Tis’ A Time For Change

It is that time of the year again… when there is a nip the air

Large white clouds float across the blue skies making fascinating shapes

The chameli flowers (Indian jasmine) spread their sharp fragrance in the air

Photo from external source; click on photo for original source

...and the mornings become chilly.

Monsoon showers try to assert their weight in one last show of day-long showers before the autumn sets in.

Autumn in India means the advent of the festive season. The sales start in earnest as festive buying picks up. The Ravana-makers start making bamboo frames of the demon king. (I'll tell you more about this in a future post, promise!)

As the days become shorter, everyone starts counting days for the upcoming holidays.

And in this time of change, I have decided to bring about some alteration in my life. Yes, I am standing on the verge of another ending, or maybe… it will be a new beginning after all!

At the end of the month, I shall quit my well-paying full-time job for the sake of home, family, kids, and most importantly, for myself. My heart tells me that I owe my time more to my kids at this point in life than to some random software product. And I have chosen to hear the sayings of my heart...

Of course there are mixed feelings – slight trepidation for the financial setback (after all who doesn’t want money to raise two kids), but somehow the feeling of freedom and liberation is far greater. I feel more confident of finally leading the life I had always wanted - with my paints and brushes, and the attendant creative chaos. To me this is leading the charmed life, and I am so thankful to have a partner who not only understands but supports my decision.

What would you follow at the important junctures of life – your head or your heart? I have mostly followed my heart, and never regretted a moment for it!

Am leaving you with this lovely image of the fall colours that I saved from some e-mail forward. We don't get these in India but here's wishing all my readers all the beautiful hues in your life...

For the Love of Lilies

I just had to show you this. Remember when I told you in the warmer month of June how a few drops of monsoon rain does wonders for the white grass lilies in our garden? Well, here they are, in all their glory.

An absolute delight to behold, as a huge cluster sways gently in the morning breeze.

Sometimes the simplest of Nature’s creations have the power to affect us profoundly…. just as these do. Every time we get a large bunch, our happiness quotient goes up a few notches. :)

Monsoon Magic

It has been raining here this weekend.

Sharp showers and overcast skies made me want to share a few glimpses of what the monsoons mean to me…

Pitter-patter raindrops, as they create their own music

Lush, leafy green all around… and toadstools popping up here, there, everywhere

Bhuttas (corn on the cob) roasted over a charcoal fire to a golden yellow, with a dash of lime and masala

Colourful umbrellas on squelchy, waterlogged roads

And of course, everybody’s favourite – chai and pakoras (tea with vegetable fries)

Happy soaking this season!