Finding Joy in Rhythm, Carrying Amma in Spirit

 

This year began on a difficult note with the loss of our Amma, my mother-in-law, in October. Each of us grieved in our own way, and her absence created a deep void. She had always been present in our lives—either visiting us in person or connecting with us over video calls—and that constant presence is what we miss the most.

In time, I slowly started focusing on healing. Playing the Chenda, making new friends who now feel like family, and being part of our group Bay Melam brought me strength. As my Arangettam approached, our daily in-person Chenda practice camp with our beloved Guru, Mela Kalaratnam Kalamandalam Shivdas Aashaan, began in full swing. His direct, honest feedback kept us sharp and attentive to the finer details—the posture of the hands, the strength of each beat, and most importantly, the joy of dancing with the rhythm as we play.

I never set out with the dream of performing an Arangettam; my only goal was to learn. But this journey gave me the confidence to step onto a stage and perform at events. With Bay Melam (our band name), I had the honor of performing in Manteca for the Onam celebration and later in Fremont at the Vellankanni festival. Through it all, my family’s support has been unwavering. It’s not just me who finds joy in playing the Chenda—my family feels happiness in watching me play with such passion.

I carry immense gratitude for the universe aligning everything to make this possible. If Amma were still with us, she would have proudly shared this with the entire world. I miss her deeply—words will never be enough to capture that feeling.

Today, as a family, we chose to celebrate Onam together—dressing up, sitting down for Sadya, and simply enjoying each other’s company. After such an eventful month, this quiet day of food, laughter, and togetherness feels truly blissful. Happy Onam to all !!!

~ Dawn

Take only memories, leave only footprints..!

 

Today I am going to talk about my favorite vacation. Well, growing up every alternate year we used to visit my maternal grandma's place for summer vacation. My Dad's side of the family only had cousins as my grandparents died very early while my Dad was still young. Hence, summer vacation used to be in Kerala, India. 

I remember how we as kids are studying hard to give the final exams and Mom used to be busy shopping gifts for my granny and my aunts and kids and also clothes for me to wear in that part of the region. Mainly she would buy long skirts, no sleeveless, no shorts, no short skirts and these were clothes that I will be wearing when I am at my granny's house. I was told you can wear whatever you want here that's not a problem but when we go to granny's place its a village and people don't look at you with respect when you're wearing short dresses etc. It was weird but that's how it is.

"It is better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times."

Living at lush green place was such a beautiful memory even today. There was a river called Pamba Nadi (Nadi means river) and my granny and her kids whoever were living nearby would take shower there and I used to love to play in the water hence I used to make a trip to the river more than three times and since we were coming from the city, my granny would say you city people may not be used to the cold water from the river and you will fall sick and guess what I would fall sick and then everyone in the house will come to rescue me as I was the youngest grandchild then. But guess what, after that I would be strictly asked to take shower at home with hot water! That was boring, but I really had fun with my aunt who would take me everywhere she goes.

Having those beautiful memories from childhood, growing up and traveling around is fun but the favorite one that I felt was when we as a family went to Hawaii - Maui island. 

We had booked an apartment where we could cook in the kitchen as well. The soil, the plants, trees and flowers everything was so similar to Kerala that I had to educate my kids about these and also shared my childhood stories. It was funny when I saw Mimosa Pudica flower and asked my kids to touch the leaves as they are also called touch-me-not plant. Kids started enjoying as they touched the leaves and the leaves would shy away and close and they repeated this just to see if it really happens. 

"Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings." ~ Hodding Carter

I was surprised to see African Tulip tree in Hawaii as after leaving India, I don't think I have seen this in any other country that I have visited and one can only imagine my happiness connected to my childhood as this tree has ornamental flowers and has small claw like buds which has fluid inside. As kids we used to cut the tip of the bud and the water used to come out like from a piston and kids used to put it on each other while playing and the seed of this tree is hidden in a boat shaped shell and we used to also play with those after removing the seeds... so much to share with kids and my kids could see the happiness that I was having while sharing some of my childhood stories.

Similarly you go anywhere there's a beach and these beaches are so fun to be in as the water is warm unlike the California beaches where its so cold that you can't get out there without wearing your jacket. It was so much fun we did all the touristy stuff, road to Hana and watching the sunrise, the waterfalls, then for snorkeling which was an adventure because that time I didn't know how to swim and I was wondering if I would be able to snorkel.

I overcome the fear of getting drowned and with the help of the trainers I was able to initially go in the water and slowly as I was enjoying watching the sea animals under the sea water, I realized my trainer had left me to assist some other kid and for a minute I was conscious but soon got control of it and enjoyed snorkeling myself. That was an amazing experience which I will not forget.

Besides that, we also did the helicopter ride tour and it was so beautiful that reminded me of Kerala. Everything had a connection with my childhood, the Mother Nature, the flowers, the trees that specifically grows in tropical country and here I could see everything just like that. 

"Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly." ~ Van Morrison

It was a two week vacation but I fell in love with this place and started looking for job because I didn't feel like leaving this place!

Well, like they say your desires and priorities and responsibilities all will come to one decision - it's packing time.

No matter where I have been since my childhood, its always the nature that has captured my heart and it makes me feel happy that nature has so much to offer to us - the Love and Happiness!!!

"Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which consciously separates the past from the future." ~ Maya Angelou

~ Dawn

Note: Now you can listen to the audio version of my blogs in Hindi on the UshaDawn Hindi Podcast on Google, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Check it out and new episodes uploaded every day 3 AM Pacific Standard Time

Happy birthday to my hero :)

 Today is my Dad's eighty fifth birthday. Exactly ten years ago when it was his Seventy Fifth birthday I remember he was visiting me here in California.

After years I remember that celebration more and I am sure my friends here who are reading would wonder why ten years back? Because I had planned the milestone birthday so well that it was a great surprise for my Dad. We enjoyed as a family, went to a nice restaurant of his choice of cuisine, and we created happy memories by making our portfolio pictures with family.

That memory is still in our album. 

"Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." ~ David Ogden Stiers

In this pandemic, I thought I would get to visit my family in India so that I can celebrate my Dad's birthday. I am sure he would have been so happy, because that's all they expect- presence of their kids.

This pandemic and restrictions on flying to India only made me to rely on technology as I was able to order his favorite Black-forest cake and gifts with the hope that it will reach on time.

Luckily, my cousin sister who lives couple hours far from my parents home, reached early to spend time with them, I felt that was the best that could happen in this time when my parents were alone, living in lockdown situation. I know it's hard but for their safety that is the best and only option.

"The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other." ~ Mario Puzo

Since, my cousin was there I was able to tell my cousin to make sure when the cake cutting takes place give us a call so we can get on FaceTime and wish as well. That's the most in person virtual wish we could do. 

When I checked my email early morning, the notification about the gifts and the cake delivery was something I got excited with as everything was delivered on time.

It was my morning seven thirty, just to see them together celebrating it brought tears in my eyes. We sang birthday song for my Dad and then he cut the cake and my cousin said I am representing you all and she fed the cake to my Dad. Only such time reminds how much important it is to be in person with them while they are around.

"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth." ~ Khalil Gibran

It's these moments I craved for to give him a birthday hug. For now, all I would like to say is I am thankful for lot of things in life and glad that my parents are healthy and happy.

Happy birthday to the most important man in the world to me. You are my hero and always will be Accha. Wishing for your good health, and happiness always.

~ Dawn

Let your memory be your travel bag...!

For the first time in my life I became a chaperone for my son's school field trip. I have two kids and believe me work has always kept me busy and I used to feel guilty if I ask for a day off to go for a field trip.
This year I have decided to give time to my kids and making sure that I be part of their activities, thanks to work-life balance concept :)
My son was so excited that he had been looking forward for this day since his birthday which was last month.
The fact is that I took a day off from work for this but I was mentally still preparing myself because I have never done this and I was kind of nervous what to expect?
I am sure many would say there is nothing much to do as you will be looking after your kid so two more gets added to you. However, that's easier said than done.

In my eyes all kids are good and well-behaving but I am not sure what I will have to do and not to do because there are rules everywhere.
Hence, my trip was more or less like a student in the bus. We woke up early got ready with our lunchables and reached school on time. I signed up and took the charge as a Chaperone!
Our group's name was Purple and we were three parents in this group with 5 kids and each chaperone was one of the kid's parent so we had really two kids whom we had to keep an eye to make sure we are as a team visiting each place and not getting misplaced.
It was easy to mingle with the kids because I knew each one of them as they have been part of my son's birthday celebration. All kids are well-mannered and well-behaving and I give the credit to the class teacher Mrs Brown.

"The soul is healed by being with children" ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Every kid and every parent is happy with this class teacher and believe me when your class teacher is good and caring then every child is a happy and following rules is just a piece of cake.
This trip was to Sacramento, which is the capital of California. We have friends here hence this was not a new place for me. However, we have never been to these places where I visited today and in fact, I fell in love with Sacramento in this trip.

This was not because of the beautiful place but the history that it carries and made me feel proud to live in this part of the California State.
We visited the Railroad museum, which had long history of coal engine train to today's fastest train and why not? Because during gold rush times Sacramento was the major distribution point, a commercial and agricultural center and a terminus for wagon trains. One can see all the experienced senior members who were giving briefing to the kids about the history and the functions of coal engine trains.

We also visited the John Sutter's fort. The first swiss immigrant who came and built his fort as a pioneer and then to the gold fever. After that we all were eager to visit the Capitol building. The tour guide Richard was very nice and patient to explain us the entire story from 1800s and the true democracy that we exhibit here in the Capitol building when the parliament sessions are taking place and anyone can enter during that session and give their vote based on their opinion on it whether they belong to this country or not. That's called true democracy - for the people and by the people. I felt proud to be a Californian specially after the elections.

It was a good insight for me along with building a soft corner for Sacramento as a place to live and work. It also gave opportunity for me to be with kids and be myself and meet with few parents.

A day that was full of activity, fun and tiresome... happy to go to bed after a warm shower and a good dinner!!!

" There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story" ~ Frank Herbert

~ Dawn

There is a place for everyone

Everything has a perspective

Good or bad, happy or sad

In one way its a place for kids

Clothes with latest fashion

No need of any tension

Yet when you see it

Everyone is in same attire

Sometimes a prestige point

When one see and ask about

Yes, this is from Children's place

Where we shop around!

The name sounds so cute

A place for the kids 

But the prices is what makes

Feel, 'gosh' where am I?

Yet when you go in there

The children's cheer and gala 

All over there...

There is a place for everyone

And there is this called ~ Children's Place

~ Dawn 

Sweet childish days, that were as long As twenty days are now. ~William Wordsworth

A short story slam week 37 at Bluebell Books for Happy January...!

Due to global warming everywhere things are upside down.

The seasons have become ill-mannered.  In short, summer in California has turned out to be monsoon season and New York where snow has to embrace the earth, its hot out there.

As I remember my childhood days, summer used to be so soothing. The school summer vacation used to start and mango season – wow! The thought brings back the memories of those days when there was no timetable and no schedules. You wake up when you want to and just plan your own ways how to proceed the day ahead.

There were times when school vacation used to be at granny’s place in Kerala and when we were not going to Kerala, it was at home playing whole day with friends.

Morning till evening I used to play carom board with friends and each time we play it used to improve me as a good player. The goal was to learn best of the best techniques to focus and to aim in such a way that I was able to put the coins in the pockets in a timely ways along with grabbing the queen coin which has more points :).

  

Such good were those days where internet or video games didn’t keep us away from our friends and family. It was more in person time and I think it increased the bond between friends too, unlikely today where people are more glued with devices. 

My dream summer camp used to be to have a small hut, yes not tent but a small hut in the middle of the farm where there is a small river flowing with fresh water and sun shining its love on us and at night the soothing moonlight that plays music to the tune of the breeze across coming from the farm. When hungry pick the vegetables from the farm and cook it and eat it with friends.

Those were the dreams which I think I can still dream about because its not summer anymore in California …and the short story slam week at Bluebell readers can enjoy this dream that I am sharing here with you all..!

One thing I did this new year is, introduced carom board game to my kids. My little one was eager to learn the game and the concept of family sitting together and playing the game made me so happy that the long weekend went playing carom board. My son loved the concept of family coming together…am glad he understands even in this era of technology! Happy January !!!

~ Dawn

A person travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.... ;)

Life has taught me many lessons and mind it a brilliant one not to forget anytime.
People may consider this as living in past or remembering the past but I believe we all go back to our text books once in a while whether to relate things at work or at least while teaching your kids so why not the life's experience as well?

My simple theory of happiness is to live and let others live. I do not have to worry what others are doing as long as they are not causing any damage to the society or any other human being. My expectations from life are also less - I wont say I don't have expectations because if I am in this world I do have some basic expectations such as on the road people will follow the traffic rules and such similar basic elements. 

Recently, I came very close to life again and it did took me back to my childhood. This year I happened to be in India again and it was 50th wedding anniversary for my parents. When I think of the number itself I feel thats a big one... imagine how we all count after 10 years and say we need to keep the spirit high and keep the fire burning...but 50 damn years? wow! something to salute the couple.
My brother who is my friend, advisor, and guide too. Many times even my brother doesn't know what he is saying or sharing with me that I can take it as a lesson and imply in my life to improve or streamline it. It was his views that when you meet a stranger you should be able to talk on any topics as the stranger may not be interested in what you are interested and hence I used to read lot of competition success and books which will give me an overall broader view of the world and its topics.
This time it was a surprise meet-up in India where we both met on my parents 50th wedding anniversary and we enjoyed our time just like old days when we were only 4 in the family and mom-dad busy with day to day activities and me and brother busy talking and discussing about anything and everything under the sky. It was exactly that moment that I spent, everyone was happy whether it was my parents, whether it was me and my brother or even if it was our neighbors there.
Until that dawn of Valentine's day when I woke up with the news of accident. 

The thought of it shivers my mind but that time it was always the thought against of what is said. I think I am the black sheep in the family who always went against the norms and tried to believe what I believe and not get influenced by anything. When I got up and went to see in the hospital my heart was saying - nothing would happen because nothing should happen. 
Though lot of thoughts cropped in as what if dad was driving fast and took the wrong turn or for that matter what if the opposite person was rash and what not. When I reached the hospital, seeing my brother lying on the stretcher with one eye tied with bandage which was fully soaked in blood gave me shivers as I thought he lost his eyes... I hugged him with tears in eyes when he called out my name and asked what am I doing here?

First I was happy or should I say I was happy at least he remembers me. The moment I looked around I saw dad lying in another stretcher and I called out for dad when my brother again said - why dad is here? How come I am here? Who brought me here?

Dad was only complaining about the back pain and before I could figure out what to say, the hospital facilities requested to take to another hospital where they have neurosurgeons. 

I don't want to go in details but life took me back to my childhood days and gave me that beautiful flavor of my time that I always craved for and then a sudden jerk or wakeup call by giving this incident for all of us to remember and cherish our loved ones. Luckily I can say I have my dad and brother with me and my mom.

I always feel we are all travelers here and part and parcel of it we meet people and make relationships but at the end we leave the story one by one - as long as you are part of the story try to enjoy it because once you or someone else leaves the story you will never see them or meet them except the memories.

Life is to live and enjoy every moment!

~ Dawn

You always put your family first…How true is it?

I was just going through my postal mail when I saw a mail coming from Canada.

I opened it and it had these lines “You always put your family first… and we want to help.”

It was about the government program for the Canadian citizens for the Universal Child Care Benefit, for Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, for Post-Secondary education and much more…!

Such a nice thought isn’t it that a country thinks so much about your kids and family and I am thinking what we do to make this family happy, healthy and flourishing?

The other day at lunch time one of my friend said, ‘we all say hello – hi by sitting in different rooms of one single house to each other – i.e. kids and parents’ and she said remember when we were kids how we used to have our family sitting together whether it’s near the dinner table or near the fire place, it used to have so much meaning and bonding that even when my parents are not there I still miss them and value their teaching and try to induce those in my kids. But what can I do…they are growing up here and it’s all about computers and internet.

It took me to my childhood days. Growing up in NDA always induced certain discipline element in us and hence there was no question as why we have to come to dining table to eat our dinner or snacks. It was understandable if you don’t reach to the breakfast table at 8.30 a.m. then no one has time to wait for you and everyone will finish their breakfast and move on with their daily routine. The person who used to come late will always feel that guilt as he or she has to sit alone on the dining table and eat the breakfast without having anyone to talk to. Those days it used to hurt but the best things that I remember even today is from those moments.

We used to have our evening tea time when my mom and dad used to come from work and I used to make tea for them and some snacks – either I make it by following the recipe from the magazine or the cookies that my mom used to bring from Canteen – either way it was a refreshing moment for my parents who come all the way from work tired driving and having a sip of tea along with those snacks they would look at us and ask what happened today at school? What made us happy and what was not so good according to us.

I was known to be a story teller as I have a way to describe each and every detail of that single day. I will even describe what our teacher was wearing and how my friend and myself were discussing about a topic on dad’s after reading a story from Reader’s digest – all this used to be shared there and in between I will see my brother fighting to get in his point and so forth. When we both kids are satisfied with our stories and we are done with our tea, I will see my mom sharing her office issues and concerns and dad as always giving solutions to it. I have always seen such sessions as family time which I see in today’s time we lack. Our kids are growing without knowing what family value is, they are thrown into stuff where parents think we are keeping them busy with all kinds of programs and extracurricular activities. The child though keeps hearing about family and family values through books or movies…but if we don’t implement them ourselves how are they going to even get to see a glimpse of it?

I have never seen my parents fighting though there will be instances where my mom may not agree with my dad on certain topics but they both had their justification to it and no one’s ego was crushed. That’s called understanding.

Today kids eat in their room or they may end up eating by watching TV or reading books…we are becoming more social on the internet though face book and twitter but in reality we are so far in same house but sitting in different rooms.

There was a time when families in India used to live in one room with 2-3 siblings and yet they all were able to live and have their privacy – today we have rooms for each member in the house and what’s the use we go in those rooms and sit and socialize and make visual friends. You add your friends up to 500 on face book and you feel good about it. In reality physically how many friends do you go to with whom you can chat and discuss things where in your friend can straight tell you on your face what you are doing is right or wrong or even consider thinking about certain things which is for your own goodness? If you ever happen to have such friends also people will break the friendship with such because they don’t like anyone to show them the mirror. But then how are we going to bring this change into our life, when we talk about the continuous change and collaboration and family concept?

MK Gandhi, said to see a change that you would like to bring in implement in you first…(not exactly in those words) but you need to change yourself first to see that change around you.

Sadly, social networks are making money and adding more and more applications to keep everyone busy only to see each individual is kept busy with activities whether it is on the net or on the programs such as swimming, soccer etc.

Companies will grow and mint money but the families won’t be there to live together. The mere concept of it is eradicating from our society and yet when someone tries to bring the change – how well this change is faced? How much are we thinking what’s good for our kids? Again, the note from the Canadian mail reminds me the words ‘You Always Put Your Family First…” Do we?

Can we help ourselves first and then seek help later if needed?

“Family faces are magic mirrors.  Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future” ~ Gail Lumet Buckley

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else

Life is so complicated, that I always refer back and wonder there was nothing wrong with my childhood. Why life doesn’t remain a child always?

As a kid we fight with our best friend and we also know how to make it up. But its only when we grow up we don’t know how to make up and why is that? Specially, when we say kids don’t know anything they are still growing..they are still learning.

“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today” ~ Stacia Taushcher

I think it’s time for a change in understanding that kids are not mere kids who don’t know anything. In fact we can learn a lot even if we have grown up we have our kids or kids around us from whom we can learn.

I always like to go back to my childhood and many of my friends say that I am going in my past. There is nothing wrong in taking tips and learning from past – isn’t it?

My dad many times supported me as a child on my decisions and I think he knew exactly what he was doing at that time even though it looked to my mom that my dad is unnecessarily spoiling me!

This reminds me of an incident it was my 12th birthday. I remember I had few friends who used to fight to be my best friends. Why if you ask, I am not sure may be because of my fun loving nature or something else but they used to make me say it and make me write it on my rough book that – so and so is my best friend.

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget”

I remember my nature was that I used to do it just to make them happy. Because prior doing that I always used to tell them that you all are my best friends and one is under one arm and the other is another and I used to put my arms around them. I realize still they had this insecurity of loosing me as a friend.

Hence I used to write it and I think this nature of mine make them take me for granted! Something that we all complain today about it isn’t it?

In all this we had another rival friend who always wanted to be the boss. I am pretty sure these things exist even today in school with kids. The names might have changed like a popular group and not so popular group.

Anyway when this ‘want-to-be’ popular person tried to influence my friends it didn’t work out in her favor and it so happened that she tried to play in a bad way – which we might call it as bad politics! See even kids know how to play politics and those who don’t will never learn anyway!

This friend – why I call her a friend is because she used to act as our friend and we trusted her. She tried to influence my friends and it so happened that they all came for my birthday celebration – wished me, brought presents, sang with me and had a ball of time. Everyone went home and around 10 p.m. we get a knock at our back door. When my mom opened the gate we see all of my friends along with this ‘want-to be’ popular friend and they started complaining about me to my mom.

Your daughter said this about her and that and what not and it came to a stage where my mom was getting so furious that she called me with anger and said, you call them your friends? Now on you are going to school only to study and no friendship. You don’t go to school to make friends. Hence forth you will not talk to any of them.
My mom told my friends that hence forth my daughter will not talk to you anymore. Please don’t make any friendship with her. If she is so bad then you shouldn’t be having such friend.

That night was a terrible night for me – the fun and excitement of my birthday ended as if a beautiful piece of glass vase was thrown down from top only to crush it into tiny pieces.
The night went in thinking as what made that my friends who were looking for me to be their best friend changed them so bad that they were complaining about me to my mom? and then my mom’s decision that was just thrown at me. No one asked for any explanation, nothing as if I don’t have a say!
I was very upset and waited till the night took me into the darkness till where I unknowingly went to sleep.

Next day when I woke up it was rough and sour – the feeling. I was kind of unhappy and was angry with everyone I suppose and hence I got ready for school. When my mom was about to leave for her office she came to me and said, ‘so you remember what I said yesterday? I don’t want you to be friends with such kids who come on your birthday and complain about you. You don’t need such people as your friends.’

I was like mom, now in school what will I do? When everyone is going to play I will have no one to play… !
My mom said, ‘you have only these friends as friends in school? You don’t have any other kids? and this made me think…and I just took my bag and walked out of my house to go to school.
I felt the way to school was longer today than the other days. I was feeling as if every one on the way, every shopkeeper from Gole Market and the people around there knew what happened yesterday night. I was some how looking down and walking towards school.

I reached my class and kept my school bag on the bench. My friends so called who just added cherry on my birthday cake last night were sitting and observing me as what will be my next move.

I am very scared of my mom’s anger and hence to follow her instruction is the only way and hence I went to other friends in my class and started talking to them. I went for my assembly with them. I didn’t look at anywhere else and made my self comfortable with my other friends. These friends were the nerdy ones who are very good in studies – very good in the sense they don’t come below 97%. Some may find that very good but I always felt education is not all about percentage. Probably I used to understand life’s core ethics from my dad’s heavy duty proverbs that we live for today and live it fully as we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.

One thing I noticed that I started completing my homework in school during the free time as these kids were like that. When I used to go home, I used to walk home with these kids. Though life was a bit different but I didn’t mind the change. Some how my dad always taught me to adopt the life style of ‘when you are in Rome be like Romans’ !
“Life’s not always fair. Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow” ~ Terri Guillemets

I didn’t even come to know how time flew away that it was the year end where I had participated in a fancy-dress competition and guess what none of my nerd friends were there in this.

It was awkward for me as I was dressed up as a native from State Kerala – which is in the southern part of India. I had worn the traditional sari and I had to say two sentences – ‘I am a lady from Kerala and I am proud about its culture.’
I had to say this in the native language of Kerala – i.e. Malayalam.

It will be funny to say that no one was with me yet I got first prize and it started raining like cats and dogs.
I was very happy. The day was done for all the students after the fancy dress competition and other cultural activities. My so called friends who spoiled my birthday didn’t participate in anything but I saw them coming behind me.

I was walking in the rain with my umbrella as that was part of my fancy dress, these friends behind me whispering – call her – you go – you talk to her.
I was still walking without letting them know that I know now the tables have turned.

I crossed the road and the school seemed to be going far and the Gole Market came near by, the smell of sweets like balusha, jalebi and ladoos from Karachi Sweet Mart.
Suddenly, the so called boss came in and said we all want to say, sorry to you’ and they gave me a greeting card which I still remember had a blue peacock and inside was – We are sorry, please forgive us. We will be friends forever.
I stopped and looked at all of them and smiled – it was a feeling where I had already forgiven them in my heart. Life is much more than this and I had these realization when I was ten and hence at that time I just smiled at them and said, I would like you to come and tell this in front of my mom so that if she allows me to be friends with you only then I will re-unite with you all.

We all walked together and reached home. We didn’t talk through out as we were walking in the puddle and splashing water. My off-white sari was getting spoiled yet the feeling of getting wet and playing in the rain is something you can only feel no one else!

Today mom had a weekly day off and hence when I knocked the door she opened it and excitingly she asked, how was your fancy dress competition?’ and believe me I was all excited to show her the trophy and certificate that I got. My mom gave me a big hug and that’s when she saw my these friends.
My mom gave a look at me as – what’s all this about now? and she asked them – did my daughter do another mistake this time?

And, I was like mom please, they want to be my friends again! and I showed the card that they gave me.

My mom invited them and we all had the sweet porridge that I love – it was a celebration.

All I can say is my mom was happy that I kept her word and everything turned out to be as she expected. But my question was, what made to happen all this?

The so called boss was way elder to us and it was her mind that created all the differences among us. I maintained my friendship with all nerds and these ones and never showed any difference but my friends came to know what one should believe in and what one shouldn’t.

Kids learn from their mistakes but elders not necessarily!

“I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring” ~ Liz Armbruster

Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men

This Thanksgiving was unusual than before! Family was the theme!

“I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.” ~Dan Wilcox

We drove around 180 miles and stayed at a hotel room facing right to the ocean at Pismo beach. Sun was at the right moment to set when my camera clicked it all!
The redness with a touch of orange in color brings all the excitement even though it was sun-set time.

“Color possesses me. I don't have to pursue it. It will possess me always, I know it. That is the meaning of this happy hour: Color and I are one. I am a painter.” ~ Paul Klee

The best part was the Hearst Castle which is near San Simeon beach. I mean we all have heard these fairy tales and stories of kings and queens who had this big palace or castle where they lived happily ever after. Such palaces, castles which we had only seen in story books and in granny’s stories and yet with the imaginary tales we used to feel so happy and content that we used to go to bed peacefully.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” ~ Dr Seuss

This castle is something which was built by a gentleman at the age of 56…can you believe this that dreams can come true and you can make it happen and age is not a hurdle to this? William Randolph Hearst who always loved big castle as a kid and was able to fulfill his dream when he reached the age of 56. This palace faces the Pacific Ocean from top of a hill and is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
It’s quite interesting to see the view and everything captured as a movie right from when the castle was getting build.

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens” ~ Carl Jung

It’s so amazing to know Mr. Hearst built it and he shared it too but I often had this question bothering, why he always invited all the celebrities and not common people :D!

Because any how celebrities will definitely go to places where they are treated like guests, isn’t it? And they always get treated well everywhere but what about the common people or say poor people?

How often such things take us towards the reality of life?
I kept hearing kids saying ‘oh! He was rich! Well, I felt like saying his father did all the hard work to bring that richness he just utilized it when he was able to.

I only took the positive aspect out of this was that there is no age limit to fulfill your dreams. It’s all in your determination to make that change.

Altogether it was a good get away from real busy life to a dream story land

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~ Gail Devers