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Showing posts with label simple life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label simple life. Show all posts

Friday, March 13, 2020

Country Roads Take Me Home ..



Country roads take me home to the place I belong west Virginia .. 
whenever I am in the open country side that's what you will hear me humming with my tribe.
This song is etched in my heart, it tugs at all the right strings and makes me feel rooted.
The crisp air, the fresh breeze and the greenery all around. 
A cottage on the hill side with a stream gurgling, mountains in the background, trees giving shade, a pretty fence, some crops, some animals lazying around aka the first proper drawing we all used to make. How many of us got out of that picture, that first dream as a child, that perfect house, well I never did. 


Remember these 

I still do them 


Somehow, the city with its skyscrapers and busy lifestyle, with dense pollution, population and a cold attitude never really was my cup of tea. I am that country girl at heart with a big glass of lassi (churned yogurt drink or coolers, I love them too) some pakodas, bhakri desi style and if you want the English countryside we’ll throw in all the fried vegetables and chicken and I will be glad with that even. 
The nature along with the animals, flowers  make me so happy, make me want to settle down by a river aka just like my drawing style. 
There I go again painting pictures in my brain, making poetry. Oh did they tell you? Its great even for artist's brain, no wonder the poets, artists, writers and almost everyone make a beeline to be alone. 


Countryside living - the slow simple life. 
The deep purge that we need in our life.
It’s like your soul is rejuvenated and the physical benefits heaped.
A magic potion which keeps one hail and hearty forever reaped.
Like a secret lotion for beautifying the body and mind. 
Unlike the highly marketed ones these are sure shot and cost no dime 
No wonder they are so sublime. 
Yet no money equals not much demand honey,
Oh that's why they opened the big retreats.
Started with country getaways,
Which no one can beat.
Raking high moolah cause they giving you a break from your life as a treat.
All this just for some free and undiluted way of life,
Exactly that which you have lost in daily living strife. 
Oh countryside life - I salute your innings;
The magic of slow living beginnings, 
In every moment being. 
To the simplest of meanings. 
- Bhakti

Finally it’s catching up again, people are starting to understand the importance of a simple minimalistic life, less clutter more living. Less distractions more loving. Less pollution more health. 
I dream of all this and more;want a country house, simple life and so yet want the city not far away. Where once in a while I can go to the mall and enjoy the nightlife to my hearts gay. 
So am I; a fair weather country girl, scared of the insects and reptiles but enjoying the cuckoo bird in its plight. Now, that's a start we all need to make. 
Or is this the nervousness of being out of my comfort zone. Surely I want to be one of those who are friends with the ozone. 
Living every pulsating moment vs running and trying to catch up with the rat race with every movement. 
It’s a hard life which keeps your heart gentle unlike the city softies with stone cold hard hearts as their besties. 
Daily comforts will be minimal but what we need is in plenty. 
Enough to lead a happy self sustained life without the materialistic cluttter that we really don’t even want, it’s just a way of making ourself feel good for what we lack and that is plenty in the rugged countryside- character.
The quote 'it takes a village to raise a child' holds true in the countryside and that’s how the bonds that are formed stronger. 
The farm to table concept is being put to use actively by many restaurants charging a premium for their organic goods. People are even visiting the farm stays to make this in a day trip activity. Where as this is just the simple normal way of living on the country side. Grow your produce and enjoy it too;  as healthy as it gets and what u don’t have, surely your neighbour does. Thus increasing the community experience and barter system and keeping it local. Keeping it simple. Benefiting each other. 

The city folks are going after balcony gardens to bring in the nature, the zen. That’s how important nature is for the well being. 
Basking in the sun, breathing in fresh air with the plants and trees. 
It does wonder for ones health - physical and mental well being. 
The creative benefits are just some other toppings that come on this chocolate cake. No wonder writers, painters, poets make a bee line for that country living. 
There are loads of pros and cons but the pros definitely are higher for me than any cons. 
One day ... one cottage on a hill with my favorite song humming - country roads ... I am home 

Cons 
Country politics 
Being on the bad side of anyone will get you into trouble 
People are nosy 
Technology not advanced 
You won’t get everything that you need 
Social life not much 

How about doing it both - living close to the City or having a weekend country home. 
Cost of living is low or then Suburban homes is the answer offering best of both the worlds.
There are even those who have given all their comforts and the highest of position for the beckoning of the country life zen.

Just thoughts of a girl on a sunny summer day missing the countryside breeze, green trees, meadows and animals at play.

xoxo
Bhakti

p.s. check out my day in the countryside 





Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Birthday Shenanigans

Birthdays are always special to me. I go all out and crazy for birthdays, including mine.
In my childhood my mother use to buy me all new clothes for the D day and we use to celebrate with a cake with family and friends, it was kind of a tradition.

The tradition still continues I need to doll my self with all new things and yes then I feel like a birthday girl and yes the loved ones need to be there with all the jing bang.
Birthdays make you feel so good, there is something so electric in the air. 
I love to spend my birthday with my near and dear ones and just can't help grinning throughout the day.

A year older, a year wiser, welcoming a new decade, I decided to spend my Birthday this year giving smiles and making everyone happy. It's not the first time that I did something like this but indeed the first time I decided to share it with everyone.

We always say that you should do the good deed and never tell. No one should even know that a good deed was done, as it's not for showing off or being conceited, it's about doing your bit and feeling good. I beg to differ, isn't that being secretive and keeping the happiness just to our-self.
Let everyone know, let the happiness spread, let people join in , the good spread and multiply, let there be more smiles and hearts full of gratitude for giving and receiving. Gratitude for the being.
If we can be the inspiration or motivation for others or give ideas and share ideas, then why not ? Lets share, lets tell, lets make a difference, lets make the world a better place, lets be better humans.
So this is how my birthday went.


Made sandwiches for the homeless. Felt so nice as this made for lunch for so many homeless dotting the city streets. 



A quick trip to the mart. 


All ready for our next pit stop -Maher - home for orphan kids and women. 
On enquiring they told me any kind of food products, grains are most welcome.



The kids playing. 

Next stop on the list - Blue Cross. Contributed in the form of food. 





They just want love and affection. 


Birthday well spent. Birthday girl all happy and grinning. 
One gets so much peace after seeing smiles on others faces. Giving has got certainly more happiness and power than receiving. A little bit of effort towards society. Giving back to the universe, to the society, to life in whatever way I can. It definitely makes a positive impact and it really makes you feel good and fulfilled. The happiness is unparalleled. 


I strongly urge everyone give in whatever way you can back to the society to life. Help to make our world a better place. Small steps, small changes towards a bigger picture. 

P.S I myself was inspired by Mimi Ikonn to share my experience and make a difference. 

xoxo 
Bhakti 








Friday, September 11, 2015

Butter Garlic Prawns

Me and hubby dear are prawn lovers. We can't get enough of them.
Whenever we are in Goa, everyday, every meal is a prawn meal indeed and we love them all with equal gusto ❤️❤️❤️ 

One of the dish that we savour is Butter Garlic Prawns, you get them anywhere (not restricted to Goa), however the magic of the Goan beaches, cozy shacks, sand beneath your feet and oh the creamy butter garlic prawns.... 

Today, I was craving for the same and TGIF, I whipped some for a nice night with some beer, Cuba Libre, prawns, candles and our favourite music 😍😍 wish all evenings were made of this magic. 

See how I whipped up this simple and easy dish. 

Butter Garlic Prawns. 

Ingredients 

Around 12-14 medium sized cleaned prawns. 
Amul Butter 
Salt to taste 
Fresh ground pepper 
Lots of finely chopped garlic (according to your taste) 
A sprig of coriander finely chopped 

Method 

Add some butter in a pan on low heat, once the butter melts, add the prawns And sauté them till nicely done.
Remove from the heat and keep aside, you don't want them to be over cooked and hard. 
Add some more butter in the pan, sauté garlic till its golden brown. Now add the prawns, add salt, pepper according to taste. Add coriander and a dash of lemon . Give it all a nice stir. Tada,, ready to be devoured. 

They were really yum.. A little prawn dance to end it on a happy note 🍤🍤🍤 



xoxo
Bhakti

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Seasonal Love

Call me confused, can't stick to one thing or can't chose or can't make decision, yet I still will stick to my opinion - I love all Seasons.
In my defense can you compare between two Gods, then how can you compare and to top it all chose one season. Seasons are the most perfect and beautiful things to keep the earth going, without them it would have been one monotonous ride. 
Every season is so beautiful and gets with it the beauty and wonderful things it had to offer. 
I love rainy seasons reason being I think it's so romantic, walking under one umbrella. It's fun splashing puddles, playing in the rain. Oh the beauty of the earth in rains. It's like rainy season is thd bathing season for the earth. Hot pakoras and chai. The fragrance of the wet soil. What's their not to love. Everything is in full life and fragranced. 

Winters bring along with them the cool, breezy and windy nights. Snow I many countries. Beautiful weather, hot soups. Movies cuddled in blankets. Comfort food ladled with cheese. The earth in winters looks at it's best. 

Summer season - the season for vacations, for a dip in the pool. The season for mangoes, watermelons and juices and fresh fruits. A season to relax and take a break. The earth dressed in golden hay and trees all shedding away the years tiredness and waiting to dance in the rain back to life is a miracle. Summer I feel is the month to shed away all inhibitions, eat well, be active, travel and just enjoy. 

How can you compare any one now, the beauty of these seasons is what makes the earth and hence life so miraculous and happening. 

How can you deny me my seasonal love for each one of them. Can you blame me for not chosing one? I think not 😜

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each.” —Henry David Thoreau ❤️❤️






xoxo
Bhakti

Friday, March 21, 2014

Pastime or Dream time

I love to indulge in my pastimes and complete my day.
Its so much pleasure coupled with relaxation and joy. I believe everyone must give in to their pastime/ hobbies and enjoy life to the fullest.
I have loads of pastimes being reading, writing, listening to music, drawing and the list just goes on....
 However my favorite pastime is more like a dreamtime.
Honestly, wait till you hear it out, you will completely agree with me.
I just love to fill my spare and not so spare time, planning vacations.
I love to go through new places and do in detail research on them, find out their itineraries, good places to eat, great shopping, good hotels and homestays, faraway places. I watch loads of videos of the same and start planning innumerable trips wherever my heart feels like.
Its like I visualize myself in that location, doing things, enjoying the food, shopping to the fullest.
Its my dream time and my dream world.
Its how I make all my dreams come true and all my travels a super hit.
I love dreaming and then working towards realizing these dreams.
being in my dream world is what I love the most and I cant have it any other way.
 
as they rightly say
 
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.- T.E.Lawrence
 
This is what I wore for a casual cuppa the other day.
 




 
Neckpiece- Pink Pvssy
Sandals- Carlton London
Top- Splash
Denims- levis
Bag- Esbeda
 
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/telawren130039.html#1f3LtsjmvSvzs97l.99
So now you know my favorite pastime. ;p
 
What is yours?

xoxo
Bhakti
 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Back 2 Back Movie date and Movie review

A back to back movie date idea can be really romantic. Don't believe me ? Imagine sharing pails of popcorn and warm coffee cups in hand. All ready to embark on the move adventure. Gushing sweet nothings into each others ears. Forgetting the world for this fantasy world. Holding hands getting transferred to far off romantic places, feeling the emotions. Cozily leaning against each other in a light hug. I think this genuinely is romance at one of its best. A very good date idea.
This weekend this is exactly what we did. Saw two back to back movies.
here's how they fared-

Shaadi ke Side Effects.

This movie should be more aptly called - Baby ke Side Effects.
I myself didn't completely relate with the movie or feel it, however we did enjoy the movie and had loads of fun. The punches, humor, real life situations do make you laugh.
Vidya Balan for a change looks smart in western wear in a casual avatar. One can take fashion tips from the movie for the curvy figure. Her acting skill remain perfect as ever. She does complete justice to the character.
However Farhan Akhtar stole the show away for me at least. Great comic timing, poker face humor, bechara act and the sheer emotions that he got to the screen.
Must watch for a hearty laugh for all couples.

Highway

This movie belongs to Alia Bhatt completely, no doubt about it. The simple innocent, well mannered girl trapped inside the high society is perfectly justified by her. She puts herself so much in character, you can actually feel for Veera. The stark difference between rich and poor is shown with honesty.
The movie takes you a journey to experience rustic, beautiful, mesmerizing and un spoilt locales of India. Randeep Hooda does his job effortlessly. I really like the way the movie is shot and directed. I cried with Veera and laughed with her too.
Liked this movie more than Shaadi ke side effects.

A snapshot of what I wore --





Enjoy both the movies

xoxo
Bhakti

Thursday, January 16, 2014

A small Hike with Big Happiness.


It was Friday night and as I lay in bed at night browsing through my regular sites as usual, a post fascinated me, Thanks to Tes.

I just wanted to go there and explore the place myself. Being Born and brought up in Pune, I love the city too much, I love the hills surrounding it and since childhood enjoyed the small hikes on weekend mornings, but as Pune is growing, the hills surrounding it are rapidly dwindling. So when I saw a post about this hill on Tes's blog I had to explore it myself and bask in its beauty.

I decided to surprise hubby dear, and woke him up early Saturday morning and told him to get dressed. He was really surprised and was really excited to know where I was taking him.

I packed a quick picnic breakfast and we were on our way.

This little hill is some 20 minutes drive away from our home, exactly located right next to the
D. Y.Patil Knowledge city Lohegaon. Its a small hike, taking about 45 minutes to an hour.



Small but pretty


Please do not litter on nature trails, we always carry an extra bag for all the garbage.
Enjoy this beauty and safeguard it, do not destroy it in anyway.



Beautiful

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