Rejoice the new beginnings.

Huma  Masood. An amazing person with a heart of gold. One who has the courage to call a spade a spade, and concern to stand by her family and friends through thick and thin. Who has such elegance that it trickles down to even her speech and a wisdom one can rely upon.

Meeting Huma, reading her blogs, and participating in some of her Facebook discussions has been like manna from heaven to me, and I have never told her yet, but I would like her to know through this forum today that, In her I have found my soul-sister and I will always admire and respect her.

Thank you, Huma  for

* * * * *

HERE I PRESENT THE LOVELY HUMA MASOOD SHARING WITH US HER THOUGHTS ON NEW YEAR:

Thank you Asma for sharing your beautiful blog with me.

New year eve has a special importance for me. No, not the parties nor the
celebrations, rather it is the "me-time" that I enjoy. I enjoy looking back
at my footprints and then planning my path forward.

A fresh new year... feels like I am holding a beautiful blank dairy with
365 dates to fill in, hopefully, with lots and lots of nice memories and
positive things. Yes, that's what I love the most about it - the HOPE that
accompanies it and inspires me... hope to find time to do what I missed
before...

It is the time to summarise the old and plan for new...

About 365+ days ago, I had realised I needed to focus on healthier living -
it seemed very difficult at the time and I was really not sure if I would
be able to accomplish it - eat more veggies, less processed food, more
exercise, a little gardening... well sort of balcony gardening, healthier
cooking, and so on... Persistence paid and I was able to fill 2014 with a
lot more healthier living choices than ever before, although I slipped
NUMEROUS times, surrounded by the temptations of pizzas and fried chickens
that I was, but I struggled on, not losing hope. Hopefully I will continue
this in 2015 too but with less of slipping.

Now on the eve of this newest year, 2015, I have this strong desire to
explore my "lost-self"... the part of myself that I miss...

I want to reconnect with old friends and forge new friendships and explore
the depth of all my relations.

I want to stand up for what I think is right and not worry about saying the
"right thing".

This year I want to find my voice that I lost trying to catch up with this
fast-paced life. I know it's still there somewhere, since I hear it, time
to time, urging me to "just say it".

I want to spend more time doing my two favourite things - reading and
writing...

and make time for the little things that may not make me richer but
definitely make me happier.

And I hope I do....

I want to thank you all for patiently reading my endless chatter and I wish
you all a very HAPPY, PROSPEROUS and HOPEFUL 2015.

www.facebook.com/silken.scribblings Sent from my iPad

--Huma Masood Blogger on Silken Scribblings

We can also connect on Google+ HumaMasoodwrites ; Facebook ; Twitter ;
LinkedIn ; Pinterest

The Silver Lining of My Dark Cloud

#TalesOf2015

“I’m sharing my #TalesOf2015 with BlogAdda.” As it was a prompt from BlogAdda which made me see the silver lining of my dark cloud that was 2015.

The prompt was to share our personal tales of 2015 and end it on a positive note so we could  start 2016, and inspire others also to, with a bright and right attitude.

I've never felt this low towards the end of the Georgian calendar since the Tsunami of 2004 which hit major part of South Asia.

Like all the other years even this year was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, perceptions and prospects, but I suppose the lows hit me a bit more sharply this year and their impending fear plus resulting hurt overrode a large part of the joy the highs gave.

Maybe it was because I've waited long (years) for few things to happen, and now I've lost hope for some of the precious ones, and lost all desire in few of the others. This year even brought to light the fact that what precious little I have in my life, that make my world, are brittle like a dream and my deepest fears are not that improbable too.

I don't want to dwell on their chances or impact as I'm not ready to face any of them yet, and BlogAdda too wished us to look at the brighter side of our year that departs. And for this prompt I'll ever be grateful to this forum because it made me see how bright and beautiful my silver lining actually is.

The biggest gifts of my life have always been my friends. I've met such wonderful people from so many walks of life from the world over in my life, and so many of them have become such dear friends to me that I cannot imagine my life without them. I even began this year with a series of guest posts featuring some of my best friends I made last year- Elly Stornebrink, Judy Yaron, Cindy Ackley, Huma Masood, and Sophie Bowns (though I very regretfully couldn't post the latter two awesome people's due to a major technical cliche).

This year blessed me with the friendship of few more such wonderful personas:
Anna Geller, is an amazing spiritual healer, motivationalist, entrepreneur, and a young lady with a pure and loving heart.

Emilia Previdi, who is an awesome fanfiction author, a hardworking woman and a dedicated wife and mother. Her wisdom and love are a true treasure.

Jeanneclaire Probst, is a celebrated author and beautiful poet, and a person who is so full of love and encouragement that every gesture from her are like antidotes against gloom and negativity.

Ophelia Elise West, is a person who is a natural silver lining seeker. She sees only the good and bright things of every situation, and spreads warmth and cheer around her like sunshine. She is a member of OneWish foundation, daughter of Jeanneclaire Probst, and the definition of inspiration.

Also this year I learnt to improve my writing and tailoring skills, became part of an amazing Facebook forum for she-preneurs Granny's Girls- GYM, learnt few new cuisines and touched new depths of my faith.

So, What Do I Take From 2015? What Did I Learn?

I take with me a renewed sense of self sufficiency that keeps me going despite all odds. I take with me the realization that The Almighty never abandons those who truly believe in him, and the assurance that no matter how low I feel, or lost I become I have friends who are only a click away and always there to embrace me in their warmth of love, wisdom and friendship.

I learnt that it is foolery to invest too much hope in life and dreams. Both are brittle in nature and hurt when their crash. Go with the tide and salvage what you can.

Pragmatism, Wisdom and Confidence are true treasures. Never rely completely on your mind nor your heart. Both are fickle implements and tend to behave with partiality. It's these three treasures that will help you gladiate through life.

Looking at the silver lining helps to clear the cobwebs in your mind and see things in a brighter and lighter light.

Happy 2016 to all!

The Fields of Gold Invites You

If I had been asked to write about my favourite Indian city a few years ago I would have, with my naive enthusiasm, gone on a rampage about Bangalore, Mysore, Delhi, Lucknow, or even Kolkata. All of which cities are impressive and unmatched in their splendour.

But now, my heart refuses to dwell on any of this havens when my own Little England spreads before me silent in its appeal, elegant in its appearance, and resplendent in its aura. It has all the makings of a city and I would be doing it a great dishonour if I would neglect it to glorify any other city.

Kolar Gold Fields nicknamed Little England by the Britishers them selves, like a small emerald embedded in the shadows of dazzling pearls in a solitaire, is a nearly 200 year old mining town that has all the points in the check list to call it a city ticked except for its population and greater luxuries.

It has expanded ever since to the minimum requirement of a city's diameter, has its own municipal corporation, is well equipped to meet its needs with infrastructure and technology, and is well connected to the best of all the three states that cradle it.

But alas! Like Pluto in our Solar System, my hometown is doomed to oblivion by the glitter and greatness of its surrounding cities, and declined of its city status courtesy the woes bereaving it and its dim and dark  appearance.

A small land hidden nudged amidst a cluster of enticing mountains, intersecting state borders and beautiful cities. From picturesque scenery to the latest in fashion and trends, you ask it and KGF has it.

What DRIVES this city, is its people. Lovely people with simple living and high thinking. You will find us most acceptable to changes, and adjustments.

Early morning everyday even before dawn you will find youths and adults daring the morning mist and darkness to catch their train to Bangalore and other cities to reach their workplace. World class engineers, doctors, teachers, dancers, musicians, actors, authors, artists, sportspersons, businessmen and talented craftsmen have emerged from this city and are now thriving in their field of work across the globe.

The education, healthcare and fulfillment of social obligations are top class too. And, that's not all. Such exquisite flora and fauna reside in its jungles, and not to mention the variety of migratory birds that visit through different seasons of the year. A large plethora of tourists flock here only for its wealth of natural beauty and the remnants of the second largest gold mining of Asia.

Whenever there is any problem in infrastructure or otherwise you will find us working toward its solution, but also adjusting to the situation admirably and without much fuss or ado about it.

And we are so welcoming of the changing trends, that you will find us in toe with any other city any given day, but never on the excess side. Suffice it to say, we have found the balance between modern outlook and traditional attires, and carry it with grace.

If we speak of its DESIGN, I have rarely seen a more beautifully planned or well designed city than KGF. Its railway lines is one of the oldest in India engineered by the great genius Sir M. Vishweshvaraiya on the behest of the Britishers who started the formal and large scale gold mining here.

Converting this dense jungle into a habitable township, it is clear even today that a lot of planning and execution by the Britishers went in to making this township.
It's trace still remains giving this city a historical touch.

You only have to step out into the bus station, and you will find everything you need in The Square from jewellery and house decors to hospitals and police station. The railway too is merely a mile away from the main town, and the roads are smooth and straight throughout.

Residential areas and commercial avenues are separated by the main road and the town takes on more modern outlook with every progressing year.

As to its CONNECT, you will have no scruples whatever. From high speed internet to far spread commercial trade, KGF lacks in nothing. Just 100kms away from Bangalore and half the distance from Gudiyattam, and Kuppam, luxuries and benefits that cannot be found here are practically only at arms length from us.

From sightseeing, educational trips to business excursions, we have access practically to everything. KGF is also the main commercial hub of the district with the nearby towns and villages reaching out to it to meet their needs and amenities.

You can find more about this amazing city from this link: http://www.wikipedia.co.in/kolar-gold-fields/

To read my earlier post about KGF follow the link below: Little England in India

To know more about the campaign initiated by Tata motors with the amazing Lionel Messi visit http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

More For Babies In Your Care

I shared some of the basic tips we need to keep in mind and follow if we wish to keep our baby's skin soft and safe in my previous blog For The Child In Your Care.

Continuing on, I have few more tips for other areas of child care which need to be monitored well for the wellness of our little Angel.

• NOURISHMENT.

It is a universal fact that humans get a major portion of their nourishment and energy from food. Also, none can defy that for the first six months from birth, mother's milk is best for the baby.

So, it is vital not just for the mother's health, but also for the baby's proper nutrition and growth that the mother's diet is rich in proteins, calcium, minerals and vitamins.

Make sure the mother drinks enough water, has creamy milk and eats a well balanced meal to ensure that the baby's skin is nourished from within too.

In cases where breastfeeding is not an option, special and strict diets have to be formulated with the help of the physician.

• CLOTHING.

Another major source of our protection are the clothes we wear. No doubt we adapt our clothing to comply with the changes in weather and our health. Same goes for the baby too.

Their skin is ultra soft and sensitive. So a layer of soft, clean and mold-free cotton must always be given as the base, as this material is the safest and most comfortable for their skin.
Avoid synthetic material at least until the baby is nearly a year old, and make sure the wool, fleece or whichever extra layer of clothing you choose for the baby is soft, clean, fresh and mold-free.

• SUNLIGHT.

Yes, a child has to be protected from the harmful rays of the sun and harsh climatic changes. But some exposure is also important to ensure their also get some natural vitamin A from sunlight and adapt to the climate too.

Few minutes in the warm  morning rays after the dew is lifted is considered safe and vital for the newborns. And when the baby starts walking, allow it a few moments in sun at different hours of the day (after giving them proper protection) under good supervision so they adapt, and their skin builds natural resistance too.

• EXERCISE.

Yes, exercise is important. And not just for adults. It flushes out waste from our body, strengthens our defenses, ensure proper use of nutrition, improves blood circulation and gives our skin a healthy and natural glow. Same facts apply for children too.

Newborns must be given some space to move their muscles when awake. Give them light gentle exercises when massaging them.

When the baby starts weaning and moving around on its own allow them at least fifteen to twenty minutes around meals to flex their body. As the child grows increase their play time but also make sure they don't over-exert them self.

• SLEEP.

Our body repairs itself amazingly while we sleep. Sleep not only relaxes our senses, and repairs our body, but it revitalises our energy sources, clears our mind, and detoxes our skin.

Same facts again applies to babies. Plus, sleep is favoured to help the child grow up healthy and active. So, make sure newborns get at least 20 hours of sleep in a day, weaning babies get at least 18 hours, and so on. Keep the mark of toddlers up to 3years must get at least 12 hours of divided sleep in a day.

* * * * *

° All facts stated here are compiled from third-person experience, survey and research.

° Blog written in answer to the prompt # SoftestForBabySkin initiated by Pampers India.

° “Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is #SoftestForBabySkin and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy. ”

For Babies In Your Care.

A life so gentle, the first time we take them in our arms our heart surely skips a beat or two.

Their touch so pure and trusting, it is sure to melt even the most brutal of hearts.

Their smile so warm and magical, it makes us forget every woe of our existence.

And their skin so soft and delicate, we actually wish to protect them from all harms.

Babies indeed are a miracle of nature, the most precious gift of the Almighty, and once entrusted in our care the most valuable and serious responsibility.

It becomes our duty to protect, nurture, and strengthen them. Bring them up in the most loving and gentle manner, and make them worthy of being called humans. And this is not just the obligation of their parents, but also every adult in their circle.

I still remember the day my nephew was born and I took him in my arms for the first time. He seemed so delicate, and the way he nestled in my arms... It was a whole new definition of love for me. That day I became one of his protectors and the feeling will remain onto my death.

So, with the winter setting in and another harsh onslaught of weather just round the corner that is not mild even to us adults, the question of protecting the little ones becomes all the more important and trying. The blog prompt by Pampers to share 5 tips to keep babies skin safe was just the thing we needed.

Keeping up with its excellence, and commitment to child care, Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is #SoftestForBabySkin and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy.

And I, being a blogger who cannot let such a wonderful prompt go unanswered, have compiled my own set of tips (from experience, survey and research) to help adults in need to ward their young ones in the best possible manner.

* Remember, a baby's skin up to 3 years of age is most delicate and sensitive to its surrounding. The changes in weather and the products we use are are new to them, and it takes time and right amount of exposure to adapt for them. Also, they are completely helpless in protecting themselves, and their natural defences too are rather fragile.

So, The Big Five tips you need to care for your baby are:

• SHELTER.

Keep your child protected from direct sunlight, and blisters of winter,  especially for the first six months from their birth. The UV rays, heat of sun (especially from 10 a.m- 4 p.m) and winter chills are too harsh on their skin and may leave a lasting damage. So, keep them indoors as much as possible, and bundle them up tightly when you need to take them outdoor.

• MOISTURISE.

Babies' skin tend to dry and chap easily. So, ward them regularly with baby lotions and oils, especially soon after giving them a bath, and when taking them outdoor.

• GO NATURAL.

Artificial chemicals and synthetic products are harsh on their delicate skin, and may cause severe itching, irritation and rashes for your baby. So, use natural ingredients, and herbal baby-care products as far as you can help them.

• BATH TIME.

We love to bathe our child every day. It is a good habit as long as the weather is not too chilly and the water is warm enough. But REMEMBER THIS, keep the bath always quick and efficient. There is no scope of trial-and-error here, and there are multitude if other ways to bond with your child. Long exposure to water is not favourable to the child's delicate skin and may again cause severe irritation, rashes and dryness to the child. Keep the bath time for less than five minutes, and dry them off immediately.

• MASSAGE.

We all have heard of the benefits of good oil massage for the babies, and we all agree to them too. I too subscribe to this thought. Regular massage and proper technique not only aids in muscle growth and building immunity, but also ensures their skin remain moisturised, soft and well protected. Remember to choose your oil wisely- most preferably Coconut oil or Almond oil in general conditions and as base; Olive oil, Mustard oil, or Sesame oil for cold seasons; and Castor oil, Calendula oil, Chamomile oil or Tea Tree oil for hot or dry seasons. Remember to dilute the essential oils with a base oil mentioned above and be quantity wise too.

* * * * *

But these are not all. I have more tips to share. Keep tuned in for my next instalment of For Babies In Your Care.

My Inspiration- Judy Yaron

When I first read about the Tata motors blog prompt #madeofgreat, the first person I thought of was my dear friend and mentor Judy Yaron. She fits the slot perfectly, and so I knew I have to write this one in her honour. 

 A loving grandmother from Israel in her mid 60's and an earnest blogger, young at heart Dr. Judy Yaron has a Ph.D inShared Leadership. She is a Pedagogical Advisor (though she prefers to call herself as a Pedagogical Artist), a teacher, an A1 class content strategist, and proprietor of the website for writing solutions-www.cutthecrapsolutions.com.

 

She is also the founding member of the Facebook group Granny's Girls' GYM,which is dedicated to helping she-preneurs create quality content for learning materials, websites and opt-ins as well as to explore and utilise their Gifts and Geniuses, find their rhythm and get their ideas working. She also regularly contributes to several other such forums, and held a senior position in the Yachad Accelerated Learning Project (YALP), an independent not-for-profit educational organisation based on a partnership between Australia and Israel. She has traveled around the globe training teachers to improve the learning of children in need, plan their curriculum and develop learning programs and materials.

 

Born to a highly respected US Navy officer, Zionist and author Haim Gershoni, and a beautiful, talented painting artist Marilyn Gershoni Jung, who immigrated to Israel, Judy takes after her parents amazingly.

A passion to serve, the courage to face any odds, love for everyone, boundless creativity, and a golden heart above all are what makes her so special, and a person #madeofgreat.

She has seen life in all its colours, welcomed every hardship that came her way, and conquered all her problems with a smile, sensibility, self confidence and strength. As straightforward and honest as she is in her opinion, she is never discouraging. She may tell you directly, when she feels that there is room for improvement, but she always treats everyone as equal, with fairness, compassion and respect.

I met Judy a little over a year ago on Facebook via a blogger's forum Ultimate Blog Challenge.  Our friendship was instantaneous.

Having spent years trying to find my space in the world of writing and failing one too many times by then, I was ready to give up everything, accept failure and lose myself in oblivion. But on Judy's insistence I decided to give the forum's month long Daily Blog Challenge a try. And her first comment on my first blog under the Challenge proved to be my anchor against my inner storm and a leverage to keep trying onto the end.

In consequence, I completed a very successful Challenge, improved my writing skills by degrees, reached international readers, and made some truly precious friends from around the world. Judy has always been by my side ever since providing me the much needed moral support, advice, counselling and career guidance. She has helped me find new avenues and learn from every new experience.

 

Judy Yaron for me is the definition of true friendship, perseverance, and wisdom. A woman #madeofgreat, made for great, and someone I will always admire and look up to from the bottom of my heart.
 

* To read an exclusive guest blog post of Judy Yaron on my blog site written earlier this year and have a glimpse of her visit the post "To Become an Ultra Orthodox"

* To understand better how special Judy truly is read one of her latest blogs- Don't you just hate it hate it hate it when people take take take?

 

* To know more about Tata motors campaign #madeofgreat with the amazing footballer Lionel Messi visit  http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

 

* You can know more about the YALP organization from their website. www.yalp.org.au/

 

* And here's a chance for my readers to win big. Amazon Voucher worth Rs.750 to be won for the best comment on this blog post which answers the question "What do you think of Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi?".

My Inspiration- Judy Yaron

When I first read about the Tata motors blog prompt #madeofgreat, the first person I thought of was my dear mentor and friend Judy Yaron. She fit the slot perfectly and I knew I have to write this one in her honour.

A loving grandmother from Israel in her mid 60's and an earnest blogger, young at heart Dr. Judy Yaron has a Ph.d in Shared Leadership. She is a pedagogical Advisor (though she prefers to call herself as a Pedagogical Artist), a teacher, an A1 class content strategist, and proprietor of the website for writing solutions- www.cutthecrapsolutions.com.

She is also the founding member of the Facebook group Granny's girls' GYM which is dedicated to help she-preneurs create opt-ins, explore and utilise their Gifts and Geniuses, find their rhythm and get their idea working. She also leads several other such forums, and is a member of the Yachad Accelerated Learning Project (YALP), an independent not-for-profit educational organisation based on partnerships between Australia and Israel. She travels around the globe teaching special courses to children, helps schools plan their curriculum, and helps anyone in need.

Born to a highly respected American military officer, reformist and author Haim Gershoni, and a beautiful, talented painting artist Marilyn Gershoni Jung, who migrated to Israel when Judy was six years old, Judy takes after her parents amazingly.

A passion to serve, the courage to face any odds, love for everyone, boundless creativity, and a golden heart above all are what makes her so special, and a person #madeofgreat.

She has seen life in all its colours, welcomed every hardship that came her way, and conquered all her problems with a smile, sensibility, self confidence and strength. As Straightforward and honest she is in her opinion, she is never discouraging. She may tell you directly when you are at wrong, but she always treats everyone as equal, with fairness, compassion and respect.

I met Judy a little over a year ago on Facebook via a blogger's forum Ultimate Blog Challenge.  Our friendship was instantaneous.

Having spent years trying to find my space in the world of writing and failing one too many times by then, I was ready to give up everything, accept failure and lose myself in oblivion. But on Judy's insistence I decided to give the forum's month long Daily Blog Challenge a try. And her first comment on my first blog under the Challenge proved to be my anchor against my inner storm and a leverage to keep trying onto the end.

In consequence, I completed a very successful Challenge, improved my writing skills by degrees, reached international readers, and made some truly precious friends from around the world. Judy has always been by my side ever since providing me the much needed moral support, advice, counselling and career guidance. She has helped me find new avenues and learn from every new experience.

Judy Yaron for me is the definition of true friendship, perseverance, and wisdom. A woman #madeofgreat, made for great, and someone I will always admire and look up to from the bottom of my heart.

* To understand better how special Judy truly is read one of her latest blogs- Don't you just hate it hate it hate it when people take take take?

* To know more about Tata motors campaign #madeofgreat with the amazing footballer Lionel Messi visit http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

* You can know more about the YALP organization from their website www.yalp.org.au/

* And here's a chance for my readers to win big. Amazon Voucher worth Rs.750 to be won for the best comment on this blog post which answers the question "What do you think of Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi?".