Auntieeeeeee! she screeches.
Hi!, I say
Auntie! she says, catching her breath. Why do little kids always run with their heavy school bags?
Mmmm.! I answer in a sing song tune.
See my magic eraser (she holds up a triangle shaped yellow eraser with a smiley.)
Wow! Why is it magic?, I ask, curious.
See, Auntie, it has a face. It smiles, she says, proudly.
You’re right! So cute!, I say, amused.
Auntie! Do you want to smell it?, she asks.
Ummmm….I say, and before I have a chance to make a choice, she reaches up and sticks it right under my nose. Involuntarily, my nose twitches in response to that mixture of school smells on the eraser.
Nice, no? she asks.
I laugh.
I ate chips. See (she shows crumbs from pocket)
I laugh. “What about me”, I ask
Take auntie! (gives me the crumbs from pocket even as they fall off her spread fingers)
Thank you! I say, pretending to take from her hand and munching.
Welcome auntie. she says.
Auntie! she yells.
Yes? I ask
See my bag, she says
Very nice. What color is it? I ask .
Red!, she says.
Very pretty. Didn’t you carry your lunch bag today?, I ask
No auntie, she says, sad-faced.
Why dear? I ask
Because my lunch box is inside my bag, she says, with a peal of laughter.
Ah, fooled me there!
I grin. Then she says, I drank water.
Good girl! I say.
I am going home, auntie, she says.
Bye, bye. See you tomorrow, I say.
This second grader is someone I see often. Wherever she sees me, she recognizes me, just because I helped her tie a friendship band on her wrist one day.
The next day, she ran into me, literally and laughed. She held up two lunch bags, and said she had forgotten her bag the previous day in school and was taking it back home today. So she had four bags. How? I ask. Because I can only count three – her school backpack plus two lunch bags. But she counts four – her two lunch bags plus the left shoulder and right shoulder, where her backpack straps rest. So hilarious.
The third day, she just came and hugged me and held up a string, asking me to tie it on her wrist. I did. And she walked away happily.
The fourth day, she walked down the path and just stopped where I stood, and smiled up at me. “Are you reading a story book?” she asked, and I said yes. “Is it nice?” she asked. Yes, I answered. “Will you tell me the story when you finish reading”, she asked. “Sure,” I said.
And now, on days when I don’t see her, I get all worked up. This little girl is only one of the little friends I’ve made who brighten up my day.
There’s a little 5-year old boy I meet at the bus stop when I go out at a particular time – it is when he goes back from school. If there’s waiting involved for the bus to arrive, this boy delights in running a few steps ahead and then running right back and bumping into me. I realized I had once pretended to catch him as he ran back, as his Mom watched, amused. So it is a game we play, now. He’ll come running and avoiding me, run right past into his Mom’s arms.
I love how children make friends, just like that. Age , status, looks – none of these matter. All that matters is love and affection, a cheerful smile to make those little human flowers bloom, shed their inhibitions and make your day and make life look like a garden. No fear, no anxiety. They never beat themselves up over petty stuff.
Here are some other things that brightened my day.
I walked to the bus stop to see this dog basking in the sun. Happy fellow. Click the pic to see a slideshow. Then click anywhere on your screen to return to this post.
(I am proud to link to Sundays in my city, my favorite meme at Unknown Mami’s. Let’s travel the world together, she says. And I love traveling with her!)
Tell me, How do you spell love?
What makes you smile?
Thank you, bootic.com
57 comments
I love how “A dog basking in the sun” makes you happy.
You make me happy, Vidya.
I feel a deep love for you from afar.
Love you more than doggies basking in the Indian Sun.
Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…13 Things That Turn Me On
Hugs, Kim! I see the dog every day and love how he goes about his stuff regardless of the activity around him. Love you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
Little things in life when looked back give us happiness. Loved your post , Vidyaji.
You are right, Kalpana!Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Joy of Living is in Giving
Yes, lovely post, I love the hand out love!
Leovi recently posted…Foto Abstracta 2824 Triángulos humedos de oro viejo se clavan en mi garganta – Triangles wet of old gold are nailed in my throat
🙂 Thank you Leovi!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
I’ve always marvelled at and loved the way kids make friends instantaneously. It’s sad that, with child abuse rampant, it’s necessary for parents to caution their children against trusting others. Even more unfortunate is the fact that some parents ensure that their children stop trusting everybody other than their parents.
Proactive Indian recently posted…No fine or bribe even after a traffic offence??!!
Loved that quote… and your post too. Like the quote – it’s the little things in your post that make it a wonderful read – like this one – ‘school smells on the eraser’.. Lovely.
Thank you, Tulika. Little things invariably bring more joy and instant gratification. Like the extra froth on the coffee 😀
School smells are very distinct. 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Joy of Living is in Giving
You sure have fallen in good company, Vidya:) Beautiful post!!
Yes, Rahul. In fact, I am slightly sad that I haven’t seen her for a couple of days.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Taking Personal Responsibility
Both the incidents with the kids just go to highlight the fact that the innocence and joy that kids bring to this world is amazing. If only we all retained some of this innocence as we grew up the world would not be such a big bad place after all, would it.
Jairam Mohan recently posted…Hasya Rasa – Draupadi and her laughter
Correct, Jairam. I always marvel at their zest for life. Somehow, as most people grow up, the only “child” their retain in themselves is the whiny part. 😀 Thank you for your comment, you master of mythology!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
Love, just a word but if we can feel it, oh boy!
I can feel love every day – I can feel my hubby loves me. And I love him.
Love is in the air………..
Have a great week!
BLOGitse recently posted…yellow centimetres
I *love* this – I literally smiled the entire way through! And, I hope we remember to allow our inner child the space and time to experience the carefree joy that this little one in your first example so clearly has and shares!
Joy recently posted…What is Possible When You Remove the Armor (Hint: Everything!)
This is magical, thank you. love the quote and I spell love wirh rainbows that bring blessing
Namaste
Suzie Cheel recently posted…How To Manifest Your Intentions With The New Moon
A wonderful story about the children in your life!! And as always… love the pictures..
PS I spell love F-A-M-I-L-Y!
Betsy/Zen Mama recently posted…Give Your Child The Gift of Roots and Wings by Letting Go
Thank you, Betsy. One of my spellings for Love is Family too! You enjoy a garden of children every day! 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…More Than Enough
hai
I had a dog timmy we lost him in may this year,Just yesterday while I was doing Aarti I was thinking of him,he wouuld come religiously and sit throthe aarti and then go on his fours to do a shashtanga namaskarm,last year he was unable to stand through the full aarti but he was trying ,with a little grunt asking me to make it fast.such memory reitirates that love a blissful love with no expectations touches you.there were so many who never liked dogs but they became fond of him he had a knack of giving love attention so over time they all grew fond of him and miss him even today and those who are visiting me for navratri after last year ask for him & when I tell them a little moisture swells in their eyes .this guy with not a word gave & got love of so many.
As usual your stories touch a chord in me either of my own mom who was so giving and careing.Our house also like you said was like a guest house for all relatives & friends relatives of relatives and friends of friends also for all kalasagaram & SICA performers,for all the madi mammies and patties whose daughters or daughters in law were admitted in rly hospital for delivery & they were the attendants for so many villagers and their wards who came here for medical care.our house always had food & food & hospitality,that even today both my brothers and my house has been always open,students stay over for their entrance exams/ prep etc. my mother always taught us that anna dhanam is the best of all it is that in this giving alone the receiver is quenched to the brim and leaves with full satisfaction all other giving may yet leave a little yearning behind even love!! so we go luv and hugs till you say its enough for now so long gita
Gita, I understand. 🙂 Somehow, I feel that we’re well cared for thanks to all that our family did for others. Timmy reminds me of my neighbor’s dog, who went by the same name. Such a darling he was. I especialy remember how the little kids in the area colored him during Holi and the mauve shade just wouldn’t wash off – so he looked a very charming furry creamy mauve.
Hugs. Did you get my email saying my post about you won the runner up? 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories – A Social Entrepreneur
love is that touch that look that shares it all no spelling or spell checks
love
gita
🙂 It is why I love you, Gita!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
I experience love when my kids run behind me all the time when I am at home
Enjoy it as much as you can, Aparna. They grow up too soon! 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
Lovely :*
Thank you, Ashima. So nice to see you here!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Taking Personal Responsibility
An absolutely delightful post, Vidya! I could imagine those two little kids and the interactions. Uncomplicated, full of joy and with no preconceived notions of what people should or shouldn’t be – the love of the ‘small things’ is precious!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Reinvention
Thank you, Corinne. Yes, uncomplicated just about sums it up. 🙂 So much happiness!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Joy of Living is in Giving
That was a magical post. Children just makes our day so delightful 🙂
Sheethal Susan Jacob recently posted…Love through a Bride’s Eyes! 🙂
Thanks, Sheethal! Yes they do, and so easily!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Joy of Living is in Giving
Reading the post reminded me so much of my own childhood. This is how I used to be as a kid. Full of love and joy, life makes us so different it seems. perhaps we are all born the same. I too have these little kids in the society with whom I enjoy more than with their moms gossiping… A ‘love’ly post
I can imagine, Richa 😀 We are born equal. Then we start differentiating, changing and letting life influence us. 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…It Can Only Get Better
Haa the energy your post bought in Vidya! Loved it
Meena Menon recently posted…A Haiku…
😀 Thanks Meena. Those kids – I love them!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Nurtured by Encouragement
I spell love K-I-N-D!
Jodi @ Heal Now recently posted…Love On The Rocks
That’s a beautiful manifestation of love, Jodi! Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Feeding My Soul
Vidya – Such a lovely post. It is indeed the small things in life which actually make all the difference! Loved the pictures too! And I think we should all have *FRIENDS* who are 20 years younger than us, and 20 years older than us. Does wonders to our life perspective! Nischala
Nischala recently posted…Can you simplify the EQUATION of LIFE? [UBC Post 8]
Thank you Nischala! Ah, I follow that policy of the 20 years younger and older as friends. In fact, I get along very well with children and the elderly. 😀 It is learning on a daily basis in the most enjoyable way! Thank you for your comment!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
Children are so uninhibited and full of joy!! What a ray of sunshine! ♥
Kathy recently posted…Tuesday Tunes- The Fox
Yes, Kathy, it is what I love about them. My heart always feels light around them!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Joy of Living is in Giving
damian’s lunch bag has a strap and can hang across his chest on his hip. one day i didn’t see it when i picked him up. I asked where it was. he said he did not know. i asked if it were in his bag. he said no. silly me did not check the bag. instead i asked the teacher and she had to go back up to the classroom to search for it and then we checked the playground because they go there after lunch. and then i came home thinking crap the bag cost $15, have to buy another, what will damian take his lunch in tomorrow. and then i open the school bag to get the homework and there’s the lunchbox. i wish he had extras like your little friend. kids are too much fun at this age. loved hearing your stories sis. and these pics are awesome as always.
vanita recently posted…How To Increase Blog Traffic
That Damian…. Hugs! So sweet. I remember Vidur once lost a raincoat in school..when he was in the second grade. He was so upset. It had little baby animals printed all over it and was rather expensive. But that’s not what bothered him. He was sad he never got to use it – we had just bought it and someone just flicked it from his bag. 😀
Kids are delightful as they grow up. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Joy of Living is in Giving
Your story about the little girl and pictures made me happy too.
Thank you Sugandha!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
LOVED LOVED LOVED this post, Vidya! I had a big smile plastered on my face as I read this post! I can imagine the joy and smiles these children gave you with their chatter and actions! Love that quote too 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…What Happens When…
I always feel fortunate, Shilpa, that children and I are drawn to each other. I love to observe them and chat with them!
Vidya Sury recently posted…It Can Only Get Better
Aww, I’m sitting in a café and this got me all teary-eyed. My mother always impresses me by the number of young friends that she has. They nock on her door and bring her gifts. Once a bunch of them came in with a dog and left dog poop in the living room. My mom didn’t like that gift so much.
Tell me about it! Substitute the dog poop with baby poop and .. well. Hugs! I’d rather have the poop and pee than not have the kids 😀
How perfect. Loved the stories of children and how open they are to connection. And how imaginative they are! My two year old grandson invites me to play a game of go to sleep (covering his fact with a towel and having me sing a lullaby) and wake up (jumping up as I shout good morning). He can do this many many times, each time laughing like it is the most fun thing in the world. And at that moment, it is.
Galen Pearl recently posted…Neti, Neti
Oh Galen, even today, my son, who is too old to play that game laughs his head off after responding involuntarily! Yes – I love how they can keep playing it infinitely! Thank you for commenting. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
That’s such a beautiful and happy post, Vidya! Children are the purest forms of love..
Loved your post!
Thank you Deeps! Yes, they are!
Vidya Sury recently posted…It Can Only Get Better
Hi Vidya
I love that quote “enjoy the little things for one day you may realise they are the big things.Thats why they say “God lies in the details”.
That is also the reason why the story of your past is important.The story of your past should be a saga of happiness,accomplishments,sweet moments,loving moments,self love,peace, poise,nobility,strength and a lot of good will given to others.The story of your past certainly does need to exclude the unnecessary bitterness,the sour tastes,the crudities,the guilt,the regrets,the fears,the mistakes made by others,and yourself.The story of your past can become worthwhile to you when you place some learning value on it,some thing to smile about and feel happy about.
“Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory”.
Thanks
Mona
Mona, I absolutely agree about the past being with us. In fact, I am convinced I’ve developed many values from negative experiences as much as positive ones. After all, we also learn what not to do as we learn what is good. Reminds me of the Dr.Seuss quote – smile because it happened. 🙂 Thank you, Mona. I always value your input!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Nurtured by Encouragement
Love how kids can put a smile on your face ..no matter what! We certainly should learn from these little joyous beings…lovely post!
Aditi recently posted…Nature’s Delight
Yes, Aditi. I try. And succeed sometimes, by pretending not to be an adult. 🙂 It is a solid stress-reliever!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories The Power Of Encouragement
Hi Vidya, enjoyed the story about the two kids because they are a reminder of who we are in our essence before society and ego gets a hold of us:) We are filled with care-free love, confidence,friendship and seizing the day.
Love the photos as always. The photos are a re minder to me to look around everyday and just observe the many nice things around me which I tend to take for granted.
Vishnu recently posted…How to Confront Hate.