Just because it is Jan 18th

A regret, yet again

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind
and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing,
but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

PS: No, this is not in reference to the two famous deaths in Karnataka recently. I lost someone very dear earlier in the week.

Someone who played a very important role in my life as I was just trying to find my feet all those years ago.

Someone who affectionately disagreed with an important decision of mine but supported me nevertheless, and tried to make sure I would never have to regret it.

Someone who taught me how to appreciate a good percolator coffee, and how to make it too.

Someone who personified gentleness, light humor, and affection.

Someone who, though quite young, was waiting for his Call for a while now.

Someone who I am very guilty of not being with in the last days and moments.

Someone to whom I have been pouring my heart out in the last few days wishing I could say all this in person one last time.

Someone who I am praying will forgive me for all my lapses.

Post PS: I am reminded yet again how we take our and our loved ones’ lives for granted. We go through our lives as if we all are going to live forever, and forget to express our love, our affection and our gratitude to those that deserve to hear them. Only when they pass on that we realize what has been left unsaid over the years. And what remains is the guilt that will never go away till we meet them again in the other world.

Like what I am left with. Yet again.

Merry Christmas, folks!

A worthy investment indeed!

Can you tell Caesar loves Macs as much as I do?

Why, oh why?

I don't mind snow at all. I love the white, soft, powdery stuff, even after weathering way too many snowy winters. But when travel is involved, mine or my guests', especially during the holidays, I can't help wonder why now, why Chicago!

Cookie time!

Enough of sunsets now. It has been snowing non-stop. So why not have some hot cookies fresh out of the oven to kickstart the holidays!








PS: Before you ask, no, I didn't bake them. I am not THAT gifted. I just photographed them because they looked so lovely, and of course I ate a couple.

One more...

Hangin' In There

History rocks!

Only if you take good care of it.

"Light and Lines" Redux

No, I am not putting up these pictures here because I am suddenly excited about tall and huge buildings. I have lived in this city long enough to have several memories associated with most of these buildings. Architecture here is aesthetically stunning -- but I have gotten so used to it that I almost take it for granted. What mesmerizes me even to this day is the beautiful and ever changing display put up by light and lines -- one, the raw material, and the other, the most fundamental building block in 2-D visual design. I just can't walk or drive through the city without pulling my camera out.

Photographs of World Leaders

An interesting collection of portraits, mostly black and white, by photographer Platon, taken during UN General Assembly in September. As any serious photographer will tell you, portraits, especially the B&W types, are some of the most difficult to shoot. More so when your subjects sit for you only for a few seconds!

I also loved the short commentary by the photographer for each portrait. Go ahead, have a look. There is definitely something to enjoy here if you like to study/photograph faces.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/multimedia/2009/12/07/091207_audioslideshow_platon

The Eating Dilemma!

Say you make 3 or 4 paratha (ಪರಾಠ), chapaati (ಚಪಾತಿ), or dose (ದೋಸೆ) for yourself. As each of them comes off the skillet, you put it on the plate or in a box (to keep them all warm). When you are done making them all, how do you go about eating that stack? Top one (the latest and hence the warmest) first so that you can enjoy at least ONE hot paratha/chapati/dose? Or, are you an Equal Opportunity eater who flips the stack and eats the first one first and in the process eating them all at the same at a "not really hot" temperature?

One of my eternal dilemmas. I face it every time I make such dishes. Like today when I made parathas for the first time in my life.

You know, this dilemma actually applies to a lot of everyday events, including those in your professional life. It says a lot about who you are, how you approach life, how you make decisions in life. Sounds trivial and silly, eh? Well, sit back and think about it. And you will see what I mean.

"Which is prettier?"

My face?



Or my landing gear?

ಸಾಗರದಾಚಿನ ನಾಡು...ನೆನಪು

ಪ್ರತಿ ಮುಂಜಾನೆ ಇಂಥದೊಂದು ದೃಶ್ಯ ಕಾಣುವ ಭಾಗ್ಯ ಎಷ್ಟು ಮಂದಿಗುಂಟು?!

ಇದು ಯಾವ ಊರು ಹೇಳಿ ನೋಡೋಣ?

ಸರಿ, ಈ ಚಿತ್ರ ನೋಡಿ... ಗೊತ್ತಾಗಬಹುದು. :-)



ಹಳೇ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಏನನ್ನೋ ಹುಡುಕುತ್ತಾ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ನೆನಪುಗಳಿವು....ಆಣಿಮುತ್ತುಗಳು!

Historic Pigeon Point Light House

Pigeon Point Light House, first opened in 1872, is one of the tallest light houses in the USA. It is currently in a sad state and is closed to public (though it is still being used by US Coast Guard).

This is the same light house that I had posted a picture of about a year ago.

The forbidden fruit

Oh, come on! It's not what you are thinking it is! If you thought you would find something sensual or sensational here, you have come to the wrong blog. Go find the 'Close' button in a hurry.

Still don't believe me? Or you are one of those regular visitors whom I can count on one hand (make that half a hand, actually)? OK, then click here to see where I took these pictures.

Yes, this is a real sunset

Somewhere on the St Lucia mountains, California

Pfeiffer Beach, California

Sunset at Hurricane Point, Big Sur

(Sunset pictures are way too common to hold anybody's interest, but this particular spot in St Lucia Mountains that rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean presented some unique views because of its elevation. I took a lot of pictures here which will be posted later into an album to be linked here.)