Foot Prints of my Life

Introduction Mussel is the common name used for members of several families of bivalve molluscs from saltwater and freshwater habitats. These groups have in common a shell whose outline is elongated and asymmetrical in comparison with other edible clams, which are commonly less rounded or oval. Marine mussels are mostly available in the low and mid intertidal zone in temperate seas globally. Other species of marine mussel live in tropical intertidal areas, but not in the same huge numbers as in temperate zones. Freshwater mussels inhabit permanent lakes, rivers, canals and streams throughout the world except in the polar regions. They require a constant source of cool and clean water. They prefer water with a substantial mineral content and use the calcium carbonate to build their shells. Mussels in Tamilnadu Generally, we get mussels in large quantities in the months of November and December. People enjoy these dishes during this season. Green mussels...

Introduction: Flowers have been admired for their beauty and symbolic meanings throughout the world. Different flowers across the world represent deep cultural meanings, emotions, traditions, and beliefs in various societies. Here is the list of flowers and their significance. Cherry Blossoms: Cherry Blossoms or Sakura are considered the floral symbol of Japan. These elegant pink and white flowers are the iconic symbol of Japan's cultural identity. . Rose: The rose is the national flower of the US and embodies the essence of the American spirit. It is the resilience of the people, the diversity, and the constant pursuit of beauty. In ancient Rome, the rose symbolized secret meetings and secret gatherings. Lotus: Lotus is the national flower of India and the Philippines. As per Buddhism and Hinduism, it characterizes purity, enlightenment and divine beauty. Although it grows in muddy water, its flower is always clean and untouched. It holds a sacre...

Introduction: Jothi, nicknamed "Joe", was my best friend till now when compared to all other friends. Although I have few other precious friends in my life, she will be my first. She has been with me since the 9th standard (1999). From that day till now, we both have an unspoken love towards each other. She was the one who used to take care of me whenever I went wrong. And used to buy me all the new foods which she ever tastes. She loves me a lot and vice versa. But after 2009, we couldn't spend much time together. Still, our friendship stays in our hearts. Jothi's Wedding: Like many people, after Joe's wedding in June 2009, our communication decreased a lot. She got settled in Singapore with her hubby. But she used to call every week and our friendship continued. We even met a couple of times whenever she came to India. I had a chance to meet her baby. She also came to my wedding in 2013. When and how did we lose contact: After 2014, we hardly had any chances to ...

Why is Christmas celebrated: Christmas is celebrated by marking the birth of "Jesus Christ" on Dec 25th in the Gregorian calendar. It is not only a festival but has become a secular family holiday season for North Americans and Europeans. Many people across the world use this festive season for celebration and relaxation. Tradition of Christmas Decoration: The tradition of Christmas decorations began in Germany, where they used to add fruits and nuts to the tree, symbolizing the promise of welcoming spring. But after 1605, a fur tree was brought inside the house and adorned with paper roses, candles, nuts and fruits. Nowadays, people use different ideas to decorate their houses and trees. How I decorate my house: As per my family tradition, we used to hang stars, decorate a Christmas tree and place cribs. In the past, we used the branches cut from the tree and hanged some decorative items there. But now we can purchase different types of trees available in the stores. My husb...

Introduction: Our lives are full of memories which we experience on a daily basis. Similarly, going to school for the first time is also memorable. No one can forget their first day, no matter whether good or bad. During my days, most kids used to cry on their first day of school. My Experience: As my mother worked as a teacher, I was raised by my grandparents and Chithis, who lived in a village which is 100kms from the place where my mom works. My mom used to visit me every week. Although she visited me frequently, I was more attached to my grandma and Chithis. When I was 3 years old, my parents took me to Tirunelveli (the place where my mom worked) and decided to put me in the top and prestigious school in Palayamkottai. My dad struggled enough to secure a seat for me in that school. My grandmom also accompanied me to school on the first day. All the kids were crying to go back to their moms, but poor me cried to get back to my grandmom. So, for the first three days of school, my gra...

Introduction The proven benefits of exercise are endless and useful for the overall well-being of individuals. People with regular physical activity improve their mental health, decrease cardiovascular risk, manage stress, delays dementia, ease chronic pain, and so on. In earlier days, people lived longer and healthily due to the physical activities they carried out on a daily basis. I have seen my granny and other elders working continuously, which helped them live for over 80 years.  Nowadays, people suffer with so many illnesses due to lack of physical activity. Continuous awareness by influencers and healthcare professionals can educate others. Sleep: Sleeping 7–8 hours a day is the first thing needed for every individual. By giving yourself proper rest, you can come back feeling fitter and stronger. This generation of kids miss out on their daily dose of sleep. Daily dose of vitamins: Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients and are responsible for several life-sustaining biol...

Introduction I am not sure if people in my circle know that I have been dealing with unexplained fertility issues and childlessness for three years. So as a person you can understand how much I would have longed to enjoy the parenthood. During this time, I started doing many different things which includes stone work for my silk sarees, quilling and gardening.  Positive Pregnancy Result On Nov 5 2017, I saw a flower on my lady's finger plant and that day my life started blooming too. I saw those two beautiful lines in my pregnancy kit for the only time in my life. On Nov 5th early morning around 5am I took this pregnancy test and showed to my husband. We couldn't believe our eyes. Yes I got pregnancy after 4.5 years of marriage life. Me and my husband were able to witness this happiness for only one time. Till today every year on Nov 5th I get goosebumps. I am and will preserve this kit forever. I even have a piece of my son's umbilical card. No words to express the happine...

Basil plant Basil plant (Tulsi) is a plant which is highly admired.  It must be kept in the North, East or North-east direction. In Tamilnadu, most of the people have Tulsi plants in their houses and is considered a sattvic plant, promoting purity and spirituality. Tulsi can be also used for medicinal properties and purifies the air naturally. Money plant Money plant should be kept in either the north or the east direction. It is termed as a very lucky plant and there is a belief that money plant leads to a rise in the wealth as well as income. There are different types of money plants available these days. Bamboo Bamboo tree indicates luck and peace as per old costumes. It also brings fame, prosperity and wealth.  However, these days dwarf, potted bamboo is an easily available option in the market. In olden days, you can see people having bamboo in the front of their houses. Coconut tree Coconut tree should be  placed in the courtyard of the house.  In our town (Nag...

“Don’t rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself – no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are – completely; the good and the bad – and make changes as YOU see fit – not because you think someone else wants you to be different.” This is very true in my case.  People who are very close to me know a few things on this list.   Chit-chatting with my mom and bro for hours   A mom and sibling can never be replaced. A person is lucky enough if he/she is blessed with a family with whom she can share all the happening. I am blessed with a mom and brother who spare their time to listen to my naughty and senseless talk. Love you both.   Seeing a baby's smile   Right from the age of 10, I love to see babies. Being a first cousin, I have enjoyed watching my younger cousins grow up. I am least bothered about the location when it comes to admiring a baby's smile. By ...

Gardening is art or therapy? Gardening can be considered as an art and therapy too. It is mostly arranging plants harmoniously in their surroundings, and as a science, comprising the principles and techniques of plant cultivation. For me, gardening is therapy rather than an art. Yes, when I used to be extremely down I plant some trees in the terrace of my apartment and enjoy watching them.  Start of my gardening journey - 2017 Most of them in my circle know that I have been dealing with unexplained fertility issues and childlessness for three years. During this time, I started doing many different things to while away my time. Yes, I did stone work for my silk sarees and friends' dresses too. I did a quilling and made a few jewels. Finally, back in Oct 2017, I started gardening with the help of my hubby and cousin. I sowed seeds of brinjal, lady's finger, coriander, tomato, etc. I used to spend a few minutes daily with these plants and watch them grow. On Nov 5 2017, I saw a fl...

My Favorite Dish:                          Everyone has a food that they love more than other dishes. For me, it’s Chicken Ghee Roast . It is not a food it is more about the aroma, texture of chicken and joy it brings inside me while preparing the dish. This will always be the first dish which comes in my mind if I am getting guests at home. This dish goes well with biryani, curd rice and rasam. Do try it and let me know your comments.  Chicken Ghee Roast Ingredients: Chicken with bone   -   500gms Onion   -   3 (Finely chopped) Tomato   -   1 (Finely chopped) Ghee  - 50gms Oil - 3 Tbsp Ginger Garlic paste - 1 Tbsp Green Chilli - 2 (Finely chopped) Cumin - 1/2  Tbsp Saunf  -  1/2  Tbsp Garam Masala - 1  1/2  Tbsp Coriander Powder - 2  Tbsp Pepper Powder -  1/2  Tbsp Chilli Powder -  1/2  Tbsp Salt - as needed Curry Leav...