The Guest house

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness

comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

By Rumi, a great poet, Saint, teacher and philosopher

First Among Equals

Read this amazing book by Jeffrey Archer, who in my opinion, is a master storyteller...

In 1960s four ambitious new MPs take their seats at Westminster. Over three decades they share the explosive passion of the race for power with their wives and families, men and women caught up in an explosive game for the highest stakes of all. But only one man can gain the ultimate goal- the office of the Prime Minister...

A sensational read by a sensational author.

Emily Climbs

Emily Starr was born with the desire to write. As an orphan living on New Moon farm, writing helped her face the lonely, difficult times. But now all her friends are going to high school in nearby Shrewsbury, and her old- fashioned, tyrannical Aunt Elizabeth will only let her go if she promises to stop writing! All the same, this is Emily's first step in the climb to success. Once in town, Emily's activities set the Shrewsbury gossip buzzing. But Emily and her friends are confident- Isle's a born actress, Teddy's set to become a great artist, and rougish Perry has the makings of a brilliant lawyer. When Emily has her poems published and writes fro the town newspaper, success seems to be on its way- and with its first whispers of romance. Then Emily is offered a fabulous opportunity, and she must decide if she wants to change her life forever.

Emily of New Moon

Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely- until her beloved father died. Now Emily's an orphan, and her mother's snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon farm. She's sure she won't be happy. Emily deals with stiff, stern Aunt Elizabeth and her malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit. Things begin to change when she makes friends; with Teddy, who does marvelous drawings; with Perry, who's sailed all over the world with his father yet has never been to school; and above all, with Isle, a tomboy with a blazing temper. Amazingly, Emily finds New Moon beautiful and fascinating. With new friends and adventures, Emily might someday think of herself as Emily of New Moon.

L.M. Montgomery

Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on November 30, 1874, in Clifton, prince Edward island, Canada. Although few women of that time received higher education, Maud attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and then Dalhousie University in Halifax. At seventeen, she went to Nova Scotia, to work for a newspaper, the Halifax Chronicle, and wrote for its evening edition, the Echo. But Maud came back to rural Prince Edward Island to teach, and lived with her grandmother at Cavendish. It is this experience along with the lives of her farmer and fisher folk neighbours, that came alive when she wrote her 'Anne' books, beginning with Anne of Green Gables in 1908. First published as a serial for a Sunday school paper, Anne of Green Gables quickly became a favourite of readers throughout the world, so much so that L. M. Montgomery published eight novels in all featuring Anne Shirley and her family. Maud also wrote the popular Emily of New Moon in 1923 followed by two sequels, and Pat of Silver Bush in 1933 with its sequel. She and her husband, the Rev. Ewen Macdonald, eventually moved to Ontario. L. M. Montgomery died in Toronto in 1942, but it is her early years of lush green Prince Edward Island that live on in the delighful adventures of the impetuous redhead, the stories Mark Twain called "the sweetest creation of child life yet written."

Anne of the Green gables has been translated into seventeen different languages, made into a number of movies, and has had continuing success as a stage play.

The success of these productions inspired The road to Avonlea- enchanting new tales based on characters created by Lucy Maud Montgomery for a television series as well as the new paperback editions. She is also the author of The Further Chronicles of Avonlea, After Many Days, Magic For Marigold, among others.

Message in a Bottle

"My darling Catherine, where are you? And why, I wonder as I sit alone in a darkened house, have we been forced apart?"

When journalist Theresa Osborne finds this desperate message washed up on a Cape Cod beach, it raises questions that intrigue her. Who is the author- a man called Garrett- and who is Catherine? And what is it that has torn them apart?

Theresa, weary of romance since her husband shattered her trust, finds herself unaccountably drawn to these people and their secrets, and embarks on a search that brings her to an unexpected confrontation...

Read this heart- touching, warm and lovely book by Nicholas Sparks... you'll ask for more.

Upon a Midnight Clear

The holidays are a special time, when shining eyes melt the chill of a winter's night, when hearts overflow with love... Now embrace the passion and romance of the season with this dazzling treasury of stories. New York Times bestselling authors Jude Deveraux and Linda Howard are joined by Margaret Allison, Stef Ann Holm, and Mariah Stewart in a delightful celebration of the heart's greatest gifts...

A spirited Irishwoman comes to a rugged Colorado town to govern a young ruffian and learns a love lesson from the boy's father: there is more to the man than what meets the eye... In the midst of a blizzard, a snowbound woman offers shelter to a stranger, a man who is an expert at covering his tracks... Home for the holidays, an artist proves opposites can attract- and make sparks- when she falls for an unconventional doctor... A holly berry- picking contest in the California hills brings two determined hearts together for the greatest prize of all: a true and lasting love... A lively family reunion on a Montana ranch brings on a flurry of memories for a beautiful young writer- and a winter storm that rekindles an old flame...

These unforgettable tales capture the heart's timeless holiday spirit- and love's blissful joys that can last the whole year through.

Karma for Life

Today I have something special for you, read this awesome lessons of life by Dalai Lama.

The Last Juror

In 1970, Willie Traynor came to Clanton, Mississippi, in a Triumph Spitfire and a fog of vague ambitions. Within a year, the twenty- three year old found himself the owner of Ford County's only newspaper, famous for its well- crafted obituaries. While the rest of America was in the grips of turmoil, Clanton lived on the edge of another age- until the brutal murder of a young mother rocked the town and thrust Willie into the centre of a storm.

Daring to report the true horrors of the crime, Willie made as many friends as enemies in Clanton, and over the next decade he would sometimes wonder how he had gotten there in the first place. But he could never escape the crime that had shattered his innocence or the criminal whose evil had left an indelible stain. Because as the ghosts of the South's past gather around Willie, as tension swirls around Clanton, men and women who served on a jury nine years ago are strting to die one by one- as a killer exacts the ultimate revemge...

I really liked this book, and would recommend you to read it as well. It is interesting as well as light to read, wouldn't let you get bored but wouldn't hang on your mind and let you do whatever work you might be having without the urge to go and check just what happened next. I, in fact found it better than his books The Client and the Firm. Excellent for light reading at night as well as for boring afternoons on the veranda.

The Chronicles of Narnia- The last battle

"Well then, that's settled," said the Ape. "You will pretend to be Aslan, and I'll tell you what to say."

A false Aslan is commanding all Narnians to work for the cruel Calormenes. Jill and Eustace are called to Narnia once more, this time to the aid of King Tirian who is struggling to bring peace in the troubled land. Can the children find the real Aslan before a wicked ape destroys the world of Narnia forever...

This is the seventh and the last adventure in the exciting series of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

The Chronicles of Narnia- The Silver Chair

"It must be a dream, it must, it must," said Jill to herself. "I'll wake up in a moment." But it wasn't and she didn't.

Eustace and his friend Jill, are pulled back into Narnia because Prince Rillian, the son of King Caspian, has disappeared. With the aid of a rather gloomy marsh- wiggle the children set out to find him. But will they be able to resist the enchantment of the Lady of the green Kirtle...

This is the sixth adventure in the exciting Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. lewis.

The Chronicles of Narnia- the Voyage of the Dawn Treader

There was boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb and he almost deserved it.

Edmund and Lucy return to Narnia with their awful cousin Eustace, to travel to King Caspian's ship, the Dawn Treader. They have been summoned to help find the seven lost friends of Caspian's father. Their voyage of discovery takes them to the end of the world and changes Eustace into something so unexpected he is never quite the same again...

This is the fifth adventure in the exciting Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

The Chronicles of narnia- Prince Caspian

"Look sharp!" shouted Edmund. "All catch hands and keep together. This is magic- I can tell by the feeling!"

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sitting on a station platform when they sense the magic beginning again. Suddenly they are pulled back to the land of Narnia. But much has changed since they were last there and now, the new heir, Prince Caspian, desperately needs their help. The land of Narnia is under threat and magic alone will not be alone to defeat Caspian's uncle, the evil king Miraz.

This is the fourth adventure of the exciting series of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

The Chronicles of Narnia- The Horse and His Boy

'Shasta stood and stared. It was like coming to the end of the world for all the grass stopped quite suddenly a few feet before him.''

This is the story of an adventure that happened in Narnia and Calormen.

Bree, the talking horse, has been kidnapped from Narnia and longs to return. Shasta, a boy destined to be sold into slavery, decides to run away with him. Before they know it, they are on a wild and dangerous journey together, through strange cities, eerie tombs and harsh deserts...

This is the third adventure in the exciting Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

"It's a magic wardrobe! There's a wood inside it, and it's snowing! Come and see," begged Lucy.

Four Children, Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy, are evacuated to the countryside during the war. However, they soon find themselves in real danger when Lucy stumbles upon the magical world of Narnia. Winter and the White Witch are the greatest threats now and only the four children and the great lion, Aslan, can stop the evil enchantment, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

The second in the series of the Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis.

The Magician's nephew

Digory, lives with his Uncle Andrew, aunt and his sick mother. His Uncle's a bit weird and seems to be hiding something from him. And clear instructions- he should never enter his study. Then he meets Polly, who lives nearby. She takes him to her cave- a passage along the attic which was built to connect the houses. In their attempts to explore the passage, they accidentally enter the forbidden study. From there their adventures begin when Uncle forces them to wear rings that will take them to a gateway of different worlds. What happens when they meet the evil, wicked Queen Jadis? In their quest to get rid of her they come across the newly- created land of Narnia. Aslan, the lion, puts forth a task that will keep the witch away. But only Digory has to do it...

Exciting, excellent and captivating, this book by C.S. Lewis starts the Chronicles of Narnia series that will force you to keep asking for more. Excellent read for children.

I know people that these Christmas greetings are late, but I wanted to share this little Christmas something which I found some time ago...

When carols fade in the silence of the night

Listen to a symphony of angelic delight;

Outside of the inns and inside of the out,

The word reveals what life is all about.

Switch off lights from the christmas tree,

Focus your gaze on the one who sets free;

In deep darkness engulfing our world,

Emerges Light, love's fullness unfurled.

Though table be laid and cold be a turkey,

Hasten to that manager, serene, yet murky.

The Family out there, 'mid many a beast,

Dares you to invite the least to your feast.

Give Santa a break, the child gives gifts,

Graces he bestows, sinful burdens He lifts

He taps at our door, for one gist let's plead.

Jesus Himself; is there more we will need?

- Unknown

Making Your Mind Up

Read this awesome book by Jill Mansell, it will give a few good laughs to brighten up your day. Smooth, easy reading, perfect for a siesta in your veranda.

When you're a teenager in love with a wildly unsuitable boy, you expect your parents to object. But Lottie is thirty now, a full- fledged grown up, and she never imagined her children doing the same when she Tyler Klein. He isn't wildly unsuitable, he's a catch. But as far as Nat and Ruby are concerned, he's the devil incarnate.

What's a girl to do? Is she only allowed to associate with men who meet with their approval? And doesn't she already have enough to worry about, what with errant ex- husband Mario upto his old tricks, beloved boss Freddie determined to catch up with old friends before life catches up with him, and best friend Cressida brazenly propositioning strangers in sghops?

Everyone else needs sorting out. Well, that's fine- it's what Lottie is best at. Until the day she discovers that an attack of the hiccups can have the power - just possibly- to change your life...

Memories

The change is upon us now
Something deep inside
Hazy thoughts of yesterday
Dreams we cannot hide.

Like a wondrous, touching film
We see through colored glass
The lazy days of summer
The joy of summers past.

The first day of autumn
A castle on the sands
A monument to memories
To life held in our hands.

- Douglas A. Cox

Gods, Demons and Others

Here is R.K. Narayan's delightful selection of stories from India's vast treasure- house of myths and legends handed down through the ages. Drawing his stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other great Indian epics, Narayan tells the tales as they might be recounted by the wise village storyteller.
In the legends, where all things are possible, one thousand years seem only a second, and good ultimately triumphs over evil. The Devi, who is the personification of the highest beauty and energy, vanquishes the demon Manisha who has invaded the heavens: Manmata, the god of love, is burned up physically when he enrages the austere god Shiva. Yama, the god of death, is persuaded for the first time to relinquish a soul when the mourning but determined Savitri pleads for the return of her husband.
The spectacle of battle, the fascinating mystery of the supernatural, the passion, devotion and laughter of love, the quest of the spirit for eternity- such are the ingredients of the legends. And Narayan's retelling evokes them all with superb skill to provide the reader a treasury of enchanting myths which have for centuries painted the landscape of Indian life and mind.

The Mahabharata

The great Indian epic the Mahabharata is at least 3,500 years old. In its original in the Sanskrit language it runs to one hundred thousand stanzas in verse- by far the longest of the world's epics. Also, together with the Ramayana it embodies the very essence of Indian cultural and religious heritage, laying down values of individual life and society which have shaped the texture of Indian life.
The Mahabharata fairly bursts with an astonishing treasure of riches. At one level it is a great tale with a huge, truly memorable cast of vivid characters- men, noble and ignoble, warriors, saints, kings and women of beauty. Unbearable sacrifice, shining nobility, great courage and virtue, insatiable greed, satanic hatred and sinister intrigue are all part and parcel of the dynastic struggle between two branches of a family which culminates in a bloody eighteen- day war on the plain of Kurukshetra.
At another level, the tragic battle of Kurukshetra symbolises man's constant struggle to distinguish between right and wrong, of choosing correct action over misdeed- issues tackled in the Bhagvadgita which forms a part of this epic and which is perhaps the single most influential scripture of Indian philosophic thought and spiritual understanding.
R.K. Narayan's splendid retelling offers the modern reader a magnificent initiation into the Mahabharata. With the consumate skill of a great writer, he recreates the rythm and grandeur of this epic which has endured through the ages with stonishing vitality.

The Client

Here's another by John Grisham...
Eleven- year old Mark Sway and his younger brother were sharing a forbidden cigarette when a chance encounter with a suicidal lawyer left Mark knowing a bloody and explosive secret: the whereabouts of the most sought - after dead body of America.
Now mark is caught between a legal system gone mad and a mob killer desperate to cover up his crime. And his only alibi is a woman named Reggie Love, who has been a lawyer for the past four years.
Prosecutors are willing to break all the rulers to make Mark talk. The Mob will stop at nothing to keep him quiet. And Reggie will do anything to protect her client- even make a last, desperate gamble that could win Mark his freedom... or claim both their lives.

I was talking to a moth the other evening
He was trying to break into an electric light bulb
And fry himself on the wires
why do you fellows pull this stunt I asked him
Because it is conventional for moths
Or why if that had been an uncovered candle instead of an electric light bulb
You would now be a small unsightly cinder
Have you no sense
Plenty of it he answered
But at times we get tired of using it
We get bored with the routine
And crave beauty and excitement
Fire is beautiful
And we know that if we get too close it will kill us
But what does it matter
It is better to be happy for a moment
And be burned up with beauty
than to live a long time
And be bored all the while
So we wad all our life up into one little roll
And then we shoot the roll
That is what life is for
It is better to be a part of beauty for one instant
And then to cease to exist than to exist forever
And never be a part of beauty.

-Unknown

On the Death of Anne Bronte

There is little joy in life for me,

And little terror in the grave;

I’ve lived the parting hour to see

Of one I would have died to save.

Calmly to watch the failing breath,

Wishing each sigh might be the last;

Longing to see the shade of death

O’er those beloved features cast;

The cloud, the stillness that must part

The darling of my life from me;

And then to thank God from my heart,

To think Him well and fervently;

Although I knew that we had lost

The hope and glory of our life;

And now, benighted, tempest- tossed,

Must bear alone the weary strife.

- Charlotte Bronte