R.I.P Luna

Luna took her final flight to heaven. I cried so much. I could not eat after that. My father was trying to convince me. She was not only a wonder bird. She was my best friend, my brother, my sister, and my little baby. She was my morning alarm. The very first thing, I used to do in the morning was to see her, and wish her - 'a very good morning'. There was always a shine in her eyes that used to tell me - 'She loves me. She prays that one day, I will also have a painfree life'. Last evening, she was jumping with her stiff body, chirping in pain, and I could not see her in pain.'. After a while, she passed away. One thing is a fact - my loved ones either cheat me or leave me(:. I never wanted her to go but it was hurtful to see her in pain. But she will always be missed. I hate not to see her in her own home with me (:. But I want her to be at peace. What is the point of holding something, when you can give them peace by just letting them go off.

I want to pay my tribute to her contribution in my life. I will never rename any bird in my home as 'Luna'. She was the only one. I am sharing some of her beautiful moments with me that will always live in my heart like many other sweet memories!

This is for my wonder bird/baby - Luna (Luni)

Collection of Luna's Beautiful Moments
 - https://picasaweb.google.com/108980877216677105725/MyWonderBirdLuna

True Love of Gracia and Luna - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuIzdAJM0E

Will Always Miss You!

I will miss Luna!

A very sweet song. I know God can listen if our prayers are true. A very thoughtful song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omiswoHnoTk

Luna is very sick for the last two days. I never prayed so much for any of my bird but Luna is my favourite. She is named after a sweet memory. I got up at 2 AM and looked at her. She is very weak. For last few months, I used to make her sit next to me and listen to me. I used to tell my friend, I write emails but never send them to you as writing helps me to vent out. I never want to burden you with my problems. Indeed, if she leaves me, I will never rename the new bird as Luna ever!

There are no replacements. Are there any replacements in life?....I do not think so......Few days to go..........

KINDLE EDITION of my Second Book - The Road to a Positive Life

Dear Readers -

I am sharing the link of the kindle edition of my second book - The Road to a Positive Life. You can click and order you copy (anywhere in the world) using the below link:

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Positive-Life-ebook/dp/B00CHPH5Q8/ref=sr_1_2_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1366992331&sr=8-2&keywords=The+road+to+a+positive+life

To order the paperback format, you can follow the below links:


http://www.amazon.com/Road-Positive-Life-Collection-Stories/dp/3845449373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365173141&sr=1-1&keywords=the+road+to+a+positive+life

For my readers in INDIA:

http://www.junglee.com/The-Road-Positive-Life-Collection/dp/3845449373/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365173367&sr=8-1&keywords=the+road+to+a+positive+life

Latest Write-up in FG!

A poem published in FG. Here is the link for my readers:

I wrote on my blog that when you live any relation/friendship blindly, it demands lot of mental effort, as that is the way you can only see unseen things. It can either put you in a major loss or immense happiness, as destiny decides for you.

I felt to express a thought through this poem. And I have given it a happy ending. A good one for maybe next month - Mother's Day, 2013...............

http://www.fridaygurgaon.com/news/3256-Through-Her-Eyes-Only.html

Happy Weekend!

A Video - You Must Watch - Dan Ariely - What makes us feel good about our work?

I just got an email that confirms my payment for my write-ups. I am being paid after 5 years with such a good amount though 1/10th of what I used to earn in 2008:)...BUT I AM HAPPY!

What makes us feel good about our work? I will not answer this for my readers. I want you all to watch this video by Dan Ariely, and answer it to yourself. 

As of now, I predict a good financial year for me. Money is a motivational factor as well. I am lucky with my savings for this year. Value your money. Do not forget - a rupee can still buy a bite of food for someone. Do not waste your earnings. Plan and invest them wisely.

Here is the link - 

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_ariely_what_makes_us_feel_good_about_our_work.html

:)

My Next Plan......

I thought of a line that someone told me once, as we are approaching to 'Mother's Day' on 12th May 2013 - " A Mother is a Mother whether sponsored, adopted or biological". I can live my whole life around this statement.

I just realised what I feel to learn this year?

I am getting enrolled into Tanjore Painting classes from June 2013. But what I really have to start is how to ride a bicycle....LOL:)

My husband has decided to get me a bicycle and make me ride it. It is funny as I did scuba diving and snorkeling without any fears. I swim in the sea and love to dive in deep pools but I do not know how to ride a cycle:)...

I want to take this as a priority and get rid of a comment - 'Oh! You do not know how to ride a cycle but you can swim?'.........

This is a day to make one plan for this year whether to learn cooking or cycling or swimming. I just shared my plan. What is your plan?

Just pen it down, and make your plans come true:)

Btw, I am soon going to share my kindle edition links for my second book - 'The Road to a Positive Life'. The project is approved and will be soon available in Kindle Stores.

Luna and Bianca - Twin Birds!

I just clicked the picture of my favourite Luna ( called as luni at home) and Bianca. At night, when they get scared, they sit too close to each other like twins. They are my twins. Bianca is the youngest in the group and he loves to be pampered. He is weak and cannot fly too high. Luna (Luni) gives me support to rest. Such a beautiful picture to show - what is unconditional love?

A new definition of unconditional love - trust, as Bianca knows Luna will not let him get hurt. He gets closer to Luna at night as he trusts her. The comfort of being safe in a cage is much ahead of being unsafe in an independent sky(:........I just love both of them.

I took 5 mins to click this rare act of Luna and Bianca!

The Greatest Artist - Udiah (witness to Yah)

God is the greatest artist
To whom no one can compare,
Streaking sunsets very beautiful,
Painting rainbows in the air.

Brushing green the hillside scene,
Blotting blue the sky above,
Splashing flowers 'cross the ground beneath,
Shading white clouds with His glove.

Of the wonders God has made
There is none that is so fair
As the smile He paints upon your face
When you realize He's there.

Tragic Journey of 5 -Year -Old Rape Victim

Shameful!

Disgusting!

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/5-year-old-rape-victim-s-ordeal-shocks-and-shames-delhi-356204

All such incidents make me develop hatred towards men. But yes we cannot categorise all men under the same section of crime. Couple of days back, when I was shopping in a mall, a guy passed some cheap comment. I could not understand as he spoke in his mother tongue, Kannada. But I could understand through his body language. Trust me, I followed him and shouted at him there itself. We demand liberty to walk freely. He apologised after arguing that he was not trying to harass me. I did all that, as next time he would not repeat the same with some young, innocent girl or a child. I am 33 and I have learned it a harder way. But when I read the news about this 5-year-old girl who was not only raped but treated like a plastic doll by inserting a candle or hair oil bottle, I felt I am part of a coward society where men can only abuse or rape a woman. I do not wonder, when I come across cheap men in malls or on roads. It hurts me indeed any women. Even when some one calls us by cheap names we do feel hurt. Respect us. 

My Second Book Comes Home....:)

It is a happy moment for me as my second book - The Road to a Positive Life is in my hands. I just took a click for my readers. Holding your book is like hugging your baby. I call my second book as my second baby. I was really happy to receive it. I have already started reading my own book.

A click for my all readers.

Anywhere in the World (Grab my second book):

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8VyF1usHDuTdC12cWx5QUtZQTg/edit?usp=sharing

OR 

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Positive-Life-Collection-Stories/dp/3845449373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365173141&sr=1-1&keywords=the+road+to+a+positive+life

For my readers in INDIA:

http://www.junglee.com/The-Road-Positive-Life-Collection/dp/3845449373/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365173367&sr=8-1&keywords=the+road+to+a+positive+life

Cheers!

Check on My Art Blog - Ganesha By Nature!

This is one of my best creations so far. I have made this painting in a month's time as it was really hard to make. From sketch to the colour combination, everything is my imagination. I have not used any acyrlic or oil paints. This painting is made by using food products - rice, beans, dry fruits, pulses and ragi. The hardest part was to use ragi for the background. I woke up at 2 AM in the morning, and was filling the background using ragi till 5 AM. It took me 3 hours to balance the background of the painting. I chose not to color the beans or rice as I wanted to make Ganesha in a natural way. I call this painting as - Ganesha By Nature. I challenged my patience while making this painting.

http://archanaartgallery.blogspot.in/2013/04/ganesha-by-nature.html

Check at the above link - my Ganesha By Nature!

Second Position in a Contest!

Dear readers,

I participated in a short story contest and my story has won the second position in the contest. It will be a part of a book published by the contest publishers. The book will be a love anthology. I will share the link once I get all the updates. To view the results, please click the below link.

http://www.silvertonguepress.com/

You can also read my story at the same link.

Good night....

Latest Write-up in FG!

I think it was easy for me to write but very difficult to follow. 

Teaching is all time easier than preaching. Anyways, let me end this week with a positive note, sharing the link of my latest write-up in FG.

http://www.fridaygurgaon.com/news/3187-Paint-Up-Your-Canvas.html

Happy Weekend!

Chocolates on Ugadi!

I wish all my readers - a very Happy Ugadi.

I just made my all-time favourite sooji ka halwa and lots of chocolates.

I am sharing the sweetness with every one who mean a lot to me - my family, my friends and my readers. I miss my kids. Enjoy these chocolates, and I hope the new year brings happiness for all of you.

:)

Google+ Account Updates!

I am taking the label - Google + off this blog as I have deleted my Google+ account. My public posts and information will be removed from the virtual world in a time of few days.

I might miss on promoting my book and writings through Google+ but as time and things demand.

If you get any Google+ invite on behalf of my name then it is not my account. 

Also I am taking off my albums of paintings and my writings. I believe if my readers have to read me, you can always search for my writings or visit my blogs.

Happy Ugadi to all of you!

Have fun. Cheers:)

My Life and Zen Philosophy....

Zen philosophy drives my life when I get confused or upset about myself. We all get upset about life, and we do feel negative. Zen means being in a state of peace or meditation. People might not change but you need to change yourself, and 'Zen Philosophy' helps me in being calm. Though, I do lose temper but then I think about balance of yin and yang - it heals me.

Tomorrow is Ugadi, and I do miss my kids at Sphoorti. I thought to divert my mind and prepared some good dinner. Green vegetables cooked with steamed rice, pineapple and sweet corn salad, bottleguard and cottage cheese balls cooked in enriching gravy. I have made many chocolates as well. I have made fig-honey chocolates, jam chocolates and cashew nut chocolates. I have decided to distribute all the chocolates to kids around me. It makes me feel good. I upload the pictures of my chocolates on my blog soon!

I guess - happiness is driven by our thoughts. We should think twice before we get unhappy. But then it is also a state of mind.

I am hungry and I cannot wait to serve all the good food to me. 

:)

I love this song!

I am making lots of chocolates for Ugadi. I started my new painting. I am little away from writing for a while. Actually, just wanted to catch up with other stuff that I just neglected for last few months.

I am sharing the video to one of my favourite song. This video is really created in a very creative way. And the translation might help my global readers to understand this song.

Dedicate it to your loved ones. Make Ugadi as a real beginning of love in your life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-JTxfz83g

:)

Video : Dan Gilbert: The surprising science of happiness

This is a Ted Talks video, and I think my readers must see this video. I take a quick break and grab a cup of hot tea before you read this post!

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy.html

I think this video is really helpful to understand the science of happiness. I remember an instance from life where my father told me the definition of being happy. 

I remember an instance from my school days. 

We had a joint family almost 7 people staying in a 2 BHK apartment. But we all were happy.  We had no coolers or air conditioners. We use to sprinkle water on the bed to sleep at night under the fan that could hardly beat the intense heat of Delhi. Not to forget the frequent power cuts. Happiness and the feeling of being happy could make us sleep all those years. My father always told me one thing - situations do not make us, we make them more important to ourselves. Learn to  think positive in adverse situations and they will just disappear. 

After many years, Bangalore is so hot, and every one tells me the same thing - 'OMG! We are sweating in Bangalore. It is a shocking thing.'This is really helping me to beat the heat of Bangalore. Science of Happiness is known to all of us but we tend to get confused. I could also feel the heat and actually the real summers. I feel relieved when I remember my father's words to me.

My tea is waiting for me. Watch the video and I wish every one stays happy!

Happy Night!

About my Second Book - 'The Road to a Positive Life'.

Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed. 

Similarly, when you face negativity in life then only you can understand and get inspired by positive instances around you. I wrote my second book, when I faced a negative period in my life. Why, what and how should not be the questions for my readers. I observed every good aspect around me, and being  a follower of Zen Philosophy, I could gather some good energy to write my second book - The Road to a Positive Life. It was mainly to get inspired by 15 true incidents of life, and it turned out to be a book to make me believe that 'God can turn scars into stars'. This book is like a star for me after I got many unwanted scars from life like many of you. I decided to convert my stories into a book for many others to be inspired. My editor and publisher helped me in presenting this book to all of you. I am sharing all the links with my readers to grab a copy of my second book and enjoy reading it. 

Anywhere in the World (Grab my second book):

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8VyF1usHDuTdC12cWx5QUtZQTg/edit?usp=sharing

OR 

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Positive-Life-Collection-Stories/dp/3845449373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365173141&sr=1-1&keywords=the+road+to+a+positive+life

For my readers in INDIA:

http://www.junglee.com/The-Road-Positive-Life-Collection/dp/3845449373/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365173367&sr=8-1&keywords=the+road+to+a+positive+life

QR CODE of my book:

Kindle Edition is yet to be released. I will share the link with all my readers.

Just remember two things about being positive in life:

Firstly, in a quote by Robert Frost - 'life just goes on'.

Secondly, you are only accountable for your actions. It is not important how others treated/treat you. What should matter to you - how you treat others as at the end, it is between you and God. If you cannot do good to someone, do not do bad as well. Globe is round and will always be!

Happy Weekend! 

What am I reading now?

I am reading a book gifted to me by my husband - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I am liking this book. Again a book that helps you to understand life better, and how to channelise your energies. It is like what I write in my books. Being positive in the right way.

I am also reading - Finding Strength in Difficult Times. Summers and reading go hand in hand for me:)....

National Public Health Week - 1 to 7!

This week is 'National Public Health Week'. Health is the only factor that drives you to do the best in your lives. What are your plans for your health in this week indeed in the whole year.

I completed my all projects and am going quite easy now. I have to complete my kindle book and few small writing projects that will keep going on till the contract does not end, or I do not quit!

I am back to my workouts and swimming. I almost swim 1800 m daily as it help my knees. Gymming is like breathing for me. I spend two hours with my trainer, and then few breathing exercises. I do yoga once a day whenever I get time, and when I feel to spend time with myself. I have made my travel plans for this year. I have set my calendar for the year as far as work and leisure are concerned.

Hormones and steroids make you restless in life. But to control your medical condition, you might need to live on them. But I have trained my mind on a very important factor in life which is good for all of you - just take it easy and ignore. I do not react or indeed act on anything. I put my ipod and hold my ipad, sit at the bench in the garden and work. So, many good things or bad things happen around me but I just close my eyes and tell myself - I am mortal and my every second just needs to be lived. I might die in another few days or years but I should not let a beautiful moment die. 

I have completely changed my wardrobe. All bright and pastel colours. I gave my all old clothes to my housekeeping staff. Colours add positivity to my life. I maintain an Eating Manual to make sure that I eat right. The most important - let yourself live out of all the worries and miseries. The most important factor of life is - Happiness. Just stay happy and keep the stress away from you. Do whatever gives you happiness like - I just started a new painting. Stay away from apprehensions or inhibitions. 

Your health is only your wealth!

Glivec Patent Case!

I really need a hot cup of tea. I am so tired!

I was following 'Glivec Patent Case', and I am quite convinced with the decision as it will make the medicine affordable to common people in our country.

I can realise the cost factor of medical treatment in India is already on a higher side of the scale. A basic test of TSH or Prolactin cost more than INR 1000 for a common man. If the judgement would have been in the favour of 'Novartis', it might have affected the mango people of India. I am convinced and happy with the judgement as it is in the favour of people like us!

Through Her Eyes!

I am writing a poem. Just written first few lines. I thought to share as I cried after writing these lines. I felt that being blind is such a difficult thing in life. At times, we start seeing the world from someone else's eyes. We become blind of our own choice. This poem is difficult for me to complete.What about many such people who do not have someone's eyes to see this beautiful world. Just imagine, if you can see but you are asked to live without seeing the world and its beautiful relationships. It is not less than a curse!

I will give a happy ending to this poem. Until then few lines for all of you!

I brought her into this world,

But she is like a mother to me,

The only colour I know is black,

I see this beautiful paradise,

Through her eyes only,

She sits next to me,

Tells me how water changes its colours,

When rays of the sun falls into the pond,

How swiftly the fishes flutter,

There is just darkness around me,

Though I can see light of hope,

Through her eyes only.............

Happy Fool's Day!

Lol:)

The first day of April and I really had a blast since morning. I called my mom and said, "Open the door, there is something for you". Actually, my aunt did the same with me. She was the one who started it!

I did the same with many others. LOL....I really had a blast. It was a good start of my day. Back to work and workouts. I love to celebrate these small moments. Small moments make us feel complete and enjoy life. I remember many such funny fool days with my friends. Gone are the days/friends but not the sweet memories. Celebrating small moments is like collecting your own set of memories to cherish them later in your life:)

Happy Fool's Day!