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 :-)
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.
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.
Ya, I hope the same Maliny.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maliny
ReplyDeleteRight Aditi
ReplyDeleteGood to know that Richa. Same pinch :-)
ReplyDeleteInteresting concept. I don't think I have come across a childrens' book that has actual recipes.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteYes Shanaya interesting
ReplyDeleteWow. .. nice to know. . Can be made as movie. . I will try to read. . Do they telugu versions of it?
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first zombie based novel Reema and I didn't expect it to be interesting
ReplyDeleteYes it is Alana.
ReplyDeleteI 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. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you too Cynthia. You are right. I have started preparing gratitude lists every month and it helped me to stay positive.
ReplyDeleteTelugu version is not available Kumar. It's a good read.
ReplyDeleteHow many books do you read on a month? Great job, Ramya. :)
ReplyDeleteYa Reema. This is my first book with this kind of combination
ReplyDeleteThis is my first zombie based novel Alana
ReplyDeleteExcellent excerpt!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea for a post, Mahathi. I realized I hadn't read your post about your writing process.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting read. Never read zombie based novels before though.
ReplyDeleteYes Maliny. Looks like something contemporary
ReplyDeleteWow. I didnt know Sankranti was celebrated over 4 days. This is very informative.
ReplyDeleteThanks Latha :-)
ReplyDeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vinitha
ReplyDeleteVery informative post, I had no idea the festival was celebrated over a span of 4 days. I always thought it was only one day.
ReplyDeleteVery informative. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your concern Corinne. I was busy with organising a family function :-) Happy new year to you too..
ReplyDeleteThanks Arun
ReplyDeletetrue Manish :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Ramya. Wish you success in achieving all your goals this year. Have a blessed 2016! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Vasantha.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
true Alana
ReplyDeleteSo the focus was books? I do make a few lists but mostly they are Gratitude posts. I love doing that. :)
ReplyDeleteGood post, nice books and nice summaries :)
ReplyDeleteReally nice books, looking forward to read people's president kalam.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sunila
ReplyDeleteThanks Vasantha
ReplyDeleteNice ones.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arun
ReplyDeleteThanks Shilpa. I have Ramayana Part 3 with me awaiting review :-) This series is really good.
ReplyDeleteTry to read Arvind. It's very inspirational.
ReplyDeleteSaved this list for my reading list of 2016 !!! Thanks Ramya for this useful post .... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gayathri
ReplyDeleteNew books to my TBR :) thanks for the share
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to look back and see what you've achieved. Nothing better than making lists to see how you fare! :)
ReplyDeleteIs it? I have to read Girl on the train soon then. Thanks for dropping by Kate :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy reading! I'm familiar with Dan Brown, but not the others.
ReplyDeleteGirl on the Train is so good (and so messed up)! A Minute to Death sounds good, I love a thriller!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT
Another useful list from you, Ramya.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vasantha
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteInformative post. Well penned.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kala. I will be very happy if this post helps young parents
ReplyDeleteThat was really a helpful post. I am sure many young parents will like to use this one to explain the difference to their children.
ReplyDeleteThanks Payal
ReplyDeleteThanks Vinitha, same to you :-)
ReplyDeleteAgain an useful post. Thanks Ramya for your wishes. I have to join with you for this.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting ... and timely... book even if it is short, and as you point out, perhaps not the most skilled writing.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks DG
ReplyDeleteYes Cassara. Even though the intent of the story is very good, spelling and grammar mistakes were a major putoff for me.
ReplyDeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteYes Parul. The story is very much relevant to current scenario
ReplyDeleteInformative post. Happy Sankranthi, Ramya! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. Yeah, most of them are Indian Authors that i mentioned
ReplyDeleteThanks Vasantha. Feel free to join the blog hop link and add any of your old or new republic day related posts to the linky.
ReplyDeleteYes Shilpa very relevant to current environment
ReplyDeleteThis looks interesting to me. Great connecting another book lover.
ReplyDeleteDo visit my other abode, www.writersmelon.com.
Loved the introduction and the story snippet. Looks like a breezy fun read :)
ReplyDeleteGreat timing to come up with the book on this theme which remain most relevant in current scenario...
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot about this book. Good reviews mostly.
ReplyDeleteNicely dissected.
Thanks Alana
ReplyDeleteSubtle romance... now that sounds very interesting. Will look out for this one!
ReplyDeleteGreat gratitude post Ramya..... Convey my loving birthday wishes to your dad ..... And get blessings for us too.....
ReplyDeleteThanks Vasantha. Sure :-)
ReplyDeleteYou should experience it Corinne. It's unforgettable experience for me :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cynthia. 3 days of festival is celebrated at most of the places in Andhra and Telangana and very few people celebrate 4th day too.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a happy list. Good luck with your reading. As for family support - what would we do without it!
ReplyDeleteTrue, family support is something for which I need to be grateful everyday
ReplyDeleteYes Shilpa, give it a try
ReplyDeleteThanks Manjulika, sure.
ReplyDeleteYes Alana, THanks :-)
ReplyDeleteHavent 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 :)
ReplyDeleteSo lovely! I hope to experience snow some day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maliny
ReplyDeleteThose 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
ReplyDeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeleteWow! 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!
ReplyDeleteLooks 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
ReplyDeleteAnother 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.
ReplyDeleteAh 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.
ReplyDeleteYes Corinne. Zentangles are relaxing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith.
ReplyDeleteThanks Akshata.
ReplyDeleteTHanks Parul.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirley. I hope, they resolve the issue soon with linkup.
ReplyDeleteHi 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>
ReplyDeleteI've just left another comment before I spotted this. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo many things to be grateful for in 2017. All the best to you in the coming year :)
ReplyDeleteIn 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.
ReplyDeleteThis one looks magnificent even without the leaves, standing tall and Rumi's quote goes well with it.
ReplyDeleteIts a strong tree, standing tall and looks awesome..
ReplyDeleteThis 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. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Vishal :)
ReplyDeleteYour post reminded me of all those happy Childhood memories in our Convent.
ReplyDeleteChristmas in school was fun.
:)
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks Prasanna
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational quotes - thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deeshani
ReplyDeleteThanks Ajay
ReplyDeletetrue :-)
ReplyDeleteAs 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.
ReplyDeleteYes Vinay. Kids take these stories seriously
ReplyDeleteThanks Elly, really, I feel fortunate for these.
ReplyDeletetrue Usha.. thanks for dropping by :-)
ReplyDeleteHehe--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.
ReplyDeletetrue Geets :-) thanks for droping by
ReplyDeleteBless that invisible energy that caused that old photo to drop down just like the universe's conspiracy.
ReplyDeleteFrancene'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.
It's so easy to forget to appreciate the good things in life...Thank God for gratitude lists I say! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Mahathi Ramya, thank you so much for spotlighting my book here! Lovely blog, by the way - all the best!
ReplyDeleteHow can we turn back the clock? I'm sorry for modern children.
ReplyDeleteBack 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.
true Francene, we must embrace technology, cant take the clock back :-) But, parent has to emphasize the importance of physical exercise to kids.
ReplyDeletePoint 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
ReplyDeleteAgree Lata.
ReplyDeleteRightly said Manish. THanks :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nikita, it's my second e-book review. Enjoyed reading :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's my pleasure to link it up Laurel.
ReplyDeleteYes Francene.. There is giveaway of tornado of books :-) that's why long list.
ReplyDeletemy pleasure Ruchi :-)
ReplyDeleteI 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? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by! Ya I too enjoy films with happy ending. We all love positivity even though movies are impractical sometimes
ReplyDeleteGlad that you agree :-)
ReplyDeleteI like your review, but the book doesn't appeal to me. I like the cover though. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteAh! I was referring to Punjabi!
ReplyDeleteHello 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.
ReplyDeleteYa LuAnn. It's interesting to know life stories of artists
ReplyDeleteTrue Francene. Good health makes a difference. I agree that online friends also help overcome loneliness
ReplyDeleteThanks Geets :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Manish. I love Srisailam and the ghat road travel is an excellent experience
ReplyDeleteThis is my first blog hop, hoping that more people link up great posts on Diwali :-) Thanks Corinne
ReplyDeleteThanks Shanaya. I could read more books on different genres in these 2 months
ReplyDeleteEvery 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...
ReplyDelete