Yes, this week I’ve been more confined to my little world and my heroes than ever, what with Sury falling ill and actually missing work for four days. FOUR whole days. That did not mean he did not work from home, but still – presence makes a big difference. He’s better now.
As usual, my friendly neighborhood heroes were wonderful at this time. Let me introduce you to just three of my heroes – my favorites today.
My heroes
Here’s Narayana – from my favorite condiments store. There seems to be nothing they don’t stock. This is the store I was talking about in the conversation I overhead. It seems to me this guy barely looks older in the last twelve years I have shopped at his store. Forever young. Gentle. Helpful. Kind
Meet my bread man who gives me my daily bread. And makes sure I get a fresh pack from his truck. He’s the guy I talked about in my Fifty shades of life post. I see him every day and he always has a huge grin for me. He waves to me whenever he sees me somewhere.
If I return from school two minutes before he gets to the shop, I see him having breakfast at the corner snack bar – and if our eyes meet as I wait at the traffic light, he’ll rise a little to acknowledge. So sweet. I swear he doesn’t look any older from the day when I first saw him, twelve years ago.
Ah, and now, my friendly neighborhood medical store. Ganesh Medicals at 17th Cross, opposite the Ganesh temple. No matter how busy he is, if he spots me, he’ll come out and chat. His name is Raja. And what a wonderful person he is.
Through the years when my Mom was unwell, I’ve called his store at all hours to order medicines and no matter how late, he would drop it off at my place. Always, service with a smile. His shop is also now at a point where the traffic intersects and I naturally turn left to see on my way back home.
Sure enough he’s there with a wave or a nod. I am very grateful to Raja for the solid support he has been in procuring medicines that were not available in our area or sold only by a distributor located too far off. I always love to chat with him. These are the things that matter.
Last week, I had to walk back home from a particular store outside our area. I preferred not to take my scooter because the route is thick with traffic at that time and I don’t relish accelerating from a stationary place. Ugh. Easier to use my two feet. I am big on walking anyway. So while taking our usual route, I came upon this temple.
The last time I walked that route was some months ago – and this was only a concrete structure. I was stunned to see it now, beautifully painted, and this lovely tableau on the side wall! It really looks quite stunning in person.
I am planning to go that side during the daytime with my digital camera when I expect to click a much better photo. So breathtaking! All the Gods are present.
Further down the road, I passed an old favorite point where we used to take our son when he was quite little. He loved those rides. Insert a one-rupee coin and the ride would shake him up for about two minutes.
Needless to say, we went with a big handful of coins back in the day. Ah, what memories! You see the back of the guy in the top left corner? There is a shop where the guy fries stuff and people come and relish the stuff. The smell of that oil drives me crazy.
The day before yesterday, while on the terrace for my usual sky-gazing, I was fascinated to see huge groups of kites. I only managed to catch a few pictures as they kept on gliding. I found myself wishing I could turn into a kite for a few hours and fly. Ah, flying kites. Pun intended.
We went up to get some fresh air the day before yesterday. And I was carrying my phone, as I expected a phone call. I found the sight of father and son very cute. There is something fun about photographing someone when they’re not watching. They were quite engrossed in their conversation.
And here’s something I brought back from Sikkim. Tibetan prayer wheel or the Mani. This one is unique. See the grey space in front of it? That’s a solar panel. I took it up to the terrace with me to charge it. When it faces sunlight, the drum rotates with a pleasing sound. The Mani always turns in a clockwise direction.
The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is engraved, printed, painted on the mani. Rolls of thin paper are printed with the mantra over and over again and wound around an axle inside a protective container that spins. Monasteries have them in all sizes.
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Tibetan Buddhists believe that reciting the mantra invokes the powerfully benign attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion. Spinning the written form of the mantra around in a prayer wheel produces a similar effect, and many copies of the mantra multiply your benefit.
Isn’t that nice? Say “Om Mani Padme Hum.” It is said that all the teachings of the Buddha are contained in this mantra.
And now, please sound the drumroll! My son made his first chocolate cake. Yes, the cook has taken a bow. And we finished the cake speedily. Literally divided it into three parts and whoosh! Gone. So excited that he’s making another one tomorrow. Slurrrrp!
Have a fantastic week ahead, folks!
Sweet post. I like when bloggers share their world. I am going to forward to a friend of mine who has lived in India.
Welcome, and thank you so much, Wendy!
Lovely. I always enjoy the journeys you take me on with your words and pictures! I always feel like I’ve really been there for a visit! Thank you!
Hi Janet! Lovely to see you. Glad you enjoyed the “trip”! 😀
Lovely. I always enjoy the journeys you take me on with your words and pictures! I feel as though I’ve really been there! Thank you!
Doubly glad! 😀
Very nice pics & interesting stories to go along with them! =)
Thank you! So happy you dropped by!
Great and caring neighbors are a rare find in the US these days…..In days past, it was much like where you live, but fear and selfishness are the causes of this demise……you are very fortunate….
I understand, Joanne. Here also, not all neighborhoods are as friendly. We live close to a rather crowded locality and so it is easy to form connections. Thank you for visiting! I appreciate it very much!
Wow – cool Vidya. This sounds like you’re on an Oscar stage with the people who contributed to your success:) Narayana, the bread man and the medical store attendant – easy to forget how many people regularly help us out in our day to day lives. Also, interesting that you know each of these people and have known them for a long time. Not so much in other parts of the world where people that work in places and places where we live continue to change. i mean we move more often so don’t stay in one spot for a long time. And the people who provide services for us, work in stores also change jobs often. enjoyed a peek into your world.
😀 Yes, Vishnu. If I don’t appreciate them, who will? 😀 My Mom always teased me, saying that if we had a major event at home, these are the folks I’d invite in the first round. Funny thing is, I’ve lived for a length of time in at least four cities – and each time I visit, they act like a long-lost relative has returned. Very gratifying.
Thanks for coming by! 🙂
Good Sunday my friend! I enjoyed your tour of some of your favorite people in your neighborhood. You always ‘take me away’ with your stories, and today, I sure could use a diversion. Thank you for being you. How fortunate I feel to be getting to know you. LOVE LOVE LOVE you and your blog!
Terri
XOXOs
Hugs! Terri. I enjoy having you over so much and sharing my world with you. My favorite wish is that we see some of these places together, some day. How gorgeous would that be! Love you! I cherish our connection very much!
Love the father and son from behind photo!
You always show us such interesting things.
🙂 That’s my favorite, too, Keetha. I have loads of photos with the two of them being unaware of being photographed!
it’s wonderful that the people in your community aren’t just shop owners, but friends too.
Yes Tara, I find it so heart warming that they’re always ready to pass the time of day!
Nice post Vidya ! You live in good company:0
Thank you, Rahul! When we open our hearts, the love glows.
Vidya,
I loved seeing the people from your world. What kind faces. As usual your pictures are wonderful. My kids, too, had little rides that they loved growing up. I should go take some pictures there, too. What a great idea. And I love the mantra. I’ll try saying it today. Lastly…. Congratulations Vidur! The cake looks wonderful!!
A visit to your town, as usual!!
xoxo
🙂 Thanks Betsy! Do let me know how you feel after the mantra!
Early Monday morning and you take me around your neighbourhood, show me where to buy my bread, spices and medical supplies, it feels so real and I like this feeling of permanence. And has Raja changed in the twelve years you have known him?
We also have those memories of the toy shop where my daughter (and before her it was me and my brother) used to push the button outside the window to set off the electrical train. And one day it will be her child!
Have a blessed week, Vidya, thank you so much for sharing your life and I trust Sury is feeling better.
Hi Barbara! 🙂 Yes Sury is a little better and … well.. back at work.
Raja has greyed slightly 😀 Otherwise, he’s the same guy I met more than a decade ago! I often wonder what they think of the people they regularly meet – and seeing their kids grow. Such a wonderful feeling.
Hugs, and thanks and always happy to see you!
I love seeing your country through your eyes Vidya…such bright beautiful ones, that catch the loveliness of life.
Thank you.
Elle
xoxo
🙂 Thank you Elle! I love all the little things in my world.
This was a fun read, Vidya! I loved getting the window I’m always peering into opened a little wider to see some of the periphery to your life. Just a joy. It makes me wonder if I would bump into as many interesting sights if I were to walk more often around my city.
You know, Ken, when we are ready to smile, magic is waiting to happen. Usually. My folks are always amused by how I strike up conversations with just about everyone I meet :-), regardless of whether they’re strangers or people I might never meet again. I am pally like that. I feel blessed, really!
Always happy to see you, you know!
Dear Vydia,
This would be my first comment; even-though I read your lovely stories for some time. What really prompted me to write this time is the accumulated and bursting gratitude I feel from your writing and especially from this post where you appreciate the ordinary people in your neighborhood and take them for your heroes. How noble is that! And I always enjoy the supplementary pictures of yours added to your stories as we can imagine better the beauty of your outer and inner world. Thank you.
Looking forward to the next Monday 🙂
Bienvenue, Marie, to my world! (imagine my arms open!) I am so happy you came by today – it means a lot to me. I love the people I talk about and always see them as friends. During the ten years plus I’ve known them, they have always treated me very well and I feel very blessed when I think about that. The consistent kindness always touches my heart.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you for reading. Today is a special day because you are here.
Love, Vidya (I remember wanting to spell my name Vydia in school! 🙂 and because you spelt it that way, it brought back many happy memories!)
My goodness Vidya…you know what’s funny? I was making sure I would not spell your name incorrectly, and I still DID! I should really remember it correctly from now 🙂
Have a good day!
Ah, don’t worry about it. I am usually particular, but today, I enjoyed seeing it spelt this way! 😀 Hugs!
Love the post Vidya!I think the cake by Vidur was the most delicious…:)And yes, I love the way you bring out the people in your life onto your post – people like Narayan, Ganesh and others, who are linked to your daily lives.Of course, a little part of your Sikkim trip still adds up spice to the post. :)Thanks for sharing and loved to read all through it. 🙂
It was so yum, the cake, Harleena! We couldn’t get over the fact it was done perfectly! So encouraging for a first attempt. 🙂
I am obsessed with Sikkim. Forgivable, I hope! I plan to visit it again in more detail.
I appreciate your comment very much, and your presence here today! 🙂 Love, Vidya
Loved the neighborhood friends report. What are we , without our own people smiling at us, once in a while!
Simple and sweet Vidya!
Pattu! Good to see you. Interesting to see your name linked to the Google Plus profile.
🙂 I smile at these guys and many others every day! You’re right, after all my life does revolve around them. 🙂
Somehow, I was thinking of you on Gokulashtami.:-)
Hey Vidya,
this post was very sweet. I like the way of your explaining and sikkim tour was awesome.
Thank you, Nilesh!
Hi Vidya,
What a wonderful post and I’m so sorry that Sury has been ill. That’s so sweet of you to share all these wonderful people from your life with us. I know how it is to be part of a small community where you know so many people and have been dealing with them every single day. That’s what’s great about the relationships we’ve built from the people we do the most business with.
I also want to thank you for the post mention as well. I really appreciate that, thank you so much.
Hope you enjoy your week.
~Adrienne
So happy to see you here, Adrienne! Relationships make it all so worthwhile!
Hugs!
You sure sound like you are staying in a very friendly neighborhood. Everyone seems so smiley. Or could it be because of you?
Sorry to learn that your son has been ill. Hope that he has fully recovered by the time you read my comment.
Thanks for sharing snippets of your life. I enjoyed reading it very much!
Have an awesome week,
Evelyn
😉 Could be me, Evelyn. I’ve always noticed that people are always friendly when we spend the time of day with them. I enjoy talking to everyone.
We’re all fine now 🙂 Thank you – love having you here!
If only I could have enjoyed a piece of that cake!
🙂 We made one more. I’ll be thinking of you when I indulge.
Hey girl, hope Sury is feeling better. look at you giving me support all these days and i didn’t know. i am sorry. vanessa is doing better so i’m playing catch up. you know i love these posts. i love getting a peep into your world. i no longer wish you were here, i wish i was there. lol. that temple is beautiful and i’m looking forward to seeing more pictures. vidur’s cake looks awesome. he is one talented young man. writer, storyteller, baker! just wonderful.
Hehe – thanks, Vanita. All well now.
I always think of you when I post. We’ve made two more cakes – and are very excited about how perfectly it turns out. Hugs!
I love the sense of community that you enjoy. You are lucky that there are so many wonderful people in your world.
I hope that Sury is feeling better, I am sure that eating delicious cake would fix all ills.
It did! 😀 The cake is a miracle! Thanks for being here!
–I can just see you on your little scooter observing everything sweet and wonderful in your city, dearest.
I love the beautiful people you encounter….and I have a strong feeling they feel the same about you, Vidya.
Much love flowing to you. X
Thank you, Kim. You know, these guys are all rocks. It only takes a kind word and a smile to build a bond. I never hesitate to lend a hand when they load their vehicles or when they carry things around. I think they found that amusing, initially and then over time, we just became friends!
Much love to you, Kim!
Hi Vidya,
Lovely post, as usual with some amazing photos. I love photos of people who don’t know they’re being photographed. They just seem so natural. I can never smile right, once I know I’m being photographed!
It seems like Vidur has a talent for make cakes!
Yeah, Hiten, me too – can’t put on a proper face when I am photographed! It is a good thing I am usually behind the lens! Thanks for the kind words!
I love photos of people when they aren’t watching, too:) As they are walking together sharing a conversation.
The cement tribute to all the gods and goddesses is BEAUTIFUL! I think I could sit and stare at that for hours and wonder about each fascinating individual. Fantastic.
The mantra you shared made me feel all nice and calm just reading it:))
So happy to see you here, Wild Child Mama! There’s a story behind each character on that wall, and it is quite fascinating!
Thank you for your presence here, today! Hugs!
I love photos of people when they aren’t watching, too:) As they are walking together sharing a conversation.
The cement tribute to all the gods and goddesses is BEAUTIFUL! I think I could sit and stare at that for hours and wonder about each fascinating individual. Fantastic.
The mantra you shared made me feel all nice and calm just reading it:))
The horse and train ride are so precious – the children’s amusements the same as here in the U.S.
Maggie – I find them so cute! I remember, once, how my son was upset he was too tall to sit in a ride as the seat was too small, even though age-wise he was well within the group. 🙂 Fond memories!
Nice to take a moment and thank all the people around us for the small favors they do to us on a daily basis. Good karma for you !!!!
Thanks for the mention too. Appreciate it.
Happy to see you, Praveen! It is a happy world where I live! 🙂
What the hey; how did I miss the bday wishes…….:(. I wonder why if you linked me I didn’t see it because I always check out a post if I’ve been linked. Of course, I was having too much fun to be online…..:).
Thanks for thinking of me; I do appreciate it.
Oh, we so missed you at the party, Bill! 😀 😀 Hugs – thanks for coming by. We don’t mind another party! There’s no such thing as having too much fun! 🙂