The flower would appear each year at this time, carefully nurtured by MAnjula.
Eagerly anticipated, she’d predict what night it would blossom only to fold in on itself by the morning.
A short intense appearance not unlike MAnjula who dramatically changed my life.
It’s all no accident as she radiated the sun herself, through her smile, her presence every inch of her being. Two queens together.
Whatever you want.
Reflective space is Our monthly meeting of young adults to discuss anything of interest.
What a wonderful group of people, with a wide range of experience and interests.
Our special guest was Sarvesh visiting from Australia.
We discussed education, medicine, culture and much more.
We ‘d reconvened after a gap of two months due to me being pre-occupied with school summer holiday and my own holiday to Europe.
Next month our special guest is Maria. We want find out about her and what she does so we expect it will cover women’s empowerment and support for children, as she has experience in those fields.
Meetings will now be held each month.
If you want to join a future meeting write to Stephen at tours@mycycle.co
Kaliyuvamane
A statement from the founder Ananth Kumar
We are very happy that children are enthusiastically flocking around Mr. Rajesh Madhavan, Theatre Director, a product of ‘Ninasam’ – Theatre Institute, who is staying on the campus.
Our sincere gratitude to ‘Nirdiganta’ for opting ‘Kaliyuva Mane’ for their 6 months’ programme, ‘Shala Rangavikasa’ (ಶಾಲಾ ರಂಗವಿಕಾಸ). Hope this will enhance the emotional stability, imagination and expression of children.
Please watch the video:
This is the school Kaveri attends.
It’s providing innovative ways to help the children become more confident and develop competencies to help tackle life’s challenges whilst fulfilling their potential.
It’s a great example of how Kaliyuvamane School has a different approach which goes beyond traditional schooling.
Supported by our guests.
Leaving behind the cloudy dismal weather I’m now exploring English history and beautiful countryside.
All with friends who have visited Mysore Bed and Breakfast over the years.
To meet my queens (both sets)
What’s one of the first things they want to do on my return?
Go for a walk
After a lovely time in Italy with Maria
With plenty of lovely food …
They want pizza….
And presents
I’m so lucky to have them in my life…
“Don’t forget your sun screen and water!”
Maria checks that I’m properly equipped for the day ahead.
Maria first visited Mysore five years ago, a few months after I lost MAnjula.
I’m on my annual trip to the U.K. but Maria had noticed I was coming and sent an invite for me to visit her in Italy
This wonder puts me up at her house, ferries me around, provides simple sophisticated food, takes me on day trips, guides me on walks, introduces me to her fab friends, provides happy insights into her own life and Italianeeeeez.
Maria is a good example of the lovely people that visit Mysore Bed and Breakfast but she’s even more special.
I’m trying to emphasise BK with Kaveri who can quickly tell me what it means: Be Kind.
Well Maria is overflowing with kindness.
Not just in hosting me…
That’s nothing by comparison with the total package …
…. she goes way beyond the stereotypical caring mama … to be a caring precious friend.
She has a social conscience reflected in the life she leads and her work in helping others to flourish through the organisations she sets up and the services they provide. She lives and breaths this throughout her living.
She’ll be revisiting Mysore again in August to undertake training as a yoga teacher and look forward to her becoming Kaveri’s Italian auntie.
I’m honoured to count Maria as an important person in my life, a cherished friend.
Footnote
She claims I photograph her as much as her dad (I think mine capture her essence as I’m certain her dad does) but she’s tolerant and I love that she’s my friend.
….
Thank you Maria for a happy time and the closeness we’ve established. I look forward to more to come.
Love from Stephen.
I’m now in Firenze visiting the incomparable Maria, more later but first to the birds ….
… sharing my second breakfast
It didn’t take too long to attract many new friends
I’ve discovered a riverside cafe: great location, bargain breakfast. It’s a low cost place where the community of all ages (and some foreigners), and especially older people meet, chat, draw, paint, work, support.
No bees were harmed. It was ‘citizen’ research on Greenham Common in south England.
Capturing Drones (male bees no sting) who are looking for queens to mate. We hope to track which hives they are from.
It’s one of many places where Drones congregate, as part of their life’s purpose, to find a queen to mate.
Most are unsuccessful and disappointed.
Of course the odds are stacked against them.
Footnote
Initiated by Stephen Fleming with the help of the Newbury and District Beekeepers’ Association on Greenham Common in South England.
Stephen and Richard, from our team, are editors of the leading U.K. magazine BeeCraft.
Follow the link for more info on beekeeping in the U.K.
I’m visiting friends and family.
The travels in the U.K. have so far included: London, Derbyshire, Yorkshire … next Bath and Trowbridge before a big leap to Italy.
Disability Services included day and residential centres, equipment and adaptations to their homes, WORKLINK to get integrated employment, daily meals, care at home, social work and housing.
I have very fond memories of our time together and the dynamic team we created that made a difference in so many people’s lives.
We were fortunate and known for a programme of work (LEVEL BEST) to be able to involve disabled people in telling us what they wanted from the services leading to a series of innovations, including ….
– information service
– advocates to help people understand and get the services they needed
– community based daytime activities
– integrated housing
– disabled people’s electronic village hall providing access and training to computers
– a shop selling equipment
– accessible transport service to the wider disability community.
…and a conference to pass on our learning to other organisations.
We were a wonderful team, at a special time who found ways to do things differently .
Thanks guys.
Footnote
LEVEL BEST was a campaign of different methods such as: a reference group, market research panels, public meetings, interviews, to involve disabled people in telling us what they wanted from a reorganised public service. It led to a business plan and fundamental reorganisation of the overall service.
After footnote
That was thirty years ago. Unfortunately the money available to provide such services is reduced and demand has increased. Political priorities change. People are however continuing to provide essential services in difficult circumstances.
Me and MYCycle 