Great Expectations

In my childhood days, i had seen a lot of smiles getting exchanged over the figure 101.
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A hundred rupee note clubbed with a 1 rupee coin, wrapped in a beautiful envelope with Lord Ganesh in the background, was considered a perfect gift item during weddings, birth ceremonies, anniversaries, visit at grandparents' place!!

Last Sunday, i happened to come across one of my childhood favorite novel, "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, compiled in easy language by S.E. Paces.

Guess, what used to be the price of the book say 1.5 decades back ..INR 6..) I've always believed this to be the Dicken's best creations.. I liked the way he invented so many characters especially the terrifying and later benevolent convict, how Pip was initially attracted to flamboyant characters, how his deprived childhood made him feel thirsty for love & care from the surroundings..

When i used to read these short stories, i had absolutely no idea that in times to come writing would be one of my favorite pastimes..Today, when i heartily post my 101 post on my blog, i find no words to thank my dear blogging friends for their immense love and support..I used to be a weak student in Geography..( i was better in History..) but my stat counter tool has helped me remember the flags of so many countries, which make me proudly feel that i value this passion of mine quite a lot!!

http://my6.statcounter.com/project/standard/pageload.php?project_id=2292906

Because of my father's transferable job, i have been through many a schools, mainly DAVs who teach their kids not to believe in idol worship..Contrastingly, i've been born in a very religious family, infact we've a mini temple in our home..In my childhood days, i had a tough time understanding what to follow, the realization that God is one and puerile devotion towards any is the key came quite late to me!!

Today i am such an ardent devotee of Lordess Saraswati, that almost everything i do from reciting a prayer before driving to praying before publishing a post i recite a shloka, the English translation of the same i've given below:

"May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops; who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus; who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me. May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."

In this blogging journey of mine, i faced many a stumbling blocks, i dreamt big & beautiful, i screamed out lot when things dint work well, love & hatred co-existed in my mind, i smiled, i cried, i thought that i moved up and then again moved down, i loved this world...

I re-gained my confidence, i rolled down the ravine, i walked, i learnt how to walk better till i died.. i re-collected my breath..walked some steps further until i again died.....this went on until i realized that the real way of dealing with life is to live its every moment..come what may!!

After the realization, i prayed, i tired my best but still filled myself with emotions of envy and pride, i cursed myself for feeling jealous of people in a position better than mine..

I tried to copy the way of life from everyone who passed by my side, until i realized that everyone is born to be unique, i can never be comfortable in any other's shoes,..for only i can design what my mind likes..!

For life is not what we think of it,
Life is what we make it gradually..!