Jai Veer Hanuman! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!
Hanuman Jayanti is one occasion that I like many other devotees the world over look forward to!
This was how the day began:
Hanuman Jayanti Greetings from Appaji- His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda
This year I was able to be present at places I hold quite dearly and I was able to celebrate it with those who are extremely dear to me at firstly- the Coromandel Shiv Mandir in Coromandel Village Cedros, and later in the day at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre at Orangefield Road in Carapichaima!
I was able to spend time with my family-immediate family, Coromandel Shiv Mandir family and our Datta family- a true blessing you will surely agree!
It was not only a day of singing praises to Lord Hanuman but it was a day of Hanuman Chalisa Chanting! All in all it was a blissful day and a day filled with devotion!
The day was filled with being there while pujas were being conducted, bhajans were being sung and the highlight of the day was spending it with people who I value! During puja at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir there was rain at one point and it was welcomed in the midst of the dry spell and soaring temperatures we have been experiencing in Trinidad and Tobag0.
When we arrived at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre puja was in progress. Being at the feet of Lord Hanuman was a blessing and I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. The view of the moon was very inviting and capturing the pictures you see below together with the view of the stars were the final touches to an already perfect day!
Here are some pictures I took while I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir on Hanuman Jayanti:
Puja to Lord Hanuman was in progress! My Mom (Mrs Doris Thomas) is the one in red kneeling at the Bedi!Offerings were being made to the Shiva LingamThe bedi-the flowers, sacred leaves, the tulsi tree, the fig tree, the kalsa, the lota-a beautiful sight!The murtis on the stage-Coromandel Shiv MandirThe singhasan -Coromandel Shiv MandirLord Ganesh, Hanuman Baba and Lord Shiva
I am grateful that both events did not occur at the same time as in the morning I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir and in the evening I was at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre to witness puja at the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti.
While those were the morning pictures these were the evening pictures:
Puja was in progress and devotees were participating in Puja
A View of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ji from where I was sitting!A beautiful sight- Guru Paduka Puja was performed as well as Puja to Lord Satyanarayana- the light, the flowers, the coconut, the decorations of the Padukas, Hanuman Ji, Lord Satyanarayana and Appaji-0ur beloved Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore IndiaSuch a beautiful sight- both Murtis of Lord Hanuman are beautifully decorated. Look at them adorned with flowers. Look also at the Malas of paan leaves, the lights, the parrots, the vada! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman!This is another view of the beautifully decorated Lord Hanuman! Jai Veer Hanuman!
This was such a mystical sight! There was a full moon for Hanuman Jayanti 2016! I am happy I was able to get this picture!
So beautiful! So mystical! Look at how brightly the moon was shining and I am pleased I was able to get this photo of Lord Hanuman and the Moon.
The greatness of Hanuman Ji is evident! For those who do not know Hanuman Ji is the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!This picture like the others tells a thousand words!
In case you are still learning the Hanuman Chalisa please use this video to help you:
Please remember to save the dates: July 2nd- 9th 2016
It’s Earth Day everyone- 22nd April 2016! Happy Earth Day everyone!!!
Let’s begin with some history. It is a short documentary. Have a look at it!
What did you do to celebrate Earth Day 2016? Though this is one day set aside to celebrate Earth Day we can celebrate it every day. If you didn’t do something today you do something tomorrow or the day after.
This video shows us how Earth Day is celebrated around the world:
I am pleased to share some tips with you but first let’s take a look at some of what we have. This is a beautiful indication of the beauty of the Earth which surrounds us!
Being surrounded by such inviting water, rich flora and fauna reminds us of how lucky were are! Earth is our home and it is our duty to protect it!
They are all winners. This is how the Principal of the Cedros Montessori School, Monica Soorjan described her students.
The school’s first Annual School Sports was followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade- this was the order of events for the pre-school students of the Cedros Montessori School in the past week.
On Thursday last- the day for the Annual Easter Bonnet Parade- they made the usual walk undertaken by the school to the Jetty (called the “Old Jetty” by residents) and back to their school.
These preschoolers were all well-dressed! The girls looked beautiful and the boys were dashing! The baskets, the flowers, the hats, the Easter eggs, the bunnies and the excitement they showed made the event truly memorable and it was evident that their parents invested a lot of time!
Beautiful girls of the Cedros Montessori School!Handsome boys of the Cedros Montessori School!
They were accompanied by Soorjan who they all refer to as Miss Monica, their 3 teachers and some of the proud parents!
Before the Parade!Some of the students!
Mere days earlier (on Sunday) they participated in the first Annual Sports Day hosted by their Principal and their teachers.
All parents provided tremendous support and participation here as well to make the event a resounding success. In addition to this, other family members were on hand to urge them on and make their very first school sports a day they might always remember.
Seeing them ready for the march past and marching with smiles on their faces was wonderful. They marched and they marched well in spite of the sun. Then they took part in the events that followed. It really was a sight to behold and it was filled with lots of excitement.
Team Sapphire, Team Aquamarine, Team Ruby (all teams)My reason for being at this Sports Day- my darling nephew Richie-Lee Thomas
Most certainly we can learn a lot from these preschoolers. Through their parents and the school as an institution (principal and teachers) it is evident that there is discipline, respect, team work, sportsmanship, friendship and that learning is also taking place.
Hats off to these darling angels and all those who are a part of their learning, together with those who are nurturing their growth and development! It is definitely a reason to celebrate!
The adults also had an opportunity to enjoy events of their own. They had Zumba and Tug-O-War. Those that participated in Zumba thoroughly enjoyed it! It was evident that it in tug-o-war they joined in, they stuck together and they also had fun!
It is a fervent reminder of Nappy Mayers, “Bring Back the Old Time Days”.
Today makes it one year since my dear grandfather passed away. We, his grandchildren, called him Baba!
A token of our love from all family members of the late Ramlal Dookie
We miss him but we know his pain and suffering are over. Our love for him and the love he showed us is something we will never forget. He is gone but will never be forgotten.
Have a look at this video and listen to this bhajan by His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:
So very true!
Here are two pictures I am happy to share:
This is a picture taken a few months before Baba got more sick and ended up in the hospital. Nanny and Baba had puja and Nanny placed a mala around Baba’s neck and did Aarti for him- October 14, 2014My grandparents (Baba- The late Mr Ramlal Dookie and Nanny- Jassodra Celia Dookie) after Puja on 14 October 2014.
I have been thinking of all the things I wanted to share with Baba in this past year- my graduation, my internship, our fishes, our plants etc! He has given us so much memories and now his pain and suffering are no more. That is our comfort and the fact that we have each other!
I called him as often as I could and before marriage he would ask about everyone at home and after marriage he would always ask, “How the boss?” referring to Shiva. I enjoyed those times when I was able to sing Happy Birthday to him and when I was able to talk to him and spend time with him.
I would always value the time I was able to spend with Baba in his last days at the hospital. Even then we were being taught valuable lessons-every single one of us who was there!
Knowing that when there is birth there is death is a reality we have always been taught but what matters is that we have made the most of the time we had Baba and all our other loved ones in our lives and we keep doing that for all those who are still with us.
Guidance from the Holy Scriptures is our comfort!
We were fortunate to have Baba, our grandpa, around for the time he was here. He was able to see us all grow up- children and grandchildren. He was also able to see some of his great grandchildren and each of us has similar memories but also different memories. Either way there are lots of memories for each of us to remember!
Baba was always a great Devotee. He was always prayerful and continued chanting the name of God in his last moments!
This is a post I wrote last year to celebrate Baba’s life:
This one captures our gratitude to Level 16 Ward 12 Suite 5 of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital for the high level of care and attention they gave to him.
Maybe you might also remember this next post! It captures the relationship my grandparents shared. On the day Baba passed away I had a presentation to do for one of my courses, Critical Analysis of Media and TV Coverage with Mr Roddy Batchasingh at COSTAATT. Baba had passed away in the morning and I had class in the evening. My presentation was dedicated to the bond my grandparents shared and my song of choice was “Thinking out Loud” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQLqu-ThMOY by Ed Sheeran.
Gone but not forgotten: The late Ramlal Dookie: November 14, 1933- March 19, 2015
Father of seven (7) children born to Jassodra Celia Dookie- 6 girls and 1 boy- Doris, Dora, Dolcie, Devi, Jaggs, Bena and Rajdaye, my grandma is the mother-in-law of and my grandpa was the father-in-law of Ranjit, Winston, Fyzal, Sharaz, Hosein, Rosemary and Rajesh.
He was the Brother-in-law of Mynee, Bissondaye (Betty), Bharose, Doodnath, Sita,Vinda and the late Sookraj Ramlakhan (my grandma’s siblings). Grandfather of 15 (Rishi, Savita, me, Adesh, Ria, Ricky, Sarah, Imran, Candice, Premnauth, Susan, Joseph, Josiah, Vincent and Leah), he was also a great grandfather of 5, uncle of Dilip among many others and he was a friend of many.
Apart from loving his family, anyone could associate him with riding his bicycle which he did for many years and with fishing with his seine which he enjoyed a lot.
According to Dictionary.com respect is defined as:
to hold in esteem or honor
to show regard or consideration
to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with, as in privacy.
I believe you know what respect is and I am happy you are reading it because I wanted you to read something you can share with others, be it at home or at school or via email or mail or any of the other available possibilities open to you.
Have a look at this:
Respect involves the acceptance of the views, beliefs and feelings of others. It comes from treating others as you would like to be treated and it is something I firmly believe in whether it’s between strangers, between bosses and their employees, among colleagues, acquaintances, friendships, marriages, sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, grandparent-grandchildren relationships or any of the other family relationships we know of.
In so many ways we are seeing how respect is being lost. This video however reminds us “OLD SCHOOL” respect that we have heard about so many times. Respect is a universal topic. Listen to what is being said and see how applicable it is:
In addition to this respect is also needed for nature-plants and animals. Have a look at this:
Here are some things it does not hurt to be reminded of:
Treat others in the same manner as you would want to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Change only to become a better you.
Never compromise your values!
Try your best to live without regrets!
Doing something wrong can never make it right!
Value the relationships you build and the people in your lives.
Be true to yourself!
Respect is a 2 way street- it must be given before it is earned.
In the same way that you must love yourself before you can love others, self-respect comes before respecting others.
Respect and trust are key elements in a friendship and we can all agree that when either is lost, it may be regained to some extent but, more often than not things will never be the same. Most relationships begin with friendship and whether it is any of the relationships described above it involves friendship.
Take note of how Bruno Mars describes friendship in this video:
Hopefully you were singing along with Bruno Mars and hopefully you enjoyed the other videos too. The video is based on friendship but the respect these kids have for each other is so evident!
I was thinking of something local and my dear friend Regina Cozier mentioned this. Thank you Regina! Have a look at this too as it reinforces everything said and brings it across musically. Like everything else there is a lesson in it especially as it can help with values that are being lost in society. Great job 3Canal!
Thank you for taking the time to read this everyone! Hasta la vista!
This post is dedicated to Celebrating 2015 and surviving it. What a year it most certainly has been and our comfort lies in know that our loved ones who have been ailing for some time and suffering are no longer enduring such a fate.
2015 was a year unlike any other. So much happened and this is probably one of the ways to describe it:
As I said to so many I spoke to in the past couple days, when 2015 began, we did not expect so much of what happened or for it to turn out the way it did. Our comfort lies in knowing that that our loved ones who have been ailing for some time and suffering are no longer enduring such a fate. We survived the year and all that it brought us, and we are stronger because we saw the year through in spite of what it presented us with.
Like everyone else experienced, the year was filled with prayer, laughter, smiles, tears, courage, faith, hope, gratitude, sadness and pain. Some were experienced more than others as expected. Whatever it brought we got through it both as a family and for our respective selves, rallying for each other along the way.
Apart from these experiences I can look at a few things in 2015 about me:
I am more confident about cooking. I not only cook more but I have more confidence about what I cook. Baking is also something I am better at. In 2016 I will be able to add to my list of things I bake and things I cook.
I have become better at clearing away clutter. Sometimes it’s just too much procrastination and needing to have the right mindset but it usually becomes easier once I get started.
I continue to establish myself as a writer and a blogger. This blog is my proof! 30 new posts were published in 2015. The busiest day of the year was March 25th 2015 which received 45 views. The most popular post on that day was the post dedicated to my grandpa, the late Mr Ramlal Dookie. Its title is Celebrating the life of my grandfather, the late Mr Ramlal Dookie!
I graduated with the Associate Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from COSTAATT’s Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies.
With great company-that’s Shiva- I have been able to appreciate music and movies more. In saying this I refer specifically to the fact that he is a big fan of “The Voice“. I understand music more as well as the lyrical content. Also we appreciated not just the great acting and plot of “Bridge of Spies” and “Everest“, but also the fact that they were based on true events.
I realized that I am good at transcribing. I began transcribing in COMM 120 class – Critical Reading and Writing Skills for Journalism and Communication Majors- with Ms Michelle Mitchell. Outside of the class setting I have been able to do some professional transcription.
Ask yourself, in spite of how tough the year was, what did it teach you? Give yourself the credit you deserve because I am sure there is something from 2015 that makes you a better you! What is it?
Here are the trailers to “Bridge of Spies” and “Everest“:
Take life’s challenges one by one. Don’t give up! Always believe you can!
Today I Celebrate Success: COSTAATT Graduation 2015!
Do you remember this song? This is how the ceremony started and it truly was a perfect start!
It did not dawn on me until I sat in the Regency Ballroom of the Hyatt that the theme blends in so perfectly with my blog. I know it’s been a while since I have been here but it’s been a super crazy period in these past weeks. I know the light is at the end of the tunnel. I can see it and trust me, it’s beautiful!
I’m here now and I’m celebrating! All days are special but November 22, 2015 was different. Not only does this year mark COSTAATT’s 15th Anniversary but it is also the year with the most students graduating from this dynamic institution (1,400 plus). On November 22, 2015 I joined with hundreds of other worthy COSTAATT students who graduated with their degrees. I graduated with the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communications Studies.
Every part of the ceremony was filled with excellence- COSTAATT Excellence.The decor, the positive and meaningful addresses from each of the speakers, the powerful musical interludes and serenade as well as the responses from the audience. The truth is that at COSTAATT we have so much to celebrate that some may not see or may choose not to see and it starts from the very helm with the President Dr Gillian Paul and the Board of Trustees. It is evident at all levels- the Executive Management, Administrative Staff of Main Campus and all other Campuses, the Chairs, Deans, Lecturers, and the Students.
I am sure we each left with more than we know of our esteemed college COSTAATT, our President Dr Paul, the Board of Trustees, our Lecturers and COSTAATT talent.We were delighted to have as our Keynote Speaker, Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts who served as Senior Lecturer- Chemistry at COSTAATT from 2009.
Her very powerful speech focused on the importance of the words”I AM”- As Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts said, “I AM are powerful words…I AM a transformer of lives, I AM the hope for a better country…” and indeed they need to be used wisely!
On this most memorable day too the College Song which was written and composed by Ms Glenda Charles-Harris, Department Chair-Environmental Studies (our prayers are with her and her family members for her safe return) was sung. We were privileged to be among the first to hear the College Song sung and the Staff members and Students of COSTAATT really did it justice in the true COSTAATT Spirit.
Then a few months ago while I was in the process of compiling a Media Contact list for my internship I approached someone in the Industry and when I identified myself as a COSTAATT Student, I was asked in a tone I did not appreciate, I was asked, “Why didn’t you go to UWI like my son, instead of COSTAATT?”
I smiled and I responded. I told her, “I have always been happy to be a student of COSTAATT. We work hard for our grades and it is because of what I have been learning at COSTAATT that I have been able to establish myself as a writer working for clients internationally. It is also why I have been able to get the experience I have acquired.” This experience includes Press Release Writing, Content Writing, Article Writing, Blog Writing and “About Us” pieces for websites.
Years ago when I knew that a career switch would be in the making I started calling around to find out about Degree Options which would complement the BA English I earned from the University of London. I did not know much about COSTAATT at that time (some years ago) and thankfully the institution that told me I should go to COSTAATT, and then apply to them set me on a journey I would not deviate from. They did not realize they led me on a different path of realization and discovery I would see through to the very end, confident in my choice. At COSTAATT I feel at home and I know my decision has been the right one.
I remember my entrance into COSTAATT and it started with Gabrielle Alfonso in COSTAATT’s Admissions Department. She was the first person I spoke to at COSTAATT regarding starting my BA Mass Communication Studies there. From there on it was a journey I have never regretted being on!
Here are some pics from Graduation Day:
Students from South Campus-all students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies- ( Class of 2015 BA Mass Communication; AAS Journalism & PR): Earl Edmund, Alette Williams. Marissa Marjadsingh, Nicholas Lutchmansingh, Wavel Fraser
From left: Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah (me), Tara Ramsingh, Anniesha Alexander (front), Earl Edmund, Misha Garcia, Nicholas Lutchmansingh, Brendon Julien; Back row: Alette Williams, Marissa Marjadsingh, Wavel Fraser, Germine Carlotta Alexander Rivas, Carla Britton-Procope,
Happy to join other Students from South Campus- all Students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies – ( Class of 2015 BA Mass Communication; AAS Journalism & PR)
We were delighted to be joined by Mrs Sophia Edwards-Knox, Department Chair -Communication Studies with Students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies
A picture of me before the Graduation Ceremony
A picture Shiva took after the Graduation Ceremony
Here’s another picture my darling husband Shiva took after the Graduation Ceremony
A happy couple aren’t we…Shiva and me after the ceremony!
Congratulations to our Valedictorians:
Arnold Ramkaran- BSc Environmental Health
Rachelle Deonarine- AAS Environmental Health
Congratulations COSTAATT’s Class of 2015! I am a proud COSTAATT Student! Fellow Graduates another chapter in our journey has started! Let’s embrace it and let’s enjoy it!
Ganesh Utsav is a time many Hindus the world over look forward to! It is a period of great devotion dedicated to Lord Ganesh, or Lord Ganapati, or Lord Vinayak, or Lord Vighna Vinashak which are just some of the many names of He is called by.
In spite of my schedule for this semester with classes most nights of the week I was quite happy and grateful for the opportunity to be at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Carapichaima on the nights when I was free and to also visit the Coromandel Shiv Mandir as they both afforded me the privilege of doing devotion with family and friends.
Here are some pictures I was able to get on the day of Visarjan (24 September 2015). I am very excited to share them with you!
The Lord Ganesh Murti at Sri Dattatreya Yoga CentreThe end of Lord Ganesh Puja- before VisarjanThe Murti as it was being taken to the van!Can you see the light as it glows?Lord Surya’s Blessing is evident! Look at the Sun as it radiates in the background.Moments before departure for Visarjan at Orange Valley Bay!Quite a beautiful sight!A view of the sky taken at Orange Valley BayA view of the boats at the Orange Valley Bay!The offering of the coconuts by devotees!Devotees look at Lord Ganapati and observe the rituals being performed.Lord Ganapati as He was being taken to the boat.Isn’t this a majestic sight on the water?Isn’t this another majestic sight on the water? Indeed this and the previous one are!Mother Ganga and Mother Lakshmi!
As this post ends enjoy this video made possible by one of Swamiji’s dearest devotees, Hanuman Hoffman,
Today marks the one year anniversary of this blog, Celebrating Existence. I have been looking forward to this day so much I cannot believe it is nearly over. I am thankful, so very thankful!!!
This blog has grown so much and trust me when I say how grateful I am for all the support it has received, all the comments, the views and all of the feedback.
The nervousness I experienced when I started is one I would never forget as I wasn’t sure how it would be received. Today, 47 posts later it has been viewed in 37 countries around the world 1,903 times.
Here is some information you might be interested in:
Most views: Trinidad and Tobago, then USA, India and Canada
Some stats you might be interested in: Top 10 posts:
In case you missed any along the way. here’s your chance to enjoy it now! Thank you for your views, your feedback and your support. I look forward to continuing to share information with you, inspire you, give you courage and faith when they are needed, and to Celebrate Existence every step of the way! Let’s take it day by day! Enjoy this moment and celebrate it!
My post on my Facebook page, Celebrating Existence today!
reads, “Here’s to celebrating another day of existence and celebrating you! You made it through the day and the challenges that presented themselves. You endured, you conquered and you triumphed! Be proud! Stand tall! Celebrate You!”
Allow me to continue. Life presents us with many truths! From before we can even remember we have been dealing with truths, making decisions, dealing with realities and accepting them as they come along the way!
Some truths are the experiences we live through and when we look back we ask, “Huh, was this my life? Did I do that?” Some even ask, “Did I really go through that?” and “How did I survive it?”
Our comfort is that we endure, we conquer, we rise and we triumph by God’s Grace, our Faith in Him, regardless of how we call Him, be it Appaji, the Heavenly Father, Allah, Rama, Krishna, Shiva or any of the many other names He is called by. Through Him and His Grace we have the love of our family and friends too!
etsy.com
Along the way we learn some truths that may seem harsher than others. Here as some:
Not everyone is You or Me– Expectations from the world may lead to disappointment.
Never change who you are-don’t lose yourself and what you believe in. With that comes the fact that you should always make ‘YOU Time” (Time for You).
Some people do not care about who they step on or damage in their aim to get ahead. Let your comfort come from knowing that God does not let His children suffer.
Every experience gives us something positive. We walk away stronger. The mere fact that we walk away from it or live through it is positive.
Using the scissors of life can sometimes make the world of difference…cut off the negatives and cut off the crappy stuff.
Courtesy fumozar.com
On that note, “Here’s to celebrating another day of existence and celebrating you! You made it through the day and the challenges that presented themselves. You endured, you conquered and you triumphed! Be proud! Stand tall! Celebrate You!” As I close enjoy this:
Celebrating Existence 