Monday's Mind Meanderings

Summer Vacation has officially started. I have a tentative list of things I want to do with my children.  I hope we actually tick off the stuff by the end of July.

Its five days since my Mother's Second death anniversary. Its amazing that two years have passed and so much has happened since. I hate to admit that it still stings somewhere inside.

I woke up at 5 today...so that hubby and I could go for a walk together, instead of walking by ourselves at different times. We did 2 miles with a 14% grade for half a mile both ways in 40 minutes.  Guess I should feel happy, hmm...

The Irises, Columbine, Poppy and Roses have bloomed. We put our backyard lawn in order and somehow the green of the lawn makes my coffee taste mmmm mmm good!!! Will put them up online soon.

It looks like we are going to have a cloudy day. I hope it doesn’t rain...I just want spring like it was supposed to be.  Except for the round of allergies nothing is the same. *Sigh* I don’t like the New Normal this Spring. 

I like the early morning/late evening silence.  The house is so quiet, I can hear it breathe.

My husband and I had our back to back birthdays this month. I turned 40. I feel like I should have had some profound moment where everything fell in place or felt accomplished or felt like I was the QUEEN of the world...but nothing.  Guess, its all in place and there’s nothing that requires changing :P.

My father has stayed sober for 4 months now…And I am so grateful.  I felt guilty when he fell ill and was in the ICU for about 3 weeks in Feb.  In a moment of intense sadness two years ago, I wished that he would fall so ill that he won’t be able to touch his drink and that will be the start of getting rid of his addiction.  I was shocked when the wish came true...I understand every moment will be a challenge for him.

I really like working with children...maybe I should further my education in the early childhood education. 

I got books on Cahokia Mounds and how to read what they dig out at archeological sites... it is fascinating, especially the way things are interpreted.

Did I use too many ellipses in writing this?  I need to brush up on the grammar rules for writing. *giggling*.

What is happening with you?

Have a Joyfully Productive Week.

Ten thoughts on Tuesday

1. I have to write an update, of whats been happening with me.

2. Or maybe not, cause a part of my brain is going - "so what? its happened and done"

3. The season changes and we play the cold cough merry go round.. I has been my husbands turn yesterday...

4. I am surprised at his determination to get to work...could it be, he heard me say, Men are babies when they get sick?

5. I havent done any planting...cause its so cold outside, we havent hit the 60's as we should have done by now.

6. Been Reading as usual.  I finished "Of mice and Men". Loved the story.  Steinbeck is a good story teller. Half way through "Love in the time of Cholera", (I watched the movie, both) and a few pages of Anthem..I was reading "The man who knew Infinity" , the Indian mathematician Ramanujam's biography and realized I had to brush up the Math I learned in College...cause Calculus seems to be a lost brain file. So I stopped reading cause it wasnt making sense to me.

7. I have stayed on regime for 30-40 mins exercise at least 3 times a week and doing Pranayama. Patting my own back for staying on track.

8. Second day of school after spring break and I miss the noise in the house (NOT!!)

9. Havent been writing, as my Muse seems to be dead and I really have to make an EFFORT to write.

10. Nope, didnt forget the coffee...we still date, every morning.

Thank you for reading. Have a wonderfully productive, joyful day, where ever you are and what ever you do.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten Tuesdays thoughts on a Wet Wednesday

1. I forgot to post this yesterday. So here I go posting it today.

2. I am stuck with this song since friday, and its driving everyone nuts, me most of all. The song goes on and on in my head...John Lennon's "Oh my Love".  Whats wrong with me?

3. Its been Cold and Rainy and I badly want to hibernate. 

4. I am having one of those days where I feel like "Where exactly did I intend going?".  Its like I forgot where it was that I was planning on heading. I lost the map or something.

5. I am on a  Steinbeck binge. I finished reading "The Pearl" and now on to the Red Pony and Of mice and men.  As I read the Pearl, I thought, it sounds so much like a folk tale, and I did a little look-see on the web and realized it was based on a Folk Tale from South America.

6. I am annoyed at the Shooting in Arizona. What is it with people? I dont understand, I cant even comprehend the reason.

7. All of a sudden.. Three clocks in my home stopped working and I cant get them to work after I changed the Battery.  Its like Time planned a strike or if I go on the off beat, seemingly illogical edge, something is calling out loudly to "Stop Time"....could that even be possible?

8. Do any of you ever experience days when you dont want to talk to anyone?  You would think it will be good not to speak for a day and then somehow you want to extend it to days. Its weird.

9. This is probably the most disjointed piece of writing I have ever done. 

10. Its the festival of Lohri/Makara Sankranthi on the 13-14 Jan.  Its a celebration of the Sun's movement towards to the North Sky and entering the constellation of Capricorn. On the day we worship the Sun.

11. I watch my children grow and I have thoughts ranging from joy to anxiety. I wonder if my parents did the same.

Ten(er twelve) Thought Tuesday

1.     A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! To all my friends who celebrate.

 

2.     I haven’t written a ttt in a long while, not because I don’t have thoughts but because I was lazy.

 

3.     I couldn’t get through those history books about Korea and the “Tale of Genji”.. I returned them without reading all the pages. Been in that mode where I couldn’t sit continuously for more than ½ hour and even that had something else to do.

 

4.     In all of my dreary, dark, rainy, cant get to all things, sleepy, cranky time, Coffee has been the most Loyal Companion… Thank you darling!

 

5.     I was so enthused about watching the Lunar Eclipse coinciding with the solstice but when the time came, we had Clouds and the Moon wasnt seen. So well, I went to bed. Guess that was one good thing. For the first time “they who love the clouds and rain” (my children and husband) were annoyed with the clouds, they didn’t even want to consider their shapes *giggling*

 

6.     My husband took off from work for the two weeks until New Year…It feels nice to not be in a hurry to wake up in the morning.  The house looks disorderly but we are happy(except for my obsession with order), warm and have a full belly. What more could I ever want?

 

7.     I have been watching a lot of movies.  I don’t know if I will review them.. One that is worth mentioning was Aghora.  I liked the set and the presentation of ideas from that time.

 

8.     I read about the California storms, I hope all my friends there, are safe and well. 

 

9.     I have been learning to talk, read and write Korean… and am seeing how age affects the learning.  Concentration - down 50%, tongue working with sounds -down 30%, Memory of what I studied- down 60% and I am so annoyed at my slow progress. But I am not giving up just yet, just need to work a little harder.

 

10.  I have been reading a lot about the wikileaks and the opinions it has brought out.  I am on the fence about it for a few reasons 1. I don’t think Officials representing us should be so unprofessional in their job. 2. When we pay our taxes, we do have a right to know how and where the money goes, how we are represented to others. 3. This is a reflection of how our microscopic world is…this is Gossip in the Large scale, which means we are getting back what we do in our individual lives.(I don’t mean all of us, I mean the majority of us) 4. I don’t think wikileaks did this out of the “goodness” of their hearts.  5. It is showing us how our government works – the manipulation done in the name of treaties and trade, the corruption of the idea of democracy and so on. I believe we are at a point in history where we will be forced to make changes to our way of thinking, living and doing.  When we need to start on a different path, we need to come clean.. and right now I suspect that is what is happening… the coming clean so we can start fresh.

 

11. For today the sky has stopped leaking, so I am going to get out and make the best of it, while it lasts.

 

12. I am looking forward to the New Year. I have no idea why, hmmm.. maybe cause its coming no matter what I want *giggling*.

 

Thank you for reading, leaving your thoughts and for Being the ones who gently touch my life and make it more beautiful. Have a wonderful Day, wherever you are.

 

Peace

Rashmi.

Ten thoughts Tuesday

1. Whatever happens, coffee makes me feel good...Maybe Coffee is my God.
2.Its fall and I have proof, its raining, cold, leaves are on the ground, I have to rake, I have a massive allergy attack - a gong in my head and a faucet for a nose.
3. Still laughing at this funny conversation - Scene : Its evening, the kids just finished homework and they were reading.  Son looks up from his book and says : Mamma, why are mammals called mammals? 
Me : The word is derived from Mammary glands, which is a Scientific name for breast, which produces milk for the young. So a mammal is any animal that has milk for its young..
Son :  So then Men are not mammals.. They dont have milk and they cant have babies..Hmph! I dont like that. But then we could be birds, I would love that.
We all became very quiet, trapped in silence and my daughter started to laugh. Yep, that was a laughter fest.
4. Reading as usual.. I got "The fifth agreement" by Miguel Ruiz.  Not done with the books on Korea, Not done with The Tale of Genji, but I am happy just staring at them.. I must be nuts.
5. I have so much to say about the Topic for the Creative Challenge word-Solitude, I dont know where to start and I know by the time I write, I would have struck down 90 percent of my thoughts.
6. We finally bought the van we have been talking about for over a year and a half.. Now I am glad we can move on and talk about something else.
7. The squirrels are at it again, my plants have soil all around them..its beginning to look like an abandoned project.
8. Got 5 more chillies from the plant.. Thank you! chilli plant.
9. With the cold and cough merry go round in our home, I need a genie to clean up. I am tired.
10. Hmm.. maybe I should use the genie to cure the cold, I dont mind the work if I am not tired.

Thank you for reading.. Have a wonderful day.  Remember to Smile and be Amused.

P. S. just read about the Tsunami in Indonesia...Lets hope the damage to life is minimal.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten thoughts tuesday

1. I hope to be back for a while.  I havent been very much online for the past three weeks. I apologize for not making my rounds to your sites.  Life sometimes just happens.

2. Last Saturday was the festival of Dusshera, the end of the 9 day festival of Navratri.  The festival is focussed on the Mother Goddess, Durga.  I hope the intentions I have will work to fruition.

3. I missed being in India for this season. I thought, after a decade of life outside, I will miss less and less of what was home. I thought wrong. The intensity is less but the feeling of melancholy and missing is always there.

4. Its been a while since I participated in any of the Multiply Groups I am part of. I am considering getting out of a few just so I wont feel like an idiot for being in one without making any substantial contribution to it.

5. As usual I have a few books I am reading, more like referencing. I havent read it from cover to cover. I randomly open the book and read a few pages from where it opened to...

6. Fall, the colors changing, the chilly weather and cloudy sky is clouding my brain too. My muse has left, not sure if he will return. I am sort of miserable from loving him but not having him. This is one love I want to POSSESS, even when I know that is wrong.

7.  The children are enjoying their school, which makes me happy.   I will know more with the PT conferences coming up. They have their father's gene when it comes to telling me about their day.

8. I finally got some tomatoes from the plants, I should say it was LLLOOONNNGG overdue.  They were smaller than what I had expected but they were tasty.  None of my vege plants gave an yield, yet. I must be doing something wrong.

9. I watched a few movies now that we subscribe to Netflix. I watched Blind Side and enjoyed the movie inspite of knowing nothing about American Football.  Think I am going nuts.

10. My neighbour's youngest son is leaving today, on a two year missionary work(they are Mormons). She is sad yet trying to be brave...I see a future me in her. I hope to be as brave as her when my time comes to let go of my children as they make their way through the world.

Thank you for reading so far.  Where ever you are may the sun shine warmly, the rains fall softly and the rainbows be colourful. 

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten Thoughts Tuesday.

1. Its the first day of school after vacation. Just left them and got back. The house feels very empty. Usually this is the time of most activity during the vacation. But I admit, I do like the Quiet House.

2. I wonder how they get some coffee to be strong and some so light. Do they boil them before roasting so that their potency is less?

3. I am watching the Hurricane across the Amercian east coast,Flood situation in Pakistan, Landslides due to floods in Gautemala and China, Aftermath of the Hostage situation and backlash from Hong Kong in the Phillipines. My attention is drawn to the impermanence of life, while wishing I could be objective, as I view these happenings.

4. We reviewed our summer yesterday and the children told us that they had the best summer EVER...well, that made me happy. That is incentive for us to plan for the next summer.

5. I am working at getting better organized with my life as I know it has its advantages as much as my attitude to go with whatever is happening as it happens.

6. I had an encounter with a lady with teenage children and well her experience with her kids made me worry about what will become of my children...In some obscure place, my rational knows that it is so irrational to worry about it. I try to keep the attitude of "we'll cross the bridge when we come to it" but on this occasion I seem to have picked her  vibes of sadness and frustration, and overshot my worry into the future...Why am I so foolish?

7. The quote that has been with me this week is "Practice is an effort to secure steadiness." I want a Balance in my Life, so I need to learn to be steady, consistent while being flexible. Am I asking for too much?

8. We have a dreary day today.

9. My children said they have butterflies in their stomach. I am hoping their teachers will set the tone for the year by making their first day in their class an enjoyable one.

10. Knowing something and applying that knowing in practice, is like life on two different planets.

Have a wonderful day. Remember your favorite songs, times and loves and Smile through.

Peace
Rashmi

Ten thoughts Tuesday.

1. School will begin in a week. I am looking forward to empty, cleaner house and time to write. As much as I enjoy being around my children, I still like a break.

2. I am growing old, I heard my joints creek this morning and I saw more grey hair... Aye, I woke up feeling like I was ancient. I am thinking it has to do with the dull weather we have had these past 3 days.

3. On Sunday evening we found squirrel babies that fell out of the tree and the mother was no where around, so later we took them and kept them warm and on Monday we took them to the animal shelter. Will call them today to find out how they are doing. Here is a picture of them.. I didnt want to exploit their misery so this is the only one we have for the memory book.

4. I cant stand those rascals that dig in my planters yet I I wanted the little ones to live long and healthy. Weird eh? Why cant I be consistent with what I feel?

5. I have been running across comments about Obama and his religion. Seriously, I am very ashamed at the way my species think. We are so unfocussed about our priorities in life and we have time for the unnecessary. So his religion is more important than finding employment, making sure that everyone gets healthcare, making sure that schools are "educating" and not just baby sitting, making sure that punishment actually fits the crime or for that matter finding ways in which people dont need to do something criminal so they can live. Aye, I am the Ignorant Idealist.

6. I got 7 more beans from my bean plant. All of the Dahlias bloomed. The fig tree looks beautiful. I like working with plants, even when I end up knowing that there are muscles in my back. And they dont take advantage of your kindness or your care for them.

7. My children are growing taller. I need to find trousers that are long yet have a small waist and shirts that dont fall of their shoulders. *sigh* Another hunt session. I hate shopping.

8. I got myself new sandals and then realized that summer is over...Well, Thank heavens! my feet dont grow anymore.

9. My husband had a shocker when he saw a Picture of Catherine Zeta Jones without the makeup. And I danced mentally with my two left feet.

10. Thank you for visiting and reading up to here. May this day be a joyful, productive Day. May you find a smile in everything you do.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten Thoughts Tuesday

1. We are back from the Canada Trip. Home feels so good.
2. Looks like summer is done, theres leaves on the ground and raking to get to.
3. I like technology, especially when it allows you to water your plants without needing to hire someone to do it.
4. I was reading someone's opinion about vices, and read that People who drink or smoke are the most Honest... Think I should Drink and Smoke so that I will get that award for Honesty?  I sat there wondering why I didnt know of it before *bangs head to the wall*.
5. I had the most productive day yesterday. I got everything I wanted to get done, Done(except for exercise of course).
6. I have to remind myself to be patient with my son...hes into the dreaming/lost phase. Could the vacation, the being in a new place caused this malady?
7. My family loves my cooking... we should take more holidays, me thinks.
8. We are having a quiet, relaxed day today, without agendas to get to some place or waiting in long queues or being stuck at a traffic jam.
9. Maybe we will visit the library...its our favorite place.
10.  Thank you for reading so far. Have a fantastic day.

Peace
Rashmi.

Tuesday's Ten Thoughts

1.  The weather is back to cloudy but I am glad the temps are high and not chilly.

2. Yesterday we were surprised to find trees already shedding their leaves and changing colour ... Oh WHY! Cant summer stay a little longer? *stomping mental feet and throwing a tantrum*

3. We are going to BC.  I hope the children find it fun...

4. Last weekend we went hiking at Mirror Lake...Although the distance was only 3.2 miles round trip the sudden altitude gain of 800 feet in 30 mins. made me tired during the climb to get to the lake... the getting off the mountain was easier.  The website lied when it said that there was a reflection of Mount Hood at the lake, we didnt see any. But we got to see Osprey fish at the lake and it was an awesome sight. We also saw deer on our way back, those made the day.

5. The fig tree survived its first 14 days with us, now we should rest easy.

6. Theres 3 okra on my little Okra plant and I am hoping it will stay long enough to grow.

7. I posted pictures of the flowers from my planters. Will be posting Silver falls and Mirror lake soon.

8. We need to do back-to-school shopping...I dread going shopping.

9. We are going to try making pizza dough at home(I usually buy the crust). Hope it turns out good. My children seem to enjoy messing the kitchen, guess I should let them when they are curious and willing to work in the kitchen... So, why am I tempted to complain about the mess?

10.  I want to learn a different language, maybe Chinese, Korean or Japanese.. hmmm.. lets see, it should be fun.. or should I be practical and learn Spanish or Arabic?

Whatever you are doing today, may you feel blessed to be doing what you do. Remember to breathe deep and smile more.

Ten Thoughts Tuesday

1. We went to Silver Falls State Park over the weekend and saw six of the ten waterfalls in that area, and now the muscles I didnt know existed in my calf, are still hurting.  Will load the photos soon.

2. I harvested two beans yesterday *giggling* glad I am not feeding the planet.

3. We planted our fig tree and it is looking good these 4 days...Its made my daughter very responsible, she has been watering it without my having to remind her. My soul is smiling.

4. I need to lose a few pounds and get really fit. I want to be able to take my children on a 10 mile hike in three years.

5. I hope that wish of mine doesnt fizzle out come winter.

6. My muse has deserted me, I cant think of anything to write.

7. We might be going to British Columbia later this month...its still tentative.

8. I am reading a Toni Morrison "The bluest Eye". I love the perspective she offers through the little girl's eye. I wonder if I will ever be able to achieve that kind of painting with words.

9. Someone I know via emails wants to convince me that Extra-terrestrials are our Gods...I am going to wait on that thought for a very long time. It maybe plausible but my rational refuses to equate them to God.  I know I cant win this argument, but I am not going to lose either, so I sit on the fence. I have become adept at being in the middle, when it comes to Religious/Moral arguments.

10. I managed to get my Okra to survive without a greenhouse...now if it would just give me a few okras, I will see bliss.

Wishing you all a wonderful day. Thank you for dropping by. Remember to find smiles in all that you do, everyday is a treasure hunt ;).

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten thoughts tuesday

1.     Coffee and I must be soulmates.

2.     We had a guest last night. It felt good to meet him after 4 years and catch up.

3.     I notice my thoughts have changed since my mother’s passing.  Its like whatever energy she exerted on me that molded my thinking is now out. On one hand, its freeing on the other it feels like something died in me.

4.     The book “The Hidden Brain” is very fascinating. I don’t know if I should take it at face value or if I should really research the data it provides.

5.     I haven’t written much, there are one line ideas and a few dried wells and sand in my muse-land. I don’t know when the gardener is coming.

6.     My children and I had fun cooking pizza and banana bread cake this last week.  I am lousy at telling someone how to do something I do, I usually do it myself than go into elaborate explanations.  Yet, it was alright as I gave them instructions on how to do.

7.     My daughter is getting into the rolling her eyes phase, so she had a lecture session with me yesterday.  Poor thing, I think she has her head echoing with my noise.  Should be extra kind to her today.

8.     My son said the ladybird bit him, that it was more like a small nip. No marks, so wont worry.

9.     We are going to plant a fig tree in our yard. I hope it grows well.

10.  I wish for a genie to make my wishes come true.. I have a list that might be long enough to go around the country.

Have a wonderful day, where ever life takes you today.  Don’t forget to find something amusing no matter what you do today.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten thought tuesday.

1. Spoke to my father last night.  He's seeming upbeat, we had a conversation without talking sadly about Mom.

2. I finished "Life of Pi" . I love the way its written though it made me wonder - "Does that ever happen?"  but thats what Fiction is about, isnt it?

3.Coffee always smells and tastes good early in the morning.

4. Usually we go to see fireworks every 4th of July, this time we got some fireworks.  It was the first time my children were allowed to set them off.  At the end of it the comment was "Its the best 4th of July I ever had".

5. Harvested some Mint... Today we will have Mint Chutney.

6. My muse has been very quiet.  I wonder whats up with him.

7. I started reading "The Patience Stone" by Atiq Rahimi... If this was made into a Movie, it would be an art Film..not a blockbuster.  The entire plot takes place in ONE room where a woman nurses her injured husband who is in a state of coma, in Afghanistan. During her dutiful caring she has one sided conversations with him, first tentatively and then gradually breaking all the rules of propriety that she was forced to follow, allowing her to voice her resentment, dissappointments and secrets. It probably appealed to me cause I have watched women like the heroine and wondered how do they keep the Fire in their spirit subdued. I havent finished the book yet, just a few more pages to go.

8. I have had a good time so far into the summer. 

9. The sun is really trying hard to shine through, hope it gets warm today.

10.  I need to get breakfast done..the house is quiet right now.. best time to get things done.

Have a wonderful day, no matter where you are or what you do, chose to be amused more.

Peace
Rashmi.

Tuesday's Ten Thoughts

- The longest day, was a dreary day.
- I have a long "to do" list for the day and its only 9 am here.
- I dont think I am cut out to be a gardener/farmer.. Most of my plants died this year. I have to buy some lady bugs, the aphids are killing my eggplants.
- I thought with the vacations here.. lazing around is a wonderful thing to do, but its not...I still like getting things done, guess it gives me the feeling of being productive and justifying the food I consume.
- Last night,  I prepared bitter gourd dish from memory, like how my mother used to make and boy was it Bitter!!! guess I missed some steps.
-  Life of Pi is a really fun read.. I have a little more to get to the end. Its engaging, it isnt the usual theme of relationships and plots that I have been reading so far. It has its nuggets of  profound insight and theory on animal behaviour, which I feel applies to Humans as well, though we dont like to admit to it. So far, I am loving it. I would recommend it in a heartbeat.
- I want a world where an education doesnt cost an arm an a leg without any gaurantees of being employed or making a living, where the various systems we have make life better instead of  being used as a legalized method of abuse, where integrity can grow, not disintegrate. Naive, Childish Hope, right?
- Everytime I watch an Asian movie, I am always amazed at the variety of food that is served at one meal, I keep wondering what is it about so much food that a director likes. I wonder if it is a sort of compensation for a lack in other areas of life.  I wonder how many of us actually have elaborate meals everyday, with two to three courses and dessert.
- We are doing some clutter cleaning today, Child Labour, Jai Ho! I do love having my children home.
- Whatever you are doing, may it bring you joy.  Have a wonderful day! and Thank you for reading through and leaving your thoughts.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten thought Tuesday

1. I havent done a ttt in the last few weeks...had to get to work and when I get home there are chores waiting my attention. I miss my alone time with the puter.  I have had fun at work though... We had our young graduates.  We are getting into summer camp and the theme is Hawaii for this week. It feels good to see the  innocence, curiousity and the enthusiasm children have. It makes me appreciate life inspite of all the not so good things happening around the world.

2. As usual, I have books that are beginning to sneer at me from the shelf. I am reading "The life of Pi"...its hilarious in a profound manner so far.

3. 3 more days of school and then its summer vacation...We are going to go with the flow instead of jumping from one activity to another.

4. We took the children berry picking in a farm this weekend, they thoroughly enjoyed the session and were real gluttons when we got back.. We got about 5lbs of strawberry and there were none left the next evening.  That never happens to the strawberry we buy from the store.

5. Today is my mother's 1st death anniversary, and I am not there for the clan gathering back home.  It feels like she passed last week and yet its 1 year already.  I will be calling home though.  Sometimes it feels like I dont belong with my own family, for that matter I dont belong anywhere.

6. I miss the steady warmth all year round back Home.  I am annoyed at the weather here...  22nd will officially be summer yet spring doesnt seem to have really been here long.

7.  I think I have to get off listening to news again...theres so much sadness.  Am I a coward for not wanting it to overwhelm me? Am I in denial?

8.  Its that time again, I need a Tall Handyman to do the minor maintainence/repairs in exchange for Good Indian food three times a day, for a week. *Sigh* I guess I will have to go for some handywoman classes and learn to walk on stilts so I can fix things myself. Apart from putting a nail in the wall, I am hopeless at stuff like fixing the fence, digging up clay or plumbing(wondering - is that a sign to look at the boundaries I have for myself, at what nourishes me and energy flow within myself?) etc.

9.  I have had dreams about strange places.. Why am I always walking somewhere in my dreams?  Guess, I really need to buy an automobile for my dreams, I am fed up of walking.

10. Thank you for reading disjointed thoughts...Have a wonderful day where ever you are and remember to find joy in what you do so that the smiles never leave you.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten thought Tuesday

1. I like spring, even with its sneezes, throat and eye irritants.

2. Weather is still deciding if it wants to rain or sun, but I dont seem to care.

3. I have to get to work but here I am, this must be what obsession feels like.

4. In a month, summer vacation starts and kids will be home, which means relaxed days, so looking forward to it.

5. I began reading another book to the book lot I started.

6. I enjoy working uninterrupted, of course its probably because that is a rarity and hence becomes a valuable.

7. Theres a woodpecker pecking on our chimney and it sounds like a saw. It sounds funny along with the other birds singing.

8. Early morning Coffee is a blessing.

9. My children arent up yet, have to wake them else we will be rushing to school.

10.  Life always looks better in spring and summer, arent I prejudiced?

Have a wonderful day where you are. If you have trouble finding tickles, make time to read some jokes or watch comedy.

Peace
Rashmi.

Tuesday's thoughts

I have been busy although I dont know with what. And no, I am not being snooty, just stating a fact(I was asked by this acquaintance "You mean we arent?")

I had a good day at work today, seems like the planets were in the right alignment. The kids who are new were more confident with what they needed to do, the one who usually find trouble was happy and helpful, the adorable ones were more adorable, the quiet one found a way to having a friend, one four year old had a light bulb moment when he realized that to read, all he had to do was put the sounds he knew together, A kindergartener figured to add. Theres a sense of joy when you see the little ones blooming. Today was Perfect.

My Irises are in bloom.  Note the MY, arent I possessive?

Note to self : just because you bought the bulbs, doesnt mean you own the flowers too.
My Jasmine plants that looked like they kicked the bucket, have new shoots. If I enjoyed alcohol, this would be the time I would open the Champagne. Since I dont, I am eating some store bought Rasmallai.

I love listening to the birds chirp in the mornings and evenings, it just makes me feel blessed.

Have been having weird dreams, I wake up feeling tired from all the walking I do in my dreams and with the thoughts "Where/who on earth was that ? OR Ok, that doesnt make any sense."  I also had the typical stress dream I tend to have - I am in college and its the day  of examination,  I am late for the exam and to top it all, when I get to the Hall, I realize I dont have my ID card. Yep! wake up in sweat and then realize I am not just late for the exam I am almost 20 years late and in Bed.

Books are still staring at me from the shelf and I cant seem to get to them.

I got the movie Red Cliff,  have to watch it.

My son had a field trip today to the zoo, he talked about the Big Cats and the Bears and the Elk and then the comment "We walked and walked and walked, my legs became old".  I am still giggling.

I embarassed a teenager when I asked him where he bought his ear-rings from, they were really cute...and he went tomato in his face. Now, I wish I hadnt asked,  guess he will live and forget this incident.

Cant think of anything else I did today.

Where ever you are, I hope you all had a wonderful day.  Goodnight/morning.

Peace

Rashmi.

Ten thoughts on Late Tuesday

1. Today is National Teachers Day in the USA. In India we celebrate Teachers Day on Sep 5th. This week the children get to make cards in Thanks and Appreciation for their teachers.

2. I am tired of the erratic weather. After a really lovely sunshine over Saturday and Sunday, it was dreary today and the temps fell to 40's again.. My poor Plants, its May and they are still in chilly prison.

3. I bought myself the book "The measure of a Man" the autobiography of Sidney Poitier, he has been one of the few rare Actors that I admire.

4. What do you do when you overhear a conversation you werent supposed to hear?  That brings me to TMI, why do people choose to spill the beans in a Public Toilet?  Couldnt they save it for a more attractive ambience?

5. We have a robin that comes every morning and knocks on our door. I dont understand Bird, but apparently my husband does. His remedy- keep a toy cat outside the door. Sure enough the bird didnt knock today.  Guess it doesnt like the gift.

6. Making something yummy should be a crime...I stuffed myself with Bannana Nut cake this evening.

7. I HAVE to exercise longer tomorrow. *sigh*

8. I am reading Sister of my Heart by Chitra Divakaruni.. so far really good.

9. My radish seedlings survived the freek hailstorm yesterday...Yay! I feel like a Proud Mother.

10. I am tired and need sleep... Heading to bed.. Goodnight/Goodmorning Folks. Where ever you are May Smiles grace your lips.

 

 

Ten Thoughts on Late Tuesday.

The first thought - I shouldnt be writing this as Tuesday is almost done.  Then it occurred to me I owe you the "n" number of reasons why I have not been writing...soon another question pops in - how does it matter, I still havent written, Have I? so dont give the reasons.

I have been ambivalent, thats not to say I am not feeling, but that I cant really put my finger on what it is that I am feeling or thinking. So I have been ambivalent.

I have been offline most days. Son went to school today after being ill since Thursday with some kind of stomach bug. I am tired from cleaning up and dis-infecting surfaces often and cooking something that keeps him from making bathroom runs.  I want a Genie right now!!

My seedlings are sprouting..(YAY!!! ). Soon I will have tomatoes, chillies, eggplant, beans and hopefully Okra(keeping fingers crossed, that one doesnt look very happy to be sprouting). I dug about 8 inches deep, 2 feet wide, 6 feet long, 2 patches of soil in the backyard over the weekend and have a massive episode of stuffed head/sneezing from breathing whatever it was that floated around as I dug, this in spite of taking an anti-histamine before I headed out *sigh*.  Now I need to make the soil worthy for growing veges, its mostly sticky clay.. Any ideas how to do it?  I am thinking of putting in a mixture of sand, topsoil and compost, would that be good enough?

Heres a few of the flowers that have bloomed in the planters

Golden Allysium

African Voilets

Geranium

I havent called home in two weeks, funnily there isnt much to say to my dad or brother.  Theres that feeling of a chasm between us(without any concrete reason) and I am unwilling to take the first steps to cross the chasm...and hence it shall remain. 

I have been thinking of death a lot. No, do not worry, I am not thinking  suicidal thoughts. I am too much of a coward to find the guts to kill myself.  I have been questioning what I believe about death.  What if what I believe about death isnt True. What if there isnt a soul or any energy that I am part off. What if  everything that I have come to perceive as of now, is complete rot.  What if me thinking that we are all somehow connected is complete nonsense, just something my mind made up so that I wouldnt feel as lonely as it really is?  Do I really want to know the answer? Hmm... I am not sure.

In the past 4 weeks we have had quite a few earthquakes around the world and an erupted volcano, I wonder what the Earth is Thinking.  Temperatures in India was a Little too High for this time of the year. Most everyone I have spoken too are complaining of the heat and there have been about 55 deaths from the heat wave around the country... I wonder how hot summer will be, where I am.

I got a pile of books(fiction and non-fiction)from the Library that I havent yet touched in two weeks...so ok, my mind isnt where its supposed to be, why cant I just Read? I watched Mists of Avalon again...I like Julianne Margulies as Morgaine and the rest of the actors. I like the book too.

Theres a new smart little boy at the pre-school I work at. This little one is 4 years old, well mannered, very gentle, knows his letters, numbers, concepts of counting, reads 3 to 4 letter words well, knows facts about animals and plants, has a fantastic sense of symmetry, colours inside the lines.  I am completely impressed and in love with him, of course it helps he is absolutely, adorably, cute.. I also noticed that this year the ratio of Boys:Girls is 5:1 I wonder why?  Also, How do you help a child who is just 3 or 4 understand that the parent is dying ?  I  am sad and clueless about it but I dont want to pity.

It looks like its going to rain, Nay Pour this evening, the clouds are the darkest grey right now...

Here's something to laugh at... I thought this was the most innovative Idea to solve Loneliness

I hope you all had a fantastic day today, that there was something that made you smile and something that made you feel blessed. 

Goodnight/day depending on where you are.

Peace
Rashmi.

Ten thought tuesday - April 4th 2010

1.  I dont think I will give up coffee. Its good and my favorite indulgence in the morning. 
2.  Yesterday, the weather was so windy, for a moment I imagined the roof would take off with the wind. Husband got home late from work as a tree had fallen and traffic moved slow, he had to take a detour.
3. I have got a new set of books, havent started on them yet. I have been pre-occupied with  other things.
4. I dont know if its the weather or if its the planetary alignments or if its the way life is right now, I feel like as if something  life changing will happen.  Its making me restless, anxious, but mostly very restless.
5. I was noticing where the recent earthquakes occurred and how it has moved...last two along the American continent's border with the  Pacific Ocean, wondering if the next one will be in and around where I live. We havent had any Perceivable tremors. The last was in Feb 2001 sometime when it happened in Seattle.
6. My daughter stumps me with her questions. Heres one- Why doesnt English have the word Eld.  There is Old so there are comparitives older and oldest but theres only Elder and Eldest...but no Eld?  Anyone have an answer?
7. I am patting my back for good behaviour this last week.  I did not nag my children to get stuff "done on time" and ironically they got everything done except for one time.  They did end up going to bed late though. It was really tough for me to curb my reaction and stay quiet but I did it!! Yay!
8. I havent been writing, not because there isnt anything but because I didnt find the time to sit and write.. Ok, thats an excuse.. I think I just got lazy.
9.  Its back to dreary weather this week and I am beginning to feel like I want to scream, yell, rant and rave. maybe pull out my hair.. no wait! pull someone else's hair.
10. My seeds havent sprouted yet, though its been over three weeks since I put them in the soil and I dont know what I should do to make them sprout sooner... I need a greenhouse.

Where ever you are, may there be sunshine in your hearts and smiles on your lips. Have a wonderful day.

Peace
Rashmi.