Sunshine Award and Inner Peace Award

Posted on December 1, 2013 by annetbell

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My dear blogger friend Don Charisma had an 18 hour award day when  he passed along many encouraging awards and I was included!  I am very happy to accept these two awards that so meaningfully go together. I thank Don for his help, encouragement, humor, and continued great patience in answering questions. Because of his commitment to blogging and blogger friends and the difference of time where he lives, he has adjusted his sleeping or lack there of to be available during the time when most of his blogger friends are on line.  And he is always bright and cheery, certainly living up to his name!

Don is a man of many experiences and talents, engineering, computer software and hardware as well as his willingness to help with a gentle, accepting attitude.  He has a huge following and was one of OM’s (Opinionated Man’s aopinionatedman.com ) substitutes giving him exposure to thousands of bloggers.

 Check out Don at doncharisma.org and see why “anything is possible with Charisma!” 

Section 1: Directions for you to accept the Sunshine Award and 1-4 for the Inner Peace Award. 

To accept this award, please do the following:

  1. Display the Award on your Blog.
  2. Announce your win with a post and thank the Blogger who awarded you.
  3. Present 10 deserving Bloggers with the Award – “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.”
  4. Link your nominees in the post and let them know of their award  with a comment.
  5. Write 10 interesting things about yourself.

Section 2: 10 Interesting things about me

1. I am a lifelong learner.

2. I earned a Masters Degree in teaching in my 50s.

3. I moved in Arizona to teach when I was not able to secure a teaching position in New York.

4. I had to learn many new procedures and policies in a huge district, Mesa Public Schools.

5. I was in Arizona for 7 years teaching 6th and 3rd grades.

6.  I made many great friends of students, colleagues, and parents with  the warm welcome and acceptance with which  they greeted and treated me.

7. I loved the weather, yes my favorite temperature was 100 degrees.

8. I am forever grateful for  the gracious and kind love my son and his family gave me during  my Arizona adventure.

9. My architect knew that I would love the time in India, so I retired to join him in that adventure and you know that he was correct in his prediction.

10. We drove back to New York and saw some amazing sights in the good old U S of A. . . Jackson Hole Wyoming, Mt Rushmore, the Black Hills, Devil’s Tower, Little Big Horn,  and miles and miles of rolling farmland.

Section 1a: Directions for you to accept the “Inner Peace” Award + 1-4  above.

The only “rule” for the Inner Peace Award is that you write a short piece on why you are accepting it.  I am giving each of you the choice of one or the other of these awards , or both as you decide. Nominate 3- 10 nominees as  examples of Inner Peace.

I am accepting the Inner Peace Award so that it gives me the opportunity to encourage and inspire other bloggers.Of course, I also, appreciate the recognition of Don for nominating me.  I struggled at first as to whether to accept awards or not,but finally came to that conclusion.  I appreciate the love and want to pass it on to others.

Here are my list of nominees. Please feel free take one, the other, or both award.  You deserve it! 

foodbod.wordpress.com

politicalbaba.wordpress.com

adeenat.wordpress.com

americanfoodieabroad.wordpress.com

einfachtilda.wordpress.com

gandhipv.wordpress.com

kaligrafinusantaraonline.wordpress.com

culturemonk.com

advocatemmmohan.wordpress.com

joeinfocus.wordpress.com

interestingliterature.wordpress.com

suzjones.wordpress.com

dalocollis.com

kiwsparks.wordpress.com

nimhskitchen.wordpress.com

refreshinglyrandom.wordpress.com

wheelsonourfeet.wordpress.com

theurgetowander.com

greetingsfromindia.wordpress.com

donostertag.wordpress.com

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”  Ancient words of knowledge to remember and live by. 

Peace!

 

 

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Congress levels Snooping allegations on “Saheb”

Posted on November 30, 2013 by annetbell

The pre-election is heating up!

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Snooping of a young woman in Gujarat in 2009 has brought Gujarat govt. under scanner. Cobrapost (Anirudh Behl of Tehelka fame who parted ways) and Gulail gave reference to tapes with CBI which have Modi right hand Amit Shah instructing ATS to keep a vigil on her. They also gave a disclaimer that they have not verified or authenticated the tapes. Congress lapped up the issue and demanded inquiry. National Commission for Women (NCW) also swung into action.

Now who is this “sahib”? Rajnath blundered by admitting reference to Modi in one of his statements. In the meanwhile father of the girl wrote to NCW that he had asked Modi for help to protect her daughter. Congress threw its ladies who held a press conference (Teen Deviyan) Rita Bahuguna, Jayanti Natrajan and Girija Vyas (thank god it didn’t send joker Renuka Choudhary) who lambasted Modi and Gujarat govt. and thundered…

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Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts

Posted on November 29, 2013 by annetbell

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Happy Thanksgiving!  I  just couldn’t resist re-sending you this video which is the living museum presentation  of this 17th  century settlement on the coast of Massachusetts where the first Thanksgiving was celebrated.  It is a thirty minute video for you to view as much as you are interested . The village, life style,language, and  clothing are as authentic as possible.  The Pilgrims answer questions in  language appropriate to the 1620s.  A bathroom would be a privy and if you ask about automobiles and or airplanes they react in great confusion because they would not be cognoscente of our culture or  modern day inventions.  I have visited Plimoth on field trips where   some students really get involved and ask questions, enjoying the “living” experience. Plimoth is the spelling of the original settlers, and not a misspelling.

Namaste. .  . . . This Is Plimouth Plantation in 1620s

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Amani YA JUU

Posted on November 27, 2013 by annetbell

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The Project 

This group is a sewing and training program for marginalized women established in Nairobi, Kenyon, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Liberia. Amani women are working together through faith in God who provides a peace that transcends all cultural  and ethnic  differences. It portrays  a picture of diversity with women coming from the above countries to work together for the welfare of them all.

The Purpose

Amani is committed to holistic development. Women gain experience in stitching, quality control, purchasing , book keeping , management, and design. As new women  enter the program, they are mentored in quality workmanship with strong emphasis on ethical business practices and harmonious relationship with people of different backgrounds.DSC_0022

The Product

The ultimate product of Amani are women of peace. In the face of conflict and poverty these women have regained stability  and are sharing this gift of peace in her homes, communities and nations. Amani’s wide selections of high-quality handbags, home and kitchen decor, jewelry and children’s items are  made out of  local African materials.Kenya 2011 012 Maggie  Innovations by Amani trainees in stitching, tie-dye and batik result in uniquely designed products.

Sunday afternoon, my friends Marilyn and Charles hosted a party where these Amani products were displayed and for sale. There were about 40 of Marilyn’s and my friends who came to shop and have a bit of tea. There were items from China, lovely embroidered bags, books made from old sari material and lovely coasters made of broken bangles and glued to wooden backs which were left over wood not needed in making prosthesis from India, with  scarves and jewelry from Taiwan.  In all these countries woman are marginalized in ways we Western women could never imagine.  Widows are shunned when their husbands die, women are shunned if their husbands leave them, and many young woman and girls are taken into slavery  for use in the sex trade.  Amani YA JUU is one of the organizations fighting for Fair Trade wages for these dear woman and working for dignity and self-respect that comes with meaningful work and a living wage.   Amani-Ya-Juu-Pic-1-950x400Every cent spent buying the products on Sunday, will be sent to the  group where they were produced  for the women and growth of the programs.  There are groups all over the United States who support these women  through education,displays and in-home parties.381635_2770876909066_582025788_n

“Empowering women for a a Sustainable Livelihood in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Liberia. ”

This Is Amani YA JUU!    www.amaniafrica.org

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Saying Goodbye to President Kennedy

Posted on November 25, 2013 by annetbell

JACQUELINE KENNEDY JOHN CAROLINE

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JFK Caroline Kennedy

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President John F. Kennedy

The young widow lost her husband, the young children lost their  father and the country lost its innocence.

“The murder of a handsome, vigorous president shocked the nation to it core and shook  the faith of Americans in their institutions and way of life.”  Thus the 60s was born.

There was a popular Broadway play at the time called Camelot about the Medieval Court of King Arthur. Mrs. Kennedy wanted her dead husband’s legacy to be remembered as an American peacemaker who died in a campaigned to pacify the warring factions of mankind. She planted the seed comparing President Kennedy’s administration to Camelot and it stuck.   From: James Piereson – The Daily Beast

“Don’t ever let it be forgot, that once there a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.”   from Camelot, the play

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BJP – Part I

Posted on November 23, 2013 by annetbell

Very thorough and in-dept look at the party of Mr. Modi. Lots of good information that was all new for me!

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In the 1st post on Elections 2014 we take a look at BJP (the leading opposition party), recent events, internal politics and prospects.

BJP Takes a Punt – Declares NaMo as Head of Election Campaign Committee

BJP has gambled big time by declaring NaMo, three times Chief Minister of Gujarat, as its Chief Election Campaigner. It was feared that this move could increase infighting in BJP, alienate Muslim voters as well as some NDA partners. There was a lot of resistance and debate internally before appointing him (after all BJP is a democratic party).

The fears appeared to be true when sulken BJP patriarch Advani resigned (only to take it back in 48 hours) and long time ally JD(U) broke ties with BJP.

Feel the decision to nominate NaMo is a bold one, however it’s also true that BJP had no choice and he is party’s best bet. Its like…

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Congress – Part I (Background)

Posted on November 23, 2013 by annetbell

Interesting background of Congress Party in India. The parliamentary elections are in April and May of 2014. The new Prime Minister will be appointed from the winning party

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Congress Party is among the oldest and most prominent parties in India. It has been in power for majority of the period after India gained Independence in 1947 and most people feel that “they know how to rule and run a country”.  It has produced great leaders of the likes of M. Gandhi. J.L. Nehru, S. Patel, S.C. Bose, M. Azad etc. However, sadly, the party has become the fiefdom of Nehru-Gandhi family (post independence) and is today the most undemocratic party in world’s largest democracy – India.

Nehru, Indira, Rajiv all of them have been PM of the country (been in power for 37 years, 56% of the period post Independence). The family has also suffered at the hands of extremists with both Indira and Rajiv killed by terrorists. Post Rajiv’s assassination in 1991 family lost control of the party as Sonia (Madam) was recuperating from her husband’s death…

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Mr. Doshi. . . .Father of Indian Architecture

Posted on November 23, 2013 by annetbell

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Meet Mr. Doshi, known as the Father of Indian Architecture.  For Americans, that makes him the  Frank Lloyd Wright of Indian architecture.   Mr. Doshi was the dean of the CEPT Architecture School for 20 years and designed the wonderful campus where we spent 3 months of our time in India.  It is perfect for an Indian site, all open to the sun and air. There are some problems during monsoons as the monkeys seek shelter in the studios! I had intended to write on stairs, ancient and contemporary, but skipped over the ancient use of steps in Ahmedabad and concentrated on Doshi’s  use of steps to change levels, move from level to level and what’s more evident to me as a gathering place for students, faculty and visitors to have lunch, a lecture or just a friendly chat!

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Stairs up to the studios. . . . .

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Influence of stairs from  Corb in the Mill Owners’  Building?

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Mr. Doshi was the guest critic for husband’s  students’ final review and  it was held in the Mill Owner’s Building!  He is an amazing man, still designing, running his firm and he is 86 years  young and looks just as he does in these photos  with dark hair and smooth skin! He is agile and very alert giving the students constructive but kind critiques. A great advertisement of living the Indian lifestyle .   He described  several of the students projects as beautiful.  That was a morning we will always remember.

The story I want to leave you  with is an example of the Indian spirit which we found to be so amazing.  Mr. Doshi is a very talented architect as I mentioned before. He has an international reputation not just a national one with awards and university chairs to prove it.   Plans were progressing for the huge project of the Institute of Indian Management in Ahmedabad, a project most architects would be thrilled to  design and lead, but the lead designer had not been chosen.  Mr. Doshi was approached and told that the financial backers wanted him, Mr. Doshi to be the lead  architect.  He graciously thanked the group but said he thought that Lousi Kahn, an American architect with whom he had worked would be the best choice. He said it would be honored to work with and under Mr. Kahn !  I have known lots of architects and was shocked to  hear this story. I have never known any architect who would have turned down this once in a lifetime project. Mr. Kahn was the designer and Mr. Doshi took the lessor postion to oversee the project  as he had worked  under LeCorbusier and his Indian projects.  Mr. Doshi so exhibits the modest , unassuming, gracious, encouraging  Indian man who doesn’t live  to glorify his ego. But works to make others succeed and to make the world a better place for us all.  Amdavad_ni_gufa

This curious looking installation, the gufa,  is part of CEPT. It is  used as a posting space for projects or just an interesting place for the students to relax. Notice the stairs. . . .

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Meet Mr. Doshi from the following YouTube video.

Namaste. . .  . . .This Is The Father of Indian Architecture!

Photos are from Google Images Public Domain

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November 22, 1963 Dallas, Texas

Posted on November 22, 2013 by annetbell

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This day in history for anyone who was  alive is indelibly etched in our memory as if it was just an hour ago. I was in fourth period government class , my senior  year in high school.  I remember when the PA system came on , looking up at the box on the wall, and at that moment,  our country’s collective life was changed forever. Two hours passed, and school was over. It was a Friday, just like today. Arriving  home where there were tears and the silence of grief and the beginning of continuous television watching for three days. School was cancelled for the funeral on Monday. My southern family  was divided on  President Kennedy. My Daddy had not voted for him, but this gentle man would never have imagined the horror of an assassination.  My Mama had voted for President Kennedy after a discussion with a New York City cab driver .  He was so excited at the hopes he had as an immigrant to have Mr. Kennedy for president.  That touched my Mama’s heart and she voted for him, much to my Daddy’s annoyance. We all three were glued to the television and there was only horror and pain. . . . . the day our country’s innocence was taken away forever!  John-and-Jackie-Kennedy-a-007

The Kennedys arrive in Dallas.

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Moments before the shots rang out.

JFK-postcard-2Lee Harvey Oswald was a rife marksman.

ad12n-3-webMrs. Kennedy struggling to retrieve pieces of tissue from her husband’s wounds.

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There are many more pictures on the internet if you wish to view them.

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I like this picture of Mr. Kennedy sailing in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. And I like to remember his inspirational speech challenging our country to “ask not what your country can do for you , but ask what you can do for your country.”  He also inspired and challenged us to travel to the moon and to travel the world to help our neighbors through joining the Peace Corps.  He was president for only 1000 days. What if?  Not much point in what ifs, but we can celebrate this flawed man who loved his country and gave his life in our service.

Pictures from Google Images, Public Domain

Namaste. . . .  .. This Is Today in History, 50 Years Ago.

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Dr Bob Paeglow , MD. . . . Rock Star!

Posted on November 21, 2013 by annetbell

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Meet Dr. Bob, Rock Star!   He is an assistant professor of family and community medicine at Albany Medical Center and founder and director of Compassion /Koinonia Primary Care.  This year he is the recipient of the national  American Medical College Humanism in Medicine Award for providing medical care to residents in Arbor Hill and the West Hill in Albany. He is an ordained minister and former radiation safety specialist.  He entered medical school,along with his wife and four children, at age 36!  His goal was to provide undeserved  people  with medical care. In his fourth year, Dr. Bob went on a trip to Mozambique with a group of medical students. He was astounded at seeing people die needlessly left and right . He vowed that as long as he would be able, he would  make a difference for people who so desperately needed medical care.  He decided to help the undeserved people in his old neighborhood in Albany. He and his wife live in a neighborhood rectory and are very visible  serving in the medical clinic, administering free vaccinations, and also providing health screenings.

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Koinonia Primary Care provides care to any and all who enter the doors. Some have Medicare, others Medicaid,  some have limited insurance, but all ages, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds are treated  no matter their ability to pay.  There are other doctors who serve here on a regular basis  as referrals in other specialties.

Today is the neighborhood  Thanksgiving Dinner and I was scheduled to “serve” but decided I would have to miss it this year. People will start lining up and down the block later this afternoon. Inside, people have been peeling potatoes and cooking turkeys and vegetables to serve to their neighbors.  When serving begins, Dr. Bob’s residents from Albany Med with be filling the plates. Dr. Bob will be circulating and greeting all his friends.  Most of  his patients  don’t know he has been featured in People Magazine and has won various national awards and even appeared  on Good Morning America.   He is may be an award winner humanitarian to many , but to his neighbors here in Albany, he is  Dr. Bob, friend, advocate and healer.  I  was hopping to find pictures on the internet of the previous Thanksgiving dinners  or other celebrations, but typical of  Koinonia  no one had posted any. They are too busy serving to stop and take pictures!   God Bless you Dr. Bob!

I look forward to being there next November!

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