In His time ...

We live quite far from the city. So every time, we decide to go shopping or visiting, it’s normal for us to use the words – going into the city. Friends tease us with questions like ‘Did you have to use your passport?’

Yesterday, two of our very dear friends were celebrating their birthdays and it seemed like too ambitious a plan to attempt to meet both of them as well as keep our appointed date with my husband’s grandmother who was visiting and eager to see me.

Seemed like a lot to do in a span of just three hours since we had decided that I would not leave early from work. (Don’t want too many ‘permissions’ lined up against my name!)

We just prayed and knew that if it was God’s will, it would work out smoothly. And would you believe, we managed to make it through peak evening traffic, the distance and meet all the three people and spend just enough time with them.

Of course, it was a blessing to see priceless expressions of joy on the faces of the birthday babies and paatimaa as I call our grandmother.

It was during our evening walk that we realized the true essence of surrendering time to God. He’s an expert in orchestration and organization. Wonder why I bother worrying or hurrying?

Picture credit: webexhibits.org

To Knut and his ilk

I don’t know how many of us have been following the story of Knut, a polar bear born in a German zoo. Rejected by his mother, he was raised by his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, who spent days and nights with this little bear until he was strong enough.

He’s white, fluffy and a picture of perfect cuddly beauty. Oh! You just have to see him! He’s what you want to cuddle, coddle and pamper for ages! A bundle of joy! :-)

Picture credit: www.spiegel.de

My best friend

She was someone I hugely admired at school. But then I did not stay in touch. I moved on to college. Two years later, she landed up at hostel to visit me. I was shocked out of my socks at her tenacity in tracking me. Of course, I still did not keep in touch.

Then I moved on to another college for my post-graduation, driven by dreams of being surrounded by whales and dolphins in my future career as a marine biologist. Well, guess who landed up at my hostel? It was she, again! After two years. We had a great time of reunion. However, this time she left me with an ultimatum. She said, she would not chase me anymore. She left me her number and now it was up to me.

I vowed then to stay in touch. Today, she’s what little girls would call ‘a best friend.’ We’ve been together through the turbulences of entering adulthood, relationships that were not in the best of our interests and all the memories that make up a life. Yet our friendship has not changed. It has matured, become stronger, been embellished with our respective new families but it is there. When the other got married, we were there for each other. She had a baby and I was there early morning to share with her in welcoming the baby.

Of course, there are innumerable instances when I could turn to no one but her. She has taught me the meaning of unconditional love. She’s one of those rare gems who puts a smile on your face with just a thought.

Now we’re pregnant together. She with her second baby and me with my first. We share notes, we visit the same doctor and our due dates are just four days apart!

Again we get to share a milestone of life together. :-)

Thank you Bee for being a great friend. You’re the best!

Picture credit: darrellcrow.com

It’s been a great birthday!

It’s been an eye-opener, the way my husband was treated during his birthday. I use ‘during’ because the birthday celebrations lasted over three days!

It began with a visit to a friend’s place, which turned, into a surprise pre-birthday party with friends we’d not seen for ages. Then it extended into another couple of birthday parties, all surprises, all completely unexpected and they all touched our hearts.

In fact, one of our family friends, an elderly couple, showered us with flowers and lit candles on their stairway. We could only wonder what kind of love drives them to do these uncharacteristic things? We smile and don't try to understand. We know we are loved.

It has been a truly heart warming experience. Thank you all. We are so blessed with your presence in our lives. :-)

Picture credit: fotosearch.com

When your ideas can take a backseat

I’ve been ‘accused’ by friends of being a ‘formal girl’. Which means words like sorry, thank you, please, don’t bother, I’m fine, etc. play a very significant role in my life. 'No' comes easier than 'yes'.

Let me explain: If you asked me if I want something, watch out if I respond in the affirmative. You can expect a storm. 'No' is what you will hear.

Some of my dearest friends have had to sit me down and refused to accept my ‘no’. Thanks guys.

I now say ‘yes’ to a very few friends.

Unfortunately, I do the 'no' bit with my parents too!

In fact, the other day, my mom asked me if she could come over. She wants to see me and stay with us for some time. Of course, I said no. I thought of all the inconveniences to her: Dad would have to be alone. Mom would have to travel alone. Mom would be home alone when we left for work. It’s too hot for her.

I could go on ...

And then, dad just went ahead and booked mom’s tickets! They know me by now. My husband’s learning fast too.

I’m so happy mom’s coming over. :-) I think I’ll relax a bit ...

Picture credit: top-dogs-names.com

Pain is a reality

Blessed as I am with a wonderful family and a baby-on-the-way, I’ve realized it’s becoming a little harder to hold back my tears when I see families in pain.

I read this painful account of a mother separated from her child. The story choked me and I know, I probably don’t have to look far to find another lady like Forugh. There may be millions.

I salute their strength. They go on. They want to change their lives. They have the courage to stand against injustice. They have the inner power to fight.

God bless you all. And one day, may all your efforts bear fruit.

Pic and news source: BBC.co.uk

I know I’m blessed because …

… I’m engraved on the palm of His hand.
… my husband’s love for me knows no bounds.
… I have a mom and dad whose love is simply beyond my human comprehension.
… my brother treasures me.
… Bee’s my best friend. She’s been a friend, sister, counselor, and a lot more!
… I’ve been chosen by God to experience the miracle of birth.
… I have perfect eyesight that allows me to see the beauty of the bright, blue sky and all of nature’s beauty.
… I’m surrounded by dozens of people who care for me.
… I can smile and enjoy the hundreds of smiles I exchange with strangers and acquaintances, alike.
… I always seem to have a song in my heart.

Wow! It seems like the list can go on and on. Whoever, said ‘Count your blessings, knew what they were talking about.

Suddenly, it seems like I have everything in this world I could hope for! :-)

Picture credit: 123greetings.com

Save the whales!

Have you ever been awed by the sheer majesty of the whales, those gentle giants who swim the high seas? Well, here’s a chance to do something to save them: Sign a petition.

Visit http://www.whalesrevenge.com and make a difference!

Picture credit: noaa.gov

Of tigers and orangutans



We’ll probably never get to hear about them together in the wild but here they are! At the Taman Safari Zoo, in Indonesia, two Sumatran tiger cubs and two baby orangutans have become the best of friends.

Abandoned at birth by their mothers, these babies share a nursery and therefore, the friendship.

Nice to know that natural enemies can be friends, even if it’s for a short time. (Yes, they are to be separated once the tigers start feeding on meat at three months.)

I’m thinking of all those people that we can dislike so easily. Maybe we can get to like them?

News source: CNN.com