Cherub Holy Water Font at St. Peter's Basilica

The sculpture of Cherub Angels holding the Holy Water Font at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, ROME.

          This is one of a pair of beautiful marble fonts for holding holy water and used in baptisms. It is found at the beginning of the central nave. The basin is carved out of amber colored marble and complemented by a graceful drape of gray-black marble. The basin is flanked by a pair of intricately sculpted Baroque cherubs in white marble. It is located in the Basilica of Saint Peter's - Vatican City, Rome.

Cherub Angels overlooking the Baldacchino of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Radha-Krishna - Janmashtami special

Radha - Krishna sketch and colored with crayons.

Radha Krishna

A short break

A group of street performers taking rest at Cologne Cathedral, Germany.

“Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them is a skill in itself. Wisdom is knowing when to have a rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have. Finding them in each other - activity in rest and rest in activity - is the ultimate freedom.” 

My Black Dreams

The following is the list of 5 black things which I dream about. 

1)  Classic black patterned Roberto Cavalli gown

I had love at first sight for this dress when Carrie Underwood wore this in a Grammy award function, 2013. I just can't wait to put it on. Hope this dream comes true.

                 
2) Nikkor AF-S DX VR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

As I already have a Nikon DLSR, I just need this Nikkor telephoto lens which can be used for action, sports, wildlife and portrait photography and take my passion to a next level.

3) A Black sedan

           As I love travelling a lot, it's best to have your own vehicle to travel comfortably with kids. So, a black sedan will be a best, smart and stylish choice.

4)  A Black Fossil watch 

       Who does not love beautiful watches. I love this stylish watch from Fossil.

5) A Black iPad 

         Finally, I would love to have a black iPad which will be fast and helpful for my writing purpose and will give more time to my blogging.

This post is a part of #WhatTheBlack activity at BlogAdda.com

The Blue water

Taken at a beautiful beach in Porto Santo Stefano, Italy.

Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.

-Psyche Roxas-Mendoza

Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

A road to Heaven

Taken while travelling in a gondola ride from the Pilatus mountain near Lucern, Switzerland.

My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world.

-Billy Graham

Near Pilatus mountain, Lucern, Switzerland

Nature's Beauty

This shot is taken during a cruise ride near Interlaken, Switzerland

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.
-Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Interlaken, Switzerland

A lonely path

A lonely path in the morning.

“Remember that each light between sunrise and sunset is worth dying for at least once.” 

― Tad Williams, Shadowrise

A lonely path, Netherlands

Lord Ganesh

Lord Ganesha sketch

Lord Ganesha

Reflection

The reflection of a house in old town taken in Luxembourg.

Reflection at Luxembourg

The Shine

The top of a historical monument in Rome

Rome, Italy

Colorful Souvenir Keychains

Holland Souvenir keychains

Holland souvenirs

School Chale Hum..

               The grand new adventure of my son started last week. Ok, it’s still a kindergarten, but I was super excited and also had a huge fear if Aayan (my son) would be able to adjust with new kids or not. But I was relieved by the thought that I was going to stay with him. Yes, one parent is allowed in his play school until he joins the preschool at 2 and half years. So still three months to go till I cry myself out, leaving him in school alone to learn and explore new things.

               As I had taken late admission for Aayan in Play school (yes, I was late because here in Holland as soon as the kids are 1 year old or less they are already been registered at school) So, I was still in a long waiting list and was pretty sure we won’t get a batch till next month or a month after that. So when I got an invite to join within a week I was happy. And then began the shopping for school bag, water bottle, tiffin box, clothes etc. When I was finished with the shopping I was relaxed (was I??). 

               And omg the big day arrived. I was so tensed that I could not sleep the whole night. I was definitely more tensed than my 10th and 12th result day. So, rather than just turning sides on my bed, I got up at 5am and started to get ready. After preparing the breakfast I went to wake up Aayan at 7am. He was looking so adorable. I kept looking at him with teary eyes of joy and love just the way I saw him for the first time he was born. 

baby Aayan 

               It felt as if only yesterday he was born and today he was going to play school. Oh Crap SCHOOL!! Wake up Aayan we are going to meet new friends!!!  In 5 minutes he and his dad were out of bed. But making him ready was another story. He wanted to see his favorite animated series of Twinkle, twinkle little star rhyme, but I wanted him to bath first and obviously he won!! Finally I got him ready. As I saw him put on his school bag I remembered all the lovely milestones he had achieved . The day he turned, crawled, started to walk, babble, said ‘Mama’ and so many things. Meanwhile called me and held my hand and took me to the door so as to remind me to take him out.

Aayan ready for school

                 As we reached his school some kids were already there. His school is a Dutch school named ‘Kleine Prins’ which means ‘Little Prince’. Aayan waved them ‘Hi’ and ran to play with them. OMG wow, did he just leave me and went to play alone with the other kids. I could recall the moments when Aayan used to cling around me when we had get-together’s with my friends and their kids. It took him more than 5-6 meetings to get used to the kids.

A happy moment of me and Aayan

              I liked his play school. It had many toys, books, good teachers, a big playground and limited kids (max 10 in one batch). I don’t know how current play schools are in India, but the activities here give kids exposure to everything. So first they give time for kids to settle down and play with the toys and other kids. The mama’s can look after the kids and discuss things with one another. Then after some time the kids sit together and sing nursery rhymes along with the teacher. Then comes the craft and coloring time. All kids and mama’s are given pictures to color and make different things out of it. After that all kids should wash hands for the snacks. Snacks are mainly different types of fruits and cookies, which they share with each other. Then comes the outdoor time. Kids are given chalks to draw on the playground and also time to play and run.

Aayan's enthusiastic dad taking pics

The pencil holder we made at school

Some of Aayan's friends

Aayan drawing on playground

Aayan with me

Kleine Prins is part of this main school 

              Currently his school is only for 2 hours, but the kids do not get bored because of so many activities. When it was time to go home Aayan wanted to stay there. He was in no mood to go home. Aayan who like any other kid of his age cannot stay at one place for a long time wanted to stay there. Somehow I convinced him to take him to a park and then only he agreed. And this is how the first day of play school ended happily for Aayan and me as well.

A Jet spear

A statue at  Piazza Venezia, Rome

The Queen

A performer at Rotterdam Carnival.

Street performance at Rotterdam carnival

A glowing bridge

Night view of Pont Alexandre III bridge, Paris.

Pont Alexandre III bridge, Paris.

The Nymphs of Paris

The beautiful sculptures of Nymphs (divine spirits) on the Pont Alexandre III bridge built on the Seine river, Paris.

Pont Alexandre III bridge, Paris

An evening in Paris

Just another view of Eiffel Tower with Seine river.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

A Golden Dream

Mercedes G 63 AMG

The horse

A part of Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi at Piazza Navona, Rome

This stone carving of horse is a part of Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the four rivers) at Piazza Navona, a city square in Rome, ITALY. It is featured in Dan Brown's thriller novel as well as its movie named Angles and Demons

Live-in or Marriage?

       Live-in or marriage, which one is the best choice? I think it’s an individual’s choice. Whatever you are comfortable with go for it. Relationship depends on trust. If you have trust, faith and love for  each other then your relationship can survive and become stronger over time.

      But does the society approves live-in relationships. The Supreme court has approved it already, but the society is still not broad minded to accept it. Our Indian culture promotes marriage in which two persons who love each other are bonded together with Vedic rituals and legal contracts. On the other hand live-in system, is a foreign culture and no legal bondings are there. What matters is your comfort. If you are committed enough to spend life together, then whatever you choose the society does not matter at all. 

As for live-in or arrange marriage each one has its pro’s and con’s. 

For live-in relationships

Pro’s                                                              Con’s

- Freedom of choice                                   - Social in-acceptance

- Very less or no responsibility                     - Easy way to walk out

- Financial freedom                                    - Emotional insecurity

- Testing compatibility                               - Respect of marriage missing

- Time to decide compatibility                     - No legal security

- No divorce

For Marriages Pro’s                                     Con’s

- Financial and legal security                     - Divorce

- Social and religious acceptance               - Loss of freedom

- Both strive to be there.                          - Full-time commitment

- Companion to grow old with                  - Compatibility issues can occur.

- Commitment

- Children 

       Still, sometimes marriage is a far better choice for Indian girls than live-in relationships. People can get cheated in any relationship, but when the society accepts you it becomes far easier to stand high and get going.

Virginity: Is it really important??

          I don’t believe virginity should be seen as a character certificate for a girl. How can you judge a human being based only on her hymen? I don’t think any girl should be blamed and kept names for losing her virginity. As one of my friends has written “Virginity does not lie in the hymen but in the brain, it’s an attitude, a commitment.” Yes, unless you have trust and commitment and of-course love, virginity does not matter at all.

          We just cannot consider a girl to be characterless if she is not a virgin. There can be so many reasons for the same:

-She got raped

-she is a widow 

-she is an active sport’s person 

-she had a bitter breakup 

-she got cheated by an a**hole.

-she just could not marry her boy due to her/his parent’s denial.  

-she was so poor or helpless to feed her family.

          In any of the above cases, I do not consider the girl’s fault. So why can’t she have a second chance. It takes two to commit the act. And so, if you are considering the girl’s fault, then the boy is also equally responsible for the same. He should also be blamed and not accepted in the society. But we just let go as he is a boy and he can easily fake his virginity.

         Ok, many of you think why in the first place should any girl or boy (no, sorry, only the girl as whatever the boy does is accepted) should have a physical relation before marriage. Well, I think it’s her choice. Sometimes there is so much love that you accept the other person fully and I really don’t find any sin in this. Yes, I do not support one night stands, as there is no love or commitment in it, and involving with any person merely for enjoyment is not justified.

           I actually find it offensive to ask about virginity in marriage proposals. Asking for a test for HIV and STD’s is a sensible question, but how will the boy prove his virginity if asked? It needs trust and love for a relationship to last. I think if you like the girl’s qualities, her qualifications, her likes and dislikes and when she is assuring you a lifetime commitment from her side then why not accept her as your partner. There are girls out there who are virgin, but their qualities and thinkings are like a w*ore. You, a 21’st century modern boy, who wants a highly qualified, smart, intelligent, bold, independent, stylish girl for himself, but she should still be a virgin?!. Do you have these qualities? Are you bold and educated enough to accept and respect her the way she is? IF not, then just get lost….. 

This blog is written as a part of Indiblogger, Indispire topic : Virginity should not be regarded as a girl's character certificate according to me. What's your take?

Apple of my eye

Warhol style pop art portrait of my son Aayan on canvas by me.

This portrait on canvas was very complex for me, but still have tried my level best to make it as good as my sweet little kid.

Warhol style pop art portrait

Love Birds !!

My first Canvas painting

Love Birds 

Life with Indiblogger

#Life with Indiblogger

          Finally, I am back from India after a long and a much required relaxed break. And here I am back to  blogging again only because of Indiblogger.  The people and their posts on indiblogger inspire me a lot. I had created my blog back in 2011. But due to lack of response and admiration had stopped posting. I just used to write down my feelings and thoughts in my scrapbook. Now when I had totally forgotten about my blog, one of my old friend asked about it and suggested to join Indiblogger. 

         Now even though I have very few posts on my blog and am just a novice, still I have a confidence to compose my thoughts and post them for others to read and comment. Here I can actually get feedback on my blog and learn and improve with the help of others. Yes, there are so like minded people present here who really want to read things I write. 

       

          Indiblogger has forced me to give more and more time to blogging. I know I have a long way to go, but daily I get motivated by so many indibloggers and it really makes a huge difference to me. I personally like the In’dispire very much. It gives many good topics for novice like me who sometimes cannot think of anything good to write about. 

I really thank Indiblogger for this fantastic initiative and creating a great platform for writers.

This blog is written as a part of Indiblogger, Indispire topic : Life before IndiBlogger and with IndiBlogger. Compare.

Colours of Night

Fontana del Pantheon

Fountain outside Pantheon, Rome

My 5 Dream Destinations

#My 5 Dream Destinations

Firstly, I should tell you that I am very adventurous. I love travelling the world. I have a long list of my dream destinations. I am a bit romantic just like most girls are ;) So most of my destinations are inspired by the same. But as I have to write down only 5, so here goes the top one’s on my list.

1. Paris

2. Switzerland

3. Rome

4. Niagara falls

5. Las Vegas

And I must tell you I am very lucky to have visited the top 3 destinations on my list.

1.  Paris - The City of Love

          I always dreamt of going to Paris. During college days I always told my friends that one day my prince charming will take me to Paris and propose me in front of the Eiffel. They used to laugh at me then. But my dream came true when my husband took me there and confessed his love again in front of Eiffel. I was on cloud nine.

2.  Switzerland - The city of Alps

          As you all know Switzerland is famous for its Alps, serene lakes, green valleys and snow filled mountains. As a big fan of DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) movie, there was an addition of the most romantic couple at that time visiting Swiss and enjoying the snow on Mt. Titlis. And my this dream also came true. We really had a great time there and yes, I got my cow bell too. 

3.  Rome - The city of monuments

             Me and my husband have a great attraction of ancient monuments. Also as both of us are huge fans of Dan Brown Novels, we had to visit this city. Vatican City, Colosseum and Trevi fountain were on the top of this city’s list. But I must tell you we also visited most of the sites mentioned in ‘Angels and Demons’ book.

4.  Niagara Falls 

          One of the biggest waterfalls in the world. I believe this fantastic and breathtaking waterfall is worth a visit. It will be a thrilling experience to visit it in summer as well as in winter when it’s completely frozen.

5. Las Vegas - the city of Dreams

            May be you are thinking that this is the city just to get wasted. But I think it’s a unique city built solely for the purpose of entertainment. It’s famous for so many things. Plus, you can see the Eiffel, Canals of Venice, Pyramids of Egypt etc. all at the same place.

I really hope to visit my last two destinations very soon.

This blog is written as a part of Indiblogger, Indispire topic : 5 Places you would love to visit in this lifetime

            

  

Being at Peace

#Being at peace

          Many things happen in our lives. Sometimes good things happen and sometimes bad. Lots of things happened in my past too. Good and bad, fun and sad times all were there. Many times I regretted the bad things, cursed myself for the mistakes I did and the wrong decisions I made. But gradually, as time passed, I realized that all the things that happened were for the best.  I sought forgiveness for the mistakes I made and learnt a lesson from them.  And now I have moved forward and am happy for whatever life gave me.

             There are honestly lots of things for what I am really thankful to God and for everything he has done for me. Yes at first I was very distressed for some things I didn’t get. But now when I look behind I have realized that they were never meant for me. And I have received much better things than what I was chasing for. I thought God always neglected me and never gave me what I always deserved. But he gave me all the best things. I thought he never cared and never noticed that I needed him. But he always helped me out in the form of parents, friends and sometimes strangers too.

          I am really glad that I have changed for better and glad to accept the things he gave me. The most wonderful gift that he gave me is my dear husband. He is a great friend, a very loving, understanding and supportive husband. Always helping me out and motivating me. He has accepted me the way I am, no matter who I am or whatever I have done. I am really glad to get my prince charming and a man who could stand by me through good and bad, thick and thin, sickness and in health and a man who will love me for the rest of my life..

          There are always some things that you think you should be having. But this is life. So be contented and happy with what you have. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream or thrive for other things. You really should, but not by forgetting about enjoying life and making your family and loved ones sad.

        I too have lots and lots of things to achieve and have many dreams to act on. But with all the things I have, I am really happy, positive and at peace...

10 questions I really Hate being asked!!

#10 questions I really Hate being asked

      Different people have different thinking. But I really get frustrated by the following 10 questions. I am a straight forward person. But for these questions I really feel to just keep quiet and stare at the person until he/she feels I am crazy and leave me alone.

1)  Why did you do an intercaste marriage? Were all the boys of your caste already taken?

            Come on, we are living in the 21st century and you are still asking me this caste question. No, I didn’t do an intercaste marriage because all the boys were taken, but the guy I chose was worth more than the 1000 eligible guys of my caste.

2)  Are you really a Maharashtrian, I mean you look Bengali?

            Here I don't get angry because they consider me as a Bengali. But when I have already told them that I am a Maharashtrian they just don’t believe me and keep repeating the same question.

3)  You make so nice paintings and sketches, will you make a sketch of my girlfriend/ boyfriend? I want to give her as a gift!!

           I really hate this question. You want to give it as a gift then please pay me. I have a busy schedule and if you want me to contribute my time to draw your sketch I actually need a compensation. 

4)  Why did you plan a baby so early? Were you having any complications?

           I just can’t believe people actually think like that. More than 50% of girls in India have their 1st baby before they turn 20. And I had mine when I turned 25!! Is it too early? I don’t think so. May be I should ask you, a 33-year-old woman, married 6-7 years ago still not having any kid, are you experiencing any complications? Being highly qualified and career oriented woman doesn’t give you the privilege to ask me this question. So, shut the F*** up!!

5)  When are you coming back to India from abroad or are you going to settle down there?

          Why just why do people ask this question. Are you jealous that I am abroad and you are not. I will return when I feel so. Let me first explore the world. And you didn’t even bother to contact me when I was in India. So just go away.

6)  What do you do all day alone at home? Don’t you get bored?

          Nothing. As currently I am just a housewife, taking care of my 2-year-old kid. I only do the daily household chores. Just cook food 5-6 times a day as my toddler wants different items to eat throughout the day. Give time to my hubby and play with my kid. And the time that’s left to myself, I do drawing, painting, sketches, crafts, photography and write blogs. But for you I just do nothing.

7)  Are going to start working again?

          I have not decided yet. Yes, I was a career oriented before, but now I have a kid. I have my responsibilities towards him. Once I feel he is independent enough, I will think. But again, it’s my decision right?

8)  What are your future plans, are you going to sit at home without any work?

          Same question, but different perspective. Currently I have no future plans. I am enjoying the present. And what do you mean by sitting home without any work. Being a housewife and a mother is a 24*7 job!! 

9)  You make so many crafty things, Doesn’t your husband say anything to you after seeing the mess?

         Thank God my husband is not like you. He encourages me a lot for keeping my hobbies alive. 

10)  Why do you read so many books? Means do you actually remember any story after you read so many of them? 

         Can you believe more than 10 people asked me this question. Yes, yes, I know how you are exactly feeling right now. Please send me the bricks, I will throw them in their Face…

This blog is written as a part of Indiblogger, Indispire. Topic: 10 things you hate being asked

What's In A Name!!

Shakespeare has rightly stated, 

"What's In A Name? That, Which We Call A Rose,

By Any Other Name, Would Smell As Sweet!”

My name is Amruta and I love my name. Amruta is derived from ‘Amrut’ i.e. ‘The drink of immortality’. Amruta is ‘Elixir of life’. Amruta means sweetness. Amruta means immortal. It’s so fantastic.

When I was a child, many people used to taunt me that it's a very common name. I used to hate this feeling that many girls are having the same name as mine.I wanted my name to be unique. I complained the same to my mother, but when she told me the literal meaning of my name I was so happy. And believe me even in my huge circle of friends there is not a single girl named Amruta. How cool is that!!

I believe a name gives you a unique identity. Name is the first thing that becomes your’s after your birth and sticks to you till your last breath and yes even after that. People recognize you by your name. A name, helps you to stand out of the crowd. 

My name means everything to me. I really hate when people change their name just to have a stylish one. I know it’s their choice, but still!! One of my friends got married and her in-laws changed her name. Next day she immediately updated her  name on FB with a fully different name and surname with no traces of the old one. 

I pinged her and asked, “ Hey, why did you change your name?”

She: (excitedly) “Hey, it’s my new name. Isn’t it cool!! “

Me: “ Yeah, But What about your name? The name by which we know you.”

She: “ What’s in a name? The way you got used to my previous name, you will get used to this too.”

Me: “But what if somebody searches by your old name. Nobody would be able to find you.”

She: “I have told my friends about my new name. And I am really loving it. I am going to completely erase my old name.”

Me: “But why. I mean your old name is nice and unique. Won’t you feel lost. I mean all your documents, your birth certificate, your report cards, your achievements, your awards all will have your old name. How will you erase them. If somebody changed my name I would feel like I died. ”

She: “ Err, I don’t know. My sweet hubby has chosen this name for me. How can I say no to him. Btw, I am busy right now. cya.”

I understood she had no answer.

After 5 mins

*Blocked* 

This was the simplest way to avoid me and my doubts. May be I stretched it too far. But are my questions wrong?  Our parents name us. They also might be having some feelings, some stories relating to our name. How can we just forget who we are and start living a new name.  Our name is what we are!! If we can't even respect our name, how can we expect others to respect us.

I am married, but still using my pre-marital name and my husband is all happy with it.

This blog is written as a part of Indiblogger. Indispire. topic: What does your name mean to you? Do you like it or hate it? Why? #WhatsInAName