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
Do you speak and write good English and Kannada?
Confident with all sorts of people and good at building relationships?
Experience of social media?
Can bring the woman’s perspective?
Able to challenge and change?
Willing to learn?
This role is open to women, of any age residing in or near Mysore. The successful candidate will be familiar with computers, using social media, writing content and confident with people from different backgrounds with an open attitude and interest in meeting new challenges.
..
Based in Mysore this is an opportunity to work with and assist Stephen. He’s a YIndian, Yorkshire (it’s in England) by birth and Indian by marriage. Together with Manjula, he set up Mysore Bed and Breakfast and MYCycle tours.
Over the next year, he needs help in researching for a book to share their story, publishing and promoting it (mailing list, mailouts, online presence) and other things that will arise depending upon the interests and ability of the person.
This might include: interviewing people and transcribing, researching a locality, writing for the internet, creating an online community linked with Mysore Bed and Breakfast, assisting with other aspects of the business such as the Homestay and cycle tours.
What do you gain?
Recognition of your abilities and experience, learn new things.
It depends on you.
Stephen has a range of experiences and his approach is to learn from each other.
Expenses are covered.
Further details to be negotiated and agreed.
Please note: Manjula is unfortunately no longer physically with us but is, in spirit. The business will continue in her memory but is likely to be closed for most of this year due to the pandemic. If you’re interested to discuss and find out more:
..Contact Stephen on tours@mycycle.co or voice/txt 9886705179
For more details of who they are and what they do:
there’s also presence on Instagram, twitter (meandmycycle) and Trip Advisor (mysore bed and breakfast and mycycle).
Spot the mistakes in this posting and you’ll begin to see how and why he needs help.
If you re interested, here’s more detailed information.
For this to be successful, we share equal responsibility to determine if you have the skills and aptitude, that it’s an appropriate and suitable placement and determine whether we can work together. It’s essential to be absolutely honest and realistic.
Here’s a few ideas of what is required to help you decide if it’s a suitable opportunity for you. Some of it will require you to be present in Mysore
Create an action plan.
A simple initial project: interview a local maid in Kannada, write up the interview, create post in English, link to other postings about maids in India.
Visit our two web sites, Instagram and Twitter, provide a report analysing them, what works, what doesn’t and what you would do to improve their impact and following.
Role, together with Stephen, might include some or all of the following, subject to negotiation and agreement:
What questions do you have? What do you need to know to help you decide if its something you will enjoy, suits your skills and you will learn from?
How will you be able to bring the woman perspective in you’re not a woman?
Can you base yourself in Mysore if you don’t already live here?
What do you want to get out of an internship?
Feel free to contact me with any of your questions.
Stephen
tours@mycycle.co
Me and MYCycle 