I just wondered, do you look forward to my monthly Gratitude Circle post on the last Thursday each month?
I certainly do! And by the way, someone asked me how I remember to list so many things. My secret is: I maintain a gratitude journal in which I write every day. So, picking up a few from that journal is easy. If you don't have a one, I recommend it highly.
The month between my last Gratitude Circle post and this one has been eventful! In fact, I felt a distinct halo around my head when I wrote last month's post and scheduled it to go live, since we were traveling from 26-31 July.
And that is why I feel Zen-tenced! Because, no matter what happens, it is always possible to focus on the good stuff!
From My August Gratitude Journal
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After much confusion over choosing our destination, what with the monsoons in that area and the imminent danger of landslides, we finally decided to keep it simple and visit Kasauli, a lovely little hill-station in Himachal Pradesh, close to Chandigarh. I have a series of travel posts planned around the trip-still sorting out the photos. So thankful that during our trip, we had fairly good weather and returned safely.
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The hotel we stayed in-The Ros Common-was enchanting. The staff was kind and friendly and it made a big difference to our stay. And yes, the food was good!
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My son's back in college, and of course I miss him. He's in his third year and now a math major-with challenging times ahead. Grateful that he got to do his summer project at home, and that he's in a great institution and enjoys his course.
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I am thankful for the cozy evenings at home during my son's trip when we would watch shows and movies together. I am filled with love when I think of the walks on campus, during our trip, and of course, at home, on our terrace. All these go right through to my AEIOU process.
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When we left the guest house on his campus on 31 July to return home, I was touched when the cook packed rotis for our "journey" because airline food, ya know. He's a wonderful person who loves his job and treats guests as if they were special family-each and every one of them. My gratitude goes out to him for remembering I am diabetic.
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While on campus, I also met my little friend who is now five years old! How fast they grow! We became friends when she was two and a half! Thrilling to see that she remembers me and is so affectionate.
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And when we got home, my sister messaged me to ask what about our dinner. I told her we'd manage since I had dosa batter in the fridge. No sooner than we arrived, our doorbell rang and there she was, with a hot-pack, filled with delicious millet-tomato-veg one-dish meal. I love her and am grateful for her presence in my life. Truly, friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
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Oh, just before the trip, I decided to get some camera accessories and Googled, and found one store. I remember how, when I visited the zoo with my son, the card malfunctioned and we freaked out. I thought, better have a spare, no? Grateful to the store for home-delivering the battery and memory card.
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I am grateful that the energetic lady who collects the garbage in our apartment has a new bin with wheels to make her life easier. You should see her-stylish, cheerful, dressed as though she's off to a wedding-wheeling her drum with her gloved hands. I must cajole her to pose for a pic one of these days.
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Something exciting happened. Some weeks ago, I came across this book titled " Why is the Dalai Lama always smiling?" by Lama Tsomo. I wished for the book. Imagine my delight when, a few days later, the author contacted me to ask if I'd like a copy. Whaaaaat? Of course I said yes!! Do look out for the book review. You know I am a huuuuge fan of the Dalai Lama. In fact, I also have a stash of other books about him and can't wait to share them with you!
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Grateful to Amazon-for making it easy to order online and get emergency stuff delivered. When my son needed things urgently, we were able to find the exact things he needed and reach it to him the next day! Normally, we would run to the market, shop, then stress over packing it and hand it over at the post office, which would then take 10 days at least to deliver it. Even now, if I had to send something from home, they are the ones I'd trust. But Amazon made life so much easier for us during a stressful time.
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Two weeks ago, we were shocked to see the news about floods in Mohali. Followed by this, the tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali) were under curfew thanks to the trial and verdict of one prominent personality. Thankful that my son was safe on campus through the week. Mobile internet was banned. Phone calls were iffy during that week, but email worked and we're grateful for that. Trying times, though, when we saw news of the violence and mayhem there.
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The Sunday before that, there was an Indiblogger meet and it was so nice to meet friends and spend a pleasant afternoon. Indiblogger meets are always enjoyable. In fact, they are the ones organizing the Indiblogger Awards 2017. I have such fond memories of the IBA2013, when my blog Coffee With Mi won in the Memoirs category. This year also, I have five blogs nominated. If you enjoy my writing, perhaps you'll leave a comment at my nomination link here: Vidya's nomination page. Thank you so much!
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Then, last Thursday, I attended the #WomenWritersFest organized by SheThePeopleTV, where I was on the blogging and social media panel. A thoroughly enjoyable morning listening to writers, bloggers and storytelling experts, and of course, meeting people I knew.
.@vidyasury on connectivity, communication and reach of social media associated with #blogging. #WomenWritersFest at @thebflatbar @ColorsTV pic.twitter.com/tHtyrD6pDo
- SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) August 24, 2017
All the fun and frolic meant I had to burn the candle at both ends, sometimes literally because of the power cuts we've been having. I am grateful to my husband for his support, because when I walk into the kitchen fretting over the washing up, I meet an empty sink. And a big bowl of peeled pomegranate on the counter for my snack. Yes, so grateful.
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Today, I want to leave you with this. When I saw this photo, I felt small. And doubly appreciated my life, just as it is.
Does it make you think, reflect?
What are you grateful for this month? Do join me for the August Gratitude Circle blog hop. Add the link to your post below.This one touched me deeply.. pic.twitter.com/oez8fa8TM8
- Gurprriet Siingh (@JoyAndLife) August 27, 2017
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
