Coffee With Mi.

A Slice of Life #WriteTribe Contest 1

2013-07-11T17:41:00.001+05:30

The day, July 9.

The time. 5.30 am.

The alarm rang.

After five minutes of jumbled dreams about oversleeping, I sprang out of bed to get the coffee going so I could have everything ready by 6 am, when the rest of our household would be up.

Business as usual, you're thinking. Nothing unusual, right?

Wrong!

Just as the milk reached boiling point, the stove's flame went off.

Uh oh, I thought, is it that time already? Moving on, I pulled out our spare gas cylinder, making a mental note to book the refill, and set about switching the full one for the empty one.

Simple, yes?

No!

No sooner had I pulled the seal off the gas cylinder, fixed the regulator and turned the stove on, than I heard a hissing sound. Not a snake, obviously, but deadlier. A leaking gas cylinder. Terrified, I switched off the regulator and stood, frozen. What to do?. I had the all-important morning responsibility of breakfast to make, lunch to cook.

By this time, Sury was up and as usual, tore the date of the daily Tamil calendar before settling down to drink his coffee.

Then he looked at my expression and was probably about to ask what happened, when his nose distracted him. The smell of LPG is so strong. Also, it courteously meets us before we meet it.

I updated him quickly and the two of us tried to find a solution to the biggest issue, which was lunch. Good old necessity makes us inventive, and this instance was no different. The microwave idli-maker I had bought on a whim came to my rescue.

After Vidur and Sury left at 8 am, I tried calling the emergency number until 1:30 pm, unsuccessfully. By now, I was wild with worry.

However, I did manage to get hold of the gas agency, whose number, as you know, is near-impossible to get through. Can you believe they scolded me about why I did not check the cylinder when it was delivered before reluctantly agreeing to send someone?

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Help arrived in the form of our usual delivery man. He asked me for a "tester". I didn't have one. Do you know what he did next? He unbuttoned his shirt. A little nervous and very curious, I watched. Then sheepishly realized he was taking off the safety pin in place of a button. His repair tool.

He poked around the cylinder's pin and replaced a washer in the regulator's mechanism, reconnected everything and checked to see if it was okay. It was. Then he left.

Phew! Imagine - we read about all sorts of incidents related to gas cylinders and to think my life hung by that safety pin - it was too much.

Marveling at the way things turned out, I decided to tidy up the kitchen before getting on with the day.

So you are probably wondering whether I spent all morning just calling the gas emergency number and agency, yes?
No!

I bathed. And waited for our dear Shari to arrive. Wow, you're thinking. So you had a good time, right?
Wrong. She rescheduled and visited in the afternoon. Hey wait, that's a Yes!

I decided between phone calls to check email, only to find that the internet connection was slower than that snail we once saw on the bathroom wall during one of our trips south. Short of writing a postcard to my client, I had no option left but to simply shut down the computer and use the phone, which, incidentally, still worked, and yelled at the internet service provider. If I had a coin for each time a call center responds with “Sorry for the inconvenience. What else can we assist you with” I would be a millionaire, right? Pleasant thought. All my charity dreams would come true.

Still, all is well that ends well, no? Yes.

And oh, the TV didn't work either.

My book did, though!

(That was 665 words)

* * *

This post is in response to Words: Write Tribe Contest 1 which says:
Write a piece/a story/ a poem incorporating the following 7 words in random order :

postcard
coin
tidy
wild
help
calendar
responsibility

Write Tribe motivates and encourages writers and bloggers

Celebrating the little things #WriteTribe

2013-07-06T12:26:00.001+05:30

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. Winnie the Pooh certainly had it right. I often think that the smallest things can be cozily tucked away, occupying loving space within our being, promptly showing up to encourage us when we feel low, bringing an involuntary smile to our faces – and our spirit.

I feel this at various times during the day, Mi, in the things I do. When I light the lamp and pray in the morning, I think of you and how we enjoyed that first coffee in the verandah. Vidur would join us and pray to the sun, with his eyes shut tight and look so comically earnest. Then Sury would ask him if God understood English, evoking an exasperated response from him.

The days I make idli, I remember how relieved you would feel about not having to plan breakfast, as we could make extra and have those. I grin to myself as I remove the idli stack, recalling how we were once too broke to celebrate something, and stuck a candle in an idli instead.

On laundry days, I recall how you’d save all the blue clips for Vidur’s clothes. I still follow that. In fact I hang out the clothes to dry in a similar order – as if it matters, but nevertheless, it warms my heart with happy thoughts.

Each time I see a coconut, my mouth waters, thinking of those chutney days. We would make enough to preserve for 2-3 days and relish it with everything!

Ah, tea in the afternoon. When we enjoy the afternoon or evening tea, we always talk about our fake High Teas when we used that special teapot on its tray, with the ethnic cups – tea or coffee accompanied by our favorite snacks.

And then, there are the little things that come at unexpected times that I’ve come to appreciate. Things like Vidur bringing me a glass of milk at night. Sury quietly tackling a list of to-dos that overwhelm me. Both of them pitching in and encouraging me when I am racing to a deadline. One of them replacing the kitchen towel. Refilling the biscuit or rusk tin. Sury handwashing my kurtas – what lovely surprises!

And the loveliest of all – on a Sunday – after lunch, Vidur setting up my laptop for me in the living room, bringing me the book I am reading currently, plumping up some cushions on my favorite sofa and then settling himself down with his stuff and offering to tickle my soles – as I prepare to blissfully doze off!

So many smiles to remember, repeat and enjoy on a daily basis! They make life worth living!

This post is in response to the #WriteTribe prompt 7 “The Smallest Things”

I am loving the swanky new button for WriteTribe!

Write Tribe – Motivating and Encouraging Bloggers and Writers

Handwriting Day 30 #FMSPhotoaday

2013-06-30T12:05:00.002+05:30

And so we are at the final day of the June photo a day challenge. Today's prompt is handwriting. I am sharing something I've learnt, and I am trying to follow, Mi! As you can see - I've written it down for all to see:

And here are some notes from our Happiness Jar:

That is all.

Handwriting - Day 30 #FMSPhotoADay

And that, my friends, finishes the June PhotoADay Challenge.

What is in my bag? Day 29 #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-30T11:17:00.001+05:30

This one has got to be hilarious, Mi. Remember Peggy? Hmm. that's who I was today. I took off early in the morning to do a "like old times" round of the supermarkets, armed with my lists. And returned home laden with bags.

It might take a rocket scientist to decode what is in these bags, with my penchant for arranging things just so...here are my multiple bags. Love the multicolored bag - still going strong. Remember how Vidur bought it for me at his school exhibition when he was in KinderGarten? :-) Fond memories. Favorite bag now.

I wish you had been home, with the door open, so I could walk right in. I had to juggle my key and open it. Oh, I could have rung the bell....but didn't have the patience.

I had to come make my own coffee and enjoy it. At least I am blessed with good company.

In my bag - Day 29 #FMSPhotoADay

Give Me Red:Day 28 #FMSPhotoADay

2013-06-28T18:43:00.000+05:30

Ah, your favorite color, Mi! Red! You were so obsessed with it. You believed that if you wore a red sari while going out, your trip / meeting / interview would be successful. It was like a good omen. Why, even while packing for the hospital you wanted a red housedress because you insisted you'd recover sooner! When you agreed to start wearing salwar kameez, I got you at least five different red kurtas! I admit I love the color myself, but I tend to look at other shades too. But you, you were loyal to red.

Let's look at some reds today!

Here's a shop in Kensington market, Downtown Toronto. Very pretty street. I almost bought the skirt. If you had been with me, you would have convinced me to buy it, knowing very well I wouldn't wear it. Hmmph!

Always love the sight of tomatoes. Love tomatoes. These were begging me to pick them up and eat them. I did. After I paid for them.

Here's one of my favorite reds! There are three of us here - only, we can't see the third person, safely tucked away in the tummy of the person on the left. hahahaha!

And here' s another favorite red - my old Wren And Martin!

Red- Day 28 #FMSPhotoADay

Into the Sun Day 27 #FMSPhotoADay

2013-06-28T17:36:00.000+05:30

Into the sun spells sky watch for me. And what better place to do it from than the terrace!

Here, in this picture, I swear God was trying to talk to me. I like how we get to see this frequently, especially now, as it is the season for rains and there's no telling when the sun will suddenly get obscured by clouds, but valiantly try to shine through.

Before the skies clouded over - a golden sun, reluctantly getting ready for bed time in our part of the world!

This is a favorite photo - at the Ranganthittu sanctuary near Mysore. That tranquil water is deceptive. I knew there was a crocodile floating under the surface, shocking us with its suddenly splash on the surface.Will it swallow the shadow of the sun?

Into the sun Day 27 #FMSPhotoADay

Empty Day 26 #FMSPhotoADay

2013-06-27T14:03:00.000+05:30

Empty is a neat description of the space you occupied in our home physically, Mi, but not in our hearts, because our hearts and minds will always be full of happy memories of you, your laughter, your smile and your encouragement.

Empty also describes some hearts I know.
Empty describes my coffee cup right now. I just looked to see if I could eke out a last drop. Nope.
Empty is how I would like to see some spaces in our house - I am already on a clutter diet, so there is headway there.
Empty minds - ah, that's a myth!
Empty life - for some.

So here are today's expressions of empty, Mi....

An empty wicker boat, floating, waiting for passengers for a swirl around the lake near Somanathapura

An empty rickshaw near the Taj Mahal, Agra - we hired him and then walked with him to the entrance of the Taj complex. I mean, who would want to make him pull weight? He was delightfully dressed, though! As though he was going to a wedding! This cycle rickshaw is abundant in the area around the Taj to ensure it is a pollution free zone. They compete with horse carts and battery operated vehicles.

Ah, an empty chalkboard! So many possibilities!

Empty benches along our very own 8th Main - nice and cozy, really, with a canopy of trees.

An empty shrine.

Empty 26 #FMSPhotoADay

Sharp Mind Day 25 #FMSPhotoADay

2013-06-25T20:52:00.000+05:30

"Sharp" is today's prompt. I thought of our safety pin fights, Mi. Imagine, we fell over each other to give each other things, but when it came to safety pins, it was hilarious. We would suddenly become adversaries!

I'd say, "My pin".

You'd say, "No, my pin. I gave it to you."

Then I'd say,"Oh wait, it was mine in the first place."

You'd say, "I can recognize my pin. It was bent a little"

Then I'd say, "Nope. Mine"

And it would go on. Until we laughed. We'd tell each other we wore the mangalsutra basically so we can store our safety pins. So hilarious.

But let's not always be conventional, Mi. Let's look at other sharp things.

~~My sharp wit.~~
The sharp folds of my saree pleats.
The sharp crease of my, of all things, jeans
My aunt's sharp tongue
My Grandfather's sharp nose
My Grandmother's sharp mind
My friend's sharp sartorial elegance

And....what sort of photo challenge is this if I don't post pictures of temples? Yes, I can find sharp in temples and temple deities!

Come on, Mi - let's go!

Her weapons are sharp.

And so are his!

That center is sharp!

The cone applying the design is sharp!

Sharp Day 25 #FMSPhotoADay

Silver Linings #WriteTribe

2013-06-25T19:54:00.002+05:30

Positive thinking is a great concept. In fact, I am a firm believer of the silver lining in any situation. If nothing else, I cannot argue with the learning that emerges from it and for that, I am grateful for every experience. Yet, there are times when everything looks bleak, Mi.

Like the time when you were diagnosed with idiopathic interstitial lung disease back in 1997 - we struggled to find out why you were coughing your life away and why you were losing weight so rapidly. We ran from general physician to cardiologist to hospitals for tests and CT scans to figure out what was wrong. You went through several courses of medications - and would often joke that it was probably those that were making your condition worse. In a sense, maybe. And then the first silver lining appeared. Vidur was born and became the center of our Universe.

But we still had to find out what was wrong with you. And then, while discussing it with the gynaecologist I was consulting, she suggested we see a friend of hers, a Chest Physician - a pulmonologist.

Then came the next silver lining - sort of a mixed one - because now we knew what was wrong. It was a good news - bad news kind of situation. The good news was, we knew you had a pulmonary fibrosis

and the bad news was - there was no cure. We were so afraid when you had to go through that bronchoscopy! We almost thought we lost you at one point - but you managed to pull through. Then followed days of tests and scans. Inside we were afraid but we kept up a cheerful front.

The doctor gave you six months to a year. That was the worst moment of my life. Your first question was whether you could still hold your grandson - and the doctor assured you that your condition was not contagious. You thanked him profusely and said that if you couldn't cuddle your grandson, you didn't need the "extra time". You were so cool about death.

Medication started, and you started to look and feel better.

Mi, God was kind to us. The biggest and thickest silver lining was we had you for twelve years after that.

You withstood surgeries, pulmonary and spinal Tuberculosis and unbearable pain through it all.

The silver lining was our orthopedic who promised to cure your spinal TB without surgery, and did. After three months of complete bed rest, your back healed. You were mobilized. We rejoiced, believing that January 2010 was the beginning of a healthy phase in your life.

Alas - the latent lung fibrosis could take no more - and we rushed you to the hospital on Feb 3, 2010 with a collapsed lung.

You never recovered.

Five days in hospital on a ventilator and complete life support.

On Feb 8, your spirit gave up and you passed away at 10.30 am.

We donated your body, as per your wish, to St.Johns Medical College, Bangalore.

The silver lining? The memories.

The sad part? The "if only"s......

The silver lining? I am privileged to be your daughter.

The regret? You were gone too soon.

Picture credit Morguefile

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Negative Space Day 24 #FMSPhotoADay

2013-06-24T23:04:00.000+05:30

Negative space. What a prompt for today. I am thinking of all the people we allowed to occupy our minds, rent free - if that is not negative space, I don't know what is. Obviously I can't photograph those spaces so I am going to do the conventional negative space. And hold my laughter at all the laughter we shared thinking of those negative space occupiers, Mi.

I suppose I could also call the shelf where I keep my stacks of negatives, negative space.
Or the space in my mind where bad thoughts play, negative space.
What about the cluttered areas I've been planning to clear? Negative space?

Sigh.

Here are some conventional examples of negative space.

I found this plant kissing the wall at the dentist's clinic. Looked pretty to me.

This guy - night tern - sat still for so long - I got impatient. I got so many shots of this bird, it is not funny! Quite the poser!

And this crow sits on this wire every day. It was a beautiful pink sky. Bird on a wire.

Negative Space Day 24 #FMSPhotoADay

The Last Poori Day 23 #FMSPhotoADay

2013-06-23T21:54:00.001+05:30

I've got one of your favorite things today, Mi. Pooris. With the prompt being "last" I was wondering what to do. I could think of lots of things.

Today is the last day of Vidur's school vacation. School reopens tomorrow.

I am on the last legs of my internet usage - what with Airtel sending me warning after warning that I am dangerously close to my quota. Ha. Just a ploy to get me to upgrade. To protest, I simply switched the computer off and got busy in the kitchen. Lots of mint leaves and coriander to separate to prep for chutney and podi. So - I got work done. Then I watched an episode of Columbo - in a half-dozy state with a cup of chai before heading off to a nice long leisurely bath. So double ha ha.

It is amazing to think that Vidur will begin Class XI from tomorrow. Phew! How the years fly. I am so very sad you are not with us today, to cheer him on towards a new academic year.

Sigh. As always, my head is full of your voice when I am in the kitchen, and I remembered how enthusiastically we would make pooris. I made bhindi (okra) curry with it and since there were two avocados, also made guacamole - thanks to Tanu's re-introduction to it. I am so blessed to talk to her often.

So here we go with a couple of pictures of the last poori frying. And I'll run off before I get another alert from Airtel. Then I'll curl up with a book, like we used to, before bedtime. You, Vidur and I. While Sury busily worked at his stuff.

Yep! Wasn't I always good at making pooris? As they swelled in the oil, you swelled with pride!

My worst thought when I hear the word "last" is the last time I spoke to you before you were hooked to the ventilator on Feb 3, 2010. My heart is heavy now.

Last - Day 23 June #FMSphotoaday

Enjoying Life Day 22 #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-22T22:00:00.000+05:30

Enjoying Life. And another memory triggered! Reminds me of K, whose first line when he called would always be "Kya yaar, enjoying life?" (kya rey, dear readers, is: kya = what; yaar = term of endearment for friends).

The answer was always "yes". No matter what we did,we enjoyed life, didn't we? Even when we were broke at the end of the month and lived on greens because we could get a couple of bunches of those for Rs.2. Not any more though, eh. They cost a bomb. To get a bowl of paalak (spinach) for three, I gotta spend at least Rs.30 - three bundles.

I remember how you managed to get an onion, two tomatoes, a handful of beans and a potato, with coriander and curry leaves for Rs.5 - and we had a sumptuous veggie dish with rice, with neighbors joining in to share the "feast"!

Ah, that first coffee in the morning...when Mr.J would try to kidnap my tumbler of coffee! What fun that was.

Vidur smelling the coffee before we took a sip out of it.

So coffee and food = enjoying life? Sort of, because everything we did managed to come back to coffee and food - whether it is reminiscing or actually enjoying the coffee and food because it always includes family and friends! :-)

I love the ever-changing equation that makes up the phrase enjoying life, because it depends on the state of mind. Right now - here's what I wish for.

I really wouldn't mind chilling in this place.

Or this one....

Or this one.....

Oh yes, I covet all three!

Enjoying Life 22 June #FMSphotoaday

Lunchtime Day 21 #FMSphotoaday

2013-06-22T10:16:00.000+05:30

We decided to make burgers for lunch, Mi. So I took a couple of photos of the "makins" . I can tell you it was a tough job to retain a couple of those cutlets for the burgers - they were so yummy on their own. Hmm. As our man said, ultimately they all arrive at one place. Truly. Out of the mouths of babes.

Here they are, happily simmering and soaking up the oil and filling the air with anticipation and the fragrance of fried potato - so appetizing!

Then I packed them into toasted burger buns along with mayo, cheese, tomato and onion slices.

Mi, you remember that Aloo Mash or something we used to get years ago - when they just launched it? We first saw it at the Heritage supermarket at 15th Cross. I don't see those any more - but, ah, what memories of making all sorts of things with them! We were so excited that a cupful of the flakes and half a cup of water could result in aloo mash - and because they had just launched, they were being given away as freebies for shopping there!

Potatoes. Always bring a smile to my face!

Yes, we enjoyed our lunch very much. With Music.

Lunchtime 21 June #FMSphotoaday

Cute #FMSphotoaday Day 20

2013-06-20T11:21:00.000+05:30

Let's face it. Cute somehow always translates to babies and children for me. Who can resist a child's giggle or a chuckle? And their laughter for no real reason?

Here's some serious cuteness I captured when we visited Delhi - we were waiting at the airport. That baby - oh - she was so delightful. One thing that always works with babies is the game of hide and seek. All you have to do is hide your face in your hands and suddenly look at them - repeat - for a laughter saga. In spite of being sleepy, she kept bouncing up and down. And an hour magically went by in joy.

But Mi - how can any talk of "cute" end without our own bit of cuteness? Remember this day? It was 3 am in the morning and the little prince was up - bright and cheerful. It always freaked us out how he woke up happy - it is the same to this day. We were planning to give him a hair cut and realized we hadn't dressed him as Krishna. Quickly we put together all the stuff we needed and dressed him up. Only too happy - he readily cooperated. I just love this photo! I recently found this curtain he was so fond of in the cupboard and found that its lining needed mending as the stitch has come off. But I found the Murugan curtain and hung it up again at the entrance near the kitchen. It is amazing how this doesn't run color, Mi. Must find a use for the Venkateshwara curtain too. Except we don't really lock doors inside the house. Ah, what a good time we had in Tanjore, shopping for these after we visited that Palace! And? Naarthanga for Rs.10 for 6! Yummy!

Cute Day 20 June #FMSphotoaday

Currently Reading #FMSphotoaday Day 19

2013-06-20T00:41:00.000+05:30

You know, Mi, I really miss you as I read this book. I keep imagining reading out parts to you and both of us laughing until our tummies ache. Yes, this book is that funny. I saw it at Uma's place - she had just begun reading it and she read out parts and it was hilarious. Unfortunately, we couldn't just split the book like we used to, though we thought of that and laughed our heads off over that, too! I did remember to download a copy for myself as I couldn't wait to read it, what with my appetite being nicely whetted.

Oh, I wish you were here. Reminds me a lot of Kathy Lette's style. Now that is one funny writer! You know, I have the whole Shopaholic series you loved so much.

What I am currently reading *drumroll*- is Tina Fey's BossyPants and enjoying it thoroughly even if my sides hurt. Who cares.

Anyway, as you know, I can never read one book at a time. So I am also reading P G Wodehouse's Leave it to Psmith. Staple diet.

And systematically going through the Sudden series. Oh, I fondly remember how you got me the whole set as soon as it arrived at the library, courtesy Mr Jwala. I am ever grateful for the introduction to this life-changing - for me - series. I am reading Sudden Rides Again. Alas, I only have the digital version now. Still. Better than nothing.

Currently Reading Day 19 June #FMSphotoaday

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 lad 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!

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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