English Blogs – Page 2 – Chandra's Anecdotes

Sat morning conversation with Nina, about the meaning of our name

As I promised I took Nina to bank this morning so she can finish some work. She just needed me to drive her but did all the talking and decision how to invest her money where by herself. I was in awe seeing her poise, knowledge and the way she handled her conversation with the bank manager. Nobody will know that she never went beyond primary school that to in Poland. While coming back we discussed what is the meaning her name and my name. I also let her listen to the song and told her the story how I chopped up my name to Chandra after I listen to this song. Here is a post for U all today and few lines from our conversation.
I told her that Nina is a Hindi name meaning “pretty eyes.” …and the name of a Babylonian goddess. …and a nickname for names ending in -nina, like Antonina and Penina.My original name Chandramani generally means Moonstone or Jewel, is of Sanskrit, Indian origin, Name Chandramani is a Feminine (or Girl) name. Person with name Chandramani are mainly Hindu by religion.
We both laughed and said that now of course “I am simply Chandra!!!!!” I read her the translation of the poem from Odia to English which a kind friend did for me. Enjoy it as we both did while driving back to her nursing home.

Nadira nama alasakanyA..

—————————
A river named shy Damsel…

nadira nama alasakanya
tirara nama tandra
gramara nama swapnapuri
priyara nama chandra
priyara nama chandra…
nadira nama alasakanya…

********
By a river named shy damsel

(Flowing) with sides of swooning beauty

living in the riparian village of Dreamland

Beloved named Chandra…

********
aakhira nama shaamuka tara
luhara nama muktaa
premara nama padmamadhu
biraha nama riktaa
tara irsha nama prabhanjana
anurage se bhadra
gramara nama swapnapuri
priyara nama chandra…

********
Her eyes are like shelled mollusk

which flows the tears like pearl

Her love is like honey from lotus

and bereft of that feels like emptiness all around

Her jealousy is fleeting (like wind)

In affection she is a blessing

********

prathama chuaan kadamba phula
kathara nama bansi
bepathu nama patrajhara
mana ta banahansi
tara lajara nama krushnachuda
chumbana ta nidra
gramara nama swapnapuri
priyara nama chandra…

********
Her Maiden touch is like that of Kadamba (flower)

Her words feel like the melody from the flute

Her throbbing lips greet like fluttering leaves

with a mind of untethered swan

She blushes like KrushnachudA (flower)

and her kiss puts into blissful repose

An afternoon with my friend NIna

My friend for the last 30 years, Nina whom I love a lot.

No matter when I go I see her bedroom this way. Always simple but clean. She does all her work by herself for FYI.

Her chest where she keeps her stuff which is small but very impeccable.

Few hours with her and time for me to say good bye as we hugged.

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. Good friends help you to find important things when you have lost them…your smile, your hope, and your courage.”

Yesterday I opted to spend some time around a nursing home where my friend Nina lives now. Nina is a 95-year-old beautiful lady who is a war victim during the world war ll. She was from Poland. Some 30 years back I met Nina at YMCA where I was taking exercise class. Her outgoing nature and full moon smile made me to become her friend immediately and we started talking about life, family and other small things during our exercise. I came to know that she had no children but she loved little children. I had my son Sanjay at that time and Nina just loved him a lot. Since then she has come to my home for Thanks Giving dinners and attended my daughter’s wedding and Sanjay’s birthday party. I have taken her to stores, doctor’s office grocery shopping when she needed. If my mother was alive she would have same age as Nina but I consider each other as friends rather than making her my aunt like most Indian people do when they meet someone older than them. As per her, the kindest thing I have done is to call upon her monthly and we spend some time together either talking, walking or shopping. She often waits for me eagerly

I have seen many changes with her within last 30 years. She has down sized her home and moved to a nursing home. I would say that although she has no formal education she is a smart lady. She takes care of her health, finance and drove till she was 90-years-old. Her place is always very organized and clean. I have learnt from her to take risks, explore the world, develop mind and do a job which we like. Physical appearance is important to her and she exercise daily and takes good care of her body and mind. She has perfect straight teeth at her age which is amazing.

I always return home with lot of happiness when I visit her. She reminds me to cherish my body and soul which can sail us through the adventure which is life. As per her if the ship is broken we are not going anywhere. Keeping to maintain good health, I signed up for my Zumba class (form of dance ) hoping to enjoy and get pleasure. Please see the caption and get a glimpse of her life thru today’s post.

Writing a post on my Birthday

The sky looked very pretty on my Birth Day.I t seemed as if it is welcoming me with open arm and saying now it is my turn.

Every Sunday few of us get together at the local park and do our yoga practice. There was no exception for me today. The blue mat was mine when I got up to take the photo for U all.

One of my special friend said everything what this flowers say. Just to look at the nature and enjoy. It conveys to feel the feeling. Just the way I feel wind inside and outside of my body and soul,. The feeling was like touch of soft breeze from Puri sea beach where I am from.

Someone asked where I will go for breakfast, lunch or dinner. No going out for me since I love to cook at home for my family. I made my famous omelette and we three (my husband, my daughter and me) enjoyed breakfast. Not sure about lunch but for sure dinner will be made by no one but my husband who is a great cook and I have learnt most of my cooking from him.

A card from my dear daughter and her family always makes me feel rich in love. My children are my strength. They are my teachers, advisers and friend. I have learnt so much from them about sports, life and how to have fun in spite of adversity. The special love comes when my gran daughter makes me food to eat or knit scarf for her Aai. It is always a pleasure to have my son in law around and I am blessed with his love for us since 1997.

A birthday celebration within your dream is a positive omen. … Dreaming of a birthday foretells a calm period in your life. It is a good dream letting you know that you will enjoy a time of good health and a life of ease. I heard that dreaming of your birth day omeans good fortune is coming your way. I have been thinking about my BD since I may opt to retire from my job this year. Yesterday before my BD when I was sleeping I had this dream that I was in a big auditorium enjoying the Beatles concert. All of a sudden I heard my alaram went off and I told myself, please not now. Here is the song I was enjoying:

Early morning on my BD. The sun is smiling at me and so also my fy and friends who wished me Happy BD. Please see caption for each photo. I have to post for you all what #Moonmoon wrote for me here, for U all my fy and friends.
“A toast to your never ending agility, childlike zeal and endeavor, vivacity, diva like never say die attitude, fun loving persona and of course a dreams are made of type success story!!”may you keep on entertaining and enthralling us all our lives, you have already achieved so much but may the blonde in a red dress with high heels keep on smiling at me from the cover when I read her autobiography!!!” I truly believe every word she says and never shy away to work hard or to try anything new. Having fun is a must in my list of things to do. Enjoy the song I chose for myself. All my good luck would not have been possible if I would not married to my husband who always respected me as equal partner and allowed me to be myself which is nothing but enjoying life in a lively, lighthearted way.

Days and Moments of All Our 50 years!!!!

जब कोई बात बिगड़ जाये / Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye – Jurm – Kumar Sanu

The song was chosen by Moonmoon Tongia

Yesterday in a gathering one of my friends asked me, if I had an arranged marriage? My answer to her was, yes and we are now married for 50 years. Her question kept me thinking and made me post this today: An arranged marriage is a type of marital union where the bride and groom are selected by individuals other than the couple themselves, particularly by family members such as the parents. In some cultures, a professional matchmaker may be used to find a spouse for a young person. Arranged marriages have historically been prominent in many cultures. The practice remains common in many regions, notably South Asia, though in many other parts of the world the practice has declined substantially during the 19th and 20th centuries.

My parents and family made the match for me and at that time this was the way marriages happened in India. We had limited help from our extended family. We’ve grown old together now, seen each other like friends amidst plenty of ups and downs…I’m grateful to our families for bestowing me with a life partner who has supported me through thick and thin. He has ensured that I pursued my dreams, with him by my side. Posting for you all a photo of two trees in a background where the trees are grown together in nature side by side and thrive. It was not a match made in heaven, but as you know, “opposites attract” and the rest is history!!!

Sarita my niece Kuni (the little girl)

Sarita (Kuni) is an Indian feminine given name meaning “a river”. It is also one of the many names of the Hindu goddess Durga who is the stronges among all God and Goddess. Since she is the youngest child in my sister’s house we all called her as “Kuni” the lttle girl. While walking today I tried to concentrate my thoughts on Kuni my niece. She is a gift whose worth can’t be measured except by the feelings in my heart. I came to know her ever since she was born since I used to visit my sister in summer and other time.

As time passed I saw her more since I married her uncle. Our bond became more strong since I became Khudi as well as mausi. We spent lots of good and bad time together. I often felt her caring nature and how much she does when I visit my sister’s home (her mom’s home). She has travelled even 6x back and forth from her house to my sister’s home just to make sure that I am doing O.K and have everything as I need. I feel very fortunate to have my nephew; nieces make me feel so loved. She is a little bit of my childhood that is never lost no matter where I live or how old I am. I am dedicating two songs for her today because she is related 2x to me. She is the youngest and the best. So one song dedicated for her being a child and the other one as she grew up. Please enjoy.

Abhimanini Ei, Amania Dheu by Arati Mukherjee; Edited by Sujit Madhual

Lakdi Ki Kaathi – “लकड़ी की काठी काठी पे घोडा”

An evening with Sax Jugalbandi-Confluence at Bharatiya Temple

Yeh Ishq Hai [Full Song] Jab We Met — Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor

Music is an aural art. Music is a language. Yesterday evening, I had an opportunity to listen to Sax Jugalbandi-Confluence at our temple where we are celebrating Ganapati festival from Sept 2-12. Every evening we have the good luck to sit and enjoy dance, classical music or drama. Last night when I was listening to the artists, it took me to another world. I tried to pinch myself few times to make sure that I am in this world. I had such a wonderful relaxing experience that I felt like I was on top of the world.

Listening to the artists, I enjoyed stimulates the release of dopamine that made me feel rewarded. Being an active person, I am always drawn to dance music. It helps me to solve problems, elevate mood or proof reading tons of medical documents which I do for my daily work. There is no such thing like magic habit wand for our happiness. Thru my writing I have created an external and internal environment that has allow me to thrive. I am very brief today with my post. Pl see the link for a dance song I chose for you all above. How does music boost your mood, to feel happier and more relaxed? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please comment if you can.

A note to Reema

It is bit crisp today when I took my walk. Generally, I think about my family back home and try to concentrate my thoughts what or about whom I will post in FB. I have been thinking to write about Reema my eldest sister’s granddaughter ever since she was a baby. She has visited me every time I went to India. Thanks to her parents Buni and Subhra. When children are older they may opt not to come and see me but that was not the case with Reema. She came each time and smile without getting much chance to talk to us (no body has a chance to talk when we Satpathy family get together). What a beautiful angel she is, who touches everyone’s hearts with her warm and affable nature!

As her grandmother I will say that she is truly a “pari”, and we feel humbled by her presence! She radiates positivity by meeting me always and leaving a warm lingering presence behind!!An only child to her parents that to when all her uncles have sons, she is reserved yet chirpy and vivacious—she is somebody I am proud of!!! I am also very proud that my nephew Buni and his wife Subhra who have brought her up to know us which is an important social skill we all long to have with our children since extended fy is not there. So long my dear granddaughter Reema. I feel your presence just the way I feel the cool breeze of Bay of Bengal and U still smile at me just like the jasmine flower of our back yard. With love I dedicate today’s post to you. The picture was taken here and the song is chosen for you by my beautiful, fun loving, smart niece #Moonmoon. Stay happy,healthy and close to all of us.

Gratitude to all my teachers

Tribute to all who taught me how to live, love and learn.

Undoubtedly a teacher is the person who helps us grow our mind and our personality. Teachers help us become better human beings. They are the ones who take up the responsibility to educate the newer generations in order to build a better world. For me everybody is a teacher.

I have learned from nature how to enjoy the present moment. My children taught me how to enjoy sports and be in sync with the people in my adopted country, instead of living in the past. I have learnt to enjoy simple things like reading a book or buying supply for home in a frugal way from my husband. My sisters, brothers and father taught me to work hard and never to give up at the time of adversity. My work as a nurse in intensive care unit taught me how to remain calm in the midst of chaos and remain focused to do what is best for the patient by doing one thing at a time. My friends taught me how to love and be loved unconditionally.

Finally, you all my readers indirectly taught me to tell my story, so it does not go to grave with me. It will stay for my children and grandchildren to read and say that is my mother or grand mom. So I have launched a blog and will keep on telling my story till I can. My gratitude to all of you who are my teachers. I plan to be a curious and studious student till the last day I breathe. Enjoy the beautiful song I chose for you all and the photo. With love.

Celebration of Nua Khai

Dance at Nuakhai Festival

Yesterday, Nuakhai and steps: A big thank you to all my friends and for those who wished me “Nua Khai” yesterday. Now it’s time to pay tributes to the Gods & Goddesses. A time to pay tribute to mother earth, and the much awaited Juhar time among families, friends. I have opted to take more steps on my daily routine after this special day. So I feel lighter and encouraged to pursue my healthy living. No khiri or Puri for me and my husband to celebrate this day. We both ate left overs from delicious meal I made for my husband’s birthday. My hope for me and all to up our understanding, love for each other. Hope your day was as good as mine. With these wishes I post this for you all.

Happy Birthday Wish for You

Tera Mera Satha Rahe

Nothing says “I love you” better than one of my best happy birthday wishes for my husband Sudhanshu, which is imminent. We have been married for the last 50 years and he knows me more than any other person in this earth. He is my best friend, lover, and one who completes my soul. We are there for each other in good and bad times. As an 18-year-old after marrying him, I left Puri, Odisha to make a new life for myself. I had no concept what marriage can bring to me and how it will change my life. All I knew is that I will able to go to college since he promised that to my sister, who also happens to be his sister-in-law. I trusted my fate and thought that my father knows the best for me and so also my husband will be.

We had two children in Mumbai and I got comfortable taking care of Sudhanshu and my Children at home. I never forgot to continue my studies, which I started doing even before the children came to my life. Finally, I graduated with B.A. (Honors) with Economics. Then Sudhanshu decided to come to USA. After six months I followed him and came to Chicago, Illinois where he had a job. With limited money and resource, he always thought of me and our children. He got a small house in the suburbs so our children can enjoy having a yard, rather than staying in a sky-rise apartment. The community college was close by and so I pursued my education and get a job.

Birthday comes once a year and I want to tell him how amazing he is who never ceases to surprise me till this day. I have always received respect and equality from him. My life would not be the same without him. So I post this saying here to you! Your kindness, your strength, brilliance and your everlasting Charm-I love you so much. Have a great birthday.