02 January, 2018

Gratitude List for December 2017 #GratitudeCircle

Though it is late, I cannot miss counting my blessings for December.
So, quickly on to my Gratitude List.

1. Dance classes
I never thought that I would teach dance when I learned it. I always thought I would become a professional dancer and perform which I did my whole life till now. I think it is time to take the next step and pass on what I have learned to my next generation. I am very grateful to my Dance teacher Ms. Parvathi Ramachandran for training me with patience.

My Dance classes have picked up from December and I am looking forward to focussing on teaching this year as well.

2. New friends
As we grow older and matured, It is difficult to find good friends. Did you observe? In this new place and new country, I took time to make friendships (Not a hi, bye type but helping each other type). This month and the last month, I have met many people and made new friends - I would say, good friends. I am grateful for this.

3. Zentangle
I tried a new art inspired by my fellow bloggers Raji and Shilpa. This art is different from others as the sky is the only limit to creativity. No two persons can draw the same as everyone thinks differently. It is very relaxing to my mind to draw Zentangles. I might have bored my Instagram and Facebook followers with some initial drawings and I am sorry for that.  You know, it's the excitement after all when we start a new hobby :-)
My Recent Zentangle


4. Books
I got some time to read good books this month. I enjoyed reading 'Empire' by Devi Yesodharan which is an inspiring Historical fiction. 'Destined' by Rubina is a Romance with a nice concept. Mama Graciela's Secret is a Children's story with moral. Black Peppers is a thriller set in 1700 AD in Kerala. Karna's Celestial Armour is a Mythological Fiction. I am grateful for the opportunity to read many genres and different stories.

5. More time with Kids
Even though it was tough being a judge most of the time when my both sons fight for every small thing, I survived their Christmas holidays. We read some good books, did some crafts together and also did some drawings. We watched some movies too.

My elder one's school will re-open day after tomorrow and I don't want to wake up early again for his school :-( Enjoyed good sleep till 8 am in the mornings in these holidays :-)

So, that was from my side. I hope, you had a great celebration welcoming the new year. Cheer up and Enjoy the coming days :-)

Until next time,






Linking this post to #MondayMusings hosted by Corinne, #GratitudeCircle hosted by Vidya, Thankful Thursday linkup by Shirley Corder and #QuotedStories hosted by Upasna.


Life through my Bioscope




745 comments:

  1. Ya, I hope the same Maliny.

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  2. Good to know that Richa. Same pinch :-)

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  3. Interesting concept. I don't think I have come across a childrens' book that has actual recipes.

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  4. Alana Mautone5:51 PM

    I have read a number of zombie Apocalypse related novels (World War Z, I Am Legend, some of the Jonathan Maberry books). None were humorous. It would be interesting to see the handling of this topic in a different way!

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  5. Yes Shanaya interesting

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  6. Kumar Bojedla5:51 PM

    Wow. .. nice to know. . Can be made as movie. . I will try to read. . Do they telugu versions of it?

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  7. I love to read, but I've slowed down quite a bit. I'm hoping with the winter weather I will have more time to get to my bookshelf.

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  8. This is my first zombie based novel Reema and I didn't expect it to be interesting

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  9. Preethi5:51 PM

    I could relate to your post as I studied in a missionary school till Vth std. My love for anything related to christmas originated there I guess. Nicely written. :)

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  10. Happy new year to you too Cynthia. You are right. I have started preparing gratitude lists every month and it helped me to stay positive.

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  11. Telugu version is not available Kumar. It's a good read.

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  12. How many books do you read on a month? Great job, Ramya. :)

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  13. Ya Reema. This is my first book with this kind of combination

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  14. This is my first zombie based novel Alana

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  15. Excellent excerpt!

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  16. It's a great idea for a post, Mahathi. I realized I hadn't read your post about your writing process.

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  17. Reema Michelle D'souza5:51 PM

    Sounds like an interesting read. Never read zombie based novels before though.

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  18. Yes Maliny. Looks like something contemporary

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  19. latasunil5:51 PM

    Wow. I didnt know Sankranti was celebrated over 4 days. This is very informative.

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  20. Alana Mautone5:51 PM

    It was interesting to me here, too, in the United States. What we think of as a harvest celebration takes place in November - too late for our harvest, but a time of thanksgiving.

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  21. Very informative post, I had no idea the festival was celebrated over a span of 4 days. I always thought it was only one day.

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  22. Arun Prasadh5:51 PM

    Very informative. Thanks.

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  23. Thanks for your concern Corinne. I was busy with organising a family function :-) Happy new year to you too..

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  24. Happy New Year, Ramya. Wish you success in achieving all your goals this year. Have a blessed 2016! :)

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  25. Happy new year!
    I have been practicing gratitude and positiveness for years. While it is challenging at time, it is also highly rewarding, and it gets easier to stay positive in the long run once you have a little practice with it.

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  26. Parul5:51 PM

    So the focus was books? I do make a few lists but mostly they are Gratitude posts. I love doing that. :)

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  27. Sunila Vig5:51 PM

    Good post, nice books and nice summaries :)

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  28. Really nice books, looking forward to read people's president kalam.

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  29. Arun Prasadh5:51 PM

    Nice ones.

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  30. Thanks Shilpa. I have Ramayana Part 3 with me awaiting review :-) This series is really good.

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  31. Try to read Arvind. It's very inspirational.

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  32. Vasantha Vivek5:51 PM

    Saved this list for my reading list of 2016 !!! Thanks Ramya for this useful post .... :)

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  33. Gayathri Lakshminarayanan5:52 PM

    New books to my TBR :) thanks for the share

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  34. Aditi Kaushiva5:52 PM

    It's always good to look back and see what you've achieved. Nothing better than making lists to see how you fare! :)

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  35. Is it? I have to read Girl on the train soon then. Thanks for dropping by Kate :-)

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  36. Happy reading! I'm familiar with Dan Brown, but not the others.

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  37. Girl on the Train is so good (and so messed up)! A Minute to Death sounds good, I love a thriller!

    My TTT

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  38. Vasantha Vivek5:52 PM

    Another useful list from you, Ramya.

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  39. I was just going to message you to ask if all was well, Mahathi. Happy New Year to you and your family. May you have a wonderful, creative 2016!

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  40. Payal Agarwal5:52 PM

    Informative post. Well penned.

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  41. Thanks Kala. I will be very happy if this post helps young parents

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  42. Kala Ravi5:52 PM

    That was really a helpful post. I am sure many young parents will like to use this one to explain the difference to their children.

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  43. Thanks Vinitha, same to you :-)

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  44. Vasantha Vivek5:52 PM

    Again an useful post. Thanks Ramya for your wishes. I have to join with you for this.

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  45. This sounds like an interesting ... and timely... book even if it is short, and as you point out, perhaps not the most skilled writing.

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  46. Parul5:52 PM

    The concept is interesting and relevant to Indian readers but I agree that when you are reading a book, you want more and free of mistakes.

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  47. Yes Cassara. Even though the intent of the story is very good, spelling and grammar mistakes were a major putoff for me.

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  48. shilpagarg5:52 PM

    This is a subject that needs to be addressed in our society. So, a book on the subject of rape is pertinent. Spellings and grammar mistakes... aah... now that's a dampener!

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  49. Yes Parul. The story is very much relevant to current scenario

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  50. Informative post. Happy Sankranthi, Ramya! :)

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  51. Thanks Debbie. Yeah, most of them are Indian Authors that i mentioned

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  52. Thanks Vasantha. Feel free to join the blog hop link and add any of your old or new republic day related posts to the linky.

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  53. Yes Shilpa very relevant to current environment

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  54. This looks interesting to me. Great connecting another book lover.
    Do visit my other abode, www.writersmelon.com.

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  55. maliny5:52 PM

    Loved the introduction and the story snippet. Looks like a breezy fun read :)

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  56. Manish Purohit5:52 PM

    Great timing to come up with the book on this theme which remain most relevant in current scenario...

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  57. maliny5:52 PM

    I have heard a lot about this book. Good reviews mostly.
    Nicely dissected.

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  58. shilpagarg5:52 PM

    Subtle romance... now that sounds very interesting. Will look out for this one!

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  59. Vasantha Vivek5:52 PM

    Great gratitude post Ramya..... Convey my loving birthday wishes to your dad ..... And get blessings for us too.....

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  60. Thanks Vasantha. Sure :-)

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  61. You should experience it Corinne. It's unforgettable experience for me :-)

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  62. Thanks Cynthia. 3 days of festival is celebrated at most of the places in Andhra and Telangana and very few people celebrate 4th day too.

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  63. That's such a happy list. Good luck with your reading. As for family support - what would we do without it!

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  64. True, family support is something for which I need to be grateful everyday

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  65. Yes Shilpa, give it a try

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  66. Thanks Manjulika, sure.

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  67. Yes Alana, THanks :-)

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  68. shilpagarg5:52 PM

    Havent read any of these 5 books. Have read the first part of Ramayana series and looking forward to the second and third one. Good luck with your reading goals this year, Mahathi! Cheers :)

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  69. So lovely! I hope to experience snow some day!

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  70. Alana Mautone5:53 PM

    Those are all good things to be grateful for, especially for having supportive family and the opportunity to celebrate your father's 60th birthday. Good memories for the future.

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  71. Shirley Corder1:31 AM

    Thank you for this super post, Mahathi, and also for linking to my link-up, Thankful Thursday. I see you have also had a problem with my image not appearing. I have opened a support ticket with Linkitz to find out what is wrong. I see your other link-ups are fine.

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  72. Parul9:40 AM

    You are doing very well with zentangle. I love your art and doodles. Dance classes, friends and time with kids - all sounds blissful. May you have a great 2018, Ramya. Wishing you the best!

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  73. Wow! You know Ramya, such trees amaze me a lot. I wonder how can they stand so strong when there is nothing is left. Always food for thought for me. Thank you for sharing is great capture and joining!

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  74. Akshata2:45 AM

    Looks like you had a super duper December with dancing, reading, late mornings and zentangles. Dance is the one that stands out. Hope to hear more of the fabulous journey in 2018

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  75. Another gratitude for me. I got to meet you and see part of your heart in your list of thankfuls. I'll be delighted to get to know you better through 2018.

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  76. Ah I'm sure the Zentangles are helping you to centre yourself, Mahathi. Continue to enjoy them and everything else the year has lined up for you.

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  77. Yes Corinne. Zentangles are relaxing.

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  78. Thanks Shirley. I hope, they resolve the issue soon with linkup.

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  79. Shirley Corder5:48 AM

    Hi Mahathi. I'm thrilled to be able to tell you I've finally sorted out the problem with the link on my first linky. After three days of frustration I pinned it down to a WordPress default setting which prevented it working on other sites. If you want to try and pick up the code again from my first post you are welcome to do so, but the 2nd post will be out in a few days (next Thursday) so you may as well wait until then. Thank you again for letting me know about the issue! <a href="https://https://shirleycorder.com/new-year-new-tools/>New Year, New Tools. </a>

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  80. Shirley Corder5:49 AM

    I've just left another comment before I spotted this. :-)

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  81. So many things to be grateful for in 2017. All the best to you in the coming year :)

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  82. Alana Mautone4:27 PM

    In the climate I live in, most trees drop their leaves and sleep through our cold winter. I love bare trees - there is just something about them.

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  83. anamika agnihotri2:04 AM

    This one looks magnificent even without the leaves, standing tall and Rumi's quote goes well with it.

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  84. Its a strong tree, standing tall and looks awesome..

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  85. Arv Jpr11:49 AM

    This is such a great picture without being technical because it brings out the beauty of this tree. I love the contrast of brown with blue. :)

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  86. Manogna9:44 PM

    Your post reminded me of all those happy Childhood memories in our Convent.
    Christmas in school was fun.
    :)

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  87. Oh how I stink at number 3... I struggle to have and give myself permission for me time. This is a great list of reminders and I am pinning it so I'll have it for future reference!

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  88. Very inspirational quotes - thank you for sharing!

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  89. Angel Stew & Devil's Brew9:44 PM

    As a stage 4 cancer survivor, I couldn't agree more! I experience my days moment by moment and in each moment I choose happiness or peace or gratitude. Smile or frown, the choice is always ours. I'm smiling. :) Great post. - Stopping by from Write Tribe Pro.

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  90. Yes Vinay. Kids take these stories seriously

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  91. Thanks Elly, really, I feel fortunate for these.

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  92. true Usha.. thanks for dropping by :-)

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  93. Francene Stanley9:44 PM

    Hehe--bingo as a term for when an idea strikes? I remember old cartoons used to have a light bulb above the character's head. A nice little story. Every young bride needs to gain her own personality.

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  94. true Geets :-) thanks for droping by

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  95. anamika agnihotri9:44 PM

    Bless that invisible energy that caused that old photo to drop down just like the universe's conspiracy.
    Francene's 'light bulb striking' compels me to share an illustration from one of my son's books where a naughty child gets an idea and a light bulb lights up above his ahead. He then raises his hand, grabs the bulb and throws it in the air signifying running after the idea. I wish I had clicked a picture of it to share it with you.

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  96. nabanita219:44 PM

    It's so easy to forget to appreciate the good things in life...Thank God for gratitude lists I say! :)

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  97. reetwrite9:44 PM

    Dear Mahathi Ramya, thank you so much for spotlighting my book here! Lovely blog, by the way - all the best!

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  98. Francene Stanley9:44 PM

    How can we turn back the clock? I'm sorry for modern children.
    Back in the 70s, we chose to have no television. But soon, the three children needed to watch certain programs for school. They went to a neighbour's house--not ideal. I think we must embrace technology.

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  99. true Francene, we must embrace technology, cant take the clock back :-) But, parent has to emphasize the importance of physical exercise to kids.

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  100. Point also is many parents take the easy way out and use technology to keep kids engaged. When we grew up parents engaged us with oral story telling, arranged games for us to play and took an active part as well. Time was also spent in dance, music classes etc. we were sent down to play every evening or to play badminton in a nearby club. Those options need to be looked at again. Difficult when both parents are working though

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  101. Rightly said Manish. THanks :-)

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  102. Thanks Nikita, it's my second e-book review. Enjoyed reading :-)

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  103. It's my pleasure to link it up Laurel.

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  104. Yes Francene.. There is giveaway of tornado of books :-) that's why long list.

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  105. my pleasure Ruchi :-)

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  106. I love happy endings, Mahati, although funnily enough it's the books that really sad that stay with me for a quite a while. I don't watch too many movies, but your post makes me want to see a good old Telugu movie soon! Perhaps we can go together? :)

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  107. Thanks for dropping by! Ya I too enjoy films with happy ending. We all love positivity even though movies are impractical sometimes

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  108. Glad that you agree :-)

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  109. Francene Stanley9:44 PM

    I like your review, but the book doesn't appeal to me. I like the cover though. Hehe.

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  110. Ah! I was referring to Punjabi!

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  111. Hello Mahathi! I stopped by from Writer's Tribe Pro Blogger because of your title. I am so glad I did. I have been blogging for almost 2 years at The Diary of an Alzheimer's Caregiver and while I am still doing that I started a new one that debuted today called Rena's World.com and I am writing about the same things there. I used to have a travel blog but wanted to do other things like reviewing books and creative writing challenges. I signed up to receive your posts by email.

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  112. Ya LuAnn. It's interesting to know life stories of artists

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  113. True Francene. Good health makes a difference. I agree that online friends also help overcome loneliness

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  114. Thanks Manish. I love Srisailam and the ghat road travel is an excellent experience

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  115. This is my first blog hop, hoping that more people link up great posts on Diwali :-) Thanks Corinne

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  116. Thanks Shanaya. I could read more books on different genres in these 2 months

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  117. Every blog anniversary, I do infact make a list of the main events of the year - this does include the best posts of the year as well as what lessons I learned along the way...

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