Inspiration

So life goes on. And that’s a good thing because there is plenty of inspiration around me to make me want to live a good life, choosing joy.  Yesterday, my friend came home and we had a nice quiet afternoon. As I was sending her off (read: accompanying her to the gate and continuing to talk), I decided I’d walk with her until she found transport to get back to her place.  We were about to cross the street a few yards away, when we noticed a sign board on the corner building.

Now, this board and building have been around ever since we moved to this city in 1999. So I asked my friend if she had ever stepped in. She blinked and said she had sort of noticed the board but never paid attention to it. We decided that since the place was open, we may as well walk in and check it out. As we approached the entrance to the building, we saw a lady standing there, apparently waiting for someone.  We asked her what was in this place and it turned out that they sold designer sarees. My friend loves sarees and off we went, to see what they had.

While she checked out the sarees, I checked out the place. I was fascinated. It was exotically decorated with the sort of antique stuff and folk art I love. I asked the lady if I could take pictures and she said “click away!”  and I couldn’t stop.  I had a blissful hour at the end of which I spent ten minutes choosing a saree for my friend. Then we left. I put her in an autorickshaw and headed back home.

Here are some of the pictures from that lovely place:

(click images to see full size)

What better way to be welcomed than with this sight? It completely took my breath away. And I resolved to convert my own huge earthenware bowl into a little pond with a Buddha in the middle and flowers floating – in an atmosphere of frankincense. Can you visualize that? Ah, what a scene in serenity!

Happy, I took my footwear off outside and walked in. To be greeted by none other than the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi herself. So beautiful

Smiling, my friend and I looked at each other and continued into the doorway. To our left, was this beautiful arrangement.

To the right, was this painting. See closely. The characters in the painting are wearing real clothes made of embroidered silk fabric and sequins.

Next to the painting was a decorative wooden screen on which hung these two puppets in traditional South Indian dress

Next to them, was this lovely Tanjore doll. Remember mine? Only, this one is far prettier!

The counter began with this arrangement of lamps. See the sarees in the shelves behind this and the beautifully framed gold prints

The wall had a number of Raja Ravi Varma paintings. Just gorgeous. See the strings of dolls? They are stuffed toys, very popular in Gujarat. In front of the cupboard, is another set of  Tanjore dolls, with the dancing lady flanked by fake horse-riders performing a special dance form of Tamil Nadu my home state.

I met another resident of the store. His name is Sunny. Isn’t he a sweety? Wonder what he was thinking? At one point as he scratched himself, he accidentally got his head into one of the shelves and the store staff gently eased him out.

After which Sunny just settled down and decided to watch the world go by

Oh, but I love my India!! I hope you enjoyed that trip to my next-door store! By the way – the lady who ushered us in, the owner of the store, can you guess what her name is? Vidya. Yes. Truth.

Now, here’s some Inspiration for the week

One Question To Guide Your Life

4 Lessons you can learn from a Dad’s alcoholism

True Happiness Begins With The Right View

Live Life to the fullest

  “The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.” Brian Tracy

Now, let’s head to Unknown Mami’s place and travel the world together from there.

And here’s your ticket to free world travel

Have a wonderful week ahead, my dear friends!