sarvam premamayam....

Everywhere I turn I encounter the symbol of love.  They say that a cobbler only looks at slippers, or more specifically only slippers catch his eye. 

Everywhere I am, whether in the kitchen or garden I see love, and in seemingly insignificant places.  I have captured some images here, but some special ones were too fleeting for my camera.  The other day I looked up into the sky and saw some dark clouds framing their fair counterpart in the shape of a heart.  It was one wonderful sight!  But before I could bring out the camera it was gone.
They say a heart shape symbolises Love. 

Are these the Universe's hints of saying that I should be more loving to all around me?  Or do I see these because I am loving?  (like the cobbler example)  Or are these hints that I should take better care of my precious heart?

A splash of love

Roti of love

An impression of love

Another roti of love....... in the making

A frosting of love

A leaf of love

A fruit of love

Ip Man and Ip Man 2

Wow! What a beautiful, beautiful movie!! I loved them both!  There was no monotony in fight scenes where heroes literally jump into fights just because they are martial artists!  Even I, enjoyed it, frame by frame.  I say 'even I' because normally I do not relish the fight scenes at all, No Sire!

The films are apparently based on true stories of the Wing Chun branch of martial art legend of the same name.

After watching the movie, now I have new respect for the master and his people in general.  The lead character is developed beautifully.  It is said that a true warrior is also truly forgiving and patient.  It is said in the Raghuvamsa about the great kings in that lineage:  "Who were silent because/in spite of their wisdom, who were patient and forgiving inspite of their valour and sacrificing in spite of their immense wealth ...."  

ज्ञाने मौनं क्षमा शक्तौ त्यागे श्लाघाविपर्ययः ।

गुणाः गुणानुबन्धित्वात् तस्य सप्रसवाः इव ॥

In the same logic, the martial artist was portrayed as extremely humble and patient.

One scene in particular is my favourite:  The wife would be sick and there would be absolutely no grain in the house.  The master would prepare a little porridge with whatever grain is available.  The poor woman, in spite of her sickness would  be so concerned that he and the child would have nothing to eat and so would ask, whether any grain is left.  The master would reply so calmly, not to worry about these things, that she should get well soon.  This situation would actually prompt him to realise the need for him to work for a living.  The wife would be so concerned that hitherto affluent person has to look for work now, he would so consolingly reply that that is not the end of the world.

I really liked and admired his tone.

Elsewhere too people have been so unassuming and simple.  I am sure our ancestors would have had the same outlook though they may not have been in the same country or even continent.  Only in this generation is the focus or should I say frenzy for material things so widely prevalent. 

On the whole, good movies, great entertainment and a wonderful carry home message

Great Service

    I was very thankful for the steaming hot spicy food served at Kanlaya Thai Restaurant in Harrisburg, PA.  It is very close to the highway.  
http://www.kanlayathairestaurant.com/

    We were heading home after a small outdoors trip at PA, and basically we (at least I was) were tired of all the non-rice items that we had been having since the weekend started.  I was yearning for some rice, hot and fresh and spicy..... yumm...

    We had about half an hour to forty five minutes for the dinner 'break'.  The location was really friendly (so we didn't spend much time breaking our journey getting to the restaurant and back on the highway).  As usual we reached half an hour before closing.  I say 'as usual' because we as a couple seem to be having major issues with the time :)  we get everywhere just minutes before they close!  Well in the same fashion we reached the restaurant too, but actually this time may be it wasn't all our fault!  

    The point I want to make here is that even though we had just half hour before their closing, the staff was very friendly and did not hurry us up at all!  Not one bit!  

    And I really relished their vegetable rice seasoned with pineapple basil etc.  I do not remember the exact title of that item though.  But it did the magic, I was energized.  The portion size, the temperature and taste of the food, all were great!  I give them an A+!

What I liked the most was, that they let us order and finish it in our own pace.  For that I am very happy and even grateful!

    I guess that is why among all types of charity, annadana or charity of food is considered to be one of the best!  Sure, we paid for our food here (as everywhere, of course), but feeding people goes beyond a business, it satiates the recipient/ eater, and with the proper taste and good service, the giver transcends beyond that time that we actually visit a restaurant and wins over at least a small portion of our heart!