While driving to office I learn many tricks from other people who drive along with us. A stream of cars  move on the road, that resembles water , that is flowing slowly.everyone is in hurry to reach his/her destination as soon as possible. Usually I too used to drive in a zig-zag manner, but one day I thought of driving in one lane and follow any vehicle that is in front of me.From then I have noticed that driving became simple and I get clear way ahead.These trolley-tempos irritate and scare  me a lot, then these two-wheelers...baba-re...they try to compete with those big cars...that really irritates me. These young riders drive so rashly and so fast as if they are going to beat Schumaker.Then these auto wallas...my GOD! they are just too much. They look like 'beetles', and try to wriggle in between the narrow spaces as if they have ability to squeeze themselves ...........they require good tharshing some times.

I like the game, like 'find the way.' where  a small boy or anyone tries to find the way to reach the other end, by going in a zig-zag manner to reach the destination. Lots of curves make the game interesting. I still do it. Today that game reminded me that playing that game has given me some insight to find the way between the cars and trucks and buses...I like it. 

Now I find driving very intersting because I learn new ways to take cuts, sneak,in, follow,overtake( very very rare), and in all this my poor Maruti 800 suffers a lot.

Just now I have posted here a forwarded mail.

I dont know whether I can do it? Here in this big city, everyone, literally everyone carries a garbage truck on his head.And why not? Things become beyond control sometimes. Those who live in big cities and commute everyday to their offices they can understand well. At least I do. Autorickshaw drivers make me mad when they drive recklessly and rashly, when my car gets stuck in pothole in the middle of the road, when driver of car behind you wants to overtake you, when its raining heavily and you have to drive...oh..there are so many things.

Can I do what my freind has sent in that forwarded mail?

"The Law of the Garbage Trucks"

How often do you let other people's nonsense change
your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt
boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless
you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set
back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful
person is how quickly one can get back their focus on
what's important.

Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in
the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what
happened.

I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central
Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all
of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking
space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on
his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back
end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused
a big accident, whipped his head around and he started
yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and
waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I
said, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined
your car and sent us to the hospital!"

And this is when my taxi driver told me what I
now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

"Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around
full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a
place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.

When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it
personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and
move on. You'll be happy you did."

So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck."

I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run
right over me? And how often do I take their garbage
and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the
streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it
anymore."

I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie "The
Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People."

Well, now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're
carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my
Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just
smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

One of my favorite football players of all time, Walter
Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would
jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being
tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready
to make the next play his best. Good leaders know
they have to be ready for their next meeting.

Good parents know that they have to welcome their
children home from school with hugs and kisses.
Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully
present, and at their best for the people they care
about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not
let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you?
What would happen in your life, starting today,
if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with
regrets, so..
Love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.

W. H. Davies

Leisure

WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—

No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

I had read this poem in school. At that time we used to explain it 'with reference to the context....'', now I think I understand its real meaning, as what did he want to convey(the poet).

In this fast pace of life, this poem reflects my hidden craving for 'Leisure'.

 Habit of reading news paper is really very addictive. Everyday we all read news paper before starting any work in the office.  Mumbai Mirror and Mumbai Times are real favorite s of everyone.  Gossips and spicy news articles give us a chance to discuss things.

Since long I have been reading this supplement, first in my home town, and now  here. Page 3 comprises of gossips about film stars or local media hungry men and women. I remember, back in my home town, women used to feel so elated after seeing their pictures printed in page 3. They used to feel so important and glamorous.  On the other hand, my maid, when wanted to wrap some thing to take it to her house, used to ask me, “bhabhi, give me that paper, (supplement), as it has no important news in it. Even she knew that, and used to wrap things in this paper.

We all are bored to see same faces with plastic smiles, trendy& glamorous( ?) clothes, same crowd, same venue...all so stale now....!

Here in Mumbai, everyday I read about one or the other actor/actress, especially new comers, their personal preferences. Each and everyone uses branded soaps, thankfully Indian Colgate toothpaste  is everyone’s preference, branded stationary, branded  bed linens, shoes, hand bags, accessories…all branded, that too all Givenchy, Armani, YSL, Loui Vitton and so on. I really wonder whether they all were using all these brands before they came to Mumbai and joined Tinsel Town? They all eat only Continental, Thai, Mexican and Italian food. They all have big cars, and want to change better models. They all want to share time on lonely island with Hollywood actors, want to marry Hollywood personalities, ( I wonder whether any one of them ever desire to marry someone from Bollywood?)Even their all time favorite films are English films…...all of a sudden they become so choosy and selective. I think they are born in India by mistake.

It’s good that one gets polished and becomes sophisticated and glamorous, but one should not forget their roots, their home towns and their families. Manoj Bajpai is the only actor who talks proudly about Bihar and he has got some work done in his home town. Even Khali has given around 8-9 crores to uplift his village. I think one should pay attention to his/her home town and do something for fellow beings back in their home town. Opening a small school, hospital or Old Age home can be best options, this way they can serve the society. Buying expensive homes/mansion near sea-beach ( Dhoni is doing that),  owning most expensive cars that too 4- 5 in numbers, buying infinite numbers of shoes etc etc are some fancies these novo-rich do, without thinking about their own people who boast about them in their home towns.

Even here in Mumbai no one cares for these film stars, everyone remains so busy in their own work/business, who has time?

I wish I had enough money, I would have fulfilled wishes of my family members, opened an Old-age home and an Art school for children in my home town.

But this is the irony of fate, na nau man tel hoga na Radha nachegi  !

I am not a connoisseur of music, I don’t know about the intricacies/details of music, but  even then I love music.

I think any music, specially the music, not lyrics, influences the mind.  In my case, if music has that soft and mild nuances of emotions, may be sad or that gives rise to serenity, peace , softness that touches the subconcious  …( I don’t know), gives peace and sort of solace to my mind and heart. Since I am driven by emotions (as all women are), I find music like a medicine.

Music in any language can produce emotions, specially its tune, instruments and the singer’s voice. ( please listen to Amazon Rainforest relaxation Video in youtube).

In my case, I get stirred even by folk music from hills, bauls from Bengal, Carnatic music, specially instrumental, Raag Pahadi and Bhairavi, Shehnai, Santoor and Sarod etc.. etc, leave aside filmy.

The vibration that is cuased by music’s notes, gives peace. Its like cosmic vibrations(atleast to me)…its one’s own perception.

Each type of music, if it touches the core of my heart, if it is able to bring out nostalgia (ability to take me into serenity)it carries me ..I don’t know where….some times tears start flowing by itself, sometimes it brings sadness that my heart relates with( specially Ghazals by Jagjit singh, Non-filmi Ghazals sung by Late Rafi saab, Talat Mahmood, Iqbal Bano etc…etc), then Sufi music gives me a feeling as God Himself is present in the form of music and in the voice of singer who sings with complete compassion. Sound signals are ‘’aaroh and avroh’’ of the ragas, instruments (like tinkling sound, bass effect of guitar, vibrations of piano notes etc  etc)etc). I distinctly feel as if something is happening inside my heart/mind, sometimes it chokes my throat…!

I tell u one of my experience. Once I had attended the Past Life Regression workshop, by Dr Newton( Of Budhdha Academy, Hyderabad), he had played some very soft and divine music in order to make us regress, and that worked. The effect of music was marvelous, superb.

Music certainly gives rise to spirituality, if one knows about spirituality and has evolved to spiritualism, it certainly heals the bruised mind and heart, and it compensates the lack of that particular emotion that is needed at the time of healing the  hurt…

I am writing all this because I experience the same.

Well, its difficult to say whether it can evoke the same feeling  in any western listener. Its just like Indian listener may not find Mozart’s or Bach’s piece of composition effective. For general listener it may give him/her a feeling of irritation. If one has that ‘ears’ for good music, he /she will certainly enjoy and relish. For example Piano , KennyG’s compositions, Enigma, Enya……etc etc give immense peace (list is long), they are fantastic, if such instrument can influence us, then why cant Carnatic Raag Darbari affect a westerner? Sarod, Sitar, Santoor, Veena  etc definitely liked by them, number of listeners may  be few, but there may be westerners who have ear for such music. Music makes me travel into different realms. Music affects us physically, good beats compels one to dance or tap feet.

Psychologically, when it effects the mind, inner core of heart, emotionally when one starts crying after listening to some good music(here good lyrics are certainly required that hits the emotions), and spirituality, that evokes spiritualism and makes us feel the divinity of the super power/nature... I know, spiritualism doesn’t mean that hysterical acts that one can see in some “”Jagrans…Satsang or religious rituals) all this is HOAX, and that certainly cant be called Music. its ugly presentation of music, its like insulting the music itself.

 I  have written what I feel or felt at times, its my own experience that music has given me, and gives me.

I feel its one’s own perception. Its like that story where blinds perceive elephant’s body ..remember?

You are knowledgeable person, who has lots of research work done, if u find my answers ridiculous..then ….Sorry…what else can I say?

Everyday I drive to my office. Distance between my home and office is about 20 km (one side), so I have to drive about 40 km everyday. I have full confidence in my Maruti 800 car that I own, and I love it very much. While driving I notice other people who drive to their destinations. Big, expensive Cars, SUVs etc definitely are treat to eyes, and their owners have full right to be proud of their cars, but it doesn’t mean my small car is less important. I too am very proud of my car.

It’s very interesting to see, that men usually drive very casually, but when they come close to my car, and see that a woman is driving, no matter how much crowded the road is, they try very hard to overtake me. Whether any car is driven by driver or the owner, young or old, they just try to overtake my car as if they want to convey,’’arre, ek aurat ke car kaise agey nikal sakti hai??’’ When they see a woman driving their facial ex-pression becomes so typical, I mean very funny…. earlier I had never noticed it, but the time I started noticing, I just get amused, I just smile and now I slow down, I let them go ahead. I let them feel elated. At least this way they show their strength and masculinity, at least they can be sure that they are better than women, their ego gets inflated. I don’t know why men think they are superior to women, though this man-woman topic is very old and now has become boring, but I want to analyze why do they feel in such a way? And on the other hand, man can do anything to woo their woman, and then they don’t think for their ego or masculinity. Is this not their double standard? May be, they have this in mind that woman is a commodity, and they are supposed to enjoy her, (sic). Oh yes, I forgot , there is one more reason, men driving big , expensive cars may  look down upon small Maruti-800…..yessss, they  might think that how dare this small car overtakes my big car?????

Now for this I am not at fault.  My aux ( aukaat…my daughter told me the abbreviation for this word)has permitted me to own this car. But there are many men who drive Maruti-800,  thank God.

I personally don’t think that men are superior…no way, reason… I am doing each and everything single handedly…right from office to home, I am managing myself. I have treaded their  path , of course, its not easy or smooth, but its not that hard or difficult that woman can not manage.

But now I just let the men drive ahead of my car, I let them overtake my car, and let them drive rashly.  At least they reach 5 minutes earlier than me, and feel satisfied.

 By the way, I drive within limited speed; I don’t rush madly, because I  believe in ‘durghatna se der bhali’.

If any MAN reads this, please ignore, because its my feeling and I have full right to express.

 I am sitting here in my cabin, listening to some old songs.These old songs take me to a different world. I cant imagine a single day without music. Radio, one of the most strong media, has really lost its glory... It has become modern and  have different perception.Good, melodious and meaningful songs work as food for the soul. I have experienced it many a times. At times when I am depressed or sad, I feel like listening to songs that have sensible lyrics, melodious soft composition and tunes. Old songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar are therapy in it self.  Innocence in her voice and emotions soothe my sad mood. Bhajans sung by late Rafi saab too work wonders, if you listen those old bhajans sung by Rafi saab, you will definitely feel cosmic vibrations, at least this is what I  feel. Non filmi Ghazals sung by him too are superb, and marvellous.Songs take me to a different world, I become so nostalgic. Some songs create a sort of ‘déjà vu’, then I get very very restless. Some very blurred, mixed, abstract visions type start coming in my mind, and I try very hard to recollect what and where that particular song  is taking me to. Some songs make me feel the sheer beauty of untouched nature, green lush vast fields, swaying trees and serene and divine atmosphere and surroundings. I totally get engrossed in the song, What I feel is very difficult to express. But it is ‘pucca’ that I certainly get a ‘kick’ from songs.  I used to listen (still I pay attention) to each instrument, specially Tabla and  Sitar..that gives rhythm to song.

I remember those days when I used to listen to Radio Ceylon, it used to start from 6 in the morning with Van-Shipley guitar or some instrumentalmusic,then songs from any one film, then ‘purane geet’, then it was ‘aap ki farmaish’, then non filmi songs, Naat and Qawwallis, and last programme had some instrumental music or Vocal classical. At ten it would go off the air. I can never forget the deep, soothing voice of Radio Ceylon’s announcer, one “Gopal Sharma, Baljeet(most probably Late Sunil Dutt), Then our all time favorite Amin Sayani..wah… unparalleled, supreme  people…The signature tune of that old "been' still haunts me...i wish  it starts once again....

Those were the days when we all used to really relish each song, my mother used to tell us about the scenes or about the film. Johrabai Ambala wali,Noorjahan, Uma Devi,Karan Deewan, Shamshad Begum, geeta Dutt, Talat Mahmood, CH Atma, Jagmohan, Pankaj Mullick….…..so many names comes to my mind whose songs have left an impression on my mind that can not be erased. Then Rafi, Lata, Hemant Kumar, Asha , Manna Dey, Mukesh carried the tradition with sincereity and zest. Old songs sung by these singers are treasures, they can still make you feel divine, serene or cry. Such was the depth.  I don’t know whether present generation knows about those non-filmi geet, but they were the treat for the ears and heart. Those Beautiful songs with equally beautiful lyrics have rendered solace to many hurt hearts. Where have those songs gone, must be lying in some corners of dark room. I could buy some Pankaj Mullick and Jagmohan’s CD, but couldn’t get any other.  

 I remember a song, it was a duet. It used to induce sort of melancholy… I forgot the lyrics or tune, but its impact is etched in my memory. My mother used to tell me that this song had lead few to the verge of committing suicide. The instrument played in it still haunts my memory. That song was banned from playing in any programme.This song used to be played in one ‘Urdu programme’ that used to be relayed by ‘All India Radio’. This particular programme used to start from 3 ‘o clock or so.  I remember the Announcer (at that time they were known as announcer, not RJ) used to tell something about that particular song. Listening to Radio was considered very important and fashionable. At that time songs used to influence lives.  Where have those songs vanished?  Nowadays, fast, loud songs, hip-hop, rap and what else…don’t know have taken place. But Thanks to Sonu Nigam, Shaan,Kunal Ganjawala and Shankar Mahadevan, who are composing and singing beautifully. Hundreds of thanks to Jagjeet Singh, Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar, Manhar…they are keeping the tradition of soulful singing alive…….. list is long really!

Good songs are like dew on  the grass, oasis in the desert, medicine for the hurt soul,

The world of soft, melodious songs definitely have therapeutic effect, they can heal and soothe the bruised heart, give peace to agonized mind, wipe flowing tears, give sheer joy and can make feel serene.

By the way, Late Kumar Gandharva  is also one of my very favorite.

How shameful it is.

In Mumbai, Maharashtrians are fighting with North Indians.People in Mumbai, Mumbaikars are supposed to be broad minded and educated. How can they become so narrow minded and selfish? dont they know that India can prosper only if each Indian works positively  for the country. Are they out of India? If they are rearing such hatred, then only God can help us. Indians very proudly say that 'we are Proud to be Indians', but now it seems its fake.

Politicians must be very happy that they succeeded in dividing people according to their caste and creed, religion and faith and now this,

Most probably we are returning back towards slavery. One day we will find that we are ruled by some stronger power, but I think we all deserve it. Intellectuals and truly educated people can not improve the minds of those ruffians who get involved in arsons and riots. They dont have that crooked brains to introduce new'hathkandas'.

what a shame, grown up men running on road, throwing stones on crowd,breaking  cars/buses/national property/burning effigies,buses/cars/houses...........dont they have any other work to do? dont they have conscience? What are they? where do they get money to do all this? Those grown ups who are involved in all this anti social activities, teach their children to do the same?My God, its too much.

On the other side, why do North Indians leave their own state and run to Mumbai? cant they do something in their own state? After all, all the places/cities have to grow and develop, who wll do this? places cant develop by themselves. what do politicians gain from all this violence? One day they themselves get what they are giving to others. One day will come when these violent, criminals will behave in the same manner with them. Politicians are making the way, they are instigating the people to do all this.I think we all have this habit of enjoying fruits of others hard work.It reminds me of a story which I had read when I was small.There lived a hen with a mouse and a cat.one day hen wanted to eat cake, she brought flour,sugar,made fire prepared cake, while mouse and cat made excuseseverytime she needed help. when cake was laid on table, they all jumped and sat at the table to eat.The hen refused to give them any piece of cake as they had not helped her.

A day will come when India will divide in many pieces, I think that will be better.

we need a very hard lesson to learn the Patriotism.

Ihave to go back to Mumbai now, Im scared.suppose Maharashtrians ask me 'where are u from?'

Ranjit and nidhi also came to dubai from USA, where they had been to meet their daughter. They reached hereon 10th Jan. Both were amazed to see this place. Ranjit said that Dubai is like a 'film star, who is very glamorous and upcoming, while US is like a seasoned actor'...I liked his comparison. Really, dubai is so glamorous and dazzles all the time.

we all had been to a restaurant, we had Thai food. All the time we were comparing  everything , either with India or US.That day I felt  that back in India,  Politics is hampering the growth.

We experienced 'shamal', that is 'sandstorm'. the speed of wind was 65-70KMPH, my God. everywhere it was sand...sand... and wind was chilly and cold. we were expecting Power failure, but my daughter said, forget it....We went to sea-side, the waves were so high(15ft), and sea was very rough, as if angry. we watched the sea from far, sitting in the car.  The sand was flying everywhere.. but we couldnt find any polythene packets or paper etc on the roads.

We then went to have coffee in a Mall. The mall was overcrowded.Everyone was enjoying, stress free and carefree people.

Ranjit and Nidhi are leaving for India today, I am very sad.