Category: Life in India

You know who you are.

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Friends, Romans, Countrymen .

Welcome

No it’s not another posting about Shakespeare or Caesar —- it’s about a different inspiration —-

Manjula

As we approach the anniversary of Manjula’s partial departure five years ago (she is of course very much with us) I want to remember her beautiful wonderfulness and recall the good we’ve done together, in her name.

And so it’s also about you: ‘Manjula’s Kind’ friends who have given cash or help-in-kind or moral support to help me through the grief gravy and to take action.

Amongst these are (please follow the links for more information):

– granite benches and garden in our nearby park in Siddarthanagar in partnership with the MCC

-creativity days for 40 visually impaired young women, 

– five events/workshops at Kaliyuvamane, (a ‘free/alternative school) for 100 children, there’s many mentions on our sites, here’s two … 1 and 2

One of our creativity days, this one facilitated by Antoinette.

– sponsoring a young girl who now attends Kaliyuvamane. The famous Kaveri who’s peppered throughout our sites and dominates my life.

– donating cycles

And many more actions 

Thank you so much

Stephen

With Manjula

New discoveries.

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After a cycle tour I sometimes meander (MAnjula would call it a ‘rounding’ ) through the countryside exploring new places.

After today’s tour with Anni and Sankar I passed through Channahalli, one of my favourite villages, rediscovering another trail only to stumble across newly painted sculptures.

Crazy colours which usually seem to be the original stone colour, they caught my eye.

They’re ‘hero’ stones often a strip of three images. The hero in battle, the celebration afterwards and Pooja to god, usually shiva.

Fab

Midweek visitor.

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It was my day at school but Kaveri had tooth ache. So it became a trip to the dentist.

One tooth removed, followed by a visit to see grandmother and ‘sister’ Radhika and a special treat of ice cream.

The family work as ‘watchman’ on construction sites. It’s how I first met kaveri as they looked after a site opposite mysore bed and breakfast for years.
The nine year old becomes a teenager.

Off she goes

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I often joke about our very own version of ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ Hollywood movie with in our case the old white guy driving the beautiful MAnjula on her ‘rounding.’

Well she’s off to be rejuvenated.

What colour will be revealed in March?

Delayed.

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Christmas gift giving was delayed as Kaveri and I were otherwise engaged on the day itself.

We combined it with my birthday on New Years Eve and Sowbaghya created a lovely day.

Great to feel the love of friends here and away and to share special time with Kaveri.

Great conversations.

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I collected Kav from school to visit the dentist, followed by a treat and a shopping trip.

I have no control

I love our conversations. Her English is developing at a pace.

This week we discussed: ‘I’m being positive not negative’. I’m not sure where that came from — probably from one of mother hen nags.

Separately.. Coming of age, old man (grandad/dad) ‘going round the houses’ eggs, mammals, babies, pregnancy, (not too much detail mind) eventually using the local term ‘date’ only for madam to say: ‘you mean period.’ I’ve so much to learn