Paradise on Earth - Yosemite National Park

There are so many fabulous far away places to see...

This one brought me to my knees.

The journey was a rough one. I set out from Ohio on the 7:30 flight via Chicago O Hare, to SFO International Airport. It landed at 12:30 am midnight. My little sis, drove up in her car, having a hard time finding the right terminal and gate etc., it was cute to listen to her navigate and finally find me. I don't remember if we hugged, but I do remember her asking me immediately afterward, "will you please drive back?" I was tired, and sick, and sick, and tired, not to forget hungry!
We found a late night sushi place in Oakland, cause such places exist in cities that are not Cleveland.
We went to Kansai Sushi in oakland (off of 44th and Telegraph Ave.), and ordered a bunch of rolls, including a delicious Ryan roll (cause it was named after my boyfriend, although he had nothing to do with its creation). It hit the spot. After a satisfying short meal, we headed to her little house in the Berkeley hills.

We got home, slept, and woke up bright and early. We went for a walk/ run through a little rose garden, a park, a very steep up hill run, and when we got home we made breakfast. We left for Yoga at the Yoga to the People studio, lunch at Udipi Palace in Berkeley and finally quick stop for groceries at Trader Joes. We were finally done by 3 pm and we set off to Yosemite - Curry Village. The GPS told us it was 3 hours and 40 some minutes away. There was traffic, the weather was wonderful and we did need to stop for gas.

As we got closer to Yosemite we got onto Rt 120, there was a very scary portion of the road after passing "Moccasin Point", (near a place called Groveland), where the road was very windy with hairpin curves and turns, and it was 20 miles/ hour speed limit, and there was no barrier to the steep drop. It was daylight still and we could see this steep drop. I was flipping out, and my sis kept reminding me her GPS was saying 30 miles for the last 30 minutes as we slowly took the curves carefully. Shortly after that nightmare of a windy road, we entered Yosemite National park, but then it became dark. The road was pretty smooth, other than signs for watch out for large herds of cattle- Ok! It was still 47 miles so it took about an hour, and we passed all the great rocks - El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks etc. However we had no idea, because it was pitch black.

Curry Village was cute set in the heart of the Yosemite Valley Village. It has a skate rink, and there are shuttle buses running in the day, all the way up to 10 pm. There are a ton of activities one can pursue there from ice skating, skiing, to bicycling, rock climbing, horse riding and just hiking. I think in the summer there are food and wine events and there are also other fancy lodges there. Anyway we checked in, found our tent, settled in and headed to meet some friends from Ohio for dinner at the fancier part of the Valley Village. After which we were so tired and cold, and cold and tired, we passed out (before which I walked to and from a bathroom three times since I couldn't figure out how to get in. Ah see you would think it would be easy, but the bathrooms have a code!). There is a quiet time after 10 pm however we had noisy neighbors so I had a hard time sleeping, besides having to wake up to go to the bathroom, and having to wake up to shivering, since the bottom of the mattress was not insulated, and also because the warm air rises, so I was warm from above with three woolen blankets, but freezing. It was only a little below 30*F that night (mid-February).

My sis woke up and said- "Hey let's get going", or something to that effect. We got out tooth brushes, some towels, and got ready to go to the bathroom. We stepped out of the tent, and it was a jaw dropping, falling to your knees kind of sight. The tents were scattered in a grove of red woods, which were relatively young. Looming up and around the valley around us, above these young trees were cliffs, chunks of massive rock, greeting us by reflecting the rising sun. I couldn't stop looking, and I had stopped breathing. There's something about that sight. It's gigantic rocks split in half, so odd, yet natural. So normal yet so fantastical... I don't know what it was about that place but it is insane as in, it's unimaginably magical in an inexplicable way.

Finally my sister reminded me we needed to get closer to those things (the rocks), but we had to wash, eat breakfast, check out and then head to the trail. So we did. We had breakfast at the Curry Village Coffee shop very quickly and headed on to "Mirror Lake Trail Head". This is an easy hike, and it leads to this crystal clear lake which gets its water from the depleting glacier, and is thus a mirror to the amazing cliffs around it which include Half Dome. The hike was easy, but since it was in the shade of the cliffs, and in the valley, it was still frigid, and the cold was biting. We kept moving to stay warm. There were other hikers from all over the world; it was amazing to see so many people there in February, I can't imagine what Summer is like. We got to see the amazing sights near mirror lane, we saw the glacier and snow capped peaks beyond the lake. We hiked the loop, got lost, and had to turn around. So what was supposed to be a 2 mile hike max, became a 5 mile hike. Anyway we ended up right by Curry Village.

We went to some of the scenic stopping areas and took pictures. We were so awestruck we were just taking it all in. I knew this is why we needed a short trip so that we could absorb the shock of the beauty, and let the overwhelming immensity of Nature sink in, so that next time we could hike and see more, without being stunned. I don't know if others experience this, but I sure as heck do and did. This time we did see El Cap, Cathedral rock, and other amazing rocks. The drive back was still scary but the weather was perfect. We said good bye, and vowed to return again soon. I kind of want to live there.

I highly recommend adding Yosemite to your places to visit, and see.

The Wall - Jon's Lament

"You know nothing, Jon Snow." Yigrette
She would tell me many a time,
Then she betrayed me like I would never forget,
She did what she knew, I forgive her of her crime.

The wall it stands there,
Looming,
Just thick ice reflecting the sun's glare,
Throughout the North, where it is forever gloaming.

Shall we place the wall between us?
With you on the cold side
Me on the South side
It freezes our love and trust.

I was always true,
To my black brothers and to you.
Then there was that moment,
When I had to choose, and it was sealed in cmement.

I chose to forgive,
I chose mercy and honor,
For the old man to live,
We had him in a corner...

You killed the old man,
For what? He begged for mercy.
Then you shot me in the leg, woman!
I know all women are crazy...

You know nothing Jon Snow!
That's all you said,
South of the wall I knew all there is to know,
I loved you for more than just to take you to bed.

I knew we could have had a different life,
We could have started afresh,
Without sticking the man with the knife,
You went ahead and created a mess.

I know you would blame me,
Saying "you know nothing, Jon Snow",
I am not as naive as I seem to be,
You just didn't see the entirety of the show.

Now you are gone,
I shall miss you,
Remembering always all that was done,
However, everyday is begins anew.



For Jon Snow, of the Night's Watch, on the Wall...

House Cleaning

I cleaned up my facebook finally!
from a 1000 to 600 something...

Why did I have to "unfriend" so many?

There are people who I always reach out to but never reply, or there are people who are not that close to me, I haven't seen them in years, acquaintances etc. I didn't get rid of them entirely, they are all transferred to a different more professional profile (kinda working on somethings right now, and really need to go into myself, and share less, its a very personal thing). Really just sorting and finding who my true friends are, my friends who hang out with me, who are excited to be with me... There is such a difference, and I am here open to friendship, its all up to the other person.

What makes the other person a good friend?
1- honesty
2- communication
3- nurturing the friendship / making it grow
4- being truthful when feeling flaky about showing up, communication
5- being there when times are bad
6- being there when times are good
7- give and take, take and give
8- being genuine
9- humble
10- loyalty
....

There are so many things that make a good friend, and some people have said I am a difficult to be friends with cause of the high standards. Well I am an extremely empathetic (an empath), I am sensitive, so I need to surround myself with the best. To protect myself, my heart, and its hard to keep giving, I am not martyr.

People move on in life, and grow, make their own friends. It is understandable that some would not be able to or wish to stay in contact. I see no why they should linger on my personal page. I'm not in their lives, they aren't in my life. I think my sis did a sorting of a similar sort recently, and I have friends who have done the same. Although I say this, I often end up in one-way friendships, I let people do that to me, but I can't anymore.

I need to surround myself with people who are excited to be with me! Who want to hang out with me, who aren't using me, or I am just another picture on their facebook wall. I will not be that person anymore... I will not reach out and not get a reply for vast amounts of time...

I will not tolerate arrogance. Why is it that when some of my friends have received PhDs they began acting haughty, or in laymen's terms - they became total jerks. Isn't education supposed to better people? Why am I suddenly lesser, and not deserving of their respect? My father (an Indian man) always told me PhDs are always respected, and most respected. Do they always give respect though? You get respect if you give respect, not if you studied something for longer than another person. So you have some letters in front of your name, so you have another paper, so you spent more money to educate yourself, so you may earn more... so what? In the end "Winter IS Coming". In the end we are all but carbon molecules...

(that sure was a little rant).

I will be mindful to not become a jerk when I get more papers saying that I know "stuff", in the future. It is tough to be mindful, and it is always important to apologize to friends when you realize you have hurt them. I love the healthy communication, respect and love I have with some of my friends. Yes it's almost like an relationship. In fact it is. Maybe that's why people think being my friend is so demanding... what good is a friend who is not there for you when times are down, who won't go to watch movies with you, who lies to your face, who never stays in touch, who doesn't respect you or your feelings?

Yeah... surround yourself with Good people, Good friends... not Cool, but Good, and they will automatically be cool, cause you are cool. When you have a good friend, it won't even seem like so much work, because it will be so natural.

Breathe

biking with climbing friends.. ok climbing family!

fun time with friends!... family...

Trip to NYC in July

  It was Thursday25th July night, and I realized as I looked at my friend Nikki's (AKA AT trail name Argo) pictures on her FB page, about how she had just crossed the Delaware Water Gap, on her journey through hiking the Appalachian Trail. I would be driving through the Delaware Water Gap on the 26th. IF only we had planned it better I might have met her at the Gap. I felt sad I wouldn't be able to meet up with her on the trail, since my time off from work is limited, and coordinating such a thing was difficult. I resigned and decided that I should accept this. It would be ok. Nikki would be fine, and she would still be my friend, my sister...

The next day, I decided to message her and send her some love because I had come to accept the reality. So I just sent her a message saying -  I love you Nikki Sis! She messaged me back - How is you summer my Indian Goddess! So I began to tell her some story, or the other, and said I wish I was hiking with her. From her reply I gathered many people were finding it hard to coordinate time to hike with her. We began planning future trips, and I happened to mention I was going to NYC that very day. 

Me- going to NYC this weekend how far have u gone from the delaware gap?

Nikki-I'm in newyork... I can see the NYC skyline from where I am!

Lots of hikers taking buses into the city for a few days lol

Me-WHAT!

omg ill be in new york this weekend!

could we meet up?

At that moment I was called into a meeting. I was crunched for time to get work done, before I had to leave, and this meeting was over, but people tend to go over points over and over again. I had to leave work at 12:00 so I could go home and leave to pick up Ryan and head on our way to NYC. It's an 8 hour drive!

Finally when I got out of the meeting I see a missed call, a text message and another instant message all from Nikki. 

Nikki- Lol um maybe... Are you staying with your sister?

Give me a call, I can take an hour and a half bus ride and I'd be there!

I can leave out of Warwick NY

Me-Nikki I was in a meeting!

YES!

We will be staying at my grandparent's place! Or there is also my sister's place!

Nikki- Lol omg would they let a hiker sleep on their floor?

Me- we're all going to sleep on the floor

my sis, me, ryan, my sis' fiance and my mom!

Nikki- Omg this is crazy
Should I ask your mom if this is ok lol

Me-my mom would LOVE to see you

Nikki- I can't stop giggling!
When are you guys getting there ?

Me- we would get there at 9pm tonight

but u cud get there before

you will love my grandmother

Nikki- Just called Paul and told him... He was like ' good luck' what are you going to do there... And I said eat amazing food and be with amazing people

...

We finally met, hugged, and there was giggles and tears all at once! We knew this trip was meant to be... Somehow things had worked out even though I had accepted the bitter truth... but it happened!!! I met her near the trail, and we hiked, explored, bonded and had fun. Not just Nikki and I but the whole lot of us. The three sisters, the mothers, the lovers, the friends... 

What a whirlwind of a weekend we had! We met up with my sister, my sister took us to some cool places, Strawberry Fields, the Mind Tree, where we did a little yoga, Tomlin Square to listen to cool yoga teacher who played Rumba music in the park! We met a few more of her artist friends! Then we went to a cozy - cool bar which had grapes growing atop it and celebrated my sister's birthday. We met her wonderful friend Aric and took cool pictures. We had a wonderful dinner with our family, hit up a bar my uncle went to when he was in college. We even briefly met my cousins Atanu and Antara the next morning, and got a little bit of shopping in! Oh to experience the New York Minute with this crazy lot: Ryan, My sister and her Fiance the amazing artist Chris, My other sister Nikki, Aric, My mom, grandparents, my Uncle and his Girlfriend! Wow!

At the Mind Tree

Yogis at central park!

The Family! a few people are missing!

A Marathon and a Bachelorette Party!

Lucky to attend my first ever bachelorette party and Marathon in the same day. I was nervous at first, but it was so much fun, because we were a great bunch and kept it classy!

The Marathon was the River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, and the Bride to Be and her two sisters ran the 10K (6 Miles). They averaged a 7 minute mile and it was a breeze for these super fit girls, that they sang the "Eye of the tiger" the whole time, changing the words of course.

Then since we couldn't find a way out of the city, we watched the 26K which the girls were pumped to do next year. We watched for a long while, until we were pressed for time to get to the Bridal Shower, which was followed by a few hours of rest and then the Bachelorette party. Making it a busy, fun and love filled weekend. What awesome energy!

River Bank Run May 18th 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Bachelorette Party

 

Indian Dinner With Friends and Birthdays

My friend Marina is returning to Russia, so I wanted to see her one last time, so I organized another Indian Dinner outing to the restaurant "Cafe Tandoor". About 21 people showed up. There were a few birthdays that week, so we decided to celebrate it that day. They didn't know so it was a surprise!

My friend Marina smack in the center!

We wish Marina much luck for her future, and we will miss her, however she better be ready for some visitors!

Everyone had a great time, ate heartily, and the birthday people were much surprised! The cake was yummy!

Breathe!

Lessons in Friendship

I am lucky that I have an amazing friend who I can communicate openly too. Actually I have many amazing friends. I feel so blessed. My parents were my first friends, then my sister came along, and gosh was I so glad to have this companion who would grow with me, play with me, and love me because well she had no other choice. Then I began making my own friends... this was tough. I have learnt a lot along the way, and made some very special friends. There's been one special friend who I recently told her "Hey I want to let you know I consider you my best friend. And I worry you don't feel the same way about me. I love you immensely, respect, admire, and cherish your being..." I am glad to know she felt the same.

The key to our friendship is we communicate, share, trust and love deeply and truly. Friendship is as delicate as a rose bush, it requires nurturing, nourishment, care, love, and room to grow. It requires a lot of give and take, it's not a one way act. So both of us are gardeners, both of us are roses. So we talk about our feelings, our actions, the consequences of our actions on others and on each other, and eventually on ourselves. We try to be mindful, but every now and then, we slip. It's human to err, but divine to forgive, as a very famous saying goes. We err, we get hurt, we communicate, and then we forgive. Does anything get healthier than this?

We aren't perfect, there is always room for growth, improvements, and changes... change is the only constant, that is always changing as well. So we keep growing into this lovely friendship of ours. How are we able to be so good at this friendship? We respect each other, see each other as equals, we look up to each other, support each other, and are open and honest with each other. It is easier said than done, it means putting out ego aside, looking at what's deeper than just the mere facade on the outside. It also means becoming humble, and admitting to your mistakes, remember it takes two hands to clap, so there for always keep your side of the road clean. All this can be achieved through mindfulness, meditation, and keeping yourself in check.

Your good friends care about you. Other friends just want to have fun with you, but the good, true friends have fun with you, but also say... "Hey Pree, ok it's time to stop now and take some rest, although we know we could ALL party the night away, we have other responsibilities to take care of the next morning." So friends keep each other in check. Recently a friend stepped up out of nowhere to help me with my Facebook addiction: 2 "statuses" a day. 2 "likes" a day. Logging in only twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. She didn't say anything about comments on photos and other people's statuses, but i suppose that must be 2 a day too. The point was, not deleting it entirely, because otherwise I would come back and binge, but disciplining myself to use it less. She understood my problem: "we are CONDITIONED in today's society to respond to messages as soon as they appear. I am. It's my job to respond to messages and emails and voice-mails...so it's just another thing to respond to, Facebook!"

I have been criticized and made fun of by "friends" that I am on facebook too much, having a online problem, but when i try to delete it they say "oh we will miss you". So it becomes a social pressure thing - damned if you do, damned if you don't. We all have a variety of jobs, and the work places have different internet usage policies, ie. back when I used to play the MMO RPG "Lord of the Rings Online", some of my kin friends (online gamer friends in the game, who played and did quests with me) had jobs out in silicon valley programing code, but they could bring their personal laptop in and game on the side. It was even encouraged. They even had a xbox room! I guess they played so much it got boring. Like my friend who decided to help me out said "I totally understand. I sit in front of a computer all day long. It's more out of boredom most days that I end up checking it constantly, and because it's easy to log in and leave it open. Let's challenge ourselves. Let's do it together. I think we can!" So yes some friends realized my problem and were ok with me deleting it, some wanted me to stay on, some mocked me and my job, due to my facebook usage... but out of all the pain comes growth, and wisdom. I thank you all, and myself for this growth and my own understanding to grow from it (Ryan and my dad have been telling me for YEARS now... :-P sometimes it takes more support though).

My friends who mocked me could have been wrong and mean in doing so, however, without it would I have realized how bad my problem was? Am I going to criticize them about something they do wrong to defend my actions and my ego? Or should I just focus on me, my growth, the support I eventually got when I reached out in time of distress, and keeping my side of the road clean? Just things to think about, for me, for you. Healthy relationships and friendships start with you, and being mindful.

Which leads me to the "cool kids" or "good time charlie's" as I had once explained to me. We make a lot of compromises to ourselves and our lives, to be accepted by certain social groups. It is hard to stay true to yourself on occasion. There are always those people, or groups, you may be drawn to, but don't necessarily fit in with. It's always good to find the people who have the best interest for you in their hearts, not someone who makes you look cool on the exterior, just wants to have "big fun" with you. A friend recently told me that they were not up to big groups, but appreciated the on e on one time we shared together. I accept my friends for who they are, their preferences, and I don't feel I need to force them to have fun in large groups with me, but I will make time for them one on one, and maybe even help them get used to big groups, a little bit at a time. Even I have issues coping with big groups sometime. I have made the mistake of neglecting good friends for the "good time charlies" in the past. On the long run, I learned who mattered more to me, the hard way. Through the experience though I have learned who I can count on when I am hit rock bottom, when I am ill, when I am in that dark place of no return, when I am wasted and no one but they will look after me, when I am broke, when my life is changing dramatically, when I make life decisions to pursue a "'dream".... they are there for me, help me, support me, love me, and accept me, understand me... while the cool kids are out having fun. Let them have fun! But I will be there for the person who is there for me, when they are down... as they were there for me...In good times and bad, sickness and health, through love and war!

"Friendship is a gift we give ourselves." - Unknown

"A friend in need is a friend indeed." Aesop's Fables

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” CS Lewis

“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”  Albert Camus

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” Elbert Hubbard

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.” Bob Marley

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” Shakespeare

“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.”  Hellen Keller

“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” Aristotle

“I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.”  John Katz

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.” Muhammad Ali

“Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.” Shakespeare

“Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?” Richard Bach

“Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.”  Richard Bach

“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.” Richard Bach

“Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.”  Richard Bach

“Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” Richard Bach

“We teach best what we most need to learn.” Richard Bach





Breathe

I forgot to mention, but animals are my friends too... they are beautiful people!

My lovely friend Shelby, and our friend Justin!

Third Decade Complete

On the brink of completing my third decade here as a human being on earth, many thoughts come to mind as I come to this milestone. Some measure life through accomplishments - financial, career, or family creation. Some say age is nothing but a number. Some say life starts at thirty. Some say the biological clock of a woman in her thirties is ticking real fast! Some say ... there are a lot of sayings and interpretations... I maybe behind on the achievements side, but where I lack there... I make up in a number of other fields.

Here I sit, panicked, anxious, and counting my blessings. Seriously counting... Pree, what makes your life on earth, using all these natural resources and air, worth it? What do you contribute? What have you DONE so far? I can compare my self to others and I would fall short, and relative to others still I may have accomplished more. However IS life a competition as to who has done what? Sometimes I think Indians today seem to focus on this a lot, especially the ones I know. Also I guess all people in general want to be proud of their kin, family, children.

I found out from my mom 30 years ago on the night of the 14th at 2am did the contractions begin. Her father drove her to the hospital, and my dad arrived there shortly, however he didn't see me come out, he has a week stomach and would have fainted. They did not know if I was going to be a boy or girl, so I was a surprise! They played Indian classical music as I was born naturally. I loved reading and animals right off the bat, and my favorite Hindi movie was Nagina, where Sridevi acts as a lady who turns into a snake! I remember my sis being born, I called her "Baby" for many years, even when  we moved to India and went to school there. "Baby" was my best friend, sister, and inspiration for many a things! We created worlds together.

I think the major things that I've learnt from completing three decades is how to make good true friends, letting go, introspection, and living, loving, laughing and learning! I learned through all my different friendships and relationships how to be good at them, how to be a good friend and how to appreciate those who are good friends to me. Many a time I failed. Relationships whether family, friends or lovers, can be difficult. Friendships seem simple enough but not always so. Sometimes it can be difficult, sometimes people change and sometimes they are annoying, but always you remember who they are deep inside, and know they have loved you back. Sometimes people let you down, but don't take you personally. I have, taken it personally many times, cried over lost friendships, disloyalty... drama! This leads to the second thing I learned: Letting go. However I am have an amazing group of friends... so glad to have you all in my life!

I learnt (and am still learning) the art of letting go, and that it is OKAY to let go. it's ok to embrace the ebb and flow of the the things, people, places in your life. It's dynamic, its impermanent, exhale and let it go! especially let go of the stresses of the day, any problems that are lingering, let it go for one second. Sure enough if a friend is a friend they come back, sometimes we all need space to grow in other ways. Letting go is tough because we get so attached to things that are external that make us happy. We focus on those so much that we forget that we can find that "happy" inside, if we clear the junk. This leads to the next accomplishment.

Introspection, meditation, analysis, using the logical mind when possible. I often like to delve deep, find meaning, and understand things thoroughly. I am still perfecting this skill, but it has been useful to find understand others, life, myself and love. I'm not the best at this yet, in fact I struggle with my monkey mind. I am told it gets easier, and better with practice. Meditation helps calm the mind body and soul, thus making reality seem clear. Which leads to better living, and loving.

Yes I learned to love. I love this guy, he tries my patience constantly but I do love him. Care for him. We aren't perfect people, but we try to make each other better. We learn and grow together, (he may agree or disagree with this!), we learn together, about life, love and each other! Mostly is learning how to be focused, and heck dealing with a long term relationship! It's been tough, but worth it. Laughing together, that's one thing I have learned and enjoyed! 

Through loving I learned to laugh! Laugh at life, ourselves, and it's OK to laugh a hearty laugh as long as no one gets truly hurt (I used to be hypersensitive and get hurt at the slightest joke remotely connected to me. Lesson learned: be less hypersensitive, or come up with a good reason for that hypersensitive-ness).

There were many things learnt along the way, and many more things to learn! I am now working on my 200 hour Yoga Teacher's Training Certificate, working on a book, and learning to refine all the above mentioned skills. I've learned how to take the reigns of control over my body, and health. Never am I letting that go again (ok we say that and sometimes things happen... but to the best of my ability I will hold on to it). I will climb more, write more, love more! These will be my achievements, different from the norms or whats expected but I feel good about these...

Breathe more!


Om!

My sis and I Yoga Posing! 2012 Summer!

This was also my 200th post! :-) yaay!

Meaningful Snail Mail

2013 hmm... Facebook... hmm... Social networking... emails... friendships....

Checking my inbox and I see spam. Checking my mailbox I see spam fliers! Once upon a time I would get letters from friends, and then later when times changed, I did receive actual emails from friends. Recently this has become very rare. I mostly use email for work, or for buying stuff. When was the last time a friend sent you a long meaningful email? My sis and I have a gratitude email we send out each day. Everyone adds a short list of what they are grateful for that moment, that day. It keeps us focused on the positive.

Another thing I do is, I try to spark some meaningful emails among few friends, but with texting, facebook, twitter, whatsapp, email, etc. etc. No meaningful interactions are really made, or it is more rare. This just saddens me because I love meaningful conversations, I love good laughs with friends near and far. I treat each day like not a moment has past since we last met. Sometimes I get a reply, sometimes a few follow up emails... but then it dies down from one-side or the other.

This year many of my friends listed "keeping in touch with friends, better/ more often" as their new year's resolution. Does this mean you touch base with them once a year? Twice a year? Quarterly? Monthly? Weekly? I'm not saying we must all have a meaningful dialogue every second... but truly what IS the meaning of life without good friends to connect or re-connect with? I will be crude here: you are doing the same shit on a different day, day after day, whether it is work, partying, drinking, gym-ing, reading, watching t.v., doing hobbies... Or maybe you do not seek meaning in life. :-P Maybe you are already connected with friends in a meaningful way and in that case this isn't for you.

I have a dear friend here in Ohio. We live 20-30 minutes apart, however work, schedules, and sometimes weather keep us from hanging out. When we do hang out, it is deep, connecting, bonding time. We are honest with each other when we cancel plans; whether it is low on cash, or 'Hey i am sorry i double booked, please forgive me! but I planned with Becky before you' or 'something else came up' or 'I'm going to blow off our yoga time cause the guy I had a crush on finally asked me out!' or 'I just don't feel like driving', or 'I really just don't feel like it, can we reschedule?'. Being honest works, because you are being honest to yourself and to your friend. It brings you closer, plus friends are understanding and supportive of each other. Most of us can tell when a friend is being flaky, or when their excuse is really a "white lie" covering up for their 'I just don't feel like it'. Honesty increases respect for each other. try it sometimes! My point was that although being in the same state, neighboring cities, should not be an excuse for not hanging out. Same thing, don't forget to try to give your friend a call, or shoot them an email, or reply to their text. Sometimes life happens, it can get in the way, but like my friend and I, we make it a point to hang out, and make things we do together memorable, meaningful and most of all a type of fun we both enjoy! I wish we did it more often.

So, when you make that new years resolution to keep in touch with your friends, set some goals out, just like you would do if you were going to lose weight by eating healthy and working out more. Take this as serious. Who are your good friends? Who are friends that consider you a good friend but you haven't given them a shot at friendship, maybe try this time? How often will you keep in touch? Method of communication which is good for both of you? What are the new major developments in the person's life to keep track of? Remember to pace yourself because you can get stretched too thin.

Honestly, being a good friend comes naturally to some, but not to all. I noticed when reconnecting with friends they had significant others, husbands/wives/partners, and some even have children now! It's hard to keep track of names. So I try to remember by writing their names down together. I feel bad when I call a dear friend and I say "oh and how's the husband?" I want to be able to say their names. I don't know about some of you, but I do take friendship seriously.

Another facebook trend is a status message that says - 'this year I am practicing giving (or something to that effect), and the first 5 to comment on my status will receive something from me. Now please post this on your wall.' Last year I started writing letters to people I hadn't talked to in a long while. I reflected on our friendship, and wrote to them short notes, a card, a drawing, a long letter... It was one of the tasks to be done in the book/ course 'The Artist's Way'. So a bunch of people got letters, some replied, some emailed, some texted or called. I actually did not expect anything! However remember getting a letter in the mail from a friend? It's better than getting something from Amazon in the mail. It's a part of your friend, but on paper, just for you... written from the heart.

Now we type emails, it's faster, but how many do we really put effort into? Is the heart of your email inbox empty? Is it craving meaningful connection?

Let's catch up!


Breathe!

Lovely Letter from my friend Trina

Other letters I received from friends!

Wrote one to Ryan!

A letter to my sister!

A card for a friend!

A picture card from Mandy and David!

The Rape of Shakti

A sister passed away today. She was a survivor of a more than brutal crime against her body, her womanhood, her femininity, her shakti. She was assaulted, and raped, she eventually died from her injuries. This is not the first case. This is just the first outright case of violence against women.

If you do not know what happened, Google Delhi Gang Rape, for more details. The gist: A 23 year old medical student was leaving the movies with her male friend at around 9pm. She was brutally raped by seven men, and it included an iron rod, on a moving bus. He was beaten, and also tried to defend her. They were stripped of their clothes and thrown out of the bus. She survived for 10 days, with so many injuries, and only 5% of her intestines left...

Before I go on, a few women have ruined the case of rape/sexual harassment for the rest of us, by making false claims. Now this has become a common excuse now for the rapists/harassers. Every rape is now questioned for validity, legitimacy... This case was legitimate beyond a doubt, although politicians and such never seize to make outrageous comments.

I always find it strange that in a land that worships Durga, Kali, Laxshmi, Saraswathi, just a few of the powerful Goddesses worshiped in Hinduism, that so many women can be raped. What is it that makes a man do this despite, laws, police, government? I have known for ages, and only recently my eyes have realized that it was the society, the culture. It is not only in India, but in many countries, cultures, and societies.

As a teenager, in India, I was never seen as a "good girl", I always lived on the edge, sought out danger, adventure and never listened to my parents, typical rebellious teenager ... a guy I was dating, his mom forbid me to date him for I was not Indian enough. Another guy's mom said I was too modern. The fact that I dated openly and had guy friends was bad as it is. I got in trouble once with the vice principal for "boys" being an unsuitable hobby (apparently, if I remember correctly, I was caught talking in chapel to my best guy friend, who also got in trouble a lot for being a smart ass with everyone). So she called my mom to come in. My mom obliged, and the vice principal told her "what do you think of your daughter having "boys" as her extracurricular activity?" My mom replied "P has many guy friends, and she is old enough to know what's good for her." Yes I wore jeans and other western clothes, liked hanging out with guys, I dated a few guys too, and liked going out a lot. There were rumours about me, as there maybe about any girl who is seen publicly holding a guy's hand.

I enjoyed dating guys, getting attention, the romance of it all, the fluttery feeling of "falling in love", heck! I was a youngen. I loved the magic I could share with a guy, I don't even know how to describe it, infatuation perhaps? I loved the feeling of being loved... So many reasons why young love is so lovely. However, it did come with many a heartbreak.

Somewhere along the line I began hanging out with some college girls, who introduced me to some of their male friends. We went to the disco many times. Most of the girls my age went to discos (Kids were allowed in on weekends). One night one of the older guys, who I had gotten close to, took advantage of me, while I was under the influence. My naivete got the better of me, and I had no idea what constituted rape, at the time. I thought rape was only when a man beat the women, and he was unknown to her. After a few months I finally told someone that I thought I had been raped by this man. I was blamed for it... I shouldn't have gone to the club. I shouldn't have been drinking (although I had no idea there was alcohol in the "Pepsi"). In the end, we did press charges, I don't think the case went anywhere because someone paid someone else off to have the charges dropped. So was it rape? Not according to the law. It was on me. Yes I shouldn't have done a lot of things. I was to blame.

I was a minor, I knew I did not want to have sex, but he raped me while I was drunk and I had no strength to defend myself, and saying "no" many times, obviously meant nothing or meant "yes" to him. He wasn't brutal, but it was still forceful. I may have liked him as a person, but it didn't mean I wanted to have sex. It did turn out that I wasn't his first or last victim. There were many girls, younger than me, older than me. He never got into trouble for he was rich and married. No rich, married business man can ever do any wrong. My virginity was taken from me that night. Will I ever get it back? No! My first time ever having sex, was very awful, I will never be able to undo those memories. At least I have my life, and health and body. It could have been worse. I feel deeply for that dear girl, it could have been me; but we have survived.

I went through major therapy, psychologists, counselors, and a lot of growing up really quickly. However, the general attitude always was- don't drink, don't go to clubs/discos, and stay away from guys. I was a modern / western girl living in India. I felt like I was such a scar to my family. Even "friends" would kind of say, that I pretty much did it to myself. These friends told friends, and I am sure there were awful rumours about me! I know they did. I shaved my hair off in 12th grade. I didn't want to be pretty anymore. I thought it would make me invisible; I remember girls being nasty to me before, maybe they would stop. They all thought I was a "slut", and they didn't have the best intentions I thought, for I heard rumours of what they talked about me. Now they all thought "wow she really is damaged. Something is wrong with her." Every now and then someone would reach out a "friendly" hand, but it was always hard to know if it was genuine, or a ploy to get information. I don't think the closest of my friends knew, and if they did, they doubted me. I doubted me. I was 16!

I traveled to USA to start college and a new life! I went to a conservative christian college, instead of going to one in New York, because my family decided it would be safer. In New York, I risked getting into drugs, pregnancy etc. The Midwest would be safer. So here I am... everything was going well, and then one night at a party on campus, I got drunk (maybe New York wasn't such a bad idea after all). My friend let me pass out on his couch. When I came to, a guy was on top of me. I was so drunk off of tequila shots, I could not even protect myself. Finally I got strength to push him off, and I ran away. My memories are still fuzzy from that night. I kept it all to myself, once again I did not know if this was rape! No one tells us young girls WHAT IS RAPE. It is such a difficult subject to talk about to young women. All of us think, it will never happen to me. It festered in me for a long time, and I messed up. Again it was my fault for going to the party. It was my fault for drinking too much. It was my fault.

The dean called me, since it affected my studies and my behavior, and asked me what was wrong. I kind of told him since I knew I was wrong for having been drinking on campus. I was more scared of being punished for that. I did what any good Christian would do, forgive the "rapist", it felt more appropriate than having him expelled. Besides it was my own folly. Although it did turn out he was an obsessive, stalker, and creep. It was still my fault. I didn't learn from the first time. I shouldn't have been drinking, I shouldn't have gone to a friend's party. These things are just not safe for anyone. Although I have been to parties where my female friends do get drunk, there are boys around, and we take care of each other. My friend took care of me, but had no idea what his room mate was. Anyway my young self got me in such a mess, and I landed up having to see a therapist again, doing community service, and going to a class for being on academic probation. I just couldn't tell the authorities his name for I thought it WAS indeed MY FAULT, and he didn't need his whole life ruined by me having him expelled. I look back, and realize I wouldn't be here writing this if all this didn't happen the way it did. I was 19, and now I am almost 30... if I knew what I know now about being a woman, things would be different. I am not the only one, there are so many other girls, sisters, survivors like me, who just did not know what to do, and for years they blamed themselves.

My own sister was raped, here in the US, brutally, with a gun to her head. When appearing in court, everyone advised my sister to dress modestly. She would dress formally in a suite, but she did have "high lights" in her hair. Some people thought this would reflect badly on her. Why should she undo her high lights, you ask... because girls who have blonde high lights are usually more partying type I suppose? Anyway he got off not guilty, because he did not take the stand, and therefor his priors were not brought up. My sister lost the case not solely due to her appearance, but for other reasons too. However the defense brought up her appearance as a reason why she was likely raped, as if tempting men, lying to parents, smoking weed all means you deserve to be raped, or that you could be lying about being raped. Luckily because this guy tried to kill one of his baby mamma's baby while it was still in her, he is now on death row. Justice however was not served in the case of my sister, not directly at least.

My sister's case was more brutal than mine, but rape is rape. The med student raped in Delhi, India, was more than brutally raped, it is still rape. She survived, and fought till her last breath. We are survivors, not victims. Did we deserve it? NO! Was a crime committed against us? Yes. Will we get justice- Maybe. But we are survivors. We grew stronger and now we know what we can do to help change things. 

I grew up with the ideas and these are the thoughts WE NEED to change:

- if you are dress skanky/slutty you probably deserve something bad happening to you

- it is usually your fault for leading him on

- drinking is bad, if you are drunk and something bad happens to you it is your fault

- pretty girls are more likely to be raped

- rape is only when the person is unknown, and there is tearing of clothes and utter brutality

- sexual harassment is only when things get physical

- if a girl hits or wrongs a guy she deserves to be raped

- if she was a bad person she deserves to be raped

- its ok to rape a girl who sleeps around with guys

- its ok to rape a stripper, prostitute because they sell it anyway right?

- a girl who is raped is damaged goods

- a girl who is raped is outcast

- girls should not go out late at night

- cleavage = rape

- shorts = rape

- one can rape a cousin, neice because they are related

- if a girl is passed out from alcohol, drugs/ fainted/unconscious it is ok to have sex with her

- if you are a wife or girlfriend of a person he may force himself on you

- when a women says no, she actually means yes

- if girls dress provocatively they probably want to have sex and be raped

- its ok to rape people of a certain race/ nationality/ religion

- its ok to rape lesbians / gay men

- its ok to rape a girl who has already had sex

- it is ok to rape a girl who has been raped

- sinners deserve to be raped

- if you are raped God probably is making it happen

- rape and other bad things happen because of karma

- forcing oral sex, or other things is not rape

- rape is only when the women is beaten

- it is not legitimate rape when the women gets pregnant

- women can not get pregnant from rape

- women mostly lie about rape

- its ok rape women when we are at war with their country

...

It goes ON!

Is it really our fault? Is brutal rape more "real" of a rape than party rape? Is molestation less of a crime than brutal rape? Really why do we accept ANY of these? In India getting felt up in a bus, or while shopping at New Market was tolerated, put up with... it was just what happened. Why should we, as respectable women, no matter what our life story, no matter if we are a princess, nun or a stripper, have to put up with this abuse? It's not just in India. It's not that one country's laws is better than another... its the attitude we all have in general toward women. The worst is women judging women.

We need to change the way we think, our attitudes, our beliefs, our laws, our standards for human rights. We need to reverse these ideas, for they are all archaic.
How: Just starting from "Oh my, Leanne is dressed in such a short skirt! What a slut!" We can stop that thought right there! Because that's the thinking, the judging of who deserves what that's the birth right there. If Leanne did get raped, would you think? "Oh that's not surprising, she shouldn't have dressed like that! She was asking for it." The thought should have been "She didn't deserve it."

Instead of thinking: Yeah girls who go clubbing and dress in those skimpy clothes , are sure asking for trouble. 

Think: Wow I am glad she has the confidence to go out in public like that!

Instead of: What did she expect she was getting drunk at a bar...

Think: Maybe if some real men stood up for her and helped her home.

So many such instances occur. We make comments. We have these ideas, and its not just us, but the law makers, the police, the rapists themselves... they use the same thoughts we do. We can not prevent every single rape, we can not change everyone, but we, as individuals, can be more mindful, conscious, and create awareness; tell your daughters, sisters, nieces... and help educate your sons, grandsons, nephews, brothers of how women should be treated equally, respected. Truly, ask yourselves what you believe/think and feel. It starts with you, You and I are society, are the culture, are the attitude. As we change, slowly but surely our policies and laws, on rape and other crimes against women/children, will change.

During this past election we heard some outrageous comments by members of the GOP on rape, and women. This archaic ideology and thinking exists here in the USA, today, and among many many people, not the majority luckily. The fact that it does exist though, is scary enough. Can we really blame India for being like this though? When so many people in this very great nation think the same way as many Indian men, think/behave? If your read a few blogs back, my sister shares her story, her very methodical analysis of how even four years ago we knew there was something wrong with this nations approach to women.

I am trying to figure out how to start this process of changing how we think. I think through Conscious Culture, and other means I can help. I also want to point out abuse and rape does not start and end there, molesting, groping women and children are also as bad. We need to definitley educate children from a young age so they can be aware and know. A child can not tell if they are just being adored by their uncle, or being molested. Also out of fear or respect they may never say anything. We have to start somewhere. I know I will start somehow and somewhere and I welcome ideas, and helping hands who would like to join. Although I feel my rape case was not legitimized by the law of the various lands, I still feel like my words, my story counts. I can help, I can make a difference. We need to keep passing the torch.

Ok I need to let this rest for tonight.

Until then...

Shakti in all her forms elegant, powerfule and terrible... none of them deserve this rape.

So let Shakti rise, and awaken, and her light shine on all to see... heal the survivors, and heal those who attack her. For this rape and rampage has to come to an end.

Breathe.

I finally feel okay sharing my story, and I am not looking for sympathy, but instead help everyone realize that we are all survivors, and more women should help share their stories to help spread awareness. So that we all realize that society, culture, policies and attitudes have to change.

Let's do this!

PS:

So apparently my story is not unusual... college girls get drunk at parties and get taken advantage of... should it be accepted? Should we just not go to clubbing, because it is just putting yourself out there at risk? Should we even go to the movies? Once we stop doing things because of safety, and accept that certain things aren't safe for women? Should we live in a bubble? She we never go out, not work, not go to college, not be near men? It's not just at clubs, it could be family, classmates or coworkers...

Or should we work on making this world a place where every place is safe for everyone except criminals? Of course not everyone will change, that would be too idealistic, however if majority changes, that would be enough. Respect; stricter laws on harassment, rape, abuse; we don't want to take advantage of the system we just want to protect our bodies; education; more research on rape victims, on why rape happens; teaching our children early...



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Falling for Fall

It's amazing how our energies change month to month, person to person, season to season... It is always in Autumn that my Chakras seem so activated and open. A sense of calm, understanding, love and acceptance sweeps over me. It's a dream world, these red, orange and yellow leaves; when the wind blows the trees gently shake their blessings of golden hued crispy dust onto me.

The trees themselves, so happy, they get ready for hibernating for the winter. They smile, they look dead to us, but they smile and lay their heads down to slumber through winter.

I remember as a kid I would go sit myself down in a huge pile of red, yellow and brown leaves which my parents would have so meticulously cleaned off the lawn. I would pick that spot to read a book, it just seemed perfect! Why sit anywhere else?! I think I got yelled at for sitting there and ruining the pile.

I remember being mystified by fall, the once green lawn turned red and yellow over night, blanketed in leaves. My parents would make piles and clean them off. The next day there would be yet another blanket of red, orange and yellow... the trees were shedding their next layer. The air wood get chillier and I would see dark shadows rise up in places I never saw them at in summer. The neighborhood dog turned into a wolf, the raccoons turned into vicious burglars, the pumpkin patch was vandalized, the squirrels turned into greedy little hoarders. The deer got braver and appeared majestically between the leafless apple trees. Once my parents brought us down in the middle of the night to show us a badger, badgering about the lawn. It was like catching the thief red handed! He scampered away into the darkness. I don't remember what the hue and cry was for, but it was fun.

Falls in India were much different, depending on where it was at. In Madras it meant Diwali/Deepavali, Kali Puja, Navaratri, Dashera and Durga Puja (Dashera and Navaratri are Durga Puja but in different names. They all celebrate Shakti). So it meant new clothes, sweets, fireworks, music, art and drama! The days do seem to get longer, and darker at least. The food at this time changes to the more satisfying kichudi, which warms you up to the core. This fall weather lasts through till about February and then it begins to heat up (not that it cooled down much). Fall in Madras meant to me a time of community, art and family. Sometimes a trip to Calcutta for Durga puja.

Calcutta falls, yes it gets chilly and we have to begin to wear our blazers toward the end of October. Fall means Durga Puja! 10 days of holiday in West Bengal. Crowds, road blockages, art, festival, large tents and "pandals" erected in every neighborhood. Shakti is dancing in everyone's hearts. The Mahalaya can be heard on loudspeakers everywhere, then children performing, grownups reciting poems... so much cultural activity. It all ends with drums, dance, and these lovely idols depicting the goddesses being submerged into the Ganges River. The idol is gone, but her spirit stays back with all the people. The arts is washed away, only to re-inspire another year of artistry and hard-work.

Fall in the above the tropics in the northern hemisphere, means bonfires, 'smores, camping, holidays are around the corner, the festivities of hallows' eve, horror movies, hiking weather, blessings of nature... utter beauty and acceptance of change which only nature can give us so freely with love.
Falling for fall: The last of the beautiful bright blue skies, and the last rays of the  warm golden sun, for a few months, until spring. Seems like such a long time from Fall to Spring. Fall colors, smells, the crisp air, warm clothes and the yearning to gather around bonfires and tell stories of Summer!

Greenbrier County, WV 2007

Greenbrier WV 2007

Greenbrier WV 2007

Greenbrier WV 2007

Greenbrier WV 2007

Greenbrier, WV 2007

WV - New River 2010

WV- NRG 2010

The Upper Gauley, WV 2011

My favorite Lothlorien tree at The Point, NRG, WV 2010

Namaste - Prana Workshop

This past weekend my sister visited. She and I held a workshop, for meditation, yoga, art, song, and healing. Piyali has been holding such gatherings and workshops in central park, New York for the entire of summer. I was lucky to be a part of one such workshop during the celebration of her graduation. We did this under the mind tree in central park. She was visiting Ohio on business, and meeting with the co-founder of her organization Kevin (More information about their non-profit can be found at this link Conscious Culture). She asked me to organize one of these so I invited almost everyone I knew in Cleveland area. Sorry if I left someone out, it was a rushed project and wish we could have found a bigger place. About 15 people were present and we bonded through the following activities:

We began by introducing ourselves and sharing how we felt at this moment in one word. Everyone said their name, and expressed how they felt right then - examples nervous, calm, excited, open, curious, energetic, anxious. This helped us make ourselves aware of us NOW, making us present.

Next we prepared for the rest of the session by calming our minds and energies through meditation. We sat straight at a place we felt comfortable and closed our eyes for ten minutes, as Piyali led us in meditation, guiding our thoughts, and breathing.

This was followed by Yoga, particularly the Surya Namaskar (sun salutation). My mother, who teaches yoga out of that very basement, led us in one of the many variations of the Surya Namaskar. This variation incorporated the warrior poses, trikonasana, downward dog, plank, cobra and stretching. It was very relaxing, a work out, some people felt loosened up, lighter, meditative.

Forgiveness and introspection was the next activity by means of art and horse stance. We began by forgiving ourselves and through forgiving ourselves, forgiving someone we are in conflict with at this time. We had to recognize what we were upset with the other person about, and make sure our side of the street was clean. We then wrote a loving letter to ourself, or to that person we were in conflict with.

Next we sang songs! Kevin shared a Yiddish song with us which his grandmother would sing to him and his brother when they would fight. It was about non-violence. Piyali taught us a few songs, "All I ask of you is to forever remember me as loving you", "Deep in my heart I've got this everlasting light" and the "Circle Song" which we sang at the end with the angel walk. Sarah shared a song with the group, where we went around in a circle and opened our eyes and hearts to each other it was lovely!

The Angel Walk (in this case Angel Circle) was last and it was emotional, overwhelming, and so much love! This was how everyone finally bonded. We stood in a circle, and a person would go to the center and spin themselves with their eyes closed. This person in the center would receive love from everyone around them. Each person would go up to them and share love, from a pat on the shoulder, a whisper in the ear, a hug, a kiss on the cheek. I was the first to go to the center, at first it felt awkward, but then everyone was singing "Oh Priyanka we love you so, Oh Priyanka we want you to know, there's a circle of love around you, there's a circle of love in your heart. there's a circle of family around you. There's a circle of love in your heart..." Hearing my name and the word "love" over and over really dug deep. I kept getting hugs, kisses, and people touching my face in caring, and whispering "I love you Pree" in my ear - touched me deep in my heart. And i let myself receive this love and began crying. It was very powerful, moving, overwhelming, and one of the best experiences ever. I will draw my strength from this lovely cathartic moment. As of that moment we opened up to each other, and we became a family!

After everyone had a chance to go in the middle - Indira, Eric, Nikki, Sarah, Pedro, Justin, Shelby, Stuey, Kevin, Summer, Nino, Debbie, Gina, Jala, Ryan and Piyali; we proceeded upstairs to have a delicious snack. And snack we did, everyone had brought such lovely healthy snacks, and my mother and sister had prepared Quinoa as a Kichudi (indian rice dish). There was salads, fruits, veggie chips, angel fruit cake, apples with caramel dipping sauce, and chocolate covered popcorn!

People began leaving however Piyali began her fabulous face painting and hoped to spin some fire. I had a crash course in safety and had to be her safety! It was my honor! There was a small music malfunction. Jala, Shelby, Justin, Sanjay and Ryan were lucky to stay for dinner cooked by Kevin, my mom and I. Which was Kale chips, fish cooked in vodka, wheat spaghetti and sauce. There was also lovely salad again. Justin helped out in the kitchen as well! This was mighty lovely.

Lastly Sanjay ended the night for all of us with a lovely Carnatic Raga. He explained to us about how Carnatic music, is different from north Indian- Hindustani music, and from Western Classical music as well! It was lovely and educational.

We all said good night and left as Piyali and Kevin had 5am flights the next morning. It was all quite a wonderful time, and I hope everyone learnt from it, received from it, and gained from it as much as I did!

I hope to host more of these soon. Let me know if you are in Cleveland and would like me to host one of these! Just invite the people, and set a venue.

Baby Buddha