Pittsburgh Notes: (5)
Visited the Sri Venkateswara temple Sunday, with Prahlad & his colleague. Its hard to describe what I felt as I entered the temple to the chants of familiar shlokhas sung in unison-it would probably suffice to say that it transported me to an entirely different level of consciousness. As I waited for the “Deeparadhna”, standing in prayer before Padmavati Devi’s vigraham & later, while having a beautiful darshan of Lord Venkateswara I felt a strange feeling of peace, a sense of finding your own, I hate to say this, in another man's land. It really transported me back home to the temples I have visited through the years, at Tirupathi, Madhura Meenakshi, Rameshwaram & Guruvayur…. in my country. With tears in my eyes, I prayed fervently that my children be looked after in this foreign land, a prayer that has been on my on my lips for some time now.
We then went to the Udupi restaurant nearby for lunch, following which we returned home. On the way back , I thought thoughts. Unrelated to this beautific experience. But thoughts nevertheless.
Why is it so very difficult for people to tell you they care for you, when you as well as they know that they really care? Confused you,have I? Read it again! Well, I have never really ever understood that. Cos I believe if they tell you, then they will never have regrets later in their life, should they never get another chance. Its funny, but I don’t remember regretting not having cared for anyone let alone not letting them know that I cared. I have always done that. Even if I was certain that they did’nt reciprocate my feelings-& that’s putting it gently. Just read in the ‘Tequila & Salt ‘ email Alka just sent me ‘The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to be just like you!’-now that explains it all ! & like I told you, these are just thoughts. Forget I ever mentioned it. :)
Let me now get onto happy topics. Autumn fast approaches with it beautiful colors of fall foliages- the trees are gradually changing colour into lovely rusts, orange and even red leaves-oooh its beautiful, and its happening! Heard Fall when it happens in toto is actually even more beautiful in Ohio. Am posting some pictures of ‘Temples, Trees, Flowers & things’… Happy viewing! 20th Sept ’11
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Old Friends, New Beginnings...
Pittsburgh Notes: (4)
Hello there! Life hurries by, seasons change and Pittsburgh is still the place for me! Its growing on me-and I am beginning to feel comfortable here. One thing for sure I have this feeling i have been sent here by the higher power up there, in order that I de-stress-so I have to make sure that happens; and what better place to de-stress, I tell myself. I have to admit thought, that I miss waking up to birds chirping at Moksham; I miss seeing colourful birds near the waterfall, I miss sipping my cup of coffee hearing the lazy sound of water unhurriedly trickling down the rocks & stones which make up the waterfall. These wonders in my life, gotta admit, have had a therapeutic effect on me, while at Moksham.
A few weekends ago, I met up with an old schoolmate, C.V.Rameshwari, who was a dear friend during my 7th, 8th & perhaps 9th standards at DPS, Mathura Rd, Delhi, & who is now a Child Psychiatrist here. She invited Prahlad & me over and we met up with her family. It was indeed a very nice experience. She mentioned that I was just the free spirit I was so long ago-and hey presto, that became the title of my next literary 'masterpiece'; yes it got me thinking, analysing-was I really the same? 'Free Spirit' defined -one who is not restrained, as by convention or obligation; a nonconformist ...yea, I guess that's me! :) Except, I realised my obligation to my family goes beyond my free spirit! & so I wrote…
Shortly after landing here, I was wondering how I would go to the Departmental stores to pick up what i need to run a home-and just out of the blue, a wonderful & gracious lady, Lee who I met at the Sai Bhajans, offered to take me shopping. Now, we meet ever so often and Hey Presto! I got around to doing all that I had to for Prahlad & his home.My life has become a lot easier therefore; I realised, surely these are just some of the small miracles in my life!
Friends like the Vijay Sai's, Lee, Durga & Vasu has been God-sent to guide & help Prahlad in the initial 2 years he was here. We will be eternally grateful to them.
I shall end this note with pictures taken with the Vijay Sai’s, CV, Lee & family .Happy viewing! Keep smiling & Hasta mañana!-Sunday, 18th Sept ‘11
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
-William Shakespeare
Hello there! Life hurries by, seasons change and Pittsburgh is still the place for me! Its growing on me-and I am beginning to feel comfortable here. One thing for sure I have this feeling i have been sent here by the higher power up there, in order that I de-stress-so I have to make sure that happens; and what better place to de-stress, I tell myself. I have to admit thought, that I miss waking up to birds chirping at Moksham; I miss seeing colourful birds near the waterfall, I miss sipping my cup of coffee hearing the lazy sound of water unhurriedly trickling down the rocks & stones which make up the waterfall. These wonders in my life, gotta admit, have had a therapeutic effect on me, while at Moksham.
A few weekends ago, I met up with an old schoolmate, C.V.Rameshwari, who was a dear friend during my 7th, 8th & perhaps 9th standards at DPS, Mathura Rd, Delhi, & who is now a Child Psychiatrist here. She invited Prahlad & me over and we met up with her family. It was indeed a very nice experience. She mentioned that I was just the free spirit I was so long ago-and hey presto, that became the title of my next literary 'masterpiece'; yes it got me thinking, analysing-was I really the same? 'Free Spirit' defined -one who is not restrained, as by convention or obligation; a nonconformist ...yea, I guess that's me! :) Except, I realised my obligation to my family goes beyond my free spirit! & so I wrote…
Shortly after landing here, I was wondering how I would go to the Departmental stores to pick up what i need to run a home-and just out of the blue, a wonderful & gracious lady, Lee who I met at the Sai Bhajans, offered to take me shopping. Now, we meet ever so often and Hey Presto! I got around to doing all that I had to for Prahlad & his home.My life has become a lot easier therefore; I realised, surely these are just some of the small miracles in my life!
Friends like the Vijay Sai's, Lee, Durga & Vasu has been God-sent to guide & help Prahlad in the initial 2 years he was here. We will be eternally grateful to them.
I shall end this note with pictures taken with the Vijay Sai’s, CV, Lee & family .Happy viewing! Keep smiling & Hasta mañana!-Sunday, 18th Sept ‘11
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
-William Shakespeare
Weather problems!
Pittsburgh Moments...
Pittsburgh Notes: (3)
Yet another ‘crazy weather’ day in Pittsburgh. Just yesterday it was a nice, warm, 20 degrees C or, as they say here 68 degrees F. And early this morning it was cold - just 6 degrees C (44 deg Farenheit )!! I remember the fluctuation in temperature was the same in April/May this year & last year, when we were here! Tell me this is not a new happening and but don’t give me that one on natural calamities & weather tantrums being caused due to global warming, ozone depletion, environmental freak outs or forest fires cos I ain’t gonna buy that! Whatever,am not prepared to listen.This is positively wierd. 0 degrees one minute and the next minute a freaking 15 degrees - & yes I am talking Centigrade this time-& no,no conversion again, do it yourself buddy! :)))
But then again, I wonder why am I complaining. I love the cold. And as long it does'nt get the miserably hot 35 degrees (yes Centigrade!) it was the Saturday before last, its fine with me. But then if it gets sub zero, I would have to worry about my reumatoid arthritis flaring up. Lets worry about it then , right? Yes. Lets take each minute for what its worth-hot or cold! Lifes pretty much like that anyway!
Watched Baseball last Saturday at the PMC Park , Florida Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates, PMC Park- okay, okay Pittsburgh lost, but then Baseball is a new game for one such as I & hence an experience. No hard feelings! Attatched are some random pictures. Enjoy. Do note the sleeveless t-shirt which turned into a leather jacket in a matter of hours! - Friday, 16th Sept ’11
Pittsburgh Notes: (3)
Yet another ‘crazy weather’ day in Pittsburgh. Just yesterday it was a nice, warm, 20 degrees C or, as they say here 68 degrees F. And early this morning it was cold - just 6 degrees C (44 deg Farenheit )!! I remember the fluctuation in temperature was the same in April/May this year & last year, when we were here! Tell me this is not a new happening and but don’t give me that one on natural calamities & weather tantrums being caused due to global warming, ozone depletion, environmental freak outs or forest fires cos I ain’t gonna buy that! Whatever,am not prepared to listen.This is positively wierd. 0 degrees one minute and the next minute a freaking 15 degrees - & yes I am talking Centigrade this time-& no,no conversion again, do it yourself buddy! :)))
But then again, I wonder why am I complaining. I love the cold. And as long it does'nt get the miserably hot 35 degrees (yes Centigrade!) it was the Saturday before last, its fine with me. But then if it gets sub zero, I would have to worry about my reumatoid arthritis flaring up. Lets worry about it then , right? Yes. Lets take each minute for what its worth-hot or cold! Lifes pretty much like that anyway!
Watched Baseball last Saturday at the PMC Park , Florida Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates, PMC Park- okay, okay Pittsburgh lost, but then Baseball is a new game for one such as I & hence an experience. No hard feelings! Attatched are some random pictures. Enjoy. Do note the sleeveless t-shirt which turned into a leather jacket in a matter of hours! - Friday, 16th Sept ’11
Its Coffee time Folks!
Pittsburgh Notes: (2)
Now for some Coffee. Yes , my daily fix craves attention & why not?! 4.30 pm is just the time to take that short walk to Starbucks at Craig Street. My usual walk for an honorable cause! Along with me comes the latest book I am reading (my little one does’nt believe me when I tell him that my speed of reading increases a hundredfold when I am out of Moksham!) & my new ipad Narayan presented me on my birthday-just so that I keep my brains running-trying hard to use this yet-another new contraption and also cos he is tired of me lugging my laptop and paraphenalia around!
My favorite coffee shops in Pittsburgh include besides Starbucks of course, The Coffee Tree Roasters, at Walnut Street, a very upmarket & happening area of Shadyside. Prahlad’s home is in Shadyside-an area I find among the best livable in Pittsburgh, with trees, and lots of greenery. Then there is that Kiva Han Coffee shop across the road from Starbucks on Craig Street but kinda intimidated by the flower power generation which haunt the café-feel safer across the road! So that’s enough proof about the limitations in my free spirit! I also visit the Starbucks at the Barnes & Nobles store (Waterfront) where, given an opportunity, I love to browse through books.
Best of all, did you know that coffee is the average American’s prime source of anti-oxidants which prevent cell damage. Coffee in moderation (2 cups a day) is good-& best of all it stimulates creativity as it speeds up the body’s functioning ; and in addition to this creative boost it also provides the mental & emotional clarity you need.
So guys, fix yourself that cuppa coffee & get that all emcompassing fix! Right no
-Thursday, 15th Sept '11
Now for some Coffee. Yes , my daily fix craves attention & why not?! 4.30 pm is just the time to take that short walk to Starbucks at Craig Street. My usual walk for an honorable cause! Along with me comes the latest book I am reading (my little one does’nt believe me when I tell him that my speed of reading increases a hundredfold when I am out of Moksham!) & my new ipad Narayan presented me on my birthday-just so that I keep my brains running-trying hard to use this yet-another new contraption and also cos he is tired of me lugging my laptop and paraphenalia around!
My favorite coffee shops in Pittsburgh include besides Starbucks of course, The Coffee Tree Roasters, at Walnut Street, a very upmarket & happening area of Shadyside. Prahlad’s home is in Shadyside-an area I find among the best livable in Pittsburgh, with trees, and lots of greenery. Then there is that Kiva Han Coffee shop across the road from Starbucks on Craig Street but kinda intimidated by the flower power generation which haunt the café-feel safer across the road! So that’s enough proof about the limitations in my free spirit! I also visit the Starbucks at the Barnes & Nobles store (Waterfront) where, given an opportunity, I love to browse through books.
Best of all, did you know that coffee is the average American’s prime source of anti-oxidants which prevent cell damage. Coffee in moderation (2 cups a day) is good-& best of all it stimulates creativity as it speeds up the body’s functioning ; and in addition to this creative boost it also provides the mental & emotional clarity you need.
So guys, fix yourself that cuppa coffee & get that all emcompassing fix! Right no
-Thursday, 15th Sept '11
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