Not Exactly As Planned

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Allen Saunders and the whole bunch of people who are credited with saying this knew what he was talking about.  My week was not exactly as planned, but sometimes, I enjoy letting life sweep me away in its wake; it is much easier to do that and savor the happiness than resist. Also, I love surprises, the element of the unknown.

We had a mid-week break, with August 15 and 16 being holidays. August 15 was Independence Day – India turned 66 and August 16 was Varalakshmi Vratam, a religious festival that is widely celebrated in South India. So lots of family time together. We wrapped up the week by going out for dinner yesterday!

It has been raining almost all week and we ushered in the week with a few unplanned personal showers. Quite refreshing, since the sun always made it a point to follow right after! There’s a life lesson there, eh?

One day, while returning home by bus, there was a roadblock on the regular route and the traffic was diverted. The alternate route took us far from home and we got off at the nearest stop and walked home. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. I wonder if you remember a photo I posted in a recent post, of a tree with purple flowers? Well, I returned home via that street and was stunned to see the change in the hues.

Here is the photo I had posted earlier. Take a look.

Isn’t it pretty? Soon these flowers will be gone. It will be time for the tree to rest, rejuvenate and bloom again in a few months. As I walked along the sidewalk, I looked up to see the sun shining through the branches of another tree with beautiful brilliant blue flowers. My photo does not do it justice!

Look at this – it literally felt as if the sun told me to just relax and enjoy the moment. I listened. I did.

Here’s a street-side temple I see every day. Somebody cleans that little room with the tin roof and grilled gate, lights a lamp for the deity and also ensures the surroundings are clean. Do you see the trident? It is washed every day and covered in turmeric followed by the red vermillion dots. Lemons are impaled on the sharp tips on Fridays. See the design in front? That is done afresh each day. I enjoy seeing this almost every day, just to see the new one.

This prominent sign en route makes me feel sad. My own red helmet sits on the top of my shoe shelf, and has been there for months now. I fondly dust it every other day. I still can’t ride my scooter as my ankle isn’t healed yet. It will be a while, too. Sigh. The ankle has been giving me hell alright with sleepless nights. I visited the doc and now have to get an ultrasound scan, whose report will decide what to do next since medication alone isn’t helping.

Oh well. Let’s look at the bright side. I get to see delightful sights like these when I take the bus. There was this young girl sitting with her arms outstretched so the design made of henna could dry. I tell you, I felt nervous as more and more people boarded the bus and I started praying her beautiful hands should be undisturbed. And then it started to rain. Arrgh. The wise girl simply got off at the stop, unperturbed and waited for the rain to stop. Did you notice the colorful stones embellishing the design? When I asked her if I may take a picture, she looked up and smiled at me prettily.

Another event that was not exactly as planned was this one: go ahead, click the photo! Yep. My blog, Coffee With Mi was declared the winner in the Literature and Personal – Memoirs category in the 2013 Indian Blogger Awards conducted by Indiblogger.in, India’s largest blogger network. What a pleasant surprise this was! Of course, I am thrilled.

And that is how my week went.

How did yours go?

Did you enjoy a memorable moment?

I am linking up with the fabulous Unknown Mami for Sundays In My City so we can travel the world together!