Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Handwriting on the Wall

This is another inspiring poem I came across on the net. Liked it, and thought I will share it here.

    Handwriting on the Wall
A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door,
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J took his crayons and wrote on the wall
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den,
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again.

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
Where is your little brother right now?
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room,
He trembled with fear -- he knew that meant doom
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught.

She headed for the den to confirm her fears,
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears,
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart,
It said, I love Mommy, surrounded by a heart,

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung around it,
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.
                                      - Author Unknown

Cheers!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Equipment

You may believe that others have a better chance in life - that they are better off than you. But this poem talks about the equipment that you already have.

             Equipment 
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You've all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment they all began,
So start for the top and say, "I can."


Look them over, the wise and great
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes.
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.


You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will.
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you


You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know.
God has equipped you for life, but He
Lets you decide what you want to be.


Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself, my lad.
You were born with all that the great have had,
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say: "I can."

                                      - Edgar A.Guest
Cheers!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Fight with Cancer

I came across this poem by chance while browsing the internet. I am sure the verses will give hope to anyone fighting with cancer. So, I thought I'll put it on the blog.

I Wear a Pink Ribbon

A silent killer with no face.
A thief within the night.
A constant battle for my life
A bitter evil fight.

The scars remind me of the day
It knocked at my souls door.
It tried to rob me of my strength
It left me on the floor.

To survive, I had to sacrifice
My Breast and even my hair
It showed no pity as it snatched
These things without a care.

I started to give up my fight
I felt I could take no more
Then God reached down and
Gently picked me up off the floor.

He wiped my face and blew my nose
Just like my mama use to do.
He said don’t cry my child
For I have things in store for you.

I did not bring you all this way
to leave you high and dry.
I love you and you are my child
So hold your head up high.

There is nothing that I cannot fix,
No pain I can’t erase.
Have faith and know that I am here
There is nothing you can’t face!

So then I threw my hands up high
And gave God all his praise!
For my soul has been uplifted
And my SPIRIT has been raised!

I’ll fight this fight with cancer
And I know I will be fine.
For God said it and I know its true,
That VICTORY is mine!!
                         - Kimberly Harris

Cheers!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

These verses tells us that the past cannot be changed, and so worrying about it is useless. Worrying about the future is pointless again because most often, what happens tomorrow is beyond our control. So, today is the day what we should be concerned about, for today is the day when things can be changed. 

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

There are two days in every week that we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control.

All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we've said - yesterday is gone!

The other day we shouldn't worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise, and until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day - it is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Let us, therefore, live one day at a time! 
                                    - Author Unknown

Cheers!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Things Work Out

A beautiful poem to give you hope that things will always work out for the better.

           Things Work Out
Because it rains when we wish it wouldn't,
Because men do what they often shouldn't,
Because crops fail, and plans go wrong
Some of us grumble all day long.
But somehow, in spite of the care and doubt,
It seems at last that things work out.


Because we lose where we hoped to gain,
Because we suffer a little pain,
Because we must work when we'd like to play
Some of us whimper along life's way.
But somehow, as day always follows the night,
Most of our troubles work out all right.


Because we cannot forever smile,
Because we must trudge in the dust awhile,
Because we think that the way is long
Some of us whimper that life's all wrong.
But somehow we live and our sky grows bright,
And everything seems to work out all right.


So bend to your trouble and meet your care,
For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.
Let the rain come down, as it must and will,
But keep on working and hoping still.
For in spite of the grumblers who stand about,
Somehow, it seems, all things work out. 

                                 - Edgar A.Guest
Cheers!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

IF

This is a famous motivational and inspirational poem relevant even today. The poem has philosophy for life and also talks about personal integrity, behaviour and self-development.

                If

 If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
                                         -Rudyard Kipling

Cheers!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Keep them Close

This poem reinforces how important life is and reminds us to appreciate the special people in our life. Enjoy the words of wisdom in these verses.

 Keep them Close

One day a mother died.
And on that clear, cold morning,
in the warmth of her bedroom,
the daughter was struck with
the pain of learning that sometimes
there isn't any more.

No more hugs, no more lucky moments to celebrate together,
no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."

Sometimes, what we care about the most goes away,
never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I Love You."

So while we have it … it's best we love it .
And care for it and fix it when it's broken
and take good care of it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage … and friendships!
And children with bad report cards;
and dogs with bad hips;
and aging parents and grandparents.
We keep them because they are worth it,
because we cherish them!

Some things we keep -
like a best friend who moved away
or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that
make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, and so are the people we know.
And so, keep them close! 
                                   - Author Unknown

Cheers!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

When tomorrow starts without me

In continuation of my earlier posts on inspirational poems, here is a beautiful poem which will bring tears to your eyes. 

When tomorrow starts without me
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day is the same way,
There's no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart "
                       - Author Unknown

Cheers!

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Guy in the Glass

I always loved poetry since my early school days. I had such brilliant English teachers in school and college who could narrate them so well. Honestly, I would have pursued English literature, and maybe even  got a doctorate in it, if not for my dad who insisted that I study mathematics and computers! 

My love for poems has not died down and whenever I come across inspirational poems, I save them for reading again. Here is one of  them which is about honesty and integrity to oneself.

              The Guy in the Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your Father or Mother or wife
Whose judgement upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may call you a straight shooting chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
but the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear to the end,
And you have passed your most dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may face the whole world down the pathway of life
And get pats on the back when you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and strife
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
                                              - Dale Wimbrow

Cheers!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Old Man and his Son

There was an old man who lived alone. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son about his situation.

Dear Son,
I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate to miss doing the garden because your mother always loved planting time. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren’t in prison. Love, Dad.


Shortly, the old man received this telegram: ‘For heaven’s sake, dad, don’t dig up the garden!! That’s where I buried the guns!!’

Early next morning, a dozen police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the old man wrote another note to his son telling him what had happened, and asked him what to do next.

His son’s reply was: ‘Go ahead and plant your potatoes, dad. It’s the best I could do for you, from here.’

Moral: No matter where you are in the world, if you have decided to do something deep from your heart, you can do it. It is the thought that matters, not where you are or where the person is.

Cheers!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

This too will pass

Once a king called upon all of his wise men and asked them, "Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time. Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me. Tell me, is there any such mantra?"

All the wise men were puzzled. How could there be one answer for all questions-in every joy, sorrow, defeat or victory. Finally, one wise old man walked up to the king and gave him a something written on a piece of paper. But the condition was that the king was not to see it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the king finds himself alone and there seems to be no other solution, he will have to see it. The king agreed and put the paper under his diamond ring.

Shortly, the neighboring states attacked his kingdom. It was a surprise attack. Although the king and his army fought bravely, they lost the battle. The king had to flee on his horse. The enemies were following him. His horse took him far away in the jungle. He could hear the enemoies on their horse back closer to him. Suddenly, the king founf himself standing at the end of the road. Beneath, there was a rocky valley thousand feet deep. It he jumped, he would definitely die, and if he recturend, his enemies will surely capture him. 

There seemed to be no way to go. Suddenly, he saw his diamond ring shining in the sun, and he remembered the message hidden inside the ring. He opened the diamond and read the message. 

It read "This too will pass".

The king read it over and over again.Suddenly something struck  his mind. Yes!, it too will pass. He calmed down and kept standing where he was. After sometime, he realised that the noise of the horses were receding. Perhaps his enemies moved into some other part of the mountains.

The king was very brave. He re-organised his army and fought again bravely. He defeated the enemy and regained his lost empire. When he returned to his empire victorious, he was received with much fan fare, and all his people were rejoicing in the victory. People were dancing and singing merrily. For a moment, the king said to himself, 'I am one of the bravest and greatest. It is not so easy to defeat me". With the reception and celebration he got, he saw an ego emerging in him.

Suddenly, his diamond ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He opened it and read it again. "This too will pass".

He became silent. His face went through a total change - from the egoist, he moved to a state of utter humbleness.

Moral: There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think it over from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows. All have passed away. If there are problems in the present, they too will pass away. Nothing remains forever. Joy and sorry are the two faces of the same coin. They too will pass away. 

Cheers!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Don't Quit

This is one of my favourite poems written many years ago by Edgar Albert Guest. His thoughts still apply today, and it brings you lot of encouragement as you read the verses. If you are stressed and let down, let this poem encourage you to keep going! 

DON'T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit - rest if you must,
but don't you quit. 

Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow - you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup;
and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out - the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - it's when things seem worst,
you must not quit.
                                                                                   - Edgar A. Guest

Cheers!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Essence of Trust

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The concerned father asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?", asked the puzzled father...

"There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

MORAL: In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours. 


Cheers!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I Smiled at them!

The Sultan of Arabia had grown very fond of Mulla Nasruddin and often took him along on his travels. Once, while on a journey, the royal caravan approached a small non-descriptive town in the desert.

On a whim the Sultan said to the Mulla, "I wonder if people would know  me in this small place. Let us stop my entourage here and enter the town on foot, and then we will know if they can recognize  me".

They dismounted and walked down the main road of the town. The Sultan was surprised to see that many people smiled at Nasruddin but ignored him completely.

Irritated and a trifle angry, he said, "The people seem to know you here pretty well, but they don't know me!".

"They don't know me either, your excellency", replied the Mulla.

"Then, why did they smile at you only", questioned the Sultan.

"Because I smiled at them", said Nasruddin, smiling.

MORAL: Courtesy and respect are mutually reinforcing. Even if someone does not greet you, be sure to greet them. You have nothing to lose anyway.

Cheers!


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Learning from Mistakes

Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for the light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistant complained, “All our work is in vain. We have learned nothing.”

Edison replied very confidently, “Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We know that there are two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb.”

Moral: We can also learn from our mistakes. 

Cheers!

Monday, May 16, 2011

What's for Dinner

A man feared his wife wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem. The doctor told him there is a simple test the husband could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

Here’s what you should do,” said the doctor, “stand about 40 feet away from her, and  speak in a normal   tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.”

That evening, the wife was in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the  basement. He said to himself, “I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.” Then in a normal tone he asks, ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?” No response.

So the husband moved closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeatse ,“Honey, what’s for dinner tonight?” Still no response.

Next he moved into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asked, Honey, what’s for dinner?”

Again he gets no response so, He walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Again there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

“Peter, for the FIFTH time I’ve said, CHICKEN!”

Moral: The problem may not be with the other person as we would always think, could be very much within us..!

Cheers!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Two frogs

One day, some tiny frogs arranged a running competition between them. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer the contestants. The race began. No one in the crowd truly believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. Some said, "They will never make it to the top. They will never succeed. The tower is too high!"

The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one, except for a few who kept climbing higher and higher. The crowd continued to scream, "It's very difficult! No one will  make it to the top!".

More tiny frogs got tired, and gave up, but one continued higher and higher. This one would simple not give up! At the end, everyone else had given up climbing the tower, except one tiny frog. After a big effort, he was the only one who reached the top! All the other frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?

A contestant asked the tiny frog how he found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.

It turned out that the winner was deaf !! He had thought that the crowd was encouraging him the entire time!

Moral: An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. So be careful of what you say to those who cross your path. The power of words… it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way.

Cheers!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Having a Best Friend

Two friends were walking through a forest. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand “Today my best friend slapped me in the face”.

They kept on walking until they found a small  river, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped suddenly started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered  he wrote on a stone “Today my best friend saved my life”.

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?” The other friend replied “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

Moral: Do not value the material things you have in your life. But value the people you have in your life.

Cheers!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Five more Minutes

At the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.  “That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a blue sweater who was gliding down the slide.  “He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bicycle in the red dress.”

Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go,  sweatheart?”  The girl pleaded, “Just five more minutes, dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”  The man nodded and the girl continued to ride her bicycle to her heart’s content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”

Again the girl begged, “Five more minutes, dad. Just five more minutes.”  The man smiled and said, “OK.”  

“My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman sitting next to him responded.

The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bicycle in this same place. I never spent much time with  my son and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him. I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with  my daughter. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bicycle. The truth is, I get five more minutes to watch her play.”

MORAL: Life is all about making priorities, and family and close friends are  more important that the others, so spend all the time you can with those you love and who love you.

Cheers!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Give 100% in your Relationships

One of the most common relationship dynamics that exists is two people who feel emotionally wounded by each other. They both love each other, and enjoy being together, and yet they keep hurting each other.

Yes, we all love, and we hurt the people we love the most. Why do we do it?  Maybe because we take those closest to us for granted. Maybe they do not meet our expectations in some way, and we end up being disappointed. So, we do or say something in return to hurt them. Also, most of the time it is unintentional. We later regret and try to patch up things.

We need to respect the fact that in an intimate committed relationship, we have access to the most personal and vulnerable aspects of each others lives. We need to treat that as a sacred privilege and with utmost respect. Never ever abuse that gift. We need to learn to express feelings in ways that brings us closer, not in ways that creates more distance and hurt.

So, give 100% in your relationships. If you don't give your hundred percent in a relationship, you'll always keep doubting if the other person has given his/her hundred percent.. Continue to love, even if it hurts. It is worth anyway.

I like this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox on the same subject. Here it goes.

           Life's Scars

They say the world is round, and yet
I often think it square,
So many little hurts we get
From corners here and there,
But one great truth in life I've found,
While journeying to the West-
The only folks who really wound
Are those we love the best.

The man you thoroughly despise
Can rouse your wrath, 'tis true;
Annoyance in your heart will rise
At things mere strangers do;
But those are only passing ills;
This rule all lives will prove;
The rankling wound which aches and thrills
Is dealt by hands we love.

The choicest garb, the sweetest grace,
Are oft to strangers shown;
The careless mien, the frowning face,
Are given to our own.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.

Love does not grow on every tree,
Nor true hearts yearly bloom.
Alas for those who only see
This cut across a tomb!
But, soon or late, the fact grows plain
To all through sorrow's test;
The only folks who give us pain
Are those we love the best.
          - Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Cheers!



Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Strength or Weakness

This story is about a 10-year old boy who wanted to learn judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he could'nt understand why that even after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. "Master, the boy finally asked, shouldn't I be learning more moves now?'.

'This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know", the master replied. Not quite understanding, but trusting his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the master took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after sometime, his opponent became impatient, and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. 

This time, his opponenet was bigger, stronger and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned about the boy, the refree was about to stop the match. but the master insisted that the  match continue. Soon after the match resumed, his opponenet made a critical mistake. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy was the champion of the tournament. On the way back home, the boy asked, "Master, how did I win the touranament with one only move?".

You won for two reasons, the master answered. First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. Second, the only known defence for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Moral: Sometimes we feel that we have certain weaknesses and we blame God, the circumstances or ourselves for it but we never know that our weaknesses can become our strengths one day. Each of us is special and important, so never think you have any weakness, never think of pride or pain, just live your life to its fullest and extract the best out of it.
Cheers!

Monday, May 9, 2011

A Box full of Kisses

A man punished his 4-year old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became furious when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, daddy".

The man was embarrassed by his earlier reaction, but he got angry again when he found out that the box was empty. He screamed at her, "Don't you know when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside?". The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh daddy, it's not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They are all for you daddy".

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.

A few months later, an accident look the life of the child. It is told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and whenever he was upset or discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

MORAL: Each one of us have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses... from our parents, children, family, friends, and god. There is simply no other possession anyone could hold, more precious than this.

Cheers!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Rose for Mother

Today is Mothers day. I thought this story would be apt today. Most of us live in nuclear families, and in our very busy schedules, may not spend more time with our parents. Of course, this is not intentional, it is just that there are other priorities that would take away our time.

Let us at least now make an effort to visit our parents and loved ones if you have not done so in a long time.

Now, here's the story.

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be sent to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sobbing near the doorstep of the flower shop. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars.”

The man smiled and said, “Come on in with me. I’ll buy you a rose.” He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother’s flowers. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, “Yes, please! You can take me to my mother.” She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house.

Moral: Life is short. Spend much time as you can loving and caring people who love you.  Enjoy each moment with them before it’s too late.   

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Love is love, only when it is visible

Eight-year old Priya was refusing to eat and her mother was  furious with her. Priya's father took the plate and pleaded with his child to eat a little food atleast, for his sake. When dad spoke, Priya softened, wiped  her tears with the back of her hands and said, 'Ok, dad. I will eat this whole plateful - but you must give me whatever I ask for'.

Ofcourse, sweatheart, dad promised. Once Priya finished eating, she came to her dad. All at home were intently watching what she was going to ask. Dad, I want to shave my head, this weekend, she said. Brushing aside protests from Priyas's mother, her dad said,' We must keep our promise. If we go back on our word, she will never learn to honour her own'. Priya was visibly happy.

On Monday morning, when her dad dropped her at school, it was a treat to watch Priya walk briskly to her class. With her head clean-shaven, Priya had a round-face and her eyes looked big and beautiful. Just then, a boy stepped out from a car and yelled, 'Priya, please wait for me!'. The boy was also bald.

A woman walked up to Priya's dad and said, 'That boy walking along with your daughter is my son Karthik. He is suffering from leukaemia, and lost all his hair due to the side-effects of chemotheraphy. His classmates were teasing him because of it, and Priya had promised him that she will handle it. But, never in the wildest of my dreams did I think  that she would sacrifice her beautiful hair for the sake of Karthik!'

It is not what we feel within, but it is the expression of this feeling that makes a difference in relationships.

Love is love, only when love is visible.

Cheers!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Ooty Horse Race 2011

The 125th edition of the Ooty racing season which commenced on 16th April 2011 will be on until 16th June 2011.

There would be 28 meetings and about 500 horses would participate. 15 trainers and about 40 jockeys will vie for honours. All the meetings would be held in the morning.

(1) The Nilgiris 1000 Guineas (Grade 111) will be run on April 24
(2) The Nilgiris 2000 Guineas (Grade 11) on May 1
(3) The Nilgiris Derby Stakes (Grade 1) on May 8.
(4) The Nilgiris Gold Cup, the most popular race will be run on May 22. While the stake money would be about Rs. 4.80 crores the cup value would be Rs.10 lakhs.

The post centenary silver jubilee celebrations would be held on May 7 on the eve of the Nilgiris Derby, the main event of the racing season.

Apart from the regular races, a special race for “The Post Centenary Silver Jubilee Cup” would be conducted. While the stake money for the special race would be Rs. 4.75 lakh the value of the cup would be Rs. 25,000.

Racing in Ooty had always been unique since it had been held in the only high-altitude race course in the country. By way of recognising the support extended by the patrons including tourists over the years, a lucky prize draw would be held during the celebrations. Each person who entered the course on the day by paying Rs.10 as gate fee would be given a coupon.While the first prize would be a LCD colour television, the second would be a semi-automatic washing machine and the third a microwave oven.

The draw would be held immediately after the special race.

Don't miss this event if you are visiting Ooty in the next few days.

Cheers!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Better left unsaid

Some thoughts are better left unsaid; some feelings are better kept to yourself; but love has its way of expressing itself despite the silence.

Always say you are sorry to people you  have wronged. Remember, it is not always what you say that hurts, but the words that you don't.


Cheers!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Places to visit in the Nilgiris

It's really very very hot here in Chennai now. How I envy my folks back home at this time when the weather there is simply marvelous!

Anyway, in continuation to my earlier posts, I thought I will share some more information to help you plan your vacation in the Nilgiris this summer.

Places to visit in and around Ooty:
  • Botanical Garden. 
    • After you have seen the main locations in the Botanical garden, walk further up the garden to see some Toda establishments. The Todas are one of the tribes in the Nilgiris, and you can take a first hand look at their culture, tradition, lifestyle etc. Their hamlets themselves are unique. Their lifestyle is rapidly changing though and many of them live in concrete homes these days. Their hand woven clothes are very famous. The Toda women traditionally butter their hair and curl them up differently.
  • Centenary Rose Garden
  • Dodabetta peak
  • Ooty lake
  • Avalanche
  • Glenmorgan
  • Pykara Power plant at Singara
    • Traveling in the trolley on the mechanical rope way from Glenmorgan to the power  house at Singara is a thrilling experience.
  • Kalhatty falls
  • Pykara lake where boating is allowed
  • Kandal Cross
    • There is a portrait of Jesus here and when you look at it closely for sometime, the eyes of Jesus will appear to blink!
  • Kasi Vishwanathan Swamy temple in Kandal
    • The Kumbabishekam of this temple was held on 24th April 2011
    • This is a beautiful temple for Lord Shiva.
    • There is a separate temple for Lord Sani Bagvan inside the main temple, in addition to the Navagrahas
    • There are samadhi's of some Sithar's as well inside the main temple. Please do not miss this when you visit. You can also spend sometime in meditation.
Places to visit in and around Coonoor:
  • A new park at Runneymade enroute Mettupalayam to Coonoor.
    • Please visit this park on your way to Coonoor/Ooty, because the return route is via Kotagiri only. Generally, this traffic arrangement is in place the during peak season.
  • Sims park
    • Don't miss the Rudraksha Tree in the park
  • Laws falls
  • Lambs Rock
  • Dolphin's Nose. Both Lambs Rock and Dolphin's Nose are spectacular view points, but please ensure to visit these places when there is bright sunlight. Mist and fog will obstruct the breathtaking view 
  • Silk rearing station near the Pasteur Institute. 
Places to visit in and around Kotagiri
  • Catherine Falls
  • Kodanad View Point
    • Again, try to visit this view point in bright sunlight. The view of the Moyar river, Thengumarada and Bhavanisagar dam from the peak is breathtaking
  • Rangasamy Pillar and Rangasamy Peak
Do check out my earlier posts for more information.Please also visit this link for further details http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/OOTY.HTM

Cheers!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Ooty Annual Dog Show 2011

I received some encouraging feedback from friends on my earlier posting on the Ooty summer festival. I hence thought I will give some more updates on the events taking place in Ooty this month, for the benefit of the visitors to this hill station.

The annual Dog show of the South of India Kennel Club which is one of the most looked forward events is scheduled to be held between 13th and 15th May at the Government Arts College ground, Ooty. 

This mega event will feature one Obedience show and three All Breeds shows.

About 40 dogs, including Rajapalayams, Miniature Pinschers, Labradors and Bull Mastiffs may participate in the obedience test, a prime event of the show.

In the All Breed shows, about 400 dogs representing 40 breeds including many native Indian Breeds that are now gaining international attention, will vie for honours at the event.

Don't miss this mega event if you are there at Ooty for this year's summer festival.

Cheers

Monday, May 2, 2011

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve thrown open to tourists on 1st May 2011


The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has been thrown open to tourists on 1st May 2011. The reserve which had remained closed since the beginning of April due to dry conditions is now all green thanks to the recent rains.

Elephant rides and Van rides will be provided. Chances of sighting animals, including elephants, Indian gaur, and deer have increased considerably. Please do not miss the pooja performed by elephants to Lord Ganesha. It is a real treat to watch. You can also feed the elephants after the pooja.

It is also to be noted that the reserve will be closed between 3rd and 8th May on account of annual animal census.

Enjoy your visit to this enchanting place this summer!

Cheers!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Nilgiris Summer Festival 2011 - Programme highlights


Come May, with flowers in full bloom, it is celebration time in the Nilgiris. Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations is all set to celebrate the summer festival in May 2011.

Here are the programme highlights:
  1. Inauguration                              - 7 May @ Centenary Rose park, Ooty
  2. Rose show                                - 7 and 8 May @ Centenary Rose park, Ooty
  3. Vegetable show                         - 14 and 15 May @ Kotagiri
  4. Annual flower carnival                - 20, 21 and 22 May @ Govt. Botanical Garden, Ooty
  5. Spices show                               - 23 May @ Gudalur 
  6. Annual fruit show                        - 28 and 29 May @ Sims park, Coonoor
  7. Boat Race & Boat Pageant         - 17 and 18 May @ Ooty lake
  8. Photo exhibition                          -  Between 14 and 23 May @ Horticulture Complex, Ooty
  9. Dance, Drama & Music events    - Between 8 and 16 May @ Breeks open air stadium             
Cheers!