Thumps-Up to Swimming

From all the sports that I have been introduced to, my favourite is swimming and unfortunately the least that I have ben involved into. Skills that I knew ten years back are the same that I know today. It takes some motivation before you begin doing it. It is different from jogging and bike riding, where you wear your gear and take off. However in swimming, you pack up all your gear and have patience to change it before hittiing the waters. But for me it is worth all the patience. There is a special moment when you push against the pool wall and go into the water, I am in my own thoughts and the outer world is all gone. You feel energetic, when it takes your breath away while doing the strokes. The most I like is, that with all the force that has to be applied against the water to sride forward, strengths all the muscles. The more one does, the more one develops the stamina. Though I am not sure how much time I will devote into it and improve on it, but I am convinced swimming helps in getting the best quick results in terms of developing the muscles and increasing circulation. Time will tell if I go beyond in knowing this sport, little what I know today!!  

"Busy in one's passions is a blessing" 

Taste buds for chocolates and icecreams- the guilt

I have a sweet relationship with chocolates and icecreams. It is a big fat trap. I often think why cant I develop resistance and put them aside with a will power, that will prevent me from attaching those extra pounds. But no way, till now the bondage continues. Especially during the holiday season, when it is relaxation time, the whole bunch of goodies end up in me. The exotic adventure ends up into guilt. You bet, the only way to prevent the guilt is to dismiss them in the grocery bags, before they land in the pantry or refrigerator. There is no fun in eating these chocolates and icecreams that end up in a guilt ! 

IKEBANA style of flower arrangement- Beyond putting flowers together

               Ikebana is a unique Japanese form of flower arrangement. Fortunate am I, if I think back the creativity that brewed in dad when we were kids and gave us opportunities of learning to the fullest. He had an idea that Japanese culture had a unique creativity of flower arranging and asked me and sis, if were interested in learning. Our excitement knew no bounds and were introduced to an instructor for learning Ikebana syle. As kids what striked the interest was, we would be going an extra mile while participating in flower arrangement shows.

              Ikebana involves creativity and follows rules of line, form and depth. Special attention is given to the number of stems used, arrangement of branches and the vase used. There is a rhythm for the eyes to follow even though it is asymmetrical. This reminds me our instructor accompanying us to a nursery for better choice of flowers and getting books on Ikebana style of flower arrangement. Use of irises, chrysanthemums and use of Japanese Asparagus were the favourites. To me, a room looks so serene that adorns the Ikebana arrangement and can change the mood of a room. Doing Ikebana, can be playful and at the same time involve creativity.

Warm wishes for the holiday season!!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/RAMAN-ART-CREATIONS/229056152801

Poinsettias for Christmas time

Poinsettias are also referred as the Christmas plants. Also known as the 'Flower of Holy Night' and 'Flame leaf' in US.  It is a popular Christmas decoration and can been seen during this time, bringing in charm to the Holiday Season. Most popular is the scarlet red colour, but they also come in other hues of yellow, pink and white. I love the pink and yellow Poinsettias as they are unique and uncommon. Many mistake the Poinsettia's leaves as flower petals, but the flowers are actually smaller, yellow buds in a Poinsettia's center. The mistaken petals are the bracts, the upper portion of the leaves. The plant is fragile and I pick up the Poinsettias from the store that are not damaged. Once at home, they dont need much watering and the soil is just dry with little moisture. Way back home in India, I remember Poinsettias growing outdoors as they the winters were not harsh. I have tried surviving the plants after the holiday season but it has never worked, so for me it is a beautiful indoor plant during this time of the year.

                                                        Gorgeous Poinsettias

"Emotional bonds are like ionic bonds"

LIFE IS A LARGE CANVAS WITH GOOD AND BAD BRUSHES, WE CAN ONLY STRIVE TO PAINT IT THE BEST  

Gorgeous Amaryllis Indoors!

Amaryllis is one of the gorgeous plants that blooms beautifully indoors during winter months. It is a treat to the eyes, when the blooms adorn the room, when all outdoors flowers are sleeping during extreme winter months. The bulbs are giant size and I prefer to grow one each in a small pot. My joy knows no bounds when i see the dormant bulbs start sprouting in the month of October and see the green shinny oblongated leaves emerging. By one and a half month, the flowers show their smiling faces. The blooms are there for 6- 8 weeks and it is sad to see them gone again. The bulbs are repotted in a mixture of loamy and coarse soil. The best place i have found were the pots can rest, is the furnace place in the house. The bulbs take a good rest in that dark and warm area and prepare themselves for another season The leaves drydown at their own. In October again the Amaryllis pots are brought out in light, to show their glory. This beautiful cycle continues!

Gorgeous Amaryllis Bloom

Indoor Charm

Three sister blooms on one stalk

Moonlight Lit Snow!

During winter night time, the snow covered landscape lits up with moon light. The snow coated ground brings the magical romance and crystal clear reflections. The sharp needle snow crystals sparkle bringing in shine to the surroundings. The whole view is dramatic and brings in strong moods of a romantic bonfire !!

Reflections so pure

         Bonfire for a nice cuddle

"SWEEP - SWEEP down the ice rink"

Couple of times when I saw the game of curling, played by group of people, I thought, what fun can be there in this game sweeping and sweeping. Well my curoisty turned into fun filled time, when I had hands on it. With few instructions I discovered I was doing pretty good curling the stones. The stones that slide on the ice are pretty heavy, made of plastic and metal. Appropriately dressed with cap, gloves and the right shoes, I was all set to go.

The curling stones

I was surprised to see myself in full enthusiasum sliding on the ice to do my best. Infact, one of the best part of the game was to slide the stone targetting at the centre of the house (marking which is at the other end). Spirit of playing was awesome as cheering was done, shouting 'hoooo, sweep sweep, comm-on.' It can be a real social game. Energy was in full, as I enjoyed the sweeping the ice with a broom, especially made for curling.

At the curling ice rink

Each team consists of four players, and each player has two stones. Starting at one end of the ice, a player will slides the stone toward the target. Teams alternate until all the stones have been thrown, at which point the score is counted. Only stones partially or completely within the outer ring of the target can be scored. The team with the stone closest to the tee wins that end (or round), collecting one point for each of their stones that’s closer to the center than any of the opposing team’s stones. After eight or ten ends, the team with the highest score wins. And it was a victory day at the ice rink for me.  I won a Turkey, since it was being played before Christmas. What a game it was!!

Snowflake watching like the bird watching!

The snowflakes falling reminds me of the fairy tales with snow covered grounds. Soft like cotton bundles. Amazingly these are formed in clouds with watervapours, when the temperature  is zero degree or lower. I am tempted to have a closer look as they fall. With the naked eye these are very fine hexagonal plates of different shapes, most of them are hexagonal, needle like, branching out. Snowflakes look magical and pure. Found some amazing pictures in the website:  

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/photogalleries/snowflakes/photo2.html

Look forward to showcase art work at Calgary Telus Convention Centre, 2011,
YEE HAW!

Working on Lord Ganesha paintings

Lord Ganesha is worshiped by many as destroyer of evils and obstacles. Is a symbol of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. He is also honoured at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and scripted as patron of letters during writing sessions. It brings joy to paint Lord Ganesha in many creative ways. Presently for a request, I am painting these in watercolours. Some more paintings are also in my website  http://www.ramanart.com/

In Watercolours 10"x 14"

In Watercolours 10"x 14"

In Watercolours 10"x 14"

Where Over the World is Commander Scott Kelly?

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition25/geo_trivia_contest.html

Changing scenarios- in education

Some schools are quite ahead in being technology driven. It was interesting to see a grade 5 kid in the hallway of such a school yesterday, doing an open book podcast for a science quiz. When inquired students were given choice to write or record verbally their test. Students who go for podcast quiz, score better than they when they do written tests. The idea is really cool but at the same time arn't we going to make such students lag behind in their writting skills. Students have also been noticed to write text messaging language in quizes. Looks like, gone are the days when cursive writting was given importance.

"The real you is when you choose to do, what you want to do, you don't doubt on yourself"

Lancaster Sound boundary announcement - towards conservation of marine life

This month the Federal Government announced a major step towards conservation of marine life in Lancastrer Sound in the the Arctic. Boundaries have been announced that cover an area of 44,500 square kilometers, is twice the area of Lake Erie. Lancaster Sound is at the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage and is home to Inuit communities. It is an area with steep covered mountains, river valleys, glaciers, lagoons and Arctic's most productive marine area and home to spectacular whildlife, fish and marine mammal populations. It will help in conserving this sensitive area from ocean dumping, undersea mining, overfishing and energy exploration. Increased industrial access to Arctic and the climatic changes are posing threat to the area and its ecosystem. Changes in the Arctic food web are already visible and have far reaching effects on the Arctic ecosystem. This is a major step towards conservation and preventing the species becoming extinct. 

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2010/06/c2883.html

My Intake For Underying Aroma

There is a hidden catalyst in every moment/thing that makes me perceive it. It is just like a spark for the fire. Remembering a beautiful moment, dabbing the colours on a canvas, taking a picture,  the thoughts on paper, the music that diffuses the fragrance in the inner deepself. While walking down the path could be sence for colours, the textures and the forms and going back the whole cycle of experiences. The beautiful patterns in ceramics lying in a pottery rack opens up the whole finer choices or the artistic jewellery linking me to the beautiful  craftsmanship of  places visited. The romantic mountains, the trees, the valleys, the aroma and freshness surrounding for beautiful postive thoughts. It is like wading away the rough waters and making up the way for a smooth sail. 

"Being receptive provides us lenses of happiness and exhilaration"

HOPE

                   Daily I try,
                   To reach,
                   The golden window,
                   The sunshine,
                   The love,
                   The lure,
                   The breeze,
                   The fresh air,
                   The joy,
                   The triumph,
                   Wings make me fly,
                   And open the golden window.
              
                     
                                    
                      
                  
                 

Knowing the inner self

To me, the inner self is knowing what lies deep within us internally and not externally. It is to be authentic. It builds up with all our previous experiences, beliefs, what all we have come across in our journey of life. One cannot build it in a day or two. It is wonderful to know what one really desires and what is stored within each one of us. Every person has its own capalities, provided he digs within himself before it is too late. It leads to development of stonger souls and individual passions. No one take away the passions, that one develops over a passage of time. I believe every person has its own style of expressing. Knowing the inner self helps in self esteem, building confidence and postive thinking. One needs to break the conflicts within himself. Knowing the inner self helps in building authenticity of oneself.

'GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL INNER SELF, CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL RIBBONS OF JOY'

The Tides

                           The tides hit,
                           Hit the shore,
                           And back.
                           Comes a break
                           The separation,
                           The desperation.  
                           Tides back,
                           To the shore,
                           And back. 
                           The sea shells,
                           Again hollow,
                           And echo. 

                          

Tagging Monarch Butterfly

http://natgeotv.com/ca/great-migrations/videos/butterfly-tag

How Our Universe Started

Interesting Information

http://natgeotv.com/ca/known-universe/videos/big-bang

My childhood inspirations for allure towards workouts

                    Interestingly as I step above the ladder of age, my childhood memories flash more often than it was ever before. I reflect about my passions how they got meshed within me. There are certain moments of myself as a child, that are still embedded in the album of my brain. The twinking stary skies that I saw while going on walks, with mom and dad. This makes me think of caring for the body and the same time enjoying the beauty of the constellations. The sweet memories of mom and dad sipping lemon tea in the morning fresh air, the first thing when they woke up. One of the amazing things as I think back, how health conscious they were when they were in the mid of rainsing us kids. WOW! mom going for yoga classes and then she would never hestitate giving her thoughts about daily workout excercise routines to her friends.

                  To the album of my memories, is myself going for walks as a child with my neighbourhood friends and ending up playing games at our favourite spot. The evening badminton time memory, is not left behind. Never have I seen mom and dad, their day going without fruits and salads! Dad being a golf enthusiastic and little sister hitting great shots at the lawn tennis court. Her talking to me about her participation in marathons and Km runs/walks takes me further to an inspiration to walks/runs and excersises.    

" Weaving of priceless thoughts translates to a splendid tapestry" 

Life in Color: Red, Red Photos -- National Geographic

Life in Color: Red, Red Photos -- National Geographic

Silence

            Silence is brewing,
            Silence is killing,
            Silence is haunting,
            Only Owls awake,
            Silence is deepening
            Silence is melancholy, 
            Silence is haunting.

Essence

                    Aroma of love,
                    The sweetness of Lavender.
                    Wings of happiness,
                    Flight to heaven.
                    The essence of garden,
                    The essence of love.  
                  

Haunting

                   The Cave,
                   Of darkness,
                   The Rhythm,
                   Of brokness.
                   Walls Echoing,
                   Haunting lonliness,
                   O'God,
                   To the Rescue,
                   To the cave,
                   Of darkness. 

-40 C plants

Each winter I am amazed how the woody shrubs and trees survive the extreme winter weather as low as -40 at my place. This is a gift of nature for us, that we can continue to enjoy the beauty of plants in extreme low temperatures. Nature has created them in a way that these plants prevent water from freezing within their cells. The water moves out of the cells in response to freezing temperature, freezing in areas between the cell walls were ice formation is not destructive. The slow dehydration results in concentration of sugar and metabolic compounds in the remaining cell sap which lowers in the freezing point. Isn't that amazing. This makes the Red twig, Dogwood, Cherry, Birch and Pine tree smiling around my house ! 

Amazing Survivors of -40 24/7

Undulation

                       I am swimming,
                       Is a sea of colour,
                       Sea of events,
                       Sea to ponder.

                       Waves come,
                       Circle me around,
                       A wall of reflect.

                       Is a sea of movement,
                       Sea of undulation,
                       Sea of change. 

Moonlight

                       Night so deep,
                         I gaze,
                         A beautiful light,
                         The moonlight,
                         My Joy.

                         The stars twinkle,
                         The moon smiles,
                         The constellation beams.

                         The black clouds,
                         Hover by,
                         Scare me,
                         Of the moonlight going by.

My thought on - Technology in Education

                 When a new technology comes up, it is thought it will revolutionize the education system. More than 50 years ago it was the radio broadcasting, then it was the television which was thought to solve any problems in the education system and now are the microcomputers on which all the eyes are set. With recent technological advancements schools are increasing their efforts to integrate technology into education and many projects are underway. At the same time teachers have to go undergo sea change, in updating their skills to keep up the technology being introduced in classes. I think technologies create an option how teachers teach, how students learn and how the classrooms look and operate.
              Webblogs, podcasts, listservers, collaborative communities and teleconferencing have provided a space for reflecting the minds and sharing expertise. However there are still schools were a child may go on a computer only once in a week. Smartboards adorn most of the classes but still we cannot replace the traditional methods of teaching. The present time is the transient time, many of us are confused how much should be used in the classrooms. The new tools available  motivate the students to learn and reflect, they are being preapred for the skills required for future. Some schools are thinking of  replacing the print in the libraries with all digital material, which wont be a good idea I think. Technology is still expensive and without proper budgeting, whenever need be softwares and hardwares cannot be be replaced in a day. Technolgy  must be used to promote new learning goals and teaching startegies that are collaborative, engaging, authentic and based on higher thinking.   

"WHEN THERE IS ESSENCE OF KNOWING SOMETHING DEEPLY, YOUR HEART IS ALREADY LOVING IT"

Inspirational colours

In the wee hours of winter morning, the sky is mysterious and inspirational, with energetic colours. I don't mind tucking myself in a heavy jacket and weird snow boots, to embrace. Pictures taken during walk during these wee hours

The moon still peeking

  

 

                                        The sun roaring out to show its power

Embracing

               A pleasant swell,
               enduring, embracing.
               Gripping the soul,
               A pleasant swell.

CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS

Calgary Zoolights a spectular event, starts from Friday Nov.26, 2010 to Sunday Jan. 2, 2011. For more info can visit  http://www.calgaryzoo.org/content/view/29/287/

Profounded

                          Moment amazed,
                          Love the aroma,
                          The aroma lingers,
                          Moment profounded.

"THE MORE SOMETHING SETS IN YOUR HEART, THE MORE YOU LOVE IT"

              Day and night,
              spin the loom,
              the loom of life.
              I stand by,
              and think,
              this is the truth,
              as it goes by.
             

Winter Fun

                WOW! WINTER IS HERE, AND I AM ALREADY FOR SOME SNOW FUN

Painted in water colours on cold pressed paper

O' Lord

                            U are the one,
                            Greatest of all,    
                            Creator O' Lord,  
                            The giver of all.
                
                            What am I, 
                            Your small creation,
                            Thank you O`Lord,
                            Keep me in your feet,
                            Forever O`Lord. 

Reminiscence

                     Gazing at stars,
                     Here I stand,
                     Reminiscence within,
                     With Somber aura,
                     Then why forsake.

Snow fallen as in the eyes of the beholder

Snow forms amazingly different patterns, as it falls on different things around us. The patterns formed always draw my attention. I see as an art work that has been formed and on which i can reflect. There is a distinctive style and beauty in each pattern, like an adornment.

The CavesThe Waves

  Fabric

   Floral

Intricate

Peeking

Splash

Roof top

Bun

   Welcome

Soaking

Crown

Hats

WAY TO GO CALGARY - A new way to take out the trash

Snow all over

                 
                  It's winter time,
                  all over snow.
                  Smoke through the chimneys,
                  swirl slow.
                  Pine trees happy,
                  and crows caw.
                  Squirrels play,
                  as beauty plough.                                               

November is Canadian Vitamin D Awareness Month 

"LIFE IS LIKE A FAST MOVING RIVER MAKING ITS WAY THROUGH THE SAND"

Season Change

                     Fall is gone,
                     Winter is here,
                     Green grass fading
                     Pine Trees Charming,
                     Sunshine kissing,
                     Mountain peaks smiling,  
                     So am I,
                     Still vibrant and smiling! 

Special

Special that makes you smile,
Special that is close to your heart,
Special that gives you warmth,
Special that brings spark,
Special that is joyful,
Special that is sweet,
Special that is a building block,
Special that is marveled,
Special that is genuine,
Special that is cherished,
Special that is exceptional,
Special that is reminded !

Early Morning Walks

Morning walks are a blessing. The air is pure, saturated with more oxygen. Wow! there is so much freshness in the air. Your senses are clear and there is a feeling of unexplainable satisfaction. Whenever I am able to make for an early morning walk it makes me rejuvenated, feels a good start of the day. The days when the skies are clear, with no chill winds, it is a bonanza. It makes your mind so clear and thoughts can really run through you without any disruptions. My eye catches the beauty of each tree, that comes by on the path way, with a different look each season. Beauty of the sky is amazing, especially as different strokes of colour start emerging filling up the whole canvas high above. What a feeling !!     

GREEN STREET IN CANADA

Green street in Canada is celebrating its 10th year and has been operating since 1999. It was formed with a vision to educate and bring in active participation of young people in environmental programs. It engages communities as global citizens and invites students to discover the value of environment, democracy, peace and solidarity that helps to build up committment to sustainable future. Programs offered by Green Street, focus on bringing sense of personal responsibility towards environment and become committed by enduring dedication to environment stewardship. I think by engaging communities in such programs helps in bringing sense of our responsibility towards environment and what role each one of us can play, by starting from our own communities and spreading globally. The programs deal with various isitizensues concerning biodiversity, climate change, food and agriculture, water, energy ecosystems, governace and citizenship. By registering with Green Street one can have high quality environmental learning, sustainability programs and funding opportunities. For more information regarding these programs it can be reached at its website:   www.green-street.ca  

"OUR ABILITIES BECOME RESTRICTED WHEN WE NEGLECT TO FLY HIGH ABOVE THE HORIZON"

BY THE LAKE

                          By the lake,
                     The birds chirping,
                     The flowers glarng,
                     Leaves rustling,   
                     Air so pure,
                     Nature's romance, 
                     So comforting,
                     And Never ending.

Remembering The Fallen Heroes And Their Sacrifices

                          Memorial at Point Pleasant Park (Halifax), picture was taken in 2005

                                   

Statue of a soldier from World War II stands in downtown Halifax (picture was taken in 2006)

                                      The hall silienced with solitude,

                               Red poppies graced the coats,
                               Flags raised to half-mast,
                               O'Canada filled the air,
                               Music played with rememberence,
                               Wreaths placed,
                               Guests of honour applauded for sacrifices,
                               Was a ceremony of respect and silience.

PARTICIPATED AT BUSINESS AND CRAFT FAIR Nov 6th 2010

It was a pleasure participating in the fair. My motive was to donate money from sale of my paintings, for charity. Each time I am there in such an activity it is a feeling of gratification and contentment. Feels you are giving back to the community. I appreciate the enthusiasum shown by all the voulnters at the fair. Always look forward to be part of such events. 

Fall gives us the joy of spectrum of colours

Fall gives us the joy of spectrum of colours, a never ending opportunity to love nature. It is the first week of November and though most of the plants have said goodbye until next year some of them stand strong in their glory, in my small oasis of garden. Though varigated Jaccobs Ladder stands glorious in its green and white stripped leaves, attractive red colour is victorious at the end of fall. The Strawberry leaves have turned dark red and purplish and look amazing. The pink blooms of Stonecrop have changed from soft pink to dark pink, as if  saying I love your company, before the extreme winter sets in. The Geranium plants are with their green tone and pinkish leaves adding a dimension to the architecture of these plants. I am loving the ground cover of Sedum plants that have amazingly changed their colour from green to dark red. The burning bush leaves switched from orange to dark red adding icing to the beautiful view. The magical changing of the colours of the plants, make me smile with joy!

"LIFE IS A JOURNEY OF EXPERIENCES EACH DAY"

"HAPPINESS LIES WITHIN OUR PASSIONS AND DISCOVERING OURSELVES"

Had an amazing experience at a High School

Today was a day when my field High School was staged for Halloween celebrations after their shortened study blocks. I could see the spirit among the school community. The teachers and the students were dressed up in their creative costumes. I wanted to enjoy the spirit of the celebrations and did not leave myself behind. As the gala time started I could feel the child within me, all ready to enjoy with the teachers and the students. Groups of boys and girls were in their fine forms, participating in the pumpkin carving contest. As I went around and took pictures, I saw how their creative minds and their spirited selfs were at full form. The air was filled with music and the students enjoyed buying goodies that were on sale. The M&M pumpkin won the crown of the festivity. The music and disco lights and the dance had already started in the gym. The sound of the musical drum Dhol filled the air intruptively and the feet tapping to the beats of the Dhol. It was an amazing day, where everyone in the school community participated in the festivities. It was a bonus for the students after all their hard work for their unit tests. I felt how the students can be such fine gentelmen and ladies organizing a successfull event most of it themselves, taking help of their teachers. Definitely helps them on a longer path, making them leaders of tomorrow.