Saturday, January 31, 2015

CRITTERS THIS WEEK


LINKED TO SATURDAY CRITTERS        

CAMERA CRITTERS                                           I'd-rather-b-birding



Yesterday, late afternoon, I went for an outing with the express purpose of finding birds in a mood to be photographed. For that I's to  cover some distance to find an open place with trees around.
Luckily, just after fifteen minutes or so, I noticed these happy go lucky mynas,  having a gala time in mild sun, though it's fairly windy in snatches. I had to click quickly not to miss the opportune moment,when they're busy in soaking the warmth by fluffing their feathers or in the process of cleaning, while bending their necks forward and backward and pecking vigorously. Three of them on the upper wire were simply relaxing in the friendly company.
I came back mighty pleased and inspired!

Friends,welcome here as always!




Thursday, January 29, 2015

SKYWATCH FRIDAY







SKY Watch above the Shiwalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh.



From my archives. The above scene was captured during my stay in Solan last summer.


Friends,thanks for support and welcome here as always!

linked to sky watch friday

SOLITUDE




For my morning walk,
I prefer  the solitude of the park.
There I see my best friends,
Engrossed in their silent errands.
It so happened one day-
Trees, birds and squirrels spoke as the month turned May.
Little stunned but not unresponsive,
Listened to their gripes, not the least apprehensive.

Trees stepped ahead-
Where is the gardener the boorish fool?
How he maims us with his blunt tools.
Says the tree, ‘he is unkind and lazy,
Doesn’t prune me before it is wintry hazy.
Saps my energy to keep the leaves afloat,
Ignores my water needs till I revolt.

The birds impatiently intervened-
Spitting the bread crumbs poorly leavened.
How come the grass is never mowed?
Uncovers no grubs, which stay ungorged.
Why is the filth scattered here,
To toxify our bodies, how you dare?

Twitch,twitch,twitch- 
The fluffy tailed know how to bewitch.
Smartly squirrels let their presence felt,
Seeing their naughty chase, my heart did melt.
 Forthwith, I promised another meeting,
With genuine commitment, sans tweaking.

A post for IndiSpire...

Friends,welcome here as always.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

CARE VERSUS NEGLECT







'C' is for care

I’ll here touch upon two opposite concepts, which are in fact, choices before us to determine the course of our lives. These are, care versus neglect.

The notion of opposites is unmistakably woven in the tapestry of our lives. One exists because of the other.

Care is such a sweet and inspiring concept. It encompasses in its semantic fold plethora of positive emotions. The concept of care is inextricably linked to our existence as social beings. It entails spontaneity of action in the expression of love, compassion, regard and a sense of responsibility towards our dear ones, our friends and society in general. It promotes and enriches the gift of life and stands for love for humanity. It is the cornerstone for the success of our short odyssey on this earth. Care is a magical concept if genuine and lubricates the wheels of human relationships.
The idea of care makes or mars romantic love. The articulation of the phrase ‘I care for you’ opens the door for the deluge of feel good emotions. The starry-eyed soars on cloud nine. It means you matter; your well-being is of utmost importance to the other. Your self-esteem, confidence and love of life increases tenfold. It affirms life as a  unique blessing

Care is therapeutic too. Long back, when my loving parents were alive, we’d visit them often. On one visit, as we stepped on the verandah, I could see through the net door, dear father lying on the bed and my mother tending to him.  Unfortunately, dad had a nasty fall and badly bruised his elbow and knee and mom was trying to dress his wounds. He looked shaken. For a second, he gazed at me with the distinctive emotion of his, which he had reserved for his daughter. It was like a soothing electric current. I understood and took over the task from mom. Tenderly and uttering soothing nothings, I cleaned and dressed slightly oozing abrasions and instantly he regained his usual welcoming, frame of mind. My little act of true concern helped in lifting his spirits and he recovered soon thereafter.

On the other hand, its complete opposite is the negative emotion of neglect, utter disregard for others, complete selfishness, never imagining oneself being in other's shoes, indifference and disinterestedness in general. It is an undesirable emotion, which only generates unhealthy vibes. The company of such a person is never welcome, and is rather avoided. Such people’s fragile egos don’t acknowledge or recognize others’ contribution to their success stories. They’re self-centered. Their armor is the show of self-righteousness. Either they practice torture of silence or nonstop monologue.

Carelessness has many harmful ramifications in the smooth flow of our social ties. It is no virtue. It is a hurtful trait to have, in whatever capacity or circumstance you live your life.

Old people if ignored by their children go into depression and never recover as they lose the will to live. Just imagine the fate of children neglected by their parents. They fall into bad company, lag behind in studies, start making excuses to escape punishment and soon degenerate into self-destruct. They self-deny the life enhancing attributes, which boost our confidence level to face challenges boldly.

Let’s remind ourselves time and again that qualities of care and kindness go a long way in easing out the bumps of life. These facilitate our taking the right route towards a more purposeful  sojourn here.


 linked to ABC Wednesday                   TWO-SHOES-TUESDAYl  WORDLESS WEDNESDAY


Friends,welcome here as always!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

OUR WORLD



NEW AGE TRINKETS                      NEW DREAMS   
      


This is the TV image which i clicked, while watching Republic Day celebrations of our country. The lion enveloped in mechanics of real time production here, signifies our dream of taking powerful strides like that of a lion in establishing manufacturing in India. And also an invitation to the corporate houses of the world to invest in India.

Yesterday, India celebrated its 66th Republic Day in the national capital Delhi. President Obama of USA was the chief guest at the celebrations. There was spectacular March Past by armed forces units and other wings of security apparatuses. Another magnificent display was the colorful tableaux, representing cultural traditions of different states of India showcasing the blend of diversity and pluralism.The above tableau was presented by Department of Industrial policy promoting and focusing on "Make in India' as the government of India's major priority. It symbolizes India's new thrust towards reviving and opening up manufacturing industry for promoting economic growth and generating employment.


  
Friends, welcome here as always!                                        linked to

Saturday, January 24, 2015

CRITTERS OF THE WEEK


ENGROSSED

Saturday Critters               Camera Critters




Today afternoon, I  found this pair pecking busily in the park nearby and captured them before they could hear my footfalls and fly away.














Friends welcome here as always!

Friday, January 23, 2015

CAMARADERIE BETWEEN NATURE AND SKY



SKYWATCH FRIDAY

I noticed many times in the hills that on one side there was sunshine and far away you 'd spy dark clouds appearing suddenly. The pic(above)shows one such phenomenon!



During my stay in hills during last summer i got a blissful opportunity to watch infinite patterns of the sky blending profusely with the green cover of the hills. Some glimpses of the scenery get embedded in your mind's eye. Sharing these pictures bring back fond memories. Especially since I've developed love for photography.

Friends, welcome here and thanks for the support!


Thursday, January 22, 2015

THURSDAY CHALLENGE




This week's challenge is:

"TREES" (All kinds,...)

                                                       PINES GALORE


 Abundance of pines on the slopes of Shivalik hills in Himachal Pradesh. The picture from my archives was taken in the evening, on Kumarhatti-Nahan road during the spring of 2014. Lush green grass tells a lot about the weather at that time!

Friends, welcome here and thanks for the support!


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

BE YOURSELF






B IS FOR 'BE YOURSELF'


 (Shouldn’t it be so?)


 A pledge I’ve made to me self;


Come what may,


From now onwards, I shall ‘be myself.’


No cringing, no appeasement,

I'd seek no agreement.
     
No longer will I be torn,


Before taking life by the horn.


Things will happen,


 To which, I give precedence.


To the gaping mouths,


I’d  say, ‘don’t look like that ’ without any hesitance


I’d follow my own standard,


Wouldn't mind to be so branded.


Friends, don’t  you think, time is ripe


(For the last leap,)


For women in turbulent waters to dive.




Friends,Welcome here as always!

Quote courtesy: The Internet

                                          linked to ABC Wednesday      Two shoes-tuesday   
Wordless Wednesday



NEEM AS A MEDICINAL TREE




Neem tree stands as a  sentinel in our neighborhood

 Neem trees are growing all over in Punjab. They simply look majestic in their green cover. Neem has been an acclaimed medicinal remedy for ages. Before the advent of modern medicines, neem leaves in various forms were used effectively for curing many ailments. Its holistic properties are strongly recommended by Ayurveda for treating skin, hair and fungal disorders. Neem leaves, neem oil, neem paste have multiple uses. 

Compounds found in neem leaves have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is a popular germicide and neem soap and neem toothpaste is the preferred choice of many.

I vividly remember the embarrassment and extreme shyness, I passed through as a teenager, long time back when my flawless face got sudden invasion of pimples. I used to hide myself inside. I missed college. Sometimes to cover the unsightly pimples I would apply Band-Aid. In short, I was utterly dismayed and suffered intensely until dear mother’s home made paste of neem leaves came to my rescue. Its regular application cleared my skin within days and restored my confidence.

Neem’s major contribution lies in eliminating skin diseases: Neem paste applied on cold sores, boils, pigmentation marks and simple wounds is proven effective.  Warm water boiled in neem leaves is squeezed via soaked cotton puffs slowly and gently on affected areas to treat minor skin infections, abrasions, bumps, hurts and bruises. Neem’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and help in the healing process.

It is considered as the most effective cure for acne, pimples and for cleansing skin pores. My successful personal experience of the timely use of neem paste for quick relief is the case in point.

A special creation by  the name of ‘Garnier pure active Neem face wash’  manufactured by the company, which is into hair coloring and skin care products is gathering a lot of positive support in the market. It combines maximum benefit with ease of use. It is a sort of blessing for young girls busy in settling in their careers and professionals with hectic life styles. With zero extra effort, one can reap the benefits of this holistic product for a smooth, healthy, blemish free skin. Young boys too, who generally suffer from the onslaught of acne during puberty, can get the desired relief early on. In fact, everyone who is serious about skin care can use it to great advantage.

This apart, Neem oil is very effective for mild massage in pains and aches of arthritis and osteo-arthritis. Its potent agents reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

Its usage for hair health is recognized widely. Its oil used for scalp massage, an hour before shampooing does wonders for eliminating dandruff and hair fall. For dryness and minor irritations of hair, water boiled with neem leaves proves efficacious as the last rinse. The act takes away the residues of chemicals and gives shine and luster to the hair.  

Luckily, I had found another use for it, which so many of my searches failed to redress. Our house remains locked for a couple of months in summer. On my return, the sight of excreta of lizards scattered around used to be revolting. At somebody’s suggestion, now, I throw green neem twigs on the kitchen counters, kitchen cabinets and at other strategic points and am surprised to find the problem has disappeared finally.

Neem trees are an asset to the environment as well. They purify the air and attract hordes of birds to its cool and congenial spread in summers. Good to walk near their presence in the mornings for oxygen suffused air.

Neem’s wondrous home remedies are finally receiving the recognition, which is overdue.
  
 linked to