FRIENDS,MY STRENGTH!

FRIENDS ARE FOR EVER!




It was a pleasant evening.i was sipping my tea sitting in the balcony.after putting an end to all the 'must finish'work before the financial year,i was relaxing!since days i had stopped enjoying the beautiful evenings at the seaside.the last call of the birds before sunset,the waves kissing the shore,the reflection of lights in the water,the illuminated donapaula at the other end fill my mind with the positive thoughts.it makes me count on if not hundreds,tens of reasons to give a smile.

when kishen came down for a short visit,he took time to sit in the balcony and enjoy nature.i joined him and shared the small but the real happenings of life.years before,when nanda came here,she was convincing me not to miss to listen to the sound of waves.''anu,you are lucky.you don't have to go to a beach.just take time to enjoy this beautiful nature,the sea shore from your balcony.spend atleast ten minutes daily,to listen to the music of waves.''and i must tell you,nanda,whenever i did,i was at peace feeling the happiness.i could tell you,the waves teach me,good things in our life outweigh the bad.

the sunset makes my heart heavy.i miss my people,i long to belong!

guys,i have told you before, somone unknown whom i have never seen takes pain to send me the morning greetings.first i ignored them.but they didn't stop.somewhere far away,i wonder why he requests for my friendship.life has taught me many lessons on friendship.now i hesitate to accept people as my friends.

today morning,when i received this greetings,i was touched.the wordings are beautiful.i just can't ignore him anymore.

i may not acknowledge;but my unknown friend,thanks a lot for bringing a smile on my face daily morning.now iam used to your morning greetings.

an interesting thing happened in between.it was in the form of a mail.the other day, i received a short mail from syam who wrote, one midnight he happened to see my blog and the rest of the night he was awake!i didn't bother!but the chain of mails on my posts,the critical opinions,the quoting of lines which touched his heart and the late nights he gets glued to my posts offer another friendship.

my local friend,loretta cheers me .she is getting ready for the forthcoming easter.she lives in cortalim,half an hour drive away.she visits me once a while and pampers me with lots of gifts.often i have to give her reassurance that nothing is wrong with her life.the bad man is out forever and the road to happiness is long.


tears roll up in my chest and rise up to my eyes when i think of indu,my sincere friend of little flower convent school.she was too simple and honest about our friendship.indu ,i can never forget you in my life!one must be lucky to have a friend like you!the picture is crystal clear of your tharavadu in orumanayoor.can u believe,indu,someone had come here to give spiritual talks at AYYAPPA TEMPLE.he had been to your tharavadu.i was again recollecting the carefree school days!

then often i recollect the happy memories of the time spent together with fatima,girija and asha lata of school.girija always tickled my laughter bones during lunch breaks.her loud laughter echos in my ears even now.fathima was innocent.the typical muslim girl from chavakkad.she reminds me the smell of athar.asha lata competed with me for the first rank.the first rank holders were given medals in the morning assembly every month after the unit tests were over.so,we competed in the real sense.

i must mention about asha menon who spent afew years here,in this beautiful state.she went on transfer to mumbai.she is the one who always has a smile for u.she gives me support and reassurance.we were not together for a long time.but,her phone calls and mails bring back the happiness.she is the one who remembers my star and checks out my birthday every year!she forces me to take a break and join her in mumbai!asha prepares all the special dishes with the added spice of love!

there is aditya who told me to write about my childhood memories.he is the one who sees to that the jasmine plants are watered regularly so that they bloom more and n each new bud reminds me .great,isn't it?he is the sincere friend who keeps away from me when he faces the hardships of life as he he knows,i will be worried.

and here is my special friend,the simple and honest roshan.he is gifted with the magic of writing.i want to label him as my extraordinary friend.we can spend time together in comforting silence!he is the instant poet!he writes beautiful lines on any topic under the sun.our humour sense strengthens our friendship!he encourages me to write more.[hey,roshan,i believe,this feather won't be too heavy for your cap].

experiences are not all that pleasant.we find people around us who claim to be our friends when they need us.there are a few,who left me and whom i left.but,i want to tell myself,''anu,don't bother,they don't deserve you.you are too sincere.''

i was a member of kitty parties.but it staretd becoming more of showing your status and wealth.and i realised,at the cost of the family,it doesn't give me any happiness.so,i quit!

and i have my dearest amma,little star,kishen,shankar,maza and nanda to stand with me,in every low n high of my life always.they keep my feet on the ground,but dreams alive.i love you a lot!my whole life,iam indebted to you!!!and my ettans n younger brother who give me moral support n see to that iam always happy.

i have been always impressed by the thick and true friendship of little star n maza,amma n sr.modesta.maza n little star are more of friends than sisters.my younger brother fondly calls them,'inapravukal.'they could share all the cries and laughter of life!what a blessing to have a hand to hold on.sincerity and love made the base stronger!


iam grateful to the kind gestures and friendly attitude of ram shukla,asha sharma,sunandha and kumudini at my workplace.

often we get caught up in our worries that we forget to appreciate the beauty,the sincerity in those who love us.every minute of everyday brings us the opportunities to create happiness in our lives.please note that happiness is within.

this is the season of lent and an important part of the lent is SANTOS PASSOS.In portuguese,it means 'Holy Steps' and signifies the journey of CHRIST to CALVARY.Santos Passos is a depiction of the ordeal ,contemplation and suffering of CHRIST before being crucified.

And this lent period,i remember sr.modesta n sr,jancina.they always chant asilent prayer for us. my amma's student and great fan,sr,modesta brings achange to our whole family.she is like a cool breeze.i make it a point to visit sr.modesta who is in mareena home now.five minutes spent with her recharges me with positive attitude.

just the other day achamma called from kottayam.they left here and settled in kottayam.she dreamt me n kishen and called up to find out all of us keep fit.she was my colleague for many years.

sr ,jancina who taught me malayalam and who wrote a story on me!she developed the interest in mother tongue and i was her favourite student.can you believe,i took second group for her in pre degree as she wanted to see me as a doctor!but i switched over to economics for degree course!she was happy when my younger brother became a doctor!

hey,guys,please take time to post a friendly 'hello''.take the initiative to keep in touch.catch up with your friends .they do make a difference.wisdom and warmth can come from any corner.life is not a spelling test.no matter,how many words we get right.we will never get disqualified.

and to all my long lost friends,

''ennodethinu pinakkam,
enthinanennodu paribhavam?''

on this sunday,when the band strikes up,my feet tap with a life of its own!my prince charming walks across towards me and i step into his arms.the dance,the wonderful dance goes on!it feels good to be back!

''A friend in need is a friend in need.''
will you be my friend?

and to you,

Main tere jism mein mehkunga gulabon ki tarah,
Aa kabhi mujhko dil me basa ke to dekh!


it's anu signing off,

wishing a grand sunday to relax,

sasneham,
anu

THE KIND GESTURES

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL..................

On this eve of new year,'GUDI PADWA',my thoughts revolve around the kind gestures that make our life beautiful.one thinks positively when life is dependent on many others.
i might not have told the magical words ''thanks'' to many.but,i have realised the smile they bring on others' faces.we all need each other.technology has not stopped us from loving each other.the idea of serving one another usefully has never been removed from the modern mind.

hey,guys,for a change,remove the cell phone clamped to your ear next time you walk down the streets and listen to the cries around you.there are many ,who just may need a patient hearing.get your tv unplugged and get up n start taking your steps out to nature.someone needs you very badly and who knows,you will be having the satisfaction of brightening up someone's day!

as i love counselling,i just started sharpening my listening skills now.that's why,bindu comes often to me just to pour out her problems or loretta often seeks guidance.when i let them roll out the tears,they get relieved and after cracking a simple joke, a smile can be re planted on their face.am i getting sensible?



right from my childhood,i was surprised at the hospitality and kindness of my parents.before we had our food,amma always kept iddli and chutney for the helpers.as soon as someone came to see achan,always tea was ordered in the kitchen.even the workers will not go back without enjoying the home made food.now i realise''annadanam is maha punyam.''before having lunch,one bowl of rice was offered to the crows.before we start eating,we pray to GOD 'for the food we eat.the first lesson of generosity was taught at home.
i try to make it a point to feed the sparrows,pigeons, crows n cats daily,here.i just can't miss the chirping of the cute sparrows!mornings are fresh with the gifts of nature!

watching sunset by the sea is a wonderful experience.when you visit this beautiful land,please don't miss it.nature teaches us many lessons.our mind feels a wonderful experience.the peace n happiness,one enjoys are beyond words.in this scorching summer,plan a trip to this wonderful land of natural beauty and spend the days by the numerous beaches.it's lovely!why don't you discover this land of song ,sand n sun by yourself?an unforgettable vacation is just a breeze away!

in my neighbour's balcony the red kashi thumba is fully bloomed.i just appreciate the beautiful flowers daily.

often we forget,our daily paradise is our home,sweet home.the moments of sharing and laughing are too precious.we have only these moments to cherish for the rest of our life.we learn the basic values of love,care and concern at home.by the time you read this post,as the resolution taken on this auspicious day,please turn an enemy to your friend.for that you have to forgive n stretch the hands of friendship.let's give what we can.

iam so grateful to GOD for all the blessings showered on me!my life is an answered prayer!prayers make our life better.

anu always wanted to be a Cinderella with a band and a beat!she was living in an imaginary world.she really thought, a prince charming would come to her and take her into his arms.she wanted to perform to the tunes of super hit.noone could stop her dreaming.she waited for,''you are on my mind'',''i miss you'' mails.she wanted the compliments!silly?noway,everything is okey in love!anu wants to recapture the romance![CAN SOMEONE BOAST OF A BETTER BONUS?]

whole heartedly i thank all my folks n friends for making my life beautiful!and to those who don't agree with me,may i gift you a yellow rose? [if you 're willing to accept,please acknowledge].let's enjoy the pleasures of friendship.and i must tell you,this flower is the token of true n warm dosti.


let's keep the festive spirit alive.wishing one n all A HAPPY GUDI PADWA!!!navya varshachaya subhechha!!!people drink neem juice in the morning.this acts as the body purifier.the sacred kalash or copper pot is placed on the colourfully decorated gudi stick along with marigold flowers n mango leaves n neem leaves.a colourful zari bordered cloth is usually used for decoration.while the copper vessel is a representation of the womb of MOTHER EARTH, the stick is a symbol of victory asscociated with the conquests during wars.


it's time to spread good cheer and happiness around.please join n celebrate all festivals.that's what we pravasis do.wishing you a happy n prosperous new year,let's be together.Insha Allah!!


and to you,


Kabhi waqt mile to aajao,
Ham jheel ke kinare ja baittem.........[kab aayega?]

it's anu signing off..........

i was waiting to get back to you,guys.the hectic days n the sleepless nights,the help from my friends could make it possible to finish the work before the deadline!and tonight i can sleep peacefully!!!

yes,it's true,''a stich in time saves nine.''

Jai ho!!

sasneham,
anu

MILE SUR MERA TUMHARA.........................

SUKHAMO DEVI.......................?

For so many days,i was carrying this title in my heart....right from college days,this popular song topped my favourite list.i pampered the lines in my heart.....the verse,the tune,the picturisation,the romance lift my spirits................repeatedly i love to hear this song.i feel great!it connects me with the inner self.it's a release for my emotions.

it's about my village ,kaveedu near guruvayoor.i can't procced without mentioning my ancestoral nalukettu.the vakappookkal on the way to my office remind me our pambin kavu.we had this tree.the pink feathery flowers are so cute. the nature is at its best at chandra prabha.the dragonflies n butterflies were the good indicators of the healthy ecosystem.the spectacle not to be missed in one's life.

the big pambinkavu took a major portion of the land.the swings were natural.we,the children used to play inside,it was so cool.i always prayed to NAGAS not to bite me before entering inside.we felt,we were in some other world.in summer,when we went to kamalalayam,the bed time stories told by achamma enriched our childhood.achamma took us to the wonderful world of nagamanikyam.when i watch,AADI PARA SHAKTI,the serial on nagas and nagamanikyam make me relive in my childhood.i cherish the fond memories of my achamma.my achan was the eldest son of the family.on each important days and events achan joined his loving amma n siblings.


losing this green cover meant the loss of many plants and animals.we woke up to the chirping of birds.nobody needed an alarm clock or mobile to wake up early morning.

i miss my home,my village,my plants and flowers.their absence leave a terrible vacuum.it's a different feeling.

manjusha, was my close friend of college.she was fair,tall and slim.she had long hair.she always got the second look.she was sincere and studious.i was so comfortable with her.we could share all the silly things of life.she used to come by bus.mohan met her in this bus journey.he was a journalist of a leading news paper.anyone would love her for the simplicity and innocent look.he believed strongly,they were made for each other.he was tall,dark and with sparkling eyes.she felt,he was mr.right for her.

i used to read the wonderful poems he had written about her.when two hearts are in love,every moment will be enjoyable.he was simple and honest about his feelings.she was on cloud nine.they were often together mentally.manjusha was addressed as his madapravu.

but,often life doesn't turn out to be the way we want it to be or expect it .we are simply blind to life.we don't open our eyes and look at life in the true sense.

when the news was leaked,manjusha was under house arrest.there was no way to contact her as she stopped her studies half way.her brothers and parents saw it to that not even a collegemate entered their house.

i was feeling depressed,nooneelse could take her place.later,we came to know that she was married off to a software engineer in gulf.we were not invited and i could not see her later.

after so many years,i met mohan in city centre.it was a nice get together.we were leafing through the past.he was pretty miserable for the next few years.the most unfortunate happening was that he had resigned his job.in the middle of that,he turned to writing for comfort.he is a popular blogger,now.he finds relief in the hectic life schedule..mohan is well settled with a happy family.still when it was time to say bye,his message to manjusha was''sukhamo devi?''one must be wondering,what could be the reason for mohan to send communication all the way to dubai.but,guys,the mayilpeeli ippozhum manassinte edukalil manam kanathe olichirikkunu.

manjusha,if u happen to read this post,please contact me.if we knew,what what's in store,we will try to correct our way of life.this world would have been much a better place to live in.

who can forget the colourful life and the sweet moments ?the only thoughts that cross my mind and gives me insomnia these days are the carefree,romantic days of the college life.

actually,i was thrilled as if he had asked me that question[someoneelse used to ask me that very fondly.]now the priorities have been changed.time n tide waits for none. once the centre of the world was someonelese.words were never exchanged.we were never together. i remember the admiring looks and an attractive smile.the name doesn't matter.we never want words to dreams.it was the feeling,the untold,the unexpressed feeling.over and over again a dreamy romantic voice whispers...............''sukhamo devi?''i think,each one of us carry the unforgettable memories which bring a sweet smile to our face.

let's don't keep on apologising.let's do things for which we don't have to feel guilty.

and to me,


zindagi me pyaar hota hai zaroor,
per pana zaroori to nahim.

i hope,the whole script will be conceived differently.

and with all my love n prayers,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,KISHEN,DEAR.MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH ALL THE LOVE,LONG LIFE,HEALTH N HAPPINESS IN LIFE!!!MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!

kishen's birthday is tomorrow-on sunday.i will be awake till midnight to phone n wish him. kishen,so fast u have grown up!

wishing one and all, a peaceful weekend ahead,

it's anu signing off.

sasneham,
anu

ANU N HER UMBRELLAS

ANUVINTE VARNA KUDAKAL.............

By the end of this week, when the sky was cloudy,i was eagerly waiting for the showers.since three days,keralites are enjoying the kumbha mazha and the scenes of people drenched in rain,the breeze,the streets full of water on television are enchanting..............so i ask someone,''tell me,did u enjoy the smell of the sand after the first rain?''''no,anu we get only the smell from gutters around.''chey,he spoiled the whole mood.


i long to be there,in chandraprabha when it rains.it's my world,my showers.in the old house we used to make paper boats and set them sail from the poomukha mittam.then we run to the kizhukkoram and watch the boat sailing smoothly with the flow of water.we had a nadumittam and water just gushes from the four corners;having rain inside the house................how can i make you feel all those wonderful childhood memories...............


then orothamma plucks the big chembin leaf and covering her head ,walks in the rain.then she has a long konjada to cover her head and back while sweeping the courtyard.


i'm not sure when i got obsessed with umbrellas.while studying in first std,pattu kuda was in fashion.the multi coloured small umbrella,so attractive and having that, was an added reason to go to school.splashing the water with small feet,holding the umbrella,anu walked to school with cousins and siblings.her school was karayoor l.p school.[now it is double storyed building].
anu still cherishes the smell of the hot uppumavu served there.

then ettan sent folded umbrellas from the middle east.[the parcel came by ship].that was so convenient to fold an umbrella and keep it in the bag.'' i also have a foreign umbrella''.what a pride!

slowly the printed colourful umbrellas were in demand.so,in the wish list anu started writing it on the top.when nanda got married and started her new life in the middle east,umbrellas were the main gifts for me.i used to enjoy the smell for many days,the special gulf smell and then keep them in my cupboard.

as the studies were done in a women's college,sharing an umbrella with the boyfriend never took place.[so many real love stories flourished under the single umbrella].

anu never took pain to learn essays or paragraphs, the way she described the umbrellas,she wanted.it could be the small white flowers in blue black ground or the black spots in brick red base.

after shifting to this land of song and sand,the passion remained the same. here, people mainly use rain coats which she never liked.she longed for the summer breaks to learn the new jingles of new varieties of umbrellas from ''poppy'' to ''happy''.a thorough study was done on the new launches and the summer vacations saw anu spending time staring and checking all the latest models.she started appreciating the loud calls ,''kuda nannakkanudo'',and called those people home to get the very old discarded umbrellas from the upstairs,repaired.she staretd spotting the places where they sit in town to repair umbrellas.

the umbrelllas started taking maximum space of the cupboard.anu changes her umbrellas as per the shade of the sarees and doesn't fold it even if it stops raining.she is so proud of her umbrellas and she wants everyone to enjoy the design.

do you call it, silly nature?never do that.see what happened.

the heavy rains always block the konkan railway track.it was such a furious night.i was leaving for trichur.the train was late.holding the handbag in one hand and the umbrella on the other hand,i continued waiting.one train had stopped at the station waiting for signal.when i went near the train,when i shook my hand,my blue coloured happy umbrella slipped and fell down to the track.i was shocked.''what to do?who will help me?''it was the brand new umbrella;the design was beautiful-full of small flowers on the blue background.



there was no 'help desk' at the platform.[and i don't know some official will help us to get back the umbrella from the track].i spotted a constable far away and ran to him.[my folks were shocked at my drama].anu is impossible.

'' sir,please help me.''[anu is never polite,mind you.]
''yes,madam,what can i do for you?''
sir,my brand new umbrella slipped and fell down to the track.it's between the train and the platform on the track''.please help me to get it.''this is a gift from my sister.''anu is almost in tears.
''what can i do?''[he was so concerned].
sir,please come with me.i will show you the spot.''
anu leads the local constable to the spot and shows him exactly where her happy lies.
she encourages the good samaritan.

''oh,u have a stick in your hands,please try whether it will reach the umbrella.''[my folks are watching the show from a distance]
.
the constable kneels down and stretches the hand with the stick with a hook.after many trials,the blue happy umbrella gets hooked in to the stick and the constable gives back it to anu with a smile.

''thank you sir,thank you very much.''''i knew you could do it.''
a hundred watts smile and the curtain is drawn.

she washed the umbrella and went back to her people with the broad smile like that flashed on the face of rasool pookutty.''what an achievement,na?''

here,the police is common man's friend.[any takers?]

i don't like the long black umbrellas of gents;so difficult to carry along.

maza and my little star catch the rain water from the balcony.they try to collect the rain drops.how can i scold them?they enjoy the wild breeze.

these days,iam more serious,doing studies on rain water harvesting.when the leading dailies start giving series on this topic,i collect the articles and try to bring an awareness among the lay man.
since last two summers i am troubling amma'',let us make a new tank in our compound''.''anu,what's wrong with you?we had two tanks.one we filled up and the other is little far away.you don't want to use it,n now u are asking me to make a new tank''?

amma is not getting what is anu up to.

the beautiful songs and scenes on rainy season attract me.last time i presented a musical show on 'water'and seventy people participated in it.the script and direction was mine and iam so happy that it won laurels.
after reaching here,i started realising the value of precious water.

iam waiting for the rainy season; waiting for the numerous
advertisements to cut and paste in my scrap book.i want to read about the stories on factories that are in to this business.
the umbrella with a whistle an with the three folded smallest umbrella don't belong to my collection.[on my forthcoming birthday,u can gift me those].

being from trichur,how can i finsh my post without mentioning the varna kudakal of trichur pooram.hey,gus,the wonders of trichur are the colourful,beautiful umbrellas of parmekkavu and thiruvambadi kudamattam.[this time i will be in trichur for pooram'].without closing the eyelids iam glued to them.those who have not witnessed it,start planning to be there ,on may,3rd.you will carry life long memories,back home.

get up from your seat and take out your umbrellas and make them fit for this monsoon........

MY GOD!GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE FESTIVAL IS GOING ON................whenever i go to temple,i see these brhamin ladies covering themselves in huge marakuda and even in the rush, they manage with the open umbrellas to have darshan of LORD KRISHNA..........these umbrellas can't be folded.


and here,in this land of beaches,you can see the huge umbrellas to protect you from sun.

hey,friends,those who want to do a thesis on umbrellas,get me as your guide.[the fees is just an umbrella].

let me tell you.........

oru kuda kandal.........
oru varna kuda kandal....................
athu mathi.....................athu mathram mathi..............

and to u,

Tumhari kasam bahut bahut yaad aate ho.............,
Ab na puchna mujhse kab kab yaad aate ho..........[mousam to baarish ka hai...........]

it's anu signing off,
wishing all of you a happy and relaxing week end..

sasneham,

anu

RANG BARSE...............

SPREAD COLOURS, SPREAD LOVE

HAPPY HOLI TO ALL MY READERS...........

The whole night people were singing and dancing around bonfire.when the loud music is going on,how can one sleep?u could hear them shouting n merry making.oh,yaar,this is festival time.i love the festivals for the stories behind the celebrations.mostly it's the triumph of good over evil.the value should reach out to each n everyone.



holi is the festival of colours.mainly,the day is for children.infront of my building,along the sea shore lamanies live in small huts .they are mostly connected to sea and fish.the ladies wear long colourful skirts and backless tops with mirror work.a long chuni will be flowing from their heads.irrespective of gender they are in full spirits,today.it's fun watching them sing and dance or fight.my day spent in the balcony witness all these on the days of holi.

people apply colour on each other's face and cheer up saying,''bura na mano,holi hai''.they hug each other and greet holi.this is 'holi milan'.drenched in colours,every body comes to resemble each other losing their original selves.

i'm waiting to call amma to greet her.it's her prayer time.


kishan n friends used to bring all sorts of colours home and the same day,pipe line would break causing no water supply.the house full of colours used to irritate me.[for that matter,even though surrounded by water ,our pipe lines break sincerely on all important days......................]

Red,green,yellow and blue,
the colurs of holi remind me of you....
'coz just like them you are
so vibrant full of fun!

any celebrations,without you,are incomplete.dearies,i miss you badly.

the beauty of the festival is ,it treats everybody at par,all differences dissolve in the coloured water that flows in plenty in it.lovely,na?no hatred,no social differences and only love and peace,spread everywhere.festivals bridge social gaps.

i love colours.i love all dark colours.even while chatting, i choose multi colour font and i get the complaint.''we can't read.change your font''.i strongly feel,colours add beauty to one's life.

my little star's paintings are so colourful and their beauty lies in the contrast colours chosen.she's a wonderful artist, a gold medalist from 2nd std.her art master proudly states,''so beautiful and neat her piantings are;not even a stroke outside the border.''she teaches me it's never too late to follow any of my passions.

while in school,i used to be after achan for completing my science drawings.can u believe,i had also won a prize for the drawing competition held at regional theatre,trichur.to be true me and strokes are not friends.

being holi,i enjoy a holiday;but my back log work is piled up and the submission is tomorrow.anu is always so unorganised and hurries in the eleventh hour.

always radiating a positive outlook in any situation of life,nanda will be back home tomorrow from the city on the banks of hudson river.i'm relieved.amma will be very happy.maza will be feeling terrible;but she will cope up soon.

my people say,''anu is good at giving advice.''ok,let me tell you,look into yoursef and ask,whether your friend/lover is a curse or gift to you.if they cause,more heart aches than bliss,it's time for the wake up call.

the smile of a stranger seem more beautiful and kind,and u rediscover,life is beautiful.the more u give ,the more u get.

festivals are the time when people want to be in company of the people who are close to their hearts.please enhance the beauty of holi,by simply reaching out to your dear ones.when did u last call her/him?send greetings and blessings.for a change,make the lives colourful like a rainbow.

friends,celebrations call to put an end to any hard feelings that might've cropped up during the year.revive your long lost friendships.miracles happen.this day,u can forget all the fights u had throughout the year.the wall that we build between each other is broken down on this special day.

let's forget the every day burdens of life.

Rang Panchami,the festival of colour is celebrated all over the country with great festivity and joy.on this special day,people wear pure white clothes and gather together in a common place where they can play happily.

surprisingly,for the last one hundred and fifty years the villagers of DURGAPUR ,in jharkhand do not celebrate holi,fearing a natural calamity,if they do so.what a pitiable situation!

prayers to all the students appearing for board exam today and dear parents,be kool.getting tensed won't help.so,let's pray together.

i received a lovely sms from nisha which i want to share with u.

Gul ne gulshan se gulfam bheja hai,
Sitaro ne aasman se salaam bheja hai,
Mubaraq ho aapko holi ka tyohar,
Humne dil se yeh paigam bheja hai.

people exchange sweet packets.tilak is put on the forehead.rituals n greetings are part of any celebration.

do u know,u have put a spring in my step and music in my heart.
mere thanks won't convey the true feelings.a,refreshing cool breeze flows unexpectedly....................how long it will remain,iam not sure.but i enjoy these moments.

may i invite you,to exchange colours,throw and splash water on each other and sing folk songs and dance to the tune of the dholak and the spirit of holi?

atleast once, say yes, to me.it is believed that the combination of different colours played at this festival take all the sorrow away and make life even more colourful.


to u,


Tujhe jab yaad karte hain,to dil apna tarpta hai,
Woh tere pass na hona bahut mehsoos hota hai.........

it's anu signing off..................

have a great holi celebration...................live life in each moment..........wish you all a very HAPPY HOLI once again.........

sasneham,
anu

ente malayalam

എന്റെ അമ്മക്ക്,
ആദ്യമായി മലയാളത്തിലെഴുതുമ്പോള്‍,അമ്മ എന്നപുണ്യ നാമം തന്നെ എഴുതണം.എന്നെ അക്ഷരത്തിന്റെ ലോകത്തിലേക്ക്‌ സ്നേഹത്തോടെ സ്വാഗതം ചെയ്തു,അക്ഷരം ഒരു വികാരമായി എന്നില്‍ നിറയാന്‍ പ്രചോദനമായ എന്റെ അച്ഛനും അമ്മയ്ക്കും,മലയാളത്തിലെ ഈ വരികള്‍ ഞാന്‍ സമര്‍പ്പിക്കുന്നു.
സസ്നേഹം,
സ്വന്തം,
anu

MONDAY BLUES

THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK...............

When the sun sets at the west horizon,i'm feeling lost.the luxurious three days' break came to an end.kishan is back from SFO and i was on leave.down with cold n fever much time was spent on bed.still,without writing some silly,but honest thoughts,i can't sleep.

the cool breeze,the waves of the sea ,the fisherfolk women complete the scene.sitting in the balcony,kishan is sipping his cup of tea.he prefers to be silent and it's the highest punishment for me.[still a chatter box,i need words and sound].

back to work tomorrow,i can't come to terms with that.like a school going child i'm planning stories,to be at home.but noway,the work load is staring at me.i've to bring back the brightness of the days.

we may have to work with difficult people.as far as possible,avoid them.nanda always advises me,look straight,talk less,don't see or hear what you're not supposed to and never react to people who instigate you.

now i know,there is sense in that advice.we've to be careful.the life is tough and we need peace.

women's day was not much special.early morning, greeting amma is the first thing i did.it made me happy.i thought of relaxing and taking rest.
the files are piled up and i've to sit till late night.a cozy book curled up in bed makes my day.no more visits to the beautyparlour,no long drives along country side,no picnic at the beach,not an outing with friends and no more chat sessions.

when i open my back door,it overlooks to the adjacent' suvidha building', and in one of the plants kept in the balcony,i can see ' bana poovu'.i am thrilled.anything that refreshes my memories are wonderful. back home,in kaveedu devi temple,these flowers are in white and pink.these flowers are special for LORD SHIVA.this devi temple was surrounded by thick forest.after,the new management of GURUVAYOOR DEVASWOM,gokulam[KANNA'S COWS] is shifted here in the vast land nearby.[years before,sargam movie was shot here,exactly vineeth and momisha sitting on the steps of temple tank].

anu never expects those words ,the compliments or the greetings from her friend.she knows,he will never make any day special for her.he takes her for granted.this is unfortunate.it's time for him to wake up and understand, no other relation replaces a close friendship.if the stress is due to any relationship,i want to be out of it.[hope,i have made myself clear].and after reading this post,he will come with the excuse,''oh,yaar,i don't believe in formalities.''

every day,women win battles in their daily lives and they don't stop to celebrate.they just put their best front and battle further........

i feel lazy to go back to work tomorrow morning.so,i 've to find out the innumerable ways to lift my spirits.i've to pamper myself to get back to work;nice idea,na?''come on anu,get up early,get ready,two more holidys u are getting.just work today;then relax for the next two days''.

loretta still gets confused and makes me more confused .[i allow her to unload her problems,sometimes that's all that is needed at that moment].but she is nice,a good friend.

iam proud to be a woman; a woman of substance.GOD,help me to be stronger n bolder.

the day was really great with a grand treat from kishan.we have just come back from lapaz gardens.saraswat food festival was going on.it's my special day!that's lovely!

dear friends,
wishing you a great week ahead with a colourful festival to celebrate..............

and to u,

Mein jaanta hoon ke tum mere,nahi ho lekin,
Ya Khuda,mere dost ko gum se door rakhna!

it's anu signing off,
sasneham,
anu

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY

8th March-women's day


this post is dedicated to my beloved amma,little star,nanda and maza who influenced me to a great extent.i can't think of my life without them-the strong family ties and the traditional values bind us together.

to tolerate me,the immatured,stubborn short tempered and confused loud speaker is impossible.............why am i always the odd one out?no idea.still they love me.they teach me the positive side of life.they convince me silence has strength,soft spoken words have great effect.[even this post is in advance,iam impatient till i pen down my thoughts.........]

amma,dearest,still guides me patiently even in her old age.yes.i 've started improving my ways of living.amma reminds me,i don't have to shout to be heard.amma is anxious about my health.she tries her level bestto remind me how precious time is:not to watse it at pc, neglecting the office work.still i cheat amma like in my school days.

under my school books,i used to hide the magazines.reading the novels from the village library was my weakness.much against the wishes of my parents,i was an active member of the film circle units.what was i trying to prove?a rebel?

mornings were unforgettable.i was never an early bird.nanda used to get up at brmha muhurtam and start studying her daily lessons.bucket full of water had to be poured and then anu would think of getting up.when all the cousins get ready for school on time,anu made them wait for her.

nanda, tells me nature has its own beauty and taking ten steps are better than a car ride.she is the one who spreads the positive energy all around.being a strong follower of SHRI SHRI,her mornings begin with prayers and yoga practice.her smile is her ornament and she is the pillar of our family.

my little star inspires me to pull down and forcefully reminds me of my college figure and the long hair.she is my life.she tells me there is no word called 'impossible' and we must live our lives in high spirits.to forgive and forget the miseries make our life happier.


she simply loves our ancestoral nalukettu and was really shocked when it was demolished.being a great artist, she is a perfectionist.neatness and caring nature won her many hearts.the dresses she designed are simply marvellous!she is GOD'S special creation.my little star believes in traditional values and culture and has a modern outlook.

dear,for u each moment of life is a celebration.[i'm sorry,as i have hurt you many times].

''anu,are you feeling guilty?''yes.i want to restart in a clean slate.i know now,;''time and tide waits for none.''iam trying,really trying to re learn and to look the different aspects of life in a new angle.

amma,thanks,for supporting me.i can't look upon someoneelse.i want to reach you soon,hug you and cry out my heart seeking forgiveness.all the sins will be washed away in my tears lying down on your lap.i know,amma,you are my best friend.

and ,my maza,who consoles me and with whom i can share everything and about everyone.she makes others feel the love and so lovable is she.she enjoys giving and her humble behaviour and sacrificing nature makes her the apple of everyone's eyes.
she is the one who gives me the kicks along with her sweet kisses.where are you dear?[from the other end of the world, she reaches through mails and chats and with the looooooooooong phone calls on sunday evenings........]

little star and maza are always called as''inakuruvikal.''

both of them danced together and the best of friends more than sisters.how can we forget the oppana and little star as manavatti?
maza's popular kuchipudi and peacock dance are evergreen in our minds.
she wants me to write my posts in malayalam and i don't know when i will get time for that.

my life is beautiful mainly because of my dearest ones.they have added colours and very generously take me along in the tough and long journey of life.i do feel protected.

hey,guys,don't wory.if there's a men's day,i will write about you.

by the way,the new year gifts-the beautiful red nokia mobile is the neighbour's envy and the digital camera has captured the numerous happenings...........thank you,dear..........

to all my readers of male category,please take time to tell your woman-your amma/chechie/aniyathi/priyathama/friend/fan-she is special to u and your life is better because of her.[hope u heard me right.iam not shouting...........reminding you softly].

i want to dedicate this beautiful forward to the most influential women of my life..........may GOD be kind to all.........

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'

'But I won't, ' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'

'She is soft,' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.

The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,'
the Lord corrected,
'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'
The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY TO ALL THE WONDERFUL LADIES.............you are the strength behind your men.

it's anu signing off.

sasneham,
anu

AN EVENING WITH THE GREAT MAGICIAN...............

THE WORLD OF ILLUSIONS


March month began with the ultra modern magic show with a global charm.we,the pravasis were looking forward to this wonderul evening with the great magician,shri.gopinath muthukad.preparations began two months before under the able guidance of shankar.wide publicity was given and colourful brochures were distributed.

as the magician claimed,it was an entertainment in style.

the venue was at open air auditorium,kala academy,in the capital city.the long drive to the most developed city,crossing the churches and zuari bridge,filled the mind with anxiety.
as the darkness fell,the handsoem cheerful magician opened his casket full of unending magic.it was a colourful ,glittering world of illusions.it was a craft beyond imaginations.
he led us to a spring of surprising scenes.the powerful confident personality won many hearts.

the magician proudly announces,he is a native of nilambur.he was hooked to magic right from his childhood.

i always liked his value added programmes.he reaches out to each and every member of the audience and the message is conveyed successfuly.truly said,practice is the secret of success.the cheer and positive attitude are commendable.

the dedication and hard work and team work make his shows popular.i strongly feel,we need people who can eradicate the dark sides of the lives.just now his programme against the liquor,its harmful effects were aired in one of the channels.

the fast movements and the dance numbers were so attractive.without an interval ,the audience was glued to the world of fantasy. hardly one knows the sleepless nights and the severe practice to put up this wonderful show.

down the memory lane,i was thinking about my childhood ,where achan took us to the magic show of the great PROF.VAZHAKUNNAM.the show was at kunnamkulam.without capturing any photos,the great magician is infront of my eyes.as children we were wonderstruck.achan always had the patience to explain the logic to us.how can i forget the wonderful religious trips we used to have in summer vacations!!!the holy trips to THRIPRAYAR,KODUNGALLORE AND PALANI TEMPLES!!!!the unforgettable travelling by the ghoda gadi.........still the 'tuck,tuck'' sound is echoing in my ears..........

the evening prayers,the regular visits to GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE,the days were enriched with devotion!

how can i express my gratitude to my parents!the trouble,the love,the care and the sacrifice they have shown and done towards the strong base of the lives of five children!!!!the memories are evergreen.

i am happy to know that PROF.VAZHAKKUNNAM NABOOTHIRI is the guru of this young magician.
an enchanting combination of enigma and enlightment made the evening a refreshing experience........heartfelt thanks to shankar and his team of fagma.

happy weekend to one and all.
if u get a chance to witness this magic show,don't miss it! kudos to 'HOUDINI OF INDIA'!!!!!!

it's anu signing off,
sasneham,
anu