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 |   Birthday Bash Relay. Excited on Second Place! Now for various WDC contests and activities |
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Team Ahimsa ▼ My Turn ▼ For
Thanks! "  2021 Blog Relay Winners!"  ![Merit Badge in Blogging
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Congratulations to 'Team Ahimsa' for your excellent entries earning you the 1st-Runner-Up prize in [Link To Item #1803384] !](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/type-Blogging-2180.gif) "Note: They came, they ran the race, they conquered! ..." "Congratulations November 2021 Winners!"
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| All Words: 377 2.) What is Andre’s favorite genre? Does he have a favorite artist, Who and why? As we know, under all his goofiness, Andre is a very deep sort. His favourite music has always been devotional music. In the jungle each day, he’d listen to the devotional songs emanating from the churches, temples, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship around him. This uplifted him, made him see the good in humankind and all nature. "Everyone should sing songs that connect them to the divine, that bring out their inborn divinity," Andre says. "Whatever our specific beliefs, or even if we are non-believers, our core is pure. Some of us get confused and lose our way when we lose touch with this core. That's when the negative tendencies can overpower the good ones." Surprisingly, Andre's friends don't even think of teasing him when he talks this way. He's so much in earnest and so sincere that they love him for his devotion. To the younger generation, he is swiftly becoming a spiritual guide of sorts. And not even his clown cousin, Josh has nicknamed Andre 'The Monk Monkey' or something silly like that. This would've been second nature to Josh, but he has some depth too. It's difficult to pinpoint who Andre's favourite artiste is. He loves the gospel choirs he has heard, he loves the ordinary people reaching out to the Almighty in prayer. He loves devotional music of any sort. "You know what?" Josh confides, "Andre even listens to all the devotional music on America's Got Talent, and loves it!" On his visit to India, he heard Vidushi Aditi Kaikini Upadhya and her disciples sing various devotional songs. He was absolutely mesmerised by the purity of Aditi's voice. After the performance, he went backstage to meet her. He found that she comes from a family of musicians. Her late father and guru, Pandit Dinkar Kaikini, was a vocalist, too. Her brother, Pandit Yogesh Samsi, is a tabla player who has often toured the United States, to much acclaim. Andre asked Aditi about the song he loved best of those she sang. "That one simply speaks of God. God is for you, God is for me, God is everywhere." God is everywhere, especially in the music.  |
| All Words: 544 10.) How did Andre get into the bar business, how did he acquire the Banana Bar? "it's hot," Bambi said. "Be patient, dear," replied his mother, a gentle doe with a soothing voice. "We'll reach the water hole soon." "Why are we going to that water hole? Why not our usual pond?" His mother smiled. The young always ask questions, and it's up to parents to have the patience to answer. "The usual pond has dried up," she replied. "It doesn't contain water any more." "It can't be a pond if it doesn't contain water any more, can it?" Unknown to the mother and child, someone was listening in to their conversation. It was Andre, quietly up in the trees. Deer are stealthy animals, but monkeys can be stealthier. Besides, nature does not generate alarm bells against friends. From above them, Andre followed Bambi and the doe, eavesdropping shamelessly. Water. They were talking about water, They needed water and were having to walk a long way for it. They had to expose themselves to their natural predators, and to the most vile predator of all - the human being. Everyone in the jungle needed to quench their thirst, whatever the season. Why should they be deprived in summer, just because the pond ran dry? "What if ..." Andre was getting the glimmer of an idea. "What if there could be a place for the animals, a haven where the water never runs dry?" Thus was the idea for a bar born. Andre thought over his idea, and then discussed it with his friends. Herbivours, carnivours, omnivours, creatures of the land and creatures of the air ... all agreed that what the jungle needed was a BAR, loaded with drinks which didn't run dry whatever the season. They got to work. First, they formed a committee. A core group wit specific tasks and responsibilities Then they formed a working unit - those who carried out the committee's plans. The elephants helped build. The beavers helped channel the water. The birds were the messengers. Every creature used its unique abilities to contribute to the task. Soon, the jungle had a bar, and Andre did a flourishing business. He used the profits to expand the bar and take on other things the jungle needed. Within weeks, they had a hospital and an all-creature school and recreation centre. The creatures were proud of Andre and wanted to honour him. They had a meeting while he was taking a nap. "How do we show Andre our gratitude?" "Andre is a monkey, he loves bananas," replied his cousin Josh. "Anything to do with bananas, he'll be happy." They thought. The idea hit several of them at the same time, and they smiled at each other. A BANANA BAR! They'd build Andre a banana bar as a gift, as a token of their gratitude!  It was hard to keep it a secret, but they did. Andre didn't suspect anything at all. So when, on his birthday, he was taken to the clearing and caught his first glimpse of his new Banana Bar, he was speechless and then all teary-eyed. ANDRE'S  BANANA BARthe sign read where every visit is fruitful "Yup," Andre chuckled, pulling his friends into a group hug. "Fruitful, built by my fruitcakes!"  |
| All Words: 359 Your Muse and Andre have decided to collaborate. They want to write a song together. 6.) Tell us why they decided to collaborate. Cosmic forces are in play Our meeting was meant to be, today Like minds, like souls, like hearts Lyrics and melodies flowed from the start. And two voices rose as one Bonded together like sky and sun. Oh, the joy of this harmony Resonating, reaching out perfectly All the world stands still to listen To tuneful messages as they glisten Each word reaching something deep Some smiled, some laughed and some did weep. Actually, I don't think they 'decided' to collaborate. I think it was something pre-destined, something that was written in the stars. The acrostic they wrote together after they had hit the charts over and over, is proof that they felt this way too. It wasn't anything to do with them - it was to do with the cosmic forces that brought them together. Why does this happen? Just randomly? Or is it shared karma, from a previous life? Or maybe when two beings love something as passionately as these two do, their very passion is bound to bring them together at some point. Whatever it was, the collaboration was an epic one in musical history. Indeed, in the history of the performing arts in general. The music they created together reached many, many hearts. It inspired, it soothed, it cheered, it roused fervour. They were so deeply connected to each other that their connection with any audience had to be complete, all-embracing. There was a surreal feeling in the air whenever they performed together. "It was uncanny, man!" says a security guard who was on duty at one of their concerts. "I've never seen anything like it, never felt anything like it. I was supposed to be working but I kept getting drawn to the music. Had to finally put earplugs in and turn my back to the stage, to be able to concentrate on my job of watching the crowd. They're magic, that's all." Yes, some collaborations are magic, that's all.   |
| "Note:
48-HOUR CHALLENGE : Media Prompt
Deadl..." I don't know. She's very pretty. She's got her full make up and jewellery and has obviously worked on her wardrobe. Yes, I'm jealous because I'm not as pretty, but that's not what this entry is about. This is about prettifying the ugly. She's getting an eviction notice, she can't pay her bills. Supposedly she's an ordinary person. So why does she have to be prettified for this video? Why can't an ordinary girl be saying these things? Not believable somehow coming from her. Is it about sugar coating messages? Is it about telling ugly people that pretty people go through problems too? Why this obsession with looks? I bet this young lady wasn't thinking about people who are about to get evicted, or about those which an alcohol problem, she was thinking about what colour lipstick would look best in the shot and which profile she had to show the camera. I couldn't relate. |
| All Words: 329 1.) What instrument does Andre play, why, and with who has he performed? Andre is a simple fellow. He loves everything to do with nature. He is also widely travelled. On a visit to India, he was fascinated by the Jal Tarang, and went on to learn how to play it, taught by none other than Vidushi Shashikala Dani herself. He learnt quickly and became her favourite student – so much so that they played together for All India Radio's 'Namaste Youth' programme. Back in the US of A, Andre went on to give live performances on the Jal Tarang. He had to introduce people there to this instrument and the vibrant sounds it can produce. He soon won over the skeptics. "There is a deeper meaning to using this instrument," Andre said, when asked. "Our bodies are made up of mostly water. We need water every day to live. So, we have to understand the rhythm of water, the poetry of its purity, the serenity of its soul. What better way to do this than by immersing oneself in its melodies?" While some are surprised by Andre's new philosophical bent of mind, his close friends smile knowingly. "We always knew that underneath that goofiness, Andre is a deep guy," they say. Those who were with him on his now historical India trip recall the first time he heard the Jal Tarang. "He went in to a sort of trance. His eyes glazed over and he had this tiny smile on his face. It took him a while to get back to normal after that." Obviously, Andre was deeply attracted to the Jal Tarang from his first encounter with it. He is now planning to ask some of his musically-inclined friends to learn to play the 'tabla' so that they can accompany him. "And maybe someone on the flute," he says, wistfully. We wish Andre the very best of luck in his  musical journey.About the Jal Tarang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jal_tarang |
| All Words: 365 (incl the prompt) Your Muse and Andre have decided to collaborate. They want to write a song together. 7.) Write Their Song – This prompt may be a poetic form). Voice #1: Trees, trees, trees in the breeze! Voice #2: Bananas, bananas, bananas are manna Both voices overlapping: Trees, trees, bananas, bananas, trees in the breeze, bananas are manna Voice #1: Now baby, do be do be do Voice #2: Let me tell you a thing or two Voice #1: About life in the jungle where the animals live Voice #2: Partaking of what nature has to give. Voice #1: The jungle is pretty, the jungle is cool Voice #2: And every living creature knows it has to keep the rule. Both voices overlapping: Stay with what is natural; with what is true There's a part to play in life; for me and for you. Voice #1: Kill when you're hungry or for self-defence Voice #2: Not for sport or the photographer's lens. Voice #1: Live in harmony with every creature Voice #2: Don't poison your home with your toxic litter. Both voices overlapping: Keep the Earth clean clean: anything else is mean, mean You're not the only one who breathes the air: No noxious gases, please show you care. You're not the only one who drinks the water; Don't waste - leave it for your son and daughter. You're not the only one who eats the food; take only what you need and we'll all be good. You're not the only one who lives here, you know; Either get along or just go Voice #1: I guess what we're trying to say Voice #2: The Earth needs your conscience every day. Voice #1: You haven't learned your lesson in the last two years Voice #2: You stay arrogant through all your fears. Voice #1: Even after what you've been through you dare Voice #2: to indulge in petty warfare Voice #1: When will you get better, instead of getting worse Voice #2: You're turning every blessing into a curse. Both voices overlapping: So we say to you, please heed this call; or it won't be cool at all Learn some kindness, some humility; Or face the end of humanity. |
| PROMPT November 29th Imagine for a moment that you are near the end of your life. What do you want to have done that would make you feel satisfied? I hope someone tells SM to memorialize my WdC account! I like what Dad and I did for Mom. We took the hockey players from Dream A Dream (economically deprived kids - i think there were about 20 of them) for CHAK DE INDIA - movie about hockey - in the theatre. We paid for the tickets, the theatre generously gave Pepsi and popcorn. The movie stars an actor Mom liked, and the kids cheered as if they were i a real stadium. Mom would have been happy. We also planted nine threes in her memory, her birthday being on the ninth day of the ninth month. And we gave some kids chocolates. She loved chocolate! |
| PROMPT November 28th Hopefully a little change of pace tonight. Write about something intangible: faith, magic, energy, power, or creativity. Just choose one topic, and write about it. See my earlier entry and the comments on it: "Letting my fingers type - #30DBC" The voice in my head is tangible to me It's the emotional baggage that I always carry. It says, "You're the princess You don't do housework You sit around, we'll do it We'll indulge your every quirk." This voice, in reality spoke for years (thirty-seven) Now the voice is in my head 'Coz the speaker is in Heaven. Yes, I'm upper-middle class I had a maid to wait on me Who made my bed, cleaned my room Cooked the food, did the laundry I didn't lift a finger Anywhere at home And now that she's gone I feel helpless and alone. Oh, don't get me wrong I still have part-timers here But the voice in my head Is on full time, my dear! "That's not your job! Don't pick that up! I'll stoop and get it I'll wash your cup!" The trouble is, the voice Isn't real any more And if I don't do it Nobody does that chore. My bed is unmade, There's no soap near the sink Nothing is a habit I get tired coz I have to think! I once asked my aunt Was my maid a blessing or a curee She said - that's a choice you make It could've been better; could've been worse Now that she's a memory And her voice lives on in you It's your decision whether What it says is false or true. You need to grow up You need to cope You need to learn to balance The fatigue with the hope. Change your own habits! It can be done Let her voice guide you Through the chores one by one. She was the expert She'd guide you all right Let her voice not bring darkness Let it bring the light. And when you have done that How triumphant you'll feel! Because your victory Won't be intangible, but REAL! |
| PROMPT November 27th Things have progressed well in your town/city with the Pandemic. So well that you've been allowed to return to the office instead of working from home. Your co-worker Karly, is sneezing and coughing and refuses to wear a mask. Who do you call, or do you let it slide. Tell us why you would act that way. Tough one. I'd try to tell her. If that didn't work, I'd tell other colleagues. If that didn't work either, I'd go and 'rat' to a superior. If nothing worked, I'd stop going to office. It's not worth the risk. |
| (Open Prompt). I'm just going to let my fingers type. I don't know what my fingers are going to type about. Maybe they'll type about the mint tea I drank this afternoon, (yummy), maybe they'll type about the shampoo I like that isn't currently available at the chemist's. Fortunately, I have some and it'll last till he gets more stock. Maybe I'll type sad things like how grumpy I feel having no maid to wait on me like I used to for the first thirty-seven years of my life. But then, I'm happy just now so I don't think I want to go that route. I did love that maid, though. She was such a sweetheart. I cried without stopping when she retired. She loved Coca-Cola. She also loved to watch the musical program on TV. We didn't have a TV in those days and she had to go to the neighbour's place to watch her favourite show. She didn't like that much. since it meant being obligated to the neighbours maid. She was thrilled when we got a second-had TV from my uncle, who was upgrading to color by that time. Ours was black-n-white. Yep, I loved my maid.  (Pic: My maid and my Mom with me in the middle, on the train. I was off to stay with my aunt for a couple of years to complete college.) My cousins all had their own maids. The best maid in the family was my younger cousin's maid. My younger cousin (now age fifty) still remembers fondly how she curled up on the maid's knee and shared her glass of afternoon tea. So this blog is going to be about maids ... ? We don't have a full time maid now. Our part time maid has a grand-daughter who has mental and emotional issues. That kid is SO CUTE. She used to come over sometimes before Covid and play with Dad and me. She must be so grown up now! Okay, enough rambling for this blog. Thanks for reading! Thanks Kåre Enga in Montana  for![Merit Badge in Remembrance
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