Friday, December 23, 2011

Holiday Thoughts from India - December 24, 2011

 

As Christmas dawns,  I'm far from home,
Boats ply the Arabian Sea,
I've traded the clanging cable car bells,
And coffee for fragrant chai tea.

This ancient land of India,
Opened up its arms,
Exotic and mysterious,
Seductive with its charms.

Over a billion people dwell,
In relative love and peace,
Giving worship to their different gods, 
Will wonders never cease!

Of course, I miss my family,
But I feel much love right here,
My Indian family and good friends,
Share infectious holiday cheer.

It matters not where you travel,
Next door or a distant clime,
Just keep the spirit of friendship,
Foremost in your heart all the time.

For that is what Christmas is all about,
Not tinsel upon a tree,
It's peace on earth, good will toward men,
Friendship between you and me.

Carmen Henesy



Copyright (c) December 2011 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved.

To my family, my friends worldwide, old and new,
the followers of my blog, all who
have made me so welcome here in India -
I wish you joy and peace this holiday season, and
a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
Perhaps, with the help of all our gods, we might find that elusive world peace we are seeking.







25 comments:

  1. Love you Carmen! I speak Blessings upon your Indian family for taking such good care of you while you are so geographically far from home. I say it that way because you are never far away from friends, no matter what continent you're on or if you are in the middle of an ocean ≈))
    So my sweet friend, Merry Christmas! Enjoy the experience of Christmas in India. I love you darlin, and Jon sends his love too! {{{{{{{{Hugs!}}}}}}}}

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  2. MERRY CHRISTMAS, Carmen!

    Take care of yourself..

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  3. Wish you and yours a joyous season!!

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  4. Thank you for the lovely Christmas thoughts! Have a wonderful time with your friends.

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  5. Merry Xmas my dear friend Carmen!!!

    Joy and peace for yo.

    Hugs

    Valery

    Barcelona Daily Photo

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  6. Thank you very much! Merry Christmas Carmen

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  7. Christmas indeed is the love between people and not just a tree and tinsel. Well said. Wish you a very merry Christmas too Carmen!

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  8. Anonymous7:56 AM

    Thank-you so much for the beautiful Christmas greetings. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

    Debbie H.S.

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  9. Merry Christmas It's a special time for you. Enjoy as thoroughly as possible. I envy you. :-)

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  10. Merry Christmas, Carmen!

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  11. Anonymous9:51 AM

    Merry Christmas with Seasons Greetings to you and yours my dear friend Carmen. May our Gods and Goddesses around the world thread a tapestry of peace for humanity so that we all may rejoice in the spirit with health, hope and happiness for the years to come!

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  12. Anonymous2:26 PM

    Found some Indian Chai - lifting me cup, wishing you a good time and only the very best.

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  13. You have written another perfect poem. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

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  14. happy Holidays to you Carmen, may you have a wonderful Christmas, thanks for the friendship.

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  15. Merry Christmas in India, Carmen! I know you are being treated so well by your friends there and enjoying every moment.

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  16. Anonymous1:40 AM

    Merry Christmas. Thats a lovely poem. I am glad you can enjoy the Christmas spirit in India too. Enjoy! :)

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  17. Merry Christmas Carmen! I am glad you are enjoying India.

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  18. martin_squared -
    Thanks for the sweet comments. I am sorry you are going through such a hard time right now. When I am in GA again, I must see you. India is a very special place - even more than I had hoped. I am afraid time is going to pass too quickly.


    Aimee -
    I will be visiting you all once I'm home again. I'll feel very lonely when I leave India so I'll need the comfort of old and dear friends. So sorry Logan had to have surgery!!


    Icy BC -
    It's been quite a year...many surprises..but some things you can always count on - good friends and good blogs - both of which are you!!


    Jidhu Jose -
    I am sorry you didn't make it to India for the holidays. You are deserve happiness, my friend.


    Jyothi -
    I've seen some of your lovely writings on Jidhu's blog...the best to you in the New Year.


    magiceye -
    At last, we've met in person!!


    Sharkbytes -
    So far, India has been wonderful. Even the mosquitoes seemed to take a break on Christmas.


    Irredento Urbanita -
    I am not sure if we knew each other last Christmas or not...but, for all the ones to come, you be my friend!


    Gemma Pagès -
    I am so glad, now, to be part of your whole
    family and I hope it won't be long till I'll be showing you around San Francisco!


    zephyr -
    I am so glad to have my new Indian blogger friends...the more, the better for me!!!


    Anonymous ( Debbie H.S. ) -
    Thanks for visiting me this holiday...come back, please.


    ros@dimaggio63 -
    Myriam, it is wonderful to see you again...warms the heart, especially at this holiday season.


    Self Sagacity -
    I know Christmas must have been great fun, Amanda, with your little one....we must get together when I'm back in the Bay area.


    Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti -
    I'm cherishing every minute here, trying to stop time. It's passing faster than fast.


    Muza-chan -
    Wish that, some day, I could have a lengthy stay in Japan like I'm having in India.


    Robert Geiss -
    Probably better to lift a cup of chai than ouzo or that raki. Somehow, I never developed a taste for either...or the retsina wine. Now, your German wines are another story...and some of the other Greek wines, I really like.


    Ratty -
    You are, indeed, wonderful...perfect poem, well, I like hearing that, though I doubt that anything I write is perfect.


    betchai -
    I, too, have appreciated our online friendship and long for the day when we can meet face to face. If I can make it to India, I ought to be able to manage San Diego!!!

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  19. Merry Christmas Carmen. God Bless.

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  20. A beautiful poem that you've followed with such a special wish for those of us lucky enough to visit you here!

    I send love, care, hope and many, many huggles,

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  21. glad u are liking it here...... I'm not sure how good is the Christmas in India.... though, i wish it'll be the best..... :)

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  22. Well said. Merry Xmas, Carmen. x

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  23. Mayank -
    I look forward to your photos, especially after I have returned to California and am missing India. It was great to have met you.


    Mickle in NZ -
    Being here in India with such dear friends makes me think of all my friends world wide with such affection. If my bank account were as rich as I am with friends, my problems would be solved.


    hitesh rawat -
    Christmas here was perfect though I felt a bit of nostalgia for my boys, which was instantly gone after I spoke to them. We had a round of parties here in the village and the outdoor midnight mass was so lovely. I was amazed at the beauty of their choir.


    Welschcakes Limoncello -
    I know your Christmas was delightful. I need to get busy and catch up on so many of the wonderful blogs, one of which is yours, that I have been missing.
    O

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  24. Anonymous1:06 PM

    Dear Carmen: Thank you for such beautiful thoughts so eloquently stated-as always! Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New year to you! Enjoy your latest adventure and keep posting! ~ Eileen Allen

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