Creativity :-)

Well, I have discovered that I can manage to paint and would look forward to painting a lot more. Here are some of my creations .... lol

Easy to talk to, easy to get?

Out of my experience I have come across men who find you approachable to have a conversation assume that its easy to get whatsoever they want out of you. And, when that doesn't happen people start making up stories which can be very creative. So typical are the stories which they share with other guys or gals or whatever :-)

They even go to an extent of damaging a woman's character to just satisfy their ego. For any man who approaches a woman it could either be that he just wants to have fun or is looking at spending his life with her. More often than not its just for having a good time. Believe me no man would really think of actually wanting to know a woman without any agenda on mind. Heard this from a few friends that I have and are married now. So, they really dont mind talking about it :-)

So, the other day I was watching Ellens and completely believe in "Act like a lady, think like a man", when in situations of a man approaching you for a conversation .... lol.

Don't forget that you too will get older one day

Sometimes the things I see and hear around me affects me a lot. And, thought of putting down my thoughts on my blog.

I don't understand how your behavior towards an elderly person changes just because they are old. We need to remember that we too will grow old and just imagine someone treating you like you are a burden. Most of them treat their own family member in such weird manner like growing older is a bad thing or something.

I am a strong believer in "what goes around comes around"! If you can't do good to anyone at least don't make them feel bad or sad. Leave them alone if you can't tolerate them. This is what most of the people feel "tolerate" an old person like they are not human beings just like us.

Compassion starts with your family members and then extends to people around you. It is nice to be bothered about oneself but don't make that your world only. People may find that whatever I have written is not practical but the same people will grow old one day and be treated in the same way. We need to put an end to treating people badly or speaking before we think as it would really hurt someone. Especially public humiliation is the worst thing anyone can witness or washing dirty linen in public or fabricating things.

Be true to yourself first and ask yourself one question. Are you happy about treating an elderly person without respect or compassion. They don't ask for much you know, its just few nice words. If you cant do that much then you are not leading an enriching life. Treat others with respect and it really doesn't matter what they do for a living or how old they are or how dependant they are.

There is a wonderful line in the movie "Maid in Manhattan". Its spoken by one of the managers who resigns his job in the hotel service industry. "What we do, doesn't define who we are". So, it really doesn't matter how rich you are or what you have achieved unless you can love unconditionally and look at everyone as you would like to see yourself. Don't believe in things like "Do unto others what they do unto you". It really doesn't make you a better person.

Phew! I just had to let this out of my system cause it really bothers me when there are events or situations I hear about or witness myself. Remember folks or family members are the same people who taught you how to walk and held you when you were about to fall. Why can't we reciprocate same when they love us so unconditionally.

Had an interesting Monday

Well, yesterday I had an opportunity to visit my cousin's factory. They are into retail fixtures and had started small but doing well. They have moved to a new facility and it was amazing to actually look at those gigantic machines and people at work. It is always interesting to understand a totally different industry from the one I've always been a part of.

I am so proud of my brother as he is a self made man and a great inspiration to all of us in our family. This is a wonderful example of actually going out there and achieving his goals. Its gives you a really remarkable high no other spirit can substitute. I'm sure all of us experience this when we perform well at our jobs. But this kind of an achievement is really a positive energy for us youngsters who look up to him.

I really liked the way the factory has been designed and its wonderful to know that someone so close to you has achieved so much with hard work and of course being street smart. I really enjoyed the conversation I had with my brother yesterday and it had been ages since we actually spoke and spoke.

Meditation can be really challenging

Well, I just started meditating a couple of days ago and realized that it isn't easy to sit for one session even if its just for 10 mins. I'm glad I opted for primordial sound meditation as it was simple to follow.

Just start with 10 mins a day and ideally should have 20-30 mins sessions once in the morning and again the evening. I has been quite a task to actually stay calm and peaceful for 10 mins. But I just love the feeling after those 10 mins and I learnt that you don't run into or out of meditation. You really have to experience the calmness and peace once you are through with your session.

Primordial meditation is a combination of using mantra and also concentrating on your breathing. It is so amazing how Deepak Chopra has put it in a simple format online. Anyone can learn this simple form of meditation being practised in ancient India.

Human beings = complications = relationships

Many people say that relationships are complicated. However, I feel that it is us humans who make it complicated or complex. Any relationship can be simple provided there are no unrealistic expectations from them. Once you have expectations from a relationship it is bound to end up being complex.

The moment you stop expecting things to happen everything will fall in place and being oneself solves most of the issues. That is the expectation one should set while beginning a relationship and not have expectations instead from the other person.

As we get older we begin to understand more about relationships and what we actually want from our partner. Sometimes we have heard people tell us take all the time to know the other person before getting into a serious relationship. And we would have also heard that years and years of knowing each other isn't good enough to keep people together.

We can either like or dislike a person but that should be only after a decent period of time i.e. quality time spent together. Being possessive beyond a certain extent is also harmful to any relationship and at the same time not being possessive at all can cause issues.

In a relationship it is difficult to define one's space and since its subjective there is no standard for the same. I believe in respecting one's space in a relationship cause everyone has their likes/ dislikes. No two people are the same so its unfair to expect the other person to adapt to your lifestyle completely or to whatever extent you want them to adapt themselves.

Oh yes, the clinging types can surely get on your nerves. More often than not I've observed people being insecure who cling a lot to their partners. This is just my observation and I could not be right in all the cases :-) But yes the clinging types do get on my nerves.

So after having had this discussion with several friends of mine I know for sure that it us who make things complicated and its not the relationships that do :-)

Thank you for taking time to read!

Haven't met anyone with great sense of humor whom I'm attracted to!

Every now and then when you are single people ask you the kind of person you would like to meet or spend your life with. For me it has to be amazing sense of humor and intelligence. I generally don't go by looks cause as you age that really doesn't matter. The spirit of the person is what actually counts and I like to be with a person because of who he is and not for what he has become.

I truly don't believe in the idea of having to change someone cause that wouldn't last for long :-) And, I would love to be myself as well cause I believe in it. If you don't like who I am that's fine, at least I wont waste my time and yours. After all once you live under one roof you will have to be yourself and cant pretend to be someone else for longer. So, be yourself is my mantra!

Communication is such a vital part of any relationship and so it trust. If we don't share our views or anything else for that matter I really don't understand the idea of being in a relationship. As we grow we understand that you need to be with someone who likes you for the person you are.

Everyone has their own criteria, but if a man can't make me laugh then he is not the right person for me. Laughter is a great therapy and sometimes even in the most serious circumstances having a good sense of humor helps. Its so important to know what you want out of a relationship so that you don't spend time with the wrong sort.

I would look forward to meeting this kind of a person and I really don't mind how long it takes but I'd rather have a wonderful person in my life or no one at all.

Painting town red! Beware

Just thought of writing this cause my boss happened to mention this in a discussion we were having. It so true, not to be emotionally dependent on anyone is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. This usually happens when you are in love. And if you are sensitive beware cause "someone is gonna get a hurt real bad". Reminded of Russell Peters ;-)

As youngsters we really don't understand the consequences of getting into wrong relationships. Well, for me I'm highly sensitive and end up getting hurt and its tough to bounce back. Sometimes, I wonder if the same time was probably spent productively rather than on a relationship we could be content with life. But there are lessons to be learnt and I did the hard way. Others learn it from people around them and I'm sure my recklessness in painting the town red has benefited many lives :-) Many have judged me based only that aspect of life forgetting the person I am. I have no regrets cause I have learnt from my experiences and clear of what I want in my life.

Reflecting back on the time spent bouncing back and loosing out on many opportunities career wise or otherwise I sometimes laugh. Crying or getting angry or guilty for that matter wouldn't really help me. Speaking to a couple of my friends or acquaintances who chose to learn things the hard way we all realize during tough times who are true friends are. And family is the best thing that can happen to any of us as they never judge us :-)

Ugadi - New Year!!!!

Happy Yugadi or New Year to all the people celebrating it today!!! "Yuga" mean year and "adi" means beginning so it marks the beginning of an year.

I was so excited when we went and shopped for the festival yesterday as this marks the beginning of the new year for people in Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Maharashtra. We begin the day by taking oil bath and offering prayers. As I am a Kannadiga we have "bevvu bella" which is neem buds or flowers and jaggery. This symbolizes that life has happiness & sadness, success & failure etc. We must learn to accept these as a part of our lives and begin the year being positive.

The whole family gets together and has a nice and interesting meal. Some of the things usually made are "holige" or "bobatlu" which is a delicacy and must try if you haven't. Its also known as "puranpoli". It is usually eaten warm/ cold with ghee and milk. Its yummy and must try, especially the one "belle holige" filled with Bengal gram & jaggery.

The elderly usually read the "Panchanga" i.e. almanac to get an idea of the year ahead. It is a ceremony observed by very few people today and I'm glad mom did read it for us :-)

P.S: the picture is of holige

Can you really judge me?

Judging others is the worst thing would one could do. The only person who is going to miss out on a lot of things is the person who is judging you. Many judgements are based on what one has heard and may not have seen. Sometimes, I don't think that seeing is believing too cause one could be misunderstood or misinterpreted. And there are many talented people who would like seeing others in misery so they can go to any extent to make a person look like the worst human being on earth.

I've always experienced that leading a straightforward lifestyle isn't an easy one. But, I am not here to please anyone and as seasons change so have people who have judged me in the past. It hilarious when they approach you again like nothing has ever happened. And I don't want to be a smallest person on this planet not to forgot and forgive them.

When I meet someone I am not at all judgemental cause situations and circumstances may have made anyone respond in a certain manner. One may achieve success in a short period of time but if you are not true to yourself then what have you gained? Ask yourself this question and next time you meet someone give them a chance to be themselves and only time will showcase the true character of a person. And no one is an angel, so I believe that take the best of any person and leave the rest. I've been meaning to write this for a really long time and it has finally materialized today.

Thank you for reading!

Single but not lonely

Its almost a year since I'm single and for the first time in my life I'm not feeling empty or lonely. I really don't miss the need to share my life with someone cause there are so many things I've wanted to do like discover myself and understand what I really want in life.

Sometimes we are so caught up our mechanic lifestyle that we forget about ourselves. This is not being selfish according to me and knowing oneself completely is a totally different high. And only the people who actually know themselves would understand what I mean!

Relationships teach you a lot and the most important thing is that your family & friends who really care will always be with you :-) I'm the luckiest person on earth since I have a lovely family and few good friends. I still love to meet people from different cultural backgrounds or otherwise as I get a different perspective to life. Recently, I've got a chance to interact with so many new people and its amazing knowing each of them and sharing our views on anything in general.

There are opportunities everywhere even during so called "bad times" but most of us don't really look. All we have to do is, be open to accept people and situations as they are and make the best of it. You will truly surprise yourself when you start looking at things with a different perspective. At least I have surprised myself :-)

I remember writing another piece on whether relationships define us or we define them. I can relate to that completely during the last couple of months. And the best part is I haven't turned bitter after going through bad phases in my life. I still believe that there is a good reason for anything that happens in our lives. I don't regret any decision I have taken and in the process learnt a lot about life and people :-)

I just love spending quality time with myself and I keep discovering really interesting things each day. Finally I love myself :-) Yippeeeee!!!!!

Love's Secret - wonderful poem thought of sharing it with everyone

Never seek to tell thy love,

Love that never told can be;

For the gentle wind does move

Silently, invisibly.

I told my love,

I told my love, I told her all my heart;

Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,

Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,

A traveler came by, Silently, invisibly

He took her with a sigh.

- William Blake

A Divine Image

Cruelty has a human heart,

And Jealousy a human face;

Terror the human form divine,

And secrecy the human dress.
The human dress is forged iron,

The human form a fiery forge,

The human face a furnace seal'd,

The human heart its hungry gorge.

- William Blake

Women fancy men with big cars, only women??

Well, I was just reading newspaper this morning and read something so hilarious about women being attracted to men with fancy cars. Wow, seriously this reminds me of the song "material girl" by Madonna.

Even some ads are so hilarious and project that you can have a woman if you show off. But come on guys, like you have nothing apart from our materialistic possessions that women can get attracted to you? I've heard so many men boast about fancy cars or whatever they possess and it seems to boost their self esteem.

Seriously, the world is so materialistic and selfish and that's the reason for so many people being low during these bad times in our economy. If we learnt to share and not be greedy I'm sure there would be sufficient for everyone. Rich are still not being affected by the so called "Recession" and they wont be cause they don't want to share. Even if there is a small population of people that share it doesn't make a big difference in a country like India. I'm sure all of us can go our bit and it need not necessarily be contributing out of your pocket. At least volunteering for some social cause would help you being about awareness to others around.

For once think about others and not the usual I, me or myself :-)

Being overprotected :-(

I guess all of us feel this way about our parents. They get all the more protective if you have been hurt over and over again. Sometimes, taking impulsive decisions can really get you into a lot of trouble. We don't realize that being impulsive could be troublesome until we fall on our face :-)


But I guess there are different kind of people some are astronauts and others astronomers. I've remember this from Jurassic Park III and its so true. Some of us are so cautious to take certain risks in our lives and others learn a lot by taking risks.

It is kind of claustrophobic when folks are overprotective but I guess we will always remain their child no matter even how old we get. And, it also feels nice that parents will love you unconditionally. I love my family :-)

Handle carefully its fragile

Trust is one thing you can't gain easily but you could loose it in a moment. I'm sure each of us would have experienced this.

It is the most fragile factor in our lives and whether we like it or not we have to learn to trust people even after going through a rough phase. It is impossible to live your life to the fullest if you don't trust people. It is important not to turn bitter after going through bad times. We are all responsible for our actions and we need to trust ourselves first before expecting others to trust us. We don't have to prove ourselves to anyone but learn to accept people the way they are.

I used to defend myself earlier when people had their doubts about me. But now, I know myself more than I did before so and trust myself completely. As long as we handle ourselves there is no need to think otherwise.

Relationships: do we define or defined by it

I suddenly thought of this while talking a walk this morning. Who we are should not be defined by our relationships but by our own individuality. There are lots of people whom you meet and we may never see them again or they are with you for a certain period before you part. But that should not make the person you are.

Everyone has a reason for being on this planet and each of us are gifted. We just need to get to know ourselves better to identify our potential. And no one actually helps you find yourself and you've got to do it yourself.

When you know yourself well then you will see that you are in the right kind of relationships and hang around with like minded people. I was just speaking to one of my favorite uncle and we were discussing an interesting thing. We don't have to prove ourselves to anyone and people who want to be with you shall accept you as you are. There is no use reforming anyone or yourself cause then you wouldn't be your actual self. Everyone has the right to lead the kind of life they want to lead and we choose the life we lead. And the integral part of our lives are our relationships. So, I would believe that we define relationships and not the other way around.

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening - Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Stop cribbing start acting

Each one of us are responsible for making our country a better place and I am so glad to see a lot of awareness in the importance of voting. I had never given it much of a thought earlier but I knew for sure that if we wanted things to get better all of us have to play an integral part.

I do understand the importance of voting and I feel really bad that I haven't till date used this right of mine to choose who runs our country. There was a point in my life when I had thought that the awareness about voting should reach the masses and this was years ago. I guess after that I didn't bother to do anything in this regard. I guess its better late than never!

The change would be a gradual one but this has to start and there is a tiny ray of hope that our country will be one amongst the well run countries. We do have all the potential and youth is our future so I am so looking forward to new blood in politics. Only this can bring about a change in our political system. Thinking of it no single party has a strong contender for the position of PM. Everyone is either forming alliances or parting ways to long held alliances. It would be interesting to see the outcome of these assembly elections.

It is never good to be content with things happening around us. We are all getting used to the fact that corruption is a part of our lives and we have been living this way. We all hope for the best and that starts by voting. So, I hope those who thing it doesn't matter, please think again.

Take care and get yourselves registered asap!!!!

Thank for taking time to read :-)

Act like a lady but think as men do

I was watching Ellen tday and the author of a book spoke about what exactly goes on in a guy's mind when he is talks to a woman. It was pretty interesting when he said that they either "play" or "plan".

It was awesome when he spoke about the reasons behind a man approaching a woman. He mentioned that the only two reasons could be that he would want to fool around or plan a future with this woman since he obviously finds something interesting in her. And most women would misinterpret this as just another friendship. Yeah, probably I don't feel too bad like yesterday as I did get perspective from another guy who is a good friend of mine. And watching Ellen today was like reassuring about how men generally think.

Wow, it is amazing how much one could discover and learn from life and relationships. And the best part was when the author on Ellens mentioned that it is always good to have a probationary period of 90 days for any relationship. Its truly amazing as time has the answer to all the questions.

Is your life actually yours??

Since yday I have been pondering over this and still haven't got an answer for the same. We live in a society that is so interested in others lives. And, I really hate the whole idea of not leading a life that I would want to. I am so frustrated and wanted to just let it out somehow without hurting anyone's feelings.

I don't know if I am being hard on myself or what exactly is bothering me but I am really not myself since yday. I just happened to meet this friend of mine after ages and people look at it in such a different way. We were having a good time talking about college and sipping on coffee and I was having iced tea. It was nostalgic as we spoke about college days and what each one is doing currently.

I was married and now I just want to be with like minded friends and so what if they are guys and are married. I am not looking for anything more than a good friendship and frankly speaking I would love to chat with people who you can talk about anything under the sun. I don't differentiate between genders while making friends cause all I am looking at is a good friendship. I can't believe life is so complicated and we have to think hundred times before going out with a guy friend.

I would not want to cause any more issues so I guess I would have to refrain from actually going out by myself with a guy friend. I just can't understand this and nor will I ever. I really don't know if all guys would misinterpret you or its more of what people say. Gosh! I just hate this side of the society. Its like being a girl is a crime or something and thanks to the recent events in the city we can't even lead a free life. I don't know how long I would go on like this cause I'm a kind of person who has priorities but I am a people's person too. Friends are a part of the extended family but I can no longer convince anyone as no one can really understand.

I'm just waiting to start work so that I can be occupied and married to work. So, that I don't have time for anyone except for my responsibilities & duties. Phew! thats life for me I guess cause at this point in time as no one but myself has confidence in me! I guess that would be more than sufficient for now and I don't have to prove that whatever done is in the best interest. They say that past is like ghost which haunts if you haven't learnt your lessons or not moved on. But I guess its more like a monkey on your back cause nothing seems to help. Guess I could hang on for a bit as I don't intend to hurt anyone especially my family.

Living life king size

The much controversial auctioning of Mahatma Gandhiji's personal belongings in US finally had an interesting ending.

Vijay Mallya who bought these belongings for a whopping USD 1.8 Million plans to return them to India. This man truly knows how to live his life king size. Finally, the belongings would be brought back to our country. There are some judicial formalities to be sorted out before Mahatma's belongings i.e. glasses, sandals, pocket watch, a plate and a bowl are brought back to the place they belong too.

Way to go Mr. Mallya, you truly are an Indian!!!!

All for TRP?

Most of the TV series today in India are concentrating on the girl child and I am really beginning to doubt the motive behind these TV serials made. Other channels are catching up trying to make programs concentrating on the issues concerning girl child like education, child marriage, female foeticide, dowry etc

Earlier it was the Saas - Bahu (mothers -in -law & daughters- in -law) series and now everyone seems to be getting better Television Rate Points (TRPs) with the new found subject. I do not understand that if these series are spreading awareness or actually glorifying these age old customs.

Surely, people are making enough moolah (wealth) through this subject. Hopefully it should is being made to spread the awareness and not only for monetary benefits.

Whats on your mind?

I was just having a chat with my mum the other day about being misinterpreted while talking to the opposite gender. I was telling my mum that when I talk to a guy or man I clearly feel that I am talking to another individual. But I really don't understand whats going on in their mind.

I don't adopt a different manner while speaking with guys/men and I guess that is one of the reasons that I could be misunderstood. We have a good time discussing the same and that things change after your guy friends get married. Usually their wives don't like the idea of them talking to their friends who are "women". And, even they start behaving in a different manner once they are married and I wonder why. I thought friends remain friends no matter what, now I am a bit confused.

I guess me being way too straightforward and not differentiating between the genders could be a cause of being misunderstood. Well, I do not understand such nuances of life but I guess each day I'm discovering a lot of new things while talking to many people. It is pretty interesting to meet people cause everyone is so different and I would love to know as many people as possible :-)

Options are plenty :-)

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Jai Ho !!!!! An Oscar??

Frankly speaking I do not feel that the song "Jai Ho" is not one of best works of Rahman. If one has heard to his work from the beginning you would agree with me.

His first movie "Roja" itself showcased his talent and there are plenty more to mention. In Hindi movies you should listen to his work in "Jodha Akbar", "Rang De Basanti", "Delhi 6" etc. His work is so unique and refreshing. And the best part about his songs are that they introduces many singers making each of his songs special.

Oscar is an award that is made by the Americans and it cannot be compared to the other international awards. But Rahman has already crossed boundaries long ago and established himself as a successful composer. So, I don't think that getting an Oscar would make much difference to this humble man. He is a wonderful human being and very talented. And his humbleness would take him a really long way. We love listening to your work Rahman. You rock!!!

Ellen is amazing

I started watching her show a couple of months back and she really has the talent of bringing joy to others lives. And the most amazing thing is that she is 51 yrs old. Wow, I really admire her spirit and attitude.

You have to watch her show to know what I am talking about. I would love to watch her stand up comedy videos too and will see how I could get hold of those. She is so funny and the best part is she is spontaneous.

Ellen is doing a great job bringing happiness into so many lives. I believe that laughter lightens up your mood and definitely brings about a lot of positive energy. This energy will surely attract the positive things into your life and I have experienced it myself. I guess all I am trying to say is that Ellen you rock!!!

Liberal

I read a quote that defined a liberal as a person too broadminded to take his side in a quarrel :-)
I was just thinking about this quote and was smiling. Probably there is some truth in the saying.

Well, I consider myself broadminded and liberal would depend on the situation. Its not necessary to prove yourself under all circumstances and frankly not to everyone :-) I have understood this the tough way though :-)

But when required I would have to stand up for myself otherwise others will just take me for granted. Being broadminded is a healthy way of living and I don't believe in double standards. I just can't tolerate people who conveniently change their value system according to circumstances. If you can't be yourself then I don't understand the point in living at all.

And I believe in either black or white cause I don't understand anything that is grey. And frankly I can't trust anything that is grey :-)