Imagine ... no need for greed or hunger

There was a poor homeless person near Milosh's school and we gave him some change. Milosh asked why I did that. I said may be he is hungry, it might help him to buy some food. Milosh asked if he does not have any money. I said - no, he does not. Milosh (who has seen me withdraw cash from the bank many times) - said why doesn't he go to the bank and get the money :)

I was not sure how to answer; and if I really wanted him to know the answer. Such an innocent question - but makes one think! What if the world was that way! Can't help thinking of the John Lennon song "Imagine" - and thinking that's how kids think naturally!

Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people

Living for today... Aha-ah...

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion, too

Imagine all the people

Living life in peace... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one

Lizards and worms

Yesterday we went to Vani and Arjun's place. It was a nice sunny fall day. Vibha and Amit were also there. And the 4 kids were playing outside. We were all enjoying sitting and talking to each other - while the kids were busy. We noticed Milosh sneaking into the kitchen, we heard some sounds and then he was out. He did not respond - when I asked him whats going on. After some time Milosh again sneaked into the kitchen, took something and did not respond.

Few minutes later Rhea came inside for water or snack or something. I asked her what these guys were doing. She said - oh we have been digging to find worms; and we have put worms in one container and a lizard in the other. Vibha and I both first said "yewwww" - to which Rhea responded - she did not touch the lizard. Milosh did it with sticks.

We stepped out to check and the kids were bringing their newfound pets home. "We will keep them in the garage." What will you feed them? "Oh, I will ask mommy (Vani)".

We were thinking of how to deliver this news to Vani, when Milosh came into the kitchen, found the lid of one of the containers and asked Vani "Can you make four holes in the lid?" Vani asked "but why?" and Milosh said " ... so the lizard can breathe".

Vibha and I laughed our hearts out, while Vani prepped Arjun on taking care of the lizard situation. Poor Vani will have to go replace those containers, but I was secretly happy that the kids had some unchaperoned time to explore whatever they wanted to; and also for the hearty laugh Vibha and I shared! Here's to more lizards and worms!