Summer evenings in Bhuj!

I do not know why but these days I have got very nostalgic. I am thinking back to the good old days of my life. Its not that now I am unhappy or anything but it just made me realise how being "in the moment" we sometimes forget that "this is the moment". Many of us and of course including me forget to appreciate the "present" and always look for the future. And even when we do come at "that future" we still keep on looking into the future! Ah! I know I have confused you now!

Like about a few months back when we were in Italy and mesmerised by its beauty, all I was thinking was "I wanna come back to this place and soak in its beauty and culture." I had to remind myself that "Well, you are here NOW, so enjoy it"

I have stayed all over India. Actually mostly the North West parts like Bhuj, Deolali, Ambala, Chandigarh, Jhansi,  Nasirabad to name a few :)

The best memories that I have of are Bhuj in Gujarat.  The warm and breezy summers of Bhuj during which once me and  my brother flew the kites at the back of our house. The big Magnolia tree at the back which was always in full bloom  during the summer. In the evening when I used to sit at the dining table for studying, I always used to sit facing the window through which I could see the magnificient tree and the slanting rays of the sun falling through its leaves and flowers on to the ground. And the cacophony of the birds coming back to their nests for the night. 
Ah! It seems like I am back there on that chair by the window. The bright and exquisite flowers are looking more colorful by the rays of the sun falling on it in the evening. The sky is too a plethora of colors made by the setting sun. And I can see the dark outlines of the birds hovering over the tree. I always used to be mesmerised by that sight and could not read even a line in my book untill the sun had set and it was all dark outside.

Seven Personal Heroes: Cafe Writing July 2010

“I’m kind of hooked to the game of art and literature; my heroes are artists and writers.”
– Jim Morrison
As part of the July 2010 project, Cafe Writing prompts:
In improvisation, one of our exercises is a game called “Seven Things,” in which we go around in a circle giving each other the challenge, “Give me seven things that [whatever].” We are not going to go around in a circle here, but if you’re drawn to lists, this prompt is for you.
Give me seven of your personal heroes. These can be public figures, or personal acquaintances. Have fun with it. As always, explanations are welcome, but not obligatory.
Whenever one hears the word 'hero' being mentioned in a conversation it is usually about someone who fought in a war, or the one 'very brave', or the numerous scientists, explorers and it could go on! But for me this list is going to be very personal. I believe just striving through the various ups and downs in life requires so much braveness and tenacity. I have so many people in my life to whom I can look upto and be inspired. They are the ones whom I have seen sad, happy, lost, celebrating, fighting, making things happen with their never-dying spirit and ever loving and caring.

In no way can I just come up with seven names because there are so many more ...

1. My dad, I have always looked upto him since I was a child. And awed and inspired by his thoughts and his resoluteness. He inspired and guided me to follow my dreams. He once told me whatever you do, wherever you go I am there for you...always. He taught me to learn from my mistakes. I love you Dad.

2. My mom, for being always there for me. Even though we have our share of fights we love each other a lot. For her I am still the little girl who doesn't know a thing about the world! :)

3. My grandmother, for telling me all those bedtime stories, for being so active and for giving into my tantrums! I miss you grandma..

4. Krishna, my soulmate, my strength. I have learnt so much from you.

4. My bestEST friend Reshma, for showing me the illuminated path. Giving into my demands and all those wordly advices. Just for being there for me and for understanding me.

5. My teachers in school and college.. I can't name all of them here. Thanks for having faith in me and encouraging me.

6. Jeba, my good friend. For showing me what friends are really for and what friendship means. And for being my companion in those lonely days in Bangalore. She is a star.

7. Muth aunty. She was what I wanted to be like when I grew up. I think that sums it up. :)

New Year Musings..

I know I have neglected my blog for a long time now, but what's better than to start blogging again in the New Year :) I know that's a bad excuse for not writing more. If we really want we can consider every day like a 'new' day. To start things afresh, its very much similar to 'today is the first day of the rest of your life'.

Everybody waits for the new year to arrive to make resolutions which most of them break promptly on the first day itself. And for those who do manage to carry on with their resolutions, after a while other commitments like work and family take over and the resolutions are forgotten. For some they just lose the enthusiasm with which they started the New Year.

I don't believe in New Year resolutions. First of all I don't understand why people have to wait till the New Year to make resolutions. For me its as and when I feel the need to change something in my life. I don't have the patience to wait if I feel I need a change Now.

For all those who have kept New Year resolutions I wish you the strength to carry it till the end of this year and if possible for the rest of your lives.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!