My crochet earrings project

A little reminder for my crochet earrings project! I have already crocheted some beautiful earrings, but they still need to be blocked and stiffened. Once that’s done, I will need these Ball Head Pins to add beads and give them a professional, boutique-style finish.As soon as I get some free time, I'll order these from Amazon to finally complete my gorgeous handmade earrings!

XOXO

Amritsar Diary: Faith, Historical Scars, and Patriotic Fervour at Wagah Border

This was my trevelogue of Amritsar blog post of Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Way to worship... Say salute to the holy places!I had always yearned to visit Amritsar. Choosing this sacred and historic city was driven by three deeply personal and emotional reasons. I knew this was the land that holds:The divine shadow of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), which radiates peace and spirituality across the world.The striking line of the 'Wagah Border' separating two nations. Witnessing this border always fills my heart with a quiet melancholy. It reminds me of the old days in our village, where families like the Telis (oil-pressers), Lilgars (dyers), and Saudagars (who stuffed kapok into our winter quilts) lived in peace, protected by my grandparents. Today, their relatives remain on the other side of the border in Pakistan.The immortal grounds of Jallianwala Bagh, where countless innocent souls were mercilessly gunned down by colonial cruelty. It felt essential to stand there, pay my respects, and mourn their ultimate sacrifice.We set out on this journey at 5:00 AM sharp with our camera in hand (though it threw a few tantrums along the way!). On our way to Amritsar, we picked up Baljit Kaur from Ratia. Due to security regulations, we didn’t use cell phones inside the premises, but we managed to capture some unforgettable memories with our camera. -----Sri Harmandir Sahib: Where Peace Resides in Every CornerThe first stop of our journey was the world-famous Golden Temple. Beholding the main structure of the Darbar Sahib, shimmering with gold plating amidst the vast, serene holy sarovar (lake), was nothing short of a celestial experience.There was a massive queue of devotees waiting to pay their respects, and it took us several hours to reach the main Granth Sahib area. Along the walkway, the shade supported by three distinct pillars was clearly visible. -----------The holy 'Guru Granth Sahib' is enshrined right in the middle of this lake structure. Sitting there and absorbing the absolute tranquility was an experience beyond words.

Tap or click the image for a larger view ---------Jallianwala Bagh: A Painful Chapter of HistoryMoving from the peaceful embrace of the Golden Temple, we walked into Jallianwala Bagh. This is a place that brings tears to the eyes of every Indian even today.This is the infamous 'Martyr's Well' (Shahidi Kuan), a haunting testament to British brutality. When General Dyer blocked the only narrow entrance to this park and ordered his troops to open fire indiscriminately on a peaceful gathering of unarmed people, many jumped into this very well to escape the raining bullets. Standing here and feeling the weight of their sacrifice truly gives you goosebumps.🇮🇳 ------------Wagah Border: Where Patriotism Beats in Every HeartThe Wagah Border is located about 30 kilometers from the main city of Amritsar. We traveled in our own vehicle, but to reach the exact border spot, we hired a local rickshaw, which cost just ₹10 per person for the round trip. Arriving during the morning hours gave us a brilliant opportunity to witness our brave Jawans during their drill. Their matchless, clock-work precision easily surpasses the Pakistani side.Every evening at sunset, the flags of both nations are lowered with utmost respect during the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Watching the Indian tricolor and the Pakistani flag come down diagonally in unison is a moment that fills you with immense pride. Once the ceremony concludes, the gates are closed, marking the end of the event. Vast crowds gather on both sides of the gate to witness this spectacle. It is a must-visit for every individual at least once in their lifetime! --------- ---Proud Moments!Standing next to the BSF Jawan guarding the border was a highlights of our trip. You can clearly see the massive height difference between us and the towering Jawan standing in the middle! Vipin and Richa took immense pride in posing for pictures at this iconic border spot. A Journey of Deep EmotionsIn this singular journey through Amritsar, we experienced a profound spectrum of tranquility, pain, and fierce patriotism. While sitting by the serene, holy waters of the Golden Temple brought absolute tranquility to the soul, standing near the tragic Martyr’s Well at Jallianwala Bagh made us feel the deep, historic pain that still echoes today. Finally, the thundering marches and roaring echoes at the Wagah Border filled our veins with an undeniable sense of patriotism and pride that words fail to capture.This wasn’t just a simple trip; it was a beautiful tapestry of emotions that has forever shifted my perspective on spaces of worship and faith.

Ditch the Plastic: Elegant Crochet Wisterias for Festive Decor

Nothing is better than a garland of beautiful wisterias to make your door more attractive. If you don’t agree with this statement, then check out my crochet wisterias on my front door in the pic below.

This Deepawali, instead of plastic decorations, I chose to adorn my entrance with these handmade blooms. The piece is made up of multiple textured strands that hang downward in a slightly uneven pattern to replicate the natural, flowing look of wisteria blooms. Combined with festive lights, it proves how crocheted wisterias can do magic in home decor. Learn how to make a wisteria hanging in the YouTube link below. https://youtu.be/615YiLpT40Q?si=WRlpxy5JJwU7eiRC If you liked this post, please leave a comment below or share your thoughts! xoxo

My Sitar, My Journey..

My connection with music began in 1972 during my prep at F.C. College, Hisar. What started as a spark of interest in the Sitar soon became a lifelong practice for a holistic and introspective lifestyle. Following this musical foundation, I went on to pursue my higher studies at CCS HAU, but the strings of the Sitar remained a constant part of my soul.Every time I play, it brings back memories of those formative years and the soulful atmosphere of Agra. It’s a practice that continues to keep me connected to my roots and brings me immense inner peace.

My Sitar: A lifelong journey of peace and introspection since 1972. XOXO

यादों के झरोखे से: महिला सुरक्षा समिति, हिसार (1997)

इनमें (हल्की हरी साड़ी में) उस समय के DC की धर्मपत्नी, (गहरी हरी साड़ी में) पुलिस कमिश्नर की धर्मपत्नी, और संस्था की समर्पित सदस्य मिसेज ग्रोवर एवं मिसेज जुनेजा (अपने बेटे के साथ) की उपस्थिति विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय है। यह आयोजन केवल एक मेला नहीं था, बल्कि एक परिवार की तरह जुड़े समाज का मिलन था।मद्रास हैंडलूम और मयूर हैंडीक्राफ्ट जैसे स्टॉल्स से सजा यह मैदान और फूलों की वह सुंदर प्रदर्शनी आज भी हमें उन सुनहरे दिनों की याद दिलाती है। हमारी संस्था का यह सफर अत्यंत गौरवशाली रहा है और ये पुरानी यादें हमें भविष्य में भी इसी तरह पूरी निष्ठा के साथ समाज सेवा के लिए प्रेरित करती रहेंगी। xoxo

Inheriting Art, Remembering Love

Today, an old post from my blog unexpectedly surfaced, pulling me back through the corridors of time. It was 2013, a difficult and quiet time in the ICU while my mother was undergoing treatment. Looking at these photos, I can still feel the weight of those moments. While Mom fought for her health, I sat by her side, my hands busy with pink thread, working on a 'Pineapple Square'. It wasn’t just a pattern; it was a labor of love, a silent prayer for her recovery, and a way to feel connected to her in that sterile room.

Now Mom was a master of crochet. She tried to teach me so many times, but I just couldn't grasp it then. After losing her, I felt a deep determination to learn this craft in her honor. Today, I can finally crochet 'Granny Squares', and I love it. Every time I pick up the hook, I feel her presence guiding my fingers. Moving from that unfinished pineapple square in the ICU to the squares I create today has been a healing journey. These threads are more than just yarn; they are the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter. I didn't just learn a technique; I inherited a piece of her heart. Mom, I miss you every day. This craft is my tribute to you. xoxo

The Eternal Flame of Service: An Inspiring Journey from Sister Nivedita to Dr. Malhotra

History often keeps many names hidden in its folds—those whose contributions to India’s progress are invaluable, yet forgotten by generations. One such name is Sister Nivedita, the disciple of Swami Vivekananda, who dedicated her entire life to India. Born on October 28, 1867, as Margaret Elizabeth Noble, she made India her home at the age of 30. A Vision of Education and Empowerment Sister Nivedita believed that education was the only weapon to fight social evils. She started a school for girls in Bagbazar, Kolkata, which was inaugurated by Ma Sarada. Today, we carry forward her ideology through our NGO, Mahila Suraksha Samiti (Hisar).

Our Foundation: Dr. Kaushalya Malhotra (1919 – 2013)Our organization has been blessed to grow under the visionary leadership of the late Dr. Kaushalya Malhotra (renowned Gynaecologist and Surgeon). Born in 1919, Dr. Malhotra pursued medicine at a time when education for women was a rare achievement. Since the NGO's registration in 1992, she led from the front, launching extensive 'Health Awareness Campaigns' in underserved areas to educate women about hygiene and wellness.Her affection for Hisar was profound. Even though she lived with her family in Bhopal, she chose to spend her final months here with us in Hisar. Following her passing in 2013, the responsibility of carrying forward her noble legacy fell upon my shoulders. We are what we are today because of her blessings and vision. A Wave of Change: From Valmiki Colony to SuccessToday, our committee is bringing a positive transformation in the lives of the daughters of Valmiki Colony in Patel Nagar. Skill Development: Girls are becoming proficient in tailoring, embroidery, toy making, and traditional crafts.

Milestones of Success: Many girls have completed certificate courses from Haryana Agricultural University and secured respectable jobs in cities like Gurugram. Self-Reliance: Today, they are learning computers, providing tuitions, and becoming economically independent by selling handmade macrame and crochet items. Walking on the path shown by Swami Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita, our journey continues with the memories of Dr. Malhotra and the smiles of these empowered daughters. xoxo