“The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege”- Charles Kuralt
At this very moment I am Celebrating Family in an official way! Otherwise I celebrate it unofficially making the most of every waking moment with those I love!
If you didn’t know then you know now- my family is my immediate family (my dad Ranjit, my mom Doris, my sister Ria, my brother Ricky, sister-in- law, Leci, my nephew Richie Lee Thomas- members of dad’s family (Thomas, Bheem, Ramlakhan, Roopnarine, Mungal, Basdeo families and aunts, uncles, cousins-Persad, Gayah,etc of my dad), Dookie- (members of mom’s family, i.e. Dookie, Ramlogan, Bocas, Mohammed families and aunts, uncles, cousins etc of my mom- Singh’s, Jagdeo’s, Bridgelal’s, Sinanan’s, Moon and Ramlakhan), Jeremiah’s-members of Shiva’s family, (i.e. Jeremiah, Singh, Carson, Pettersson families), friends, those who my posts reach, Coromandel Shiv Mandir family, Dattatreya family, former colleagues who keep in touch, those who are humane, those from all over the world (India, Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Singapore, Guyana etc who view my blog) and those who have a heart
In this post I celebrate you! Yes indeed, I celebrate each of you!
In essence I celebrate each of you as my family!
About a month or two ago, a classmate asked about my favourite childhood memory and I said it was spending time with my family and sitting down for Sunday lunch together.
I value every smile I have seen, every hug I have shared, every time I have been able to tell my loved ones, “I love you!” and show them my love for them.
Have a look at these videos. I can identify with them so much and I am sure you will be able to!
I will remain forever happy for the blessings of my family! Every time I made you smile and heard you laugh… every time I hugged you, every time I saw you, spoke to you, got to do something for you and be on the receiving end of you doing something for me!
Grandpa, grandma, Mom, Dad, my husband, my sister, my brother, my sister-in-law, my handsome nephew,etc etc I value every minute I have had with you thus far and I cherish what is yet to! Don’t waste an opportunity to celebrate family! Time waits on none of us! From me to you, all members of my family as listed at the beginning, I celebrate you- I celebrate family!
You may have heard of it and then again you may not have! If you have not my duty is to inform you of it.
Did you hear of the mass chanting of Hanuman Chalisa for world peace in Tenali, Andra Pradhesh, India? On January 31, 2015 Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore, India was presented with a Record Certificate for setting a new world record in the category of mass chanting for the most people chanting from a single location.
Have a look at this video:
or
This Ad was courtesy Sree Raman
As a Press release available on YogaSangeeta so aptly states, “At a time of constant turmoil, mass killings, and natural disasters happening in different parts of the world, His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, pontiff of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham of Mysore, India led a mass chanting session on January 31st, 2015 in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh in India for the benefit of world peace. This mammoth effort, aimed at benefiting all beings and the atmosphere, has been aptly recognized by the “Guinness World Records”.
We wish we could have been there for this major event but we are thankful for an opportunity to serve. Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda has asked that everyone sings Hanuman Chalisa a minimum of 40 times. Chant Hanuman Chalisa yourself, share it with your loved ones and spread the word that chanting Hanuman Chalisa is very important. It is for your own benefit.
Sri Hanumanji- Om Namo Hanumate Namaha!
As Sri Swamiji explained in this press release, “Hanuman Chalisa is a very ancient prayer dating back over 500 years. This particular prayer is especially chosen for chanting since the collective sound vibrations will create positive impact thereby promoting universal brotherhood, and aiding in the well-being of the entire universe.” In recent times, scientific research has also revealed that sound waves formed while chanting are converted into electro-magnetic waves and potentially provide enormous positive impact on beings and atmosphere.”
Datta devotees would be fully aware of this instruction for mass chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. Should it be the first time you are hearing of this please feel free to contact me via this post so that I can give you further details.
To see for yourself how this newest addition to the Guinness World Record was received look at the links above and below.
Here is how it was received by several news agencies:
Happy MahaShivRatri 2015! I am humbled to be at the Sri Sachidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal.
I am surrounded by divinity all around- the music, the Devis, the Devtas, pictures and Divine Beings all around.
Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Sri Sri Sri MahaAvatar Babaji, Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Shodasha Datta Kshetras, Shabari, Lord Rama, Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman, Tulsidas, Sant Guru Kabir, Swami Vivekananda, Buddha, Dayanand Saraswati, Srila Prabhupada, Sathya Sai Baba, Sant Keshvadas, St Francis of Assisi and Maharishi Mahest Yogi greet devotees as they adorn the walls with their smiles.
This blessed evening unfolds with Guru Paduka puja, the procession, the offering of the Kalsas, Rudra Homa, Lord Shiva puja and offerings, chanting the name of Lord Shiva. Throughout the evening it is interactive, Pundit Varun of Mysore India keeps us informed, he explains and allows us to participate in worship to Lord Shiva.
Start of the processionProcession in progress!Procession concludes!Procession concludes!Outside for Homa!Puja in progress!
Inside for offering!Worship with devotees!
Visit this page of Sri Sachidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal at
It most certainly is a blessed way to spend one’s six (6) month wedding anniversary. We are grateful that we are able to be here and be a part of this historical experience. Thank you Appaji!
Addition on 19-02-2015:
We got home the next day. We found out that after we left The Honourable Prime Minister Mrs Kamla Persad Bissessar visited the Ashram to make her offering with her grandson.
It’s Valentine’s Day 2015! Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Here’s to hoping it is a day filled with love for you and those special people in your life.
Have you wondered about the history of St. Valentine’s day. Have a look at this YouTube video:
As Maya Angelou says, “If you have only one smile give it to the people you love.” I hope this post brings a smile to your face. As Frank Morgan states, “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.
I am sending love to all my friends and family via this YouTube video.
Today February 14th 2015 makes it five (5) years since my eldest uncle on my dad’s side passed away. He was a true lover of Carnival, the late Uncle Manboudt Wilfred Thomas. We loved him a lot and value the time we had with him.
Make the most of the time you have with those you love. Time does not wait on anyone!
This may sound like a strange title, but the story ahead is one you will enjoy. I value this opportunity to celebrate good corporate citizens and I am happy though later than I planned due to several reasons, I am able to stand by my word and keep my promise.
Sometimes we encounter people who do not care and do not want to find out what we even have to say. Then we are fortunate to encounter those who care, those who want to listen to what we have to say and those who are willing to help.These are the people I wish to acknowledge and recognize.
Hardly ever do we hear of good things or are the good things recognized and acknowledged. I believe in recognizing,acknowledging and saying thank you. It is something that goes hand in hand with something my dad taught me- always look for something positive out of every negative experience.
Those who may be aware would know I am still studying and last semester I was asked to sort a full advertising campaign with an IMC programme. I knew that in order to do this I needed current information and information applicable to a Trinidad and Tobago audience so I opted to find some people in the industry who do the things I needed information for. It was not as easy as it sounds but the assistance of those who opted to help by letting me know how the industry operates and their particular product which I needed made it much easier for me.Indeed it was a mammoth task I did alone and along the way I met some good corporate citizens who were happy to explain things I needed to create the campaign I was working on.
As one who believes in recognizing good people and good work I knew I would not pass up on an opportunity like this and as such wish to thank them publicly.
To:
Mr. Christopher Samuel of A. Gomez Burke and Company of El Socorro San Juan
Ms. Greta Caines, Brand Manager of 95.1 The Best Mix
Ms. Shelly Ann Patrick of FLOW (Columbus Communications)
The Administrative Staff of Pronto Print Ltd in San Fernando
thank you very much for your kind assistance and the time you took to provide information. May you and the organizations continue to prosper.
For those who do not know Mrs Vidya Jeremiah-Pettersson is the 2nd Trinidadian woman to circumnavigate the world by boat. The 1st was Mrs. Kwailan La Borde whose journey was with her husband Mr Harold La Borde via “Hummingbird II” for their trip which took place during the years 1969 to 1973.
As Vidya so clearly states, “There is a unique freedom that includes you, your boat, the wind, sea, waves, dolphins and whales. The morning sunrise and evening sunset experienced from the privacy of your cockpit and the beautiful night sky lit up with shining stars are majestic sights that entertain you as you pass your watch. The joy of seeing acrobatic dolphins dance and perform for your single pleasure and curious enormous whales diving less than 5 meters under your boat remind you that together with joy there is also danger. The sight of land is marked with a big smile and anticipation after a long passage.”
I took the time to gather some information for this post.
What inspired Vidya’s world trip? Here is what she said:
“It was my husband’s dream. I also wanted to visit other countries. The thought of coming to far off places and experiencing different cultures was very luring.”
I was wondering what made her travels easier so I asked. This is what she shared,” Knowing my husband built the boat and could repair almost everything especially when you are on a long passage.”
How does she describe herself? Her words are, “kind, friendly, adventurous, simple and loving.” Our additions are, “compassionate, thoughtful, free-spirited, fun, a great cook, a wonderful human being, a woman with a heart of gold!”
I asked her how it feels to be the 2nd Trinidadian woman to circumnavigate the world via boat. Her response was a very humble one, ” It was not my intention but if my adventures help promote sailing and encourage people to live their dreams it would make me proud.”
What was the highlight of her travels? “The beautiful people we have met on our travels.”
Her travels and her pictures are evidence of her world journey. Indeed they are a testimony of the beautiful people of the world and their cultures.
What advice has she given to others attempting a trip of this magnitude? Vidya says, “Go for it. But bear in mind that proper planning is necessary. The sea is a friend and also your enemy. Do not focus on the negative but the positives. Live life.”
This is an account of their travels:
They left Sweden and travelled via the European Canals to Germany, Holland, Belgium and France, then went into the Mediterranean Sea, to Spain, the Balearic Islands, Gibraltar, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and sweet T&T. They sailed to Martinique, Dominica, Iles de Saints, and then back to T&T where they spent the hurricane season. In November 2004 they sailed to the Venezuelan islands of Testigos, Blanquilla, Los Roques, then Bonaire, Curacao, Colombia and the San Blas Islands of Panama. They transited the Panama Canal in April 2005, sailed to Galapagos, French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji, where they spent the cyclone season.
In April 2006 they left Fiji and sailed to New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India. In 2007 they sailed the Red Sea via Yemen, Sudan, through the Suez Canal in Egypt and exited in the Mediterranean Sea visiting Greece, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and then France through the European Canals including Luxemburg and Denmark. They spent 5 years sailing in Denmark and Sweden and departed in 2012, revisiting the European Canals and Spain from the Mediterranean Sea, where they spent the winter. From there they sailed to Melilla, a Spanish town in North Africa, then Gibraltar, Canary Islands, Cape Verde and arrived in Trinidad on December 11, 2013.
Their journey back to Sweden began some time ago! We wish them a continued safe journey filled with love, good weather to brave those seas ahead and God’s blessings!
Have a look at these pics that tell her story:
SwedenGermanyHollandentering France via the CanalsThe CaribbeanSunset in the San Blas Island, PanamaGalapagos, EcuadorFrench PolynesiaKenneth with some children of French PolynesiaBastille Day in French PolynesiaCook IslandsTongaA rainbow in FijiKenneth, Bali IndonesiaDinner with friends in MalaysiaPic taken aboard “El Cordero”- our Indonesian friendsA view of fishing in IndonesiaThailandSingapore-One 15 MarinaIndia“El Cordero” waiting to transit the Suez Canal in EgyptBeautiful anchorage in the MediterraneanGreeceSicilyThe Locks in GermanyTransiting the Panama Canal, “El Cordero” on the far rightworking the locks in the CanalsAden, Yemenkids learning to steer the boat in the Canals in Europe
What does it mean to get through a day? I am sure it’s a question many ask but only few can answer. It is with a heavy heart I am posting this but celebrating the fact that at this moment I am safe and sound and celebrating the fact that when you read, more than likely you are also.
Do we just say thank you when we get something we want?
Do we go to God when we need something only?
I’m sure that though your answer is “No” not many can say the same.
Look at what is going on in the world today! Look at what is going on in our country! It’s scary to look at the news and often times we need to celebrate the stark realities it presents because we get knowledge of them.
If we think about how many people did not make it through today we would understand how fortunate we have been. If we think of how many people are ailing we would understand how insignificant our own pain is. If we think about how many may been in need of help and just cannot say it we would understand how important our speech is.
Your one smile can light up someone’s world. Your one kind word can make the world of difference. We can never tell what someone else is going through unless we stand in their shoes.
Today I learnt of one good soul I knew who passed away. I have known him all my life and I would always remember his smile, his energy and passion for life and family. God has released him from his pain. He was loved by many including me! I pray that my dear cousin’s soul would rest in peace! He is gone now but will never be forgotten!
It’s 6 days into 2015 and today I celebrate my existence once again! It has been a blessed day and one filled with love from beginning to end which is usually the way my days are.
Today I celebrate a new dawn and another year of my life as I start one and bid the end of another. It has been an enjoyable day as I was fortunate to have the love of my parents, my husband, siblings, in laws, friends and colleagues. It was filled with laughter and singing from beginning to end.
I was also happy to go to work though it was a packed day and I was scampering after waking up late, but I got in on time and got through it. Sure it was busy, but those who know me would not expect anything less, and it was enjoyable.
Here’s what it said at FirstNameMeanings.com and I found it quite interesting:
“Who is she?
Rachael is a secretive, internalized and determined woman who advances in life slowly but very surely. Cerebral and intellectual, she tends to think and analyse things a lot. Because she is of a somewhat anxious nature, she is inclined to pose both big and small existential questions… Her motto might be “I think, therefore I am.” Rachael is rational and has an analytical mind. However, we observe two antagonistic tendencies: the Cartesian tendency, which gives her a sceptical mind that is capable of sarcasm, mockery and even virulence towards those who dare to choose a different path to her own. She is likely to be attracted to science with a capital S or to reason with a capital R; her irrational, mystical and intuitive tendencies are great strengths, and could lead her to explore esotericism after much intense forethought: psychology, spirituality or astrology … The intimate master number 22 stimulates her, and could lead her onto royal roads… Don´t assume, however, that Rachael is asocial and spends her life with her nose in a book, because in fact she is warm and very friendly as well as quite talkative – especially when a topic interests her – and she is always looking to meet more people. Her charm is undeniable, and she´s actually really nice, to boot. As a child, she tends to be inquisitive and a bit of a chatterbox. Her parents had better be up to scratch on the subjects that interest her, to be able to answer her many questions and help her to quench her thirst for knowledge. It would be wise to promote her socialization, sense of sharing and exchange because she could quite happily be self-sufficient. With the 7 and 4, one observes an intimate feeling of being apart. But in general, she will focus on her studies which could continue well into her adulthood, the eternal student…
What does she like?
She enjoys research and analysis – preferably in a context of peace and quiet – and is fascinated by all that is original and cutting edge. Her love life isn´t always plain sailing, because Rachael can be rather disconcerting and elusive, as she tends to suppress her innermost feelings and can come across as being much more frosty and indifferent than she really is, often feeling that she is misunderstood. She is highly selective in love and would much rather be alone than with the wrong person. She could therefore experience more or less prolonged periods of celibacy, or indeed a more independent or less conformist romantic lifestyle.”
from my darling sister Ria!
Who do I share a birthday with that you may know? Apart from Auntie Vicky there are others. Check this link:
Happy New Year 2015 to one and all from me and my entire family! Sing along with us and Abba if you may!
We wish you the very best and look forward to Celebrate Existence with you, your family members, friends and other loved ones in the future.
Stay safe, be blessed and take each day one at a time. Let’s continue to travel on our respective journeys being the best we can be and nothing short of that. If we stumble, we will get up and press on! Each day’s a blessing and each day is a new dawn! Let’s continue on our journey together, walking hand in hand!
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 870 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 15 trips to carry that many people.
Celebrating Existence 