View from the outside!

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 India. With an abundance of greenery, glamorized by coffee, pepper and paddy, the landscape in Coorg is nothing less than magical.  There is serenity in the midst of the roads, which are lined by coffee and pepper plants on either side, complimented by the sights and sounds of the quaint hills. There is so much inspiration in this setting that from a literary standpoint, books and topics of interest will flow uninterrupted. Today Coorg is a tourist hotspot, mushrooming with home stays, adventure activities, treks, animal attractions and so much more. Even with the tourists flanking there, Coorg has retained its charm. The silence is joyous to the city dweller, but too much silence for an extended time can awaken the restless mind, just as it does to me!

We have family names recognizable anywhere in the world by another Coorg. The society is battling between being conservative and adapting a liberal approach. We have freedom fighters, sportsmen, actors, and many more hailing from Coorg. We have legends, we have created records, but one thing that stays etched in everyone’s mind is – Pandi curry. What was once the secret ingredient is now in everyone’s kitchen shelves – the famous black vinegar called Kachampuli. Well if you are not familiar, then here’s to a preview of a clan that is charming, good looking, extremely hospitable yet caught up in our own arrogance. We are the Coorgs or Kodavas, as we would like to call it. We are contributors to the global economy with our crops and produce. We have seen Coorg shaping from a state to a district under various political influences, and to this day, we demand our stately rights. We are from Karnataka but something tells us to never accept that we are South Indians. We have a language that speaks but doesn’t write, the sounds of which seem to be a blend of all the South Indian languages.

We are planters with issues that revolve around coffee crops, rainfall, labor but we will never fall short in our hospitality. Folks here are engaged all through the year with various schedules in coffee growing, each working in a pace that comforts them. The abundance of space, the open fresh air, clutter free roads, small towns, and closely knit community often finds the Coorg settlers disapproving of cities like Bangalore, though Mysore stands to be a favorite town spot. We may have differences with family dramas over property disputes, but as a community, we always stand united. We make India proud with the way we have reinvented passion and glamour in India’s national sport – hockey. The annual family tournaments have created much buzz and flare. We thrive in a wild ecosystem and have found our peace and harmony with the flora and fauna. Animals especially elephants, wild boars and some members of the cat family, show immense interest in our plantations and the water bodies we create, that any damage during this passage seems to get soaked up in conversations.

While Coorg food has been chosen as a must try by various cultures, you must indulge in the rice based dishes served with a host of finger licking veg and non veg dishes in most home stays or at weddings, where the mood is often abundance of food and alcohol. Weddings are simple with traditions that can be embraced with ease, backed by the power of blessings.  Our cleansing rituals are with the River Kaveri. Traditional attire has been in awe across various circles, with the graceful and comfortable sari’s pleated backwards accessorized with fascinating Coorg jewellery, complimented by the stately and warrior like black/ white robe with the grand dagger. The outfits stand out and have become popular fashion observations. A community so small, we are often related to each other in more ways than one, hence we are more clannish than we realize. Weapons are our pride and owning one has been a right, exceptional to this celebrated community. Our homes are distinct, with ancestral respects adorning the ambience. Festivals are few, but celebrated in grandeur. Prayers, food, alcohol, and fireworks mark most of them. Social calendars mark the ongoing weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies that keep folks shuttling between venues across Coorg.

My parent’s generation has been remarkable in the way they have nurtured and cared for everything that is significant about Coorg. For us, we have grown with one foot in Coorg and the other in the city. One generation has witnessed this change, so what will transpire with future generations is hard to say. Having said that, the spirit, charm, belonging that we have being a Coorg will always remain with us and ensure that we continue to be the ‘protectors of a culture so rare’. While we will strive to pass this on to future generations, a world of our own, we do hope that they always see the value in our traditions and culture and make them their own.

So here’s to a community that leads with character, cherishes with a heart and radiates the glory of a hidden heritage. I may never seem to be the perfect Coorg, but in my heart, I aspire to be one! In my journey of learning, rediscovering my roots, gives me a preview to a life that I will always admire.

Entrepreneurs driven by passion!

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 Director 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 each other to lean on. We listened with dedication but questioned for a better foundation. We chose careers with passion or sometimes just remarkable positions. Looking back, while I was obsessed with PR, he was the only other person unwilling to let go of his joy in events. Fourteen years later, who knew that our journey would be so memorable? He had always envisioned his entrepreneurial charter and pursued his career with all his heart.

His ideas are unique with passion in abundance. He is a visionary with simplicity and humility. He believes in hard work and excels with warmth. He is a leader in strategies and an affectionate team player. He understands struggle and values independence. He is a dedicated father, husband, son, brother and friend. He is part of a large corporate sage, but grounded to the joy of reality. He cares with all his heart and shares just as much. He has his hands full, but always steals a moment to keep his madness alive.

I have seen him evolve as a person and am thrilled with what he has shaped himself to be. He owes his success to his passion and the support of his family. We have had the craziest times, with much laughter, tears and support, and everyday he inspires me in more ways than he can imagine. Dreams come true and I am glad it was his, as no one deserved it more than him. Professionally I am always thrilled to refer and guide, as I am sure that I am speaking about someone whose dedication and reliability is unquestionable.

So on your birthday, here’s wishing you oodles of happiness and blessings always. May you always remain grounded and be the kindest person I know. May you always find your moments of madness and have enough reason to share that laughter. As a young leader, I hope you always pursue ideas that radiate with passion, inspiration and dedication. As a husband, son and father, may you always be the rock that they deserve. Happy Birthday once again and wishing you, Engage4more, CTC all the very best!

My forever role model!

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 continue 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 connected, has given our life so many relationships that would have otherwise been amiss. I was lucky to grow with a mum who blended her exceptionally modern outlook with tradition and values. You are my role model and the reason I express today. You have taught me the importance of relationships, emotions and appreciation. You have shown me the importance of self respect, selflessness and generosity. You are strong yet compassionate, firm yet loving and disciplined yet adjusting. I have learnt that life is short, but experiences are many. Your positivity has shown me that optimism is an outlook that only the heart can see. I understand the importance of celebration and small gestures that stay with us forever.

Today we have so much to laugh and cry about, but it becomes easier, because we always have each other. You have been my role model, who perfected being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, friend and grandmother. You are my guide, friend, mentor, critic and mother. At the risk of sounding possessive, I want to say, before being a grandmother to my kids, you will always be my mother. Our time together in and out of town, is my definition of 'happiness', doing the things we like, open honest conversations that keep me grounded, laughter that rejuvenates and advise that guides.

Mommy on your birthday, here's wishing you all the reasons to be only happy, wings to see the world, good health and abundance of love from family and friends. We love you Nimmi Belliappa

The grandest relationship!

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 kids 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.

Grandparents are the link to everything that is normal yet exceptional, grounded yet pride. Before all the technology overload, relationships were about care, face to face conversations, lineages that could continue with generations, that is most often passed on with these 'grand' relationships.
The beauty in the bond is the madness, innocence and joy that guides this relationship. The overdose of affection often has the kids basking in spoils and glory, but this purity makes it hard to dampen any of it. While the stories, songs and drama is a daily affair, the balance is seen in the small gestures, rounds of discipline which are often cushioned and handled with such care, an area my parenting skill needs further perfection.

Am thrilled that the kids get the 'grandness of parents' to look upto and grow with such rounded dignity. I have seen them understand values, family bonds, respect and honest love in this relationship. The great news is they do this in all their innocence without being judged, or hurried up to grow in perfection and become little adults, which we parents often get lost in. In this journey I do miss that my kids never got to meet my dad, but they seem to get to know a lot of him and that makes me proud. So while I continue to celebrate grandparents day, here's wishing all grandparents a great year ahead. May we grow to be the 'perfect grandparents' as you all have been.

So here's to the people who showed me this grandness Nimmi Belliappa(Naanu), Meena Appaiah (Thai) and Nanda Appaiah (Thatha) you all have given Tamara and Tanaaya the best relationships and idols. Thank you for being you!

The homemakers' challenge

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 set us apart and are rewarded with salaries amongst others. As entrepreneurs, we do all the above in addition to taking risks on any idea, innovate and plan finances to back the same ideas with the hope of driving your brand and reeling in the profits. All these are done in an office setting, in the realm of timelines, corporate policies, governance and frameworks.

Now imagine the scenario of a homemaker, where the same elements are just packaged differently. She hurls up strategies and ideas to effectively run her home, leads her team of helpers, who are often more challenging without the feather of education and experience. She plans the home finances to the last rupee with the hope that she manages to save some for her personal indulgences. She ideates and takes decisions to keep her kids motivated with creativity in food, activities, discipline and studies, all of which are crucial goals. This is one area which can get really complicated as she is responsible for the people she has created. She is a wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, friend and so much more.

She deals with her in laws, parents and relatives who are seniors with mixed persona too, which are usually more complicated since they are bound by personal relationships, society and respect. Deadlines are plenty during her tenure, but no fixed hours. She is mostly on a 24 hour schedule, without that Sunday holiday or the much availed and enjoyed paid leave. Even on a vacation, do check if her mind is completely relaxed! You will be surprised, it almost seems never ending. A cup of coffee with friends becomes a planned activity, far and rare. At the end of it all, without the salary or the profits, and many times thankless but they look for motivation in adoration by family, the simple smiles and in most cases the luxury of ‘me’ time.

In this time of independence, women have combined the roles of being professionals / entrepreneurs and homemakers, which adds to the challenge but at the same time has opened avenues of support systems. At every stage, the challenges are perhaps beyond what we can imagine. While the pressure, frustration, anxiety and stress are all so exhausting, the results, joy and a sense of fulfillment make it so rewarding. With the advent of social media, support groups, several boundaries have disappeared and perhaps maintaining our sanity has eased.

Social etiquette's compel us to engage in conversations that begin with questions like”what do you do?” or joke about “what do you do the whole day?” The response often is the basis of an unwanted judgment. So the next time, lets try to embrace rather than question, appreciate rather than criticize and respect rather than undermine.

On this note, cheers to women who make life count in more ways than anyone can imagine!

Inspirations...

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 individuals who never cease to amaze me.

As mentors, I have seen the level of patience, insights and clarity with which they ensure knowledge sharing is at par. As bosses, the choice of leadership definitely varies from authoritarian to being a buddy, but each ones effectiveness and productivity is not compromised. They teach yet they inculcate independence, they praise and take you to task all in the same breath, they show the power of unity and responsibility while balancing it at times with lack of reason-ability. They will share the funniest jokes but will also be angered within a second. They may not always remember work life balance and sometimes have the most unreasonable deadlines, but they teach you to challenge yourself and create new benchmarks. As associates and peers, they will be ready to give you that healthy competition, be dependable and perhaps join you in boss bashing sessions that often take place after a grilling day. As clients, we get to see them work from new perspectives, negotiate on financials and deadlines and raise the bar of efficiency to a different level. Working with global counterparts, makes me appreciate all folks of Indian origin a lot more.

As much as I have loved all my moments with each of them, I have not just learnt, performed, ideated, created, shared and rejoiced but also cried, angered and been disappointed at some moments. I believe we learn every day and hence I am assured that I remain human when I experience all the emotions in varied balances. Without individual characterization, I am able to write with such liberty. But given their entire exceptional outlook to perfection and eye for detail, it makes my post all the more challenging.

So for me, this journey has been about living and loving my words while tuning it to perfection. It has been about realizing the power of human interaction and clear and concise communication. It has been about seeing the finer points without missing the larger picture. It has been about strategies that matter with goals that can be defined. It has been about testing my limits and when necessary to accept defeat and move on to aspire for greater things.

As professionally exceptional as they are, beyond the routine, they are dog lovers that challenge a cause, proud fathers and grandfathers with the simplest gestures, accomplished mothers and home makers with a passion to travel or enthusiasts pursuing their hobbies with utmost passion. They thrive on memories and sentiments as much as I do.

So through this tribute I want to thank each of you for giving me an outlook of maturity and inspiration. Directly or indirectly, knowingly or unknowingly, you all have been the reason for my passion for this industry. For reasons known to me, I may never be able to pursue PR in all its glory, but my journey has been fulfilling due to all your contributions. With teacher’s day round the corner, I am compelled to bring this out in my 100 days for being ‘teachers that inspire me everyday’.

Ps: Photos used have been taken from facebook due to unavailability of photographs at my end!

Harmony Homes in Kammanahatton!

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 back up, were all luxuries back in the day but necessity today with every developer offering this with probably a lot more. The glory of being on the 8th floor with an abundance of ventilation and views that are unparalleled, while being located in the hub of all activity, yet undisturbed by the chaos of the surroundings, continues to assure us of our soundness in our decision to live in Harmony Homes. What makes it more remarkable is always having the sense of neighborly care and concern yet our chosen privacy. The residents have grown to shoulder each other, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and status. With a deep rooted value system, Harmony Homes has understood the need to recognize and celebrate occasions of importance with cheer, tradition and respect. The ample participation from most residents makes every occasion joyous and commendable.

The children have developed a sense of togetherness with their daily park rituals, the occasional workshops, the swimming chaos, the grand performances at festival celebrations, the annual bazaar, play dates or the fun birthday parties. Neighbors have grown to depend on each other evolving as friends and many almost as families. While kids have a promising and memorable time, the residents have their share of laughter, differences, insightful conversations and much more. The changing committees, bylaws, security, staff and even residents, has not disturbed the very essence of this community. As a community, it’s fascinating to see all the residents complying cheerfully with initiatives of importance like the earth hour, waste segregation and disposal, clean surroundings or matters of health benefits like yoga, swimming, and gym schedules amongst others. With the passage of time, minor glitches like security lapses, leakages are all bound to happen. External factors like the never ending flyover work, the dangerous potholes continue to be fielded but unfortunately at the mercy of our political fraternity. Several communities are struggling with their attempt to arrive at coherent decisions, which might happen at Harmony Homes too, but what makes it remarkable is that it’s done in true harmony.

For me, living here at Harmony Homes has shown me so many reasons to appreciate small things in life. We have had our own set of battles to face, but that walk in the apartment premises with the strong perennial breeze brushing your face, which messes your most perfectly set hair, or our loud laughter over the silliest reasons in the evenings in the company of friends in the park almost like a laughter yoga therapy session make even the most routine task seem negligible. I began my love for running in this premise, which gives me the platform in the early hours of the mornings to ace those 17 rounds of Harmony Homes with an aspiration to grow the distance. We made this house our home with care as a family. With mum living a floor above, I am always thrilled with the infinite access I get to share the smallest moments with her – my best friend. Along with the comfort of being able to be there for each other, the joy with which our kids are growing with their grandmother to guide, share, care and love at any time, makes them well rounded and probably more privileged, an area where I always missed out on.

In my 100 days it would be incomplete if I missed cherishing the community that gives me a reason to be thankful everyday. I am thrilled my kids are growing in an environment that balances their outlook and is conducive to their physical, social and emotional growth. As a family, we are grateful that we have a home that we made with our own taste, aspirations and charm and the joy of friends who give us reason to look forward to ‘that tinkle of madness and dependability’. With every passing year, I am thrilled that my address is Harmony Homes!

Memories in stone! Home is where the heart is..

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 the feeling you would get amidst the low rise stone buildings and an abundance of greenery. Envisioned to cater to the smallest needs of its residents, this community of 540 apartments has its own shopping complex, beauty salon, post office, community hall, badminton court, the defense canteen, school premises, MI room, children’s play areas, gymnasium, library amongst others. This colony has now evolved with its commercial setting and is making lucrative use of modifications in its boundary walls with renting of retail outlets and the most noticeable change – increasing number of professionals as tenants and owners. What began with Maruti 800’s back in the 90’s now sees the more suave and sought after cars parked here. Homes with small windows now have modifications that were previously unimaginable – some done legally and few illegally, but reflective of the owner’s pride. With many changes come several issues, which often take time to gain acceptance. Prior to the email arena, the issues were definitely noticeably lesser, but now in this day and age, the community group seems to stay active with a host of ideas and issues, which make it fascinating to see all heads coming together to drive the efforts of this ‘legendary’ community to perfection. There are the odd elements that can make the charm of the community a complete nightmare but thankfully the very essence and character of JVV is so grounded that it remains unwaivered. It is a landmark, amidst so many giants.

The strength of this community is in the relationships it fosters amongst the residents. I have had the privilege of building my closest bonds with friends who are definitely ‘my friends for life’ Back then, evenings were about playing the craziest games like 7 stones, hide and seek or hoping to get a chance at badminton. Festivals were celebrated in closeness and grandeur. Stepping out of our homes within the colony late at night always had our minds at peace with the safety this community brought us. Today with changing times, kids perceive evening activities differently but safety and celebration remains unchanged. The senior citizens feel secure and cared for with the dedication of committed residents who are a part of Ashwasan.

My forever friends are all here. So today, on the eve of my dear friend Ronita’s birthday, I write this piece about what home has been for me. While so far I have given you a description which probably sounded like a marketing pitch but it’s hard to describe ideal with lesser words. So for me home in Jal Vayu has been memories that last a lifetime, relationships that we take along, calmness that promises me the peace I deserve and joy that tells me how privileged I am. My many firsts have been here with milestones in school, college, post graduation, a professional footprint and welcoming the thrill of marriage. It is here; I cherished relationships, strengthened family bonds and grew as a person. I learnt that a mother can be your best friend too, and that's the perfection my mum achieved. So essentially, Jal Vayu Vihar for me has been my lifetime! Today there are many skyscrapers with a lot of modern amenities and advanced in technology, but JVV draws me like no other in its simplicity, cheer and heart rendering nostalgia. I know my mum has her heart at JVV too. Don’t you Nimmi Belliappa?

So today, Ronita Shambaya, I have already written a personal tribute to you earlier. So on your birthday I thought it would be apt to share with you the place we both call home. A large part of it remains because of you girls there and for that I will always be thankful for being blessed with friendships that often exceed sisterhood! Thank you and wishing you oodles of happiness always. It’s an early wish, but comes with so much prayer and hugs!

Picnics cherished!

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 often 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 picnic perfect? A lively, fun, enthusiastic and participative family, lip smacking food ranging from snacks to main course and dessert, picnic mats, games, props and most of all an open mind. The essence of Cubbon park remains the same with that slow Puttani Express but a journey that creates as much excitement as one would imagine. The fun rides like the dragon train, the cup and saucer etc surprised us leaps and bounds with the speed and efficiency. The joy on the kids faces etched in our minds, but the joy on our faces made our hearts laugh. A generous potluck had us eating all through our time there, but what impressed us is our aunts attention to detail with the availability of crockery, cutlery and more.

In the company of all our kids, we all became kids ourselves with our energy shifting between cricket, Frisbee or the thrill and madness behind kabbaddi and tug of war. The open space and inviting trees had some of us exploring our tree climbing capabilities. The use of 'crazy' props, the fun bubbles, all just added to the insanity of the day.

As a family, we had a memorable day in such pure simplicity. We laughed, chatted, relaxed, explored, shared, jumped and played. We built a memory and gave our kids new experiences while the adults relived the joys of the past. We missed the ones who could not join us, but in adoration we bonded. Being a Sunday, we anticipated large disturbing crowds and an environment difficult for us to adjust to. But all factors supporting our fun day, we had the perfect spot, weather to suit and privacy that was invaluable.

We look forward to many such moments that reminds us of life's charm and treasures. I am sure we all are never that busy to take some time off for such adventures. Glad we did this, we should do this again soon!

Power of girls in my heart

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 sparkle in our home! Our New Year's cant get more festive, I hope yours is too!

Tamara - my growing pride

She is the reason I was privileged with the title of motherhood. Its been 8 years and such a memorable journey.  She is all I hoped for.. though has grown faster than I wanted.

Tamara.. our first princess turns 8. In so many ways she teaches me and keeps me real. I tend to be protective with her as her softness can often be misunderstood. A curt remark at her or anyone she cares about and tears are bound to flow...While I worry at times, I am happy she will remain real, true and hearty in every relationship. She is sensitive but life will make this her biggest strength. She knows the meaning of bonds and loves with all her heart. She knows diplomacy.

She races with passion in sport and dance. She has her reservations and is conservative in some facets.... an area I am often confused about. She has her own sense of fashion.. probably not everything i agree with but i respect her choice as an individual even if she is young... she is entitled to her views and opinions. She has seen me at my worst but does everything to keep my best. She holds in assurance and with meaning. She grows in mind and body with  the purity and innocence that I hope to always nurture.

She is a protective daughter, loving grand daughter and a doting sister. She blends with ease with older kids and a responsible playmate to younger ones. With her mind ready to explore new games... age is of no consequence in the company of kids. Books have not really lured her yet...but dance and music has her heart beating. She writes with warmth and beauty. She is impressionable but also adaptable. She grows gracefully and always reminds me of how miracles happen. She has had the maximum injuries but I love the strength she builds with each fall. She is patient and loves to be treated with patience. She sees my eyes and knows if my heart smiles. She has a ready hand yearning to help.

Today on her birthday... I am beaming with pride about a daughter who teaches me everyday. I do hope I can always be her mother and friend walking by her side, even as she may opt for the road less travelled too. I hope she always has the strength to be beautiful at heart and the passion to fearlessly follow her dreams.

Traditions that bind families!

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 of the greater learning's from our parents, cause in our generation of attempted modern outlook we will always have a missing leaf in our parenting value system.

So here's to many more moments of madness, joy, learning's and nostalgia.

The lens that sees friendship!

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 photographer 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 more are the tricks in some photographs that make the impossible look possible and real.

A true bookworm, he stays guarded of all the books that occupy his large shelf.
His simplicity, honesty, generosity, cheerfulness towards life and deep warmth has won the hearts of so many friends.

He is a wonderful son, brother and friend. He combines tradition and modern with such ease and flair. He understands his customs and respects expectations with such clarity. He loves kids and plays with such ease that age disparities seem to disappear.

We dont get to meet that often but somehow it has been easy to find a wonderful friend in him. While I did want to wish him dearly through this message, its also a semi ad for potential brides who are looking for a handsome, charming, generous, sweet, talented groom who ensures his guests get the yummiest biryani on Eid.

While you kill me later for this.. on your birthday today here's wishing you Bid all the happiness always. May you find your Ms perfect soon and may we get to cheer in celebration with you.
Happy birthday Bid... much luv n hugs always

Friendship Day sprints!

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 gets even better when the people you love and care about with all your heart are right there cheering for you in excitement like as though you have completed a full marathon. Thanks a bunch for waking up in the wee hours of the morning to just be there to see me.

With every new friend made, there are always the old friends to inspire. I have had the privilege of making some really fantastic friends over the last 3 decades and I am honored to say that most of them have been in my life in some way or the other, during my most happy and trying times. We have laughed, cared, shared, cheered and fought even, but we have grown with each other, shared and encouraged our own passions. On this friendship day, here’s wishing each of you with oodles of laughter, madness and the heart to care. May we always have the time to lean on and find the love to heal away our sorrows! The way I have found a friend in my new found passion of running, may you find your activity of oneness. So here’s to what I believe true friendship is about – live- love-laugh always!

Ps: Appu & Adi sorry put other snaps here..but here's my thank you for being my sweetest charms everyday!

Big 100 or close enough!

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 grew from the stories I heard of him.
As a person with a calm, loving and caring demeanor, his popularity is noteworthy. Known for his horticultural flair, it greatly reflected in the garden he maintained at their home in Mercara presently known as Madikeri with an abundance of fruits vegatables and flowering plants.

A father so loving to all 9, I am always in awe of his ability to steer through his responsibilities to bring up a large family with such perfection. Without a compromise hailing from an average middle income job this was definitely something to wonder about. The little snacks, the non veg surprises, the special birthday celebrations for the youngest... my mum, with gifts chocolates clothes n more were little thoughts that exemplified his parenting style. At a time when mindsets were impressionable and society commanded the rules, he steered his family with independence, integrity, self respect, honesty and love. His broadminded approach enabled him to handle life s challenges even with unsettled or rebelling kids with understanding, transparency and mutually agreeable dialogue. His ideologies and fair practices have made them independent individuals who made a mark for themselves and did not follow the traditional route of relying on ancestral heritage and property- which is often a cause of severe misunderstanding in Coorg families. With so many positives there will always be a slight hiccup cause that's what makes him human. His loving heart was sometimes too sentimental that even unknown obituaries in the newspaper had tears rolling down his cheeks. His soft nature had a vice that created an occasional disturbance to my grandmother. .. his love for alcohol that was enjoyed even without company. My grandmother has been the pillar of the household and the force behind keeping all emotions intact.

As grandparents, he charmed with softness and expression while my grandmother routed her emotions to discipline and firmness. Once they moved to Bangalore, festivals, family gathering with uncles aunts cousins always meant a buzzing household in Shantinagar with delicious food, drinks, laughter, arguments, and chitter chatter with screams of madness. The good news then was relationships were not based on time. Everyone just made it happen and valued it more. Today, they are not there, but the house still rings of all the times we had there.

The more I hear about him I always yearn to have been able to spend more time with him. Some of my cousins have grown with him and today smile so fondly in celebration. Thinking of him, as a parent I am reminded of the patience love and care I need to exercise every second with just my two girls.... its my firm belief.. every second we continue to learn hence my journey of new discoveries and values never ceases to exist.

So on his 100 th birthday cheers to a man who lived loved cared shared and cheered like no other... may we all have something of him in us to make us as loving as he was and to be able to be remembered for the right reasons only. With much love...happy birthday thatha... love from all of us..

Romance on a holiday!

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 smartest 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 with her new home in another continent, it does sadden to not be able to meet as often as we would want to, but when we do its nothing less than a riot of laughter and finally trying to figure what the joke actually was. All jokes apart, she is so dependable and honest that her words will motivate you to pull yourself out of a depressing situation.

With a busy job, as a loving wife, doting mommy to Samay and all her pets, she has found her passion in a talent she inculcated and developed on her own. From crochet to jewellery making, tanya has never ceased to impress us. This passion today creates classy and elegant designs by her brand Nimboo., which is nothing less than a show stopper. She is an adoring sister, loving daughter and grand daughter to a family we have grown with so fondly.

Today on your birthday tanu, here s wishing you a lifetime of happiness, dreams to fulfil with patience, ongoing creativity and love for life. We all have new responsibilities and motivation s but I am glad inspite of varying timezones , nothing has changed in the way we are as friends. You girls in JVV have always been my 'friends for life' with every passing day I am further assured of my sentiments. Thank you for bringing all the madness maturity and laughter into our lives.. come soon so we can celebrate. Happy Birthday with oodles of luv.. always