Sky Lit Over The Bridge

Photo:Copyright VeerajaR

This is the first time we were able to witness this traditional Boom's day fireworks. It was a blast!

It's no wonder the highways and exit ramps were stagnant with cars at turtle's pace. People crowded all along the riverside, full of expectation; lots of them have been coming every year, for so many years, to watch this riverside boom's day fireworks over the bridge@ Knoxville, TN.

I'm sure it adds to the 1001 reasons, 200,000 people---I'm told---come home to TN and the Vols starting game of the year which happens a day earlier. Of course it'd be 200,000 +1 next year!!!

-by VeeraMahal Franklin

Natchez Trace: A Non-commercialized Treasure!

An ancient Indian path/highway that runs 500 miles long from Natchez to Nashville cutting through three states--Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee--is a non-commercialized "Nature" treasure.

If Natchez Trace was the nation's first highway, this Natchez Trace bridge in Williamson County, Tennessee, is apparently the nation's first segmented concrete bridge built. You can see the people (and their vehicles) who have come to enjoy the fall colors along Natchez Trace passing/pausing atop the bridge. The view from up there is so... beautiful that I am glad this bridge is Williamson County's well kept "secret" treasure.

-by VeeraMahal Franklin

PEACE is Not A DREAM!

PEACE can not exist in dreams. PEACE has to be alive in everyone's heart, in everyday life; then heaven would be right here!

I just watched the movie "Bobby"- a lively presentation of the Robert Kennedy presidential fever and the hope for PEACE all over the world. Listening to his timeless speech for the need to stop violence and bring peace, and dignity for each and every human being, makes you wonder- how one madman's senseless act has cut short a great LIFE/hope and the course for PEACE around the world.

Why do we not have many Martin Luther Kings, Robert Kennedys and Mahathma Ghandis? Wouldn't that be great for a change? A change that might bring heaven breeze down here on earth.

Let PEACE begin with each one of US!

Copyright ©2010 VeeraMahal Franklin

We woke up!

I have been able to read quite a few remarkable books lately, having some "time" thrown onto my lap. And finally I am convinced "New York Times Bestseller" really means something: ripe and delicious reading- not just satisfying, but literally soul probing!

The book "same kind of different As me" is a remarkable true story, a very spiritual tapestry woven by the intertwined lives of Denver Moore, a modern-day slave, and Ron Hall an affluent art dealer and his pretty, and intelligent turned pious, wife Debbie. It is amazing how the couple's charitable efforts towards Denver turned out to be spiritual lessons learned and often taught by this uneducated street hardened vagabond. These lessons and trust gained of the vagrants whom the couple thought they were saving/serving, actually gave back more through unconditional love and prayers for Debbie during her struggle with cancer. Those that seemed to have nothing gave abundantly through their prayers and vigil.

I love the part where Debbie, seeking to collect spiritual beads everyday, finds out the mystery behind a desperately stoned drug addict's happy smile. He says "I woke up today!" Touched deeply by this naked truth, the couple started greeting each other every morning with a cheerful "we woke up!"

This simple fact--being able to wake up into a new day--resonates with our helplessness and the greatness of God. Waking up into a new day is a good enough reason to be HAPPY every day, each and every morning!

Stop complaining about work or other pressing issues/people as you wake up. Just take a moment, breathe in and breathe out. Breathe in..., and hold! Think what you are blessed with: life it self, the greatest gift from GOD!

I thank GOD for having the time to read soul probing books like "same kind of different As me." May God bless us---despite our own shortcomings---to have positive impact on others while we still hold the gift of life. And may be, just may be, even after we have passed on to wake up on the heavenly side!!!

P.S._ Title of the book is given “As” is!

Copyright ©2010 VeeraMahal Franklin

Hello from London!

Regal... Silver Jubilee!
Copyright © 2010 by VeerajaR

We have been to London to visit the...

Apple of my Eye & London Eye!

Photos:Copyright © 2010 by VeerajaR

London? Got to have a picture with a decker!

Copyright © 2010 VeeraMahal Franklin

Bridges Crossed

"Seize the moment and smell the roses!" We all heard it; but we really need to pay attention. Life is full of surprises and possibilities. Let's take it in stride, bravely crossing the bridges...!

By VeeraMahal Franklin

Little Romance

Maggie's friend: Handsome and tolerant!

Photo: Copyright©2010 by VeerajaR

Isn't that a cute picture?

-VeeraMahal Franklin