A 'GUARDIAN ANGEL' WITH NOTHING TO DO✨️❤️

 

During the pandemic, I listened to a lot of 'online music shows'. Most of those musicians will always remain a 'Special Part of our Lives', because they sang for us, during a time, when we needed them most. I enjoyed all of them and will always be 'Thankful to them for the Music'. Many of those singers, have gone on to become very dear 'Friends like Family', after four years of knowing them; first virtually, and then actually meeting them 'in person' a few times.🤗💕 

One of the 'Music Shows', that I watched practically everyday 'non-stop' (with 'multiple repeats too') during those Covid times, was 'Jukebox Jammies'. The main reason was Carlton Braganza's fabulous voice and the fantastic 'Music Education' and Background Knowledge that we all got 'free of cost', (almost like a bonus) along with all the 'great singing' and the 'never ending laughs' by Carlton.🎶🎤

'True Love' from the classic movie 'High Society', was one of the many wonderful songs, that I first discovered on JJ, There were a couple of 'New Old Songs', in practically every session of Jukebox Jammies, that so many of us heard for the very first time on the shows, thanks to Carlton; because he just knows 'so many, many songs'.😊 

There are lots and lots of reasons for my 'deep admiration and genuine respect' for this 'Walking, Talking Jukebox'; but his contribution to helping me discover and learn so many more lovely songs, is one of the main reasons why JJ and this 'Guardian Angel', will always be 'Extra-Special'.✨️❤️

The first time I heard this song on JJ, was during the 'Friendship Day' session back in 2020. We got a whole 'History Lesson' about the song as well, which I loved.😄 The 'Stories' on JJ have always been my 'favourite part' of the shows. For me, all that 'Chit-Chat and Carlton's Endless Stories' are what set 'Jukebox Jammies' apart, from all the other shows. When we had no one to talk to us or to talk to, those stories 'kept us company' and made us feel 'a little less alone'. For that, no amount of Gratitude and Thank-You's, will ever be enough.🤗❤️ 

That is probably the reason why, thousands of people across the world, felt a 'Connection' with JJ. Even today, Carlton still feels and (I often get quite irritated when he) states, that he didn't do anything else, other than find a way to get rid of his own boredom, when he did those shows. What he fails to realise every time he says that, is that it may have been 'Nothing' to him, but it meant 'Something' to countless others. All his 'Non-Stop Nonsense' DID make a 'Big Difference', to people everywhere. People wouldn't say it to him constantly, if they didn't feel and mean it. 

'Jukebox Jammies' meant a lot, to people like us, who just needed someone to 'Be There' for them, during those times. It may have just been a way for him to pass the time, and may have not meant that much to him. If only he would realise, that it sure 'meant the world', to so many others, who had no one around, to listen to us or to keep us company.✨️ 

I really miss that now so much, because the JJ sessions, sadly don't happen too often these days.😔 

A year later, in 2021, we heard that same song, about 'You and I having a Guardian Angel, with nothing to do', once again on another JJ session. And I loved it, all over again.😊

Finally today, I watched the 'video clip' of the song from the movie; again because of a story that Carlton shared. I still haven't watched the movie 'High Society'; but I finally got to hear Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby singing the song in the film, almost four years after first hearing about it on JJ.🎶

Carlton may get fed-up of people like me, who are constantly re-living those same old memories and saying 'Thank-You' repeatedly, almost like a 'stuck record';🙈 but 'Experiences like JJ, don't happen to people every day', and when something and someone, means so much to you, you just can't stop yourself from 'remembering and joyfully reminiscing'.😊

...And I don't think, I'll ever get tired of saying 'Thank You Carlton'.✨️❤️

LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING 🎶❤️

There are thousands and thousands of songs written about 'LOVE', probably because it is an 'Emotion' that is felt most strongly, among all human beings. Most of those songs are always filled with a lot of deep and intense 'Feelings', which are often so overpowering, that they always touch the hearts of those who are listening to the songs. That's why the great 'Love Songs' just last forever and ever, and people keep singing and hearing them for decades and generations.🎶

If you stop and think about it, there are so many different kinds of 'Love'. Ranging from the warmth and affection of a parent for their child or vice-versa, to the love between siblings, to cousins, grandparents and grandchildren, teachers and students, the love shared by close friends, neighbours you've grown up with, colleagues you've worked with for many, many years, to just about all kinds of bonds and friendships that we form along our 'Journey of Life'...The list is just endless.😊

Unfortunately, the world that we live in, looks at 'Love' in just one 'very standard and typecast' way; and that is reflected in most of the songs written about Love as well. So, very often when I've tried to look for more 'General Songs about Love', that do not speak about just 'Romantic Love' or Religious Songs about 'God's Love and Loving your neighbour', I haven't succeeded; because the fact is, people haven't written too many songs about 'other kinds of Love'. Probably, if I dig a little deeper and go searching through some really old 'Country Songs', I may find a few. But among the more popular songs, I think those 'Neutral Love Songs', would be rather difficult to find.🧐

Among the countless songs written about 'Love' though, there are many that are 'My Favourites'. But I've always loved this song 'Love Changes Everything', particularly because of the lyrics. The words are very meaningful. I like how it describes not just 'Love', but how 'Love changes people completely'. 

...And that is actually very true. A person's outlook, his or her personality, their behaviour, the way they look at life, the things they used to say and strongly believe in, at one point of time, their entire world-view, their perceptions about other people and even the way in which they interact with everyone else in their lives; everything alters and changes drastically, when they see the world through those 'rose-tinted glasses of Love'. Sometimes, those changes are for the better. At other times, sadly for the worse; especially when it makes friends and family, unsure and uncomfortable about what to say and how to act, around 'Two people in Love'.

One emotion, shouldn't really change a person so much; but the truth is, that it does.🤷

In the words of Andrew Lloyd Webber, 

'Love will never, never let you be the same.'❤️

LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING 🎶❤️

- Andrew Lloyd Webber (Aspects of Love)

(Song Lyrics)

Love, Love changes everything

Hands and faces, earth and sky;

Love, Love changes everything

How you live and how you die.

Love can make the summer fly

Or a night seem like a lifetime;

Yes Love, Love changes everything

Now I tremble at your name,

Nothing in the world will ever be the same.

Love, Love changes everything

Days are longer, words mean more;

Love, love changes everything

Pain is deeper than before.

Love will turn your world around

And that world will last for ever;

Yes Love, Love changes everything

Brings you glory, brings you shame,

Nothing in the world will ever be the same.

Off into the world we go

Planning futures, shaping years;

Love bursts in and suddenly

All our wisdom disappears.

Love makes fools of everyone

All the rules we make are broken;

Yes Love, Love changes everyone

Live or perish in its flame.

Love will never, never let you be the same

Love will never, never let you be the same!✨️❤️

THE STORY OF MY LIFE ✍️

Just about a week ago, I went for a Children's Music Concert by a group called 'Gleehive', during which I heard a lot of very sweet 'Songs for Children', which I hadn't heard before. This was one of the songs that I really liked that day, probably because it talked about 'Writing down the Story of My Life'.✍️

So, I looked for the song online and discovered that it is from a 'Musical', that has been performed in various schools. There were so many versions of the song on YT, uploaded by different schools. I just picked one of those many performance videos, to share here. 

I loved the lyrics of the song. I think that's because, in some ways, it just reminded me of the 'Writer in Me', who always loves to put all my thoughts into words on a page; and I've been doing that, ever since I was a little girl in school. Some things, don't really change 'As Time Goes By'.😊

Like the words of the song say;

'I don't know where I'm going,

But I know where I've been...

...So, I'm Writing down the Story of My Life.'🎶

I'm also sharing another song from the same Musical, just because it is linked to the first song. This one is uploaded by someone else and not by the same Theatre Group as the first video.

I haven't seen the entire Musical; but just from listening to these two songs, I think that 'Top Secret Personal Beeswax' is actually a Journal or a Diary, in which the character in the Musical, writes down anything and everything she feels like, about all the wonderful Stories and Adventures in her life. 

Once again, the lyrics of the song are really sweet and cute.😊

Hearing these two songs, actually made me wish I was still in DB, so that we could stage this Musical with our kids. I guess, when you've done something for so many, many years, your brain automatically starts thinking about how a song or a play could be enacted and performed, when you see songs like these.

I don't even know what the entire story of the Musical is; but just hearing these two songs, I'm sure it must be a good one.😊

(I found another version of the two songs, which I'm just saving for myself to listen to later, because the lyrics are clearer in them.)

THE SINGER AND THE SONG ✨️🎶

THEY WILL FOREVER LIVE ON ✨️

...THE SINGER AND THE SONG 🎶✍️

They make words come alive,

And we hear each note, crystal clear;

They fill many a heart with gladness,

And even make eyes, brim with a tear.

Each voice strikes a chord within,

Every time a melody and vocal cords combine;

Even when sung differently, in unique styles,

Their magic touch, breathes life into every line.

Yes, the songs live on...they leave an imprint, no doubt,

But the voices that sing them, also always with us stay;

And as long as we remember, how the songs made us feel,

They will remain close to our hearts, and never be gone away.✨️❤️

(I wrote this on FB last year, on this day, 26th April' 2023.

I remember that I had accidentally stumbled on this Gaither song called 'You might forget the Singer, but you won't forget the Song', on that day.

These verses were 'my twist' on what I heard in the lyrics of that song; because even though the great 'Songs' live on and on, I think there are many, many awesome 'Singers', whose voices are remembered forever too. 

This one was for all the wonderful 'Singers' everywhere, and for the countless 'Songs' they've sung.)😊🎶

MAGIC IS THE MOONLIGHT ✨️🎶

 

Looking out of my window, right before I could fall asleep tonight, I found the moon brightly smiling down on me, in all its beauty and splendour.😊 

It's such a wonderful thing, that people in any part of the globe, no matter how far apart they may be from one another, could be looking up at the moon, from wherever they are, at exactly the same time; and it would look just the same, to everyone.

Maybe, the Moon is also a reminder to us, that our loved ones, are always watching down on us, from above.✨️

This made me think of two of my 'All Time Favourite Moon Songs'. 🎶 So, even though I already shared a couple of posts earlier today, I thought I would post another one, just because I happened to catch sight of the 'Full Moon' tonight...It's technically the next day already, anyway.😄

MOON RIVER 🎶

- Audrey Hepburn

'Waiting round the bend

My Huckleberry Friend

Moon River and Me.'✨️❤️

BLUE MOON 🎶

-Rod Stewart

Lots of people have sung this song, but I really liked this version of the song, when I first heard it, especially the introductory lines.😊

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE ✨️🎶

Carlton Braganza sings those low notes in so many of the Jim Reeves songs really well.❤️

This one is like a beautiful, soothing lullaby, that could almost make you fall asleep, if you listened to it a few times.😴

THE NIGHT WATCH 🎶 (Song Lyrics)

- Jim Reeves

Bright stars are watching the world as it sleeps 🌟
Shepherds watch over the little white sheep 🐑
The Lighthouse is shining for ships far at sea  🌊
As God keeps the night watch for you and for me. 💕

So sleep, sleep in peace and rest 💤
Don't be afraid of the darkness ✨️
All's well for over the land and the sea 🌊
God's keeping the night watch for you and for me. 🎶

FEELINGS OF LOVE ✨️❤️

 

Songs truly have the ability to magically make people 'Feel'.✨️ There are so many, many songs, like this first one by 'Adele', that have been listened to by crores of listeners...and those are only the numbers, that I can see on YT. Popular songs like these, are probably listened to by millions of people across the world, on other music streaming platforms as well. 

There can only be 'One Reason' for this. People everywhere feel a 'Connection' with the Lyrics, the Melody or the Video. Maybe, they identify with it, because it strikes a chord somewhere; or it probably just 'Makes them Feel the Love'.❤️

What an amazing 'Feeling' it must be, for the 'Creators' of songs like these, from the lyricists, to the composers, the singers, the musicians and the entire technical team, that works on putting a song into the world; when they see millions of people across different continents, making that same 'Connection', with a Song, which they contributed to creating. Truly Magical!✨️

MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE 🎶

- Adele

...And then, there are Songs like these, by evergreen singers like Dean Martin and Jim Reeves, whose voices and the tunes they sang, just last 'Forever'. The Creators and Singers of the songs are not even alive anymore; but these melodies have stood the test of time and outlived the ones who created and sang them.🎶

IN THE MISTY MOONLIGHT 🎶

- Dean Martin

I like to imagine that the 'Singers', probably look down on the Earth from the skies above and Smile, each time someone still sings or plays their melodies, so many years after they have left this world.😊

...BECAUSE YOU'RE YOU 🎶

- Jim Reeves

I'm happy to have Friends, who make this 'Wonder of the Unforgettable, Everlasting Songs' come alive, each time they sing or play these tunes on stage or during their online shows (especially the ones that I have listened to a lot, during the last four years, like Jukebox Jammies. That's where I heard these three songs again last night, among many others.) 

JJ truly was the 'Best Thing' to happen to so many of us, during the pandemic.That show has definitely played a big role in increasing my knowledge of music, because Carlton Braganza is really an 'Encyclopedia of Songs'. I have never met anyone, who can sing practically any song under the sun, across genres and eras, and often sing them, even without any practice. It's mind-boggling sometimes, how his brain even remembers so many countless melodies. That's why I often say, that Carlton is almost like my 'Music Teacher', and one of the best I've ever had too.😊

It really is great to have people in our lives, who share that same 'Love for Songs' as us, because of whom we occasionally get a chance, to enjoy these songs together, even from afar; and with whom, we can share that same 'Joy and the Magic', that Music brings to all our lives.✨️🎶

YOU WILL BE FOUND ✨️🎶

 

Meaningful songs can 'Uplift Spirits' and make you feel a lot better instantly. Your situation may still be exactly the same as it was, before you listened to the song; but in some strange way, it alters the way you feel, at least for a little while. 

That's the 'Magic of Music'.✨️ It can make you feel like 'You will be Found', even when you are still completely 'Lost', in your own solitary world and in that extremely tangled maze, of your overly confused thoughts. Of course you know, that it's 'Not Real'; but often, going as far away from reality as possible, is far better than the truth of our everyday existence.

YOU WILL BE FOUND 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir (Dear Evan Hansen)

The lyrics of a beautiful song (like this one, from the Musical 'Dear Evan Hansen' covered by these young voices, from the 'One Voice Children's Choir'), can fool you into believing that someone is around, singing that melody to you; even when you're actually listening to it, all by yourself. 

It can pick you up, when you're feeling low and re-assure you, right when you need to hear a voice, whispering a few words of comfort in your ear. When you find the right song, it's almost like that tight, warm hug, that you have really missed and longed for. You can hear someone saying 'Just the right words' that you need to hear, exactly when you need it most of all.😊 

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE 🎶

- Jim Brickman (featuring Lady Antebellum)

That's what I love about songs like these. (This is another very uplifting and reassuring song by Jim Brickman, featuring Lady Antebellum.) They 'Create an Illusion', of your loved ones being there for you, even when they're not. In some mysterious way, you almost feel like the person you miss most, is singing the song to you; and that, makes you feel like 'You're Never Alone', even when you are.🎶

NOT MY FAVOURITE WORD ✍️

 

For the first four years of my life, my Dad worked in another country. I was just a toddler back then. So, I actually don't have any recollection of that time at all. But, seeing how little babies yell and scream their lungs out, each time their parents leave the home or when they have to be left with a baby-sitter; I guess, I must've done exactly the same, whenever he left. Somewhere in my sub-conscious memory, having to say those frequent 'Goodbyes' during my earliest years (even when I didn't understand it), must have got recorded, registered and saved.

Later on in life, at frequent intervals, literally once or twice in every decade, I had to say more 'Permanent Farewells', to close family members; from a sibling, to Grandparents, a couple of uncles and aunts, a cousin, and then my Parents too. Sadly, 'Those Goodbye's were Forever' and could never be reversed.😢

To add to that, I spent half my life working as a Secondary School Teacher; and so, year after year, one entire batch of X Std. students left us, as they prepared to 'spread their wings and fly'. When you teach children for six long years, it's not the easiest thing to watch them leave and journey on, in search of 'New Horizons'. Once again, one would presume that this got easier over time, because you just get used to it; but the 'Class 10 Farewell Day' was always a difficult day for me to get through, every single year.😔

So slowly, I kind of began to dislike the fact that people had to always leave and go away, (whether temporarily or permanently) for whatever reasons. Consequently, I'm really 'not very fond of Goodbyes'. 

When 'Frequent Flyers' (among Friends and Family), who are kind of 'Born with Wings' and whose Work or Love for Travel and Adventure, makes them spend more time in those 'Blue Skies', than they do on the ground; I somehow just don't understand their desire and need to constantly 'Go Away', at all. 'I Wonder Why' they're always so anxious to leave Home, Family, Friends and everyone who would prefer that they could 'Always Be Close By', instead of going off 'wandering' so frequently.🤔

Maybe, for some individuals like Sportsmen, Media Professionals, Musicians, Businessmen, Seafarers, Airline Crew and many, many others, it probably would be the demand and requirement of their Job. For others, they may just be bitten by the 'Travel Bug', which fills them with an insatiable desire to go off, to 'Far Away Places' all the time.🌎

I guess, each of us is created uniquely and differently. Every one of our Lives, our Hopes, Dreams, Wishes and Desires, have also been shaped differently, due to our various 'Interests and  Life Experiences'. That's probably what makes our 'Outlook on Life and the Choices we make', different from one another.🤷

People say, 'Time Heals' and 'Loss only makes you stronger'. Maybe, for some it does; but through my experience, I've learnt that it only makes you more 'Aware' of the complete 'Uncertainty and Unpredictability of Life'. It teaches you to 'Live in the Moment' and to almost make 'One Day at a Time', your motto.

Unfortunately, when 'So Long, Farewell' is not just a song from a Musical that you love, when you have had to say it, with a steadily recurring frequency, and when you have been forced to bid adieu to 'Every Significant Person' in your life, by the age of 38, 'GOODBYE' definitely becomes your 'Least Favourite Word of all time'; and you end up longing and wishing, that instead of everyone always leaving and going away, people who are dear to you, for once, would just 'STAY'.✨️✍️

(On some days, my posts may seem a little incoherent, disjointed and all over the place. I guess, that's just me, 'Thinking out Loud'. My very random 'Fruit Salad' of Thoughts and Memories, lots of Rambling, Reflecting and Pondering; and kind of, 'all tied together with a Song' by 'BLUE', that I found, called 'NO GOODBYES'.🎶 

If only, that were really possible in Life, and the word 'Goodbye' didn't exist at all; then those close loved ones, that I miss most 'Every Single Day', would still be right here with me, instead of 'Somewhere up there in the clouds'.)✨️

(I may not be too fond of the word 'Goodbye'; but it sure has inspired some lovely songs, like this one, from the animated film, 'An American Tail'.

'SOMEWHERE OUT THERE' 🎶

By Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram.)✨️❤️

LOVE SONG TO THE EARTH ✨️❤️

For close to two decades, one of the things I did regularly, all year round, was writing short skits for School Assemblies and longer scripts for School Annual Days.✍️ One of the things that went hand in hand with that, was finding the perfect and most appropriate songs, with meaningful lyrics, that would highlight and bring out the chosen 'Theme' in the best way.🎶

Although this was technically part of my job, for me, it was much more than that; simply because it enabled me to combine my love for 'Writing, Music and the Performing Arts' with my work. I enjoyed every moment of it thoroughly. When your work provides you with countless opportunities to do all the things you Love, every single day, it makes each day fun. I remember often telling my students that 'If you do a job you Love, you never have to work a day in your Life.' To me, Being a Teacher, was a lot like that...And the moment it stopped being all those 'happy things', I knew I had to step away.🤷

Anyway, a couple of times during those many, many happy years of doing all the things I loved (and got to call it 'Work'), we chose Themes based on the 'Environment and Caring for Creation'. I discovered this song, during one of those never-ending quests, to find 'Just the right Song', and I loved it instantly.😊🎶

 

LOVE SONG TO THE EARTH ✨️❤️

(Song Lyrics)

This is an open letter
From you and me together
Tomorrow's in our hands now
Find the words that matter
Say them out loud
And make it better somehow

… Looking down from up on the moon
It's a tiny blue marble
Who'd have thought the ground we stand on
Could be so fragile

… This is a Love Song to the Earth
You're no ordinary World
A Diamond in the Universe
Heaven's poetry to us
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
'Cause it's our world
It's Our World.

… It's not about possessions, money or religion
How many years we might live
When the Only Real Question that matters is still
A Matter of Perspective

… Looking down from up on the moon
You're a tiny blue marble
Who'd have thought the ground we stand on
Could be so fragile.

… This is a Love Song to the Earth
You're no ordinary World
A Diamond in the Universe
Heaven's poetry to us
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe (Keep Mama Earth Safe)
'Cause it's Our World.

It's Our World (pree bang bang bang bang)
… See mama earth is in a crazy mess
It's time for us to do our best
From deep sea straight up to Everest
She's under crazy stress
Unless you wanna be motherless

… Clean Heart, Green Heart
It's the way, I stress
Speediness, and too much greediness
Six billion people all want plentiness
(It's Our World)
Some people think this is harmless
(It's Our World)
But if we continue,
There'll only be emptiness
Oh, no-no-no-no

… This is a Love Song to the Earth
You're no ordinary World
A Diamond in the Universe
Heaven's poetry to us
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah (special paradise)
Let's keep it safe.

… This is a Love Song to the Earth
You're no ordinary World
Diamond in the Universe
Heaven's poetry to us
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah
Keep it safe, yeah, yeah

… It's our world (keep it safe)
It's our world
It's our world
It's our world
'Cause it's Our World.💙🌎💚

(Sharing another video of the same song, with the lyrics.)✍️

THE WHYS AND WHEREFORES ✍️

 

Strangers or relatively Newer Friends,

Are more comfortable to be around;

For they ask fewer questions,

As they really know, no background.

Minimal words are exchanged,

At every casual meet and greet;

Just ordinary, routine conversations,

When you catch up on the street.

Forever Friends and Family,

Are 'Special', there is no doubt;

They've been a part of every Story,

So expressing Love, they can't do without.

But with concern, come a dozen queries

A strong desire to remember days gone by;

'Memories' are great and keep me company,

Those 'Reminders', just leave me asking 'Why'?

I wish you could understand, my reasons to stay away,

From familiar people and paths, that journey back;

Ever Grateful to be blest, with loved ones who Care

But re-living moments needs 'Courage', which I still truly lack. ✍️

NO EXPECTATION, NO DISAPPOINTMENT! ✍️

Over the last couple of weeks, I found myself interacting with a couple of 'not close, but old friends', and engaging in extremely long conversations with them. The more 'Reclusive Me' of today, actually doesn't do this too often, for a few years now, simply because I don't seem to 'Connect' with people anymore, in the way that I used to. Yes, I meet a few friends occasionally, at events and just here and there; but those meetings generally don't involve 'heart to heart' chats, and are more mundane interactions, about 'everything and nothing in particular', if at all.

I guess, the reason why I actually took the time to 'Sit and Talk' to someone, was the kind of similar 'Experience of Loss' that we've had in life. That's probably why, I found myself really 'Talking', way more than I do with anyone, these days.

It's strange how much you can find to talk about, when you go through the same day to day difficulties, challenges and situations. I guess, long chats like those, are helpful and eye-opening to people on both sides of the conversation. Not only do they help to release the stress and strain of pent-up and bottled up feelings and emotions, that you haven't talked about often; because other people in your life, even close friends and family, just don't understand. It's difficult for people 'to feel what you feel', even if they mean well and have your best interests at heart. 

Most normal people, are always on this 'stupid quest', to 'pull you out' of what they think is 'Depression', or just being 'Caught up in the Past', or not 'Letting Go'. I absolutely detest friends and family, when they make suggestions like these; because 'I'm never going to Let Go'. My Memories are everything to me and without them, I have nothing. So instead, I automatically and very happily 'Let Go' of anyone, who ever tells me to do that...But that's one of the reasons why, interactions with friends and family, who supposedly know me well or for longer, always reach a dead-end, very quickly.

Over the last few years, I've realised that talking to a person who has 'experienced what you have' and gone through themselves, is always a better idea, than talking to 'just about any friend or loved one'; because they really 'Get It'. They 'Know' the feelings, they 'Understand' the pain, they 'Live it Everyday', just like you.

Chats like these are filled with a lot of emotion, memories, tears and are 'too heavy' for ordinary people to handle; simply because they are 'So Real' and not frivolous and meaningless, like most 'one minute interactions' on social media these days. It takes a 'Special kind of Courage' to go through certain things, and not everyone can 'Understand or Comprehend that Journey'.

I'm 'Grateful' for these very unexpected opportunities, to be able to spend some time both 'Talking and Listening' to Friends, who are kind of, 'sailing in the same boat' as me, in a lot of ways. Sharings like these, help us realise that we are 'Not Alone' in our everyday struggles, and there are lots of other people around us, who go through exactly the same things. In some way, there is more 'Comfort' in talking to people like these, even though they are not your 'Closest Friends or Family'; than it is, talking to people that you should 'at least technically', be more comfortable talking to, because they are closer to you. 

The biggest take away for me, from these very 'heartfelt conversations', is the countless 'Life Lessons' we all picked up along the way. One of the things that I have discovered over the years, is that 'Each person finds their own ways to cope with loss; and no two coping strategies are right or wrong'. The most important lesson though, is something that I have been pondering on, for a couple of years now. 'No Expectation, No Disappointment!' 

Most of the time, we feel unhappy about situations because we expect things to happen in a particular way, and they don't. But, that's just the way life is. It never goes the way we want it to. We often get upset at people, especially the ones who are close to us, because we expect them to act and behave in a certain way, and when they don't, it disturbs us terribly. It distorts the way in which we look at friends and family; when people's responses are not in line with, our desires and our expectations of them. 

The root cause of our disappointments, are not so much their actions and behaviour; but what we expected them to say or how we expected them to act. But people are not puppets and we cannot always expect them to do and say things, according to what we have in mind. I have realised, that the simplest way to overcome the unhappiness caused, when we are disappointed in people, is not to expect too much of anyone. It's not the easiest thing for our very emotional, human minds and hearts to do. But I guess, it does relieve a lot of the stress, when we make an attempt to look at life in that slightly 'Disconnected' way. ✨️✍️

THREE'S A CROWD ✍️

 

Have you ever been made to feel like an unnecessary and unwanted 'third wheel' in a conversation, a friendship, your workplace, in a group or even in a family? I guess, it's not uncommon for people to sometimes treat friends and loved ones, like they're 'excess baggage' or like they shouldn't have been there at all, in the first place. 

Nothing hurts more, than being 'sidelined and left out' by people that you really care about. It's a feeling of 'abandonment' like no other, when friends or colleagues, that you consider to be family, or maybe your real family too, behave like you don't even exist anymore.

If it is done on purpose, it is extremely 'heartless'; irrespective of what the 'reasons' for their actions may have been. But even if one is oblivious to how they've treated another, and they've done it 'unknowingly', they cannot be forgiven easily, for making another person feel like they 'don't even belong'.

I guess, for a lot of people it's fairly easy to make others feel like 'Three's a Crowd'. But over time, one of the many lessons that life has taught me, is that people only truly 'Understand', when they go through similar 'Life Experiences' themselves. Till then, they don't even realise or think about the fact, that their words or lack of it, their actions and behaviour, could really affect someone else adversely or cause deep anguish and pain.

But that's how Life is. We meet all kinds of people everyday; and through every interaction, we learn something. Not everyone is happy to have us around; but the ones who know how 'Special' we are, are the people that are the 'Real Blessings' in our lives.✨️✍️

STUCK ON YOU ✍️

Too far away to ever return,

That's where they have all gone;

'Come Back Soon', my 'Forever Wish',

With longing, yearning, holding on.😢

'Stay! Don't Go! Wait right here!',

They didn't hear me, when I said;

In an instant, they just marched along,

To their bright 'New Life', up ahead.✨️

Everyone has to go there one day,

Part of Fate, Destiny, God's Divine Plan;

Nothing 'Hopeful Souls' may say or do,

Could ever increase that fixed Life-Span.😔

Still, a 'Heart filled with Love' always Dreams,

Wonders if she could have some 'Magical Super-Glue',

To ensure that her Co-Travellers, stick around, stay close,

But how to make it happen, she truly has no clue.✍️

  

PERCEPTIONS ✍️

There's a reason for anything that happens in life

Situations, Actions, Behaviours

Those who perceive it

Understand

Those who don't

Judge

Like the story of the blind men and the elephant

It's just a matter of perception.✍️

(Just a random thought that I originally posted on FB last year on this day, 11th April' 2023.)

Stumbled upon a song today, that seems like just the right song for this post. So, am sharing it here. Something to ponder on, for those people who habitually derive pleasure and joy, from taunting, mocking, laughing, all at another person's expense. 

How could harsh words that bring pain and tears to one pair of eyes; fill others with absolute joy and be the cause of hearty laughter?🤔 If only people realised, how much those rude darts, very ruthlessly aimed at another, (either directly or indirectly), could hurt someone else, demoralize another or crush the spirit of a person; people would think twice before being 'mean'. 

We don't always know the other person's story. We don't always realise why people act in a particular way, however strange or peculiar it may be...But there's always a reason.

If only people put themselves in the other person's shoes and stopped to think, 'What if that person at the receiving end of those darts, was me?'

A MILLION TIMES AND MORE ✍️

 

A wandering mind

Constantly traversing

Forever on the go;

But it wanders back

To that one place,

A million times and more.

Seeking eyes

Always searching

Looking for meaning each day;

And they find what they seek

In that one place,

A million times and more.

A restless heart

Love overflowing

It knows where it belongs;

So it circles around

To that one place,

A million times and more.✍️

...BECAUSE I KNEW YOU ✨️✍️

 

An evening filled with Nostalgic Memories and lots and lots of Music. So many Rockstar Musicians on stage and innumerable music loving friends in the audience too. What could be better!🎶

Mrs.Blanche Viegas was a Piano Teacher loved by all her students. I didn't know her personally; but I remember that my Mum used to speak about her family sometimes, and one of her sons used to conduct the Choir in our Parish, decades ago too.

So, when I heard that there was a Memorial Concert in her honour, I wanted to go for it. The fact that I had a few friends singing in the 'Living Voices' Choir, conducted by her daughter, Blossom Mendonca, was an added incentive to go for the show. Of course, when you meet many, many friends, who also happen to be in the audience like you, it has to be a very happy day.😊

There were lots of special moments during the concert. Such beautiful songs were picked. ...And getting to hear someone play the 'Pedal Harp' was just amazing. But what I loved most was seeing how her students have become such accomplished musicians and performers. The anecdotes and stories, that these well-known and much loved musicians, shared about their Piano Teacher, which were filled with warmth and heartfelt Gratitude, were truly so lovely to hear.❤️

As a teacher, it really gave me so much joy to see how far her students had reached; and how wonderfully, they remember her 'still', even though she isn't here anymore. Her legacy lives on in each of them.✨️

At the Finale of the show, they played a song that I had heard a year ago, and loved from the first moment that I listened to it. I was so happy that they had chosen that song. Am sharing it here today. It's from the Musical - Wicked. This is a lovely duet of 'For Good', by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.😊

SINGING YOU THROUGH ✨️🎶

 

At some time during the pandemic, because I used to listen to lots and lots of music, I discovered the United States Navy Band. I think I first heard a couple of their very humourously presented Christmas Carols, which I enjoyed; and then, I went on to listen to many of their other songs too. It is quite amazing to see how so many of these soldiers, are such talented singers and musicians.🎶

I guess, that's a common feature among the Police and Armed Forces here in India too, because I have had the good fortune of listening to some really great musicians from the Police and Armed Forces Bands here, a few times; and they are very good.

So, I thought I would share two songs from the United States Navy Band YT page. The first one is a cover of a beautiful song by Heather Nova called 'Singing You Through'. It is such an uplifting and comforting song. I love the very meaningful words, the melody and the awesome harmonies, which they've added to the song also.✨️

I'm sharing the second song, just because I love Disney songs. It's from the animated movie 'Moana', called 'How Far I'll Go'. I always love how Disney makes the songs in their films, such an integral part of the story. The line where the sky meets the sea, calling out to Moana, together with the steadily building tempo of the song, conveys her sense of adventure and longing to move beyond the island, so well. Disney songs have always been my favourite, and whenever I hear them anywhere, it takes me back to the film instantly.😊

 

NOT JUST WORDS IN A SONG ✨️✍️

RIGHT HERE WITH YOU ✨️🎶 

They Uplift

They Motivate

They Comfort

They Strengthen

They often show me the way 

Tell me where to go,

They keep me company

Through paths, I don't know.

It may seem strange, to look to a song

For solace and comfort;

But born out of another's experience,

They kind of understand pain and hurt.💞

I WILL BE RIGHT HERE ✨️🎶

Songs and Music have never been 'Just Songs' to me. They're way more than mere tunes and melodies. They've always meant a lot more than 'Just Words', that someone put together creatively. 

Every song is born out of someone's 'Life Experience'. It is someone's feelings of hurt, loss, anguish, pain, joy, happiness and a range of different human emotions, put into words and a melody.🎶✍️

I think, when people love a song or a singer, it's not simply because of their voice or their persona. Those are only external factors and don't really mean that much. The actual 'Connect' happens because of the 'Magic' that the Music and Lyrics work, when they blend together melodiously and beautifully.  It's the words of the songs they sing, that strike chords, make people feel loved and a little less alone, uplift a broken soul, motivate people to 'Keep Going, No Matter What'.😊 

WHEN YOU BELIEVE ✨️🎶 

Always Grateful for the songs that help me 'Believe'. For songs that repeatedly tell me 'Don't Give Up'. Songs that keep me company and hold my hand, whenever I need a friend. Songs that make me feel like someone is always there, even when no one is.

To You, it may be 'Just a Song'. 

To Me, it's what brings a small 'Ray of Hope' to a dark and hopeless world, and what adds just a little meaning and sense to a restless, meaningless Life.✨️❤️

[Have shared some Olivia Newton-John songs, (uploaded by other listeners on YT) with this post, simply because I love listening to them. The lyrics of many of her songs have often comforted and lifted me up. I hope they do the same for someone else, who may listen to them as well.]😊 

MAYBE SOMEDAY✍️

 

Maybe someday we will understand 

Why things happen as they do;

The difficult to accept reality of life

Possible answers, somewhere up in the blue.

Maybe someday we will realise 

Why so many people come our way;

Each leaving an indelible mark

In our hearts, forever they stay.

Maybe someday we will comprehend

Why life never follows a scheduled plan;

Every moment, an unforseen tomorrow

Another day, to be lived as best we can.

Maybe someday we will grasp

Why this world, like a riddle we must solve;

Complexities galore, new lessons to learn

With each uncertain step, slowly we grow, we evolve.✨️✍️

(I wrote this one on FB, last year on this day, 4th April '2023.

Maybe someday, life's many complex riddles, will make more sense to me...🤔

...But not today!)

...AND YOUR FAMILY ✍️

 

Every Christmas and Easter, I receive a few messages that begin with this line...

'Wishing you AND YOUR FAMILY a wonderful Christmas / Easter.'

Looks like a very normal harmless message, doesn't it?...But what may seem extremely ordinary and regular to most people, 'rips my heart out' every single time.😢

Not just because it clearly indicates that it is a 'Blindly Forwarded' message, with no personal feelings attached; but also because, it shows an absolute 'Lack of Sensitivity', on the part of the people, who send messages like these.

Sadly, in most cases, these 'extremely heartbreaking insensitive messages', come from close friends; and often, from extended family too.🤷 

And each time, these messages make me 'wonder about and ponder on' so many things.

Why do people send wishes on days like these at all, if they are not even going to first, 'Read the Text' that they are sending across?

How can someone who is close enough to be your friend or even a relative, not even 'Think' how a text like that, would make the other person 'Feel'?

How meaningless and pointless it is, to actually send a wish like that across to someone, if all it is going to do, is deeply 'Wound' and 'Hurt' that person, especially on days, when they truly miss the ones they love, most of all.😒

But, 'That's Life' in today's world, I guess. A 'Disconnected World', in which people want to feel 'Connected', to just about everyone in the universe.

...and how do they do that? By sending 'Seemingly Personal', but actually 'Absolutely Impersonal' messages, to everyone on their 'Contact List', on occasions like these; often without even bothering to 'Stop' for a minute and 'Think' about, how generalised messages like these, could make a few 'SORE LOSERS' like me, feel.✍️

YOU MAKE ME SMILE 😊✍️

'What would life be, without a song or dance', sang ABBA, a long, long time ago.

...But also, what would life be, without a little bit of this sometimes:

- a cheerful smile

- an amused giggle

- a quiet chuckle

- a hearty laugh

- a roaring guffaw

The happiest sound in the world, is probably the sound of a really loud, resounding Laugh.😂 

The most uplifting feeling you could ever experience, is looking at a face, when it breaks into the warmest Smile.😊

I don't think any of us can resist 'Smiling' or 'Laughing' too, when someone around us Smiles or Laughs heartily. It's no wonder really then, that 'Laughter Therapy' and 'Laughter Clubs' are so popular everywhere, even though it may seem quite silly, to just get together and laugh.

I guess, sometimes in life, we just forget how to Laugh, or we have fewer reasons to Smile.

...To people in our lives, who remind us to Smile and Laugh everyday, 'Thank You'.✨️❤️

(Wrote this on FB, on this day last year, 26th March '2023.

Discovered this song, a year or two ago also. It just matches my post today. So, sharing it.)😊

GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES ✍️

So often, there are thoughts and feelings floating around in our heads and hearts, which we just don't know how to express, or how to put into words.

Our inability to move beyond those recurring thoughts and unexpressed emotions, often makes us get stuck in a never-ending spiral or a circular loop...and we end up just going round and round and round, constantly re-playing the same thoughts, words and actions, over and over again.

The resulting restlessness in our minds, often holds us captive. It keeps us spinning around like a top, as if we were stuck on a giant-wheel or a carousel, that just goes round and round in circles, endlessly.

Thinking out of the box and doing things differently, could be ways in which we sometimes may attempt, to try and escape from these prison cells, that often refuse to set us free...But a lot of times, we're so caught up in their clutches and they have such a tight and firm grip over us, that it is next to impossible, to completely free ourselves from these 'windmills in our minds', and to find a way out of 'the circle game' of Life and Time. ✍️

When words fail, music comes to the rescue. I think there is always a song, to say anything that we can't really do justice to, with words. But, the fact that someone, somewhere, at some point in time, put down lyrics like these; just goes to show, how universal some of these thoughts and feelings are, among human beings everywhere. 

I think this song almost echoes my very random thoughts today. It has been sung by many, many different singers. The lyrics are just as haunting as the melody of the song. Together, they almost give you that feeling of being caught up in a never ending circle, from where there is no escape. Am sharing the Alison Moyet version.

THE WINDMILLS OF YOUR MIND (Song Lyrics) 🎶

Round like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel

Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel

Like a snowball down a mountain, or a carnival balloon

Like a carousel that's turning running rings around the moon

Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face

And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space

Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind!

Like a tunnel that you follow to a tunnel of its own

Down a hollow to a cavern where the sun has never shone

Like a door that keeps revolving in a half forgotten dream

Or the ripples from a pebble someone tosses in a stream

Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face

And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space

Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind!

Keys that jingle in your pocket, words that jangle in your head

Why did summer go so quickly, was it something that you said?

Lovers walking along a shore and leave their footprints in the sand

Is the sound of distant drumming just the fingers of your hand?

Pictures hanging in a hallway and the fragment of a song

Half remembered names and faces, but to whom do they belong?

When you knew that it was over you were suddenly aware

That the autumn leaves were turning to the color of her hair!

Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel

Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel

As the images unwind, like the circles that you find

In the windmills of your mind!🎶

I also found another song today called 'THE CIRCLE GAME' by Joni Mitchell, that also ties in with what this post is about. Although the song narrates a story, the chorus almost talks about the same thought, of kind of being stuck on a circular carousel, that constantly keeps going round, almost like it's set on 'repeat mode', over and over again. 

'We're Captive on the Carousel of Time, 

And go round and round and round in the Circle Game'.🎶

STRANGELY FAMILIAR ✍️

 

Growing up, we were always warned,

'Don't talk to Strangers!'

...And we fearfully kept away;

Like good children, we obeyed.

As we journeyed along, we were taught,

'Stick to company, that you know well!'

...And we stayed on paths we knew;

Like dutiful youngsters, we never strayed.

Life went on, countless lessons we imbibed,

'Experience, forever the Best Teacher!'

...And we Lived and Learned everyday;

Like tattoos, those imprints with us remained.

But when through turbulent waters, we were forced to wade,

'Nothing ever prepares you for that!'

...And stumbling, crawling, we found our way;

Like a little toddler, discovering the magic in his feet.

With Isolation, Separation, Loss, Grief and Pain,

'Everything you knew, just turns on its head!'

...And with the 'Strangely Familiar', often more comfort and solace;

Like a warm blanket, on a cold winter's day.✨️❤️

(When I posted this on FB last year, on the 20th of March' 2023; a friend asked me where the 'Inspiration' for things that I write, comes from.

I answered, 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once'.😊 That movie title was stuck in my head for a few days, since it had won at the Oscars.😂

A musician friend had also shared a new song, that his wife had released on this day last year; and after listening to the words of the song a couple of times, I just mentioned to him, that 'Inspiration could come from just about anywhere'; the people we meet, places we go to, memories stored away in our minds, music we listen to, things we love, nature and the world around us, everyday experiences, or even just ordinary things, like a board game played at home (in the case of that new song).😊

With me, I think I constantly have a volcano of words and thoughts inside me, forever waiting to burst out and erupt, at the drop of a hat. So, anything really, becomes a 'catalyst', to bring those words to life. Place a keypad or a pen in my hands and I just can't stop myself.✍️

...And, I also think it's a 'Gift from God'. Any talent we are blessed with, is something we always need to be 'Grateful' for.😊

Each time I put my thoughts into words, I'm just practising my skill, experimenting a little bit, with different styles and ways of putting words together...Hopefully, somewhere down the road, it will lead to something more...Poetry, Lyrics for songs, Books, Who knows!🤷‍♀️ 

That's the Dream...

...Like a Mirage in the Desert).✨️

WHAT'S IN A NAME! ✍️

 

Everything

What we always hope we could have

Everywhere

Where we constantly wish we could go

All at Once

What Dreams Are Made Of 

If Only...🤔✍️

(Wrote this last year on 20th March' 2023. The Movie 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once'  had won the Oscar Awards. I still haven't watched the film; but when I heard the title, I just thought that it was interesting, and so I put down these random few lines.)😊

JOURNEY TO THE PAST ✍️

Heart don't fail me now, 

Courage don't desert me...🎶

Like always, there is constantly a soundtrack playing along in the background of my mind, all day, everyday. This morning, it was these words that just suddenly started playing in my head. They're from the animated movie 'Anastasia', that I must have watched a couple of decades ago. I don't even know, how I remember the song still; and how these words just came to me, almost when I was saying these things to myself.✨️

2024 hasn't been the best year for me, so far. Of the two and a half months that have gone by, I've been unwell for almost one whole month now. As a result, have been physically and emotionally, completely drained out. Someone asked me about 15 days ago, 'So, who is looking after you?'...How do you answer a question like that?🤔 I just smiled.😊

To add to that, I have had quite a week, trying to locate something very important. Turned everything upside down, in my quest to discover, what I thought was lost; because it was too important to be misplaced. I guess, that stress and anguish, just aggravated the illness, and brought it back in a new avatar; because although there are environmental and other causes for every sickness, our emotional state of mind, is always a big contributor to how good or not so good we feel, physically.

The great thing though, was that I finally and thankfully, found what I had been looking for high and low, very desperately. In the process, I also got down to at least starting out, on an extremely 'mammoth task', that I had been putting off for the longest time, because it always brings back too many memories, whenever I set out to do it - trying to look through old stuff, to decide what needs to stay and what needs to go. I have been doing a little of it, at a time, over the last 2 years; but moving along at a snail's pace (by choice really), because it is something that is too difficult to do, considering that every little thing, is connected to an unforgettable memory. My quest for what was lost, forced me to speed up the process, just a little bit.

There is so much to do; that it will probably take me a few years or maybe ten, to look through everything and get it all done. But this 'Journey To The Past', is something that I have avoided for too long, and it really needs to begin in earnest, however long or uphill, the struggle may be. Forcibly having to look for a lost treasure, was a start.😊

This song is so meaningful and very beautiful. I'm glad something reminded me of it today. Have shared the lyrics below too, because it is such a heartfelt song.✨️🎶

Found a lovely duet version of the song, sung so harmoniously, by Liz Callaway, who originally sang the song in the animated movie 'Anastasia', together with Christy Altomare, who was part of the original Broadway cast of 'Anastasia-The Musical'.❤️

JOURNEY TO THE PAST (Song Lyrics)🎶

- Liz Callaway

Heart, don't fail me now

Courage, don't desert me

Don't turn back now that we're here;

People always say

Life is full of choices

No one ever mentions fear,

Or how the world can seem so vast,

On a journey to the past.

Somewhere down this road

I know someone's waiting

Years of dreams just can't be wrong;

Arms will open wide

I'll be safe and wanted,

Finally Home where I belong.

Well, starting now I'm learning fast,

On this journey to the past.

Home, Love, Family❤️

There was once a time

I must have had them too.

Home, Love, Family✨️

I will never be complete

Until I find you.

One step at a time

One hope then another

Who knows where this road may go;

Back to who I was

On to find my future

Things my heart still needs to know,

Yes, let this be a sign

Let this road be mine

Let it lead me to my past;

And bring me Home

At Last.✨️✍️

FROM A DISTANCE ✍️

 

Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted!

Beware Of Dogs!

Keep Out!

'Sign Boards' like these, that people often put up, at the entrance of their homes or private property; are not the most welcoming, to friends or anyone visiting a person. They automatically make the outsiders, put their guard up; or occasionally, just make a U-turn and walk away.

No one wants to be in a place, where they are not wanted; or where they are made to feel like intruders. Nobody wants to be chased or bitten by the loyal guard dogs, that are constantly keeping watch; and are ready to pounce on just about anyone, who tries to come in without an invitation. 

Different people react differently to 'Man's Best Friend'. Having had an unpleasant experience with stray dogs in the past, which led to the entire long course of injections; I've always preferred to steer clear of them. So, friends and loved ones who own dogs, seldom get visited by me; and if I ever do, it is only after an assurance, that their pet is kept away. 

I don't need anyone to tell me more than once. Those unwelcome sign boards are always self-explanatory and a clear indication, that I'm better off knowing some people from afar. They still remain close friends and family; but with a 'Do Not Disturb' sign, outside their doors. No doubt, their pets are extremely dear to them; but to me, I always feel safer interacting with such individuals, from a distance. ✍️

MY KNAPSACK ON MY BACK ✍️

 

From one horizon to the next;

Much to explore

More to discover

Experiences to cherish, everyday.

From one sunset to another;

Distances to trod

Miles to traverse

Bridges to cross, along the way.

From one season to what follows;

Winds to fly

Oceans to sail

Memories to make, as I go.

From one sunrise to each moonbeam;

A Life to live

Dreams to dream

Lessons, always knocking at my door.✍️

(Originally posted on FB, a year ago, on 16th March '2023.)

YOU FILL UP MY SENSES ✨️✍️

 

Ever so often, I look up at the blue skies,

And reach out my hands to you;

I know you must be hugging me right back,

If only, I could still touch and hold you too.🤗

Ever so often, I tell you my long tales,

The never-ending stories, I only told you;

I know you must be taking in every word,

If only, I could still listen and hear you too.

Ever so often, I listen to a song,

Which reminds me of when you sang them;

I know you must be quite an entertainer up there,

If only, I could still watch and see that too.🎶

Ever so often, someone cooks a meal,

And it transports me to dishes you cooked;

I know the angels must be having a feast,

If only, I could still relish and taste them too.

Ever so often, in both food and old clothes,

I feel like there's a faint shadow of you;

I know aromas and perfumes, don't linger that long,

If only, I could still inhale and smell that too.✨️

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS ✨️🎶

 

(FB Memories today reminded me of two old posts from Jukebox Jammies. One was a lovely song by Michael Bolton, which I shared on this day last year, called 'A Love So Beautiful'. 

The other was this post, which I had shared way back, three years ago on the 14th of March '2021. This was a special moment and so, I have to save this post on this blog, now that I discovered it again.)😊

Congratulations dearest Carlton Braganza on winning an award for being one of the 'Lockdown's Leading Lights' and one of 'India's Covid Heroes'.👏👏👏 The number of people that your singing and music has uplifted, through this very crazy year, is difficult to count.

How many burdens you've lightened and how many troubled minds you've put at ease. Fears, worries, anxiety, stress and so many other negative thoughts and feelings, just magically disappeared, when people listened to you sing.🎶🎤 Your warm smile and hearty laughter just made everyone forget that we were in the midst of a lockdown.😊 

Those of us, who've been listening to 'Jukebox Jammies' for almost a year now, know that one of the listeners already proclaimed you the 'Patron Saint of the Pandemic' many months ago.😂 May seem a little extreme, to those who haven't been listening to JJ; but if you have, you'll know why, that is definitely not an exaggeration.

This recognition through an award, only a few days before JJ reaches that milestone, of 'One Year' since the show began, is truly well-deserved.👍

Thank you dear Carlton for being our 'Sunshine' and for 'making us happy, when skies were grey'. The entire 'JJ Family' is very happy and proud of you.✨️

PICTURE PERFECT 🎶✍️

 

Three very different songs, that I listened to yesterday...They may seem unrelated; but if you look closely, they are somehow connected to one another. 

I listened to this Ed Sheeran cover by Boyce Avenue, because he is in the city for a concert. A friend, who just happened to be performing in a place that he visited, shared a 'Photograph' with him, which got everyone quite excited (and made me think of the first song). I mean, I'm not exactly a fan; but even those who buy a ticket for his concert, won't get close enough, to take a pic like that with him on Saturday. For anyone who loves music, meeting a singer whose songs you listen to, especially an International Aritst like that, is quite something. So, it's pretty amazing that she met him.😊

As I continued browsing through other songs, I just thought of the other two, during the course of the day, because they are from the Willie Nelson collection of songs called, 'Picture in a Frame'. 

I have listened to these songs before; but today, I just decided to save them here. I like all of them; but I think the words, together with the very sweet melody and harmony of 'Love me like a Song', makes it sound so 'simply beautiful'. Such a melodious duet by Kimmie Rhodes and Willie Nelson.✨️❤️

This is actually something I love doing, almost all the time, any time...It's a hobby, I developed over two decades, because I had to do this regularly, as part of my work. Finding the 'perfect songs' to match a particular theme, is so much fun. I like to think that it's a 'Special Gift', I have been blessed with. I enjoy it too, because in order to find the 'right match for a given topic', you have to listen to the lyrics of lots and lots of songs, very carefully and often repeatedly. In the process of doing that constantly for so long, it kind of became a part of what I now do everyday, even when it's not for work, just because it makes me happy.😊

I even have colleagues that I used to work with, who still text me occasionally, when they need to find just the right songs for something they are working on. Makes me happy to know, that they still think I make 'good choices', when it comes to picking appropriate, meaningful songs. 🎶

JUST LET US DREAM ✍️

 

Why do people come in the way,

Of these 'illusions' in our mind?

When they get us through, each gloomy day,

And help us, some peace to find.

If only someone, didn't always try,

To tamper and interfere with our 'dreams';

Which help us hold on to hope every day,

Though far from reality, each one seems.

We know they will never come true,

Because we may have just imagined them to life;

But for a little while, they make us smile,

And make us forget, the pain and strife.

It may be foolish to believe in things,

That a creative mind, just conjured up;

Don't we all need some 'crazy magic', at times,

To overlook, what's in our bitter cup?

Those who constantly weave puzzles and webs,

Often get tangled and caught, in their own;

But these illusions, keep 'almost drowning' people afloat,

The 'only glimmer of joy', that we've known.

So wouldn't it be nice, to just let us stay,

Lost in our own mythical, magical place?

We know it will disappear, when we awake, 

But while it lasts, it's 'our wondrous, happy space'.

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES 🤔✍️

 

I start to Write

Then Delete

I begin to Say

Then Don't

I want to Voice

Then Can't

I need to Express

Then Won't

(Wrote this on FB, exactly a year ago on this day, 13th March '23.)

I think lots of people are like this...Seizing the day and saying what's really on our mind, just doesn't happen naturally, for a large majority of us.

Give me a pen and paper, or a keyboard to type it all down; and I probably would be able to say quite a bit✍️...But, put me in front of a person, and I'd probably turn into a statue with a frozen tongue.😂

I Wonder Why.🤔

...BUT YOU DON'T KNOW ME ✍️

 

'Jumping To Conclusions', seems to be a favourite pass-time of most people. I don't know if that's a common human trait, in people across the world; or whether it is an absolutely irritating condition, that lots of over-inquisitive and supposedly concerned individuals, in our part of the world, suffer from.

I've had innumerable short encounters and experiences like these, (over the last 5 or 6 years especially) of instances, when people who barely know me, or who just happened to know my parents, or who knew of me because of the work I did; freely offer the most bizarre and completely unnecessary 'suggestions', or worse still, 'advice' that I didn't ask for; after a five-minute brief conversation with me (when they're actually meeting me, after over a decade or two, or maybe even more).

In the entire chat, that doesn't last more than a few minutes, (because I'm not the best conversationalist around anyway), while I only exchange pleasantries, just out of courtesy, because someone smiled and said Hello to me; these eager beavers, somehow manage to ask me a dozen questions (often very personal ones too), without the slightest hesitation, and with the skill of seasoned journalists.🤦‍♀️

Unfortunately for them, their efforts are quite futile, because they only receive answers in a nod, a forced smile or just monosyllables; because I have no interest at all, in being interviewed by anyone, whether they're acquaintances who happen to know me, friends of my parents, or even my own old friends, who I've suddenly met after a gap of many years.🥴

I know that 'Man is a social animal' and by virtue of that, interacting and conversing with others of the species, is something that comes naturally to all of us. Human interactions are very essential and necessary too, for a person to avoid having an emotional or mental breakdown, due to a lack of communication...But, when it happens in this way, it kind of feels like more of an inquisition, rather than a healthy interaction.

I don't know why this troubles me more now, than it did before. I guess it is because I've chosen to be more private and to keep to myself, a lot more than I did earlier. So, even these very casual, meaningless conversations, seem like an intrusion on my personal space. I know that the ones, who have these million queries, are just doing it out of force of habit, or maybe because they're overly curious, or in some rare cases, because they really do care... But, I still think, people need to have some boundaries and respect another person's need to share only what they wish to, without being asked.

It may seem rather strange that a person who writes all these posts on a blog, and shares so much of stuff, in almost the same way as writing an 'Open Diary' (which potentially, could be read by absolute strangers), has so many hang-ups with two or three minute conversations (with people who are somewhat familiar or maybe even friends). But, I guess most people share only what they want others to know about them, kind of like the 'tip of the iceberg' phenomenon, that I studied about in psychology classes. No one could know more about any person, than that person themselves.

Of course, we all need an outlet somewhere. For someone who struggles with verbal conversations, a place like this, where thoughts become words on a page, is a welcome space to vent. But it doesn't automatically mean, that anyone who reads these posts, knows the real person behind the words. Like Ray Charles sang in his song, 'You think you know me well, but you don't know me.'🎶

I only ever had one 'Sounding Board' in my life. After I lost her, my life just went completely 'Silent' for a couple of years; till I started boring a couple of friends occasionally, with extra-long, never ending texts. But now, since I often feel like I might be intruding and disturbing those 'Listening Ears', because they may be busy with life, work or their own families and other friends; this blog is kind of my way, of saying what's on my mind. Whether anyone reads it or not, doesn't really matter to me; because more than anything, writing these posts is just my way of ensuring that the 'Silence', doesn't make me go completely crazy.😄✍️

BE MINDFUL, DEAR HEART. ✍️

 

There are a few words that sound beautiful,

In a story book, movie or a song;

For with all of the magic and joy they bring,

That's exactly where they belong.

They're just too complex to comprehend,

Too tedious and take up precious time;

And they make absolutely harmless people,

Often feel like they've committed a crime.

They're like an investment in the future,

When we know not what tomorrow holds in store;

They make dreams, seem very real and true,

And make one want and crave for more.

Love, Forever and Happily Ever After,

Are just like pixie dust in a fairy-tale;

Trusted companions of writers everywhere,

To ensure a sold-out book sale.

May be wiser, to listen to that reasoning mind instead,

That sensibly guides and keeps things real and true;

Always logical, unlike that mild and tender heart,

Which lacks direction and can never decide what to do.✍️

DON'T TELL ME...BECAUSE I KNOW ✍️

 

Don't tell me to 'Forget'

...because I won't.

I'm mostly docile and non-violent,

Till someone tells me to do that;

It would get their head bitten off with words,

Swung strongly at them, from a straight bat.

Don't tell me 'Time Heals'

...because it doesn't.

I've loved and lost, more than enough,

And this much I surely know;

People run, hide, do stuff just to get over it,

But the wound remains, even when it doesn't show.

Don't tell me 'You're Not Alone'

...because I am.

Close Friends, Extended Family, Always There for me, near or far,

Countless Blessings surround me every single day;

But in the day to day living, from one moment to the next,

It's a solitary journey, every step of the way.✍️

LOOK WHO'S TALKING NOW! ✍️

 

A brief comment that I typed out on an old school friend's FB page, after very long; made me think about how, as time goes by, we slowly and gradually drift apart from so many, many friends, who once used to be an important part of our everyday conversations and life experiences. 

It made me feel a little sad, to think about how people, who were such an integral part of our world, just a few decades ago; get turned into only a dear old familiar name, whose posts we occasionally follow on social media, or who are part of a long list of names on chat groups...I'm anyway, what you would call, a kind of 'a hermit crab' or 'a silent spectator' on most or all chat groups; hardly ever joining into a conversation, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Strangely, there was a time, when I used to list out 'corresponding' and 'making friends', as some of my 'Hobbies' on those old slam books, that we used to fill up for friends, in our school days. Even before social media made an appearance in our lives, my friends used to say, 'You always keep in touch with everyone'.😊

I guess, 'Letter Writing' used to be one of my favourite things to do, in the times of 'snail mail'; and if you were a close family member or friend, who lived far away, you would receive long hand-written letters from me very frequently📨📬...There were also a couple of school and college friends, with whom I used to literally have hour long conversations, on our old landline phones.☎️

From then to now; when I sometimes don't know what to say to a person, after two sentences.🤷‍♀️ Only a couple of really close friends, still get to hear me talking more than that; and even that happens, just occasionally these days.

...But I think, I've gradually evolved into a very 'Happy Listener', in most face-to-face conversations. The people or the conversation has to really interest me, for me to actually open my mouth and join in. I guess, I like to think of myself as a 'Friendly Loner', who still has lots of friends; but is happier to not have to communicate verbally, as long as it can be avoided.

One or two 'Unfortunate Ones' though, had been forced to be my 'Listening Ears' for a couple of years (whether they wanted to be or not), because even a 'Good Listener' needs to have her say sometimes and somewhere (even if it's only in writing) Thank You for patiently listening (directly or indirectly), literally every single day, when you did. Was glad to have those ears around, for a while.🤗 You know, 'you still mean the world to me' and I really don't know, what I would ever do without 'Special Friends Like You'.✨️❤️

...and the few other friends and family too, (and close friends of my mum also) who took the time to read my regular extra-long posts, (back when I used to share these often, on FB), were the other unsuspecting victims of my regular 'verbal diarrhoea'.🙈😂 I'm glad you are always around, even from a distance (despite me choosing to be so distant, and almost impossible to communicate with, over the last few years).💕

Anyone who reads this post, will never believe that I don't talk much.😆 I think, it's all this extra wondering, that's making me ponder on how much, 'Time' and our 'Life Experiences' change us. Over the years, as life takes us in different directions, friends we used to be really close to in school, college, the choirs we sang with, friends in youth groups, old neighbours who moved away, and even close colleagues we used to see at work and interact with, every single day, who were almost like family; become people we talk to, only on birthdays, festivals or family occasions, and even that has been reduced to, just a one line chat message, if at all (at least for me).

Our 'Communication Circles' dwindle in size and our 'Inner Circle' also keeps changing as time passes, with new people (who are currently a part of our lives), taking the place of older friends and family...and that also, slowly gets smaller. We still have loads of friends; but we don't communicate with everyone in the same way. 

I guess, 'That's Life'...Constantly Evolving! Ever Changing!😊...The old relationships and friendships still matter a lot and will always remain dear; but the ways in which we interact and connect, just 'Change'.✍️

(This is a post I wrote on FB, last year on this day, 9th March '2023. Just updated it a little bit, here and there, before saving it here; because sadly, a lot can change in our interactions with people, in just one year too.)

HOME ✨️🎶

 

'Home is where the Heart is'...That's a saying, we've often heard. 

There are innumerable songs that speak about 'Home'. From the song we all learned as kids, 'Take me Home, Country Roads', to Michael Buble's 'Home', lots of musicians have written songs about 'wanting to go Home'.🎶

But while that sounds really lovely in a song, in reality, it's never really 'a place' that gives us that warm, nostalgic feeling. Home is really just 'an empty space' without family or loved ones in it, even if it may have all the comforts, that one may desire; because it is 'People' who make any place feel like 'Home'.✨️

I stumbled upon these two beautiful songs today, that talk about what 'HOME' really is, in a completely different and beautiful way...and I couldn't agree more, with the lyrics in both these songs. So, decided to save them here.

The first one is a nice old song by the band 'Smokie'. The words of this song, are so meaningful.✍️

HOME IS ANYWHERE YOU ARE 🎶

- Smokie

The second one is a very recent, new song by Jason Mraz and Ingrid Michaelson, which I also liked very much. 

(Found a lyric video and an audio one. So, posting both of them).

LOVE IS 🎶

- Ingrid Michaelson and Jasaon Mraz

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.)