The Sweet Swing..

How beautiful the childhood! The adolescence!

The delightful age, unknowingly dissolves in us;

Soft, a tender leaf, swayed by the pats,

The embraces, of wandering gentle breeze!!

How stainless the early years! The adolescence!

Friendships, little little water channels!

Flowing ripples, regardless richness,

Poverty, caste, creed, religious thorns!!

How curious the early days! The adolescence!

Hide and seek, hard work, laziness!!

Assessments, little little footsteps,

Success or failure, life’s ladders!!

How mesmerizing the teens!! The adolescence!!

The beads and buds of love, peep in heart’s twigs!!

May bloom, may wither, still, memories,

Sleep in saffron case, in eternal caskets!!

How sweet the salad days!! The adolescence!!

As a drizzle of honey left to dissolve in tongues!!

Is it a drop, the enchanting nectar?

In drooping branchlets, in dense deodar??

How fragrant the spring-time!! The adolescence!!

It smells the valleys where the May time blossoms!!

Flourished with flowers, lustrous even faded,

Creepers fill loveliness, as in sky, rainbows painted!!

How glittering the greenness! The adolescence!

As thousand orions lighted in high space!

Can’t you see, the glistening milky ways?

The glaze of fully filled ghee lamps…

Concealingly passed us the vineyard,

Invisibly shined adolescence in each ward,

Mysteriously, the rhythm of age, the sweet swing,

The fragrance of virtue, showered delightful spring!!

Realizing only now, ripening the leaves soon…

Let me go again, before falling down….

Oh my adolescence! The vase where honey refills and refills!

In the unblemished pathways, with golden spikes!!

മധുര  ഊഞ്ഞാൽ 


ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങളെത്രയോ സൗമ്യസുന്ദരം !
നാമറിഞ്ഞിടാതെ നമ്മിലലിയും മൃദുലകാലം !
തഴുകിത്തലോടിയരികെയലയുന്നൊരിളം-
കാറ്റിലിളകും തളിരിലപോലതുല്യം ,തരളം ......

ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങളെത്രയോ നിത്യനിർമ്മലം !
ചെറുനീർച്ചാലുകൾപോൽ തരംഗമായ് സൗഹൃദങ്ങൾ !
വലിപ്പമൊ ചെറുപ്പമൊ ജാതി മത മുൾമുനകളൊ,
നിറമോയില്ലാതലസമൊഴുകും കുഞ്ഞോളങ്ങൾ !!

ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങൾക്കെത്രയോ ആരവം ,കൗതുകം !!
കളിചിരികൾ ,കുസൃതികൾ ,പഠനവുമുഴപ്പും ,പരീക്ഷകൾ- 
രണാങ്കണം, കുരുക്ഷേത്രമല്ലിതു ,ചെറുകല്പടവുകൾ......
വിജയവും തോൽവിയുമനുപമ ജീവിത പാഠങ്ങൾ !!

ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങളെത്രയോ ലോലം, മാസ്മരം !!
മനസ്സാം തളിർചില്ലയിൽ പ്രണയത്തിൻ മൊട്ടുകൾ ....
വിടരാം,അടരാം, എങ്കിലുമോർമ്മതൻ നറുമണം 
ഒരു കുങ്കുമച്ചെപ്പിലുറങ്ങിടും ശലഭം,ശാശ്വതം !!!

ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങളെത്രയോ പവിത്രം, മധുരം !
നാവിലലിഞ്ഞുതീരാത്ത മധുസൂനമകരന്ദം !!
നിത്യമധുരം ചൊരിയുമമൃതിൻ  മൃദുകണം !!!
ദേവദാരുക്കൾ തിങ്ങും മരതകപൂഞ്ചോല കുസുമം !!

ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങൾക്കെത്രയോ നൽസുഗന്ധം !
വസന്തം പൂത്തുലയും താഴ്വരതന്നാമോദഗന്ധം !!
വാടിയാലും വാടാത്ത പൂക്കളാൽ സുകൃതം,സമൃദ്ധം ,
ഇലവള്ളി നിറയുന്നോരഴകിൽ മഴവില്ലേഴു വർണം !!

ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങൾക്കെത്രയോ പൊൻതിളക്കം !
മാനത്തൊരായിരം ദ്യുതിയായ് നക്ഷത്ര പൂത്തിരിയൊ ?
താരാപഥങ്ങളിലശ്വമായംശുമാൻ ,ശോണമാം 
ജ്വാലാമുഖം വിരിയും നിറ തിരി നെയ് വിളക്കൊ ??

നാമറിയാതെ നമ്മെക്കടന്നുപോയ്  നിറമലർ പൂന്തോട്ടം,
നാമറിയാതെ നമ്മിൽ പ്രകാശമായ്, പ്രഭയായ് കൗമാരം ,
നാമറിയാതെ കാലമാമൂഞ്ഞാലിന്നീണമായ്, തെന്നലായ്,
നന്മതൻ പൂമണം നമ്മിൽ തേൻ തിരുമധുരമായ് !!

നാമതറിയുന്നതിന്നുമാത്രം ! കാണുക! ഇലകൾ പഴുക്കാറായ് !!
ഞെട്ടറ്റുവീഴുന്നതിൻമുൻപേ,അശ്രുവായ് പോകട്ടെ ഞാൻ വീണ്ടും,
പിന്നെയും പിന്നെയും മധുനിറയും എൻ ബാല്യമേ !!
നിൻനിർമല വീഥിയിൽ, നിഴലായ്, നിറകതിർക്കുലയുമായ് !!!

Munnar Hill Station.

Munnar in the Chill.

 In the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar is situated at nearly 1,600 meters above sea level. The air turns crisp and misty even in the middle of the day is a fantastic experience.

The name  Munnar comes from the Malayalam word for "three rivers,"the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala streams meet.  

The tea gardens attract you first of all.Rolling hills on lush greenery covered in neatly clipped green rows stretch out in every direction. 

Munnar is the home to more than 50 tea gardens and estates,  and walking through them feels like stepping into a living postcard.

It was a pleasant experience when we were there;

 the smell of the leaves were in the atmosphere,

the cold morning air gave us a fresh  beginning.

We Explored Tea gardens and tea museum ,the Tata Tea Museum offers a close look at how tea is processed, along with tastings at the estate. 

Mattupetty Dam  is a quiet spot surrounded by hills, good for a short boat ride.The cool water in the dam cherish our happiness and joy.

Echo Point is  a scenic viewpoint known for its natural echo, where shouting across the valley actually gets you an answer back. A person is there to take our family pictures in the background of nature.

  

Eravikulam National Park  is  home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr, with trails winding through grassland and forest. A good view of Munnar hill ranges can be seen from the highest points of the park.

Summer (March–June) brings the most pleasant weather, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C

 ideal for sightseeing. Cool Breeze welcomes you to the immeasurable depth of natural beauty.

 Winter (December–February) turns colder, around 5°C to 15°C, with mist rolling over the hills.It appears like white pearls among green hillocks.

  

Gram Flour Laddu

Gram Flour Laddu

Gram Flour                           - ½ kg

Sugar                                      - 1 kg

Water                                     - ½ cup

Cardamom Powder             - ½ teaspoon

Nuts, Raisin                          - 100gm

Oil                                            - ½ cup

Food colour- green               - ¼ teaspoon

Add a little water to sugar, boil it to make a syrup.

Add some water to gram flour and make it a loose paste. Mix colour.

Heat oil. Pour the gram flour mixture to it through a sieve.

Within 3-5 minutes it will become small balls, then take it and put in sugar syrup.

Allow to natural cooling. Make balls of laddu, roll in sugar, garnish with cherries.

Chocolate Drizzle Cake.

                                                                 

Chocolate  Cake

Ingredients

Egg                                   - 4

Powdered Sugar            - 1 cup (200 gm)

Maida                              -1 cup (200 gm)

Chocolate Powder         - 3 Table spoons

Baking Powder               - 1 Teaspoon

Baking Soda                    -1/4 Teaspoon

Vanilla essence               - 1 Teaspoon

Sugar Syrup                     - ½ cup

Whipping cream             - 500 ml.

Chocolate bar                   - 100 gm.

Cherry                                - 100 gm.

 Cake: Beat egg. Add powdered sugar and beat well. Mix maida, chocolate powder, baking powder and baking soda, sieve well. Add this with egg-sugar mix. Beat and mix well. Add vanilla essence, mix well. Bake this batter in an oven pre-heated in 175 degrees C,  about 30-40 minutes.

Allow the cake to cool. Slice it into two or three layers.

Icing mixture: Beat whipping cream to make it thick. Add 5-6 table spoons powdered sugar to this and beat again. Refrigerate it for two hours.

Take one layer of cake, fix it on a stand with some icing mixture.  Apply some sugar syrup on the first layer, apply icing mixture and spread cherry pieces. Repeat the process. Cover the whole layers with icing. Grate chocolate bar. Spread the pieces on the sides and top. Garnish with cherries. Allow to cool in refrigerator for two hours.

Niagara Falls..

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders, located on the border between Canada and the United States. 

It consists of three waterfalls-Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

 The powerful flow of water creates a spectacular sight, especially when viewed from the surrounding parks and observation areas. 

The falls attract millions of visitors who come to enjoy the scenery, boat rides, walking trails, and breathtaking views.

 Niagara Falls is a beautiful reminder of the immense power and beauty of nature.

Shankumugham Beach - Thiruvananthapuram.

Shankumukham Beach is a beautiful seaside destination in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, known for its golden sands, refreshing sea breeze, and peaceful atmosphere. 

Located close to Thiruvananthapuram city and the international airport, the beach is a popular place to enjoy the sunset and spend relaxing moments by the Arabian Sea. 

The long shoreline and wide open sky make it an attractive spot for photography, evening walks, and enjoying the natural beauty of Kerala’s coast.

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach, on India's Malabar coast in Kerala, is known for its long stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. 

A pier built in the 19th century juts into the water and remains a popular spot for watching the sunset, one of the beach's biggest draws. 

In the evenings, locals and visitors gather to stroll the promenade, enjoy roasted peanuts and local street snacks, and watch fishing boats return with the day's catch. 

The beach also sits close to the historic town center, making it easy to combine a relaxed evening by the sea with exploring Kozhikode's old bazaars and colonial-era buildings.

Masala Bread Fry & Tomato Sauce.

Home made  sauce : Take 5 cups of sliced tomatoes, 1 piece cinnamon, 2 cloves,4 garlic, 5 pepper grains,some water & put in a pressure cooker. Heat,wait for 3 whistles.Remove cinnamon,cloves, pepper & garlic.Mix tomato well & add half cup sugar,1/4 spoon Kashmiri chilli powder & salt.Heat,stir well  for 15 minutes to make sauce.

Masala Bread Fry.Mix half cup gram flour,one spoon maida,half spoon chilly powder,one spoon garam masala & a pinch salt,make a paste & keep aside for 15 minutes.Slice bread into pieces,dip in this paste & fry.Serve with sauce.

Fort Kochi Beach.

Fort Kochi Beach lies on the southwestern tip of Kochi in Kerala, where the Arabian Sea meets a coastline steeped in colonial history.

 Its most iconic feature is the row of Chinese fishing nets, cantilevered contraptions believed to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan centuries ago, still operated by hand today. 

Unlike a typical swimming beach, it's more a place to wander- browsing nearby art galleries, sampling fresh seafood from stalls along the shore, and watching the sunset silhouette the fishing nets. 

The surrounding neighborhood, with its Portuguese, Dutch, and British-era buildings, churches, and narrow lanes, makes Fort Kochi feel like an open-air museum as much as a beach destination.

The Promise of the LORD.

"From the time I brought my people out of Egypt until now, I did not choose any city in the land of Israel as the place to build a temple where I would be worshipped, and I did not choose any one to lead my people Israel. But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place where I will be worshipped, and you, David, to rule my people."

2 CHRONICLES 6 : 5-6

These verses highlight God's sovereign choice:

God chose Jerusalem as the place where His name would dwell.

God chose David to lead Israel.

God reminds Israel that the Temple was not merely a human idea - it was connected with His purpose and covenant.

Solomon recognized that David had a special role in God's plan, even though Solomon himself was the one who built the Temple.

There is also an important theological point: God says, “I chose Jerusalem” and “I have chosen David.” 

This emphasizes that God's purposes often unfold through different generations -

David prepared the way, and Solomon carried out the work.

 You may also be a chosen one. God may have a plan for you.God's purposes are different. Wait for the Almighty's call. It may be a blessing.

King David to Solomon.

"Be confident and determined. Start the work and don't let  anything stop you.The LORD God, whom I serve, will be with you.He will not abandon you, but he will stay with you until you finish the work to be done on his Temple."

1 CHRONICLES  28 :20.

King David was encouraging his son Solomon as Solomon prepared to build the Temple of the Lord.

 David told him not to be afraid or discouraged, because God would be with him, help him, and remain faithful until the work was completed.

The verse gives a powerful principle for our lives:

Be strong - don't allow difficulties to weaken your faith.

Be courageous - step forward even when the task seems difficult.

Do the work - faith should be accompanied by action.

Do not be afraid or discouraged - obstacles do not mean that God has abandoned you.

God is with you - His presence is the greatest source of strength.

He will not fail or forsake you -God remains faithful through the whole journey, not merely at the beginning.

When God gives you a work to do, He does not merely ask you to begin it; He promises His presence and faithfulness as you continue toward its completion.

The Power of the LORD.

"The power of the LORD came on  Elisha, and he said, "This is what The LORD says: "Dig ditches all over this dry stream bed. Even though you will not see any rain or wind, this stream bed will be filled with water,and you,your cattle,and your pack-animals will have plenty to drink."

2 KINGS  3: 16-17

This happened when the armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom were facing a serious shortage of water. 

They had gone into the wilderness and had no water for themselves or their animals.

Through the prophet Elisha, God gave an unexpected promise: water would come even though there would be no visible sign of rain or wind.

There is a wonderful lesson here:

God can provide where there seems to be no provision.

His work does not always require visible evidence beforehand.

What looks like a dry valley can become a place of abundance.

Faith means trusting God's word even before we see the answer.

Verse 18 adds something important: “This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD.” What seemed impossible to the people was not difficult for God.

For our lives: 

Sometimes we look at a situation and see only a dry valley. God may already be preparing the provision, even when there is no wind, no rain, and no visible indication of change. 

We can continue to trust Him and faithfully do what He asks.

Give Me The Wisdom I Need.

"Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly,instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies,I will do what you have asked.I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again.

All your life you will have wealth and honour,more than that of any other king.

And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands,I will give you a long life."

Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream.

1 KINGS 3 : 11 - 1

God’s Answer to Solomon.

These verses describe God's response to Solomon's prayer. 

Solomon had not asked for long life, riches, or victory over his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart to govern God's people rightly.

God was pleased with his request and said, in essence:

Because you asked for wisdom, rather than selfish things, God would give him extraordinary wisdom and discernment.

He would also give Solomon what he had not asked for—riches and honour.

If Solomon walked faithfully with God, God promised to lengthen his days.

This passage shows the principle of putting God's purposes before personal desires.

Solomon asked for something that would help him serve others well, and God blessed him beyond what he requested.

It reminds us:

When our greatest desire is to honour God and faithfully fulfil the responsibility He has given us, we can trust Him with the things we need.

There is also a condition in verse 14: God's blessings were connected with Solomon's continued faithfulness and obedience. 

Wisdom itself was not enough; Solomon needed to walk in God's ways.

Prayer.

“Lord, give me an understanding heart, so that I may make wise decisions, serve others faithfully, and walk in Your ways. Help me to value what pleases You above worldly success.”

View from Malayattoor Hills.

Malayattoor Hills

Malayattoor Hills, located in Ernakulam district of Kerala, is a beautiful destination known for its lush green landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and spiritual significance. 

The hills are especially famous for the historic Malayattoor Church, situated on the hilltop and traditionally associated with St. Thomas the Apostle. 

Visitors climb the hill to reach the church while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding forests, valleys, and the Periyar River. 

The combination of natural beauty, devotion, and tranquillity makes Malayattoor Hills a special place to visit in Kerala.

The view from the hilltop takes in dense green forest sloping down toward the winding Periyar, with the surrounding countryside of small settlements and plantations spreading out below. 

The hill is part of the Western Ghats foothills, so the air stays cool and misty, especially in the early morning and during monsoon season, when clouds often drift below the summit itself. 

It's a popular pilgrimage and picnic destination, particularly around the annual feast in March, when large numbers of visitors climb the hill for the panorama as much as for the church.

   

From the summit, near St. Thomas Church, the land drops away into a sweeping carpet of forest and plantation greenery, with the Periyar River tracing a silver curve through the landscape below. 

On a clear day you can pick out scattered villages, patches of rubber and spice plantations, and the layered hills of the Western Ghats fading into the horizon. 

Mist often clings to the lower slopes in the early morning, giving the whole scene a soft, floating quality that burns off by mid-morning.

Best time to go.

Early morning: cooler temperatures, softer light, and mist in the valleys.

Monsoon season (June - September): lush, intensely green, though trails can be slippery.

March: the annual feast at St. Thomas Church draws large crowds - atmospheric, but expect company at the viewpoint.

Practical tips.

Wear proper walking shoes; parts of the ascent are steep and uneven.

Carry water, especially outside monsoon months.

Go early to beat both the heat and the crowds.

Combine the visit with a stop at the church itself, which has its own historical draw tied to the St. Thomas legend.

 

Himachal - The middle Himalayas.

The middle Himalaya, where Himachal Pradesh rises, is a land of layered altitude.

 In its lower valleys, terraced fields of wheat and maize climb the slopes, and rivers like the Beas and Sutlej cut deep, green gorges through the hills. 

Higher up, deodar and pine forests give way to alpine meadows, where shepherds graze their flocks through the short summer. 

Snow-capped peaks close the horizon in every direction, and the air itself changes with the climb  - warm and humid in the foothills, cool and thin near the passes.

This is a region of quiet transitions: apple orchards blossoming in Kullu and Shimla's old colonial charm below, ancient temples and monasteries tucked into remote valleys like Spiti and Lahaul above. 

Himachal doesn't overwhelm with scale the way the high Himalaya does further north - instead, it offers a gentler, more intimate relationship with the mountains, one built on centuries of villages, trade routes, and pilgrim paths winding through its folds.