July 31, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 25


Seeing our little guest, who lives in our backyard, eating to its heart's content from the bird feeder made me happy today.

What you may think

He is a frequent visitor,  and makes us and the kids happy.

What really happened

He has not been a frequent visitor but been living in our backyard for about two months now, ever since he was a few days old. It is almost like his world begins and ends in our backyard,  has not known anything else. He is content eating out of the bird feeder and strolling around in the yard. He is a joy to watch, especially for the kids. But with it he also brings about a lot of other emotions. I already dread the day he is going to discover the external world and leave his temporary home behind!

July 30, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 24


Seeing an American Goldfinch bird, feeding on a Basil plant in my backyard, made me happy today.

What you may think

We are treated with sights of these rare birds ever so often in our backyard.

What really happened

We have lived in this house for five years now and have finally been successful in attracting these birds this summer. Seeing a Cardinal, a Blue Jay and now a Goldfinch in our backyard is slowly becoming a reality. It took trying out 2-3 kind of bird feeders, and finally figuring out that one at ground level, carefully placed near tree branches works the best. But not with out paying the price of cleaning it ever so often, because of rain, ants and another friendly guest in our backyard. (Hopefully he will feature in one of my posts soon)

July 28, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 23


Riding on the new route of the metro train that connects the big city closer to home, made me happy today.

What you may think

We are frequent travelers to the big city and don't miss out on any happening events there.

What really happened

Our travel to the city is limited to only a few times in a year. Life gets caught up living in the suburbs, and feeling content that we live so close to unlimited access to a variety of museums and places of interest. The feeling of contentment even got better with the new train. The list of things to visit,  can be postponed indefinitely to another day.

July 25, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 22


Cleaning an old pencil box with A and giving it a face lift and filling it with last year's supplies that could be reused for school this year instead of buying new, made me happy today.

What you may think

I scored a deal to convince A and am going to save some pennies this school year.

What really happened

It was indeed a happy moment to hear A's explanation of how much plastic she saved by reusing some of last year's supplies. We had been talking about this ever since school closed for summer break. Did I feel proud and also save some money this year? No! I splurged on a personalized pencil pouch for being so proud of her!


July 24, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 21


Spending some time on organizing paper work,  made me happy today.

What you may think

I am a highly organized person, spending time regularly on taking care of such things.

What really happened

I love organizing things and dream of being a highly organized person. But what stumps me usually is making time for it and keeping up with the organized system. I finally made time to organize some paper work that had piled up for months. Though I got a good start, I am far from being done.

July 23, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 20


Going for a nature walk with the girls and collecting random fallen things for a collage project, made me happy today.

What you may think

That I am a super creative mom and keep the kids busy with projects like this and at the end of the day we had a beautifully handmade collage hanging on our wall.

What really happened

We finally thought of/found time to go for a nature walk and pick things. The last time we did it was probably 4 years ago. Though the walk was fun, the scorching heat of a july summer's noon, kept us busy puffing most of the way. We came back too tired, just perfect for Av to take a good nap. Before we realized the day's chores caught up with us, leaving just a basket full of picked goodies from nature sitting by the door.

July 21, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 19


Harvesting a ripered, plum tomato from my garden, made me happy today.

What you may think

That I have a lush vegetable garden in my backyard, where I grow vegetables of all kind. And every evening dinner is prepared with freshly picked produce from the garden.

What really happened

In a feeble attempt to try a hand at growing a vegetable garden, we have some pots trying to satisfy the needs of space seeking vegetable plants. So far we have to our credit,  some saplings of cucumber screaming out for space, a drying up basil plant, sprouting cilantro and methi seeds, and a lonely tomato plant, which we had bought from the store bearing a single fruit. Today that tomato fruit ripened after weeks, and the plant went back to silently praying for more fruits.

July 19, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 18


Experiencing one of the best experiences with loved ones and seeing smiles on their faces, made me happy today.


July 18, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 17


A picnic lunch by the river surrounded by hills made me happy today.

What you may think

It was a scenic lover's haven and I had a relaxing lunch with the family.

What really happened

For once that is exactly what happened! The only negative, the place is about 4 hours drive from home.

July 17, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 16


Bags almost packed for an up coming trip made me happy today.

What you may think

That excitement is in the air and things were carefully packed for all the fun in store during the next few days.

What really happened

Things in the beginning, were packed with excitement and care, making sure we have everything needed for the trip.  The excited screams of the kids coupled with the nervousness of dealing with them in the car during the long drive, diluted the excitement by end of day.




July 16, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 15


Spending some alone time with myself made me happy today.

What you may think

That I took some time off to treat myself at a spa or some retreat away from everything.

What really happened

I stepped out to run some errands, leaving both A and Av with my parents, who are visiting.  It was bliss to just be without being interrupted by questions or commentaries on observations. But all at the price of big tears flowing down Av's cheeks after she woke up from her afternoon nap and couldn't find me!

July 15, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 14

Image Source: www.etsy. Com

Finding hair ties that don't hurt and learning how to make them made me happy today.

What you may think

I am a craftsy person and an expert at all things DIY.

What really happened

I am far from being a craftsy person but have a thing for handmade stuff and all things simple and earthy. (Even the word organic can sometimes be too fancy for me) So in quest of that simplicity, and the detest of retail prices for something so simple I am excited to get some fold over elastic from the craft store and try this myself. If not anything I can definitely cut and tie knots!

July 14, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 13


Having some silly giggly girly fun with my 7 year old made me happy today.

What you may think

I have the liberty to have this kind of fun with her every other day.

What really happened

The only one on one time I get with her is when Av is napping. And in that small window of time, there are numerous things that have to get achieved. For this is the ideal time to do stuff where we won't get disturbed,  that time for fun never gets to come up on the priority list. That basically leaves us both hungry for fun time with each other.

July 13, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 12




Cooling off with ice cream at the end of the day made me happy today.

What you may think

I enjoyed the ice cream and relished it till the last bite. And I probably do this every so often!

What really happened

After a lot of fighting against the good voice inside me that warned me not to indulge in an ice cream,  I finally succumbed. The first few bites was so satisfying, until I was reminded of the harsh truth. I was supposed to be on a diet to shed those extra pounds that I had bagged(ahem) in the past few months. 

July 12, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 11





Watching the kids play at the soaking water fountain made me happy today.

What you may think

I had a really relaxing and fun evening with the family.

What really happened

I was having a really fun evening, watching the kids enjoy as they got soaked at the water fountain. There is nothing more relaxing than hearing laughter and giggles. But the price for all the fun, was a really tired toddler who had a severe meltdown on the drive back home, washing away my relaxed mind.

July 11, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 10


Getting ready for family movie night made me happy today.

What you may think

We had a great time together watching a movie.

What really happened

Preparing for the family movie night is the best part of the whole thing. The pillows fluffed up, the blankets spread, the lights dimmed and all of us cuddled up on the couch, it's a moment of bliss. But about 20 minutes into the movie, little Av who was cuddled beside me, was fast asleep,  and I soon followed suit! 

July 10, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 9


Seeing a rainbow in the sky made me happy today.

What you may think

I went on a relaxing nature walk or a long drive in the car, to witness nature at its best after a clean wash from the rain.

What really happened

I was driving home from one of the kid's classes when we noticed it right across from us. I have witnessed very few rainbows, so every time I see one, it's a moment of great pleasure.  I pulled to the side, put on the emergency lights and captured it with my lens. Not the best of shots, but the best I could do being parked on a right only lane, with cars passing me with people with glares. Though it involved many of my favorites like the sky, rain and colors, I had to move on!

July 9, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 8




These words that my daughter A said to me made me happy today.

What you may think 

That I am oh so proud that my daughter thinks this way about me and I am one lucky mom.

What really happened

I was mentioning to A about a picture on Facebook (the irony of life) getting many Likes, when she started talking dreamily about how famous she will be one day. I told her that I believed if she made up her mind, she would indeed be famous one day. For which she said "Whatever I become famous for, you would have played a big part in it".
The words took a few seconds to sink in, and that moment will definitely go down as one of immense happiness. Till I hugged her and she looked up at me and crinkled her nose just like the way I do, it hit me then and there.  I have such a big part to play in what she will be famous for - all things good or bad!





100 Happy Days - Day 7


Eating one of my favorite dishes cooked by my mom,  made me happy today.

What you may think - It was just like old times, my mom made the dish, and I sat back and enjoyed it.

What really happened - As my mother cooked, the kitchen was engulfed in the most appetizing aroma. But I was no longer the girl grabbing a plate and sitting back and enjoying the meal. I was a mom making sure the kids were taken care of before I began to eat. 

July 8, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 6



The moment the kids finally slept made me happy yesterday.

(Excuse the quality of this picture, it was indeed a happy moment)

What you may think - My adult life began that very moment. I caught a show on TV with B, or stretched on bed and devoured a book.

What really happened - As I sat up and saw in the wee light of the night light, the magic of slumber that had transformed two monsters to angelic beauties, my heart leaped with joy. I went to my haven eagerly looking forward to some adult time. As I stretched on the bed, satisfying the needs of my tired body, slumber did it's magic again, washing away all my plans and even making me forget to do a post!

July 6, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 5


Image Source: telegraph.co.uk

Seeing Stefan Edberg on TV while watching the Wimbledon finals made me happy today!

What you may think - I was happy to see a tennis star from my childhood days of whose I was an ardent fan.

What really happened - Hearing about the tennis star after a long time, of whose I was a big fan, brought back many fond memories. I was waiting for the match to begin so that I can catch a glimpse of him. Just when I spotted him and the image of his that I had in my mind got replaced with the image on TV of an older looking man, I was sadly reminded of the years that have gone by.

July 5, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 4


Looking at some cards and letters made by the kids made me happy today!

What you may think - It s a proud happy moment for me.

What it really is - When I looked at this card, I felt immense happiness, but soon to follow was an overpowering sense of responsibility to always do the right thing as a mom!

July 4, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 3


Watching the 4th of July fireworks with loved ones made me happy today!

What you may think - I am living the American dream,  enjoying the holidays of this country.

What really happened - I was sitting on a picnic mat with family,  surrounded by hundreds of people as the beautiful colors filled the sky. It was a moment of happiness to be under the starlit sky watching the lights paint a picture before my eyes. I looked around as the crowd cheered as the fireworks displayed red, white and blue, they looked happy and proud.  I missed my country, and the feeling of that pride.

July 3, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 2


Availing a back massage service from 2 pairs of precious hands made me happy today!

What you may think - I am the luckiest mom on Earth,  with two willing pairs of hands ready to give me such luxurious services.

What really happened - It was the best moments of the day, as I lay back, and closed my eyes to relax when I soon felt too much lotion on my back. Little hands were completely bathed in it too, treating it like a puddle of water ready to be splashed around. Before we knew we had an emergency situation where lots of paper towels had to be brought in for rescue.

July 2, 2014

100 Happy Days - Day 1


A cup of hot coffee made me happy today!


What you may think -  I sat sipping on the steaming hot coffee,  while I watched my  lovely kids play, or read a book with perhaps some soothing music playing in the background.

What really happened - I sat down with the coffee for my first sip, finding my moment of happiness after a busy morning, as I let the magic of the beans take over my senses. But I was soon brought back to reality by a fight between the kids, followed by the little one's potty call, and finally a phone call. I finally reunited with my cup of Java, when it no longer looked or tasted the same.

100 Happy Days?

It's been a while,
  my thoughts had gone astray.
They are now here with me,
   hopefully to stay!

Without further ado, let me jump to what I wanted to write about. The one thought that pumped up a heavy doze of adrenaline,  to make me jump up in bed at midnight. While the house sleeps peacefully, and the clock ticks away like a reminder of the much needed sleep to face another long busy day.

I am sure the 100 Happy Days challenge needs no introduction now. It is all over the social media/ internet. The challenge is to submit a picture of something that makes you happy, everyday for 100 days.

Guess who wants to jump onto this bus now?! But wait, how well do you know me? Do you think I will drop my pen and clutch onto my camera and spend 100 glorious days taking pictures? Have I ever looked straight at something and failed to gaze beyond, probably in search of a mysterious ghost holding it up and looking straight at me?

My pictures from tomorrow will have words....not simply describing what it is. But maybe teasing thoughts of what is and what is actually perceived. Perhaps a satirical nudge at today's social media and the many pictures posted in a day, of mostly, ahem, happy faces. That includes me too!

Why would I post a picture of a bad day, grumpy faces, leaky noses, withered flowers, lonely walks?

But the problem is with people's perception of your posted picture and your life. The expectations of all things rosy at all times, and your strife to keep up to them. A counter picture from an acquaintance that everything is going well for them, and the vicious cycle thereon.

With all due respect to the person who started this 100happydays challenge, and the many people who have found genuine happiness doing this, here are my 100 Happy Days, with a twist.