Coffee With Mi.

Smiles 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 #WriteTribe

2013-06-19T16:25:00.000+05:30

Books soothe the soul. Fill my hours with pleasant activity. Teach me things. And long after reading a book. my thoughts revolve around it for years to come, especially if it has made an impact. I love how I interpret some books in different ways over the passage of time. I like to think I grow wiser and am able to understand better, see the nuances I may not have noticed earlier.

So when I saw last week's prompt in our Write Tribe group, Mi, I was excited. I thought, hey, here's one I am going to love. And instead of diving right into it, I noticed there was a week's time and put it off. What with one thing and another, I think I got a little disoriented about the day / time the linky would close.

I visited Richa Singh's blog today to read her response to the prompt. And happily anticipated writing my own post. Then, hours later, saw the next prompt go up. What? I rushed over to the Write Tribe blog to find that I was locked out with "Collection closed". Lesson learned, I thought. Serves me right, I thought.

So how come I am here, you ask? Great question. Because I have a lovely answer. I just decided to go ahead and write it. As if in response, the Universe informed me that there could be a chance to still take part in this linky. Lucky eh?

So here's the prompt:

Grab the 7th book from your bookshelf. = it is a novel by Robert Littell titled "The Defection of A J Lewinter"

Open it up to page 7. Pinpoint the 7th sentence on the page.= "A smile spread across his face"

Begin a poem/a piece of prose that begins with that sentence
Limit it in length to 7 lines/7 sentences.

Here we go!

A smile spread across his face as they told him the good news.
Suddenly, the sun seemed brighter and parched earth seemed to be smiling with him.
Their attempt to dig a well had finally borne fruit and yielded a steady trickle of water, sweet water that was rapidly gaining force.
It meant that they would no longer have to walk a few miles to the neighboring town and haggle for a pot of water that seemed to evaporate with every step they took on their way home.
It meant that the fields would be green again and the fragrance of flowers would fill the air.
Perseverance pays, he thought.
Suddenly he felt like a young again and was tempted to join the little boys celebrating the miracle, dancing under the strong spout of water.

Ah, that felt good, indeed.

Confession: The seventh book on my bookshelf was in Tamil - a book by a fabulous author Sujatha. So I picked the one next to it!

Write Tribe is an initiative that motivates and supports Writers and Bloggers

Streetscape #FMSphotoaday Day 18

2013-06-19T09:00:00.000+05:30

Mi, see, I am lagging behind a bit. But I had a bit of a rough day yesterday, plus it was my weekly meeting day. Plus, one more thing, as you know.

So, Even as I mope around just to feel a little better, I am posting photos of streets in response to today's prompt. By the way, I forgot to tell you Kupp's son got married. Yes, that little kid we saw running around....and then gifted a bicycle to, then were proud of his achievements at college - is. now. married. I gifted him a tambaalam (paraath). I wanted to check our store of brand new steels in the trunk in the machu pichu but didn't have the energy.

That fall from Sunday hurts you know. I pulled some muscles that competed for my attention the next day and drove me crazy. Ah, well. This too shall pass.

So lets take that walk, Mi.

Just outside Nilgiris on 8th Main, these beauties were taking an afternoon stroll. You know I could have easily put this up for Transport. I can tell you for sure that these fellas are not waiting for their driver. It is not their car. No, they didn't lose their keys!

This lovely sight is outside the Nimishamba Temple near Mysore. There's something so cheerful and energizing about seeing Nimbu garlands, no? Remember how we used to buy hundreds and make garlands for Maramma? I used to successfully pierce my finger with the last nimbu! Sweet pain!

This is a view of the underpass from the Malleswaram circle. Scary point to cross the road - the traffic is as crazy as ever!

And this is our refreshment point at 17th Cross on 8th Main - you'll be shocked to know that a tender coconut now costs Rs.20/-. Hmmmph! Still, better than a fizzy no?

This morning, Vividh Bharti aired this song - and as usual, I just felt like crying. Somehow it is like a Pavlovian response, you know? Some things are just emotional triggers for me. Remember how we cried buckets every time we watched this movie?

Street. Day 18 June #FMSphotoaday

Not Self-Centered #FMSphotoaday Day 17

2013-06-17T23:11:00.000+05:30

I have a bunch of pictures for today's prompt, Mi! Centered, indeed. Let's get with it, already!

You know I found this on the floor near our garage. Such a beautiful butterfly. Fluttering for its life. We watched it for a while and then went home. I have a feeling it flew off!

And here is one of your very own favorite sights! Your life centered to a large extent around these little babies! I am glad to say it is the same with mine, now. I just enjoy making different types, Mi. You would be so proud to see me roll them out with such ease. I always laugh when I think of how we would feel relieved that a "roti" meal meant less washing up, easier left over management and last but not least, tastier! I fondly remember making extra rotis so we could cut them into bits the next day and toss them in the pan with seasoning to eat as an evening snack! How you loved rotis! They are now a regular feature of our lunch boxes - especially the veggie stuffed ones - so easy to plan and make without the pressure of a side dish. At home, of course, we have accompaniments like salads, curd, pickle etc. But they make such a good boxed lunch on the go!

Here's a beautiful yellow flower on the lawn at Fort George, Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario. It was a serene and peaceful afternoon following a fabulous trip to see the Niagara Falls. Then we headed to Fort George where Tanu and I strolled around. So beautiful in the gentle rays of the sun, cool breeze playing with our hair.

And here is this young pigeon happily jaywalking across the road in Sikkim - outside the Enchey Monastery as we watched, enveloped in our raincoats, as the rain constantly sprayed down on us.

This gorgeous jackfruit is from just one of the solid trees on the IISc campus. It was Vidur's last day of the 10th Std Exams and we decided to have lunch in the campus. After lunch, we took a walk back to Ypur circle and clicked photos on the way. It was a warm quiet sunshiny afternoon and the only sounds were birds and the rustle of leaves as the branches of the trees greeted the breeze and the ones we crushed under our feet as we strolled down the pathways.

Wherever we go, we wish you were with us. In a sense you are, because we talk about "if Paati was here....."

Centered. Day 17 June #FMSphotoaday

Family Matters #FMSphotoaday Day 16

2013-06-16T19:38:00.000+05:30

Family Matters. Sure does. And it is so precious. Especially since we started off as a two-member family, Mi. Strangely, it doesn't matter to me that the father abandoned you two months before I was born. I got more than most other kids in the form of a Grandmother, Uncles and Aunts. Not to forget the cousins. What was to complain about? Oh, so it was uncomfortable when people inquired about my Father. Okay, I admit it downright hurt sometimes. Typical movie-style feelings. Where is your dad, Vidya? Blink blink. The out of town answer didn't eternally work and back in the 60's families actually believed that everything would be alright eventually when the parent returned, repentant. Big ha ha to that.

I can tell you with confidence today that you were more than a Mom and Dad to me, Mi. Loving, encouraging, gentle yet firm. Perfect.

You and Me. 1972. Cool eh!

It is true that God gives generously. Our happy family of four. Okay, so you have eyes only for your grandson.

Sury, Vidur, Vidya, Devi

Here's God's family.

All creatures great and small. A family of ducks.

You live in our hearts, Mi.

Because

Mata, Pita, Guru, Devi.

Family. Day 16 June #FMSphotoaday

View From Above. #FMSphotoaday Day 15

2013-06-16T00:30:00.000+05:30

For some reason, this prompt for Day 15 - from above - reminds me of Shekar. He would keep talking about the view from above, just because he was taller than I was. Then one day he said he had the secret to feel taller. Which was - move around with shorter people. Very funny. You know, Mi, Shekar got in touch recently and it was so nice. He sent an invite to his daughter's wedding. Talking of weddings, remember our ex-neighbors in the opposite house? Deepika is getting married! That kid we saw running around in her school uniform! We used to enjoy watching them - what lovely parents and kids. They visited last week to give us the invites.

Hmmm. It is a while since you saw our canopy of trees from our terrace, eh? So here you go! It is still a fabulous view from above: The cars look like toys. The trees on the other side are beginning to bloom. A beautiful carpet of red is forming.

And here is a view of our beloved city, Hyderabad from the Buddhist ashram in Mahendra Hills. It was a delightful place and we had a fun time watching some of the young monks sweeping the leaves in the breeze - beautiful scenes in serenity!

And taking you to foreign places, here is a view of the other side of the Welland canal where we were waiting for the ship to pass. Most amazing experience! We so wanted to go and stick our face into that cutout and take a photo. Meant to, but forgot!

Here is a view of Toronto from the CN Tower. See the sun shimmering on the water! We were so lucky to have dry weather that day. Well almost.

:-) You probably have the best view from above, Mi. Watching over us. Sharing our laughter, our discussions - because you always feature in them.

From Above. Day 15 June #FMSphotoaday

Textures of Life #FMSphotoaday Day 14

2013-06-15T12:14:00.000+05:30

Barely Day 14 and I am already guilty of lagging behind Mi! Got my fingers in too many pies or what? Not really, because, as you know, I do follow some modicum of preparation even if I last-minute so many things. I can still hear you saying that the eleventh hour is the most critical hour in my life. Indeed. How many situations have been saved by my procrastination! Coincidence maybe, but one too many, eh?

So today's prompt is Textures! I swear I chose the pictures for this yesterday but thanks to a seven hour power cut during the day time - and during the time I usually sit at the computer, I just had to take this post lower down the priority list. I did celebrate the small things, though! Even if I had to hoist the "ambari" on the elephant! Yes, I am referring to the clearing up of the kitchen sink. It was one of those days when every utensil we had had somehow landed up there. And you know how I cannot rest until it is dealt with. Jai ho to that steel scrub and scotch brite for making that particular job so easy!

Texture always makes me think of Vidur's skin as a baby. Creamy, soft. As he grew up, I remember how the digital camera would pick up the fine hair on his skin. One particular snap shows the hair practically glowing in the sun. Sweet memories!

I am going to stick to some mundane textures though, today.

I love the feel and texture of these jeggings! Snug fitting, stretchy and most comfortable! The best part? Elasticated waist! Ah, the coolness!

Who can resist the texture of these? Not me!

This is one of the flowers from the florist - I had a tough time choosing between that lovely reddish orange and this one. The petals are soft, soft, soft.

And no post on texture could be complete without your favorite flower! You would carefully store it under your pillow and watch the color and texture change every day. A big bunch would go into your cupboard to keep the contents fragrant! I still have some of your petals in a book. I remember how mad we used to get when the petals fell off the moment the flower was held. How fascinated we were to find our own street lined with these...and in season, there would be petals strewn all over the place. You and Vidur would diligently pick up the good ones and bring them home.

Sweet memories!

I'll be going to Sampige road in the evening and will buy a bunch for you.

Texture. Day 14 June #FMSphotoaday

Kitchen. Heart of My Home #FMSphotoaday Day 13

2013-06-14T12:11:00.000+05:30

The heart, the hub of our home. And your favoritest place, Mi. Today's prompt for Day 13 of the #FMSPhotoADay challenge is the good ole kitchen! Where we cook up delicious food, health and exotic stuff all seasoned with love. Enjoyed with delight.

It never ceases to amaze me even today that you never ever felt lazy a single time when it came to doing things in the kitchen. And of course, you would merrily laugh when I mentioned it. Often, it freaked me out that I felt guilty about wanting to chill around when you'd jump up and embrace a kitchen activity. But I am glad you taught me the value of that. I am surprised to experience pure joy when I am busy in the kitchen, making our traditional podis and powders, chutneys and all those other things that make our daily life easier.

Yesterday I was recounting to Vidur how you would quickly reduce two large bundles of coriander and curry leaves into preserves for the next two weeks. We were cleaning up large quantities of coriander and curry leaves...and well, I am happy to say I did the same. In your words, no point cleaning up and eliminating part of it to the dustbin each time we took it out of the fridge.

Sometimes I think I learned the nuances of cooking through osmosis from you and Granma, Mi. It helped to do all the sidey work - quite like being an apprentice. And of course, watching and learning. I remember how I cooked a whole meal one fine day when I was ten years old - a grand feast of potato fry and onion sambar and rice. All by myself - anxious to finish before you and Gopu Mama returned from school and office respectively. It was a half day, being Saturday and I had meticulously planned this.

After I returned from school, loading up the pressure cooker with potatoes, rice and dal was the work of a few moments. While it cooked, I cut the onions and got the sambar going. I had the seasoning ready for the potato curry. Then twenty minutes later, I was peeling the potatoes, cutting them and adding them to the masala-fied oil in the big kadai. Oh, I remember the feeling of exultation, anticipating your praise, Mama's delight when you came home to find that lunch was ready.

I had just finished when I heard the gate and I pretended nothing had happened when you came in. Mama arrived a few moments later and the two of you were quickly discussing what to make for lunch. Then you entered the kitchen - and oh, I will never forget the next few minutes. Even today, I cry to think of that day. You both made me feel like I was the best cook in the world. Every mouthful you ate, you appreciated how well I cooked. You encouraged me.

The next Saturday I remember making spinach dal and rasam - and that was a big hit too.

What wonderful memories of growing you with you, Mi. You fill my heart with happiness.

Here's a partial glimpse of our masala shelf. :D Go ahead and laugh at the doll. Yes, I wash her every other day.

And here's chai for two happening.

Part of the crockery shelf... Okay so there's a lot more than that!

I am thinking of repainting the kitchen. Remember how we painted it a warm peach color? Lucky we had enough to cover the kitchen, because we didn't remember the proportion we mixed to get that particular shade!

Mmmm.

Kitchen. Day 13 June #FMSphotoaday

Elevenses. Day 12 June #FMSphotoaday and @PhotoThisWeek

2013-06-12T23:23:00.003+05:30

I am combining two photography prompts in this post today - #FMSphotoaday and @Photothisweek

The first one

11 o'clock and Day 12 of the June #FMSPhotoADay

Today's prompt reminds me of one of those questions the lawyer asks the accused, guilty until proven innocent a leading question, Mi! Talking of court scenes....no no...I won't digress!

So the prompt for today is - 11 o'clock. What was I doing at 11 am or 11 pm? Very good question. With a very easy answer!

At 11 AM - I was enjoying a fab cup of coffee with biscuits

And at 11 PM - a mug of milk. You know how much I love milk! Yummy! And yes, my fetish for collecting mugs continues. If there were a prompt for a mug a day, I could ace it easily. Sigh!

11 o'clock Day 12 June #FMSphotoaday

The second one

PhotoThisWeek - an initiative by Jyothi Nair an amazingly enthusiastic blogger

Here's the prompt: Photo This Week 2 (11th June to 18th June) Please share : “Your must click Moment this week!”

And here is my must-click moment this week:

This adorable baby donkey nuzzling its Mommy. So sweet to watch the playful fella! I stood there enjoying the sight.

So that's it for today, Mi. You and I have work in the kitchen, remember? Doing your favorite thing. Coriander chutney and curry leaves powder. Let's go roast, fry and grind.

And taste.

And enjoy.

I can dream, right?

Why I Write #WriteTribe

2013-06-12T20:20:00.001+05:30

Mi, This is the second time I am catching this prompt at the last minute - I did that last time, too. In fact, barely made it with a minute left. I am lucky the browser didn't freeze, because, as we know, Time doesn't wait for me, or anyone for that matter, right?

We have a lovely prompt today: "Why I Write"

I worship the written word.

I owe my love for writing to you and GopuMama. And then, to all the people who admire it, inspiring me to keep on keeping on.

Writing is like breathing to me. If I didn't write, then, imagine!

Besides being a wonderful outlet, writing opens up new perspectives. When I go back and read something I've written years ago, I can see how I've grown or changed. There are times when I am proud of the way I expressed myself. There are times when I think I can do a better job of it now.

I am grateful you always encouraged me to write. I fondly remember the years and years of diary writing. It kept my mind well-ventilated. It made me think positive. It improved my memory. It boosted my creativity.

Every time we went on a trip, you would always check to see if I had packed a notebook and pencils. Remember how I would sketch alongside the long paragraphs of words? When I couldn't express something right away, I would quickly make a sketch of it. We used to have such fun going over those!

Our family and relatives who lived in other cities enjoyed reading my letters. Is it the constant writing that ensures that I am never at a loss for words?

In school, I reaped the benefits of practicing writing by being able to express myself well and increasing my vocabulary all the time.

Writing made me a better student, in both school and college. It helped me learn better. And in life, a better person.

Then, when I started working, I remember how I would always take meeting notes in the form of a drama script. Do you remember how one of my colleagues specifically mentioned that to you when the guys came over to visit me in hospital?

I used to enjoy writing long letters to you, just for fun. And you would store them and read them, over and over. I still have those little stories and songs I wrote on the spot!

On a more serious note, I have to remember one of your quotes:

"Diary writing is far more than a way of exorcising one's unhappiness. The effect is extraordinary. Distanced on paper, troubles shrink to their true size. You can regard them objectively and see how temporary they are"

I experience great clarity of thought when I vent on paper. Yes, I still use that bunch of ink pens I so enjoy ceremoniously filling up from that Camlin ink bottle. There's nothing more satisfying than getting a little smudge of ink on my middle finger! Remember how you laugh at the way I hold my pen?

Ah, all those lists we made! If I didn't make lists, my time-management would be shot! We were always so fond of pretty stationery!

One of the best things about writing is being able to appreciate other writers. And thanks to blogging, there are so many!

Through blogging, my writing helps make an impact on others. I feel so thrilled when I receive emails from readers asking questions or expressing their appreciation. It warms my heart to think that something I wrote helped someone feel better. It is wonderful to share experiences and thoughts with the world and make a difference in others' lives.

Writing has brought me closer to so many wonderful people who have become close friends over time.

Writing is like oxygen.

Most of all, I am especially grateful that today, it is my chosen profession. Thanks to my writing skills, I earn my bread, butter and jam as a freelance writer and blogger, helping businesses, professionals and individuals.

My prayer is that, through my writing, I can leave a legacy of knowledge after my time, Mi.

And I am so glad you encouraged Vidur to write, too. He loves to do it.

Why I Write #WriteTribe
Also part of
The Writer’s Post Thursday Blog Hop #80

Something Funny. Day 11 of the June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-11T16:49:00.000+05:30

Considering that I see humor in almost everything I see, this easy prompt is proving a little tough for me, Mi. And I am going to come up with the most unusual things. And a couple of the usual, too.

Now you will not be able to resist the memory of this red pumpkin, our dear disco pumpkin! Remember, how, when Vidur was around 3 years old, we went to the newly opened Foodworld near our place? When we were busy picking vegetables and deciding a menu at the same time, Vidur just grabbed one of the tiny pumpkins and raced to the door with it. He probably thought they were balls to play with. Still, it was unusual for him to run off like that.

Later we rationalized that he has only seen us buy red pumpkin in slices, so maybe he really thought it was a ball? It was hilarious to see the watch man run after him. Who knew a three year old could run off so fast? I remember catching him from the other entrance and grabbing him and he was laughing uncontrollably, still refusing to relinquish the pumpkin. When we asked him why he ran off like that, he just kept on laughing.

To this day, I have no idea why he did it. All I know is the sight of one of these is enough to make me burst into laughter. Funny beyond words!

Here is another classic! He was around four or five months old. We would clap our hands and sing and he would laugh like he could never stop. Then begin to hiccup. One day, he was clapping his hands, but for some reason he also started laughing and his little palms wouldn't connect. They would just swipe past each other. That made us laugh so much! You grabbed his hands from behind and made him clap and that made him laugh even more. So delightful it is - even today to hear him chuckle or laugh! I love it!

So maybe this gentleman is not a comedian, but he has such a fab sense of humor, I definitely find him funny!

And Wodehouse! Oh yes. Keeper of my sanity most days!

Cartoons - I found this so ticklishly funny!

You already know I love limericks. And comedy shows preferably the double entendre type of humor - a laugh a line!

But best of all, I loved the impromptu jokes you told. I would have such a tough time explaining why I'll laugh until I cry if I hear the phrase "living dangerously"....or the word "Jeeva".....or the mention of "Kurnool" or even something as simple as "Water". How lucky I was to have you as my Mother, blessed with an abundance of laughter. You taught me to see the "funny" in every situation. And through the tears, I smile at some memory several times a day!

Thank you for so many happy memories, Mi.

Something Funny. Day 11 June #FMSphotoaday

Me. Day 10 of the June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-10T09:36:00.002+05:30

It is Day 10 of the June #FMSphotoaday - and the prompt today is "You! : Show us you. Be discreet if you like. Or take a selfie. Or a photo of an old photo. Anything. Just show us you."

I immediately thought of an old photo you are so fond of, Mi. No idea why - but you'd become all mushy looking at it. Then I looked at some other photos as well and found there's a bunch of your favorites. Here we go:

Always wondered what touched you about this photo. Is it the coloring? Is it my silly expression? That ancient housecoat that I wore while cleaning house? Whatever. :-)

How I look now. Older. Hopefully wiser.

Here is one of my favorites. Remember when it was taken? I was 28.

And then, here is one of OUR favorites. 500 days of being married - and I am holding the celebration gift in my arms.

And that's it for Day 10.

You! Show us You!. Day 10 June #FMSphotoaday

From Down Low. Day 9 of the June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-09T10:20:00.000+05:30

Every morning, I look up to you, Mi. I wish you, ask you if you slept well and then look forward to the coffee we will have together, in spirit now.

Then I look up at the Goddess Almighty. Who also happens to be your namesake, Devi. I love how we're keeping it all in the family, eh?

That made me smile. And stopped the tears threatening to escape down my cheek.

Here are some awesome things I've seen from down low:

The CN Tower. Had a tough time getting the longest part of it on my screen - and I didn't get all 1815 feet of it. Oh well, I literally lay down on the ground to get this one - and it was a very cloudy day threatening to rain.

This awesome totem pole rose all the way from the basement to the roof of the Royal Ontario Museum.

And here is something I catch frequently from the comfort of our own terrace. Brilliant skies. So unreal. Yet very real. I never want to take my eyes away when I look at this beautiful palette that the skies show off with. I can't help thinking that you're smiling at me, Mi. I am sure you're enjoying the shades of red, your favorite color.

From Down Low. Day 9 June #FMSphotoaday

An Animal. Day 8 of the June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-08T20:18:00.002+05:30

Considering our penchant for visiting Zoos, I had a tough time picking a photo for today's prompt: an Animal. So here are three. I was so tempted to put up a picture of you know who...that animal who poses as a human being. Errrgh!

We saw this cute red panda at the Gangtok Zoo in Sikkim. Quite the poser. Waited patiently as we tried to get a good pic in the constant drizzle. He was joined by two more - who didn't want to miss the fun.

This cool Cassowary is from the Chennai Zoo. What a rich neck - with that permanent brilliant blue

And here is our very own Sunny. Grabbing a nap as customers leisurely browse silk sarees and antiques.

An Animal. Day 8 June #FMSphotoaday

Bright Day 7 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-07T12:14:00.001+05:30

What is bright, Mi? Would you describe bright as:

The look on Vidur's face when you gift him a book?
The smiles following food distributed at the Sai Baba temple on Thursdays?
Our eyes shining when you praise us for something?
The rainbow colors on the road when petrol mixes with water?
The blood spattered on my clothes after that accident? - ok..too gory
The lights that make our eyes squint when they come on after a powercut?
The sparks of light from the diamond earrings and the diamond nose stud you wore?
The traffic lights in our eyes when we are out for a walk after dinner?

The color of these chillies native to Sikkim?

This beautiful monastery where faith shines bright?

But the brightest has got to be the Nimbu Lamp we light at home.

And the infinite love I have for you in my heart.

Bright. Day 7 June #FMSphotoaday

Transport on Day 6 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-06T23:19:00.000+05:30

Interesting prompt today, on Day 6 of the #FMSphotoaday challenge, Mi. Transport.

I almost took a photo of the lift - then I realized I could do better! So on with the pictures already!

Transport. Covering distance.

Sometimes Slow.

Sometimes Fast. Ha ha. Or not so fast in a traffic jam!

Sometimes - just parked. See this police bike. Jazzy eh? Not to miss the cheetah print

And here is the miracle worker that's a Mother to be - representing transport - covering time and distance.

Transport .Day 6 June #FMSphotoaday

World Environment Day on Day 5 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-05T23:17:00.001+05:30

This prompt is a given, Mi! I really wish you had been around to see this particular piece of art by Vidur, which was published in the IISc. 2010 calendar, that too for the month of November!.

Today is World Environment Day.

This year's theme is Think. Eat. Save.

Think before you eat and help save our environment!

Environment..Day 5 June #FMSphotoaday

After Dark Day 4 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-05T00:24:00.000+05:30

Was up on the terrace, Mi, walking like we used to. Admiring the canopy of trees. Watching the crows perched on the water pipes. The pigeons flitting around aimlessly before bed time, probably looking forward to the morning when we scattered grain for them to eat. Watching the moon rise. Thinking it is time to go downstairs and put the finishing touches on dinner.\Then deciding - one final round before we go.

Across our terrace, I can see the terrace opposite. As usual, someone climbs the ladder leading to the surface of the water tank. As usual, I worry, praying they are careful, perched like that. Then, as the person climbs down and walks away, I return home, relieved.

After Dark...Day 4 June #FMSphotoaday

That Red Rose

2013-06-05T00:00:00.000+05:30

You know, Mi, rose petals, especially that vibrant shade of red - that's red, right? - remind me of Raj. Remember how he charmed you the first time you met him? He used to call you the Silver Streak and Grandma, Von Ryan's Express - because of your short quick stride and the speed at which you walked.

We met on the 15D bus route in 1981. I even remember the first time I saw him - his eyes literally laughed. Golden brown eyes with that perpetual "i am enjoying a joke in my head" kind of expression, and his mouth was always quick to follow with a smile.

Raj and a couple of his friends would get off at Aminjikarai to meet their friends. I got off there, too, to switch to the 27E route. From the second day we met, he brought me a red rose. No words. As soon as he got into the bus, he would give me the red rose with a flourish. Sometimes it would shed petals and he would collect them carefully and give them to me. I was amused.

I didn't have to wonder for long, though. At the end of the first week, after we both got off the bus, instead of walking away, he waited at the bus stop and got into the 27E with me. Miraculously after a couple of stops a seat became empty and smiling at each other, we sat down. We introduced each other - about time! And discovered we were both in B.Sc. first year - and a friendship was born instantly. I asked him why he gave me a rose every day. And I'll never forget his response. "Why should you associate it with romance? I give you a rose because I like you and feel connected".

The funny thing was - even after we started talking, he never once missed giving me that rose.

And then, one day, Mi, you asked if I was interested in him. And I laughed. Then you asked him. And he laughed. He said, "Amma, Vidya is my sister from another Amma". We looked at each other and then at him, as he grinned at us both.

What a beautiful friendship. So he got his Biology record book diagrams done by me - but made sure I got to college on time if I missed the 27E, which was so scarce those days. His Mom loved me and so did his younger sister.

Time raced - and we had just finished our third year exams and looking forward to vacation time. As the month of May progressed, we planned his birthday celebrations for June 5. He insisted to getting a yellow silk shirt and black pants. We got him both. He insisted on wearing them before his birthday for a photograph. And did.

Sometime in the third week of May, while out to refill his scooter at the petrol pump, he was returning home when he was knocked by a bus.

He was rushed to hospital with a broken thigh bone.

Underwent surgery.

Was recovering.

Was due to go home from the hospital on the afternoon of June 4.

On June 4, in the morning, we had a party of sorts in the ward where his bed was.

At 3 pm, we dispersed, while he eagerly waited for 3.30 pm.

I went for a movie with my classmates. A rerun of Grease 2

Returned home at 7 pm.

Called Raj's house, nobody answered.

The next day, woke up at 5 am, full of anticipation. Raj's birthday!

I told you I was going to be at his place all day and you smiled indulgently. You told me not to forget the garland of red roses we had ordered. We laughed.

At 6 pm, I was drawing the "kolam" outside our doorstep.

I heard the creak of the front gate.

It was Suresh, one of our mutual friends.

Why was he here, I wondered.

He stopped at the gate when I looked at him.

I invited him in. Was about to joke.

His expression stopped me.

His eyes were red.

I knew something was wrong.

Then he told me that Raj was dead.

I involuntarily reached out to touch the rose garland that hung just inside our front door.

A few petals joined more on the floor.

Then the tears flowed.

(Soon after we left the hospital the previous day, Raj developed chest pain and felt suffocated. He was rushed to ICU. Several hours later, he had to be moved to the General hospital where, after a turbulent night, he passed away around 2 AM. On June 5th. His birthday)

Photo Source

This post is in response to #WriteTribe Prompt 4

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On my table Day 3 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-03T23:32:00.001+05:30

The tears flow down my face even as I smile, looking at this on my table today. Mi, I feel all choked up each time I look at it, which is several times a day. That lump in my throat is never going to go away, I fear. I spent most of the day in the kitchen today, doing many this-es and that-s and something somethings. I shopped for groceries and put things away. You know how I feel restless if I don't. Since we've had lots of visitors, there's an abundance of mangoes at home.

On my table - Mangoes. Banganapalli

I've been looking at this pile of mangoes, recalling how you would have simply cut them up, pulped them and put them in the round flat steel dubba in the freezer. Oh, how I loved that! Trying to cut a piece - impatiently waiting for it to melt enough to furrow through it and scoop it out. We started doing this the moment we could afford a fridge back in 1989...so excited we were. It was an Allwyn and wouldn't make a sound - which worried us. How hilarious that was!

Summer afternoons, sometimes late nights - spent enjoying frozen mango pulp. Lovingly made by you. Even though you couldn't stand the smell of ripe mangoes - because I loved it. Whoever heard of someone hating mangoes? And I gladly did the things you didn't like to do. So well-coordinated, yet so different in nature.

Ah yes, best friends forever. Or BFFs as they now call it. What's in a name though? A Mother is a Mother is a Mother. So glad you are mine! And you know I miss you. Always will.

On my table...Day 3 June #FMSphotoaday

A Moment Day 2 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-02T22:12:00.000+05:30

A Moment to cherish, to hold in my heart and bask in, whenever I want. Think back. Remember the laughter, the jokes, the noise, the fun. Memories are made of these!

At the

Microsoft Office 365 Education Indiblogger Meet

#CloudBlogathon Meet at The Tower Kitchen, UB City, Bangalore.
And I am very grateful to Anamika for this lovely photo! Please do visit her blog here.

Rachna, Anamika, Vidya, Indrani

And....a moment from the archives

Remember that eggshell, Mi? It finally disintegrated. Leaving the part that matters intact. Just like life, no?

A Moment - Day 2 June #FMSphotoaday

B is for .. Day 1 June #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-01T21:49:00.000+05:30

You will love this, Mi. B is for...what else but a baby?

A baby in a beanbag. I met Zach last month and was completely enchanted.

Beans. The Yuan Ming Chinese market where we saw these beans and other vegetables.

And this bag from Badri's Mom. Beautiful.

B is for .. Day 1 June #FMSphotoaday

You Only Live Once

2013-05-28T22:37:00.000+05:30

You know, Mi, when I hear the children say YOLO - acronym for You Only Live Once, I can't help but think of the number of times I've said the same thing - but in different words - "Only one life to live" - whenever we hesitated to - what's the word - yes! "indulge". It is funny how our interpretation / perception of the word "indulge" changed from time to time.

When we were broke, more than two meals was an indulgence.

Buying something slightly over budget, even if we needed it, was indulgence.

Over the years though, it was a matter of making a choice. When I took Iyer's Yamaha out at 10 pm in the night after playfully snatching his keys even as he yelled at me, begging his friends to stop me, I remember thinking - hey, you only live once - so why not go out on that ride at night! And I did, while those friends regretted not stopping me. Oh, I got back safe after a lovely moonlit ride with a two minute stop over at the little lake near our place, after gazing at the light playing on the surface of the water, making it shimmer. When I returned home, you just laughed, saying you knew I wouldn't do anything rash. Oh, I love the faith you had in me, Mi.

I can feel the waves of nostalgia coming on!

Then, I remember that stormy day one November in Chennai. Trees fell, and the weather played havoc with the city, as it did every November around Diwali. We were listening to the news, shocked at nature's fury. Then suddenly, you said, let's go see a movie! Paati (Grandma) was shocked. But Mama encouraged us and you and I left, bravely. You said, you only live once! We got a bus right away and we settled down, ready to go to a particular point and change buses from there.

To our surprise,we found that this bus's had been diverted from its route and it would drop us right outside the theater we were headed for! Wow! So we got off there - got tickets and enjoyed the movie! Hero - starring Meenakshi Shesadri and Jackie Shroff - and we enjoyed it so much. The fun part was, we returned home by the same bus route. Talk about Universe listening to make it happen for us! We talked about this for years, taking courage from it - when we dare to attempt, there's no reason things shouldn't work out the way we want!

So many memories, Mi.

Down the line, as I move through life, I find that because I still believe in the You live only once theory, I am more conscious about being nice, loving, kind, appreciative, non-judgmental and enjoying the little moments that make up the big things in life. What's that phrase? "Living mindfully". Yep!

Some great quotes

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

~ Abraham Lincoln

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.

~Zachary Scott

I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dropped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity.

~Hazel Lee

If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.

~Larry McMurtry, Some Can Whistle

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.

~Author Unknown

And to quote my Grandma....what's the point if you don't eat when you are hungry?

This post is in response to #WriteTribe Prompt 3

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What Lies Ahead

2013-05-21T14:54:00.001+05:30

Today I am poised to enter a new phase in life, Mi, and while I know anything can happen, the immediate future manifests as a closed door. I wait for it to open. I am not quite sure I know what to do. Should I knock? I do not know what lies ahead behind that closed door. All I know is, when it opens, I am ready to face whatever it brings. I know I don't have to wait long because Time does not wait for anyone.

The potted cactus looks prickly, sitting smugly on the well worn floor. Rather than worry about the hurt and pain that will surely ensue should I get in contact with those thorns, I choose to look at the cactus' tendency to be sturdy, last a long time and manage with the minimum resources. Self-preservation on the face of adversity.

The grill on the door may appear like a restraint or constraint but I choose to think of it as security.

The cool blue frame tells me to stay calm, practice serenity.

The street may look deserted, but that is temporary and probably because the people who might stroll around later are probably enjoying an afternoon siesta, away from the heat of the sun.

Thanks Fotolia

I want to think, believe everything will be okay.

But I know I am nervous.

Nervous about doing blood tests at home every morning.

Giving insulin shots every morning

Administering medication throughout the day

Being physically present

Interacting with a doctor every week

Being prepared for an emergency

Planning a menu that is conducive to feeding every two hours

Managing work and other commitments

Right now, I have no choice.

I am guilty to think I am not excited about being the choice for this phase.

I am trying to think of pleasanter things. Of another day in time, exactly four decades ago to the month, and probably, day. When I returned home from boarding school to be with you. Our home was on a street similar to this. In place of the cactus were flowerpots spilling over with color. A similar door but without the grill. Red frame instead of blue. Tiled roof. Rangoli designs adorning the patch in front of the door. Hymns filling the air from the temple record player a few houses away.

Neighbors going about their day, smiling when there was eye-contact, even if they didn't know each other. The vegetable vendor with the basket on her head, cushioned by a coiled length of cloth, home-delivering fresh vegetables from her garden. Some days she also brought jasmine flowers. I used to marvel at how they dexterously lowered and raised the basket, laughing indulgently when I offered to help them.

The milkman on his bicycle, with impossibly large containers on either side to keep the balance, ringing his bell to announce his arrival. The joking about whether he added water to milk or milk to water. The inquires about family members he had never met nor was likely to meet.

The couple with the push-cart, who picked up clothes from residents of this street for ironing for a nominal fee.

The maids rushing about their work banging about the pots and pans, oblivious to those cringing from the noise.

Grandmothers relaxing in the backyard of their homes, shelling peas or cleaning rice on a winnowing fan as pigeons pecked around the yard, having their own private conversations, undisturbed by the little children chasing them in the warm sunshine.

My Grandma busy cooking at the stove, as she chants prayers in time with her actions.

I watch and absorb and store away these memories. Perhaps I subconsciously knew that I would bring them out in the future to bask in them, when I need to psych myself to feel better.

Back to the present.

Yes, everything is going to be okay.

I will handle things as best as I can.

I pray for the strength.

And this too shall pass.

This post is in response to #WriteTribe Prompt 2

Write Tribe is an initiative that motivates and supports Writers and Bloggers

Enchanting Encounter

2013-05-14T22:53:00.000+05:30

So you probably remember our almost close encounters with Saroja Devi, the actress, Mi. How surprised we were to discover she lived just down the road! We would pass her house every day on our walk to the Railway Station park. And Vidur would talk non-stop, asking about her.

Then one day, after we toured the Thao Sen estate opposite S Devi's house, we crossed the road and Vidur instantly latched on to her gate refusing to come home until she came out and said hi to him. In his toddler mind, he actually believed we could call her from the gate, like we did our friends, and she would invite us in - or more specifically invite him to play in the garden in front of her house. He was so keen to see the Krishna statue there. The sight of it would trigger a spate of stories and then, we would finally convince him she would come out the next day and manage to take him back home.

I also remember how we once spoke to the watchman at her place and he told us she was out of town. Then we ended up seeing quite a few of her movies on TV, coincidentally!

And now, more than a decade later, as I went to the polling booth to cast my vote, who should walk out but the lovely 75 year old actress who doesn't look a day over 60. My first instinct was to click a photo of her but at the nick of time, I had the sense to go talk to her, tell her I loved her movies and request her for a photograph together. She sweetly agreed. And here we are:

Yes, I cast my vote!

And here is the beauty with the beast! :D

Well, I can't help it if I simply scrubbed my face with soap and water, scraped my head back, pulled on jeans and went to vote, right? She was dazzling in full make up, a silk sari and diamonds. But her best makeup was her brilliant smile. Sweet as ever. Charming. I was enchanted! I put her arm around her as I always seem to do when I am in a photograph with someone - and there we were, enveloped in a cloud of her perfume and framed for posterity!

Then Sury and I left, laughing!

How could I not be enchanted - she was S Devi too! Ah, I wish you were there - I would have loved a photo of you both together. Devi and Devi!

When God Made Mothers

2013-05-12T22:18:00.001+05:30

He gave me the best one! Yes, Mi! When I think of all the "giving" you've done, my heart swells with love and pride. I am in the process of writing about some of the most outstanding incidents in our life that inspired me and gave me strength, helped me grow.

I wrote a Mother's Day Tribute post today. The list is in no way adequate - I could go on and on and on you know. Thank you for being my Mother.

My prayer is that you are my daughter the next time around.

I want to pamper you like a princess.
I want to make sure you never know what sadness is.
I want to hear your lovely laughter often
I want to see your sweet smile along with that kind look in your eyes

How I wish we were sitting together today and sharing our thoughts!

Here's a beautiful poem you'll love.

My Mother’s Garden

My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart;
She planted all the good things
that gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream…
fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rains came,
she protected me enough…
but not too much – she knew I’d need
to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong…
markers for my pathway
to last my whole life long.

I am My Mother’s Garden.
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.

Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day, dearest Mi!