Things you didnt know about me - Sequel

Things, usually happen when one least expect it. Long back I wrote a blog on the "things you dint know about me", where I did mention one thing that when I like something I often wish to have a sequel of it. So, here I'm back with a sequel of that blog, The things and funny facts you might not have known about me, here it goes on demand.

Indeed on demand as going through my data shows it one of the most popular blog by the loving readers like you..! So here it goes without looking back :-

• I remember, the poem I recited in school and also got some prize The poem, The Brook is still one of my very favourite poem. The link for the poem is The Brook by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. I like this poem as it have a beautiful rhythm and picturesque expression in each line of he poem. Few lines of the poem are as follows:-

I chatter over stony ways,
In little sharps and trebles,
I bubble into eddying bays,
I babble on the pebbles.
With many a curve my banks I fret
By many a field and fallow,
And many a fairy foreland set
With willow-weed and mallow.
I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

• I love Rain. Well, its obvious for the person to be born in the month of September and liking rain. I’m one of those people who love drenching in the rain (as long as it’s not too cold). But there had been times in my life when I used to get very shy getting out in rain . As I dint liked clothes sticking the body giving a transparent looks. Then again, today things have changed, and I am no more super conscious about who is looking at you, all one need to enjoy the moment and let each rain drop dripping from the head and hand, drench away the routines. The coincidence to this point is, it just now and then stared raining outside and I am surely enjoying the atmosphere inside-outside window. Note: This photo is taken by Nadeem in his home garden after the rain.

• While writing I'm quite cautious, to use full stop symbol(.) and my finger often tend to have two dots (..). I resume the two dots shall show an expression of continuity. In fact you will also notice the habit of mine in the creative link, as (Rachi Creations..).

• Though I am a good painting (check: Rachi Creations.. )and have quite a steady-controlled hand in sketching, I cannot put fine eye-liner on my eyes. I tried many times but was not able to make it straight but still its a hard luck.

• These days I don't go out without my sun glasses on. Whether its sunshine or rain..my glasses reflects on my eyes. In past one year these are my third glasses. The first one I accidentally broke, second I guess I lost, I guess because till now I am not able to find out after I kept them on my table. So now I am having the third one. Incidentally all were Fastrack. Well they are good and above all stylish...You see this being stylish is compulsory..these days...!

• I'm a born preserver. Since childhood I have a strange tendency of keeping things and not discarding them. Call it cardboard, box, old bottles, paper chits, school notebooks, etc. I feel that some day these things shall be of great use. I simply don't want to discard it so early and rather preserve them. Despite, the lack of space in the cupboard I manage to keep them somewhere nicely. I still have many books of mine of both primary school and collage notes safe.

• My all time favourite T.V.Show is the "THE WONDER YEARS". The story begins with Kevin, Paul, and Winnie on the verge of starting junior high school. The voice of Kevin as an adult and the show's narrator is wonderful to hear . A friendly but strange relationship shared by Kevin and Winnie which gets completely disclosed in the last few years. Despite their life-long romance, they never married and end up living separate lives.

The Wonder years goes all around the school days, teenagers, best friend, trust, secrets, crush, betrayal, love in first sight, kiss, fights, misunderstanding, grief, fun, attraction, party, girls, boys, teachers, strike father, intelligent mother, dumb brother, beautiful sister, fist car, graduation, dance, rumours,study, little puppy, affectionate grandfather, sweet girl friend, jealousy, break ups, losing, Valentine's Day, transfer to new place, old and new friends etc. It was a good show, with all emotions indulge into them making one believe its their own life.

The final sounds, voice-over and dialogue of the episode and series is that of Kevin providing concluding narration with the sound of children playing in the background:-
"Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place, a town, a house, like a lot of houses. A yard like a lot of other yards. On a street like a lot of other streets. And the thing is, after all these years, I still look back...with wonder."

Anyone can relate to the story, and here I wonder ...how Wonderful was my childhood...!

• Remembering childhood, I think of of Dogs..! Its been always a nightmare for me to face a dog. All my close friends and family knows it well that I am scared of Dogs. . But the new thing these days is that, though being afraid, I often wonder how its gonna be having a pet DOG at home, a Golden Labrador puppy. Seems these days I wanna conquer my fear...!
• Hope you enjoyed the second sequel of "the things you dint know about me". When your read this blog, try writing the things people dont know about, and have fun in wondering about yourself..!

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to.."

..Blog Author

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Elephants painting - an ivory trumpet

This ultimate water-color painting is created by Dr.Jigar Modia, based in Vadodara, Gujarat who describe himself very well in following lines;

" a day dreamer

a soft whisperer

a romantic soul

a laughing idol

sweetest thoughts

n cutest act

mystery in eyes

and care in touch

vivid imaginations

with weirdo person complex

yet simple reveal me

i may be never ending treasure. Have an

immense passion for drawing and painting. "

My old school mate of GREMS, Baroda with his unique strokes of brush makes not only me but many stand-still in the deep thought and admiration of this creations. This painting is being added recently and well suits my latest blog "Elephants - turning point of the longest trunk".

I name this painting as "An Ivory Trumpet".

What would you name it ? Do write in the commnet box.

Thank you, is such small word to say for the contribution, but I wish him gud luck and more happy flying colours in life and inspiring others with his beautiful creations.

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Elephants - turning point of the longest trunk

Note: THIS blog is decicated to THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.

"They are a large, funny animal, and they seem to know when they have done something dumb. They convey a sense of knowing how they fit into the world." (J .Poole quoted in The Fate Of The Elephant).

Everybody loves to play with water. So as the huge Elephants are also fond of water and enjoy showering by sucking water into their trunks and spraying it all over themselves. Afterwards, they pick up and spray dust in the same manner they did with water. with their trunk. Almost like the elephant's sunscreen the protective coating of dust. Though dirty its cute and effective. Is'nt it..!

Unique Ability: African elephants care for wounded individuals and are unique in that they identify and look after elephant bones.

And something I cannot forget appriciating their contribution in all ways so much to the wildlife and mankind. The best example is that, as much as 80 percent of what elephants consume is returned to the soil as barely digested highly fertile manure.

• Type: Mammal
• Diet: Herbivore
• Average lifespan in the wild: Up to 70 years
• Size: Height at the shoulder, 8.2 to 13 ft (2.5 to 4 m)
• Weight: 5,000 to 14,000 lbs (2,268 to 6,350 kg)
• Group name: Herd
• Protection status: Threatened

Remember, how (Hrithik Roshan) in the movie Jodha-Akbar, Akbar had experience powerful wrestling with elephants. This was one of the scene that I liked inspite of the special effects present. I wondered how important Elephants have been ever since the ancient times. The largest creature on earth Elephants have added a royalty, a sense of power, and strenght all past decades. The ancient battles rules have provided us with an interesting application of tactics to the War Elephant in an ancient games context. So many wars have been fought and won due to the large number of the elephants in the army. Elephants have been indeed a sense of pride of all eras.

My Story, of this royal creature elephant starts long back in my childhood when I used to study in Baroda, Gujarat where for the first time I saw the elephant at the temple, which was very near to my home. The elephant was brought far away from Ahemdabad on truck for performing the prayer and other temple rituals. That was first time when I read the elephant so closely. Everybody gave the elephant bananas and sugar canes. The elephant was well decorated and taken to the possession through all the streets in the evening. On the other way, I with my friends were following the footsteps of the elephant. Trying to observe the rough dark skin of that huge animal, its thick hard long hairs on the body. We were so excited to see the elephant, that we stayed in the temple even after the prayers were offered. I believe that was the time when I felt so much for that creature and since than its my favourite animal . Yes! I call elephant my favourite animal.

And how can I forget the wonderful times of Baroda, attending the Ganesh Chaturthi, where huge idols of Lord Ganesh were made. Ganesh, the Hindu God of wisdom, has an elephant's head.

Each year these huge idols were different looks given to the idol and this indeed amazed me.Sometimes covered with glass pieces, sometimes with glitters and sometime with small pices of colourful bangles, creativity have no boundation indeed. We waited egarly each year to see the Lord Ganesh idol of our locality with different looks. Artists work so hard and have such an innovative mind to create the idols everytime with different looks and yet so preety with all spirtual essence. Its an experience only to be felt living at the west edges of India, like Gujarat and Maharashatra.

Comming to north-east, in Guwahati, Assam the view of elephant on the streets is very common. The elephant keeper riding on the elephant come door to door to get some food and bless people.

There was also the time when I was in New Delhi, for my IHM industrial training. To reach on time I used to catch the early morning Bus from ITO, I wondered, from where on these busy roads of the Capital have dung of elephant. And one day when I reached before my time luckily saw the elephants shaking their hips on the road moving slowly. These elephants lived down the ITO bridge at the shores of Yamuna river. The picturesque from the bus was amazing to watch elephants crossing the busy roads. It was then I was almost carried away by this huge creature. I wished if I could know more about the elephants and even ride on it...well it seemed then almost a dream to fulfill some point of my life.



Completing my college in Guwahati, I came Gwalior, Madhaya Pradesh doing MBA at IITTM. I made many friends here, some good and some best. Among them, few friends often called me DUMBO. Dumbo! Dumboo..!! Ahh...I do understand things but a bit late...Got it...why my friends called me Dumbo..! Well this sometimes did hurt me. But later I stared enjoying this pet name of mine given by my friend. Dumbo, is the Disney animated cute baby elephant character. For his enormous ears, and everyone of them calls him "Dumbo". I love Dumbo! For its innocent, cute, chubby smile that can directly make others smile too, Dumbo name excited me.

Finally it was Aug.2007, when my dream to ride & to get closure to this huge habitat elephant came true. Kerala is the destination were I saw in abundant of the elephants at the Elephant Center. I touched, hugged and holded in my arms. I still remember the name of the elephant was Suneeta on which I had my life's first elephant ride. It was one of the best experience of my life. The elephant was too big and a bit difficult to sit on it, with the wide forum. It took an elegant walk and shook with each step it took creating a bubbly effect in my stomach but something which was simply worth being at such a height touching the branches of the trees. This is what I always wanted to do afterall...!

I consider myself lucky to be blesssed by Luxmi ,Her elephant at Pondicherry temple this April.2008. She was again a delight to watch and feed her with green grass. You can read more about her in my blog on Pondicherry with this link clicking.

Who says elephants are found in one color that is a grey shade? India have elephants so well decorated with rangoli colours and other accesories making the creature look beautiful. The elephants in Rajasthan look so much more colourful and vibrant.

Where as the elephnat in South Indis, Kerala looks more of auspicious looks studded. The polo on the elephants is popular in Rajasthan and nobody should miss it. Also in Kerala, elephant festival is celebrated every year.

India have been popular all around the world for its elephant safari, infac this also inspired the famous tourism company "Thomas Cook" to start the tourism in India with a big bang.

Among the most intricate and painstaking crafts of India is ivory-carving. Presently banned in the effort to preserve elephant population. And please don't ever buy Ivory. Save an elephant and make your money work for them not against them. If you travel to exotic places or even to a shopping mall near you, never buy anything that looks like ivory as it probably is. It can be fake and above all illegal.

"At present the world is losing plant and animal species at a rae between 10 to 1,000 times the natural extinction rate.." This came today in the newspaper. I am shocked as any other next Nature lover. But amazingly with this statement I was surpried to know that elephants have one more species. Bornean Pygmy elephant with are beleived to be the last survivors of Javan elephants which are extincting now.

NOTE:

Above is the picture in which Left top is the African Elephant with large ears, Left bottom is the Asian Elephant and Right side is the picture of the cute small Pygmy elephant.
Pygmy elephant in Sabah proven to be a new subspecies. They are smaller, tamer and more mild tempered compared with other Asian elephants and were discovered in Sabah. Following DNA tests, it has been now confirmed as a new subspecies of Borneo “Pygmy Elephants.” These elephants were a distinct subspecies and had different characteristics from their cousins found on mainland Asia and Sumatra.

It is beleived that these pygmy elephants were isolated about 300,000 years ago from their cousins on mainland Asia and Sumatra. “During that period, these elephants became smaller with relatively larger ears, longer tails and relatively straight tusks giving them a cuter looks"

It is important to highlight the conservation of these pygmy elephants to ensure their survival. And hopefully major steps have been taken by WWF and Panda.org. Do'nt cut down the forest. Its the elephant's home. Think about it!

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Kerala - Munnar is Must to visit

My mini trip to Munnar was more of a learning experience than just the leisure. I went there with empty hands and came back with empty purse, but the memory card full of beauty captured. My moments at Munnar are indeed one of the best time I had in travelling. The Magnificent Munnar is a Must to visit in a lifetime! And I am so glad that I did it at the silver jubilee of my life. Here is my mixed details on my mini trip to Munnar.

The Miracle started 510 years since Vasco da Gama's opened the first sea route to India. This sea voyage to India(1497-1499), is one of the defining moments in the history of exploration. It was southwest coast of India at Kerala,Calicut completely changed the Indian industrial history. Indeed, this tiny state of India , Kerala ones again making a difference in the Tourism industry with its remarkable reputation of being one of the most beautiful states. For long been known all around the world as the land of spices, today it has been nicknamed as God's Own Country. A land of lovely palm- fringed wide sandy beaches and lush green vegetation all over is a heavenly experience to visit. In 2006, Kerala attracted 8.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 23.68% over the previous year, making the state one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world.

• Kerala - One of the 50 must see destinations of a lifetime - " National Geographic Travel "
  Kerela - One of the 10 paradises of the World - " National Geographic Travel "
• Nominated as one among the three finalists at the World Travel and Tourism Council's ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ awards in the destination category - Yr.2005.

Kerala offers one of the best beaches, backwater experiences and hill stations of the country. Hill station Munnar is situated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level. Munnar have a magnificent climate and view with the sheets of tender green paddy fields, cardamom groves, pepper climber, rubber plantation, slopping plantations of tea and many more. Munnar is blessed to have the cool climate attracting many tourists from domestic and around the world all season round.

The history of tea plantation in Munnar started in the 1895 by an European A.H. Sharp, at the A.H. Sharp Parvathy estate (Present Silent Valley Estate). Since than, tea plantation have come a long way making itself as one of the biggest exporter in the world. Today, most of the tea estates are owed by Tata Group, an Indian corporate giant , generating employment to most of the local people and protecting the ecology of the environment.

Tea production, consumption and export, India has emerged to be the world leader, mainly because it accounts for 31% of global production. Tea production is perhaps the only industry where India has retained its leadership over the last 150 years. And being the tea lover its an absolute delight to see the all around green slopes of tea. I was so much carried away by the salient beauty of the green slopes of tea plantation. One can also buy the fresh Tea from the outlets and shops in the market. And believe me there are varied collection of different tastes simply opening up the senses. Buy them for yourself and also gift them to your friends.

" Munnar is a land of waterfalls and species. We also had spice-tour, visiting the farms where the we could see the rubber tree plantation and whole production process of how the rubber was extracted from the tree and made. Pepper climbers, cardamom nurtured, cocoa bushes was indeed a lifetime experience to see. Land of species , also invites people to buy cardamom, pepper, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg etc on best price with excellent quality. Homemade chocolates, honey and other oils for massage are some of the condiments to keep for sure in the buying basket. "

On the way to Munnar, there are glistening brooks and the hills finally roll down to the coastal plains of Munnar through paddy fields and coconut trees. One of the main attraction of Munnar is the Mattupetty which is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the ultimate view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Horse riding and elephant ride is also available there. It is believed that Munnar have the climate as similar to Switzerland, hence there is the Indo-Swisss Live Stock project which is well known for its highly specialized dairy. Echo gaze is another distinct picturesque beauty to visit.

Munnar way stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and magnificent monuments of churches and others statues. A wildlife lover shall love to go Eravikulam National Park, a sanctuary popular for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious). We were definitely lucky to see six such goats at the hill top. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. And the panoramic view from this place of the Munnar is simply great..where clouds touches one's head, leaving the feeling of fairy land or call it Heaven " God's own country".

Kerala is Worth a Thousand Words..Its like it's Tea, have a Sip and Experience...the Pleasure."

Somebody very well quoted saying, " If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you..." Munnar is a place revealing about peace, calmness, serenity and a blooming beauty prevails. The Miracle of Munnar is still blessing the world with its balanced eco-nature, hope the Man respects and cares for it..!

Enjoy Travelling..

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."
..Blog Author

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Incredible India - creative collection

The photographer (amit semwal) is ones again captured by me.....capturing the minds and the memory lane with pictures... take a ride and swing with him....

I loved all of it...but some inspires me is the Tree full of colorful kites...pigeon's feathers, street kids whom you wont feel pity but you'll love them with pride... flags at Ladak and so on..!

Its not about only the beautiful pictures but about those few seconds frozen in time for an eternity of emotions.
CHECK this link Collections by simply clicking, for clarity watch with original size..!

His captured pictures have the power to remind us of our intrinsic humanity. Compassion and kindness are the true lables for each clicks...

Its hard to express but indeed I feel blessed to be aspired through such amazing angles..

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Go Green - be Popeye by nature

PALAK PANEER

Have you ever thought why Popeye ate spinach so much? Why mom pressurize to eat green vegetable and specially spinach? A simple reason is that spinach is extremely rich Vitamin K, A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, K and all the major minerals. Hence for all my friends, today I choose a dish of spinach that is "Palak Paneer" of Indian Cuisine .

Palak paneer is not an easy dish to prepare but if one goes throught the step by step procedure given below, will surely find it interesting and systemetic to make it. Prepare the delicious dish and enjoying cooking.

So before I start with the recipe lets know a bit of the history of very green spinach." Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (Iran). Spinach made its way to China in the 7th century when the king of Nepal sent it as a gift to this country. Spinach has a much more recent history in Europe than many other vegetables. It was only brought to that continent in the 11th century, when the Moors introduced it into Spain. In fact, for a while, spinach was known as "the Spanish vegetable" in England.
Spinach was the favorite vegetable of Catherine de Medici, a historical figure in the 16th century. When she left her home of Florence, Italy, to marry the king of France, she brought along her own cooks, who could prepare spinach the ways that she especially liked. Since this time, dishes prepared on a bed of spinach are referred to as "a la Florentine."
Spinach grows well in temperate climates. Today, the United States and the Netherlands are among the largest commercial producers of spinach. " (internet info)

Note: This receipe is for 2 pax.

Ingredients:

• 3 bunches of Palak
• 1 Onion (chopped finely)
• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
• 3 Green Chillies
• 2 tbsp Cream
• 500 gms of diced paneer
• 1 big Tomatoes (chopped finely)

Method :

• Take cottage cheese (Paneer) and cut into small cubes.
• Take a pan, heat oil and fry the paneer till golden brown.
• Drain out paneer from the oil and soak it into the cold water.
• Now clean and wash spinach(palak) nicely.
• Coarsely chop the spinach.
• Blanch the spinach in hot water for 2-3 minutes.
• Cool and grind to a fine paste.
• Take oil on the pan and heat it. Add the cumin seeds and fry till brown .
• Then add the finely chopped onion to fry. Let it turn pink and add ginger garlic paste.
• Add finely chopped tomatoes with green chillies and heat for sometime.
• Cook for sometime and add the cubes of water soaked paneer. Add salt
• Stir and cool for 5minuted.. Cook for 5 mins.
• Before serving sprinkle some cottage cheese over it (optional).
• Serve hot with Parathas or Naans/ bread or steamed rice.

Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cottage Cheese), is an easy preparation so go green and feel healthy.

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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matar paneer - Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is all about hot spices and aroma. "I am a pure NON-VEGetarian. But not a bad cook of vegetarian dish."

A North Indian style of cooking is amazing. So here I am with a new blog but with the mother -made old recipe with step by step directions to proceed making MATAR-PANEER. I still remember how in my childhood, I used to enjoy eating matar-paneer with the bread. But now I not only enjoy eating but also love making it . Matar paneer dish is easy and quick to prepare. Few ingredients follows a great recipe. So what are u looking for, move with the laddle in the kitchen and prepare this recipe for you and your loved ones.

For two Pax:

Ingredients:

• 250gms - Mutter (green peas)
• 300gms - Paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 - medium onions (fine chopped)
• 6 - cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 green chilies (chopped)
• 150gms - tomatoes (chopped)
• Salt To Taste curd / plain yogurt (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tbsp red chilli powder (to taste)
• 1/2 tbsp jeera (cumin seeds)
• 3-4 black pepper seeds (optional)
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup ghee / vegetable oil
• Garam masala powder (optional)

Prepartion:

1. Take the water in a small pan, add sugar and boil the peas for few minutes.
2. Take Paneer and cut into small cubes .
3. Heat oil and fry the paneer cubes till golden brown.
4. Take the fried paneer cubes out and dip it into the cold water. Leave it to get cold.
5. Take the same pan in which the paneer was fried. Heat the oil.
6. Add cumin seeds & black pepper seeds into the oil and let it pop a bit.
7. Now add chopped onion and fry till gloden brown.
8. Add the crushed garlic and grated ginger and fry on medium head.
9. When they turn brown add tomatoes and fine chopped green chilles.
10. Let the tomatoes be well cooked as they turn up to soft and tender.
11. Now add all the remaining spicies, i.e. coriender powder, red chilli powder, turmeric with little water and salt to taste. Cook till the oil gets separated from the gravy.
12. Add curd & stir it for 2-3 minutes over low heat. Curd add the richness in the gravy.
13. Now add the boiled peas and the paneer which was soaked into the water.
14. Mix it well and sprinkle the garam masala. Then according to the need of the gravy add the water.
15. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot with chapati/bread or steamed white rice.

Notice :

• Green peas can be fresh or packed.
• Curd is optional. But it adds the richness and different flavour to the gravy.
• Ginger garlic Paste can be used.
• To cook quickly blanch and puree the tomatoes.
• Garam Masala again adds an Indian flavour to the gravy but its optional.
  
  Enjoy Good Food and Good life..!
  

"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

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Powered Painter - Magic online

rachi creations @ Prince in Pond.

Hi friends,

Even you can create this Online. I have found, free to download drawing-widget for all those ART lover. Paint your own world and create a beautiful painting.

Save your creations with its links and play with colours. This widget is completely users friendly. Offtype. Net Painter is a fast, fun, free and easy way to create and share. So be an ONLINE PAINTER. Add your own effects & curves to the e-cards and forward to your friend on their birthday or other special occasion.

The drawing board of the widget is truely simple—you’re given a color palette and a drawing tool whose thickness can be adjusted using a sliding scale. There are options for redos, undos, and background colors. Images may be printed and downloadable.

You can also save them online with the site’s own servers. Browse the gallery to find inspiration or to compare your work with that of others. You can add comments and ratings too. There’s also a widget so you add the drawing tool to your blog or website. There’s downloadable version for your desktop as well.

Get going to create sketches and images share it in your blog, journal, newsletter, message board, email, chat, gallery etc.

http://offtype.net/image_9618652306969.gif.html

Hope you liked the painting , "Prince in Pond", created by me with this particular software(offnet.net)..

Enjoy Painting..!

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candle - Burning with little Hope

Burning Candle@Rachi Creations with the help of Artpad.com

Bullet Candid Candle:

• Candle firstly reminds me of the Birthday. It was the charm of blowing away all the candle on cake in one breath.
• Gifting the candle for my friend during Christmas.
• Buying the candles during Diwali festival.
• Candle is all about Celebration. And ofcoarse how can any one forget the Candle-Light Dinner.
• In darkness, its the candle which people search.
• There are also people who meditate and concentrate on the flame of the candle.
• A candle is a source of light & a source of heat. But for me candle wispers in its flame that its the symbol for Hope .

"Candle making was developed independently in many countries throughout history. The Egyptians formed candles that were made out of beeswax as early as 3000 BC.The Chinese created candles from whale fat during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). In early China and Japan, tapers were made with wax from insects and seeds, wrapped in paper. In India, wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles. During the first century AD, indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest fused oil from the eulachon, or "candlefish", for illumination. Excavations at Pompeii, Italy, revealed several candelabra. The oldest candle manufacturers still in existence are Rathbornes Candles, founded in Dublin in 1488. " [info wikipedia]

On a Candle.

Of all inhabitants on earth,

To man alone I owe my birth,

And yet the cow, the sheep, the bee,

Are all my parents more than he:

I, a virtue, strange and rare,

Make the fairest look more fair;

And myself, which yet is rarer,

Growing old, grow still the fairer.

Like sots, alone I'm dull enough,

When dosed with smoke,

and smear'd with snuff;

But, in the midst of mirth and wine,

I with double luster shine.

Emblem of the Fair am I,

Polish'd neck, and radiant eye;

In my eye my greatest grace,

Emblem of the Cyclops' race;

Metals I like them subdue,

Slave like them to Vulcan too;

Emblem of a monarch old,

Wise, and glorious to behold;

Wasted he appears, and pale,

Watching for the public weal:

Emblem of the bashful dame,

That in secret feeds her flame,

Often aiding to impart

All the secrets of her heart;

Various is my bulk and hue,

Big like Bess, and small like Sue:

Now brown and burnish'd like a nut,

At other times a very slut;

Often fair, and soft and tender,

Taper, tall, and smooth, and slender:

Like Flora, deck'd with various flowers

Like Phoebus, guardian of the hours:

But whatever be my dress,

Greater be my size or less,

Swelling be my shape or small

Like thyself I shine in all.

Clouded if my face is seen,

My complexion wan and green,

Languid like a love-sick maid,

Steel affords me present aid.

Soon or late, my date is done,

As my thread of life is spun;

Yet to cut the fatal thread

Oft revives my drooping head;

Yet I perish in my prime,

Seldom by the death of time;

Die like lovers as they gaze,

Die for those I live to please;

Pine unpitied to my urn,

Nor warm the fair for whom I burn;

Unpitied, unlamented too,

Die like all that look on you.
By: Jonathan Swift

You must have read of Rosy-Picture but there is also a Rosy-Candle, that is rose-scented candle that burns by itself letting the rose fragrance magically and amazingly burns out all your stress. Indeed, candle burns to give a little Hope.

Light a Candle and Save Electricity..!!

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art lover - discovers Mona Lisa

check this:"GreenValleyScenery"

Imagine making a painting without messing up with your hands in colours. Some shall say its impossible but others like me believe it is possible.

If you are a bit computer freak and can do painting on MS-Paint or Adobe, you can play with colors. But definitely it’s going to be tiring to have hand in having perfection with your creativity.

I have been good in painting ever since my childhood. During my school days I was able to have nice control on my painting strokes on MS-Paint. I created my own website with my brand name “Rachi Creations..”, in which all my MS-Paint creations are displayed. And as the saying goes “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures”, each of my painting went with loads of emotions, colors and creativity.

Recently when I was surfing Internet, came across a very wonderful site for painting ARTPAD .This site is exclusively for the people who either don’t know how to paint or the one who don’t like to draw.

I am pretty sure that after the people try their one paint stylish stroke on this abstract canvas will fall in love with colors. It’s definitely a user’s friendly site. One doesn’t need to worry about making mistakes as there is an unlimited “Undo” option. Moreover taking risk and doing the unconventional is the first major step in any creative work one does.
Creativity comes naturally without any sweet or frown on the forehead. It cannot be taught or learnt. It’s is definitely a God-Gifted talent. But ones you are familiar to this site and tools to work on surely you will love to call yourself a painter. And believe me there is nothing wrong in thinking so.
This site also have one interesting feature, that is whatever one paints making perfect curves and strokes this the abstract paint brush shall be saved as a data. And latter one can “Replay” the painting from the beginning. The speed of the replay can be adjusted. It shall show how the beautiful perfect painting has merged so well from those few shaky strokes and splash of green, white, blue and other colors.

This is my first attempt on this site creating “Green Valley scenery”. Though my hand is not so good with water-colors but my first painting on this site have turned amazing, which I dint expect. The colors merged so well with each stroke, gave me immense pleasure while painting. I am sure that you people will also enjoy making portraits or a simple abstract painting.

So don’t hassle much and move on with this rocking site to paint. Discover your hidden talent, be an Art Lover and you will notice your “Mona Lisa” smiling.

Check these LINKS:

ARTPAD.com
ART Gallery.com

ART.com

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Its time to give a break - Pondicherry

French ruled it for 300 years a 480sq.km. area of Coromandel Coast. I traveled 296Kms from Bangalore, without imagining that I shall enter a completely new world. I thought, I was in India but felt as being in France.

Serene Territory, a definite spot Pondicherry was on my travel map last weekend. Away from the heat and hassle of metro city, Pondicherry was nice option to travel and enjoy the calm waves of Bay of Bengal.

It’s a small city with vast range to explore things. And if one gets bike on rent with a very reasonable price, than the traveling pleasure multiplies. I got on to my rented bike and moved on, into the magical lanes of White built Pondichery where breath taking fragrance of flowers and serenity of air was waiting for me to explore.

First Day:

I got charmed to see French culture so well flourished not only in town planning, road sign boards but also in the restaurants where I enjoyed the French Cuisine delicacy. It’s a unique experience to see the place still have French connection known as “India’s little France” making a difference from rest of India. It’s amazing to see that Pondicherry still have the French touch, where the policemen wear the red kepis preserving the wonderful heritage of French.

Beach is another beautiful attraction at Pondicherry. The Serenity Beach is 1.5 kilometers long. It’s a beautiful site to watch as it is cool and clean. This beach also have a magnificent tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi placed between 8 pillars and a memorial commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I. This beach is ideally suited for relaxation.

The Le café Restaurant on the beach just adds the wonder to the convenience to sip the coffee and enjoy the ultimate beauty of the waves of “Bay of Bengal”. This restaurant also helps in arranging the tour trip for Pondicherry. They not only have outstanding staff but also excellent menu. All during my stay in Pondicherry, I thoroughly enjoyed my French breakfast and evening tea in this restaurant.

On the bike cutting the edgy air with the swiftness of speed no distance was far. Firstly , we went 8 kilometers away form Pondicherry towards Cuddalore Main Road to see the Paradise Beach. This is also called “Plage Paradiso”.

It is located at Chunnambar near the mouth of the backwater. Here I was amazed to see proper merging of the back-waters and the beach. One can enjoy the holidays by either boating in backwaters or play making sand mountains on the beach. If one is lucky, one can also see dolphins playing into the sea.

Coming back it was the lunch time, and no chance I wanted to miss to have French food. I wasn’t sure where to head soon there found a French Bakery. I asked on of the person there to suggest us some good French Restaurant. And the reply came “Well, I am the owner of the first French Restaurant of Pondicherry and for the way you can follow me..!” I was simply amazed to know about “Hotel de Pondicherry” have served people for almost a decade and finally I was enjoying the authentic French Cuisine. Also this hotel is also popular for some scenes shooted of the popular movie "Jism"

 The large number of Churches in Pondicherry of 18th and 19th century is yet another legacy left by the French. So my evening spot was to attend the Friday prayer of “Sacred Heart Church.” There is beautiful glass painting depicting the story of Lord Jesus. Large number of people had gathered there to offer prayer and it seemed as if the moment had got still in the aura.

Second Day:

Believe it or not, I woke up early in the morning in the excitement of watching the waves of Bay of Bengal. Walking on the clean beach feeling the pleasant breeze of is a unique experience that I have never experienced before though have seen many beaches.

This morning we went ahead with our plan to visit "the City of Tomorrow". It is located about 10 km north of Pondicherry in the jungle area. There is a calm atmosphere, peace and greenery. It was aimed as a Universal Town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs could live in peace and harmony and devote in better living and green environment. The experience to be there was universal, a moment of forgetting all the limitations and boundaries and working for the mankind together. They were celebrating this year as their 40th Anniversary. But unfortunately not much progress has been made in last 40 years due to the less support of Govt. But the place has powerful peace and that’s what matters today after all.

We came back Pondicherry city, filled up our stomach with delicious food and went back to our very cozy and homely guest house to have some rest. It’s strange hot humid weather which often makes us feel uneasy to be outside home for a longer duration of time. Accommodation is never a problem at Pondicherry, there are many have many Hotels, resorts and guesthouse. We preferred to stay at “Vatica Guest House”. Such Guest House are cheap and excellent to live in. Its specialty is that it’s a resident house, so one feels very homely staying there with all hygienic properties measured. Above all it is quite close to beach and main market.

So after having a good rest, in the evening we decided to move on to our next destination “Auroville Beach”, where I found a large number of French. For the moment, I felt as if I was not in India. It was simply ideal for a quick dip and then being carried away by the cool breeze. The beach is attended by the Safety Guards which adds up to a very positive picture of the effort made for tourism. But I believe there is still a large scope for improvement and enhancement to be made for the recreation of the tourists. This beach also has some small resorts for the people who want to wake up in the morning go to the beach have a dip come back have a sip of beer again next morning same routine to follows with a picture perfect view of beach.
elieve it or not, I woke up early in the morning in the excitement of watching the waves of Bay of Bengal. Walking on the clean beach feeling the pleasant breeze of is a unique experience that I have never experienced before though have seen many beaches.

Third, the Final day:

It was a final day and a moment to experience the synergic of Pondicherry. We went Lord Ganesh’s “Parikrama Arilmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple” to offer morning prayers. "Lakshmi" was waiting for us to shower her blessings. She was huge but beautiful, wearing silver anklets in her feet. Lakshmi, the “Her-Elephant” comes everyday in the temple and showers her blessings by putting her trunk over the head of the visitors of the temple. But her blessings are not free, she blesses only if you feed her with a bunch of green grass. And we were one of the lucky to receive the blessings from her. It was indeed an amazing moment. I was completely charged up with Lakshmi’s gesture.

So with all those positive charges it was time some more rejuvenate. Yes! Shopping was on my cards next. Pondicherry is a complete shopper’s paradise. Pondicherry is popular for its exquisite traditional handicrafts, excellent quality hand-made paper, hand-woven mats and carpets, perfumed candles, wooden antique furniture and sculptures, semi-precious jewelry, pottery etc. But my fascination there was the fine fabrics on competitive prices which are easily available on the streets of the market and also at various boutiques. Boutiques have their own distinct style and bountiful variety of products.

After empting my pocket in the market my final traveling aim was “Sri Aurobindo Ashram” is a compulsory visit in Pondicherry, without which this trip was incomplete. The world renowned ashram was founded in the year 1926, by Sri Aurobindo and his Mother Mira Alfassa who was a French painter. The ashram attracts people from all over the world. It is the landmark of peace, wisdom and discipline. Everyday people come and meditate in this ashram. The Ashram’s courtyard has memorials of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo under the tree. As part of meditation, the disciples of the Ashram beautify the memorials with the different colorful and fragrant flowers. A very spiritual feeling prevails through the Ashram. It’s a feeling that cannot be expressed in words but surely it’s a mesmerizing magical moment to visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

The light filtering from the hand-made beautiful paper lamp which is embossed with real dry flowers and leaves reminds me the fragrance of white long lanes of city, high tides of Bay of Bengal, steep small sips of coffee at le Café, serene beauty and poised peace with equisetic aroma of French Cuisine.

It’s about “Pondicherry”,
Its time to “give a break”..

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Italian Cuisine - Popular Pasta

“Rome was not build in just a day” a saying have a lot to say for the rich civilization and beautiful culture of Italy. Pasta and pizza are common tags for Italy and popular all around the world. Fashion freak can not forget the high hill Milan city of Italy. The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply The Tower of Pisa have wooed all from its unique slanting posture posed since long history. The Venice Carnival, which is a wild, colorful and enjoyable festival of masks. During school, we all read in History a lot about the Dark Ages and Renaissance. Indeed, the culture and cusine of Italy as rich as its wine.
Beleive it or not,Italy is the home to the largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites.

And who can forget the greatest scholars in science,Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci made extraordinary achievements scientific revolution and art. There is so much in all sections Architecture, Art, Cinema, Cuisine, Famous Italians, Holidays, Literature, Music, Classical Opera, Sport.. Italy have contributed.

Being a Coffee lover I need to thank Italy for inventing Espresso machine (espresso means "fast" in Italian), which is really a legendary Italian invention !

But one thing that firstly clicks into my mind when I think about Italy is the Pasta. Today we know more than 300 types of pasta and above all pasta is the most popular food in world.

I got amazed when my very nice friend Chef Atanu Nath , when asked to give his favourite dish receipe said "Penne Arabiata" an Italian dish. Chef Atanu is graduate from IHM-Gwalior, and today serves is one of the 5-Star Hotel in New Delhi. And he shared his receipe for Penne Arabiata with us. I tried making at my home and it tastes amazing with sweet tangy flavour of tomatoes sauce served with pasta. It is quick and easy to make. So go through the receipe and enjoy..

Penne Arabiata

Ingredients:-

(SAUCE)

1 sl Bacon or 2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 lg Onion, chopped coarsely

3 Cloves garlic

1 Serrano chili peppers

(1 to 2) or 1 tsp. oriental hot chili paste, optional

8 oz Italian tomatoes or 1-8 oz can tomato sauce (not paste)

Instructions:-

1. Cut bacon into 1 inch pieces. Saute. Add garlic and onion to the bacon (or olive oil if using that) & saute lightly.
2. Dice the Roma tomatoes (or open the can of sauce) & add to the sauteed onions & garlic.
3. Also add the hot peppers/sauce at this time.
4. Turn heat to low. Simmer the tomatoes until the sauce is nicely thickened.
5. With fresh tomatoes this could take a half hour.
6. dd salt to taste. Cook the dried pasta in boiling water until done. Drain.
7. Serve immediately placing a few tablespoons of sauce on top of the pasta.
8. Add some dried oregano in it before serving!

Serve hot and relish..!

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