Explaining the name of my blog

Today I have the honour and pleasure of hosting the Thursday Writer's Post Blog Hop #4 and I'm also sharing this post for the letter E at ABC Wednesday.

Initially I thought I would ask you all to write your thoughts on love, but everywhere I turn and every prompt this week seems to be related to Love.

Instead I will ask you all to write about something you love ... your blog.

Share with us why and how you chose the name of your blog and what it means to you.

When I started blogging publicly in 2011, I found it really hard to choose a name for my blog. So many names bounced around in my head, Suzy's blog, Suzy's thoughts, Suzy's ramblings, Suzy's notes - most uncreative and very dull. But nothing really came to mind that resonated with me.

And the more I racked my brains to think of something, the more elusive and hard it got.

Whenever I blog, I listen to music as it always relaxes me and helps the thoughts form in my head and so as I listened, the song "Someday Somewhere" floated by.

Someday Somewhere

You said hello

And walked into my life

"That's it" was the thought that came into my head. And that's how I named my blog.

It's the perfect name as each one of you who drops by my blog says hello and walks into my life. Some for just that moment in time, some now and then and some for much longer with whom a lovely friendship starts to form.

This song also has a special place in my heart as it reminds me of a time long gone when love was young and sweet.

As always I am convinced the Universe sends the answers our way and for me more often than not it comes through a song.

So write your post, link up here with the linky below and share with us the beginnings of your blog. I look forward to reading your post.

And while you're writing and sharing, enjoy the song ... Someday Somewhere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OclgRkNQXs

Have a joyful and love filled day.

Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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The Linky:

An InLinkz Link-up

Warm Regards

Devotion and Dilemma

Written for
The Write Tribe 100 words prompt - How do I tell her him about you
The letter D at ABC Wednesday - A story depicting Devotion and Dilemma


It should've been a day of happiness and excitement, of new beginnings and love. It was her wedding day and it should've been a joyful one.

Instead she sat in the temple room in front of her beloved Giridhar Gopal and gazed at the serene face whose bansuri filled her soul with eternal bliss.

How could she love another for she had dedicated her love to him, locked him in her heart and placed her life at his feet.

Tears filling up her eyes, Meera joined her hands together and prayed. "My Lord, how do I tell him about you?"

image source: google images

Giridhar Gopal = Lord Krishna
bansuri = flute


Have a blessed day.

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Warm Regards

 

UBC Day 31 - Completed Challenge

Written For:  The Letter C at ABC Wednesday 

Finally it's day 31 of the  Ultimate Blogging Challenge. And with this post, I have completed the challenge.  Yay!

It's been fun but unfortunately I've neglected my other blogs and bloggers who deserve my attention because they've all dropped by and commented on my posts.

The weekend will be devoted to reading, commenting and replying to comments.

Call me crazy, but I signed up for the April ABC Challenge, so will have another month long carnival of blogging, reading, commenting, replying and great camaraderie.

But I shall end this challenge and post with a song ... Can't Help Falling in love. Why? because it start's with C and because I can!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V430M59Yn8

Check out these awesome bloggers who are also taking part in the UBC challenge:
  Shilpa  Kajal  Richa  Jairam  Sheethal  Kathy  Swati  Michelle  Nabanita

My previous UBC Jan 2014 posts here


Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, post a link there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

UBC Day 25 - Best Compliment

Day 25 - Ultimate Blogging Challenge.

Written For:
Write Tribe National Compliment's Day - Best Compliment  and
The Letter B at ABC Wednesday 


January 24 was National Compliment's Day and I didn't know that until Kajal (Rainbow Hues) posted on her blog and paid me a truly lovely compliment.

But it really does not matter what day it is, it's always nice to give and receive a compliment.

When you give a compliment sincerely it gives the giver great joy. That it gives the receiver joy is a given.

Receive and acknowledge a compliment gracefully and gladly because in not doing that you rob the giver of the joy of giving. Not only that, I am a firm believer in the law of attraction and when you decline a compliment, you send a message to the Universe that you are either not worthy of a compliment or that you don't want to receive any. And the Universe always obliges! (Something to ponder over).

And of course when the opportunity arises to sincerely return the compliment then do that too (for it is in giving that we receive).

So what are the best compliments I have received ....

Kajal's would have to be one of the most beautiful compliments I have ever received.

Thank you Kajal. You made my day.

Some years ago while we were visiting San Francisco, my kids bought me this little zipper thingy that says #1 Mom. It is one of the most priceless gifts I have ever got. Whenever my jacket is zipped up, the little zipper thingy stays close to my heart! Thank you my children. You are my strength and joy.

When my son was 3 years old, he asked me how old I was. So I asked him to guess. He looked at me for a few minutes and then very seriously he said "you are forty thousand years old". At that moment my eyes widened, my jaw dropped and the unspoken words that formed in my mind were "you cheeky brat".

But the look was so innocent so loving and serious and as he was only 3, forty thousand was a real big number that I'm sure he wouldn't have known and that was puzzling. So over the years I thought about that off and on and as my spiritual journey progressed the meaning of forty thousand took shape.

I am sure my little 3 year old was looking at me through the eyes of his soul and connecting with my soul. . And when we look at it from a soul perspective then that is truly an amazing compliment. How much more beautiful than that can you get.  Thank you my son for being the beautiful soul you are.

image source: google images

So what's the best compliment you've got?  Write your post and then link up at The Write Tribe and if you can weave a B into it, link it up at ABC Wednesday too.

Have a beautiful day and enjoy your weekend.


Check out these awesome bloggers who are also taking part in the UBC challenge:
  Shilpa  Kajal  Richa  Jairam  Sheethal  Kathy  Swati  Michelle  Nabanita

My previous UBC Jan 2014 posts here


Like my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

  

UBC Day 15 - The Alchemist

Written for:
Day 15 Ultimate Blog Challenge
The Writer's Post Blog Hop hosted by Kajal Kapur
The Letter A at ABC Wednesday

The prompt:
Write about one such movie that you watched in 2013, that touched your heart. It can be a movie of any genre- drama, musical, thriller, action, spy, anything. The only condition being that you must highlight at least one such point in your post that shows how the movie made a connect with you. How it spoke to you!
In case you are not a ‘movie’ person, never mind at all! Write about a book you read this last year, which you think, if turned into a movie would be a blockbuster. 

In 2006 when in a state of "what shall I read now", a friend handed me her copy of "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. I couldn't put the book down and soon after went out and got my own copy. And last year I got the kindle version of the book.

The book takes you on Santiago's personal journey to find his treasure, to fulfil his personal legend. His journey starts when he has a recurrent dream. The boy has many strange adventures and learns to read the signs of the Universe. A beautifully written book that can be read as an interesting story or if you dig deep you find many hidden gems of wisdom, and spiritual lessons.

I've lost count of how many times I've read this book. And there are many treasures in this book. But each time I read it, the one jewel that consistently jumps out for me is that the Universe gives us clues all through the journey of life. We don't always listen but when we do and learn to decipher its clues, we uncover great treasures.

"And when you want something, 

all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it"

I would love to see a movie made from this book. It's a very easy book to read and it had everything - interesting characters, adventure, mystery, a wee bit of romance as well.

from my kindle

Check out these awesome bloggers who are also taking part in the UBC challenge:
  Shilpa  Kajal  Richa  Jairam  Sheethal  Kathy  Swati  Michelle  Nabanita

My previous UBC Jan 2014 posts here

Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

   

UBC Day 8 Zeal from a compliment

Day 8 Ultimate Blogging Challenge  and  the letter Z for ABC Wednesday

Oprah's 6th Question

The Most Unexpected Compliment You Ever Got

I will never forget the day in high school when I was driving somewhere and my friend's cute older brother told me, from the backseat, that I had nice shoulders. I had never in my life considered my shoulders and certainly never, ever considered they might be nice. It was so unexpected and so unusual that I was forced to conclude it must be true. What was the most unexpected compliment you ever got? The time your co-worker said, "You know, he's really smart—like you"? The time your toddler heard Aretha Franklin singing and wondered aloud if it was you? Store it up for those times when you really need a random "Nice shoulders!" and the world is not complying.

I really had to think hard on this one. Eventually I thought I would pick one from 2013.

A couple of days ago one of my school friends posted my poem on her Facebook wall and captioned it "Written by my poet friend".

I never thought anyone would call me a poet!  I write poems but a poet just has something more to it.

Some compliments motivate and inspire you to keep moving forward, Some provide you with confirmation that you can achieve what you set out to do.

My friend's compliment gives me the Zeal to keep writing poems. Perhaps someday even publish a book.

Thank you dear friend.

“It is a great mistake for men to give up paying compliments, for when they give up saying what is charming, they give up thinking what is charming.”  ~ Oscar Wilde

May you find the Zeal in everything you do.

Check out these awesome bloggers who are also taking part in the UBC challenge:
  Shilpa  Kajal  Richa  Jairam  Sheethal  Kathy  Swati  Michelle  Nabanita

My previous UBC Jan 2014 posts here

Oprah's questions roundup: Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4 Q5


Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

U V W X

A Very Unique and Wonderful Xmas - bring together the letters U V W and X for ABC Wednesday.

Xmas for me is a time to relax and wind down, a time to give and receive.

I got some very creative gifts this Xmas from the blogging world:

• A review of my blog from Karan - One of Santa's many elves who took part in the secret santa xchange. Karan gave my blog a really nice review and I was blown away by the comments on that post.
• The Write Tribe Anthology - a collection of favourite posts from 36 bloggers, put together by Vidya Sury. An awesome book that I will cherish forever. Vidya made a dream come true of having a poem of mine published in a book. This e-book is free to read and/or download (click here for instructions)

Thanks Vidya and Karan for rounding off my year with these ultra awesome gifts.

But the part of Xmas that I enjoy the most is putting up the tree and decorations and buying my little ornaments that are gifts for my children, a tradition I started when my son was born. It's such a joyous time to spend together. 

So here are some postcard views of  my Xmas pictures

Have an Ultra Vibrant Wondrous and Xcellent day and check out some X posts at ABC Wednesday


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Warm Regards

Unexpected Priceless Treasure

Updated - It is a WOW post - check out others here

Written for:
The Write Tribe Treasure prompt
The letter U at ABC Wednesday
Blogadda WOW - Surprised

I'm not much of a gardener, but today the garden patch beckons. It is a brilliant day. Warm, not a cloud in the sky, a gentle breeze is blowing.  So gloves and spade in hand, ipod clipped to my shirt, I skip out to dig up that little corner and plant those seeds.

There seems to be a rhythm to my digging and for the first time I am actually enjoying the notion of gardening. There is heightened anticipation, as if I am onto something marvellous and a song in my heart, as if I am in flow with the Universe.

Then my spade strikes something hard. It won't budge. So I drop down on my knees and begin loosening up the dirt with my hands.  Quickly moving it aside, I find a little box, a little treasure chest.

I gently prise it out of the dirt and look at it in wonder. A part of me eager to open it a part of me hesitant at what I might find. Surprisingly for a treasure chest, there is no latch.  For an instance I think that's pretty odd but then shrug my shoulders and slowly lift the lid.

Wonder turns to astonishment as I am surprised to see a parcel with my name on it. It looks old like it had been buried in the chest for thousands of years. I untie the string and carefully remove the wrapping. Inside I find a piece of paper with a few lines scrawled across it.

For a fraction of a moment disappointment sinks in and then a thought comes into my head. Maybe these are clues to something and I love a puzzle! So I start to read:

"Forgiveness is not an action, it is a state of being"

"Happiness is not a pursuit, it is a state of being"

"Love is not something one gives or an emotion one feels, it is a state of being"

"Perfection is not something you strive for, you are already in a state of perfection"

"Peace cannot be found, it comes from total surrender"

"Total surrender cannot be piecemeal, it must be complete, all together, in every aspect of your life, in every moment of your life"

"And when you understand and know all of these, and when you dwell in them with every breath you take,
Then, and only then, you are Sat-Chit-Ananda 

(absolute truth, all pervading consciousness, bliss)

At first I frown, deep in thought and then my eyes light up for this is the message of the Universe and the essence of Spirit. And I read them again and again and again, and the meaning of each line takes shape at last. 

Oh what a treasure I have found. What a gift; unexpected, unimaginable, and infinitely priceless.

~x~

A few days ago I met up, over Christmas dinner, with some friends I hadn't met for years. Somehow I found myself sitting next to G and through our chit chat found that we are both on a similar spiritual path. The two of us got talking about the Universe and Spirit and G remarked that I looked different from the last time we met, like I was at complete peace with myself. We talked of forgiveness and love, of peace and joy, and many other things.

Over the next few days I pondered over our discussion and her remarks. And then one night, at that point when one is about to fall asleep, the words, written on that piece of paper in my story, came into my head. I've been analysing them these last few days, but that's for another day and other posts.

Then the "Treasure" prompt turns up at the Write Tribe, the letter U for ABC Wednesday, the Surprise prompt at Blogadda WOW and finally Jairam's guest post on Spirituality and Religion at Everyday Gyaan. And all of these collectively brought together my post today.

I am constantly amazed how the Universe brings together people who help each other on their spiritual paths, how it communicates with us and how it finds a way for us to spread its message. I am truly blessed. 

Wish you all a day when you find your treasure - the thing you desire the most.

Drop by and like my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if one of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there so I can drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards and many blessings


This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Write Tribe prompt - Imagine you were digging to the ground in the backyard of your new home to create a vegetable patch and  found a treasure chest.

 

Thankfulness - Gratitude List - Linkup 7

Written for the Alphabet Salad Gratitude Linkup

And Gratitude or Thankfulness also ties in very nicely with the letter T at ABC Wednesday

Image courtesy of akeeris http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

So here's my list (in no particular order):

1. Thankful that I passed my full driver's license test. Sitting academic tests is easy-peasy but driving tests is a hard task for me. But it went so well and at a point during the test I actually found myself thinking, I'm really enjoying this.

2.  Thankful for a random act of kindness. I got a free cheese scone because they forgot about mine in the toaster, made me wait a long time and then eventually found they burnt it! - So I got a brand new scone, beautifully toasted and my money back.

3. Thankful that I have finally learned to receive. If the cheese scone incident had occurred a year ago, I would've insisted they keep the money. But my word this year "Abundance" had changed my perspective on things. I've finally learned that in receiving we bring joy to the giver. Refusing their kindness robs them of the joy of giving. Abundance also comes in small packages and when we receive graciously we also send a message to the Universe that we are open to receiving. And so the abundance flows!

4. Thankful that the fire alarm at work turned out to be nothing significant. Also thankful I work on one of the lower floors so it's not a long way down to exit the building.

5. Thankful that my daughter and her boyfriend dropped by and cleaned my car.

6. So thankful that my blog has been given awards from some awesome bloggers - but that's a post for another day.

And this quote jumped out at me today

 The thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings

― Henry Ward Beecher

Write your own list and share it below.

Have a day when the abundance just flows your way.

Warm Regards


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So You Think You Know It All

Written for  the Write Tribe 100 words prompt and the letter S for ABC Wednesday

"So you think you know it all"

I don't know how many times my mother said that to me and at the time I looked at her and thought she was crazy. Of course I know it all!

Then the years went by and I had my kids. Then I caught myself saying those words and getting the "mom is crazy look". Of course we know it all.

And now I can't wait for them to have their children so they can say the same words and get back that "you are crazy" look.

And I will watch and chuckle.

~x~

                                                                     
Have a fun filled day with lots of chuckles.

Warm Regards


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Que Sera Sera from a Quatrain

Written for the letter Q at ABC Wednesday

One of my favourite poets is Rumi and I often browse through his poems. Today I came across this one, Rumi's Quatrain no 5.

May the lover be drunk and disreputable the whole year! 

May he be crazy, frenzied, and love-sick! 

With sobriety, we suffer anxiety about everything. 

But when we have become drunk, whatever is to be, may it be!

On some days one can read a poem and interpret it in quite a different way from what the poet intended it to be. I guess that is the beauty of poems. Each one finds a different meaning in the words, perhaps even different on different days.

Today the last 2 lines stood out for me on many fronts and reminded me that being anxious does not change the result of the outcome. Hence it is best to go with the flow, detach from the outcome because, que sera sera, whatever will be will be.

I really needed to remember that today!

And here it is ... Que sera sera - nicely sung by Doris Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbKHDPPrrc

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Obsession and Original Sin

A Nonet poem written for:
The Write Tribe prompt and for the letter O at ABC Wednesday
Linking to: Poetry Pantry #173

A nonet is a nine line poem. . A nonet can be written on any subject and rhyming is optional. The poem starts with a line that has 9 syllables in it. The second line contains 8 syllables, the third line has 7 syllables and it continues to count down to one syllable in the final line (ninth line)

The prompt:
The subject? Your choice. The only catch is – it must be close to your heart. If possible do let us know why you hold the subject close to your heart. (This may or may not be a part of your poem. If the reason is not a part of the poem, mention it somewhere in the post.)

So here it is, my first nonet poem on a subject close to my heart.

Melody of my eternal soul
Obsession of my lonely heart
You, my original sin
Mesmerising deep eyes
Captivating smile
Etched in my soul
Merged spirits
Fused hearts
Bliss


In life one comes across someone that leaves an impression on your heart that simply cannot be erased. Perhaps that person came into your life for just a fleeting moment in time but somehow you just cannot shake that spirit out of your sphere. He or She becomes a kind of obsession but one whose very thoughts brings you intense joy, peace, bliss.

This person, I believe is not just a soul connection, but a great soul connection. I am blessed to have had that moment in time to connect with such a being..

This poem is dedicated to that beautiful soul, who "got underneath my skin" and left an unforgettable imprint in my life and in my heart, that will forever be locked in the depths of my soul. Be at peace D.

And sometimes songs take you back to that moment in time that is etched in memory. So here it is, the song that takes me back in time. One of my favourite songs ... Elton John's Original Sin.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=occgl5Y_d8k


Have a day of wonderful moments and memories

Warm Regards


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Nostalgia

Write Tribe Letters  write a letter to :  Your current love/ spouse/ crush or Your ex-love/ spouse / crush

And that ties in quite nicely with the Letter N for ABC Wednesday ... Nostalgia

But it was hard to choose just one to write a letter to so instead I thought I would pick some of the lovely men who came into my life though some were just friends (but very special friends) and others went further than that but eventually ended. There was always something about these men that at some point in time touched my soul.

To D:
 You were kind and gentle, sweet, intelligent, soft spoken and polite, responsible and smart and ever so cute. I loved the sound of your voice. You made me feel like a million bucks. Thank you. Fate of course plays a cruel game sometimes. I often wonder if you weren't cruelly snatched from this world so young, if life for us might have been different. But to meet you even for a fleeting moment in time, gave me joy and continues to give me joy. And the thought of you brings me peace. You will always have a special place in my heart.

To G:
You were sweet and so much fun to be with.  You had a gorgeous smile, a twinkle in your eye and you were always happy. I always felt "taken care of" when you were around. I am so glad you are still my friend.

To S:
You had such lovely eyes. But each relationship occurs for a reason. Perhaps yours was to show me the side of things I do not want in my life. For that I will be eternally grateful. Our view of life and way of living was so different and I was not willing to compromise. Thank you for understanding that.

To N:
You were classy, well mannered and handsome. You brought me great joy but you also bashed my heart. Events are fated and there for a reason hence I have no regrets. I take a spiritual view of our time together - perhaps there was karma to work out. You and I share something that no one else will share with me in this life and that part will remain with me forever. I am also glad that we overcame the bitterness at parting. I am at peace with myself now and hope you are too.

To R:
You were sweet, interesting, intelligent, smart and athletic. I loved the way you walked. You made me feel young again.

To V:
You are my oldest (as in time not age) friend. Smart, intelligent, sweet, soft spoken, witty with a great sense of humour. You always make me feel special and put a smile on my face. I am so grateful that you are my friend. Thank you.

Nostalgia .. what would life be without memories?

And writing these letters has been very therapeutic. Thank you Santulan for these letter prompts.

Read some more posts at The Write Tribe, but do read this one by Kathy The Giggling Trucker's Wife - such a sweet and heartfelt letter.

Warm Regards


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Mantra Motivation

Every once in a while the urge to get fit takes over and I start on a new exercise regime.

But I can never seem to keep it going.

Either I get bored with it or my body protests vehemently that it's too arduous and actually detrimental to my well-being. And long hours of exercising is simply not sustainable.

Inevitably frustration sets in and I cross it out as another failed attempt.

Then I found Tabata. 5 minutes a day.  I can manage that.

Will it work? Won't know till I try.

So for now Tabata is my daily exercise mantra.

Written for:
The Letter M at ABC Wednesday
Write Tribe's 100 word prompt - Every once in a while

Started my Tabata regime on Saturday. So far so good. 5 minutes of high intensity interval training sounds easy, trust me, it is not. 

Warm Regards


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