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

World Earth Day 2026

Millions of people around the world paused today, at least for a moment, to mark Earth Day. It’s an annual event founded by people who hoped to stir activism to clean up and preserve a planet that is now home to some 8 billion humans and assorted trillions of other organisms. This year’s Earth Day centers around the slogan “Our Power, Our Planet” and encourages collective action against environmental impacts. On this day, 1970

First Earth Day April 22nd, 1970: Peace activist John McConnell, US Senator Gaylord Nelson, and coordinator Denis Hayes create a day to honor and promote protection of the Earth and its ecosystems. Earth Day will gain in popularity, and grow to include observances in more than 192 countries. 99.99% of Indians will not know that today is "Earth Day" unless they are told. The same number will enjoy the benefits of living in a modern, wealthy, industrial society and will never think twice about how fortunate they are or how we got here. xoxo

A Journey Through Time: From 1990 to Today

There is a unique joy in revisiting old photographs; they are like windows to our soul.

Today, as I curated this collage from the archives of my old blog post, I felt as if time had stood still. This photograph takes me back to 1990, a pivotal chapter of my life when I was pursuing my M.Sc. in Family Resource Management at the prestigious CCS HAU, Hisar. Those were days of simplicity, big dreams, and academic rigor. The foundation laid in those corridors of HAU has been the guiding force of my life. Even after retirement, my journey hasn't paused; instead, it has found a new purpose. Today, serving as the President/Secretary of an NGO, I am dedicated to the cause of Women Empowerment—a mission whose seeds were likely sown during my university days. It feels like only yesterday when we were learning the nuances of resource management. Today, sharing those experiences to make women self-reliant and aware brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment. Our recent workshop on 'Consumer Awareness' in February was a reminder that education never truly ends; it simply evolves to serve society. This collage is more than just a collection of frames; it is a reflection of my evolving identity—from a dedicated student and professional to a social advocate today. The memories may be old, but the inspiration they provide is timeless. XOXO

एक यादगार शाम

After a long time, I finally got the chance to sit at my PC today. To be honest, I have never been very comfortable working on a mobile phone, so it feels good to be back at my desk. Sharing some special glimpses from an If tar party on social media today. It was an honour to be in the company of Shri Naveen Jindal Ji and Shri Shah Nawaz Hussain Ji. सफ़दरजंग की वो शाम, जहाँ अपनों का साथ था और दुआओं का दौर। २१ मार्च २०२६ की इस इफ्तार पार्टी में राजनीति और उद्योग जगत की दिग्गज हस्तियों—सैयद शाहनवाज़ हुसैन जी और नवीन जिंदल जी के साथ बिताए ये पल हमेशा दिल के करीब रहेंगे. मेरी बेटी विपिन, मेरी बहन और बच्चों के साथ इस रूहानी माहौल का हिस्सा बनना वाकई सुकून देने वाला था। चेहरे की ये मुस्कान गवाह है कि अपनों के साथ और अच्छे दोस्तों के बीच बिताया गया वक्त ही असली दौलत है.

xoxo

Ancient Singing Tradition

How an Ancient Singing Tradition Helps People Cope With Trauma in the Modern World

Riitta Excell wore a pair of homemade wool socks: white with red floral patterns and rounded blue toes. Around her were women sipping tea and enjoying plum pastries and chicken feta pie. They wore homemade wool socks, as well.

It was nearly 3 o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon, and Pirkko Fihlman’s living room on the outskirts of Helsinki was filled with black-and-white family photos, porcelain figurines of angels and birds, and embroidered rococo chairs. The clink of tea cups fell silent, and then Excell squeezed her eyes closed, clenched her fists, and began to sing a lament in Finnish.

“I took pills for my depression

just to smother my emotions.

Doctors said that I would need them,

but I learned to cry without them.

So I stopped taking the tablets,

then I let my feelings rise up

for my mother when she passed on,

for my marriage when he quit me,

left me as a single mother,

with a hard job and no weekends.

Now I weep without taking pills,

yet I still feel very angry,

and the fury seems well-founded,

but the feelings will not hurt me.”

Excell’s lyrics may be modern, but the style of singing comes from an older place.

“Lament [singing] is a very old, traditional way to express your feelings,” says Fihlman, a lament teacher and matriarch of the group. “If you are hurt or you have sorrows or you want to express your feelings, you cry it out. You let it come out. That’s what they would do in the old times.”

---

In Finland, the ancient musical tradition known as lament singing is seeing a revival.

In the past, the custom was observed at funerals, weddings, and during times of war. But today, practitioners have a modern application for it: musical therapy. By providing an opportunity to process emotions through song, lament singing can confer mental health benefits to modern practitioners.

“[In lament] people can express themselves,” Fihlman says. “Very often people [in my courses] make laments of their grief. They miss their parents or they have troubles in their marriage or maybe they were hurt in childhood and they never had a chance to bring it up.” 

While the custom resembles many “new age” practices, Finnish lament singing has a feature that those neo-spiritual systems don’t: It teaches a tradition specific to the region instead of borrowing from other cultures.

Originally, the tradition wasn’t about emotional healing.

“The function of [lament singing] was to establish positive contact with your ancestors, the dead, and help them in some way,” says Jim Wilce, a professor of anthropology at Northern Arizona University and author of numerous books and papers on lament singing around the world. Originally, he says, the tradition wasn’t about emotional healing.

Which, according to Wilce, is what makes the revival so unique.

“In every traditional lament … you have a connection with what I call ‘the divine powers,’” says Eila Stepanova, a folklore studies Ph.D. at the University of Helsinki. “[This isn’t] a Christian god. It’s something in between—an older layer of traditional beliefs.”

Riitta Excell sings a lament. Photo by Katri Heinämäki.

While lament singing exists in communities from Bangladesh to New Zealand, according to Wilce, and has even been documented in the ancient poem “Beowulf,” the form being practiced in Finland has its roots in the area now known as the Republic of Karelia—the region on the Russian side of the Finnish border. Stepanova says the traditional laments—sung for funerals, weddings, war—were performed to help people move from one world to the other, be it to the land of the dead, to a new family, or to the battlefield. At ceremonies for the dead, for instance, laments were sung to wake deceased members of the family in the other world to meet new arrivals.

But traditional laments weren’t simply a style of song: They were a unique language in which nothing was ever named directly.

In lament singing, positive descriptions are used: Things are sweet, light, bright, dear, or wonderful.

“For example, you have substitute names for all personal relations [and] for objects or phenomenons,” says Stepanova. “So in lament language, when you talk about your mother, you don’t use the word mother. You say, ‘the dearest woman who brought me [into] the sweetest world who carried me,’ or ‘my dear carrier,’ or ‘my dear cherisher.’”

Other examples include the sun, which can be called a “golden disk,” or arms, which can be called "shoulder branches.” And in lament singing, positive descriptions are used. Things are sweet, light, bright, dear, or wonderful. The one exception is any description of the lamenter herself.

“She is always the miserable [one]. She never says the word ‘I,’” explains Stepanova. Instead, when describing herself, the lamenter might say she’s the “miserable body,” “woman of great sorrows,” or “body made of tears.”

Stepanova’s mother published the first lament dictionary in 2004 documenting approximately 1,400 different metaphors for words used in the songs. Like any language, it’s evolving with modern times. Cars can be “headless horses,” phone calls can be “messages that come through metal strings,” and televisions can be “talking boxes.”

But while Finland is seeing a revival—instructor Fihlman says she has conducted nearly 200 courses with almost 2,000 students—other parts of the world are seeing a decline in the traditional practice.

Lament singing existed in rural communities for generations, but it was viewed as a pagan tradition.

Wilce says that around the world lament singing is threatened. In Bangladesh, for instance, practitioners often face physical violence in rural Muslim societies.

“People are being shamed by their relatives,” says Wilce. “By fundamentalist Christian missionaries in Papua New Guinea and [in] other places by the values of rationality and urbanizing modernity.”

Yet in Finland, the tradition is blossoming, despite a history that has often threatened its survival. In Karelia, Fihlman says that lament singing existed in rural communities for generations, but it was viewed as a pagan tradition by Orthodox and Lutheran Christians and often driven underground. Urbanization also threatened the continued existence of lament singing. In the last century, as young people moved away from their hometowns to find jobs and schooling in cities, villages began to disappear, along with lament singers. And in the early days of the Soviet Union, authorities often employed lament for ideological and propaganda efforts, creating laments that expressed support for the Soviet system and its leaders.

Stepanova says that, eventually, only old people told ancient stories and sang antique laments. “They were museum items, and they stopped being a living tradition among people,” she says.

 

But somehow, adds Fihlman, it survived. “We don’t have those old people anymore,” she says. “But [now] we have this new generation.”

---

Minna Hokka wore a candy-striped turtleneck sweater in chartreuse, cream, and maroon. Fihlman, Excell, and other lamenters looked on as she raised her head and began singing. Unlike Excell’s lament, Hokka’s was a historical ode recalling Karelia’s bitter history with Russia.

“To the people of Karelia,

souls and spirits born in beauty:

Through the windows were your green fields,

in the blue skies larks were singing,

saints and icons stood in silence,

watching over wooden log homes.

Kanteles echoed in the dark rooms,

and the stars blinked in the night sky,

but your thoughts were wrapped in darkness:

iron hail rained on your rooftops.”

Hokka, 41, is part of the new generation learning from Fihlman. She says she hopes to start composing laments for young people struggling with addiction.

“Nowadays crying is seen as losing face, so people avoid and fear it,” says Hokka. “Finland needs its tears.”

For Hokka and other lamenters, the practice isn’t just a hobby: It’s an ancient tradition now finding contemporary use. And in Fihlman’s home on the outskirts of Helsinki, it’s taking root with a new generation, one sad song at a time.

“Does [lament singing] have connection to the past? To tradition? To beliefs or values?” Stepanova says. “Or do we make it a museum item behind glass and go and think, Ahh, nice, yes, and forget about it? It depends on us.”

This article originally appeared in Yes! Magazine at https://www.yesmagazine.org/democracy/2017/05/16/how-an-ancient-singing-tradition-helps-people-cope-with-trauma-in-the-modern-world.

Yes! Magazine is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of ... . Learn more at Yes! Magazine

recycling

Tina's handicraft Tina's handicraft : Rainbow Bracelet - free patttern: Final result - Supplies -Yarn - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Dark Blue, Violet - Crochet Hook -Ribbon - Scissors Gather your supp...

The Truth of Two Decades: Slums, the System, and My Research

Pictures speak... if only one has the eye to listen. Today, while browsing through old files on my computer, this photograph suddenly appeared, and a caravan of memories began to unfold. This photo is from 2016, during a trip to Jaipur with 16 of my NGO colleagues. We had stopped at a farmhouse, where I met this woman. To me, it wasn't just a picture; it was a glimpse into the self-respect of rural life—knowing how to smile even amidst scarcity. However, as a researcher, my true destination was the slums of Jaipur. My connection with Valmiki Nagar began in 2001 when I first applied for my PhD at Rajasthan University under Dr. M. Kapur. The journey was far from easy. I faced a long administrative battle over the 'equivalence' of my B.Sc. degree. After three years of persistent effort, my admission was finally confirmed in 2004, and I officially immersed myself in fieldwork in 2005. During that 2005-06 fieldwork, I was deeply impressed by a woman in Valmiki Nagar who had completed 12th grade. Despite a lack of resources, her education had led her to live a very organized life. Seeing her discipline, I truly believed that education would transform the fate of these slums.

"A single photograph can hold a lifetime of stories. For me, this image is more than a memory—it is a window into a 25-year-old quest that began with a struggle for a PhD admission in 2001 and evolved into a deep study of Jaipur’s slums. From Nehru's vision of 'Eradication' in 1952 to the stagnant reality of 2026, here is a glimpse into the two decades of my research journey." But when I returned in 2016-17 for a 'Decadal Change' study, the reality disappointed me. That same woman had become an 'Anganwadi worker' in the same slum. While the administration might view this as progress, I saw it as a stagnant shift. This brings to mind Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to the slums of Kanpur in 1952. Distressed by the subhuman conditions, he remarked: "These slums should be burnt to the ground and replaced with decent houses for human beings." His vision was 'Eradication'—to lift people out of squalor and settle them in planned townships. Unfortunately, we shifted from 'eradication' to making these slums 'permanent.' By 2016, the system focused on providing minor facilities like Anganwadis, effectively institutionalizing their stay there. Now, in April-May 2026, I am preparing for my third visit. I want to observe this full cycle from 2005 to 2026 to see if we have truly progressed, or if we have simply given 'disorder' a new, permanent name.This journey from 2005 to 2026 is now taking the shape of a book and research papers XOXO

Tit bits of today

my inspiration today

Blog da Fá - De tudo um pouco: Algumas fotos da festa de 1 ano da minha filhota Blog da Fá - De tudo um pouco: Algumas fotos da festa de 1 ano da minha filhota: Oi meninas como vão? Na foto acima, fiz as lembrancinhas com caixas de leite, acho que fiz em torno de 30 lembrancinhas, peguei a caixa ... xxx

Through the Lens of Memories: An Engagement, Boundless Love, and That Precious Blessing

Date: March 2, 2026 This morning, while cleaning for Holi, I happened to pick up an old photo album. Time and dampness had left their mark on it, and a few loose photographs slipped out. Among them was this picture from my son’s engagement, dated April 2, 2012. In the photo, my son, daughter-in-law, daughter,my niece and me all are seated together, sharing a smile. While it looks like a simple family portrait, it holds within it a profound story of service and respect that touches my heart even today.

A Memorable Afternoon and the Warmth of Relationships My mother was a part of our joy that day. Since she could not walk without support, my son and his friend manually assisted her to the hotel room in Delhi, which had been booked by my son’s in-laws. The room was arranged with tea and refreshments for us. Soon, it was time for lunch in the hotel hall. Since my mother had a very light appetite and the struggle of moving with support remained, we decided to let her rest in the room, thinking we would return quickly for the engagement rituals after our meal. However, when we returned, what we heard from her—and the sheer joy and satisfaction we saw on her face—won our hearts completely. An Exemplary Display of Values and Service My mother was exceptionally happy. She told us that in our absence, my daughter-in-law’s brother took immense care of her. He visited the room repeatedly, serving her juice, snacks, and lunch. Beyond that, he had even stationed a lady attendant there specifically to assist her with the washroom or any other needs. It was a beautiful beginning to a new relationship, where the focus was not just on the rituals, but on the comfort and dignity of the elders. A Priceless Legacy and Farewell On January 9, 2013, my mother left us forever. I remember those days vividly; I used to work on my computer with her sitting right next to me in another chair. I would feed her small bites with a spoon every few minutes. That day, while sitting there, she couldn't quite swallow a morsel, and she simply closed her eyes. My son, who had come home from his showroom for lunch, immediately moved her to the floor and tried to give her artificial respiration, but she looked as if she had drifted into a peaceful, blissful sleep. Her breath did not return. The doctor arrived within ten minutes, but she had already passed away. During those final nine months of her life, I stayed by her side like a 24-hour nurse. At night, my niece, who was then studying Computer Engineering, performed her duties beautifully by assisting her with the washroom and other needs. My daughter was living in Delhi at the time of her passing. Today, this picture is not just a reminder of an event; it is a testament to the love, service, and respect that binds our family together.

"That priceless blessing, which stays with us through every joy and sorrow." Closing Note: As I look back today, I realize that relationships are built not just on rituals, but on the profound respect and care we show for one another—especially in times of need. My mother is no longer with us, but her values and that satisfied smile remain the greatest legacy of our family. Do you also have a cherished memory of your elders that has touched your heart? I would love to hear your stories in the comments below.

The Sky of Memories: A Brother’s Anniversary and the Debt to a Forgotten Heroine

February 28, 2026 Today, my heart inevitably wanders back to that tragic moment in 1995 when my younger brother bid farewell to this world. He was a promising Mechanical Engineer in the Indian Air Force (IAF). After completing his engineering from Tambaram, Madras, he served brave machines like the MiG-21. Today, on his anniversary, as I turn the pages of an old album, three photographs bring an entire era to life before my eyes. These photos are not just my family history; they are witnesses to a time in the IAF when bravery and human compassion walked hand in handं

The MiG-21 and My Younger Brother In this photo, my late younger brother stands proudly in front of his MiG-21 fighter jet. This aircraft is a symbol of his technical mastery and unwavering commitment to the Air Force. The pride he felt as an engineer, keeping his planes ready for flight, is clearly visible on his faceं

My Father and Dr. Chanda (Agra Runway, 1966-67) In this photo, my late father (who was an IAF Police Officer) stands on the runway, to the right side of the aircraft. And, in that same photo, to the extreme right, stands Wing Commander Dr. Gita Chanda (Ghosh) in her dignified IAF uniform of a light blue blouse and navy blue sari. This photo is very special to me because it depicts the woman who not only created history but also rescued my family from a deep crisisं

source(internet) Dr. Gita Chanda: An Unheard and Forgotten History It was July 17, 1959. A Dakota aircraft was flying over North India. Standing behind three instructors was a young, fearless trainee—Dr. Gita Chanda. As soon as the signal came, she jumped fearlessly into the air. That historic 40-second journey gave India its first female paratrooper. Today, it is a matter of great pain and regret that the dust of time has blurred her courage. People often do not even know her nameं Before the Historic Flight This is a solo photo of Dr. Gita Chanda, taken just before that historic flight on July 17, 1959. She appears fully prepared in her parachute gear and helmet. To witness this historic moment, Air Marshal Arjan Singh (who later became Marshal of the Indian Air Force) was personally present in Agraं The Debt to a Savior and Guide In 1966-67, when my brother was only three years old and very ill, Dr. Gita Chanda was nothing less than an angel to us. My father was transferred from Agra to Jorhat (Assam). During that difficult time, it was Dr. Gita who used her medical authority and influence to cancel that transfer. I was 13 then and used to sit by my brother's bedside. I still remember how sweetly she talked to us about my brother's health during her rounds. Because of her compassion, our family could stay together in Agra and my brother's treatment was possible at the Military Hospital (MH)ं Today, when I remember my brother, my head bows in respect to that great paratrooper, sensitive doctor, and warrior. It is an irony that the woman who made history by jumping from the sky and helped countless families on the ground has no one to remember her today. This is my small effort to revive her kindness and her historic courageं

Bucket tote bag

This crochet pattern contains instruction with step-by-step on how to make the bucket tote. This pattern includes written pattern with instructions for each rows with foto and link to video 2 hours 42 minutes. All the instructions are made in English (US). Level: intermediate. To create such tote bag you shall know how to make: ✔ chains ✔ slip stitch ✔ single crochet ✔ increase MATERIALS and TOOLS you will need to women market bag: * Paper twisted rafia yarn, 200-210 gr (about 440 yards (400 m)); * 4 mm and 5.5 mm hook; * 2 round handles, diameter 6 1/2 – 7 inches (16-17 cm); * 6-8 markers; * Felt for the lining, 2 mm thick, 2 pieces 18*12 inches (45*30 cm); * Plastic needle with large eyelet; * Sewing thread and needle; * Any yarn for pompom. For example, YarnArt Jeans; * Scissors. Finished bag from the specified materials: length – 16 inches (40 cm), height – 10 inches (25 cm), width – 2 inches (5 cm). Gauge: 12-13 stitches and 23 row = 4*4 inches (10*10cm). Step-by-Step Instructions: Step 1: Create the Base Start by making a foundation chain that matches the desired width of the bottom. Crochet in rounds (single crochet) around both sides of the chain to create an oval base. Increase stitches at the curves to keep the base flat. Step 2: Build the Body Once the base is the desired size, stop increasing. Continue with one single crochet (sc) in each stitch. This will make the sides grow upwards, forming the bucket shape. Step 3: Shaping the Curve To get that specific crescent (half-moon) look, you will need to adjust the height of the stitches or reduce the number of stitches at the top edges as you reach the final rounds. Step 4: Attaching the Bamboo Handles Place the bamboo handle against the top edge of the bag. Use the crochet hook to work single crochets around the handle and into the bag's stitches simultaneously. This secures the handle firmly to the body. Step 5: Adding the Pom-Poms Make four large pom-poms using black, pink, yellow, and orange yarn. Tie them securely to the base of one handle using a piece of raffia or matching yarn. Pro Tip: Since raffia c Adventures in Decorating: A Little Valentine Decor

Adventures in Decorating: A Little Valentine Decor: Happy Thursday, friends! How are we already into February ... this year is flying by!  Before Valentine's Day comes and goes, I wanted t...

Bhagavad Gita: My Morning Inspiration

Bhagavad Gita: My Morning Inspiration My morning is incomplete without the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Its verses possess a unique power that fills the entire day with positive energy. Today, as I sat at my computer, the 3rd verse of Chapter 9 kept resonating in my mind: ashraddhadhana: purusha dharmasyasya parantapa | aprapya mam nivartante mrityu-sansara-vartmani || 3 || This verse teaches us that 'unwavering faith in oneself' is the solution to every difficulty in life. When we clear the clouds of doubt and commit ourselves to our goals with a pure heart, only then the path to true peace and success opens up.

As Swami Vivekananda famously said: "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached. Have faith in yourself!" Today is a day to dedicate ourselves to our goals. Good morning. xoxo

बे ऑफ फायर्स, CROCHET EARINGS

कंप्यूटर खोलते ही यह तस्वीर देखकर मैं मंत्रमुग्ध हो गई और इस स्थान के बारे में जानने की मेरी उत्सुकता बढ़ गई।

शोध करने पर पता चला कि यह 'बे ऑफ फायर्स' (Bay of Fires) है, जो ऑस्ट्रेलिया के तस्मानिया के पूर्वोत्तर तट पर स्थित एक अत्यंत सुंदर क्षेत्र है। "कंप्यूटर खोलते ही यह तस्वीर देखकर मैं मंत्रमुग्ध हो गई और इस स्थान के बारे में जानने की मेरी उत्सुकता बढ़ गई। शोध करने पर पता चला कि यह 'बे ऑफ फायर्स' (Bay of Fires) है, जो ऑस्ट्रेलिया के तस्मानिया के पूर्वोत्तर तट पर स्थित एक अत्यंत सुंदर क्षेत्र है। आपकी जानकारी के लिए बता दूँ कि यहाँ की चट्टानों पर दिखने वाला यह गहरा नारंगी-लाल रंग कोई पेंट या आग नहीं, बल्कि 'लाइकेन' (Lichen) नामक एक वनस्पति है जो इन ग्रेनाइट पत्थरों पर उगती है। इस जगह का नाम 1773 में कैप्टन टोबियास फर्नोक्स ने रखा था, जिन्होंने तट पर आदिवासियों द्वारा जलाई गई आग देखी थी। अपनी दूधिया सफेद रेत, कांच की तरह साफ नीले पानी और इन अनोखी लाल चट्टानों के अद्भुत संगम के कारण इसे दुनिया के सबसे खूबसूरत समुद्र तटों में से एक माना जाता है।" MY INSPIRATION TODAY IS ....THIS YOUTUBE Susan's Hippie Crochet: My Crochet Jewelry Pattern Set is on Amazon - free... Susan's Hippie Crochet: My Crochet Jewelry Pattern Set is on Amazon - free...:   This crochet jewelry pattern set is a simple and fun set of projects you can wear! You can find it on Etsy here , or on Amazon (both vers... xoxo

Crochet jewellery

Tina's handicraft : Ball stitched vent rocaille: Material  beads regular size of about 2.5 g (in this manual pink and gray Japanese TOHO beads vel. 11) Wooden bead 14 mm (e-...

गुलाबी सॉफ्ट कोरल

यह गुलाबी सॉफ्ट कोरल है, जिसे गॉर्गोनियन या समुद्री पंखे के नाम से जाना जाता है। ये समुद्री जीव हैं जो समुद्र की गहराइयों में पाए जाते हैं। इन्हें कभी-कभी आभूषणों में इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, खासकर 'स्पंज कोरल' के रूप में, जिन्हें स्थायित्व के लिए रेज़िन से भरा जाता है। हालाँकि, यह उस कठोर 'लाल मूंगा' रत्न से अलग होता है जिसका उपयोग आमतौर पर ज्योतिषीय उद्देश्यों के लिए किया जाता है। ज्योतिषीय मूंगा इटली और जापान जैसे देशों से आयात किया जाता है क्योंकि भारत में प्राकृतिक कोरल की कटाई और व्यापार वन्यजीव (संरक्षण) अधिनियम, 1972 के तहत पूरी तरह से प्रतिबंधित है। भारत में मन्नार की खाड़ी और कच्छ की खाड़ी जैसे समुद्री संरक्षित क्षेत्रों में मूंगा भित्तियाँ पाई जाती हैं, जहाँ उन्हें कानूनी सुरक्षा प्राप्त है। ये मूंगा पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र पर्यावरण के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हैं क्योंकि वे लाखों समुद्री प्रजातियों के लिए आवास प्रदान करते हैं, तटीय सुरक्षा के लिए प्राकृतिक अवरोधक के रूप में कार्य करते हैं, और स्थानीय अर्थव्यवस्थाओं के लिए मत्स्य पालन और पर्यटन का समर्थन करते हैं। दुर्भाग्य से, वे महासागरों के गर्म होने (विरंजन का कारण), अम्लीकरण, प्रदूषण और अत्यधिक मछली पकड़ने जैसे गंभीर खतरों का सामना कर रहे हैं। इन खतरों को कम करने के लिए भारत सरकार सख्त कानून, कृत्रिम भित्तियाँ और सामुदायिक भागीदारी जैसे विभिन्न संरक्षण प्रयास कर रही है। भारत में, लाल मूंगा रत्न से जड़े आभूषण व्यापक रूप से उपलब्ध हैं और भारतीय ज्योतिष में महत्वपूर्ण माने जाते हैं। इन्हें अंगूठियों और पेंडेंट में जड़ा जाता है, और इन्हें पहनने से साहस, आत्मविश्वास बढ़ने और मंगल ग्रह के दोषों को दूर करने में मदद मिलती है। असली और प्रमाणित मूंगा रत्न की पहचान के लिए, हमेशा एक प्रतिष्ठित लैब से प्रमाण पत्र लेना सबसे अच्छा है। आप सतह पर प्राकृतिक बनावट और बुलबुले न होने का निरीक्षण करके भी पहचान कर सकती हैं। उचित देखभाल आपके मूंगा आभूषणों की चमक और दीर्घायु सुनिश्चित करती है क्योंकि यह एक जैविक (organic) रत्न है और काफी नाजुक होता है। इसे साफ करने के लिए हमेशा हल्के साबुन और गुनगुने पानी का उपयोग करें और एसीटोन, परफ्यूम या अन्य कठोर रसायनों से संपर्क से बचें। मूंगे को सीधे धूप, अत्यधिक गर्मी या अल्ट्रासोनिक क्लीनर के संपर्क में न रखें, और खरोंच से बचाने के लिए इसे नरम कपड़े में अलग से संग्रहित करें। My inspirational blog today Memories and Musings II - Life in Pondicherry: MEDA Memories and Musings II - Life in Pondicherry: MEDA: A month back Raja and myself were proceeding to Pradeep’s Khet for a lunch gathering. His farm is located in Haryana, beyond Gurgaon, n... XOXO

वह असाधारण माँ जिसने बराक ओबामा को गढ़ा

मुझे टाइम मैगज़ीन पढ़ना बहुत अच्छा लगता है। आज पुरानी पत्रिकाओं को देखते हुए यह पत्रिका मेरे सामने आ गई। जब बराक ओबामा संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के 44वें राष्ट्रपति चुने गए और टाइम मैगज़ीन में उनके बारे में छपा, तो मैं उनकी माँ और उनके जीवन के बारे में जानकर बहुत प्रभावित हुई और मैंने पत्रिका में उन पर आधारित लेख को बार-बार पढ़ा।

यह कहानी केवल बराक ओबामा के बारे में नहीं थी, बल्कि उनकी माँ, स्टेनली एन डनहम, के उल्लेखनीय जीवन पर केंद्रित थी। एक स्वतंत्र और बौद्धिक मानवविज्ञानी के रूप में, उन्होंने हवाई में बराक को अपने नाना-नानी के पास छोड़ दिया था ताकि वह अपनी पढ़ाई और काम जारी रख सकें। एन डनहम ने बाद में इंडोनेशियाई व्यक्ति लोलो सोएतोरो से शादी की और बराक को लेकर इंडोनेशिया चली गईं। जकार्ता में, उनकी एक बेटी, माया सोएतोरो-एनजी, भी हुई। उन्होंने इंडोनेशिया में ही अपने मानव विज्ञान में पीएचडी की पढ़ाई पूरी की और बाद में ग्रामीण महिलाओं के लिए माइक्रोफाइनेंस प्रणाली विकसित करने में महत्वपूर्ण काम किया। XOXO

महात्मा गांधी:

एक देह का अंत, एक विचार का अमर होना आज 30 जनवरी है। आज ही के दिन 1948 में बापू की पार्थिव देह हमसे छिन गई थी, लेकिन उनके विचार आज भी उतने ही जीवित हैं जितने सात दशक पहले थे। गांधी जी को याद करना केवल एक व्यक्ति को याद करना नहीं है, बल्कि सत्य, साहस और संयम के मूल्यों को याद करना है।

- गांधी जी का मानना था कि अगर हमारा लक्ष्य महान है, तो उसे पाने का रास्ता भी उतना ही नेक होना चाहिए। उन्होंने सिखाया कि गलत रास्ते पर चलकर कभी सही मंजिल नहीं पाई जा सकती। - अक्सर लोग अहिंसा को कमजोरी समझ लेते हैं, लेकिन बापू ने दिखाया कि बिना हाथ उठाए भी दुनिया के सबसे बड़े साम्राज्य की नींव हिलाई जा सकती है। यह कायरता यह कायरता नहीं, बल्कि आत्मिक बल है। - उन्होंने चरखे के माध्यम से आत्मनिर्भरता का जो संदेश दिया, वह आज के 'Self-reliant' भारत की प्रेरणा है। xoxo

Crochet Dreamz: How I Organize My Crochet Stuff

Crochet Dreamz: How I Organize My Crochet Stuff: All we crocheters love our crochet supplies and love hoarding them for future use. But too much of it and things go out of control. You d...

Barahmasa, Ritusamharam

Glancing at the amaranth’s blossoming sprays
Glowing in exquisite loveliness just-revealed
Loveliness that rightly belongs to the beloved’s face
How can a responsive heart not flutter in pain
Stung by proud Love’s flying arrows, my love?

These radiant, finely crafted, lines might come from Kalidasa’s classic work, the Ritusamharam, but, reading them, come rushing into mind, instantly, miniature paintings, made in Rajasthan or the Pahari area, centuries later. The setting is always intimate, romantic: lovers seated in a balcony or on a marble terrace, gazing into each other’s eyes while the beauties of the seasons

....the sun eventually came out late in the day, I love late afternoon light, it was a gorgeous day.

ella's craft creations: A very proud Mum and Dad !!!

ella's craft creations: A very proud Mum and Dad !!!: Hi there, just a quick post.......Our Son graduated last Friday........He achieved his B.A.HONOURS DEGREE and got a 2-1..........He atten...

my next projects ...and some nostelgia

crochet cushion (by rettgrayson)

Owl (by red_door_meg)

Hex bag (by Rattling On)

i stumbled upon this article of traditional musicians  

a mirasi was our neighbor in 70's back our village house he was a thin men single one with no family

he was mirasi and used to sing songs with his tanpura in front of village houses...

this time on my visits to our village i will ask somebody old about that felloww

any how this article 

Mystical and devotional songs of the great poet Kabir

'The light of the sun, of the moon and of the stars sparkles brightly: the song of love rises ever higher and the rhythm of pure love beats time' 

Kabir

The musicians and poets of Rajasthan embody one of the most brilliant traditions of the Indian sub-continent. Dazzling, charming, unashamed of beauty and virtuosity, these musicians of the desert have the majesty of their environment: Rajasthan, the ancient 'Land of Princes'. In ancient times, a multitue of artists walked the land, under the rule of the Rajput warriors. In this galaxy of small castes (jâts) each specialised in a specific artistic domain. In the desert palaces, they told epic tales of war, mystery and love of the ancient heroes and later, they sang the songs of the great mystical Sufi or Hindu poets, like Princess Mira Baï or Kabir, for those who had converted to Islam.

In the north-west of Bikaner lives the semi-nomadic caste of mirasi (from the Arabic word for heritage). This caste converted to Islam and for 800 years has sung the  Sufiana Qalam, the mystical Sufi words of the great poets such as Amir Kushrow, Baba Sheikh Farid, Baba Bulleh Shah, Hazrat Shah Hussain, Hazrat Sultan Bahu oand Khwaja Ghulam Farid.

Mukhtiyar Ali, who particularly loves to sing the poetry of the great Kabir, is completely devoted to his art. He carries within both the simplicity and the exaltation of a true poet of oral transmission.

Kabir was born around 1440 at Varanasi, into a family of Muslim weavers. He soon became a disciple of the celebrated Hindu ascetic Ramananda, who taught in the north of India the religious reawakening that Ramanuja had already brought to the south in the 12th century. 

It was this mystical religion of love that Kabir celebrated in his poetry, beyond any religious affiliation clik here for detail

xoxo

eco friendly ways

शहीदी दिवस

कविता मानवता की उच्चतम अनुभूती की अभिव्यक्ति है।
                     --हजारीप्रसाद द्विवेदी

 

शहीद–ऐ-आज़म के  नाम एक कविता  

 

उस वक़्त भी होंगे

तुम्हारी बेचैन करवटों
के बरक्स

चैन से सोने
वाले

आज भी बिलों
में कुलबुलाते हैं

तुम्हारी जुनून मिजाज़ी  को "खून की गर्मी” कहने
वाले

 

 तुमने भी तो दुनिया
को बिना परखे
ही जान लिया  होगा

जब  

कई लंगोटिए यार तुम्हारी उठा-पटक से

परेशान हो

कहीं दूर छिटक
गए होंगे.

 

 तुम्हारी भीगी नसों
की गर्म तासीर
से

शीशमहलों में रहने
वालों की

दही जम जाया
करती होगी.

 

दिमागी नसों की कुण्डी
खोले बिना ही तुम

समझ गए होगे
कि

इन्सान- इन्सान में ज़मीन
आसमान जितना असीम

फर्क भी हो सकता  है

 

अपने चारों ओर  बंधी बेड़ियों

के भार को संभालते
हुए

कोयले से जो लिखा
होगा तुमने. 

उसे पढ़

कईयों ने जानबूझ
कर अनजान बन

अपनी गर्दन घुमा
ली  होगी.

कई ठूंठ बन गए होंगे
और

कई बहरे, काने
और लंगड़े बन

अपनी बेबसियों का बखान
करने लगें होंगे. 

 

 परेशान आज भी बहुत
है दुनिया,

ज़रा सा कुरेदने
पर

लहू के आंसूओं
की

खड़ी नदियाँ बहा सकती
है

पर क्रांति की बात दूसरी-तीसरी
है.

 

 जनेऊ अब भी खीज में उतार
दे कोई 

पर वह बात नहीं
बनती

जो मसीहाई की गली की ओर मुड़ती
हो.

 

'क्रांति’ बोल-वचन का मीठा
और सूफियाना  मुहावरा बन

कईयों के सर पर चढ़ 

आज भी बेलगाम
हो

भिनभिनाता है.

 

लहू में पंगे
शेरे-पंजाब 
की

दिलावरी को याद करने
के लिए 

पंजों के बल खड़े होना
पड़ता है पर

हमारी तो शुरुआ़त
ही लड़खड़ाने से होती
है. 

हम हर पन्ने
को शरू से लेकर
अंत तक ही पढ़ते
हैं  और

लकीर को लकीर
ही कहते हैं.

 

रटे-रटाये प्रश्नों के बीच आये एक टेढ़े
प्रश्न को बीच में ही छोड़

भाग खड़े होते
हैं

जब क्रांति का अर्थ
समझने के लिए इतिहास
की पुस्तकें  उठाते हैं 

और सिर्फ उनकी
धूल  ही झड़ती
है हमसे.

 

हमारे समझने बूझने
का

पिरामिड अब इतना
बौना हो गया है 

कि हमारी मुंडी
‘क्रांति’ की चौखट से

टकराने लगती .है

 

रात-बेरात का चौकन्नापन और 

लहू को निचोड़
कर

बर्फ की सिल्ली
बना देने

का सिद्धहस्त शऊर 

अब कारोबारी धंधे
पर ही अपनी
शानं चढ़ाता है.

 

शहीद–ए–आज़म,

इंसान से 
पिस्सु बनने की प्रक्रिया को

तुम नही देख पाए

यही शुक्र है

 

घुटनों के बल पर खड़े हो 

शुक्र की इन्हीं सूखी रोटियों को

खा-खा कर

हमारी नस्लें अपने
आगे का 
रोजगार बढ़ाएगी. 

 

xoxo