Aahaa Chennai

The locally renowned green decorators and their eager crew have arrived, to provide a makeover to a sturdy looking landmark, that's  been in your vicinity for many many years. The operation... a stylish draping around, has taken several weeks and the image of a staid, brown, 'just another' of those tree trunks, strongly imprinted in your mind, does change as you take a peek out of your window. A floral pink accessory completes the ensemble, adding a 'flowing with grace' finishing touch.

Every inch of space in the small rectangular balcony, seemed to be occupied. I could spot... a plastic  dustbin in the corner, unwanted stuff piled up on one side, a couple of shirts, saris, uniforms swinging merrily on the clothesline, grandpa's reclining chair lying closeby, grandma's plate of chillies left to dry, a little tricycle earning some rest, an overflowing shoe rack, a mop stick tucked away upright. but amidst the clutter, spreading waves of cheer from a  cracked ledge in the corner, I could sense a surge of green breath, a small, green potted plant, gleefully emerging from inside a brown womb, its  green, layered robe displaying a touch of elegance, thanks to tiny specks of sunlight painting miniature golden tattoos, that chubby fingers clutching the tricycle bell, want to catch and hold.

An earnest gardener's notebook is out to enter the day's jottings: 1. New seedlings poking their way out. 2  Tender and curled tufts of baby leaves gracing the stem tips. 3  The unveiling of fresh n' unopened buds. 4. Painted blooms  vying with each other to attract those magnificent butterflies. 5. Emerging  brown Chikkoo buttons offering a tempting view of the fruity treats to follow. 6. A fitness routine - Tireless ants moving up and down an ant mound. 7. The squirrels, mynahs and crows preparing for the morning orchestra. The notebook is about to be closed when there is a surprise entry. 8. Today's new release: - Curious eyes gather to watch the newcomers on the stem. Nature's Encyclopaedia of... 'The Strange and The Curious' keeps you totally engrossed.

Gently thrusting its way... awakening tightly enfolded  leaves, to painting the grassy carpet below with glowy, striated patterns, to forming  golden islands over silent mud-filled pots, patiently awaiting a nudge to awaken the slumbering seeds within, the chirpy rays of the sun, buoyed by the tittering of hungry birds, rat-a-tat  on the glass panes of a dark windowsill, sending a sliver of light that slithers gently in, creeping one step at a time, over an unlit kitchen wall, painting crazy yellow patterns, which descend to a nearby table, sprinkling  gold dusted petals into an unpretentious glass bowl, leaving  behind... blossoming sunlit islands, which claim your personal space for their own. Mission accomplished: Nature sends 'sunny' souvenirs to perk up your day.

We consider ourselves really blessed to be endowed with many many good things like... short but strong legs, a soft but active body, bunny ears that twitch at the slightest noise, sufficient space for rabbit hops/jumps, a water bowl in the farthest corner, a secure area free from predators, enough sunlight and shade, friends/companions for group activity plus the very essential life breath. However, we need something else too... appetizing/ strength giving green food - some helpings of fresh lettuce/cabbage and amaranth leaves plus those radish/turnip/carrot greens to nibble and relish.

Standing strong despite... the intense heat and humidity, the raiding ants, birds, monkeys, leaf pests and predators, the noisy squirrels, the raging thunderstorms, the boom in construction activities, the many cyclone hits, human aberration/neglect plus varied sources of pollution, irregular water supply or even a total lack of water, periodic trimming/chopping plus being taken for granted. Nature offers lessons in grit and determination. 

On a visit to another city,  a surprise awaited us. Rather used to seeing... a variety of plants, groups of crows and the swaying trees though our metal windows, the endless sqawking  noises caught our attention. The sight of a green pointed tail and a  nodding green head, perched on a ledge, beyond the glass window pane, soon joined by another one, drew us away from the blaring television set. We simply could not help staring and continued to stare and the tea grew cold!