Category: our story

How long will I love you?

SFLeave a comment

My friend Zetta posted about a funeral today Where they played: How long will I love you? Sung by Ellie Goulding. So I listened to it

Today, before a small piano concert at a friends house here in Mysore I was introducing Manjula to a few more people.

Yes, I’ll introduce Manjula anywhere and everywhere. I was talking about the new garden we were creating to help celebrate her.

I explained that it’s over two years ago that she died, sometimes that feels a long time ago, others as if it was yesterday.

I know there is no limit to my unconditional everlasting love and liked the song.

…

How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I can
How long will I need you?
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan

How long will I be with you?
As long as the sea is bound to
Wash up on the sand

How long will I want you?
As long as you want me to
And longer by far
How long will I hold you?
As long as your father told you
As long as you can

How long will I give to you?
As long as I live through you
However long you say

How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I may

How long will I love you?
As long as stars are above you

Yes, it’s forever, in this life and any others. 🌞

I found her

SF1 Comment

Exactly two years ago I appealed for Cinderella.

Manjula had some beautiful shoes but her feet were so tiny finding someone they would fit was a real challenge.

Well I’ve found another Cinderella, or at least a lovely young woman who also has teeny feet.

It’s so fitting (ha ha) that the artist who has connected so well with MAnjula and now painted two beautiful portraits should be the one to take her shoes.

I’m so pleased to find this happy solution.

Farrell Factoid

It’s taken two years as most Indian women don’t have such teeny feet.

My feet are also quite small at six and a half, not that anyone has ever offered me small shoes. 🤭

A day in the park

SF2 Comments

Preparing the ground for a project in the park opposite our house at Mysore Bed and Breakfast.

Satish MyCycle Director and project manager recruited the team and supervised the work without getting his hands dirty.

Even the monkeys were entertained but not by my stories.

Thanks guys, great job

Planting next week with the advice of Tanuja and the gardeners.

It’s all for you know who…

After life?

SFLeave a comment

I’m now coming to the end of draft three of our story. There’s still a loooong way to go but thought I’d share something.

As a Hindu Manjula believed in reincarnation so it’s one area I’ve researched and found incredibly interesting.

For more details from me you’ll need to wait for the book or in the meantime check some of the resources I’ve listed here. The books are available in Manjula’s library.

There’s a great series on NETFLIX

Or check out this podcast

One of the many effects of finding and temporarily losing Manjula is to push me to reflect, and learn with an open heart. Thanks Manj.

Manjula’s Messengers

SF5 Comments

Last night I completed chapter eight of our story Full Full (working title), of draft three (with many more to come) it was particularly difficult to work on, as it related the story of her last year. In some ways it also helped.

This morning I was outside our house, sitting on a stone slab bench, beneath our wonderful strong shading tree. I was waiting for my neighbour, for our morning cycle.

A friend came along

It was a messenger from Manjula to reveal she knew what I was doing, supported me and sent her love.

It’s a red eye butterfly.
It continued with me for over six kilometres, as I cycled
Another messenger from MAnjula

With critical timing.

On Facebook this MAnjula Memory popped up from our last visit to England four years ago.

I’ve had a few messengers now.

Equally impressive was the circling dragonfly and even pretty moths get in on the act.

Snakes and termites

SF1 Comment

On our MYcycle tour of srirangapatnam guests are intrigued by the termite hills converted into desirable ac accommodation.

There’s always signs of Pooja around the main hill we pass near the site of the fourth war of mysore.

This column from the ‘Star of Mysore’ explains more

It’s not Irish…

SFLeave a comment

We’re famous for our coffee here in South India.

As someone who is neither a coffee or whisky drinker I was intrigued to discover Classic’s Whisky barrel-aged Coffee from Harley’s Coffee Estate.

What an interesting idea. I needn’t have worried. It’s an intriguing taste and aroma which I immediately liked.

Once we’ve reopened Mysore Bed and Breakfast after the pandemic we’ll introduce this great innovation to our guests from around the world.

We know they’ll love it combined with our range of teas and coffees to enhance our reputation for great breakfasts.

Garden explodes.

SFLeave a comment

I think it’s safe to say our garden is looking healthy. Manjula would be so impressed and proud.

It’s not only the plants… The numbers and sounds of the birds from early in the morning is wonderful and we’ve added three Bul Bul babies from the nests in our hidden garden.