tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59822283789938877002024-03-05T15:29:41.906-08:00happy thoughtssharing my thoughts on the things I am passionate about and waiting to read yours too!Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-63169871122855625382019-08-11T07:27:00.000-07:002019-08-11T07:29:38.927-07:00 Binu- My Universe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSy5ceg6Cnfi_3ffhj_tfvffp02T-i6pzNQUUuTLW497Yc2gCB_FK0zi_bPduyNQqfp4btUl2eBcoHEcN-_HItOGmdp8kjItr5XfQpGXgvzb5Ib7AsgsYvQHAbCdxrIalQg1N-fqXpLw4/s1600/B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSy5ceg6Cnfi_3ffhj_tfvffp02T-i6pzNQUUuTLW497Yc2gCB_FK0zi_bPduyNQqfp4btUl2eBcoHEcN-_HItOGmdp8kjItr5XfQpGXgvzb5Ib7AsgsYvQHAbCdxrIalQg1N-fqXpLw4/s640/B3.jpg" width="592" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cuddled unto my bosom,</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Holding his chin barely above </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My shoulder, tries to </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>To see the big,big world</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Before him, while we take</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our daily, rather hurried walk</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Giving his mama </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Time to tidy up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>His big, bright, marble eyes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Glint to see all</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> The green before him.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>His nappy is rolled up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I feel the smooth skin</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Of his tiny buttocks, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Velvety to the touch.</b></span></div>
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<b>His feeding time is a marvel.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>While sucking like a puppy,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>He plays with mamma's hands</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>And stops for a second</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">To show her </span>a toothless gum</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>And a series of coo s.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>His biggest smile is reserved for his seeya</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>While he needs me</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>When he is bored to death</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the bed!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>He holds on to his mama </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>For his food, sleep and for comfort.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>But when his papa,clad in a bath towel,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Comes after an evening shower,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Binu forgets them all</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>And jumps to him</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Leaving his nappy </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>And everything behind.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(this was written when he was seven months old.)</span></div>
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</span>Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-34589134067239027462019-03-19T09:38:00.003-07:002019-03-21T00:22:01.888-07:00A House Painted in Apple White<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YOREe3X32-S2obkqAeKvZXY3QisaOCsPkxhvFubjaRrFyWfARl6vD29gHzP1hRUzbCtvB3uOOtWzfnGncrGcTrTEfR0ZBUfLMbF_eGaf1y6xNv9NnGbw9fjhefcaZWlGgc_BP8VdmXo/s1600/WHITE+HOUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="258" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YOREe3X32-S2obkqAeKvZXY3QisaOCsPkxhvFubjaRrFyWfARl6vD29gHzP1hRUzbCtvB3uOOtWzfnGncrGcTrTEfR0ZBUfLMbF_eGaf1y6xNv9NnGbw9fjhefcaZWlGgc_BP8VdmXo/s320/WHITE+HOUS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like a house, painted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apple white,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With large french windows</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In rainbow color curtains,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Open to the lawn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like a room, painted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rose white,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With only a cosy couch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Among the stacked books of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> M<span style="text-align: center;">y favourite authors.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like a room, painted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Daffodil yellow,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With a twin ebony bed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of bright gold leaf designs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Carved on the head rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like to flop on the bed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling the rays of docile setting sun, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the evening, while brooding </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My childhood memories</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of my siblings, distant to me now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the dusk falls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like to go to my room</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And under the soft glow of a lavender candle </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would Start to write</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I always hope to do.</span><br />
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<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-62106412039533503772017-05-24T00:30:00.002-07:002017-05-24T00:30:52.360-07:00Bliss <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, I visited Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana situated along the Kurunegala- Polonnaruwa highway. We arrived there around 12.30 p.m, sweating and puffing from the scorched heat of the Sun. As soon as we entered the hotel premises, cool breeze welcomed us hinting the nature of the surroundings we are going to witness. A warm welcome, in the form of a cool cinnamon tea and a refreshingly cinnamon scented wet face towel, was offered by a hostess in the hotel.<br />
<b><br /></b> Then we were led to our rooms. We walked along winding footpaths, leading to various lodges and finally wound up at ours. A lodge, which reminded me of a house in Portuguese era stood up in front of me. The key was turned on and we were allowed inside. At once soothing orange and white dominated twin bed welcomed me effortlessly alluring me to dug into pillows and enjoy the soft touch of cotton feathers.<br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF78B0z6kyTKQB1WEJcXjatgCmAXnCo6BRgt6GAxfBnC0Jq1dwp9Rf_GwulPSvWrrGOObl8rLeBWdU53LB36UjyucJYEejuHr9JEi5sKz18IbUCrF9dOrl5f3jWRu8YA-zvFV1LeaLN5k/s1600/DSC_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF78B0z6kyTKQB1WEJcXjatgCmAXnCo6BRgt6GAxfBnC0Jq1dwp9Rf_GwulPSvWrrGOObl8rLeBWdU53LB36UjyucJYEejuHr9JEi5sKz18IbUCrF9dOrl5f3jWRu8YA-zvFV1LeaLN5k/s400/DSC_0921.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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After a shower, we headed to the dinning lounge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwEzyk7Hlxo_LQ4nIGk27yltJKuqc05DkFP5CU3wX3IjYb1tJnSzqWunluL-L4_JI_V2xwWWG4CpraApAnO36-D2jljBvcNwsy4qFfqcEYA2Og5SWLuxaKkhvTxGspONbXTJaNf7HtQo/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwEzyk7Hlxo_LQ4nIGk27yltJKuqc05DkFP5CU3wX3IjYb1tJnSzqWunluL-L4_JI_V2xwWWG4CpraApAnO36-D2jljBvcNwsy4qFfqcEYA2Og5SWLuxaKkhvTxGspONbXTJaNf7HtQo/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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There were local and continental cuisine and a variety of food to choose from. I tried some new dishes with hilarious results and finally contended with not so new dishes.</div>
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Though there were number of dishes, they were arranged in such a way, even a newcomer can select what he or she wants without any fuss!</div>
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It was a novel experience for a house wife like me, who used to wait at the table, and serve every other member of the family, before partaking my meal. The waiters hower above us, waiting to pick up an empty plate as soon as we finish one portion and going for another.At first, I hesitated to try out another new dish, once I finished my first food portion, but my son assured me not to.</div>
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It was fun to roam around the room, peeping and observing all the food in dishes, and selecting a food which delights all the sensory organs, yet bumping into another similar tasty dish knowing that I can have some from that too! (Greedy, Ain't, I?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5moyY8-e3Eut0woSRKUou16kUGASLmKfdR6AbM1EGA99Dc0SD8bcK6bNmBwXLQybIiKRGjDAvcjcwGjH91gf5Z3OVmOtb3-BAyHTpgQyV6KTUWX6g2fxcJ6Qa4xhy34cY_jXHrN97oUc/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5moyY8-e3Eut0woSRKUou16kUGASLmKfdR6AbM1EGA99Dc0SD8bcK6bNmBwXLQybIiKRGjDAvcjcwGjH91gf5Z3OVmOtb3-BAyHTpgQyV6KTUWX6g2fxcJ6Qa4xhy34cY_jXHrN97oUc/s400/DSC_0198.JPG" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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Once you finish your meals and think how to return to the room with so full stomach, you see the 'ROOM FULL OF SINS'.</div>
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Vast array of sweets,yogurts, ice-creams; home-made and othervise, whole and sliced fruits,cheeses, tarts and other numerous desserts were there ready for us to be indulged.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEuunEC-tu9X9Jvc6E4e0tRrJSuNKWvSFmfiP7B4RU_gsp4S72n-UnIayYdc0xWlekGZSSpj-MOGAiVGWNPHwJSDa8UeGfZEWwf69lGw68L-q88IbK9LAhJ9c3Q8OoXea7Y8SnonZWzA/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEuunEC-tu9X9Jvc6E4e0tRrJSuNKWvSFmfiP7B4RU_gsp4S72n-UnIayYdc0xWlekGZSSpj-MOGAiVGWNPHwJSDa8UeGfZEWwf69lGw68L-q88IbK9LAhJ9c3Q8OoXea7Y8SnonZWzA/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Though you have enough, I bet, you won't be able to leave the dinning room without giving a try to one or two in that room.</div>
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Then we had a leisurely walk in the premises of the hotel, which occupies a tank and a marshy land with big trees. Those, who were strong enough, climbed them up, as we old folk just sat on the Green.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBJTWq-vrnSrykvB0kzyX2UOx9iFvI-U9Iuv9A-_EeqRjFYhgHE1u6D4g83NPRNg_5uckTJPOvfYrT8wlrdgQAv33Ln5E31gOw7HQ51YT7PaCQ2tq4ArR8W5PdxOhIQgozymivyWzkkE/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBJTWq-vrnSrykvB0kzyX2UOx9iFvI-U9Iuv9A-_EeqRjFYhgHE1u6D4g83NPRNg_5uckTJPOvfYrT8wlrdgQAv33Ln5E31gOw7HQ51YT7PaCQ2tq4ArR8W5PdxOhIQgozymivyWzkkE/s400/DSC_0988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't want to tire you with all the tiny and lengthy details of my trip but it is suffice to say, I enjoyed my stay at Cinnamon Lodge, and if you are hoping to visit it one day, you won't be disapointed, if you are a house wife like me as I am unable to compare it to other hotels like globe trotters do.</div>
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I like to thank the staff at Cinnamon Lodge, for making it a home like place for simple folk like me and my husband.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YujUukruQ0FfHyClnHXSaIFz8scawExgwkywqlAcuO4-wdbC2dVt6QZRTxmkyQwp59hiYnZPBQwSsDKJBuhJrhCeiwwCxtUMIDuVzLh9_L7qwbcupqFTiIAjDwxhHc4fQUiJPN3bjS0/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YujUukruQ0FfHyClnHXSaIFz8scawExgwkywqlAcuO4-wdbC2dVt6QZRTxmkyQwp59hiYnZPBQwSsDKJBuhJrhCeiwwCxtUMIDuVzLh9_L7qwbcupqFTiIAjDwxhHc4fQUiJPN3bjS0/s400/DSC_0210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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[😨 I owe an apology to Food and Beverages Manager there, for not being wise enough to take photos before guests starting the meals. What you see here is not the correct picture but only some shots of food, what is left at the tail end of the two and half hour duration meal.}</div>
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-5051241387736223522017-04-03T01:07:00.000-07:002017-04-03T01:07:06.681-07:00Any lessons on catching flies?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-10915798229088936522015-07-26T03:54:00.000-07:002019-03-21T00:27:08.938-07:00To My Dearest Sons at St. Xavier's College, Marawila <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilBLGnUpH16tKZdrfdeVTxiZD7pjqjWR3eBVRabeJ1tghW0Kj7ig01OzpwXoDlBHmSTR8t4Jf6p8kM_8GZ-aZohxVyPJ7EISVXjlhQr8_UEOaAlw4S76H_FvOit4izivMP8JDnHDYrwE/s1600/DSC_0462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilBLGnUpH16tKZdrfdeVTxiZD7pjqjWR3eBVRabeJ1tghW0Kj7ig01OzpwXoDlBHmSTR8t4Jf6p8kM_8GZ-aZohxVyPJ7EISVXjlhQr8_UEOaAlw4S76H_FvOit4izivMP8JDnHDYrwE/s400/DSC_0462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Though u were not borne by me,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I always had a mother's incline towards u all.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My dear sons, you would never guess</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The share u have in</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Relieving the frustration and the tension</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From my boiling system.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I took your comments personally</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And that's why I always got</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Angry, when retorted.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hoped for unquestioned surrender</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in lessons, You rebelled though.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I am ashamed to say</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That I have very little contribution</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For moulding u into good citizens</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Though I tried it every given moment.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ours wasn't a traditional classroom</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As any other, and</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After meeting u all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I changed my attitude</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On a teacher's role!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You always called me 'ape miss'</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I glimpsed a vast flow of</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">warmth and affection in it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And yet, when I sensed that</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You r deviating from your future goal, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> The punishments,cynical remarks, cajoles</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and even Indifference had to be used</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> for getting work done.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Teachers aim for seminars, modal papers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">while you strive to cram</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all the tutorials into your tired</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and confused minds, already half filled</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with FB, chats and selfies.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the modern world, where teachers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">are fast loosing the grip of their students</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nobody is wise to predict</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">where the current will carry and</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">deposit u in another</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ten years.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, my dear sons,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I would not hesitate to advise you</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I always do.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be good and do good.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's a life for each of u</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> beyond the world of exams.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ride on it</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To a clear future.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I thank God,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for making an encounter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Between u all and me </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So that I am enlightened</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of a modern teenager's life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> (postscript)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"I know,I know.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wait till Asitha comes,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And he will explain the poem</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to u all'n good time."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Your ever-loving English teacher,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Miss blue lotus</span></span><br />
<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-60824570203551537032014-06-29T23:12:00.001-07:002014-06-29T23:20:15.059-07:00To the Principal sir; a parting note,<br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Soft spoken and gentle</b><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>We have never heard </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Your raised voice</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Though there were countless </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Times to do so.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Humble and polite</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>You always requested</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>When something wanted to be done.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Never the 'Bossy Type'</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Though you always were the Boss. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>You never sneaked into the classrooms</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>To see what we were doing,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Never embarrassed us</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>By openly criticizing.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kept your faith on us, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Believing, that we would work hard</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>To the betterment of children-</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our wards.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now that you are leaving,</b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have begun to realize</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The immense void </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>You are creating</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>With your absence.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>But it is something inevitable, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>As preached by Lord Buddha,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It's a pity to leave</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>One's loved ones.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>After carrying the heavy burden </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Of a school</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It is only fair to say</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>That one needs a rest </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>If to remain sane.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Be happy! Thinking </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>That you have done </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Your duty to the school </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>And pupils.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>May God keep you happy </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Until your last days. </b></span><br />
<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-58727750892585744052014-03-18T09:38:00.000-07:002014-03-21T19:31:32.111-07:00How to Lure My New Tenant<div>
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<b><b>What a shy person my new tenant is!</b></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></b><br />
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<b>Comes with the Dawn and leaves with the Dusk.</b><br />
<b><br />My eye walks on the lawn looking for a sign of him.<br /><br />Sits in his favourite place,on top of a coconut.<br /><br />Hops back and forth and chats while I carry my washing.<br /><br /> It's his previledge, so I listen to him.<br /><br /><br /><br />He likes me and the mynah who eats tit-bits in the garden.<br /><br />I too like him though he is not one of my own.<br /><br />He is a nature lover, conservationist and a vegetarian.<br /><br />He is an ecentric too.<br /><br />Shakes his back when he has something excited to say.<br /><br /><br /><br />Spellbound by his presence, I tried all my tricks on him<br /><br />to share my life with him forever,though it failed,<br /><br />breaking my heart. I wonder whether you have any tips<br /><br />to lure a flycatcher to my home.</b><br />
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-84898598854233324712013-11-09T06:58:00.000-08:002013-11-09T07:03:01.782-08:00The Short Cut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "DL-Madu\. College";"><span style="font-family: "DL-Madu\. College";"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My first appointment was to a school with only a brick building and two other kajan thatched ones. It was situated deep into the forest which connected it with the village by only a bus route and a bus which went twice a day;in the morning and the evening. but many a times people find that the bus has broken down and those who want to go to the dispensary, weekly fair or to a government institute to get their work done have to trek that long journey along the dusty road which sent a swirl of dust, each time you raise your foot.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'DL-Madu. College';"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> As if to compensate the difficulties and dilemmas you undergo in that God forsaken place, the principal was a very understanding and a kind hearted fellow. He was in his early fifties with thinning hair and short and fat with a dark complexion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'DL-Madu. College';"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I went there on the first day he welcomed me happily as he was without an English teacher for some time. I too, on the other hand , was a</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> dreamy eyed teacher, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">armed with my new knowledge, who was eager to impart all I learned at Pre-Service Training. After handling official documents he introduced me to the rest of the staff. As I could remember, there was only one male teacher and three or four female teachers who were all unmarried. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Then the principal took me to a classroom with some students. but there was no teacher. He explained that the class teacher was on maternity leave and from then onwards I would be their class teacher.It was a grade two. I was somewhat consternated but there was nothing I could do about it. I had come here to teach these students the most important English Language and the principal had given me this. To make matters worse, there was no black board for them. I had to teach them sinhala letters and words without a blackboard. It's like a game where you can't utter the word 'thirsty' when you speak about the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The students gathered around me eagerly observing me and my dark purple american Georgette saree. ( I still have it with me now!) There were around thirty five students in the class; malnourished, lethargic and under fed. but their smiles were warm and I felt that they were expecting something special from me . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The students sat on the rough concrete floor and there was only a wooden chair for the teacher. no desk or table.I introduced myself and asked their names. I exactly didn't know what to do. I was trained to teach the English Language but they had not prepared me for a situation like this. My heart was racing and mind was thinking fast. I had to teach them something and the students were eyeing me curiously.O.K.What the heck, I thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Then I asked them to bring their exercise books and began writing the word "samanalaya" (butterfly) in each book and asked them to complete the page with the word. After writing in around twenty books my back began to ache as it was an uncomfortable posture without a table to lean on to. I straightened up and looked around . countless number of tiny hands were offering me their books for me to write that sacred word in them. Some were pushing to come to the front and I heard cries of "anei , paganna epa. " ("don't tread on please"!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> They were pushing me too. I felt a nudge and when I turned around, I saw a little boy has crept under chair to come close to me. He was almost sitting on my lap. I stopped my writing and gave them a look. I met their expectant gazes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I told them as calmly as possible, though I was very tired and uncomfortable, "Now children, I am going to write the word in each of your books. So don't push each other. Go back to where you sit, and come one by one as good children. "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I waited.They didn't budge.I waited more. Reluctantly, one girl went to her place and sat with her book on the lap. She called her friend. Then one by one all the students went back to their space on the concrete floor. I took a deep breath. I just sat there indicating I needed a short break from writing. I was not allowed to wallow in my pleasure, as one brave student came with the book and showing asked me " teacher, mehema livvama haridha" ? Then another one came, and another. Again they were asking me numerous questions with regard to their writing, mostly the questions to which they very well knew the answers. I was getting angry as I was not composed and collected and didn't know what to do with these bunch of kids who expected some magic from this young, new teacher! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The other teachers may have witnessed this incident. One of them came and took charge of my young wards. Another took me to their room. It was a part of the school building. She opened a thermos flask and poured me a cup of tea. I was grateful for her kind act and gratefully accepted it. but as soon as I sipped the tea, my thirst vanished totally. It was unpleasant and an oily layer was floating on the surface of the drink. I swallowed it with much difficulty and finished it quickly. It was the sort of water you drink in those remote areas. You could never think how happy I was to drink a glass of cool, refreshing water at one gulp while little drops were falling along wetting my neck line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> She asked me to take things slowly and not to bother about students so much as there was very little one could do.The majority got absent in the harvesting season and rainy season; former to help their parents and latter due to flooding of the roads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> That was how m</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">y first day at school was spent and the bell ran indicating that the school was over. Oh, my, what a relief! Now time to go home. My father took me to school in the morning but I had to take the bus for return journey. Unluckily for me, there was no bus for the return journey and those who travelled in the bus had to walk or find other options to reach their destinations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Principal was concerned about my going home and asked two senior students to guide me to my home as they both were going in my direction. I was cold with sweat. I had never walked such distance and it was not easy for me to walk at all, as my new high heels were cutting my flesh like hell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> but some things were inevitable and this was one such moment. There was no other alternative. So with a chilling heart, I started the journey.The principal advised the students to take me safely home.They were leading and I followed them. We were walking on the bus road which was dusty as it was not tarred yet. after walking for some time I saw that the bottom edge of my new saree was fully covered with dust. and it had turned totally brown. The students too noticed it and when I stayed to rest for a while they suggested to take a short cut.I was doubtful at first but they were persistent, telling me that ' it was very short' when compared to this dusty gravel road where you tend to falter walking on gravel. I was reluctant at first but again there was no other alternative. My left foot had become reddish and each step was hurting like hell. I wanted to run home and remove this bloody shoes at once. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> So, when we came to the fork of the road, my two guides took the left turn which was the short cut, and I went behind them meekly clutching my hand bag, and giving more weight to my right foot. It was only a narrow foot path.No two people could walk abreast. The thorny bushes and shrubs grew at the edges of the path, entangled in my hair, saree and back scratching me and sometimes creating red patches in my hands and nape. The walk was very uncomfortable. I had to twist and avoid the twigs and branches on the path and I couldn't walk straight. It seemed that my two guides were well accustomed to this daily walk and they just held and avoided the branches and twigs with an easy manner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Then there was a mud hole in the path,and without knowing, I fell into it. A sharp pain spread through my body.involuntarily I sat on the edge of the foot path on the long grass. The pain was unbearable and I was twisting and wreathing with pain. Meanwhile the two boys were watching me helplessly as they couldn't decide what to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My ankle was bruised.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The two boys were helpless and they stared at their new teacher who was in great pain. Then one of the students picked some leaves, chewed and kept it in the wound and I gave my handkerchief to wrap around it.but it was not enough to go around and I had to tear a strip of cloth from my new underskirt. After bandaging the wound, I just sat there for the pain to subside, then got up and began to walk slowly.But it was impossible to walk as my both feet were hurting a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I declared bitterly that I couldn't walk.The two boys were scared and exchanged fearful glances.As this was a short cut, very few people used to take it and the boys suggested to wait for some time before one of them going to village asking for help. They asked me to remove my shoes and meekly I obeyed them.Then one of them helped me to sit on the grass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> We waited. During that time, I had time to think about my teaching career. I understood with regret, that It was not the beautiful dream I had when I was schooling. It was more deep and humane and you should be a part of it and feel what your students feeling and experiencing in their day-to-day lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Even, when my subconscious mind was handling my thoughts, I heard a distant, but approaching sound of creaky pedals. The two students who sat with fallen faces got up and disappeared into the woods and I waited, not knowing what to expect after this upside down events happening to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Finally, help arrived but in the disguise of an old bicycle.The villager was running an errand and had thought of taking the short cut to reach his destination quickly. He was aghast when he listened to the halting narrative of two scouts. He offered his humble services to the "iskole nona' and apologised for the condition of his bicycle. On the other hand, I visualised him as a Greek God, who came to the rescue of a young princess. (It was me!) I was thrilled to the core.Apart from the humiliation of pushed by three males, I sat on the rickety bike and was ridden home to the amusement of my sisters and the concerned look of my father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <b>So, finally </b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">with disheveled hair, a dusty and torn saree and a half missing underskirt I ended my first day in the school. </b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"> </b><br />
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-17600977672109165092013-09-19T00:00:00.002-07:002013-09-20T09:37:52.782-07:00The Teacher's Vengeance<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="cbrown" style="color: #663300; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>The Teacher's Vengeance</u></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She came hurriedly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to an unswept classroom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">passing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">paper balls on the floor,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">avoiding the fallen flower vase</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">on her path,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ignoring the culprits,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">who deserve punishment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in an ordinary day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With open mouth and wide eyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pupils stare</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">thinking of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the impending doom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anticipation is mountain high.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consequences follow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">sure as Hell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Spectacled eyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">throw a wicked smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For, it is the way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to rejuvenate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the frozen minds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of the imbeciles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is her day. Victorious,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> triumphant, fulfilled and vengeful,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">she looks straight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">into the eyes of those defeated souls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dropping the papers with a thud</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">on the desk,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">straightening the table cloth with her finger tips,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">picking the chalk from the edge of the table,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She wrote on the black board,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SECOND TERM TEST.</span></div>
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-37635250455337379932013-06-29T10:38:00.000-07:002013-06-30T03:46:23.449-07:00The Jump<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">It was the scariest day of my life.I was an eleven year old
girl who lived with my maternal grand parents. My parents had gone to live
with my paternal grand father who owned a big plot of land and a five
acre paddy field In the dry zone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I was a lonely girl and I had no friends in the school or neighbourhood. So my evenings were spent alone. On those evenings
I roamed in the land where I used to live with my parents before
they left.The house needed a repair and it was in dilapidated condition. It
needed to be thatched but nobody was interested in doing so as all my
relatives knew that my parents would never return to their home town.I
felt nostalgic all the time and used to sit on the threshold of the house
recollecting the happy times I spent with my two siblings and my parents.On the
other times I climbed the cashew tree, the only tree in my garden,which
could be climbed by me, my only refuge, in my solitude.Then there was a well, with a
crystal clear water in it showing the shallow, sandy bottom. It was an
unprotected well and there was only two coconut trunks laid to prevent you from
falling into it. But you shouldn’t worry about it as you will never drown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The land boarded the paddy field which was
neglected and turned into a marsh.When I stand at the edge of my land I could see the river shinning like a silver ribbon in the midday and flowing like a
whispering mermaid in the evening. I could watch it for days as I was enchanted
by the beauty and serenity of the river, and its baffling fascination brought me a solace
like no other. It healed my wounded little soul, shattered by the loss of my
parents and my siblings. It was a usual thing for me to run to
the river bank and sit for hours observing the setting sun and the grandeur of
the sky in the dusk or the cloud formation which always made my mind run wild
with joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> It was sometimes my custom to observe the river across the paddy field standing by the fenced land of ours.One day when I was looking at the river I suddenly
developed an irresistible urge to jump across the marsh to the river bank .It
was a short distance and I think any boy or male could do it easily . I have felt the desire from time to time but this time I was fully drawn to the thought like a magnet.My whole body shook passionately as in fever and the feeling was indescribable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> my feet was trying to fly and the
blood was warming in my legs to give me a boost for the thrilling act.I knew It
was mad even to think of such a thing as I was doubtful whether I could land on
the river bank so I stamped my feet hard on the ground to change my trance, but
to no avail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> before thinking of anything else, I sensed that my
body was lifted onto the air, and within a fraction of a second it was dropped into the
marsh below.Even today I didn't know how it happened . I heard a splash and
then I was stuck in the mud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> When the cold, slimy and greenish mud came to contact with my body I
came to my senses and realized the gravity of the situation. I panicked and
shouted for help.but I knew that there was nobody in the hearing distance. I thought for a while again and called the name of my next door neighbour, who was
a distant relative of mine.but it was evening and definitely he would be at his work place.I observed the river bank closely to see whether there were any children playing or any other person who had come to collect his cow.no help was there. I
had to find a way to save myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I tried to wade the mud but there was nothing to hold onto.Even the few reed plants In the marsh were beyond my grasp and I couldn't think of a way to reach them.I tried to lift a leg to reach a reed plant
but then I sank deeper into the mud.I stopped any movement and began to think. It was strange now but I have forgotten my initial fear and became logical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My only help was the reed plants so I tried to
reach them again. Each time I lifted my leg ,I sank deeper Into the mud, but finally I managed to catch a single stalk of a reed. It was not strong enough to hold
my weight ,but using it as a support I held onto the next nearest reed plant of which the roots were very sturdy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Then half wading and
half sinking I caught reeds from one to another until I crawled from the slimy mud onto the land emitting a foul smell. my frock up to my armpits were blackish brown colour and I couldn,t bear the foul smell coming from me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I ran to the
well and began to draw a bucket of water and started scraping the mud In my
frock.at the same time I looked around to see whether there were any eye witnesses who could narrate the Incident to my grand mother which definitely warrant a punishment. It was very difficult to remove mud as it was very slimy. then I
washed my hands and legs well to remove the unpleasant muddy smell from me. I crept Into the house without being seen by my grand mother and changed into a
new frock.I was very quiet during the whole evening as this unexpected Incident had given me a rude shock of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My grand mother noticed my silence and commented on it but I kept
my secret to myself.Yet, the next day she had found my frock with dried mud on it and questioned me. I tried to lie but was not successful.She
was furious after listening to my halting explanation with eyes streaming with tears and thrashed me well.She prohibited me to wander in the river bank
and paddy fields alone and threatened to inform the lady teacher who resided close to our house.</span></div>
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<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-39719437718327657222013-05-10T09:01:00.000-07:002013-05-10T09:01:07.606-07:00Don't give up hope<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_W91TqRyvcfnXFq0akuUumRssTiy4H09uVnqaVaYh3clNuMIJ923KaFDWS4eKd3O0uK6u1BnIK0KuJqGRd6UXbSp0XYr1SChpuPblJMoBV8hO9_-iiyvwjGvgQU5pvrFaTn6KAF_sto/s1600/sad+boy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_W91TqRyvcfnXFq0akuUumRssTiy4H09uVnqaVaYh3clNuMIJ923KaFDWS4eKd3O0uK6u1BnIK0KuJqGRd6UXbSp0XYr1SChpuPblJMoBV8hO9_-iiyvwjGvgQU5pvrFaTn6KAF_sto/s400/sad+boy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It makes me melancholy even now to recall that heart rending incident.There are some happenings in our lives over which we have no power to change or modify it in any way but accept what has happened passively watching it rip our hearts a little bit whenever they happen. If I say that this is one of such, I am not lying.<br />
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My son was subjected to an allergy when he was a little kid. As a result he was derived of some activities and hobbies of which he was passionate about. He wanted to be in the school cricket team and joined practices when he was in grade three. I used to stay with him after school, in one of the empty classrooms watching him mingle and play with other kids under the instructions of the cricket coach, who happened to be a teacher in the same college.<br />
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after two or three hours he comes to me dead tired but glowing with satisfaction. He, narrating his achievements in the ground, we both walk to the bus halt, take a bus ride home or sometimes stop by at a cafe to have a short snack to tame his hungry tummy.<br />
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but his pleasure didn't last long.after two or three sessions he seriously fell ill and the doctor decided it was the dust that causing him the allergy.It was tormenting for me to break the news to him; of my decision to stop his cricket practices. I remember even now his disappointing face lifted up to me and asking ' why, only I can't play, while Piumal and others can.' I had no answer and I couldn't remember my reply. He was moody for some days and especially directed his anger at me.He saw me as the one always taking decisions to ruin his joy and I saw his resented eyes.<br />
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Though my heart bled for him, I had to hurt him again when he put forward his other passionate plea. One day after having dinner, he suddenly declared ' I want a puppy !". I was uneasy and stole a glance at my husband. He avoided my eyes. My son's gaze was directed at me unwavering and they were challenging. "I stopped cricket for you.. Can't you give me a puppy even? Piumal's Lassy has delivered a a litter of four puppies and he promised that he would allow me to choose the most beautiful puppy from his pack "<br />
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His torrent of words flew and I was numb with pain. How can I explain complexities and injustice in life to my little one who expects only solace and piece in his tiny world? I opened my mouth , yet he guessed what was coming and became aggressive. "Don't say NO to this" His voice shook with emotion.He threw a pleading look at his father but he shook his head which indicated a negation.<br />
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Then he looked at me again, tears streaming down his cheeks.His little mind was confused and he couldn't find why his beloved parents were doing this to him. Hastily I said" putha, I will get you one when you are a little older. Can u remember what the doctor told you? Their fur is bad for your health.Do you want to take medicine and the inhaler daily ? Be patient like a good boy and when you are cured, I will find you a beautiful puppy for you."<br />
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He was inconsolable He just threw me a disgusting look and ran to his room, and flopped on the bed. For a few days I sensed his distance. He just played with his toys but rarely came to release his childish patter. The one he loves most was giving him the heartaches which he simply could not bear.<br />
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I, on the other hand was suffering immensely as I knew that he was going through a psychological trauma.But there was nothing else to do. His doctor advised me strongly that it is vital to keep him away from animal fur, dust and any other thing which will trigger his cough. It was unthinkable to give in to his request when I remember how he suffer when having a bout of wheezing. It was pure hell to watch his agony. Lying on the bed, he breathes laboriously, long and slow, each breath like his last.Even after giving medication, it takes at least two or three hours or sometimes more to come back to normal. At those times his strength was completely drained and he sleeps long. From time to time I gently put my hand on his chest to check his heart beat to make sure he is o.k. His regular breathing lifts my spirits and then only our household becomes normal again.<br />
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But, fortunately, a pediatrician who worked in Ridgeway hospital came to our help.He was a somewhat peculiar fellow when compare him with other doctors, yet an excellent physician with a superb knowledge of diagnosing.He took time to examine my son and prescribed him some medicine and asked me to come after one month<br />
Gradually, in each visit, the dose of medication was reduced and finally the doctor decided that my son could do without medicine.How happy I was! I felt like worshipping his feet.All my fears and doubts vanished and with preventive medicine I returned home with a heart made light with hopes for future.<br />
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Though my son was unable to play in the cricket team he was able to resume his regular activities in school.The frequency of developing the wheeze was getting less and less.<br />
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It was that doctor who gave me hopes for my son's recovery and I am indebted to him forever for understanding my helplessness.. He is a good doctor and still treats patients.<br />
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I want to publish this post as a tribute to good doctors who still whether the hardships and challenges of a monetary society, yet able to remain as humane and compassionate human beings.Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-60129920701841743662013-04-08T03:28:00.002-07:002013-04-08T03:52:16.539-07:00The Wishes of a Little Child<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b> තුරු මවක් කුඩා ලමයෙකුට ආදරය කලාය. ඒ ලමයා ඇගේ තුරු පත් එක්කර කිරුලක් සදා හිසේ පලඳා රජකු මෙන් සෙල්ලම් කලේය. ඇගේ කඳ දිගේ රූටා ගොස් අතු අග ඔන්චිලි පැදීමට පුරුදු වී සිටියේය.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> ඒ මදිවාට තුරු මුදුනේ හටගත් </b></span><b>ගෙඩිද</b><b> කෑවේය. ඇය ලමයා සමග සෙල්ලම් කලාය..සෙල්ලම් කර මහන්සි වූවිට ඇගේ හෙවනේ නිදාගැනීමටත් ඇය ඔහුට ඉඩ දුන්නාය.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>කුඩා දරුවා තුරු මවට බෙහෙවින් ආදරය කලේය.</b></span><b>තුරද බෙහෙවින් තෘප්තියට පත් වූවාය. </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>කාලය ගතවිනි.කුඩා ලමයා ලොකු මිනිසෙක් විය.</b></span><b>ඔහු ඇයගෙන් වෙන්වී නව අත්දැකීම් සොයා ගියේය.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> තුරු මව තනි වූවා</b></span><b> ය.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> බොහෝ දිනකට පසු කුඩා ලමයා නැවත </b></span><b>ඈ</b><b> බැලීමට පැමිනියේය.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> "එන්න දරුවෝ, එන්න!මගේ අතුවල </b></span><b>එල්ලිලා </b><b>ඔන්චිලි පදින්න. මගේ ඇපල් කන්න.මගේ හෙවනේ සතුටෙන් සෙල්ලම් කරන්න." ඈ ලමයාට ඇවිටිලි කලාය.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "මම දැන් ඔන්චිලි පදින්න ලොකු වැඩියි." කුඩා දරුවා කීය."මට ඕනෙ විනෝද වෙන්න. ඒකට මට සල්ලි ඕනෙ."</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "මට බොහොම කනගාටුයි. නමුත් මට කොයින්ද සල්ලි? මට තියෙන්නෙ කොලයි ගෙඩියි විතරනෙ"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "ඕනෙ නම් මගෙ </b><b>ගෙඩි</b><b> විකුණල සල්ලි අරගන්න."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ලමයා දෙවරක් නොසිතා හනිකට ගසට නැග </b><b>ගෙඩි</b><b> කඩාගෙන, ඒවා විකිනීම පිනිස ටවුමට ගියේය. </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ඔහුගේ සතුට දැක ගසද සතුටට පත් වූවාය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ඉන්පසු බොහෝ කාලයක් ලමයා දක්නට ලැබුනේ නැත. දිනක් හදිසියේම වාගේ දරුවා නැවත පැමිනියේය. ගස ප්රීතියෙන් වෙව්ලා ගියාය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"දරුවෝ! එන්න! එන්න! මගෙ අතුවල පැද්දිලා ඉස්සර වගේ විනෝද වෙන්න."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ගස ආයාචනා කලාය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> නමුත් දරුවාගේ පිලිතුර අනපේක්ෂිත එකක් විය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "මට දැන් ඕව කරකර ඉන්න කාලයක් නැ. මට දැන් හොඳ සැප පහසු ගෙයක් ඕන. ගෙයක් නැතිව මං කොහොමද දරු පවුලක් හදා ගන්නෙ?" </span></b></div>
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<b><b><b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> "පුලුවන්ද මට ගෙයක් හදල දෙන්න" ?</span></b></b></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>ගස නිරුත්තර විය.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "පුතා දන්නවනෙ, කැලේ තමා මගෙ නිවහන. පුතාට ඕනෙ නම් මගෙ අතු කපල ගෙයක් හදා ගන්න".</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><b> "පුතාට </b></b><b>සතුටුයි නේද දැන්"</b><b><b><b>?</b></b></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> කුඩා දරුවා අතු කපාගෙන, ගෙයක් සාදා ගැනීම පිනිස රැගෙන ගියේය.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> ඔහු ගැන සිතමින් තුරු මව සතුටට පත්වූවාය.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> නැවතත් ඔහු එනතුරු කාලයක් බලා සිටීමට සිදුවුනත්, ඔහුගේ ආගමනය ඇයට කියා නිම කල නොහැකි තරමේ </span></b><b><b><span style="font-size: large;">සන්තුෂ්ටියක් </span></b></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">ඇති කලේය.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ඇය නැවතත් සුපුරුදු හුරතල් වදන් තොල මැතුරුවාය.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "මගෙ දරුවෝ එන්න. </b></span><b><b><b><span style="font-size: large;">ඇවිත් සෙල්ලම් කරන්න".</span></b></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "මම දැන් සෙල්ලම් කරන වයසක නෙමේනෙ ඉන්නෙ. ඇරත් සෙල්ලම් කරන්න තරම් මට සතුටකුත් නෑ හිතේ".</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"ගෙදර ඉඳලම </span><span style="font-size: large;">මට දැන් </span><span style="font-size: large;">ඇති වෙලා. මට රට තොට බලාගන්න ලෝකෙ වටේ යන්න හිතයි". ලමයා නොසතුටෙන් මිමිනීය.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "පුලුවන් නම් මට බෝට්ටුවක් හොයල දෙන්න." ලමයා තවත් ඉල්ලීමක් ඉදිරිපත් කලේය..</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "මගෙ කඳ කපන් ගිහින් බෝට්ටුවක් හදා ගන්න".</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> තුරු මාතාවගෙන් අදහසක් ඉදිරිපත් විය. දරුවා ඇගේ කඳ කපා බෝට්ටුවක් සාදාගෙන ලෝකය වටේ සවාරියක් ගියේය. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> සියුම් දුකක් දැනුනත්, ගස සිරිත් ලෙස සතුටට පත් වූවාය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> සැහෙන නිහඬතාවයකින් පසු නැවත දරුවා පැමිනියේය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ගස මෙසේ කතාව ඇරඹුවාය.</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "ඔයාට දෙන්න දෙයක් නැති වීම ගැන මට දුකයි.දැන් මගෙ ඇපලුත් නෑ".</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "ඇපල් කන්න මගෙ දත් හයිය නෑ". දරුවා පිලිතුරු දුන්නේය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "ඔයාට ඔන්චිලි පදින්න මගෙ අතුත් නෑ". ඇගේ ස්වරය ශෝකී විය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "ඔන්චිලි පදින්න මම පොඩි ලමයෙක් නෙවෙයිනෙ". ලමයා ගනනකට නොගෙන පැවසීය.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"මගෙ ඇඟ දිගේ රූටන්න දැන් ඔයාට බැනෙ.මගෙ කඳ නැති නිසා".</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "මට දැන් ඒවා කරන්නත් හරි මහන්සියි". </b><b> ලමයාගේ ස්වරයේ පරාජිත බවක් ගැබ්වී තිබින.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> තුර සුසුමක් හෙලා මෙසේ කීවාය.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "මට හරි දුකයි දරුවෝ.ඔයාට දෙන්න දෙයක් තවත් මං ලඟ ඉතුරුවෙලා </b><b>නෑ.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "මම දැන් නිකම්ම නිකන් ලී කොටයක් විතරයි. මට බොහොම කනගාටුයි".</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "මටත් දැන් වැඩි යමක් ඕනෙ නෑ". "සද්ද බද්ද නැති තැනක වාඩි වෙලා ගිමන් හරින්න තිබුනොත් හොඳටෝම ඇති". දරුවාද අපහසුවෙන් කෙඳිරීය.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "එහෙම නම්" තම ඇඟ කෙලින් කර ගන්නා ගමන් ගස පිලිතුරු දුන්නාය. "පරන ගස් කොටයක් තමා ඒකට හරියන්නෙම."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "එන්න දරුවෝ, එන්න. </b><b>ඇවිත් ඉඳගෙන මහන්සි නිවා ගන්න".</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> දරුවා ගස ලඟින් වාඩි වී ගිමන් හැරියේය. </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">නෙතේ කඳුලක් රඳවාගෙන, ගසද</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"> සැනසුම් සුසුමක් හෙලුවාය.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXhuUrd3sKqMKTiFu88Za4ZBjBn-MPSAXzFEdOoESaOP3HoAMrVsatQdJxfOlxw9-AHaZONVvpATKAeTXbumRJcMZLXQhdouHBbG5jfjMzL_i696yi5NRoxVvz9hjX-V_SNKvA4nIUbY/s1600/old+man+on+a+trre+stump+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXhuUrd3sKqMKTiFu88Za4ZBjBn-MPSAXzFEdOoESaOP3HoAMrVsatQdJxfOlxw9-AHaZONVvpATKAeTXbumRJcMZLXQhdouHBbG5jfjMzL_i696yi5NRoxVvz9hjX-V_SNKvA4nIUbY/s400/old+man+on+a+trre+stump+.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A translation of the poem 'Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstine.</span><br />
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-21920936640720167752013-02-22T09:19:00.000-08:002013-04-07T20:10:25.452-07:00Oh, My Darling, Where's your Mummy ?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaXl6ExRHQjRyLAtcIrAuPiAqueZ8LvoqMk1MGrDzWsWumIoUEuDn97FNMKinzpJuOGdIneXaJcMDgNWAEk-XyJeqna5Ff5VjNm6nP4_hiynacpR9uG7w1S1xLVhyphenhyphen55XVa-7WQM_vYvo/s1600/squirrel+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaXl6ExRHQjRyLAtcIrAuPiAqueZ8LvoqMk1MGrDzWsWumIoUEuDn97FNMKinzpJuOGdIneXaJcMDgNWAEk-XyJeqna5Ff5VjNm6nP4_hiynacpR9uG7w1S1xLVhyphenhyphen55XVa-7WQM_vYvo/s1600/squirrel+in+snow.jpg" /></a></div>
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-66171676882966584682013-02-01T07:22:00.002-08:002015-09-03T02:07:45.616-07:00Sitting in front of the River<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZNfJNQBwlk-JbeaC9IZToBcbUnW-MVu6RzBltuSmw8ifYmGLvbt5ZDlPEQFjMzKs12yq-hhqNwhzlyD7nxbQtaUlYV5srCQIY0Hc_JRUtStbAUy0TrWhLA1IWuNQ2d5a7WEpn6STZpU/s1600/kingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZNfJNQBwlk-JbeaC9IZToBcbUnW-MVu6RzBltuSmw8ifYmGLvbt5ZDlPEQFjMzKs12yq-hhqNwhzlyD7nxbQtaUlYV5srCQIY0Hc_JRUtStbAUy0TrWhLA1IWuNQ2d5a7WEpn6STZpU/s400/kingfisher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Siting in front of the river,</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">his eternal look bespeaks of his creator.<br />In the backdrop of the rough canvas,<br />on a leafless bough it perches.<br />finding his perpetual, niche forever.</span><br />
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<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">His everlasting stay.</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">the parlour of my home.</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Looking for whom ?</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">His painter in the capital city</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">or the one who bought him for thousand rupees ?</span><br />
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<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A thought of the brain</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">of a poor painter.</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sold for a few rupees </span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">to burn the kitchen fires.</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Glory versus family!</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Suitable for a headline </span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">in a weekend newspaper<br /><br /><br /><br />How can I forget the look </span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">he gave when the bargain was done ?</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Yet, will his fame give his son</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">a pair of tennis shoes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">or tuition</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> fees for elder one ?</span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">At least a sustegen for his </span><br />
<span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">wife with a cancer ? </span><br />
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<a href="gimannivannie.blogspot.com"</a></div>
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</span><span class="cgreen" style="background-color: white; color: #009900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-65159450894025123322013-01-10T06:44:00.000-08:002013-01-10T06:44:07.460-08:00The Cobra<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I inserted the key; opened the door and entered the house which was lonely and dark. All the family members leave home early except me and it is my duty to lock the doors and windows of the house before leaving for school. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The scorching sun has drained my energy while walking from the main road and I was exhausted when I reached home.Using the last drops of strength I opened the door; dropped myself on the settee making my body comfortable as much as I could, while throwing my hand bag onto the chair next to me. I could not cope with the work load at school and lately had become quick tempered and flew into a rage even with a slightest provoke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I closed my eyes and let my mind blank for a while enjoying the oblivion I felt though temporarily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> It was not easy to rest when you think of work remained to be done.With a weary body and mind I made myself stood up and my legs did the rest for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My husband is a very neat and tidy fellow and he couldn't bear my cluttering the whole house.So I was careful not to arouse his temper by throwing my hand bag on the settee; my saree on the bed and my high heels under the chair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I took my hand bag to my bed room which was dark. my usual procedure was first to open the window next to the bed and keep my hand bag on it and then remove my saree and change into a very old but comfortable, loose dress. That day also I began to do the same routine. I open the window by keeping one knee on the bed while stretching my right hand to unlock the window.While I was fumbling to find the lock in the window in the dark room, I noticed something near my knee on the bed.It slightly moved.Before deciding what to do, my reflexes drew me out of the bed and I came running to the parlour, screaming. Unfortunately only the front door was open and nobody could hear me. I stood in the middle of the room unable to comprehend what happened. I slowly tried to recollect what I saw and it suddenly dawned on me that it was a silhuette of a snake I saw there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I tried to recollect whether I had left something on the bed while I was getting ready for school in the morning but unable to think of any. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My mind was in a turmoil. How could a snake lie on my bed? How did it come? Though it may seem foolish now, I couldn't resist the urge to have another look at the bed to see whether the snake was still there. I cautiously parted the curtain and took a tiny peek. Alas! The snake was still there in the same position with its half raised head. I observed it for a few minutes to see whether it was moving but unable to see any stirring other than that peculiar and slight bobbing of the head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I wanted to call for help but scared to leave lest the snake may hide somewhere and would bite me later. I wanted to monitor its movements and knew I had to deal with the situation without any help.Again I peeked through the curtain but the snake hadn't changed its position. A doubt came to my mind. It is unusual for any snake to remain in the same position when it hears sounds and I thought of a plan to test it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I took the broom and with full of dread in my heart, tiptoed to the room and very slowly and cautiously nudged the tail of the snake with the end of the broom.Yet it didn't move but raised its head again.Strange, I thought.I closely observed it again but couldn't see any action and then I became bold. This is not the usual behaviour of any animal. When they sense danger, they try to leave the place.I should have brought a torch and every thing would be solved then and there, but my scary mind didn't allow me to think rationally at that time. without opening the window I couldn't see it properly and I decided to take my second bold action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My heart was beating heavily in my rib cage and my mouth was dry but I felt obsessive to do it.I knelt on the bed while the snake was lying close to my knee and with shaking fingers opened the window; quickly jumped away from the bed and ran to the parlour. I expected the snake to leave the room through the open gap of the window and waited but </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">when I took another peek it was still there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I lost my temper. I was weary after a strenuous day at school and here I had to deal with a silly snake which does not leave my bed when it has all the places in the world to rest.I took the broom again and keeping a comfortable distance to run if an emergency occurs, hit hard the snake on its head .My blow was very hard and the snake fell on the floor.I expected to see its wreathing body moving and raised the broom to attack it a second time but there was no resistance except the same nodding of the head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Then only the truth dawned on me. This time I took a good, close look at the snake and saw it was made of rubber. I was very angry with myself for being so foolish to engage in a silly fight with a rubber snake. I picked it up and with all my strength threw it from the window with a full force, releasing my tension at the same time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Later that day I found out that my husband had purposely planned everything and the result was something he expected for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I was very angry and ashamed and thought of taking the revenge for my humiliation but I never got the chance to do it.</span></div>
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<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-26411609987792350092012-12-24T09:25:00.000-08:002012-12-24T09:25:21.326-08:00 Wish you all a Merry Christmas !<br />
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(Thanks Marie!)<br />
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-78524429793269069002012-11-27T10:47:00.003-08:002021-02-22T09:58:23.015-08:00The Girl, the Old Man, and the Moon Lit Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><span style="color: blue;">M</span><span style="color: blue;">y grand father worked in a mill. I assume
that he was around 60 years old when I remembered him. He was my idol in my
childhood since I grew up away from my parents. My father got a job in a remote area and left me with my grand parents
because he didn’t want to change my school. My two younger sisters went with them.
So I was left at my grand parents’ home and they looked after me as best as
they could though they didn’t understand my loneliness caused by the absence of
my parents. To give justice to their kindness I have to say that they tried to
keep me happy and occupied. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> My grandfather was respected among his
peers because he was efficient, helpful and very honest in his
work. But it was tricky to work as a machine operator since even a slight mistake
would cause you lose one of your hands or maim you for the rest of your life.
So the work needed the highest scale of concentration & I have seen people
who became disabled for the rest of their lives due to lack of concentration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Since my grand father was older than
many of the mill workers they came to him for any trouble. But the boycotts and
strikes were never heard of in my grand father’s time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> After finishing work my
grand father would come home and after having a hot cup of tea from grand mother
he gets ready for his next important task, prawn fishing. Fishing was part of my
grand father’s life. He would fry thinly sliced coconuts and some other edible
ingredients together and make fragrant balls out of them to entice prawns and
lobsters in the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Then we wait. And we wait. We
wait for two or three hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Then, when it is dark, my grand father takes the
fishing net and I take the reed bag to hold the catch. He goes first, and
I follow him with the hurricane lamp. At the river bank he removes his sarong and wades into the water in
his loin cloth. I look around, as I am scared to stand alone in
the river bank. The shadows move, reminding me the monsters of the childhood
dreams.</span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Once in the water grandfather throws the net, and it sinks into the shallow river bed, creating
ripples in the water. Frogs croak continuously, and my ears are brimmed with
sounds around me. Then, grand father brings the net to the river bank and let
the contents fall onto the uneven surface of the river bank. At once, my nose is
filled with the scent of repulsive yet fresh mud. I move the mud with my
fingers looking for the glistening eyes of the prawns. I am very happy to see
them and put them into the bag. Grand father goes into the water again for
another netful of prawns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Sometimes, we are rewarded
with a treasure. Grand father is able to catch a big lobster who tries to slip
away from the strong grasp of his fingers. Its green and orange tentacles are a
treat to the eye and I am overjoyed when I remember its delicious flesh which would be saved just for me at dinner. Its lengthy legs are twitching to crush any
thing which goes between them. I am very cautious and handle it with care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Now, it’s very dark. I
can’t see even the silhouette of the grand father but I hear his activities in
the river. His throwing of the net, his wait, his diving to the shallow bottom
of the river to collect the net and coming to the river bank. He wades the
river shoulder deep, throws the net tying one end to his waist. It sinks
to the shallow bottom making a plopping sound. Grand father waits for a few
minutes before he grabs the net alive with prawns. Meanwhile I direct dim light of the lamp at the slightest sound made by trillions of nocturnal creatures around me.
The marsh is alive with the sounds of night. The unending music of frogs is
mixed with owls and other numerous undecipherable sounds make me frightened as
they come alive in my imaginary mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> And then; the pale moon throws her glow over
the river bank above the coconut grove and let her beams dance on the
river giving me a glimpse of my grand father. He is coming again with his catch
and I anticipate another batch of prawns. I never cease to wonder the miracles of
nature of having created millions of different species and to let them live in
one planet making my planet a suitable place for their sustenance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> Grand father loosens the
net and drops its contents to the rough floor of the river bank. I wait breathlessly
to see the red beady eyes of the prawns glimmer, making it easy to identify
them in the dark. I quickly move the mud with my bare fingers which I long to
do in expeditions like this and collect the little creatures for my spicy, hot
dinner and inhales again the repulsive
yet tangy and fresh mud in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> At last, we are done. Grand
father takes the lead and I follow clutching the handle of the reed bag tightly
in my left fist not to let out the slithery creatures in it. He warns me to tread cautiously on the floor which is covered with dry leaves, sticks, cow dung and
what not .Danger lurks in the disguise of snakes, centipedes and scorpions on
the footpath we walk. Because it is their hour and we are the trespassers in
their domain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> It’s around 8.00 p.m. Grand mother is waiting for us. She has already prepared the spices and coconut
milk. The lobsters and prawns are taken out from the bag, cleaned and washed.
She kindles the fire and cooks them on low heat on the wood fire to absorb the
taste of the prawns to the red hot curry prepared with dried chili powder and
other spices and coconut milk. A delicious and mouth watering smell wafts from the pot and I
still yearn for grand ma’s delicious curry which makes me nostalgic because
they are a few of the sweet memories I carry from my childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"> When the cooking is over, grand mother dishes out the steamed rice and the prawn curry, a red
hot gravy; red prawns floating in it. It is a very delicious meal and I have always asked for a second helping .Grand
mother with a twinkle in her eye gives me the biggest prawns and after a hearty
meal I sleep on the reed mat, satisfied and with a full stomach. I am content
with my journey to the river which has given me many ideas to ponder over as sleep
hugs me and whispers to my ears.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: blue;">(I have to say a 'big thank you' to our art teacher, Mrs. Wasantha Fernando for her beautiful sketch.)</span></div>
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-24356083785650031712012-11-18T09:59:00.000-08:002012-12-30T09:27:55.326-08:00Are You One of These?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<u><b> FORLORN</b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The coffin lay</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>on the tiled floor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>of the crematorium.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>forlorn and withered</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The lace and silk</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>adorns the body</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>pale and peeling like parchment.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Husband is at home</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>keeping company</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>to a lonely house.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>No use crying over</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>spilt milk.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Life must go on</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>as it used to be.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Son and daughter</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>sit far from her</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>eagerly waiting</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>to finish things over.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Mourners observe time</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>to go home</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>to resume their work</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> half done.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>All wait</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>for a close relative to come.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A car door opens.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A man gets out and</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>hurries to the coffin.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> Mutters a few</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> comforting words</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>to the son, standing.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The hot fire</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>embraces the woman!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A sigh of relief</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>from the son!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Now he can resume</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> his thesis writing!</b></span><br />
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<br />Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-37831559261566210102012-11-02T02:10:00.001-07:002021-02-22T09:47:06.647-08:00The cockroach;the book lover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wDGRWCf8HJHmSDuuerPdVoN_RTloTDFCWCS0TQejA5zhJJ2BXXEirw4uLCDWOwVhHdB6hVK5T9HokXmnHfv7q6-n0V4yrkEX2-L9_jX4NcYt3ndXjIlUGRRcowfX7rLyg8jCA0VgvGA/s1600/Cockroach-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wDGRWCf8HJHmSDuuerPdVoN_RTloTDFCWCS0TQejA5zhJJ2BXXEirw4uLCDWOwVhHdB6hVK5T9HokXmnHfv7q6-n0V4yrkEX2-L9_jX4NcYt3ndXjIlUGRRcowfX7rLyg8jCA0VgvGA/s320/Cockroach-2.jpg" title="" width="203" /></a></div>
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(Thanks go to the art teacher in my school for the drawing of the cockroach)</div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">It was a long awaited journey; my going to the annual book fair.I have been going there for around ten years. I used to go there with my son and we made it a point not to miss it at any cost. It was more than buying books. I was able to enjoy freely with my son for a full day without listening to husband's complaints of leaving home unattended for a whole day.He shied away from these kind of trips as he has no interest on books. (he reads but never buys!) Both my son and I enjoyed the food at the book fair, we bought books; he-computer books and I ; hunting Arthur.C.Clarke's and Issac Asimov's books which are not easily found on the other days.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> We chatted while enjoying an ice-cream and observed others who had come to the exhibition from all over Sri-Lanka.It was like a huge party thrown by an invisible person making us bound together by the humanity and the recreational activities.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> But as time went by my son got busy with his exams and he could not accommodate my requests to accompany me with my roamings to the big capital.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> Yet, I continued my roamings to the book fair as usual and enjoyed them to the fullest.I walked among the crowd with my gunny bag and other bags slung over my shoulders and touched books, read pages,memorized designs, recipes and sometimes even drawings when the book was too expensive for me.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> I felt naughty when I noticed that a salesman came to stand near me pretending to select books and keeping a close look on what I was doing.Then I would purposely linger there more to make the poor man uncomfortable and letting him puzzle over my unusual behaviour, with that particular book in my hand.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> So, I went to the exhibition this year too. Yes.Alone.I went to EXPOGRAPHIC first.It is my favourite book shop.Many science fictions were there and I read the reviews on the back page and selected a few books. Books went into the gunny bag which hung on my shoulder.</span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> Then I remembered an Ad on T.V. and went to an IT stall, looking for a software which is used to read books on I pad. The place was not crowded and there were two cute girls in the reception.</span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> "Yes, Madam, What can we do for you" ?</span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> I explained them what I needed.Then while I was talking, my back tingled with a slight sensation.I ignored it and paid attention to the girl who was very keen on explaining their new product.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> The second time I sensed that the thing I felt on my back was something alive! It moved very,very,very slowly on my neck and my hair stood at end.I wanted to scream and wriggle my body to drop the thing but my conscience warned me to behave cautiously in the presence of an audience.I gritted my teeth and tested my patience to the last drop scarcely paying attention to the girl who gibbered near me.Unfortunately the thing moved a little bit up along my neck and all my sanity was lost to reason. </span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> I frantically dropped my gunny bag to the floor, shook my body with full force to drop the evil thing while letting out a long drawn scream making people freeze.As soon as my scream was over I heard another similar scream and then I saw it was coming from one of the two girls.</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> </span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> The girl was wiping something, plunging her hand in the deep cleavage </span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">in her</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">blouse and I could see her face distorted with fright.She continued to scream with a shrilly voice calling every one's attention to the scene.It was like a behaviour of a madwoman.She was trying to take something out in her blouse but it seemed that her efforts were futile for all the screaming and running .Unaware of the audience her wail collected, she held the two edges of the front of her blouse in two hands and shook it frantically to drop something while giving a wild dance to the rhythm of her fluctuated cry, remembering me an African Tribal dance I have seen in Discovery Channel many years ago.I thought that all the limbs in her body would come loose to that vigorous shake but luckily it didn't happen. </span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> Unexpectedly the girl stopped her wild dance in the </span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">middle</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> of the climax and ran to an inner room in the stall crying, but a small brown lump lay </span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">helplessly</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> on the floor. </span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">I</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">t slowly </span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">stretched</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> its tiny limbs and tried to walk shakily as it too was overwhelmed by the incidents it had to face few minutes ago.</span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It was a tiny cockroach!</span></span></span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The others in the room were more concerned of the girl as the gathering mainly consisted of her co-workers and people who ran other stalls in the book-fair.The crowd dispersed with different emotions on their faces; some exciting as she had given them a free entertainment which is rare in any book fair and some others genuinely sorry for their friend for the discomfort and embarrassment she underwent in public.</span></span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> But I was more concerned with the object on the floor because my mind argued it was my doing at last. My heart was scolding me for being the cause of this commotion and letting an innocent girl, how silly her behaviour was, to be ridiculed by others.</span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> I just stood there while observing others' behaviour and once made sure that they have resumed work, slowly took a few steps close to that object and gave a little push from the tip of my shoe. It lost its orientation and took few circles on the floor but crept under the carpet as promising me not to disturb others in the future.</span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> Then and there I stopped my inquiry on the software and I even lost the desire to buy more books or to stay further in the exhibition and left the place with misgiving thoughts.</span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> I think that the cockroach was in my gunny bag as it was sitting in my cupboard for some time without being used. When I carried it, slung on my shoulders it must have crept up to my back and you know the rest. </span><br />
<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> It was unintended but I should have been more careful of my paraphernalia.Whenever I remember that incident I regret for my crime in the book fair.</span><br />
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> What will be your verdict, fellas?</span><br />
<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><br /></span>Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-53944179646542964172012-10-24T04:12:00.001-07:002021-02-22T10:06:34.329-08:00 The Treasure of Four Crowns and me <h4>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> I can't exactly remember when I watched it.It was either in late 1980 s or early 1990 s. Anyhow what matters to me is not the year but the experience.</b></span><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span></b></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm0V8e4fejH_g_Z02CGukvzCeKqo6YmI5N_96XbUGIb3NB3_h7sfVfg6qNSQw-xHxtCGM5CeH-uQ4wTS0daxHlKMHEXT4HxQdqPSNrG60dBAzahUjAjUc_k1GNJp2uSavJ5O3eEEa_BQ/s1600/four+crownspg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm0V8e4fejH_g_Z02CGukvzCeKqo6YmI5N_96XbUGIb3NB3_h7sfVfg6qNSQw-xHxtCGM5CeH-uQ4wTS0daxHlKMHEXT4HxQdqPSNrG60dBAzahUjAjUc_k1GNJp2uSavJ5O3eEEa_BQ/s1600/four+crownspg.jpg" /></b></a><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span></b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> My husband and I went to a film but the film we intended to watch was gone before the due date as it could not attract enough audience for a good income for the theatre owner. At that time we rarely watched films as it was very difficult to find time to be alone as I had to devote my entire time after coming home from work for my little kid, my grasshopper.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> So whenever I wanted to have a little pleasure away from my hectic life I planned it carefully and this time it was to watch a very famous,classical Sinhala film. I was highly frustrated to see that it was gone and thought of returning home.but my hubby was against it."We have already come to the theatre. Let's watch the new movie in the theatre and see how it is." He said.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> When we entered, the ticket counter and the surrounding area was jam packed with people.I was still angry for not being able to watch my long awaited film and waited without any interest while my husband went to buy tickets.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> He returned with tickets but there was something else in his hands. When I threw a questioning look into his eyes, he shrugged his shoulders and meekly muttered"These were given together with the tickets ."</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> They were two pairs of celluloid glasses the kids wear when they play house.I was furious.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> "Couldn't you tell them that our eye sight was normal as to watch the film without these ridiculous glasses?"</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> "Don't shout. When the tickets are bought, each was given a pair of this. I think it is needed in the theatre."</b></span><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span></b></h4>
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<b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> "What nonsense." Throw that away!I am not going to wear it in the film hall." </span></b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> "O.K. O.K. Let's not argue here. All are looking at us.Let's go inside and see what is happening."</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> Finally I went with him and sat under a fan. I closely observed others.Some were looking at the glasses while some others had already worn them and waiting for the film to start.Then the third bell rang and the lights went out.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> In the dark I watched others' behaviour. They were intently looking at the screen.I stole a glance at my hubby. He also had worn the glasses and watching the screen.I was angry for being made to wear this silly childish glasses and strongly decided not to wear them.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> The story began but alas! Everything was a blur. I heard the music and misty shadows moving on the screen but that's all.I squinted my eyes and tried my best to see what was on the screen but apart from the background music, I could not see anything else. I felt desperate and looked around. My hubby too was watching the film.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> I nudged him.How could he enjoy the film when his better half was feeling so uncomfortable?</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> He looked at me and indicated me to wear the silly glasses and turned his attention back to the screen completely ignoring my plight in the dark.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> I was outraged and pinched him tightly in the left arm.The arrogance of the man!</b></span><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span></b></h4>
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<b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> It seemed that I was defeated. There was nothing else to do but to bow down and wear those wretched glasses and I cursed</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> myself for being so foolish to agree to watch any kind of film with that ugly thing on my eyes.</span></b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> What if my students saw me in the theatre now. I would be the laughing stock of the school the next day.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> " You know machan! Yesterday I went to a film and guess who I saw there!Miss M...wearing a pair of plastic glasses and watching a film!!!!"</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> He.. with them!Behave like a Roman when you are in Rome.</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> I mustered enough courage to wear the glasses. At once I was swept of my feet. Few people were running towards me and I waited cautiously until they disappeared. A helicopter started to fly and it came directly towards me.Without thinking twice I ducked and from the corner of my eye I saw that the man sitting on my right was doing the same. What the heck!</b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> I was highly confused and didn't know when I removed the glasses. but when the images again became a blur only I realized I was without them and automatically my hands wore the glasses for me.</b></span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><b> The story was about a treasure. Some people wanted to steal it and they had to face a self-defensive, auto activated mechanism which consisted of fire balls, turning wheels, shooting arrows and daggers and sliding and disappearing doors and many more.When those mechanisms started to activate at unexpected moments there were many in the audience who ducked, wriggled or turned their heads aside to prevent a blow or an arrow in a futile attempt. I too did the same but when it became clear to me that my heart was going to explode with fright I shut my eyes tight and pretended watching the film but just listening to the sounds.</b></span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><b> After a few minutes I felt a whisper in my ear and heard " open your eyes fool!That scene is over." </b></span><b><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> </span></b></h4>
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<b><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> I slowly opened my eyes to see the amused but kind look of my husband. He gave me an orange and for a moment I had to focus my attention to the orange and my fear was forgotten.</span><span face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> </span></b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> I enjoyed the film to the fullest but once in a while was careful enough to remove the glasses for a few seconds until the highly intense moments were over.</b></span><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span></b></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> During the whole time I was in the theatre I saw many frenzied and peculiar behaviour in the audience as they bent forward or backward sometimes lifting an arm to avoid a blow aimed at them by the main character in the film.Though you knew that this was just a mere film those sudden reflexes were inevitable and we all succumbed to them in the hall.We, as a family laughed at each other in the hall and were highly amused at our own foolish and childish but unavoidable behaviour because the film was so intense and packed with action.</b></span><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span></b></h4>
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<b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> Anyhow we both enjoyed it and we talked about nothing else for a long time. But once at home I became the victim and when my husband described the incidents in the film hall my family members doubled with laughter making me red with shame.</span></b><b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span></b></h4>
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<b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> But I have to say it. It was an experience of a life time. I will never forget it. I have never thought of seeing something like that even in my wildest dreams. Though the young generation was fortunate enough to have modern technology at their finger tips even the word 'computer' was never heard of at that time.Computers might have existed here but it was zillion miles far from the common man.</span></b><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> The word '3D' became popular in recent years and then one day I suddenly remembered the film we watched many years ago.I understood the reason why it was necessary to wear glasses to watch the film and how the audience was made to experience the film.I typed the title of the film in Google and found out more about it. </b></span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> </b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><b> My findings and my intense and haunting memories of the film made this post possible. I hope that I was able to convey the joy and excitement I felt by watching the film"The Treasure of Four Crowns" to you.</b></span></h4>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span>Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-74158731250956892812012-09-13T13:13:00.001-07:002013-11-09T05:30:54.024-08:00It's Not About Chicks<br />
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I made chicken korma.</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Actually I can't boast about my cooking as I am a lousy cook.That is why my family members(two innocent victims) are highly surprised once they had the first bite in their mouths.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My husband took the first bite with that ' what to do' look in his eyes which I have seen so many times in the past once they were forced to eat one of my elaborate but failed dishes for the lunch. I was eagerly watching his response and got ready to listen to another lecture on my cooking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> His expresion changed and I closed my eyes waiting for the familiar set of words. When I opened my eyes he was full of smiles.Gobbling the first piece and taking another juicy one in his hands he exclaimed " oh,my! Finally my woman has shown her culinary expertise!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Brimming with pride and joy but very cautious not to show it as he is unpredictable in his remarks, I controlled my facial muscles which were trying so hard to surface a smile.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-bpGemOWSheuZJBlBj-h61Quilbu_P4vIc8fFttNVRX0lu582ebexZc7rUObcO1pX8LqbiaBvYcij8R3ky7tp-qkHJH9PscLNUxB-nm0H2bELIA6e9hGBDfjpdJ1HxiT4EtSy6XZQtQ/s1600/chicken+korma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-bpGemOWSheuZJBlBj-h61Quilbu_P4vIc8fFttNVRX0lu582ebexZc7rUObcO1pX8LqbiaBvYcij8R3ky7tp-qkHJH9PscLNUxB-nm0H2bELIA6e9hGBDfjpdJ1HxiT4EtSy6XZQtQ/s1600/chicken+korma.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I threw a humble look at him.He was eating and talking and I couldn't decide which was faster.'That's what I am telling you all the time, woman! If you pay more attention to your cooking he and I won't have to go hungry "(nodding at the direction of my son) .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> To say how much he appreciated my chicken curry, my hopes of sharing a dish with my neighbour was totally shattered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Up to now I kept you in the dark and now comes the most important thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The secret was in the simplicity of the dish.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I don't want to tire you with my details but this dish was very different from my regular chicken dishes and that's why I want to share it with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I did some adjustments with the ingredients and used only the most important. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Apart from chicken I added a lot of coriander leaves,( not only for garnish but in the curry too), curd, garam masala ( something similar to our spices) and water. Yes a lot of water. Three cups full!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> No coconut milk. I was puzzled as how to make the curry creamy and thick without coconut milk and doubtful whether it would succeed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Though it needed a few ingredients the method was somewhat fussy. Some ingredients were to be grounded and some were to be fried and at the end I couldn't find space to continue my cooking as my table was literally cluttered with plates and dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> but I shouldn't worry about them. The final outcome was a marvel.The gravy was very very tasty. As the curry was cooked in low heat for a long time all the flavours were absorbed well into the chicken pieces and it was heavenly to the palette.The dish wafted the strong flavour of corriander leaves(cilantro leaves) and it was tempting and mouthwatering. So I had to bear my husband's over indulgence with the dish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Hope any of you are tempted to try this at home and I would like to hear from you You can get the recipe from the YouTube.(there are hundreds of recipes for korma).. Actually it won't go wrong. Whatever happens, your dish will taste good due to corriander leaves and the curd.</span></div>
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-26290359495597192862012-08-30T03:14:00.001-07:002012-08-30T03:40:53.354-07:00My Sheep is Jumping over............<h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you ever counted sheep?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b> </b> I have. Many times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Not that I own a ranch house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Then don't you want to know where I counted them? You don't have to .You already know it because like me, you too have done it so many times.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZq-kapaTfxuhrFQaeX1vxAYQldxsx0NTYKURAkAwCg9iI02X0C2wOPymYoLGVYxrAjukJzPZMLU-ExX0bgAEvA1s7smirOs-nu-R_kw8I8Sl0pwJql-Nm4TXhSE2T6MSzPQiNPNP51o/s1600/sheep+jumping+for+the+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZq-kapaTfxuhrFQaeX1vxAYQldxsx0NTYKURAkAwCg9iI02X0C2wOPymYoLGVYxrAjukJzPZMLU-ExX0bgAEvA1s7smirOs-nu-R_kw8I8Sl0pwJql-Nm4TXhSE2T6MSzPQiNPNP51o/s1600/sheep+jumping+for+the+blog.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is a very exciting feeling. To imagine an unending line of fleecy lambs waiting patiently to jump over a fence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I start counting. "one,two,three,four"......... .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I visualize the eagerness of the lambs. One by one they are jumping over the fence looking at me with their big, round eyes and I keep on counting. "Fifty five, fifty six, fifty seven, fifty eight......................</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The tall trees in the green meadow sway in the wind and bees hum overhead. Gentle breeze soothes me.I feel calm and quiet."Hundred and one, hundred and two, hundred and three"..............</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My heavy eye lids lean on the eyes for support. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> "Two hundred and ninety nine.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-61332765112214579412012-08-14T11:43:00.001-07:002012-08-14T12:03:30.349-07:00How He Walks in Style !!<br />
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I would be doing an insult to my country as a Sri Lankan if I forget to mention the great cultural pagent; The Esala Perahera in Kandy.Though many things have been written and said about the perahera there is still some thing in it which never ceases to amaze us.<br />
For those who don't know anything about this cultural pagent, I would like to say that it is indescribable in its splendour and exquisite as a creation.<br />
Buddhists believe that the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined in a casket in the temple of tooth relic in Kandy. Every year that sacred casket is taken out from where it is devotedly deposited safely and reverently and taken around in a procession along the Kandy city during the month of August.This procession is very very beautiful because it announces the world our proud history which goes back to 2500 years.The perahera consists of various dancers,cultural items and especially a large number of elephants especially prepared for the perahera by multicoloured shiny clothes with various designs.<br />
They are the most eye catching picture of the perahera except the beast of grandiose which steals the lime light of this special occasion. That is none other than the Tusker which has been selected to carry the sacred tooth relic on its back.The success of the entire operation solely lies on this beast and he knows it very well.That is why that never in the history of the esala perahera an elephant had dropped the casket or had taken a wrong turn or ran wild midst all these terrible noise of whips,drums, songs and high pitched sounds and more than any thing else; the fire rings used by the fire dancers.<br />
"Nedungamuwe Raja"; one of the few tuskers remain in Sri Lanka (unfortunately the numbers are diminishing fast due to various reasons , especially killing for tusks) has carried the sacred casket this time and it is said that this elephant is very intelligent and has a mind of his own when it comes to take correct decisions without a mahout.<br />
It is a complete wonder to think that a mammoth task like this, which needs the time, energy and brains of several hundred people is carried out precisely and accurately by a single beast and this is a tribute to that intelligence, patience and wisdom. Hats off to Nadungamuwe Raja . May you live long to carry out the tradition of Esala Perahera.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">(I would very much like to read your comments whether they are criticisms, praise or queries.)</span>Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-75909634582887403982012-06-11T11:18:00.003-07:002014-08-21T10:43:22.888-07:00A picture of a winter scene inspired me to write this poem<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <u>Can't You Hear My
Sobbing Heart?</u></span></b></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO8xZjbfApr56ezF8XP8A9MH1D_s1LFHPvGbW6K1KqjH1zQO5sjUop-_-8Ee_rlo5ERNM_wDxKOGPwLBYTemVm1Z8DdDm9czpJvjQc3r2dAd63RZZee0YgYNcAYPbBicWyGCRPJCgnNQ/s1600/winter+scene+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO8xZjbfApr56ezF8XP8A9MH1D_s1LFHPvGbW6K1KqjH1zQO5sjUop-_-8Ee_rlo5ERNM_wDxKOGPwLBYTemVm1Z8DdDm9czpJvjQc3r2dAd63RZZee0YgYNcAYPbBicWyGCRPJCgnNQ/s1600/winter+scene+jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b> Oh! how I long to fit</b></div>
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<b> into this heavenly atmosphere,<u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<b>To walk on untrodden snow <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>which is something rare<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>in where I live. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Reminding me the tales<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Of winter Lands</b></div>
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<b>I heard in my grand ma's
lap.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>The house coated with
white, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>soothes my tired eye
sight.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>The horse waits ready<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> to pull you to etenity.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Oh! how I long to fit<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> into this heavenly atmosphere,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>where I can stroll in the
floor<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>of crispy, crunchy snow,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>to be exposed to all
elements <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>or walk in the dark woods<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> behind the house;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>or sit under the tree<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>reading a book<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> of Daphne Du Maurier's,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>covering my head <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>with a scarf.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Oh! how I long to fit<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> into this heavenly atmosphere, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> let my toes feel <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>the tingling cold of the
brook<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>and watch they turn blue;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>or to rub my palms
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<b> and make myself warm,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>to open the windows and
let <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>the chilly wind seeeps in.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Oh! Can't you hear my
sobbing heart?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Can't you hear my sobbing
heart?</b></div>
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Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982228378993887700.post-29799707768455013592012-05-26T23:01:00.004-07:002012-08-12T11:43:28.231-07:00This is what I feel about my son<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8TlilT9bPXnejCQ5skHymCBrlG00ucApP6cWq1chfkvrPg8lmg1bWOOA5LXemYlr_Ram6C8oCJhf8ab0PTfeTj-yBk_50DEeSTSymGaRwzXNDUk0TSE6XmMAEXBbgE_GFc504vbXOs/s1600/sun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8TlilT9bPXnejCQ5skHymCBrlG00ucApP6cWq1chfkvrPg8lmg1bWOOA5LXemYlr_Ram6C8oCJhf8ab0PTfeTj-yBk_50DEeSTSymGaRwzXNDUk0TSE6XmMAEXBbgE_GFc504vbXOs/s320/sun2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><u><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></u></b>
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<b><u><span style="color: blue;">MY GRASSHOPPER in the SUMMER</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b style="background-color: white;">H</b><b style="background-color: white;">e composes hip hop and R& B</b></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">"REASON" is his tool.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Too old not to do a job</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">winks when I reprimand him</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">for his in-activeness.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Society expects the children of the teachers </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">to be at top levels! How troublesome !</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">I avoid the gaze of my friends on the bus,</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">dreading that they will inquire about my son,</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> He has a phobia </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">of exams of any kind:</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Used to fall ill a lot </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> during his term
tests.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">His favorite doctor looks at me </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">with a question mark in his eyes:</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">indicating that </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">It is rather psychological than physical.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">I, </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">With a broken heart,</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Return home with medication.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> Yet:When his aththa
fell ill</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">He spent a whole week in hospital</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">looking after him like a baby.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">He was the friend of </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">all the old men in that ward</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">fetching them all they need.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">A cup of tea from the canteen:</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">a packet of Cream Crackers</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> from the nearby boutique:</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Calls to their sons and daughters (Though I suffered)</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Takes his own time to complete the degree</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">doing everything he can to postpone the exams.</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">I , wait helplessly</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">thinking what I can do to change the situation!</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">But Whatever you do,</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> I love you!</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">The GRASSHOPPER of mine!</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>P.S.</b></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">(Luckily for me the situation has changed. He is doing a job now while continuing his studies.)</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>Blue Lotushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01080254525126776729noreply@blogger.com9