Year: 2011

101 changes: Change 11 – Bring Out The Artist In You

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Creative Paint Brushes

I am writing a series of 101 small changes that we can make to make the quality of our life better and build and lead a more happier life that is in tune with our heart and mind. These are small changes that I have made and am working on right now, so I know they are possible for anyone to do.

If you have not read previous posts, check out a few posts on the changes from the past:

101 changes: Change 1- Reduce Drinking Soda

101 changes: Change 2: Getting to email Zen

101 changes: Change 3: Slow down- Slow blogging movement

101 changes: Change 4 – Plant something

101 changes: Change 5 – Smile when you wake up

101 changes: Change 6:: Read a book – Benefits of reading

101 changes: Change 7 – Watch less Television and Be more productive

101 changes: Change 8 – Stretch your comfort zone

101 changes: Change 9:  Drink to your health- Benefits of Drinking Tea

__________________________________________________________________________________________

There is little artist in ALL of us, yes you too. Even if you think you simply can not draw, or write or tell poems, stories, tall tales or any other type of artist ability, think again as we all can be creative artist in our own ways! Let me show you how.

So what is Artistic Ability?

Artistic ability to think and work creatively, that means, create something new out of ordinary. It simply could mean, drawing what you feel, writing or telling something you feel passionate about, something you abhor about. It could mean using something in unexpected way, such as broken chair in to plant stand, making new recipe from leftover and so on.

Not only I think that way but many experts also seems to feel that all of us some type of artistic ability in us, we just need to encourage it and see it in us, believe in it.

What is considered Art?

When thinking of art, many people think of Paintings and famous artist such as Van Gogh and Picasso. While painting is certainly art, but it is not ONLY art in life. Here are some other talent that may fall under “art” or “artistic ability”.

  • Painting
  • Sketching
  • Writing short stories, novels (fiction and non fiction)
  • Poetry
  • Music (playing, listening)
  • Telling stories, making speech (we all do that!)
  • Cooking, creating minor adjustment with ingredients to creating to new recipes
  • Photography
  • Landscaping ideas
  • Being frugal can be creative hence artistic (saving money sure takes creativity)
  • Making Money (also creativity certainly helps)
  • Making crafts design such as jewelry, pottery, clay, sand design and so on
  • Reading can be creative as well as it gives us new thoughts

As one can see being creative and being artist goes hand in hand. It is not only that we all do that, it also helps us cope with life’s up and down!

Creative Artistic are Born or Made?

Now many may ponder are we born creative or artistic or that is something we learn over our life time. Is that something you just do, or is it spiritual part of journey? If your parents were artistic does that mean, you will have higher chance of being artistic or creative?

While I am not sure about hereditary or spiritual part, I do know one thing for sure, all of us are born with creative ability or artistic ability in us. Some of us practiced it well and know how to use it, for rest of us, we need to tap and bring out the artistic side hidden behind our daily and busy persona.

Some people’s profession demands creativity and artistic expression such as musician for example, however if you are an accountant with desk job or busy housewife like myself, we can still use and believe in our artistic ability in our life.

How do you See Yourself?

We all human beings (and also other living beings) are mixture of our experience from childhood, friendship, books we have read, movies we have seen, music we listen to and people we see and hang out with. All these experience creates memories in our brain. Our brain’s memories and our perception of make us who we are; sometimes we have memories and experience of being creative, sometimes, one or both of parents, teacher have shown us that we have artistic side to us hence we tend to think “I am creative” or “I am artistic”. If our experience are different then we may think of ourselves to “I am not creative type” or “I can not do art”. But you see that is not who we might be as all of us some creative side inside us, if our parents, teacher, or friend’s memories did not show it, let’s show it our brain or mind that we are; because I am telling you that you are creative!

How to Increase your creative side or artistic ability?

So, how do we cultivate or bring about increasing our creativity or artistic ability? I consider these few tips will help bring out our hidden creative and artistic side out in open; Try it and let me know if it works for you or if you want to add suggestion of yours.

Simple Tips to Be Creative:

1. Listen to your Heart:

Oftentimes, we are bombarded with expert suggestions from Media such as Television, Radio, News Paper, Magazines and Advertisement. You may listen to expert advises, celebrity idols, friend or family’s opinions, but listen to your own gut feeling and go with what you feel is right. True friends and family will love you even when you do not choose what they said. Media and celebrities will not care, as they do not know us personally. Follow your heart or gut feelings.

2. Limit Choices:

In preschool and kindergarten, when kids were given more than 2 choices of snacks, they felt confused and unable to make choice easily. Same thing happens to us adults too, so limit the choice to choose from to minimum of 2 or most at 3. If you have many choices, cut down to 2 or 3 semi final choices to choose from.

3. Have routine but not schedule.

Having familiar routine to follow is re-assuring for kids and adults alike. For example, when I do not follow routine of writing on blog, it falls apart. Having schedule posts is sure ways to kill creativity, as it can not be forced.

Have routine and spontaneity in life no matter what you do, be it cooking, creating art, or music but do not have rigid schedule to kill your enthusiasm. Being creative works when we feel free and freedom to choose!

4. Do Not be Perfectionist

I know this very well, as I used to be one! my 6 year old is going through this, as he is taking piano class, he gets very upset when he does not play perfectly, even though he has learned the new song just 5 minutes ago! We are working on it. Being perfect kills creativity as goal of creativity is never to be perfect but to create something new out of ordinary. As I mentioned earlier, creativity works best when we are feeling free, and being perfect is not freeing!.

Just try to do your best, give your energy 100% to task which may or may not perfect, but it will be creative.

5. Forget Trends and Follow your passion:

Trends and fads are temporary! They maybe popular today and gone next day! When we try to follow other people’s success story, it simply does not work. When I left my six figure income to be home, it certainly was not popular in my friends and family and even I doubted my own heart occasionally thinking am I wrong? I might be bit poor compared to my working and making money from blog friends but I am certainly following my heart, if not my passion. This goes back to tip #1 that listen to our own gut feeling.

You can be artistic in making wood furniture or renovating old furniture, one does not need to be Picasso to be creative or an artist.

6. Create your future, forget past

Many of us get lost in past, including myself. It may sound silly, but we let our past dictate our future. For example, I have not published any fiction since being rejected from publisher when I was teen. I have since then published a few non fiction in magazine and books but my fictions I am scared to share. I am blocking my own creativity and working on changing that. If you also want to bring out creativity, forget past, create new you based on what you feel today.

7. Practice artistic creativity:

If you think you are not artistic or want to improve your artistic ability, practice. Practice makes things better. Sometimes having support from family member, friend, teacher or co-worker can boost us further in creativity, in addition to those support, we can also practice and support our own brain memories to help us realize our own creativity. Here are a few simple ways to practice being artistic;

  1. Get inspired, see people and things around you in new ways.
  2. Visit art museum, look at the painting, sculpture. Tell a tale about painting to a friend who was not there, write down short paragraph on the art itself, or draw something based on what you saw.
  3. Write a letter (not an email) to a friend or uncle who lives far away. Tell them what you have been upto and what are you working on.
  4. Look at people, kids and imagine funny joke or story based on what you saw. Find humor, irony or heart touching thoughts from those moments.
  5. Think of dreaded question of “what is for dinner?” by thinking of creating something out of leftover or decide where to go to eat by thinking creatively.
  6. Write down or think about questions that can not be answered in “yes” or “no”, by asking open ended and thought provoking question to yourself such as: “what do I like to do when I am free”, “what is my passion”, “what was best moment in my life?” and so on to increase creative thinking process.
  7. Combine ideas, when you and other person have different thoughts you can sometimes combine thoughts or ideas to not only compromise but also create totally new solution that may work for both of you.
  8. Write daily journal. It does not have be fancy, or only for your eyes. Writing your thoughts down will help you formulate your own thoughts. Create little stories to share your day and read them later just to see how far you may have come along since early days.
  9. Look at clouds, trees and your own doodle when you were bored to find shapes, and images just for fun!
  10. When unable to make a choice, think out of box to see how many other ways solution or resolution can be made? how many will work in reality?
  11. Be around people who you think are creative, artistic and positive influence. If you can not find such people, you can read about creative people in books, biographies to learn from them.
  12. Believe in yourself. Our mind is very powerful, it will manifest future you think, so think positive.

All of us have creative side, by believing in ourselves and listening to our own heart, all of us can be an artist and creative genius in our own way, without being famous! So go today and explore your artistic side!

Zengirl

Image source: freelance folder.com

8 Kids Books That Everyone Should Read

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Out of many passions of mine, one of the strong love I have is for reading. I love classics, new best sellers, fiction and non fiction types of books to keep learning and be entertained at the same time. Over 2600 words to share my passion on reading, that too kid’s books but I am sure you will find something fun and educational in the process! Check out great classic books to read, and benefits of reading posts.

When I was younger (ahem, in college years),  I did not wanted to read certain books that I felt were kiddish or for teens only and I felt similar way for certain cartoon movies for me. Since then I have learned to enjoy and be educated by some of the “kiddish” books that many adults will like too. Here are some great example that kids(teens) and adults will love to read!

 

1. Tintin

 

Tintin was written by Georges R]émi a Belgian, who wrote under the pen name of Hergé. The series is one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century, with translations published in more than 80 languages and more than 350 million copies of the books sold to date. It is more well known in Europe and some Asian country compared to America.

The series is Set during a largely realistic 20th century, the hero of the series is Tintin, a young teenager Belgian reporter with faithful white terrier dog name Snowy, who helps him in his adventure. There are series of colorful characters such as cynical, often drunk and angry Captain Haddock, Classic forgetful and smart Professor Calculus, and two silly and goofy detectives Thomson and Thompson. (One is with P).

I loved reading Tintin comics when I was younger, but I recently picked up and read it again much to my amazement, I still enjoyed it and saw a few things that I had not noticed when I was teen such as;

  • Tintin comics books are all 62 pages, all 23 published ones. How amazing is to have story 62 pages long no matter which subject they chose? It somehow always looked natural.
  • Tintin was ahead of times, have moon landing in “Explorers on the Moon”, was written and published in 1954, much before real moon landing ever happened in 1969 first time. There are a few inaccuracy, but amazing thing is there many more accuracy in the comics (fictional and for kids) such as shape of rocket,rocket has two propulsion systems including neclear powered engine, imagination of how moon land and surface will look (no one had seen it in 1950s), water and knowledge of astronomy is very much close to what we know now. This is just one example, this was true for other comics subject as well.
  • Tintin travels around the world and many adventures in well known and some not so known places! Pretty cool thing in 1950s when people probably did not get much chance to travel and see the world.
  • Tintin might be young, but he is brave, smart and resourceful, almost like Indiana Jones but more realistic.
  • Dianasari (Dina) informs that Tintin is the first comic character that has been honored by Dalai Lama. The Tibetan spiritual leader honored Tintin and Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the same time (2006) according to this Source.
  • Tintin series have been made in to cartoon dvd, and maybe live action movie in US is soon to be released.

If you have never read Tintin comics, pick one up from your friend’s place, library, bookstore or amazon and read it. (Amzn.)

 

2. Asterix

 

Unlike Tintin comics, I had never heard of Asterix when I was younger. I first heard it when I was Senior in my college year but I was skeptical if I would like at ripe age of 20, so ignored it. Until I kept hearing from various different people around me, including someone who had bought whole series at crazy price! I thought he was nuts, until I read one Asterix comics myself.

So, what is Asterix is about? Asterix or The Adventures of Asterix  is a series of French comic books written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo and shows fun and adventure with pun! The comic series follows the life and adventure of Asterix and his larger then life sidekick and friend Obliex in ancient Gaul as they are pitted against Roman occupation and regime. There are magic, world travel, humor and much more packed in to this comics.

  • The series have 34 comics total, starting from 1959 first comic book being published.
  • Even number of Asterix books have story set in Gaul and odd number of comics had story set in various countries in the world.
  • The both hero and friend have name ending with “ix”.
  • The series can be classified in fantasy and science fiction both.
  • This series has been translated in to 100 different languages and 325 millions copies sold.
  • There has been 11 movies have been made, 8 cartoon and 3 with live action with people. There have been games based on the comics book as well.
  • Same as Tintin, this series is more popular in Europe and some Asian Countries, not many here in America know about this series (yet). (Amzn)

 

3. The Series of Unfortunate Events

 

The Series of Unfortunate Events is a series of children’s novels (13 in series) by Lemony Snicket (pen name of American author Daniel Handler) which follows the crazy lives of three orphaned kids named Violet, Klaus and Sunny. Their parents die in house fire under mysterious circumstances, and their cousin Count Olaf is shadowy figure who is after the kids inheritance and other relatives lives. Only thing the kids have is their intellect and each other to outsmart Count Olaf.

Violet is smart and great inventor, Klaus is great reader of books and baby sunny develops biting and cooking ability as story progresses starting with “Bad Beginning”. Yes that is the title of first book and it has 13 total, each book start with dreadful “do not read” type of sentences yet fun to read. As the books continue, the three children uncover more and more of the mystery surrounding their parents’ deaths and soon find that their parents were in a secret organization, V.F.D., along with several of their guardians.

There has been one movie made with Jim Carrey which covered first 3 book stories. Movie itself was not bad but other in series never materialized. Read these 13 “dreadful” books for fun adventure, smart invention, murder and mystery secret organization’s involvement in it.

  • The entire series is actively narrated by Snicket, who makes numerous references to his mysterious, deceased love interest, Beatrice.
  • Books have been translated in to 41 languages and 60 millions copies have been sold.
  • The siblings are followed by misfortune wherever they go, but occasionally something good happens and they survive by their intelligence.
  • It is hard to tell which timeline the book is set in, it seems it alternate earth in 1930s era but seems timeless and modern.
  • There are 13 books in series, and each book have 13 chapters. Only exception is the last book in the series, which has 14 chapters.
  • Count Olaf is master of disguise, smart and wicked.
  • While the books are marketed primarily to children, they are written with adult readers also in mind; the series features references more likely to make sense to adults. Many of the characters’ names allude to other fictional works or real people with macabre connections. (Amzn.)

 

4. Harry Potter Series:

 

Now, Harry Potter is much more well known series that everyone knows and movies have been made and which had made Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in to stars! I would say movies are not bad but books are much more superior to read and understand from it. There are 7 books in the series and some books are big with over 800 pages but I am sure many people will love the story of boy wizard who was lonely, orphaned into great hero and friend against battle of good versus evil. Each year Harry learns and goes through various problems such as social, emotional and self doubting issues to overcome his greatest task that lies ahead, some we learn though flashbacks of his parents and his birth.

  • Harry Potter Book has been translated in to 67 languages so far, 8 movies have been made about it (last book with 2 part movies)
  • Harry potter books are also loved by adults that publisher have published books with 2 covers, one of younger readers and one of adult readers (with same content inside)
  • Many blogs, support books, and supplemental books on understanding game of quidditch have been written.
  • These book can belong to Fantasy, Magic, Coming of age, Death, Mystery, Thriller, adventure genre.
  • Harry potter introduced new word in to British dictionary such as Muggle and Quidditch. (Amzn.)

 

5. Amar Chitra Katha Series

 

Every Indian will know this comic series which tells storie of many Gods, Goddess, Famous Real People lives in form of comics. I always loved reading Amar Chitra Katha but I recently found that many non Indians seems to enjoy these comics series. If you had not read it or know about it, here is some tidbit about it;

  • Amar Chitra Katha, loosely translates in to Immortal Picture Stories and in a way they are!
  • It is translated in to 20 Indian languages, including English and have sold over 90 million copies.
  • It was created by Anant Pai for India Book House Publishing in 1967.
  • Very first Amar Chitra Katha was published in “Kannada” Language in 1965.
  • Amar Chitra Katha have been written by many notable and creative Indian Author team!
  • There have been over 400 different titles in Amar Chitra Katha Series, for every age, every taste (mythical, historical to real heros of India) Cartoon network also showing now Amar Chitra Katha cartoon.
  • Most famous of mythology of Gods, Fables (moral stories), Panchatantra (Moral stories with animal characters), Humor and wit (Birbal etc), Epics, Biographies of Indian and other famous people.
  • Stories are told in comics without degrading the morals and values of it and generally loved by kids and adult alike. The interesting thing I was told by local Indian bookstore owner, that many non Indian buyers are buying these series and seems to enjoy it. (Amzn.)

 

6.  Lord Of the Ring

 

I admit it, I had not read Lord of the Ring Trilogy Until the First Movie Came out in US. I had read hobbit which was prequel to Lord of the ring but I had not thought of reading further in the series. Hobbit is fun story where Bilbo gets the Ring which he does not know is evil. It is more fun and light-hearted story compared to Lord of the ring, which has some dark shades and appeal more to teen or adult.

  • According to wikipedia source, Lord of the ring is 2nd best selling novel ever in the world.
  • It was written around 1937-1949, time of second world war, and published around 1954, 1955 in 3 volume series, called the fellowship of the ring, Two tower, and Return of the King.
  • Story has dark wizard Sauron, good wizard Gandlaf, small and happy Hobbits, Elves, Human, Dwarfs, Giant, Talking and walking trees, Ring Slave creature Gollum, and many mythical animals and creatures. Story is supposed to set in fictional middle earth.
  • Tolkien not only wrote the large three volume story, but also created details maps of the fictional middle earth and other elves language that goes with the story, which is quite impressive.
  • When book first released, critics were divided and had mixed feelings about it unlike it now, as it is considered to be classic and loved by many and is influence for many new writers and film makers.
  • The book has been on radio, theater and movies. Generally movie made from book is inferior to the original book for many cases, however, the recent trilogy movie made by Peter Jackson, is decent presentation of the book and I think it does fairly well job of conveying book’s message. (Amzn.)

 

7. Mrs. Frisby and Rats of NIMH

 

I read this book after someone recommending me to check it out, otherwise, I might not have found this gem of book. Mrs. Frisby and Rats and Of NIMH is a 1971 children’s book by Robert C. O’Brien. Robert O’ Brian was inspired by real research by John Colhoun’s Research on Rats at National Institute of Mental Health AKA (NIMH). (Personal Note:  Modern Technology have shown online simulations and other non evasive method can achieve medical advancement without hurting lives), this story shows the fear, real emotion and horror of Rats and Mice and how they triumph over it little and lose a little, just like us humans. Maybe, just maybe it show us that small animals such as mice and rats also get hurt, happy and have feelings just like us. The novel relates the plight of a widowed field mouse, Mrs. Frisby, who seeks the aid of a group of former laboratory rats in rescuing her home from destruction by a farmer’s plow, and of the history of the rats’ escape from the laboratory and development of a literate and technological society.

  • This book was followed up with Roscoe and Rats and NIMH novel.
  • This book won Newbery medal in 1972.
  • Cartoon movie Secret of NIMH was released in 1982, which made a few changes to original story. The movie is entertaining for those who might have read the book. However, book is much more superior in telling the story with feelings in details.
  • It is based on real research on RATS.
  • NIMH stands for National Institute of Mental Health
  • Movie has few changes: such as added mystical element, Jenner is made in to villain unlike in the book, Mrs, Frisby’s name was changed to Mrs. Brisby to avoid trademark issue with Frisbee. (Amzn.)

 

8. Encyclopedia Brown

 

Everyone knows about Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books, so I am not writing much about those here.  You may or may not have heard of Encyclopedia Brown is the same Genre as Hardy Boys and Nancy drew and great read about solving mystery, crime by kid Sleuth called Encyclopedia Brown. I certainly did not know about this lesser known series when I was child.

There have been 28 Encyclopedia Brown Series books and other additional related works. One great thing about this book series is that you do not have to read books in series or have read previous series to enjoy and understand the story. Each book stands on its own as basic things are told in the beginning of the each book. (Amzn.)

  • Each Book actually divided in 10 or more short stories and intended to be solved by reader. I will be honest and idiot enough to admit it, that even though I think of myself fairly intelligent, I did not always found the right clue as an adult while kid Encyclopedia Brown outsmarted me and few other adults. That makes it fun and challenging read for teen or even adult.
  • I have learned to think with my eyes closed like Encyclopedia brown does before solving case, thinking deeply.
  • Encyclopedia Brown has its own kids detective agency which charges 25 cents plus expenses for neighbor hood children.
  • Encyclopedia Brown’s father is Police chief in town of Idaville (fictional). He helps his father some times.
  • There is mean and bully gang, led by Bug Meany in most stories, who will look for revenge and foiled by E. Brown.
  • E. Brown has friend name Sally, who he might have crush on, although book never elaborates on it.
  • This book series and author received Edgar Award in 1976 by Mystery Writers of America Society.
  • There was a TV series based on the books on HBO around 1989, which aired 30 minutes episodes. I have not seen any episodes so can not tell how it was. Has anyone seen it?

Conclusion:

When reading a book, do not go by labels such as kids book, or children Novella, read based on interest and not based on age or race. You may find great gem of books that way, if we start looking out of box thinking. Have you read these books? What are your thoughts on it?

Do you have other books to share, add to the list? Keep reading, Keep Learning and Have fun.

Image source: Wikipedia, Amazon,Self

How Incredible Optical Illiusions Works?

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Corner House

I am amazed some of the images and paintings that people do, specially optical Illusion images and how our mind sees it. What is optical illusion and why it works on us? Simply putting that  an optical illusion  is characterized by visually perceived images that differ from objective reality. The information gathered by the eye is processed in the brain to give a perception that does not tally with a physical measurement of the stimulus source. Our mind is much powerful and many think what our eyes sees, mind processes but according to some experts, what we see is actually what our conscious mind has computed, while our subconscious mind sees the what is actually presented but we might be unaware of it.

Can you find them all?

What do you see in above image? a lion who is sitting or is it a hand print?

There are many famous artists are also popular illusionist, such as M. C. Escher, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, Victor Vasarely,  andPatrick Hughes, and many others. Here are some of the optical Illusions for your own viewing pleasure.

Vanishing Venice: Patrick Hughes

The above picture surface of Vanishing Venice  is 3-dimensional, made of two pyramids protruding towards the viewer with the tops cut off: the bases of the pyramids are farthest away (flat against the wall). The two lighter rectangles which appear to be in the distance at the end of the buildings are the flat tops and thus the part of the image physically nearest to the viewer (see diagram below to see how image was constructed).How Vanishing Venice Image is constructed (see above)

 

Do you trees or woman’s face?

 What you see is NOT what you get always!

Since ancient times, menkind have known that immediate perception is not a reading of physical reality.Vision is one of the most creative act that we are capable of doing as seeing is analyzing the world on our mind canvas. Our mind can work as artist and viewer. Our eyes process what what we know and if something appear out of ordinary, our eyes automatically ignored it more normal and acceptable outcome.

M. C Escher’s Reality (1953)

 The German poet Novalis said that the eye is a ‘superficial’ organ. That is indeed partly true. Our eyes are external organ to what we the world is part of world, which pops in it as soon as we open our eyes!

Wall Painting

Ron Gonsalves: Acrobatic Engineering

Tree House: Looking up or down

Rob Gonsalves’ work is often categorized as surrealistic, it differs because the images are deliberately planned and result from conscious thought. He seems to injects a sense of magic into realistic scenes. As a result, the term “Magic Realism” describes his work accurately. His work is an attempt to represent human beings’ desire to believe the impossible, to be open to possibility. You can see more of his work here.

Sometimes, these optical illusions are fun, other times they might be used in advertising to influence us in to buying their product.

Rotating Moving Image: By Akiyshi

Some of the moving images can give a few people headache or dizziness, as I was surprised to learn while searching for answers on why it works. If you are getting spinning or headaches, you may want to stop looking at the images.

 M. C Escher Like Image

Another M. C. Escher Like Image

Outdoor Sculpture By Victor Vararely

Victor Vasarely was a Hungarian French artist whose work is generally seen aligned with Op-art. His work entitled Zebra, created by Vasarely in the 1930s, is considered by some to be one of the earliest examples of Op-art. Above picture is displayed at at the church of Pálos in Pécs, where he was born.

Carpet Flooring

In this modern day, this carpet gives us an illusions of floor with ripple and hills. Can you imagine trying to dance on this floor? Forget dancing, walking alone might be challenging for a few of us.

Movement is Square (1961)

Above image of Movement is Square is one of few female op arts painter image by Bridget Riley. She is one of the foremost proponent of op art. “Optical art is a method of painting concerning the interaction between illusion and picture plane, between understanding and seeing.”Op art works are abstract, with many of the better known pieces made in only black and white. When the viewer looks at them, the impression is given of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibration, patterns, or alternatively, of swelling or warping.

What do you see here?

Can you find infant in this image?

Are they up or down? another Escher Like Image

How to make someone more taller, even when they are not?

Can you find hidden deer in this image?

Old couple looking at each other or folk singers singing and playing?

Summary:

Being aware of an possibility of impossible can open up your eyes to see tricks of mind. Images can be ambiguous and completion figures, impossible figures, hidden objects, illusions involving colors, geometric illusions, illusory moving patterns, verbal illusions and visual paradoxes.  Hopefully, we can learn to be more aware of when we see to discover how we may perceive things, test of critical thinking by looking at seeming impossible things and improve our mental brain capacity and of course, most important part of it all is have fun while doing it all!

Image Source: Wikipedia,  Blogspot site, WTV Zone

Famous People Who Were Adopted (Some May Surprise You)

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Recently I was thinking about how some people come over the harsh life to achieve success and are famous, while some people may fail despite having a good life so I started searching and I was amazed to find a few famous people some I know and others who I never knew who were adopted till now .

Being adopted by strangers, grandparents or even relatives at young age could be traumatic and they have to go through big adjustment in life. There are a few success cases where adopted kids have achieved success and fame after going through adoption in their life. Some have rough childhood and others seem to find caring family, despite the odds, these people have worked hard to achieve success in their life.

In case anyone ever wondered whether adopted children could achieve the same success as a biological child, then the list that follows will prove to be quite an eye-opener.

1. Steve Jobs (Former Apple CEO)

Steve Jobs is in news recently due to his resigning from Apple, I am assuming to take care of his health. As I was reading about him, I was surprised to find that he was born to two graduate students (Syrian and American) and was adopted by Paul and Clara Job as an Infant in 1955. Steve Jobs, biological parents eventually married and had a daughter who became novelist. Steve Job’s has biological sister and another sister who was also adopted.

Steve Jobs Worked at Atari before founding Apple with Steve Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976. He is also involved in NeXT computer (which become first server for World Wide Web), Disney and Also Pixar as well.

(Edit to add) Steve Job died on Oct 5th, 2011 at age of 56, he left a legacy: Check out 9 Things you did not know about Steve Job from Yahoo News. There is also new bestselling autobiography on Steve Jobs that shares more about his life.

2. Doctor Ruth (Sex Therapist, Radio Host)

Everyone knows famous Sex Therapist Doctor Ruth, she was born in 1928 as Karola Ruth Siegel in Frankfurt, Germany. When she was 10, she was put on train by her mother and grandmother to possible avoid nazis.  Her mother told her that she is going to school, but reality, they sent her to orphanage where little Ruth stayed for years. While she was never truly adopted, but she was in various foster home and later she found ways to become successful sniper in Israel army and later had successful career as sex therapist on Radio. At 4 feet and 7 inches, she has achieved great height other field.

3. Bill Clinton (Former US President)

Bill Clinton was born to Virgina Cassidy in Arkansas, his father was traveling salesman who died in auto accident before Bill was born. Virgina left Bill to her parents while she went to school for Nursing Degree. When she came back and married Roger Clinton and Roger Clinton adopted Bill. Bill also had step brother Roger Clinton Jr. His step father was an alcoholic and abusive to him, his step brother and his mother, bill tried to protect his mother and brother often time.

Bill showed talent in music (specially saxophone), painting and singing. He wrote later in his auto biography called “My Life“;

“Sometime in my sixteenth year, I decided I wanted to be in public life as an elected official. I loved music and thought I could be very good, but I knew I would never be John Coltrane or Stan Getz. I was interested in medicine and thought I could be a fine doctor, but I knew I would never be Michael DeBakey. But I knew I could be great in public service.”

Bill married Hillary and he was 42nd US president from 1993 to 2001.

4. Larry Ellison (Oracle CEO)

Larry was born in Bronx to a 19 year old, unmarried Florance Spellman. Larry’s biological father was US air Force Pilot. When Larry was 9 month old, his mother realized that she could not properly take care of him, hence asked her uncle and aunt from Chicago to adopt Larry. So Louie and Lilian Spellman adopted Larry when he was 9 months old. Larry Ellison did not meet his biological mother until he was 48 years old.

While Larry has married and divorced 4 times, in career wise he has found a Success as a CEO of Oracle Corporation.

5. Malcom X (Civil Rights Leader)

Malcom X was born Malcom Little in 1925 to Earl and Louise Little. He was fourth child to total of 7 children. His father who was Christian Minister, was killed when Malcom was barely 6 years old. After his father’s death, his mother had nervous breakdown and was admitted to a mental institute. Malcom and his siblings went to an orphanage and later on various foster homes. His and his brother’s childhood was anything but normal, still he would become the biggest legend in Civil right era and Nation of Islam. One can learn more about Malcom X from his auto Biography.

6. Dave Thomas (Founder Of Wendy)

Dave Thomas was born in 1932 to young, unmarried teen whom he never really knew. He was adopted at 6 weeks of age by Rex Thomas and his wife. His adopted mother died when Dave was 5 years old, and his adopter father went traveling looking for job, he lived with Minnie, his grandmother after adoption. He credits her for teaching him about treating other well with respect.

He was in US army and worked in KFC before opening his successful franchise Wendy, named after his daughter Melinda. He had dropped out of high school until later where he got his GED to encourage teens to not drop out of high school. He died after battling cancer for many years, at the time there were 6000 Wendy’s restaurants in the country.

7. Nelson Mandela (Activist and Former Africa President)

Nelson Mandela belongs to a  the Thembu dynasty, which reigns in the Transkei region of South Africa and was born in Mvezo, a small village. Mandela’s father had four wives, with whom he fathered thirteen children (four boys and nine girls). Mandela was born to his third wife, Nosekeni Fanny. When Nelson Mandela was about 9 years old, his father died due to tuberculosis, Thembu chief Jongintaba became his guardian and informal adoptive father.

Mandela was initially was influenced by M. K. Gandhi’s non-violence stance (from 1948-1961) before committing to armed anti-apartheid activities in 1961. He was arrested, jailed and eventually released and pardoned in 1990. Nelson Mandela become oldest President of Africa at age of 75 in 1994 and retired in 1999. One can learn more about him from his book called Conversation with Myself.

8. John Lennon (Singer, Musician)

John Lennon was born in 1940 to Julia and Alfred Lennon. Alfred was always traveling to sea as traveling merchant and was hardly there when John was there. John had turbulent childhood where he was asked to choose to live between his father and mother at age 5. He grew up with his aunt and uncle (Julia’s older sister) who did not have kids of their own. He was known as trouble maker in school and college. Later on he created a Quarryman band which evolved in to successful Beatles group. Later he had success as a solo artist before his early death by Gun shot.

9. Edgar Allen Poe (Poet, Writer)

Edgar was born in 1809 to actor parents, he had an older brother and younger sister. When he was about one year old, his father abandon the family and year later his mother died due to sickness. Edgar and his siblings were left orphaned. Edgar was taken as a foster child by James Allen, a rich merchant. James Allen was strict with Edgar and eventually they parted later in life.

When Edgar did not have enough money, he left his education and joined to army. He started publishing his poems and writeup slowly and eventually first poet ever to make living by writing according to some expert. Edgar married twice and once to his 13 years old cousin. He died in mysterious circumstances when was 40. His influence in poetry, literature, cryptology is still felt in United States and around the world. You can see his vast poems and writing in his complete collection of Edgar Ellen Poe.

10. Leo Tolstoy (Writer)

Leo Tolstoy was born in 1852 in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia. He had 4 other siblings and his family was part of Russian Nobility. His parents died when he was young so him and his siblings were brought up by relatives. Leo was not studious and had left college in middle of his studies. After running up big gambling debt, he and his brother joined army to make some money. He started writing around that time, eventually writing many novels including classics War and Peace and Anna Karenina .

Other Famous Adopted People:

Other famous celebrities and successful people who were adopted or were part of foster care system are;

  • Marilyn Monroe (Actress),
  • John Washington Carver (Inventor),
  • Nat King Cole (Singer),
  • Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (Country Singer),
  • Tommy Davidson (Comedian),
  • Bo Diddly (Musician),
  • Gerald Ford (Former US President),
  • Melissa Gilbert (Actress),
  •  Scott Hamilton (Skater),
  • John Hancock (Politician),
  •  Debbie Harry (Singer, Blondie),
  • Jesse Jackson (Minister),
  • Lee Majors (Actor),
  • Nancy Regan (First Lady),
  • Elenore Roosevelt (First Lady) and many more.

If you like to find out more, read these books;

Relative Origins: Famous Foster and Adopted People

LifeBooks : Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child

Fame and success can be achieved by anyone, who works hard, has passion and bit of luck! All of these people can inspire us to be more.

Do you know someone who is successful despite having less resources?

7 Ways To Motivate Learning In A Child (or An Adult)

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Education does not have be boring for anyone, otherwise learning does not happen!

All of us learn new things when we are having fun, and schooling is no different. Many Indian and other parents start teaching kids at home way before preschool age. When I teach or share knowledge with younger kids, they are like sponge, they absorb everything and naturally curious about things. Somehow many kids and adults lose that natural curiosity as we grow older and we focus on getting scores or passing instead of learning.

There is also another issue with education that, not all kids will fits in regular standard curriculum levels. For example, some kids may be reading at 3rd grade level and 2nd grade science level when she is in 1st grade. How do you go about teaching that child in regular system without her getting bored? Homeschooling or Independent studies might be one option to let a child learn at her or his level.

I do not write much about homeschooling here, but Patty and other readers comment encouraged me to write about various topics in my life here. Even if you do not homeschool your kids, or have kids yourself yet, this post might help you motivate any child or even yourself to learn new things and keep you motivated.

7 Ways to Motivate Learning:

Here are 7 ways I have found to motivate learning in a child (or an adult). These tips are written with homeschooling child in mind, but I am sure it will be applicable to public or private school going child as well. While, my experience is teaching younger kids, I hope these tips will work for teenager’s education as well.

1.  Do Not Compare:

Comparing your child with another child of same age might be tempting but it will not flourish the young mind. All kids and adults have unique talents and we all work at our own pace. It will not matter if 7 year friend’s child knows how to read piano music or 4 year old neighbor kids can ride bike without training wheel. Kids learn best when they are ready to learn. That is what Sadbury method or Jiddu Krishnamurthy methods have been working for many kids.

2. Competition Free Education:

We are always pitted against our peers to compete in many subjects since we are born. Schools and colleges are big examples for it with grades or being best student. There is no win win situation as there can be only ONE person who can be 1st, rest of kids may feel dejected. While healthy competition can bring out the best in some kids, in majority time, competition kills the enthusiasm, specially for someone who keeps being second best. Learning is a process and it should be treated as a result.

3.  Memorization is not Real Learning:

Many educational system may encourages memorization and while kids seems intelligent, most kids forget what they memorized during summer break. Any memorization without real understanding will not take deep root of understanding, and hence will not remember what they have learned tomorrow. I am one of these prime example of it as I do not recall what I have learned in my engineering classes but I do recall what I truly understood things and had interest in it. If you have passion for something, you will retain the knowledge much longer.

4. Rewards for Simple Tasks are not needed:

Our current educational system is quick to punish and quick to give rewards for small achievement. Many experts think they are actually hindering the learning process and I agree. Giving Physical reward is different then showing encouragement to a child. When a child is shown a reward of food or new toy, learning is not goal but finishing the task to get a reward becomes the main goal and learning stop. Our mind is like a parachute, it works only when it is open. Child should learn something because there is an interest in it, not because of the reward.

5. Do not blame child for failing:

When a child has failed in learning new concept or old one, do not blame him or her. Do not even blame system. Try to find out the root cause of the failed issue. You may want to step back and take a break or see it from new perspective. Sometimes, child may have certain way to learning style that may be different from teacher’s teaching style. We all learn different way such as some learn better by visually seeing, some learn best for listening the step by step process and some of us learn best by actually trying our hands on it. Find out your child’s learning style. There might be some other issues or simple things that may make understanding the subject easier. Before you blame anyone, try to find the main cause and fix it and love and joy of learning will be back in the child.

6. Learning does not have to be expensive:

Many Asian Indian and other education minded parents spend fortune on kid’s private school, software, special tutoring programs and books. One does not have to spend lot of money for learning to happen. There are lot of free to cheap resources such as public library, PBS station, a few online websites and daily living can be part of learning.

For example, young kids can be taught colors when you fold your laundry, you can point out colors. Teaching shapes is easy as our own home or apartment have furniture, door, clock in various shape. Talking to grandparents or neighbor can make kids and us learn things from different time. My kids learn old mythical stories from his grandparents. Learning can happen anywhere, anytime. It is not confined to school or 9-3 time. There are many ways to finance your education if you are homeschooling or supplementing public school education.

7. Non Traditional Ways of Teaching and Learning:

My mom was a teacher and writer so she taught us at home, when we came from school and learning happened without us knowing that it was education. Learning happens when are having fun. For example, if your young child loves only cars, how can you teach math, history and science with it? It is possible, and it is called Unit Studies. In Car unit studies, you can learn history by learning and reading about early transportation such as first car, you can add cars or take away cars game to teach math. You can teach colors by different colors of cars. Science can be taught by if metal cars sinks and plastic car sinks or not for younger children. For older children, one can learn how car engine works to teach science or technology.

If you or your older child likes Harry Potter then there are Unit studies ideas for that also, such as here.

Keep Learning! and Keep it Fun!

Your Turn: How do you keep yourself or your child motivated to learn new things?

Image Source: Parenting Magazine

How To Preserve Food

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As long as human being need food to survive, there has been ways to preserve food for longer period of time. Modern refrigeration is one part of making food last much longer.

Why anyone want to preserve food?

  • One can stretch his or her budget much longer, if food last longer.
  • If you have home garden or buy it from farmer’s market, you can preserve seasonal food for later use. Preserving food fresh is healthier option when used fresh food.
  • One can retain the nutritional value of food by preserving it right.
  • If you preserve your own food, it will be chemical and toxin free.
  • It will be less processed if home made, making it much more healthy. For example drying food does not take away its nutrients.
  • It is cheaper to do it at home, compared to buy preserved food. It is easy to do.
  • You can make wide variety of preserved food such as jellys, jams and sun dried tomatoes.

Ways to Preserve Food:

There are several ways to preserve food and here are some of popular and easy ways to do it at home for anyone with little skill. People have been preserving food before fridge was available and here are some ways we can preserve food and save money and our health at the same time.

1. Canning

Canning is one of the oldest and traditional way to preserve any type of food. You will need to heat up the food and jar both, killing germs. Then cooling and sealing the food in jar for later use. There are canning tools and canning methods to follow properly. It can be time consuming at the start but it is well worth it.

Video of Canning Procedure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sFBIurNKI

2. Freezing

One of the easiest way to preserve food is to freeze it. Once you cook or boil the vegetables or other food it can be freeze it for later use. Many people batch cook and divide food in to small trays to eat when coming from work on weekdays. Not all food can be frozen, so be careful of it. Generally speaking, egg and milk products are not suitable for freezing.

3. Drying Food:

One can dry food in sun or in oven to last longer. There are also drying racks one can buy to dry fruits, tomatoes and other vegetables. Other popular ways to dry food is by baking, sun drying, dehydrating, air drying and smoking the food.

4. Vacume sealing

There is also method of vacuum sealing cooked food in glass jars or plastic bags via using vacuum sealer product. There are several type available in market. In this technique, air is removed from the food, hence making it lasting longer as air is one way, food get mold or get bad.

5. Other ways to preserve food:

Long time reader and blog friendBetsy suggested a additional way to preserve food so I am adding it here (edit) . Thanks Betsy. Other ways of preserving food include smoking (good for meat and tomatoes) and fermenting (for instance Sauerkraut).

How do you preserve food?

Check out recipe and food related posts;

We are what we eat, really!

How to Make Best Ever Chai-Tea at Home

Upgrading Inexpensive Food In to Gourmet Meal: Ramen Noodle Hacks

Vegetarian Thanksgiving: Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes

How To Make Baba Ganoush: Eggplant Recipe

 

Image Source: nahysa.blogspot.com

No Spend Month Challenge Take Away and Lessons

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This month’s no spend month challenge plan of spending 0 for 31 days for 4 people, failed miserably. I went over budget 5 days before the month ended. Some of the reasons were unexpected and out of my control and others were in my control but I did not handle it well. So, I have failed in sense, but like in every situation in life, there is a lesson to learn in each one of them.

If we never make a mistake, the learning does not happen. There are very few of us who are lucky enough to know what they are doing and doing it right all the time. I on other hand need some more learning and I have given an opportunity to look back at the No month challenge and see positives in this failed attempt. After all, I know I was able to do it successfully last year, why it did not work this time?

See my past year’s challenge:

Last Month’s recap:

There are a few ways to rationalize it this time;

  • Things are much more expensive then last year (basic food, gas prices, basic necessities)
  • Kids are growing up
  • I am bit sick and tired, eating a few take outs or convenient food, last year I cooked at home.
  • A few doctors visit, unexpected long driving trips to meet someone far away
  • My Van’s smog test has to be done this month
  • I simply did not have motivation as last year
  • Could I have done better? Yes, some things I had control over it, yet I blew it. I guess to err is human.

My Take Away For this Challenge This time:

  1. Prepare for Emergency: There is a reason why, all finance experts recommend keeping a healthy amount for emergency fund. This time, it became true for us. When it rained, it poured. We had all sort of unexpected expenses this month. A couple of doctor’s visit for me, extra driving, our water heater braking (we tried to self fix it, but it needed be replaced and it is expensive), our computer router stopped working and we use internet a lot for blogging, reading, kids school and educational stuff and that needs to be replaced, our 1 fan in summer is making noise and other one is giving burning smell to replace it. Our fence has fallen off in one area. Since I was not feeling well, we had take out a few times, adding to our expenses.
  2. Pick and Choose: When we have lot of expenses and limited funds, we can not fix and do everything. So, if you are in similar situation, pick and choose what is important and fix only that. In our case router, water heater is more important then let’s say fixing the fence for now.
  3. Take care of your health: I am reminded again and again that without proper health, rich and poor alike are vulnerable. If we are feeling better, positive and energetic, it will be easier to tackle new challenges and form a better habits. So take care of your health.
  4. Thought counts: Sometimes with all of our good intention, things does not go as plan. When that happens, take responsibility but move on and see positive. I am bit bummed out about busting my $300.00 budget but I am not going to let that keep me from other challenges my life and I am crazy enough to do it publicly again. 🙂
  5. It is easier to spend: And harder to save. If it was other way around, many of us would not be in debt or situation. While we are lucky not have major debt, still it can be harder sometimes when we live in society where money spending and credit cards are norm. Many have almost become unsocial people because being social with friends meant always going out to eat, movies and doing things that cost money. No one needs to be friendless, there are always people like us out there, we just need to find them and get supported by like minded people.
  6. Learned lesson: Life is constant learning journey, and there is something to learn at every mode. I am taking a note to see what could I have done to do better and I know some of the answers as I shared above. If you are in similar situation, do not beat on yourself, find reasons and learn lesson so we can improve upon it. Like The story goes that “Thomas Edison failed more than 1,000 times when trying to create the light bulb”. (The story is often told as 5,000 or 10,000 times depending on the version.) When asked about it, Edison allegedly said, “I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb.” We can always find ways to spin it positively.

My positive spin is; even though I went over budget, luckily I had savings to cover my unexpected expenses or manage it until next month.

I am glad to fail as I might have gotten over confident, if I successfully complete the 2 challenges in row. This has made me humble for all of those blogger and real life people, who go on saving challenges and work hard.

Thank you to all who supported me online and offline on my no spend month journey! I have some great ideas for next blog posts which I need to work on; while musing over my this month’s challenge. Hope you’ll had a great July.

Image source: thejourneyfortruth.wordpress.com

No Spend Month Challenge: Update 4

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I am going to make small update this time. I am doing no spend month challenge for the month of July. Actually it should be called “little spend month”, as we have a budget of 0.

4 people

31 days

$300.00

We are in California, Where gas prices and some things are expensive compared to other places. Last year, the challenge was tough and we barely made it under $300. This time it seemed hard but I was ready for it.

Now, I am honest enough to update that I have busted our budget already and there are still 6 more days left in the month. Since last month I had little over $30 left for the rest of the month: See update 3.

We had to buy some perishable groceries such as yogurt, vegetables and things it came over $32 and we had to buy some soap and shampoo as we were out, (last time we bought was months ago, it just happened that we ran out in time of no spend month challenge. While we could have managed somehow but with about 2 weeks still left and with kids, we went and bought cheapest thing.)

We usually do not fill our cars with gas or stock up groceries before the challenge, otherwise it would just defeat the purpose. Like’s murphy’s law, anything can go wrong will go wrong, has happened a bit this time.

So now we are already over $300 budget and there are still about a week left. So, I have failed at this month’s challenge. There are just a few unexpected expenses such as car smog and extra driving, and some other reasons. I can justify in my mind all the reasons, we went over budget, but the fact remains that we did over spent of our $300 budget. I feel bit let down but I wanted to write honestly as I can.

Things happens and that is why we all should have emergency fund to cover those unexpected things in life. One thing is there, being aware of why we spend money and what things, keeps me accountable here, when I write and share here, even my triumphs or failures.

Hope all of you are spending less and saving up for emergency fund. Take care.

See final Take Away Update on No Spend Month Challenge