Picturesque Goa

Picturesque Goa
NOSTALGIA - Articles,Poems & Photos

TONFERNS CREATIONS

TONFERNS CREATIONS
TONFERNS CREATIONS - Tony's Art & Hobbies

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

SHORT WAVE RADIO SHORT MAKES FULL CIRCLE

Our daughter Dahlia Fernandes' song 'Bittersweet' was aired this morning on the English Service of Radio Sri Lanka (SLBC) at  4.05 pm. (6.35 am Toronto time). This was made possible, thanks to the efforts of our friends Dalrine Wijesuriya and Radio Host Kumar Samuel. Growing up in Goa in the late 1950's and early 1960's, as it was known then, I listened to 'Radio Ceylon' shortwave broadcast on 31 metre band, which very much made a part of our lives. Today, around 55 years later, I'm proud to hear Dahlia's song on the SLBC radio. A milestone indeed.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

FALL REFLECTIONS

'Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.'
 
Once again autumn hues and reflections come back to the Don River Valley, around the Weston Quarry Garden area, Toronto. ~ 25th October 2014.
 
 
 
 
 


Thursday, October 16, 2014

NOBODY TRIPS OVER MOUNTAINS



ONE CROSSING TOO MANY 
'Crossing the hill not once,
but everyday, throughout the schooling years 1953 - 1964,
and yes, there were pebbles along the way and a steep climb.
My Alma Mater on the Hill
called 'Monte de Guirim' -
St. Anthony's High School, Bardez, GOA. India.
View from Parra to Saligao road.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

APPLIED SAMPLING LAW

Sometimes when sales are low at Arts & Crafts Shows, the rains do not help. At one point we were wondering, anxious to know what was going to happen when it started pouring yesterday, but luckily the rain stopped and it was a comfort to see some people walking into our marquee.

So at noon while I was just sitting and pondering what the heck is going to happen to this show after it started raining, with nothing much to do other than look at the cloudy skies, the following occurred to me upon reflection of our condition. It dawned on me what had transpired during the previous three days. As usual, we, vendors, are quite adept in adapting to any situation, and take in stride the snide or odd remarks by the stray or wayward, wandering visitor who had perhaps nothing better to do during the day than have a go at my sanity and try my patience both at the same time!

Here's a sampling for your amusement. I hope you find it funny. Enjoy it.

APPLIED SAMPLING LAW IN A JURIED CRAFT SHOW

1. What does one call a time period of over 15 minutes that is spent in reaching a final decision to purchase one jar of pickles?
~   EXTENDED DELIBERATION !

2. What do you call 2 people trying to arrive in a tied decision to make a final commitment in a vote to purchase a single jar of relish?
~   A TIED VOTE !

3. What does one call a situation when a customer fails to purchase your product after trying about 12 flavours of chutneys and pickles?
~   MISTRIAL !

4. What do you call the questioning of one by others in a group of visitors, trying to discredit his firm belief in his choice of a certain type of pickle that he or she likes?
            

~   CROSS-EXAMINATION !

5. What do you call an instance when a customer tells you that he/she has decided to purchase at the next show.

~   ADJOURNMENT !

6.  What does one call a group of between 6 or 12 persons who fail to reach a verdict to buy ONE jar of relish?

~   HUNG JURY !

© Tony Fernandes - Edna's Pickles


Monday, October 13, 2014

A CLOSE LOOK WITH LONG LENS



 
A CLOSE LOOK WITH A LONG LENS
 
'Life is not what it used to be, so for now I'm taking a long look at things around and above me'.

Moon shot: Niagara Escarpment Area at Ball's Falls, Jordan, Ontario.

12 October 2014 - 8.52 am

Camera :  Canon

Saturday, October 04, 2014

St. Francis of Assisi, Patron of St. Anthony's High School, Monte de Gurim, Bardez, Goa

October 4 , 2014

Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), one of the best-loved Catholic saints, who was the founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Capuchin) and the Secular Franciscan Order. He is the Patron of the renowned institution of St. Anthony's High School, my Alma Mater, Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa. Our present Pope has adopted his Papal name as 'Francis' - after St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his humility.

 Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi, Monte de Guirim.
Bardez Goa.

Main altar of the Chapel, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

Twilight view of the Arabian Sea from Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa.




The Alverno Friary & Residence

Resting place of the great Capuchin Friars of Monte de Guirim.





Cross of peace and tranquility facing the Chapel on the Hill. Monte de Guirim. An ideal quiet place for prayer, solace, comfort and inspiration.

On the right side of this cross, as one looks at the picture above,  the giant old nunerca tree stood strong perhaps for generations. This tree was a legend in its lifetime. It was like a mother that sheltered and protected her children under her huge arms from the hot sun and rain.  For the physical training exercise, boys lined up for the “drill” under this legendary tree. In the afternoon boys some played, while other read books. Mission Sunday event was held on this mini plateau. Its own branch roots were very cleverly nurtured back into the earth with soil around it round tin pipes, thereby providing support for itself. Though botanists tried to save it, the old tree sadly did not survive. But a new one that was immediately planted in its place soon grew to its full size and provides a nostalgic reminiscence to the visiting scholars of the old days.


Friday, October 03, 2014

Yaad Hai Tujhe


Sharjah
hamara ‘Musalla house’ ki
bath hai ye
Yaad hai tujhe?
Jabhi aapne ye kaha:
“Hey, Tony,
agar main ‘terrace-se’
nichey ‘jump’ maarun to
mera tum foto
khinch lega kiya?”
Ye sochke ki
Badda mazaa aayega
maine ye jawab diya tha:
“Jaroor, kiyon nahim?
Magar yaad rak –
Marzi tera,
Payr tera,
Sirf camera hamara”.
Puri ki tumne
Zabardast marzi tumari 
Kiya stunt thi teri!
Main tujhe rukah nahin;
Socha, “dekh lenge kiya hota”.
Phir camera tayyar rak-ke
‘Mid-air’ me
Foto jo maine
Khincha tera
Album-me mera
Aaj tak proof hai tera.

Thursday, October 02, 2014