Quaint

Loved these quaint pavements in Portugal

You've probably figured out that I love armchair travelling. I've travelled to many places in the world and my trusty camera has captured weird and wonderful scenes.

A few day ago I was watching a show on the Living channel and came across Portugal. What a beautiful place. 

But the thing that caught my eye was these quaint pavements.

    

And now some quick fragments from my week

I finally backed up my computer. Thank goodness that was long overdue. I came across so many posts on facebook of computer crashes and I wasn't going to tempt fate.

Celebrated Diwali with friends today. We had some interesting conversations on Spirituality and the Universe. Some fascinating stories were exchanged.

But overall it was a pretty quiet week.

Hope you've had an interesting one.


Linking to:
Letter Q at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Friday Fragments #20
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra

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Priceless and Precious

Priceless, Precious - Watching the ABs win

ABs = All Blacks, New Zealand's Rugby team

Once again it is party time for Kiwis. What a moment when Richie McCaw held the Rugby World Cup for the 2nd time back to back. First team to win back to back and first to win the Rugby World Cup three times.  What a sweet, precious and priceless moment. What an awesome game.

Unfortunately wasn't able to watch this at Twickenham, England so the next best thing is watching it live on TV.

So here are some pics, taken from the TV. I do a lot of armchair travelling, watching sports etc. Thank goodness for TV.

Twickenham stadium

National Anthems

All Blacks do the Haka 

Ma'a Nonu's try - my favourite moment in the game - it was sensational

Final Score

Richie McCaw holds the Rugby World Cup for the 2nd time in a row 

Priceless and Precious 

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter 

The Web Ellis Cup

And some other fragments of my week

Little sleep with my son staying up all night to around 4am all week. But the last assignment is in and a good night's sleep can resume,

My routine yearly blood test results arrived and relieved that all is normal. Thank goodness,

On the other hand, my car needed some repairs and now my credit card weeps. I think it's time for a new car. I've had this one for a long long time. A little sad as I love this car. 

Met up with some friends again for coffee, F and I love watching the planes at the airport so we spent a few fun hours there. And my Indian friend and I had lunch together and chatted about our childhood in India. 

And six little kids came trick or treating yesterday and they got some freddo frog milk chocolates from me. 

Hope you had a great week. Do share your highlights.

Linking to

Letter P at ABC Wednesday

Six Word Saturday

Friday Fragments #19

Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra

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An Opportunity To Send Some #Love - #LettersOfLove

An Opportunity to send some love

October is birthday month in my family. Seven birthdays in the family including my daughter, my mom and me.  I wanted to do something special for my birthday. Nothing came to mind until I read about the Letters of Love initiative on Roshan Radhakrishnan's blog. 

The Letters of Love initiative is the brainchild of Pooja Pradeep who decided she wanted to do something after watching the haunting images of the children from Syria whose lives had been ruined for a reason they could not even understand. Rather than become lost in the avalanche of initiatives to raise funds, this 23 year old decided she wanted to give the children something that would last - emotional support.

With this idea in mind was born the concept of Letters of Love.

The concept is this - all those who are willing are requested to send in 'happy' pictures of themselves along with a short 3-4 line message of encouragement for these children from Syria who now live in refugee camps and feel they have lost everything in their lives. The pictures will be converted into post cards and your words translated into Arabic (the native language of the children) and handwritten on to the back of the card.

Pooja has had an overwhelming response to her initiative and many have offered to donate. If you would like to donate, please also visit http://www.ketto.org/Lettersoflove. 

And for more information please check  Roshan Radhakrishnan's post and the Letters of Love facebook page.

Letters of Love is now in collaboration with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Gaziantep, Turkey. All letters will be sent to them and they will facilitate the cause at the receiving end. Upon receiving the cartons of love, they will be distributing our letters to the refugee children at the community centres in South West Turkey.

If you do participate please send your letter soon as by mid December all letters will be collated and sent.   

Pooja with this week's postcards 

Today I sent my letter and picture with a little bit of love.  Here's the picture I sent.

I hope you will join in this heart warming initiative. It costs nothing but if it makes a difference in one young life, then that will be priceless

And the other things during the week ...

I had an awesome birthday spent with my kids and my mom. My daughter stayed overnight so that was nice.

Met up with my a friend for a coffee and had a lovely time. I am really enjoying catching up with friends.  

Yesterday as I was flicking the TV channels I stumbled upon  Portugal. What a beautiful place. It is definitely on my places to see list.  

This morning my friend called from the US and we had a nice long chat. It was the highlight of my day. We've been friends since I was 10 years old. She's my soul sister, one of the few who knows the real me. Love you lots my dear friend. 

Rugby World Cup fever is on. The semi final with South Africa this morning was a nail biter. The All Blacks, New Zealand's Rugby team, is into the finals. Woohoo.  Go the ABs. 

Having told you about my week, it hit home even more that we are so blessed to have so many good things in our life. 

The Letters of Love initiative takes on even more meaning for me. Please do join. This is such a wonderful opportunity to send a little love to a young child who has lost so much.  

Spread love everywhere you go. 

Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

~ Mother Teresa

Linking to:
The Letter O at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra  
Friday Fragments
  
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Nice Little Touch

Nice little touch to say goodbye

I mentioned in my last post that I finished up at work on 30 September. It was a sad day as I had really enjoyed working there and had made some nice friends.

But what I wanted to share with you today is my lovely goodbye card lovingly hand made by one of my colleagues who I also share a friendship with. Such a nice little touch. Every inch of this card is so pretty, one I will truly cherish.

I am truly enjoying my time off.

The flowers in my garden are blooming and look so pretty. Flowers always make me feel happy. Perhaps I'll post some pics in a future post.

Met two friends this week and did some retail therapy :) and had a few nice chats with some others.

Been reading and commenting on many blogs and discovered some interesting new ones.

Started back on my exercise routine - was tough but at least I'm into a routine again.

And looking forward to my daughter's visit tomorrow.

Hope you all had an awesome week.

Linking to:
The Letter N at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Friday Fragments
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra


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Magnolias

Magnolias look so pretty in bloom

The last month has been a tough one for me. I came down with the flu about 3 weeks ago that I managed to shake off quite quickly and then it came back a week later which I also managed to shake off.

Last week however it came back with a vengeance and knocked me out - unable to eat, no appetite, no energy, no strength. Thank goodness the meds took effect and I'm feeling much better today.

I also finished up at work last week as my contract came to an end. Contrary to what I thought that I would feel anxious about finding more work and work myself into a state of panic, I actually felt relief. I had worked at this place for 3 years and loved every moment of it. One of the best places I ever worked and my managers were some of the best I've had. It was a sad moment saying goodbye. But I think I was just tired and the Universe thought I needed a rest. So a rest I will take for a couple of months. Looking forward to more blogging, catching up with friends, catching up on reading, taking a yoga class, going for walks and spending time with my family.

Anyway, as I was feeling better today and the sun was shining, I went for a stroll in my garden, fed the birds with leftover bread and rice and was thrilled to see the magnolias in bloom. They are such a pretty pink colour and they make me feel happy.  Don't know why but these magnolias always make me think of flamingos.

Pink magnolias symbolise youth, innocence and joy.

Looking forward to embracing my inner child and enjoying my time off.

I hope you had a great week.

Linking to:
Letter M at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Friday Fragments
Photo Friday - my favourite location - I have many but my garden is definitely one of them
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra



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Festival of Raksha Bandhan

Missing my Indian festivals a lot

August 29 is Raksha Bandhan an Indian festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

On this day sisters tie a Rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brother's wrist. It symbolises a sister's love and prayers for the well-being off her brother and her brother's lifelong vow to protect her. Hence Raksha - to protect   Bandhan - to tie.

I haven't celebrated this festival for a long time as my brother and I live in different countries. But when we were together in India, I would tie a rakhi on his wrist and give him his favourite sweet (chocolate or cake) and he would give me a gift, usually money.

I think this is a beautiful tradition that brings brothers and sisters closer and reinforces the loving bond that siblings have.

I think the tradition originated sometime in the 1500s when soldiers went to war, their families tied a sacred thread to bless them for success and thereby protect the families and villages.

Raksha Bandhan is one of my favourite festivals and I miss it a lot.

a virtual rakhi for my brother which I will send to him next weekend

Some fragments for Friday though it is now Sunday :)

Updating my CV - less is more is my mantra for it and I've been culling a lot from it. It's looking pretty good now.

Each time my son's assignment hand in date nears, I wonder if it's my test or his.

Winter is nearly over and I am looking forward to some warmer days. It's been so cold lately.

Hope you all had a great week.


Linking to:
Letter F at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra
Friday Fragments
Snap Your Week
Friday Reflections - tell us about your brother or sister


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Designs and other things.

Designing is hard - Quilling is fun

Continuing on from my Creative Crafts post last week. I've been trying my hand at quilling - learning some basic shapes and so far it's been a lot of fun.

Besides some personal cards, thinking of also making my own birthday and Christmas gift tags this year. I can visualise them so let's see if I can put my thoughts down on paper.

Anyway, here are some pictures of some basic shapes I've been trying.

On another note, the "o" on my keyboard has become temperamental. Sometimes it doesn't register at all and at other times resorts to "oo". So frustrating. I have to slow down my typing - not an easy thing to do. Perhaps it's a message that life needs to slow down or perhaps it's time to get a new laptop. Feeling dejected as this laptop has served me well.

Now and then on Facebook some post jumps out at you that you think is worth disseminating. I came across this one today

"Eventually all the pieces will fall into place. 

Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment and know that everything happens for a reason.

What is meant to be, always finds a way"

Linking to:
The Letter D at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra
Friday Fragments
Snap your week


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Creative Crafts

Growing urge to try Creative Crafts

Some days ago I went out for lunch with a friend and on our way back we stopped at a magazine stall to browse. And then this magazine caught my eye.

I've always wanted to try quilling so bought this on impulse. Will have to try my hand at it soon. I used to love making cards before e-cards took over. But now there's so many ways to share something you create - like whatsapp etc. Thought it was time to add the personal touch again yet combine it with technology.

Here are some cute designs that I'd like to try.

And these pictures tie in very nicely with the Circles prompt at Photo Friday

Linking to:
Letter C at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Photo Friday
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra
Friday Fragments
Snap Your Week


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Awesome Aspect

Woke up to an awesome aspect

I love the hills that surround my house and it's my early morning ritual to watch them while I sip my tea. The hills look so serene and I feel so peaceful.

But few days ago I drew open the curtains and my eyes lit up in wonder. What an awesome sight, Particularly since it rarely snows in Wellington. The last time it snowed was in 2011. 

It's been freezing cold the last few days. Winters in Wellington are cold, but the last few days have been unusually extra cold. 

So here is a picture of the hills with some snow

Linking to:
Letter A at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Photo Friday
Wordless Wednesday at Abracadabra
Snap Your Week #28
Friday Fragments #4
Sundays in my city


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No eXcuse to skip eXercise

Can't make eXcuses to skip eXercise

Friday before last I was thinking I really need to get back into serious and regular exercising. I do some yoga and stretching but I felt I needed to do more. So I sent a prayer up heaven asking what I should do - continue at the gym, do some power walking, or something else.

The next day on our way back from the Saturday morning market my friend asked if we could drop by a fitness store as she wanted some hand weights.  There was a sale on and as we walked around I spotted a cross trainer on sale and I impulsively bought it. It was delivered on Thursday and I am just loving it.

Wow, the Universe just lined things up for me. So now I really can't make eXcuses to not eXercise.

Linking to:
Letter X at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday



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Visualising a Varanasi Vacation

I could do with a vacation

The first half of the year has been quite interesting. I've gone through many anxious and stressful moments, long hours at work, and yet there have been many achievements too.

I have however neglected my blog and seemed to have taken a vacation from it. But I hope I will be more regular.

And speaking of vacations, I could definitely do with a proper vacation. A break away from home.

I've always wanted to visit the holy city of Varanasi (also known as Benares or Kashi) on the banks of the River Ganges. I've been watching an Indian TV serial based in the city of Varanasi and the desire to see it has definitely grown.

I hope someday this desire will be fulfilled. But until then, visualising a Varanasi Vacation is the best I can do.

So here are some pictures of Varanasi - to help with the visualising.

Ghats on the River Ganges

Gaay (cow) Ghat

 Evening Ganga Arti (venerating the River Ganges)

Images from hotstar.com

Linking to:
Letter V at ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Blog-A-Rhythm
Sundays in my city


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Peace is the way

Why is it we never learn?

April 25 is ANZAC Day in New Zealand and Australia. It marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings of 1915 where New Zealand, Australia, British, France, India, and Newfoundland troops battled the Ottoman empire. Approximately 8700 Australians and 2800 New Zealand soldiers died.

ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) is a day we honour those who died at Gallipoli and also in many subsequent wars. 

This year was the 100 anniversary of those landings.  100 years on it is sad that we haven't learned from the past. Wars don't bring peace only destruction.

Peace is the way to peace.

Each year there is a dawn ceremony in the capital Wellington. I didn't attend the dawn ceremony but watched it on TV.  As a picture speaks a thousand words, the 100th ANZAC day ceremony is best shown in pictures (taken by my trusty camera off the TV).

Dawn Ceremony in Wellington

New Zealand War Memorial

Australian Memorial gifted to New Zealand

Air Force Salute

Governor General of New Zealand

The Last Post

Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

Gallipoli, Turkey

R.I.P 

All who gave up their lives in wars. 

Linking to:
Letter P for ABC Wednesday
Six Word Saturday
Wordless Wednesday #82 at Abracadabra
Friday Fragments #351
Sundays in my city

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