After eagerly counting the days to March 19, I was a delirious mess choked with emotion as I waited at the airport, waiting for my son to walk through the gates. He did. And my heart just brimmed over with gratitude at the thought of an entire week with him at home. Even though it was a short visit, we made the most of it.
Earlier this month, I had the crazy hamster wheel sequence of a crashed computer, plumbing repairs, dead phones, internet issues and a whole lot of other stuff. Top it all, the very warm weather. I was amused to find myself staying rather cool and going about finding solutions after I made a to-do list. I mean, it was too warm to waste energy worrying, anyway. Also, I was undecided whether I should get a new desktop computer. While I sat on the fence I got on with other things-do-do around the house.
I went out, met friends, caught up with some on the phone and pottered around, decluttering, giving away stuff.
I took pictures. Lots of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu digital detox.
I also got around to purging my email inbox and almost hit inbox zero. Oh I love that phrase. It does feel fantastic to create fresh space. I let go of a whole lot of sites I subscribe to. I mean, whatโs Google for?
When I am over-whelmed I always head to the kitchen and this time was no exception. To clear my mind and stay focused, I got down to cooking from scratch and making all those masalas that make life so much easier. Thereโs so much joy in going through the process, knowing that thereโs going to be something delicious to show for it.
I am filled with Gratitude
In the last week of March, I had the privilege of visiting my sonโs campus when he returned there and had the most wonderful time, meeting friends and of course, spending time with my 3-year old friend. What is it with me and 3-year olds? I guess being the same age group helps, eh? I am always amazed at how different and just a little grown up she seems every time I see her.
While out on our morning walk on the campus, as usual, my eyes kept searching for my colourful feathered friends. So imagine my stunned surprise when, as we passed the sports complex there, I saw a huge group of birds on the ground. Turned out to be 15+ baby peacocks! What an utterly delightful sight it was to see them fluttering playfully all over the place. I feel sheepish to think I didnโt take a pic right away. Much later, on our return trip, we passed the path where they go back to the wilderness โ and were lucky to see the whole bunch quickly navigating the bushes, as if responding to the call of their Moms on the other side. Oh, quite noisy.
I spent a lovely day onย campus โ it was beautiful with Mother Nature showing off.
I returned home the next day rather late at night and enjoyed the love of my neighbour who was kind enough to bring me dinner.
Then in the first week of March, Laura and Mark of positivelyhappy.me (love that url) interviewed me for their โRewrite the Rulesโย series โ and we had so much fun chatting! Hereโs the link to the interviewย (signup required). Tell me what you think!
March has been a good month, with plenty of learning. I am looking forward to a hectic April โ with the A to Z Challenge that starts tomorrow โ Iโve got four blogs in there this time โ which means 26 x 4 = 104 posts โ so wish me smooth sailing!ย โฅ
How was March for you? What one thing stands out for you? Do share in the comments!
I saw aย beautiful video that just stole my heart. Kindness is never overrated and also, giving without expecting something in return is really the best way.
Question to ponder: โWhy do some people go out of their way to help others?
Welcome to the March 2016 Gratitude Circle Bloghop! Please do join us to celebrate gratitude.ย Write your post, add the badge above and add your post url to the linky below.ย
25 comments
Baby peacocks? That sounds so cute! I am glad you had a lovely time with Vidur and that campus is gorgeous by the way you have described it in your posts. There is so much beauty around, if only we stopped by to smell the flowers ๐
Pounding masalas, dinner cooked by neighbours, digital detox – ah! what a bliss. Happy April to you Vidya!
104 posts – you are a rockstar!
Parul recently posted…Gratitude List รขยย March 2016
Lovely post, Vidya !!! I love your posts very much. It radiates LOVE by all means. I will be your cheer leader at the back of for your 104 posts in April !!!
Vasantha Vivek recently posted…Color โฆ Color โฆ What Color ???
We go for vacations to get detoxified. You have showed us the way to get the detoxification right there in the middle of what seems to be a turmoil. We cannot control things ftom going out of control but we can do that with our minds. Thank you Vidya! The inboxes also need cleaning? I have never thought about this, well now I have a To do for the vacation. And spending a week with your son surely must have been bliss. My parents are looking forward to experience the same with their grandson beginning this Saturday.
I am joining you this month with my gratitude post about the high point of this month for me and my son when his teachers visited us at home.
Anamika Agnihotri recently posted…N Madam is the best Part 2 #MondayMusings
How to find positivity in everything, one needs to learn from you. My March was full of birthdays and anniversaries. It was a month full of love and a month when every year the people who matter the most to me make it known how much they love me. So, happy, happy me. On 28th we left for a trip to the north to S’s home and then next week I’ll be at mom’s. Again something to be happy about. Having a great time is always what my March is like ๐
Oh before I go, happy A2Z to you Vidya..have fun.. Looking forward to your posts.
A lovely post and agree there is much to feel gratitude for, Vidya.
Looks like you had quite a fun-filled month with many moments to be grateful for. Good that you had such a wonderful time with Vidur at home, and then also at his campus. What a sight it must have been to witness all those baby peacocks! Your line about having the same age as your 3-year-old-friend made me laugh out loud!
Well, my March was quite fascinating too, I traveled for almost half of the month visiting several places, Mumbai, in and around Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Somnath. So many wonderful experiences, observations, reflections – I just don’t know if I will ever be able to express most of them in words. Much to be grateful for, indeed.
Will be joining this gratitude circle in a few days. As always, so good to visit your blog, and especially these gratitude circle posts.
Beloo Mehra recently posted…Inner Light for the Intellect
I can imagine your joy, Vidya, of spending time with Vidur. It is so pleasurable for any parent. You inspired me to share my grateful moments from a few days back. Lots of love.
March has been quite for me in terms of trying to balance work, children’s exams and now their vacations. Many travel plans in April and May so even more juggling will be needed.
Thank you, Rachna. So delighted to have you join me! My folks constantly tease me, saying my life revolves around Vidur – and I say, why not! You know, I was rather missing the academic year-ends that were so hectic when Vidur was in school, as I interact with my neighbor’s kids. Sure he has exams now, but they’re a whole new experience. In fact, while talking to my neighbor’s 5th std daughter yesterday, I was thinking of you and your sons. I wish you a wonderful vacation and will be looking for your beautiful photos! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Because sometimes you have to bring your own sunshine
How was my March? I’m still fazed – in fact, I had to look at the calendar to remind myself that march is almost over.
But yes, I’m grateful for tiny little things. You are also one of them ๐
Thanks for everything, Vidya.
Sid recently posted…65 days of Summer
My dearest Sid-Daddy-O! What a sweet thing to say! I feel for you. I read your post about summer. Sigh. Hehehe. This too shall pass, and when it does, you shall miss it terribly. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Mindful Living #AtoZChallenge
There are so many things I like about your post that I could do a whole post in return. I’ve seen that video and I love it. You’ll be doing 104 posts this month? Help! I’m fainting. Totally completely fainting. And I feel like such a lazy bum for not getting onto the A to Z party. Also, inbox zero – that deserves serious respect. And then you get to see 15 baby peacocks while all I get is pigeons and crows. Unfair or what? I did a gratitude post earlier this week. May I link up or does that count as last month’s?
Obsessivemom recently posted…A gratitude post
Of course you may link up, Tulika. In fact – here I am, thinking you wrote it for this hop ๐ You won’t believe what I stress over with blogging- it is always the images. ๐ I stress over it – but love the process. I wish you were coming along for the A to Z. You can still sign up you know? You are prolific anyway. I say just rope in some of your buddies to do guest posts to fill in some days ๐ Hehehehe. And I’d really love to see the post you’d do in return! Love you, my team-mate! And by the way – I get lots of pigeons too – in fact, my verandah is begging me to scrape the floor!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Filled With Gratitude
Thanks. Linking up with gratitude :-).
Obsessivemom recently posted…A gratitude post
where is the pic of the baby peacocks. Share them no pls? Looks like you had some happy fun filled days with the boy! The campus is so green and happy.. did it remind of your TIFR days?
Oh yes – TIFR… mmm. Best part is, the bare trees blend so beautifully with the lushly green ones, Meena. I got a couple of hazy pics of the baby peacocks – I zoomed them for you: see: https://flic.kr/p/FJVr6n I wasn’t quick enough to catch them all as they rushed over the fence, blending into the foliage to their mommies. Thank you for joining me today!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Stop teaching your sons
Lovely vidya, as usual your post is powerful, at the end of reading your post. I always feel happy and enthusiastic and begin again whatever I have left undone… Yes I will complete the post on gratitude (half written :)) and thank you for your constant inspiration. Always happy to be here… nice to hear about your son. Beautiful pictures too !! thanks for sharing
G Angela recently posted…A โ Z Challenge 2016 – Theme Reveal
How lucky you are Vidya to have seen baby peacocks… that too more than 15 of them! The weather is indeed bad this year, but we have been getting a shower or two every week in March, so yeah there’s something to be thankful for in March ๐
Hope you had a lovely time with you son at home.
Gratitude is a very simple yet powerful practice, also very benefitial to your health. I try to be grateful on most mornings, by reciting affirmations and feeling the gratitude in my body. Helps me to reduce stress. Thanks for posting
Julian recently posted…These 8 foods Will Help You Learn How To Become Mindful With Ease!
Really a pleasure to read your blog – so much positivity! Loved the video – Thank you for sharing
Dahlia recently posted…Marching On
Thank you Dahlia – I loved that video too! So happy to see you.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Filled With Gratitude
Lovely photos. And I would just love a dinner invitation. ~grin~ Wish I could hop a plane and meet you and your lovely family.
Darla M Sands recently posted…Beauty and the Beast
You have a standing invitation to my home (and heart, of course!) Darla! I fervently hope we WILL meet one day, soon! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Filled With Gratitude
Oh my GOD! 104 posts in 4 blogs? All the best for you AtoZ challenge Vidya ๐ Looking forward to many positive posts this month.
Aaahhhh I wrote and somehow it didn’t take. I am so happy you had a great time with your son and this picture you took is beautiful. It is nothing but grey here. I also love that video..I have seen it before but I love it each time I see it. I always think March is messy here but it is a month where the earth gets a good scrub down. Today it is a warm 14C but by Saturday it will be snowy. The earth is getting clean from all the salt and sand placed on the roads for winter. I am so grateful that my mom’s toes have been done and she got bathed. I am so happy to have spent Saturday’s with my hubby going to the hardware store and paint store because he is redoing our bedroom. I will post a pic when it is done but it looks rich and the ugly wall paper is gone! Yahoo:)
Birgit recently posted…Thursday Movie Picks- Heist Movies
Loved the post Vidya. Family time is the best time according to me. We might roam around the world but the contentment that we get by spending time with the dear ones is beyond measure. Glad to know you got to see so many baby peacocks. The campus looks colorful indeed. ๐
I love the video. This one is very overwhelming.
All the best for your A-Z Challenge. Looking forward to reading your posts. ๐