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Space is many a splendoured thing. Amazingly, its beauty lies at the nebula; a concentration of mass and/or energy and its uncontroversial incontrovertibility. It, indeed, is space that has much to offer, many facets to present and many opportunities to pluck. Inter-convertibility is as much in evidence in our day to day life as in the origin of universe itself as evidenced in the power of fission or fusion.
Talk of space - there was the lack of it on a small island (in an island nation of just a few hundreds of thousands). The unhappiness and rate in any island in this country is extremely high and population density on the land mass as high as 4000/sq km with few opportunities to venture out. In joint families that inhabit the place, each one breathes down the others' neck and gets onto each others' nerves frayed already by the hard life and poverty. Unhappiness abounds - children talk of siblings in terms like "I am going to meet my sister's mother" or "I am going to my Father's third marriage and will get a brother and a sister too".
In the context mentioned by the author, she has spoken of the void within as the unconquered space - the mind capable of flights of fancy, into the unknown and plunder the bounty (not plunder as in violence but as in harvest by labour, be it of soul, heart, mind, body or all put together in a variety of permutations) that the Creation has to offer.
Explore - I MUST GO FOR IT but see that I hurt no one, see that I give at least as much as I take.
Safety and security, whatever be the form, come from acceptance, contentment, tolerance and forbearance and not from material goods; this is not to say that material goods are unnecessary - materialism has its own place but in the hierarchy of needs, they occupy, perhaps, a rung much lower than we elevate them to in the confines of the limited space that we choose to explore and ignore so much that lies in the unexplored and unexploited vistas of the mind as well as the mother Earth. Look (and toil), not only shall you find, but you shall get.
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MY SUPERHERO
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Aug 22, 2007 7:48 pm
1900 Views
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A friend in Bombay (Mumbai) shared with me this beautiful story which I am reproducing verbatim. Nmaes in the story have been changed for obvious reasons :
THIS IS A STORY OF KINDNESS, SHARING AND LOVE.
My driver’s eldest son is eight years old.
That sentence doesn’t tell the full story. It is true that he is eight years old and that he is the eldest of the three children in the house but he is not quite my driver’s son.
During the floods that raged last year, one of the casualties was 36-year-old Zaigham Ali, an autorickshaw driver. Ali hailed from the same village as my driver. Mishra certainly had done a lot better for himself than Ali. Mishra had a house - it was a shanty, but in Mumbai it was worth a palace.
Mishra worked as a driver, and his wife contributed a small income as a seamstress. Together, they could be described as one of the unseen upwardly mobile couples of Mumbai - their life was circumscribed by the slum, but their lot was far better than that of their kin in the village.
Ali lived as Mishra’s paying guest. Ali’s son, Irfan, lived with him, his wife had passed away a long time ago, and there was nobody in the village to look after him. Life seemed satisfactory enough. The slum was small and space scarce, but life didn’t seem so bad; the children played and fought on the street alongside, and went to the municipal school close by, where they failed most of their examinations together.
Then the rains came and the waters rose and wouldn’t stop rising. Ali didn’t return the next day or the next; so Mishra went looking for him in the hospitals - he didn’t find Ali, he found his body instead; nobody seemed to know how he had died.
He was buried in the Muslim cemetery, and then a group of elders (a system that only be described as a slum panchayat) met to decide what would happen to Irfan, Late Ali's son. Mishra told them not to worry about that.
Often, a hero doesn’t wear a hood or a cape. He doesn’t always save the world from invaders or people from murderers or . Often he is a quiet, self-effacing, down-to-earth man, who works as a domestic help, a driver etc, lives in a shanty and brings up the child of his friend as his own tespassing the constrictions of known religions.
I do believe that anything that is divine would only be too pleased seeing the case of Mishra and his eldest son.
I am proud of Mishra though I do not know him personally. I am happy that Irfan has a home and a faith which combines the best of all the religions - particularly Islam and Hinduism.
Best wishes to all,
Govind
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WHAT DO WOMEN REALLY WANT ???
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Aug 12, 2007 7:02 am
2187 Views
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This is a very interesting story ..........(to women); please take time to ponder, ..........(to men) enjoy the story, then just switch off........
Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his
freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question.
Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.
The question was:
What do women really want?
Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man.
To young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query.
Since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by the year's end.
He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: The princess, the priests, the wise men, and even the court jester. He spoke with
everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.
Many people advised him to consult the old witch, For only she would have the answer. But the price would be high as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged. The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to
the witch.
She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first. The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!
Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunch-backed and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises etc.
He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life. He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible
burden but Lancelot, having learnt of the proposal, spoke with Arthur. He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table. Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered. Arthur's question thus: "What a woman really wants?" She said, "Is to be in charge of her own life."
Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared. And so it was.
The neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom. And Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding. The honeymoon hour approached and, Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he
had ever seen was in front of him on the bed.
The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened. The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth be her horrible and deformed self only half the time. And the beautiful maiden the other half. "Which would you prefer? She asked him. "Beautiful during the day ... or at night?"
Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day he could have a beautiful woman to show off to his friends,But at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch! Or, would he prefer having a
hideous witch during the day? But by night a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous, intimate moments with ?
(If you are a man reading this...) What would YOUR choice be?
(If you are a woman reading this ) What would YOUR MAN'S choice be?
What Lancelot chose, is given below:
BUT... make YOUR choice before you scroll down below... OKAY?
> > >>> *
> > >>> *
> > >>> *
> > >>> *
> > >>> *
Noble Lancelot, knowing the answer the witch gave Arthur to his question, he said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.
Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time. Because, he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of
her own life.
Now... what is the moral to this story?
The moral is...
(1) There is witch in every woman no matter how beautiful she is!
(2) If you don't let a woman have her own way, things are going to get
ugly.
So, always remember: IT'S EITHER "HER WAY" OR IT'S "NO WAY" !!* 
This happens to be true of all of us, women or men. There is an old laugh line, "A woman marries a man for what he is and then spends a life time trying to change him."
Betterment is essential but it must come from within rather than being imposed. That would be true evolution inspired by intelligent observation and experience running concurrently and somewhat in conflict with a possible decline. In the latter case, a suggestion/guidance by a trusted friend, partner or family member, rather than a diktat, is likely to have a positive effect.
Best wishes to all - I wish everyone happiness and a beautiful week ahead.
Govind
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ROYAL HUMOUR
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May 23, 2007 10:20 pm
2118 Views
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This story dates back to the years when Princess Margaret was still having her affair with Peter Townsend and Prince Charles and Princess Anne were quite young.
The conversation that took place when their third sibling was to be born is reproduced :
Anne - Do you know that the Queen is going to have a baby ?
Charles - How do you know ?
Anne - She told me.
Charles - How does she know ?
Anne thought for a while and said, "She must have read it in the papers."
Not to be outdone, the smart Prince Charles retorted, "MI 5 must have told her."
Best wishes to all,
Govind
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THE MOTHER
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May 12, 2007 10:46 am
2064 Views
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The Images of our mothers at different stages of our life:
4 YEARS OF AGE ~ My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE ~ My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE ~ My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE ~ Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE ~ Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE ~ That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE ~ Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE ~ Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion!
45 YEARS OF AGE ~ Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE ~ I sure wish I could talk it over with Mom...
My best wishes to all mothers and mothers to be on the MOTHERS' DAY.
Govind
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TO - ALL MOTHERS AND FATHERS - CHILDHOOD OF YOUR CHILDREN
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May 8, 2007 6:22 pm
2089 Views
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I was sitting on a bench
while in a nearby mall,
When I noticed a young mother
with two children who were small.
The youngest one was whining,
"Pick me up," I heard him beg
but the mother's face grew angry
as the child clung to her leg.
"Don't hang on to me," she shouted
as she pushed his hands away,
I wish I'd had the courage
to go up to her and say...
"The time will come too quickly
when those little arms that tug,
Won't ask for you to hold them
or won't freely give a hug.
"The day will sneak up subtly
just as it did with me,
When you can't recall the last time
that your child sat on your knee.
"Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings
when we cherished time alone
Our babies grow and leave behind
those special times we've known.
"So when your child comes to you
with a book that you can share,
Or asks that you would tuck him in
and help him say his prayer...
"When he comes to sit and chat
or would like to take a walk,
Before you answer that you can't
`cause there's no time to talk.
"Remember what all parents learn
so many times too late,
That years go by too quickly
and that childhood doesn't wait.
"Take every opportunity,
if one should slip away
Reach hard to get it back again,
don't wait another day."
I watched that mother walk away
her children followed near,
I hope she'll pick them up
before her chances disappear...
~by Kathie Davis~
Best wishes to all parents and parents to be.
Grandparents or grandparents to be - please share this with your children .
Govind
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GOD'S KIDS
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May 7, 2007 6:40 pm
2111 Views
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Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to God's kids. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam & Eve.
And the first thing He said to them was, "Don't!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit," God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We got forbidden fruit?
Hey, Eve! We got forbidden fruit!"
"No way!"
"Yes way!"
"Don't eat that fruit!" said God.
"Why?"
"Because I'm your Creator and I said so!" said God.
A few minutes later God saw the kids having a forbidden fruit break and was angry.
"Didn't I tell you not to eat that fruit?" God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?"
"I dunno," Eve answered.
"She started it!" Adam said.
"Did not!"
"Did so!"
"Did not!!"
There is reassurance in this story. If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give your children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble handling children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?
~Based on a skit by Bill Cosby~
Have a beautiful day and the week.
Best regards.
Govind
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BUILDING BRIDGES
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May 2, 2007 7:10 am
2141 Views
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I have always fancied myself as a great peace-maker despite my occasionally violent nature. There was an incident about 15 years ago when I was in an unforeseen, unnecessary and unsavoury war with a neighbour whose parents had been very friendly with my parents. Reason for the war was a rather 'expansionist' demeanour that his wife displayed while I was usually away on my duty station wherever my work took me in India.
We were now involved in litigation following that 'expansion'; a thrashing was given to my caretaker and a handyman at my home and their families. The violent facet of me was about to take charge. I had decided that impotency of law must be corrected by the viagra of brawn.
My neighbour's elder sister - I had grown up calling her Didi (means sister in Hindi and elder sister in Nepali) - sent me a letter with a beautiful message BUILDING BRIDGES and sent one to her kid brother too. Yesterday, I saw this message appear at an inspirational site on the internet.
I am reproducing it for your reading pleasure.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.
Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox.
"I'm looking for a few days work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"
"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence -- an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."
The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."
The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.
The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work -- handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.
"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."
The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.
"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.
"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have many more bridges to build."
~Author Unknown~
Have a beautiful day. My neighbour and I are friends once again and Didi - well, she is and has always been there for my family and me.
Best wishes to all,
Govind
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THINGS TO REMEMBER
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Apr 30, 2007 6:22 pm
2207 Views
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One woman complained to a friend that she couldn't remember anything from one day to the next.
"Let me get this straight," he said. "You can't remember anything from one day to the next? How long has this been going on?"
She said, "How long has what been going on?"
If your memory is not what you would like it to be, it may help to focus on the few things you really need to remember.
Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
Remember to take the days just one at a time.
Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
Remember not to take things too seriously.
Remember to laugh.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.
Remember that miracles can still happen.
~Author Unknown~
Best wishes to all ,
Govind
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GOD DIDN'T (??) MAKE PERFECT MOTHERS !!
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Apr 29, 2007 5:48 pm
2071 Views
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"May I go now?" the almost completed, eager mother asked.
"Not yet. There are essential parts and finishing touches to be added," her Maker replied.
"I look pretty good to me," she said, peering into the crystal pool at her feet.
"True, you're looking better all the time. But bear with me."
"What does a mother have to do, God, besides wash, feed, and clothe little bodies?"
God only smiled and continued working.
"What are you doing now?" the curious mother-to-be questioned.
"Tightening your anger valve. If this doesn't work, everyone is in trouble."
She watched as He reached for the container marked patience.
"And what do I need patience for?" she asked as He poured in quite a supply.
"After a week you will know, my child."
"And whatever could that be?"
"This is your bypass mechanism. It enables a mother to operate efficiently for long periods of time without compliments from her children."
"I'm sure I won't need that."
"I'm sure you will."
Then God reached for a bundle labeled insulation against loud noises.
"You can skip that," she told him. "I don't mind a little noise."
"That's nice," He said.
Seeing all the energy He was preparing to give her, she shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. "I wouldn't need all that energy in a million years."
"Little you know. You will use all of this and be begging for more before long."
"I didn't know there was so much involved in being a mother. You're not just putting me on, are you?"
"No, little mother."
With much apprehension, "Are you sure I can handle the job?"
"Quite sure...with help. I'm always available when you need me."
"I'm glad to know that. What could I possible need all these for?"
"A certain amount of pain, so that you will be fully equipped to sympathize with and minister to the needs of your children when they feel pain; tears, so that you will be able to cry with them when they are hurt; and laughter to blend with theirs for happy times."
The mother-in-waiting fidgeted while God attached yes and no buttons.
"Wouldn't it be nicer just to say yes to my children all the time?"
"Definitely not. Good mothers need to say no--and often. Say it with kindness and they will respect you for it."
"Have you equipped me with this thing called kindness, Lord?"
"I have indeed."
"And what about respect? Do I have to respect my children?"
"Absolutely."
The anxious mother tried to be patient as God installed a question answered, advice giver, get along without sleep, and a pretender not to notice.
"I know I wouldn't use one of those!" she said, as God came toward her with a let-go lever.
"Sure you will, though it's hard. This is a vital piece of equipment. Until this little lever is released, your children will not have room to grow properly, make their own decisions, or develop their own personalities."
"I guess that is important."
God stood back a few steps to appraise His work, then reached for a coat of love and wrapped it around her. "Wear this at all times, and you'll be a good mother."
~Author Unknown~
Hail all mothers and mothers to be.
Best wishes to all,
Govind
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I HOPE
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Apr 27, 2007 7:29 am
1981 Views
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I hope you woke up this morning
with a big smile on your face...
I hope the sun is shining just for you
and the birds are singing their very best songs...
I hope your coffee is hot and tastes just right
and the cats are purring contentedly,
and the mailman waves a cheery hello
and there are no bills in the mailbox...
I hope that your day is filled with lovely surprises
and friends call you up just to say "Hi"...
I hope you feel on top of the world
with a spring in your step all day...
I hope just everything goes your way ...
I hope everything is well with your world,
a place for everything and everything in its place...
I hope you can enjoy all you do
and you are complimented on the way you look
and you can laugh and talk and share
to your heart's content...
I hope you have all you wish for yourself
and those dear to you,
and all your dreams come true...
At the end of the day
I wish you a perfect moon shining just for you,
a snug and cozy bed with the softest of pillows
and I hope you sleep like a lamb
with a smile on your face...
I hope you have a perfect end to the perfect day
and I hope that every day is just as wonderful
in its own way...
I hope your day is ...
Filled with love.
~By Ruth Bourdon~
Best wishes,
Govind
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