Talking and Silence

Talking comes by nature

Silence by wisdom!!

Perception in today’s social world, a very nice experiment by washington post!!

At Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007 a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children.. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly..

45 minutes:The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*Do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.

"How many other things are we missing?."

A wrinkle in time- fun art project using yarn!!

Featured in Times Republican

I can’t believe that shelves are already loading up with back to school stuff. Life is flying really fast. I wish I could just hold on to the moments, freeze them from flying by and turning into memories so quickly.

The best things in life are not things. They are little moments that bring smiles and joys in our lives. My 5 year old daughter loves to love and draw hearts and write I love you mom on every paper. Yesterday while I was at the Y working out I noticed so many hearts on my water bottle with I love you mom!! My eyes were full of tears. For few moments everything paused. Not that I saw it for the first time but we get so busy that we start taking people we love for granted. It just touched my heart. Let’s not let this fast life take all the beauty of present moments. For a loving tomorrow we all will need our own beautiful collection of memories!!

This month’s project is Yarn painting- A wrinkle in time! It’s creative, colorful and so much fun to do!

All you need is

• Card stock or paper folder or plain greeting card

• Yarn (1 ft long)

• Paints

  

For card stock fold it in half and then open it like a folder or greeting card.

Generously pour paint onto a plate.

Dip the yarn in the paint leaving the tip for you to hold.

Lay the painted yarn on one side of the folder in the spiral shape leaving the tip that’s not painted outside to hold.

Close the folder. Press it with your other hand. Hold the tip you left outside with the right hand and just pull it outside with the force, open the folder and you have your own unique abstract art work!

Enjoy it on folders, greeting cards, even wall art!!

Thank you all so much for trying out the project and for feedback!!
I really loved marecela's idea of using vibrant colors on cardboard boxes for the project. Its reusing, then reusable and when done using....recyclable!!

Be Judgemental....

Be Judgemental.....but, be slow in judging others and quick to judge yourself !!

Colorful butterfly - Fun art project using clothespin!!

For this simple and creative butterfly all you need is

• Clothespin
• Paper napkin
• Scissors
• Markers

Using scissors cut paper napkin in a circle or oval shape. Squeeze paper napkin in the middle and clip it with the clothes pin. Color the wings using bright markers.

Fun ideas around project

Hang butterflies at a uniform distance on a jute twine.
They make fun party decoration's and invites and gift wraps ( stick them using transparent tape on plain paper or black and white newspaper)
You also clip butterflies in corners of picture frame.

Thanks so much for following and lovely lovely messages!! I am so happy:)) Have a colorful day!!

An Octopus- Fun art project using paper plate!!

For this simple and creative octopus all you need is

• Paper plate
• Scissors
• Finger paints
• Plastic Ribbon
• Transparent plastic tape

Using Scissors Cut paper plate in half.
Cut long pieces from plastic ribbon. Fold them in half and stick with tape in back side at uniform distance with loose ends hanging.
Using finger paints make impressions on plate.

Enjoy and have a colorful day!!

A turtle - Fun art project using paper plate!!

For this fun, simple and creative turtle all you need is

• Paper plate
• Paints and brushes
• Green construction paper
• Pencil n Eraser
• Scissors
• Glue
• Flat glass marbles

1. Using brush paint on paper plate.
2. Draw turtles shape on green construction paper.
3. Cut turtle using scissors.
4. Stick it on plate.
5. Stick flat marbles on turtle.
6. Paint the marbles. 

Thanks for visiting:)) Have a colorful day!!

I spot happiness!!

Life is full of moments. Some happy, cheerful, loving and memorable and others... not so happy yet so memorable. How we live our life depends on what moments we spot. It’s so comforting to sail through the happy moments and so painful when grudges overshadow. We all have to sail through this and choice is only ours. The journey becomes easy if we keep spotting what’s happy and joyful.
I spot happiness, what’s your pick:))

A colorful place!

What if the world was all painted in one color? What if the birds, flowers, butterflies were all alike? What if all places and people just looked the same?
The world would have been so color less even with so much color!!

Go Football - Green party ideas!!

For football enthusiasts, its a creative and green project with so many possibilities.

All you need is

• Cardboard, construction paper or brown paper bag.
• Yarn or old shoe laces
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Hole puncher

Using pencil draw the shape of football on paper. Cut the shape using scissors. Fold the paper and punch 5 holes in center at even distance. Role the yarn through the holes. Tape both ends of yarn in the back.

Fun ideas 

• Makes great party Invitations and thank you notes, decorations (use combination of big and small footballs to decorate a wall), wrapping paper (randomly stick different sizes of football on a black and white newspaper). Best of all, the project will keep your football enthusiast involved!! 

Thanks so much for visiting and have a colorful day:))

  

Let the bugs rock the rocks!

Featured in Times Republican

It’s the time of year when temperatures are climbing up, trees have turned lush green, sun is shining and the sounds of grins and giggles is in the air. It’s time for summer vacation. I am a mother of two beautiful and active girls and it keeps scrambling in my mind what activities we will be doing to keep them busy.

Painting Rocks is my favorite pick for summer. It’s fun and creative project with so many possibilities. It’s a wonderful group activity and best of all keeps the imagination going. Wait till you discover all new species.

All you need is

•  Rocks 
•  Paints
•  Paint brush
•  wiggly eyes 
•  Markers(optional)
•  Sequins and buttons(optional) 
•  Glue 
•  Pipe cleaners

Clean the rocks with water and let them dry. Paint the rocks. When dry stick wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, sequence, markers and glitters using glue to add more bugs like effects (legs, antennas etc.)

You can also make frogs, spiders, grass hoppers and honey bees.

Use your Imagination and let the bugs rock the rocks!

Perfect or good enough???

Who defines what is perfect or just good enough??
Perfect can be just good enough and good enough can be much more than perfect.....!!
Does that mean good enough is just settling for less and perfect not settling at all.
What is perfect and how long does it lasts?

Eggless pineapple very berry whole grain fruit cake

Featured on Stonyfield blogger-bites
Turn any moment into celebration with this fruity, nutty and whole grain heart healthy cake!

• 1 cup fresh pineapple cut up small or grated
• 1/2 Cup fresh juice (mix of pineapple and mango with a handful of blueberries)
• Leftover fruit pulp from juice
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 1-1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup milled flax seed
• 7oz sweetened condense milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon fresh ground cardamom (omit shells) or powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup yogurt with 1 tablespoon of agave (or sugar)

• 1/3 cup sliced dry fruits and nuts ( I used mix of almonds, walnuts and raisins)

1. Preheat oven to 325`F. Lightly coat pan with oil and flour.

2. Using processor take out ½ Cup fresh juice from pineapple, mango and a handful of blueberries. (Don’t throw the leftover pulp from juice)

3. In a bowl whisk together yogurt with agave or sugar, pineapple, fresh juice, condense milk, blueberries and leftover pulp.

4. In a separate large bowl whisk together whole wheat pastry flour, milled flax seed, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom and salt.

5. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix them together with dry fuits and nuts.( save some to sprinkle on top)

6. Pour batter in pan and sprinkle leftover dry fruits and nuts on top.

7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until pale brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

8. Cool in pan for 15-20 minutes.

Loosen edges, and turn out onto wire rack to cool completely
Enjoy goodness in every bite:)


Thanks for visiting and have a colorful celebration!!

Bakers Note:)
You can use dried or frozen berries too. Soak them in water to regain moisture. (Approximately 20-25 minutes)
Mango for juice is optional.
Whole wheat flour can be used in place of whole wheat pastry flour. I used hudgson mill flour.
Agave nectar is more natural and low in glycemic index than sugar. It can also be used on the slices while serving for extra flavor and sweetness:)
Add an extra bowl of water to oven to keep the cake moist.

Right time!!

The time is always right to do what is right!!
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A prayer!!

Forgive me...

If I have this day...

Done any wrong in work and play...

Oh! help me always to do right and...

Bless me every day and night.

Thank you god for this good life!!

Eggless very berry whole grain heart healthy cake!!

Featured on Stonyfield blogger-bites

Makes 1 bundt cake , 24 muffins, 8 mini loaves or 3 large loaves.

Fruity, nutty, and whole grain heart healthy, this delicious cake has a goodness in every bite. Its a great way to turn any moment into celebration!!

Happy baking :) :)
 
4 OZ Blueberries

3 OZ Cranberries
1 OZ Blackberries
2 Oranges for 1 cup fresh orange juice
1 Mango for half cup fresh mango juice

4 Tsp. Orange zest (crushed fresh orange peel)

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup white all purpose flour
1/2 cup milled flax seed
4 Tsp. baking powder

1 Tsp. baking soda

1/2 Tsp. salt

4 Tbsp. yogurt

4 Tbsp. Olive oil

1/2 cup milk (optional)
8 Tsp. egg replacer

1 Tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup sugar

1 cup sliced dry fruits and nuts (I used mix of walnuts, almonds and raisins)

1. Preheat oven to 400`F. Lightly coat pan with oil and flour.

2. Using processor take out fresh juice from 2 oranges and a mango. (Don’t throw orange peels and leftover pulp from juice)

3. Wash and grate orange peels into fine zest.

4. In a bowl whisk together yogurt, olive oil, fresh juice, egg replacer, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest and left over pulp from juice.

5. In a separate large bowl whisk together whole wheat pastry flour, whole wheat flour, milled flax seed, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

6. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix them together with nuts. (Add an extra 1/2 cup milk if the batter is not wet enough to pour)

7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until pale brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

8. Cool in pan for 15-20 minutes.

Loosen edges, and turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.

Bakers Note:)
You can use dried or frozen berries too. Soak them in water to regain moisture. (Approximately 20-25 minutes)

If you are not using fresh juice and pulp add 4 Tsp. more of orange zest. (8 Tsp.)

You can replace sugar with agave nectar, which is low in glycemic index. It can also be used on the slices while serving for extra flavor and sweetness:)
Add an extra bowl of water to oven to keep the cake moist.

For green living try this..Boil the left over orange peels in water and set aside for an hour. The house smells great....naturally :))

Thanks for visiting. Have a colorful celebration!!

Things!!

The best things in life are not things!!

Green and Responsible Celebrations!!

Applying the 3 R's- recycle, reduce and reuse to a party theme is a good example to teach our kids to think outside the box, be more creative and less materialistic. Educating them about the green living is a step forward in raising the child who appreciates and is thankful!
Parties are fun and will always be because they are from us and people around us. They are about getting together, celebrating, enjoying and cheering. A few hours of glee should add smiles and memories to our lives and not a heaping pile to the landfills.
My green and responsible party series is going to be all about simple and savvy ideas which will help us think creative, save money and bring the waste to bare minimum.
Change begins with us. Happy green and responsible living!

Pom Pom Chicken!!

What you will need

• 2 big yellow pom poms, a little different in size (small pom poms can be used for book marks, greetings, gift wraps, envelopes and even on top of pencils)
• Orange foam or construction paper for nose.
• Orange foam or construction paper for wings
• Glue
• Scissors
• Pencil for sketching (optional)
• Crayons or paints to add some color to wings (optional)

Glue the pom poms together.
For eyes, stick black beads.
For nose, cut a tiny triangle from foam and stick under eyes.
For wings, cut construction paper or foam in oval shape and glue it on the sides.
For webbed feet, First cut the foam in oval shape, then cut zigzag design (Like vvv) on one end. Stick them on bottom with the zigzag design outwards.

Pom Pom Chicken is all ready to rock!!

Fraktur Art!

Fraktur is both a style of lettering and a folk art created by Pennsylvania Dutch. It includes sun, birds, hearts, flowers, leaves, patterns and tulips. The art was executed in ink, natural and water colors and was used for variety of purposes like personal gifts, certificates and blessings.