Limitless, boundless, endless – the never ending process of ‘Imagination’

How often have you heard people say ‘Just imagine’?

How often does your mind prompt you to ‘imagine’?

How does it feel to roam around in the world of ‘imagination’, without any strings attached?

What does ‘imagination’ mean to you?

  Defined as the process of creating images, ideas, plans and desires in the faculty of mind; imagination is a vast world without any limits. As one thinks about novel ideas, new possibilities and newer innovations, imagination is the first act that initiates it all. Imagination is not bounded by any guidelines or clear specifications. It prompts everyone to think beyond the usual, crafting plans for betterment and progress. As imagination has no limits, it is essential to restrict its involvement towards constructive ideas alone. By letting our imagination run far and wide, we allow creativity into our life. Abstract arts in the fields of fine arts, writing and performing sector are examples of some aspects that involve this faculty of imagination.

    Imagination inspires us to engage our mind in a totally different way. Beyond the usual realities that appear within the scope of our visualization, imagination prompts us to do something different. As we think about the course of future, this imagination forces us to frame our dreams, picturize their reality and make necessary changes in the action. Imagination is the only means to go beyond our limits and listen to the voice of mind. Imagination poses as the root of every innovation. Every successful utility, service, amenity or invention that has reached us till date was born out of someone’s imagination. Unless one imagines, one cannot expect materialization in the future. Active imagination today is the first step towards prosperous output tomorrow.

   Imagination is an essential ingredient that works in every domain of our life. From domestic plans pertaining to the household to work-related projects, from exciting ideas about luxury and relaxation to dreams about the future, imagination manages to cast its spell all around. Thinking about novel ideas and making frequent trips to the world of imagination are healthy ways to exercise our mind. We often tend to limit our potential based on the approval of the society. If our ideas and plans fall beyond the usual specifications defined by others, we lose faith in its outcome. At times like these, imagination performs its job as it forces us to invest some moments in our thoughts.

  Imagination does not relate to significant or serious matters alone. It can also be employed for some doses of fun and humor. Imagining funny situations and circumstances can give way to pure entertainment. Children with active imagination radiate energy, enthusiasm and zeal for success, happiness, prosperity and peace. While they engage their minds into never-seen or heard before possibilities, they pave way for an exciting future. Imagination opens the door to possibilities, opportunities, achievements and development.

With this thought in mind, I was tempted to run away with my imagination. Let me take you to some of these hilarious pieces of mind.

1.       Just imagine, if men gave birth!

Wouldn’t it be fun to see men with their baby bumps? Holding their patience for nine months, while worrying about their body in the process.

(Dear Hubby, I hope God listens to this novelty for a change)

2.       Just imagine, if there was no concept of ‘food.’

What kind of world would it be, without any food at all? The core of our existence, life without food would be totally different by all means.

(Whatever be the output, materialization of this imagination could definitely erase troubles of weight gain, exercising, dieting and cooking!)

3.       Just imagine, if there was no concept of ‘money’…

 Another life changing imagination, would this mean no work, no job, no worries and no responsibilities? Enjoy this imagination till it lasts, after all life without money would be nothing less than a dream land.

(Think about freedom from bank balance for a while, feels good, right?

4.       Just imagine if increasing age had no effects on our body?

No wrinkles, no grey hair, no tiredness and an ever-green body! Life could definitely not get better than this.

(Apologies to anti-ageing creams, hair dyes and anti-wrinkles creams, this was not imagined to put you out of business!)

5.       Just imagine if the entire world constituted of just one large country….

This would put an end to passports, visas, nationalities, wars, competitions and foreign affairs. Though it sounds tempting, think about the governing body to handle such a huge nation.

(What about our patriotic and competitive spirit, how will we cheer our contenders in Olympics, World cup or Beauty pageants?)

Each of these imaginative ideas seem totally unrealistic, but that is exactly what they were meant for. Thinking beyond the usual and creating unusual images in the mind is the first step towards something big. Allow your mind to wander and sharpen your imagination, after all routine is boring but novelty is not!

The permanent address for a lifetime

  

      This is not a blog post announcing the acquisition of a new home or property, though it will be exciting to have something in that direction! The primary aim of such an unusual title is to take you all to the wonderful memory land called ‘childhood home’. A permanent address that manages to carve permanent memories for a lifetime, childhood home is the best asset one can ever possess. Though we all have to eventually fly away from this comfortable nest sooner or later, it occupies an irreplaceable memory forever. 

   

    While we work hard and prepare ourselves for the future, this childhood home turns into a ‘Launchpad’ to help us achieve our dreams. As we frame goals to make a big name in the competitive world, the irony of preparing for a dream home from the base of our childhood home is the unavoidable, yet true fact of life. While moving away from this childhood nest is the need of the hour, it leaves back wonderful memories that last forever.

   Each one of us have different reasons to move away from this wonderland. Be it job or marriage, transfer or higher education, as we step a foot into the outer world, nothing can offer the same amount of happiness, joy, comfort and love. Though we may build our dream house with state-of-the-art facilities at an amazing location, it cannot replace the warmth of a humble childhood home. While our own house today reflects the essence of sweat, hard work, dedication and satisfaction, it cannot be compared to the love and care of our parents or innocence and peace of our childhood. This home reflects our smiles, laughter, childhood pranks, naughtiness, dreams and plans. While running around the house with mischief in our minds, the walls and floor seem to form a team with us. Playing with friends, fighting with siblings, hiding away from parents, planning for unusual tricks and enjoying the carelessness of life formed some of the most important tasks in this particular location.

     As childhood was filled with ignorance and innocence, this humble home seemed to be the entire world back then. Without knowing about the realities of life, all we knew was this childhood home will always open its doors for us. From stress of school to happiness of an achievement, from fun-filled plans with family and friends to preparation of exams and tests, this home formed a strong support always. While staying within its ambiance, as we all tend to plan about growing up in the future, little do we realize that the simplicity of its walls and kindness of its roof are much better than the responsibility of an independent dwelling.

  Childhood home is the foundation that prepares us for the world in the future. Though it pours all the love, care, comfort and support, it constantly reminds us about the need to work hard. Childhood home is a storehouse of memories, every single square feet area of this house has some exciting aspects to talk about. From silly drawings made on the walls to unwanted projects carried out in the kitchen, from fights and arguments with siblings for more space in the bedroom to hiding behind either of the parents in their room, each and every corner has wonderful memories in its ambiance.

     Childhood homes may be small or simple, large or luxurious, crowded or spacious, loud or silent; no matter what surrounding it offers or what amenities it presents, all that matters is its lovely ambiance and comforting atmosphere. One aspect that can relate with each one of us as kids are the demands made to our parents to convert the boring home into a model house, straight out of an interior design magazine! It is only after we start to design our own home as adults today, when we realize that every single, simple arrangement in the childhood home was truly perfect and amazing in its own way. Though our wallets may be filled with all the necessary resources for those expensive amenities or exciting features in our own homes today, we cannot purchase the same amount of love, care, warmth and innocence.

    We may have moved from one childhood home to another or stayed within the same house all through the phase, these aspects are applicable to all of them. Childhood homes depict the hard work of our parents as they place our needs and comfort above everything else.

  For me, childhood home fulfilled several roles, acting as a multi-specialty location.

It represented:       

                                                                            

1.       Headquarters for the future

2.       Dreamland for hopes, wishes and desires

3.       Picnic spot for fun, laughter, smiles and enjoyment

4.       Secret location for mischief and troubles

5.       Cave for comfort and silence

6.       Restaurant serving delicious meals cooked by mom

7.       Conference room for serious discussions and strategies

8.       Playground of fun, freedom, immaturity and pranks

9.       School of discipline, progress and improvement

10.   Workshop of experiments, projects, assignments and attempts. 

    Such is the influence of a childhood home that holds us for a short while, but lives in our memories forever. Though I have attempted to express my love and attachment, I strongly believe that words tend to fall short in talking about this amazing paradise. Think about your own childhood home and imagine its walls, floor, roof and rooms, after all its memories remain fresh always.  

P.S: Special thanks to my father’s maternal uncle for this topic suggestion- an enthusiastic reader, honest critic, prompt feedback supplier and energetic support, my dear grandfather tempted me to revisit all these wonderful memories of a lovely home! 

The black and white story of a sweet and sour mind

When you are extremely happy over a news, what is the first voice that greets your ears?

When you are disappointed over a loss or failure, who comes across as the first comforter?

If you are about to attempt or experience something for the first time, where does the cautionary voice originate from?

If you are angry or raging over a thought, who initiates a speech laden with hatred?

   Though the answers may differ for each one of you, my reply over these questions was ‘MIND.’ As the closest companion one can ever get, mind controls every little thing that crosses our life. Be it happiness over an achievement or sorrow over a failure, be it anger over an unavoidable incident or word of caution for a difficult adventure, mind ensures to send its first message always. Though our parents, family, friends and loved ones share a close bond filled with love, care and support, mind will never leave its loyal job of being there for everything. While certain unavoidable circumstances may keep us away from people who care, mind can never repeat the same.

   So if this hero called mind seems to behave as a good friend, what is the reason to term it ‘sour’? Does this ‘companion forever’ come with its hidden baggage of faults?

    Mind often tempts us to enter into its long train of thoughts. Forcing us to leave the tasks in hand, it drags us into its trip of guilt, distraction, assumptions, doubts and worries. With its uncertain approach and desire to run away, mind can prompt one to follow suit. Most of the unwanted worries and unnecessary tensions are born from the core of this mind that seems to enjoy it. This makes it essential to control our mind in the right way.

    A factory of negative thoughts, distracted ideas and useless desires, mind should be trained to perform the opposite. Mind has an unbelievable ability to change its colors instantly. Depending on our mood and situation, this member depicts its course. From happiness, sorrow, excitement, embarrassment, boredom and enthusiasm, as its jumps from one feeling to another, the entire thought process changes along the way.

     Though we understand this uncertain and unreliable nature of mind, we often fail to act on time. While we allow it to cast a powerful influence, we may prove unsuccessful in molding it in the right way. As mind is our own asset, we must train it for positivity and peace. By staying away from unwanted troubles, we can engage it into constructive ideas.

  It is funny how this invisible master can hold us under its command. Though our mind may not know every little factor in life, it appears to have a powerful opinion over everything! Be it food or fashion, pleasure or danger, good or bad, happy or sad, this mind makes sure to voice its first thought. While it may often fail in its judgment and force us to spend our valuable time, there is no alternative way to avoid it. Though we may not look forward to its voice, it will make itself heard. Unless we spend some time over its idea, we may find ourselves trapped.

   But does this mind really bother us in an unwanted way always? What are its sweet flavors that seem desirable?

    As the first cautionary voice, mind ensures helpful support always. Though our loved ones may convince us about a difficult project or motivate us to take a powerful challenge, nothing is possible without the positive nod of our mind. Unless mind fills our life with happy enthusiasm, we cannot reach our goals. As it works closely with our life, it performs its role as a fuel. By taking us to the end of our destination, mind does not allow us to quit. Strong mind and powerful thoughts are all we need to be successful, happy, peaceful and satisfied. If our mind decides to support us through a mission, it will be there till the end. Along with support of willpower and confidence, mind works hard to succeed in the plan. Many aspects in life demand the participation of mind alone. No matter how many positive words may reach our ears or hopeful thoughts may be delivered by our closed ones, unless this mind decides to enter into the activity, we cannot expect a happy ending.

      With power of intuition, our mind often prompts us to think about what is good for us. As the closest companion in our life, it knows about the factors that can make us happy and cheerful. At times, some alone and quiet moments with this inner mind are all we need to be back on track. As mind has a powerful hold of its own, it is very essential to tame it for our benefit. By working on positivity and stability, we can create a healthy aura. While we all pay attention towards the physical fitness of our body, we often fail to invest any efforts towards the mental faculty. Both healthy mind and healthy body are equally essential for the strength called ‘life.’

  To conclude the black and white story, let me highlight the sweetness and sourness of this unsung hero.

Sweetness:

• ·         Supportive
• ·         Motivational
• ·         Stays right through the end
• ·         Prompts us to stick to our goals
• ·         Warns us about undesirable occurrences with its strong intuition
• ·         Gives confidence and offers smile
• 
  

            Sourness:

•        Can force one to worry and take tensions
• ·         Tends to sow seeds of doubt and queries, even for a simple aspect
• ·         Prompts one to waste time behind unnecessary matters
• ·         Invites confusion, assumptions and anxiety quite often.
• ·         May present unnecessary opinions and engage in its own unwanted tales.
• ·         May often turn judgmental

What is your black and white story of mind? What are your experiences, while dealing with this imaginary boss?

Difficult to live with, difficult to stay away from – this mind seems to have an interesting love-hate relationship with each one of us!

Celebrating the 100th milestone with a literary surprise!

    

   

     While gearing up for my usual schedule of blog, an interesting fact greeted me on the way. As I sat to frame my next post, I realized that there was something special about this one. Though just another figure along the journey, writing my 100^th post of the blog deserved special mention. Happiness, excitement, satisfaction, joy and pleasure danced together on an interesting number as all seemed to be equally surprised with this milestone. Though it may be inappropriate to celebrate this happening as a special event in the calendar of mankind, it definitely needs to be mentioned to keep the ball rolling. As a form of encouragement and motivation, this 100^th post will inspire me to continue the journey ahead.

   What started off as an activity, while locked inside the house due to immense snowfall, soon turned into a passion, hobby, enjoyment and profession! Little did I know that this love for words will transform into a source of work in the future. As the scientific worm in me has taken a new route towards literary arts, this blog has certainly played an important role. Posing as the initial preparatory base, the blog has pushed me towards newer and newer adventures. While exploring, experimenting, attempting and enjoying, as I moved closer towards the literary charm, I was immediately gripped within its hold.

    From movie reviews to articles on motivation, from entertainment articles about television series to informative ones about environment, as I marched ahead along the route, the experience has been truly interesting in every way. As my readers and critics play an important role in the process, this 100^th post deserves their special mention. Be it grandparents, parents, sister and relatives with their quick reviews or friends with their honest opinions, be it publishers and editors with their encouraging observations or poor husband with his forced praises, every single member has made a significant contribution in this journey. While learning the tricks of the trade, as I toiled to improvise along the way, there were many interesting facets to learn about.

     Though the blog has reached its 100^th number, it still has a long way to go. With your feedback and encouragement, as I hope to look forward to the journey ahead, I am excited for new adventures and newer experiences. Though expression of gratitude and satisfaction are the two most important goals of this blog, there is something more to it. The words ‘literary surprise’ in the title are not meant for adding glitter alone, they are sitting there with a purpose.

    After working on a secret project for almost a year now, my little baby is all ready for its first step. Though this baby does not mean a real one with cute looks and sweet smile, if refers to my eBook on fiction.As I waited for a perfect moment to release it, I realized what occasion could be better than this exciting celebration of a century. While working on it with all my dedication and devotion, I hoped to create something good in the process. As my first ever attempt of framing a story, this novella or short version of novel has total 11 chapters including the prologue and epilogue.

    A fiction story with simple elements of friendship, love, family and life, this novella titled ‘…and they kept her word’ can be read free of cost over the internet. Published as a ‘self-published’ piece of work, this online version of the book is a new experience over the traditional way of turning pages. Though we all enjoy hard copy of books with smell of fresh pages and feel of a book cover, I hope to materialize this dream sometime in the future. As my first experiment, while this free version of eBook will do the job of reaching out to readers, I am equally excited to sell my next creation to you all!

  Written under my pen name ‘Lavanya’, you can access the entire book on your laptop, computer, tablet or smart phone. Click on the link https://www.booksie.com/471240-....and-they-kept-her-word and start reading the book (You do not need any login details or registration to read the book). Select the option of chapter from the drop-box and you can read all the chapters one by one.

  If in case of any troubles with the link, follow these steps:

1.       Go to https://www.booksie.com/

2.       Type ‘Lavanya’ in the search icon on top of the page.

3.       Select the book that appears.

  Hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I did, while framing every single word of it. Send me your honest opinions, shower me with your truthful comments and be my strict critics. After all, no piece of art can be brought to life unless read, observed, touched or experienced by the audience. As this literary surprise shall add glitter to my blog, I look forward to the next course of posts. Stay tuned for more gift of words as life is all about giving and some more giving :)

Letter to the past, email to the present, 4-D message to the future…

      While performing the usual ritual of browsing through the internet, I came across an interesting image, recently. As a direct form of communication with one’s past, present and future, the message had some words addressed to each of them. Though it consisted of few sentences, the idea was to speak to these three heroes, while focusing on their key points. With an aim to draw humor, sarcasm and enjoy the flow of this journey called ‘life’, I was inspired to ponder about it in my own blog. With celebration of my birthday still fresh and ripe, the moment was ideal to enter into a philosophical mode. A perfect way to exhibit the matured shade of turning a year older, this blog topic seemed absolutely flawless.

     Past depicts the way our life has been shaped so far. Though we are always encouraged to forget the past and march ahead in the present, past is the storehouse of our wonderful memories. By filling our lives with good, bad, happy, sad moments that turn into memories for a lifetime, past certainly has endless stories in its collection. Thinking about mistakes and errors from the past is one of the biggest troubles that can hamper with our present. This makes it essential to revisit our past only for its rich experience and value-added guidance, yet refrain from deep involvement and engagement. As regret, guilt, embarrassment, disappointment are just novel ways to disturb our tasks in hand, it is necessary to stay away from each of these elements.

  Present is the time in hand. The only phase to create, build, materialize, progress, develop and succeed, present is all about working hard and enjoying life. Present prompts us to stay awake all through its duration and extract maximum benefits from its dynamic course. By keeping our mind and body in the present, we can work towards building our future. Spending the ‘present’ in thoughts and ideas alone can never yield any success. Rather investment into efforts and hard work can offer fruits of success in the future. Working hard in the present is the only way to expect a colorful future that shall convert into a happening past sooner or later.

   Promising success, happiness, joy and pleasure, future is an excellent phase in disguise. By sitting behind closed doors, future often appears as a ‘mirage’, giving hope of water in a barren desert! Future is all about dreams, hopes, wishes and desires as we all look forward to something different from the monotonous present. Be it plans about a new job or dreams of a fun vacation, every act pertaining to the future seems extremely colorful, till it actually turns into the ‘present.’ Dreaming about a happy future is truly one of the best exercises in the present, as it can provide much needed inspiration and motivation to continue ahead.

  With this, now is the time to communicate with the past, present and future. As I write down messages for these three friends, I believe your own version will also resemble mine in many ways. Enjoy this communication and frame your own letters too, after all these are some of the interesting ways to celebrate our birth on earth!

LETTER TO THE PAST

Dear Past,

   Thank you for being with me all through my life. Though you are far away from me today, I still remember every moment spent with you. You made me laugh, cry, smile, love, care, enjoy and glow. You gave me several opportunities to make the best in life and that is why I am here today, standing at a better position with better understanding of my interesting life. Though you made me smile, you were not kind always. I still wonder the reason behind your unusual plans and weird actions that made me suffer, sad, cry and broken. May be, you had your own unavoidable reasons for it that do not matter today. I am happy for the share of failures, as it has made me strong now. As if a valuable lesson was hidden behind each of the failed attempts, I feel confident, learned and happy in the present.

   Thank you once again for painting wonderful memories in my canvas. I am rich and satisfied with the stock of memories that you have gifted me and I promise to treasure them for a lifetime. As it is impossible to erase all my mistakes that you have hidden far away, I shall be thoughtful to avoid them in the future. Wish me luck for my present and future, take care of yourself. Do visit my thoughts with your happy people but keep the bad members away.

Yours truly,

The matured person in me

EMAIL TO THE PRESENT

Dear Present,

  You are my best friend and true companion. As you take me through different experiences, adventures, tasks and duties, I feel extremely active and alive. You have loads of plans and ambitions in mind that I hope to accomplish on the way. You always give me opportunities, while forcing me to step out of my comfort zone. I am amazed by your energy level, as you refuse to halt or waste your time. Though you have filled my life with so many tasks, I enjoy your company.

       To be honest, I am scared of your expectations and often tend to push your plans into the future. While I know, this is incorrect by all means, I promise to work hard and make the most of all the resources. You have brought purpose and happiness in my life, as every single day in the present demands my attention, involvement, work and efforts. Though I am thankful to you for all the joy, I feel sad for the failures and mishaps you bring in the way. While I concentrate on my work, you manage to bring some interesting changes in the situations and circumstances, pushing me into disappointment.  I understand it is your way of increasing my patience, and I hope to make the most of it.

 Thank you once again for all your assistance in coloring the pages of my life. Bless me for the future and stay with me always.

Yours truly,

Practical version of me.

4-D MESSAGE TO THE FUTURE

(If you are wondering what a 4-D message is, even I do not know; as it is meant for the future, novel innovations and newer ideas need to be in the game!)

Dear Future,

  You are safe in my dreams. As images filled with happiness, hope, joy and excitement, you seem to be interesting in every way. I cannot wait to meet you and look forward to enjoy your presence. As I am not aware about your way of functioning, I can only request you to bring happiness and joy in surplus amounts. Do not bring any stock of sorrow from the past or the present. They may influence you with their talks, but you continue to be firm with your happy colors.

   I promise to be your best buddy after you meet me. I have made several plans to spend my time with you. Hope you will stay with me for all these ideas and support me along the way. I shall ensure that we be together with happiness and peace. I need to make a sincere request, stay true to your image. Do not increase my excitement with a happy trailer, only to be accompanied with a disappointing picture.

   Waiting for you with lots of excitement.

Yours sincerely,

The dreamer in me.

He said....She said...

  

    Confused by the title of the blog? Well, my aim was not to confuse the reader in you, but to make you think.

What is the most obvious relationship that always manages to engage into interesting and unique conversations?

  While some of you must have guessed it right, let me share my own idea behind this tricky question. Conversation between a man and his woman bonded by the sacred relationship of marriage give way to best unique moments ever. Misunderstanding, confusion, love, care, war, naughtiness, craziness and loads of his and her interpretations mark their talks, as both struggle together as a team.

   Though as a woman, I may tend to lean towards the feminine strength in this conversation, the blogger in me will strive towards delivering a perfect balanced entertainment. Inspired by our own conversations as a couple, I always realize this form of communication is truly the best storehouse of fun.

   While he says something, she refuses to accept or understands it in a different light, giving way to arguments and funny replies. Likewise, her talks are greeted with unusual interpretations and hilarious words.

    This form of entertainment does not apply to every conversation between a couple. While some important decisions and plans demand serious discussion between the two, remaining others are free for unlimited fun and humor. Though it is impossible to generalize every couple under this umbrella of entertaining conversation, it certainly applies to most of the man-woman duo. Probably, the only relationship that allows freedom of speech, leading to arguments and fights; only to be followed by endless love and warmth at the very next instant, this ‘he said…she said’ is truly unbelievable in every way.

     While playing their role as partners and handling the show of the house as teammates, these two characters of husband and wife encounter several challenges. As two minds, but one team; when they engage into their course of activities, there are expected chances of confusion. When one says, the other loves to disagree, and when the other speaks up, this one refuses to agree. Giving way to their own style of conversations, these disagreements decorate the course of the relationship. Though my married experience of 1.5 years is definitely too short to be considered as rich; quiet observation and careful analysis of couples for all these years has certainly added to the value. From parents to relatives, grandparents to cousins, friends to neighbors, as I have witnessed these exciting encounters, it definitely seems significant in every way.

      If you observe carefully, none of these conversations are designed with an aim to win the trophy, they are only meant for having some ‘say’ in every topic. Be it food, groceries, house, children, school, vacation, office, career, relatives, friends or in-laws, each of the two must contribute in their own unique way. With typical instincts of a man or a woman, when the two participate in the discussion, there are expected course of agreements and disagreements. What surprises me is the quick transformation from war to peace. What starts off as a serious form of verbal encounter with unique weapon of words, immediately converts into love and peace, as the two resume with their normal course of life. Programmed to perform in a dynamic environment of love and hatred, God must be designing this unique program for every married couple. 

    

     No wonder these unusual and difficult equations must be preventing all the singles from following the mistake of their married friends, keeping them peaceful and calm. Though I will not blame these singles to think in such a manner, marriage is truly magical in its own way. No matter how many versions of these conversations enter into our daily routine, I believe they truly decorate the course of our married life.

    Let me take you through some of these examples of classic ‘he said…she said’ instances.

Disclaimer: For all the readers: Though I was tempted to take real-life references from our own conversation as a couple, each of these examples are purely fictitious in nature, bearing no resemblance to us or any of my people in the universe.

 For all the men: Though the woman in me shall be tempted to empower the feminine side of the conversation, I am working towards a perfect balance. Any marked bias towards feminine victory shall be a part of the natural flow, purely unintentional.

For all the women: Though you may expect more preference and advantage, I have promised to remain balanced. Stay assured, feminine victory is truly natural and does not need any adjustments!

When he starts the conversation....

1.       He said: “You look different and beautiful today”

  She said: “Thank you, but what do you mean by ‘today’? You mean to say I am not beautiful always?”

  He said: “I said it because of the new dress you are wearing, it suits you”

  She said: “So now, the dresses will decide if I am beautiful or not?”

2.       He said: “Let us do some cleaning of the house this weekend.”

  She said: “I do it every single day, by suggesting a master plan of cleanliness for this weekend, you intend to point that I don’t keep the house clean?

  He said: “No my point was to help you with it, since you do it alone all week round.”

  She said: “Yes right, your cleaning help for a single day will be able to replace all my hard work of the entire week?”

When she does: 

1.       She said: “I have done all the packing for the trip.”

   He said: “But I did the most important job.”

   She said: “Spending the entire day behind making lists and talking about its significance does not constitute important job.”

   He said: “Lists will guide us about the things to carry, this reminds me did you pack all the essential items marked in red in accordance with the list?”

2.       She said: “Help me in kitchen this weekend, we have to cook dinner for the get-together function.”

  He said: “Let us bring food from a restaurant, cooking will be too tedious.”

  She said: “But you yourself proposed home-cooked food for cost and quality.”

  He said: “My friend told me about a new restaurant -economical and excellent quality food, I did not know about it until yesterday, hence I propose the change in plan.”

    Now, I am sure these sound totally funny and avoidable, as we read them as sane individuals; but in real lives, when we enter into the skin of the character, no one can stop us from our unreasonable and enthusiastic participation!

    Though I would have loved to continue these conversations in the natural flow, the blog length demands an exit. Hope you enjoyed this unusual topic that is perhaps an interesting aspect for all the married couples.

    So whether, he said or she said, let both of them continue the game of thrones over words, after all these sweet conversations are symbol of their love, care, trust and togetherness!

   

That unreliable, unfaithful, uncertain, unusual friend called ‘MOOD’

   

     This is the same ‘Mood’ that makes you good, bad, happy, sad, helpful, cheerful, annoying, irritating, embarrassing and unpredictable. An aspect that refuses to part away from your personality, a factor that decides the fate of your experiences and adventures, mood chooses to stay with you as your shadow.

   So, why have I framed it as a ‘friend’? What features of this ‘Mood’ reflect the relation of friendship?

     Mood accompanies, supports, stays and claims responsibility for our mistakes. When people around seem to alienate from us, this crazy, unusual mood comes to the rescue. Forcing us to respect, respond, value and acknowledge, mood makes valuable space for itself. Often prone to misunderstandings and confusion, mood bears the blame for many of our actions. As an integral state of mind that determines our attitude, behavior, conduct and presentation, mood certainly decides a lot for us. As it presents us to the world around, this mood needs to be protected in a flawless manner.

   Many a times, our actions, responses and reactions seem to be out of control. Though we may not realize the real culprit at that very instant, we may conveniently blame it over our mood at a later stage in future. A powerful weapon fueled with the ability to influence our moments, memories and experiences, mood determines ‘the end’ to every activity. Though mood is believed to cast such an influential spell over our living, it is very important to bring it under our tools. By allowing bad mood to spoil a significant event or by letting an overconfident, happy mood take over the charge of a serious responsibility, we may experience failure, troubles, disappointment and sorrow.

     Mood is a temporary player that can bring permanent changes. Words arising from an angry mood can cause undesirable strains in a relation, conclusions made during the state of boredom can form permanent images in our head. Though these are some of the examples of an undesirable mood, there are some happy features, too. Energetic, enthusiastic, cheerful and lively mood can set a stage for power, ambition, tasks and actions. Mood laced with happiness prompts us to think beyond the limits and expand our horizon.

     If you observe closely, mood is a background that can change the overall effect of a picture. When you think about a plan for the future, the same idea may seem exciting, welcoming, possible and achievable during a happy mood; spelling out success and hope, over and over again. Nothing may seem difficult or impossible along the way. Though challenges may present their case, these may appear as achievable in the light of a hopeful mood filled with energy. Now, if we imagine these same ideas in a sad, gloomy and dark mood, every aspect of the plan may come across as an impossible block. By allowing the sad mood to take charge, every happy factor may transform into sadness, every hopeful agenda may turn into hopeless action and every manageable task may convert into an impossible load.

      For a more related example to this thought, I am tempted to ponder about our moods along different times of the day or along different days of the week. Early morning mood reflects seriousness, maturity and an absolutely no-nonsense behavior. Combined with a vulnerable and non-resistant attitude, any major discussions, plans and concerns during the morning can leave a major impact. As the day progresses, the afternoon sun takes away some seriousness from the concern, leaving behind a lazy mood and careless attitude. Setting sun may wipe away all the cares completely. What may seem as a major worry during the start of the day gets converted into a manageable job by the end, leading to a good night and a happy mind. This answers the question why Monday morning talks, plans and actions seem irritating and annoying, but the same aspects seem colorful and bright along the weekends. In each of these experiences, the innocent, yet powerful mood certainly does its job well!

      While talking about mood, we cannot forget to include its famous partnership by the name ‘mood-swings’! Known to be the best friend of females alone, I often wonder about the source of origin of such a false claim. Though women excel in the art of expression, making them the best communicators and emotional members, men also exhibit the shades of mood-swings, quite prominently. As deep bond between women and mood-swings has been depicted since several ages in the past, this norm has been safeguarding men till date. Be it shouting from mother or useful instructions from wife, be it serious advice from sister or sincere words from daughter, men always find it convenient to transfer every single action of women and every single blame on them over the usual ‘mood-swings’.

     With this, let us perform a fun exercise to celebrate this friendship with MOOD.

Think about your reactions to the following ideas, while being in diverse moods:

1.       Suggestion of a vacation trip by family or friends:

i.   When you are broke.

ii.   In the middle of a difficult assignment on a busy Tuesday.

iii.  During a relaxed and lazy Sunday afternoon.

2.       News about a friend’s wedding or birth of their first child.

 i.   When you are being pressurized for these activities by your own parents.

ii.    When meeting friends over a weekend

iii.   While speaking with your thoughts late in the night.

3.       Plans about purchasing a house or a car

i.  When calculating the practical costs with the dealer.

ii.  When dreaming about it with your family.

iii.  When worrying about its expenses and after-effects in the middle of your work.

Each of these thoughts will reflect the power of mood. Though a particular action may seem impossible or weird under the influence of a sad mood that very same aspect will jump with joy during a happy one.

P.S: A note for all the men, though the feminine blogger in me has blamed you all for the misunderstandings with mood-swings, you can continue to pamper your woman under the pretext of her regular, expected, unpredictable friends!

Thank you for feeding the creativity in me.

     

      While you are wondering about the title of this post or pondering about its recipient, let me clear it out for you. This thank you note is meant for every single reader such as yourself. Readers who constantly give me their valuable feedback, readers who prompt me to improve with each passing post, readers who connect with the writer in me, this is an appreciation account for each one of you. Be it in the form of a personal message or a comment, be it through likes and shares on social media platform or through spoken words of encouragement, every single feedback has been extremely valuable for this humble, little blogger.

     Feeding back response, criticism, improvement and appreciation to the creator of an art is the novel task of ‘feedback’ that helps in innumerable ways than we can think about.

   Be it positive encouragement or negative criticism, every form of feedback brings out the best in a person. By offering an honest and true picture, feedback offers scope for improvement. Though the heart in me always longs for words of appreciation and praises, my mind reminds me about the need to wish for a sincere feedback. While some aspects may work in my favor and enable constant flow of appreciation, certain factors may need improvement, prompting me to evolve, develop, flourish and grow. Besides the ability to create and display, it is extremely essential to show sincere willingness towards honest feedback. As a growth supplement that can promote success and satisfaction, feedback is certainly the key player in the game.

      Feedback is a universal factor that works in every single domain of our life. Be it academics in school or work assignment in office, be it arts, hobbies, talents and skills or activities of recreation, feedback encourages the creator within us; bringing out smiles, laughter, happiness and satisfaction. While offering an honest opinion is the rule of the feedback game, false praises and manipulative words with an aim to look good can do more harm than one can imagine. Besides the eagerness to bombard one with feedback, we must also have the capacity to accept the feedback from others.

    Along the journey of a blogger and writer so far, I have now realized the value of feedback closely. Expecting feedback from every single reader for each of my posts, hoping for nothing besides praises and longing for positive comments were some of my incorrect demands as an amateur writer. As I moved along the path, I came closer to the true realities of feedback. Born with an aim to improve and evolve, rather than flatter and look good, the true meaning of feedback presented itself right in front of my eyes. While I appreciate the influence and presence of feedback, I always look forward to the opportunity of receiving it.

    Feedback does not follow any particular pattern or adheres to any specific rules. Be it any form, manner, mode or medium, the job of feedback is to reach to its rightful owner. By offering its message, feedback initiates the job of improvement. As honest and true feedback is more beneficial than false words of praises, one must display willingness to accept every piece of criticism that comes their way. As I evolved with passing time, I understood the harm in crying over negative comments. Though such words shine under the light of negativity, their true aim is to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Understanding the true meaning of feedback and utilizing it for one’s own progress is the key to success. Drawing happiness and joy from positive feedback; analyzing, interpreting and learning from negative feedback and striving towards improvement all along can bring out the best from deep within.

Back to the thank you note, let me spell out every single reason for the gratitude and appreciation:

THANK YOU ALL:

-          For reading my posts and enjoying all its flavors.

-          For boosting my confidence as a blogger and encouraging me to continue this mode of expression.

-          For motivating me to display my love for words.

-          For encouraging me to expand my horizon, as articles and write-ups have entered into the basket along with blogs.

-          For inspiring me to return back with new topics and fresh pieces.

-          For pointing out my weaknesses and prompting me to develop my strengths.

-          For playing along with me in this game of words as readers are the most important components.

-          For strengthening the belief that I can express my thoughts, beliefs, memories and experiences in the written form.

-          For being there for me as enthusiastic readers with patient thoughts, eager eyes and happy heart.

and lastly,

-          For reading my extremely long posts without any complaints!

   Thank you for every single factor mentioned above, besides any other aspect I must have forgotten about.

 Thank you for feeding me with creativity, confidence, happiness and satisfaction, after all your feedback definitely feeds me well! 

Experiences of Indian cuisine on a foreign land!

A guide on what to expect and what not to expect in Indian restaurants for the foodies abroad.

      Though I strongly believe in the thought ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ and I do enjoy the local flavors of diverse cuisines in this foreign land- the tongue, eyes and stomach can never stop their craving for Indian food. Residing in foreign soil for more than a year now, the excitement and happiness to look around for Indian restaurants continues to stay strong. Though my interest towards cooking inspires me to stay close to the roots of Indian cuisine, it cannot replace the joy of enjoying a ready meal in a relaxing ambiance. With this thought in mind, as me and my husband hunt around for Indian restaurants and fast-food joints, the joy of experiencing diverse flavors of home country, while being miles away add to the overall appeal of the food.

      With increasing demand for Indian cuisine, several style of restaurants have made home in the United States. From authentic South Indian delicacies to true North Indian varieties, from popular street food dishes to interesting sweets and desserts, Indian cuisine has made its way into the hearts of people around. One peculiar aspect of these restaurants that always grabs my attention is their perfect balance between taste and surrounding. While serving authentic Indian food with its unique touch of spices, ingredients, preparation and recipes, these restaurants perform an excellent task of blending it well with the ambiance of the foreign surrounding.

      Relishing Indian cuisine, while being abroad bring back wonderful memories of the home soil. Though enjoying such Indian food in a restaurant may be an affair of a few minutes or hours, the experience and ambiance showers a lot more. The experience certainly seems heart-warming and welcoming, while I admire the same joy back home. The excitement of spotting a favorite dish on the menu card or happiness of searching a restaurant that serves the same style of favorite food truly brings a big, board smile on the face of every NRI!

      Sharing these experiences with family and friends or showing off the happiness of enjoying authentic Indian cuisine in the foreign land soon turns into a matter of pride, as it acts as a means to be closer to the Indian residing deep within. Though these restaurants toil to offer the best possible pure taste with their true preparation, there are several chances of disappointment along the way. Hoping to relish the same taste, yet residing miles away can lead to some troubles as the mind and tongue are still programmed for the flavors from home soil. During times like these, I realize the contribution of water, soil, climate, local harvest and environment in offering the final masterpiece. Though one may mimic these conditions in every possible way, the freshness of air and tanginess of local spice shall certainly differ.

      Besides filling the stomach with delicious food and pampering the tongue with its authentic taste, Indian cuisine always drives me over the lane of nostalgia. Though these restaurants are famous among Indians longing to get a feel of the home land; some of these are equally famous among local folks, too. Offering them a sneak peek view of the Indian land, such restaurants can attract them to experience the real feel of the country.

 Such is the magic of relishing Indian cuisine on the foreign land. While this aspect of Indian cuisine and food may have been taken for granted while residing back home, it has truly occupied the center-stage miles away.

       Though I and my husband love the opportunity to explore Indian cuisine, we always experience a fixed circle of emotions. Starting with interest and excitement, moving towards appreciation, proceeding towards deep observation, analysis and discussion and finally ending the conservation with wonders of taste back home, this order of events is bound to repeat after every adventure. After gaining valuable feedback and suggestions from our friends around, when we look forward to the experience of relishing this Indian food, we are almost sure of the repetition of these events.

   As a guide for my fellow NRIs or as a learning tutorial for all those about to make this land their second home, let me frame certain useful points of advice. Though individual experiences and encounters differ for each one, the blogger in me cannot stop herself from doing the obvious- talking, writing, talking and some more writing. While I share these experiences with you, enjoy every single piece of information – whether you are a prospective NRI who can note these for future reference, or an existing member of the club who can relate with it, whether you are RI (residential Indian ;) who can draw humor with occasional wish to offer sympathy or a person confused to decide which club to enter into, sit back and enjoy this gift of words!

1.       Looks can be deceptive:

  

   While name of a restaurant may tempt the patriot in you, or its online description and reviews may bring out the Indian in you, it may not necessarily turn out to be as expected. Though looks and ambiance may reflect our country in every way, it may just prove as a deceptive magnet for the Indian foodie in you.

2.       Enter at your own risk:

   Now, though your friends, colleagues and neighbors may give you a patriotic speech about the true taste and authentic flavors of food served in an Indian restaurant, do not forget about the diverse varieties within the Indian cuisine and complexities within various cultures. So while south, north, west and east of Indian cuisine shall differ by all means, enter at your own risk to experience the spread as described.

3.       Keep comparisons and analysis at bay:

   An aspect that we learned the hard way, comparing Indian food with the one served at home can lead to nothing besides disappointment. Though Indian restaurants abroad toil to offer the best experience to its patrons with close resemblance to ingredients, taste, flavors and presentation, it is absolutely inappropriate to compare them with Indian restaurants in India. By handling several contrasting factors along the way, they truly bear the brunt of expectations.

    While settling in a foreign land, yet offering a cuisine that can appeal to all, this transaction certainly calls for more hard work and consistent efforts. Enjoying their offered menu without any preconceived ideas and judgments can enhance the overall dining experience. As the only means that can connect an NRI back to the home ground, they certainly deserve the credit, respect and gratitude.

4.       Relish your meal with a pinch of salt!

    Though we may not bother much about the ingredients, style, pairing and presentation of food, while relishing a meal in a restaurant in India, all these observations and analysis come out effortlessly, while at a restaurant abroad. As patriotism and love for the country reaches its peak at such places, it is necessary to savor the taste with a pinch of salt. Disappointment due to over-analysis or impossible expectations from the restaurant staff will only add to the pile of sorrow.

5.       Adaption is the rule for survival

    While Indian restaurants make efforts to survive and flourish in a foreign environment, they have to adopt certain variations and changes. By adapting themselves to the needs, demands, expectations and customs of local land, they may be forced to drift away from an authentic taste. Be it involvement of local vegetables or change in source of spices, be it change in the presentation or inclusion of side dishes, adjusting to the local demands is the need of the hour.

Hope these guidelines can entertain and guide at the same time. As we continue our adventures and experiences, I hope to add some more content in the future!