“Travel” by Anthony Bourdain

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This weekend, I am traveling to Virginia again, but this time  for a family wedding. I loved this quote and have been saving it .  Yes, I know that the travel or journey metaphor is over used. . . . life is a journey, spiritual journey, family journey. . . .just about any journey you want to describe. And of course, a trip or travel  either in your country or abroad. But all those are  journeys we travel as we pass through this world.

Travels often tucked into lovely warm experiences are not  always  pretty and often uncomfortable as you face new challenges. Sometimes there is pain as you are changed with uncomfortable new things and or people.  Some people we love, go and some others we wish would go , stay.  Every experience, each new person or location leaves marks somewhere . . . . .on your memory, your conscience , on your heart, or on your physical body.  During all these experiences you take something with you.   Hopefully you leave something good behind  through a word, smile, kindness  or example. Don’t we all hope  to leave something good and positive behind  that makes a difference in someone’s life  when  we have passed through this world?

Can you share about your travels or journey?  Are they synonyms ? 

 

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Indian Spacecraft, “Mom” First to Orbit Mars !

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“Mom”, the affectionate  name given to the Indian spacecraft, reached Mars orbit on Wednesday, beating  China, the Americans, the Soviets, and Europe and all on a shoestring budget. $74 million  to be exact which was less than the budget to make the film “Gravity!”

Grade school children all over India were told to arrive at school at 6:45 AM to be inspired as they observed this historic occasion in the life of India and the world!

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Mr. Modi ,the new Prime Minister , was understandably excited at this affirmation as he sets out for  New York City and his historic United Nations speech.  You can count on hearing about that right here  on another day !

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/world/asia/on-a-shoestring-india-sends-orbiter-to-mars.html?_r=0

Are you surprised at this news? 

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25 True Mind-Blowing Things!

These 25 Things Might Sound Crazy But They’re Mind-Blowingly True. #9 Is AWESOME.

June 18, 2014 Other Stuff

 It’s a strange place, this world we live in. Cars park on driveways and drive on parkways, hot dogs come in packs of ten and hot dog buns come in packs of eight, inflammable means flammable. Weird, right? And these things weren’t even crazy enough to make the list!

Check out these incredible facts.

(H/T list25)

If a strawberry isn’t a straw or a berry, then what is it? That’s easy: delicious. Seriously though, how are these things true? I feel like my life has been flipped upside down–or is it downside up? I really don’t know what to believe anymore.

Where you surprised at any of these?  Which was your favorite?  

 

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Special Models, Special Fashion Shoot in India

Shoot for beauty / rupa designs

Updated 7 hours ago · Taken at Mango Studio New Delhi
This is the positive capitalism and entrepreneurship company   so prevalent   in  India.  It seems that no matter how successful many of the Indians become through work and talent, many of them never forget the people who need a helping hand and offer them one!
“To whom much is given, much is expected.”

 

A photo shoot for acid attack survivours one of them is designer herself her name is Rupa she is in white dress others are laxmi,Ritu,Sonam,chanchal…inspite of taking professional models we took these bful girls as models bcz they define beauty,courage,postiveness, there is so much to beauty and these girls are strong enough to show that these girls love to get photographed i mean they are jst crazy for it v happy to work for dem wid dem 🙂 thanx to Ritika Vats too for making these dolls look mre bful wid her hairdo 🙂I dedicate this shoot to every women on earth..all of you are bful from skinny to healthy,dark to fair,tall to short,ebony to porcelain-skinned; the quirky, clumsy, shy, outgoing and all in between so ladies live ur life stay happy no matter who say what you are beautiful believe in it have courage fight back if u stand many will follow you….Rise and shineyou can help rupa in fulfilling her dream of opening her boutique..by visiting the site below
https://www.bitgiving.com/project/index/id/BIT102
#stopvoilenceagaistwomen#spreadlove#bringsmilesnottears 🙂
There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness….lets bring smile of some faces.
Rahul Saharan's photo.
Rahul Saharan's photo.
Rahul Saharan's photo.
Rahul Saharan's photo.
Rahul Saharan's photo.
No matter where we live or our life’s experiences, there is always some kindness we can pass along to those who need it! 
 
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Music Monday James Taylor “You’ve Got a Friend”

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Ah James Taylor, one of my favorite singers from long ago who is still performing.  He came on the music scene in 1966 and was a good transition from folk to rock.  His lyrics hit the mark and the melodious sound of his voice fill your heart.   Who among us doesn’t need a friend!

 

James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel are  my favorites of all time.  Who are yours? 

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Most Famous Exotic Marigold of India

The Most Exotic Marigold. . . . . .

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Giant flat bowls of marigolds greet you at the entrance to the House of MG, Ahmedabad’s Urban Heritage Hotel, found in the chaotic heart of the old city.  After all, these perky golden blossoms mean good luck and happiness. Because of that, they are used as offerings to the gods, rituals, weddings, and funerals. When we arrived in Varanasi, our hotel gave each a garland. We wore the marigolds for the day and then on our early morning visit to the ghats, we gave  them to  the Ganges along with the candles, as we watched the sunrise from the tranquil boat.garland

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These goats with their veracious appetites are feasting on the tasty flowers. Little do they know that there is medicinal value  for headaches, toothaches, and strengthening the heart.  But they must know that the petals maybe eaten raw in salads or as salads!

Hours before sunrise in Ahmedabad, you can visit Phool Bazaar, the local Flower Market.  The hours are 0300-0900.  We went about 7 AM and there will still beautiful flowers. It is located on the eastern end of Sardar Bridge. The blossoms are mostly native flowers, marigolds, roses, Arabian Jasmine, wild basil and lotus blossoms.   45,000 Kg or 94,000 pounds of flowers are sold daily.  There are lots of temples in Ahmedabad needing offerings.  Retail vendors sit outside the market and string fresh flowers into garlands for the shoppers

 

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These are the lotus blossoms, the national flower of India.

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Here are fragrant roses so valued by everyone.

But the marigolds, I never appreciated before seeing them in India.  I thought of them as just bug repellents in the garden.  Now they  will always remind me of the golden sun of India!

A vendor sells garlands of marigold flowers at a wholesale flower market ahead of "Janamashtmi", in Kolkata

Nameste. . . . . .T I I I  ( This is Incredible India!)

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Camel Racing and the Slave Trade in United Arab Emirates

This is not a happy, feel good post on this Saturday morning. I am deeply saddened  by  the violence and possible voting irregularities in Scotland. Just another example of greed in this world where  money, no matter the currency, and oil are considered more valuable than people.

Here we are in United Arab Emirates at the camel races so loved and enjoyed by their  wealthy class. I am quite sure the little boys, many of them as young as 3 years old, do not love the camel races, where they are the jockeys!

If you have  decided to visit this country, much in the news, who wants  the west to visit and spend their money, you may want to reconsider.  We have decided  we don’t want to visit and though it is a small thing, this is us standing for truth and freedom.

 

I have always been enchanted by camels.  Other people are not.  Have you seen a camel market,  race, or just ridden one somewhere?  Share your tales or respond  to evil carried out with impunity !

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“Scotland the Brave”. . . the day after. . . .

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Today is not the day I expected or  filled with  the news that I wanted.  Scotland has spoken with an election of an unheard of turnout of almost 85% of the registered voters.  The “No” voters were victorious in their  vote to remain in the United Kingdom of Britain. In my humble opinion it was a case of fear of the uncertainty that was the impetus of that vote, questions of the currency, pensions and health care pushed out the desire of being, completely autonomous,  nuclear weapon free, and a shift to  a more Western European socialist country.

There was so much hope and anticipation held up  by the “YES” voters that is dashed this morning.  So much mourning, anger and finally acceptance.  This was a deep and personal loss for people who have given this campaign their life, some for almost 2 years. The big push began about 6 months.  Grief instead of joy has to be endured and finally embraced now, instead of the  joy of victory.

Prime Minister Cameron, in the last week, was nervous enough of losing Scotland that he made some very strong promises to give her more powers and more self-rule  in  her governing.  And even this morning, he is promising the same devolution to Wales, Britain, and North Ireland. He said this for all the world to hear. A reorganization of Great Britain?  It sure sounds like that.

So to the “Yes” voters. . . cry your tears, swear your curses, feel disappointed and despondent but never doubt  your contribution!   Democracy at its best with 85% registered voters voting, a joy, passion , and love for your country for all the world to see and desire to emulate.   Your strong sense of justice, and history, and culture. . . . .Yes, you lost this painful battle, so regroup and recharge. hold your heads high,  and dream on . . . .  you will ultimately win the war for  “Freedom.”

What do you think?   Were you touched or inspired by these brave Scots? 

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“Scotland the Brave”

Today is election day in Scotland. All the rallies, speeches, and persuasive  blog posts are over. It is up to each Scottish voter today to vote  her/him conscience as to  what is best for Scotland now and in the future.

I am posting this late at night in New York on 9/17  for any of my Scottish or European friends will find it when they rise on Election Day.   For the Scots, I hope it will stir your hearts with the very special music of your history and the celebration at Usher Hall will encourage you to vote and make the right decision as you are ever mindful of your Scotland.

What an amazing opportunity to be part of history.  Have you had such an experience? 

 

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More Rain on the Way to Arizona

Last week in Tucson and Phoenix, there was heavy winter rains and flooding from a tropical hurricane.

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The sky warns of the coming storm. . . . . . . . .

All through the Southwest, are dry creek or river beds where children play but they are warned, as well.  These arroyos or dry creek beds can flood with water in the flash of the eye as water rushes down from higher ground.    The sand does not absorb the large quantities of water quickly, thus it floods roads and homes as it has to go somewhere.

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Mesa was where I taught while living in Gilbert, both suburbs in the Valley of the Sun.

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1378779763-9-9-13-GOOD-EVENING-ARIZONA-RAIN-FLOODING-6PPeople just trying to get home. . . . safely. . . . .

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Water , water everywhere soaking the desert’s dry bones!

Images from Google Public Domain

 

 

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/arizona-floods-feared-odile-brings-rain-southwest-n204766

Have you experienced a flash flood?  Do tell us about your experience. . . .

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