
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way.

I know

Love will find a Way ✨️

I know

Love will find a Way ❤️

(Sharing a video of the song, that someone uploaded on YT.)

RE-IMAGINING A SONG ✨️🎶

There are times when the 'cover versions' of songs sound and look more beautiful than the original. I think that's what is so wonderful about music. People can take a great song and re-imagine it, in their own creative way, both musically and also, in the way the video is picturised.😊

I heard this version of the song first, a few months ago; and then went and listened to the original. I just liked this one more; maybe because the amazing backdrop of the sea, and the lovely harmony, just adds so much to the lyrics of the song.🎶✍️ 

The fact that the song is so free-flowing and doesn't have the rhythm, like the original version, also gives it a very dreamy, magical feel.✨️

DREAM...DREAM...DREAM...🎶✨️

The closest we could ever be

To those Bright, Blue Skies up there,

Is if we accompanied 'A Merry Little Kite'

As it sails on the soothing breeze, 

To who knows where.

The nearest we could wish to get

To that Rainbow that colours the sky,

Is if we journeyed with 'A Forever Restless Plane'

As it goes places through the calming clouds,

Soaring oh so high.

The farthest we could hope to reach

To hug special, loved ones we can't be near,

Is if we cruised along in 'An Over-Imaginative Mind'

As it rides the gentle, relaxing waves, 

Of Happy Dreams so dear.️❤️✍️

(Posted this on FB on this day last year, 14th January '23. I guess the Festival of Sankrant and the kite-flying happening all around, is where this one was born.)

You may say, 'I'm a Dreamer'

But I'm not the only one.🎶

TO A BETTER PLACE I KNOW ✨️✍️

Far, far beyond the stars

Is a much nicer place to be,

Where those we dearly love

Would keep us company.

Up there in those blue skies

Among the clouds so white,

Where the moon in all its glory

Would always be in sight.

Away from life's jagged twists

That just overwhelm the mind,

Where warmth from caring hearts

Would be ever so easy to find.

Basking in those glowing rays,

Beaming down on each new day,

Where time with no beginning 

Would also keep every end at bay.

If only reality wasn't as complex

And it didn't constantly weigh us down,

Where a world full of imaginary dreams

Would chase away every frown.

How wondrous if we could truly find

That one place where we belong,

Where joy and laughter that never ends

Would linger on like a happy song. ✨️✍️

(The starting point of these verses, was an old song by Debbie Reynolds called 'Far Beyond the Stars', from the 1966 film 'The Singing Nun'.)

FAR BEYOND THE STARS 🎶 

- Debbie Reynolds

YOU'LL NEVER KNOW ✍️✨️

Till you've walked that lonely road,

Till you've carried that burdensome load,

Till you've climbed that tall, steep hill

Till you've known 'Life never goes according to your will',

Till you've shed a million tears,

Till you've faced many countless fears,

Till you've weathered some turbulent storms,

Till you've changed too much, to care about the norms,

Till you've so often cried yourself to sleep,

Till you've experienced pain, that runs too deep,

Till you've known that 'All' that you own, are merely 'Just Things',

Till you've lost that warmth and genuine concern, that 'Only Real Family' brings,

Till you've tried each day to 'Smile some More',

Till you've questioned so much, you can't keep score,

Till you've made sure you built up so many walls,

Till you've left unanswered, hundreds of calls,

Till you've hidden in a shell, choosing when you want to peep,

Till you've gone ten steps forward, yet back to 'the Comfort of Silence' you creep,

I could go on, cause 'Writing' is the way I choose to Heal, to Grow,

But even if you read every word, 'Till you really know, You'll Never Know'. ✍️

(Posted this on FB exactly a year ago, on the 9th of January '2023. 

Sometimes, people and experiences hurt or upset you so much, that it all just explodes, in outpourings like these verses.

'Thoughts Expressed' don't mean you're Obsessed or Depressed;
But 'Feelings' have to come out 'Somewhere'.✨️
(Better out here than stuck within.)

THAT SPARKLING STAR ✨️✍️

Only One Bright twinkling 'Star'

Lighting up the calm night sky, 

Led the way to 'A Wondrous Superstar',

Who in a humble manger did lie.

The Shepherds gazed and stared;

And the Three Wise Men wondered too,

They all followed this dazzling 'Light',

That brightened the heavenly blue.

Thousands of stars dispelled the dark,

Yet 'Something Important', this one wanted to say,

Somehow it seemed, to call out to them;

And to a 'Special Someone', it pointed the way.

They could have ignored it and passed it off,

As just one of millions, blinking up there,

But they knew there was a 'Story', soon to be told,

That they had to be part of and then share.

Maybe that Star, was always around,

In the company of the silver moonlight;

But probably it knew, this news was too exciting,

So in all its splendour, it sparkled that night.✨️✍️

     (Originally posted on 8th January '2023)

Also sharing a song I found yesterday, which I liked.

Always fun to find different versions of songs...But this re-mixed animated version of 'We Three Kings' made me laugh.😊 So I thought, that friends who haven't seen it, may enjoy it too.✨️

Last Christmas Song for the season. Just not the way, you've heard it before.🎄🎶

(Video shared from a page on YT; and the picture, I just found on the Internet.)

COBWEBS AND ILLUSIONS ✍️

If I was a Spider, creating webs would be my speciality,

Spinning each intricate and twisted weave;

The poor unsuspecting prey, would be ensnared,

Once caught and trapped, they could never leave.

If I was a Magician, at 'sleight of hand', I'd be an expert,

Appearing and Disappearing, in a moment of the show;

The perplexed and confused onlookers, would wonder,

'How did she do that?', they'd really want to know.

Today, Politicians, Lawyers and maybe, Journalists too,

Just about everyone, like a Spider and a Magician, wants to be;

With people constantly trying to 'Bend the Truth',

Everyday, it's getting more difficult, the 'Facts' to see.

Webs and Illusions, might seem like 'Fun-Time' for the Creators,

Because only they know, what's actually going on;

Sadly, 'Reality' gets completely tangled and caught up,

And in the bargain, 'Trust' is 'Forever Lost and Gone'. ✍️

MIRROR IMAGE ✍️

 

The Mirrors in our Eyes

Clear Visions to See

Piercing, Discerning, 

Reflections of the Deepest Soul.

The Mirrors in our Minds

On Constant Re-play

Pondering, Wondering,

Reflections of Honest Truth.

The Mirrors in our Hearts

Forever Aimlessly Lost

Yearning, Longing

Reflections of Devoted Love.

The Mirrors in our History

Strolling Down Memory-Lane

Unearthing, Discovering

Reflections of a Forgotten Time.

The Mirrors in our Dreams

A Walk into the Unknown

Waking, Sleeping,

Reflections of Unfulfilled Desire.

The Mirrors in our Lives

Like a Friend, Always There

Accompanying, Guiding,

Reflections of Untampered Reality.

(I only ever had 'ONE REAL MIRROR' in my Life; and I see more and more of 'Her Reflection' staring back at me, every single day, each time I look into one.✨️❤️

I guess, that was the starting point of these reflective verses, that I originally posted on FB on 10th March' 2023.)

REMEMBER ME THIS WAY ✨️❤️

I first heard this song a very long time ago, on my 21st Birthday. Marcelle, one of my closest friends in college, went around the whole of Xavier's, recording Birthday wishes for me from Friends, Professors, and just about everyone I knew, on her 'Walkman', as a 'Special Surprise' for me.😊

Since I had so many friends who love music, a lot of the wishes on that audio cassette, (which was my 'Most Precious Birthday Gift Ever') were in song. This song was sung on that cassette, by my friend Gauri Burde, who was originally from Bangalore, but who was studying with us in Bombay.

That's why, the song has always been 'Extra Special' to me.✨️❤️

THANKFUL ✨️❤️

A sweet song, just to remind us to be 'Thankful' for the little things.😊

Though we need to be 'Grateful' for life's many blessings, every single day; the end of a year always feels like the appropriate time, to think about this, as we look back on the year gone by. It really is a good time to say, 'These are the things, I'm Thankful for.'✨️❤️

(Posted on FB on the 30th of December ' 2023.)

THE JOURNEY ✨️✍️

Discovered this song a few weeks ago, and thought I would post it, in the last week of 2023. A great song to listen to, as we reach the end of another year.

As each year draws to a close, it also heralds the dawn and the beginning of a new one. 

But there's always so much to ponder and reflect on, as we think of 'The Journey' thus far, and look forward to what lies ahead; as we keep moving 'forward, always forward', just One Moment, One Day, One Step at a Time.✨️❤️

(Posted on FB in the last week of 2023.)

LOVE LIVES ON ✨️✍️

Maybe you're there,

Maybe you see;

From somewhere way up in the clouds,

Maybe you're silently watching over me.✨️

Time sure has wings.💞

GUIDING LIGHT ✨️❤️

When I need to get 'Home'

You're my 'Guiding Light'.✨️

- Donna Taggart

LIKE THE STARS IN THE SKY ✍️

Some Love Stories live on and on, ✍️

Like a Special Song, that in our memory replays; 🎶

Like a 'Silver Lining' traced upon the Heart, ❤️

Forever 'Glimmering and Cherished' Always. ✨️

(Originally posted on FB, on 3rd January' 2023.)

RAMBLING RHYMES ✍️

 

As quietly as darkness takes over the light,

As silently as the twinkling stars glitter every night.

As soft as a gentle wind on a hot summer day,

As calm as a cathedral, where restless minds pray.

Like a simple little line, finds its place in a rhyme,

Like an alarm reminds us, that to wake up, It's Time.

Like a few aimless similes, really going nowhere,

Like an eager verse or two, appearing anytime, anywhere.

(Originally posted on FB on 25th March '2023.)

MIXED EMOTIONS ✍️

Happy and Sad, both at once,

Happens sometimes, doesn't it?

And when it does, I wonder 'Why',

That tussle in the heart, won't quit.

Joy and Sorrow, closely intertwined,

Like Shadow and Light, with us they play;

So deeply rooted, I wonder 'How',

They follow us around, and forever stay.

Smiles and Tears, like Sun and Rain,

Almost together, they often appear;

But their origin, I wonder 'Where',

Close bonds make you 'Feel', that's clear.

(Originally posted on FB on this day last year, 4th January '2023.)

GRATEFUL FOR...✨️❤️

Enlightening Experiences

Life-Lessons

Intriguing Inspirations 

Covert Connections

Joyful Journeys✍️

Dramatic Differences

Polarised Personalities

Entertaining Energies

Circus Clowns

Shared Smiles😊

Realistic Realisations

Alluring Angels

Inexplicable Intricacies

Creative Conversations

Glittering Gleams✨️

(Originally posted on FB, on this day last year, 31st December '22. 

The pics are not my own. Just found them in an online search, and shared them because they matched my post.)

THAT'S LIFE! ✍️

Like the phases of the moon,

Our Life has phases of its own;

Constantly evolving, ever changing,

Each tomorrow, completely unknown.

Like the seasons follow one another,

And we adapt to its every mood swing;

Life's challenges keep us on our toes,

Uncertainty, every new dawn does bring.

Like the clock keeps ticking away,

Turning a busy day, into a silent night;

At every step, more Moments become Memories,

Till it's our turn, to walk towards the Light.✨️

'Aiz Maka, Falea Tuka' - That's what we see, at the entrance of the cemetery, in Aldona, Goa; and maybe in other Churches there too. As a child, I spent most of my summer holidays, on an island called Corjuem.That wasn't our ancestral village in Goa; but my Grandfather just liked the place, and so bought a home there, when both my Grandparents retired from their jobs here in Mumbai, and decided to spend their retired life in Goa.

Since there was no English Mass in their village chapel at the time, we crossed the ferry boat every Sunday morning, to go to the bigger Church, across the river in Aldona, (as the bridge didn't exist then).

One memory of that Church, that I will never forget, is seeing these lines, at the gate of the cemetery. If you don't know Konkani, it translates to, 

'Today, it's me. 

Tomorrow, it will be you.'

I don't remember how old I was, when I first saw that; but those words must've made an impression on my young mind, because I never forgot that image. It's something that has stayed with me for many decades; and each time there is a death in my family, or someone I know, loses a loved one, I'm instantly reminded of those words, all over again.

It might not seem like a very positive thought to carry along in our mind, as we journey through life; but I think, that if we frequently remind ourselves of this line, we will always remember, that none of us are going to live on this planet forever...and when it's our turn to bid this earthly life adieu, we will take nothing that we own or possess, with us.

So consequently, being as 'detached' as we possible can, seems like a good way to go through life...Not the easiest thing for us human beings to do; but I guess, it does change our whole outlook to life, when we're constantly aware of this reality.🌸✍️

*(Just found this picture posted on the Internet by someone, as I only had a picture of the place in my memory, and not an actual one.)

TO MUSICIANS AND SINGERS EVERYWHERE ✨️❤️

For those of us who love Music, December is always a month in which we are literally spoilt for choice, because there are such a lot of music events happening in different places all over, constantly.🎶

In recent years, since I used to listen to so many online music shows, I connected with and got to know, a lot of musicians and singers, not just here in Mumbai, but from Bangalore and Goa as well.😊 These amazing performers and entertainers, must have always had very busy and hectic Decembers; but now, because we get to know about all their events regularly, we actually realise how exhausting this month must be for them.

No doubt, they love what they do and enjoy making the world a happier place, through every song they sing; but I just wanted to write a post like this today, because I have been thinking about this right through this month, each time I saw the never ending posters, posts, stories or live streams, of all the musician friends, that I have made over the last three and a half years.

I know that the month is still not over; but why wait till the end of December to say this. So, 'Thank You' to every single one of you, who has been making people 'Smile and Sing and Dance', all through this festive season.❤️ I have been to only some of these numerous events; but I have followed many of your posts about your shows online...Unlike you, I don't think I would ever have the energy, to be able to do what you do; getting up on a different stage night after night, in various parts of one city, and even in different cities, just singing your hearts out and filling the world with song.😊

All of you, bring so many people together at each of your events, and you make countless people 'Happy' everyday; and that, is such a beautiful thing...This is just my way of saying, 'Thank You for the Music'.✨️

(I would love to tag everybody; but there are so many of you, and I don't want to leave anyone out. So hopefully, this note of 'Gratitude', with a little bit of 'Christmas Magic', reaches all of you.)🎄💕

TURNING BACK THE TIME ✍️

 

Some Silent Pondering,

More Reflective Wondering.

Non-stop Nostalgic Replays,

A truly Winding Mind-Maze.

Every Moment, a Mystery,

A Contemplative walk thru' History.

'Time' - Quickly Racing Along,

Yet, 'Frozen Forever' like a Song.✨️

(Originally posted on FB on this day last year, 29th Dec. 2022)

WHEN CHRISTMAS CHANGED FOREVER ✍️

 

I'm not the most Fun person to be around at Christmas time. So, I consciously choose, to stay away from it all. I love the memories; but not the reminders.😢 Not sure everyone will understand the 'difference' between the two; but I guess, those who really know me, will understand why...Maybe someday, I'll go back to thinking of and celebrating Christmas, like the ones I used to know...but not yet.😊

WHEN CHRISTMAS CHANGED FOREVER...✍️

Christmas Tree, Decorations and Lights,
A table laden with Food, What a Feast!
A Crib and a Star, Cakes and Sweets,
Made over a week of late nights, at least.

Carols playing right through December,
Extra-long Choir practices, What Fun!
Hot coffee and songs, after Midnight Mass,
At Christmas Time, ALL of this, we've done.

Then 2009, one Christmas came,
And everything changed, What a Week!
22nd to 28th - Ambulances and Hospitals,
Those sirens, for months later made me freak.

The decade that followed, it kept going on and on,
Almost 9 years of wondering, What More!,
With doctors and nurses for company,
Menus of different hospital cafeterias in store.

And in all that time, Christmas just Changed,
It all began to seem like, What a Waste!
The frills and thrills that the season brings,
On so much frivolousness, seemed to be based.

Life made this choice for me, not ideal but so Real,
And I somehow prefer it quieter now, What Calm!
Only listen to some carols; In Church, sing a few too,
The rest, not so joyful; but the resulting Peace - A Balm.✨️❤️

(Originally posted on FB, last year on this day, 19th Dec. '22)

FLASHBACKS ✍️

Like sudden flashes of lightning,

They appear and then they're gone;

Just about anything triggers them,

Morning, night, dusk or dawn.

Like a familiar tune, they linger,

From one to another, quick and fast;

The mind, such a rich store-house, 

Memories aplenty, in this ocean vast.

Like a mountain trail, so often trod,

Too familiar to erase or forget;

At this time of the year, more frequent,

Feelings, emotions, a tangled net.

(Originally posted on FB, last year on the 15th of Dec. '22.)

GRIEF = LIFE IN SLOW MOTION ✍️

Grief slows us down completely. It's like Life begins to run in 'Slow Motion', with an 'Auto Rewind' switch attached to it, that takes us into 'Flashback Mode' all the time, every time. The constant mood swings, the moments bordering on very depressing thoughts, the never-ending sense of loss and loneliness, the longing for that elusive 'Listening Ear' and 'Sounding Board', the absence of our loved ones, in the most mundane and routine activities, the timely assistance when the workload burdens us, to the point of countless sleepless nights, the little ideas that spark our creativity, that loving, reassuring hug and presence, the numerous words of encouragement and the only shoulder we could ever cry on...

How I wish people would understand that 'Grief', doesn't just magically disappear in a few months, or a year or two, or maybe even in a lifetime! The Accepting, Digesting, Processing and everything that comes with the Loss of a Loved One, takes 'Time', and that 'Time Frame' varies for each individual.

And no matter how many Happy and Distracting ways and means, we may try to make use of, to deal with all the spoken and unspoken 'Feelings and Emotions', that Grief brings with it; overcoming it, is still a 'Constant, Daily Struggle', that no one else, (not even your closest Friends or Family) can really comprehend or understand, even if they mean well.

...And then, every once in a while, there are people, who try their best to steamroll over, all your efforts to keep smiling, by saying that 'Life has dealt you, a better deal than them'. It really tempts me to say,  How I wish they had My Life!!!😔😢

(Originally posted on FB, on 19th Nov. '2019. Had taken almost a 5 year break, from posting on this Blog. So, trying to share some of the old things, that I've written during those years now, so that I can collect a lot of my writing, in this one place.)

WHERE HAVE ALL THE SMILES GONE? 🤔✍️

A little girl of ten, with wonder in her eyes,

Was suddenly forced to grow up, one day;

This twisted accident called 'Life', turned her into 'An Only Child'.

And filled her tiny heart with a million questions, with dismay.

A surprised visitor was greeted at her door,

With that forever brightly beaming face,

"You've taught me how to Smile", he exclaimed,

Of her heart-piercing sorrow, that 'curved line', left no trace.

At thirty, she spent six anxious Christmas days,

Between hospitals, ICU's and an Operating Room, 

While her friends were singing 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo',

She spent those days and nights, in unexpected impending gloom.

Though lost and taken aback by another unforseen reality,

She and her mother, thanked them all with a grateful smile;

"She must have not been close to her Dad", a colleague concluded,

That 'curved line', her natural cover-up, was now her style.

Six months later, the hospital visits resumed,

With a severity and regularity like never before;

Eight years and two cancers later, she was barely thirty-eight,

The Life and Family she once knew and loved, all gone and no more.

Five years since then, she doesn't Smile as much,

Yet each day she tries to find the smallest reason to sing,

"Where have you been? We hardly see you anymore", this recluse is often asked now,

That 'curved line' tied to precious memories, to only that she does tightly cling.✨️

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.)