Aahaa Chennai

A mid-morning surprise: A missing visitor, (once known for regular visits), a stunner for sure, has finally decided to make an entry, returning to his favourite tree after many many months. Hiding now and then, wary of noises, disappearing and reappearing after an interval of days all he/she asks for... a bit of 'compassion' when wandering outdoors. 'No stone throwing, please,' is the silent plea from this watchful chameleon while striking a pose. 'A childish prank,  it hurts,' is the fervent whisper  on behalf of the rest of the clan. See you later... I'm off to a nearby wall for a bit of sunbathing.

The beauty of creation strikes a chord deep in your mind's eye, leaving you overawed long after it has faded. Draped in a filmy, off-white apparel and set against green foliage, Nature unmasks yet another flawless creation.

A lazy,  overcast morning but the view through the window is the very antithesis of laziness. A very energetic someone is out for a brisk morning walk. The nearby bit of gorgeous green, dusted with golden dressing, thanks to a 'just now' peeping sun, stands out ...thanks to an eight-legged enthusiast. Walking to build up an appetite. Trying different routes and trails.

After a virulent attack by fast spreading bugs, it's an uphill climb to recovery, a process that is often slow, sometimes a plateau, at times a sudden downslide but when it, the recovery,  happens there's  something to cheer about. Visitors start arriving.

It's time for that friendly contest with Nature. Green Origami with coconut fronds. A couple of green blossoms nod a 'hello' to some dignified green avians. A Salute  to ...Traditional Craft handed down through generations. A big 'Thank You' to Nature - an unmatchable material supplier.

Away from familiar scenes... the chaotic traffic, endless honking, the screech of racing tyres, noxious fumes from heavy vehicles, the smell of burning garbage. Enjoying the fresh air amidst green friends plus soaking in some real sunshine. High up, nestled among the leaves, I spot someone who is at peace with nature.

The pain is there but we are managing because we have... loads of endurance. None can find fault with our coping skills, whether it's a case of missing legs or a damaged wing. Everyday is a learning experience involving the 3 P's... Patience, Perseverance, Persistence.

I am rather pleased with my growth and my appearance proves it. Looking fresh and green thanks to regular water supply. You can hear the rhythmic 'drip, drip' from the nearby AC outlet pipe, if you listen carefully. To this add, enough sunlight, a good breeze, passers by who stop to look and wonder... I have no complaints at all. Have a Good day!

The overnight thunderstorm has had loads of fun playing a game of 'twist and turn' with your flora but sometimes... it brings in 'teeny weeny' fragrant surprises from high up. From the 'Mimusops elengi' tree, locals call it the 'Maghizhampoo' tree and you never knew it had bloomed.

Visit http://notjustaleaf.blogspot.com for some leafy tales. ☺☺☺ To all green lovers... The natural beauty of leaves deserves mention. So here they are...blog posts for those soft n' fresh sometimes sticky or bristly, colourful  or simply green assortment of leafy wonders (drawing you into a kingdom of shapes) often inspiring you to pick up a green tinted brush, silently beckoning you to gather them into your fold. A journey to bring leaves to the fore. Bringing you... leafy Saturdays.

Nature prays for a greener tomorrow... For more trees, less of plastic waste. For more of naturally grown produce, less of smoke emitting vehicles.

Nature has come up with its own unique brand of origami drawing you closer to those meticulously rolled up, intricately tucked away folds in patches of green that you very often tend to miss. Some creations  do stand out as inspirational.

Each day brings a surprise... Exuberance - when a favourite plant puts forth a bloom or a downturn... when those tiny 'seed filled' miracles (that you've never failed to observe)   grow bigger and bigger             as the days roll past but sadly,                  get chewed up overnight. Someone whispers a message... Moments of joy and sorrow... Hmm! Let's not be afraid to pass through such moments like a breeze 'taking in' both, the sweet and the sour, in our stride.

An overcast sky but down below Nature has unwrapped her gifts. Your morning coffee tastes extra special coz you're getting a twin treat, as you notice... the many winged beauties poised for flight, overpowering the enticing smell of vapours from your coffee cup. Nature's memory chip: There's always an imprint of these miniature islands of serene calm in your mind long after they've gone. Fluttery friends beckon. Delicate diaphanous wings quietly, flap away your cares.

A sneak preview of the innovation/creativity challenge is revealing... New players are making waves. A green school is very determined  to make its mark and is turning heads.

The targets are visible and the game begins. That amazingly huge plantain leaf which gives you... a friendly nudge now and then, tossing its head as you pass by looks very different. When the wind rushes past without a care Readymade strips you cannot help but stand and stare. A rollicking wind. Bubbly frolicsome moments with a white sprinkler. Merry green leaves shake this way and that tossing away white teardrops.

Sometimes... curiosity brings someone to your door and up your wall. Shh! You need to tread softly lest you scare them away. More surprises lie in store if only you care to look around. Each day is different. It all depends on you, a matter of... how you look at things.

Kerala - the name conjures up... a land of swaying coconut palms, serene lagoons, enticing backwaters, picturesque houseboats, the beautiful Malayalam language, the majestic Kathakali dancers. Today we see... a different, traumatised Kerala - scenes of endless damage, untold human misery due to floods. From North or South let us lend a helping hand to our brethren there and revive the indomitable spirit of Kerala and Keralites. Mosquito nets would be very useful. Let us be a part of 'Bonding with Kerala' in this time of need.

Enjoying an invigorating morning walk... absorbing the tingly warmth seeping through, building an appetite, making friends, enjoying the scenery, exploring new vistas and attempting to learn a new game from the sun... Shadow Making. .