CONTENTMENT

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - THREE WHEEL CAR

I enjoy taking random pictures of anything that catches my attention. I noticed this three wheel car, when we were out. Two of the photos that I captured was while it was travelling on the road. I wasn't sure if I'd see it again and wondered what the front and side  looked like, and that's when it drove to the gas station we were headed to. My husband got out and talked to the person driving the three wheel car to know more about it. There were two little children in the car who would have enjoyed riding in the unconventional yet attractive little vehicle as much as the Owner himself.

WEIGHT LOSS - OVEREATING IS AS UNHEALTHY AS SMOKING!

If you thought addiction to drugs, alchohol and cigarettes were bad for health, there's one more horrible addiction that is guaranteed to make a person ill for life. Overeating!

Overeating is as unhealthy as smoking. It can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease and you experience decreased energy. If you are overweight, you are prone to high blood pressure;  the additonal weight puts severe stress and strain on your hip and knee joints and even your vital organs. You would find doing normal day to day activities a horrendous task. When you overeat, you would be likely to consume more fat which would in time, block your arteries, and that can lead to heart attack or stoke. Just think, why would you want to eat your way to illness, why would you want to deprive yourself of a healthy and happy life?. Why not work on reducing your excess weight by eating less, eating right and exercising your body. And see the difference yourself. Change your eating habits, change your life.

WHY MEN AND WOMEN'S SHIRT BUTTONS ARE ON DIFFERENT SIDES

Ever wondered why men's and women's shirt buttons are on different sides?

Women's buttons are on the left side because sometime during the Victorian Era, rich women who could afford servants and expensive clothing would depend on maids to help dress them. Most women are right handed and it was much easier for them to dress the ladies when buttons are on the left side. So clothiers used to fix buttons on the left side on women's clothing. As for men, they used to dress themselves and most men were right handed and the buttons of men's shirts used to be on the right side of their clothing.

Somehow, the concept of fixing buttons for men's and women's clothing on different sides never changed and clothiers till today due the same. In unisex clothing, the buttons are on the right.

CREATING YOUR FUTURE

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - ACTION IN YOUR LIFE

Sometime ago, when I was watching a skateboarding contest at Marina Waterfront, I realized, how children are not afraid of action. Some of the contestants, young children in their teens had put up a nice show. Adults can learn from children....not the skateboarding part but the ability to be action oriented. Not to sit and laze around. Get up and do something creative, something exciting, something that uplifts your soul. How about music, art, sport of any kind - what would you like to do that enriches your life with action?

Taken at Marina Waterfront

HUMOR - WHO NEEDS THE EXERCISE?

HAND CHAIR DESIGN

Hand chair, also called the 'Mana Sillas', designed and created by artist Pedro Reyes that resembles the human hand. Each set comes with  right and left handed chairs with flexible fingers for the seating, which allows the user to create gestures. Interesting isn't it?

Pedro Reyes

FRIENDS IN OUR LIVES

No two friends we have would be alike. In fact, we may not be like any of our friends. That's because each of us is unique, with different thoughts, views and experiences. We meet people and strike a chord, make an emotional and spiritual connection. We feel comfortable in the company of some of the new people we meet and instantly a bond is formed, sometimes the friendship lasts for only a certain period of time in our lives and some friendships last for ever. Some of us have maintained friends from our school or college days who will always be special and important to us. We sometimes make fabulous friends from work or from our neighbourhood. We refer to certain someone as our best friend - a soul mate, someone who is an integral part of our life, someone who know we can totally count on, somehow who understands us totally and does not judge. And this person even loves us during the times we are at our worst or in trouble and guides us when we falter. That can be just one person  few persons we can gladly and confidently consider and call them as 'best friend(s)'.

No one's perfect, not us, not our friends. So there are chances we are postively or negatively influenced by the presence of different friends, of different temperament, views and ideals. It's always best to pick up the positive qualities and learn from that, or even imbibe some of those good qualities to help us in our lives. Once my son told me, in the company of people who are action oriented, - the people who go out and make things happen, motivate the others to do the same, we feel empowered in their company. We draw from each other's positive energies and qualities and feel recharged or replenished and we learn great many things. Haven't you felt this about some people who have a dynamic personality, believers, thinkers, the doers who inspire and touch lives of others in a magnificent way.

Be careful not to draw the negative energy of others and start to whine and complain like them or get short tempered or start looking at life with dissatisfaction or act against your conscience. If your friend is more successful or in a financially better position or owns a bigger house or car, don't let that make you feel less or inferior in anyway. In fact be happy for your friend. You should appreciate  your talents, gifts, blessings and do the best you can. When you think positively and you give your best, you are bound to attract so  much of good.  

Does your friend allow you to be yourself or do you feel overwhelmed, stressed in that person's company? You don't have to put up with it or please someone who makes you feel that way. If a friend calls you only when she or he needs something from you and does not bother about you and has no time for you otherwise, then you should re-consider the need for such a 'friend'. Same goes for friends who are constantly mean, sinister, puts you down or always brags how much better he / she is than you in every way or talks ill behind your back. That person is certainly not your  friend and you can show him or her where the door is. Tolerance should have an expiry date.

Being with your friends should make you feel enriched, give you joy, happiness and sense of belonging. Think of the friends in your life, how would you describe each them in just one word.

1. Amazing

2. Positive

3. Charming

4. Beautiful

5. Kind and Helpful

6. Irritating

7. Whiner

8. Toxic

9. Braggart / Show off

10. Jealous

11. Arrogant

12. Someone you can always count on
13. Great sense of humor / Fun to be with
14. Someone you can turn to for advice or counsel
15. Someone you always have a great time with
16. Is like a brother or sister to you

PEOPLE WHO MAKE US HAPPY

NO COFFEE NO WORK !

We all need something to wake us up, besides the alarm and the shower. The smell and taste of coffee is what switches on the system for most of us (okay, or tea!).

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - SEAGULLS IN ACTION

Seagulls are a lovely sight at the Marina Crescent Waterfront. People are always throwing food into the bay (which they shouldn't be) which attract the seagulls. They are quite used to the people by now. Marina Waterfront is one of my favourite places to go for a walk, or spend some peace and quiet and enjoy the sunset. The place is photographer's delight. I've always somehow managed to get a few good photos each time i visit the Waterfront.

Taken at the Marina Crescent - Waterfront

BEYONCE - I WAS HERE (A BEAUTIFUL SONG)

Listen to this beautiful inspiring song sung live in Roseland last year.

Beyonce has been chosen by United Nations to become its face for the World Humanitarian Day on Sunday 19 August . Beyonce will release video 'I was Here'  which was filmed in the UN General Assembly to mark the day.

Lyrics:

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget

I was here...
I lived, I loved
I was here...
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here...

I want to say I lived each day, until I died
I know that I had something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see

I was here...
I lived, I loved
I was here...
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here...

I was here...
I lived, I loved
I was here...
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here...

I just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone to hapiness
Left this world a little better just because...
I was here...

I was here...
I lived, I loved
I was here...
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here...

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO INDIA - AUGUST 15

Happy Independence Day to India and all Indians across the globe.

Have a joyous celebration!

BE A POSSIBILITARIAN

Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities. Always see them, for they are there. - Norman Vincent Peale

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - LOVE IS...

Love is partners for life

The picture in the background is from where I borrowed the idea to depict
'What love is' art work on my fingers!

THE DREAMER AND DREAMS

I don't mean the kind of dreams you see at night while you are fast asleep. Here I am talking about real dreams. Those visions you held close to your heart and wanted to see them come true some day. Something you want to do, want to achieve, want to accomplish. How many of those dreams have you made sure came true? If you are still waiting for some of them to come true, what are you doing about it? Have you made a plan or have you embarked on a mission or a journey to make your dream come true?. Have you sought ideas, help, advice or support? Are you working on it sincerely or is it just a dream you see in your mind's eye while you laze around. Do you sometimes feel it's not worth the effort or it would be too much a task, or what's the point or the dream is too far fetched?

Some people love the dream but it's overwhelming or scary to think of the effort or process or length of time it would take to see it come true. What feelings do your nuture when you think of your dreams?. If you want to see your dream come true, you have to have this great desire of wanting it to see it accomplished. Next, you need to do everything necessary to follow the path that will lead you to realize your goals. That includes self motivation, effort and seeking information, assistance, improvising your skills, doing all that it would take and a never give up attitude. Nothing comes easy, you might face set backs, trials and challanges on your path leading to your dream. You don't have to be afraid of all that.  It's all a part of grand human experience. If you look into the lives of people who have realized their dreams, there is a common factor, they were not afraid to cross the hurdles, they were incessant in their endeavours. They accepted challenges. With every small success, they knew they can make it to next stage and the next. If you don't give up, believe in yourself, and keep working on your dream, you will find it very surprising to know that doorways and avenues would open up, circumstances and situations will arise that will turn out favourable to make your dreams come true. Experience the creativity, power and excitement as you follow your dream.

As author Paolo Coelho put it, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". Remember, it does not happen all by itself, it depends on the sincerety and depth of your dream and your ceaseless work towards it.

AUNTY ACID HUMOR - PEOPLE YOU DONT LIKE

OLYMPIC NON EVENTS

While athletes competed in various events during Olympics,  the rest of the world continually competes, in various challenges and feats of life. They are called the Olympic Non Events. Are you wondering what this is all about? Hat Trick, a London based design firm has created pictograms similiar to Olympic events, depicting everyday challenges. They represent the many trials and tribulations we face and have to overcome in the game of life. Now look the pictograms. Strike a cord?

To see more pictograms visit Olympics Non Events

Walking the Walk

Riding your Luck

Walking on Thin Ice

Jumping down someone's throat

Lifting the weight off your shoulder

Walking on egg shells



Jumping to conclusions



Wrestling with your conscience

Swimming against tide

LIFE MAY NOT BE A PARTY BUT DANCE ANYWAY

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - HELLO IS IT ME YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

This photo of White Lions was taken by my husband at

West Midlands Safari Park near Birmingham

Mr. Lion - Hello....is it me you're looking for? Hey, remember, the beautiful Lionel Richie song?

Ms. Lioness - Yeah, I remember....

Mr. Lion - I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile....

Ms. Lioness - I think you have a vision problem...My eyes feel tired, and I ain't smiling... cause right now I am sleepy

ROBERT HARTING INCREDIBLE HULK OF DISCUS GOLD VICTORY EPISODE AT LONDON OLYMPICS

Robert Harting of Germany won Gold in discus at London Olympics with a throw of 68.27m. He went totally ecstatic with joy. Harting went into a celebration frenzy...Well, he raced towards the crowd, ripped his shirt like Incredible Hulk, flexed his muscles and gave a mighty roar. Harting grabbed a German flag from the stadium, leapt with excitement over the hurdles on the track set up for Sally Pearson's 100m final, then attemped to rip one of the prongs of the Olympic flame from the ground, but was not successful at that. That's not all.....Later that night, he got drunk on a German cruise liner, fell asleep on a train and got robbed!. When he tried to get back to the London Olympic village, he was denied entry, because his pass was missing!

WEIGHT LOSS - WATCH OUT FOR FOOD PUSHERS

Food pushers, you come across them everyday. You are on a diet, you're trying your best to eat healthy and avoid all the fats and sugars, but then you are confronted by diet saboteurs and food pushers. They actually mean no harm - it's just that people feel rejected when you refuse food. They could be your friends, family, relatives, colleagues....Watch out - if you don't stand your ground and say No thankyou, you would end up feeling miserable for cheating yourself and breaking the promise you made to yourself about watching your diet. You have to let your family know that you need  their support by not pushing you into eating food you have been avoiding and respect your decisions regarding food choices. And with friends, learn to say 'No' in a nice way where they don't feed offended. State your reasons or pleasantly excuse yourself from having to eat what you are trying to avoid. The only thing you are going to lose by doing that is your weight!

Are you wondering how to say no without offending?

1. I admire your talent in baking, I 've always enjoyed your cake (or whatever is being offered), but I'll have to pass this time.

2. I love meat pies and it looks delicious, but I'll stick to the salad

3. Dessert time - This is hard for me, you know I love this. But I am cutting back on sugar. And that's brought some positive changes to my health and I feel more active. Hey, let the others enjoy.

4. At a buffet with friends or at a party with loads of food - Wow the buffet /food look inviting, but ever since I've cut down on food and my doctor insists he needs to see some result, I've been eating smaller portions - I'll just go for the salad.  I am just so excited about being here with you all.

5. You know I have always enjoyed your cooking, but you know what, I am really trying hard to cut down the calories and lose weight. My doctor/ dietitican has given me a list of foods I shouldn't have at all. I'll just have something light.

6. And the answer to the real pushy ones - Thanks, I'll try some later. And then don't have. Your host would have forgotten by then.

7. When your friends are trying free food samples - No thanks.

8. At your relatives place; when you are forcefully offered some tantalizing high calorie food and told, it's okay to break your diet for one day - Be frank,  I know a bite won't kill me, but I'll go for something light.  I have been watching my diet ever since the doctor has been insistent that I have to lose all the weight. Let the others enjoy. I am so happy about this get together

9. High calorie Appetizers / Chips and dip - I'll pass. I'll go the wonderful dinner you are going to serve.

10. When the host packs left overs or extra foods for you to take home - You are so good to me; I love your food, but I can't have them.  I am trying to improve my diet and I might just get too tempted and sabotage my diet,  if I go back to eating all those things I used to love. Please don't mind. 

PANDEMONIA THE LONDON BASED CONCEPTUAL FASHION ARTIST

“Pandemonia is a larger-than-life reminder of ourselves, and is an exaggerated mirror of 21st century society and 21st century ideals. ” iD Magazine

"Everytime I attend an event, the 'stars' seem to gravitate towards me. I feel like a magnet" - Pandemonia

Pandemonia Panacea the latex clad post pop up fashion artist is the creation of an anonymous art graduate who emerged in 2008, after graduating from an MA Fine Art course at Chelsea College of Art.  Dressed head-to-toe in latex, the cartoon-style conceptual figure aims to challenge the perception of the ideal woman in the twenty-first century. Each creation and art piece takes months to create, but the impact and reaction which each outfit attracts is phenomenal.  

The unconventional and impractical way that Pandemonia chooses to dress makes you question why she has chosen to live this way. Pandemonia takes inspiration from the superficial world of fame and the celebrity culture that fills our magazines, and when asked what else inspires her style of dress, Pandemonia states; “ For me it's about exclusivity. It's about expressing your self. What you wear is what you are and what you buy into. I'm buying into the modern dream, into fashion and the idea of beauty. I get my ideas from people I see, adverts and things I like in magazines.” It is evident that Pandemonia remains a larger-than life unique portrayal of beauty, and will continue to cause mayhem at fashion events and grace front rows alongside fashion insiders at many catwalks in the future

(Excerpt from Pandemonia's blog)