Oh life !

 

What a life this life can be—what a curious, shifting tale,

It walks beside us hand in hand, yet leaves us lone and pale.

It binds our hearts to many souls, draws every stranger near,

Then softly teaches distance too—that solitude is clear.

Not just to live, but crave to live—it plants that restless need,

And once we grow accustomed, it sows a deeper seed.

“Walk your path, be set apart, don’t lose yourself in the crowd,

You came here all alone,” it says, “leave smiling, gentle, proud.”

This game of life is strange indeed—each plays by different rules,

No soul can truly carry yours, no borrowed strength or tools.

So place no weight on fragile hopes, let your heart stay light and free,

If someone hears, then let it be—if not, just let it be.

Don’t spend your breath in proving things, or chasing to be known,

Life’s quiet truths reveal themselves when you stand on your own.

O life, your ways are wondrous still, your patterns rare, untold,

You walk beside, then slip away—leaving silence to unfold.

~ Dawn

Waiting for Five

 

The streets whisper all day long,

Echoes keeping silent watch,

As the house slowly empties—

Everyone gone,

Chasing their daily worlds.

And I wait.

I wait for footsteps,

For familiar sounds,

For the door that will open

Just for me.

Strangers pass by—

Even other dogs,

Glancing my way

As if to tease,

As if they know

I’m still here… waiting.

But I am patient—

Or at least, I try to be.

Because I know,

My time will come.

When the evening softens,

And the clock nears five,

A leash will find its way to me—

And I will be free,

If only for a while.

So I count the moments—

Quietly, eagerly—

When will it be five?

When will they come for me?

~ Dawn

A silent bud blossomed

I brought that pot of flower home with tender care,

Yet seasons passed - no bloom was waiting there.

Months slipped away, then years quietly moved on,

I kept asking why no bud chose to appear.

I played the gardener’s role with patience and grace,

With water and hope, I nurtured it here.

At times it seemed a bud might finally rise,

But dry leaves gathered—nothing but illusion, unclear.

When hope itself had quietly faded away,

A silent bud blossomed, soft and sincere.

Adorned in violet blooms, it healed the waiting heart,

A gentle reminder—faith is always near.

Keep doing your part without longing for reward,

For in time, every effort finds its sphere.

~ Dawn

Learning still

 

Life is a journey strange—yet we are learning still,

We’ve grown in years, not in wisdom—learning still.

We thought in childhood, books would teach us all,

But beyond those pages, life keeps turning—learning still.

Who said that knowledge lives in schools alone?

In every breath and fall, we’re yearning—learning still.

To walk is life, to learn is how we stay alive,

Through every rise and break, we’re burning—learning still.

Death may be certain, the end of every road,

Till then, with every step, we’re learning—learning still.

~ Dawn

Raindrops and Reverie

 

Raindrops fall, and in their silver light,

Tears descend softly, mingling with the night.

With friends beside you, sorrow finds its balm,

Every shadow lifts, replaced by gentle calm.

If fire burns within, it brings its own glow,

Yet if it rages too fierce, it leaves but ashes below.

Sometimes rain caresses, a tender, soulful touch,

Sometimes it floods, washing doubts and fears as such.

Life drifts like a boat upon restless waves,

Bowing in prayer, yet steady, it braves.

Like a rainy umbrella, its path may twist and turn,

But still it moves forward, each breath a lesson to learn.

Years come and go, like whispers of time,

Life is fleeting, yet love makes the spirit climb.

The sun sends messages of hope to the day,

The moon spills light in Dawn’s gentle way.

Whoever lives with zest, with heart alive and free,

Finds life complete, as it was meant to be.

~ 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

Book Review: Hangwoman – A Journey Through Calcutta’s Streets and Shadows

There are books that entertain you, some that educate you, and then there are those rare ones that unsettle you—profoundly, poetically. Hangwoman (originally written in Malayalam as Aarachaar) by K.R. Meera is one such hauntingly powerful novel. Reena suggested this book to me, and I’m so glad she did—it’s a literary experience I won’t forget. I actually experienced the story through the gripping audiobook narration by Benaifer Mirza.

Set primarily in Kolkata (Calcutta), the story follows Chetna Grddha Mullick, the first woman executioner in India, born into a lineage of hangmen. But Hangwoman is not just about death—it’s about life, patriarchy, journalism, love, politics, and identity. Meera’s writing, masterfully translated from Malayalam to English by J. Devika, is lyrical, intense, and immersive. It speaks volumes of the original's power that its essence and layered complexity could travel across languages and still hit hard.

What struck me the most was the vivid narration. Meera has a way of weaving words that transport you. As I read, I could walk through the crowded streets of Kolkata. I could smell the river at the ghats, hear the bells and chaos, taste the sweet graininess of sondesh. The city wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a living, breathing character in the story. I could see it, feel it, and be a part of it. That is the beauty of Meera’s storytelling.

Chetna’s voice—raw, conflicted, and sharp—is unforgettable. The novel explores generational trauma, the complexity of womanhood, and the moral contradictions of justice and media sensationalism. The father-daughter dynamic is particularly gripping, sometimes suffocating, yet heartbreakingly real.

K.R. Meera, a celebrated journalist and author from Kerala, is known for her powerful portrayals of women and for challenging societal norms. Aarachaar, when published in Malayalam, was met with critical acclaim and went on to win multiple awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. The English translation has made this monumental work accessible to a global audience—and I can see why it stirred so many conversations.

This isn’t an easy read. It demands time and attention—but rewards you with emotional depth, literary brilliance, and a strange, dark beauty that lingers.

Thank you, Reena, for introducing me to a book that not only told me a story but took me on a journey—through a city, through a woman’s mind, and through a nation's conscience.

~ Dawn

Defying Definitions: 28 Years of Living My Own Truth

 

April 10th marks a profound personal milestone. Twenty-eight years ago, on April 10th, 1997, I stepped off the plane at Toronto International Airport, alone, into a country utterly new and unknown. There was no meticulously crafted plan, only an unwavering determination to forge my own path. Now, on April 10th, 2025, looking back, the journey feels incredibly significant. I arrived carrying the weight of someone else's aspirations, and from there, I had to weave in my own dreams. Some initial decisions weren't mine, but ultimately, I charted my own course, and I hold no regrets.

"The most profound journeys are often those taken without a map, guided only by the compass of your own heart."

When loved ones inquire about guilt, my answer remains a firm no, never. No guilt, no regrets, because every decision I made felt right for me, and I consciously ensured they didn't negatively impact others. Venturing down unconventional paths has gifted me invaluable life lessons, the kind that classrooms and textbooks can't offer, not even the well-intentioned guidance of parents who always sought to shield me. But life, as it often does, had its own script. I've been blessed with the amazing experience of connecting with diverse individuals, forming cherished friendships, and exploring a multifaceted career. I deliberately pushed my boundaries, embracing discomfort in various professional roles, and emerged a successful human being. These opportunities shattered the self-imposed limitations, proving that the "I can't" I once believed was a lie. The girl who once feared solo autorickshaw rides has since navigated unfamiliar territories and thrived. I've indeed come a long way.

"Every unexpected turn holds the potential for a beautiful discovery about yourself and the world."

The same girl whom some classmates envisioned solely as a capable housewife, adept at cooking sambar, now finds herself working in the tech industry in North America—a reality they, too, share today. The truth is, society often attempts to define and confine us based on external perceptions, but true empowerment lies in self-belief and pursuing one's own convictions. I'm filled with gratitude for the countless anonymous acts of kindness: the stranger who guided me when I was lost after a bus ride, the person who pointed me towards my destination. These stories underscore the inherent humanity and the presence of good-hearted individuals who offer assistance without judgment, helping us navigate towards our chosen paths.

"In the tapestry of life, every thread, planned or unplanned, contributes to the beauty of the whole. Gratitude weaves it all together."

My childhood dream was simple: a life on a farm, a small hut surrounded by nature, sustenance from the land, and cooking with the aid of a trusty geyser – a vivid dream that felt like a deep-seated yearning. Today, my reality far surpasses that initial vision, and I am overflowing with gratitude. I fondly remember my dear friend Carol (who passed away too soon) making me promise not to leave Canada for the USA. I kept that promise for a time, but years after her passing, meeting Vinod led me to the United States. And I can honestly say, people in the USA are kind too. Life is beautiful, and we must do what resonates with our own journey. Don't seek external validation; it's unnecessary. Carry your dreams and aspirations, not the burden of others' opinions. Extend love to everyone and give back where you can. Ultimately, we are all on a cyclical journey.

"Twenty-eight years later, I realize the most beautiful chapters are often the ones I never saw coming."

"The girl who stepped off that plane couldn't have imagined this life, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

Gratitude fills my heart for a loving husband who is also my best friend and an incredible father. My children, in their constant state of growth, allow me to relive my own childhood – the highs of high school, the milestones of college, the excitement of that first job. Isn't there a unique joy in growing up again and again? Perhaps we never truly grow up, for it's in that perpetual state of learning and making mistakes that we gain wisdom. I realize now that I've spent more of my life outside my birth country than within it. This day always prompts reflection, a yearly striving to become a better version of myself – a journey that continues.

"Don't wait for permission to bloom; plant your own seeds and trust the unfolding." 

~ Dawn

From Dawn's Desk

It's been quite a while! The urge to write has been lingering, but work has been all-consuming. Whether drafting a brief document or a lengthier six-pager, my mind kept drifting to thoughts of my neglected blog. The inability to find time for writing when the inspiration strikes feels like a formidable punishment.

In these moments, it seems as if time itself is an adversary. There were instances when thoughts of giving up crossed my mind, but the concept of quitting was never something I embraced. I resisted that notion staunchly, determined to keep it absent from my personal dictionary.

Each day brought forth thoughts and topics that urged me to write, yet I confined them to my mind. The frustration was palpable, but I persevered, focusing on tasks with looming deadlines and anticipating reviews that seemed incessant. It felt like an endless cycle.

I couldn't help but think that this was a futile expenditure of time. The desire for clear, straightforward communication, easily understandable and implementable, was overshadowed by the meticulous scrutiny of every word and sentence, requiring constant justification.

There were instances when it seemed like a deliberate setup to ensure my failure and demonstrate an inability to meet deadlines due to the never-ending feedback loop.

I came to the realization that frustration was overpowering me. The workload compelled me to work even on weekends, rendering the notion of work-life balance obsolete.

Engaging with my family and opening up about things at home provided me with a moment of respite. This allowed me to step back and view myself objectively, leading me to consider that the issue might be with me.

Upon revisiting the document, I dedicated time to rework paragraphs, incorporating feedback and attempting to perceive it from a reader's standpoint. Recognizing that impactful words require supporting metrics and numbers, I aimed to let the figures speak the truth rather than constructing a narrative.

This became a valuable learning experience. Initially, negative thoughts surrounded me, and I allowed them to persist for a while. However, immersing myself in the writing process and accepting feedback objectively helped me understand that everyone involved was invested in enhancing the document.

Following this realization, the process became smoother, and the document was prepared for presentation to leadership. Taking a deep breath, I faced the review, which went well with only a few questions—mostly aimed at providing examples to help them connect with the message I was conveying in the document.

To be honest, releasing that heavy burden was a profound experience, and the sense of relief penetrated deep into my mind and heart. I now feel a genuine sense of relaxation. It's akin to understanding sweetness only after tasting bitterness. As the year concluded, I recognized the value of the lessons learned, marking the completion of my second innings at work.

I made it!

I trust that my post will assist you in discovering answers within yourself if you are facing similar challenges in life.

~ Dawn

There is no later!

The year came with harsh realities

Something we all see everyday

The sun rises and sets in the evening 

To every start, there is an end but

Sun rises again and again yet

We don't!

It's okay to be motivated,

Nature does that to us but

The fact is that it is real,

We come and go and 

we don't wait for anyone,

No matter how close one is,

No matter what relation you have,

We live only once and 

we don't rise again!

But still, we try to extend 

Our stay on this planet,

By hook or crook and 

Hope that it will remain

Forever!

Don't wait for special day,

Make every moment special and real,

Live it, Love it, because

There is no later!

~ Dawn

 

The best things in life are rescued

Every person grieves in their own way and yes, we as a family did too. It was during that time when one of my blog friend  Keithkenny , who's comment in my previous post made me think.

"At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, we remember them."  ~  Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Reimer 

I must say, Thank You Keithkenny for your kind words of wisdom. We started thinking about rescuing another one just for our Reyna's sake and then we started looking online shelters to rescue with an open mind.

We made an appointment on a weekend to visit Humane Society Silicon Valley and here we are looking at all the animals that were brought in here one or the other way. l mean, somewhere brought from another shelter because it was a small place and they couldn't accommodate or somewhere just stray in the Central Valley and they were brought in. I have been to this shelter in the past as a volunteer and all I felt was there's so much cruelty around and as much we humans are intelligent animal, we tend to think we can do anything and to prove that power sometimes some harm others and that can be their own family members and, or their pets.

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." ~ Henry Havelock Ellis

My heartaches always when I go to a shelter because I read their eyes and I feel each one of them are talking to me. Why I feel they are screaming through their eyes, please take me home!!!!!!!!

I never like to go in when it comes to choose one over the other, hence I told my family you all decide because for me, I am okay to rescue any. I remember when I was a high-schooler, I used to say I want to adopt all the animals, stray and the ones in the zoo and take care of them.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

We saw there were so many puppies this time and when we asked, we were told during covid lot of people got the pets but returned it because they felt they cannot take care of them.

"Should you shield the valleys from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their canyons." ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Such a sad thing. Well, we looked at some who were in the room but people visiting them so finally we got to meet Ginger a border Collie and German Shepard puppy who was that time ten weeks. Ginger was with her sibling Sue and the way she was sleeping on Sue ( a complete black in color with white fur on the paws as if wearing socks), made us feel that it was a stuff toy until we entered the room.

Ginger was very social, as soon we got in the room she came running to us and started kissing and she won everyone's heart. Sue, was not interested and she was sleeping. We discussed among ourselves and decided to get Ginger home.

Today Ginger is eleven weeks and happily adapting us as much as we have made her part of our family.

I often accidentally call Ginger, Reyna but then quickly correct it as I tell my kids that no one can replace Reyna and Ginger is not a replacement for Reyna. We are very thankful for Ginger to help us through this time as these days our world revolves around her.

Her schedules, her food, her toys and trainings and in all her cute gestures, her puppy barks and playfulness. 

Life moves on while we create more and more beautiful memories which we cherish until we live.

"God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." ~ J.M. Barrie

~ Dawn

Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more...!

This year has been a bit different than last year for sure. Because last year we were all 'stay at home' and some countries were in lockdown situation. This year at least we got a breather with vaccination doses and then the booster shot.

I hope you all have taken the right precaution for your and your loved one's health sake. Only we can bring that change by practicing it and that means everyone must take the vaccination as covid variants are getting tougher on us.

"Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

SO, this year it was all about meet and greet friends and family. I think this year after my two doses of vaccination I am partying all the way till now. It's wonderful time of the year but with proper care and precautions!

Yes just after Halloween, I got busy with Thanksgiving celebration with friends and in no time the plans for Sagittarius birthday celebrations and then Christmas.

It feels good when every day is a celebration day and its true. We often forget all our miseries when we see others happiness and be part of the celebration. 

I personally have so many reasons this year to be thankful and show my gratitude. 

I lived in Canada for almost ten years and being a big fan of ice hockey team #Mapleleafs from Toronto, I never had a chance to watch this game live, sitting in the stadium because of expensive tickets and those struggling days as an immigrant, I was only able to enjoy the game by watching it on television. This year I had the opportunity to watch the game live in SAP Center in San Jose California. 

When my daughter said can we go? She also knew the answer before even I responded to her. I cannot tell you my emotions and frankly speaking how can one even write about emotions? Those are different for every individual and so is for me. 

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~ Mae West

As we were walking towards the stadium everyone was wearing Shark jersey and me and my daughter were in Maple leaf jersey and imagine how we must have walked from parking lot to the stadium which was full of Shark fans and few here and there Canadians who were supporting by wearing the jersey of their team.

I remember when we were just getting into the stadium one guy drove yelling F*** Maple Leafs and I only said in my mind, I hope we win this game and guess what ? After all that humiliation from guys sitting at the back who were talking loudly bad about Maple Leaf teams and how they will cry and go after losing to Shark, team actually won the game. That day Shark didn't play good.

I was cool, I think life has taught many things and one of them is not to get too excited even when things are going well for you and believe me I am not saying not to be happy if your team is winning but I am saying, don't degrade your opponents ever.

Its like that turtle who focussed on his pace and won the race against the bunny. 

"When someone disrespects you, beware the impulse to win their respect. For disrespect is not a valuation of your worth but a signal of their character." ~ Brendon Burchard

Life teaches us to be humble and calm in so many ways as while all this was happening around the world due to climatic conditions. So many families were suffering either losing someone or losing everything in flood, volcanic eruptions, and of course covid cases to be frank, is on the rise but we hardly get to see the true numbers these days.

It's small things that we see to embrace and be happy. Imagine last year we were not even able to shake hands with friends or families who are not living with you. And now we are not loosing any moment that gets us to be together to laugh and be merry.

"Keep the ones that heard you when you never said a word" 

These are all small blessings telling us be humble, be considerate, help others wherever and whenever you can. What I love about this season is that there are so many voluntary effort taking place either it is for the homeless people, or orphan people or cancer research and cure related charity programs - all this is to help those who are in need at such time when everyone is having their holiday times with family.

Life can be sometimes full of surprises and some of them can be wonderful too.

~ 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

Let your child play with dolls: boy, girl, gender neutral or all

 

Today is International Girl Child Day and to talk about the challenges and discrimination that girls go through daily in entire life span around the world - it will be tough one.

International day of the Girl Child acknowledges the importance, power, and potential of adolescent girls by encouraging the opening up of more opportunities for them. At the same time, this day is designated to eliminate gender-based challenges that little girls face around the world, including child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence, and discrimination.

There are privileged one's where the girl survives and gets raised with love and affection. She gets education and still there will be something that she would not be able to do, or say because she is a girl. So we cannot say that girls are treated equally in a patriarchal society where boys have more right for everything.

I remember when the calling out for the rights of women and girls was first achieved by the Beijing Declaration in 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing - I was giving an interview in the Maharashtra Labor Welfare office in India. A question was asked to me - if I get married, will I change my last name to my husband's last name or will I keep my last name that is given by my family. It was a tough one those days, because I was sitting in front of two men who were already talking about what's happening in Beijing and were saying it's crazy!

"When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous." ~ Michelle Obama

I didn't respond the way I wanted to then because I wanted to be selected for the Labor Welfare Officer's position as I stood first in Maharashtra for my Masters and hence I said, it is individual's choice. If I feel like adding my husband's last name then I will add and if I don't want then I will keep everything same because either way I will be a wife to the man I am married to.

Both men laughed and one guy who looked more senior in age, said she meant she will keep her husband's last name and she is not getting carried away with this Beijing thing. I was shocked but I only smiled at this and further moved on with rest of the questions. I came out of that office and later got the letter about my selection. It's a different thing that I migrated to Canada exploring that side of the adventure but wanted to share a glimpse of it here. Though the Beijing world conference on Women was the first- ever blueprint to have identified the need for addressing issues faced by adolescent girls all around the world.

"Achieving gender equality is about disrupting the status quo - not negotiating it." ~ Phumzile Mlambo

I remember my parents telling me when my Mom was expecting me, she wanted a girl child and those days there were no gender identifying machines and hence she prayed to have a baby girl. She went to her Mom's house for delivery as my grand father was not keeping well. And that time my Dad sent her a letter saying if you have a baby girl name her Dawn and if baby boy then you can decide what you want to name. This incident clearly reminds me how they were looking forward for me to come into their life. But in India and around the world, there are incidents where as soon they come to know it's going to be a baby girl either they kill the baby in the womb or just after the birth of the baby.

"Girls and boys have similar brains with equal math ability".

Now imagine, if that killing is unsuccessful what this girl who will be born will go through her entire life, until she becomes strong to say No, yet keep fighting for her basic survival. It's a tough world and who makes it?

I was raised by my parents with equal rights but my Mom was always worried about my outspoken nature, because she knew how the world is and hence, I have often seen her giving justification for my nature to others - because she want her daughter to be accepted in this world. And I always listened to my Dad who tells me, do what you like as long as it's not hurting others. Live your life as don't listen to society because they never come for your help when you need one.

I wish to see this world as shown below: where a girl and boy are equal and counted as two people and not one girl and one boy. Equality matters to everyone, not just to boys!

Every day is a happy day with a girl child around. Wishing you a very happy international  day for a girl child.

~ 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

Spiritually, life is a festival, a celebration :-)

It's Indian festival season, and it's called Navratri (nine nights) in the honor of the divine feminine Devi Durga. This festival usually falls in September or October based on the Hindu Calendar. It is celebrated in different ways in different regions of India.

Anyhow, for me festivals meant more or less understanding the culture, food, gatherings, dance and fun overall. I know it will sound strange that it is religious festivals and how come I am not bringing any of those here.

"To celebrate a festival means; to live out, for some special occasion and in an uncommon manner, the universal assent to the world as a whole." ~ Josef Pieper

I have always been attracted towards the cultural aspect of it and not by any religion. I come from a secular country and hence I have always believed in humanity. As a kid growing up, I had my neighbors who were Christians - Catholics and Pentecostals, Hindus, Muslims, Sikh, Jain, etc,. My parents never forced me into any religion, in fact when my neighbor was alone I used to give company to her, sometimes read Bible for her or go to church with her. It was never considered as wrong.

Being there I have read Old Testament and New Testament and I have read Quran, Geeta, Gurugranth Saheb and all religion teaches to love one another. But I love these festivals for its main outcome where we all gather and celebrate life.

During these times, women get to dress up in Saree and being a saree lover I always love these nine days. These nine days has it's own significance for each day. And one of the days is celebrating Durga, where women play with red powder - kind of holi festival. Instead of color here it will be red colored powdered which women will apply to each other and celebrate Devi Durga. Though it is said only married women are supposed to play with the red powder but I believe every women has the right to play with this red colored powder, there is no discrimination. But yes, in the olden days people had their ways how to discriminate the windows verses married women. It's patriarchy that dictates and hence married women has more power. There is lot of orthodox believes that come with it too and some really believe and follow these. I am only scared for them for thinking and believing like this. 

When religious festivals bring us together then why fight with each other for religion? 

"Religion is like a pair of shoe..find one that fits for you, but don't make me wear your shoes." ~ George Carlin

I thought religion, festival all these are for us to come together and share the culture, food and company. So, enjoying these nine days by wearing nine different colored saree's each day based on the preference for that particular day. The best thing during these days is about the food and sweets and getting dressed up and enjoying with friends.

Life is short so enjoy every moment 😍 instead of spending time in hating each other.

~ 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

You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step..!

Today I would like to talk about saving. What thought does that bring to you? The moment I thought of it, things that came to my mind is - saving time, saving a life, saving energy, saving the planet, saving money... well and the list goes on. Yes, we must try to what we can!

My childhood went in a very sheltered manner with parents being in central government, most of the facility was free to us. Housing, utilities, and many more but we never took it for granted. We were taught to take care of things as if you own it and at the same time you should leave it when it's ready to in a condition that others can use it as well. We never wasted water though cleanliness was top priority, we saved energy by switching off lights when we don't need them and similar things. However, I have seen people who were paying for every bit are the ones who never switch off lights even when their work is done or will keep the tap running etc. 

"When the sun is bright, so no to tube light." 😉

Anyway I have a good nature of saving things and that means by energy, life or plants that I can and money. I used to get pocket money from my both parents as they both used to work. Each one will give ten bucks and I used to save them in my diary.

"Either fill pitchers or live by the river." ~ Vineet Raj Kapoor

One day my Dad saw that, as he used to give me crisp and new notes because at work he used to give salary to the workers and those days it was not via electronic deposit into the accounts. The new bills he would share with me and also when there was a new bill for a two rupee or a five rupee which should be a recent addition then Dad would save it for me and I used to preserve them as souvenir.

When Dad saw the crisp bills falling from my diary he said, what is this? Looks like you need a bank account and since then he opened a student bank account in my name. Now, he puts money in my account as well as he used to give it to me as a pocket money. So saving is there by nature very early at that age.

This came in handy when I was in Canada working as an Outbound Sales Representative, (one of my struggle time in Canada), in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). An hourly payment of three dollars to fifteen was a big jump but still there was huge tax in Toronto. I made sure to put fifty bucks from my each pay-cheque to my savings account, because otherwise I felt I would spend in for my rent, grocery, bus pass, and other necessary items.

"Do not save what is left after spending; instead spend what is left after saving." ~ Warren Buffett

Soon that time came, when one day I saw the landlord sent a notice saying from September onwards the rent will increase. So here I was paying in three figures and soon it will be in four figures and the very thought of it gives me a heartache as I felt this hard earned money is going straight into dustbin or I am paying someone else's mortgage, what's the benefit for me other than just living in that rented apartment?

That day I was restless as mind was distracted and thoughts were to look for a home. Mind is such a player, the moment the thought resided, I started looking at houses - when I travel by bus to work or anywhere, I am looking at houses. In my mind I will say yeah, something like this or no I don't want this kind of fence and so I decided I will buy a house.

I discussed this with one of my friend,  a credit specialist. My thought was appreciated but I didn't get any encouragement as I was told, you don't have enough credit and you will not get a mortgage so don't even think of it now. Somehow, I was obstinate. This triggered like a fire in my mind and I started listening to folks who bought house and in doing so one of the guy who was in the call center working at the back-office operations, shared his excellent experience of buying a house and the realtor made it so smooth for him that he couldn't stop praising enough of them and so he handed over me their business card.

"No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid." ~ Lupita Nyong'o

I decided to give a call to the realtor, it was a husband and wife- where Wife picked up the call and I told her about my interest in buying a house. At this time, I don't have much idea but I said I am interested and I gave my preference as I should be safe even when I am walking to my home at midnight. It seemed like she understood and she asked me for my email where she will send me the potential lists.

I received the listing of houses and I would look at it and say yeah, okay or may be and finally she said this weekend we can go looking for houses. I was excited. By now, in my mind I am ready and if I don't qualify then that's their failure not mine. Because I have a full time job with steady income and since I have come into the country which is eight months I have not defaulted on any bills. The lady was a senior lady and her husband too. Both were very delicate but very polite and well dressed. While talking to them I came to know the lady is born in Germany and husband is Italian but they have been in the country for many years.

"Dare to dream, then decide to do." ~ Annette White

I became comfortable with them and we looked around three-four houses and I didn't like any of them, may be because they were apartments, condominiums or semi-detached houses. Anyhow, the next time lady had a good list and I loved the house she took me to. Amazing detached house with two bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living area and exactly same structure downstair in the basement. Laundry washer- dryer in the basement and to be frank the house seemed to be so cool - a corner house with front, side and backyard lawn space - literally reminded me of a dream house in the middle of green-green grass!!!

I said yes let's move with this and I shared all my financial details. They said lets check and they have their contacts in different banks where everyone calculated and did everything and guess what my Bank (CIBC) won't give me mortgage 😁as there is no guarantee ! Anyway, they tried in all other banks and since this was my first home that I was planning to purchase I got into the first time home-buyers plan. But for that I need to put down five percent towards my mortgage and you know what came in handy that time? The fifty bucks that I was putting in my savings from every pay-cheque and my Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) (similar to 401K), which I was putting in before tax - it saved me. 

"You must gain control over your money, or the lack of it will forever control you." ~ Dave Ramsey

I became a home-owner and people couldn't believe it. My friend who was working in CIBC did said that I will not get and he was right, I didn't at CIBC but I did get it from Royal Bank.

This I am sharing because I was not making a lot but whatever I had out of that I was saving here and there and that didn't go waste.

"Mind your coin; you may never know when." ~ Ernest A Yeboah

So please save whatever you get out of that keep a dime, a quarter or a buck and you will see how it helps in the long run.

~ 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

It's not the destination, it's the journey ...

Road-trips..who doesn't love it? I don't know about others but I love road-trips since my childhood.

"All you need is a wheel in your hand and four on the road." 😉 ~ (modified Jack Kerouac's quote)

It was after my high-school exams, that we got into our summer holidays as the results were not out yet.

Family decided to go to Mahabaleshwar, which is in Maharashtra State of India. The British colonial rulers developed this town into a Hill Station, served as the summer capital of Bombay Presidency during those days.

"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter." ~ Izaak Walton

This place is a treat for nature lovers as it has lush green forest, there is a fort that King Chatrapati Shivaji built it called as Pratapgad. It's beautiful and to go there you need to do some hiking. Since there is a holy river Krishna Nadi, at the bank of it there is a temple as well.

Besides visiting the scenic places, and eating the local cuisine of Maharashtra there are five temples with old Indian architecture. It's basically a holiday resort, honeymoon sport and pilgrimage site for people. So any age can enjoy the trip.

"Roads are a record of those who have gone before."~ Rebecca Solnit

We had booked a van and it was so much fun, I remember through the trip it was Samantha Fox who's cassette was playing in the van. So many beautiful vista points and pictures and the best part was to stop at certain places to eat because the food taste will vary as you make progress within the Maharashtra state.

I remember going for a boat ride at Venna lake and a horse ride, it was such a fun ride. There's also an Elephant point rock which reminds me of the Elephant rock at Valley of fire near Las Vegas.  

After all the fun, food and friendly time, on our return we were all dead asleep until my Dad suddenly started the 'funky town' on the cassette and everyone jumped off the seats..lol!

Road-trips are so much fun that it gives you, your own space and privacy when you are in your car or van. You will enjoy specially in this pandemic time as people were crowding at the airport for vacations.

We often do road-trips in US as there is so much to see here and you can drive along and go to as many States as you can based on your vacation duration. Music is one best company during such trips and one must be ready for anything and everything to face whether it's the food, stay or meet people along the way.

"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." ~ Tony Robbins 

~ 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

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