I really meant to get his post up on time, but zero network, stress over something that needed my offline presence and a multitude of other tiny things kept me from sticking to the date. Nevertheless, I am going to backdate this to the correct date: 30 August 2018, the last Thursday of August.
Why?
Simple. Because I can.
Now, I am going to draw on my sense of humor, good nature and tendency to look at the silver linings to proceed with this month’s Gratitude post. I will list the happy highlights of the month, just because I’d rather focus on those. It’s good for my health!
♥
After a largely pleasant summer with my son, who did his summer internship from home, we accompanied him back to campus in the beginning of the month. I have a secret resolution: as long as he’s there, try and cover a bit of Himachal, because I am truly in love with the region. Also, love his campus and its people.
♥
So yes, we had a wonderful four days together visiting Chail and Kufri, Himachal Pradesh. We stayed at the Palace and it was a great experience. We were fortunate to have pleasant weather—that is always a worry as it is monsoon and landslides are common. On the down side, we had practically no network. After some initial worrying, we decided to lose ourselves in nature and enjoy our trip, laughing and immersing ourselves in our surroundings.
♥
We returned to my son’s campus and headed back home from there the next day. Of course I met my little friend and had a lovely time. I am amazed at how dexterous even little ones are with a mobile phone. She clicked photos of me and instantly WhatsApp-ed them to me, with messages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmQopGAjjSK/
And funnily enough, after we were back home, I replied to her Mom’s WhatsApp messages, only to discover it was the little one I was chatting with! Whoa! Hilarious.
One interesting thing about this trip was we actually clicked pictures of ourselves. Normally we only take pictures of what we see, so this time was unusual. I am glad!
♥
I haven’t been able to blog as often as I’d like to, but I didn’t stress over that. I just focused on my priorities. But yes, I’ve been posting on my health blog.
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This month, Mother Nature’s full fury hit Kerala. It is heart-breaking to see the devastation, loss of lives and livelihoods. I am grateful I could do my bit, even if I am only a drop in that ocean. I could mobilize clothing, supplies, groceries and other essentials to send with the trucks that our Facebook group team organized. Efforts continue and will do so until things are better.
Natural disasters like these put life in full perspective. At least, for my part, each time I hear about floods/droughts/accidents—I step back a little and take stock of what’s happening in my life. I am always grateful for what I have.
♥
Remember that I had mentioned in July’s Gratitude post about my excitement over a new client? Well, that fell through quickly and I am so grateful for that. Some things are just not meant to be even if they seem wonderful initially. Glad I had the sense to see that in time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmNDDzSjJRN/
Oh, technology continues to love me! My computer monitor went on the blink. I’ve stopped freaking out over things like these now. Luckily, my workload is light right now and it was just as well. Took my time getting it fixed.
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My phone died last month. I didn’t get around to buying a new one. Too many other unexpected expenses cropped up, pushing this down the priority list. I do have another phone I am able to manage with. It is amazing what a relief it is not to be tied to a phone! I confess I prefer talking on a landline, anyway!
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I almost forgot! My little one-year-old young friend who moved to the US a few months ago is growing up rather rapidly, and her mom sent me loads of photos and videos of her—I was so thrilled! Joy is in the little things, especially when it is relationships.
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I am rather excited that after a long search, I finally found someone to service my sewing machine, and I am looking forward to some fun DIY. I love sewing!
♥
On the health front, things are so-so. I keep myself happy focusing on the good stuff, while working with what I have. Because invariably, this too shall pass, eh?
Also, embracing September–it is my birthday month, after all!
How was your August?
Join me for the August 2018 Gratitude Circle blog hop.
Write your post, grab the badge and add your post link to the linky below.
Thank you!
19 comments
[…] Joining Vidya Sury’s Gratitude Circle for August 2018. […]
I was waiting for this post and not for the post but to know how things are. How is Vidur now? Well, I thinking technology and you go a long way 😛 It keeps giving you ways to disconnect. I do understand it can be pain too. The disaster is Kerala was heart -breaking. We also collected food and other important things to help people. Always grateful.
Wishing you a happy birthday month, Vidya. My god child and VT both have birthdays this month so I am looking forward to cake and fun things 🙂
take care of your health and hope to see you soon!
Parul Thakur recently posted…Gratitude List – August 2018
I absolutely love reading your gratitude posts, Vidya. If anyone practices gratitude, it is you! Unflinching in your positivity no matter how many hurdles. I had an August full of ups and downs and this is the second month in a row when I have not written a gratitude post. I do write my little gratitude posts in a journal though. Somehow the mojo is missing in me. I need to get it back soon. So happy to hear about your trip and all the lovely pics that you post on Insta. Really enjoy them. Hope that V is doing better now. My thoughts are with both of you. Thank you for the gorgeous earrings. Wish you a fabulous birthday month. Weren’t we together in Delhi on your last birthday? Fond memories. Hugs!
Since we spoke just a bit before a lot of this happened, I know about almost all of it. And I am glad I picked up the phone and called you that day. So much could be said over the phone that messages don’t convey.
I’m grateful for all the good things you do and the good you see in the world. May you always have the blessings of the Almighty, today and every day. And yes, hugs, for all the offline stuff.
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…Why we must make time to read
I hope the son is all hale and healthy now! Good for you for making the most of your travels. Himachal is beautiful, indeed.
Let me know if you have issues with your sewing machine again. My mom used to be the manager for Singer machines and I’m sure she will be able to send in someone to help you. I love sewing too and I have got to creating my own dresses and kurtas now 🙂
Wishing you a very happy birthday month, Hottie! Looking forward to meet you soon <3
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So much happiness and joyful times. Kids are so innocent. It’s so cute to see them get excited by little things. And looks like you gel really well with them 😀
I can understand that real life can sometimes take over blogging time. I am going through the same phase.
Loved the last quote. 😊
Rajlakshmi recently posted…Fiction: The Impetuous Wedding
I love reading your gratitude post, Vidya! Simple and honest! I didn’t write mine for July though I wanted to. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and one day I remembered you out of the blue while cooking and it made me smile. You do have a happy effect on people much like your writing. <3
Vinitha recently posted…Grateful for Yesterdays! #GratitudeCircle
I am sorry about your health struggles and all the devastation. ~hugs~ Lovely post, my dear. Namaste.
I so look forward to your gratitude circle Vidya. Yet to get my post out, but will do so, soonest.
Happy birthday month and I pray September bestows you with good health and loads of cheer.
Love and Light!
https://natashamusing.com/2018/09/ivankas-land-fiction-ffaw/
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You seem to have had a busy busy month in August with all the travel, catching up with your son and the relief work you did for Kerala. Its so nice to take time out and do things that you always wanted to do but never got around to. Himachal is a very beautiful state with all its natural beauties and I was loving your insta posts on it.
Taking a step back and seeing joy/positivity in little things takes a huge amount of effort – you are truly inspirational in being able to do it and do it so well.
Hugs for all the troubles that ailed you and am glad you blew them away with ease! I have been away from blogging from a while but will be posting my Gratitude post as I just am addicted to this- thanks to your superb posts on them – you are the reason why I had started writing them and now I cant do without it. Thank you Vidya for this Gratitude Circle in my life 🙂
Your visit to Chail and Kufri sounds very good. Its good that you stayed at the palace. It’s one peaceful haven. I love it how much you are fond of little beings. Probably, when my own grow up I too will miss these days and grow fond of little ones around me.
Your tryst with technology now come along with my chuckle. Hope technology and you find some truce.
For me writing these gratitude posts has become like a necessity. Even when my blogging calendar is choc-a-bloc and things at home get tough with the kids, the gratitude post remains at the back of my mind. Thanks for introducing this excellent habit in my life.
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I love Himachal Pradesh Vidya. I envy you that you could visit such beautiful places. Someday, I will visit too. I visited Shimla in my childhood and the memories are still fresh in my mind. Happy September for you.
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Your Gratitude posts make me write my own now-a-days! A little late for August, but nevertheless, I’m in already!
Before I say anything at all about your month let me just say how very grateful I am for the Gratitude Circle. It pulled me out of a deep writing gap and made me reflect on all the good things that happened last month. Thank you ever so much.
I love how you turn everything around to sound positive – even the falling through of a client. It is inspiring.
obsessivemom recently posted…The good things in August #GratitudeCircle