Floating Pearls

Song for Friday Night - Take On Me: A-ha!

2012-07-06T13:35:00.003+05:30

Take on Me by a-ha on Grooveshark

The week is over, the weekend is here. What better to do than to relax on a Friday night, rest away the aches and pains of a stressful week and listen to some good music that re-energizes each drowsy nerve in your body!

Take On Me by the Norwegian band A-Ha has been one of my ever favourites. The song has a good tempo, with apt beats and rhythm to get you tapping your feet away to the music. The seconds in the song make this extra wonderful to listen to, along with the high crescendos at the end of the chorus.

What stands out in this song is it's video and it's tricky chorus tone! Pencil sketch animation, and what is known as rotoscoping was done for the video of this song. If you have seen the opening credits of the movie Juno, you will understand how the video was done.

This song will put you back at ease, and loosen you up as you welcome the weekend. Go ahead… ‘Take On’ the weekend! ;)

Cheers,

Venice :)

Sunday Symphony

2012-03-18T15:52:00.002+05:30

Hi folks,

Featuring in today's Sunday Symphony is wistful and dreamy soundtrack 'Avalon' by Art-Rock band Roxy Music.

Avalon by Roxy Music on Grooveshark

I first heard about this band in the Daniel Craig starrer movie, 'Flashbacks of a Fool'. I got hooked on to their song 'If there is something' that was played in one of the scenes. There was just 'something' different, the treatment of the music, the style, rhythm, composition and tune was so entirely unique, that I couldn't resist trying to get to know their albums and songs.

Over time, I listened to more of their songs, and instantly fell in love with their dreamy song 'Avalon' from their last album by the same name. The melody of Avalon hints to the mythical paradise of Avalon, where King Arthur was said to have been taken to after the Battle of Camalan, to recover from his wounds. There are scattered views over the significance of the songs, from it being about seeing death approaching, while others feel it's a seductive love song to middle-age views.

Coming back to the music, Avalon casts a spell so gently, that it creates a time warp, transporting you to a land far-far away - you almost feel like you're there in the middle of a paradise, what with the soft, smooth tune, vocals and wistful rhythm.

The song pulls you to a level where you simply float away on peace and dreams... it ends on a smooth, swaying note that makes your finger punch the repeat button while leaving a relaxed smile on your face.

If you ever feel bogged down, take my word, listen to this song and in no time your mental peace and harmony will pull you out of your dreariness.

I now leave you with the perfect song, for a lazy, fantasy-filled Sunday : Avalon - Roxy Music

Relax, enjoy and dream away...!

Cheers,

Venice :)

I don't know...

2011-12-09T20:26:00.000+05:30

Why why why
Do I make myself cry
Over things that can be
Slowly simplified?

Why why why
From my lips escape a sad sigh
When all I have is rest
And nothing to deny?

Why why why
Do I yearn for difficulty
To break myself to the hilt
Destroying peace and beauty

Why... Why... why
Does it hurt me no more
When words fail to talk
The voice of my soul?

Why..
Why...
Why..
Have I sunk down so low
That nothing really matters
No more, no more...?

OPERATION: Hair Revolution

2011-11-02T11:43:00.002+05:30

One of my dreams as a child was to be a ‘Hair-stylist’. I loved playing around with my grandmother’s hair whenever she would visit us. I tried my skills (not ‘snip, snip’ but with hair accessories and plaits, pony-tails etc.) on my mother, sister, aunts, cousins and… yeah, that’s it (didn’t ever try with friends, don’t know why!)

My hair being curly is not the easiest kind of hair to style. It has always been like a close friend of mine, though of late, we’re seeing less of each other (my hair is falling gradually, you see)… plus not to mention my hair becoming dryer, rougher and duller!

Still, even then, I’m trying my best to revive the ‘drooping’ spirits of my hair – trying to have a healthy diet, washing it with a shampoo that suits it and conditioning it for that extra moisture. I have to yet start oiling my hair regularly – mother used to oil it devotedly when I was still wearing cartoon socks, but ever since she stopped, well, hair care went a rapid downhill.

The glossy magazines are actually good motivators – I see all these models, celebrities and who’s who of town on the shiny pages, displaying their equally shiny, lustrous hair and I sigh inwardly, pick up a strand, look at it with sadness, flip it back and read the hair tips given in the magazine.

Image Source

So far, I’ve tried almost all the hair-tips I’ve come across. I’ve tried:

Using coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil…

Massaging my head with warm oil

Drinking water like a human camel, though the washroom beckons quite often on such occasions

Munching fresh fruits

Using a teaspoon of honey for my hair

Using beer to make it silky

And no, I haven’t tried egg yet – I just enjoy consuming egg, not smearing it all over my soon-to-be-bald head

I have stopped using the hair-dryer as it turns my dry hair into broomstick texture

Have also stopped rubbing my wet hair with a towel, I just pat it a bit, just like you would pat your favourite pet (if you have one)

I’ve even stopped combing my hair when it’s wet… was difficult giving this one up – my hands still itch to run a comb through my hair when it’s wet

Add fruit juices, couple of dry fruits and avoiding yummy Lays wafers to this list

I’ve tried more stuff, but wouldn’t want to take up all the space with my OPERATION: Hair Revolution. My hair has a mind of it’s own – try as much as I might it insists on being dry, and speeds up the ‘falling’ process every winter (yes, I know hair falls more in winter) but mine just propels me to distress, maybe that’s why it insists on leaving my head and joining the ground (stress could do that… hmm)!

I’ve just started trying out Dove, (after trying other shampoos and all the above) ever since I got their beautiful, golden free hamper!

The Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range Hamper

The Dove hair mask has cast a spell – I’m in love with it, my hair has become softer and silkier to touch – let’s hope the magic continues!

Till then folks, I wish you a happy married life – to you and your head-full of hair! If however, you lose hair or have already lost it – flaunt it, it could be the next fashion statement! Who knows, you could try a tattooed bald head, paint it, decorate it, accessorize it.. hmm, that’s just given me so many ideas!

Anyway, toodle-doo people – have a hair-raising time!

This post has been written for Dove's Love is a Two Way Street - Love your hair and it loves you back Contest.

With the launch of the new Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range, Dove and IndiBlogger present the “Love your Hair and it loves you back” blogger contest. Today's busy city life leaves us with very little time to take care of ourselves, especially our hair. What small and special things do you do to your hair to nourish it and make you feel happier and more beautiful?

Cheerio,

Venice :)

Hair Es'sense'

2011-10-28T18:36:00.002+05:30

I touch it and I feel, exotic waves of silk - sliding through my fingers, slipping playfully through the gaps.

I smell it and intake breaths of floral meadows, pleasant notes of rose mixed with fresh hill grass.

A stray wisp flutters and settles on my lips, a lingering flavour of candy floss stays as I gently slide the wisp away.

Late at night, sweet-nothings are whispered as I drift into sweet dreams - tales of freedom, joy and pleasure are warmly delivered to my drowsy ears.

A shining reflection blinks at me, as the light plays tricks over me - I stare for long, never leaving the sight - my hair that oh, fills me with delight!

I used the 'Five Senses' to describe what my hair means to me. How would you have described it using the Five Senses?

This post has been written for Dove's Love is a Two Way Street - Love your hair and it loves you back Contest.

Cheers,

Venice :)

Be My Honeypie...

2011-10-25T20:43:00.000+05:30

I was recently introduced to this indie married couple Deb Talan and Steve Tannen (The Weepies - the band name) by a good friend of mine, and I've been hooked to them ever since. Their story (musical and love) is simple, warm and sweet. They were fans of each other's music and then met at a Boston club and there onward started a musical tale!

The more they shared and bonded over music, the more they fell in love with each other (yes, yes, romantic sighs all around)... Their music carries a simple, earthy, pleasant strain in every verse, melody and note! (Very rare to find in today's music).

And so I present to you the first song of theirs that I heard... It's called 'Be My Honeypie' :) Now, that brought a smile to your face, didn't it? I know, I know... you can't help it.

So, without anymore delay, here's the song for you - listen to it at anytime and let that 'feel-good' feeling run gently run through you! Sit back, relax and enjoy...

P.S: Whenever I hear it - a warm, cuddly, cozy feeling goes through my veins :) Damn sweet video, with beautifully simple lyrics tune and amazing voices of Deb and Steve!

Cheers,

Venice :)

Pure and Immoral

2011-08-04T13:15:00.003+05:30

"When you know yourself too well, and know how your actions will affect your emotions - then you've got a problem if you want to pursue an act that is not in line with your morals, because your faithful watchdog i.e your conscience, will look at you with a clear gaze and engage you in a quietly intense fight between your immoral mind and your pure heart."

Song of Peace and Love

2011-07-23T20:52:00.000+05:30

Everyday, one reads of terror attacks, corruption, red tapism, corporal punishments, suicides and murders... It makes one wonder - if such atrocities will ever reduce? I can't imagine them completely stopping - that would be to think of a utopian world... but, all these happenings have crossed the limits.

I was thinking on the above lines some days back, when I happened to hear a song which was just right for the frame of mind I was in at that time. This song is one of the most famous world peace songs... sung by the most charismatic person the world has known.

It is 'Heal the World' by Michael Jackson.

The whole song is a masterpiece... from the narration at the beginning... to the picturization, to the melody, to the lyrics and to the singing. They are all strung in harmony to create one of the most loved songs of all time.

One of the verses that I really liked [in relation to this topic] is:

"If You Want To Know Why
There's A Love That
Cannot Lie
Love Is Strong
It Only Cares For
Joyful Giving

If We Try
We Shall See
In This Bliss
We Cannot Feel
Fear Or Dread
We Stop Existing And
Start Living"

No one knows how the future is going to be, the present is in turmoil. What do we do to ensure a better world? For us, for our children, for generations to come?

It's about time that we 'Do' something... as long as we know 'What to do' and 'How to do'.

A Song for Friday Night

2011-06-03T21:15:00.001+05:30

Friday night... a night to welcome the sweet, lazy, laid-back weekend... Felt like listening to this soft melody 'I like to go to the Barn Because...' by the Band of Horses.

Had first heard it on an episode of the sitcom 'Psych' [Season 4, episode 16 'Mr. Yin Presents'].

This song remains one of my ever favourites since then. It's got a sweet melancholic strain to it. Couple it with simple, heart-felt lyrics, with varying rhythms at intervals - and you'll see why it makes for a great 'easy-listening' song.

I just wish that it was longer. Some of the most beautiful songs are the shortest in length! :(

Anyway, close your eyes, switch off the lights and listen to this beautiful melody when you're alone... and simply drift off.

Happy Weekend guys!!

Cheers,

Venice :)

Aloo Masala (Potato Masala)

2011-05-29T15:23:00.000+05:30

This recipe is one of my ever favourites!!! Back in school, my friends and I had prepared this as our first dish for our Home Science practical. It tasted quite good, proof of it being - our home science Ma'am asking for the recipe ;) So here goes:

INGREDIENTS QUANTITY

Potatoes 250 gms.

Onion paste 2 tbsp.

Garlic paste 1/2 tsp.

Curd 3/4th cup

Coriander powder ½ tsp.

Garam masala ½ tsp.

Red chilli powder ½ tsp.

Turmeric powder 1/4^th tsp.

Cumin seeds ½ tsp.

Oil 2 tbsp.

Salt Acc. to taste preference

Coriander leaves

PREPARATION:

Boil and peel the potatoes. Heat oil in a pan, deep-fry the potatoes on a medium flame till they become golden brown in colour; and then keep aside.

Heat 2 tbsp. of oil, add a pinch of cumin seeds, let it splutter and then fry the onion-garlic paste till it turns golden brown, add all the masalas, fry for half a minute and then add the curds. Cook till done.

Add the fried potatoes, cook for 5-6 mins. and add a little water. Simmer for a minute or two and then garnish with coriander leaves.

Now it's done... go ahead and try it with hot rice or rotis. Yummy, yummy!!

NOTE: The original recipe appeared in the Women's Era magazine. I just tweaked it a bit here and there.

Happy Eating!

Venice :)

'S'ize Matters

2011-05-25T20:29:00.000+05:30

Na-naah, I'm not talking about 'that' size here ;) it's about clothes size :D

Few years ago, say about 4 years back - I could always find my 'S' size in Malls and garment shops. It was easy for me to get any colour, any design, any new look in my size. But of late, I find that my chances of finding that 'S' size has dwindled down quite fast!

(Illustration by Diane L. Wilson)

In fact when I used to go shopping, in 2006, with my slightly plump friend (hey friend please don't whack me), she would frequently find that the colour, design and style could not be found in her 'M', sometimes 'L' size. The racks would be filled mostly with 'S' and a few 'M's and whichever few clothes that were available in her size would mostly be the kind that you look at and say 'Ugh!!'

And now, I find that the racks are totally stacked with 'M's and L's and hardly any 'S's!! The number of skinny, petite and thin bodies are on the rise! And how?

It all comes down to 'Gyms!' and maybe in an indirect way - 'Celebrities'. With celebrities spouting around in print, video and radio about their workout regimes and 'fitness fundas' - the 'mass' (pun intended) of people in true herd mentality rush to find a gym to look as gorgeous as these divas and hunks - missing out on the main point of it being more about 'fitness' than 'thinning down'.

This report by Central YMCA: Charity Issues "Health Warning" Against Body Image Mania covers the topic of how majority of people mistakenly think that good celebrity-like body = healthy body. To quote from this report, "The findings reveal how over a third (36.8%) of men and around half (50.4%) of women questioned said they compare their bodies to people on TV. Interestingly, 42.4% of men compared to almost a third (30%) of women said they would like their bodies to look like the models who appear in magazines.."

Well, there are of course a few health benefits one derives from working out like ones favourite actor or idol, but it is ridiculous to go to a gym with the intention of looking like a Greek God instead of seeing that physical activity is to keep one fit! It's not a sin to get a body like one of the celebrities, but keep in mind that a gym, in the most basic sense, is a place to be physically active in order to keep fit and healthy.

A right frame of mind and intention toward joining a gym will help you look great as well as keep you healthy! A two-in-one deal, now doesn't that sound more enticing? ;)

And to be really honest, looks do matter, but not to the extent that it overshadows the REAL YOU! I know a lot of plump and few overweight people who have such good personalities that it just overshadows their 'weighty' look. They are comfortable with themselves, they eat right, do adequate exercise and are always charged up with bubbles of energy and happiness. Plus, they have a cozy gang of loyal and close friends :) Cute huh?

So c'mon, be yourself and do go to the gym, if you want, to be fit... and uhm, just don't take too many 'S' sizes off the racks, will you? Or else I'll be wearing gunny sacks :(

Cheers till then folks!

Venice :)

Image Courtesy of: Southeast Missourian

Book-In-Sight: Brida

2011-05-24T20:41:00.000+05:30

“But how will I know who my Soulmate is?” Brida felt that this was one of the most important questions she had ever asked in her life.

“By taking risks” she said to Brida. ‘ By risking failure, disappointment, disillusion, but never ceasing in your search for Love. As long as you keep looking, you will triumph in the end.”

Well, yesterday I said I would read and review Paulo Coelho’s book Brida, and I did just that. As is my habit, I sped through the book – not such a good habit though – in eagerness to find out what the end was. But sadly, I felt that the ending didn’t give a sense of ‘completeness’ to the whole story. Well, let’s get to the story [don’t worry I won’t give away too much of it].

The story follows the innumerable doubts and questions in Brida’s mind about the way her life is, if she’ll ever meet her soul mate and the meaning of her existence, three questions that revolve in most of our minds.

We first see Brida as a young Irish girl who in the past she had chosen varied paths but had never found satisfaction in them. However, Brida knows that she has a ‘special calling’ in life but has no idea what that calling is. The book captures Brida as she sets out determinedly to find what her ‘Gift’ is.

She is helped, in her endeavours, by a wise man Magus who stands by her whenever she most needs help, and by a woman Wikka who helps Brida see beyond the ordinary and transforms her into who she is supposed to be.

The book centers around themes like facing your fears and accepting them as part of your life. This book shows that without taking risks we see a bit more of ourselves and know ourselves better. Through Brida’s thoughts we see that most of us struggle to maintain control over our lives, refusing to surrender our lives, choosing different paths without really knowing where to anchor ourselves in life.

Paulo Coelho tactfully merges witchcraft, tarot, and spirituality with chosen teachings of Christianity. It’s certainly a new way to look at Christianity through a different coloured lens.

The plot is straightforward without any twists and turns. The story follows the themes of magic, self-discovery and faith, backed by strong characters like Brida, the Magus and Wicca – who each retain their strengths throughout the story. Brida’s character develops as the story evolves as does the character of Magus.

The book Brida may not create as deep an impact as the Alchemist but it is insightful in its own way. Paulo Coelho fans may find Brida readable, while newbie Paulo Coelho readers may be better off scanning a few number of its pages before deciding to read it.

“Nothing is completely wrong. Even a broken watch is right twice a day.”

Sit back, relax and have a great time reading!!

Cheers,

Venice :)

Wounds

2011-05-23T15:14:00.000+05:30

For all that she had given of herself, she felt betrayed - by herself. Infinite warnings given to herself, were left unheeded and now they danced mockingly in front of her, deepening her emotional wounds, tearing her very soul from within as their sharp heels dug into every inch of her heart.

--------------------------------------------------XXX------------------------------------

There it was - the beam of light, beckoning to her... she advanced, hesitantly at first, the faint tips of light touched her fingertips, she felt the warmth run through her body and she proceeded confidently now... a shawl of light reached out for her, it gently infused itself in her with a pulsating sweet pain, and she ran toward it at a full sprint... and then it was gone. Light had blinded her and now darkness blinded her too.

(To be continued...)

Venice

Crossword Browsing

2011-05-23T15:01:00.000+05:30

Hi people! I've been on the hunt for a good book to settle my restlessness - and I think I've found it!

It is Paulo Coelho's 'Brida'.

My father and sister took me on a surprise visit to Crossword today and as usual, I just got lost in that lovely maze of books... It takes a lot of will power for me to step away from those hypnotic covers and crisp pages.

Anyway, while roaming down the aisles, I happened to see a row of Paulo Coelho's books - and since quite some time now, I've been waiting to read Brida... I heard that it was interesting in its own way and from the summary, it seems like a story most of us can relate to ... so, I picked it up!

Now what remains is a review on the book... and that will come soon enough! :)

Till then, have a good time!

Floating Pearls Presents...

2011-05-22T23:15:00.001+05:30

Hi all!

I've been planning this sister blog of Writing Revived since months... and finally, I've set it up and I'm all set to roll on topics that niggle in my mind every now and then.

Floating Pearls covers a pleasant size of areas, them being - Books, Music, Food and General everyday news and issues.

I hope this blog helps in giving information to those looking out for it, comfort to those who need it, satisfaction [through food recipes] for all the foodies out there and well, the rest of you who just like a good read, I hope this blog gives you that!

New features will keep popping up on this blog as and when we proceed... so stay on-board fellas! :)

Here's to a new start and good times!

Flit-float,

Venice :)