Assurances to my kids..

Day 55..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬.
Life is a journey and we are learning everyday...on this mother's day here are some assurances that I want to give my kids... As mums we rarely take a moment to sit back n think of what we are learning in this tiring yet fulfilling journey. Everything said here  holds true and perhaps through out my journey as a mother. I will add more lessons along the way as I enrich this journey. To every day that becomes more meaningful...

- you both are growing rather fast and I have to accept it in my mind and heart that you may want me less many times. 
- you both have your own capabilities and interests hence approaches will vary and so will expectations. 

- pursuing your passion is imperative while I expose you to options that will let your heart accept.So today on mother's day I take this moment to pen down my assurances..
- I am human and far from perfect and its ok to be that way. 
- I am responsible to protect love and raise two loving compassionate self respecting humble and wholesome individuals. While I am doing my best... I am bound to make mistakes which I am allowed to correct.
- I will have plenty of moments where I might overreact or just worry too much.. but thats onlu because I care.
- I love my kids everyday and will want to tell them that even if I dont get a reply or acknowledgement.
- I will help you in ways I believe you should be helped but if I dont sometimes its only cause I want you to be independent individuals.
- I will be honest with you and tell you things that may not ways be something you like but telling you the truth will always be more important.
- I will talk teach learn play laugh yell cry ... with you today and everuday.
- I might seem nervous or sometimes confused ... and thats only because I am learning with you..
- I am not an expert though my very favorite dialogue is mums know everything. .. but what I dont know I will learn for you and what I need to improve on I will slowly but steadily perfect.
- I will be your friend and guide but will never stop being your mother.
- I understand you will have your own thoughts ideas philosophies and choices tomorrow and that you are entitled to until then let me hold you while you dabble with your options.
- every now and then I will look for my 'me' time n vacation... its not because I love you less or am running, its only to ready my mind for our quality time together.
- you will hate me many times and that is fine cause you will see the love when the time is right.

In adoration..

Here you go uncle on your birthday smile emoticon just as I had promised.. a short one but with best wishes.....

On our trip far away
We met a couple that gave us new memories everyday
Deepak uncle, poonam aunty is who they are
Here birthday boy, you are the star.

Its your big 60 and my poem to pen
I did promise you on our trip back then
Words I can string and send you our best
But its never enough and thats a tough quest

Ready and dressed, early and bright
Headed out to explore every little sight
Was a treat to be guided with your jokes and smiles
It helped us walk many miles.

Smartly clad with your shorts and cap
Colors matched perfectly we would clap
The warm smiles the quick wit
Made every moment a worthy sit.

I love the pulse you both share
Always a joke and so much care
Auntys warmth and concern just flows
With ease and cheer you are a sport to pose.

A quick deal, the score is top
Dont be shocked cause ours was a flop
That professional rummy that you did play
The papploo and tittloo would never stay

It was a pleasure meeting Ankur your son
He s a fine mix of you both and thats no pun
Wishing you the best that life has in store
May you all always find cheer and many more.

Once again happy burday uncle.. you and aunty are total rockstars smile emoticonso glad we got to meet you. Love from mom n me

The energy I admire...

For you Poonam Aunty...

In equal love I write this for you,
I had written one, for uncle all so true.
So now on your birthday wish you oodles of travel and love today,
With laughter and fun all the way.

With dates creating a wish blunder for one and all
The fun is two days of celebration and a total ball
Cakes, candles, music and food
With family and friends is all good.

A holiday together, still fresh on my mind
Every day of cheerful laughter is hard to find
Your warm energy and positive attitude in life
Deepak Uncle is lucky to have you as his wife!

A protective sister, concerned friend and doting mother,
In all roles you rock like no other
I love the pulse you and Uncle share
Always a joke and so much care.

Your warmth and concern just flows
with ease and cheer you are a sport to pose.
To laugh and be laughed at is a quality so rare
I admire deeply your elegance and flair.

Struck by the shopping bug, mother and son
We competed on this closely and that’s no pun
There is honesty and openness in what you say
May you always stay grounded is what I pray.

So on your birthday Poonam Srivastava, wish you much love, happiness and laughter always! Deepak Uncle, am sure you made Aunty's day extra special!

Visionaries with simplicity

Day 53... ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬
Life's drama seems to pass us by and sometimes you can only think of a hand full of friends who have remained grounded, warm and glowing with humility inspite of our racing careers and days of sheer glory. The smile that warmed our heart, the gentle voice with the occasional roaring laughter, the warmth that always reminded me of my best growing years and conversations that always had me in splits.. thats my much admired friend Shubhra.

Most of you know her as the founder of Chumbak, the fun unassuming entrepreneur whose vision created a rage, whose foresight was the stepping stone to driving the India flavor with spunk, humor and vibrance. But for me.. she is shubs whose simplicity has me in awe everyday, whose attitude in life makes me want to learn every day and whose loving heart always tells me that I am blessed to have a friend in her. I deeply admire her and she is set to be the icon whom kids tomorrow will refer to as role models... or like a friend said... when I grow up I want to be like Shubhra. She has gracefully embraced her life and its challenges and always added tremendous meaning to the little moments.

She is a loving daughter, sister, mother, friend and a adoring wife to her love and hubby vivek, whose support, guidance and drive have been a key force in Chumbak and Shubhra s professional journey. Vivek s technical and marketing experience is commendable combined with his passion and willingness to take a chance and focus on the larger picture.

I still smile thinking of the time gone by in JVV, the dance practices for all our Sangeet's, the girls chats till late into the night that often involved mad talks with crazy honest advices that got us through various modes in our new journeys... and so much more. I love the fact that we have loved life and cherished friendships that matter. I will always be proud of you guys and love you to the moon n back. So on your birthday I want to wish you oodles of love laughter and joy always. May success continue to bless you and may you always be our darling shubs...

Almost a twin..brother of mine!

Day 52 ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

We smile, we celebrate, we relive moments gone by, we cry, we laugh, we miss, we share, we wish for another chance to have him with us again... Apr 15 is my brother s birthday.... Deepak, Deepu or Nany as most of you know him but for me .. my anna. Its been 11 years but for us time stands still ... time is not a healer just gives us enough strength to embrace life with grace and dignity... and boy under the circumstances I think we did fine...

Today as I look back, I am happy the time we shared.. our relationship, our bonding had all the perfect ingredients as siblings... I fought he made peace, I cried he held me, we shared and cared, we loved and laughed, we were poles apart in our interests but always had a point of mutual comfort, we respected our boundaries yet looked out for each other, agreed to disagree sometimes but the one aspect we always agreed on was to always be mums rock..

With a marginal age difference our growing years seemed like a twin life... we grew with each other, for each other and about each other. We grew in the same patterns of life, entertaining our curiosities, shielding each other, gauging friendships in our parents and respecting boundaries to the parent child relationships.

He was a terrific son, brother, friend with the right persona for the defence services balanced by his passion for golf. He believed sleep was a waste of time so his every second was about 'live life to the fullest'. His love for the wheel and the thrill and ease with which he would clock speeds across long or short distances always had me thrilled. His magnetic personality always had him surrounded by umpteen friends, cousins. .... he was the force that mandate gatherings and reunions during his vacations in Bangalore. He was very generous and always ready to help... so much so we continue to hear from so many folks who share with us the impact he had on their lives and the difference he made...He loved kids and was a natural ice breaker while i used my charm on pets.. so was a pretty winning combination. He believed in excellence, quality and a lifestyle with brands. His love for colors not just in attire also reflected the joy with which he saw life. While stress, tension and getting worked up were my forte's, his mantra for life was calmness and staying stress free.

In this journey, while it was a short life.. it was a life well lived. He is missed more with every passing day as we ponder and imagine him as a husband, father, brother in law and the doting uncle to my daughters who fondly refer to him as mamu.

While destiny has its own choices, we have the joy of seeing so many shades of him in both my kids.

On your birthday... today as you turned 35... I am thrilled that we have so many memories that we have shared... while the journey was short atleast it was one that mattered and not like so many that lack the true bonding of brothers n sisters. So here s to a perfect brother that made life count in more ways than I can imagine... may I learn to live, love and laugh in as much purity as you did. With love...

Birthday wishes for the bestie

Day 51.. #100happydays #100daysofhappiness
I have described you, walked down memory lane with our times in the past through my posts, but today on your birthday, its all about what I wish for you! Happy Birthday Krithika Akkaraju. In essence if the below does not capture it adequately, all I want to say is may you always have the best with a life filled with only happiness and love. So don't forget to make your wish before you blow the candles!

Today on your birthday I wish that you have only moments of joy. If you do have trying times, may I always be able to be with you to share your troubles. Whatever may be the problems, may you have enough strength to ride that wave.

May you continue to enjoy your professional pursuits which has so many noble facets to it. May you always have the strength to bear the discomfort associated with your professional dialogues.

May you continue to build awesome memories with that wonderful family of yours. There will be several teeth grinding moments, but may we all have the patience to let the moment pass.

May you have all the opportunities to spread your wings and explore the unexplored. May you continue to see new sights, game and mostly jungles am sure.
(Ps: Dont forget to plan for our 2 day escape!)

May you always find your moments of 'me time' in all the craziness and choose that time absolutely undefined!

You are a fabulous mother and wife, and may nothing or no one ever shake your beliefs and virtues in this journey.

May photography, cats, jungles, cooking, shopping- all continue to give you the thrill that you always deserve.

May you always be as truthful, patient and driven by simplicity, no matter how and where life takes us..

Wishing you oodles of happiness always! Much luv and hugs to the most level headed person, who shows me the joy in staying grounded in life, even when everyone around are so busy chasing dreams. Thank you for being you and letting me be myself always!

Running for the spirit!

Day 50 ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

Experts say train for 3 months and then pursue your first 5k run. Me being me.. had to explore something different so one month of 5 am jogs paid off today when I completed my 5 k run.. received a medal.. did the memorable selfie and just soaked in the festivities at the contour women s day run. The feeling is nothing short of out of this world...
For many of you it probably seems easy and doable but ask someone like me who 4 years back with medical traumas and legs that didn't support adequately. ..as I was reaching the finish line.. red in the face but my heart jumping with joy. At the end of it I just stood still to see if my legs had any reactions that I previously experienced. .. when nothing buckled... the sheer excitement of being ok had my heart smiling. In this new discovery of thrilling well being.. I want to thank my mum Nimmi Belliappa, my hubby Arya Ganapathy my mother in law and kids Tamara and Tanaaya whose belief in me make me want to do more. Big hug and thank you to Rakhi Shetty for being my inspiration to try for a run and rock in Pune... (happy happy burday Munni you are truly a woman of substance and all my chats with you have been my best and most motivating ones... wishing you a lifetime of happiness always). Finally thank you Geethanjali Barman for helping me make this decision.. your passion to running will make anyone want to try the field.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect women's day.. so on this day I want to wish all my lovely ladies a fabulous day and thank the men for supporting us in more ways than they can imagine. On this celebrated day I am grateful for the decisions I have made and the learning's I gathered even while making mistakes. I don't live in regret and stand by all the decisions I made. In life I will continue to learn even from my kids. I am grateful for the blessings I have and just want to be a good person with humility, honesty, affection and faith. In this journey of life I do not want to forget to smile, be happy and appreciate little things though I will have plenty of moments to cry, and hurt but knowing life is a mixed bag.. embracing all these emotions will only make me a stronger person. So cheers to my three philosophies in life... live, love, laugh... and look forward to making each day as special as this one today.
Happy Women's Day.. much luv n hugs..

Colors of hope!

Day 49..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

The festival of colors and what joy in seeing the splash. Kids rushed in such eagerness well equipped with colors water guns water balloons and that odd mood wrecker with eggs to disturb the innocence and thrill of this festival.
Its been many years now since I have played but just witnessing the gala today had my heart smiling. For some kids it was their first while others had become seasoned champions strategising attacks in groups. This was one day when age did not matter nor familiarity. .. it was just the bond ovet colors.
The after scrub which perhaps results in many baths to get rid of the deep colors but somehow that effort seemed all too worth it.

For me at this stage of life... this festival is about joy, thrill, trust, love and the glamor in optimism. For some its a tradition in families but for those who embrace it for its spirit will always love life in more ways than expected and thats what makes life worth living. So here is to more vibrance n joy always.. happy holi n God bless.

Keeping the family together!

Day 48..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬
There is so much controversy surrounding the recent ban on the documentary India’s daughter. While this is disturbing and immediate action must be taken at an individual level, I also find it the right time to acknowledge the men in our lives who drive and are driven by values I appreciate like my dad, brother, husband, brother-in-law and my father-in-law. Today I am relieved that my girls will be growing in this legacy surrounded by men whose values I know are intact and who will always aspire to broaden their mindsets to changing situations- only for the better. Having married into this family, I am happy that he is a father figure and whom I fondly call Maava – my father in law. Today as he turned 63, I find myself looking for the right words to describe him. Tall, fair, handsome, lovely green eyes and smile that has my mother-in-law smitten till date! My friends had become his ardent fans when they set their eyes on him and that is no surprise!

He is a passionate planter with deep scientific ideologies. Highly educated during his time, he has been steering the family reins and ensuring togetherness and fairness! While professional opportunities outside seemed a lucrative option, he devoted his time to family obligations and pursued plantations back in Coorg. Several decades later, I am always amused when he tells me about the plants he has tendered with utmost care. Now his passion, commitment and dedication often find the plants smiling back at him. He has evolved in the spiritual journey from an atheist to a spirited devotee with deep religious insights, which guide him through his actions. He has understood that while he pursues this journey, he respects my views on several topics of debate. This was a welcome change to be able to chat with your father-in-law on subjects that may never see a common point but at least the discussion moves with respect for each other’s opinions. In his earnestness, he might get into a monologue with the listener, not due to lack of opportunity to speak but due to the impact of his conversations.

He is extremely diligent and careful. He often finds me brash and reckless yet cares with such adoration. He finds my love for thrill and adventure an act of craziness but will not hold me back in taking that plunge. He is methodical which will be seen in his everyday lifestyle. He has strong beliefs in wellness and health and is almost like a walking medical dictionary. So you can be sure that the village workforce is often seen collecting medications from him or seeking advice on the road to recovery. While most planters believe that daily wages is the right of the labor, to do what he wants with it, whether it is alcohol, food or both, but Maava has a different ideology. To protect them from the damage of alcohol, he buys the rations and distributes them for their use, ensuring there is some balance in their daily meals. If I have to know how Arya will look at 63, I just have to see my mava. They are fairly identical in not just looks but even in personality.

He is the driving force in keeping the family ‘Adengada’s’ together and performs his societal obligations with utmost dedication. He is quick to extend a helping hand. With a keen eye for detail and meticulous ways, often tasks of documentation are sought by everyone. As a husband (with the luck of love marriage), it’s a treat to watch him with Mavi, caring and being cared, though dependent strives to appear independent. As a father, he has probably had more stress moments than calm having two sons, but his encouragement just fascinates me, how he is never willing to give up. As a father-in-law, I have earned more than I deserved, and for that I am grateful. As a grandfather, watching his eyes glitter when the kids are with him, just makes this journey more eventful and memorable. As a brother, he holds them close yet respects their space. In so many roles, I speak in awe and always look forward to little learning’s from someone with so much experience. He loves my writing and reads each one so this post is a humble tribute to a man I am proud to call my father-in-law. On his birthday today, we wish him a very happy birthday and with all our love always.

School fantasies!

Day 47 ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

It’s the sick child, the maid who gave up on you, the demanding younger child, piling work, that may give me wrinkles faster than I imagined, but like most folks I have my own quick fixes that give me that boost of energy to get through the day. Everyone has a moment of respite that gives you the best smile.. from your heart. Strangely enough any dream I had whether related to my family or work would always be within my school premises FAPS or formally known as The Frank Anthony Public School Bangalore. Moments of my time in school were reinstated when I witnessed a JAM (just a minute) session of my younger daughter in Nursery at her school, where she had to speak about her favorite cartoon character. Needless to say I am a proud mum with her one minute speech on Ninja Hatori with lines she raked up her self, but my point being on the experiences we have at school that last us a lifetime.

While the school had all the facets that one would describe as a good school…back then.. with excellent faculty, great open culture, perfect balance between academics and extra curricular and finally a platform to graduate from a school that was well recognized. But amongst many things, few aspects seem to stay with us like teachers who became friends with students, for life. The school building was nothing fancy, but what it packed in one building and one ground, gave us our complete essence of school life in such a wonderful way. The classes were functional and so were the rest rooms, cause during our time there, the look of the space hardly mattered. The labs gave us our experiments in bubbles and gasses or the horror of dissecting a rat. The field gave us our best field n track, softball, basketball and so much more but the many hours we scorched in the sun marching our way around to perfect the best house trophy was laudable. The music and dance competition had its own flair. The horrifying uniforms till 10th standard became charming when we shortened it to our like. Then came 11 and 12 standard where our uniforms were outfits of envy.

It is a regular school with kids who understand humility, the canteen is a joy, however small or shabby, the school bookstore was our place of frequent visits for maps, and not forgetting the visit to the headmaster’s office, angling our hands from the cane whack for throwing pellets at the teacher – not a proud moment but such a memorable one. The school picnics, the Goa trip that made us think we were cool, and years later a fun reunion with school friends at a popular hangout by school friends turned entrepreneurs - all makes such a lively story. The politics amongst friends, changing gangs and taking sides was like a normal day. While being the house captain was remarkable, the bigger memory came from the build up to ‘the socials’ – the most glamorous and awaited event for us. The pressure of outfits, the perfect date (always in confusion upto the last minute with new boyfriends evolving at the nick of time) and then the wait for the result – the FAPS princess and prince, all created so much drama. The good news is this drama concluded with two charming folks from Kammanahalli of course (we renamed it as Kammanahatton – considering our royal linkages) – Clive and myself for the FAPS Prince and Princess – something we still gloat about 19 years later.

I am 3 days late but was hoping to have this post up by Clivee’s birthday on Mar 2 – the most loved and popular headboy! Some friendships just cannot be explained and that is mine with him. As far as I can remember all my time spent with him has been with smiles and loud laughter, whether it was studying for toposheets, cycling to school or finding our way in the horrifying BMTC buses with sights and smells that tarnish us. He was dad’s favorite audience too with his army stories. He has been not just a wonderful friend, but a perfect son, brother, husband and a doting father. While corporate glamour seems to suit him, he is balancing well with his sheer commitment to his family. With the passage of time, we have grown in mind and body but our conversations don’t struggle to make the journey from school to professional lives. We don’t meet often (at all) or even talk but the warmth from him and his family has stayed with me always. I am yet to come across a family that can exhibit so much love and joy, live like every day is the last and welcome me with so much warmth. During my school days, we have had so many friends who have seen us through thick and thin, but Clivee want to thank you for being you and always keeping simplicity, humility, humor and showing the courage to be a dependable friend. With oodles of luv wishing you a lifetime of happiness always!
Ps: I hope this makes up for my absence of not being able to reach 415 JVV as well.

I can confidently say that my school years have been my best years I hope yours have been too.
Please feel free to tag yourselves. Thanks

Far and few but thick as glue

Day 46... ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬
Came back today from a long but fulfilling event that was driven by passion and left me inspired. So though I may be tired I wanted to conclude this lovely day with a post for a dear couple who celebrate their anniversary today and a true example of 'made for each other'. Their wedding story has the filmi tangent with the whole 'ran away n got married slant', family tempers flaring and finally several wedding ceremonies to celebrate not just their love but also the acceptance and blessings of their families. They became my friends by marriage... but have grown to be close to us with every passing day.
That is Shwetha Thimmaiah and Naveen Thimmiah whose love for each other has only grown in time and now after 2 kids, love for each other remains unchanged and is complimented by respect and honesty.

Shwetha's journey has been an exciting one from a talented model and actress to the corporate pro balancing her life as a loving wife, doting mother and adored daughter amongst others. Her hearty laugh and cheerful smile brighten any gathering. Her eyes sparkle at the thought of shopping and glitter at the sight of brands. She holds her relationships close to her and cheers in joy with the ones she is happiest with...

A shy smile, clad in something fancy, a mustache that gets teased, the chatter that happens only in the midst of comfortable company. . Ie Naveen Thimmiah... hubby's bestie whose concern and willingness to be there at any time has often found me smiling in gratitude. . He too loves his brands and has his health mantras that confuse.. but all in good faith.

We have spent many evenings and holidays sharing jokes, reliving good times and even been our rock at our worst times. We may have had disturbance s but nothing that couldn't tide over. We traveled and built memories that gave us stronger moments to cherish. Darling Aira and Ethan are no doubt rockstars who have wonderful parents to look up to.

On this day I want to thank you guys for being the madness in our life and for always giving us reason to believe in strong friendships. Much love n hugs

Wish you both a happy anniversary and may your lives be filled with excitement and happiness with the balance of normalcy and good health.

Disappearing charms!

 Day 45..‪#‎100happydays‬ ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬

Rumors has it..that it is chocolate day. From my end this will be a very poor post owing to my lack of fondness for chocolate or anything sweet, which is sometimes stuffed down my throat for need of sweet in my body. Sounds terrible I know, but I pride myself in such rare choices. To compensate my lack of sweet tooth, I am surrounded by everyone who somehow grow weak at the sight of chocolate, to the extent of taking over other's share or fighting over the same bar, where everyone becomes a child - age is absolutely no bar here!

So initially I thought skipping today's post would not really be a miss then I gathered when I look back now about my journey since childhood there have been two sweet favorites that have tingled my buds growing up as a personal and exceptional favorite.

- The mouth watering and delicious Cadbury's Nutties which came in small red packs which had a blend of two textures, perfect sweetness and often did not last more than a few seconds. In fact, it was definitely not a share pack too. Back then I remember getting it every Rakhshabandhan too...but now its remained a craving. The newer larger ones which are attractively packaged come in various flavors but have lost their original charm.

- The other one is a ever popular phantom sweet cigarettes that made us feel cool enough to seem like we smoked and lovely enough to never let me try a cigarette..a true wonder.

Other items like gems, crackle etc have all come a long way, but unfortunately now the packs get smaller, or the chocolate itself is marginalised. Call it modernity or times evolving, that the chocolate flavors have also changed with new variations on liquor chocolates, hazelnut, chilli chocolates and the most recent discovery the paan chocolate. While its translating into a chocolate lovers paradise, for people like me with some very selective and disappearing taste, hanging on to the memories of the nutties and the charm behind celebrations supporting it seem to be a lot more valuable.

In case you wondering about the significance of this post, its a fitting tribute to these rare chocolates that have faded over time and somehow has a legacy still amongst its fans. While I have been giving tributes to people and experiences in my life, this rare delicacy seems to get its due on 'chocolate day' - its a slice of my childhood hanging onto memories that matter. Knowing my love for this, if you ever come across this one - anywhere in the world, don't forget to pick me a pack (or as many as you feel) and send it across.

Aspects like hug day, kiss day etc will not be pondered much instead I intend to tread through memory lane on aspects that probably only our generation would value. That makes us rare and worthy this valentine!

I propose!

Day 44... ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

Late into the night but better late than never.. dont you think? Today is the day of proposing... in this valentine week. So my take naturally will not be about getting on one's knee with a ring or some crazy gift in ones hand and waiting in anticipation. Well thats being stereotype and at this juncture of marriage with two kids who are a handful these definitions get redefined...so here goes my version of the perfect proposal..

- Propose to love... Life will not always be a bed of roses and thank god for that.. but we will together smoothen the journey and appreciate what life has to offer.

- Propose to modify romantic gestures...The small joys and romantic gestures will extend to that quiet evening walk or savoring our time doing yoga together

- Propose to have the perfect breakfast...The best meal undeniably will be the wholesome breakfast that we have arrived at as ideal after various trial and error.. and now the results are up to the mark.

- Propose to dine romantically... The most romantic dine out may be that filter coffee or tea.. each one their own (no sharing please) at the closest south indian diner with the ocassional chaat to tingle our taste buds. You will be surprised that the best conversations that take place here.

- Propose to snore... competing over snores and debating who actually snored... yes you read it right.. I snored first in the hospital and would make excuses it was the medication but now I am just in denial.

- Propose to gift..surprises are replaced by... lets go shopping n buy what you want.... its a great ploy dont you think?

-Propose to surpass tradition...surpassing tradition of family and friends giving the ceremonial hearty meals to the expecting mum before their delivery.. being the first to roll out a full koopadi made himself.. both times.

- propose to watch tv in cooperation. .. fight over the remote just vanishes as our interest in the same movies or channels has reached a common point. Now the war is with the kids...

- propose to bring up kids...Kids are our world but will drive us nuts.. but our ability to team up n agree on their upbringing makes life a smooth ride.

- propose to smile.. Our careers will drive us nuts but to be able to smile at each other on our worst days makes every moment worth it.

- propose to always see me as beautiful...To be able to love me and letting it grow with each passing day even after that life scarring sight post delivery of our bundle of joy makes me feel more beautiful.

- Propose to have memorable journeys... The memorable journey s are no longer about that luxurious spa vacation but its that quick drive even for the groceries. Top the experience with kids enjoying their time in the shopping trolley and yet smiling about it, even though the final bill is worth grouching about.

- propose to love your mom in law... watching your most favorite sight of your hubby and mother in the best n deepest conversations and not having to worry about bringing a balance to the relationship... tops it further when these chats take place even in my absence.

- propose to give space...the honest understanding to take my time and do those perfect 'me' vacations or my holidays with mum.

- propose to smile over our weakness... to smile and overlook each others weakness and look for something positive in it... in case you wondering.. to appreciate my 'not up to the mark'cooking skills and yet shower me with praise for that perfect cake. Compliment me further by taking over the kitchen n dishing out experimental delicacies. - we both have passions that may sometime seem unreasonable but the ability to smile n support just to perfect a moment.

- propose to share chores sharing home chores n kid duties giving each other our respite.

While the list may be endless I am confident that if you have even half this list... you will be thrilled.

Friendships in the darndest places!

Day 43..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

Some folks are hard to describe and some are easy. But what’s common are the sentiments that go out to them. Today is a memorable day for our dear friends Monesh and Nithya, who tied the knot few years back (5 I think?) and embarked on a journey complimenting each other. For the onlooker, they seem world apart, but when you know them you are assured that their dependability and most importantly a loving friendship has given them new memories, experiences and relationships. The balance they bring to the relationship is admirable.

He speaks few words, smiles at any situation and is an Indigo champion. His hard work is noteworthy and loves his bikes, non-veg and the good times! He is sensitive and am always amused by his patience. His ability to laugh and be laughed at – all in good spirit is noteworthy. Hence it’s not a surprise when I say that he naturally deserves a wife as wonderful as him.

She laughs heartily and speaks with a clear heart. She is determined and a strong support to her family on both sides. Ready to explore new destinations with the perennial travel bug, she often surprises us with new plans. With a challenge to reach new milestones on her health, she diligently works on her diet and fitness regime, one which I still cannot swallow several facets of it, but with ease she pursues her goals. Talking to her can be extremely comforting and often encouraging to tread fearlessly. Nithya exhibits tremendous maturity and views life with equal balance – a perspective she gained through her growing years. She is naturally protective of the ones she loves and will go any lengths for them, to the limit of being selfless on several counts. Her conversations are hilarious and the ones that comes to my mind the most are: “I can drive a car, fly a plane, but I can’t swim”, so naturally the swim suit milestone is a bit away! Her diligence to shop before a holiday is amusing, with the sole aim to have no repetitions in the photographs taken at the holiday.

We have built so many memories over the years and are thrilled that you both have been such an important part of our lives. You have been there during our trying times and shared the smile during our thrill. Our trip to Malaysia, Pondicherry and Masinagudi, have been memorable not just for the fun and frolic but even the big glitches that never tore our spirit for more excitement. Nithya (adored by Mamma) has been Tamara’s favorite aunt. With regards to Tanaaya, Nithya is patiently waiting for her to acknowledge and embrace her gradually.

Happy Anniversary and wish you both many more. So here’s wishing you both the fondest and best days ahead!
Ps: The group photo that is in this frame, is just a photo to wish you guys from all of us.. and wishing many more fun trips ahead.

Roses are red!

Day 43..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

Have you heard the buzz around the month of February year on year – it’s the month of love, mush and symbolic beginnings. With Valentines Day round the corner, the pulse is mixed! Some folks are busy seeking ideas of ‘the ideal valentines day celebration’ while others are checking their bank accounts to ascertain if they are prepared for the love disaster with pricey gifts and plans. The icing on the cake is the way marketers are basing their campaigns around these ceremonial days – whether it is a non stick pan or diamonds – they all are on the same platform at this juncture!

So in the midst of all this excitement, I am compelled to share the joy as we unfold the beginning of valentine week with today earmarking the day of ideal romance through the very famous Rose day. While I recollect this day being celebrated in all its glory while I was in college with a competition over who receives the maximum number of roses and most importantly focus on the color of the roses received – the bright red rose was known to express one’s immense love, pink roses symbolizes grace and elegance, white roses for new beginnings and yellow roses represents friendship – which would normally be seen in large numbers.

The dawn of such expression was seen since the 18th century where this flower literally became a ‘language’ between people to express their feelings which normally could not be spoken out loud due to social bondage. These days with the advent of modernity, boldness and novel ways of expression, the charm of the disappearing rose remains simple yet eternal.

While the excitement is cherishable, I find myself more inclined these days towards potted plants as a ‘feeling’ communicator, which not just adds glory to the gesture but also will be memorable as it blooms with the recipient for many days/ months or years to come. Thankfully am at a phase where sensibilities prevail and the rose stalks are replaced with wonderful plants to embrace our garden thereby translating one day of joy to lasting fondness with the bloom of these plants.

So whatever may be your plan to celebrate, don’t loose the essence of the week which is about love, promises, trust, dependability and care. While marketing mumbo jumbo focuses entirely on love between couples, I believe it’s about loving anyone important in your life. Though ideally I am not for fixing one day or one week for such emotions, as I believe that relationships are for a lifetime, so how we embrace them is a reflection of how we nurture the relationship through the year. But in the spirit of the circulating wishes, here’s wishing all my family and friends a very happy rose day! May the season of cheer and love steer you ahead for memories that last a lifetime!

So for all women who charm and stay charmed...

To all women there whose strength never ceases to amaze me, whose heart's always impress and whose intelligence can fascinate. We are not here to be judged, we are here to speak the unspoken. We have the voice and the passion that believes in our philosophies. We can dare to dream and make them lasting memories. We can shadow and lead with grace yet feel on top of the world. We can see perfection in confusion. We can multitask roles in sheer brilliance. We choose to be part of relationships that complete our heart. We make homes. We set new benchmarks for our peers in careers cause we know the meaning of healthy competition. We can speak endlessly but all in sense. We can shop in calmness and feel rejuvenated. We have tears that keep us real in happy and sad times. We have the wings to circle the world and always have something new to learn at any stage of life. We have fears, phobias but we do our might to face it with confidence.

Put your hand up in the air

Whether you standing or sitting on a chair.

The brilliance of women is radiant like the sun,

Our perfection is never a pun.

So clap your hands and cheer away

As you celebrate Valentine's’s Day.

We don't need a special day to celebrate love and womanhood.. so let's make today about love, safety, aspirations, values, accomplishments and honor. 

Remembering a family so wonderful!

Day 42... #100 days (in sadness of the loss but in happiness remembering a family so wonderful)

A tribute again, with a note of regret- echoing I wish I had written this when he could read it. Now I write in fond remembrance and deep wishes...to an uncle who admired and encouraged my fondness for words, to an aunty whose warmth grips me and to a friend who understood and never judged!

My heart sank and smiled at the same time today because I was saddened at the news about Kishore Uncle's journey to a better place, but happy that he was free from any further suffering.

The exceptional army officer, the talented corporate honcho, the cheerful friend, the caring husband, the loving father, doting father-in-law and the proud grand father- so many definitions, fitting a complete journey, or better said as a life lived right! While his cheer and jokes were the party warmers, I deeply admire his resilience to battle his medical challenges with so much grace and integrity. A true fighter whose spirit can only be admired and a true inspiration to so many I know. He is now a star, like my daughter says. So when we look at the constellation, if you see three sparkling stars, you can be sure its Kishore uncle surrounded by dad and Anna cheered up with his jokes and thrilled to have him with them.

Our beautiful Gouru aunty, will always be the very bubbly and affectionate aunt, whose adoration and charm can never be justified with my words here. An artist with the garden, her knowledge of plants and their nuances never ceased to fascinate me. I always understood her love for Jerry, the sweet paw family member. Her hearty laugh can brighten any gloomy room. The smile on her face stayed throughout, as she tirelessly helped uncle through all his medical dilemmas - a quality so rare and admirable.

Such lovely parents can only have a truly remarkable son and daughter-in-law, who have balanced life in ways that I am yet to learn. Manish and Bhuvana, in their balanced outlook and sensibilities have always approached life with immense maturity. Their simplicity, warmth and affection is enduring and the doting comfort with uncle and aunty, is notable. Taking one day at a time, it has been an inspiration to see them accept life and its challenges, while also enjoying the little thrills that come their way.

While Uncle will always be missed, Aunty can look forward to a fulfilled life with sweet memories of Uncle, while adding new ones with their two precious grandkids. With all my love I wish them all the strength and courage as they brace a new journey forward. It will have its hiccups and may be discouraging many a time, but I have learnt that bigger lives are lived embracing all the challenges positively and smiling everyday!
From someone who has loved and lost as well - Meeting our lost loved ones again is inevitable but until then lets live it to the best we can..With much love...

Friendships that matter

Day 41…#100daysofhappiness #100happydays

Did you know one aspect in Coorg tradition that makes us so unique? Marriages through personal references only! As a community, we do not list ourselves on any dot com (.com). Its not that we are averse to adapting technology for relationships of a lifetime, instead we rely a lot more on personal references and connections. We are a relatively small community, so it not just becomes easier but also more personal. 

So it’s only natural even mine was such an arrangement, if I may say so. And the person instrumental in bringing so much magic to my life is my very favorite Ratna Aunty, who shares her birthday today with my mother-in law (and her cousin). Being my mums bestie, her word on this recommendation was undoubted and today I am weaving words praising her recommendation and in our case, the perfect match maker.

I have known her since my growing days and I love the stories I hear of her and my mum back in school and college. Loving and affectionate, she was always a style icon in her time. As besties they are strange as they both are very different from each other yet they complement perhaps making the equation, perfect. With, her conversations are so easy and always heartfelt. Her support to us has been beyond definition and perhaps why I fall short of words in thanking her. 

She treads with spirituality and holds her faith. She is dynamic with her interests and always looks to learn or try her hands at something new. With such diversity she has been into making of carpets or specialized culinary skills. She is a dedicated wife, loving mother and an honest and dependable friend. 

Over the years, she has laughed and cried with us and makes every moment memorable. Her love for life, persistence and willingness to live life confidently and independently makes her admirable. Today she is a loving grand mother, dynamic and smart one indeed. 

Smartly clad, quick to move
She is mum’s best friend, and nothing to prove,
She loves and cares like her own
She reaches us quickly with just a phone. 

Through her only, my prince I met,
With all dialogues everything was set,
She knew me well and found Mr Right
And now I hold him real tight.

Love her dearly and wish her best
Through any challenges or life’s test
Related not buy blood but by heart,
In some cultures she would play my God Mother’s part!

So today I take this chance to thank you,
Believe every word said is heartfelt and true.
Words fall short and enough is not said
I can only wish the very best ahead. 

Much love always and wish you a fabulous birthday!

Ode to the hubby:)

Day 37..‪#‎100happydays ‪#‎100daysofhappiness 
Today and always..

Handsome, smart, calm and coy,

This is Arya my hubby, just not any boy,

Eight years gone by since we met,

A glorious wedding, two beautiful kids and we are set.

A sweet smile yet a serious face,

Pacing life as a race,

My mind says slowly now,

Then I wonder if you know how?

Health is wealth is a given fact,

You are health conscious and deal with tact,

Jotting numbers in your book everyday,

Careful with money is what you say!

Office, estate, coffee and time,

This is something hard to rhyme,

There is stress, there is fun,

But you iron it out with a gym run.

A loving father, a loving son,

Your concern and worry is no pun,

Bath, food or playtime with kids,

Is valuable and not up for bids.

Design and brands is what you seek,

You carry off colors in any streak,

You love cars and know them all,

Making new choices with every call!

We made our house together with care,

We aspire for new dreams with love and fresh air,

You have loved my mom like your own,

A pure relationship that you have sown!

Love, trust, safety and calm,

You have kept me safe from harm,

All my fuss and all my pain,

You smile and care in the sun or rain.

Today I want to say thank you,

For making my life a golden hue,

Everyday I want to hold your hand,

And thank my luck, for making it grand