2012 | New Beginnings

I have been having this eerie feeling that 2012 is going to be a very positive year with opportunities galore and dreams fulfilled. I call this 'eerie' because I haven't had this feeling for quite some time.

2012 looks to be full of optimisim and sunshine. There are a few 'low-lying high priority' dreams that I have been trying to realize since long. But they were delayed due to my procrastination. This year, I aim to complete my pending (dream) tasks. After all, what's in a dream if it is not taken to fruition?

Setting the pace

This year began on a wonderful note with family and close friends. I was happy that my mother and adorable niece were in Mumbai with me on new year's eve. To add to that, we had a whole bunch of friends visiting us with their families from Thane, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurgaon. Could one get luckier? :). We had a whale of a time! 13 people in a 2-BHK flat in Mumbai partying till the wee hours of night-- it was awesome! The guys managing the kitchen made some awesome drinks and served delectable starters ;). Music was full-on and I 'finally' got to play my hero Salman Khan for a brief 10 seconds while the Dabaang soundtrack was playing :). My niece looked pretty in a lovely evening dress and she ball-danced with me along with her other little friends.

Earllier that afternoon, the whole gang had been to Bandra Band Stand. Nothing like the sea welcoming you with open arms on New Year's. There was so much of freshness and energy that I had this strong gut feel that 2012 is going to be a year to make dreams come true :). Newness is always attractive and 2012 exuberates that charm of newness.

So far, January has been awesome fun! It was my brother's birthday in the first week and another round of madness and enjoyment followed. I had so much fun on that day that I wished it went on forever.

Pleasant Surprises! 
I still cannot believe Raju drives!! While I was in Kolkata, she drove me around and even dropped me to the airport. It was incredible to see Raju behind the wheels perfectly parking the car or accelerating on the bypass. And we lived our own little dreams too while driving around together ;). The simple things in life always are the most memorable and make us the happiest.

Priyanka came to visit me at the airport with her adorable little daughter. That was another pleasant surprise and the smile just didn't want to leave my face :)

Positive Vibes- New Places, New People

Actually, not just 2012. August 2011 onwards, life has been very kind to me. I travelled considerably within Maharashtra and to North and East India. Mahabaleswar in August, Kolkata during Durga Puja, Himachal (Manali, Rohtang, Solang etc) in October, Pune in December, Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule in December -- we made the most of every little holiday/long vacation we got.

Take One| Mahabaleswar: The weather was pleasant and the hills overlooking the valley made the ambience perfect for a holiday. There was a mild drizzzle and I enjoyed a lot of 'strawberry crush' in the autumn embracing this hill station. I met new people, saw new places and overall returned very satisfied and pepped-up after the mini-vacation during the Independence Day weekend.

Take Two | Kolkata: I had a gala time in Kolkata during the puja vacations in October-- people, places, food-- what a combo! Legend has it the the Goddess visits her parents home each year around this time and showers blessings and happiness on us mortals. Revelries and merry-making characterize this festival. Each year, visiting home during the puja brings solace and mental harmony.

Take Three | Manali: In October 2011 again, we were off to Manali--heaven on earth. Manali is picturesque. Bright flowers, puerile Beas river, spectacular sunrise, breathtaking landscape, infinite greenery amid woods, and more. A real treat for nature lovers, writers, and photographers. I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life somewhere in the Himalayas near Manali. We also travelled in and around Himachal and returned via Chandigarh- Delhi.. again awesome places to visit during a holiday.

Take Four | Pune: In December, we made a short weekend trip to Pune- just like that. To visit friends and relax. The city always feels like home to me :)

Take Five | Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule: In December 2011, we discovered another beautiful place--this time in the outskirts of Maharashtra. Ganpatipule's scenic beauty will leave you stunned. Beautiful flowers, unique leaves, magnificent coconut trees and of course-- the sea. The white-sand beach there and the sea again made me philosophical :). Paulo Coeho's books always leave a deep impression in my mind and every time I am close to nature- his writing makes even more sense to me.

The sea-side love story was followed by a quick visit to Ratnagiri-- the terracotta red earth reminded me of Bishnupur in Bankura (West bengal). Outskirts and rural areas always manage to look naturally beautiful and there is an unfathomable magic in the fragrance of the wet earth. One feels like lazing round amid nature doing nothing. After lots of clicks and gorging hungrily on my favorite 'Surmai' (fish) fry at Ratnagiri, we were back in Mumbai. And I almost forgot to mention-- the Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule. I did not know till I went there that it is among the most revered places of worship in Maharashtra. So, we went there for a quick 'darshan' too. And came across the huge 'mouse' statues (also found at Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbai). People say, if you whisper your wish to the mouse, it gets fulfilled :).

New Beginnings
2012 seems to be welcoming me with new friends and friendships. I messed up one friendship in 2011. Due to whatever reasons, I lost a friend. And it became worse as I tried to revive the friendship after it was no more. That was a mistake-- big, HUGE! By the time I realized, moments had already become memories. I got a bit disillusioned for sometime. Then, instead of grumbling over a lost friendship, I started treasuring the memories :). And now when I look back, I know there is no going back...only moving on with positivity towards new horizons. New beginnings, new friends, and new adventures. Indeed, life is a journey, never a destination.

Wish-a-holic!

And yes, I must get a doggie. I have lived without dogs and their warm licks, friendly bites, damp noses, fake cries, crazy snuggles, lazy snores, and lively roars for 5 years now! Every time I see a dog at someone's home, I want to bring one home myself. Animals always make us smile. There is so much warmth in their body language, it is amazing.


The two top things on my agenda are to complete my book (long pending!) and to shed a few kilos. Tough but possible :p.

On that wishful note, I wish a very Happy New Year to eveyone reading this post!

'Once we have overcome the defeats - and we always do - we are filled by a greater sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight.' - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist