TRAVEL, PHOTOGRAPHY, LIFE EXPERIENCE

Of Malpua, Meditation, Mist, Mountains, Music, Monuments, Motherland…

In Living Color — A-Z Writing Challenge — Photo Stories of ‘M’ things

Bumping into JoAnn Ryan’s In Living Color A-Z Writing Challenge, I thought what a mindblowing manner to enjoy and engage with the moments captured but there was a situation.

The mind-boggling mess that I am, it was unclear!

It was uncertain if I could initiate the interesting writing prompt with any alphabet right away, randomly selecting from A-Z generally, an alphabet of my choice in particular.

I took a risk (a ‘measured’ one nonetheless…wink wink)!!

Instead of asking the methodical JoAnn Ryan and her meticulous In Living Color Team, I actually challenged myself with alphabet ‘M’ after discovering that many ‘Ms’ are intertwined in my life thus far. And of course, so many memorable moments to share with my Medium mates.

The medium is the message — Marshall McLuhan

Medley of ‘M’-s in My Life

The alphabet ‘M’ is in abundance. Litearlly!

In my life —

So far I remember, right from taking music lessons (Indian classical, Vocal) at an early age to seeking my Masters degree in Mass Communication; drawing inspiration from Mamma Mia (Maa, mother) to machine embroider magnificient motifs I came across in every possible thing; learning to surf radio stations for music and news, and practicing how to click photographs under the tutelage of Baba (father) making memories unknowingly (in his old-modeled Pentax);

then jumping to work as a media professional [audio-visual presenter (news and views), print journalist] for some years; the 13th letter of the English alphabet, M….mmmmm…means a lot to me.

A whole lot, honestly!!

I feel complete, touchwood!

To name a few —

# (In front of the mirror, in pyjamas and slipping miserably, repeatedly) While trying to imitate the mesmerizing moonwalk of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson and crooning his chartbusters…hahaha (since I have been introduced to Western music);

# And when I talk about music, my mixed bag list remains incomplete if I don’t name singers and composers like Madan Mohan, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton, Mukesh, Manabendra Mukhopadhyay, MLTR, so on and so forth.

The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by — Alec Wek

M for Maa Saraswati in My Mandir with Marigold

Goddess Saraswati — my constant companion since past four decades. I pray to her, every single day, in my own way.

M for Mornings

It’s a brand new morning. The empty canvas of the day is waiting for you to paint it intriguingly. May the blessings of peace and contentment be with you today and every day.

M for Mindset

Accept thyself, love thyself and keep moving forward, no matter what. Instead of worrying what will happen next, concentrate on what you can create.

M for Magical Maradona and Messi

I feel M’s abundance while I used to witness the Argentine soccer legend, Maradona in action, leaving me in awe; (…am under a magical Messi spell and more so due to the ongoing Football World Cup…) ;) !

M for Mozart — Musically Ours

I remain happy, enjoy the spirit of the season and can concentrate well while listening to one of the best music composers of all time, Mozart — his masterpieces are worth a collection.

M for Maps with Mini Idlis

I delightfully read maps and atlases while munching mini idlis (savory rice cake). A ha!

M for Meditation

I enter into a meditative mode when there is complete artifical silence. Only then Nature speaks, and you listen to your soul, as I do. Try it! You won’t complain.

M for Monuments

Monuments and architectural marvels intrigue me. I marvel at old walls, old stories, old carvings, sandstone romancing with the marbles— invincible, classic, impregnable and neverending — the list seems endless…gets etched in memory till eternity.

M for Mithai

Mithai means sweets in Hindi. May your life be as sweet as this box of exotic mini assorted Baklawas.

M for Mountains and Monsoons

Mountains help me inhale fresh, crisp, rejuvenating air and exhale all negativities. That’s why I keep going back to mountains. A mountain girl by heart ❤. And monsoon in mountains is so enticingly magical.

M for Memories and Moments

Some memories are unforgettable. Like the one shared here. We were to celebrate our son’s second birthday, took an impromptu decision to do that at Rohtang Pass near Manali, Himachal Pradesh. One of the memorable birthdays we celebrated at an elevation of 3979 meters (13,054 feet).

M for Mask

One of the most dangerous challenges this world has faced in our lifetime is Covid-19 pandemic. The wearing of mask, sanitizer usage and maintaining distance were the three most important steps to safeguard ourselves from the infection.

M for Murals

Sweets, only sweets (Mithai hi Mithai) goes the caption on the huge wall mural at the Lodhi Art district, Delhi where a lady sweetseller has a host of sweets in display. It is India’s first art district with murals by 50 Indian and international artists.

M for Mombatti

Mombatti means candles in Hindi. Candles set a soft and warm ambience and are primarily used for their aesthetic value, fragrance, and religious purpose.

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world— William Shakespeare

M for Mist

Misty mornings and afternoons are just surreal. Getting enveloped in mist and slight drizzle is no less than heaven, I swear!

M for Moon

I was nicknamed Moonmoon by my maternal grandpa. Later, it was curtailed to Moon by my father. Hence, the name — M for Moon :)!

M for Maach in Mustard Oil

Maach means fish in Bengali. In Bengali cuisine, fish is generally prepared in mustard oil. There are hundreds of fish delicacies which are relished and remembered.

M for Mehendi

Originating in the ancient Middle East, the art of Mehendi or henna painting on body has been prevalent in India since 4th century, evident from the cave art in Ajanta, Maharashtra.

M for Marbles

Those shiny round-shaped marbles are my prized possesion since long. I simply love the way they look and are felt while I touch.

M for Masala Chai in a Small Mug with Masala Maska Bun

Masala chai means spiced tea and masala maska bun is spiced buttery bun. The combo is quite a hit. Suits my palate too :)!

M for Mix of Greens

This mix of greens I often prepare. My family loves it.

M for Moods

Between abrupt and unaccountable mood swings, there are calm and contemplative and happy moods too. Atleast in my case :)!

M for Meals

Nothing is more blissful than eating a good, heartening meal.

M for Mahatma Gandhi and Methi na Gota

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, India’s Father of the Nation — just the name is enough.

M for Meaning of Life in Mosaicwork

There is a certain kind of symmetry, like rhythm, in everything you see or you don’t. Just like this mosaic-patterned lampshade. So enjoy life.

M for Mirchi ka Salan

Mirchi means chillies. Mirchi ka salan is a tasty curried chilli peppers, best enjoyed with Biryani.

M for Motherland

My motherland, India, is best known for her rich cultutal heritage over thousands of years. One of the most diverse nations across the globe, a land that is home to over 100 languages, and over 700 different tribes, is also known for her bravehearts who safeguard the borders of the nation.

Salute to those bravehearts who had made supreme sacrifice for the sake of country.

M for Maggi

For Indians, Maggi is arguably the anytime food for unpredictable hunger pangs. If possible, I mix some superseeds, 2–3 walnuts, 2–3 pitted olives, and a dash of cheese to that. Tastes delectable.

M for Miscellaneous

There are so many Ms still left which act as panacea to problems and turn life easier, healthier and less complicated. Just naming a few more :)!

M for mixie machine (juicer-mixer-grinder); M for massage (how about a foot massage, a facial massage from the salon of your choice or maybe a manicure); M for milk (make your bones stronger, rich in calcium…attention, ladies in particular!); M for mobile (take care of your handphone, a periodic clean-up and updates leads it to work faster, removing the unnecessary data from the necessary ‘evil’, and a gentle massage with the dirt cleaner); M for mozarella cheese (this one ingredient creates magic on the plate turning dull serving into an interesting one); M for mix & match (your wardrobe — run your imagination wild and free and turn into your own fashionista); M for movies (treat yourself atleast weekly with some timeless classics/romcoms or any genre you love to watch; maybe a Tom & Jerry show might freshen you up. Who knows!).

M for medicines as well (if you are under medication, be mindful about it. DON’T FORGET!)

And of course, M for Medium (where good ideas find you) :) :) and you, in turn, get in touch and exchange thoughts and ideas with a galaxy of mindblowing intellectuals.

Hearty thanks JoAnn for the invigorating writing prompt and considering my maddeningly long photo story for your esteemed pub. Feeling grateful!

Rhonda, I would certainly take some tips from you for such glorious captures. Feeling excited!

I simply loved your photo story with tremendous C-connect, Dr. Preeti. Feeling nostalgic!

Vidya’s B-story is an absolutely delightful read and enjoy. Feeling joyful!

Tagging some Medium mates whose stories and clicks are worth-a-read and relish:

David Acaster| The Sturg| Linda Ng| Katie Michaelson| Jan Sebastian| Jason Edmunds| Nancy Blackman, MASF| Sandi Parsons| Mary Chang Story Writer| Adrienne Beaumont| Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles| Ellie Jacobson| Dennett| Anne Bonfert| Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages| Penny Grubb| Pam Saraga| B.R. Shenoy| Mukundarajan V N| Indra Raj Pathak| Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她)| Cristina Cattai| Sharing Randomly| pockett dessert| Donna Marie Dupuis| Sherry Kappel| Mia Verita| Barb Dalton| L Burton| Judy Walker| K. Barrett| Osan Fernando| Jennifer Barrios Tettay| arun| Allisonn Church

M for Merry Christmas

“Have a holly jolly Christmas, It’s the best time of the year, Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow, But have a cup of cheer…”

The world is full of magical things — patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper- W.B.Yeats

So believe in the Magic.

What’s your A-Z story? I would love to know. Please feel free to tag me…:)!

Let there be love and light everywhere. Season’s greetings to each one of you! Hallelujah!!