Tetons and YellowStone

Its been an year and month passed, still I cherish the adventurous most memorable trip to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone national park. If you are looking for some outdoor activity and want to enjoy the nature at its best its a place to go. After a long routine, we wanted a break and just didn't want to go sight see some place or relax under tree we wanted to hike, see something very extraordinary, experience nature, see wild life and that's what led us to select Tetons and Yellowstone visit.

We had to travel from Cincinnati, our itinerary we flew to Denver and then to Salt lake city which was followed by road trip to National parks. Once you start driving in Salt lake city towards the parks we get to experience beautiful skyline of mountains. The road trip is five hours after air travel it seems long but its fun. Totally we had been for five days. Two days of travel and spent rest in two parks, we fell short of time as there is so much to see and experience.


We had planned half a day at Tetons, but the plan went for a toss as we were mesmerized by the beautiful mountain ranges and just couldn't stop trekking amidst the stunning proud ranges. The trek was mostly easy with few strenuous path occasionally but what kept us going on and on is the scenic landscape, with thick grenery where we could spot some wild life, mostly got to see elks then all of sudden you see a rocky patches this is where we were looking to spot bears, then we see streams. All these inspired us trek for 15 miles, though exhausted it was bliss for eyes and heart. The day ended with us reaching Yellowstone,as we were entering the park welcomed us with a beautiful sunset view.


We started the next day early, and headed straight to Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The bright sun rays cut the water sharp, the view was as if there were pearls flowing the shine surely squinteed the eye. The morning freshness added to the beauty of falls, the clamness in surrounding made the place near to heart and to just stare at the water and the way it flowed forming a canyon was awesome, there were few hot springs along the walls of canyon the color of the stone which form canyon was mostly yellow, meaning lot of geothermal activity in process .All the trails to canyon are beautiful mostly thick tall green trees forming an canopy.

The most happening in Yellowstone national park are the hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots, travertine terraces and geysers which are spread across the park which makes it highest concentration of active geysers in world. Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in United States, the bright colors, with blue center surrounded by orange to red which is due to activity of bacteria and temperature of water, the whole spring looks attractive with lot geothermal activity going in silently as the temperature of water in springs isn't enough to produce eruptions. Fumaroles are the hottest thermal features.



Mud Pots are fun to see but they smell really bad, some what like rotten egg, its again microorganisms in action, they use hydrogen sulfide gas and convert to sulfuric acid which breaks the rocks to clay. Mammoth Hot springs are the terraces formed from limestone, the surface of terrace is chalky white due to travertine a form of limestone deposited from the thermal water. Coming to Geysers, the park is hub of lots of active geyers, they erupt hot water periodically. Some eruptions of geysers are predictable, eruptions timings of such geysers are available in the information centers. The famous among them is Old Faithful geyser, as the name suggest its eruption is always faithful and occurs approximately every fifteen minutes the sight of eruption resembles a water fountain except in this fountain you can't go and drench yourselves. Before planning to visit this park I had no idea about all these geothermal features, slowly started to read about them and thanks to wiki got to know lots from it. Being amidst nature we surely spotted many wild life, grizzly bears, elks, deers and bison's. Bisons were almost everywhere, we saw them lazily grazing, relaxing next to hot springs and geysers,strolling across road, one bison just crossed in front of our car.

Being in such a remote place, we were prepared for the rough rustic stay but every halt we made the cabins and rooms in the park were way better than our expectations. My favourite among all is Old Faithful lodge, situated opposite to Old Faithful geyser, the architecture is awesome the lodgings with in park are affordable.I really appreciate the way both these parks are maintained and for making this adventurous trip a life time memorable for every vistor.

Hurray Circus!!

I do remember how excited I was as a kid when I went to circus show with my brother and parents. Having seen few shows on television and reading about it in few books I had an idea what to expect of and also my mother had explained us what we are going to see and that had boasted my excitement levels more high. My brother and I had jumped off our seats and enjoyed seeing jokers perform and animals doing tricks.

After almost 15 years I got a chance to go to circus by cirque du soleil, it was two hour show and the most entertaining,impressive acts made my evening memorable, truly a kind of show worth watching after many years. The show was called OVO, the egg which makes the insects in ecosystem awestruck by its sudden appearance. The theme of the show was ecosystem with energytic insects all over stage and the scenario on stage set was apt to get into the mood of some soothing forest or greens with excellent background fusion of brazilian music with cirque du soleil, it was just out of world each of us were mesmirized with the charming orchestra band.

The show had nine acts each with unique display and amazing talent of every performer. The Ants act put up by six girls, how stunned all of us with their synchronization the way they played with their food with feet and end was more thrilling with act of ants juggling ants. The Orvalho, hand balancing by dragon fly where the whole body is balanced on just one hand and various balancing moves on a slender plant.Each move of the performer never failed to get cheers from crowd, complicated yet smooth balance act.Next came creatura, an flexible creature which keeps your mind busy guessing whats going on in it which makes it strech,bend,twist and moving all over. Acrosport, an act by three girls who put acrobatic,dance moves with amazing balancing poses and individual show by girl made me literally squeeze myself in seat and feel each part of the body streched and bent. Diabolos, starting with one and then spinning upto four spools balancing it perfectly when it is on the way to earth from the top, an amazing sight to see four spools flying in air and landing on thread with a corodination with awestruck all of us, questioning our persistance of vision. Following this was duo act by Spanish butterflies, showcased a flying act in unison it was hard to belive there were two of them, such was the chemistry and coordination between the lovely butterflies which swung from one end of stage to other with ease as if they were in midst of their private love session. The slackwire act, which have seen performed before but definetly not with such fragile stills and stunning landing on wire which is in constant motion throughout the act yet he lands on it over sometimes on single leg, single hand and even on one wheel of bicycle. The flying act, an aerial act which had two edge platforms and middle platform placed high above from the stage and the beetles scarabs transit from edge platform to middle with such smooth swings it really keeps one at the edge of the seat. The best is always for the last, most breathtaking act was yet to come The wall. Group of ten artist, grass hoppers jumping,climbing and bouncing through out the stage. With each hop they make they had something special to display before they landed to take the next hope, my favourite act among all.

Each act depicted the talent of the artist for sure, but got to see the concentration, dedication of the artist which are truly ideal. Exciting to see more show from Cirque Du Soleil, nice to have two hours of gauranteed fun and frolic with friends and family around.

Anna & The People

The strength of a country lies in its people. Power of the people, the power of common man cann't be neglected. One such common man is Anna Hazare, a social activist who stood boldly against the Government of India against the corruption in the country.

Anna Hazare put forth strong anti corruption rules which Government didn't agree to, the Government version of Lokpal bill a joke, an eye wash attempt to curb corruption. Anna Hazare with few more volunteers proposed Jan Lokpal Bill, stringent rules against corruption. Anna declared 'will fast unto death' and began his fast, day by day the news spread across the Country and to the World, people who weren't aware of Lokapl bill or Anna got to know him and since the cause he was fighting for was their main concern too, they came out to support him in full. Clearly people were angry on Politicians and were fed up of corruption spread everywhere in the country. They just didn't know what to do stop it where to start with they needed some one to lead them way, a leader, there came Anna who showed path. A path which can curb corruptions be it a peon, officer,strong politician irrespective of there occupations and their rank of post they hold, rule is rule for everyone and the corrupt surely be punished.

Since politicians can't function in such clean environment rather would say wouldn't function obviously didn't welcome Anna's proposal, they resisted it but at last they had to bow as it wasn't only Anna's dream or need it was what billion Indians wanted, a clean India. As people each day joined to stand against corruption and came out on streets to support Anna both in India and abroad pressure began to build on Government and they had to consider the new proposal made for Lokpal bill after all it is Government of the people. India's democracy came out to be seen, the present generation had just read it in books and papers that India is democratic never seen it function as one, nice to see it practical in our life.

The contribution of social media was immense, as nowadays people are more connected the word spread in lighting speed and people were glad that some one has atlast stood and something can be done to rule out corruption. People assembled and young generation, school kids were out there shouting slogans against Government. This whole event the fight of people against Government is just a start, an effective bill must be drafted and passed, put to function and make the society corruption free that is the real win and is what all Indians dream of, minus most politicians, business tycoons and Government employees but on the whole it is the excellent start. Everybody wanted corrupt free environment but none attempted to act or failed to act, with this historic event we all have made a good start, better late than never. We got to clean up the mess we are in, so that we have better country to live in and to present it to the younger generation.

Jane & her works

Having read Emma,seen all episodes of British Television classics Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and seen a movie made on Persuasion, all these priceless works of Jane Austen are very simple yet full of emotions, she can be called The Queen of Emotions.

Mostly in her novels, her main characters come from a poor family except for in Emma and they go through many troubles but at the end all is well. Though her works are fiction I am sure readers can relate it to life of some one in their life or themselves.

Jane was from large poor family hence most of her characters are so, she wrote what she felt connected to. Having read about her real life, I marvel her spirit and passion to writing. Though she was pestered to get married, so that she can inherit wealth which can prosper herself and her family she resisted it and boldly choose the path which her mind and heart directed. Due to circumstance she had to sacrifice her love for a man, whom she was about to get married and this made her even more tough from inside, she turned more strong and let her pen do the work. The pen did exactly what she dreamt of, her novels were famous and today are classics which we all have pleasure to read and feel Jane's thoughts. Hurdles kept standing tall but she was successful in crossing each eventually achieved what she wanted to. So do her characters at end, all are happy ending novels but which have gone through bumpy scenarios.

The BBC series makes it more special, attire of characters, the way it is narrated makes one glue to the series. No lady seen without scraf and man without a hat, the way people greet each other and immense respect to each other. The present is so very different and I wonder it remained same, well this remains just a wish as we all know only thing constant is change. The English language itself is so rich and pure in her works, I had to grab my dictionary to find meaning of few words.

People then had more leisure time, to do extra curricular activities, to play an instrument or sport I wonder what is that in today's world we are busy at and keep nagging for lack of time. I enjoy watching series based on novels of that era because it makes me feel what life is, get me near t characters which are so simple and charming. Adds an essence to the thought how peaceful Life can be unlike today's rush hour world.

Lines 2 - Spring rain

Rain is slashing away,
washing everything in it's way.
Wind is no less,
while my patio is turning into a mess.
Both rain and wind are in full swing,
merrily they are on the wing.
My flowers surely suffer,
as loudly roars the thunder.
Bright lighting struck,
trembling even the truck.
Wind is in race,
my chyms are in no short of pace.
Slowly winds reside but no sign of rain to calm,
it goes on and on.

Its first Spring rain of the year. Had a very heavy rain with strong wind, almost bring visiblity to zero. Now, both have calmed down leaving everything around green and beautiful. I love the smell and freshness the rainfall brings. Time for a hot cup of coffee.

That big Cup is ours!!

Oh!! what a day it was, entire India and all Indians throughout could only be found glued to television to witness this historic and delight full event, as India took on SriLanka in the World Cup finals at home, Mumbai. Indians are crazy about cricket, you can not find a street in India where cricket isn't played. Kids love it, teens are passionate, adults are crazy about it. India won the match, it wasn't one man show it was a team effort winning match by match and finally they were there at the finals.

The day April 2nd 2011 a history created and all Indians are very proud to be the part of this day and witness making of history. The year 1983 was when last World Cup was own, I wasn't even born, I saw photos of that event, heard from elders about how that game was won but this year team India made us feel how it is to be World Champions. The game was played in Mumbai, the entire stadium was packed and they all bleed-ed blue. The toss took place twice, referee wasn't sure what each captain's call was as he couldn't hear because of the loud crowd. It was perfect final, SriLanka's put a score of 275 which wasn't easy to chase with two early wickets out but Indians handled it well, they remained clam, played with ease a natural game trying not to lose wickets and all worked as planned. For sure in such big games pressure is immense on players on both side, the side which keeps it cool and manages to play naturally has a upper hand and that's what the winning team did.

I have to credit the SriLankan team as they played the game with true spirit and put an tough competition for their opponents. All eleven men are true Gentlemen, no bickering on field not even a incident of misbehavior the true role models for the young boys.Sure their lose was immense too, they wanted to win the cup as badly as India wanted too but their reaction after their loss was truly appreciable,they remained clam with spirit of sports held high in air with appreciation for Indian team.

For team India, it was dream come true. The cup returned after 28 years, it became possible by not just one man it was truly a team effort. In entire tournament the team contributed to the game, got closer and closer to the big day. The team has many senior played for whom it was long pending dream to be fulfilled, the youngsters contributed immensely and above all brilliant and calm captain ship by Dhoni. Each player gave his best and result was truly well deserved. Emotions came out on the field, the tough men where never seen so emotional and the sight truly bought tears in billions too.An even to treasure for life time was true there.

Life comes to still when India plays and when it plays in such a big event, it is festive every where. With a big win followed big celebrations throughout the World, Indians celebrating the victory of their country and feeling proud to be champions in the cricket world. Thank you team India, Chak the raho!!

Be the change

Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people - a quote by Abraham Lincoln. India is largest democracy in world and it is also republic , it makes way for free and fair elections wherein people of the country have a right to elect the party which runs the country for the defined tenure. The main asset in democracy are 'the people', politicians take undue advantage of their shortcomings be it economical or whatever, they know for what people fall prey to and influence them with extravagant freebies and get their votes during election. This has been a reality from long time, it is how things work during elections but it has reached heights now at Tamilnadu wherein two political parties are in rat race to gain people's vote by offering and promising them surplus amount of freebies. The parties are offering mixer grinders, laptops, rice at low cost, television, on and on it continues, its open bribe given to common man to get his precious vote. For a person who find hard to feed his family a decent meal thrice a day and leads his life on meager money, for a student who is unable to go to college because of lack of funds for his education, for people in such situation elections are definitely a festive season where politicians shower freebies on them, some of them are basic needs and some are dream come true extravagant products. Unfortunately people in such situations are many, influencing such groups isn't difficult the path cunning politicians have chosen is to shower freebies and get their votes.

The source of money for these freebies aren't politicians own pocket or their party funds its from state treasury so they are generous in showering immense freebies. Since they have to get back all money which they would have incurred to come to power, when they are in power their governance no doubt will be full of corruption, money, money for every work to be done, money to give a contract, money to make transfers, money to give license, where ever possible, money is expected as bribe amidst all these losers are people who promptly pay taxes in hope that it will be used for the welfare of city infrastructure, more quality educational institutions, etc, though at present days nobody expects these as only corrupt politicians are on seat.So in the whole process money minters are politicians, no wonder politics is a field of business.

Amidst all these what goes for toil is country's prosperity, when the people who rule country are without passion for it, rather finding ways to prosper themselves and fulfill their selfish needs. I agree not all politicians are like that, but majority are and people are fed up of this dirty game of politics, politicians must realize their role and use their power in right direction. Prosperity of people leads prosperity of country. I hope that more passionate and better people enter politics. Instead of bribing people to cast their votes for them, provide better society for people to lead life, create opportunities for common man so that he can have decent life then we can bring down count of people falling prey to such extravagant freebie. Give a clean environment for the fellowmen, with excellent governance, increase moral values, prosperity follows itself. People must also realize that short term benefits won't do them any good and should strongly discourage politicians influencing their decision of right to vote.

Rountine is not granted

When people ask me how'z life going? I reply 'usual routine' but what if that routine gets disturbed? As most of us, get to know a value of person when we loose or when we are far from them same is the value of daily life. Sometime we whine thinking about routine boring life but can you even imagine what will be up when this gets off. Every time a natural disaster happen I feel the importance of routine life. this time again nature has reminded me in fact all of us how fragile our lives are in front of a wild nature. While one can enjoy nature to fullest, one can rest in its shadow, one can survive by its mere warmth but can also be unfortunate to see its wild and harshness.

Japan, the country which stands as an ideal to people around the world, reason be it's recovery after dreadful nuclear bomb attack, it's one of major economy power, it's enormous contribution to science and technology list goes on and on. Its unfortunate to see today its engulfed by the most devastating earthquakes and tsunami. Seeing the videos of the these calamities make my pulse raise. Thousands of people have lost their life and many more homeless. Being located in pacific ring of fire its prone to earthquakes but magnitude of 9.0 shook the entire nation and in turn the world. Japanese preparedness, be it strict building rules or efficient early warning system have no doubt saved life's as much as possible but to confront frantic wild nature its practically impossible. Aftermath is worse to face, people deprived of basic needs their plight is unimaginable.

Above all these concerns stands high, possible meltdown of nuclear power plant. This part is what stuck me I literally screamed, this one is man made. I was alarmed seeing the number of countries having nuclear plants. I found out by reading only France and Japan use it most efficiently to generate electricity but rest of countries don't see it contributing much in electricity, might be of use for other purpose but is it really needed or is it mere pride for a nation to have one, it doesn't stop at having just one though. Man is always is eager to invent new things without thinking about its impact, one such invention is nuclear power. What happened in Japan will surely be forgotten as mere accident as we have forgotten Chernobyl incident or any other but it keeps ticking at the back of mind, its us who created the problem and its us who have to face it, this fact is reminded to all of us as each of these unfortunate accident happen. Science has two faces, good or bad its left to us to apply and use the way we want but also be ready to face consequences accordingly.

So Life isn't naturally fragile, its man who has made it so. In verge of making life more and more simple for today we are making it complicated for tomorrow, today and tomorrow in scale of years. Amidst all these I relish now to have routine life, as each day passes I realize and thank God I had usual routine day and pray for routine life's of people of Japan.

Facebook mania

My cousin is just 11 year old and he holds a facebook account and an funky email address. I was first shocked to see a request from him. I mean what could such an young kid want to do in face book. I denied his request.Though he doesn't use it, he has ensured me he won't. He better not. My next step if I find him using is to delete his account.

I wonder want the all hype about facebook is. I created the account just last year, to try and understand what the fuss is all about. I used Orkut before, while in college and it was exciting then as it was new to see friends online and to interact on internet. I found facebook core same as Orkut but with many more things happening.The extent facebook is spread is really alarming, how can one have hundreds of friends and I wonder how people feel comfortable to share things with hundreds of friends, few of whom one wouldn't even have interacted outside facebook or even wouldn't remember their faces, not until one sees their photos posted. Sometime I seriously think people just show off in face book, now reading status as 'Had dinner to at so and so place', 'Shopped form this store','on vacation at so and so place',I don't understand why would some one want to share such info with a old and barely in memory school mate who now is in your friends list on facebook. So can say, facebook friends are not real life friends, vice-versa is not true.

But I must agree its is one of most addictive website, might not be for all but for most. Isn't it interesting to know what's happening in others life too, what are they up to in life the only source is facebook as you are sure you wouldn't meet that person in real or wouldn't want to meet. All of us like to peek through someone else life.

Its not just about only friends, families are also in it. While one of my friends was talking to her uncle through phone and when the conversation was about to get over, he mentioned ok then lets catch up at facebook. I was surprised to hear oh, family members also use it for chat. Again started to think why facebook, infact still thinking. I guess most of family are on facebook, but why would someone start to chat amidst everybody, on The Great wall of facebook.

It has influence on common man's life to such as extent that, even if one gets a minute free from work one just jumps into log into facebook and recently read a baby girl named as 'facebook'. Soon there might be city called so or even a country or anything, be prepared. At last I like to mention that I login at least once a day. I guess its common to do so, got to login now. Oh my God, I am having facebook mania too.

Romance in West

I am not a good reader but recently have forced myself into reading novels and believe me its nice feeling after reading a good book. I started to read all famous works or I would put as well known books starting from Harry Potter, classics like Emma, Oliver Twist and lately Archer's work. When I wanted to pick a book recently, I decided to pick some random book. Having read no reviews or without any particular author in mind. Well I must say, I enjoyed reading this book 'A lady like Sarah' by Margaret Brownley. Its quite strange choice as I didn't read its blurb, I picked it up because the book cover had a beautiful lady picture, I felt her eyes sharp, got literally attracted she had a cowboy hat on, so guessed its storyline is related to old west and then read review on its cover and confirmed.

With first romantic novel in hand I kick started to read. The story is about two characters, Sarah Prescott an outlaw and Reverend Justin Wells a preacher. They meet in an unusual circumstance and fall madly in love with each other gradually. Both heading to Rocky Creek wherin Sarah is due to death sentence and Justin to take up his job as preacher. I wouldn't like to tell the whole story here because its worth a read. You will be bound to the book once you start, at the end you realise that it is very simple yet interesting story. The way love is described at its purest is awesome. Though the scenario is full of tension, the two lovers have hope that they have met to fight the odds and to get united rather than to perish amongst the unfair situation. The love between them, the faith in God and with each other leads them out successfully amidst all hurdles which was bought upon them. To sum up, a well written sweet story.

This pick encourages me to try different author's book and enjoy their writing styles.

Lines which mean to me..

It's been my hobby from my school days to collect proverbs. It all began when I started to read newspaper, after few days I used to just glance at the headlines and jump to Thought for the day section, few thoughts really had a influence on me and from then I started to write the ones I liked in my dairy which eventually now has thousand plus proverbs.

I would like to note down here few thoughts which are in my mind and on tip of my tongue always and which I find relevant in my day to day life:

Time wasted is a life wasted:
I sit in front of my laptop browsing, watching all crap from movies,songs,chat shows,etc and by the time I am done I realise that I have spent a day of my life being busy doing nothing. Next day I decide to spend my day in more useful way but get distracted again will start to browse assigning just 10 minute but then eventually goes on and on, this has been my routine for a couple of years now and today when I look back I see big empty box and question mark in my career for past two years. I realised it can't go like this forever, so there are few days in those two years wherein I have done some useful, interesting stuff be it learning to cook new dish, start blogging, read novels or technical stuff but still I think I have to use my time more efficiently so that I don't repent in future about wasting the time. I keep reminding myself often the above line.

Talent may take you top, but you need character to stay there:
I have couple of years of corporate experience, so me being fan of this line right from my college days I felt it more and more relevant once I entered corporate life. I came across people who were knowledgeable but worth nothing because of their wrong attitude, people who were success were the one with blend of knowledge as well as good character call it over all personality, take it from me character defines everything about you. While we work as team, its very important to walk along with members rather than to show attitude,ego or begrade that's where I felt this line more relevant.

Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about:
Most of us would relate to this line, as in one point or the other we compare with others. I strongly believe one gets only what he/she deserves. From my point if I fail to get something, its because I am intended to get better than what I wished for but there are times I envy seeing others thinking of being in their shoes but all comes back to norm with thought of this line. Just by seeing a person or just by action or work of that person you can't think he has wonderful life you never know what he has gone through to reach that phase or what he is destined for future so its wise to lead your life to the fullest in the way you want.

A good way to change someone's attitude is to change your own:
While I read this a metaphor was quoted as well, the sun which melts butter also hardens the earth pot. I have problems with many people in my life,I end up thinking whether the problem is within me or all those people are wrong. In real life I go by this line, if I have problem with some one I can't be normal with them, can't be undercover and have laugh,be friendly its take lot of time to get back on normal tone in fact I don't recollect any such patch up's at all but yes,I have seen its effect on the other person when I change my attitude. I am not sure whether I must change in this regard, not sure whether I have interpreted the line in correctly.Thinking under construction!

Don't walk as if you own the world, walk as if you don't care who owns the World, that's ATTITUDE:
Oops,heavy one!! still pondering about it.

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend:
Thank God I have wonderful friends in my life. There is nothing much to say about this line, it just touches ones heart and brings smile on ones face thinking about all friends in life. I did have my share of downs in friendships but as life went along have priceless friends. Thank you all dear friends!

Many more to add, but will stop here. These lines are out of people's experience no wonder when we read, we can relate to them.
Feeling like writing my first line, here it goes:
Life is game, participate with full might without thinking about winning or losing.

Smiling faces

Today I was heading to grocery store next door, on the way a lady asked me if I could drop the shopping cart she was returning to store. I gladly accepted, the smile and gesture she returned is unforgettable. I was any-way going into store, pushing the cart needed least effort but the gain I got out of it is a smile and appreciation from a stranger yet felt it so near to heart.

The other day I was carrying my friend's son he is just nine months old, smart and chubby boy. I just tickled him and swung him around, he started to laugh and enjoy the swing. Most of the kids love to have swing in air but he made it so special that moment is picture perfect in front of me.

My neighbour next door has a daughter who is three years old, one day she just came and knocked the door when I answered, her mother told me it was her daughter who knocked for fun while playing. So I stared at her she gave me an naughty smile and hid behind her mother to defend herself.

I go to library not just to return or get book, to get the warm welcoming smile from my librarian, which makes my day.I like dimples created when some people smile. Some express their smile through their eyes.

So, when I came to United States of America first thing I noticed was smiles flashing from almost everybody. I was puzzled at beginning, in my country India we give smile only if we know the person its gesture of acknowledgement. No free smile for strangers! It's different cultures, no wonder what the frequency of smile is just see to it that its always form heart rather being artificial.

One thing I cann't forget is during my marriage ceremony, smiling for photographs that was artificial one. I had smiled to the extent that I felt dragged at my cheeks and jaws started to ache. Whatever, it did the magic.

Winter walk

It's snow, snow, snow everywhere. It's as if someone has generous spread the pearls around and to add to this the ray of sun is making everything shine bright. I couldn't resist going out. I set the foot out with my winter gear on, the only part which I had uncovered was my face. As I step out from my warm cozy apartment oops!! I could feel the cool air slapping my face and freezing my eyelids. In this romantic walk with my partner, he is walking free and comfortable while I walk stiff as robot. First thing he does is take out his hands from gloves and pierce the finger in to snow covered ground, this is his method to measure extent of snow fall. It is just 2 inch of snow he said with frown on his face.

We are the only two people out, I see a lady peeping from window looking at us, might be thinking crazy two out in such a weather. While thinking this I slip and my hubby is already to react as if he was anticipating this. So my next step was more slow. Finally we reach starbucks, its like a tradition for us whenever it snows we walk around sipping hot starbucks coffee which passes between our hands after each sip we take.

With coffee in hand we are back to walk, now its different as sipping hot coffee is making me feel at-least something is warm. We go around all our apartment complex mostly walk over fresh fluffy snow.After we have sipped last drop of coffee we head to slide and walk in valley fully covered with snow.Thanks to nice tough pair of gloves my hands are pretty warm still but thing to worry are the feet but he was all comfortable as he had worn socks and covered the feet with plastic bags and then worn shoes, plastic bags kept his feet from getting moist I had ridiculed his idea and was out with only my shoes so after sometime my feet started to freeze so came the end of this excursion. Tracking back our foot prints and hoping for more snow fall fall we step back home and admired outside the window the beautiful magic of snow.

Step wells

I was just scrolling to the National Geographic magazine of the month and one thing which caught my sight was the step well. I had seen many step wells as kid but it was barely made of upto ten steps but the well in the picture below just amazed me



Till now I had thought the purpose of the steps built were just for well to look beautiful but was taken aback reading about step wells. Firstly, the steps built are a way to conserve rain water, water from rain float along the steps and accumulate in the wells which is at center of these steps. It was also built as a place for leisure, the water in the well made the place around bit cooler so people used to spend time enjoying cool air. This amazing architecture dates back more than 800 years old, they stand now as a sign of brilliant ancient architecture. The picture above is the deepest step well in the world. This step well is located in Rajasthan ,India and is reported to have around 3500 steps! Imagine the plight of the people who would fetch water from these wells, no wonder our ancestor were strong, healthy, fit add all adjectives you want, I guess rarely they would have allocated time in a day for exercise separately since their daily chores where enough to keep them fit for life time. I just can't wait to see this amazing architecture.

Note brainer App

I am glued to this application in my ipod called note brainer. I love listening instrumentals, that's where my urge to learn an musical instrument started but ofcourse being pushed forward by my partner. So its been couple of months since I have been trying my hands on piano, first few weeks the learning went with decent speed thanks to the tutorial videos by Lypur but after learning mere basics it came to standstill where I was supposed to read from musical sheet and play. That's when we found this application note brainer. It displays the shaft both treble and base clefs with notes randomly on different lines and we are supposed to hit the correct note, this is what I needed, practising rather having palying it as game made it so easy to recognise the notes faster , though havn't yet tried it on piano as of now managing only to play on ipod. I am still using free version of this application and it has just treble and base clefs, the full version has with notes with sharp sign and bases. Planning to buy full version once I master the basics. So, as of now in one minute I have managed to recognise of 58 notes, my target is 60 notes with all correct. I and my partner are compete, with me in lead. Thanks for the amazing application.

Ipod has full piano application virtuoso, its amazing for the beginner to start playing basic notes. You feel happy to hear the music generated by your fingers with sense of pride around. With all these amazing applications out there and amazing tutorials floating in web combined with the desire to learn can only make you more enthusiastic to learn piano, this applies to anything one needs to learn thanks for the advance in Internet and Communications which is making this vast world shrink and loads of kudos to people who share their knowledge out. I still regret giving up my dance classes as kid, but came to realisation their is no age limit to learn things, one has to keep learning till last breath so vast are the things to know about. Hope I continue with my fingers on piano.

My chef cap on

Our family is a close-knit of relatives and when we get together its always a rocking feast, for sure one dinner will be from the boys group. Some how I have always been part of this group, I think I fit into this since on usual days I am away from kitchen as the boys. My part is to chop vegetables and clean dishes never ever tried cooking as there were many enthusiastic to display their skills. So my brother is better cook than me. But I had to start cooking once I got married. With all experiments on my husband, believe I have had worse dish made by my hand and would like to mention some dishes cooked were mouth watering too.

In present fast moving life with busy schedule I have seen people eating just as mere formality. According to me whenever we eat one as to enjoy it rather than just gulping something which is not making any difference. People eat frozen food, some cook for a week, whatever their circumstance might be which makes them unable to cook they must not forget that its an important and essential component to remain healthy they should involve all family to help them in kitchen and make the whole thing more interesting and joyful. Nothing is more refreshing than to be with loved ones and spend time with them. People who don't like cooking, I myself was in that category few years back what got me out of it is desire to eat tasty healthy food and cook as my mother, food blogs and cooking videos showed me the way as well my mother's receipes. Just look around in Internet there are loads of easy to cook videos to start off with then you can gradually move on exploring more dishes. Hats off to those people who share their kitchen with world and also convert their hobby to lucrative buisness. Its all about encouraging others to cook.

After almost two years of independent cooking I have managed to cook decent meal for guest we have occasionally at home. In the process of learning to cook I realised it is an Art. The way to use the ingredients and passion with you cook adds different taste to the dish. I must say my mother is best cook I have known, I have tried to match her but still in vain. For instance I have same recipe as her for a dish but still doesn't come out as she cooks. When I mentioned passion I meant one has to feel happy about cooking either than thinking of it as a lame job. Good breakfast at the start of day gives you more energy and zeal to look forward, tasty lunch remind always of the love with which it was done and wholesome dinner together can make day perfect or turn a day round if it was not perfect.
So after all my experiments I have wholesome Indian meal to present.
Happy cooking and enjoy eating!

I heard the The king's speech !

After watching Inception the next movie which I saw in cinema hall was The Kings Speech. Movie program was made all of sudden and just before going I thought, let me see the cast and imdb rating, there I see all wonderful actors in it. Since I only started to watch Hollywood movies couple of years back I am not yet acquainted with the names of actor/actress just related them to some previous characters the cast had played. I love British movies and anything related to royal family so was more excited to see this movie.

When I saw Geoffrey Rush in cast first thing came to my mind is the movie Quills and Les Miserable. In both these movie his role is un comparable and awesome performance. Colin Firth didn't ring bell in head fast , but flashed after few seconds that he is Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I like watching all BBC classic series and happen to see Pride and Prejudice at a stretch and complete watching all the episodes in one weekend. Mr Darcy character was of Gentleman with golden and soft heart. He is serious throughout the series but his eyes does the magic and his ways are very impressible. After that I havn't seen any of Firth's work(been 15 years). So now having geared up and all set to hit the theatre. More interested to see the attire of the actors and the crisp English language with these two stunning actors.

The movie is about the true story of King George VI who turns confident and overcomes his stammer with the help of a speech therapist Lionel Logue. The first scene I saw Queen Elizabeth it was lady from Harry Potter - Bellatrix Lestrange, that's when I recognised her. Later got to know her name Helena Bonham Carter an powerful actress. After many therapists attempt were in vain to make king overcome stammer it is Queen Elizabeth who finds Lionel Logue and persuades King George VI to meet the therapist. At first King George VI is indifferent to Logue and his treatment but slowly finds in him a friend and improvements in treatment steady. When war is declared on Germany George VI is given three page speech to be read over the radio. With Logue by his side as his coach the king manages to deliver the speech successfully.Movie comes to an end with many people applauding for king for his speech.

Great performance by all actors. Some funny dialogues by Churchill's character. Totally an wholesome English drama.

Archer's novels

Finally I lay my hands on Jeffery Archer works, I picked up 'Paths of Glory' since I wanted to read his latest novel and above that reason, the blurb caught me. Blurb mentioned that novel is based on true story, George Mallory and his attempt to conquer Mt Everest and till date the mystery remains whether he was the first to climb the Mt Everest.Me being low in general knowledge wasn't aware of George Mallory and this sounded very interesting. Once I was back home checked all about Mallory and eagerly pounced on the novel. The book keeps you on edge as you turn each page. According to the book indeed Mallory was the one to conquer Mt Everest but he with his team perish in return journey hence no claims made about the conquest.

Next Kane and Abel, these two characters in story run parallel, when they confront the scenario make them rivals. As the novel evolves emerges the love life of Kane's son Richard and Abel's daughter Florentyna, innocent love between two unware of the rift between their fathers. When they disclose their feeling and love to their respective fathers both Kane and Abel are hard against their affair, with no choice left they walk out their father's support and build their life independently their marriage turns successful. At end Abel becomes aware of the help Kane had rendered undercover but by then its too late to thank Kane. Basically this novel is the story of two families, for me it was first time to read such a storyline or even on that subject so felt it good to read. And the story was very fast moving and was as if someone is telling story about the two people I mean it was realistic and also inspirational.

The next followed The prodigal daughter, this novel I must say had powerful writing than previous two I read. I felt I am living amidst characters in novel, so real and very touching. I could literally feel tears gushing out my eyes, when Florentyna losses Richard. Their love was narrated so pure and selfless, I could feel the plight of Florentyna it was like,her soul thrown apart. No exaggerated writing in any part of novel it was so apt no wonder I felt the characters so very much around me. Though caught amidst cheap politics Florentyna manages to become first female President of America.

Having read these wonderful work by Archer, I can't wait to read more. No wonder his fame is all around.

Lines 1 - Winter

My first poem :

Its all white around making me shiver,
White snow falling forever.
City angelic as ever,
Car speed slow as never.
Gone are all leaves from trees,
With snow making everything freeze.
With the temperature low,
Seems life is moving slow.
Coffee steam clear,
Hugs and kisses for dear!

When I shared it to read,the response I got was :
Good one. Did you write on your own or did you copy from some where?

So me being in all poetic mood that day replied as below :

All my words are real,
None are surreal.
I write my mind,
With my heart kind.
I copy from none,
Except one:
Thats my heart!

The Hobbit

My husband is a die-hard fan of Lord of the Rings, he was the one who suggested me to read this novel The Hobbit.

It was the fastest book I ever read! I was just engulfed by the story track and every page you turn leaves you more and more eager to know what happens next. In whole Lord of the rings series I liked the race of Hobbits for their simplicity, reserve and merry loving life. This novel discribed in detail about the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins his adventure and how he ends up with the "Ring".

Hobbits are known for there reserved life but Bilbo is dragged to an adventure by his friend Gandalf with the dwarfs, to discover treasure of King Thorin one of the dwarfs. Dwarfs underestimate Bilbo at the start and Bilbo himself is low on confidence and not very eager to go on adventure. As they go ahead dwarfs realise they are wrong in judging Bilbo as he rescues them from couple of end-of-life situations and Bilbo grows more and more strong in mind and heart. Bilbo's wit and also luck with some courage arousing steadily adds to strength of dwarfs against all odds and challenges faced. Bilbo wins over riddle game against Gollum and earns his life and ends up with the ring of Gollum accidentally. Bilbo at first unaware of the power of ring, realizes that when worn it makes one invisible. This ring comes very handy to Bilbo in future during adventure. The author describes the courageousness of Bilbo and his quick wit which at last makes the adventure a successful one with discovering kings treasure, it uplifts Bilbo Baggins in the view of dwarfs for his immense help throughout the adventure where he had to face dragon too. Experiencing the thrill of adventure, with some treasure of his share with a priceless and most powerful ring walks back to his home at Shire a new Bilbo Baggins.

Reading this book is like you are on a adventure, are you ready for it too?