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“The rhythm of the weekend, with its birth, its planned gaieties, and its announced end, followed the rhythm of life and was a substitute for it.”

—  F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winsome Weekends & Birthday Month

 

The weekend gone by was endearing, to say the least. Copious rains, gentle, come hither breeze, dappled sunshine. Even though the humidity hit the roof at times, it was a pleasant weekend with a coy charm. A winsome weekend, so to speak. 

Fifteenth Floor Green Shenanigans

Our balconies and terrace are a stunning shade of verdure, gleaming and thriving like no other time of the year; awash with the blessings of the rain. The Gardenia, Gerbera, Passion Flowers, Periwinkle, Butterfly Pea Flower, Portulacas and Jasmines are in full bloom. The Aubergines have unstintingly lent us a great yield through the summers and continue to. The Lady fingers, Bell Peppers, Bitter Gourd, Lemons and Chillies are bracing up to bestow us with their kindness. The whiff of the fragrant Curry tree, makes for an excellent tea time companion. The Thai basil, Arugula, Italian Basil, Oregano have been on a roll, lending that twist to all our salads and meals. 

The Passionate Zeal of the Passion Flowers

The Passion Flowers (Passiflora incarnata) are adding a riot of purple to our living room balcony. This weekend they enthralled us with a bonus harvest. Also called Krishna Kamal in Hindi, dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Indian deity; Passion Flower has various medicinal benefits and a heady scent. 

Here’s the detailing of the flower – its petals and sepals signify something each, as part of the legend of Mahabharata, the epic of ancient India. 

The 100 of blue petals stand for each of the Kauravas.

5 of the yellow ones in the centre stand for each of the Pandavas.

The green bulb in the centre symbolises Draupadi, the queen of Pandava,

The three filaments are for the holy trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiv 

The radial in the centre is the Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishna.

 

Wrapping up the Weekend

We ate to our hearts content over the weekend. The DH ordered famous Chola-Bhaturas (garbanzos and fried flat bread) from Pahad Ganj in Delhi, for Sunday breakfast. And then there was a double whammy of Andhra thali from Andhra Bhavan, for lunch. 

I managed a Buddha bowl of salad on Saturday, as you can see in the picture above. It was lip-smacking delicious, yes. The DH and I went on a Sunday date night, after more than a year. Pandemic times, you see. We have been avoiding restaurants, but as things seem to get better we took the opportunity to step out. It was fun catching up away from home, over Beer and Watermelon-Basil Martinis, and sushi (Vegan one for me, mind you!) and Pepperoni for the DH. 

Birthday Month and all that Jazz

It’s birthday month for me. Yes, my 49th on 24 August! I feel 29 though, to be honest. 😉

I’m so glad to share my birthday month with my favourite, Snoopy. 🙂

The Himalayas beckon

As I tip into another year, I realise life needs to be celebrated every moment, ever day; come what may. Along with the DH I have gifted myself a Himalayan Pilgrimage to the stunning Kashmir and Leh/Ladakh. I head out this weekend for ten days for am interfaith pilgrimage. This spiritual sojourn will cover sacred sites of Kashmir Shaivism-Sufism-Buddhism-Sikhism.

I’m really excited about this unique spiritual journey, as I’ve never undertaken one before. I am excited to savour the beauty of Kashmir and Ladakh, places I have been very keen to explore for years now, while experiencing spiritual bliss.

I shall be back on 23 August, just a day before my birthday. Since #WW goes live on Tuesday, the day of my birthday, this month, please bear with me if I’m a bit late to post the next linky. I shall also respond to all your comments and posts upon my return. 

I look forward to returning; armed with stories of valour, fun, healing and adventure. I hope to share some with you on my birthday #WordlessWednesday post.

Take care, stay safe, and keep shining your wonderful light.

I’ll say a prayer for all of you as I visit the sacred sites.

 

Signing off with a new video version of CCR’s, “Have you ever Seen the Rain.” (one of my favourite rain songs)

Infinite love, light, laughter. Gratitude for all your love. <3 <3

Natasha

 

 

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#WordlessWednesday #WednesdayWisdom

Here’s how you can join:

1. #WW is an alternate week linky party and goes live alternate Tuesday evenings, IST, each month.
2. Post pictures on your blog from life’s wondrous or wicked moments. Plug in the lessons (#WednesdayWisdom) and humour. Share your wanderlust moments, or simple random shots that caught your fancy, or not!
3. Make your post as wordless, or wordy as you wish to. Yes, we are rule breakers! 
4. There is a linky widget below where you can drop in your links. The linky is open for 2 weeks.
5. Link up multiple posts if you please.
6. Add the badge to your post and don’t forget to add a backlink to my post.
7. Don’t miss the opportunity of connecting with a fascinating bunch of bloggers/creators from across the globe.

You  have ample time to hop in and link up right up till Tuesday, 24th August, 12 PM IST

Get ready to be deliciously framed!

The next edition goes live on Tuesday, 24th August, evening IST, or maybe a little later. It’s Birth-day, after all…:)

Have a fabulous #WW. <3

 

 

 

Linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host #WW

Betty, Steve, Sue NC,  Zina, Sandee, Cathy, Tina, Brian,  Keith and Xmas Dolly

Also linking up with Trent  for his weekly Smiles