Priority

They say sunsets and age don't wait. 

As I enter a new phase of my life tonight,

I reflect that not everyone whom I consider dear, 

may make an attempt to be near. 

I have heard quite a bit on why they cannot be around this time, 

instead of one reason why they choose to be with me. 

For some, money was never enough,

and for few, I was enough.

For some, calendars did not sync,

but for few, our hearts synced.

For some,  meeting in years was not enough,

but for few, years of meeting was not enough.

Some people value 0, when added as suffix,

but few people value 0, when added as prefix.

Mari Baa

Unnadi ni garmi ma vahal ni thandak apti mari Baa,

Otla par besadi chotli vaadti mari Baa,

Baraf na goda mate paiso apti Mari Baa,

Juni sadi ni godli banavi recycle karti mari Baa,

Ghanshyam maharaj ni varta kahi suvdavti mari Baa,

Market ma sarad sarad dodti Mari Baa,

America thi lavela lego no tutlo set varsho thi sachvati mari Baa,

Tran phedi ne dhokla ane daal ne chatako karavti Mari Baa,

Mama ne chori chupi Magas aapti Mari Baa,

Hasta hasta sharmai jati mari Baa,

Bannu ee thaaki mari Baa,

Aje dhaam ma gai mari Baa.

Live2Cherish...

     Sometimes i get asked why i use the phrase Live2cherish. It was a phrase that i adopted in my teens. This phrase resonated with the rush of newly discovered adrenaline during my teenage. It was one of those organic things that happen to you, and you know its meant for you. It feels a part of you than a distant thing or person, which you need to make an effort to develop, or sustain that relation. And so it happened. 

Over the time, I have developed certain relations in my life which felt organic at the moment. I have lived through some great memories of laughter, love, empathy, sorrow, and success. I am grateful for those experiences, and relations. However, a few relations seem to drag me rather than develop myself. And so, I have chosen to let go those relations that I do not cherish today. 

Kind

If there is one thing that unites us that would be kindness.

Kind  enough to accept each other,

to love each other,

to forgive each other,

to develop each other,

to empower each other.

Let's be kind enough to say hello, 

to smile, 

to say sorry. 

Because all of us need a little kindness to survive.

Mulakat

શું તને યાદ છે?
એક સમય હતો જયારે આપણે મળતા હતાં?
તુ નજરે ચઢતાં,
મારા હોઠો ના કિનારે સંતાયેલુ સ્મિત વિખરાઈ જતુ.

હાં એજ ટૂંક સમય માં થતી આપણી લાંબી મુલાકાત મને સારે છે .

મને લાગે છે મારી લાગણી હજી સ્માર્ટ નથી થઈ.

શું તને યાદ છે?
આપણી પિલ્લૉ ટૉક વાલી મુલાકાત,
વિકેન્ડ વાલી મુલાકાત,
એરપોર્ટ વાલી મુલાકાત,

હાં એજ ટૂંક સમય માં થતી આપણી લાંબી મુલાકાત મને સારે છે.

શું તને યાદ છે?
એક સમય હતો જયારે આપણે મળતા હતાં?
પરોઢે ઘડિયાળ ના રણકાર થી ઉઠી જઈ
તને સપનાં માં થી હકીકત માં મળવાની તાલાવેલી.
હાં એજ ટૂંક સમય માં થતી આપણી લાંબી મુલાકાત મને સારે છે.

આજની  ફેસટાઈમ વાલી મુલાકાત લાંબી છતાં ફીકી લાગે છે.

શું કરુ, મારી લાગણી હજી સ્માર્ટ નથી થઈ.

શું તને યાદ છે?
એક સમય હતો જયારે આપણે મળતા હતાં?
સાંજે ઘર આગણે તારી ગાડી નો અવાજ સાંભળતા
નાસી ને મળવા આવતી હતી એ ટૂંકી મુલાકાત
આજે એલેક્સા રણકાર કરી કહીં દે છે કે તું આવી ગયો છું,
ત્યારે  લાગે છે કે આપડી મુલાકાત થતાં થતાં રહી ગઈ.

Where have I been..

Hello! Long time no see 👀.
Its been a while, I have been here.
Probably, you did not notice that I was gone.

If you are reading this, Congratulations 🎉you made it through Co-Vid phase.
I know, it is not a milestone or bucket list item, like Y2K of 2000 or lunar eclipse of 2017. But, it is no less. I am so glad that you are still alive and kicking.

Speaking of milestones 🙌, it has been a decade since this blog was created.
I was introduced to blogspot as my undergrad assignment, and I started using it as my notepad to jot and save my thoughts. I usually make a point to write around my Birthday, so here I am today.

My husband recently brought to my attention that I haven't written in a long time and I wondered, what do i write about? I no longer get to witness the spectacular sunsets of the south. Nor am I am in half hearty relationships. Writing about Travel: "Where have I been all these days" fits the scope and purpose perfectly. So, come with me.

Who: I have been transitioning as stranger in San Jose city and as a married woman in life. As a matter of fact, I celebrated my 3rd wedding anniversary this week. I know right!

Where:
The term 'Sunny California" is hoax, if I may say. You have to live here to realize what this phrase means to you. Pacific ocean is always cold (even in summers)- say bye-bye to swimming at the beach 🏊.  I have much more respect for people who have to commute to work in their personal vehicles or public transit since 2018. Never in my life did I wish for Uber Air or private jet for commute, so badly.
 When: While I am not commuting to work in "Sunny California", I have been able to go places within United States, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

What:Among the cities that I have visited, I absolutely loved the vibe of Vancouver and Sydney. I can choose these cities in a heart beat to revisit or relocate. Vancouver is very active, eclectic and young. Sydney is technology naive, homey, and equally vibrant.

By far the most Scenic and adrenaline pumping trip was South Island of New Zealand . Deep turquoise Lakes, vibrant wildflowers, Mountains, Never ending roads, Roasted Coffee, and Yummiest Indian food-all checked off. While I knew I would be surrounded by more sheep than humans in NZ, I also checked off seeing lifetime worth of deers. I survived 400m Bungee Jump and  River rafting over a 7m waterfall- crazy huh!

Speaking of crazy, I skied for the first time in Aspen, Co and terribly failed the lesson of applying brakes. Not once, twice, or thrice but the entire day😭. The snow clad mountains of Aspen, CO will leave you speechless either from beauty, freezing cold or bruised limbs☺.

How: I barely collect things or souvenirs per say.
I do bring some new personal traits, interests or perspective after my trips.
For example, I learned how to survive on crappy all-inclusive resort food in Cabo, Mexico. I learnt that my convent school English education cannot be counted as survival language skill and soft skills do matter.
I reached new heights of self perseverance while hiking in Sedona, AZ.
New Zealand taught me to remain minimalistic, eccentric, and play hard.
Sydney taught me to be comfortable being carefree, work free and not stressing about adapting to every piece of technology at my fingertips.

Until we meet again, stay Safe and Sane.

Kal Ho Na Ho

It is hard to say, if the Tulips in her garden are blushing more red or her cheeks,
when she hears Alexa sing by her window sill "Har ghadi badal rahi, hain roop zindagi,
Chaav hai kahhi hai dhoop zidnagi"
She hysterically bursts out reminiscing the coincidence of this song while prepping her Quinoa salad.
She reminisces on this line of the song: how she confidently jumbled the words with no qualms of authenticity.
That memory is retro as her red toaster-oven but the heated arguments over the lyrics of song and heartiness of Quinoa salad still lingers.

Palko ko leke saya

 pass  koi jo aaye.

Lakh sambhalo, 

pagal Dil ko

Dil dhadke hi jaye.

A song once cherished for no rhyme or reason,
Now rhymes a reason to revisit some untold tales of her life...

Par sochlo is pal hai jo
Woh dastan kal ho na ho
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo
Jo hai sama kal ho na ho
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo

A poet's poem

Irony of a poet is

they have made friends with word

but have limited friends to share a word.

While they can bring tears to a reader with their words,

their words are nothing but silent cries of

wanting to be heard, 

wanting to be seen

wanting to be in sync 

with person to whom its directed more than the words of this poem.

Hum tumse na kuch keh paye

तुम हमसे न उम्मीद रखो किताबों वाली मोहब्बत की

नहीं आती हमको लब्ज़ोन में बयान करने वाली मोहब्बत 

शिकयात यह रहीं तुमको 

की नहीं ज़ुबान से जताया ,

जानेमन, कैसे कहे 

नहीं गवारा तुमको खोना  

ज़ुबान के फिसलने से 

जो रूह से महसूस हो वह एहसास को कैसे लब्ज़ोन में बयां करू ?

Heran hain kyun

रिश्तो  कि नर्मी तोह कबसे चली गई थी,
आज मौसम भी सुख गया तोह हैरान हैं क्यूँ ?

तूफ़ान के सहारे से तोह कबसे बढ़ रही थी,
आज साँस छुट्ट गई तोह हैरान हैं क्यूँ ?

भीतर की रोशनी को तोह कबसे अंदेखी कर दी थी,
आज बाहार सूरज नहीं दिख़ा तोह हैरान हैं क्यूँ ?

 दिल की आवाज़ तोह कबसे शांत कर दी थी ,
आज तन भी मुरदा हो गया तोह हैरान हैं क्यूँ ?

Because you are worth it

I regret the times,
I willingly gave in to rejection
when an acceptance was eagerly waiting for my Yes.
So, I have chosen to be impulsive and let my experiences guide me,
as I open myself to endless possibilities of life.

I want to leave a laughter filled memory in that corner of the room, which you keep staring while looking for answers. So, next time when you hopelessly stare at it, you know fun and laughter awaits Your glance.

I want to leave an enchanting experience at your favorite to-go spot in city; where you escape to something bigger than Yourself. So, next time you visit it, you know magic seeks You.

I want to pamper you on your favorite piece of furniture, where you break loose after a long tiring day. So, next time you are tired, you know comfort awaits Your escape.

I want to make sure you are doing well by frequently checking you, when you feel less than yourself. So, next time you feel alone,  you know I always seek Your company.

I want to make a lively travel experience with you, kissing and caressing you at every stop sign, and singing at least one song in the most audible volume. So, next time you are on a long journey, our memories will drift you away.

I want to see the amused sparkle in your eyes when you find your favorite breakfast on table. So, you know every morning awaits something good.

I want to let you keep your shabby look or the unflattering clothing, which brings you a sense of comfort. So, you know your unpolished looks are as acceptable as your polished looks.

I want to cherish my living with you by making most mundane tasks of daily living an array of fun loving possibilities.

Well, these might be my wants. But, its my utmost need to let you know about them.
For,  You are worth all of that I am and what I will be!

Obsession

You wear an obsession scent
And, I am so obsessed with You.
Truly, I can never have enough of You.
So, I am going to love you, with or without you loving me back.
Today, I release you from my expectations to love me back.

For, its no longer about math, but more of chemistry.
Not that I do not have faith or hope in you.
But, I am tired of being victim of my own feelings.
So, I am not going pretend hiding those feelings.
As they have chosen to find home in You.
Today, I proudly claim to have those lovely feelings for You- wearing heart on sleeves they say!

I would like you acknowledge these lovely feelings that I have for you, but they have been ignored so far.
Dictionary tells me that:

verb: ignore

•  refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally
• fail to consider (something significant)

Words have been my friends. Your negligence has liberated me to create my lovely world with You.  One sided love- they say!

Vayro

O Vyara,

Kehvay che ke Sangat ni asar lagta vaar nathi lagti,
Shu malyo che mara vahlam tu aaj-kal ma?
Tari ada mane aje judi chata janeli lage che.
Thodi thodi thandi
ne thodi thodi uni.
dittu mara vhalam na natkhat mijaj jevi lage che.

Haji kal nij vaat karu,
Tara thanda-thanda sparsh thi
mara chanchal mann ne shant kari gayo.
Thando shwas lidhoj hato
ke aje chedti karva avi gayo

sarad sarad gati thi uno-uno bheti gayo.
Shu malyo che mara vahlam tu aaj kal ma?
Tari ada mane aje judi chata janeli lage che,
Thodi thodi thandi
ne thodi thodi uni.

dittu mara vhalam na natkhat mijaj jevi lage che.

Nathi shanti thi jhapva deto,
nathi jhadpi leva deto.

Pun sachu kahu toh mari aa haar ma apdo prem jeeti jai che
eni khushi che.
Tari ada mane aje judi chata janeli lage che.
Thodi thodi thandi,
ne thodi thodi uni.

dittu mara vhalam na natkhat mijaj jevi lage che.

Risamna

Tu risai jai che

Tu ghadik shan hruday na dhabkara vadhi jai che

Vichari kem kari tane manavish

Kem kari tara kumda mann ne na samji shakyi

Pun eej ris mane keh che ke hoon tane ketli vahali chu

Kem ke risai toh tyarej jai ne jyare apane evu lage ke "hoon tari jagya par hot toh avu na karat"

Have kem kari tane kahu, 

Ee aatmiyata bhareli tari ris joi hoon garv thi malkai uthu chu.

Etlej tu mane risayelo hov chu toh vadhu vahalo lage che

Ati Sundar

How do i look? she asked

You look good. But, I know what looks very good on you : He said

What is that? she asked

Hugging her, I look very good on you: He said

She blushed. 

Kissing her blushed cheeks, He said: That's the best look on You.

Teri meri baatein

Are mujhe jana hain, chal bye/alvida bol de 

Main toh nahin chahti ki aap jao

phir jabardasti kyu bye/alvida kahu?

Aur bolna toh tabhi chaiye jab mann ho ya bolne se dil ko achaa lage,

phir jabardasti kyu bye/alvida kahu?

Tumhe humse Shiqayat yehi rahi hamesha

Ke mera mann kabhi nahin bharega

Gila yehi hain ise humesha meri zidd samaj baithe Tum

Bus thodi jasbaati hain Hum

Par na jaana tumhne woh meri tadap hi 

hain jo pyaar karne se nahin thakti

phir jabardasti kyu bye/alvida kahu? 

Jane walo ko bye kehne ko milta

Toh shayad woh bhi kehte aabhi maan nahin bhaara 

Aur ek taraf humein jeene ko mila hain

Toh na chahte hue bhi bye keh dete hain.

Jana toh sabko hain ek din

Kuch der ther ke jee bhi toh loon,

Mann bhar ke jiye bin,

phir jabardasti kyu bye/alvida kahu?

Goals of Lifetime

She declared: Let's, have some relationship goals.
He asked: What do you have in mind, my Dear?
She exclaimed: Kissing endlessly;
For, I can never get enough of you.
He smirked: You know, behind every successful man is, one needy woman.
She profusely blessed: May you succeed!!! ️️️
As your wife, in your success lies my higher good.
Leaning towards her, He remarked: I can see that, Quite literally in this case .
Forever, took a new meaning that day for both.

3rd Decade For-Giving

I am given life experiences, belongings, relations to cherish my living.
As much as living is my right, its my duty to give.
To those who seek joy, i give cheer,
To those who seek understanding, i give ear,
To those who seek healing, i give hand,
To those who seek encouragement, i give words,
to those who seek love, i give heart,
When my mind, body, heart or words fail to suffice -I give forgiveness.
After-all, I am given life to give.

May your Living be about giving to someone.
But, first let that someone be You- Is my Wish for You today!

Cheers,
~Live2cherish
5.23.17

Excerpt:

halke halke, pardon mein,
muskurana achcha lagta hai
roshni jo deta ho to
dil jalana achcha lagta hai
ek pal sahi, umr bhar use
saath rakhta angira..
zindagi se phir ek vaada maine kar liya re..

Long Drive Pe Jayenge...

He said: Let's go for a long drive
She said: Being confined in car space is not my thing
Reluctantly they geared on road
As they stopped at red traffic light, he landed a peck on her cheeks;
Soon the miles swept by, the red lights came by and so did the pecks.
She never looked at long drives the same way anymore.
Simplicity and caring can never be bygone.
Belonging replaced longing during the drive.
As the just married tag swayed behind their car.

Love You Zindagi

You know dear,
I barely ask you: How are you?
For i perceive you in ways more than i can find adjectives.
There is a unique way I feel loved by You.
When i step out into a vast blue sky,
when a radiant sun peeps through bushes,
when a cold breeze kisses my cheeks,
when a sudden gush of wind snuggles me,
when twilight colors mesmerizes me,
when the car trail lights bewilders me,
when the perfect round moon beams at me,
when stars twinkle at me.

My spirit finds its tranquility just by watching you, feeling you, and appreciating your beauty in various forms.
It's that moment of feeling better about myself-If not love, what would it be?
Hence, I say Love You Zindagi.