Come to think of it, I had a very interesting week. Mostly centered around children, which really is the best way and perhaps the shortest route to happiness. Truly, hanging out with children is rejuvenating and offers fresh perspectives on life. I would have written this post yesterday and did, in fact, start, but ended up spending most of the afternoon under the kitchen sink.
Yes, seriously.
I am happy to report things are under control. Except my thigh muscles beg to differ. Oh, they’ll get over it. Nothing a brisk walk and some dedicated tickling won’t cure.
Here are this week’s happiness hotspots
I’ve been writing like crazy and have pushed past the 62000 words mark at my NaNoWriMo draft. I’ve been following my own advice!
I got a lot of client work done.
Much cooking from scratch is under way, but I am not finished yet! Got a few more miles to go before I er… doze off.
I read a couple of books – will post book reviews soon.
I am looking forward to a trip in the second week of December and am so excited
I enjoyed being a guest at my son’s school for a few events. Loved the experience, as always
I am enjoying the pressure on my time and managing to sneak in some fun moments too. Take a look at the conversations I enjoyed overhearing.
There are deep lessons in there, friends. Here…read on.
Out of the mouths of babes
Two seven year-olds were walking along, together.
The first said, my teacher is the best in the world.
The second one, not to be outdone, said, mine is best. Yours is next best.
The first one must have been a peacemaker, because he put his arm around his friend and said we are best friends, no? Both our teachers are best in the whole world. Happily they walked away.
Then, as I was riding the bus home, I got to eavesdrop on this one:
Two boys in the bus.
One, lets call him A, seated sedately, leaning back on the backpack at his pack, lunch bag on his lap.
The other, B, sitting on the strip of a seat near the entrance of the bus, backpack beside him and elbow resting on it.
Both were deep in conversation.
A: Nowadays for college you need 96%
B: I don’t think so. My brother got 94% but he got admission
A: How can it be? My brother got 96%
B: In some colleges they allow lower percentage
A: No it is same in all
B: My brother said only for Science they ask for higher marks
A: But my brother took Arts
B: Why he didn’t take science? he could become engineer no?
A: I don’t know. My father scolded him but he didn’t listen. He didn’t have interest
B: My brother took science. He wants to write IIT exam
A: I will also do IIT exam after 10th Std
B: I want to do business
A: Will you keep a shop?
B: No I want big company
A: What you’ll sell
B: I won’t sell. My workers will sell
A: Will you give me a job?
B: After interview I’ll think about it
A and B both laughed their heads off.
Then the bus stopped and it was B’s stop. Hoisting his backpack on, he said ‘bye to A and got off.
“A”traveled to the next stop…busy talking to himself.
By the way, in case you wondered, both boys were third graders.
I was thinking, what a lot was going on with these guys!
And what a pleasant journey that little bus trip was!
I am thinking – had I not been watching those boys, I would have found it hard to guess how old they were – their language was very mature
I liked how B seemed to be sure about what he wanted to do
I liked how they assumed they’d be friends, a decade later
I was stunned at how much they knew – all thanks to having older siblings and being alert at home to the conversations around them.
Knowledge, indeed is power, eh.
Pure happiness as I experienced those conversations.
Funny, we only have to look around and notice to experience the joy of living.
Some pictures from the old school yard
Warm sunshine. In my eyes, everything glowed.
I looked up. To see the tree reaching for the sky.
I am linking up with Unknown Mami for Sundays In My City. Love traveling the world with her!
26 comments
Yes, Great pictures, this time I especially like the trunk!
Love this post, Vidya filled with happiness. You pictures are great. I can’t image running into Ms. Moo, but she looks very pleasant. Sounds like you are enjoying life!
Cathy Taughinbaugh recently posted…How to Embrace Positivity and Possibility: Meet Victor Schueller
As always Vidya your posts make me smile…a lot…just love the pics and the energy of happiness and the joy of the children.
Elle recently posted…10 Feel Good Ways To Put Your Troubles Behind You
Vidya,
I’m so amazed how you have written so many words and are thriving on the pressure, but also doing all these other fun and curious things like listening to children on the bus!
Getting the weeds our of our orchard has been a joy!
Sandra Pawula recently posted…How to Be Happy During the Holidays
Loved the conversations between the two sets of children that you overheard and put up on this post. Kids do and say the most innocent things don’t they 🙂
Jairam Mohan recently posted…Ghatotkacha – The pot headed warrior
Lovely pics!!
And the conversations – hilarious! And quite insightful.
For the past couple of days – pepper and ginger rasam has spelled happiness! 😛
What have you been cooking from scratch? *curious*
Pixie recently posted…updates!!
Yes, children bring us joy. They are treasures from God. My joy moment this week occurred when my dearest friend called to say she would be unexpectedly in my town in Louisiana this week. We had a great time. Another joy moment occurred when my neighbor’s freezer broke. It was bad for them, but I get to store their extra food. They invited me to try some of their ice cream. Delicious and joyful!
I have no idea how you do it all? Your day has 24 waking hours na? 😀
Lovely pictures… 🙂 Kids these days are more mature than most adults. 😉 And a few people like me still live with the concept that “Dil tho bacha hai ji…”. But I am not as mature as these Bachas! 😉
Jyothi Nair recently posted…An Escape
Awww…such sweet conversations…these kids do get you thinking! Loved the pictures of the sunshine, the trees and the petal…lovely!
Lovely post!
Overhearing kids’ conversations is really enjoyable because they say what they mean and they’re not worried about who’s listening.
Proactive Indian recently posted…Little gestures, huge impact!
I love listening to kids when they aren’t aware. It’s so amazing to know how mature they are compared to us when we were their age. At times I also feel bad because some kids talk as if the entire world’s burden is on their shoulders. Lovely post and beautiful clicks!
Rekha recently posted…Kids and Eating Disorder
Hi Vidya
I suspected you must be busy with your NaNoWriMo.That’s why we dont see you on the blog replies.Congrats for surpassing 62000 words.
As always your images are so very evocative and vivid.Great learning!!
Thanks
Mona
richmiraclefiles recently posted…Courage Is The Cussedness of Persisting in Your Efforts
It is amazing the things little kids say…sometimes just mind boggling. I sub in my son’s elementary school lunch room when they need someone and I am often amused by some of the things the kids say. Some of them really have it all figured out, or think they do. ♥
Kathy recently posted…Only One Knows All
Vidya –
WHEW! 62,000 words already – that is impressive. Love the snippets of childrens’ conversations that you picked up and now share with us. As always, you make me smile-xxoo
OF course with my love of animals, the cow really stood out for me. How adorable that she just gets to wander around. I haven’t figured out what city you live in Vidya, please share.
Rae Buchanan recently posted…Tricky-Turkey Thanksgiving Treats for Kids
Rae, the funny thing is I see her every day. She happily grazes around the police station garden and no one bothers to stop her. It is quite hilarious. They don’t mind her feasting on their flowers.
I live in Bangalore, South India. 🙂
Thank you hugs for coming over!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Yesterday Once More
Adorable stuff 😀 especially we are best friends so both are teachers are good 😛 How simple it all seems at that age.
Coming to second part what joy filled my week? A lot of things I had been pushing for have started to materialise will just say that I am happy with writing things 😀
Loved your Post as ususal 🙂 esp those kids conversations. And IIT at 3rd?? I doesn’t even knew what was that until I was forced to know all this. What all this kids of this generation know is always a wonder for me.
Glad you had a great week 🙂
Everything you create – your photos and writings – is with love and inspiration. Thank you, Vidya.
Blessings to you and yours,
xoRobyn
Robyn Engel recently posted…On Being Tied Up: Woman on the Verge of Paradise
This last week I especially enjoyed some extended time with my grandson. And getting a massage with vanilla scented oil. I smelled like vanilla ice cream all day!
Galen Pearl recently posted…You’re Invited!
Lovely pictures from you’re lovely life!
So glad you are such a success with your writing and cooking. Plus I love to hear about your connections around the town. Yes, a blissful life is what you lead!
Can’t wait to hear more about your writing!!
xoxo
Betsy
Betsy/Zen Mama recently posted…When You’re “Bent Out of Shape”, Try Yoga! (And A Chance to Win A Free Year of Yoga Online!)
As always reading your post in the morning makes my day. Loved the pictures.. the log of wood.. wish I could forget the craziness of the morning rush and sit there for a while.
obsessivemom recently posted…S is for the Sparrow
Hi Vidya,
you never fail to indegenise and neither surprise us.
You,ve got some extremely evocative pictures there.
Thanks for the inspiration about your NaNoWriMo achievements.62000 words, in less than a month,is humungous!Congrats.Keep it up.
Mona
Oh i forgot to add the cow turning away coyly,was the best.
Wow!! You are a super achiever! How do you manage to pack so much in your day!! 🙂
Truly amazed at the conversation between A and B!! Kids now-a-days are so bright and so mature than their age!! Loved the pics too 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…Wish You’d Know That
I’m trying to decide which part of this post I love the best, Vidya. Since you shared the little boy’s conversation with me, I think it’s Ms Moo who takes my fancy!
Thank you for lighting up my day – and not just via this post! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Sharing Gratitude: Living Gratitude Series