A relief from Bangalore… ?

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I expect it is a relief to escape the traffic.

Ashish came on one of his timely (they always are) visits. He’s a best example of how friends introduce us to new friends, originally brought to us by Anna, this time he kindly introduces to another new friend — Nesan

It’s one of the great benefits of sharing our home.

As usual laden with gifts and treating us all. He stocks us up with an incredible range of goodies.

Luka was overcome with excitement,

After our visit to the Nursery for garden additions.

We joke about getting away from Bangalore but we all value the change, so perhaps it’s time for a holiday once the court thing is resolved.

Fact is the traffic is getting too much in Mysore!

A park that MAnjula and I loved.

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We’d be ‘young’ lovers here walking, resting, being attentive and present for each other.

It’s now a short cycle ride from no 179

Here, I’m just opposite what might have been the first all India radio broadcaster.

These pics do not show the park at its best but I’m resting!

Who’s the very young guy who dive bombed my photo?

I’m not old, right? Or so I keep getting told by those who care.

An art conversation and kind offer.

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This was my response to the message posted in our local Mysore community….

I’d love it, but I just can’t. To me .. It reflects different dimensions, feelings or moods. MAnjula my wife who sadly died seven years ago would reveal all


These layers.

Starting from the left Her smile, shining like the sun would infect everyone she met. The middle is her action, being there always helpful and determined. The third her calmness in whatever situation. The style reflects her embracing the tradional and the modern.  Wrapping it all up would be her attention to being present and attentive.

I can’t take it as I’ve just moved and already have too much art

https://meandmycycle.com/2026/05/08/behold-beauty-in-so-many-ways/

…

The full message …. posted to our local WhatsApp group in Mysore.

Dear Art Lovers,

This is not an easy message for me to write.

There is a piece of art that has been a meaningful part of my journey for a long time. It has quietly shared my space, witnessed many chapters of my life, and carried a presence that words often fail to describe.

However, life has brought me to a point where I can no longer hold on to it. While letting it go is difficult, I feel that this piece deserves to continue its journey with someone who truly connects with it and appreciates it from the heart.

I don’t want to place a price tag on this artwork. Some things cannot be measured by a fixed number. Instead, I would love to hear from those who feel genuinely drawn to it.

If this piece speaks to you, I invite you to send me a personal message sharing:

• Why you feel connected to this artwork.

• What story, feeling, or memory it awakens within you.

• And what amount you would be comfortable offering for it.

Over the next few days, I will read each message with gratitude and care. My intention is not simply to find a buyer, but to find the right home for this piece—someone who will cherish it as much as I have.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for honoring the journey of this artwork.

It is a canvas painting on a wooden frame. 

Dimensions 28 by 58 inches.

Maïlis has become a great friend

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After staying with us in 2025 and 2026 

Initially here for yoga conference she soon branched out to all sorts of activities — stone carving, chanting, Kannada and Sanskrit — she returns to France next month to continue her studies to become a doctor. 

She’s a great example of why we do this. Making new friends from India and around the world and together doing good in our community. 

She’s joined our ‘family’ in so many ways. Probably the most important is how she helps us with Kaveri. 

Kaveri is one of the young people we support in the community. She stays with us alternate weeks and Maïlis has been her chaperone this year. Ensuring that each evening and night there’s a woman available also staying who can guide, support Kaveri and generally available to help ensure she’s happy and safe. 

We’re asking our women friends if they can help us and become a chaperone, like Maïlis.  That’s being here and staying overnight when Kaveri does. It doesn’t pay but there’s somewhere to stay and sometimes a meal to share, most importantly you’re making an important contribution. 

You can get involved as little or as much as you can. 

Want to find out more?  Help us broaden Kaveri’s horizons through the diverse people she meets.

Cycle to school

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Kaveri suggested we cycle to school. So after a ‘dry run’ on Sunday and a potential wet one yesterday we finally launched today.

We’ve cycled together for over three years and she was confident cycling before we met but it’s provided an opportunity to improve our safe cycling.

Between this and pillion on my Enfield like me, she’s pointing out all the reckless incorrect road behaviour.

That’s my girl