A dense forest lies before me Let’s venture deep within ….
#roksanatales
It was my birthday, 2nd September. I’m currently visiting London. On my birthday, we decided to head into the Epping forest to enjoy the scenery and take a long walk deep inside. I am drawn to these kinds of natural settings and often find myself immersed in them, savoring the tranquility and spaciousness of such an enchanting landscape.
I miss you here and everywhere ….
The Epping Forest District, rich in history and character, offers beautiful green spaces perfect for a short getaway. It’s a surprising gem near London with plenty of places to eat, drink, and enjoy local events. The area serves as a scenic link between London and Essex, delighting visitors with its many attractions. With every visit, you’ll find more than you expected.
So, why not explore it for yourself, just a short journey from the city?
.
.
.
A birthday cake thrown by my littlest nephew. He calls me Amy Aunty
P.S. Is anyone from my WordPress friends living in London right now? I’ll be here till October 18th.
Who knew her heart could awaken once more, after years of quiet silence, When she believed love was a season past, a chapter closed?
Yet here it was, blooming again like spring after a long winter …
On their third meeting, wandering through a flower shop, His words bloomed around her, “What is your favorite flower? I want to buy it for you!”
Her eyes widened, a breath caught in surprise Someone cared to ask about such a small, unimportant matter like a favorite flower!
In that moment, The petals of her heart unfurled, As if touched by the morning sun’s first gentle rays … She felt The warmth of being truly seen The sweetness of being loved and The softness of being deeply cared for …
She is blooming once again having her favourite flower from her beloved after a long winter of her little life …
John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Right at this moment, the love that you receive, the moment that you cherish, the joy that you find, – all of these may change in the blink of an eye. Instead of taking things for granted, value what you have right now and make the most of every moment …
It’s okay to feel lost or not be okay at times. You don’t owe anything to your younger self, but you do owe everything to who you are now. I do believe that true wealth comes from new experiences, not from material possessions.
The most beautiful things in life are found in nature, laughter, kindness, love, and in embracing your imperfections and freedom. If you don’t take the time to reflect and listen, you might miss the world’s subtle hints about who you truly are.
Gratitude has a way of transforming your perspective. The more grateful you are, the more beauty you notice around you, and the more generous and fulfilling life becomes.
How often do you take a moment to truly appreciate the simple, beautiful things around you?
She’s the kind who clings like ivy, Wrapping herself around that feels warm, loved and right … And She’s the one if shattered like glass Wrap herself in a blanket as dark and deep as the ocean’s depths …
This is the finger I injured four months ago, now wearing a ring on it again after so long. This finger was fractured in an accident. I can’t bend it properly or grip well anymore.
I’ve followed the doctor’s instructions and even undergoing physiotherapy, which is still ongoing.
It’s a bit swollen (still swollen while writing) but otherwise fine. As the swelling persists, the finger is becoming increasingly stiff and challenging to move.
Initially I was heartbroken because I couldn’t take it that I can never bend my finger like before. I used to cry for this. I had mental trauma from my pain. I used to hurt myself trying to bend it in different ways and was so hard on myself that it would hurt more later on. I was patient in taking the medication and physiotherapy that included the wax therapy also.
Lately, I often feel unsettled. when I can’t grip the handlebar of my cycle with my left hand and I would become too sentimental about this unfortunate incident.
Well, I had had two major operation in my life so far. Always I hated operation and I had to face those nightmares. Even I experienced terrible car accident. But I survived by the grace of Almighty and didn’t fractured any parts of my body. But never ever I felt so helpless now that I see my stiff ring finger just like this without motion, without emotion, with only a rough feeling.
Just reflecting that sometimes accidents happen beyond our control, and even after we take care of the injury, the pain may persist for long or never goes away for a long long time …
And when your heart breaks, then you may not get back your whole heart again. It already has lots of holes from the breaking. Can we repair our hearts with the Japanese method of Kintsugi by giving us a new heart with gold?
Just asking!
#roksanatales
.
.
.
.
Kintsugi, also known as kintsukuroi, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The method is similar to the maki-e technique. (Wikipedia)
As you know Kintsugi inspires us to embrace our flaws and accept them as a part of life.
I’m also accepting it as a part of my life with grace and love. Also these days I’m feeling that my Almighty had a plan for this happenings, so that I experienced something unusual out of this accident of fractured finger. Now I’m preparing for doing Kintsugi on it to make it flawsome.
Tell me, how do you take care of the pain that’s unavoidable, uncontrollable, and untreatable?
I hope this letter finds you well. As Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” With that in mind, I wanted to share some important reminders—lessons I’ve learned and wisdom I’ve gathered over time …
First, remember that happiness isn’t just a destination; it’s the journey itself. Think of each moment as a precious gem to be savored. Immerse yourself in what you love, whether it’s painting a vivid canvas, losing yourself in a good book, tending to your garden, or enjoying the company of friends. Don’t hold back. Learn the practice of “wabi-sabi.” While wabi-sabi primarily focuses on finding beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life, it also emphasizes appreciating simple, everyday moments. Appreciate more of your self-care and personal expression. Dress in your favorite outfits, experiment with makeup, or enjoy a pampering session as a way to celebrate yourself and find joy in small, delightful ways. Embrace and cherish the present moment …
Don’t overthink. Eliminate self-doubt and self-criticism. Don’t ever think you’re not enough; you are enough, just as you are. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Don’t let negative thoughts take root in your mind. Instead, focus on starting a skincare routine, eating healthy meals, maintaining regular exercise or yoga, and taking care of your personal hygiene. Remember, your brain and body are closely linked; when one suffers, the other often does too …
My dear, do you laugh often? Laughter is a reflection of our inner state of being, so let it flow freely. Find that spark that lights up your eyes. Be passionate about something—whether it’s a hobby, a project, playing an instrument, exploring nature, or even just a ride all on your own …
Seek connection and company. Share your joys, sorrows, and daily happenings with the right people. Building and nurturing these relationships is essential for your well-being. The support and understanding of others can provide strength and perspective in difficult times. But also never ever let anyone tell you otherwise or bring you down …
Read as many books as you can, starting from a young age. As George R.R. Martin said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” Reading will enrich your life and make the most of your time in the best possible ways …
Please darling don’t forget to walk daily, move, run, or dance, for ‘to keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.'” – Buddha
You have the power to create a beautiful life for yourself. Embrace every opportunity to grow, learn, and love. You’ve got this. The time is now to be bold about who you are. Hold no regrets. Try more things. Cross some lines. It won’t matter to anyone. Love yourself as you are. And remember, you are always beautiful, kind, and worthy of being loved, cared for, and respected.
Consider Oprah Winfrey’s journey. Despite facing significant challenges and adversities in her early life, she embraced every opportunity for growth and learning, ultimately becoming one of the most influential and successful figures in the world. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s true self. As she often says, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
You’ll discover a unique happiness that comes from simply living and enjoying everyday, mundane pleasures. Imagine a painter who, after years of searching for inspiration in grand landscapes, finally finds true joy in capturing the simple beauty of a sunlit kitchen, a blooming garden, or the quiet streets of their neighborhood. Their art reflects the contentment found in everyday moments, illustrating how the ordinary can bring profound happiness.
Love deeply and passionately. Someone unique will come into your life. He won’t possess the conventional markers of success you once thought were essential in a partner. On your first date, he might give you a ride home on the handlebars of his bike because he doesn’t have a car and can’t afford to rent one. But don’t worry about these. Rather you may find that he’s incredibly funny, intelligent, and has remarkable integrity.
And lastly, be funny, kind, empathetic, caring, and respectful. Be vulnerable. Wouldn’t you agree that these qualities make life richer and more fulfilling?
You warm my heart, Roksana
#roksanatales
A letter to the younger self
The few coloring, drawings, paintings that I enjoyed doing in this July
However, no matter how old you are, there’s always something to learn from any moment or from anyone who is an integral part of your life right now. Learn what you can from those you admire and most importantly from the walk of your own life and apply it in real sense as much as possible ….
In my dreams, I glimpsed you, A shadow calling my name From a distant place … I walked far ahead In a sea of chaos Surrounded by countless faces I turned around Aware of your voice Yet you remained unseen …
In my dreams, I found you Amidst a chaotic storm You searched for me Worried if I get lost Where would you find me? You sent your words to me And I replied with mine But it was never quite enough Everything remained hazy in the dreams …
In my dreams, I glimpsed you on a distant path While I wandered through your city A stranger to its streets Unaware of my arrival You found my words and raced to me By your trusted companion Eager for me to join your ride …
In my dreams, I saw you there With your handsome looks, so debonair While my long black hair did shine We glided on the lake so fine … It led us to a grand palace; there We roamed like King and Queen While you remained in silence deep I felt a restlessness for your voice …
I cannot tell How long I’ll dream of you But for now, it brings me joy To find you in my dreams … Though you seem distant I long for the dreams each night Waking at dawn’s first light Renewed, beginning My day with you in my heart …
#roksanatales
.
.
.
.
Do you see dreams?
What makes you dream about a certain person?
What if you never met someone and still you see them in your dreams!
I think it’s such a poignant acceptance of the joy found in the dreams of someone dear, even as they remain a transient part of the dreams, offering solace and renewal as the day begins …
She walked slowly, But now she walks even slower …
She talked freely with the right person, But now She barely talks at all …
She mingled happily with her best friend, But now She avoids everyone …
She expressed herself openly, But now She keeps everything inside …
She used to dream of the stars But now She barely looks at the sky …
She used to dance in the rain But now She stays inside, dry …
She used to laugh with abandon But now Her smiles are rare and shy …
She used to sing her heart out But now Her voice is just a whisper …
She used to chase after adventures But now She hesitates to even try …
She used to believe in magic But now Her wonder seems to die …
She lost her beloved, her heart’s anchor, Now she drifts, untethered and forlorn …
Grief has woven shadows in her days, And joy, once bright, feels tattered and torn …
#roksanatales
.
.
Ya’ Aburnee/ arabic (n.) lit. ‘may you bury me’ a declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person because of how unbearable it would be to live without them
all about nothing of sounds, spoken softly or loudly, with passion or anger … all about nothing of jealousies, forgiveness, tears and fears … all about nothing of the secrets whispering through the wind and the joy within …
all about nothing of opening hearts and minds headed in the magnificent magic of colors around … all about nothing of music of the breeze, windmill, piano, and hidden in paintings … all about nothing of gems, precious gold, silver, fruit and bushes of colorful hues … all about nothing of writing with grace and unwritten words with day dreaming state … all about nothing of a promise that is meant to be and not meant to be … all about nothing of relief from each itching and holding on to a belief … all about nothing of the reasons in wonderment and in ecstasy … all about nothing of never to be heard and of never to be seen … all about nothing of an angel kiss, as calming as the stars … all about nothing of longing to be nourished and cherished … all about nothing of reaching high and climbing mountains … all about nothing of connection, attachments and non-attachments … all about nothing of love and a sense of belonging …
all about nothing of a new gravity and definition … all about nothing of fine vine yards and forest all about nothing of desired and undesired … all about nothing of noise and quietness … all about nothing of facts and mystery … all about nothing of prose and poetry …
all about nothing of cause and cure … all about nothing of time and space … all about nothing of weak and odds … all about nothing of lost and found … all about nothing of earth and sea … all about nothing of far and near … all about nothing of something and everything that my breaths care as a poet all the while … that there is all about something for everything as becoming you, as becoming me …
As there’s no clue… When we never knew if it were true … We come and go, we stare and it’s comfortably warm … And we just have nothing- it makes and remakes us whole, When it’s all about nothing, it’s the everything
#roksanatales
.
.
.
.
I’m sorry if your head is exploding reading ‘all about nothing’ here!
Sometimes, things that seem meaningless or nonsensical still occur. In this world, it appears that nothing is impossible, and this has been proven time and again …
I love the name Roksana and Sana a lot … the meaning suggests something related to stars and then again I love the whole universe a lot too💫
Roksana/رقصنا r(u)-ksa-na, ruk-sana\ is a variant of Roxanne(Persian), and the meaning, literally is ‘Luminous Beauty’, nd loosely ‘The Dawn’
Sana/سناء/साना means ‘radiance’ in Arabic. From Hindi origins, Sana means ‘to gleam’ or ‘to shine’✨ The name reminds them to never dim their light. It translates to ‘brilliant’ and ‘praise’ also
However, some call me Ruksana (رقصنا) as pronounced in Arabic language. My family and my few school friends call me by my other nickname from my childhood which I don’t adore much, so I don’t use at all … I prefer introducing myself as ‘Roksana Amelia’ …
‘Sana’ is a cute sweet name that I’ve recently grown to love, and someone said that it’s a cute little name just like me, (that made me happy) and often I wish to keep it as my beloved nickname …
And there my artist name is Roksana Amelia. I took the name Amelia from Amelia Earhart, one of the most famous American pilots. She is the first woman to fly solo and nonstop across the United States, among other accomplishments. One day I watched ‘Amelia’ – a biographical film based on her life, and I was so inspired and during that phase of the Pandemic 2020, I started my painting journey, and I felt it’s something that I really love- and it seems like impossible also. There I found inspiration from the film Amelia, and I snapped it in my mind to use as an artist, So that’s the inspiration behind Roksana Amelia. And I mentioned it in the brochure of my first painting exhibition …
Amelia/ ə-MEE-lee-ə a name perfectly suited to them who approach life with a desire to do their best
My name carries various meanings for different people. I’ve been told it is beautiful. I’ve come to understand that names carry certain expectations, and with a name like Roksana Amelia, people might anticipate someone both distant and distinct …
What matters most is what my name means to me. It took me years to understand that a name can be both a source of alienation and belonging. Having a unique name as a child often meant trying to fit in while feeling different. I loved the name Roksana a lot, then I remember wishing my nickname were different, a short cute name instead of the nickname that I’ve for years. Though I understand that my family and friends love the ‘me’ behind the name they call me, not just the name itself.
And I’ve been given some cute names by my nieces and nephews. My littlest nephews call me Aunt Amy and other elder nephews call me Shimmer, Shimama, Shimapata😊. My father adorably calls me ‘Ma Shi Ma’. Some call me RA, Rok as well- and I understand that they shorten the name to express their love and care through those names. And I wear Hijab🧕🏻, so I’m sometimes Ninja. In the past, if anyone called me Roksy, I would politely say, “Please, do not call me by that name.” However, I’ve fallen in love with this name, mainly because of the affection I receive when it is used. It’s interesting how a name you once disliked can grow on you due to the way others cherish it. Eventually, it starts to carry a sense of grandeur and significance of its own.
It’s only in my adulthood that I began to understand the significance of my name. I encourage any new people to call me as Roksana. I think I have embraced the meaning of this name quite gracefully, wearing it with pride to honor, celebrate and respect whoever I’m with it …
Tell me, who are you with your name?
Or tell me, if people say, ‘What’s in a name? A name is a name is just a name’, what would you say to them?
Nepal, I will always remember you. The experience was so surreal, it delved deep into my heart, making my soul feel the innocent emotions and pain more profoundly that I never imagined I would feel …
Wherever I went, I sensed the presence and warmth of a far away land; I feel that presence flowing through the bloodstreams of my heart. I long for the warmth, fully aware that I am that warmth; to meet the one and merge into unity, to grasp another’s essence within my soul, to see myself reflected in the light of my soulmate. I keep searching only to realize that this beautiful quest is what makes my journey so special. Once the search is over, I will be in eternal despair … So, isn’t this better?
Visiting the mandirs, temples, and stupas made the experience even more fascinated, as I never forgot to pray there. This is quite unusual for me, and I’m not exaggerating, even if it might sound that way …
I realize I love the life I lead, mainly because of my childlike curiosity, carefree nature, sense of humour, deep emotions, enthusiasm, hopefulness, creativity and the immense attraction I feel for the Mother Nature that’s innate in my heart, and the special love that comes from my little heart is the one that meets with The One who roots me with this knowledge that
I’m nothing and everything; I’m attached and detached; I’m wild and I’m calm; I’m possessive and sacred;
Anyways, after the Nepal trip, I’m a bit under the weather from unknown allergies. Moreover I mistakenly attempted some crazy yoga asanas 🧘 on my own to celebrate International Yoga Day (ha ha ha). It wasn’t the wisest decision, but trust me, all my decisions are good ones so far! You just don’t know it yet. Perspective and time matter…
Keep sending good energy and blessings on my way. Keep Sana in prayers!
child of nature; wild, unpredictable yet beautiful, caring and selfless
Humepenthe/ made up (n.) someone who makes you forget your pain and sorrow; someone with whom you forget all your worries ….
Eid Mubarak to you All …
I’m taking a trip in Nepal now! So today on Eid Day, I went to the Australian Base Camp; It’s about 2100 meter above sea level to the north Pokhara in Annapurna region of Nepal. It was such an amazing experience. I always know I’m a child of nature …
My me-time would be about being in and around nature …
Nature is wild, unpredictable yet beautiful, caring, and selfless!
So you are!
To me …
Wishing you good health, happiness and peace in heart. Ameen
I believe in being strong, A pillar amidst the chaos, unyielding and fierce …
#roksanatales
Frozen moments tell half-truths
Interestingly I was very heartbroken just before taking this picture but after all the tantrums and tears from being over emotional that I’m, I walked by the sea shore, picked up some seashells and talked with just some kids playing on the beach, and only after doing all these, my tantrums were over and I started to feel beautiful, and smiling again …
Oh! The trauma of watching me in tears is always a little scary thing to the people who love me because I’m ugly in tears. Some look still so beautiful in tears, don’t you think so?
However, in my case I feel it’s more important for me that everyone knows that I’m still so much more than all the emotional baggage I carry from time to time and more than all the bad things that I might have been facing myself … .
By the way, it was a very silly matter for which I was being emotional fiercely 🥷🏻
Feeling things fiercely is not a bad thing, right?
and if the sky falls from heaven above oh, i know i had the best time falling into love we’ve been living on a fault line and for a while, you were all mine i’ve spent a lifetime giving you my heart i swear that i’ll be yours forever till forever falls apart’ …
this whole video just makes me so happy …
the free flowing dance, music, lyrics, and the wind in it ….
A tender heart treads softly There at Taj Mahal … And the marble gleams bright On her … As she wears a young love – Endlessly searching through timeless steps …
#roksanatales
Suddenly, I can’t quite understand why I wanted those shoes so much …
I still love the shoes I wore that day, and I remember the feeling of walking around in it. It was our first trip abroad—just the three sisters, our brother, and our parents. We sisters were fond of this type of Lehenga, which was very popular at the time. So, I chose one and matched it with the perfect shoe. We bought these in Kolkata (Calcutta) and traveled from there to Delhi, then Agra, Jaipur, and other places.
On that day, we chose to wear this attire specifically for our visit to the Taj Mahal. It was such a beautiful day—I still remember it vividly. We got ready to see the Taj Mahal in person, wearing our special outfits. My jewelry consisted only of earrings and a watch. In our youth, we didn’t need any makeup, and we three sisters looked stunning in our attire. I still remember how much my father loved our outfits and took great care of us. He made sure we all took pictures in front of the Taj just like this.
Needless to say, I felt incredibly elegant in my own skin—beautiful, serene, warm, and quiet.
I was a very quiet girl back then—so quiet that my close ones used to call me ‘Dead Beauty.’
You cannot save anyone. You can be present with them, offer your groundedness, your sanity, your peace. You can even share your path with them, offer your perspective. But you cannot take away their pain. You cannot walk their path for them. You cannot give answers that are right for them, or even answers they can digest right now. They will have to find their own answers.
There once was a curious soul Wondering how your days roll What activities fill your time … It’s something she often wonders about … Completely immersed in the moment
#roksanatales
When I’m happy, either I sing or I paint. when I’m very happy I do both 😊
A university degree, four books, and hundreds of articles and I still make mistakes when reading, You write to me “good morning” and I read it as, “I love you” …
Desires unmet, dreams fade Yet, gratitude fills the heart Finding joy in what we have …
#roksanatales
Discovering happiness doesn’t always involve fulfilling your desires.; it’s about cherishing what you already possess and expressing gratitude for it …
Finding Joy in life’s simple yet priceless pleasures, like
-relishing solitude at home -preparing homemade meals -writing letters in such era of emojis and instant messaging -engaging in agenda less conversations with loved ones -spreading joy with smiles and laughter -lighting fragrant candles -tending to plants, and -expressing ‘I love you’ selflessly and unconditionally -coming back to home by walking and appreciating the friendly neighbourhood and the beautiful surroundings with greenery and flower blossoming
And many more of such things ….
Please do share some of your small moments in which you find joy ….
I reconnected with that girl anew – Who once embraced life fully … Who danced with every step and radiated joy Whose eyes were some sunflowers, blooming And whose soul ignited fireworks, dazzling …
I played music for that girl again … In hopes that its melody would ignite her spirit within Creating a haven for her to emerge from the shadows And dance once more under the stars …
Knowing that she would find solace within these moments With each sunset painted in hues of gold And each gentle breeze whispering Through the trees …. I hoped to create a sanctuary where she could feel safe enough to reveal herself once again …
Deep within, I felt her presence stirring, A flicker of recognition amidst the silence … Longing for my kindness and effort that shimmered with possibility I vowed to nurture her return To guide her back into the light Where she rightfully belonged .. She belonged to the poetry within her …
#roksanatales
Little Roksana
The pic is from the archive of memories of a young girl; another of her mirror image. She was travelling by train, from Kolkata to Delhi ….
On this day, he reflected, “I recall she used to attend her prayers for Jumma day.” …
On this day, she reminisced, “I recall he would probably meet the girl.” …
Today, he worried, “She has been feeling a bit unwell. Will she still be able to go to the mosque for her prayers? Perhaps she should rest today. Will she ever heed my advice?” …
Today, she pondered, “When will he meet the girl? Will it be in the evening? That would be preferable. It’s quite hot outside today; they might not feel comfortable meeting in such humidity. I hope their meeting goes well.” …
Despite feeling unwell again, she went to the mosque for Jumma prayer, then in the evening she prayed for him before falling asleep …
In the evening, he met the girl, and they enjoyed their time together, discussing their future life …
Throughout all this time, they remember their memories, Yet they never announce their presence, Simply flowing directly into their hearts …
#roksanatales
I appreciate your prayers for me.
Tell me if there’s anything else you wish to put in this story ….
…
Gunnen/ dutch (n.) to find happiness in someone else’s happiness because that’s how much you love them …
His presence lingers always In thoughts, he resides …
#roksanatales
When will I be able to let go of the enchanting pull of Kashmir, with its grand mountains and stunning scenery? I believe I’m entirely in love with it.
Discovering happiness and serenity along the path and journey ….
Have you ever visited a place that lingers in your mind long after you’ve left?
A self-portrait captured In the window’s reflection … Streets refreshed, cars in repose, As the breeze sweeping by … Your absence is there deep within, Even in the hustle of life … A smile graces my lips in this bustling race Thinking of you …. Contemplating …. Life carries me well forward With an unconditional love for you …
#roksanatales
Agape/ greek (n.) The highest form of love. Selfless, sacrificial and unconditional love; persists no matter the circumstance …
Roksana Tales 