Finding Neverland- Wonderland

This is one of the most beautiful pictures I have seen in a really long time. The reason why I copied it, is to precisely describe the essence of this picture

It gave me feeling of being in the Land of Narnias-something like straight from the fairyland, in some ways it seems to be beautiful painting in the olden times in America wherein the Red Indians resided. It makes me feel life is all about flowing and letting go ( which by far has been the most difficult thing for me).

The beauty of the picture is that every single object - talks for itself has so much life in it. The colors and entanglement of the roots,the light falling on certain angles, the path of the water flow, different colors of the leaves, every root has a different twist -like fate

A bridge which reminds me we are all here to bridge bonds no matter entangled they might be cos just like the water it all free flowing.

Completely mesmerised !!

Quote Chap

Totally taken aback was this one !!!

" Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something " by Henry David Thoreau.

Reminded me that too much of everything is simply not good, even if it out of honesty or generosity, maybe or is it a case of truly not valuing or really balancing is the answer for all !

Hawt Hawt- "Cool- fee"

Since the days are hot very hot in Bangalore as opposed to the drenching evenings ( especially the moment when one is about to step out of the office)----- I am reminded of my ever favourite --- Rabdri Kulfi/Faluda Kulfi/Pista Kulfi/Matka Kulfi..



Kulfi is again Lazeez invented/introduced first in Uttar Pradesh in India. It is made from milk, i.e: slow cooking of milk, carmelization and then more cooking till it becomes half it actual amount, filled with nuts, pista, cardamons, saffron and poured in to molds of kulfis and literally deep frosted. ( Can be easily made at home)

 Faluda Kulfi - Kulfi ( without the stick) with sweet noodles/vermicilli
with colored sweetner sprayed on, pista and nuts are sprinkled and served in a
plate. The Noodles can be like smaller glass noodles too.
 Rabri Kulfi- Kulfi is poured in a glass, filled with noodles/vermicilli and other
ingredients, malai is often poured along with sweetners, nuts, pista etc. It is
available in different flavours.
 Matka Kulfi- As the name suggested is served in a matka, or earthern bowl, this
is usually minus the noodles/vermicilli but with loads of saffron and pistas.
Traditionally the vendor used to get the Kulfi in the matka and server it, or in
earlier days (my grandmom;'s days) since there were no refregirators for cooling
purpose was stored in matkas.
 Pista Kulfi- Is the Kulfi with stick, available in different flavours of rose,
pista, saffron, mango filled with nuts/minced cashwes and badams !


Special recommendations-
 Ghats of Ganga /Ganges near Haridwar try the rabri faluda, its served in huge
glass, value for money, very heavy, u can skip a meal if one has it.
 Delhi Kulfis- All types available in every knook and corner especially in the
summer season, North delhi, CP, Vikaspuri, Lajpat Nagar
 Kolkata- Rally's, not sure if its still there
 Bangalore- COmmerical Street, though not like the one made in North but still
 Old Amritsar has different varieties of Kulfis, tastes very different from the
one's in Delhi, really
 Places near the Golden temple, Amritsar serve great big sized kulfis another hot
spot.
Lastly any any vendor in North India, UP, Rajasthan- the taste will be awesome. Worst case try the Haldirams !! Phew !

Ku-l-fi---Oh La La !!!!
Please note the images have been copied

Hate to Admit--- Kach Kach Kachori !!!

Since its been pouring cats and dogs every evening in Bangalore, chatt patti kachori is another way out to seek eternal bliss i.e: for the gasping tongue and hungry tummy.

Kachori / Raj Kachori /Khasta Kachori/Chat Kachori as it referred in North/North Western India, hate to admit not sure what it is called in Punjabi though, never saw them in there, but folks tell me they have eaten kachoris there "n" number of times!!




Kachori is made of urad dal/lentils ( yellow colored) which is soaked all night, mashed- turned flour, kneaded with besan and small/big round balls are made, each stuffed with potatoes (if u want), green chillies paste, garam masala, salt, red chillies, salt, amchur ( all mixed and prepared) and deep fried in desi/pure ghee. i.e: ghee made from buffalo's milk only !!!

Kachoris range from small size to super man size, it is usually served hot, sometimes the vendor cracks it from the centre and stuffs it with jeera and others with chutney which is a bit sweet or curd with gratings . Onion/Jeera/Potato/Garam Masala/Keema etc. Kachori are the variants.

Tips- Make sure you hold it (gawar) bite it and let the krisp krisp sound be heard , for this one dont gulp but munch it --krisp. Advice- Dont drink water immediately u will lose the taste ( sweet and salty)

Recommendations :-
 For this you can visit Haldirams (expensive) but you can get your big size
bit there in A/C
 Please visit chandini chowk, areas closer to old delhi railway station and
nai sarak (book lane) - just be beware of the hovering hookers & gaysthere !!
 Make sure the raj kachori is served hot
 Try local made tamarind chutney- irrespective of place
 If you ever visit Roorkee,Uttaranchal (on the way to Haridwar) please visit
the shop in front of the Masjid in the Bazar--- awesome Kachori even if it
is cold
 Visiting Pali, interiors of rajasthan ,on the way to Binani Cement Plant
visit a local vendor -- freshly made Kachori (hope he is still there- 5
years back)
 Border of Gujarat and Rajasthan-- there are numerous places which serve
small sized kachoris dipped literlly swimming in the chutneys
 Every happen to visit Kanpur, Allahabad-- your super King sized kachori is
just awaiting

Last but not the least try some Raj Kachori in areas Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, CP in Delhi. The local guy might charge Rs.20-30 for one !!!

Happy Krisp Krisp !!
Note the picture is copied

My Love- Golo !!

Gol Guppas is what I have been munching on last weekend -every evening i.e: friday-sunday. This was especially since it was raining every evening , the weather was awesome and koel was singing--coo coo coo.....Awesomely romantic with neglibile presence of any man !!! Ironic...

Gol Guppas are an evening snack of the North Indian also referred to as-- Pani Puri Puchka, Chat Pakori etc. They are round or spherically either made of maida or wheat and consumed in one shot i.e: entire sphere is nicely placed in the wide opened mouth (publicly) and gulped/eaten in one shot, the point is not to bite it but gulp.

Gol Guppas were introduced on the ghats of Benaras, UP in the 16th/17th century. It is usually served by breaking the round thing from the centre and adding spicy mashed potatoes, green chilli, red chilli, dhaniya (donno the english word) dipped in the pani / spicy water and served.
Actually the best part about gol guppas is the Spicy Spicy Pani/Water-- made by adding jal jeera, salt, rock salt, nimbu/lemon.

Special recommendations :-
 Please visit if local gol guppa vendor with his traingular shaped stand with
heaps of gol guppas on top
 Dont visit Haldirams in delhi or any inside eating joint they are too
expensive and sweet, Gawd save you if u happen to eat gol guppas in
commercial street in Bangalore ( Both not recommended).
 Try out both sweet and salt gol guppas (seperately)
 Ask for a "Dhonna" or local dry sal leaves cup to drink the Khatta Pani
 Ask for "Shont" if u want it a bit sweet
 In the end dont leave with taking your due share of "Dry Papdi" which is
filled with potatoes, chilli and lemon..Yum Yum...


Last but not the least --- dont spend more than Rs. 10 on one gol guppa plate!!!!

Happy Gulping !!!

Rebel

Rebel that is the word which I ve associated myself with, despite the fact that I tried permutations and combinations in my head to somehow be a revolutionary as rebel is more coined towards "sudden gush of action/emotiona which is uncontrolled or more unconscious and not alert"


I was extremely delighted today when I saw the Rebel Zen Card for myself- This is the description which i related on seeing the card which made me so HAPPY & RELATABLE ( strangely except the colors which had less of red):-

The powerful and authoritative figure in card is clearly the master of his own destiny. On his shoulder is an emblem of the sun, and the torch he holds in his right hand symbolizes the light of his own hard-won truth.

Whether he is wealthy or poor, the Rebel is really an emperor because he has broken the chains of society's repressive conditioning and opinions. He has formed himself by embracing all the colors of the rainbow, emerging from the dark and formless roots of his unconscious past and growing wings to fly into the sky. His very way of being is rebellious - not because he is fighting against anybody or anything, but because he has discovered his own true nature and is determined to live in accordance with it. The eagle is his spirit animal, a messenger between earth and sky.

The Rebel challenges us to be courageous enough to take responsibility for who we are and to live our truth.

In Short- rebel with alertness is the word !!!!

Ego Self-Blabbering

Ths is again related to my new found experience of figuring out & seeing the ego self and the higher self seperately..literally speaking !!! The immense love and union between the two makes me cry with happiness or because of my ignorance all this while. The relevation ( in progress) that you need to love yourself and never let yourself go away from yourself, be with yourself

Maybe its to do with my chakras opening up and the spirutal relevations & practices i have been doing over last 7-8 months.

--Ego self ( blabbering with loneliness)-I have had enuf of this parade and thinking of there are no words to say.. I open up on finished parts, broken up so many many parts.
--Ego Self ( sees the higher self)- When I see you , i know it will be next to me ... need to get closer....
--Higher Self- Lean on me now and forever !!!! :)
I will never leave you. :)
This is Anl- Haq !!!

Death-Transformation

I have always misunderstood and feared the Death card in tarot or tranformation card in Zen tarot but i recently realised this is what it actually means and its helpful,

a) just like a feeling when I visit Harmandir Sahib-Golden temple and bathe deep in the holy water and following which is sudden release of all fears and shackles followed by calmness and nothingness.


b) Freedom that allows for renewal. Sudden change brings fears of the unknown, but ultimately alters life in such a way as to initiate new growth. Natural course and progression of life. Lastly, Death is sometimes portrayed as a beautiful and dignified figure since dying can be seen as a blessing in release from suffering.

Change-- Two of coins

It has often been said that the only unchanging thing in the world is change itself. Life is continuously changing, evolving, dying and being reborn. All opposites play a part in this vast circular pattern. If you cling to the edge of the wheel you can get dizzy! Move toward the center of the cyclone and relax, knowing that this too will pass.

Sukh aur Chan

Today on my way to work i saw two states- Sukh and Chan

A fragile stone breaker was sitting in his broken tent ( which was home for him) with his wife and two sons was eating bread and playing with his kids and his wife on the other hand was baking bread. There was no shikan or upsetness on the man's face he seemed so calm and happy with his life. There was or atleast seemed he had Chan or peace of mind.
Metphorically The man might be working in scorching sun but he eventually gets shade and someone to walk on the same road.

On the other hand me standing on the other end of the road, watching them and thinking i have a good job a comfortable life but where is the time , who is there to share it with. I am running after a butterfly.I am searching for something which anyone can seek is within oneself.
Metaphorically- I work in scorching sun but eventually all i get is turns and more turns but no shade or respite and i keep walking alone and there is no one on that road.


Sukh aur chan alag hain... par jo yeh dekhein woh nain alag hai....chan hai tu aapna sukh hai paray....

Disco Dancing Heart Blabbering

Some days are good, some days are bad.. bot SOME PHASES in life are extremely horrible & bad which seem to suck you like a quick sand --ranging from months to years... worst are the days when you have to blog about self for no reason and feel miserable about yourself as if its your personal diary here

Yes I am here to talk again about my recently acquired favourite topic called marriage & the search for someone ..please note not getting hooked on !!

After my series of encounters/discussions with friends recently when i visited delhi who are endlessly pouring gyan on what kind of a guy is suitable for me to consoling me every now and then for no apparent reason and as to what the hell i keep doing.

It makes me sad and happy at the same time cos probably recently i felt that my so called friends might be distant but in some ways they do care about me but ironically they never understood me or wanted to understand me or worst try to know anything about my past or emotional states. Maybe thats the way its with most people.

One important relevations by my friends--- Let go ... Let go ( which i neways always knew) and Its difficult to see your life passing you by and you cant do a thing about it ( which ive been doing most part of my life)


With a heavy disco dancing heart i write this down---

Jane na kahan woh hai duniya
Jane na woh hai bhi ya nahi
Jahan meri zindagi mujhse itni khafa nahi
main kho gayi kiski bahon mein
manzilon se rahein dhonti chali
khud kho gayi manzil kahin rahon mein

Last Summer

I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
Laughing in the rain
Our Last Summer
We made our way along the river and sat on the grass
I was so happy we had met
It was the edge of no regret
It was a crazy time
I took my chance as if it was my last dance
Worries faraway..now you are faraway....
Now there is no hero of my dreams