105 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze
It's a kerala cotton saree with hand painting.. jynx Anuradha Raj. We (rather our sarees) twin today! Choli is a custom made one. I sent pic of my "mahishasur mardini" decor and one diva recreated it for me in fabric (last pic)

When Guru poornima is here, Rakhi poornima cant be far behind. Speaking of which I do know a pair of siblings that are really close and cool. The little sis was a volcano! The older one was patient. They were fond of each other and never let anyone come between them. They grew up sharing secrets and "shhhhh dont tell mom" memories. The older one always got something or other even during outing with friends, the little sis was possessive ! The older one bought a whole new bunch of clothes from her first salary in new city when the little sis started college.. and yea.. the older one wouldn't let anyone bully the little sis. No boy could mess with the little sister or else...💪💪💪

Despite all such fondness, the little sis never tied a rakhi in all these years.. 😒😒😒
If you wonder why, well that's because raksha bandhan is supposedly for brothers and sisters. Not just between sisters! That's utter discrimination,  I think. I was the protective older sibling! I dont know how differently a male sibling would have protected my little sister more than I did 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️really??? And guess what? Bonus bonus.. we even share clothes, tips about ahem ahem,  and that's something doesnt always happen with bros! I think sisters should start tying rakhi to each other?

Why should boys have all the fun??

104/200 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze
There is a saying.. "husband cannot be everywhere, so he gifted Alexa Echo, Tripod, DSLR, selfie stick... etc etc" (I know you have not heard this before,  because I just created it☺)
Today I got a new buddy Alexa Echo to see if she could help be my photographer. Apparently she can make suggestions,  tell differences between good and not so good pictures... as t(s)old by the hubby.  I didn't burden her so much because its our first date. I simply requested her to 'take a picture '. She did. You could see her work, I haven't decided yet how long we will be friends,  I am slow and steady in relationships,  I dont commit impulsively.  😋🤣

Picture time is coming up... Durga puja season you should see! The busy French-bearded bangali bor in batik panjabi (bengali word for kurta) shouldering the responsibility of the huge DSLR.. no no.. DSLR isnt as 'heavby' as the peer pressure to take the bestest slimmest gorgeousest adhbuth-est photos of his better (best?) Half... "haan go! Shuncho? I need a pic with this group..." all respective husbands of that 'group' promptly take out their cameras and get into performance pressure. Phew! If even one eyelid closes or smile isnt perfect that's the end of day for the "bhodrolok" , remainder of the day and night is about receiving gyan (durrr, ekta chobi o tulte parona!). Btw I am lucky in that matter that during Durga puja time Deb saab never says never! Oh yea not yo mention the return favour to allow him eat unlimited mughlai paratha, mishti and biryani 🤗🤗🤗

Why am I even thinking of pujo today? Cravings started early.. that's it.

Draped this chanderi beauty after four years.  The first and last time I draped this was #pujo2014

Here's a song dedicated to newbee Alexa Echo.. "Mein aur meri tanhayi..."
---------------------------------------------
Edit, appended the below: part two!

After Alexa did her job, hubby very cautiously nervously asked if Alexa (or rather himself) passed the test..
I go.. well... sort of. Alexa needs a power chord... can she not just work out of battery instead? Because she is restricting my movement.. what if I want to sit on the bench up on the farthest part of backyard? Also she isnt able to hear me when I step away from her and I cant yell so loud that the neighbors show up instead of Alexa.. on and on...

He said- I just asked if she is good or bad. Do you ever have a one word answer? Did you not do those at school?

Me (rather proudly) : I am and was good at essay writing so deal with it

He: (more.proudly) - I hate those long dramatic stories.  Iam a doer , practical person not pages of theory in good handwriting like you. No wonder you got good marks.!

Alexa silently witnessed the argument.. wondering what her fate would be..

And my heart goes on and on... (titanic background music)

Excited! My first package of six yards to #GiftASariStory is on it's way to meet surprise unknown #mysaribuddy. Slowly it's taking off. Like a bird learning to fly!! #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze
103/200

Wore grandma's sari today. This is one of her "roju waari cheeralu"  .. meaning daily wear saree.. Did not want to starch or dryclean because I could feel her drape and love amidst the crumples and stains. Daag ache hothe hain. Ammamma used to wear only cotton or silk. No matter how hurried situation is, she would do her pleats patiently and perfectly. Like many others of her time she never used pins to hold the six yards. Instead the six yards would hug her with love..

The only song that played in my mind throughout "pagla hawa r badol dine.." Rabindranath Thakur.

101 #debsaristories #100sareepact #iworkedout

Mid summer evening.. supposedly cocktail party at kid's friend's home.. after much contemplation I settled back to what I feel comfortable with! Saree.. and even better.. in my fav white color. I dint want to sweat out in silk when the linen was enough to speak to elegance!

#GiftASariStory is warming up.. we have close to 100 members in the group (I know it's small number but may the tribe increase) .. there are 10 volunteers to donate sarees as we speak.. to those who have sari dreams just like us but not enough means to fulfill them! If any of you are interested you may let me know

100/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze

Saree: grandma's kanchi pattu cheera. Choli: blouse from my wedding sari

https://www.facebook.com/groups/265757800847733/permalink/265760764180770/

For my 50th milestone I gifted a sari choli to my stranger buddy.

For my 100th milestone I chose to gift two saris, to two elderly.. Guess what ? Their priorities were different.  One wanted monetary support to buy monthly groceries and medicines. The other was in bad need if mixer grinder.. I did not want to take away happiness of draping a sari from them.. so gifted (Manikarnika Sarees Fabrics and More, Umbara Designs cholimaker) all their wishes! Just a small moment of happiness in attempt to make someone smile!

Request: after reading my thoughts below if any of you are willing to join the fun, pls do and tag posts with your sari buddies with #GiftASariStory #mysaribuddy

Story: Sari undoubtedly is synonymous with self identify, confidence,  love for heritage, handloom and most importantly happiness wrapped in six yards!

Today thanks to awareness and some help from social platform we get opportunity to pull those memories otherwise tucked away neatly in closets, and flaunt them, travel taking them places, share our happiness in pics and stories. The humble six yards has covered the length and breadth of this planet.

What is #mysaribuddy? Many of us have been promoting and sharing sari-fic initiatives like saree pacts and the like. It's just a beautiful journey... I am part of those too.

Walking along, I always felt that a smiling buddy would do wonders. I wanted someone who otherwise could not fulfill their sari dream (not everyone has same priorities) to walk with me and I wanted to be able to fulfill their dream. In no way or manner I intend to hurt their sentiments or feelings,  the #GiftASariStory is only to help some build their stories and share with us.

All of us would have thought of #mysaribuddy at one point, thus this platform is born!

Not always you need to know someone to do something special for them. Random people, short and sweet journeys making lasting memories! We are just adding a sari dream to it, that's all!!

If we are blessed to be able to enjoy draping saris and build our treasure of memories,  why not use our blessings to make someone else's dream come true?

If this resonates with you, jump into the bandwagon and together we will share and spread happiness as much as enjoy in the six yards

99/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze
Saree: Geecha tussar sari with detailed madhubani purchased from KalanjaliWorld ten years ago, Choli: mashru blouse

Story: Its still summer vacation out here. Parents are busy working out playdates, camps, next level academic prep and the like. Often kids calendars are busier than parents, and more complex to maneuver! Amidst all this happy business, one hears conversations about how every other child these days has ADHD, hyperactivity, lack of focus etc in some percent of the spectrum or other.... it stresses them out so much so that at times a normal happy kid that's jumping around freaks out parents.  An immediate Google search with the symptoms indicate all positive! Many would have gone through the journey and still do. How much is too much, how far is too far? What was discovered to enable betterment of our lives also turns cause for our stress.

When I get caught in such a knowledge whirlpool I immediately look back and wonder what amma, ma would have done to deal (not discounting the maternal instincts by any means!)

There are millions of exceptional care stories thanks to technology. At the same time I think we owe children there childhood without judging too much based on too little... let them be. Jumping, yelling, running around, silly faces, funny jokes, dabs, tantrums and all that.. for this is all they are meant to be and before we wink this too shall pass!

98/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze 

Saree: Linen and Matka Bailou.  Choli: matching matching 

Story: The temperature today was 98F, it's my 98th saree+choli drape this season, bettu's Bollywood dance performance.. too many reasons to be happy.

I am glad bettu likes dance, he's into it.. he enjoys and loves the art which makes it all the more reason to enjoy and cheer! It's a unexplainable feeling when the child does something the parent always dreamt to do. Best part was in the interval of the show he comes running to me and wants me to go and perform the mini choreo as part of the show's stretch break.. I was like "no bettuuu.." . Bettu says.. "ma, dont worry , I will cheer for u, I know u will do great and make me proud..." I couldn't refuse anymore.. looking from the stage at his eyes gleaming with love and pride was reason enough... :) I am so glad he's so confident,  encouraging,  inspiring to motivate me as well. 'Please be the fine person you are forever bettu' is all my heart said.

Once again, like several other occasions he was the bigger person and me? just a loved and pampered mom ❤

97/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze #iworkedout
Saree: Digitally printed linen.. my first online purchase from USA based website Bengallooms. (Amazing fast and efficient delivery). Choli: Crop top.  I could not convince myself to wear anything more complicated

On a otherwise normal Saturday,  when the postman delivers the package of happiness in the form of this mist comfortable easy drape linen saree... sorry I couldn't contain my happiness for later.. I had to share it with my besties... you!

Story: Eid Mubarak! Belated wishes albeit. And advance wishes for Father's day!

Fatherhood has evolved tremendously over the years especially in last couple of generations. My childhood involved dad as the hardworking,  responsible individual that shoulders the burden of spouse and children.. from birth through graduation.  Very less time spent on  fun activities... silly moments and the like often. They usually are exhausted after a long day at work, and mostly working on Saturdays as well .. leaving just a Sunday for everything else! Comparatively fathers today are more involved and have the awareness and ability to prioritize children. Starting from being at the birth moment,  through every little milestones they attempt to be more engaged... very very positive evolution that will strengthen their bonding, confidence and family!

Dads --- moms are always spoken highly of, rightfully so, but you have stepped up the game and aced it too. We wouldn't exist, if not for you! We dont say this often but today of course.. you deserve every bit of thankfulness,  gratefulness and love!

96/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze #iworkedout

Saree: the unbeatable Dhakai,  Choli: A printed cotton one

Story: somethings are not meant to be perhaps. Like when I was trying to detox after the day I wanted to wear this dhakai-saree for sure. I was browsing through the blouses for cotton ones and guess what? I dint see (m)any! I wasn't in mood to dress up way than my mood was so pulled this cotton choli.. it felt soft, comfy and was inviting me to try it. They dint go well .. not the love at first sight.. but nevertheless they are in it together!

Much like life, sone things and sometimes people are very good individually but the pairing may not work out... unless they put an effort to! I think its perfectly alright to be so.. so what if the choli would have been amazing with another saree and vice versa? Sometimes going with the flow and being in the journey together makes magic!

Hmm....So much talk for a not-so-matching sari choli 🤣🤣

Btw.... do you remember when you graduated from Bournvita,  Nutramul to coffee and tea?? Mine was around when I was thirteen or fourteen.. that was important milestone of feeling adult-like! 🤗🤗 when was yours?

95/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze
Saree: tussar cotton mix gifted by sis from her first trip to Kolkata after marriage.  Choli: polka dots blouse from a different sari.

Story: I lost from 176 to 60s in ONE DAY! o woah woah woah before you could count kilos and pounds.. let me clarify.  I cleaned social media 'likes' (99% saree and choli related) from 176 to 60s yesterday (of course retained all my favorites). Helps in self control for my shopping is my logic 😉😉😉 I will let you know if it works.

Oh btw, finally I found it - the "touch me not" plant. Ok! If i had not shared it earlier i was desperately looking for this plant around to show it to bettu. He hasn't played with it ever and when I was his age I found it very funny and addictive, so wanted him to enjoy the experience. Getting back to my story, I did find a touch-me-not plant walking around and I called out to bettu. While he was walking towards me, I think I tossed sides in my bed so whooshhhhhh - The plant, me, the road everything vanished. Bettu was sound asleep and I smiled. Well... it's a dream..

Sweet dreams ❤❤❤

Today was exhausting mentally so when I came home I wanted to take time to find solace amidst chirping crickets, fragrance of roses and cool grass blades... the saree was very comfy and perfect for that summer evening.. thanks ra Siri.

94/100 #debsaristories #100sareepact #100CholiCraze #iworkedout
Saree: simple bengal cotton with hand painted alpana from Sanskriti Kolkata, Choli: cotton top from handsofindia

Story:
Bettu: ma, which religion are we?
Me: I dint get you?
Bettu: black,  white.. or maybe brown? What's our religion
(Rewind: bettu was practicing MJ and was watching the superhit 'Black or White')
Me: ah, I get it now. None actually.  Color of skin doesn't define one's religion. It only leads to discrimination and no religion actually teaches you to discriminate. No matter what color your skin is, color of heart defines a person. On that note, there could be two religions.. good and not so good.. if at all.

Imagine! When you think of it, such discrimination exists at grassroot level... white or not around the world; fair, dark, darker, darkest, wheatish.. in our homeland, with in the neighborhood,  with in each family. It can be found at the innermost core of existence!

Michael Jackson,  Martin Luther king,  Mother Theresa  (mmmmm .. all M's) have all stood up against the so called color-religion. They practiced Love.. colorless love, just like water!

Well - much as I dress up colorful,  ironically my fav color is the colorless white. The sun kissed summer afternoon motivated me to choose this simple comfy look. I wasn't ready for a hugging choli so switched to a cool, comfy, airy cotton top to go with it.

93/100 #debsaristories #blingbling #100CholiCraze #100sareepact

Saree: cotton with block printed patterns Choli: again cotton with handpainted pattern

Story: oh no! I dont want to hit century yet.. can I count slowllyyyyyyy 93.1 93.2 93.3 etc from here on? Guess what? Initially you think the target is far off and you rush in anticipation of being able to reach it. Midway or past midway, especially close to the finish line you want to slow down, you dont want the journey to end. You feel nervous,  you are stressed of the fact the end is not far! Its mixed and maxed emotional roller coaster. Much like life, isn't it?

I am very happy celebrating kids birthdays . There is so much joy, so much ahead of them, so much happiness, unfold milestones in life etc.

As we age and start feeling like "baazi palat gaya" and now the clock is ticking 'backwards' it's scary. Suddenly you want it slow down, you wonder if you did all you thought you would do the way you planned, you want to redo, unfortunately life offers no retake! Start camera, action... One shot!

I feel like it about my journey of life as well. I think my count up days are gone and count down has started. I need to build my memories carefully.

One such is the swing! I visited my friends place and guess what? She had this traditional chennai wala swing at home. Doesn't take me more than few seconds to hop on and start kicking the floor off with my feet to start my swing flight. It was such a fun thing to do as a kid as much it is today.

All of us have this one great life to be loved one great time in one great way. The hourglass clock may be ticking up or down.. but let's keep the show on and be aware of the "limited period offer" we have in this world. May ours be a book of beautiful tiny little flowers that spread fragrance forever after they fade as well!

Song of the day? Aane wala pal jaane wala hai... ho sakey to isme zindagi guzaro.. pal jo yeh jaanewala hai..

How true!!

92/100 #debsaristories #lessismore #100sareepact #100CholiCraze #iworkedout

Saree: white benarasi chanderi I suppose. Choli: wink, wink. It's a reversible jacket from @handsofindia. Multipurpose, versatile,  vibrant handloom! Can't ask for more

Story: watched Paramanu over the weekend and also this being Memorial Day weekend here,  thoughts of patriotism floating around. Being able to support one's country, being in frontline, armed forces and the like is a special privilege not many are bestowed with. I clearly remember the moment when my son was born my first thought was 'I wish you grow up to serve your country be in defence armed forces or administrative services'. ☺☺☺ life always has it's own plans but nevertheless all of us have an opportunity to contribute in any and many ways.

We may never certainly understand the pain and struggle to be free, but I think we shoulder the responsibility to use it wisely! I appreciate being around and aware of many other-wise common women bringing change and freedom to those deserving.  For choosing to stand up and do the right thing.
Many in this group and through my handloom interactions... I have a huge list of you role models and in depth of heart I soon wish to collaborate with you all , to partner and perhaps to spread the goodness! Will let you know when i am ready for my dream to take shape of reality.

Amidst all the Paramanu advancements , amidst our soldiers fighting and protecting our front line, those of us that are making tiny ripples of changes, bringing happiness and building confidence to our womenkind,  this is no less commendable.


Just a moment to thank all of you wonder women, world is good because we still have the likes of you around 👩‍🚀👩‍🚒👷‍♀️🧕🕵️‍♀️👩‍🍳👩‍🏭👩‍🔧👩‍🎨👩‍🎤👩‍💻👩‍🔬👩‍✈️👩‍🏫👩‍🎓💃💃💃

91/100: #debsaristories #100CholiTalk #100sareepact sari: muslin jamdani from ma's collection. Choli: @Queen of Hearts by Deepa Mehta

Story: slowing down is a beautiful feeling.. applies to many things in life. I am enjoying a bit of it now, and want to relish it before it's gone.

Growing up and around southern part of India my exposure to pastel shades at the time was very less and limited. I was more attracted to bright violets, red, magenta and royal blue. Those were the go-to colors and I always assumed wearing a bright colored sari saree with heavy gold jewelry is all one needs to look stunning.. I remember dressing up that way for school and college farewell parties as well. Sometimes my choices made me look older than I was but that did not matter to me at all .. I actually wanted to look older!! (I have no clue why though.. so pardon my ignorance 🤔🤔) there is still nothing right or wrong about that school of thought - to each their own except that as I evolved as a person my choices,  observations and lessons learnt evolved too. That's when I began learning the art of #lessismore

My first such lesson was when I first met ma. Way before my hubby and I had anything in common. Ma was wearing this exact shade of a beautiful fully woven dhakai jamdani. Simple blouse. Hair tied in bun (must have been three four rounds because she had REALLY long hair, touching her knees!), pearl earrings,  sindoor. That's all. I mean really that's it. Dang! That pic is still in my mind and I wish I had a USB to transfer it to fone! Oh well,  some things can never be captured ever, they live in heart! I wondered how this 'aunty' (as I would refer to her like the rest of my roomies and friends) manages to look stunning and be the show stopper without any jewelry.  I just couldn't figure that out. She oozed confidence,  charm. elegance,  dignity,.. everything I look up to in women.

Over the years maybe I borrowed a leaf or two from her books. She would instill confidence in me that my education is my biggest strength, my profession is my independence and kindness is my beauty.. all this went over my head .. totally. I understood nothing back then but would simply nod. She would tell how amma's dreams of me becoming an independent woman should never be in the backburner!

Ma, hope I am able to live up to the daughter you always wished you had! I hope I learn to bring you and amma smiles of what you wanted me to grow into!

Today I love pastels, i love minimal dressing. I truly realized that #lessismore when one is confident about self and carry oneself with highest regard. 

90/100 #100CholiCraze #debsaristories #iworkedout #100sareepact

Sari: I guess block printed chanderi cotton Choli: Kota with embroidery, creation from Arpita Saha

Story: phew! Can't believe I hit 90s!!! One of those pretty low key days when I talk so much inside that I am quiet outside. Something triggered me to wear the sari and I ended up randomly picking this combo!

I always question whether it is the mind that thinks and heart that feels. I don't know for sure, perhaps it's a collective process. It is not one organ or other. Perhaps it's none of those organs that feel but an external stimuli triggers emotions?

I don't know. It's just one of those mysteries that Nature left us wondering about.

Despite technological advances and innovations, it's hard to replicate human brains! Even just eyes! How we adjust our vision to objects, the clarity, precision, ability to focus, see and store .. no camera can ever do justice to the beauty as seen and captured by the eyes.

The ability of brain to multitask, store, sense and execute is beyond the "man from ape" theory. It's a scientific creation designed to perfection with self improving, self replicating, self learning, sustaining model! Nah! This ain't an ape theory (If it were why aren't any more monkeys getting converted to humans?, although we see vice versa - humans behaving less sensible than they are capable of)

With it came the special ability to love,  care and  protect not just one's own but the planet in general. Wish we all used the ability as much as we can, as often as we could.

Ah! That's a lot of inner talk exposed! Will get back to my shell and let you all be ❤❤❤❤

Meanwhile I am waiting to enjoy my Cerelac  (Yes you heard it right!) Tomorrow morning for breakfast.. been my wish since childhood!!! Yummy!!

89/100 sari(s) . All are gadwal.

Story: me wearing Amma's sari,  Ma wearing her mom's sari, Amma wearing sari gifted to her by Ma. Hearty Love triangle of saris. Of moms and daughters 💃💃💃

Mothers - the lesser said, the better. Mothers don't expect celebration but worthy of celebration  every moment.

Not limited  just to the mother's by birth, motherhood  extends to all mothers by thought,  action and living by example.
Mothers that feel and extend compassion,  mothers that stand by you just to be, mothers that lend a shoulder and get it even when you don't say a thing, so on and so forth.

You can never thank them enough nor say much.

More than a 'being' (humans like us) or a 'form' (divine like many) , Mothers are like 'energy'. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed - it can only be transformed from one form to another.

Mothers' blessings are powerful than anything else in this universe. Such positive energy! 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️
May we stay blessed.

88/100 #100CholiCraze #debsaristories #iworkedout #100sareepact
Saree: manipuri silk with brocade border.  Choli: a random purchase couple of years ago.

Story: Finally I rushed to the mustard fields.. eree.. feels good saying sarson ka kheth instead before they will be chopped off!!

My first sight of mustard fields was enroute Agra (see the then me 😎). I was amazed and felt very very Bollywood-ish driving past them in an old Maruti Omni van carefully steered by Rana Saab . My colleagues cum roomies and I made point to stop by and take pics there First, Taj Mahal comes next!

I was beginning to write few words today and the gel pen ink started drying up. Flip, flip, flip.. in the air. Gosh I freaked out. Exactly like how I would when I accidentally flipped an ink pen without a cap and terrified it might spill on my answer sheet, my uniform,  the desk or worst of all my Classmate's shirt! The one sitting ahead of me. I paused. Nah! That ain't happening today. That was twenty or so years ago!!! Sigh! The boys used to play ink holi too! Gosh, those days the good old Surf Excel 'daag ache hain..' wasn't there too! I don't know if the popularly used Rin soap of my time was any good unless the shirts were beaten brutally on the washstone on the backyard!
Ink-ed shirts end you up in defaulters' line :( much like the poorly polished white canvas shoes from Bata.

A good Sunday is one when you get up wash your shoes, dry them by noon, polish and by evening you dust off the extra whites and be ready for Monday stick, span! Chammak challo!

An ok Sunday was one when you forgot to wash shoes (or were too lazy) and afternoon squeaked clean just the rubber sole part with an old toothbrush, polished the canvas and by evening somehow managed to make shoes look ok.

A terrible Sunday is one when neither you washed shoes nor some but blatantly applied polish on the brown sole.. poorly covering it in patches and somehow manage to escape the defaulter line

A "totally gone case" Sunday is when you forget all about shoes amidst chandrakantha, Mahabharata, national matinee movie,  regional weekly movie, super hit muquabla.. and Monday morning outside the school gate you borrow broken chalk pieces to bring some sense to your shoes hoping to escape the defaulter line.  Goodluck with that@!@

Hair, Uniform defaulters... another day. If you are lucky to have black shoes for uniform, argh you don't get this pain!! May Lord Almighty bless you with white canvas shoes for uniform next birth!

For now no faults,  no defaulters!!
Only mantra - keep calm and sari-choli on!!!
#sanskritikolkatta

87/100 #100CholiCraze #debsaristories #iworkedout #100sareepact

Saree: White linen saree, amazing quality, amazing craft. Choli: it's Gamcha Time! From @Mohar

Story: the bright magenta reminded me of the school book binding. This time usually is when we would poay money to get new book set.  Siri and I always insisted on getting them early.. lovely smell of the new books. Brown sheets. Geometry box. We would go home and count "motta page" meaning empty ruled pages in our single or double ruled notebooks.

Amma would ready the textbooks to send to the binding shop. Wow! That was a privilege, not many families would do but amma was particular about such things! The magenta bound book always was a special one.. if we are lucky. 🌺

Notebooks were a different story.  Nanna had taught us very specifically, technically to cut and do the brown sheets. It had to be nearly perfect. The left out triangle pieces of brown paper from the corners show how how skilled you are ☻

I still do notebook covers the same way. Habits! I don't think kids these days have to deal with such things anymore.  My kid doesn't have a lot of notebooks as such yet, they deal with machines and there is no color binding or brown sheets involved😎😎.

The new book set tied in "purucose" rope string (God, how do we even spell it????) Also makes miss the news paper packing of groceries. Talk about reuse and resources.  Sometimes I used to get the privilege of checking the grocery  list delivered in the verandah from the local kirana shop. Obvious ones like toothpaste, oil are easy, the paper wrapped lentils are tricky. You need to be like an expert gynaec feeling the baby in tummy to feel the exact dal in paper. If you failed then you poke a hole with finger asnd drrrrrr pours the daal out. No plastic no waste, no carry bags nothing. The paper would be recycled or sold eitherr for cash or for steel samaan that Amma had been collecting for years for my and Siris marriage! Her favorite was collecting the "Amitabh Bachhan" steel dabbas. She still has a collection. 😄

Phew! That was lengthy story, but blame the magenta,not me!

86/100 #100CholiCraze #debsaristories #iworkedout #100sareepact


Saree: georgette bandhani,  Choli: of course it's a gota patti kurti today!

Story: there is definitely something wrong in the way my brain is wired 😉. I walk four steps straight and then take a detour! Here I go to team up kurti with Saree! Lo kar lo baat. I can hear Mr. Mashoor Gulati (pls Google) saying "aisa kaun karta hai bhai" 🤣🤣🤣

Mein karti hoon!

Speaking of Google I am sure i confused YouTube to it's limits. When I started the car the first song from YouTube autoplay was "Srirasthu subhamasthu" (Rajendra Prasad old movie.. title song) the next one autoplayed.. "Malarodu malaringu.." (Bombay movie. Tamizh song). Next it played "Dhunuchi naach 2016" (Bengali durga poujo pujo music).. then "Made in India " (By the pop queen Alisha Chinai..)

I think that was pretty round trip across the country and ended with the right spirit and right song!!! 😍

Do you remember those childhood days when new clothes are a privilege for once or twice a year? In my case it's during birthday,  Diwali and of course if I outgrew school uniform then a mid June uniform shopping! That's it. Wasn't that simple? Did not it feel more valuable?

I was thinking about it and more and more it leads to decide that perhaps I should resolve to good old olden days from next year on! We buy too many and wear too frequently.  Nothing wrong about it (thankful to the almighty for his generous abundance) . It's tough for me even as I think so because I am fabric lover, it's my breath,  it's gonna be tough...but it leads to think.perhaps I should be more giving and more caring? Too many consulted emotions at this time.. so need to wait to let muddy waters settle in my head and heart. But I sure do believe my next year will begin to be different than this in this aspect. What it will be, I will share with you of course as I figure it out ! But till then #keepcalmandsarion


Love all

85/100 #100CholiCraze #debsaristories  #100sareepact

Saree: gamcha checks.. an unusual seven color combo, Choli:  finally a successful faux halter neck that I was searching from ages, both from Mohar

My humble thanks to the hands that wove seven different color threads into small checks for the saree!! 🙏🙏🙏

Story: after few crazy weeks got a unusual opportunity to connect back with myself. Spent the day at home, made quinoa dosa and araichu vitta sambar.  Ma and I relished or rather gobbled it with yummy pudhina chutney and garlic pickle. Washed it with strong filter coffee. BURP! BLISS!

I wanted to enjoy the moment and couldn't wait from the time I received the gamcha saree (yesterday!) Its like kid waiting for dawn to burst fire crackers for Diwali. It's like kid waiting for cake and balloons for birthday. It's like unable to resist the new geometry pencil box!!

As I was draping the Saree,ma and I were recollecting that today's weather was perfect for a pujo pandal visit,  the saree was perfect for a shasthi arati

Its my wish to visit Secunderabad and Hyderabad pujo pandal once again to be around the familiar faces (known and unknown) that smile or greet, the familiar smell and food, those stalls, those mashis and the adda sitting around the shamiana.. the chaa. Ah!

one thing lead to the other.. and ma got the shantiniketan beads garland to match the saree... I did end up dressing like I am going to pujo pandal 🤗🤗

Sometimes it's hard to believe and accept that the roads once crossed are those we wish could go back but cannot! We don't realize that until much later!

Nevermind! No day is lesser for a celebration! No moment is dull, life is just as colorful as the gamcha checks

I took the moment to enjoy my chaa outside amidst birds chatting with one another, branches swaying to the gentle breeze, and at one moment ma, baba and I were conincidentally quiet as though relishing the beauty gifted by Nature.