Discovery Museum Gala- a fun evening

 Last Saturday was a night to remember as Discovery Museum in Action celebrated its significant role in the community. Like any nonprofit organization, the museum cannot sustain itself without the generous support of its donors. The fundraiser gala was aimed at raising funds for its various programs.

The staff displayed great creativity in planning this event. To encourage guests to learn more about the museum and its exhibits, ten different stations were set up where guests could discover more about the programs the museum runs. To enter the raffle, attendees needed to collect stamps from all these stations, adding an exciting element to the event. Guests had the chance to win prizes while supporting the museum's cause. I wish I could have won the “night in the outdoor treehouse.”

The theme of the gala was “Make the Connection,” emphasizing the museum's goal of connecting people. I attended with one of the moms from our group, and we had a great time.

One of the highlights of the Gala Night was the food and drinks that were served. I loved how the staff managed everything flawlessly. People in attendance had a fantastic time, enjoying the festivities and socializing with fellow supporters of the museum.

The families from Desi Moms Networks have been part of “Especially for Me” nights, and we are grateful to the museum for making our kids feel welcome. I had the opportunity to spend some time with the CEO, the future CEO and a few donors, and I conveyed to them how grateful the familes are.

Please visit their page and consider donating. They need your support to continue their valuable work in the community.

A beautiful Bengal Kantha to celebrate the museum and handloom. 

The future CEO, I know museum will reach another height in your leadership Marie. 

my plus one for the night has roots in Bengal so a Bengali Kantha was the perfect handloom for the night

 The best apple crisp 

Revisiting the Past - The past connects to present

 I taught high school in my previous life. Twenty-eight years ago, I left that behind and decided to marry Mr. Husband. I loved teaching, but building a life with him was more appealing than anything else. Then, kids and two big moves across continents happened, and that life became a distant memory.

A fun trip to Maryland turned into a journey down memory lane in the strangest way. Two of my former students came to meet me. After 28 years, we spent our time talking about that chapter of my life. I had only known my side of the story -  how those students had shaped my life. But I learned how I had made a difference in some lives. My students were not much younger than me, so we could share and relate to our life experiences. We had all come from a small town in the central part of India, lived away from home and family for half of our lives.

This time, I wasn't just teaching chemistry to them; we shared our notes on life, marriage, parenting, womanhood, and career. These two women brought so much joy into my life, and of course, some food too.

Do you reminisce about your previous life? Do you meet people from those days? Does it bring joy or regrets?

A black cotton for a quick meet

Once a Strangers ? Are they your future friends?

 Writing, talking, and saree-ing have brought many people into my life. But one of the biggest contributors is my passion for Autism Awareness and Desi Moms Network. I have got to know many people from across the world, made connections, and formed long-lasting friendships.

Every time I travel, I try to meet moms from the group if possible. I get to meet incredible human beings, to say the least. Meeting the moms and families makes it all worth it.

My Maryland trip was no exception. When I decided on my dates, I reached out to a couple of moms I had been connected with in that area. One of them offered to host me. She did it all - a long rainy drive to pick me up, taking me to meet two other moms, hosting me for the night, serving appetizing and sumptuous breakfast. And, of course, a beautiful saree, because my saree stories were the initiators of our friendship. Our kids came later in our friendship. Our kids are of the same age and have similar profiles, so we had many things to talk about.

One of the most interesting parts was meeting her mom (who is visiting her this week from CA). When they both came to pick me up, she genuinely asked where I was from. The mere mention of the town brought the whole world closer. One of her friends in California was from that town, and the conversation became more interesting with the mention of the last name. A few text messages, a FaceTime call, and, interestingly, the person who was picking me up the next morning was that friend's daughter. So my visit could connect two daughters in Virginia whose mothers are friends living in California. One is my Saree Friend, and the other one grew up in my hometown and was my former student. 

The whole Saga bring smile every time I think of it. Everything just worked out in my packed schedule. Some time it’s wonderful to be curious and inquisitive, I kept thinking if Auntie has not come to pick me up or not asked questions about my life.

 Do you open up to strangers? Do you ask questions?

A kanchi silk cotton. 

The Moms Who were strangers when we walked in - by the end of the dinner - it was a different story- 

My trip became the reason these two met. I didnt feel guilty that she came to pick me up. She got to meet her mom's friend :)

Gentle parenting - The way you decide to raise your kids

"Gentle parenting is an approach that encourages a partnership between you and your child, making choices based on internal willingness rather than external pressures.

Last week, I spent some time with a friend daughter I've known for over 25 years, who is now a mother of two young kids. I was amazed to see how patient she was with her toddler, constantly talking and explaining things. As I observed her, I couldn't help but express how wonderful she was. She explained the concept of gentle parenting to me, emphasizing the importance of validating emotions, listening, offering choices, and finding a middle ground.

Our conversation got me thinking that I had been a regular mom without reading books, studying psychological concepts, or taking any classes. I did whatever I felt was right. My husband certainly treated our kids as individuals and didn't impose his choices on them, while I alternated between cajoling, pampering, threatening, and scolding our boys when necessary.

I followed some of my parents' ways and let go of things I didn't like from my own childhood. There is no definitive right or wrong in parenting; we do what is possible given the circumstances and situation. We all have regrets and wish we could change things in our own or our children's childhoods. I certainly could have been more patient and calm, spent more time with them doing different things, read more, helped with schoolwork, traveled more, and cooked less.

What do you think? Are there things you would do differently? 

A beautiful silk from a saree friend, She was visiting Boston from India, doing her own parenting thing, settling her daughter in a new city, thousands of miles away from home. Trusting she did the right thing.

 I know I did whatever I could but given a chance I will do million things differently with these two. 

 I saw this dad playing with his daughter in a distant corner when most of us were enjoying eating and drinking at a friend's cook out. This remained with me for a long time and while writing this I had to dig out this pic.

Build your village - A sleep over, a celebration of many things.

 When I started building Desi Moms Network seven years ago, I had an idea. This idea was developed by many, and they all shaped it into what it has become today—a group, a sanctuary, a safe place. Each and every person involved in it received something different from their experience, perhaps corresponding to the effort they put into it.

One day, I ventured into a tiny village within this larger community, where four women were collectively defining what this village meant to them in their unique way.

Imagine a sleepover with four women and four kids, all demanding attention and care. That evening, amidst the chaos, I witnessed harmony. Despite the kids running around, humming, shouting, and expressing themselves in their unique ways, these mothers managed to inflate balloons, decorate a wall, play music, savor delicious food, and cut a cake for one of the mothers celebrating her birthday.

What I witnessed was truly incredible. These mothers had done this so many times before that they precisely knew how to manage each other's kids. They made hot idlis because one of the kids loved them, included chicken in the takeout menu because another child would definitely eat it, and allowed another child to blow out the candles with minimal noise to accommodate their sensory needs. I stayed for a couple of hours, marveling at the synchronization they had achieved. I couldn't help but think about how exhausting it could be, yet these moms knew how to have a good time. Their plan, as always, was to wait for the kids to sleep and then stay up late to enjoy themselves, even if it meant waking up the next morning with minimal sleep.

As they juggled feeding kids, cleaning up, and chasing after them, jokes and laughter took center stage. I drove home, keeping that vibrant image in my mind.

So, if you ever feel like you don't have the time, energy, or that your plate is too full, remember to make space for that one phone call, a check-in text with a new mom, or a coffee date with another mom—you never know what it could bring into your life. 

A green soft silk for a quick meet. 

While I was celebrating the village, my son was busy with his video game. I sure have my village I wish I had done something for him. I keep telling these moms to learn from my mistakes. They sure are. Building not only their village but their kid's too. 

The theme was F.R.I.E.N.D.S

An online yoga session with my village. 

Federation’s yearly Gala - On the Shoulders of Giants: 49 years of hard work

 It's hard to imagine that 49 years ago, a few parents sat around their kitchen table and initiated something that would go on to change the lives of so many children over five decades. I am incredibly honored to be a small part of that organization.

The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides access to information, resources, and support for all caregivers, including parents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians, and other designated representatives. ( from FCSN.org)

 As one of the board members, I cannot express enough my appreciation for everyone on the board and the staff for their hard work in making things happen for these families.

Last weekend, the Federation hosted its Annual Gala with the theme "On the Shoulders of Giants," honoring the pioneers of the federation. These were the individuals who made it possible for our children today to have access and opportunities.

The Gala brings together people from all walks of life: parents, caregivers, support staff, various government agencies, and some wonderful souls who provide financial support to these programs, and most importantly, the families.

I donate Indian cooking lessons every year and have the privilege of meeting amazing families eager to learn the art of Indian cuisine. I reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and returned home with a renewed commitment to continue doing what I do for these families.

A Kota Doria Silk Cotton matching with the theme color of the Gala.

Please visit FCSN.org and support anyway you can. 

My plus one for the night