Grace

Ah, my heart is full of love for you –
By the lakeside, the wind whispers softly
White swans glide silently, a harmony ….
Their grace speaks of love without words
As they move, side by side, in quiet understanding
Ah, my heart is full of love for you –

I♥️

Round Pond, Kensington Gardens, London

Returning

Returning to the mountains of Nepal
There I hear a quiet prayer …
The air holds stories, and
The peaks remind me of something higher,
A kind of majestic, and mysterious power
Something beyond words
As devotion follows me ever since
Through its valleys and winds …

Lord Shiva before the Himalayas, a breathtaking view at the Pumdikot Shiva Statue (Pokhara, Nepal

I see myself as a simple soul. I find joy in the little things, waking up to a humble breakfast, like a cup of tea, honey, a handmade roti (tortilla), vegetables with chilli and mustard seeds, and then spending unhurried time with loved ones, talking about the weather, some chores or sewing clothes, or something as small as jotting a note on a postcard. I’m content to sit with a few old coins, letting them clink together, or to play a tune on the harmonium, untrained, yet somehow it’s music to those dear to me …

That’s who I’m, a simple person at heart. Some don’t understand why I’m drawn to the mountains and valleys, places where life flows quietly, unhurried and unadorned. The people there live differently from those in the city; they don’t complicate life or chase after recognition, wealth, or fame. They are content just as they are, in a way that’s extraordinary without needing to say so. For me, smelling a flower feels like magic, extraordinary in its simplicity. To most, it may seem ordinary, but to me and those mountain souls, it’s everything …

One day, I dream of living in the mountains, waking each morning to their towering presence all around. The sun would rise over them, its rays meeting my face, bathing me in a warm glow of golden light. I’d be shining in that bright yellow, wouldn’t I? Tell me …

Can I also live there with your name permanently? As going back to the mountains would feel like an act of devotion, a fulfillment of a promise, leaving me with a heart softened and at peace …

(NB: I wasn’t sure about the title of this post. So I felt to take the first word that it’s started. I hope it’s fine)

🤷‍♀️

Finding Happiness Within

You’re going to realize it one day that happiness was never about your job, or your degree, or being in a relationship. Happiness was never about following in the footsteps of all of those who came before you, it was never about being like the others

One day, you’re going to see it that happiness was always about the discovery, the hope, the listening to your heart and following it wherever it chose to go. Happiness was always about being kinder to yourself, it was always about embracing the person you were becoming

One day, you will understand that happiness was always about learning how to live with yourself, that happiness was never in the hands of other people. It was always about you. It was always about you

Bianca Sparacino

.

.

.

Now tell me,
What brings you genuine happiness?
How do you nurture joy within yourself?
What does it mean to feel truly at peace inside?
How do you define a content and fulfilled inner self?
What practices help you cultivate lasting happiness from within?

Wow, so many questions! But I really do love asking them, and even more, I enjoy hearing your responses …

La Vie Continue

I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it”

Harry Emerson Fosdick

Meanwhile

Surprise others with change
Let them see a new side …
Become someone unexpected
And watch them rethink your story …

Let them blink in awe
At the change they missed …
You, now far from who you were
La vie continue, in anyways
Always ….

🤷‍♀️

Tell me, wouldn’t life lose its magic if we understood it all?

.

.

.

La Vie Continue/ french
(phr.) “‘life goes on’

Gunnen

Love asks for nothing …
In silence, strength grows within
Heart vast, yet unseen

Tell me about your favourite story

A person’s capacity for love and emotional depth is immense, but it may not be outwardly visible or recognized by others. But someone can hold deep feelings and a profound emotional state within themselves, even if those feelings are not acknowledged or reciprocated. There’s strength and richness of such unexpressed emotions and it only deepens quietly over time …

What do you think?

.

.

.

Gunnen/ ductch
(n.) to find happiness in someone else’s happiness because that’s how much you love them …

Kaash / كاش/ काश

Kaash hum aapke dost ban pateAapki batein sunteAapne dil ke sunateChai pe charcha karkeJadon ki dophar bitate.Gar baat no kuch rozTo ghar wale bhi …

Kaash / كاش/ काश

Ahh! That longing for a deep, meaningful friendship, where conversations flow effortlessly, and even silence over time raises concern. It’s a heartfelt desire for connection and the warmth of shared moments …

“I wish I could become your friend,
Listening to your stories,
Sharing the ones from my heart,
Discussing over tea,
Spending winter afternoons together …
If there’s no talk for a few days,
Even the family starts to question.
I wish I could become your closest friend”

But is that kind of bond ever truly within reach?

Kaash!

.

.

.

.

Interestingly I was having tea while sharing this beautiful piece by one of my favourite blogger and as a person, she’s amazing, true, and kind. I love her blog and I adore the name of her blog

Pretences Still learning the ropes

I hope you would love too!

It’s Strange

A heart pulled by tides unseen,
Each farewell an ache that deepens
A love held quietly in the spaces between
Always departing, yet never rescinding

It’s strange how you can miss someone so deeply, yet to care for them, you must continually say goodbye …

But how do you let go without losing them entirely?

Universe Between Us

I wanted to talk with you
To tell you everything, and my life
What happens in a day …
Only it fills my heart with joy
To share all that I hold inside …

I don’t share much with others,
It’s only you who stirs this feeling

I wanted to talk with you
To know you as well
To ask how your days go by,
What happens in your world?
What books do you read?
What movie do you love to watch?
What dress do you wear when you run in the morning?
What food do you eat?
How do you sleep?
Do you snore?
Do you like your job, or do you dream of another life? Do you love flowers? Do you love fruits? – I do
But I don’t know anything about you …

But I wanted to know
Do you prefer yellow or white?
Do you sneeze in the dust,
Or catch colds often? Just like me!
Do you breathe in the stillness of nature,
Or find peace in the city’s noise? – Oh, no!

I love nature, you know?
I’m a child of the earth, through and through
I wanted to share this with you
And so much more – quite vulnerable, right?

But you see, I don’t share much with others
It’s only you who draws this from me
But you wouldn’t believe me, would you?
It pains me to be this honest
But it’s alright, I suppose
How could you believe me
When you hardly know me
And I haven’t truly known you either?

Isn’t it a tragedy of the universe
That if it understood the misery
Of your absence from my life
It might never have placed us
On separate lands?

And how can we ever know one another like this?
Still, I wanted to share my whole universe with you
Do you ever want the same? Or you want the universe between us?

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil

Do I look like a South Indian in any way? A long time ago, when I was in university, some Indian classmates mentioned that I had the features of a South Indian woman. Sometimes I used to wear sarees back then, and maybe that added to the perception. I’m not entirely sure what specific features they were referring to, but I do know that sarees are one of my favourite attires, I feel so liberated when I wear one and as it’s said ‘The saree’s grace, like the South Indian woman’s poise, flows in waves, boundless, timeless.” – I feel like draped in six yards of pure elegance

Now, to my WordPress Indian friends, what do you think? Do I resemble someone from South India?

In any case, I so much love South Indian food, such as, Masala dosa, Sambar, Upma etc, and recently I’ve fallen in love with a South Indian song, listening to it repeatedly, specially during my walks. There’s something about certain songs that feels addictive. I don’t understand the language, and I haven’t tried to find the meaning either. But the melody, the voice, the music, it’s captivating. The song is in Tamil, called ‘Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil.’

I’m not going to search for the meaning myself; instead, I’d love it if any of my Indian, South Indian, or Tamil-speaking friends could share the meaning with me. Here are the lyrics –

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil in Enakkul Oruvan

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil

Singer : Pradeep Kumar
Music by : Santhosh Narayanan

Poo avizhum pozhudhil
Orr aayiram kanaa
Orr kanavin vazhiyil
Adhae nila

Paal sirippaal
Oli poo thelithaal
Dhegam megam aagum
Orr nilaiyae
Megam koodum neram
Poo mazhaiyae

En moochu kuzhalilae
Un paadal thavazhudhae
Undaana isaiyilae
Ul nenjam nanaiyudhae

Vaan veli meedhae
Venmathi thondrum
Aanveli melae
Aval udhithaalae

Ven siragetraal
En viral korthaal
Kangalai maraithae
Kanavukkul izhuthaal

.

.

Another question 🙋‍♀️
Have you ever loved a song so much that it made you want to learn the language? That’s what happened to me with this song ♥️ Do you wish to share your any such favourite song with me?

Thank you for your time, kindness and precious presence in my life!

It’s Hyde Park. I took a walk there yesterday, and for the first time, I walked for miles in a saree, it felt quite refreshing. The weather was a mix of light sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain, but it only added to the charm of the park in the fall. I was glad to be there, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying every moment, ‘My Happy Me Time’
♥️♥️

An Invisible Ache

Life’s a symphony
With colors that dance and winds that hum
And you, a note that never fades ….

Forgetting you
Is like trying to recall the shape of wind
An invisible ache that lingers –
What part of me will you leave behind?

Sana’s LittlePainting at ‘The Regent’s Park’, one of the Royal Parks of London

Sometimes it happens in life that despite the effort to forget someone, their impact has left a lasting imprint on our mind and certain relationships or memories change us, leaving behind a part of the person in our thoughts, emotions, or identity, even after they’re gone

What do you think?

A Tale of Time

Time is a beautiful feeling
Like the quiet touch of a hand in yours …
Love doesn’t rush; it learns the art of waiting
Do we know how to cherish what grows slowly?

#roksanatales

I’ve always wanted to paint Big Ben right in front of the famous structure itself, but I could only do so from indoors since it was too chilly outside at that time!

Sometimes, you plan for things, and other times you don’t dream of them at all, yet something occurs, beautifully or unexpectedly; this is often how life unfolds, as we aren’t the ultimate planners, but rather guided by a greater force, The One. Outside, the silhouette of Big Ben looms against the sky, a reminder that time keeps moving, regardless of our own intentions. As you keep following your passions at your own pace, what surprises do you think might come your way?

For me, everyday brings a lot of surprises and excitement to me. Well, it was another solo adventure, strolling across Westminster Bridge, taking in the view of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. Tourists buzzed around, snapping pictures and chatting excitedly in different languages, while street performers played music that drifted through the air. I loved watching families and friends gather, pointing at landmarks and sharing stories as they walked. The highlight was jumping in front of the London Eye, its massive wheel turning slowly above me, capturing the thrill of the moment in a photo. There was something magnetic about the Thames River too, its steady flow calming me as I leaned over the bridge, feeling connected to the history and rhythm of the city

As the day drew to a close, I wandered into a riverside garden, where the vibrant flowers stood in serene contrast to the bustle of the city, offering a quiet balm to my eyes. The chilly air nipped at my skin, but a warm cup of coconut-flavored mocha melted the cold away, its rich sweetness a perfect comfort. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a remedy, calming me from the inside out. With the Thames whispering nearby, I found solace in my painting, each brushstroke a therapy of its own. The moment felt like a quiet triumph, a celebration of solitude and creativity

Time is a beautiful feeling and I hope to hold on to this season with one of my LittlePainting, here and now …

Now, tell me what you think about
‘Time’ as Now and Here ….

.

.

.

I want you now

Another of my favorite songs to walk with is “I Want You Now” by Loving Caliber. It conveys a deep longing for someone, with gentle vocals and a smooth rhythm that evoke a sense of closeness and warmth

Song of Solitude

Progress is still progress
No matter the pace
The road is tough
Filled with moments of doubt …
But growth begins in the smallest ways,
Needing time and tender care
Yes, surely!

When it feels slow, remember
Quitting won’t help
Nah nah, never!
Stay steady, sweet child
Appreciate where you are
For you’ve learned, and you’ve grown
Believe in the power of small beginnings;
Don’t fret about reaching the big things …

Collect the fragments of this world
Hear the joy of distant voices carried on the breeze
Drift and dive, and
Be foolish in your whims
But don’t you worry, beautiful soul
Stand tall, content in who you are ….

Sana singing

Yesterday, once again, I set out on a solo adventure, walking extensively and embracing the challenge of a marathon for myself. I loved it, without a doubt

Stepping off the London Underground into the vibrant heart of Paddington, I wandered through an area where historic charm dances with modern development, lively streets, and iconic architecture. Inside the bustling Paddington Train Station, alive with its constant hum of activity, I felt the energy swirling around me; it was contagious. Now, whether my energy fuels the station or the station fuels me, that’s the question

After that, I stepped outside, clutching my Google map like a compass, ready to chart my course through the bustling streets. I set my sights on the serene beauty of the Italian Gardens and the expansive embrace of Kensington Gardens.

And so, my journey began.

The air was sharp with a biting wind, the sky heavy with clouds. Yet, I discovered a certain beauty in the way the dry leaves twirled like dancers in the swirling wind, crafting their own brittle symphony beneath my feet. I wandered for miles, from the elegance of the Italian Gardens to the heart of Kensington, eventually finding myself standing by the Round Pond. There, I felt urge to paint something, anything, and I scattered color across my blank cold-pressed watercolor paper, watching as the hues bled and merged into mesmerizing patterns. It was a sight that captivated the mind, the way the colors flowed like thoughts unfolding. As Picasso once said, ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’ I felt that childlike joy, watching the colors breathe life into the paper. I always do feel like this

As the day slipped into dusk, swans paused in their graceful drifting, while the water, stirred by the wind, shivered with restless ripples, in this vast space, tinged with a hint of melancholy, my thoughts turned to success. I realized that success means something different to everyone. For me, it’s simply being present in this moment. Others may reach for the world, always consciously in race for this or that, I find no desire for that. Thoreau wisely noted, ‘What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.’ My contentment springs not from possessions but from the quiet joy of simply existing now and here

This journey is beautiful
Don’t you think so?

এই পৃথিবীর গান

I’ve been listening to this song for the past two days, and it has become my faithful walking companion. It’s a Bangla song. I adore its tune, lyrics, and gentle melody. This is one of the Bangla songs I listen to on repeat, filled with a deep affection that resonates within me. As I planned to paint by the pond, I envisioned singing this song while creating my artwork. So, I jotted down the lyrics in my little notebook and then sang the song aloud. I know my handwriting is charming, I love it ☺️ and I sing beautifully for my soul too! Do you love it?

Thank you for appreciating it! 

I just wish you find the success that you want from life, and I pray for your good health, happiness, and joy as you travel in your life. Be happy always

I♥️

What Do You Reach for Then

Umbrella for the rain,
A shield against what falls
Sunglasses for the trend,
A gesture of fitting in

But when the storm is within,
What do you reach for then?

#roksanatales

.

.

.

Someone once called me a poet, and I loved that. Being a poet feels like holding up a mirror to my thoughts, as if no other umbrella could shield me. I know I might bore others with this at times, but what can I do? I am who I am. If you love me, you must love my poetic voice, or not love me at all. If that sounds dramatic, so be it

For me, the act of creating is what truly matters. It’s the deepest part of who I am

Do you love me? Or not? Tell me

.

.

.

The picture was taken in front of South Kensington Station, London on 22nd September. It was kind of a solo-explorer day. I went to visit Natural History Museum and the Kensington Gardens.

How

How do you shatter my heart like fragile glass, while your calm presence remains unshaken? How can you stay serene amidst the fragments you’ve left behind?

How do you drown my soul like a sinking ship,
while you sail smoothly on calm waters?
How can you drift so peacefully, leaving me lost beneath the waves?

#roksanatales

How is it that some people remain so calm, while the other person feels every possible emotion so deeply?

Which of these two categories do you fall into?

Quiet Peace

An evening walk, the air softly warm
Bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight …
Each step feels weightless, the world at ease
Do you ever feel such quiet peace?

Chigwell, London

One question: Have you ever been in a situation where you can’t stop thinking about someone, even though you know there’s little chance of ever meeting them? Has that ever happened to you?

I love asking questions!
And someone might respond, ‘And, I love not answering them…’

Hmm 😊

Let Me Have a Friend

Let me have a friend
Like a mirror reflecting my true self
Without hesitation or pretense …

Let me have a friend
Who understands my sorrow
As the ocean comprehends each wave’s crest and fall …

Let me have a friend
With whom I can journey to the stars and back
In a bond as deep as the sea …

Let me have a friend
Like a lighthouse guiding ships through turbulent seas
And offering calm and strength in every storm

Let me have a friend
Who grasps my every need
Like a gardener tending to each unique flower

Let me have a friend
Not merely a cherry blossom’s fleeting bloom
But a steadfast bamboo, bending yet unbroken 

Let me have a friend
Like a serene rock in a Zen garden
Grounded and unwavering, amidst all change 

Let me have a friend
Like a forest that shelters and steadies
Providing refuge and resilience through the fiercest winds …

Let me have a friend
Like a tranquil meditation that clears the mind
Guiding me with peace and clarity through life’s ups and downs …

Let me have a friend
To whom I am never just a fleeting shadow or afterthought …

Let me have a friend
To whom my heart can freely speak
Finding solace and understanding as naturally as a river finds its course …

Let me have a friend
To whom I can confide
A patient listener whose presence is a quiet sanctuary
Where my words find a refuge and my thoughts are truly heard …

Let me have a friend
Who will embrace me without judgment
As a canvas welcomes every brushstroke without critique …

Let me have a friend
As a flame nurtured by kindling eventually warms the whole hearth …

Let me have a friend
To whom I can share my deepest secrets …

And lastly,

Let me have a bosom friend
Who says, “Let’s embrace the day,”
And never utters “Goodbye” to me …

#roksanatales

.

.

.

I’ve been in London for over 22 days now. A few old school friends live here and reached out to me. At first, I was caught up in other things, but after two weeks, I’ve finally settled into a slower rhythm of life. Since I live in a peaceful, almost countryside area, I don’t feel the pull to venture into the city often. My friends would like me to come out, reconnect, and spend time wandering the city, but here’s the truth: I can’t seem to muster the interest …

It might seem harsh, but that’s just how I am. I know them well, and their materialistic nature makes me feel stifled. While I’d rather talk about nature, travel, art, books, poetry, love, philosophy, human nature, yoga, meditation, and similar topics, they tend to focus on things I do not know about or I don’t seem to internalise them. So, I keep my distance from most of the so-called friends …

Many might assume I’m extroverted, but to their surprise, I’m deeply introverted. So much so that they haven’t even realized how I navigate social interactions. A friend gave me her contact number, but I felt so down that I didn’t want to reach out. I worried that talking to her might be overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure what we’d discuss or if it would make me anxious. So I’m just taking time. I’m not sure if this is a problem on just how I am, but it’s been the way it is so far, and honestly though, I never want to upset or disappoint them, but for my own set of mind, I often find myself retreating and taking space …

I didn’t reach out to them when I arrived because I wanted some distance, to just be away for a while. Now that they’ve found out I’m here and have been asking to meet up since last week, I feel like retreating even more, like hiding away to avoid the gathering. Some days, meeting people feels exhausting, and I find myself constantly seeking excuses to evade it. These are those kinds of days …

Moreover I often feel drained by the idea of one-on-one interactions with just anyone, even that’s a friend for name’s sake. There I may start to overthink: What will we talk about? How will the time pass? All of these worries pile up, leaving me reluctant to engage. In group settings, it’s easier- there I don’t feel the same pressure to carry the conversation. (Do you ever feel this way?) They can do that within themselves and I can be just a listener. But then meeting just one person feels like a task I need energy for, which I often don’t have … and I can only give that precious time and energy only to my bestie, and my special one … not to anyone else!

Even with old school or work friends, I need to feel an inner pull, a desire, to meet them. I’m more than willing to be there when they need me, but when it comes to my own connections, I’m very selective. I only truly open up with a rare few- a close friend and other person with whom I can share anything, knowing they’ll always wish the best for me … With my besties, I can truly be myself (though my true self might be a bit annoying and wild, witty and weird to them, but I don’t mind being silly to them) …

I care for my besties deeply, wishing them happiness and ease in life. Even from miles away, it’s as if they are a constant star in my sky—always present in my thoughts. I reach out to share everything happening here, as if sending them messages across the distance to keep them close … yes, I want to remain close, somehow …

I recently came across a reflection on friendship that resonated with me:

“The only trick of friendship is to find people who are better than you are—not smarter, not cooler, but kinder, and more generous, and more forgiving—and then to appreciate them for what they can teach you, and to try to listen to them when they tell you something about yourself, no matter how bad—or good—it might be, and to trust them, which is the hardest thing of all. But the best, as well.”
~ Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

I love my friend who is a better human than I am. I know they always want the best for me, whether we’re together or apart …

I miss my bestie so much!

When I show you my affection, it means you are my chosen best friend …

I’ve a childhood story to tell about it … some other day, I may share! I wonder if you would wish to hear that story! Someday! One day, may be!

.

.

A question- what is friendship to you? 

Another question—do you think long-distance friendships can endure, even if the friends haven’t met in person yet?

Please, Please, Please

Don’t be the devil to me
Love me instead 
Don’t close your heart, sweetheart
Let tenderness spread …

Love me in fragments
If you can’t love me whole 
But don’t vanish, my darling
Leaving scars on my soul …

#roksanatales

Sana walking

I’m truly enjoying the area I’m living in—Chigwell, a suburban town in Essex. As someone once said, “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling,” and this place has captured that sentiment perfectly for me. It’s this perfect blend of town and country, with charming Georgian houses and picturesque weather-boarded cottages that make every walk feel like a step back in time. And I think I can walk here for hours ….

Walking is healing to me; it’s my savior, my way of life. Certainly I can walk for hours, especially with music playing. Sometimes I even find myself talking as I walk, or certain words pop into my mind, and I jot them down. Later, I write based on what I felt when I made those notes. It happens every time …

I’d love to share the songs I’ve been listening to lately while walking. Though my taste in music keeps evolving, these tracks have really stuck with me …

Ever wonder how music can change the rhythm of your thoughts?

Please, Please, Please

A Ride

I wonder what an amazing ride does to you;
For it moves me more than I ever knew …
Also it heals my heart and lifts life’s gray …
Does it stir your heart and change your view?

Can I join you on a fast-paced bike ride?
Tell me!

Lately, I’ve been really into this song (included in the video). When I go for a walk, I listen to it along with some other tracks, and sometimes I can’t help but want to dance to every beat… and honestly, I do find myself moving a bit like I’m dancing while I walk …

This morning, I went to a mall in the city and we took a different route, via fast-paced Uber ride. It made me think of bike rides… if you ride a bike, do they ever get that fast?
I found myself wondering, I don’t know why!

I Wonder

Forest Fans

A dense forest lies before me
Let’s venture deep within ….

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.

Her Favourite Flower

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 …

#roksanatales

This is certainly not a small, unimportant matter at all! 

What do you think?

Hamnafs

No matter how often I gaze at you
I’m never fully quenched …
You bloom like dawn’s first light
While I glimmer like a lone star in the night …
I’ll beg the heavens to soften your glow
For these days, your presence leaves me breathless …

Hamnafs/ persian/ urdu
(n.) the person having closeness to your breath; your soulmate