Who knew that my week would turn out to be the way it did? I spent most of my time offline – except when I read my favorite blogs. And because I intend spending a lot of time away from the computer screen over the next few weeks – I have also been exploring technology and apps to figure out how to share my favorite bloggers’ posts on Twitter automatically, while I happily read the post in my email or reader. More about this in another post 🙂
I am making a list of easy tips to share with you to enhance your blog and help your social media sharing – things I’ve stumbled upon, discovered through trial and error or read somewhere and explored further. What good is knowledge that is not shared? I’ll post these tips – just as soon as I am done with the stack of books I am reading.
Just wondering – do you think I should compile these tips into a booklet – or just post them as separate posts and create a page for them here? Let me know!
Today, I am sharing a few random photos from last week – thank God for mobile phone cameras! If I counted a penny for every moment I wished for my camera, I’d be a very very rich person. Well, no fear of that now – since I do have one at the ready! Enjoy! Click photo to see original size!
I had a crazy day last week when my scooter simply decided to die. Yes, it just wouldn’t start. This happened just as soon as I dropped Vidur at school – had to carry his Math project. 2012 has been declared National Mathematics Year, celebrated as a tribute to the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan who was born on 22 December 1887 and whose 125th birthday falls on 22 December 2012. Okay, so back to our story – I was returning home and waiting at the traffic lights.
When they turned green, imagine my shock when my scooter wouldn’t respond! I realized I would have to kick start it – and took it over to the side of the road. I’ve never loved auto-ignition more, I tell you! Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to see a young chap approach me and offer to kick start it for me. I just swallowed my pride whole and accepted. It was extremely warm and I swear I saw a halo around his head. He started the bike and I gratefully rode off, careful to keep the accelerator revved and ensuring I wouldn’t stop anywhere.
As soon as I reached home, I called my mechanic to check if he was open – and immediately took the bike over. A full service was in order, and after changing a few parts and a new battery, my bike looks as good as new.
So I got to ride in a bus in the afternoon to fetch Vidur from school. Here’s my bus-mate – don’t miss his cellphone conversation eh? They were quite a group and had a strange smell around them. I found them fascinating.
It is only fair I show you Vidur’s Math model. Here it is: it is called “The Platonic Solids” – and his project was chosen to represent his school. These are colorful strong straws with connectors – and can be connected into many complex shapes.
And don’t think it was just my bike that decided to conk off. Vidur’s watch’s glass broke – so we went and got it fixed at our favorite watch repairer – who is quite a character. See this pic? It is a huge poster that chronologically details the evolution of the watch. He compiled it. I plan to go back and get proper pictures with the digital camera.
Here’s a puppy I met at Vidur’s school – frightened and running around everywhere. Finally he hid behind the flowerpot and refused to emerge, until the security guard gently brought him out. He was a just-acquired pet of one of the students and had strayed into the school compound. Isn’t he dear?
Elsewhere – I found these sheep. Probably being fattened for the next sacrifice. Sigh.
These crows were arguing over who would get that wrapper. Quite a fight it was – and I had to wait to get a photo of them standing still.
On October 5, we had a “Bandh” – a State-wide protest. Why? The Cauvery water dispute. This relates to sharing the water of the river Cauvery which originates in Karnataka with Tamil Nadu. Karnataka objects. Anyway – everything was closed, including schools, colleges and offices. Even cable TV was shut down for 12 hours. Oh, the peace was amazing. I enjoyed my day reading a book. See the water pump below? Many areas have a common pump where families in the area must come and line up with their buckets to get their water quota for the day.
Here’s a picture of one of our favorite temples in the area – it is being renovated, as you can see and the entrance is being made to look like a gigantic lion’s mouth. Whew! Next month is Navratri – and I guess they’re rushing to get it ready in time for the festival. We visited this temple last year on Vidur’s birthday in November.
Here’s a glimpse of the sky, again. I am constantly amazed at the colors I see – this photo was around 6.30 pm in the evening. Gorgeous shades. I always feel blessed to experience that time on my terrace – cool breeze, happy thoughts and lots of laughter!
So – a rather eventful week! Hectic but lovely!
Let’s join UnknownMami – who hosts this wonderful linkup! From there, we can travel the world together, right from the comfort of our keyboard! Click the button below to see who else is with us.
How has your week been? And what is the one thing you simply loved about it?
Here are some superb posts I read this week – do check them out!
Fran Sorin’s blog: Creative process of an illustrator in helping to redesign a blog
Victor Schueller’s blog A Script to Follow for Difficult Conversations
The Zen Mama’s blog Delicious Easy Zen Meal to celebrate her first Annual Zucchini Festival
Kim Sisto-Robinson’s blog Gaga, Madonna, Bitches and Goths
Terri Sonoda’s blog Most Days
Here’s to a great week ahead!
If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse!
Author Unknown
If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse!
Author Unknown
Oh, just one more thing.
My friend Vanita Cyril at After Bedtime Blog
who is a kickass WordPress expert and SEO guru
is practically giving away her
Google Luv Ecourse to help you
make Google love your blog!
Next class starts October 8, 2012
For this Class Only:
Use coupon code: SAVE60BUCKS for $60 off
Click here to view more details
(affiliate link)
My friend Vanita Cyril at After Bedtime Blog
who is a kickass WordPress expert and SEO guru
is practically giving away her
Google Luv Ecourse to help you
make Google love your blog!
Next class starts October 8, 2012
For this Class Only:
Use coupon code: SAVE60BUCKS for $60 off
Click here to view more details
(affiliate link)
Thank you for subscribing to my blog! Do consider leaving a comment – or just reply to this email! I’d love to know what you think.
Cheers!
Vidya
48 comments
My opinion: a free, short ebook is the best. If you have a lot to say 2,3…books but not too much information in one.
We all have more than enough to read – if you have pictures even better. I like to read visual info – easier for me to learn than just text.
Hope you have a good week ahead!
🙂 Thanks, BLOGitse – I am thinking the same. Long-instructional types can quickly get boring. I am thinking in terms of screenshot by screenshot stuff. It always freaks me out to read text tutorials because I always get stuck with those 😀
Thanks! I hope you had a great week!
Beautiful photo with excellent perspective, I love the colors of the sky at last. Greetings.
Thank you, dear Leovi! Namaste!
Interesting as always Vidya!
Sometimes life is such and we get caught with the unexpected too. I remember the time when my vehicle broke down too and that was the time when I had no way to contact anyone, nor was I able to get any kind of help because of the place I was stranded. But yes, I was lucky that after a while my vehicle just started and I reached home!
Loved your snaps, and yes, there is a lot to learn from animals too provided we have the time to have a look at them.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve sometimes found that getting worked up makes situations seem worse. 🙂 I am glad your vehicle started!
I appreciate you always for being the first to comment, Harleena. Hugs! :-)Yes – animals are easy with unconditional love.
Apologies for the delayed acknowledgment, Harleena. Been a crazy week for me.
Love, Vidya
Love your Sunday tour of your life and city Vidya.
Love Elle
xoxo
Thank you, dearest Elle!
I am reading this post with Luna Pie next to me and she got extremely frustrated that she could not reach into the computer and grab “The Platonic Solids”, she insists that they are BALLS. She has now gotten up to grab one of her balls that does indeed resemble the models.
You are an excellent social media sharer. You could teach a course.
Awww..that’s so very sweet, Claudya. And thank you for the lovely words.
I am planning to write a screenshot based tutorial, so that needs lots of experimentation!
🙂 I am crazy about my SIMC posts. I might not post an entire week, but I’d never miss this. Thanks to you.
Wow! What a week! Always interesting at your blog, Vidya!! Congratulations to Vidur for having his math model chosen.
I think a booklet after a series of shared posts would be wonderful. Maybe an ebook?
Great pictures as usual.
And thanks for the link up!!
Thank you, Betsy! I am leaning towards the book right now… let me put it together.. 🙂
Always a pleasure to link up to you! Hugs, Vidya
I really like Vidur’s math models. I guess they “speak” to the science and math teacher that still lurks deep inside me.
And as one of your bloggy buds, let me say THANK YOU that even while taking a break from your computer screen you continue to find ways to read us and comment.
You are a dear and a joy.
Thank you, Keetha. It is the magic of Google Reader, I am learning to stay updated with it. But there’s nothing like the joy of visiting the blog!
Thanks for your comment about the models – it was a good experience for Vidur although he didn’t make it to the regional level.
Hugs. I love your blog!
Hi Vidya. As always, compelling photos…but the little puppy stole my heart! I so enjoy your Sunday offerings. Thank you for sharing with us. I look forward to your tips on more efficient blogging. You’ve already taught me so much, I know I will benefit from your knowledge. Have a wonderful week! Much love…..
Dearest Terri! Oh yes, that puppy was such a sweety – he gave everyone the solid runaround and then, was terrified and hid behind the flowerpot. Thanks for the kind words – I have learned so much from you, too. I am fondly thinking of this time last year, when we had just connected. Hugs and love you!
What a wonderful smorgasbord of experiences and colour! Loved it! The sky was the icing on the cake. I never knew that there could be such vibrant colours up there 🙂
Oh Zephyr – that sky never fails to take my breath away – every day it puts on a new show. 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comment!
If you need a good opt-in gift to entice your readers then I definitely say go with the free eBook Vadya. If you don’t then I would make them into post.
Glad that nice gentleman was able to help you and there are still plenty of good Samaritans in this world thank goodness. I’ve had plenty come to my rescue as well.
Enjoyed seeing your photos today and whatever you have going offline for the next few weeks, enjoy yourself okay.
~Adrienne
Thank you, Adrienne. I am feeling partial to the book, because it might make a good takeaway for the reader. I am working on it…let me see how it shapes up.
Oh yes, the young man was so welcome, God bless him!
So glad you’re over here, Adrienne – please accept my apologies for this late acknowledgment… it has been a crazy week, but that’s no excuse.
Hugs! Vidya
Well, thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us. I admire your way of expressing things, writing them. My favorite photo the-so-vibrant-sky. Hoping the week is going well with you..SMiles!
Thanks so much, Bipin. I appreciate your comment! Yes, the week has gone well! Yours?
ooo, where do I begin?
Love your photos.
The dude on the cell phone is adorable! What is he talking about?
The puppy is sooo Cute. I’m glad he’s okay.
Love you more than ebony black panthers purring in the moonlight. Xx
Thank you, dearest Kim! I didn’t understand the language the guy used, but what I noticed was, he was quite serene.
I love you more than all the jasmine garlands in the market today!
My son James had a teacher in 4th grade who used the straws with connectors for teaching. I remember walking into the classroom and seeing the geometric shapes everywhere. Your photo brought back memories!
🙂 How nice! I enjoy taking photos when I am at school these days. Ah, I have such lovely memory of my own school days. Thank you for coming by, Galen! Love, Vidya
I would love to read your tips for streamlining things! A series of posts would be great (keeps things short and doable) followed by an ebook that puts the posts together for future reference.
And I always love your pictures!
Big Hugs!!
Hmm….that might be a good idea. Thank you, Paige. So happy to see you here! Love,Vidya
Vidya- It would be worth it for me to come to India just to shadow you for a day. You experienced all the ups, down, ins and outs of a great day. Do you know the thought – you can live your life as a merry go round or a roller coaster- On the merry go round, you go round and round- the same old.
On the roller coaster, it’s ups and downs, excitement and fear- every emotion possible. It’s glorious and messy.
Yes-it would be great if you put all of your tips together in a booklet. I too am spending as little time on line as possible. Any help you can offer in being more efficient would be greatly appreciated. xxoo-Fran
Fran, I d be very happy to have you stay with me when you visit. I’d take you everywhere! What fun that would be 🙂 Yes, life’s a roller-coaster sometimes and I am learning to enjoy the ride by going with the flow. Yes, glorious and messy neatly sums it up!
Thanks for your input on the ebook, Fran. I might do just that! Hugs!
Reading this brings back memories ! The crows, tied sheep, the pump ! Getting nostalgic now ! Nice natural pics ! The science project looks very cool ! Glad to have met you through triberr ! Eat some extra pomegranate for me next time you see it. One of my favorite fruits which I miss a lot
Sunithi, I bought some pomegranates – I really love them too! I am so glad we met, too! Hugs! Thank you for coming over!
I love how you are so entertaining in your post! A day in the life hey. That’s why I nominated you for the Liebster Award!! Check out my latest post!
Thank you, Laura! Hugs. I am honored and appreciate it very much. So happy to see you here!
If only I could disconnect for a week, just imagine! Thanks for the great post! I nominated your for the liebster award, check out my post:
It is not so hard, Laura – it is just that our minds should get tuned to it! 😀 Thanks again!
I cooked a healthy meal for 135 people and they loved the menu choices!
You know, I feel so wonderful hearing that, Jodi? Hugs. In India, we have a saying that translates to: No charity greater than food
Thank you, Jodi! Hugs!
Love the puppy behind the flower pot!
Your photo journeys are always so fun 🙂
Thanks, Aileen! 🙂 I loved it too. So good to see you back!
Whew! Sounds like quite a week! Sorry to hear about your scooter, but I’m glad you got pictures on the bus. It’s always interesting to see pictures from your life!
Thanks, Emily! Scooter is in top shape now! 😀 Hugs!
Vidya,
I always love your photos. It gives me insight into a world that is far different from my own.
Thank you, Josh! Glad you’re here! You know I enjoy reading your blog!
An engaging post with nice pictures. I liked the one with crows and caption was a good one!
Thank you, Rahul. It was actually a treat to watch them. They were so persistent!
Hi Vidya,
Such a help can be always appreciated 🙂 Usually when I get into trouble like that, I get help from someone near by. The world isn’t gone into dark as we hear and read on news mostly.
Did your bus mate knew you were taking his photo? 🙂 Usually people doesn’t like being captured, nah?
The puppy is a cute one 🙂 Ohw… I feel sorry for animals Vidya, for being sacrificed. They are livin’ beings too, no?
Oh TIPS… I think you can post some of tips here, and again add ’em all in a booklet with extra tips there 😉 You know what would be best for your readers. Who I am to told you about that? 😀 lol…
Cheers…
Thank you for sharing this post.