Purpose above Plans

"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail"
I've been trying to find some time to frame the next letter in the series, but to no success and then today I came up across this quote that just so aptly fits the situation. My plans may be large, but His purpose is larger - and I trust Him from deeply. So while it takes me a little longer to actually move on with the series, here's hoping that your plans match up with the Lord's purpose and may you live it up a little larger @ Life720...!
*** Cheers ***
:)

'F'

Beginning this one with a quote from a famous music band –

Exactly what keeps me going on with this series! :D

Of all the goodness present in our lives, ‘F’ for me has to be nothing else but FRIENDS...

Yeah....! Surely for some it might rather be the carnal goodness of ‘food’ or some of you out there may also be thinking of something even more raw and intimate... but excuse me please! Let me remind you, whatever you are thinking of is surely more spiced up and fun if you have a special friend to share it with! ;)

So, here we are now thinking about those few special people in our lives...

...those special few who have added a little more sparkle on the dull days...

...one who has been a partner in all crimes...

...one who has never left your side no matter how troubled the waters may be...

...one who has lent you a shoulder to cry...

...and one who has had you splitting into fits with their endless humour!

Some have been there since you can remember, while some are new yet feel so close... Some may have been lost as we have moved on in life... few we miss, few we wouldn’t recognize even if they stood right in front of us!

And then most of us will surely remember just ONE dear old school friend who was meant to be precisely that – a school friend; sheerly forgotten and dumped into the dungeons of memory as soon as we got out of school!

While the varieties of this species is truly extensive and the list can go and on, today let’s just look at ten new shades to describe these valued relations that we make in life – we can’t live without them for sure – cause they Fight for you, Respect you, Include you, Encourage you, Need you, Deserve you, Stand by you and that is why they are called... F.R.I.E.N.D.S. J

Some friends are like ... Chocolate!

While some are like... Stars!

Some friends are like... Perfume!

And some are like... WiFi!

Few friends are like... Diamonds!

Even fewer are like a... Pillow!

Few are like... Google Maps!

And some are like... Vodka!

Some friends are like... Music!

And a really few ones are like... Water!

Ultimately, no matter what kind we have, we never lose our friends... only learn who the true ones are! :)

And also just a feeling that I’d like to share, friends are not the number of contacts we have on Facebook or Twitter... Rather the ones who are there to stand by our side when we really need them the most... Not the ones who remember to wish on your birthday because they were reminded by a notification, rather the ones who forget it completely and then fight with you for a party the day you remind them... Not the ones who like your photographs, rather the ones who are standing beside you making the most funny face in the pic! These are friends – **true to heart and yours in spirit**!!!

And I sure am lucky to have a couple of them to call as mine – ones I can identify as music and vodka, or diamonds and stars... Few but true! And of course there is my all time best friend – the love of my life, 'my hubby' – my soul friend for life who makes me laugh a little harder, cry a little less and smile a lot more! J

So go ahead, and enjoy the lovely friendships you share – whether you indulge into them as chocolate or depend on them as a pillow, be sure they are worth your time ...

... and once you commit to a friend, make sure it lasts like glue –

that’s the only way to be sure that as a friend you are true...!

At the end of the day......

Enjoy with friends and Live it up a little more @ Life720!

***Cheers, buddy!*** ;) :)

'E'

Moving on (and at a very leisurely pace indeed...!) we come to ‘E’.

And well I really had to think for a really long time for this one.... What could I talk about starting from E that is common to each of our lives?!

And then in that moment of extreme obviousness it struck me – the Earth! What else?!

So here we are – ‘E’ for our sweet little sphere of wonder and beauty and novelty and life.... Yeah!

Simply, summing it up... Our ball of Life - The Earth!

Talking about this precious planet of ours, it is but plain obvious to deliberate on its natural resources, and how we humans are greedily hogging and even wasting them with sheer insensitivity. It is even easier to start preaching about conserving and protecting the planet’s environment and extending its viability for future generations to come.

But this particular post is not going that way, my dear friend.

Life720 aims at bringing a little more positivity to your day – a little more joy, a little more fascination, a little more hope and a little more magic! So we’re just going to stick to something nice and wonderful to ponder on.... How about some absolutely amazing places to check out on Earth!

And when I say amazing, I don’t mean man-made amazing as in constructed and set up on the planet by the mighty hands of humans. And so while there are a lot many posts out there, revelling on the world’s top ten wonders and the world’s amazing cities to visit and the world’s most happening places to travel to, this one is not going down those roads either!

Rather ‘amazing’ here refers to the truly amazing, absolutely stunning beauty that planet Earth secretly boasts of in the hidden nooks of its ravishing sphere!

Yes, you got it right!!

The raw beauty of the Earth in all its spectacular grandiosity truly holds magical sights for the appreciative eye – and here compiled is a list of 10 most fascinating destinations that Earth has so preciously borne and offered for us to delight in!

While some of them are easily accessible to marvel upon, some of them are a journey in themselves – the exotic variety, stunning beauty, inspiring forms and the unparalleled natural feel of these distant spots of wonder will truly leave you in awe. My research on them has truly left me with vivid dreams of visiting quite a few on the list – so here goes!

(Talking about dreams, don’t forget to check out ‘D' at life720.blogspot..in for a deep inspiration on making your dreams come true! J) And for that matter of fact, do indulge on a little more of your precious time giving yourself a little treat by reading it 'C', 'B' and 'A' as well.... And please do follow, to keep me company till Z and beyond! Would love to hear more from you! :D 

The descriptions here are minimalistic, as it was highly amusing for me to describe the magnificence that the Earth beholds, in the inadequate vocabulary that I possess, and selecting the pictures from the absolutely spectacular collection on the Internet was another task in itself – and an extremely tough one too! So while the talk remains limited, my heart wishes that these mere glimpses of rich splendour ignite within you a little spark of wonderment – urging you to revel in the transcendence of our dear planet, the Earth.

Presenting......!

(In no particular favoured order).....

Earth’s Amazing Destination #1 – Redwood Trees more than 2000 years old

Remember ‘Ents’ of The Lord of the Rings – Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, dangling on those huge tree-folk?! Or ‘Groot’ from Gaurdians of the Galaxy?! Well these redwood trees of California must have surely been the source of inspiration behind these characters of strength, longevity and compassion. These redwoods are believed to be about 500 feet tall and aged beyond 2000 years, still going strong to bear the burdens – literally!

The Redwood Trees of California - huge enough to allow cars to pass through

Earth’s Amazing Destination #2 – Pools of Travertine that sparkle and shine

This natural hot spring site in southwest Turkey is a one of its kind mineral bath spa. Famous by the name of ‘Pamukkale’ which means ‘Cotton Castle’ in Turkish – the terrace formations are an absolutely stunning place to see! This place seems to have come out of a Disney book – just imagine Cinderella walking down those sparkling water steps in her sparkling glass slippers.... Beauty galore!

The Pamukkale Springs - A surreal water stair case

Earth’s Amazing Destination #3 – The Island of Bliss; Socotra

Derived from the Sanskrit word, ‘sukhadara’ meaning ‘supporting, or providing bliss’ this island is also known as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. And one jewel it is! With more than a third of its plant species being exclusive and found nowhere else, Socotra offers the eyes plenty to feast upon! The mind boggling flora and fauna has given way to honorary names of the rare species present here – Dragon’s Blood Tree and The Golden Winged Grosbeak if you must be inquisitive, rightfully earning the title as ‘The most Alien-looking place on Earth’...

The Island of Happiness - Sukhadara

Earth’s Amazing Destination #4 – The Great Reef; Bringing Colours to Life

Spread across 2300 kms, like a barrier over the north eastern shoulder of Australia, the Great Reef is the largest living structure on Earth. Yes, you read it right! The largest living structure on Earth!!! This expanse comprising of the most exotic colours on the planet is a plethora of corals and harbours a rich diversity of life – turtles, dolphins, whales, crocodiles, seahorse, pipefish and even sharks! No doubt, Finding Nemo is not as easy as child’s play! ;)

The worlds largest living being - The great Great Barrier Reef

Earth’s Amazing Destination #5 – The Arctic Circle

Whether it is to marvel at the spectacular light show by nature – the Aurora, or whether it is to enjoy the snow tree puppets, or the absolutely stunning ice formations amidst the water blues, the Arctic is one bovine expanse of mystery and fascination. Here ‘Chilling Out’ means exactly what it is meant to be but more so in a totally cool manner!

The Aurora at the Arctic Circle - Like magic in the sky

Earth’s Amazing Destination #6 – The Landscape Cliffs

No my friend, this is not a landscape piece of art! This is the true beauty of nature at its peak (Again, literally from atop the peak of the cliffs!) – An absolutely breathtaking scenic inspiration! The place is so magically transforming that surely any muggle would feel no less than the greatest sorcerer on Earth! Loyal to its unwavering grace, the cliffs look flawless in all shades and hues – no wonder they have been the sight of multiple cinematic shoots..... 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' ring a bell?!!

Cliff of Moher, Ireland - Scenic inspiration beyond imagination

Earth’s Amazing Destination #7 – The Canyon of Red Painted Faces

Technically not a canyon, the Bryce Canyon in south-western Utah, United States is another spectacular sight to behold. Woohoo to the ‘hoodoos’ – the distinctive geological structures scattered across in shades of red, orange and white. The tricolored rugged terrains painted as if by the hands of an exquisite artist offer many with intriguing viewpoints and are home to a rich biodiversity, surely deeming this destination as an eclectic amphitheatre of sorts.

Amphitheatre hoodoos at the Bryce Canyon Park, US

Earth’s Amazing Destination #8 – Green hills and Misty points

Think of hills and what comes to mind is generally the image of brown, rustic mounds of stone and pebble, but not here at 'God’s Own Country' – Munnar hills in Kerala are one of the most lavishly bred green belt on Earth. With endless tea plantations, the hills seem to have been adorned with a lush green carpet. Travelling through their curves, the hills are like one gigantic garden offering you the most peaceful and relaxing moments of pure joy, no wonder it is has been observed – if there is heaven on Earth, then this is it!

Hubby and Me in God's Own Country - Kerala

Earth’s Amazing Destination #9 – Paradise of Flowers

A flower haven in all seasons, the Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan is truly a dream destination... While the 'Great Wisteria' is sure to enchant you with its magnificent beauty at day, its mystery at night will enlighten you to another world! The Tree of Souls from the movie Avatar would be jealous of the splendid life emanating here – a heart expanding spectacle to experience for sure! Surrounded by flowers through all seasons, one is bound to be absorbed by the miraculous feeling of ‘happiness without reasons’!

Happiness in all seasons - The Great Wisteria at Ashikaga, Japan

Earth’s Amazing Destination #10 – Mirror, Mirror on the floor

The world’s largest salt flat in southwest Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni – ‘Enclosure of salt flat’ is the largest and perhaps the only truly natural mirror of the Earth. Believed to be a remnant of multiple prehistoric lakes, today the Salar is a surprising flat bed of white salt covered by a thin film of brine – accounting for 50-70% of the world’s lithium. But this rich source amazes beyond all that energy – The Salar offers a truly reflective surface, mirroring the ever changing skies and bedazzling the viewer with nothing but merely the beauty of being alive.

Mirror, mirror on the floor - Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Magnifique, ain’t it?! My search for pictures of these ten places set me wandering to distant places, well figuratively indeed! And many a times I had to get a grip on my dreamy wanderings and come back...

Some of the places left me absolutely stunned while some of them left me with a strange emptiness – and I found myself surfing through gorgeous destinations, craving for more and more...

Such is the beauty of the Earth, only if we wish to see and explore it in its raw demeanour.

So here’s wishing – May a little spark within you give rise to a burning desire to seek out the unknown, learn the untold and understand the hidden. May life give you opportunities to travel and absorb the many faces of existence that the Earth guards do preciously.

May you be blessed with the unrest of seeking out deep inspiration from our dear planet, the Earth.

Lets live it up with a little more fillip @ Life720!!

'D'

So, coming back to the series that I absolutely do intend to complete.... :D

D is for those magical moments that we all invariable live through.... Whether we want to or not, sometimes happy and sometimes not so haapy, some short and some really loooooong ones...

Dreams we have... And dreamers are we all...


While psychologists are yet to baffle the scientific details as to why we dream and how dreaming is important for us, there are millionzzzz and billionzzzz of interpretations of the signs and symbols that pop up in our dreams. Whether or not these interpretations hold true, is hard to say but we all do love to dream a little now and then. Hidden manifestations of desires, unfulfilled aspirations, fears of the future, regrets of the past, seeds of change, sparkle of magic - we are yet to fully comprehend the reality behind dreams. And it might take us quite a long time to do so, at least in reality... (Lot of round and round between reality and dreams there!)

So while scientists try to find out the reasoning behind these 'sleeping but awake moments' of ours, here's a collection of what I would say are one of the best quotes on dreams - not just to read by, rather dream by! ;)




Dreamy Quote #1

"Hold on to dreams tight and learn to fly,

They'll help you sail like a kite in the sky"

Dreamy Quote #2

"Free your mind of doubt and fears,

Dreams teach you to smile through tears"

Dreamy Quote #3

"Listen to what your soul wants to say,

 Dream on and let the magical music play"

Dreamy Quote #4

"Be brave, stand tall, have faith and smile,

Your dreams will become reality mile after mile"

Dreamy Quote #5

"Big dreams open the door to an exciting journey,

Waking up and taking the path is the only key"

Dreamy Quote #6

"Grow in reality with each passing day,

Dream each night of things that may"

Dreamy Quote #7

"Making it happen requires much effort,

Dream for the stars, you'll not land up with dirt"

Dreamy Quote #8

"Dreams guide us on - hidden passions they ignite,

Eyes closed or open, they stay along morning and night"

Dreamy Quote #9

"Follow your dream, make it come true,

Find your answers - rejoice a new you"

Dreamy Quote #10

"Of all the happiness in the bright mind of creativity,

There's nothing like a dream that is now reality"

Well! Well! Well!

Those great quotes by their amazing authors have surely inspired me tremendously today - dreams are not merely to dream by for sure! They are to live up to, to fulfil, to make it come true and sparkle up that magical reality called Life! 

So while you go on and get inspired to catch up some more dreams and then actually work with the strength of the entire universe to get those dreams converted to reality, I'd love to send out a silent wish to bless that dream of yours.

And even when time seems to be at a standstill, and things do not seem to be working in your way - remember, there is someone out there who wishes the very best for you and hopes that all the goodness in the world may come your way... 

Smile....  Yes, this absolutely lovely smile of yours! :) Smile, have faith, be strong and hold on.... Your dream is going to become a reality and all the battles will be won!!! 

:) :) :) :)

Here's wishing your dreams come true my dear friend..... Let's dream a little more and Live it up a lot more @ Life 720! ;)

Change! The only thing constant...

Well, life doesn't necessarily have to be all structured.... So, here's breaking the monotony of the A-Z series and simply pondering over small things that come across in life.

For instance, this very thought that events in life do not necessarily all happen in a sequence... starting A, then B, and then C and so on... Sometimes, the letters, or rather the events get a bit jumbled up and all for good! :)

So sequencing is not necessarily a norm that we need to follow... Sometimes, it feels weird to know that most of the people in reality 'do' follow a specified sequence in their life activities. Well, up till the time our actions are more or less dominated by our parents, like school time and all, I understand. But what about when we're adults? I mean, why does it necessarily have to be college after school and then immediately a job after college, and then as soon as you think you're on the brink of settling then marriage, and getting married is like the key to open the door to parenthood - just like that! Instantaneously! 

Why doesn't any one take out time to relax a little in all this running, while time with all its life is quietly passing away... Why not just stop and stare at what we've done till now... Why not add a little spark and fun at each stage, rather than just running through all the phases like a marathon.. Only this race ends at the death bed for many! 

After all, life is so short and there's so much new to do each day - the usual, the sequential is being done by everyone all the time around the globe. But when I sleep at night, I wish I have something new to dream of doing the next day and when I wake up, I pray I have the strength to pursue it and divine grace to make my dreams come true. That's the kind of constant that really brings about a change....!:)

So my dear friend, what new have you done recently! If you have to think really hard to answer that question, guess it's time to set fire to the calcium in those bones and add some spark in life!

After all, life is everything and more, so lets Live it up more @ Life720..... ;)

'C'

Taking a peep down memory lane, it is impossible to imagine a childhood minus the fun of sitting in front of the television set and watching our favourite show... Without doubt, C has to be for...

"They dance and sing and laugh and cry

they jump and fall and fly and run,

Friends of childhood, heroes of youth

imaginary characters that are  enjoyable fun"

'C' represents our all-time quintessential Cartoons! :D

Whether we talk about the easy going fun that we enjoyed through the antics of Tom and Jerry, or whether we talk about the super hero that awakens in us when Spider Man saves the day, cartoons are intricately weaved into almost every individual's life. While watching cartoons is truly an indispensible activity that takes up quite a lot of our time when we are kids, there are so many of these characters that we love to watch even when we've grown up into so-called adults. No matter what be the age, there's something to learn from each cartoon character that we enjoy!

Here's listing down 10 things that I learned over the years from the wide variety of cartoons that I had and some that I still continue to spend time with -

Learning #1 - Friends are greater than foes

All time eager to knock the other off, Tom and Jerry represent the penultimate bond of duality. While they scrabble across the house, bringing most of it down, bring upon one threat to either and the other ALWAYS risks it's life in saving the threatened partner - foes they may be, but in the end they're always the best of friends for each other. 

Learning #2 - Love is all that matters

While lady luck is something, that Archie Andrews has perennially struggled with, his message stands clear - Love makes the whole world go round! Literally!! Tonnes of girls the young freckled man has been after, though lady lack not really been on his side but Archie knows it for sure - Love is all that you need to live for, so worth the efforts! 

  

Learning #3 - The big oak was once a nut

Whether it is Mickey's all so humane fun antics, or the real life story of a mouse becoming a super cartoon - inspiration galore! The tiny mouse has been a huge source of fun and laughter and pure simple family entertainment with his bunch of goofy characters - lots to remind one that to become big you need to actually start off as very small - pun intended! 

Learning #4 - Family is always family

Friends we choose, family we are born into - no choices offered! But no matter how weird the members of a family may seem, they are loved from the core of the heart and no matter what horrific stunts they might end up doing aka the Addam's Family - family will always be family!

Learning #5 - With great power comes great responsibility

Spider Man learnt it the hard way, but without doubt all the super macho heroes would agree with it - great power works only if you understand its accompanying responsibility. And the avengers walk the talk quite well - fighting the evils, while flaunting their powers with all those killer looks is totally super hero stuff, dude!

Learning #6 - No one is perfect

Being neurotic might not seem a very good personality trait, but Charlie Brown knows how to live up to it with style! With his unusual looks and even more unusual fears, Charlie is the perfect example of a person being afraid of being himself. But that is exactly what Charlie wishes the world to understand - Being me is the best thing to be!

Learning #7 - Keeping it simple

Down to Earth, kind, honest, generous, amicable, sweet as honey and oozing with love - that's Winnie for you! The Pooh knows life is lived only once and is deeply poignant on philosophical matters, but his wise thoughts is understood well truly have the potential to save the world.

Learning #8 - Life is an adventure

This little fish in deep waters lives it up like no one does! Brimming with enthusiasm, endless energy, vivid dreams, and the grit to do it all - Nemo shows the path to living each day to its fullest! Life is short, let's not make it small - Live it Big! Swim across the waves! Enjoy it all!!! 

Learning #9 - Nothing is Impossible

If the dream is what keeps you alive, then the dream is what you'll become - Po has umpteen reasons to not becoming who he idolizes but no reason is bigger than his huge belly - ooopps! - his huge dream I mean! And not to forget Master Oogway's deep philosophy that guides through several doubts in life - 'There are no accidents'

Learning #10 - Great things come in small packages

Kevin, Bob, Stuart and the whole big yellow gang of blue jumpsuits and quirky glasses - the Minions are the trademark of utter fun, frolick, prance and caper! Totally a source of unique amusement, the little darlings are adept in doing it all, more like comedian robots whom most of would love to be despicable for! ;)

And while these are just a few, there are just so many things that cartoons can help us learn - if we really want to. The impregnated memories of Cartoon Network still bring to life simply amazing series like Flintstones, Jetsons, Dexter's Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls, Captain Planet and Scooby Dooby Dooooo!!

So while we simply while away time sitting in front of the cartoon show, why not just pick up a few things to take away from those fun filled moments spent in amusement! As CN puts it all clear and loud - CARTOON! CARTOON!

***** Live it up @ Life 720*****

  

'B'

With the really long span of time that I've taken to come back for this next blog, B should surely stand for 'Busy' (And true that it is one common thing that most of us face in life - Everyone a busy bee, no one can be seen as free!) but this is NOT what the B is going to be about today....

"They come in all sizes, although the shapes are usually the same

 Whispering secrets, declaring history, while some play an intriguing game

Rich in knowledge, treasury of insight, the are always ready to share

Pick up one and life will change; no time to stand and stare!"

Let me just make it simpler - Books!!!

Endless pages of letters in different fonts and sizes... Each one with a different story to share... Some are filled with rosy love, while some talk about timeless wars. Some reveal the secrets of a being while some let loose the ingredients on how to make a dish better, while some others simply talk about how to make yourself better! The more the people we have on Earth, the more perspectives we have to share and the more books we have to enjoy! :)

Books are truly one of the best friends one can make, and so here's putting down ten reasons why a book makes for a great friend in your life....!

Reason #1 - Books are always there, no matter what!

Whether its 2 am at night or 5 am in the morning, a book will never mind you picking it up and wanting to spend some lone time with it - no questions asked.

Reason #2 - Easy to find!

While true and honest friends may be difficult to find in today's times, a good book worth spending time on is easy to find and easier to retain.. ;)

Reason #3 - Loads to share and learn!

It is often said that people inspire you or drain you - pick them wisely! But you can carelessly toss away this precaution when it comes to choosing a book! No matter which you pick, there'll definitely be something to learn and share.

Reason #4 - Rich source of advice!

While friends are always there to seek advice in times of need, but just in case none of your buddies are able to help you through the storm - worry not - The right book is just round the corner! All you need to know is where to find it and the answer to your problem hidden in those pages will find you.

  

Reason #5 - Don't mind sharing space!

Friends often become jealous of the other buddies that may encroach upon their time and space, but these little bundles of bound sheets are more than happy to fill up every nook and corner with more of themselves - no jealousy at all!

Reason #6 - Can wait forever!

You pick up a little darling at a stall one fine day, and then get so busy living the super demanding hot shot life of yours that you completely forget about the new friend of yours - no matter! Look deep into your closet and it'll still be waiting patiently for you to cuddle it up into your hands - no grudges whatsoever!

Reason #7 - Make you richer!

Yup! The more you have, the more you learn.... The more you learn, the richer you get! (Now please!!! Did you seriously think I was talking about money?!)

Reason #8 - Best coffee buddy!

No one to take along for a hot cuppa this evening? Simply grab a book and you'll be amazed how time flies!

Reason #9 - Intoxicating fragrance!

I remember once reading somewhere that the fragrance of books in a library should be bottled up and sold - it would really mint a lot of money cause the fragrance is truly intoxicating! Maybe insignificant but yet another reason to carry a book along.

Reason #10 - Refine and Redefine!

Finding a good friend in a book truly changes your life forever - it refines and redefines! :)

As they say 'Books are a man's best friend' and I totally agree! So next time life offers you a chance to make a new friend, why not try a book and change bit by bit, deep within? :D

***** Live it up @ Life720!! *****