#debsaristories haath mein makkhan and I was searching for ghee #smallvictories #thedressthatfits #desividesi I read couple of articles about sunflower fields around 100mi from home. Of course it got me excited and I dreamt of beautiful sunny sunflowers and me amidst them and secretly packed a saree too although was wearing dress.... (Manisha Koirala song?) Patideb as usual is ready to drive and explore so off we went. I wore this dress after almost three years, thanks to getting back to my workout routine. I was more excited about that than anything. I almost gave up on myself and was resorting to black tees and unfit Jean's just to hide all the flab that settled only and only around my tummy and hips. I knew I had ignored myself for too long. I took my bettu's warning seriously and started working out. First of all, I dont feel guilty of neglecting myself anymore. Second it definitely feels good after all that pain and hardwork to smile and dress the way I used to once! In India, exercise and workout are not culturally normal. We haven't seen moms and others working out so we havrnt grown up in the culture that the body needs to be conditioned. We take it easy when we gain extra pounds after marriage and childbirth. We think mothers need not worry about looking young and fit no matter what the age is. That's ironic considering we are the land that gifted yoga to the world but I guess over time yoga was left out of any daily routine. I think that needs to change, there is awareness today but many of us (including myself) dodge it taking the "oh yea u look fine what are you talking about", "teek hi lag rahe ho... gym jaake kaun sa kareena kapoor banna hai", "you look good in sarees, khao piyo mast raho.. kya workout diet etc. Bachon ke peeche daudna hi exercise hai".. and so on. But deep in our hearts we know, that's just to convince ourselves temporarily and that we are not doing justice to our health and long term goals. So if you have been contemplating, pls pls pls do what it takes to hit the gym or workout at home or do yoga. Never give up on you. Back to sunflower fields drive.. well the sunny babies are tiny and even if I kneel down they would be shorter than me. Nevertheless we enjoyed the drive and soon after coming home, I headed to the backyard to get couple of pics in my own garden. Seen in the background with me are nectarines, apples and pomegranates I would have taken these pics amidst sunflower, so old do imagine that as well until I get lucky to do so real time The saree is a silk kotha yardage I picked from Chennai couple of years ago

#debsaristories #sfosariparade #incredibleindia I know it's been a while and what more better way to come back.. sharing the awesome feeling participating in the first ever saree parade here at San Francisco
 Special occasion marks a special saree, so I wore my pure silk kanjivaram with seven wonders of the world woven in border and pallu, this to me is no less than an eighth wonder of the world... to weave seven wonders in thread by skillful hands is magic. Teamed it with my favorite wonder of the world - Wah Taj! I know the pic doesnt do any justice at all, and I am not good at posing either, so feeling terrible about the injustice. This saree is perfect for an indoor and choreographed photoshoot, alas I never get a chance to do that! Wish I were a saree model. Sharmistha Deb, Ma is in her authentic kantha stitch saree, something that never goes wrong! We enjoyed being a part of "one of the firsts", wishing many more to come. I had been meaning to write, but couldn't. I understand that our culture is all about respecting elders etc. But recently I am guilty. When people look at ma as an individual they completely understand she is young and definitely a respectable and charismatic lady. She's Mrs. Deb then. The moment I (or hubby) enter the scene immediately she becomes "aunty" , "mashi" even those that are her own age (those that have witnessed late marriage, late kids etc) call her aunty. Well, shouldn't they know that just by calling her aunty neither she becomes old, nor do they become young. Ma doesn't mind, I do. She says that's a side effect of early marriage! Recently a gentleman of her age addressed her aunty, I immediately retorted "ma is young, perhaps younger than you!". I thought if I was rude, but then he was too. Isnt it a better idea to ask her how she likes to be addressed? Maybe Mrs. Deb, maybe Sharmistha, whatever ! I know this could happen to many others we know closely too, I know its tiring to correct each one, I know they should know better. I know, right?