7 C's of Tata Zica

It was my privilege to be among the first few in India to attend the pre-launch event and experience the #madeofgreat newest car aptly named ZICA - ZIppy CAr from Tata Motors.

It was a Very #Fantastico Zica experience. I loved driving the Zica for about 80 kms on the roads of Goa.

A diamond has 4 C's namely Cut, Carat, Clarity and Colour.

Based on my personal experience, here are the 7 C's of Zica:

Very #Fantastico Zica Experience

I was thrilled when I received an invite to Goa for the exclusive preview launch and to be one of the first few to experience the newest car from Tata Motors- ZICA.

IndiBlogger and Tata Motors had selected me for the #madeofgreat experience! 

In this year's beginning, I was Boltified when I was introduced to the Tata Bolt.

Delivering newer models that delight customers speaks of Tata Motors' quality commitment and continuous performance and improvement. Its innovation has won Tata Motors a prized rank in the 2015 BCG list of the world's 50 most innovative companies. It is a matter of pride that Tata Motors is the only Indian company in the list.

Source: Mayank Pareek, President Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors

As I had loved my Bolt experience at the malls, I was looking forward to experience the Zica.
Earlier, I was aware of Zica- but of a different kind!

This was d #Zica I cud spot in #Bhubaneswar! Excited that #Fantastico #madeofgreat @ZicaTataMotors will b on road! pic.twitter.com/rAgJsMTnE4

— Anita (@anitaexplorer) December 6, 2015

I looked up the new Zica car online and found many tempting images! 

Source: Zica Tata Motors

Untruthful

There was a man, who proudly said he knew everything.
When his kids inquired, he said he even knew ice skating!

When his kids took him out to the ice skating rink,
They noticed that his eyes were wide and did not blink!

1958 Illustration by George Hughes - Picture-Prompt

5 Ways To Transform Our Home

Home is our favorite place where we are the most comfortable.

Our home speaks a lot- even the selection/placement of chair & table!

Our home is where we can let our hair down and feel free to smile!

Our home is the reflection of our own individual choice and style!

No two homes are the same, just like the inhabitants in a city!

Our homes truly are a reflection of our personality!

When our homes reveal such a lot & have so much to say,

Shouldn’t we ensure that they look bright & nice every day?

Here are 5 thrifty ways by which we can pep up and transform our home:

Be Safe

True incident:
Our next-door neighbour's home caught fire yesterday. Their college-going daughter lit a mosquito-coil and put the match-stick on the ground. What she didn't know was that Kerosene had accidentally spilled over on the floor...
Luckily all are safe. The Fire-engine came and things were under control.
We must all be careful. Ensure safety. Beware of half-burnt match-sticks and improperly-closed/fallen bottles. We don't know what is in store in the next moment...😇
Be safe. Take care. God bless. 🙏


Linking with-
ABC Wednesday- S for Safety, Safe

The Quest

She woke up suddenly hearing a ragged sound that stormy night.

She felt someone was knocking at her door and there were threatening footsteps.

She decided to investigate.

Perfect Odissi Odyssey

In my last international flight in September, I was delighted to read the interesting views about "how do we keep our heritage alive" expressed by the travel 3Sixty° team that was published in the in-flight magazine.

I loved what Sub Editor Gregory Basil has shared about Odissi dance- that he was spellbound seeing Ramli Ibrahim's show named "Spellbound". Ramli Ibrahim is a Malaysian, who performs Odissi with his troupe.

As I belong to the state of Odisha of India, I could immediately connect with the above views. 

Odissi dance is a treat to the eyes as it is very graceful and captivating like poetry or sculpture in motion.

Past And Present

“I watched the vulture looking at me hungrily as I lay on the ground bleeding and injured.”

Picture Prompt : Mondays Finish The Story

Next, I saw myself building a pretty sand-castle on the beach when my boyfriend got violent, pushed and jabbed me and destroyed my castle.

Picture Prompt : Blog-A-Rhythm

Then, I saw myself as a victim of a bad marriage where my husband treated me like refuse and I was praying to God to take me away.

Picture Prompt : Magpie Tales

No More Tears

When she saw him get up in the middle of the rainy night and found him driving away in his car, she was suspicious and followed him in her car.

When he stopped at a building, she overheard his greasy conversation.

PHOTO PROMPT- Friday Fictioneers -© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

In his car, he had stacked illegal drugs amounting to millions of dollars, sure to gift tears and hellish lives to many families.

She found tears welling up her eyes that she trusted this criminal, but those tears soon got washed away in the rain.

Carousel

She had early childhood memories of going round in a carousel.

The pace was leisurely and she had loved the merry-go-round and waved whenever she crossed her mom.

As a young lady when she went to the newest amusement park and tried out the carousel, she didn't find it merry as she was terrified.

PHOTO PROMPT - Friday Fictioneers- © Ted Strutz

Nautilus Nacre

“Now this is living the life of Riley.”

Picture-Prompt- Mondays Finish The Story- © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

The day his mom died, Parlanath aka Pearl found a cat, whom he named Riley.
As Riley always acted like his mother and absorbed his attention, Parlanath was certain that Riley was his own mother's parting gift for him.
He showered her with lots of love and care.

Lost Love

“The A&B Building was made entirely from driftwood.”

Photo Prompt; © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

But, that wasn't the only thing that was unusual about the A&B Building.

All the couples who had resided in it coincidentally had their names starting with A&B, had fallen in love, got married, and then they drifted apart on fidelity issues.

Photo Prompt : Magpie Tales

Never Again Forget To Celebrate!

How we forget to celebrate!

We have too many things on our plate.

We allow things to happen as it's 'fate'.


Ever wondered about our fatal state?

We have no time to wait or enjoy with mate.

We are too busy/bored to even go on a date!

“I have been through some terrible things in my life,some of which actually happened.”                                                                - Mark Twain

Content Theory

While we were visiting the countryside for a study-tour, I,  a teacher, got different content as answers when I individually inquired "What's the content that you see here?" to each one of my four brightest students.

Photo Prompt - Magpie Tales

Student 1: "I see a superb scenic spot to sit and paint masterpieces, take photographs, and write poetry or a book!"

Inspiration Is Within

What is wrong & what is right?
We may feel what we feel,
Picture will vary from a height...
Depends on our sight & how we deal!

Source

The Happy Host

The old lady had a small apartment in an old building in the outskirts of the city.

Though she was poor, she had a big heart, was amusing and entertained guests happily.

Everyone called her the 'Happy Host'.

Photo-Prompt- Friday Fictioneers; © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Devils Abode

“The cemetery spread along the area known as Devils Abode.”

I, a banker, spent my free hours at the cemetery.

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham ; Photo Prompt- MFTS

Grand Breakfast With The Queen

"So what gift do you want for your birthday?" the Queen asked her young son.

The Prince answered, "I would like to treat my friends to a grand breakfast with the Queen!"

SOURCE; Picture Prompt- FSF

Comments Please!

I know you have read my Post...
Then, why no comment, my Dost?
Time to read, but none for commenting?
Missing your words that are amazing!

Love to share stories, poems & a bit of creativity.
But, hate it when there are no comments- a pity!
Many 'Comments'- Blogger's wildest dream come true!
But, paucity of comments makes writers feel blue!

Though many read posts (Blog's stats reveal!),
Writing a comment is quite another deal!
The reasons of silence may be strange or varied-
Endeavoring to list some here for you to read!

8 Ways How To Write Blog Posts Faster!

I was happy to find a fantastic info-graphic-
8 Secrets to writing faster blog posts!
Ah! If & only if to the rules I could stick...
Then, I'd have been free & not so lost!

WIN With Infinite Reality

“I see absolutely everything.”
When my mind said this, I knew it wasn't joking.

Picture-Prompt © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

What's true for me is also true for you & everyone?
When we "see" everything, do we pay attention?

The world has many sights thanks to many souls.
Doers, onlookers, lawyers, judges- we play many roles.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Our attitudes, sights, beliefs dictate our interpretation.

Empowered

“Where did they go?” wondered the detectives when they reached the ruins where the four missing young men had reportedly gone with an elegant lady.

Photo Prompt- Ruins – © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

It was enigmatic that they just found a lipstick and some empty packets there, but no trace of the young men or the lady.

Earlier, the young men had felt empowered when they picked that well-endowed easy target whom they planned to entice with drugs at the ruins.

Picture Prompt- Magpie Tales

Daring Defiance

“The team employed the use of Nightshade to get the information they wanted from their captive.” 

Still, the captive was defiant; wouldn’t divulge any details despite being subject to third-degree torture.

When the captive, addicted to his nation, learned that the terrorists were planning to bomb that heaven on earth, he decided to foil their deadly plans.

PHOTO PROMPT -© Madison Woods ;Magpie Tales

Dream Or Reality?

Selected as a WOW post here.

When I asked the reason why the old man sitting on a park bench was sobbing uncontrollably, he said he had lost his diary and his bubbles... 

Assuring him that I would find his diary and his bubbles for him, I journeyed resolutely, arrived near a comfortable blue sofa and when I sat on it, I noticed it had a diary that looked ancient.

The Face Of The Race

As they clapped their hands in super-glee,
Their masks fell off and they looked ugly.

Photo Prompt- Magpie Tales

They were witnessing a rat-race happily,
Where contestants were matched unequally.

There was such a mix- short, tall, thin, burly-
Any sane person could see what I saw easily.

Back Again For Love!

"The petroglyphs told the story of an unusual event.”

Photo Prompt- Mondays Finish The Story

Behind her she heard laughter/screaming in metallic voices when she felt she had figured out the petroglyphs story.

Hearing sounds up the stairs, she gave an optimal chase on the spiral staircase only to witness an UFO’s take-off. 

Photo-Prompt- Magpie Tales

My Philosophy Of Handle With Care

Selected as a WOW Post here

There are many things that to me & you are dear.
They fill us with cheer; to spoil, break, lose them we fear

At all times they need to be handled with care!
Should anything untoward happen, there's no spare!

Apart from wealth & material possessions like gadgets, jewelry,
A lot others need our time & we need to treat them carefully.

What's Cooking?

She had heard so much about that enticing recipe from her family, who had tasted the sweet-dish in its birthplace, that she wanted to experience it herself.

Her life was no longer boring as she derived succor in her experiments, though she met with little success, trying to create the dish that no one knew how to prepare...

As her desire was scorching her day and night, despite severe opposition from her family, she went in quest of that secret recipe like a girl possessed.

PHOTO PROMPT- Magpie Tales

Rasagola Dibasa

Here is a Quiz/GK question for you:

"In which state did the sweet-dish Rasgulla or Rasagola originate?"

Image Courtesy

If you answered- Odisha or Orissa, then full marks to you.

Many do not know the birthplace of the Rasagola. The popular perception is different.
On learning this, some get emotionally charged up, some others feel it is funny, while many disbelieve.

Actually, Rasagolas have been associated for centuries with the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri in Odisha.
The last day of the Rath Yatra, called Niladri Bije, is the only day when Lord Jagannath is offered Rasagolas as prasad by His devotees.
Also, Lord Jagannath Himself offers Rasagolas to please His consort, Maa Laxmi.
The Lord gifts Rasagolas to Maa Laxmi to gain entrance into the Temple.

Her Fairy Tale

“The barista shook his head. That hedge couldn’t have moved closer overnight. Could it?”

Photo-Prompt: Mondays Finish The Story

Everyone felt that the hedge was definitely closer to the writer's home.

They noticed that the tall golden statue of a gentleman near the hedge was missing, which some suspected was an expert thief's handiwork.

Rasagola Day

Odisha is an Eastern state of India.

Despite it being 'the Soul of Incredible India', Odisha is yet to get credit for so many things- like the Rasagola.

Rasgulla/Rasagolla/Rasagola...spell it in anyway, prepare it in any shape or size or have it in any part of the world, the fact is that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola.

There are many variations and innovations that are found in different parts of India. However, the most amazing, yummiest, finest, softest and delicious Rasagolas are found in Odisha. One has to come to Odisha and get the taste of mouthwatering varieties of Rasagolas.

In my post Kaleidoscopic Indian Culture, I had compared Indian culture with Rasagola and had mentioned the great varieties of Rasagolas as follows:

Rasagola

There were many comments:

Blog Comment

Blog Comment

How many of us know that Rasagolas have been offered for centuries in the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri in Odisha? 

Sweet Yatra

He went to His birthplace with His siblings, like He did each year at that time of the year.

His wife was angry that He did not take Her with Him.

She followed His path and damaged His chariot and returned to their home..

After enjoying His Jatra (Yatra- journey/travel/trip) with His siblings, He returned home.

His wife let His elder brother and sister enter the gate, but did not let Him enter.

She was raspy and said- NO!

The situation was somber.

He tried reasoning with Her and answered Her queries.
(Obedient husband indeed!)

Next, to placate Her, He offered Her some delicious sweets named Rasagolas.

Rasagola- A sweet/dessert that originated in Odisha, India

Breathless With Xylophone

“Hey boys, how ’bout y’all makin’ yer Ma some wind chimes?” 

Picture-Prompt- Mondays Finish The Story

He was nervous when his landlady asked her sons for wind chimes so that he could learn how to play them, and her youngest son gave him his Xylophone to try out!

Great Match!

On their first night out together, she felt they were a great match.

Picture-prompt photo by Bert Stern

She asked, “Who do you love more- me or cigarettes?”

His answer- “Cigarettes” took her down the memory-lane.

                                                                

Some Great Dads In Hindi Movies

Great dads love their child and want the very best for their child. 
Hugs are free, comforting and a Jaadu ki Jhappi (magical hug) can instantly have an emotional connect and make both the giver and receiver happy! 

There are many Great Dads in real life and reel life.
Here are some cool dads from Hindi cinema who deserve a hug as they:

Are Loving & Doting

In the movie- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, a single sneeze enacted by the smart daughter is enough to get her father rushing to the summer-camp! Earlier her dad even helps his daughter on stage by speaking on the topic-'Mother' in a competition.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai - Source

Go Far To Be With/Connect With Their Child
In the movie- Chachi 420, the father dons the garb of an elderly governess just so as to be with his daughter at the latter's maternal grandfather's place!

The World Is A Small Place

He was hungry for riches, and thus "loved" an heiress, whom he wanted to marry.

Photo-Prompt- Friday Fictioneers

When her marriage was fixed with a Prince, his plans came crashing.

He threatened to pull the trigger of his gun and kill her if she didn't marry him.

She refused.

He accidentally shot her.

Dalma Hotel, Bhubaneswar

The food belonging to the state of Odisha i.e. Odia cuisine is very nutritious and delicious.
Though we have it everyday at home, this weekend we tried out a popular restaurant named Dalma.
This hotel is named after a famous dish of Odisha- Dalma dish is prepared using Dal (Pulses- Arhar or Moong) along with vegetables and coconut.

Dalma restaurant has three branches in Bhubaneswar and also has branches in other cities like Delhi, Kolkata & Bengaluru. We visited the Unit-4, Madhusudan Nagar branch in Bhubaneswar.

Here is my post about Dalma Restaurant for www.askme.com

Dalma Hotel, Unit-4, Bhubaneswar

I was excited to find Saura Art on the walls leading to the restaurant. Saura Art is a beautiful tribal art of Odisha that depicts humans, animals and nature.

Victor's Victory

Zeus was not having a good day and he made sure everyone knew it.

Photo Prompt- Mondays Finish The Story

To amuse himself, Zeus set his eyes on Earth where he found a poor shephard named Victor having drinks with his friends.

World Environment Day 2015

We are seven billion. Phew! That's quite a load...
But, we have only one planet that we can now afford.

Handle her with care & use resources with responsibility.
Be respectful of our environment & planet's sustainability.