The word is Dee!

Day 77…#100daysofhappiness #100happydays In all my tributes, I have realized that I have never shared with you anything about my roots. My name says it all; I am a Coorg with a culture and history so diverse it’s difficult to track it to absolute accuracy. Having recently celebrated our festival Kailpodh with friends, I realized inking my words on my hometown, was something that had to feature in my 100 days . Unlike the folks who are born and brought up there, my views of Coorg as an army kid are often shaded with influences of pan India excitement and the sounds of the city. So in humor I always refer to my views as “View from the outside”.  We are referred to as descendants of Greeks, challengers of Tipu Sultan and witnesses of a strong political journey from being the state of Kodagu to a district called Coorg (as named by the British). Primarily agriculturists or planters as we are referred, Coorg is popularly known as the Scotland of India or Kashmir of South In...

Day 76.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ My headline today ideally should be - Look out for the grand finale of Season 4 for CTC – The Corporate Talent Championship (CTC) – an initiative of Engage4more, started in 2012, is recognized as the world’s largest inter-corporate platform in the performing arts category. You might think this is a press release or a corporate plug in coming on the day of the finale. But coincidentally it’s also the birthday of the Founder and D irector of Engage4more – Nishant Parashar, India’s first and only integrated Staff engagement and employer branding solutions provider. My tribute today is to the birthday boy, whose journey has been exceptional and such a motivation, so naturally he will feature in my 100 days. Our journey of madness began at Symbiosis, when being lanky seemed fit. While we were all there to achieve greater accolades, being playful and soaking in college was never amiss. Away from our homes, we knew we had eac...

Day 75... ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ A year gone by...we have had many laughs, tears and even better memories with milestones to cherish. We have seen the best and perhaps the worst. We have lost lives but gained hearts. We have seen relationships change but have only the best around us. This day has always been almost magical since you were a child, that I do hope I always keep this magic alive. Our relationship has evolved in so many ways. While on one hand I c ontinue to learn from you as your daughter and on the other we are best friends with the maturity to hold our individuality with the freedom to make decisions on our own terms. We are both Virgos, alike and different on so many counts, but love each other enough to embrace these differing perspectives. I have grown admiring you for your practical and balanced outlook to life, strength to smile at challenging circumstances and love life with all your passion. Your ability to connect and stay conn...

Day 74.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ There is a reason this is the grandest relationship - grandparents and grand kids. Two days have gone by but writing this in my 100 days seemed so imperative. Am not sure about how and why it happens but perhaps this is inexplicable for me at this stage of life. For me this relationship has been a bit distant since I didn't have such strong bonds with my grandparents. So when I became a mother, I was sure the biggest gift my ki ds will get will be there lifetime bond with their grandparents. As I continue to learn every day, I am thrilled that to unravel the beauty of this bond through my kids. I have learnt that this bond honestly epitomizes magical, unconditional love. Its the one relationship that understands the value of time and patience, and ensures its available in abundance. Here generosity is not measured monetarily but instead with quality time, simple gestures, sprinkle of madness and a lifetime of memories. ...

Day 73.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ This is actually yesterday’s story spoken today but it’s definitely not an after thought. Yesterday Sept 1, was Women Entrepreneur’s Day. Not many folks knew about this, as it was definitely not publicized as much as the latest murder mystery. Looking back, my journey has transitioned from my professional stints to being a homemaker, freelancer and then an entrepreneur. In retrospect this journey has so much in common that a lot of folks fail to recognize this. It’s largely attributed to the wonders of ‘multitasking’ a specialty in women and a rarity in men. While I do hope not to make this a feminist issue, the recognizable pattern is so fascinating that inking this down in my 100 day was imperative. After all, it does define my journey too. In our professional saga, we ideate, create, take goal oriented decisions, lead teams with mixed expertise and strengths, deal with seniors of mixed persona, build strategies that ...

Day 72… ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ Bosses, clients, associates, peers – the professional saga! Popularly known as the pillars dominating our professional aura defining our journey from being employed to independent consulting, I am thrilled to always seek inspiration from real life leaders whom I had the privilege to work with. While some were bosses, mentors, associates and peers, it has been exhilarating to always be reminded of facets that are enriching to build my passion for PR and writing. It’s a fascinating journey where you can love them, hate them or possibly tolerate them. Attributing my sanity, there are chances I have experienced all three emotions at various points of my career towards these people, but essentially, I have been fortunate to build and establish inspiring relationships with each of them. I have worked directly or indirectly with them and it has been an impressionable stint, encouraging me to dedicate this tribute to these indiv...

Day 71#100daysofhappiness  ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ If someone asks me, I am a true Bangalorean, and an even better – Kammanahatton citizen – a name that a friend coined as a tribute to the area that evolved with me. So while my heart always remained at our home in Jal Vayu Vihar, we did build our life here in Harmony Homes and grew to love it everyday– an apartment complex that has seen some significant milestones for me and my family. It’s been more than 10 years, and I would the think, it’s the right time to pen this tribute from an early resident of Harmony Homes. Brick by brick, floor by floor, we saw this complex come up. It was the beginning of tall skyscraper apartments (at that time) with modern amenities for our neighborhood, where long time communities like Jal Vayu Vihar thrived on being simple, safe and truly an owner’s pride. Modern amenities like club house, swimming pool, kids play area, firm security system with cameras, a functional Centrex system, full power b...

Day 70.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ Long post alert, but its difficult to contain a writer when she is describing her perfect home! I grew up, so did my locality, but this community remained the way it was 25 years back. I still recollect being the main force behind our move into Jal Vayu Vihar (JVV). A pristine community, large enough to get lost but personal enough to feel secure! We had come to visit my uncle and in a flash I had my heart set here, which till date has never left the premises. I was willing to wake up earlier than the other kids and sit in the van which made Jal Vayu as the first pick up point and the last drop point, but there was no looking back for me and my family. Primarily an Airforce and Navy community with largely retired residents, this community has retained its decorum despite the changes in its surroundings with Kammanhalli getting more commercialized. As you enter it feels like a solace in the middle of madness – that’s t...

Day 69.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ As kids we have all done the 'perfect picnic' outings to a park now and then. Picnic baskets, games to play, family and friends and ready to go. It was almost the only other outing that would come to our minds. Unfortunately in this day and age with so much of commercial and retail blasts around us, kids have forgotten the essence of pure joy and being happy by simple outdoors. As a firm believer of picnic cultures, which I ofte n propagate at  Cavalry Cottage  as well, a picnic with aunts, cousins, nephews and niece was a must do. With a family so large, the crowd is never a problem. So keeping in sync with what Bangalore was always about - garden city and open spaces, we opted to have our day of nostalgia in our very own Cubbon Park, where we had all gone there as kids. Now when we head there with the next generation, it almost feels like time stood still and somethings just never change. So what made our ...

Day 68 ...  ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ . Tanaaya - All of 5 ..yet she is still our baby! Clear to speak as is her thoughts, open direct responses, loves with all her heart, quick to decide, bold with dance, singing and some drama, asks questions that has us perplexed and happy to share especially with Tamara. She is confident and caring, evaluates every situation and will not accept everyone blindly. Her energy, games and ideas in role play balance between what both boys and girls would like, so her friends are a fun mixed group. She can be a leader and follower all in a passing moment. She is cautious and will not get excited by activities with tremendous adventure. She is unlike a lot of 5 year old's! Her humor is amusing to anyone in the room. A bundle of energy in familiar surrounding and a calm, gentle quiet child in a formal scenario - she is both sides of a coin! She is our New Year blessing since 2011 and continues to spar...

Day 67..  ‪#‎ 100happydays‬   ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬ We laughed, cried and grew nostalgic .. all in the memory of my grandparents who would have been 100 & 96 years in 2015. On this day.. their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren came together praying, eating, drinking and sharing stories that mattered most only to those who were there. Some of the family could not be there due to limits of distance, circumstances and so much more but in heart we felt like childhood  had returned. Its a day when we embrace and support each other and let go off misunderstandings, anger and sorrows that often divide families. We love it that traditions are kept alive and new generations are a part of it. We cherish the moments we share and value each one more with every passing day. We are thrilled that our kids are part of such a heritage where families and bonding are integral to their existence. I am privileged that my kids values will always have a reflection o...

Day 66.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ The photos at Tanaayas first birthday are dreamy yet natural, colored with expression and a priced keep sake for a lifetime- with the family photo being my favourite. While the subject is important, the photographer seems to be more critical with their eye for detail and the right emotion to capture the perfect moment. The eye and heart behind that camera was my friend Abid who celebrates his birthday today. This passionate ph otographer and travel enthusiast explores diverse geographies on holiday or work but each terrain is viewed with such a difference that the tourist in me often misses. The fabulous magnet collection adorning almost all sides of his fridge is reflective of the travel bug that paces him now and then. The beauty of his photographs have shaped into attractive calenders that mark the days of our lives. The subjects can be babies, nature or just moments ..the results keep me spellbound. What fascinates ...

Day 65./.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ A day late, but wishing cheerfully for friendship definitely does not have a timeline. So here come my two bits on friendships that have been such an important part of my life. So why dedicate one day to friendship when it is an almost ongoing journey. The first time I ran and shared with you, it was a joyous moment for me to discover that my legs seemed to have made significant progress in the healing journey. But this time  my 5k run had a different rush. It was about speed, pace, thrill and most of all a clear head. Today on friendship day I was thrilled to make a new friend – with running! It’s no longer an ardent effort, but the joy of being with oneself, with your heart racing and your mind giving you all the clarity you need. In such runs, inspirations are many and limit is endless. So with small steps and a gradual pace, I do plan to go a longer distance, but at a time when my heart says – let’s go! It ge...

Day 64.. ‪#‎ 100happydays‬   ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬ This would be an incomplete journey in my 100 days if I don't share with you the incredible journey of my maternal grandfather.. who celebrates his big 100 today. The age has been a matter of debate like most folks in that generation but its never too early or late to remember a father, husband,grandfather and friend with fondness. Like all lost relationships in my life... I speak about him as 'is' as opposed to 'was' even though he passed away few years ago. A horticulturalist by profession and father to 9 kids of diverse age groups and personalities, his stories never cease to fascinate me. Unlike most of you, i do not write this post reminiscing about my days with him as i have not spent extended time with him. Being the army kid who has seen her grand folks during vacations with a split time schedule between two houses it does not give one adequate time to build so many memories. So my bond largely...

Day 63.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ Have you imagined going on a holiday, meeting your man of dreams, and soon sending out wedding invitations for your big day. I always imagined that such scenes were only in the movies, but this fascinating story belongs to my cherished friend n buddy for over 20 years since our days in jal vayu vihar... Tanya Chandy. She is married to Rajesh whom she met on a holiday and they have a precious son Samay. She is one of the smartes t people I know, who somehow had an avid interest in vocabulary building at a very early age. I remember her fascinating us with the use of the word ablution when we were barely kids. Thanks to dictionaries we survived back then just to appear equally smart. We have spent endless days playing laughing chatting exploring new adventure s with uncle the concert madness and so much more. The many birthday surprises, the diwali visits, the brides of India moments all brings back so many memories. Now ...