Enjoying the cooler shades of tree..

Last to last sunday I made a visit to my friend's house around 10 AM, to whitefield area. It's the place where we stayed when I landed in Bangalore from Hyderabad. So, I have a soft corner for the area and the people there. I used to enjoy the ride from Kundahalli signal to Whitefield through Varthur road... Even though my house was 19 KMs from my office. However, somehow all the traffic exhaustion kind of got diluted on that patch of road. With cultivation fields on both side of the road, the brushing of wind on the face, used to lift my spirit. We left that house since, it was far off and the cold weather resulted in severe health issues in me. Also, baby planning was becoming a big issue after travelling for 18 KMs to and 20 KMs fro in bike.

That day I kind of relived the same experience. And it was way better this time since I took the road that connects Panathur and Varthur village. From the Varthur signal I took right to go towards Whitefield.

I could enjoy the long stretch of green fields and the shades of trees. Honestly, I loved the shade of the trees. The shade was cooler than that of A/C effect. The whole way I drove slow and enjoyed longer time under tree shades. Even though it was hot outside, it was much much cooler under the tree shade. I also, took a curry leave plant from road side.

Overall, it was a nice experince after a long time.

If you stay near Bellandur and want to go to Whitefield try the Panathur's connecting road... You will feel like you are in some cool and calm, relaxed village.

♥ ~ Smile

Body, Mind and Soul - all with nature

I am kind of on a vacation now... No mood to do anything else but just rest and watch the nature's beauty. I want to make cards and do quilling. But the mind, body and soul are kinda urging me to stay with the nature for a while. It's been long I have read some book too. So, would indulge in reading and watching the beauty of nature for a couple of days now.

♥ ~ Smile

It's raining now...!!

Yeaaaaaay... it's raining!! Huh!! Finally... finally... some drops poured out of the sky. I feel so rejuvenated; the smell of the earth has taken every tiredness from me. It's a great relief. Finally the heat would go a bit.

Thank you God!!

♥ ~ Smile 

Watching the Sunrise and Holy Basil...

Watching sunrise is something I love. However, do not always get the chance due to my laziness.  Earlier when I was in Whitefield I was able to watch it daily since the balcony was east facing and there were no construction in front. There was a farm house and the Sun rise from behind the trees always appears great. I was able to photograph it very well then. But then we moved to Murgeshpalya and watching a Sun rise became a dream as there were concrete all around. Now, I am in Panathur and it’s just like staying in a village and enjoying the beauty of nature. The chirping and hooting of birds break the sleep and watching the pigeons fly in flock feels like a blessing to me. I hope I get to see such beauty at our own house at Sarjapur. For now only D is staying there setting up the house. I even recorded the sounds of the birds once at 5 AM and even when I listen to those sounds those moments become alive in my memory.

I have taken so many sunrise pictures, but I had become so lazy to blog or share it in FB. I will upload those pictures some other time. 

In this busy life sometime we become so busy that we overlook many beautiful things of the nature. There are certain people, certain things that we interact daily. However, we ignore those subtle things because we are so busy with our life that our mind doesn’t take notice of those. And one day when we feel like spending some time noticing those people or the beauty of the nature, we became amazed by so many things that were there but we never took notice of it.

And when someday we take some moments to watch the nature and notice a thing that has been near us for a long time, it surprises us.

Something of this sort happened with me day before yesterday. I had been watching Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant for a long time and also its buds that become the seeds and that are offered to God/Goddess. However, I never took notice of its flowers and was always wondering how come it turns into seeds without any flower blooming in it. I was wrong the flowers bloom and stay for around a day or two and then they fall. When I saw it day before yesterday I was surprised and asked my mom to have a look at it too. She said she had seen it already. I gazed at those tiny lavender color flowers for a long time. Took notice of every detail and felt great that I saw that flower that day. Yesterday my father plucked those along with its seed form and offered it to God during prayer. I took some photographs of the flowers. Today morning I was watching the plant again while watching the sunrise and taking every beauty deep into my breath. And I saw some buds blooming from another one. I took the photograph of it too along with the sunrise photographs.

The more I see these pics the more fascinated I feel.

♥ ~ Smile

Enchanting Moon and the Night

It was a beautiful full moon this Friday (22^nd Oct. 2010). The scenery was breathtaking. While I was driving back to home in my bike, the whole way in the wind-tunnel road, I could see the sparkling moon shining like a diamond through the woods, drifting behind the river of clouds. The clouds were dancing along with it. It was a truly mesmerizing sight; a scene that I had not cherished so far. I can't explain what I savored in those 10 minutes, in just few words. It felt as if I am in a dream in some hill station, sitting on a vast land filled with grasses. I thanked God on the way for thee showed me such a serene scene. After I reached home, I wanted to stream-line every thought that made me feel like being in this beautiful dream. This poetry is a result of those thoughts... I hope you like it.

I turned the pages of this beautiful night;

The vista is surreal and bright.

Moon is drifting behind the cloud bed;

Chimera of a beautiful blossom is formed.

Petal shapes formed by cloud patches –

Can only be seen in artists’ paintings.

Colors of the night are delightful,

Enchanting with its magical spells.

Shades of the trees in dark colors

And the moonlit pearl white roads.

Fresh breathe of wind acting as calmer,

Has the power to touch every sensor.

Chucking itself on my face as a chum,

Sucking me out from tedium.

The sky and roads, the trees and clouds –

Seem painted with sparkles of the rays.

All are welcoming the pixies -

Hiding behind the distant stars.

It’s a beautiful sight;

Though it’s black and white

A perfect place for lovers -

With the music of the nature.

The passion of moon -

releases the power of its shine.

My heart is tied with its fascinating face;

My eyes are locked with his seducing dance.

I hope the spell lasts for endless time,

Guiding me through this stunning dream.

I wish to live in this peaceful night forever;

Hope to depart with the angels and return never.

♥ ~ Smile

Gestures can make your day

Gestures mean a lot in this world where every second is so costly.

` A comforting hug

` A loving kiss

` A cute smile

` An interesting handshake

` An encouraging pat - can make your day sometime.

Gesture doesn't necessarily mean that of we humans, even the gestures made by animals, birds, insects can give immense pleasure, provided we are ready to spend those few minutes cherishing those moments.

` A small bird chirping, moving its tail here and there, and so is its neck, jumping from one branch to other.

` A butterfly flapping its tiny wings up and down in a fast forward motion, flying from one flower to another.

` A squirrel, walking fast, picking up nuts and chocolate pieces, holding it in its two front legs and eating it with its two upper long tooth and tiny lower tooth, when senses someones presence, running away in a glimpse of time.

` A dog jumping on the sand, scampering it with its front legs, sitting there quietly, looking around, taking nap keeping its eyes almost closed but not completely and sitting like a statue.

` A cat walking slowly, not trying to look at you, keeping its foot carefully, jumping from garden to window, yawning and making 'meeew' sound.

If these are cherished carefully can make your day.

Even the non-living stuff give immense happiness.

` The sun rising from behind the huge trees.

` The sky changing its colors.

` The clouds moving around as if they are dancing.

` The wind making soft slow music in your ears.

` Trees dancing with their leaves.

Ah.. there are so many things to enjoy. Yet we rarely find time to walk in the woods and enjoy the nature and its gifts.

I am so fortunate that I am in a place where I cherish all these gifts.

Thank you God! Thank you D.

♥ ~ Smile

Patterns of Sky with Cloud and Sun - Part 3

The first one is in normal mode. The second one in Sunset mode. Just a mode change and you can capture the sun.. :)

The patterns of the sky due to sunlight and cloud (part 3)

Untill I write / click again... Keep smiling...
♥ ~ Smile

Patterns of Sky with Cloud and Sun - Part 2

I have become a fan of the Friends (sun and cloud). They both appear beautiful together... And while they play games, they do the make over of the sky beautifully

Take a look at the pics clicked today at 8:00 A.M.

The patterns of the sky due to sunlight and cloud (part 2)

Untill I write / click again... Keep smiling...
♥ ~ Smile

Patterns of Sky with Cloud and Sun - Part 1

These are the pics I clicked today morning.. The sharp orange lines caught my eyes and I could not resist myself from capturing those in my camera..

The last but one is when Sun was behind clouds. It was hard to look at the Sun, so assuming its there I clicked it. And it came so nice... Hope you all like it.

The patterns of the sky due to sunlight and cloud (part 1)

Until I write/click again... Keep smiling...

♥ ~ Smile

The new makeup of nature @ Bangalore

Winter is over... and the nature is simply amazing in Bangalore now. Just few days back the nature appeared a bit sad and grumpy with its dark shades of color. Just a week has passed and the nature has colored itself so beautifully with bright colors that I can't make you feel this with these words. I have to show you the nature. The beautiful trees and their colors... its makes you feel the smell of lemon and that wakes you up completely...

On 2nd March, 2010 I posted a blog with the pics of nature. There was a tree in the first collage of the pic. Here's that tree then:

Here is the same tree with its new bright and vibrant color with its new leaves (taken on 10th March 2010):

This is just a small example... The nature is so beautiful that it appears as if we are in a new world with so much beauty and freshness around us. The leaves dance with such enthusiasm.. that it reminds me of the fast flying fairies of tinker bell animation movie. I just love watching them dance. While going to office when you see them I feel as if they are encouraging me, as if they are wishing me.... "Yeah GG! You can do it! Good Morning!! Make a great day ahead! Hooray!" Wow... it feels so good... I can't explain that any more.. You must feel that when you see them dancing around you, welcoming you.

Until I write again... Keep smiling...
♥ ~ Smile

The Red Bride

The red bride is not a person but the flower who posed beautifully for my photo shoot... Here's how they posed in different style..

With Flash On	With Falsh Off

The collage of the pics of the beautiful white angel and the red bride

Until I write again... Keep smiling...
♥ ~ Smile

The White Angel

The white angel is no one but the white flower who posed nicely for my photo shoot...

This one is modified in software
Collage of all the pics taken.	The one in the center, that's the loveliest one.
No flash, taken in natural light available in the room.	I just love this pic.
This one is taken with Flash on.	This one is taken in sunlight effect through a lightshaded curtain.

Until I write again... Keep smiling...

♥ ~ Smile

Watching a Sunrise

Good Morning!! Wow... It's a wonderful morning today. I see birds flying from the east towards me. Small, big, tiny all sizes of birds are flying in the subtle blue sky. The sky is so pure for there are no clouds to take away its beauty in its purest form.

My house's balconies face east. Early morning when we sit on our sofa in the hall or on the stair case of our balcony we see the sunrise. I had a chance today to get up before the sunrise. That's the reason I met the beautiful bride dressed in a light blue color garment.

The cool breeze coming along with the birds feels so fresh that it's tickling all the cells in my body. The smooth touch of the wind on my hair... umm... I can again go back to sleep. The lovely and fresh smell of the nature is making me hungry now. Not only me, it seems the roses and other flowers seem to be enjoying the weather and the most beautiful moment of the day. The way dance and wave their little petals... oooww... it's making me behave like a little child and play with them, stare them like I have seen some wonder I have never seen before.

I sit down on my stair case now and watch on those few tall trees in front of me, at around 70 meters away. That house is also beautiful... a very nice bungalow. Looks like a farm house. Well, the trees in their garden are tall and beautiful, with different variety of leaves. The sun is rising now slowly and the saffron color of it appears awesome. The sun rays among those trees appear to me as the focus light of the stages where actors/actresses perform. The grass must be feeling like VIPs with the spot light on them.

The sun is rising fast... hmm... as its summer here in Bengaluru now. Well, as the sun is moving up in the sky it's changing its garments. Now, it is dressed up in Orange color. Wow it's moving even faster up and up and up to the high sky, wearing a yellow color garment. Well, the clouds have finally come. May be they were waiting to the Sun to play hide and seek with it. It looks as if they are playing "catch me if you can". Some time it appears as if the Cloud is over the Sun, some time the Sun is over the Cloud. The hawk is swinging here and there, some time towards the Sun, some time away from it. Looks as if it's jealous of the Cloud and doesn't want it to play with the Sun. The sun is busy with the clouds and the hawk finally disappointed and has moved away towards the west along with the other chirping birds.

The sun is higher up in the sky now and the yellow garment is so bright that it's hard for me to look at it. And that's when I realised it's already 7:30 now and I better go get ready for my office. I take a last view at the scene from the corner of my eyes and get back to work. I feel so nice that my intuition tells me it's going to be a great day ahead. 

Here's a collage of my shots taken while savoring the beauty of nature...

Will catch you in my next blog...

♥ ~ Smile

Trip to Guhantara - the cave resort

It was a trip arranged by D's company, Real Soft Inc. It was the last Saturday of the 1st month of the New Year. It was an annual meet with fun, games, song, fancy dress competition, rain dance, award distribution and food... food... lots of food. Ah! How I forgot about the drink! Yeah, there was this huge number of bottles and a few drinkers dancing around the ground.

We started at around 10:30 AM with D's girlfriend, Honda City. We took the outer ring road to reach silk board signal. From there we took the BTM road and moved towards Nice Road. BTM - I can't forget the traffic there. We touched the nice road and then took the road towards "The Art of Living International Centre". After we crossed the centre it was village area. Had a glimpse of one big lake and a small one; the cows, villagers, foreigners, temples, large patches of trees. We took a right turn to enter one of the colonies in the village. At first I wondered how come a resort is there in a village. But yeah, it was in the outskirts of the village. Guhantara - an underground cave resort. The road was not at all good, was full of small rocks and pebbles. There were small banners with the facts about the largest tunnel, mountain, river, animal, mammal etc. It was fun to drive slowly (obviously you can't drive fast in that road) and read the details and move ahead.

Finally we reached. It was 1 o'clock already. We parked our car. The guard guided us to the underground. We signed the register and took the underground path to reach the venue. When I reached there I could not believe the venue was so historical. It looked like a cave with these huge pillars. There were semicircle shaped stair cases. And the in the middle was the stage. It appeared as a miniature of the historical theatre of Rome. We sat down and watched the fancy dress competitors. They were having fun.

We settled down with D's friends and their families. I took some snaps of the competitors. After a while we had some snacks and then lunch. Mean while they had the singing competition. It was fun. The singer would choose a song from the list they provide. They have the corresponding music. You sing along with the music and it feels as if you are actually the singer of the song. I took part in the competition and sang my favourite song, Anuradha Paudwal and Kumar Sanu's "Dil hai ki maanta nahin" title song. The DJ gave me the song lyrics and I practiced while having Lunch.

When he called me to the stage I sang my song along with the lovely music of Nadeem-Shravan. I did made some mistake once for I was nervous and the pitch slipped. D came in front of me quickly and took some pictures so that I don't feel nervous by seeing him. I came back to the track and continued. I felt so good with the support of D. Its just few months of our marriage with lot of struggle to adjust with each other, to mould each other to the taste of other. I truly felt that the roof that has gone away when I left my parents home, has again come back. It was a nice experience and those who know me they showered compliments. It always feels good when you receive compliment. Anyway... There were few other people who sang Hindi, Kannada songs.

Afterwards the DJ called people for Rain Dance. People had great fun there. Even the small kids they entertained the viewers a lot. Neither D went for the Rain dance, or me. However, D went for swimming, as he loves to swim. I was the woman with the camera there. So, I carried on with my photography. They quickly finished their Swim and we started for sightseeing. We came out of the tunnel from another way.

The outside was green, with variety of trees and flowers. There were table and chairs made of cement and were beautiful. The flowers at some places were arranged beautifully. I took a whole lot of pics of the flowers and the sceneries.

After a while the award ceremony began. The DJ called me to give a complimentary free entry coupon. Afterwards D's company gave some complimentary awards to the winner of the various activities and games they had conducted. I got the prize for the singing competition. Yahoo... Finally I could sing in front of an audience and got a prize. Thanks for Toastmasters International, where I got a platform to get out of my public speaking fear. They had various awards for the employees. After the ceremony everyone went to play ground for some out door games.

It was almost end of the afternoon and the evening was slowly drifting towards us. D and his friends played cricket. Some played volley ball and some badminton. Some married women were taking care of their children, thus could not enjoy anything else but enjoyed their children's activities.

I experimented a bit with the camera to take the sunset photographs. Some came out beautifully. Gradually it was night and everyone came back from the playground to the grass land. We sat down there and had some snacks. My head was aching by that time due to the sun and hunger. As soon as I had a chicken kebab, wow, I felt so good. I had few more varieties of snacks. It was too cold outside and thus they arranged for the bonfire. Some people danced around it with the DJ playing the songs. Some savored their drink. And soon we had our dinner as most of them wanted to reach home earlier. It was already 10 when we started for home. D was too tired and had trouble driving his GF. It was dark everywhere. Somehow he managed to drive with his right leg paining enormously. He wasn't able to fold his leg and thus kept his leg on accelerator continuously.

Finally we reached home and it was 11:30 by then. We reached early due to no traffic. Though it was tiresome, but it was fun and enjoyment. I took so many pics, around 895 pics. The underground resort was good, the food was nice and the nature is just lovely. They say you will forget all your tensions. Truly I could sense and feel that. It was good to be away from the kayos city life for a while. Its a good place to go with your family or team and have some fun and food. I would recommend this resort and would give a 4 star to it.

Few of my shots are here:

♥ ~ Smile