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

Pattunool Puzhu – A Journey Through Threads of Life

Malayalam, as a language, holds one of the richest treasures of literature in India. Its stories, deeply rooted in people, places, and emotions, have a way of immersing you completely into their world. Listening to the audiobook Pattunool Puzhu was my way of reconnecting with this richness—an experience both powerful and lingering.

The title Pattunool Puzhu translates to silkworm. Just as the silkworm spins delicate yet strong threads, the story too weaves together fragile emotions, relationships, and unspoken desires into a fabric that feels intensely real. Each character is a thread, sometimes shining with hope, sometimes fraying with pain, yet essential to the whole.

The novel by S. Hareesh stands out not just for its theme but for his remarkable style of storytelling. The way he introduces each character—Annie, her son Samson, Vijayan, and others—felt almost cinematic. Their lives, struggles, and connections unfolded gradually, as though I were watching them move around me. The narration of the audiobook added even more depth, making me visualize every place and person as if I were a part of their world.

What stayed with me the most was the emotional weight of the story. Annie and her son Samson’s lives, and even the delicate relationship between Annie and Vijayan, brought moments of quiet sadness. It is not a tale that offers easy answers or a neatly tied happy ending, but one that reflects life in all its complexity.

Days after finishing the audiobook, I found myself thinking about each of the characters—their choices, their silences, their vulnerabilities. That is the power of Hareesh’s writing: he lingers in your thoughts, making you revisit the story again and again in your mind.

It took me a while to sit down and write this review because the story was still living with me, refusing to let go. Pattunool Puzhu is not just a book—it is an experience that wraps around you, like the threads of the silkworm, fragile yet enduring.

Once again Reena thank you for suggesting this book.

~ Dawn

Two Days of Words, Wonder, and Warmth: A Literary Camp to Remember

This past weekend, the Literature Association of North America (LANA) hosted a two-day literary camp in Fremont, California, and to say it was an enriching experience would be an understatement. From thought-provoking discussions to joyful camaraderie, the event brought together writers, poets, readers, and dreamers under one creative umbrella.

The atmosphere buzzed with stories, laughter, and inspiration as attendees engaged in sessions that covered a wide range of literary themes. Whether it was fiction or memoir, poetry or publishing advice, every speaker brought a unique voice to the table—each one adding another brushstroke to this vibrant tapestry of words.

The camp kicked off on Friday evening with a warm "Meet and Greet," setting the stage for the engaging inaugural function. Anchored by the dynamic duo of Tom Antony and Smitha Kottarath, the evening unfolded with a welcoming address by John Kodiyan, followed by a nostalgic look at LANA's history through a captivating video. Sankar Mana's presidential address set a thoughtful tone for the days ahead, culminating in the inauguration by the esteemed Madassery Neelakantan. The evening was further graced by insightful felicitations from Athmaraman and Thampy Antony, leading into a thought-provoking speech by Vinod Narayan on the "Struggling World of Reading" (വഴിമുട്ടുന്ന വായനാലോകം). Smitha Kottarath's vote of thanks brought the formal proceedings to a close before a delicious dinner.

The evening continued with a poignant remembrance of the legendary M.T. Vasudevan Nair, introduced by Haridas Thankappan and eloquently delivered via Zoom by K.P. Ramanunni. This session fostered a heartfelt connection with a literary giant, followed by an engaging interaction with the esteemed writer. Damu Kesavath's wrap-up marked the end of a stimulating first day.

Saturday dawned with a hearty breakfast, fueling attendees for another day of literary immersion. The morning sessions delved into the vibrant world of American Malayali writers, moderated by Raji Menon, followed by personal reflections on "M.T. in My Reading" (എന്റെ വായനയിലെ എം. ടി.), skillfully moderated by Sreevalsan Vallath. After a brief break, the discussions continued with "Malayalam Works That Influenced Me" (എന്നെ സ്വാധീനിച്ച മലയാള കൃതികൾ), guided by Sukumar Canada.

The afternoon offered a creative outlet with a "Kaviyarangam" (poetry session) moderated by Jacob John, showcasing the poetic talents within the community. A tea break provided a moment of respite before a memorable photo session captured the camaraderie of the event.

The closing ceremony, expertly MC'd by Raji Menon, was a fitting culmination to the camp. Sreevalsan Vallath welcomed the attendees, followed by another insightful presidential address by Sankar Mana. The ceremony included the honoring of Madassery Neelakantan and a moving rendition of Sugathakumari's poem "Kattupakshi" (കാട്ടുപക്ഷി) by Manasi Mahima Mahesh.

One of the standout moments of the camp was the honor of introducing Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan—renowned author, poet, and speaker—to the stage. Her talk, “Children’s Books: Entertainment or Educational?”, was not just insightful, but deeply resonant. She reminded us of the power of storytelling in shaping young minds—how the best books both delight and teach, entertain and enlighten. It was a privilege to welcome her and witness her charm and intellect firsthand.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was the captivating speech by Athmaraman on "The Paths of Reading" (വായനയുടെ വഴികൾ). With thoughtful reflections and eloquent clarity, he delved into how reading is not just an act of consuming words but a journey of connecting with the author's mind—their emotions, interpretations, and unique style of expression.

He spoke about the beauty of understanding a poet’s or writer’s method and meaning, emphasizing that every reader has the opportunity to assimilate the essence of a work by engaging deeply with its rhythm, context, and subtext. His insights encouraged the audience to go beyond the surface, to pause, reflect, and truly experience literature as a dialogue between the creator and the reader. It was a powerful conclusion to a weekend that celebrated the written word in all its richness.

The ceremony continued with an engaging and thought-provoking speech by Umesh P. Narendran on the intricacies of "Translating Poetry" (കവിതകൾ പരിഭാഷപ്പെടുത്തുമ്പോൾ). His reflections on the delicate balance between preserving the emotional essence of a poem and staying true to its linguistic structure were insightful and deeply resonant.

What truly captivated me was Umesh’s effortless recitation of Sanskrit shlokas, followed by his thoughtful and articulate explanations. It transported me back to my own Sanskrit and Hindi classes, rekindling a nostalgic connection with the classical languages and the layered beauty they carry. I was completely glued to the session, hanging on to every word. His ability to blend scholarship with heartfelt delivery made it one of the most enjoyable and enriching parts of the entire event, followed by the exciting kick-off of the LANA Biennial Convention by Haridas Thankappan. Adding to the cultural richness, Maushmi Mahima Mahesh recited Ayyappapanicker's powerful poem "Agnipooja" (അഗ്നിപൂജ). One of the most mesmerizing moments of the literary camp was experiencing the presence of Bindu Tiji, a truly multi-talented personality who effortlessly wears the hats of an actor, writer, and poetess. Her aura on stage was captivating, and her words carried the weight of lived experience, artistic depth, and heartfelt emotion.

Bindu's ability to shift between dramatic expression, lyrical narration, and thoughtful reflection left the audience spellbound. Whether it was her poignant poetry or the nuanced stories she shared, there was an authenticity in her delivery that drew everyone in. She embodied the spirit of creativity and passion, and her performance reminded us all of the profound power of the arts to touch, move, and inspire.

Her presence was not just memorable—it was magnetic, a highlight that will be cherished by everyone who witnessed it.

The evening also celebrated the contributions of several literary figures, including the honoring of Athmaraman, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, Vinod Narayan, Thampy Antony, Geeta George, and Sukumar Canada. John Kodiyan's vote of thanks officially concluded the enriching two-day camp, followed by a final, delightful dinner.

But beyond the sessions and speeches, it was the connections we formed that left a lasting impression. Two days was all it took for strangers to become friends, for pages to turn into shared memories, and for a literary camp to feel like a family gathering. The conversations spilled into breaks, the laughter echoed into lunch hours, and by the end of it all, none of us wanted to leave.

As we now return to our daily routines, a part of us lingers in those Fremont moments—grateful, inspired, and already missing the community we created. Here's to literature, to lifelong learning, and to many more camps like this in the future.

~Dawn

It isn’t what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart..!

It's been a while since my last post on Halloween. I can say I was busy but I was busy mentally too. There were lot of things that were going on and even though I wanted to come and share here, it kept slipping to tomorrow and then you know how things happen.

It was my birthday on November seventh and because of my sweet friends the celebration took place through out the month. I am just filled with gratitude and thankfulness for having such loving friends.

Sometimes, blessings come in different packages, forms and shapes. 

Because right after my birthday I was given a free show ticket for Snarky Puppy by #SFJAZZ as I am one of their leadership circle member it was like a cherry on the cake. Such a blessing.

While all this was happening, I was making plans to go watch Bryan Adams who was performing live in Las Vegas. This was a dream come true for me as I grew up listening to Bryan Adam's music and it was such a nostalgic moment when I heard him live in that same manner how I have heard his voice in cassettes those days.

One thing that people were talking about is that Bryan is sixty two years old and don't know if we will get to see him performing again - I have only one thing to say to them, he will sing even next year and next to that too. His voice, his energy everything was just like how it was when I was growing up listening to him. It was amazing to get a hi-fi from Bryan and then sliding away the hand saying see you inside the auditorium. I can't say anything about that experience and happiness that I got from this legend.

When I was taking off for Vegas, I had so many things in mind, my emotions were gushing and rushing and after watching Bryan Adam performing live, I thought I have so many things to express and here I am so full of him that I am unable to put anything in words that will do justice to my emotions and feelings for re-living my childhood moments.

"Somethings are better when you experience it "~ Dawn 

After I came back from Vegas, it was thanksgiving dinner at our friends place and my gratitude has no limits. I take this opportunity to thank each one of my friends, family and my friends here.

Thank You, for the love.

"I have a lot to be thanksful for. I am healthy, happy, and I am loved." ~ Reba McEntire

~ Dawn

Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer..!

 Today I am going to talk about friendship. How many of you talk to people once or twice at work or school/college and say I have a friend? Or how many of you have friends that you meet and greet, eat and go merry and say we are best friends ?

If you think seriously are they really your best friends? Who is your true friend? I know this is something only comes with experience because when you meet anyone and have good times, you assume you two are good friends and can hang out for life but then when you see certain wavelengths where you don't match and then you think oh, I don't think we can be together as friends. Life is so tough at times when you see that you have lot of people whom you know and who also know you but there is something missing. Sometimes, it's the experience that you get and you will you were not understood well, or you were cheated in friendship.

Many times it's those experiences that you realize you have a friend actually. I have such realization where I found a friend and I can talk anything with this friend and yet we can laugh at ourselves and be happy. 

Today, was such day where I had the chance to be with my friend. Sometimes, when you meet in a crowd you hardly get a chance to talk or should I say you only talk what everyone likes to hear.

"Things are never quiet as scary when you have got a best friend." Bill Waterson

There is a big difference in that as what you like to talk versus what everyone likes to hear from you. I agree when everyone has something or the other going in their life, no one wants to hear any more anyone else's issues. But when you meet you best friend with whom you can be open and share whatever you want to say and in this one on one meet, both of them opens their heart and share about good, bad, and ugly that's happening in their life. 

When I say good, bad, ugly, it could be about health, or about one's stress and yet how everything is under control. It's someone to have a listening ear to you and just listen and not judge you in anyway or any manner.

Friendship is not about just meeting, for the sake of meeting and taking pictures for social media, it's much more than that.

Having a talk about how things are going in life? Hows things at work? How about health of each other or family? If you're a good friend you will always be happy to listen and nothing much is needed, that is friendship! 

If you have such a friend then preserve it and make sure you're there for each other for life long.

"The language of friendship is not words but meaning." ~ Henry David Thoreau 

~ 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

Festivals and Celebrations are rooted in history and tradition!

 

Ganesh (Elephant God), festival or Ganesh Chaturthi - this is a Hindu festival and it is the celebration of Ganesha to earth from Kailash Parbat with his mother Goddess Parvati/Gauri. The festival takes place by installing a Ganesha made out of clay murti at home privately and publicly by Bal Gangadhar Tilak or knowns as Lokmanya Tilak in Pune city in 1893 to elaborate on pandals or stages. Pune city where I grew up and has so many memories.

It's a ten day celebration where people chant mantras and prayers and offerings during these ten days and on 11th day the clay murti of Lord Ganesha is immersed in the water such that the clay dissolves and it is assumed that Lord Ganesha has gone back to his home to Kailash Parbat.  

The Elephant God is considered to be the lord of new beginnings and also the one who removes all obstacles and God of wisdom and intelligence. 

"Most festivals are wrapped up in tradition and are tied to the past. People add special foods and celebrations to make festivals most memorable and exciting."

These are all mythological stories that we grew up listening to but we enjoy these festivals, as everything has its special way to do things, what you offer during the prayers - the sweets and modak and then the ten days just swifts by quickly. 

Most of the states in India celebrate this festival and being in Maharashtra I have seen as a child attending all the pandals in the city where different Ganesh murti's are kept with different decorations, lightings some of which will light as per the music that is being played and there used to be competition as who got the best decorated and the best one gets a prize too.

Last year with pandemic lot of things were not celebrated publicly and even the private ones were not the one where anyone was invited to homes. This year, since most of the friends are vaccinated hence I had the opportunity to visit two of my friends house for Ganesh puja.

The reason could be Lord Ganesha but it really brings the festivity in among everyone and it fills with happiness and galore where friends visit, help with decorations, cooking and making special offerings and when you do all this together as a team it brings a different kind of joy.

"Feasts and festivals are a feature of all major religions."

This Ganesh festival there's lot more to be thankful based on the time that we are living in and I was so happy to learn how to make modak (dumplings with sweet inside as stuffing made out of jaggery, coconut and sesame seeds). Being with friends, and getting ready for the event all this brings the sweet memories of Pune that I grew up watching and doing things closely during the Ganesh Festival.

These days with environmental concerns people have found innovative ways to make the idols such as either you make it with chocolate so you're not disposing it to the environment or sometimes they are made out of dirt and a seed will be inside so that you just plant it on the 11th day and this way no sea, or river water is polluted with its immersion. 

At the end like I said its mythological story and how much we have to follow the old ways is up to us. As long as we don't harm the sea animals and the environments everything should be a celebration and joy with greeting friends and eating along with them as one family.

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Laukar Ya!!!

(The prayer Meaning is : Lord Ganesha the father of everyone, who was worshipped by Morya Gosavi, should return soon next year).

"Festivals are happy places, and you don't really want to enjoy them on your own."

~ Dawn

What's the point of being alive, if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?

 Today I want to talk about my Half Dome experience. I have been mentioning in my past posts that I want to dedicate a separate post altogether for Half Dome, so let this be it.

Half Dome at Yosemite is a known icon to most of the folks in USA. When I was doing my local hikes as part of hobby, exercise, I never thought of doing any bucket list item and I never had this kind.

A good friend of mine, suggested as you do hiking lets put a goal and see if we can do it. 

It need not be that we have to do but at least we can make progression towards it. I kind a liked that idea and so this post is dedicated to this friend of mine Keerti. 

If Keerti wouldn't have put this Half Dome as a goal in my mind probably I would have never done it. She is the one who invited other friends too and hence we ended up with two leads in the group of five people. It was very clear to us that there will be some adjustment we would have to do as five individuals need not be of same thoughts and wavelength all the time. So me and my friend all the time relied on each other.

"You can't climb up a mountain with downhill thoughts."

As the days were coming close, our practice hike to Mission Peak , back to back Mission Peak (Ohlone side you go to Mission Peak and then get down to Stanford side of it and vice versa), and Murietta Falls was in pace. We were testing our endurance and were also using all our gears that we were planning to take with us for Half Dome hike.

During these practice hikes, one thing I learned was Sun is going to be the biggest challenge for us as our hike day was on July 16th and weather forecast was something very dreadful with above 100 degree Fahrenheit. Since we have committed to climb Half Dome, now we should not bother about the consequences and hence this factor was on mind posted.

It was during Murietta Falls hike when the heat affected me as that it was 100 degree Fahrenheit and as I was getting closer to Murietta falls  I was getting tired and Sun was so harsh that I literally lost my hope to climb Half Dome. I told one of the friend that probably I won't do Half Dome if this is how it's going to be as I can't take the heat of the Sun.

"Water is the driving force of all nature." ~ Leonardo da Vinci

When you have a team of motivators they never let you down. That evening after finishing the Murietta falls hike, in the parking lot my friend said I didn't hear what you said about Half Dome as I completely ignoring it. I smiled and drove back home.

One thing about these hikes was that each hike there was something or the other learning for me. How to dress in layers? How to keep drinking water and keep yourself hydrated and make sure you are fueling your body so that you're ready for this big hike.

All this was good but there is something bigger than all this and that's your mind. As the days were coming closer, as we were getting last minute gears such as socks, gloves, energy bars etc., somewhere I was getting worried for this unseen Half Dome hike and hence I started googling for information related to this hike. I tried to review every damn article that related to Half Dome hike, read different blogs and many blogs I would say read it and some gave me hope and some really scarred me but somehow I said will see!!!

The day when I was getting out of my house with my bag pack ready to go to Yosemite, I was really nervous and I told my kids I am not sure if I will climb Half Dome but I will hike.

We had rented a Honda Passport I think a five seater SUV car and we had booked it through Turo app. 

My bag pack that I was carrying was Gregory Nano 22 H2O hydration pack from REI, it costed around $80.00 bucks but it's worth one. The hydration bladder can carry up to three liters of water, besides all other material that you need during your hike.

I was carrying the following in my bag pack:

1. Energy bars - different kinds (Clif bar, Larabar peanut butter chocolate chip, Kind bar, Luna bar etc)
2. Water three liters 
3. Gatorade one liter less sugar
4. Hydration powder with a 500ml water bottle
5. Fruits, I grabbed Applies
6. Eye wear retainer specially when you are on the cables you will need this for your polarized sunglasses.
7. Sunscreen with SPF 110
8. Power band for your cell phone in case the charge goes off this can be handy
9. Carry a towel so that if you're sweating it will help you.
10. Wet wipes
11. Tissue paper
12. Ziplock bags - your trash is yours to carry with you
13. Women's sun protected hiking hat that will even cover your back shoulder
14. Carry your lunch - this is something based on your individual need. Some like to carry some don't like to eat during hike.
15. Potato chips for salty food.
16. A good hiking shoe believe me you will thank your shoes later
17. Hand gloves -nitrile utility gloves should be available in any hardware store.
18. TrailBuddy light weight trekking poles - which is adjustable and stable to walk with a must as it helped me through out. You don't carry your poles while you climb the cables because you will leave them behind.
19. Headlamp in case it gets dark on your return this will be helpful

I was debating what to wear as early morning if we plan to be on the trail, will it be cold? and later in the afternoon it will be 100 plus degree then should I plan to wear skort. Either way based on friend's suggestion I packed both - track pant and skort.

"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flow into trees." ~ John Muir

We decided to start on Thursday and hike on Friday and return back on Saturday. We five people applied for five cable permits which was 4-5 days earlier and luckily one of the friend got the permit so we all got covered, otherwise the plan was to go individually based on the cancellations etc. 

July 15th 2021 - Thursday we drove to Yosemite and everyone was happy that we are together going out but yet with little nervousness as out of five people, three were going for the first time so there is lot of uncertainty.

Thursday afternoon we reached Yosemite and we had booked a tent for one night at Curry Village because the trail is closer to this place and we don't have hassle to get ready and get on the trail from here. That evening we had our early dinner pizza and couple of them brought their own food based on their food preferences. 

That night we five people, re-packed our bag pack because everyone was carrying extra things and this was because in many blogs people said, food was less so they suffered and hence we were trying our best. One our lead who was experienced said to empty the bag and carry only things that you will need and we don't have to carry for everyone as everyone has their own needs based on which they can carry.

We didn't sleep that well as the anxiety was there. Next morning on 16th, we woke up early as 3:00 am and got ready. We made sure all the items (food, creams etc.), in the iron locker to keep the bear away. Our plan was to start at 5:30 am but we got delayed with moving our things from the tent to a separate one near the lobby since we were checking out of the Curry Village as we were getting off on the trail. Anyhow,  after securing our things in the main locker we started to hike from the Mist trail.

Seventeen plus miles hiking where total ascent 5700 feet and highest elevation 8846 feet,  along the trail that passes through beautiful Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall before reaching the cables on Half Dome's steep granite domes.

One thing I was aware of from my past visit that you don't have cellular service here at Yosemite hence I was only able to text once before reaching the Curry Village - something you want to do as well otherwise your family will worry why there is no update from your end.

On this hike, there are only two locations where you get the restrooms. One is full service with flush and other one is non-flushable restroom. 

Another thing to remember is if you happen to not use the restroom and later you need to then you have to make sure you carry those with you in the ziplock bag as you cannot leave anything on the trail, for environment and wild animals sake.

"The only zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the zen you bring up there." ~ Robert M. Pirsig

Luckily, we used the full service restroom and hence it was a big relief for everyone. On this hike, I was consciously drinking water and based on our certain goal setting we maintained our pace. The decision was not to take pictures on the way but we should take on our return. On every blog you will see this but we still took pictures as we crossed Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and wherever we could without stopping for long. 

We had very short breaks for nature's call and for eating our snacks. Since I was hydrated through out my energy level was good and I was all looking forward for the cables. In between, we saw bobcat that stopped a while to see the hikers and later it went on its way. We were not lucky enough to see a bear this time :) .

After crossing the six hundred steps, which is a short walk but the height gain makes it a bit more strenuous than the distance suggests. There are 600 plus steps to get up in order to get to the top of the falls. Most of these are wet from the falls so need to be careful, especially on the descent.  We moved along the Little Yosemite Valley making sure we all five are together and waiting for each other. 

Before starting the Sub-Dome, make sure you go to the bathroom as after that there's no place to hide.

As we reached the Sub-Dome, its all granite and no shades or trees. Luckily it was not that hot that day, we experienced some nice breeze on the way. The ranger gave us the directions and informations for the Half Dome climb via cables. 

We went ahead carefully as it's all granite and slippery too, thank goodness for a good hiking shoes it will save you a lot.

We left our trekking poles and got in line to climb the Half Dome. It is steel cables and wooden planks that are placed along the dome to assist hikers to the summit.

We got ready with our gloves and it's all about upper body workout. I was focussed and cautious at the same time because as you climb up there's reverse traffic that is coming down and you have to coordinate with them and move accordingly. One good thing is everyone is encouraging and motivating each other. 

At times, the distance between the wooden plank is huge and you have to work on your legs and upper body to make sure you balance and not hit your knee on the rock while you climb up.

"Climb the mountain so that you can see the world, not so the world can see you." ~ David McCullough

While I was hiking from the Mist trail to Vernal Fall to Nevada Fall and Little Yosemite Valley, I kept telling myself in mind that this is only one way and once we return from the Half Dome we have to go through all of these to reach back, that was not an easy one. 

Through out my hike, I was drinking water, Gatorade, one bar and one apple that's about it. You may not eat that much but you need to be hydrated through out your journey one key element to remember and practice upon it.

Our idea was to reach the top of the dome by noon but we reached at 2 pm and took a break to eat something little. Many suggested to pack a heavy lunch as you will need it when you reach on top of the Half Dome, this I believe differ from individual to individual,

We ate very little and this could be due to the excitement, astonishment as we five who started early morning at 5:45 am, were now on top of the Half Dome.

We were excited on the Half Dome as we accomplished this goal or bucket list item. One good thing was that you have cellular service available on top and hence we all called our families and did a FaceTime - it was sheer joy from both sides.

We took some pictures and within an hour came down.

"On life and peaks it is the same. With strength we win the grail but courage is the thing we need to face the downward trail." ~ Jacob Clifford Moomaw

Coming down the cable was easy peasy but then the walk was difficult as I was tired and the water and Gatorade was over and I had saved the 500ml bottle with the hydration powder which came in handy but then 500ml water from Half Dome to back to Curry Village was not enough. I was so tired that I was not ready to take break anywhere. Even when friends stopped for a breather, I kept on walking as I felt if I sit down, probably I will have difficulty in getting up. Took few pictures as we crossed Nevada Fall on our way back and trust me it was evening and we were feeling glad that while climbing up we did take some pictures even though we thought not to stop for pictures. Sometimes it's best to go with the flow.

"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine it's lethal." ~ Paulo Coelho 

We reached the Curry Village but by that time it got dark and then we moved to Cedar lodge where we planned to spend the night and after relaxing from there we got back to driving home next day which was Saturday!

It was a one day hike that tested our endurance, our patience, our unity, and our tolerance for each other. At the end of the day it was a team effort and as a team we accomplished our goal.

I will be always thankful to my friends whenever I will think of Half Dome.

"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." ~ Sir Edmund Hillary

~ Dawn

The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all....!

This post of mine took two days to sink in as I wanted to feel what I felt and didn't want the entire essence of it to be poured in here in my post.
Friday -Feb 7th, 2020 I was invited for a lunch at one of my friend and colleague from work. A little background about this friend.
A very ambitious, young dynamic woman who is fearless when it comes to talk about technology and product enhancements. I have had a couple of tiff with her when I joined the company but one thing you should understand and that is when two people are talking about improving things whether its process, software development or its methodology it can begin with a tiff until you understand each other and I think that is what happened where she accepted my idea and we together worked as a team.
This friend of mine was diagnosed recently with cancer in multiple organs while she was visiting India to visit her Mom who is suffering from cancer. Yes, how common this word has become in our daily life that it also scares the hell out of all of us.
Knowing this friend I always tell her to kick ass as I know she is strong but its always easy for us to tell sitting at this side of the fence.
The first time I went and saw her in her house that was after her first chemo. She was doing good other than her deep breaths in between our talk she was doing good. We had our chats and jokes from work and then holidays came and I went for my vacation trip to India. Before leaving I had wished her and said will see her in new year. I am a believer and I always feel if our will power is strong nothing can stop us from what we want. I always tell this to her too.

"Ones you become fearless, life becomes limitless".

After I came back from my vacation I sent her messages but there was no response. Anyhow, I thought she might be in her chemo or the initial days of chemo because thats when they are more tired and under the impact of that strong medicine which also has side effects even though it might be killing the cancer cells.
Finally that day came when I was invited for a Friday lunch. It was an auspicious day from a Hindu calendar perspective as well I believe because I heard there is a puja (prayer) at her place. I went to her place with some oranges from my garden. We were few ladies from work who were invited. We knocked the door and what I saw was a well decked woman in 9 yard saree, her confidence had no less spark than what she had earlier except her hair everything was oozing with life.
Our friend invited us inside and she started doing things in the kitchen as if everything is normal. She also expected us not be there like a guest but get in the kitchen and help her with making the lamp for the puja with flour mixed with ginger, and ghee. Once it was done she asked us to be in the puja room that she has in the house. A small room enough for four people to sit and perform the puja.
The puja started with chanting Vishnu sahasranamam (chanting 1000 names of lord Vishnu) though none of us remember other than her so we took the help of internet and good the pdf on the phone and started chanting. As she was performing the puja, my mind went back to my childhood days where I had witnessed and been part of these and look today it was all new to me!

Faith, is something which differs from people to people based on where they find their strength in ~ Dawn.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" ~ Martin Luther King

After the puja we all went to the dinning table and started helping setting the table with plates. Everything was cooked from scratch and nothing we did as she had done it all. Like any Indian host she was serving us and we were telling her to sit down and we can help ourselves. She said, I am fully energetic and doctor has asked me to be rough with my leg as the chemo has its own side effects and she was on the roll.
After listening that, I felt she know what she is doing because otherwise she would be more cautious. This is after her 4th chemo and waiting for two more!!!

Each grain of food as I ate was thanking her and her effort to get back. She looked like one of those Tamil woman who just came back from the pilgrimage (Tirupati) where she might have given her entire hair as an offering to God. She was as graceful as she was before having cancer.
After having a long chat with lots of laughter we had the evening tea and left wishing her all the luck for two remaining chemo and looking forward to see her joining back in April, 2020.

The amount of time we spent and the laughter we had, no one wanted to leave neither the friend was ready to say bye!!! Thought we left with the plan to meet her often on Friday's when she is out of her chemo effects. We got out with a little goody bag with the offerings that was given to the God during the prayers and a little gift.

Through out my return to work and then back to home and my weekend was with full of thoughts for her and the look forward for her come back!!!!

I have faith in her!

"Let everything happen to you,
Beauty and Terror,
Just keep going 
No feeling is final" ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

You can make anything happen in your favor if you will is powerful!!! Face everything and rise - thats FEAR!!!!

~ Dawn

What real friendship is?

 

What real friendship is?

And why it matters?

There are types of friendship,

Accidental where it is

In exchanging benefits,

Some are for pleasures,

And then they part,

Its okay to be friends 

But there's no depth,

There is one where 

Its mutual appreciation,

Those who lack empathy,

And care, often end up there,

Friendship of virtue 

Take time and trust to build,

This has all the elements 

Of a good friendship,

Anyway life is too short

For wrong kind of friendship

That was the story 

I read from Aristotle 

The timeless advice

~ Dawn

#happypoetrymonth