Aahaa Chennai

My moods may change. Call it a passing phase, driven by situations and part of a changing environment but I am still your friend.

The pink blossoms and their yellow pals seem to be commenting on my new look. I can hear them saying... I look crazy with the black and white patch. I don't let their snide comments bother me. Obviously, they are poking fun but I stand up, brave, coz I cannot always be be what others want me to be. There is no going back come what may.

This is what we like to do... grow and develop. Our growth cannot be curbed by barricades or straitjackets. Call it..breaking barriers, facing challenges or simply a bold move forward. It all amounts to making our voices heard.

A pint-sized neem sapling trying to beat the odds, I too have a wish... In my present situation, I don't merit a second look. Some folks  have no qualms in walking all over me. But... there is a place, which, believe it or not, is actually asking for me, where the heat, beats down mercilessly upon hapless citizens. A dull ache persists in a corner of my heart, for these cemented sidewalks, crying for a touch of green. If I am escorted and placed there, I can assure you, my wings will spread far and wide. You will look up to me, with a smile chasing away the glistening beads of sweat under my vast green canopy.

I have a growing club of loyalists who go around showing me off in their bouquets, garlands or gardens. A competitor lurks nearby. We, the Jasmine clan, have the ability to equal the roses in all aspects be it the aesthetic or the utilitarian. Looking forward to nurturing a non-combative, 'Let's both grow' collaborative spirit.

No doubt some tree was cut down to make this book. A sneak peek into the book. Ah! A book within a book. A look at the title: Lucky Leaves Delicately fingering the pages, A tale unfolds... Hmm! Wishing for many more tales. Here's to... long tranquil hours spent poring over books on "World Book Day."

Some Positives: There exist some doting souls who do have a soft corner for me. They do not wish to see me chopped into bits n' pieces. ♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧♧ Some  hiccups: Hemmed in by cement Strangled by accessories I nevertheless carry on...

Awaiting my turn for replating my armour of green. Meanwhile... soaking in the greenery around, the atmosphere echoing Shelley's lines "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"

Never fear... I tell my ilk. Tiny and delicate we may be but even caught amidst the more exotic types we can hold our own. And we do spread the flavour and fragrance far and wide... adds the banner of the vintage Neem Fan Club.

Soaring up high I soldier on proudly displaying my varied scars. They are but milestones in my growth...uphill.

A bad knock A depressing sight shouldn't dampen your enthusiasm. Other avenues beckon...

I've been busy mixing and dabbing hues all over my wide canvas. Going all out to impress those seasoned urbanites hooked  to their fancy gadgets. The stage is set for a spectacular show as dusk rolls in. The theme here is 'going wild with colours'. Ah! That's right. You do find scenic touches in teeming concrete jungles if only you'd care to look into 'Nature's Studio' - open at all times.

I may be fading but I think I'd rather call these my 'golden moments' coz they are filled with green memories. Don't write me off coz I am still a force to reckon with.

'Mother Nature' is busy at work: I've laid down a bright yellow layer, an eye-catching. natural carpet for your tired n' aching feet. In return... I'm hoping to get a layer of protection for me and my family, from kindred spirits. Can you see me pointing to my vulnerable, majestic looking trees?

An enticing view: You start dreaming and counting... 1,2,3,4......12,13... You imagine biting into delicious tangy chunks, relishing a spread of pickles, gulping down the juice, carrying a basketful of  treats. Not all your dreams will come to fruition but some will. Keep dreaming and shaping the path towards the destination.

We are not your pampered, potted, ornamental type yet we do have our pride. We grow anywhere amidst clutter or chaos. Be it rocks, stones, brambles, rubbish or debris, lil' flowery smiles peek out coz we're strong willed, confident, persevering, plus... we always  bounce back from oblivion.

Hello! Meet me in my new avatar. A rustic seating readied just for you. My brand  new coat of paint does draw attention although I do prefer my earlier earthy brown and cheery green hues. Can you hear me singing? 'Those were the days...' I guess my voice is lost in the din of traffic. Know what I am really missing? It's a five letter word. W-A-T-E-R

I've been wanting to do this for a while. After days and weeks of swaying this way and that I've finally done it. Shh! I am busy. Getting to know my neighbours. I sense diverse shades and mixed configurations but the generosity of blooming smiles across the divide makes my day.

After moving here and there, after a lot of stumbles, I've finally arrived. Hear me shouting it aloud, just found my... N-I-C-H-E. A bit of soul searching is  on. My mind is made up. I've decided to stick on here. I foresee a brilliant future marked by richness of growth, scaling greater heights, the prize being...satisfaction.

Some lessons on managing a stuttering startup. Plenty of hiccups enroute... invasive bugs, periods of drought, snail like pace of growth. Riding on a 'no stepping back' theme, personal care continues and the first flecks of light appear. which soon swells into a mind boggling  haul.

The boisterous wind while pushing me down is singing a merry tune... 'chin up, chin up.' My back is bent double. Despite traipsing all over  the sand, my fragile blossom has woken up and nods a wan 'hello'. A supportive  stick would bring back the spring in my step and the pink in my cheeks.