ALL CLEAR ✍️

 

After an extremely long 20 day health ordeal, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief today. Still exhausted and drained out from the experience; but thankfully, those 'microscopic offenders' seem to have been wiped out. It will probably take a few more days for the weakness and tiredness to wear off completely; but just the fact that the medicines, did what they were supposed to do, made me smile.😊

Every experience, (even the unpleasant ones) teach us a lesson or two for the future. One thing I learnt, is that sometimes, you can't avoid going to a doctor. In fact, delayed medical intervention, may actually make things worse. Prompt and timely treatment, could have probably lessened the time taken to recover from the illness. 

My previous not so good experiences, with prolonged dependence on medicines, have made me rely on more 'natural alternatives', over the last few years. So, I usually put off visiting a doc, for as long as I possibly can. It's true that nature is generally always the better option; but sometimes, there are a few instances, (like this one), when a 'Doctor's Magic Touch' and expertise, is absolutely necessary, and the natural remedies, need to be only used as a supplement, to aid the healing process.

I guess, there are moments, when we have to strike a balance between the two; or when both have to work together, to nurse us back to health. 

No doubt, I am grateful for all the additional knowledge I gained about natural remedies, to add to the cartloads of information about the subject, that are already in my memory bank. But I am also immensely thankful for my Doctor and all the other medical health professionals, that I interacted with, over the last twenty days, during the repeated tests. 

Over the last 5 years and more, I've tried my best to steer clear of hospitals, clinics and medical testing centres; because I really did have an overdose of them, for almost a decade before that. But, I still remember how much I admired this quality in doctors, nurses and all medical staff, in my own previous hospital experiences, my Dad's final week in hospitals; and then later, right through the 8 and half years of my mum's illness. 

That reassuring 'Smile' on their faces, along with those few comforting words; and more than that, their 100% attention to every case, even when they're probably tired, seeing innumerable patients on one day. 

I may not be a very strong advocate for prolonged medication, (because I've seen how the consequences can be quite devastating); but I am glad doctors are around, when we absolutely can't do without them.✨️✍️

MELODIES AND MEMORIES ✨️🎶

 

This tune is absolute Nostalgia for me; because it's the Title Track (that also plays right through) of a movie, that I watched over and over again, repeatedly, with my Grandfather (mum's dad), when I was younger - 'The Magnificent Seven'.😊

Just hearing this orchestra playing this song, brought back so many happy memories, of the countless times, I sat and watched old films with my Papa, both in Bombay and in Goa. He loved these movies and had quite a collection of old video cassettes. A lot of my love for old movies and old songs, I guess I inherited from him.✨️❤️

DIFFERENTLY ISOLATED ✍️

 

This world with all its norms,

Is not the easiest place to fit in;

Especially when you'd rather differ,

It is a race, you'd not even try to win.

Unique thoughts, words and actions,

Tend to stick out, like a sore thumb;

A divergent thinking, non-conforming mind,

Always marches to the beat of their own drum.

There's comfort in a secluded cocoon,

Away from the mad rush of every day;

More satisfying to not do, and silently just be,

Thoughts becoming words, an outlet in some way.

A quiet, safe haven, preferable when life is a mess,

Far away, from endless questions and eyes that pry;

Perfectly created people, when stuck in an imperfect world,

Solitary Solace, leaves worldly expectations, high and dry.✍️

(Something that came to life, from 'the vacant spaces of the mind'. Wrote this on this day last year, 4th March '23 on FB. 

I've never been an overly out-going person, but I've never been unfriendly or a complete loner either. Over the last few years though, I've kind of turned into somewhat of a hermit crab, or a recluse, and by choice. Lots of different reasons for that. 

The 'Why' is really difficult to explain to others, because people don't really get it or understand, even though they think they do. I guess, the never- ending 'repetitive' questions, constant suggestions and unwanted opinions of 'concerned' people, just overwhelm me. So, I'd much rather, prefer to stay away from it all and keep to myself, as often as possible.)

ALWAYS AND FOREVER ✨️❤️

Accidents happen all the time, all over the world; but they remain mere headlines, till they happen to someone you love. You can't really predict when or where, an accident may suddenly happen; but when it does, it literally comes like a bolt from the blue, and turns your world upside down. The initial shock and disbelief can never be forgotten...The wondering and questioning, about why things had to happen that way, never stops...The 'If Only's' and 'What if's?' linger on, in our thoughts forever...Yes, an unexpected, unforseen, unimaginable accident, that happens right in your backyard; or in our case, right in front of your home, that takes away the life of a loved one, in the twinkling of an eye, is a memory that lingers on, in our mind's eye, for years after it may have happened, with hi-definition clarity. You remember every moment of the day, every word that was spoken, every unforgettable detail, even if you were only 10 years old back then.

How often, I wish I could rewind the clock and change the course of that one day! How often I wish I had been there at that moment, to ensure that things had happened differently! How much I wonder about what might have been, if that one moment hadn't happened!😢

Sometimes, one freak accident can alter the course of our lives forever. It creates a void that no-one or nothing could ever replace. The precious person may have gone forever, but the memory lingers on, for as long as we live.❤ 

2nd March' 1990, an unforgettable day.....an unbelievable accident...a life-changing moment. Dearest Nathan, it's 31 years today since that day; but you are still 'Forever Loved' and 'Forever Missed' little brother.🤗💕

(I realised today, thanks to FB Memories, that over the last few years, I have written so many posts on this day, year after year, which I haven't saved on my blog, because I had kind of lost interest in updating this blog, for a few years. 

This is a post I wrote 3 years ago, on the 2nd of March' 2021. So, it's 34 years today since I bid farewell to Nathan, and not 31, like the post says.

Although this may be a dormant blog, that I doubt anyone reads anymore; I still want to save some of these posts, that I had originally written on FB, because they mean something to me, and I just want to preserve them.)✨️✍️

ONE MOMENT IN TIME ✨️✍️

 

Thirty-four lonesome years have come and gone,

Since that day, when her world spun around;

A little over ten, back then...How much could she really remember?

Strangely...Every minute, Every word, Every sound.

A day like that, she can never forget,

No matter, the span of time gone by;

When overnight, that little girl suddenly grew up,

With a life-long, plaguing question on her mind, 'WHY'?

That forever unsolved mystery, still lingers,

That deep void in her life, always there;

Her restless, aching, often jealous heart still wishes,

Each time, sibling bonds catch her eye, anywhere.

'One Moment in Time', is all it takes,

For a perfect world, to shatter and fall apart;

But the 'Precious Memories', they continue to live on,

Through invaluable old photographs, so close to the heart.✨️❤️

(2nd March, 1990 - 34 Years Today, of wishing and hoping and longing...If Only, that 'One Moment in Time', had happened differently.😢

I originally wrote this last year on this day...Since I hadn't saved it on this blog though, I just changed the 33 to 34, as I post this here today, exactly a year later.)

ONLY LOVE ✨️❤️

When your entire life is kind of like a Song Book and when you always have a backing track playing along, right through; then almost every moment, every incident and just about anything really, makes you think of a related song, kind of instantly.

It is often very strange, how one song makes me think of another. The last song that I posted here - 'Only Time', automatically brought other songs like Only You and Only Love to mind.

'Only You' is a lovely song, but I like 'Only Love' by Nana Mouskouri. It is truly a beautiful song; and today, I also discovered a great instrumental version of it, by Andre Rieu. So, sharing both those songs here, along with the lyrics of the song.✨️✍️

ONLY LOVE (Nana Mouskouri) ❤️

(Song Lyrics)

Only Love can make a memory 

Only Love can make a moment last. 

You were there 

And all the world was young 

And all its songs unsung, 

And I remember you then, 

When Love was all, 

All you were living for, 

And how you gave that Love to me. 

 

Only then I felt my heart was free, 

I was part of you and you were all of me. 

Warm were the days and the nights of those years, 

Painted in colors to outshine the sun. 

All of the words and the dreams and the tears 

Live in my remembrance. 

 

Only Love can make a memory, 

Only Love can make that moment last, 

Life was new 

There was a rage to live, 

Each day a page to live, 

And I remember you then, 

When Love was all, 

All you were living for, 

And how you gave that Love to me. 

 

Only then I knew my heart was free, 

I was part of you and you were all of me.

ONLY TIME ✨️🎶

The 29th of February is a Date in Time, that comes our way only once every four years, I just thought I would post something today, simply because, this 366th day of the year, comes along very rarely.

If there's one thing in the world that keeps moving along at a steady pace, no matter what, it's Time. No one can hold it back. No one can stop it, in its tracks. The 'Sands of Time', just keep slipping through our fingers, every moment of every day.

I like this song by Enya, which picturises how 'Time' goes through all the different 'Seasons', as it marches on like clockwork. But I also like the acoustic Boyce Avenue cover version of the song. So, I guess I'll share both of those songs here today, along with the lyrics of the song.

ONLY TIME (Enya) 🎶 

(Song Lyrics)

Who can say where the road goes?

Where the day flows? 

Only Time

And who can say if your Love grows

As your heart chose? 

Only Time

Who can say why your heart sighs

As your Love flies? 

Only Time

And who can say why your heart cries

When your Love lies? 

Only Time

Who can say when the roads meet?

That Love might be in your heart?

And who can say when the day sleeps

If the night keeps all your heart?

Night keeps all your heart

Who can say if your Love grows

As your heart chose? 

Only Time

And who can say where the road goes?

Where the day flows? 

Only Time

Who knows? 

Only Time

Who knows? 

Only Time

THE WONDER OF STEVIE ✨️🎶

Always love the stories behind the songs.✍️

Found this great story about Stevie Wonder, narrated by Dave Koz (who is one of my favourite saxophone players).🎷 It makes me smile when I hear one great musician talking about another; because it's so beautiful to see how one musician inspires another.🎶

After listening to that video, I went and looked for the song. So, although it's usually the other way around, in this case, the story led me to the song.✨️✍️

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE 🎶

- Dave Koz, Stevie Wonder and other artists.

We've all heard the song before, but this is a nice lyric video of it from Dave Koz's album, with Stevie Wonder and other great performers too. So, am sharing this one.😊

KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING ✨️✍️

How right Shakespeare was when he said, 'All the world's a stage'; and all of us, are merely playing a part, in this grand play called 'Life'.🎭

...and 'Life' by definition is a series of ups and downs, highs and lows, good times and not so good times, joy and sorrow.😊😢

Despite that however, a majority of us, choose to wear masks right through our lives; and even more after Social Media became a part of our lives. Painting happy pictures to cover up the hurt, unhappiness, sadness or maybe even depression, is something many of us do, so automatically these days...Why? Maybe because, there is an unconscious desire in all of us, to have people see us, the way we think they would prefer to.

The reason why I thought of putting down some thoughts about this today, is because I frequently get told to 'Let Go!', to 'Stop living in the past', to 'Be Happy'! Probably because I often "CHOOSE TO" share memories and posts, about the loved ones I've lost, people feel they have to pull me out of it.🤔 

What most people don't realise is, that maybe I like holding on; because it makes me feel closer to the ones I miss.✨️ I do appreciate the love and concern of friends, but it actually only irritates me, when people say such things to me, enough to actually write a post about it.😕

I think there is no one on this planet, who doesn't have unhappy memories. Everyone just tries to hide them, behind 'Happy Masks' or bury them forever, never to be seen or heard of again; but in reality 'No one ever forgets' and that's the truth.😊

So when I choose to remember, over and over again, it's because that's my way of keeping 'Happy Memories' alive. It may seem like a lot of unhappy stories; but sharing those memories with friends, actually makes me happy.❤ We all find our own ways of coping and finding joy. This is mine.

Just my way of 'keeping the music playing'.🎶✨️✍️

(Discovered another old post from this day, three years ago, which I wrote on 24th Feb. '21.

I'm sure I must have been really irritated, by something that some 'overly concerned' person said on that day, to have reacted like this in a post; which people who know me well, would realise is truly very uncharacteristic of me, because I rarely ever lash out at anyone.

I do feel happy each time FB Memories reminds me of old posts like these though, because reading all those lovely reassuring and uplifting comments on the post, from friends, makes me smile.😊

Another FB post, that I would like to save here, just because it's easier for me to find it here, rather than among all those endless posts there.)

HOW DO YOU KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING 🎶

- Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin 

LASTING IMPRESSIONS ✍️

Was just thinking about how 'the last' anything, is often the most interesting and memorable.😊

-The last chapter of a book, where the story may suddenly take an unexpected twist or turn, or may end in happily ever after.📚

- The last scene in a movie or a play, which could evoke a very dramatic or emotional response from the viewers or the audience, depending on how engaging the story has been.🎬🎭

- The last verse or chorus of a song, which could either be steadily leading to a crescendo, or may end very softly and gently, according to what the composer was trying to convey.🎶🎷🎻🎹

- The last lap of a race, which eventually decides who the winner is going to be at the Finish Line.🏆🥇

- The last slice of delicious chocolate cake, a cheesy pizza or some spicy tandoori chicken, left on a serving tray in a restaurant or at a party. I think almost anyone would love to get their hands on one of those.😋🍰🍗🍕

- The last day of a year, which is celebrated all over the world, simply because it also marks the beginning of a New Year.📆🎉

- The last few moments spent with a loved one, before they head off to their heavenly home (at least for people who are lucky enough to have those moments); which could be filled with a lot of emotion and countless tears.😢❤

Every ending, even unhappy ones, are always a new beginning. So, even when it's hard and it may seem like a difficult step to take, we just need to remember that 'the sun will always come out tomorrow'; and with each new sunrise comes new possibilities, new hopes, new dreams.🌞

I guess that's why books have a 'Part Two', movies have sequels, every poet or song-writer keeps composing new songs, every chef or cook keeps experimenting and churning out new dishes...

...Well maybe, the only thing that cannot have a Part Two, is the loved ones we've lost along the way. That is one parting that is 'Absolutely Final' and with a 'no return' policy;😢 but I guess, we always find new people, who come into our lives and join us somewhere along the journey; with whom we share new experiences, create new memories, paint new pictures, sing new melodies.😍

I like to think that 'Life is like a Story', written by the greatest Writer of Stories there ever was. Even when the first half of it is memorable and unforgettable, the ending is often left 'open-ended'; and that sometimes leaves us wondering about 'What's going to happen next?'🤔

(This is a post I originally wrote on FB, two years ago on this day, on the 22nd of Feb. '22.

Thinking about it today (two years later), I remember exactly why I wrote this one too. It was around the time, when I had finally decided to say adieu to an 18 year old chapter of my life, which was and always will remain very dear to me. Hadn't told anyone about my decision till then, other than a couple of close friends at work. This post was my way of putting things in perspective for myself and I guess, me trying to prepare myself for one of the most difficult decisions and steps, I had ever taken in life.

Sometimes, these old posts that I've written before, really surprise me when I read them again, (thanks to FB memories).😊 So Thankful for the 'Gift' of being able to put my 'thoughts into words' in unique ways like this, when I write.✍️

I'm just saving as many of these random things, that I've written over the last few years, in one place here on this blog, as and when I discover them again.)

BATTLE-STATION ✍️

Back when I used to go on School Excursion Tours to various corners of the country, the kids used to be absolutely obsessed about those very violent video games, in which everyone was mercilessly shooting and killing people, while trying to protect themselves. Instead of enjoying the beautiful scenic views and ever-changing landscapes passing by, from the window of the train, during those memorable long journeys (which children in my early years as a Teacher, actually did enjoy); this gadget and technology crazy generation, would just waste away a large part of the 'fun travelling by train' experience, battling away and thoroughly enjoying every single moment of it, as if it was completely real.

I have absolutely zero knowledge about video games, and even though I enjoy learning new things everyday, this is definitely something, I have no desire or interest, to find out or learn about.😂 

But, I was reminded of those moments today, (for the strangest and a completely unrelated reason), when a thought for a new post cropped up in my over-active and currently extremely delirious mind. Writing about this experience, is one of my coping techniques. Just trying to laugh my way through the situation and to distract myself from the severe, unbearable pain, after a very long and exhausting 'seven weary days'.🤒

Today is Day 8 of me fighting a battle of my own. I guess, that's what created the link to those video game battles and the DB kids, in my memory. In fact, this 'Battle-Station' is located, in a land where trillions of cells reside and happily co-exist peacefully, till some unwanted intruders, decide to cause absolute mayhem and turn everything on its head. On the one side, are these tiny, almost invisible microscopic killers, who've been wrecking havoc non-stop; and on the other, are the numerous attempts, (both natural and artificial) to completely wipe out and obliterate them.

On the day, when the whole world was going just a little bit crazy, expressing their deep affection to their loved ones; and at the time when probably all the possible 'Love Songs' - (Past, Present and Future) were getting unearthed, streamed, downloaded and replayed hundreds of times, across the world, I had the strangest creatures expressing their undying love for me. They gave me the tightest hug and even over a week later, they are showing absolutely no signs of letting go.

The reinforcements (that logic and common sense eventually coerced me to bring in), are truly doing a good job of attacking the offenders relentlessly. But, the battle is probably going to continue to rage on for a week or 10 days still, because tiny as they are, those little rascals can really make you feel like you're walking through a hurricane.

One thing that amused me though, is the names of a couple of the new recruits on this battleground. Sumo made me think of those gigantic wrestlers battling it out in the ring; and Nifty brought the battle of the bulls and bears to mind. I guess, the pharma companies like being creative too, when they pick names for their fighters.

It's quite ironic that someone who would never even hurt a fly, or who wouldn't say a harsh word, even to a person who steps on her toes in a crowded train; would actually be the 'Battle-Station' for a war of this magnitude. Hopefully, the existence of this huge colony of micro-organisms, and the damage caused by them, will be wiped out completely, over the next 2 weeks. Till then, I continue to find ways and means to calm those anxious nerves and to keep looking for the sunshine. This post is one of them.😊

WHEN I NEED YOU...I LISTEN TO A SONG ✨️✍️

There's a song for every reason,

Written for almost every season,

One for every kind of mood,

If you love one, you're just glued.

At times, it's the words that speak,

Your heart strings they instantly seek,

When they tell a story, that you know,

With grateful recognition, you glow.

Sometimes, it's the melody that sings,

Maybe melancholy or reminiscing it brings,

At other times, it immediately draws you in,

On 'Repeat Mode' you keep listening, with a grin.

A few just stay and forever linger on,

Long after the song writers have gone,

Their Creators, those lyrics and tunes outlive, 

Evergreen melodies for generations, pure joy they give.

It's beautiful when Music and Lyrics blend,

To the depths of hearts, the 'Magic' they send,

Giving people the perfect words, for anything they feel,

Like medicine for the soul, melodies truly heal.✨️🎶

(I generally stay far, far away from Doctors and avoid taking medicines, as long as it can be avoided. I guess, because I've had my fair share of clinics, hospitals, treatments and everything that goes with it, for one lifetime; and after seeing what they can do, I'm just wary of it all. I don't dislike doctors. I've just seen the damaging effect that prolonged medication, has on the human body; and so, I try and find more natural alternatives, till I am absolutely left with no choice.

Sometimes though, avoiding a visit to a doc, could be worse and could cause more damage, as it only increases those feelings of anxiety, pain and distress. This past week, I've learned the hard way, that there are times, health care professionals, just can't be avoided, and will hopefully seek their help soon.

We occasionally really do need medicines to help us recover, when sickness completely drains us out, and leaves us feeling weary and down, both physically and emotionally.😔

...But thankfully, there is also another 'Magical Healer' that has always stayed with me, whenever I've needed it. MUSIC can definitely work more wonders than prescription drugs or natural remedies ever could. It sure is a good alternate therapeutic technique, to accompany every healing process; and I know, it always helps.

If I was a Doctor, I think I would probably write the 'Name of a Song', at the bottom of every prescription. 'Like a Bridge over Troubled Water', it would work better and quicker than the medicines anyway.) 😄

LOST WITHOUT YOU ✨️✍️

There are times when I wish I could still lay my head,

In that soothing lap, when I was feeling low,

For in an instant, it just calmed me down,

Worry, Anxiousness, Fear - Words it didn't know.

There are moments when I wish I could still feel the warmth,

Of that heartfelt hug, when I needed it so,

Cause in a second, it reminded me, that 'You were there',

Troubles, Sickness, Hurt - It showed them all the door.

There are days when I long for your comforting smile,

Nights when I pray, you could still be near,

Instead I'm forced to believe, that maybe you're looking down,

On your lost little girl, from a bright star, in the sky so clear.✨️

IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT THE STORY ✍️

Watched a movie on this day, two years ago, that talked about how 'there is a story behind everything'; and how 'the stories are always the best part'. It made me think about how much I've always loved stories; and I don't just mean, the ones in story books, movies and songs.😊

Of course, when I read a book, I get so lost in the lives of the characters, that I always feel like I'm part of the story too...When I watch a film, I laugh and cry with the characters, as if their story is my own...And so many, many times, when the book or the film is over, I end up wishing it didn't end there, and that I could know what really happens next, in the lives of the characters...So often, when I listen to the words of a song, I wonder what the song-writer must have been thinking at the time, to create beautiful compositions like that. 🎶

But what I love even more than all those stories, that are born out of someone's imagination, or from a person's experiences, mixed with some creativity; are the real stories I see and hear about everyday. Stories that come to life, when a friend shares an old post, or photographs from the past, stories about people who matter, to friends and loved ones, stories as they happen, that people choose to share every other day; and even the ones that we just discover along the way, through casual conversations.

I think each of those, gives us glimpses into another person's life and thoughts; and allows us to discover just a little bit more about the people in our lives. For those few moments, we become part of someone else's story too; and we share their journey as well...and that is actually such a beautiful thing; because somehow 'stories just connect us' to people. ✨️

Not every story has happy endings; but then, what's always more important than the ending, is the STORY. ✍️

Loved the words of this song from the credits of the film too. Posting it here, just to save the song for myself; but I'm sure others will like it too.😊 

SECOND CHANCES 🎶

- Jana Kramer 

(This was a post I shared on FB, two years ago on 7th February '2022. I like when FB memories reminds me about things I had written and completely forgotten about. I don't even remember what the movie was about now; but if it prompted me to write this post, it must've been really nice.😊

I just found these pics / quotes online and shared them, since they matched my post.)

RESTLESS RUMBLING ✍️

 

In an instant

Your world can spin upside down;

In a moment

A smile could turn into a frown.

In a blink

Life as you know it, can change;

In a flash

A cherished someone, out of range.

And yet,

In an instant

We let ourselves get snared;

In a moment

Entrapped hearts, so blindly cared.

In a blink

It could vanish, what held us so attached;

In a flash

A reminder, to 'Always Stay Detached'.✍️

(On this day last year, 7th February '2023, an earthquake in another part of the globe, left the world quite shaken and stirred. A couple of friends happened to be in that country when the earthquake happened, which was quite scary. Thankfully, they were safe. These verses were a reflection, that I put down on that day.

Natural Calamities are often 'Reminders in Disguise', that nothing we own or possess, and no one that we hold dear, really remains a part of our lives forever. 

As we are only momentarily passing through, on this journey called 'Life'; everything and everyone, is just a part of our 'Reality', for but a 'Fleeting Moment in Time'.)

LEARNING NEVER STOPS ✍️

 

One of the most fascinating things about our human mind, is that it is almost like a sponge. It keeps absorbing knowledge and information from the world around us, that we collect with the help of all our wonderful senses, and then it just stores it in our brain forever and ever. We don't even realise how much limitless material, is constantly stored in that amazing memory-bank, every single minute, day after day and year after year.

What is equally fascinating, is the multiple ways in which we keep learning, right through our lives, however long or short it may be. Of course, I learned a lot through the 'Formal Education System', right from the Nursery to Post-Grad, and then B.Ed. too. So, for me that was a whole 22 years of studying 'Subjects and Prescribed Curriculum'. That's one way to learn, I guess. At least, that is the mandatory way for everyone, which cannot really be avoided. But that's not the only way, and learning most definitely doesn't stop, once we're out of School, College or University. 

Since I chose to become a Teacher, I found myself studying, every single day for the next 18 years, after I had finished my 22 years of Formal Education, because you can't just reproduce things that are written in text-books, to kids these days. They are exposed to so much information all around them, that they often had more to share and contribute to a lesson, than a teacher could ever tell them. So, we had to constantly be one step ahead of them, to challenge their extremely eager, enthusiastic and very curious minds. In order to do that, I found myself reading and researching more and more every day, right through my journey as a Teacher. In fact, even if I was teaching the same topic or chapter, for two consecutive years, I always added, just a little bit more to what I'd taught the children, in the previous year. Thankfully, the boundless information that is now available at our fingertips, is an awesome tool in our hands. 

But that was one of the reasons why, I forever struggled to finish my portion, within the stipulated number of classes, and I was constantly running out of time. Invariably, I would end up borrowing extra periods from my colleagues at work, and most of my co-workers would never be able to understand, why I was always lagging behind. Those in authority never understood it too, but the children loved it. I think, that's what made it so worthwhile to me. I never really cared that I earned a reputation for finishing late or last, because I knew that the kids would never forget, what they've learned in my classroom, due to that little 'extra' which I shared with them, in very unique and creative ways too. 

Having varied interests in music, writing, media, journalism, films, literature, theatre, popular culture, travelling, nature and environment and so much more, ensured that I chose interesting ways in which to share that knowledge with them too. From newspaper clips to music videos, from movies to cartoon strips, from interviews to novels, from quizzes to games, from travelogues to even TV ads, just about anything and everything found a way into my lessons; and I will always remember the joy it brought to the children, every single time. They loved that 'out of the box' way, of making sense of the sometimes boring words that were written in their text books; and seeing that they did, made me happy. 😊

After spending close to 4 decades of my life in classrooms, first as a student and later, as a teacher; one would imagine, that I've learned more than enough for one lifetime...But in reality, the 'Learning Never Stops'. Even though it's not for academic purposes anymore, I still find myself learning something new every single day, through books and the cartloads of information available on the internet, through the travel experiences of friends, through songs I listen to and movies I watch, through interesting things that people share in online content, about things as varied as health and lifestyle habits, to food, nutrition and diet, to natural alternatives to medicine, to places and cultures in different parts of the world, to the stories behind a song and the lives of the people who made them, and so much more.

The difference now, is that the topics I am interested in learning about, are not merely subject and curriculum related information.  So, it's more broad-based learning, about just about anything and everything, that may catch my attention or interest me. 

Among the other positives of having more time to explore and discover things I enjoy, are not having to bother about waking up before the sun every morning, or having to meet irrational and back-breaking deadlines, not being stressed out 24/7, or catching colds and having headaches from the constant lack of sleep, not having a strained voice and falling sick all year round because of work. The best of all though, is having all the time in the world, to use just as I please. That can really be so conducive to learning a lot more, than I ever could before.

Doing absolutely nothing for a while, can often be more useful and beneficial, than constantly doing something and being busy, all the time. If only more people realised the value in it, I think the world would be a more relaxed, stress-free and consequently, healthier and happier place. ✨️✍️

LIFE GOES ON WITHOUT YOU ✍️

 

When you make a choice

You create a space,

That someone new will fill;

And even if you aren't around,

The wheels keep turning still.

When you walk away

You leave behind,

A legacy of things you've done;

A little alike, a little differently,

The race continues to be run.

When you change your path

You force people to learn,

To find new ways, to do the old;

Stumbling, falling, they rise again,

Till their effort, shines like gold.

When you take a step 

You don't always know,

What might happen next;

'No one is Indispensible', she often said,

A Mother's words, now in context.

When you choose to Refresh

You think you've lost,

A large part of who you are;

But her voice, a constant reminder,

'My Daughter, To Me, You're A Star'.✨️

(Last year on this day, 3rd February '23, I wrote these verses as a 'Reflection', on something that I was thinking about then.

I found a 6 year old uplifting FB comment, from my mum, on an Annual Day post from 2017. Just when I was feeling a little overwhelmed, by pics and videos, that my teacher friends were sharing, about the 2023 event at DB, which had just happened a couple of days before that ('Without Me', for the first time in 19 years)...Perfect Timing!😊

The Annual Days at DB, were one of the many things that had always been very close to my heart, (among countless other things), because I used to be a big part of the entire planning and executing process, for close to two decades. So, this time of the year, makes me feel a range of different feelings and emotions, even after being away from the 'action', for almost two years now.

Mothers always know exactly what to say and when you need to hear it, even when they're not even here anymore.✨️❤️ (With a little help from FB memories, of course.)

MY GOLD MEDALS ✨️✍️

Sportsmen who make the nation proud,

Businessmen who stand out in a crowd.

Scientists doing research in a foreign land,

Surgeons saving lives with their healing hand.

Pilots that fly people to places of their dreams,

Musicians that make the world, better than it seems.

Artists and Educators, Engineers and Doctors as well,

Lawyers and Journalists, Actors and Chefs so swell.

The list of professions, where there is now a part of me,

Just boundless; and every day new horizons they see.

They make me so proud, as they leave a mark,

For they all once sat in my classroom...Today, each 'A Bright Spark'.✨️

31st of January is the day on which Don Bosco is remembered fondly. Since I spent two decades as a part of the DB Family, 'Living His Dream' and being a 'Friend of the Young', just as he was; I couldn't help writing something about the true joy and satisfaction, that my journey as a 'Teacher' brought me. 

Each time I hear of the achievements and academic and professional milestones of my now grown-up boys, in so many varied fields, I feel so proud. The goals and the success that they achieve, are truly 'My Gold Medals'.😊✍️

'LIVE THE DREAM' - This has always been one of my favourite songs written about Don Bosco.

The Mumbai Salesians posted another Cover Version of that same song by Fr.Sunil Pinto earlier today. Am sharing that too.

...and this song, 'DON BOSCO IN OUR HEARTS' is the other song about Don Bosco, that I really love. It has a beautiful melody and lovely lyrics too. These two songs will always stay with me, even though I'm not physically on a DB campus every day. 

I guess like the words of this song,

'Don Bosco in our hearts, we'll always sing,

The melody you taught our hearts to sing.'✨️🎶❤️

LOVE LIVES ON ✨️❤️

 

LIVE ON ✨️

- Amy Sky, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Olivia Newton-John

I'm waking up this morning
Grateful for the gift of one more day
The light of hope is dawning
It fills my heart and lifts my fears away
Sometimes there is a miracle just beyond the pain
When you can see the rainbow in the rain

Live on
Live on
Brighter skies will come again
Cry the tears you cry and then
Live on
Live on
Love is all we leave when we are gone
Live on

We've shared so much together
Think of all the mountains we have climbed
Sorrow, joy and laughter
Woven through the tapestry of time
Even as we're letting go, we will not lose faith
All the precious memories we made

Live on
Live on
In the hearts of those we touch
All the dreams inside of us
Live on
Live on
Love is all we leave when we are gone
Live on

You've got to live on
Live on
Live on
More than just survive my friend
We learn how to thrive and then
Live on
Live on
Shining like the words inside this song
Live on
Live on
Love is all we leave when we are gone
Live on

In every heart of those we touch (live on)
In every dream that means so much (live on)
Yes, I believe that all of us
Live on.❤️

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR ✨️❤️

Saw this on a friend's page and liked it. So shared it on FB in 2021. Was reminded of this today. So, thought I would post it here. 

For the special 'Piglets' in my life,😊 who've just 'Always Been There' for me, on happy days and especially on 'difficult days'. Glad you're a part of my world.🤗❤️

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF ✨️✍️

A completely imaginary, make-believe world,

An unexpected creation, when a magic-wand is twirled.

A temporary escape, from the routine, the normalcy,

An uncertain, fleeting step, into a vision, a fantasy.

A place or a time, when serendipity casually occurs,

A happy coincidence, when a chance encounter recurs.

A much-needed escape, from the everyday mundane,

A winding detour, which seems to diminish the pain.

An opportunity to explore, worlds before unknown,

A trip to a land, where no wings have ever flown.

A wondrous surprise, for a constantly lingering mind,

An illusion, even if only for a moment, a real joy to find.✍️

(Originally posted on FB, a year ago, on 28th January '2023.)

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.✨️