Flower power

Manjula adored her flowers.

She …..

…… would thread the garlands since a child to supplement any income.

…… Loved the jasmine growing on our roof and in the drive.

But she saved a special place in her heart for what’s locally called Brahma Kamla but strictly speaking it’s ‘queen of the night’.

She’d excitedly spot the new buds coming through and accurately predict which night it would blossom.

On that night we’d open the back door and be hit by the overpowering aroma. It would be gone by morning

After she died, four years ago, the flowers didn’t appear until this year. Sowbaghya spotted a bud. It’ll flower as we approach what would have been her 50th birthday.

The flower is now featured on a tattoo on my shoulder and in a portrait of Manjula in our upstairs hall (lounge).

Check this out.

New thing for Memory of Manjula

Please turn away now if you are of a nervous disposition. Alternatively you may wish not to visit our story site if you faint at the sight of blood or have strong feelings about body ‘art’.

Queen of the night, Brahma Kamal

Jasmin garland

Jasmin that grows on our terrace

Yes, that’s right. Old man gets marked again. They all have significance. Grand revealing next week!

They are Flowers that Manjula loved and celebrated.

Manjula would rush in with the beautiful smelling Jasmin fresh from our roof terrace or excitedly predict which night the Queen (check here for more info) also known in India as Brahma Kamal, would break out.

From a young age and when she first started working for me (yes SHE WAS Originally the maid) Manjula would tie garlands of Jasmin for sale by the roadsides.

Stephen with the artist the FourthCup aka Vanessa in Vancouver helping recognise fond memories

Ol, one of my wonderful sons with Hibiscus and Marigold a little example of our India flowers to leave behind in Vancouver