Of longing and belonging

Having recently returned from a quick trip to India for Seren's wedding, I would be lying if I said I wasn't homesick. And while the wedding went off well, the entire week was way too hectic and tiring for all of us. But the one silver lining was meeting family and friends after a very long time. The comfort of seeing familiar faces and the joy of catching up, probably at some level, makes up for those aching feet that have been running around for so many days.

As the immigration officer scanned my passport, he asked how long I was gone and what I had brought back. Pat came my answer - 'Memories, tons of them'. I still hang on to that warmth from my aunt's hug as she fondly whispered in my ears 'I only wish the best for you'. While she lovingly invited me for her son's wedding I couldn't help but recall those days when she herself came to our family as a new bride, having married my chitappa. I was probably around 9 or 10 years old then and I remember vividly the mehndi on her hands and the salwar she excitedly changed into as she got ready to play hop-scotch with me.

This trip I was engulfed with an overwhelming sense of belonging. Of having come home, despite being away for so many years, to people's welcoming arms just as though I had never left their side and I still remain that little girl they all know so well and recognize.

But the irony of it all is that as I went to lunch with my co-workers this afternoon to catch up on the latest office gossip and update them of my trip and the wedding- I felt the same sense of belonging- only different. As good as it felt going home, it felt just as good to joke and break bread with people I have grown so comfortable with over the years, despite the culture gap.

Today, its an unusual warm day here in Virginia. Temperatures peaked at 60 deg and everyone is jubilant at this break in weather. Its amazing how a week of warm weather during winter months can be cause for celebration. And as we picked a window booth and ordered our customary food and drink- conversation was casual, jovial and warmly inviting. I felt I was home all over again.

A stone a day- Stone #19(last)

And thus we come to the end
Each day a small effort to seek anew
A beautiful moment etched in stone
To make a pathway, strong and sinew

PS : Regular programming will continue shortly.

A stone a day- Stone #18

Stone for today is a peek-a-boo picture our trip to Chozha kingdom this past December- we stayed at this resort in Kumbakonam built in Chettinad style and true to the style, Athangudi tiles just could not be left out.

PS : A more detailed trip report toh banta hai! When normal programming begins...

A stone a day- Stone #17

As foot muscles flex and toes stretch
The warmth of lotion follows
A cool splash of water
And then 'A Oui bit of red'
Adds just the right dash of color

PS : I think its just unfair a pedicure has to be doused in socks and boots through winter months!

A stone a day- Stone #16

I sit in silence, plowing through my day job
As thunder-snow becomes a rare guest
Two squirrels merrily chase around on the deck
A burst of visual delight at times of house-arrest

A stone a day- Stone #15

For today, what would say it best would be these pictures, saves me a thousand words each.

A stone a day- Stone #14

For today, I decided to revisit the definition of a small stone which I've been throwing for about 2 weeks now and so it goes : "A small stone is a polished moment of paying proper attention."

Today I plan to pay proper attention to my readers - so here's something for the select few who read me - what brings you to my blog and what makes you come back(if at all you do)?

A stone a day- Stone #13

Stone for today would be this video, a song I've been hooked onto for the past couple of days. I read somewhere that this is the new anthem for Star Plus as part of their rebranding efforts called an 'ode to the woman'.



PS : This music has been composed by Vishal Bharadwaj

A stone a day- Stone #12

Music, movies, books and 'angry birds' on the iPhone help tide through
The oober cold spell that has enveloped the north-east coast(brrrrrrrrrrr!)

PS : Its really really really cold outside.

A stone a day- Stone #11

'What's your favorite food?' was the cue and set just the right mood
Vada Pav and Bhel Puri, just can't go wrong with Mumbai street food!

A stone a day- Stone #10

Dhobi Ghat(movie): defn:
Artsy; real, hence raw;
Juxtaposition of Mumbai vignettes against four characters spread across different class barriers
You'll either love the movie or hate it; either way you'll definitely have an opinion of it.
Don't go expecting a cliched and definitive storyline.
Prateik Babbar is brilliant and is the shining star in the movie, he's done his mother proud!

A stone a day- Stone #9

Ever been at the crossroads of a weekend around the corner
And having a stacked reading cart, knowing not what to start with?
Yes, that's where you can find me this weekend.

A stone a day- Stone #8

As I went to bed last night, a bright big full moon bade me goodnight
Peeping through my bedroom window with a cheery wave and a brilliant smile!

A stone a day- Stone #7

On my work table, idly lies an easel, varying sizes of canvas, tubes of brilliant hues
They playfully beckon me to join them in a game, a game of color splash!

A stone a day- Stone #6

The King's Speech : Brilliantly made with crisp dialogues, a very British sensibility played by master craftsmen
Based on speech therapy and certainly a must-watch!

A stone a day- Stone #5

Shoebox(n) - brimming with postcards, greetings, souvenir photos from travels,
Hand-written notes from friend's children...a treasure trove of love and sweet memories.

A stone a day- Stone #4

Sunday, the midpoint of a long weekend flexes its muscles
Empty but filled with limitless possibilities, what an oxymoron- this!

A stone a day - Stone#3

My favorite time of the week- Saturday mornings; the rhythm of a routine
Coffee, music, some lazy reading enveloped in the silence that pervades within and around

A stone a day- Stone #2

Ah, the comforting feel of cool crisp pages of an engrossing book
While inside the warmth of a comforter, one dark winter night.

A stone a day- Stone #1

Oh the joy and possibilities in a bag of fresh, green, luscious avocados...this week this mint is coated with avocado overdose.

Footnote : Many thanks to NM for giving me this little nudge with her latest post and link to the small stone concept...learn more about it here and here.

PS : Happy New Year All and here's to a river, a sea, an ocean full of small stones.