Happy New Year 2021

 

 

 

 

AAk plant

 

 

 

On Shiv ratri while I was taking  morning walk then some ladies were offering water to aak  plant. the ladies were in que waiting for their number because ther was only one aak plant in the park.  My curiosity about the plant increased and I came home and searched on the computer about it.

And found ……….

In Hindu culture, Calotropis (also known as Bowstring Hemp) flowers are offered to Shiva and Ganesha. In Ayurveda it has been used for its medicinal properties. In farming it has been used as effective bio-compost and insecticide. In clothing, Calotropis has been used since ancient times to make clothes for children and the nobility.

Aak fibre is a natural cellulosic bast fibre obtained from the stem of calotropis procera plant. Milk and flower of Aak plant are used as medicine for treatment of various diseases. Physio-chemical study of the fibre revealed that it is quite comparable with other bast fibres viz. Bhindi and Bhang is terms of length and fineness. The tenacity of Aak fibre is moderate end higher than the wool.

When I was thirteen and came to my grandparents house in Haryana then I saw that girls of my age wre making foot mats out of yarn aak fibers.then I

Then I stubbornly insisted on my grandmother that she would spin a yarn of aaak on charkha for me. My grandmother barely obeyed. Then then with girls  I collected  aak pods from aak plants grownup side by fencing of the fields,  and my grandmother spun yarn out of aak fibers and I weaved door mats usin cottan yarn for weft and warp with aak yarn .

I am missing one more thing about Aak.. Once my maternal uncle was going from farm to house on his tractor. There was a snake on the road and he got distracted by coming under the tractor's tire and he bothered my maternal uncle. Mama had heard that snake venom is erased by drinking milk of aak. He immediately started drinking milk from the roadside aak plantsand he survived.

xoxo

 

It's me and grand children

 

Me, being a grandparent is not the same as being a parent. I am not the primary caregiver but I do spend time with my grandchildren. Caring for them is not a question of just repeating what I did when I raised my own kids. I’ve come to think of being a grandmother as a new experience that offers great opportunities along with a bit of uncertainty. Here are some ways I believe grandparents can have unique connections with young grandchildren that foster them to learn and grow:

 

Give your time - it's the greatest gift. A grandparent who stops everything and focuses on playing and chatting with a young child builds a lifetime of memories and helps your grandchild learn and grow.

Play WITH your grandchild. Paint together, play board games together, play catch, play pretend. When you interact, you model good sportsmanship, good manners, good vocabulary and so much more.

Tell your stories. Just because you told them to your own children doesn't mean they'll get passed down. Stories about our experiences are the vehicle we use to pass down our family and cultural traditions.

My grand- daughter  playing with her friend with toy horse 

My grand- daughter  playing with CD's

My grand- daughter  in basket 

My grand- daughter  with my niece  

My grand- daughter  with me and her mother My  daughter daughter-in -law   

Read the old, classic children's books you enjoyed. They are new to your grandchildren and you make them special because you have practiced those funny voices and dramatic flourishes that bring them to life.

Share your passions. My dad taught my daughters how to fish and my mom brought them to art museums when I never had the interest. One became the nature counselor at summer trips and one minored in art history.

Teach them your skills. Don't hurry them away when you are making or fixing something. They will love to be by your side handing you the screwdriver, helping you plant seeds, or stirring the batter - and they will learn important life lessons their parents may not have time to teach.

Include them in conversations. Don't talk over their heads. Ask them questions and show them how to make good conversation by expressing an interest in other people. I love when my toddler grandson always turns to me in a restaurant and asks, "What you having for your dinner, Dadi or Nannie?"

Talk about your things. Do you have special collections, antiques, photo albums, old home movies or family heirlooms? Knowing about them, the stories behind them and why they are important to you will be fascinating and enriching for young children.

My grand- daughter  with My son her father  in  Pushkar annual fair

My grand- daughter 

My grand- daughter in veil 

My grand- daughter with her father

Keep things the same. It means so much to young children when they know there will always be certain toys or other items at the grandparents' house. I looked forward to Grandma's house because I could count on the old wooden child-sized “Charpaies” and the convencel games like dice of cameldung, along with “kabaddi” and homemade sweeta I didn't get at home. My children still talk about playing with the Haryanvi dolls at my mom's house year after year. Now my grandchildren go straight for the box of play cooking utensils at my house because it is something predictable that eases their transition from their house to mine.

Be the cozy lap, the warm embrace, the listening ear and the relentless cheerleader that every child needs to grow up strong, caring and confident. Even if you can't always be close enough to touch, you can offer the same feeling by phone or computer video chat. What you do with your young grandchildren really does matter!

 

crochet and me

Crochet - yes please!

I know crochet has a fairly granny reputation.  But not in my book!  I love it.  I like that its a traditional craft and I like its lacy appearance.  I also like the fact that in crochet, it’s acceptable to use all the colours of the rainbow in one piece. 

 

I almost inspected several/all books of crochet that our college library had in close sequence room. During my visits to library I usually visited the close sequence section of our library just to peek into some of the designs of the crochet work. I was so crazy about the crocheted items that I intended to make them with my own hand. When I was in my teens crochet was a mystery for me.

I love crochet sooooooooo much and only have the skill to crochet with single crochet, and double crochet stitches only.Then in my college days I learnt the skill to write and read the crochet terms and tried some laces fallowing the instructions from the books and magazines. Then there came a fashion of nylon yarn crochet, ladies used to make bags purses, dolls and other decorative items out of nylon yarn. I made several about 29 bags and several other items out of yarn of different colours

 

 I think this little Miss is wearing the crochet hyperbolic skirt

 

So cute...

 

Mmmm.... I'd probably give it a go (with other colours!)...

 

 This one I crocheted in  1982!

 

 

 

This granny square muffler is looking great in my daughter’s house...

 

 

Leaving it back there in 1972.

 

 

I still have some things which I made when I was a teen (in the 1970's).  I made this bag around 1980 (when I was in college).  I now use it to store  my yarn  and crochet hooks (and knitting needles which I never really got the hang of)...

A granny square which I have displayed on a round table (also crocheted around 1978 - I was probably practicing for the bag)...

 

 That table sits in this room, which I thought you might like to see...

 

My current crochet project - a blanket for our bed done in rows from a "how to" I found on the internet...  I have once again lost the crochet hook down the side of the sofa so currently work on this has stopped.  I'll dig it out some time this afternoon...

 

A nice warm gigantic afghan square blanket which I love (made by my Auntie in Bagar)...

 

Another piece I own - I can't imagine having the patience to ever achieve this kind of crochet status!!..

 

And just to bring you back to 2012... My friend  bought me this new ipad cover today - in lolly pink!  Thank you, I love it!!

 

I hope you are all enjoying this fine weekend...

Bhaagwad Geeta

 यस्य सर्वे समारम्भा: कामसङ्कल्पवर्जिता: |

ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणं तमाहु: पण्डितं बुधा: || 19||

BG.4.19:The enlightened sages call those persons wise, whose every action is free from the desire for material pleasures and who have burnt the reactions of work in the fire of divine knowledge.

crocheted window panel on Diwali...

sorry for blurr photo 

isnt it beautiful !!!!!!!
Happy Day

BHAGWAD GEETA,SPIRITUAL MUSINGS

कर्मण्यकर्म य: पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म य: |
स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्त: कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् || 18||

BG 4.18: Those who see action in inaction and inaction in action are truly wise amongst humans. Although performing all kinds of actions, they are yogis and masters of all their actions.

Verse 17 of the BG, summer

कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मण: |
अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गति: || 17||
BG 4.17: You must understand the nature of all three—recommended action, wrong action, and inaction. The truth about these is profound and difficult to understand.

commentary :Action in inaction. There is one kind of inaction where persons look upon their social duties as burdensome, and renounce them out of indolence. They give up actions physically, but their mind continues to contemplate upon the objects of the senses. Such persons may appear to be inactive, but their lethargic idleness is actually sinful action. When Arjun suggested that he wishes to shy away from his duty of fighting the war, Shree Krishna explained to him that it would be a sin, and he would go to the hellish regions for such inaction.

Inaction in action. There is another kind of inaction performed by karm yogis. They execute their social duties without attachment to results, dedicating the fruits of their actions to God. Although engaged in all kinds of activities, they are not entangled in karmic reactions, since they have no motive for personal enjoyment. There were many great kings in Indian history—Dhruv, Prahlad, Yudhisthir, Prithu, and Ambarish—who discharged their kingly duties to the best of their abilities, and yet because their minds were not entangled in material desires, their actions were termed Akarm, or inaction. Another name for akarm is karm yog, which has been discussed in detail in the previous two chapters as well.

 No apologies

Even though I am embarrassed to let my blog go for so long, I 'm not going to apologize like I always do,oh. It was a hectic summer with the result being I am raising my great granddaughter for the school year. So I have a good excuse!!

I've been doing lots of sewing, went to a retreat in Balmiki Dharmshala, near Camp area and had a great time. Finished up a rag quilt while I was there. I will post pictures soon.

Anyway, life is good, and I will post more often.

verse 16,chaapter 4,beauti tips

किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिता: |
तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् || 16||

BG 4.16: What is action and what is inaction? Even the wise are confused in determining this. Now I shall explain to you the secret of action, by knowing which, you may free yourself from material bondage.

Commentary: The principles of dharma cannot be determined by mental speculation(vaad-vivad). Even intelligent persons become confused in the maze of apparently contradictory arguments presented by the scriptures and the sages. For example, the Vedas recommend non-violence. Accordingly in the Mahabharat, Arjun wishes to follow the same course of action and shun violence but Shree Krishna says that his duty here is to engage in violence. If duty varies with circumstance, then to ascertain one’s duty in any particular situation is a complex matter. Yamraj, the celestial god of Death, stated:

dharmaṁ tu sākṣhād bhagavat praṇītaṁ na vai vidur ṛiṣhayo nāpi devāḥ

(Śhrīmad Bhāgavatam 6.3.19)[v17]

“What is proper action and what is improper action? This is difficult to determine even for the great ṛiṣhis and the celestial gods. Dharma has been created by God himself, and he alone is its true knower.” Lord Krishna says to Arjun that he shall now reveal to him the esoteric (unclear) science of action and inaction through which he may free himself from material bondage.

Forget going to an expensive spa! You don’t need anything fancy to make your skin glow, actually…most of the ingredients you can find in your very own kitchen! Lets get started!

Ultra Hydrating Facial Scrub and Mask

{this sweet and sticky recipe is best applied in the bathroom…it’s a smidge messy!}

You will need:

A small bowl and spoon

1.5 teaspoons cornmeal

1 teaspoon honey

0.5 teaspoon warm water

In the bowl, combine all the ingredients and let sit for about a minute. Pull your hair up (you could wrap it in a towel or shower cap). Using your fingertips, gently massage mixture onto your face, avoid the eyes. Then lie down and relax about 10-15 minutes. After time is up, gently rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow up with light moisturizer (I like argan oil).

{note: only make enough to be used within 5 days. Don’t store for longer, the honey and water will cause the cornmeal to ferment, making a strong odor of whiskey! You can also omit the cornmeal and water and do a raw honey mask. It is moisturizing but doesn’t exfoliate.}

Simple Lip Scuff

{To get luscious lips…apply lip balm before going to bed, then follow-up with this recipe in the morning!}

What you will need:

Baking soda

a wet, soft bristled toothbrush

Sprinkle some baking soda into your hand, then dip the damp toothbrush head into it. The baking soda should stick to the bristles. GENTLY apply the brush to your lips and brush in a back and forth motion for about 15-20 seconds to remove the dead skin. Do not brush too hard as that will irritate the delicate skin. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm.

Easy as 1,2,3 Lip Balm

{This recipe is the simplest of simple as far as lip balms go. Of course you could always tweak it, but if you’re on a budget this is a great place to start!}

What you will need:

a double boiler system of sorts

a shallow ice-water bath

a spoon or whisk

container to store balm in 

1.5 tablespoon coconut oil

1.5 teaspoons beeswax pastilles

0.25 teaspoon vitamin e oil (or a capsule or two)

optional: 0.5 teaspoon honey and a couple drops of vanilla or peppermint to “taste”

In the double boiler, warm oil and beeswax until the wax is just melted (no need to boil). Remove from heat and add vitamin e and “flavor” (honey and vanilla/mint). Place pan in the ice-water bath and begin to quickly whisk until the honey is well incorporated and consistency is like thin frosting (30-60 seconds). Spoon mixture into storage containers and allow to cool/set for several hours. Apply to lips as needed. Will store for about 12 months.

Rub-a-dub-dub Energizing Scrub

{This homemade body sugar scrub will leave your skin alive and glowing and your senses alert too!}

What you will need:

1 cup sugar (either white or brown)

5 tablespoons ground coffee (the fresher, the better)

4-5 tablespoons of coconut, almond or grape seed oil (coconut is my favorite)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a bowl, combine the sugar, coffee and oil. {If the coconut oil is in a solid form, simply warm it up before mixing} Slowly start adding the vanilla drop by drop. Blend until well mixed and there are no hard clumps of sugar. Spoon into a storage container with a good seal. Massage a small handful into wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse and pat skin dry. If needed, follow-up with a teaspoon coconut oil to moisturize. Use within six months. {note: if you use coconut, it may solidify again which is fine. Just use a spoon to scoop it out of the container.}

I hope you will get a chance to pamper yourself a little bit the week! If you are interested in making other homemade skin care products here are some great books to read!

Happy Day.

shlokaa 15 of chaapter 4,

एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभि: |
कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वै: पूर्वतरं कृतम् || 15||

BG 4.15 :,Knowing this truth, even seekers of liberation in ancient times performed actions. Therefore, following the footsteps of those ancient sages, you too should perform your duty.

spiritual musing, kolkata

We visited writer's building  in 2008 when my daughter was invited for awad  for her poems in Naya gyaanoday 

last year in Februry 2018 we again visited and now   we plan to visit  shantiniketan 

this is  Writers’ Building, presently the Writers’ (as it’s also known) houses the State Government of West Bengal, it has served multiple functions over the past centuries.

Built in 1777, the Writers’ Building was meant to accommodate junior servants, or ‘writers’ as they were called, of the East India Company. When it was leased to the company in 1780 for this purpose, it was described as looking like a ‘shabby hospital, or poor-house‘. After several structural changes over the next couple of decades, Fort William College set up camp there, training writers in languages such as Hindi and Persian, until around 1830. In the years that succeeded, the dwelling was used by private individuals and officials of the British Raj as living quarters and for shopping.

Extensive remodelling and renovations have occurred most of the times the building was switched between hands. Today, there are 13 blocks; six of which were added after India won independence from British rule. The 150-metre long structure has a distinct Greco-Roman style, with several statues of Greek gods as well as a sculpture of Roman goddess Minerva commanding attention from the pediment.

After knowing so much about it, I feel that I know something about the elderly people there. Last time we went to Calcutta, the old driver had told a lot. This time we will get to know about it here leisurely.

xoxo

nostalgia

आज मुझे बचपन के दिन याद आ गए हम पास के गांव  कुछ काम से गए थे तब उनके यहां लकड़ी का दरवाजा लगा हारा देखा. इस लकड़ी का दरवाजा बने हारे में  अक्सर दूध ही गर्म किया जाता है. जब मैं छोटी थी तब मेरी दादी ऐसे हारे में दूध गर्म करती थी।  इस हारे में छह- सात इंच गहरा और १८-२० इंच डायमीटर का गड्ढा खोद कर उसे गोबर-मिटटी का लेप लगा देते हैं। फिर उसके ऊपर चार दीवारी खिंच कर छत  भी बनादी जाती है,और फिर उसके सामने लकड़ी की छोटी खिड़की लगा दी जाती  है।

हमारी हवेली में तीन परिवार रहते थे. हमारे घर में  ऊँट  होते थे उनके मिंगने  ( डंग )  हारे में  ईंधन के रूप में प्रयोग किये जाते थे. 

इसके लिए हारे के गड्ढे में कुछ सूखे मींगने डाल दिए जाते थे फिर उस पर चूल्हे की आग अथवा जलावन डाल कर ऊपर से फिर सूखे मींगने डाल दिए जाते थे धीरे-धीरे आग सुलग जाती थी ,फिर उसके ऊपर दूध  भरी कढावणी(टेराकोटा बिन)रख दी जाती थी मेरी दादी जब हवेली से बाहर जाती थी तब हारे की खिड़की पर ताला लगा कर जाती थी।  

खाने के समय हमें मिलता था गुलाबी रंग का स्वदिष्ट दूधः और उसकी मलाई तो लाजवाब होती थी. 

In museum, This is a milk cooking device with wooden door  at the back of my g-daughter

इस चित्र में मेरे साथ मेरी पोती रेहाना खड़ी है उसके ठीक पीछे खिड़की वाला हारा फिर उठाऊ हारा और उसके साथ  उठाऊ चूल्हा(पोर्टेबल-हेअरथ) दिखाई दे रहा है.

पिछले साल जब हम लाइब्रेरी की प्रदर्शनी में गए थे तब हमने धरोहर में यह सब चीजें देख थी 

XOXO

spiritual musings ,coconut shell craft. उपयोगी तोहफे .. नारियल से

अर्जुन उवाच |
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन |
तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव || 1||
व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे |
तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम् || 2||

BG.1-2: Arjun said: O Janardan, if you consider knowledge superior to action, then why do you ask me to wage this terrible war? My intellect is bewildered by your ambiguous advice. Please tell me decisively the one path by which I may attain the highest good.

activites of  NGO first session.........

 Coconut tree has multiple uses. Hats, mats, baskets, wall hanging, rugs, toys etc are manufactured from various parts of this tree. But, it is the shell of a coconut that is most commonly used in the art and craft world. Bowls, cups, spoons, coasters, bas, belts are formed out of the hard shell of coconut by the skilled hands of the artisans. Slowly it has found application in the fashion world and today necklace, earrings and bracelets are also manufactured by the shell. Excellent products with unique design and concepts have also been made in combination with wood, leather and metal, especially gold and silver.

 बच्चों  को बेकार वस्तुओं का उचित उपयोग करके उन्हें यह सब चीजें सिखाई गई और इन्हें हिंदी में लिख कर ब्लॉग किया ताकि वे बाद में भी पढ़ कर उपयोगी वस्तुएं बना सकें।

उपयोगी तोहफे बनाइए.....
आम-तौर पर हम बहुत सी चीजों को अनुपयोगी समझ कर फैंक देते हैं लेकिन क्या आपने कभी सोचा है कि इनसे भी आप कई उपयोगी चीजें बना सकती हैं१ यदि चाहें तो आज ही आप नारियल से फूलदान, पेन-स्टैंड,ऐश ट्रे, और बचचो को जनमदिवस पर चाकलेट भर कर देने के लिये आकरसक बरतन बना सकती हैं। टूटी पलेटों से गमलों के थांवरे बना सकती हैं।


फूलदान

आवश्यक  सामानः नारियल, चाकू, पीलर, (सैंड- पेपर) आरी, चूङी, टूथ-पेसट का ढकन, पेच, वारनीश, रंग आदि।
बनाने की विधिः आवकतानुसार गीला अथवा सूखा नारियल, जो (चटखा न हो) लेकर चाकू की सहायता से उसका रेशा निकाल दीजिए, पीलर  से अच्छी तरह छील लीजिये तथा रेगमार पेपर की सहायता से उसे खूब चिकना कर लीजिए, ताकि वानिश और रंग उस पर भली प्रकार  चढ सके। आप जितना रेगमार पेपर से रगङेंगीं उसकी फिनिश उतनी ही सुनदर आयेगी।

रेशा उखाङने के बाद नारियल में आपको तीन सूराख अथवा गडढे नजर आयेंगे, उस तरफ एक चूङी रख कर पेंसिल को चू,ङी के घेरे के अंदर घुमा दीजिए। इससे नारियल पर गोलाकार निशान बन जायेगा, जिस पर कि आपको नारियल काटना है। सादा अथवा लोहा काटने वाली आरी को निशान पर रख कर धीरे-धीरे आरी चलाइए।जब निशान के सथान पर कुछ गहरा गडढा हो जाये, तो नारियल को थोङा सा घुमाइए तथा आरी चलाती जाइए, जब तक कि वह दो भागों में कट न जाये।अब उसके दोनों भागों में बीचों-बीच चाकू की नोक से घुमा-घुमा कर इतना मोटा सुराख कर लीजिए कि पेच अथवा नट-बोलट लगाये जा सकें। इस काम में यदि आपको दिकत हो, तो आप बढई से यह काम करवा सकती हैं।

अब चित्र   में दिखाये अनुसार काटे गए नारियल के दोनों भागों को पेच अथवा नट बोलट की सहायता से जोङ दीजिये, दोनों के बीच में टूथ पेसट का ढकन सूराख करके लगाना ना भूलें. लीजिये आपका पैन स्टेण्ड,फूलदान, पेन्सिल स्टेण्ड,टॉफियां डालने वाली सुन्दर कटोरी- कितनी ही जरूरी चीजें बन गई।

Happy crafting!

4 safety pin 2020 amazing flower trick hand embroidery

kitaaben pdhnaa kitanaa aannd detaa hai.crocheted bolster.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

this line is from Victor Hugo's less miseraable.

A gentle rising of the sun is just as enjoyable as a dramatic one.

  traditional jewery from original owners of the bhiils

Les Misérables French: [le mizeʁabl(ə)]) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title. However, several alternatives have been used, including The Miserables, The Wretched, The Miserable Ones, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims and The Dispossessed. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.

Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for film, television and the stage, including a musicaol.

any how i borrowed hindi verson vipada  ke maare after reading the whole book iwil again write a post  on this novel.

Ripple blanket

 After the big Ripple blanket  crocheted two ripple bolsters.

When I decided to crochet my blanket in ripples then i found that the ripple pattern was very easy to follow. I did however find that the moment I switched off my computer I would forget which part of the ripple I was on, so I had to pay attention! 

There is something very comforting about these soft waves of yummy colour. I am so in love with that blanket blanket!

 Then I started up a bolster the  second one to accompany the first one!

 Once the main part  was done I then added two circles to the ends and a simple slip stitch to join the main rectangle parts and the circles at the ends and then finish it off with weaving ends!

 And here they are  all finished on my-couch with   the bright cover my daughter and  I have purchased from local market! presently the one bolster is staying on the couch of my daughter at Delhi!

while its companion is here at my house itself!

 I'm so so happy with my creations  and will definitely make another ripple pattern blanket for my grand daughter Rehana who is 23 days old today!

Yes i will make a small cute ripple blanket for her  some time soon!

With another gorgeous project  finished, I could not resist putting both of them together for a group shot!

Here they   are, the bolsters I have made over the past year! 

xoxo

xoxo