Alexander Babu:

              Would you believe if I said I met Alexander Babu alias Alex the comedian, who calls everyone with love as "chellams", in the middle of Chennai on a serene and beautiful street, unexpectedly.

              I was travelling with my family to visit the marudheeshwarar temple in thiruvanmayur, almost on a whim we decided to visit the Vethathiri Maharishi's(VM) vazhaga valamudan centre.  Its located on a peaceful and breezy and almost pondicherry ashram like road. I hail from OMR area where literally the traffic feels like its coming from inside your home rather than on the streets. So to me, yes it was like heaven on earth. As my father parked the car and I just got out to enjoy the view. To top it off it was a cul-de-sac, no traffic - unbelievable place in Chennai. Thoughts began to form, "no wonder maharishi lived in a place like this and built upon an empire of yoga and learning. The centre houses a padasalai, front office, book centre, cafeteria and a siddha clinic. 

              From the corner of my eye I saw a guy in shorts and t's with a backpack pulling on the sunshades and locking his car on the other side of the road. He turned and started walking towards our side of the road as we were departing further to enter to the VM's centre. My brain jolted - I know this face, very familiar where where and the the fog cleared - that's Alex........Alex.....Alex in wonderland.....Aelxander Babu.  

              A bit later i realized i was actually vocalizing my thought priocess.....mind voice velila ketrucha....?!Alex turned towards me as we were crossing paths and in that moment I realized contrary to the scene of the road I was actually his spoiling his peace by intruding when he was on personal business. My rational side was telling to step away, but everyone has an irrational side right? So that side was already shaking hands with him. The rational side took over and asked him, " are you busy?" something i always ask my friends to make sure they are in the right frame of mind for a chat. Alex probably wondered what does that mean? I am always busy, just started on another tour of "nagerkoyil expressum nadaga companiyum". The irrational side took over but amazingling said some rational things like "Alex, I am a recent fan of yours. I really enjoyed the musical (did'nt remember the name then....one of the many things I didnt say). Alex smiled and said, "Thank you! Are you a student here pointing to maharishi's centre." I was like ,"no i came with my family and they are the ones interested...like no...i am not the one...for these kind of things. Again not sure what Alex was thinking but I was racking my brain to see how else to take the conversation further.  All this while my parents are standing right behind me and I din't think to introduce them to him. Of course they were like what ....who....why is my daughter talking to this person..? I completely lost my emotional intelligence if at all i had any. I quickly said thank you and all the best or something like that and moved away. 

              I must say it was very sweet of Alex to stop for a chat, just wish had more time and presence of mind to share a few more thoughts with him and to take a selfie. Of course no matter how old you are, once you see a celebrity you get a brain freeze and forget your parents(:-P). Once you recover what do you do? You are chiding yourself on why did'nt ask that or say that other thing that you have thought about while you were actually enjoying the celebrity's show. There is one more thing you do, you pick up your phone and call your friend. Yes I did, called my bestie and said "Hey machi, you know what di?", I just met Alex.........Babu....Oh yeah and the conversation went for 15 minutes, only two minutes about the unexpected meet up but more so about what I did not do in that short time frame. She shared my excitement and enthusiasm and scolded my for not taking a selfie...nanbi di nanbi,,.,,,,We (or more so I did) made a mental note to come up with a strategy and a few lines I would say when i meet someone else next time (next time?) Until then....

            Alex....I truly enjoyed your Alex in Wonderland show, particularly the Sirkazhi govindarajan part with the Gopal.....nama ini sendhikavendam Gopal....Ungalaku enna pathi nalla theriym illa, enaku irupadhey oray kadhudhan...". I am very happy for you have found your passion in life and took steps to fulfill it.  This is coming for a another one of those ex(exhausted) software engineers....and I do take your advice. "Poga poga ellam sariya poyidum...".

You are gifted singer, musician and your Tanglish is excellent !!! God bless !!!

Best,
Suhanya.Kumarasamy@gmail.com

Home away from home...
--------------------------------

                  I feel fulfilled. I went on a 4 day trip to my native place, ayankaranpulam and karupanpulam close to vedaranyam sea shore. Accompanied by my husband, kids, brother and parents, I embarked on a journey with a quest - to see my ailing grandmother. I had received news that my grandma was sick with a heavy urine infection. At that ripe age, a small infection can be deadly. With trepidation I booked an innova car for the travel. Her name is Manonmani and she is 91.

               When I was young, my parents used to take me for summer vacation to vedaranyam. Every year I used to look forward to this time. Both my parents have big families, really big ones.
My mom's side, she has 3 brothers and 6 sisters, no shortage of cousins. During the months of may and june I was always in vedaranyam until my 10 th grade. I used to play in sand, hose pipes, close to ponds hours together. We were expected only during meal times at home. We had to wake up around dawn time and that was my most favorite time. Morning sunrise, fresh milk from the cows and a walk around the farm. There were many workers on the farm land and one of them was assigned the job of collecting the cashew fruits from the cashew trees. He was also tasked with taking all the kids with him. This activity lasted typically about an hour or hour and half. This guy was a young lad and he used to entertain the kid clan with jokes and by giving the best collector a taste of the most ripe cashew fruit. The trick to finding the most ripe one was to make sure it was bitten by a squirrel. Squirrels could sense the ripe ones with just the smell. The fruit was so yummy we used to fill up our tummies with it. Then we would bring back the cashews which were protruding from them to dry them out. Next was shower time, off to the pump set or motor set which forcefully pumped water from the well into the farm lands. He would intercept the water jet and have a good and fun filled shower. Then we were treated to those wonderfully jasmine flower like idlis and some sort of high intensity chilly chutneys made the old fashioned way. Even now my mouth waters just thinking about it. By 11 a.m, my grandma would sit down to churn the fat out of the fresh milk from cows on a rich organic diet. She would then heat the fat and viola you got the wonderful aroma of fresh ghee. To top it off she put a few sprigs of drumstick leaves in it, i don't know why but that would be like cherry on top of a cake. You can never forget that aroma.

Lunch was always a First course was mostly molai keerai masiyal with the freshly made ghee. Simplest of the recipes, yet the most tasty dish. Followed by kolambu made of just picked veggies from the garden. Typically brinjals, drumstick, pumpkins, lady's fingers, bottle guards, ridge guards, raw mangoes - no storage time, straight from the garden to the stove top. I honestly believe that kids of today don't like vegetables because they unfortunately don't have the opportunity to really taste good and fresh ones.

Again play time around the house, we would go back to the farm lands where the workers were resting after their meal. We would just sit around with them and they would treat us like we are kings and queens. They always addressed us as "chinna amma", "chinna ayya". Never really realized the meaning behind it. Time to time, when we got bored we used to stop by at the all time big pantry which was filled with rice, all types of dried beans, and barrels of muruku, pickles, chillies etc. I also remember getting caught once stealing raw mango pickles:-) My grandfather was a textile merchant who made his fortune in Singapore. He was really a rich guy and we have a very big house in vedaranyam. After he returned from Singapore he used to reside in the first level of the house all my himself. He used to play those big tapes for us in the evening. I remember watching vellai roja, sigappu roja and aayirathil oruvan movies all through my vacation time. I used to be able repeat verbatim the dialogues by the end of the vacation. Lol, no use but still:-). He was very strict but kind at the same time. We kids were the errand runners for him all day long. He had a big bell that he used to ring when ever he needed us. As soon as you heard the bell, it was our top priority to attend him hand and foot. We also got in trouble if we made a lot of noise. Its sad that he died when he was just 72 in the year 1992. I was only 12. So i never really got to experience his kind side. He had a long and big mush and so we addressed him as "meesai thatha", which made him to look like a military officer. After the movie, it was a light dinner and sleep time by 8:00 p.m. All lights go off by 8:30 p.m. Mats were rolled on the big hall, pillows and bedspreads were thrown across and we were given spots. If you are thinking that's hostel like, you are right!

Such were the memories of my vacation time until about 10th grade. Around 10th grade started the summer vacation classes for me and then my cousins at various years. That was the last of these mighty vacation, carefree times with all of us together. Even today we are close and we often reminisce the old times. Few cousins moved to Singapore, and a few are here in Chennai.

So coming back to my recent trip during pongal, I did have a trip down the memory lane and missed all my cousins. My quest was to see my grandma alive and well and spend as much time as possible with her, i wanted to take a ride to visit all my uncles and aunties on my father's side as well.
On both accounts I scored big time, i was successfully able to talk to my grandma and share time with her. She was diagnosed with a heavy UTI, which responded well to meds. Met some of the then kid cousins who are now grown up. I feel so blessed to know so many relatives, thanks to my father and mother who made sure i knew all their siblings and who always had good relations with everyone. I am still treated like a queen when i am there, transferred to a different time. I am their "chella pethi" on both sides. I think of all my cousins i probably know the most relatives. Everyone receives me and my family with such enthusiasm and care, that even my husband realizes why i am so close with them. Throughout my stay, i ate fresh seafood and fresh veggies equally well. Loved every bit of my stay. I am feeling fulfilled for having spent this quality time with my grandma and everyone. I am feeling blessed to have know two different generations and being able to understand both and be the bridge. Best part was that my kids got to meet and see photos of two to three generations prior. Overall, mission accomplished at the "home away from home".

பவள விழா காணும் சித்தப்பா ...................

பவள விழா காணும் சித்தப்பா ................... 

 

பிறந்த நாள் வாழ்த்து  

 ----------------------------------------  

அன்புக்கு அழகான சித்தப்பாவே !   நீவிர் 

மாசிலாமணியின் கார்மேகக் கருவாகி 

காசியம்மாவின் கருவறையில் உருவாகி 

மாண்புமிக்க மகனாய் பிறந்திட்டீர் 

மனிதரில் மாணிக்கம் தான் நீவிர் ----------------------வாழ்க வளமுடன்.

 

அன்பெனும் சோலையில் வலம்வருவீர் என்பதால் 

அன்பழகன் என்று பெயரிட்டனரோ !

அவர்களையும் வணங்குகிறோம் !

 

திக்கெட்டும் உன்புகழ் நிலைத்து நிற்க 

திலகவதியாரை கைபிடித்தீரோ !

செந்தமிழை வாழவைக்க சிங்கராச் 

சென்னையைவிட்டு சிங்கை சென்றீரோ !  ----------வாழ்க வளமுடன்.

 

திரைகடல் கடந்து சென்றும் ஓய்வில்லாது 

பைந்தமிழ் செழிக்க படைப்புகள் பல படைத்தீரோ !

எத்திசை சென்றாலும் எல்லோர் மனதிலும் 

நீங்கா இடம்பிடித்தது உமது சமூக சேவையோ ! ---- வாழ்க வளமுடன்.

 

முகத்தின் இருகண்கள் போல நீங்கள் 

ஈன்றெடுத்த இரு செல்வதேவங்களோடும்  

இன்பத்தை அள்ளித்தரும் இனிய இன்பாவோடும் 

சுற்றத்தோடும் ,  நட்போடும்   , பூரணநலத்தோடும் 

என்றென்றும்  பல்லாண்டு வாழ்க வளமுடன்..

வாழ்த்த வயதில்லை  வணங்கி நிற்கும் ------------------வாழ்க வளமுடன்.                                    

                           
                                         வளர்பிறை குமாரசாமி குடும்பத்தினர் , சென்னை 


                                       

 

பவள

பவள 

Pavala vizha

If you wanted to be an explorer - Google Glass - Sale for one day!

If you wanted to be an explorer  ever, well here is your chance.
Google Glass - Sale for one day!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Google glass is going on sale for one day only - Tuesday April 15th, 2014. The GG costs $1500 plus tax. It is open to any US resident of age 18 and older. You can visit this page to set a reminder.

http://www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one/

If you wanted to be an Explorer here is your chance...

Explorer - Simply put first users of new google technologies. Google glass was developed by Google X, the division that develops technologically advanced gadgets.
The prototype was launched in April 2011, weighing more than 8 pounds. Today the glass weighs less than a pair of sunglasses on an average. Product testing began in April 2012 and featured at the Foundation fighting blindness event in San Francisco.
A explorer edition was released in April 2013 and for the first time ever, anyone can become an explorer in April 2014 ~ If you can spare your pocket change..no biggie.....

Word of caution - There are still privacy issues as the glass can record video.
 

Thought of the day

"May be everyone should have a near death experience once in a while to put things in perspective."

 

Allergy, nasal congestion and sinus remedies ~ relief recipe

Hello there,

       For the past 2 years, the most searched keyword on google by me was and is "sinus:, "allergy", "nasal polyps" remedy. My history, allergies started with first pregnancy, worse during the second and resulted in a nasal polyp surgery a year after. My diagnosis was sever allergies, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps (tissue growth of nasal lining). I am nine months post surgery, had 2 serious sinus infections in the first 6 months. I was treated with antibiotics and prednisone, the norm. If you are like me or someone who has suffered from a so called "cold" for 2 weeks or more, well read ahead - you most certainly will benefit from this. Few things to begin with, there is really no cure to common cold, allergy or a sinus infection. At least with an allergy or sinus infection there are a very good management techniques. Here are some simple home remedies that have proven very effective for me. This is my first spring after everything has been cleaned out, so in way this is a special spring for me. I had my allergy testing done and am allergic to pretty much every tree, grass, ragweed, and dust.  My goal, to prevent and manage sinus infections and allergies.

Tip 1 : - Study your body, the moment you sense you throat itchy, achy run for a salt gargle. I mean literally run and do a salt gargle. I have heard sea salt is most effective as it has the same salt composition as our body. Repeat this a couple of times throughout the day.

Tip 2: - Next if you have allergies, you will want to do a nasal rinse as well. Same principle as a salt gargle only for your nose and some sinus. Here is the Dr.OZ show with Oprah talking about the sinus rinse. Neti pot is not only option. There are many devices with the same technique. Neilmed sinus rinse is quite famous and the one I use. Please be sure to read the instructions before use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e22Ta7iRgks

Tip 3:- Now that you have cleaned your nose and throat to an extent, the next step to attack it is to do a steam. Boil about a liter of water and add few drops of eucalyptus oil to it and steam it in. This is highly effective if you have a head ache, works like magic for me. When you are doing the steam,  do a few types of inhaling the steam. First, inhale the steam through one nose and exhale through other. Now do the same with the other nose. Next inhale steam through nose, exhale through mouth, Repeat by inhaling through mouth and exhale through nose, 10 repetitions each. You are basically opening up all the passages inside your head. Works as effective as a decongestant.

Tip 4:- If you have chronic sinusitis, or have been feeling like you have had a cold for a long time (typically more than 3 months) please see a ENT and figure out the underlying cause. Fixing that will go a long way to fix your sinus problems.

Tip 5:- Attacking the virus and bacteria from inside - as a general note, I believe in consuming garlic (antiviral) and ginger with local farm honey to decrease allergies and fight off bacteria and virus. Apple cider vinegar, stinging nettle and some other herbs seem to clear up sinuses too. I haven't tried them enough yet.

This works for me, so please google and read up as much as you can and find what works for you.

P:S ;- If you symptoms are severe then you must repeat these steps consistently for a couple of weeks.




 

Happily ever after!!!

       Lets see, I have been married for 8 years now, so I am officially cleared to give some marriage advice, don't you agree? These days being married for 8 years is a feet to celebrate. To the contrary opinion that everyone is bombarded by marriage advice, I don't remember receiving much. May be because they thought I was matured, adjustable and pleasant to be with that I would survive any guy? Too bad, I could have used some. Anyways, over these years I have become wiser and now ready to impart my take on relationships. Just a few key things and you are on your way to a wonderful pleasant marriage. If advice if not your thing then think of this as one of those articles - 10 tips on a successful relationship in the order of importance.

1. Priorities - I am not kidding when I say - "List down your priorities!". I mean literally sit down and list down your priorities and communicate this to your finance. Beware - not all at once, over several sittings/phone calls.  Setting these at the beginning makes it easier for you and your spouse to embrace and we all know that change is not much welcomed. E.g - respecting and taking care of your parents may be one of the items on your list.

2. Expectations - Once again I am not kidding when I say - "List down your expectations!". Only this time I have a better strategy for communicating the items on this list to your spouse. Do them yourself, show them by actions rather than asking your spouse to do so. Actions speak volume and have a way of incorporating themselves into those near you without a lot of talking!

3. Respect - This should be one of your expectations, but its just too important in a relationship so it needs a special mention. Of course everyone wants to be respected and taken seriously at times. For people who don't talk a lot, its a little bit easier to command respect.  Respect your spouse and they will respect you back.

4. Personal space /hobbies - Realize that every one needs their personal space and try to take time off from each other during the course of your relationship. Overdose of each other is a killer!

5. Money - Be clear on where each other stand on finance. One of you might be spender, another a saver or whatever combination you end up with, one of the topics to be discussed and communicated.

6. Respect your in-laws - better yet, STOP thinking of them as in-laws and think of them as your parents. Need I say more, if you just did that, then there would be far less issues.

7. Equality - Take a vow to discuss even small things with your spouse before taking a decision. If you keep this in mind and start from day one, it will easily become a habit.

8. Strengths and weakness - As you discover each other's personality analyze your spouse's strengths and weakness. This will give you a better understanding and help share responsibilities.

9. Friend - Days when the man was the sole breadwinner and decision maker are over!!!  Your relationship will last a eternity if you remember to the best friend your spouse can possibly have is YOU!. It is one of the toughest to do,but I agree that it pays well.

10. Last but not least, don't take life too seriously - When your spouse is angry and hurtful words come pouring out, remember that he or she is angry and they don't mean all of what they say. Also remember , "Idhuvum kadandhu pogum!!!". Don't take things personally and try not to bring your parents into your disagreements. Just makes things worse.


    Again, you can plan all you want, but everything depends on your partner. So be ready for curveballs and a theme park ride!!! Remind your self that you are in it together and strive to make each other's experience a pleasant one.

On behalf of all the "Happily ever afters................"

Cover letter for Indian passport renewal

                                                                                                                




To,



The Consulate General of India,

Indian Consulate,

New York



Sub: Application for Passport Renewal.





Dear Sir/Madam,



I am hereby submitting the application for my passport renewal.

The procedure given at your website is followed and all the required documents are also enclosed with.



In case need any further information or clarification; please do not hesitate to call me at .



Thanking you in anticipation.





(Your name)





Enclosures:



1. Original current passport ( )

2. Completed application Form with 3 photographs.

3. Money Order of $40

4. A notarized Copy of Green card

5. Copy of the non-blank of passport pages

6. A Copy of Degree Certificate ( for ECNR) (if applicable)

7. A notarized copy of driver’s license for proof of residence.

8. Completed Nationality Status verification form with photograph

9. USPS Express/Priority Mail – Flat rate envelope

Indian Passport renewal

                     If you are looking to renew your Indian passport and reside in the United States of America, here is a step by step procedure of how to do it. This is specific to the Indian Consulate in New York.

1. First of all, passport renewal application has to be filled online and printed out.  Use this link to fill it out. The application process involves selecting an appointment time even if you are applying by regular mail. So go ahead and select an appointment time, after which you can download or print out your application form. Again, there is no need to keep this appointment if you are applying by regular mail. Here is the link to the online application  http://passport.gov.in/nri/OnlineRegistration.jsp?pocode=USAN


2. Prepare a cover letter. Here is a link to a sample cover letter. http://suhanya-mydiary.blogspot.com/2011/12/cover-letter-for-indian-passport.html . The sample cover letter includes a list of documents needed. 

3. Here is the list of documents/attachments required by the Consulate General of India, New york.

1. Original current passport
2. Three passport size photographs (size 2 inches x 2 inches with white background)showing frontal view of full face including the one to be pasted on the top of application form;  Actually you need 4 passport size photographs. One goes on the passport renewal application form, one goes on the Nationality Status verification form and 2 of them will have to be attached to the renewal application.
3. Prescribed fee of US $ 40 for normal booklet (36 pages) or US $ 50 for Jumbo booklet (60 pages). Fee has to be paid by certified checks or money orders payable to the Consulate General of India, New York. Please note that personal checks are not accepted. Only at the Consulate counter will cash be accepted in currency notes of denomination not higher than $50.00. Cash when applying by mail is also not accepted. If delivery of documents is requested by mail – for return by Express Mail (with tracking number), please enclose a self-addressed USPS Express Mail – Flat Rate Mailing Envelope only, with minimum postage of $ 18.30 (no soft pouches or legal envelopes) and for return by Priority Mail (without tracking number), please enclose a self-addressed Priority Mail envelope with a minimum postage of $4.90.  Kindly note that money once paid is not refunded on refusal of service or delay in service. Please insist on a receipt for any money paid at the counter and present the same for collection of documents between 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
4. Copy of proof of residence in the United States is required.  Utility bill/bank statement/copy of lease agreement/driver's license are acceptable as proof of residence.
5. Copy of the first five and the last two pages of the passport;
6. Copy of pages indicating U.S. Visa or original Green Card or Employment Authorization Card (EAC) or any other visa documents to be shown at the counter and a copy of both sides of documents deposited (in case applications being mailed, a notarized copy of these documents can be sent);
7. In case application for Green Card or EAC or Visa is pending/being processed, a copy of documents in support of this fact must be deposited;
8. Completed Nationality Status Verification Form; This is a new requirement.
9. The declaration at the end of the application form should be notarized if the old passport had expired more than one year ago;
10. If the present passport does not contain the name of spouse and the name is to be entered in the new passport, a copy of marriage certificate must be sent.
11. If the Indian passport has expired beyond a period of six months, you may be required to attach a notarized Affidavit. Details are provided on the Indian Embassy websites

Consulate address :

Indian passport renewal at New York

Consulate General Of India, New York

 3 East, 64th Street, New York, NY 10021,USA

Tel : 212-774-0600 Fax : 212-861-3788 

Tips:

1. All fee amount, application forms and rules are subject to change. Verify the current fee on the Embassy website.

2. Always send you application in a track able Overnight express insured mail, along with a prepaid mail envelope to receive back your passport.
3. Always keep the latest copy of your complete passport.
4. Keep scanned copies of your passport as well.
5. Check the Embassy website for general rules.

11 Great Jobs for Parents

11 Great Jobs for Parents

Hi folks,
If you are on the same boat as me then you would probably jump up on this article i read on Salary.com.
Shhhhhhh..........It is a signal personally for me. I am so excited to share this with the world.
All along my husband was right!!! Ya, sucks when he is right, but you got to give him credit for that.

Nut Chutney - ha ha funny , delicious and nutritious

NUT CHUTNEY ~ Funny, delicious and nutritious
-------------------------------------------------------------

Does the title make you laugh? Well, that is good for you. Nutritious addition to your chutney palate. Peanuts (ground nuts) and channa dalia chutney are delicious by themselves. Since I am always trying to add variety, I started substituting peanuts with other nuts.  The flavors are very different and is more nutritious than just peanut chutney. The best part is that it is simple.

Ingredients
-------------
Roasted Badam - 10-12
Roasted Cashew - 5
Roasted peanuts - 2 tbsp
Roasted channa dalia - 4 -5 tbsp
Red chilli - 3 , go with 1 first
Garlic pod - 1
Tamarind pulp - 1 tbsp
Salt - per taste

Blend all the ingredients well with water. Use as much as water for the consistency you desire. Once mixure is smooth, do tadka and spread on top of the chutney. Yummy chutney ready!!!

I usually leave the skin of the nuts intact so I am adding some fibre to my diet. Play with the quantity of each nut to give a slightly different taste. If blended with less water to make it a thogayal, it goes good with rice or as a spread on bread sandwich.

Are you a captive of your past?

Are you a captive of your past ?

---------------------------------

Do you find yourself transported completely back to a particular time in your past?

Does this happen over and over again? If yes, then you are a captive of your past, at least according to me.


I often find myself going back to my home in Thambaram, right to the days between my engagement and marriage. The laughter that surrounded me then, never dies within me. Relatives calling in all the time. My parents pampering me. My cousins teasing me - almost never ending. This is miss what I most of all. Its painful to think about it, yet i keep going back to those memories. It is ironical that i somehow draw strength from it. If i can survive the separation from my parents and cousins and the home that drew us all close together, I can survive anything.


In the past 10 years of my marriage, I have learnt to neatly tuck those memories into some corner of my mind and labelled it with "Do not surface back". It was very unbearable in the begining. I compare my separation from my home to that of separation of young lovers. May be I am exagerrating. Afterall, every girl is prepared from when she is born for this day. It does not make it any less painful. If you knew you were going to lose a loved one, does that make the loss any more bearable than if you did not know?

I can remember the terrace in our home where I spent a lot of my time studying, dreaming, chatting with friends over cell phone. The wonderful breeze and the beautiful smell of incense from the nearby temple - this I can almost feel and smell. Does this bring happiness to me ? Does this bring sadness? I am uncertain.

Marriage is always portrayed as the happiest time for a girl, and for her family. May be all the folks who do it are very optimistic and I am the only one on the other side of the wall. I see this of two distinct events, each should be given importance in its own right. First comes the love you leave behind, your family. Only then comes the new home. Why should girls choose between both ? Why can't they have both ?

I can only hope that someday I can think of these memories and not cringe at the thought. Someday I hope to overcome the fear in me that i will drown again in the love and affection of my family. Yes, for it is my real home and I know I can never get that back.

e-books-links

All Your Favorite authors........Enjoy...........


Sidney Sheldon
Ayn Rand
Charles Dickens
Nicholas Sparks
The Codebreakers
David Baldacci
Robin Cook
Dan Brown
Douglas Adams
Paulo Coelho
Frederick Forsyth
John Grisham
Robin Sharma
Michael Crichton
Erich Segal
HG Wells
Jeffery Archer

Sydney Sheldon

Sydney sheldon died today at the age of 89. He was no doubt a great novelist. He won awards in three categories, the movies, novels and theatre. But why do i have write about him in my blog? Because he was my first read. 'If tomorrow comes' -what an amazing and intriguing plot. How could one mind ever think of such plots? . No loose connections anywehere, such beautifully rounded ending, what more could i ask for. Tracey Whitney still inspires me even after 9 years !!

Unlike Dan Brown(www.danbrown.com) who was inspired to write a novel, after reading one of Sidney's , I was only inspired to read more. I have read the other titles like, The Stranger in the mirror, the other side of midnight, Are you afraid of the dark?,rage of angels, If tomorrow comes, Morining Noon and Night', The sky is falling..........He has never stopped to amaze me.

Makes me a little sad that such a great novelist has passed away. He wrote AutoBiography 'The other side of Me' just some time ago... But as any novel needs an ending here is the ending of a great saga!!!

His official site is www.SidneySheldon.com

Fascinating FRANCE

Fascinating France


Sitting by the window Sill,
Gazing at the farthest hill,
I drifted into the realms of fantasy,
Imaginations were running wild and crazy.

My mind wandered just for a while,
Far away, speeding by thousands of a mile,
To the Land of art and literature,
And millions of buried treasure.

On a black stallion, I rode,
Ha! Ha! to break the DA Vinci code!
Then I was taking a tour,
Of the famous Louvre!

Lo! There was the French Empress,
Somehow guessing my presence,
Said she, let me be your guide.
I listened, wide eyed!

Her majesty showed me around the place,
The Mona Lisa was such a grace.
Next Agenda was to dine,
With Angelo, Picasso and of course the French Wine!

She then bestowed me a beautiful Gown,
And Placed on my forehead, a diamond Crown
Made me sit on the Royal Throne,
Alas! Just then was I Thrown?

I jolted back from my trance,
In an instant I knew I was out of France.
Was that just a dream?
I felt I needed to scream.
With all the grief in my heart,
Yet France remains a happy thought!

'Da Vinci Code'-More than just a Book!

I am all excited that the movie Da Vinci Code(DVC) has been released. My favorite book turned into a movie and the lead played by my favorite hero Tom Hanks. Oh it’s like one of the nicest things that can happen to you! Personally i think Catherine Zeta JOnes would have been wonderful as sophie. Never mind.Nah, I am not a movie buff. I am more the type of enjoying a movie from the comfort of my couch with 'lays' in one hand and pepsi in the other. Not to forget the remote and the constant channel surfing(during commercial breaks of the main program!) Oh the thought of it makes me smile in bliss...though not sure if I will watch the 'DVC' at a theatre or at home dont know if I can wait till then?

The first book I read, of Dan Brown's was Da Vinci code. I read it with undivided attention, actually I was hooked on to it from the start. Oh what a masterpiece! I don’t want to delve into the controversy of whether it is a fact or fiction. But the way the story is spun is amazing. It just unfolds right in front of you providing you awe-inspiring fiction-suspense-thriller quenching your thirst for entertainment, adrenaline rush, travel.

As any DVC reader will agree(united we stand, readers!) with me that they want to see the movie for the pure pleasure of giving credit to the imagination. I know we are not Ron Howard, but we are a director in our own right when we started reading DVC, ain't we?

Then I went on to his other works viz; "Digital Fortress’,’ Angels and Demons' and 'Deception Point' in that order. I loved DVC, liked Angels and Demons. His other works don’t compare with DVC though. I remember reading in Dan Brown's site that he had done research for nearly two for this book and it has paid off.

Is DVC more than a just a book? Yes, according to me. The most interesting fact is that the revenue it has spun. This book is like that .NET boom. Its like any body who touched the book earned money( not really, though) ha ha!. Revenue is being created through all possible forms. The travel industry and the gaming industry has had a great turnover. There are so many games with DVC as the theme and more and more peple are taking the so called "DA VINCI tour". The literature industry has gained the controversy of this century(probably the next one,too). People can have endless chats and discussion on this very topic(just like us!).Web ads, articles oh my God. i am sure as i am typing this article out, there is someone who has getting benefitted by DVC. What i am to write about The movie industry, then? are v talking millions? zillions? may be!

Thanks to Dan Brown for this and also the fact/fiction novel of my time!!!

Note: These are my personal views as obvious as they are published in my Blog intented for the blog readers only.

Marriage=joy && sorrow

Marriage is bliss,
And brings new relation
My expectations soared high
With a lot of elation.


My smiles are fading,
As the d-day nears.
I pass everyday
With more of tears.

Why do I have to leave my home?
Whom can I blame?
It seems to be the god’s will
That my heart needs no flame.

Can any one hear this heart’s cry?

Sneha's mail to Prem

Hi Prem,

Don’t know why…just felt like penning down my thoughts. It must be night time now for you. Wondering if you were thinking abt me before gng to sleep?

This is something very eventful happening in my life….it no more my life….its our life….Both our parents are meeting the second time. And I am keeping my fingers crossed. Everything should go smooth. I wish I was there at home, to watch everybody getting prepared to go to visit your place. Mom and aunt would have been deciding on what to wear and joking all the while. Teasing me about every little thing that I would have said or done.It’s a pleasure to be with them at this very time. I am missing all that.

Thinking of this, I am now wondering how you must be feeling, getting anxious about things happening here, far way in a land that is distant by miles but close to heart otherwise.

Realization dawns now and then in life. So what did I realize now? Yes of course that I wanted to marry. I didn’t realize this until the day your parents came to see me. The idea of marriage was always a bit far fetched for me. I knew marriage was responsibilities in the disguise of bliss. Do you think I am very crude in my thought?May be yes. I did not have a positive attitude towards marriage. It scarred me a little. I knew I can no more decide things
on my own. I am that kind of a person who does not like to be dependent on anyone or anything. How am I going to be at my in-laws place? How do I talk to my mama, athai? I can not let down my parents at any cost. I have to take care of my family. Am I ready for marriage and am I responsible enough? Well a millions of questions. Then my brain will say you are not the only person who is getting married on this earth. Every Tom, Dick and Harry gets married. They
all have gone through this. And you will also go through this. Now there that’s me. I have all the questions and the answers too. I just wear different hats at these times?

My mobile is ringing. Yes, it’s my dad.

Dad: Hey, what are u doing?(My thought: Good Question dad. I am just unable to concentrate on my work and am sitting and typing out my thoughts which I
am going to post to him. If I were to tell you that what would you think, dad?)

Me: Just the usual stuff dad. Working, what else?

Dad: We are leaving in half an hour ma. Hmm…err…Okay your uncle wants to talk to you.Me: Okay dad!

Uncle: Sneha, “enna velaiaya irukiya?”(My thought: Oh My god!....now what?)
Me: sollunga Mama.

Uncle: If we have to keep the engagement day after tomorrow is that okay with you?(My thought: Oh My god! That’s just like my uncle. Pretty fast. …now how do I say that I am just waiting for it to happen)

Me: (after a moment of hesitation) I am fine with it mama.(I hear my bro's voice. “Look I told you I’d put a mottai if she said No” and all laugh. Meanwhile I went red here.
Understanding that this was a planned joke on me)

Uncle: (to ppl at home) Okay all of you stop laughing (to me) I am asking you seriously. Shall we fix up the engagement date if they are also okay to proceed immediately?
(I knew I was blushing here, unable to control the happiness showing on my face. Just that I was in office, otherwise I would have jumped up and down)

Me: (a bit slowly but firmly) yes mama, I am fine with it. I am fine with anything that you plan.

Uncle: It’s getting late. Bye then.

Me: Bye.

I am feeling exactly like Sushmitha Sen said, during her interview immediately after she became Miss Universe. Yes, it was exactly like a thousand bubbles bursting in.What a world. Did these people around me know what its like to get into all this? Na, I am the only blessed one here. I was boasting to myself. There is so much joy in being secretly happy. It’s like listening to your favorite song on a walkman. The world hears nothing and you hear everything.

Sneha, get back to work ma…now that’s again me. You see part of me is duty conscious too!?

Gosh! I wish I can speak to you at the moment. I am already elated. And again some one says, “ there is still a long way to go” Is that you,Prem? ?

Going to work now,
Bye,
Sneha

My First Crush

Blessed is the day,
You crossed my way.
And what did thou art say?
Ahem! Just a Hey!

Is this the end of it all?
Questioned, my thought
Nay, it's the beginning
Cried, my heart!

And then my cheeks flushed,
Oh! I fully blushed!

My first story

LOVE MARRIAGE?
-------------------------

I don’t know what state my mind is in? Now, that’s the biggest lie anyone can ever say. I am full aware of what I think, say, do only that everything appears to be blurred.

I was normal until a few days ago. Until he proposed me. It was a very simple and straight forward “I Love you, do you love me too?”. I had no answer at the moment. Rather I did not want to answer it. My mind was raising a million questions.
Is he Mr. Right? Will he care for me more than for himself? Will he love me with the same intensity till death departs us? Will he respect me? Will he treat me with due courtesies for a woman? Will he stand by me against who ever it is? Will he put me above all in his life? Will he submit his ego to me? Will he say, “I love you” as often as possible?

Is he the one? Is he the one?

I sat transfixed, immersed in a pool of thoughts. Was someone throwing a stone? No, No there was a mild tremor on the monitor. Yup, yahoo messenger buzzed on my desktop. I realized he was waiting for an answer. Slowly and thoughtfully I typed. I know what I wrote should have hurt his ego, slightly. I sat back relaxed, only after reading his reply. Again it was a classic one. I understand. He carefully changed the topic of conversation. We chatted on for about 2 hours then. I went back to my apartment, confused thoroughly.

I dumped my handbag on the table. Fell on the bed. Tit bits of the conversation and the yahoo emoticons were baffling my brain. I knew I had to decide soon. I quickly changed into casuals. Prepared a cup of coffee, switched on the TV and tired to push my thoughts elsewhere.

What will I tell my parents? Should I tell them? Is it too early to tell them? How will my parents respond? Finally I decided it was high time I took a break from these thoughts. I told myself not to think about this.

I briskly walked up to the balcony. From there I could see the street corner. I was gazing aimlessly. I saw them.Not anyone who i knew but some people i could relate to, two people walking towards the apartment. Coming nearer, I saw them hold each other’s hand. It was a gesture enough to trigger his thoughts again. In a few minutes time I was pacing up and down the balcony. Struggling with questions and answers, my lips finally curled a bit ya into a bit of a smile i guess.

“Hi Ma”- I greeted my mom over the phone. “ Hi Darling. How are you?”
"Mom am doing great as usual! How is papa? " , I asked.

"He is fine dear. Now listen carefully.Let me know this without delay. Tell me kuttima, do you like him? Before you answer, remember that you decision is the final one."

“Ma….” I dragged, not knowing how to get it out of my mouth. Mothers are mothers. They just don’t have an equivalent.

“I know…I know…just tell me yes or no, your papa and i will take care of the rest.”

I stammered, “Yes…Mom” There was a cry of joy from the other side. I heard my mom call my father, “See I told you, my kuttima will make the right choice.”

Meanwhile my mind raced back to the conversation we had. My mouth ached. I realized that I had been smiling for a long time now. Sneha! Sneha! I jolted back as my mother yelled over the phone. Ok Sneha, father and I will discuss with his parents and fix up the dates. I carefully replaced the receiver.

Bliss! Joy! Happiness! Ecstatic! These are what I can classify as a possible set of emotions I was going through. I dialed his number on my mobile. A husky voice answered the call.

Hellooo! Prem, this is Sneha! Hi Sneha! So soon…what’s up? Blushing I said, “ I just called up to answer your question.”………….

Yes, ours is an arranged marriage. Prem and I are engaged. I am smiling by tons and blushing by millions these days. He still asks me, what made you decide? I say, may be because I saw a couple holding their hands. And both of us burst out laughing!