Last night, dbell and I went to the commencement dinner for the class of 2015. These the second half of the group we took to India in 2013, and what a night it was! First Erin Butler won “Most Improved Design Student!” She has an incredible work ethic and determination, always doing her best. The major prize, The Peck Prize, was the last announced of the evening indicating the weight and prestige it holds. It is for the the strongest designs and presentation of senior thesis projects and judged by the visiting critics from the senior reviews. The prize carries with it a large gold medal designed by a former professor of the school. The group of finalists were called to the front of the room , and the winners announced. Yes, winners, Okki Berendschot, and Shane G’avitt shared this most prestigious award honoring the winning senior thesis projects based on creativity, design, presentation. Dbell is ever so proud of these students with whom we spent so much time in 2013 discovering the mystery and wonder that is Incredible India! This is just the beginning for these young architects who undoubtedly will continue traveling, designing, and leaving their mark in the world in a positive way. For me, I am feeling like a very proud adoptive mama !

These Are Incredible Students Who Have Been Inspired by Visiting Incredible India!

Posted in Animals, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged Best Improved Designer, Class 2015, Okki Berendschot, Peck Prize, rin Butler, RPI Architecture School, Shane G'avett | 2 Comments

Rajasthan is the state next to Gujurat and has all the details that tourists think of as “Indian”. There are deserts, camels wondering in the dunes, the colored cities, elephant rides, and snake charmers, camel market, and races But this morning, I want to introduce you to this small forward thinking village, Piplantra.

India has a long and sad history for not valuing female babies. Much of it is the prospect of a dowry for her wedding. This tradition is against the law but a tradition that is ever lingering. A young OBGY doctor told us about the celebrations that occor after the birth of a boy, but the sad faces and almost mourning attitude of families who have a baby girl. There has been a use of gender selection abortions where male babies are only kept, until years after this began, there were too few women to be brides for sons! This is a similar situation that China has experienced before they have taken steps to not be so vigilant in their one child policy.

This is an amazing and encouraging story! Thanks Judith for another wonderful post!

India’s other daughters – The village that plants 111 trees when a girl is born

Source: piplantri.com

In a country that still favours the birth of a son, Piplantri village in Rajasthan not only embraces daughters but has created a tradition that benefits both the local people and the planet. This endearing village makes a conscious effort to save girl children and the green cover at the same time, by planting 111 trees every time a girl is born. A brilliant exercise in eco-feminism, this should inspire India and the rest of the world.

This wonderful eco-conscious tradition ensures that an increase in human population will never come at a cost to the environment. It is literally helping to ensure a greener future with each new generation.

The village gathers as a community and plants 111 fruit trees in honour of every newborn female child.

Village residents collect Rs. 21,000 between themselves and Rs.10,000 from the girl’s parents. This sum of Rs. 31,000 is made into a 20-year fixed deposit for the girl.

Parents are legally bound by a signed affidavit stating that their daughter will receive proper education. The affadavit also mandates that the girl should be married only after she reaches legal age and the trees planted after her birth have been correctly looked after.

Image source: piplantri.com

The community ensures that the trees survive, attaining fruition as the girl grows up.

The villagers don’t just plant trees, they look after them as well. To protect the trees from termites, the residents plant aloe vera plants around them.

These trees, and especially the aloe vera plants, are now a source of livelihood for several residents.

This unique tradition was first suggested by the village’s former leader, Shyam Sundar Paliwal, in honour of his daughter who passed away at a young age. In the last 6 years, over a quarter of a million trees have been planted.

Image source: piplantri.com

Villagers claim there has not been any police case here for the last 7 to 8 years.

This is a heartwarming and inspiring story that MUST be shared and replicated as much as possible across India and the world.

Share this and help make our world greener and more equal!

Loved this story and want to see more of Incredible India’s Incredible Villages? Click the image below for the story.

Image source: iStockPhoto

Posted in India, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged abortions, blogging, celebrating and providing for girls in India, China, India, tourists, travel, tree planting | Leave a comment

Asphalt-melting heat wave kills more than 1,100 in India

From Mashable.com

WHAT’S THIS?

BY ELIZABETH PIERSON14 hours ago

Over the past week, more than 1,100 people have been killed by extreme heat in India. Temperatures reading more than 113 degrees Fahrenheit have reportedly melted asphalt, and taken a severe toll on the working class without access to air conditioning.

Summer-month heat waves are common in South Asia before the Indian Monsoon kicks in during mid-June, but climate change has contributed to more instances of extreme weather. Experts are predicting longer and more intense heat waves in the near future, both in India and in other countries. The Monsoon is expected to begin on time this year, which is good news.

However, it is not expected to bring an average to above average amount of rain, which could hurt the country’s food production and keep the heat going for longer than it otherwise would.

A road melts near Safdarjung Hospital after the temperature rises to more than 115 degrees Fahrenheit during hot weather in New Delhi, India.

IMAGE: SANJEEV VERMA/HINDUSTAN TIMES/GETTY IMAGES

An Indian man rests inside a concrete pipe during the heat wave in Hyderabad, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: MAHESH KUMAR A./ASSOCIATED PRESS
An Indian commuter uses the train water pipes to cool down at a railway station in Allahabad.

IMAGE: PRABHAT KUMAR VERMA/PACIFIC PRESS/LIGHTROCKET/GETTY IMAGES
Young boys dive into a water tank on a hot summer day in New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: SAURABH DAS/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Heat created a rippled mirage at Rajpath during a hot weather day on May 24, 2015 in New Delhi, India.

IMAGE: VIPIN KUMAR/HINDUSTAN TIMES/GETTY IMAGES
An Indian worker uses a rickshaw to transport ice from an ice factory in Amritsar on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: NARINDER NANU/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
An Indian man cools his buffaloes at River Ganga during a hot day in Allahabad on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: RITESH SHUKLA/NURPHOTO/CORBIS
A laborer takes a drink as he works in a brick kiln during the heat wave in Ghasera on the outskirts of New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: SAURABH DAS/ASSOCIATED PRESS
An Indian roadside food vendor sets up his cart inside a concrete pipe in Gurgaon on the outskirts of New Delhi on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
An indian fisherman catches fish in River Ganga during a hot day in Allahabad on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: RITESH SHUKLA/NURPHOTO/CORBIS
An Indian passenger sprays himself with cool water beside rail tracks at a railway station in Jammu, India on May 25, 2015.

IMAGE: CHANNI ANAND/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pigeons fly over a traffic signal near the Indian Presidential Palace during a brief dust storm in New Delhi, India on May 19, 2015. During the continuing heat wave, many parts of northern Indian witnessed a brief storm on Tuesday bringing temporary relief from the heat.

IMAGE: ALTAF QADRI/ASSOCIATED PRESS
A laborer fetches drinking water on a trolley used to haul bricks at a brick kiln on a hot summer day in Ghasera on the outskirts of New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: SAURABH DAS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

This Is Incredibly Hot India !

Thanks Judith !

Posted in India, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged Asphalt Melting heat, blogging, Delhi, heat, India, travel | 3 Comments

One of the new experiences I had in India was yoga ! Three of the students invited me and I loved it when we were in Amdavad. Travelling for sometimes 2 weeks at a time, made it hard to go regularly. But we were able to go 5 nights a week in the month of February.

This woman who teaches Yoga was a student of mine in 6th grade! I joined the class this morning and can’t wait until next Wednesday morning to go again. I have that wonderful energetic yet calm feeling I experienced in India! Belinda is an Emergency Room nurse who juggles two schedules. These are the available classes at the moment. I encourage anyone in the Capital District of New York to give one of these classes a chance.

Belinda, thanks for being a terrific teacher. . . . Hmmm. . . .I wonder where she learned that?

This Is a Little of Incredible India in New York !

Posted in Uncategorized, USA | Tagged exercise, India, Living Lotus, stretching, teacher, United States, Yoga | 1 Comment

Frank Glick was driving to work, early one morning when he caught sight of this Bald Eagle perched on a tombstone in this Minnesota graveyard. I just saw this today but many people saw it yesterday, Memorial Day. Very poignant . . . .The widow of the man buried under that stone said that they had been photographers of eagles, too.

Posted in Animals, Travel, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged bald eagles, Frank Glick, graveyard, Minnesota, photography, travel | 4 Comments

This is Maddingley American Cemetery in Cambridge, England where my oldest brother, George Bowler Tullidge, III is buried. He was a paratrooper who jumped the night of June 5th into France to go to the coast to meet the troops on the cliffs , thus trapping the Germans. George was wounded in the hip in what would not be a life-threatening wound today. Antibiotics were not available at this time. He died on June 8th.

I know my brother only from family stories, but I thank him for his example, service , and unselfish love of freedom!

Posted in Uncategorized, USA | Tagged Cambridge, D-Day 1944, England, George Bowler Tullidge III, Maddingley American Cemetery, Memorial Day 2015, sacrifice, thank you | 17 Comments

Mytwosentences 109

Posted on May 24, 2015 by annetbell

What a gifted writer to touch our hearts !

Mytwosentences

The bald boy of five, dressed head to toe in a full Superman costume, had an unmistakable light in his baby blues that completely lit the carpeted elevator we were sharing with his obviously exhausted father.
As dad hyperventilated pure love through his perfectly matching Superman outfit, he looked into my tearing eyes with a heart-wrenching blend of unimaginable pride and utter helplessness.
(Photo: Edward Roads)

Written by Edward Roads

View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Slum Boys ! Not to be Missed !

Posted on May 24, 2015 by annetbell

Bappi Lahiri poses with Slum Kids

This is Bappi Lahiri, an international music director, composer, and singer in both Indian and American film industry. Years ago, he met Mother Theresa in Kolkota and shared a moment with her. She told him to do good for the poor of India through the success he was having with his musical talents. He never forgot his promise to her to try.

After years of success and the luxury to live six months in Mumbai, and six months in Los Angels, he has been working on a project using the untapped talent of music and dancing of Slum Boys of Mumbai. He feels strongly about preserving the unique culture of India. In the song the boys sing, “We love India” and call themselves the Slum Boys of Mumbai . Bappi’s plan is to help the boys and their families from the inside of the slums out not eradicate their way of life. Obviously, sanitation and electricity would be a good place to start. He wants to enhance not break the strong family and communal culture of India.

I can hear Mother Theresa saying, “Good work, Bappi!”

https://youtu.be/Glgv3SkhCec

This Is Incredible India!

Posted in India, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged Bappi Lahiri, I Love India, Mother Theresa, Mumbai, Mumbai slum boys, slum rap music | 2 Comments

Mr. Turner, the film

Posted on May 23, 2015 by annetbell

https://youtu.be/7GKlo2xWvuI

Artists are tortured and tormented souls, agree? There are lots of examples of this sweeping generalization that can be sited; Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Jackson Pollock !

Meet J.M.W. Turner, the early 19th century British painter. He is known as Britain’s most gifted painter who was called “the painter of light” and master of exquisite landscape and seascape paintings with vivid and unforgettable skies.

This is Snow Storm at Sea one of his most well known paintings in a pre-Impressionist style.

He was fascinated at the potential and power of nature. He was strapped to the mask of a sailing ship in the manner of Ulysses, in order to experience first hand the ferocious sea storm. He carried his painting style to blowing, heavy pounding strokes and even spitting on his work in remembrance of the storm.

Timothy Spall the actor who portrayed Turner was honored as best at Cannes. Though Turner was not plagued by the self-doubt and lack of self-confidence of other creative people, he was not a typical Victorian gentleman, either. He described himself as a “gargoyle” observing society from atop a building, would not win father or husband of the year awards, and had one most unusual communication style. He made all sorts of grunts and groans in conversation with others!

Mr. Turner has no car chases or explosions and my husband thought it would be slow and boring. But he sat and watched the whole 2 1/2 hours !

For those of you who enjoy films about gifted and often tortured souls , enjoy this film and the unexpected twist of an artist who died rich, honored and respected !

Posted in film, Uncategorized | Tagged art, film, JMW Turner, landscapes, Mr. Turner, seascapes, Victorian English painter | 4 Comments

Troy, New York Hidden Garden Tour

Posted on May 21, 2015 by annetbell

View from the gate entrance.

I have been scurrying around trying to whip my “hidden urban garden” into shape for visitors this late afternoon and early evening. Gardens will be viewed on a self guided walking tour to benefit garden projects in the city. My garden is the one on the right at the end of the ferns and hosta.

THE SECRET GARDEN was a favorite book of mine years ago so when we took this first floor apartment, I just had to have a tiny, hidden garden. The yards from the old rectory and ours connect and so my garden is also included. It is a total shade garden and I love it. We have a fire pit for cools evenings and also serves as a grill.

I am loving the shade perennials and adding newly discovered treasure from local perennial sales.

I have used some color with shade annuals . I learned to accent with color when we were in Italy. Every balcony in Roma has pots of various varieties of trees, annuals and perennials. Very spectacular !

The old school building known as St. Mary’s School is covered with the lovely ivy. The window that is partially covered is my tiny computer space, when I am sitting and typing at this very moment.

Oh, I wish I could sit and visit with you my friends and share a glass of iced tea!

This Is My Hidden Garden !

Posted in Uncategorized, USA | Tagged annuals, gardening, Hidden Garden, New York, perennials, shade garden, Troy | 8 Comments

These Are Incredible Students Who Have Been Inspired by Visiting Incredible India!

This is an amazing and encouraging story! Thanks Judith for another wonderful post!

India’s other daughters – The village that plants 111 trees when a girl is born

Source: piplantri.com

This wonderful eco-conscious tradition ensures that an increase in human population will never come at a cost to the environment. It is literally helping to ensure a greener future with each new generation.

The village gathers as a community and plants 111 fruit trees in honour of every newborn female child.

Village residents collect Rs. 21,000 between themselves and Rs.10,000 from the girl’s parents. This sum of Rs. 31,000 is made into a 20-year fixed deposit for the girl.

Parents are legally bound by a signed affidavit stating that their daughter will receive proper education. The affadavit also mandates that the girl should be married only after she reaches legal age and the trees planted after her birth have been correctly looked after.

Image source: piplantri.com

The community ensures that the trees survive, attaining fruition as the girl grows up.

The villagers don’t just plant trees, they look after them as well. To protect the trees from termites, the residents plant aloe vera plants around them.

These trees, and especially the aloe vera plants, are now a source of livelihood for several residents.

This unique tradition was first suggested by the village’s former leader, Shyam Sundar Paliwal, in honour of his daughter who passed away at a young age. In the last 6 years, over a quarter of a million trees have been planted.

Image source: piplantri.com

Villagers claim there has not been any police case here for the last 7 to 8 years.

This is a heartwarming and inspiring story that MUST be shared and replicated as much as possible across India and the world.

Share this and help make our world greener and more equal!

Loved this story and want to see more of Incredible India’s Incredible Villages? Click the image below for the story.

Image source: iStockPhoto

From Mashable.com

Over the past week, more than 1,100 people have been killed by extreme heat in India. Temperatures reading more than 113 degrees Fahrenheit have reportedly melted asphalt, and taken a severe toll on the working class without access to air conditioning.

However, it is not expected to bring an average to above average amount of rain, which could hurt the country’s food production and keep the heat going for longer than it otherwise would.

A road melts near Safdarjung Hospital after the temperature rises to more than 115 degrees Fahrenheit during hot weather in New Delhi, India.

IMAGE: SANJEEV VERMA/HINDUSTAN TIMES/GETTY IMAGES

An Indian commuter uses the train water pipes to cool down at a railway station in Allahabad.

IMAGE: PRABHAT KUMAR VERMA/PACIFIC PRESS/LIGHTROCKET/GETTY IMAGES

Young boys dive into a water tank on a hot summer day in New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: SAURABH DAS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Heat created a rippled mirage at Rajpath during a hot weather day on May 24, 2015 in New Delhi, India.

IMAGE: VIPIN KUMAR/HINDUSTAN TIMES/GETTY IMAGES

An Indian worker uses a rickshaw to transport ice from an ice factory in Amritsar on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: NARINDER NANU/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

An Indian man cools his buffaloes at River Ganga during a hot day in Allahabad on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: RITESH SHUKLA/NURPHOTO/CORBIS

A laborer takes a drink as he works in a brick kiln during the heat wave in Ghasera on the outskirts of New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: SAURABH DAS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian roadside food vendor sets up his cart inside a concrete pipe in Gurgaon on the outskirts of New Delhi on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

An Indian passenger sprays himself with cool water beside rail tracks at a railway station in Jammu, India on May 25, 2015.

IMAGE: CHANNI ANAND/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pigeons fly over a traffic signal near the Indian Presidential Palace during a brief dust storm in New Delhi, India on May 19, 2015. During the continuing heat wave, many parts of northern Indian witnessed a brief storm on Tuesday bringing temporary relief from the heat.

IMAGE: ALTAF QADRI/ASSOCIATED PRESS

A laborer fetches drinking water on a trolley used to haul bricks at a brick kiln on a hot summer day in Ghasera on the outskirts of New Delhi, India on May 27, 2015.

IMAGE: SAURABH DAS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

This Is Incredibly Hot India !

One of the new experiences I had in India was yoga ! Three of the students invited me and I loved it when we were in Amdavad. Travelling for sometimes 2 weeks at a time, made it hard to go regularly. But we were able to go 5 nights a week in the month of February.

Belinda, thanks for being a terrific teacher. . . . Hmmm. . . .I wonder where she learned that?

This Is a Little of Incredible India in New York !

I know my brother only from family stories, but I thank him for his example, service , and unselfish love of freedom!

I can hear Mother Theresa saying, “Good work, Bappi!”

This Is Incredible India!

Artists are tortured and tormented souls, agree? There are lots of examples of this sweeping generalization that can be sited; Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Jackson Pollock !

Meet J.M.W. Turner, the early 19th century British painter. He is known as Britain’s most gifted painter who was called “the painter of light” and master of exquisite landscape and seascape paintings with vivid and unforgettable skies.

This is Snow Storm at Sea one of his most well known paintings in a pre-Impressionist style.

Mr. Turner has no car chases or explosions and my husband thought it would be slow and boring. But he sat and watched the whole 2 1/2 hours !

For those of you who enjoy films about gifted and often tortured souls , enjoy this film and the unexpected twist of an artist who died rich, honored and respected !

View from the gate entrance.

I have been scurrying around trying to whip my “hidden urban garden” into shape for visitors this late afternoon and early evening. Gardens will be viewed on a self guided walking tour to benefit garden projects in the city. My garden is the one on the right at the end of the ferns and hosta.

I am loving the shade perennials and adding newly discovered treasure from local perennial sales.

I have used some color with shade annuals . I learned to accent with color when we were in Italy. Every balcony in Roma has pots of various varieties of trees, annuals and perennials. Very spectacular !

Oh, I wish I could sit and visit with you my friends and share a glass of iced tea!

This Is My Hidden Garden !

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