Om Shanti Om

Thanks to Umesh...Dawn and I go to see the latest Bollywood hit "Om Shanti Om"
Check out one of the best songs in the film...

Christmas 2007

The past two days have been full of food, presents and joy. I would have to say that Aidan took the spotlight. Santa was VERY good to him!
He is such a light in our lives...I feel lucky to be Auntie Di!

I am so very proud of this sweater that I knitted for Aidy. Unfortunately it's WAY TOO BIG for him, but soon he will fit in it.

I know he will be a hockey star some day....

Our Big Christmas dinner~ Lots of Great Italian specialties!

Santa brought me what I wanted for sure. All these wonderful people in my life~

Enjoying Christmas 2007

Yesterday Catalina, Karl, Lorenzo and Tomas hosted us for a Christmas party~
We had lots of tasty treats....yummie drinks and we enjoyed my new favorite game...the Wii!

I am so very thankful for these people in my life...as I reflect on the past year...each one of these guys has provide me with friendship, advice, humor and love.. they are truly the best presents anyone could ask for!
Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy Birthday Jen!

Aidan Pryznosch, originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Today is my sister's birthday~

I am so very lucky to have her as my sister~ She is a wonderful mother...she is caring and loving to so many people...She has dedicated her life to helping people with problems...and she does it with such love and compassion, it's inspirational!~
Most of all, she is always there for me, when I need a friend...and a loving sister.
Thanks Jen! Happy birthday!!!

Happy Eid To all my friends… Eid Mubarak

Happy Eid To all my friends… Eid Mubarak, originally uploaded by A B B.

Today is a holiday celebrated by many of my friends...it's Eid. Last year I was in Morocco for this holiday...an experience I will never forget thanks to my wonderful friends...and of course Ali and his family.

Thanks to Wikipedia, here is some background about the holiday:

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‘Īd al-’Aḍḥā) is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims and Druze worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate (Muslims in Iran celebrate a third, non-denominational eid ). Like Eid el-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khuṭba).

Many warm wishes my friend....

forget the gym, just get a Wii

Tennis Racket / Golf Club Replacement, originally uploaded by DodogoeSLR.

I had a BLAST the other night playing tennis in Ali's living room~ Thanks to John, Rachel's cool husband.
If you have not tried a Wii---try it, you will break a sweat and you might even feel like you went to the gym.

Craft day at Vive La Casa

Two weeks ago Dawn and I spent our Saturday with kids at Vive La Casa, a refugee house on the East side of Buffalo. It was such an enjoyable experience...we made Decoupage and provided lots of coloring books and crayons. The kids were from Tibet, Ethiopia, Burma, etc....but they all shared this love of creation....it was so enjoyable. If you are interested in joining us in the future, let me know.

My current insipration

IN LOVE WITH SUN, originally uploaded by nikaa.

"Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding."
Kahlil Gibran

I have been so enjoying Kahlil Gibran's work....I hope your day is pain free, but if it isn't relish in the fact that you are breaking free!

As promised, Aidan videos.....

This needs little commentary. He's such a light in my life, I am so very lucky.

Aidan's second birthday!

Aidan is turning two years old this week..I can't believe it! He's so adorable..and totally spoiled. He got so many books and toys....every second he would have this surprised look on his face---it was adorbale...stay tuned for some videos soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

funny turkey cake, originally uploaded by debbiedoescakes.

So today, I have so may things to be thankful for. First, I am thankful for my wonderful family---they love me for who I am, as I change, they accept me and provide unconditional love.

Second, I have the most wonderful friends! They are all so diverse, and enrich my life. Most importantly, they never judge me---they love me for who I am, all the great parts, and the parts I hope to change :)

Third, I am thankful for my opportunities...this year I have had the opportunity to finish my qualifying exam (YEAH!), meet many new friends, watch friends pursue their dreams, watch my nephew grow into this little talking boy!---as well as many other joyful additions.
Also, I am grateful even for the difficult times I have had this year, those hurdles have allowed me to grow and learn about myself, and to get in touch with my inner-being.

AND, I am grateful for YOU!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Really Good Tea

Really Good Tea, originally uploaded by Capt. Mouffette.

I have become a TEA drinker! Thanks to Dawn, I discovered the YOGI teas~
Each tea bag has a wonderful saying~

So each morning I relish in these sayings, trying my best to make it my day mantra.

Today's saying is, "Inspiring others toward happiness brings you happiness"

It's so true! I called a colleague at UB and I could hear happiness in her voice--- and I told her, what a pleasure to speak with you, you sound so happy. Because I said that, she said I made her day!

Pass it on...

Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali, originally uploaded by pavana.

This weekend is a BIG festival for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India, Nepal and other countries.

Also know as the festival of lights, lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. I think it's a beautiful holiday where we can all open our hearts and minds and let in light and love.

Here's some more info: Diwali in India is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness. This festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as 'Festival of Lights'. Fireworks are always associated with this festival. The day is celebrated with people lighting diyas, candles all around their house. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. Diwali gifts are exchanged among all near and dear ones.

Meditation begins

Meditation 2, originally uploaded by starscomeout7.

So last night my friend Gail and I started a meditation class! No, we were not at this location, although the beauty of meditation is---we can transport there if we want!

I am looking forward to this form of relaxation for increased clarity, peace and oneness with all.

If you are reading this, I hope you are having a stress free day as I intend to have~
Warm regards!

Hollween Fun

Well, gone are the days when Halloween meant crazy parties ....but "in" is all-day Halloween fun! It started at the ISSS, where we all dressed up and scared lots of international students~
Then off to see Aidan and his Elmo costume!

For me, the whole day was full of treats!

Create Peace

Create Peace, originally uploaded by Roger Lynn.

I think most of us in Academia type work feel very disconnected with how we can make a difference.
I have been really re-thinking why I am here, and what am I really doing to make a difference.

I know answers will come with time.

In the meantime, I realized that feeling inadequate isn't the answer--- someone very profound sent me this message, and I think it's food for thought:

"You long for peace. You think of peace as being goodwill toward each other, goodwill among nations, the laying down of arms. But peace is far more than this. It can only be understood and realized within your heart. It lies beneath the turmoil and noise and clamor of the world, beneath feeling, beneath thought. It is found in the deep, deep silence and stillness of the soul. It is Spirit: it is GOD." White Eagle

Healing

Thank you for sending me positive energy....your posts were comforting. Thanks to Catalina, Jen and Sofia for listening to me.

All of my problems (as I perceived them) are rested in FEAR. Of course on a theoretical level, I understand that FEAR isn't real. That all of my FEARS are illusions. I was so far into the dream of daily dramas, that I couldn't FEEL PEACE. All the signs were in front of me but I needed some help to heal.
The answer is inside ME!
All I needed to do was to stop thinking--
and just BE.

And that's what I did last night. I experienced Reiki!

If you are interested, contact Carolyn Musical (www.reikicare.com)--she is a wonderful soul.

This is how I feel today

Untitled-14, originally uploaded by gweedo.

I think the picture says it all. If you are reading this, please send me some positive energy.

The power of now

Lake Constance III, originally uploaded by aremac.

So, the past week I have been pretty stressed out, between school and other things invading my mind, I have allow thoughts to take over my mind and create FEAR...which is so destructive to the soul.

E. Tolle writes, "The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive. To put it more accurately, it is not so much that you use your mind wrongly - you usually don't use it at all. It uses you. This is the disease. You believe that you are your mind. This is the delusion. The instrument has taken you over."

So, the key is to see this as an illusion. Stop the pattern of over thinking..and be quiet...also, be aware....

This photo allows me to be still...maybe it helps you too?

Meeting Michael Moore!

Saturday I went to see Michael Moore, he was funny, thought provoking and inspiring. His arguments sometimes lack the complexity I would like to see, but he sparks a discussion, something that doesn't happen in the mainstream media.

Thanks to Rema and her friends, I got to go to the VIP after-party and actually talk to Mr. Moore! Check it out!

Sri Lanka, Batticaloa

Boats, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, July 2006, originally uploaded by RRCarroll.

Saji is in Sri Lanka. I am so proud of the work he's doing. It's called a Listening Project: as Saji explains "Do NO Harm which now all international humanitarian agencies are adopting and donor agencies are requiring. The listening project is not an evaluation, assessment or research study. It is an informal way of talking/listening w/ a multitude of stakeholders around the country to discuss their perceptions, thoughts, ideas, frustrations etc about international assistance in the country. There are 5 teams. I will lead the team to the conflict area"

He's int he conflict area now........and I am sending him lots of positive energy. I miss him a lot, but I so proud of him and the work he's doing.

My many Crafty Friends

My Friend Rima just started a blog about knitting and crocheting!
Check it out~

Hopefully soon you will see my many great creations there!

Did you ever hear a song, and suddenly be brought back to a film you love? That happened to me tonight-- hearing "Serenade"Written by Franz Schubert ---I am trying so hard to write a paper, listening to classical music (so I don't sing along) but bam, I still lose concentration as I remember one of my all time favorite movies, Deja Vu.
It's one of my all time favorites.....find it sometime, it is one you will want to watch again.

I think this line in the movie sums up what it's all about, " To cheat oneself out of love is the most terrible deception, it is an eternal loss for which there is no reparation, neither in time or eternity"

I got flowers today!!

I got flowers from Saji today! He is such a beautiful soul! He created this surprise as he was busy packing and getting ready to go home to Sri Lanka. He thought of this wonderful gift to leave with me to remind me of him!
I am so lucky! He is one of the most caring, considerate and loving people that have entered my life.
I can't wait for you to come HOME to Buffalo Saji!

Toronto fun...

This past weekend I spent in Toronto for work and for some fun. I dragged Sofia....who was such sweetheart to help me with my work...and she also introduced us to "little Portugal" in Toronto...the food made me smile. Of course we wished Saji could be with us to enjoy the yummie treats and compare them with Sofia's and Elsa's homemade delicatessens.

I also got to hang out with Kris' cousin and my friend, Caroline..
She is such a wonderful, bright light.....while she is just starting her career...she already has visions of creating a better world.
I always get such great energy from her....and she will always be my adopted cousin :)

The last summer weekend?

This past weekend might be our last summer-like weekend. However, it was fun....Saji came back to "little summer". We enjoyed some of Amherst's highlights....and even stopped off at the yarn story for some great deals!
And of course a weekend in Buffalo isn't the same without a nice dinner party---
Sofia made sure he felt welcome with some yummie Portuguese specialty "drunken chicken"....

Now---Saji is off for a month in Sri Lanka.....I will miss him!!! He has become my sunshine!

Catching up with good friends

Last night I got to catch up with some good friends...some that live in Buffalo and one special friend, An who calls Germany home. We miss her so much...and she is the main link between all of us....Her charisma, kindness and over-all fun nature have provided the backdrop for all of us to meet and enjoy great experiences with each other.
An is such a great person, and I miss her, but hopefully she will move back soon!

Fantastic weekend in DC

I had a wonderful weekend in DC visiting Saji...
He was such a perfect host, and I so enjoyed meeting his friends, colleagues and house mates.
I can't wait to see more of the city through his eyes...
I miss him and the city already!

Fairwell dinner for Angela.....

Last night Ali made a feast for Angela's good-bye dinner....one of many events to say good-bye to one of our cherished friends. Angela is such a beautiful soul, and she will be missed here for sure. However, I know we will meet again many times---I wish her the best---and I know she will be a success with whatever she takes on~

The meaning behind the ring

Claddagh, originally uploaded by Lonely Angel CP.

This past weekend someone asked me the story about the Claddagh ring...and i couldn't remember the whole thing. So, like any good web 2.0 user...I gotta blog about it.

Here's how the story goes...

The story of the Claddagh is based in rich Irish culture. It begins about five centuries ago in the fishing village of Claddagh, just outside the city of Galway.

Men of the village, much as they do today, would go out to the sea, each day, to fish for food for their families and other villagers. The sea presented many dangers. On some days the sea was high and on others the current was strong. The greatest risk, however, was that there were pirates.

On one such day, the story goes, a young man was fishing at sea with other men from his family. Suddenly, from their small boat, they spied a Spanish pirate ship. That sight, the men were certain sealed their fate. The pirates captured the men from Claddagh and brought them to the far off North Coast of Africa. It was there that they were sold into slavery for what they were sure would be the rest of their lives.

Richard, the youngest of those captured, was the most distraught. All men had left loved ones behind, but Richard had just met his true love and now feared that he would not live to see her again. Years passed and several of the men died. Others accepted their fate. Richard worked as a slave, but continued to long for a return to his village and to his beloved. To keep his spirits up and to keep hope in his heart, each day Richard stole a tiny speck of gold from his slave masters in the goldsmith shop where he tended the fires. Years passed and, with his tiny pieces of gold, he was finally able to fashion a ring. It was his hope that, despite what seemed nearly impossible, he would return to his village and present the ring to his true love. No one really knows if Richard escaped or earned his release from slavery, but in either event, the day finally came when Richard could begin the long trip back to his village in Ireland . . . to his home.

At his journey's end, Richard was overcome with joy when he learned that his beloved had remained true to him in his long absence, waiting faithfully for him to return. It was on that day that Richard gave his beloved the ring he created that is now known worldwide as the Claddagh Ring. The Claddagh design appears not only in rings, but in other types of jewelry as well. The heart in the design symbolizes the love Richard longed to share with his true love. The crown symbolizes his undying loyalty and the hands symbolize friendship, which is, after all, the very foundation of love, with loyalty holding the two hands together.

The Color of Thoughts

The Color of Thoughts, originally uploaded by Howks.

The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principals and can bear the full light of day. The content of your character is only by your choice. Day by day what you do, what you think and what you choose is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny. It is the light that guides your way.
- Heraclitis

Mike sent this to me on Monday...the craziest day of my week....and I am working hard to remember this as I greet 1,000 new international students to UB!
A time of new beginnings... it's exciting!

Bright new beginnings....

This past weekend I was so lucky to host my friend Saji and introduce him to Buffalo!
We had such a wonderful time together...and I am sure it's the beginning of many more wonderful experiences. I am glad the universe gave me the gift of this person in my life.
He works each day to create a peaceful world.........it's inspiring!

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Olympics Party, originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Today is Rachel's Birthday....and there are so many reasons why I am so happy she is my friend.......I guess it's good to list them so everyone knows....

1. She's super smart!
2. She's oh so crafty
3. She's a great listener, advice giver and all-round great shoulder to cry on
4. She shows love to all her friends....
5. She is and will make the world a better place!

love

love, originally uploaded by blue_twinkle_star_0601.

Mike got me into this writer...Eckhart Tolle--- in his book, "The power of now" he writes about love...in our time. His response is beautiful...and one I hope to remember each day.

Question: A powerful word: Love. Which is the role of love in existence?


Answer: Love comes into existence when you know who you are in your essence and then recognize the “other” as yourself. It is the end of the delusion of separation, which is created by excessive reliance on thinking.

"the book" is found!

PhD is dead!, originally uploaded by lobeless.

So, this is what my desk looks like....books, books and more books.
But, yesterday a little angel (Rachel and the Inter-library Loan service) brought me the PERFECT book for my dissertation topic.

Universities and Globalization: To market, To market

This book examines the operations of power and knowledge in international education--- exactly what I am interested in. And it's written by a thoughtful, insightful scholar named Ravinder Sidhu.

I was so excited....it was such a wonderful gift and I feel revived to continue with pursuing this crazy PhD~

Sunday pesto making

Basil, originally uploaded by allenw56.

Yesterday I made some yummmmmmie pesto using the fresh basil from my window box. I enjoyed the break from working on my Qualifying exam....

I was just smiling thinking about sharing this great batch as I was listening to Carlos Vives and enjoying sounds of my imaginary Island life inside "little summer."

While Carlos' is from Columbia, his music makes me feel like I am enjoying life on a breezy, carefree Island...
Enjoy his music for yourself!

Positive Energy

Poi Circles, originally uploaded by hendriko.

Whenever you think you 'can't' do something, or you think 'you' can't make a difference--just feeling down about life and any possibility to create change----

Remember that we are all millions of energy particles--- and that energy, positive or negative--- can be transformed from one form to another, but it is never created or destroyed.

Somewhere within this idea, we can argue that we are all connected for the mere fact that we transfer this energy to each other. So what we do for another, will ultimately help us.

So, as I finish off the week I think....how can I work with my own energy to make others feel as happy and good as I feel today?

Highlights of Toronto Jazz Fest..

Last Sunday we celebrated Mike's birthday in TO, enjoying Jazz and many other types of music....it was packed with people...missing some that couldn't join us but they were in our hearts...
:)

Happy Birthday Mikie!

Yesterday was Mikie's birthday~

He is such a wonderful soul....a Peaceful person who lives his philosophy and teaches all that interacts with him how to love, how to be creative and how to live life with a purpose....

I so admire him....and love him. I am so lucky to be his aunt, friend and roomie.
I love you Mikie~

Workout, Indian Style

Check this out guys!

Hope the BAC gets this real soon!

pandora radio

pandora, originally uploaded by denisparis.

Hey guys,

If you like to listen to the radio at work...and you hate that annoying song over and over again, check out Pandora Radio...it's free and you can create stations based upon the music you like...and flip to the next song whenever you want!

www.pandora.com

launch it! :)

Falling in love....with my summer book

I'm Smart, Damn It!, originally uploaded by tjdee.

Gabriel García Márquez is a Nobel Prize winning Colombian author--- and is now one of my favorite author's as well.

If you haven't had a chance to pick up one of his books...please do, I am now reading "One hundred years of Solitude"
The book is considered García Márquez's masterpiece, ---it's a wonderful tale that is a metaphor of the history of Colombia or Latin America.The novel chronicles a family's struggle, and the history of their fictional town---this story has me falling in love with the town, it's characters and their lives.

The magical aspects of this book reminds me of the beauty of another wonderful Latin writer.... Guillermo del Toro who wrote and directed "Pan's Labyrinth".......

So get a nice coffee and a sunny Sunday and enjoy this book with me~