Thoughts on Books...

Sometimes one has to pen down thoughts that we desire to share about something or someone to quench our thirst for expression or to pay a tribute to something . Today was such a moment...I needed to write something to maybe define my thoughts that were eager to be released on paper. I needed to share my words of appreciation for books...Whatever the reason, I absolutely enjoyed writing today after a long time. It felt like an artist feeling satisfaction and contentment on completion of a painting with the desired shades and hues...While typing I almost lost this page and I felt so disappointed but fortunately I was able to recover the page eventually and it was definitely a moment of a sense of victory that I have not felt in ages. I enjoyed translating my thoughts on something that is close to my heart-   

BOOKS

In books do we find our stories and the stories we relate to...

In books do we find the answers to life...

Books are precious and magical as they hold the stories our hearts continuously search for time and again and the untold stories that hold endless mysteries for us. Some of the stories that the books store  touch and inspire us so deeply in the most beautiful ways while some intimidate us in unpleasant sort of ways. But all the same books are worth reading to experience the known and unknown.

Books stir various emotions in us. It is like having travelled an unknown path without actually  undertaking the journey.

Like many a things books leave long lasting impressions that fuel our thoughts and change our lives in so many ways forever.

Since an early age I loved collecting books mostly on subjects that interested me though our house as well as my grandparents' house always had a huge collection of knowledge on paper (books) on different subjects and topics. In books could I escape for a while and get lost in a most interesting world which would delight me. What I liked the best about books was that it was a separate world of it's own that I could return tot and relive anytime I wanted to. The stories and knowledge stored in them were mine to keep and collect . The stories in those books be it real or fiction could be relived any number of times I wanted by simply reading them over and over again to my heart's content. It was like living so many different lives in one lifetime !

Everybody learns and gains something or the other through books that light our minds in darkness or make us wonder what was, what is or what might be...

I may be just rambling on but this is an interpretation of my thoughts on books. Some may understand it and some not... Having said that I still feel that all will agree that books are so important and they must have a place in our lives and time. It is so important to read. I have been taught that books are very essential and the most prized possessions. Books encompass so many thoughts, experiences, emotions and predictions. Thus they are the best gifts and yet not all appreciate books the way they are meant to be appreciated. Even now I love to possess or collect books instead of replacing them by e-books. E-books fail to charm me the way traditional books do because it is so important for me to actually touch them to connect to them. I just love to turn the pages as the story unravels and feel the crispness of the paper it was written on. The distinctive scent of the books continue to fascinate me and beckon me to read...Such is the magic of books ! I hope you have shared and read the same magic...             

Yountville, Napa

Autumn of Yountville

Humour-A spice perfect 2 add 2 life

"Humour is most needed in trying and difficult times. Humour is the seasoning which may improve the flavour of the not so delicious dishes that life offers you.  It is more needed at times like these where  adding a dash of it to your each day and each moment may enhance the flavour of the most bland situations that life feeds you with..."
                                                                -Simrit

Adversity- An unwanted visitor

In adversity it is important to never lose sight of hope and belief ...Believe that everything will work out on it's own when it is meant to be. It is all about the right timing and your determination and perseverance in waiting for what is called  your time. Things may be rough but have hope that things will turn around eventually. Nothing is constant...
In adversity adopt patience and acceptance...Accept what is happening even though you may not like what is happening around you when your world is crumbling. Prevent yourself from being in a state of denial. In acceptance do we learn to deal with what is happening and find ways around it. Be patient with yourself and do not be harsh on yourself. Sometimes things do not happen the way you want them and sometimes you may reach somewhere you never though you would. But this is life and it cannot always be a bed of roses. Find yourself again and fight back with renewed strength. When the going gets tough, the tough get going !
The road of adversity is not an easy one and is full of challenging twists, thorns of doubts and intimidating turns. But do not lose balance. Remain firm in your beliefs and true to your dreams as at some given time you will reach there no matter what if you truly keep trying without worrying about the results. The good results may not greet you immediately but you cannot be ignored forever and Lady Luck will befriend you soon enough. Just believe in yourself through it all even if others don't. At these times the most important person you can rely on is yourself as you alone can get yourself through this. The bad circumstances may break you and invite insecurity but at times you have to break or fall to form and bloom again.
In adversity never forget gratitude as that will give you peace. Be thankful for all that you have and your blessings. Sometimes life teaches you a lesson to appreciate the things you took for granted and appreciate them even more when you regain them.

Your Dance...

" Respect yourself and others will follow the lead...

             Know yourself and others will know you,

             Love yourself and others will love you too..."

                                                                          -Simrit

Win the hearts of people !

Your behaviour with others is a real reflection of your values and bringing up...People who cannot respect others do not actually respect themselves or are complexed. People who do not respect others and specially parents of others can never ever be truly respectful to theirs because if they really cared about their families and parents they would ensure that the same respect is accorded to others as well.

Many lack empathy and the basic manners as well as courtesy that actually completes an individual. It is easy to care about people close to you but the true test of the character of an individual lies in the way he or she treats others around them. In treatment of others is reflected your true nature... And what you do is learnt by the younger generation.If you teach them to love and respect people around them specially grandparents will they learn to respect you in the long run.

 It is is so important to value others specially senior citizens. I have been living in a small town where the community is so kind and giving to each other .This is what enriches one's life.   I often see most parents around here reminding their children to greet and thank others. Such parents are teaching their children to be courteous, kind and respectful to others which is so important. In our town senior citizens are valued and have an important place in the community. It is so important to teach good values and good manners to your children as they need to have a good foundation to become better human beings. It is our responsibility at home and in schools to give good values to our younger generation. Raise your children to be sensitive and caring...

Win people with love, empathy, warmth and kindness and in that lies the true essence of life ! 

Love the moment

Live life as if there is not another day ! We hear that so often but we forget that and miss out on life in the daily demands of our routine...
Live life as if today is the only day you have ! We often need to think like that to cherish the precious moments of life and interactions with people. Just be content living in the moment because that moment will be lost to you forever. Find joy in simple things be it in nature or weather. Find contentment in simple habits like having tea or visiting the library.
Appreciate every moment !

A beautiful day to remember in Yountville

Autumn leaves-An attractive contrast to the cloudy sky

The Town of Yountville - A town so picturesque and serene

The different shades of a town...

A night of riddles

Life sure is a riddle...
Sometimes in gains do we find losses and in losses do we find gains...It seems that gains and losses are closely related as if two sides of a coin. Actually these are the two opposite laws of nature.
Life is a series of losses and gains...
One leads to another as if a person is riding a merry-go-round. Nothing is constant and everything changes...
Some may think that I find delight in writing a lot about life and how I enjoy playing around with words to search the answers to the puzzle of life. But through these words do I find answers and through these words do I discover the hidden meaning of life. Through these words do I find solace and through these words do I find peace. Defining my thoughts in words and learning from others' words of wisdom do I get closer to life.
We all have the right to seek the truth of life and we all can find the answers to life in our own way sometime or the other. Words are comforting and so write or read daily to unveil the answers and purpose of your life...
Words are powerful and thus meaningful and effective when translated by your thoughts wisely. And so through words do I interpret life in many ways in various situations.
The meaning of life is not discovered through masking your thoughts but by revealing them in words that people could share and be inspired from in deep ways.
It is an entertaining night of riddles and questions and words are keeping me company. I hope that some of you who are reading this may write some words of your own too to translate your feelings about any given situation in life and therefore approach the puzzle of life in this interesting way to arrive at some deep answer if not a suitable answer. But it is definite it would make you feel light and satisfied to have this conversation with yourself  in the shape of written words. You could read a book as well too pertaining to the subject in your life 

Such is life !

Life takes fees for lessons learnt as it's lessons never come free. But then Asi Es la Vida !
Such is life !
There is always a price to pay for everything. We actually consider the gains and losses in all the choices we make in life because our choices determine the paths we undertake. And our journeys in life shape us and define us. Hence life is a huge investment ! There is a price to pay in all that we invest in our decisions and relationships.
Life is conditional and so it can never give freely. It will always take something from you while giving. And yet life is giving too. It will always give you back something in return when it takes something from you. So what is life and where is life ? Is life in the choices we make or is life in the sacrifices we make ? Do you find the truth of life in all that we lose or in all that we gain ? The answer lies within you and is different for everyone.
Life is truly a riddle...a riddle that many have tried to solve and many have embraced. Some have escaped the truth of life in many ways and some have accepted it. Such is life !
Life romances everybody differently. It gives hope to some and disappointment to others. The beauty of life can be found in success but even in struggle. It is always there around us and within us. Life always seeks us even if we think we are ignoring it. That is why life makes it's own decisions when we run away from it or take it for granted.

In life you win some battles and lose some...Sometimes to win a war you have to loose battles. If you are at a place where you feel everything is lost or you are lost to everything- Breathe ! Pause ! Think !
This may not be your time. But the time will definitely change some day ! You just have to wait a little or wait more but things never remain the same as that is the law of life...But do not let the situation or person get the better of you. Keep standing firm. Or even if you fall, stand back again ! Be adamant about not giving up even though you are allowed to lament a little while savouring a bucket of  your favorite ice- cream !

You may feel that you are losing in life but actually you are a winner if you keep on at it to live life and answer life with a smile however sarcastic. Let people know you are here to stay whatever they may bring your way. Take a break or hibernate as long as you want but get back on the saddle of life as that's the only choice you have. This is what is called truly living your life- to lose but have a winning attitude to recover all that you have lost material or personal through preserving precious moments in the present  and honouring them.

But times change as my brother believes too. If problems come together, they end too either together or one at a time.If things seem entangled , know that it may require some patience and time to disentangle it. We get so caught up and stuck in the webs of life that sometimes we have to even wait for fate to free us from it as we are not able to. There is choice but to persevere. Be a warrior and fight the difficulties and problems throws your way ! The only choice you have is to face your problems with determination and courage. If you run away from your problems, they will only catch you. You just have to deal with them however intimidating.

Lessons of Life

Lessons of Life are expensive in Life...

Lessons cost us dearly. You lose some and you gain some. But lessons are never easy. A difficult lesson is taught to you at a price ! One pays a heavy price or a heavy loss is incurred that makes you wonder as to why you had to learn this way...the hard way. It makes you wonder why you had to learn such a lesson in the first place and what purpose did it serve...

But then life offers us the toughest lessons of life after all ! There is a price attached to wisdom. You sacrifice something greatly to gain from it some way. Is it so ? What do you think ? Are the hardest lessons that of life or what we receive in school ? Sooner or later in any case you will have to have the slice of life...

Landscape

Drive from Lake Tahoe to Napa

Music- Language of the Soul

Music is the language of the soul it is said. Music in any language does not really require any interpretation. The emotions behind the lyrics can be easily understood if music is an important part of your life and resides in your soul.
As Indians music is also our language...the language of the heart. We are surrounded by music in our lives in joy and sorrow. Music defines us and our culture beautifully. To understand us you have to understand our music and specially the beautiful lyrics of the " Golden era". The songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s are still so close to our hearts as those songs express our emotions so accurately in every situation of life. We have been blessed with great musicians, wonderful singers and poetic lyricists.
Music cannot be separated from us. We listen to music everywhere and as much as we can day and night.
We have songs to represent us in every mood and know exactly which one to choose to voice our thoughts. Through music do we define ourselves...Through music do we live...
Through music do we express happiness and through music do we lift our spirits in difficult times. Through music do we inspire ourselves and through music do we motivate ourselves. Music supports in adversity...
We have to define every moment of our lives through songs and lyrics from songs find their place in our daily conversations with friends and family. My brother, parents and extended family just love singing when going on long drives or at home over tea. We communicate through songs when at loss for words. Every time when family or friends get together music and dance are mostly part of those interactions. "Antakshari" is a favourite game of songs amongst us and in fact in the entire region in that part of the world. As kids and now, it has always been our favourite game and past time under many a starlit nights in summers and around a bonfire in winters. Music connects people and unites souls.
Our songs specially from our movies are famous all around the world. Even in States many times when people from Pakistan and India meet at work or in their personal lives, they relate well to each other through common songs. Late nights when work would be slow my Pakistani friend and I would discuss lyrics of our favourite songs while working or to describe our lives.
In fact in most States girls are taught to sing and learn classical dance from an early age. A man expresses his love through music. In many arranged marriage meetings in some states of India, a girl demonstrates her talent in classical music and dance. Most Indians know all the songs of all the eras by heart as we listen to radio all the time as we grow up at home and outside.
There is music everywhere in our culture. There is music in bells of ladies' anklets and there is music in the numerous bangles we wear. We find music everywhere around us. We find music in the rains and we find music in the wind that caresses the fields. We hear music in the rustling of the leaves... As Indians we are very poetic and find solace in music all the time. Music is balm to the aching heart and peace to tired spirit. For us music is a way of life...We feel curbed if we can't express ourselves through music and dance.

PINK

The True Princess of her times

Sometimes one life is meant to touch millions of lives and not be touched by "the one" in the true sense.

She had so much to give in terms of love and compassion to the world. She touched so many lives and made a great difference in this world through her dedication to causes that she stood up for and firmly believed in.

She had abundance of love as the entire world loved her. But on the other hand , the one kind of love that she was really seeking for endlessly only escaped her every time as soon as she found it. The one and only true love that defines a woman the most was never hers to stay with her or meant to be owned in the life she lived. It is very tragic that a lady who was admired by so many could not be favoured much by destiny which did not give her most of all what she really hoped for and wanted.

 Love is complex...Love as they say has it's own destiny. Some find it forever and for some it finds them only to be lost forever. This is my interpretation of whatever little I saw of the second half of the  movie "Diana" the story of the most famous, loving and graceful lady or true princess of her times, Princess Diana.

She won so many hearts and yet her heart searched forever...Her story as portrayed by this movie stirred many emotions within me and one has to say that love even though the most beautiful emotion in this world can be powerful enough to destroy you as well and being loved by so many can even make you feel so alone.

"Sometimes the best teachers are those who are still learning the lessons of life as they know the cost of not following lessons learnt and the price they are paying for it..."

Words of motivation...

Sometimes in a new environment one needs to find things or writings to motivate you to start a meaningful journey in your new phase of life. You need all the inspiration to make the beginning meaningful and worthwhile. I was just scanning the Horoscope section ( Predictions by Peter Watson)  in an old edition of the Indian magazine "Bazaar Fashion" and I stumbled across some really wise and ever inspiring mottos.These mottos caught by attention and stood out in that page as if calling for my attention particularly at a time when I most needed it. The ones I really connected with are-

"Write kindnesses in stone but injuries in sand"

"Courtesy is the oil that lubricates the daily grind"

I am so glad to have come across these words. When you start out in a new world away from your home,it is the first lot of people who enter your lives then who make the most difference to your new journey as they leave behind deep impressions good or bad that connects you to the new place or alienates you from it. 

Bonsai-The Lives of certain Women(Beautiful yet stunted...)

The past week I have been watching numerous movies and documentaries on women from different cultures around the world. It was not that much of a surprise to discover that many women from different religions and countries share the same fate.  In certain regions, religions or cultures in the east as well as west where orthodox way of life is still prevalent in regard to women, some with emerging times may have risen to find some amount of independence and freedom to express themselves but that too is within limits.

Today women from many such places may have found an independent definition of living their lives or so it appears. In fact many such women it seems may be living their choices and dreams in life but actually those so called choices too are dictated by their families and those around them in their conservative society.

These women may be allowed to grow individually only to a certain extent by their society just so as to keep pace with modernity for the sake of appearances but in the end the decisions of their families prevail. Their dreams are still ruled by others.   Their families decide everything for them from the direction of their education to the choice of career  and from deciding their way of life to the choice of a suitable husband.

These women may be allowed to pursue careers but their ambitions are controlled by others with limited thoughts. They may be allowed to grow but only in moderation. These women remind me somewhat of " bonsai" trees that are not allowed to grow to their fullest potential and their roots are stunted.  As beautiful as their lives may appear like that of a bonsai, such restrictions curb their true identity and hinders their growth in the real sense.  Their world is shrunk in the miniature pots of age-old rigid beliefs surrounding women. These women may have finally found a voice but they still are not allowed to truly express their needs and wants. Their lives are expected to  still revolve solely around fulfilling the desires of others but themselves even in that so called independent journeys they may have been permitted to take.

Everybody has the right to live their choices and not those made by others. Everybody has a right to decide what they want in life as it is their journeys to travel and not that of others. As I say in living your choices does one truly live your life and find a path meant for you. That does not mean that one cannot live a life based on the decision of others but only if it is well within the boundaries of peace, contentment and joy. The day living the dreams of others does not provide contentment, that day life could be burdened with regrets and endless disappointment and pain. There are many modern and highly educated women from conservative backgrounds who may have found an independent path but are still lost in finding the true journey that they could actually live to enjoy.