I now know what muse (moose) means.
Aadrika the immensely talented artist who created this wonderful portrait of the women in my life visited with Somesh and his six year old daughter Ritu (check her own art here) to photograph the painting so we can have prints made for some of our friends around the world. Whoopeee!
We’re reaching out to a whole new generation
Her mother asked why is there a cycle on the roof? She explained that this is Stephens house.
Ritu’s father Somesh visited with Aadirika to take photos of her wonderful portrait of Manjula and Lucie.
We’re going to find ways for Manjula to continue to reach out to young people.
Anita Nair a renowned author here in India has an annual programme ‘Anita’s Attic’ to help up and coming writers.
It’s my new thing, writing. Ha ha says the Yorkshireman, who can’t even speak English.
Our group of ten have just finished the latest programme with each of us reading a short creative piece that we’ve written.
Here’s mine. You can’t escape so easily. 🤭
Do provide critical feedback.
a new problem in Mysore are children riding scooters (two wheelers means motorised) with the obvious dangerous consequences.
A policeman stops three children age twelve on a scooter. Two of them run away (not a lot of respect for the Police) as he’s asking for personal details from the one who’s riding.
The Policeman telephones the father and demands a bribe or he’ll report it aunders an offence. A bribe of 5000Rs is paid. That’s the equivalent of half of someone’s monthly pay.
Bribery and corruption is inherent. Does it have the desired effect of stopping dangerous under-age driving? who knows?
As they would say in Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’
Well I’ve had a few after complaining to Manjula that I’d failed to notice any.
The first major happening was the message delivered by the Dragonfly. I’d hinted enough, not least by having one tattooed onto my shoulder.
She came through, on that one.
Today a brick fell off the wall. This thick one knocked it onto the ground and it broke.
It’s a sign.
So what’s the meaning of this sign? erm…..
Manjula is pissed off with me for not sending a Valentine’s Day message. So she threw the brick at me.
She’s actually gone. As we approach our third wedding anniversary and shortly afterwards the date she slipped through my stubby fingers two sorrowful years ago. Maybe it’s a sign that her soul spirit has found a new home and been reincarnated. It’s a realisation that our attempts to help her move on have worked.
And maybe it’s a crumbling of the wall that’s hemming me in.
Whatever I’ll look on the bright side as this is part of my journey to learn from life’s challenges and realise something or other.
and of course, no matter what she’s still with me….
made me lighter. No not in weight, let’s not go there.
Ragu and his team can be found here
An open mic event at Dreamers Cafe in Mysore great young audience entertained with poetry, singing, guitar, flute, jokes and storytelling.
My very first appearance at an open mic.
Lucie and I are missing the people. The busy household, constant comings and going’s, the jokes, the kindness and our queen.
This helps replace some of the missing energy. Great evening, wonderful people, well organised.
It’s one of those wishing differently days so great to announce more of Manjula’s gifts.
Manjula gave gifts to Divya, Naveen, Tanuja and Jossica.
Driving on a double road this morning a ten month old bullock stepped into the path of my Ambassador
A group quickly developed, as is usual in India.
Satish came to handle the situation. Compensating the owner with 4000 Rs (£40) in theory for the poor bullock’s leg to be fixed up and he to be taken to the old cow’s home.
But I wonder if the owner will just pocket the money and sell the poor bullock to become meat even thought just recently that became illegal.
I’m really sad and sorry.
Today’s messenger rest on a branch of the tree across from my balcony, repeatedly flies away and returns. Sometimes it’s still, at others its chuntering or maybe chewing.
The dragonfly arrives as I’m writing about how we first met to be submitted for a literary competition. I’m happy that this messenger is a reminder that she’s still with me and loves me. It’s taken up residence on the branch. Lucie’s walk will have to wait.
The dragonfly leaves to be replaced by a butterfly flying to me on the balcony.
A few weeks ago, I complained to Manjula that I’d not heard from her. Within days a dragonfly maybe ten times bigger flew into the downstairs hall, circled me three times and landed on Manjula’s pennant.
They get everywhere. Thank you Manjula
Me and MYCycle 