This has happened to me before. I know the date when it is the 30th of the month but what I don’t register is that the month has ended. Do you think of the speed at which time travels? I do.
November was a good month. Guess it has to do with the fact that it was my birthday month. The blessings from elders and wishes from friends are still pouring in and for all those, I am grateful. Genuine wishes make me smile and though I have taken my birthday off Facebook, many wished. It wasn’t about the day at all.
Cyclone Gaja brought some showers in the city and it is now officially winters in Bangalore. Day light savings have ended in the US and time never stops running. But what’s new about that. Isn’t it?
Let’s get to all those things that made me smile this month.
♥ At home, Mum ensured that I get to eat all the food I love. One day when I was working from home, there was this whiff in the air. The smell of aate ka halwa had filled in all around the lobby and the kitchen bringing memories from childhood. For parents, food and love go synonymously. For me, it was a chance to be the little girl I was once. I am grateful that I was able to spend some good days at home this year.
♥ I talk to my parents over the phone. So being with them and sitting together, we chatted over chai. Our conversations on a multitude of topics filled my heart. It is true that as children grow up, they start parenting the parents. Thinking about it today, I know how much of gyaan I gave to Mum and Papa and they listened. At least in the moment.
♥ Mum and I went shopping back home. A few dress materials, some knick-knacks and little things. Small cities and their charm is way different from the metros. I loved buying from those who sold lovingly. There is a something beautiful about buying what you don’t need just because you couldn’t say no to the person who was selling. Isn’t it?
♥ This month I met my brother C in Delhi. We dined together and got some time to talk. After many years, both of us had each other’s company. Though the food turned out to be ordinary, the conversation added the flavor. I am grateful that I had the time with him.
♥ On my way to Kurukshetra I met my cousins and though it was a short visit, meeting them after over three decades was a pleasure. We chatted as if I had always known them. I am grateful that I was able to meet my folks.
♥ My MIL is an amazing cook and the food I get at Kurukshetra is the best vegetarian food ever. It has that rustic Punjabi flavor that I have come to relish. I am grateful that when we visit, we are pampered with food. Not just that, we come back to Bangalore with ladoos and ghee.
♥ Diwali with family this year was different. We were all a big family and together for the first time. I played the role of family photographer and captured many memories. Always grateful when parents(in-laws) are happy.
♥ Traffic has been at its worst but the company I get keeps me happy. One of the work days, SJ dropped me home and stopped by for a cup of tea. We chatted and clicked a picture to seal the day. I am grateful that I have a friend in her.
♥ Every year my Mum sends me a calendar – the one that we call the panchang. It has dates of Hindu festivals along with information about the full moon, new moon and no moon days. I use it to track my work outs and healthy meals. When the bell rang, I opened the door to find a post-woman standing with my packet. I have never seen a post-woman and seeing her made me smile. A hard worker going door to door to deliver mail was an inspiration. I am grateful that life gives us many signals. It is up to us to receive them.
This was the birthday month and I am immensely grateful to all the wishes that came my way. I had a lovely day with my friends and we spent it together. RL’s cupcakes were a hit. I went to temple, shopped and spent the day the best possible way. I am grateful to GK and MK for having us over. Having a birthday on a Saturday made it very relaxing. Clocking in another year of life had a calming effect on me. Not sure how long with that stay!
The year is almost at a close and we are gearing up for our annual holiday. This one is a big road trip and I am looking forward to the experiences this brings. Since the plan was sudden, I am going with the flow. I don’t mind that. Plans are not my thing.
What are you up to this holiday season?
Tell me that one thing this November that made you happy.
This is a monthly gratitude post on my blog and I am linking up with Vidya’s gratitude blog hop.
happiness and food 
Beautifully written
It’s true patents listen to kids’ preaching . Sometimes it’s good sometimes they pretend to hear 😁😁
But happy to say that how much these kids worry for their parents — and I believe this is blessings of God .
Keep posting
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Sorry for wishing you late on your Birthday . Looks on twitter too you removed the notification . 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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Sounds like such a fulfilling November! I agree about children turning into parents but I also feel when we go back living in their home, we revert back to our teenage or childhood selves! I’m glad you had so much family time in November. Have fun on the road trip and do share pics on Insta! Looking forward to reading about your travels when you are back.
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such a sweet post, and as i read about your mother:) my mom came to my mind and memories of her started flooding my memories and I was thinking how lucky you. I miss my mom so much. Happy Birthday parul, wishing you Gods blessings. Loved the images you posted and happy to read your post.
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Such a heartwarming post. Its lovely to visit parents, in this phase of life we are in. So caught up are we in our schedules, living in big cities… going back home, to parants, to food that kindles childhood memories… isnt this what life is reall about????? Nothing like family and togtherness. This is what truly one yearns for . Hope you have a wonderful holiday this year too. I loved your previous one to the North east.. Where is it going ot be this year? Will follow your journey through the pics you post :))
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My Brother’s ring ceremony, MIL giving me bear hug on my birthday, bought a shrug for Mom on her birthday, I performed(danced) after so long….and so many other moments.
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There’s so much joy evident in this post, Parul and I’m glad you had a chance to recharge over the Diwali holidays! May this birthday be the start of another enriching year for you and may you continue to inspire others with your zest for life!
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Your posts always fill my heart with so much joy. Your MIL and Ma sound like mine. So many parallels.
Thank you for your heart-felt writing, Parul. ❤
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What a blissful month Parul- did you buy the tweet bird print from home? Just wondering 😉
Atta halwa is just so yum and my go to comfort food any time of the day. Just made me crave for some while reading it
You have spoken about everything which brings contentment in your life and such simple yet important Joys that we have all taken for granted in the humdrum of life.
For me the highlight of November has been my Mumbai trip -it’s been very fulfilling with tonnes of precious moments.
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Spending days at mom’s place is always memorable. I simply love atte ka halwa. It’s taste is mesmerizing and the aroma is mystic. Wish you a belated happy birthday.
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I always enjoy spending time with my parents. It’s fun 🙂
Love the way you wrote this post: it feels really right from the heart!!!
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Lovely November Parul. I loved your birthday click. You look so cute and not any older, maybe wiser and a little more cute! 😁 I loved the alka that was put on your foot and I loved the traditions you shared about it. I love to read such things as it brings a smile to my heart to know there are still so many who love to follow these little things.
Wishing you a great trip ahead and a Happy December.
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Aunty’s side of story is amusing where she talks about the same pretension technique which you must have used while listening to them talking to you 😀 😀 I loved it. And, I have to tell no matter how much you erase your birthday date from social media, people can still not escape from knowing it ‘@parul2411’. At least, I can never 🙂
Parul ka gratitude post ho aur khane ki baat na ho, ye kaise ho sakta hai 🙂 Chalo laddoo mil nahin sakte mujhe to kya, laddoo ka naam hi sahi. You are one of the most genuine happy person I know in my life. This makes me happy in my own way.
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Mother’s love is equal to food..that’s the perfect equation, isn’t it, Parul? 😛
So good to know you had a beautiful November. I hope you enjoy your road trip to the fullest. Going with the flow is the best thing to do, for sure!
Wish you a happy and a safe journey! 🙂
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It sounded like you had a good birthday month, Parul. Happy belated Birthday, and I hope your next year ahead is a good one. Seems like lots of family time for you. How wonderful. How cute of you and your mum to go shopping together and got clothes and knick-knacks – maybe she wanted to spoil you and wanted her daughter to look good 🙂 Pampered with food sounds like the way to do food – good food is always better with good company. This past month and really during this holiday season I’ve just been relaxing and spending it with those who matter to me. Also a bit of time to do some book writing 🙂 Wishing you well this 2019 year ahead.
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wonderful Post
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