Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible ;)

I am in Pune... probably my last day I would say as I am writing this blog.... its already a day ahead which means today I am leaving Pune when it will be noon on this part of the world....but yet am asking myself - Is This For Real? Was I really here for NH7 Weekend Bacardi Music Festival?

I am not sure... though I saw all the 50 plus artists playing on the stage...  aTERRIFIC and MESMERIZING moment of my lifetime.....

I have to say that its possible and only possible because of my FAMILY, my BOSS and A great friend... and I mean it every bit of it.

As I was attending every day of the festival, I had the bands in my mind and thought in my mind as what I would say about their performance and them and each night it was a moment that my mind wants to enjoy it rather than writing it on the posts.

I still believe that I will do justice for each one of the bands that played at NH7 and the ones that I witnessed.... one got to be there to witness it as telling and writing about it only conveying my feelings and believe me when I am writing this... I am really high on MUSIC and not on any kind of influence. 

A moment where I felt I could die and be peace with it until I think of my loving husband and my sweet little kids who make me feel the youngest at home... am blessed for sure!

First of all a moment in life to enjoy with permission from my near ones and my dear ones... My family and my boss.. ! Two things very important than any other fun in life... because these two fun things add more fun things  in life and am very lucky to say this....:)

Music and the artists  - and then something called FREEDOM... yes, who doesnt like this. Tell me when was the last time that you felt the way you make a move on a number and you find it cool though others are making completely different moves at that same music that you were making .... and at this time it doesnt matter how you dance as long as you are ENJOYING it....

A blissful moment for me to witness 7- 8 hours of non-stop music, by the musicians who believes in their own freedom of speech and freedom of choices.... I literally felt I am one of them because the main reason I came here was to listen to them and I had the freedom to be with who ever I wanted to listen to it and not only that but dance along and communicate with the musicians live.

It was a terrific moment to see Vijay Nair, who brought something like this in this country... and he wants to bring this to the entire world... amazing! I spoke to every artist about coming to SF and same thing with the guy VIjay Nair who is the creator and owner of this NH7 Music Festival in India... and the answer was that "its not yet time to come there as I want to spread this to the entire cities of India. " WOW.... all the artists down to earth as I spoke to them and took pictures and discussed about their performances.. god! its just unbelievable...

I feel there is heaven and I must say it exists right now in Pune ;)

I will be writing on each bands one by one ;) until then... Cheers

Life to Live and To Love Everyone ;)

~ Dawn

A journey to the dream world... ;)

How many times in life you have come across where you desired for something and you have got it exactly the way you wished or desired for and on top of that after getting what you desired for it gave you the exact feeling that you had thought about?

Yes, too many questions in one sentence but imagine your answer to the questions are all positive - its heaven. Believe me or not, my desire to be part of this Bacardi NH7 Music Festival in Pune was one of the dreams which came true this year in November 21, 22, and 23. A city where I grew up and to connect there with music 7 hours of continuos music for three days with different musical bands from all over the world - its a blissful moment.

Music, cool people and artists, food and drinks - what else one need to live :). I lived my life as if there is no tomorrow, enjoyed the music, danced and rocked the place Laxmi Lounge in Magarphatta, Pune - met strangers and smiled and took pictures with. Life is just beautiful as there is only music and love which existed between nature and humans.

I had a chance to see live all the bands of which I had heard of some but never saw them playing. Some of them became my friends and got connected through this event. A place where the artists and audience become one and when I say so I truly mean it. Five stages set at one venue where one by one bands perform one after the other and it was a non-stop event. Loved every bit of it and have a desire to be part of this again ......

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make ;)

~ Dawn

Life to Live and To Love Everyone ;) MUSICALLY of course!

I am in Pune... probably my last day I would say as I am writing this blog.... its already a day ahead which means today I am leaving Pune when it will be noon on this part of the world....but yet am asking myself - Is This For Real? Was I really here for NH7 Weekend Bacardi Music Festival?

I am not sure... though I saw all the 50 plus artists playing on the stage...  aTERRIFIC and MESMERIZING moment of my lifetime.....

I have to say that its possible and only possible because of my FAMILY and my BOSS... and I mean it every bit of it.

As I was attending every day of the festival, I had the bands in my mind and thought in my mind as what I would say about their performance and them and each night it was a moment that my mind wants to enjoy it rather than writing it on the posts.

I still believe that I will do justice for each one of the bands that played at NH7 and the ones that I witnessed.... one got to be there to witness it as telling and writing about it only conveying my feelings and believe me when I am writing this... I am really high on MUSIC and not on any kind of influence. 

A moment where I felt I could die and be peace with it until I think of my loving husband and my sweet little kids who make me feel the youngest at home... am blessed for sure!

First of all a moment in life to enjoy with permission from my near ones and my dear ones... My family and my boss.. ! Two things very important than any other fun in life... because these two fun things add more fun things  in life and am very lucky to say this....:)

Music and the artists  - and then something called FREEDOM... yes, who doesnt like this. Tell me when was the last time that you felt the way you make a move on a number and you find it cool though others are making completely different moves at that same music that you were making .... and at this time it doesnt matter how you dance as long as you are ENJOYING it....

A blissful moment for me to witness 7- 8 hours of non-stop music, by the musicians who believes in their own freedom of speech and freedom of choices.... I literally felt I am one of them because the main reason I came here was to listen to them and I had the freedom to be with who ever I wanted to listen to it and not only that but dance along and communicate with the musicians live.

It was a terrific moment to see Vijay Nair brought something like this in this country... and he wants to bring this to the entire world... amazing! I spoke to every artist about coming to SF and same thing with the guy Vijay Nair who is the creator and owner of this NH7 Music Festival in India... and the answer was that "its not yet time to come there as I want to spread this to the entire cities of India. " WOW.... all the artists down to earth as I spoke to them and took pictures and discussed about their performances.. god! its just unbelievable...

I feel there is heaven and I must say it exists right now in Pune ;)

I will be writing on each bands one by one ;) until then... Cheers

Life to Live and To Love Everyone ;)

You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life... ;)

Today we as few friends of Wen Hui, went to give a surprise lunch. One of the friend Szu made sure that she reached out to all Wen Hui's friends to make this a success.
The reason to meet and greet was to honor our friend Wen Hui, for the fight that she started a year long with Cancer.
Yes, I had mentioned about her courage and willpower with which she actually did a project manager's role to make sure the hospital doctors and staff are on their toes to work towards getting Wen Hui's cancer out of her system.

I feel so proud to share this success story of my friend, who not only went through a tough time but she faced it very profoundly and gave a tough challenge to the disease 'Cancer'.
We all know that one day we will go from this world to another one which we call as death, yet where we are now, we should live happily to the fullest where you should feel at the end that you did challenge the one that gave you tough time whether its the situation or the time in life that made you think and let decide you as how you want to handle this situation.

My friend did had a tough fight with cancer and after 8 chemo-therapy she came out successfully. Few pains and side effects of the medicine is there but the best is that after all this she was focussed and determined as what she want out of this. A person who was so dedicated on the work front and made sure the entire show is running well even when she was in hospital, had a different outlook altogether and what I liked about today was that the journey that Wen Hui went through made her realize certain things in life and her thoughts across life is different.

Like a typical project manager she came out with couple of things pointing out in fingers as what she would like to do now, one to be a nurse - she realized what a tough job it is do deal with not only patients and the disease that each individual is going through but also they have to deal with each individual too. Its totally different as how each individual reacts to their sickness, medicines and the staff. Wen Hui, when she was managing these nurses and staff members in benefit to her situation - she realized that there has to be set of strategy with which things needs to be handled, specially when it deals with one's life. I loved the thought process she went into and the outcome of it is to give that care and love to the ones who need it irrespective of whether you know them or not but its a service to the humanity.

My best wishes and all support that I can possibly give to my dear friend in achieving her new dreams

Friends, all I want to tell you is nothing is impossible in life. Its we who give up and then life takes its own turn. As long as you have control over things, you will see it goes as per your plan but the moment your willpower is weak someone else takes over and takes the control over you and your life.
Be that fighter and challenge your situation to turn to your favor, at least that effort and try can give some hope if not a true success story. I wanted to share this today's story with you all so that you should know its you who can bring hope for yourself and its you who can challenge and turn around the tables in difficult times too.

"We have two options, medically and emotionally: Give up or fight like hell ~ Lance Armstrong"

~ Dawn

“I am a part of all that I have met.” ;)

Onam!?!

It used to be Onam when I was a kid. Yes, many such stories you get to read or hear today. But the fact is that our parents tried to induce those elements in us by celebrating it the way it was celebrated in their native land.

I grew up in Pune, Maharashtra yet my parents celebrated Onam like a true Malayalee. I remember it used to be a school day but my parents would take a day off and mom will prepare all the vegetable items along with 3-4 different types of curries. Since this festival is celebrated for the reason of King Mahabali and how he took care of his people, dad used to tell the story and the reasoning behind celebrating Onam. Dad also used to tell about the feast consisting of 56 vegetarian dishes and besides that the dessert payasams will be of 6-7 varieties. My dad used to tell us his growing up stories and Onam celebration was one of the scenes which would make us imagine how it would have been for them. 

However, being in a place where both parents were working and we never not having a holiday in school for Onam, still parents made sure we enjoy that one day just like as if we were transported to Kerala. A festival which is celebrated for 6 or 10 days now I hear and schools used to be closed for Onam Holidays those times in Kerala.

Dad's speciality was to make adaprathaman payasam and I know it used to be the most sweetest payasam as he used to put lots and lots of jaggery. 

Me and my brother we used to have a half-day from school and teachers used to respect that part and would allow us to go home early.

Parents used to invite non-keralite friends home to have sadya at our place and we used to call our non-malayalee friends at home too. The basic differentiation was because every malayalee will be having a Onasadya at their place and it doesn't make any sense to invite them home when they already have their own onasadya.

Once we come home we used to get into our onakodi - the new clothes and I remember my long thick dark hair was an attraction to everyone and my mom used to make sure I neatly do my hair just like a malayalee girl would do - the long hair pinned from two sides and put a band at the end so the hair is loosely tied. It did gave a different look to the personality and I enjoyed it too.

One thing I figured out that I was more a malayalee when I was in Maharashtra or being with Maharashtrians than being with a malayalee. Though growing up with malayalee parents yet in Pune did bring the mallu in us. But today we are in America and I feel we dont do anything for any such special occasions - it's a event that people will dress up to show that its Onam but the core element of celebration has lost somewhere.

What it could be? No, I am not analyzing about it but yes, these have become sweet memories and I am cherishing those moments today far away from home. 

These days it's more or less is it Onam? oh Happy Onam :) 

"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." ~ Kurt Vonnegut, Mother Night

~ Dawn

Communication is a knife !?!

What is communication? We all talk about this word whether its in office with our team, in the company or even in the family and in relationship as well.

What in reality communication means? Is it only to convey a message? Is it only to listen and don't give your opinion? Or is it a selective listening strategy which one expresses that yes we communicate well.

My thought process and belief about communication is that between two people, or many people such as in a company - it is to openly communicate, share and discuss. During this one can share what they know and others don't, they can discuss if there is a question or solution that they are asking from others or to even to a next level where you can challenge someone if you don't agree with their discussion or point. Many times in stead of creating a healthy discussion, and communication between two people or a group, it ends up in an argument.

Have you come across such a situation ever in life? Many times this comes out with people who are close to you because colleagues will always take it in a professional manner and try to respect each other's opinion rather than getting into an argument - easy to express your opinion and easy to move out by listening to others opinion even though you might not agree with their views.

People argue to agree to disagree and later it turns out to be in two ways - either you stop discussing / communicating / ignore OR you move out of that zone altogether where you don't even communicate with them because the outcome of the whole thing leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

In such case what is there? Healthy communication which should improve the relationship and bring closeness or even bring a broad minded thinking it turns out to be total disaster. 

Why people then say for any relationship to flourish or any process and team to work appropriately - communication should be there. In my so far life I have heard of over communication is better than no communication.

I grew up communicating with my parents about everything that used to happen in my life and that was most of the school time stories and discussions. Sometimes things that I shared were looked at different ways and I used to get a feedback or suggestion that you should have done this way or that way and I used to respect their opinion and used to logically think about it such that I could use that next time.

School life to college life and so forth but nothing changed in my style of communication. I rather became more close to my parents and brother as I wanted them to be part of everything that I do in school or outside of house.

Time changed and as I moved to a independent level I realized communication always helped in all stages of life. Whether it was to communicate to someone about a pain, or even a happiness it was very obvious and clear in communication. 

But many times this communication has become a big problem in life. Have you ever come across this way? 

My still belief is that good or bad if someone is taking a comment or topic discussion as personal then it can become an argumentative communication but then isn't communication all about opening up, giving room to others to express their views and opinions and respectfully communicate your own views or opinions?

I feel mostly these days communication is what killing the relationship or bringing issues. The more smart and intelligent we assume about ourselves the more we keep expectations from others as how to react to our communications or discussions and views. It is becoming as to dictate others and this is something I don't consider as an open communication to flourish any relationship or resolve any issues or come to any solutions.

At the end communication I see as a sharp knife, which can cut fruits and vegetables for you at the same time if you don't use the knife properly it can cut your fingers too.

Are we moving more towards a world where technology is taking over without even making us realizing about what we are missing about in-person communication or one on one communication? People are more tend to get communication from internet, documentaries or TED talks etc but people are so sold out to these that when they find someone in person to communicate or talk, they end up arguing and part with ill-feeling.

Sad, but we should think about it technology should be working for us and not we becoming handicap to technology and lose connection with real people.

An expression - whether its happiness, anger, disagreement its all a way of communicating and expressing the feelings. If you consider your loved ones are really your loved ones then do listen and give room to think about and listen to what they are trying to communicate.

Communication is a knife which anyway is going to cut things try to use it to cut through all barriers and reduce distances rather than murdering it.

~ Dawn

Not all those who wander are lost ;)

Ohio Cleveland here we come ... ;)
Kids were very happy to meet their to be six month old second cousin. It was a bit relaxing moment. Once the meet and greet was done the journey took the ride towards Kentucky. 
Many people do not make this as their part of visit to Lincoln's birthplace and boyhood place - thats what we realized when we landed the place.
It was an amazing feeling as we drove down the lanes where you see lush green corn fields and soya bean crops and the only road in the center which takes you from Lincoln's school to his boyhood place to his birthplace and memorial place. It was a place where for a moment your heart wants to reside and live there.
Reading the history and knowing Lincoln more closely was kind of literally living Lincoln's life. What I felt proud about that anyone in this country become a president irrespective of his class, status as long as he is a deserving candidate.

The hardship he went through something that I am sure the new generation will get bored to hear but as one thinks its a reality that nothing comes free in life.

It was a different feeling altogether to imagine that you are driving through a place where once Lincoln used to walk around and go to school etc.

The thoughts along the roads took us to Atlanta and we spent couple of days with our friends. It was kind of relaxing after hoteling at different places, home was a good change and with known people around and with the hustle bustle of kids.

Visiting MLK's birth place was quiet inspiring. Many times we read books and know about all the national heroes but when you actually visit to their places and then remember and read about them - you are able to connect immediately and thats the feeling I got when I was at MLK's birthday place. MK Gandhi's statue makes one feel so proud which is situated right at the entrance and I feel its a good way to give tribute to the one who inspired MLK for equal rights and non-violence. 

As you go through these places and read what they have said in those days... it really makes you think about what has changed ? Really, ask yourself what has been changed other than that we are continuously progressing as we are intelligent human being but then what worth is it if you see even today there is killing and violence all around.

People talk about old school and old methods but looking at the history, it seems either we go back to school to study and understand history from heart rather than to pass the exam or we must have the new generation Gandhi and or MLK.

Our visit was almost ending as we took the flight from Atlanta to Las Vegas. Drive to home from Vegas was kind of giving a slow relief as going around different places and sleeping in different hotels and living through suitcases all was going to end. I guess thats when you remember your sweet home. 

This year vacation was really a stress free and relaxing one. Work was not at all on mind and a new role was waiting for me to start - all this gave me an immense satisfaction. It's true when you are changing your job or a new role, you need to refresh your mind and a vacation at that right time is a must so that you come back all refresh and recharged to start the new role with extreme enthusiasm.

Adios to East Coast until we visit next....!

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”