Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Surprise Yourself
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Homemade pasta from scratch! |
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Red Rocks against a Purple Sunset |
And once in a while, surprise yourself - the result can't always be terrible, right?
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Confusing
Some days are just confusing
A mish-mash of vice-versa
Ready to cause me to fumble
How things change
How unpredictable people can be
One day an ally
Another something resembling an enemy
Should I tango
Or stay still as the song continues?
453
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Be You
Dear Tomorrow,
Life will give you many options to pick a you. You'll get challenges, opportunities, paths, and victories. You'll find yourself in predicaments, celebrations, over hills, and down pits. Wherever you go and whatever you encounter, I hope you will choose every chance you get to learn more about who you are. I once loved someone who didn't understand when I said I needed to find myself. He mocked me and ridiculed my search. It hurt because I thought the world of him. But it hurt a lot more because I didn't think much of myself. It took a while, but I think I found her hiding somewhere inside. Once I found her I realized a few things:
1. She had been there all along, I just needed to see.
2. She was made by me and a few others who I let into my world.
3. I get to decide who she is.
4. She changes.
5. I am her.
I can't wait to find more of me through you and I hope I can be there whenever you need me as you find and keep finding yourself.
Lovingly,
Suparna
452
Friday, May 27, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ You
I thought a lot about you today.
The more I think about you, the more excited I get about seeing you. About knowing you will one day be here, become the present, and be our future. Of course, life cannot be taken for granted and anything can happen. But you give me hope and excitement about the future. And now.
Thank you for that gift.
Lovingly,
Suparna
451
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Listen to your Cheer Leader
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Bloody Escape
449
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Be Persistent
Dear Tomorrow,
Today Dan finished another important and big milestone and I'm so proud of him! There were many times in the middle when it seemed too hard to make it to this point and there were many obstacles on the way. He changed course, negotiated a more sustainable plan, altered his expectations, and he made it to this day! As always, Dan focused on the positives, gave his best, and thought of all the lessons he learned along the way. I hope very much that you'll find ways to be persistent in your own way!
Lovingly,
Suparna
448
Monday, May 23, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Chill Out
Dear Tomorrow,
As Dan and I were strolling today, we saw a magnificent tree outside our apartment that was full of newly budding pinecones. They were young, green, and incomplete. It was so nice to take a moment to notice them and catch a glimpse of them in their growth. We also noticed a water fountain right outside our apartment that we had never seen before! Dan often reminds me to chill out. I take his axioms to heart, but being Piglet like by nature, I worry a lot. So Dan added to his two axioms (guilt is useless and stress is stupid), worry is wasteful. When I'm chilled out, I notice more. I'm more present. More whole. And definitely happier.
Hoping you take after Dan with his Pooh-ness and not after my Pigletty self when it comes to worrying!
Lovingly,
Suparna
447
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Not a Love Marriage
Theirs was a marriage arranged
by war,
in the cruelest of ways.
The stump that was her leg entered her prosthesis with ease.
Never had there been a more perfect match.
446
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Look, then See
Dear Tomorrow,
Every day, Dan and I work hard to look at one another and see who we are, who we are being, what we have to give, what we need, and how to love on each other to make this all possible.
Some days we only look, and things happen that come in the way of us seeing. When we just look, it can be through a layer of worry or doubt or other such feelings that stem from a shaky sense of self. Sometimes looking is easy and those layers protect us from ourselves.
It takes courage to really see. Past the anxieties, let-downs, dropped expectations - there's a lot going on. There is a lot to see outside and within.
There are moments when seeing is incredibly hard, because seeing into Dan's eyes means allowing him to see into mine. It means allowing him to see all my inadequacies and all my failures. But it also means embracing and accepting his vulnerabilities. Often I don't see my own ability to take a risk until I see it through his eyes.
I feel grateful to have Dan's perspective and non-judgmental love. And it's also brave to see and be seen.
Take the time to look at people and the world around you. Then, find your strength to see.
Lovingly,
Suparna
445
What adventure lies ahead?
This is a story
with a beginning and an end.
it's not an easy tale to tell -
it's about an incredible kickass friend.
Like every story it begins with,
"Once upon a time there was,"
a girl named Sarah who deserves our applause.
Sarah's journey began in the land of the Bengals.
I had to Google that because,
whether it's foot or base, I know little about balls.
Her adventurous spirit took her out west.
And to the bears of berkeley she brought some of her zest!
With Mila by her side, Sarah took on the world.
Engineering? Dancing?
Nothing she wouldn't take on as her adventures unfurled!
Developmental teacher education became Sarah's pursuit.
Oakland and Berkeley got an amazing teacher,
and then she was someone's recruit!
Said the recruit to Sarah,
"Wanna come work at Logan?
It's awesome and you'll work weekends!"
She considered it and replied, "Well, it depends!"
And depend it did!
And boy was she in for a ride!
Changing, trailblazing -
she took it all in her stride
Camping, climbing ropes, an expert in fashion.
In her time at Logan, she helped kids find their passion.
She asked difficult questions about inclusion and diversity.
She shared her expertise with others
at circle, stamp, and POCC!
No one stood in the way,
of a volleyball she threw.
She knows how to joust and spike,
(Yes, I had to google those too!)
Sarah is all of this and so much more.
She's been my friend, inspiration,
and an ally to the core
So, Sarah, as you end this journey here in Denver,
I wish you love and adventure.
And I have one question and one only -
When can I plan my vacation to Miami?
444
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Walk
Dear Tomorrow,
Today, Dan and I spent a lot of time walking, talking, and getting to know each other better. Even after all these years, I still eagerly wait to see him and spend time with him. Today was my favorite type of day - a Dan day!
I hope you enjoy spending time with us as much as we do with each other and you.
Lovingly,
Suparna
443
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Whisper in Time
Her screams came in whispers now. Seven hours of desperate screaming would make anyone hoarse. But the body has a remarkable adaptive response to stress. She tried to distract herself by remembering the Ted Talk she once watched. The amygdala helps our body cope with the help of the four f's - flight, fright, freeze, and - forget. Forget? Was it forget? She couldn't remember.
441
Monday, May 16, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Expectations
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Shadows
as light succumbs to its quiet end
i am born of nothing
and into ashes i will recede
i came from the dark
as light swallowed itself
and all that was left behind
were glimpses of who I used to be
439
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ You Can't Control the Weather
Dear Tomorrow,
Waking up to another dreary frigid day in the middle of May is thoroughly annoying after a difficult spring that's made recurring lung and sinus issues a part of our daily struggles. But what can you do about the weather? Can't change it for sure. So we decided to make the best of the day and our slow recoveries! After two delicious cups of chai in bed and a relaxing morning, we headed to our local farmer's market and soaked in the colors and tastes of all things local! After a customary nap, we got to enjoy some unique music and spend time with dear friends. It was cold, extremely cold, foggy, and damp the whole day. And there wasn't a darn thing we could to change the weather. But we did what we could, and it was a special day.
Hope your days are filled with good weather. And when it sucks, I hope you're filled with a good attitude.
Lovingly,
Suparna
438
Friday, May 13, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Good People
Today, I got to see two good people, with good hearts, and good energy. It's not easy to find people like that in your life. I've been lucky to find such people. I hope that your life is filled with people like that too. Filled with goodness and love.
Lovingly,
Suparna
437
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ A whole new wonder
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Today, Ten Years Ago
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Ten years ago. Today. |
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Forgive, but don't forget easily
-Suparna
434
Monday, May 9, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Swim, don't Sink
433
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Seven Years
I held you tight and,
not for the first time,
pressed my ears snug
against your heart.
Its thumps tell a story.
Even after all these years,
it tells me stories of years gone by...
Once upon a time,
seven years away,
a wee girl and boy
figured out a way.
A way to be together,
more than being in touch,
for India and the United States
were apart by far too much.
Too much distance,
had already kept them apart,
so they mutually decided
it was time for a new start.
New start, new beginning,
they set out on a day so fine,
with loved ones by their side
they wedded on May 8th 2009.
Seven years have gone by,
since celebrating outside our door,
I have loved every moment of these seven
I can't wait for many many more.
432
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Celebrating
Rain-kissed air
Smelled sweet
Despite wind-swept hair
And cold feet
Gloom-laden grey clouds
Couldn't dampen this day
As ducks puddle-plopped
And every tree began to sway
The sun played hide-and-seek
Woke up a little late
Didn't stop bunnies that hop-skip-jump
Joining us to celebrate
431
Friday, May 6, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Make Every Sunset Count
Dear Tomorrow,
As we start saying our goodbyes to Colorado, I am reminding myself to make each moment with loved ones here count. I tend to live often in the past or dreaming about the future, so it takes effort to stay present in the moment. Today, we had many moments with our loved ones here, and I reminded myself to stay in each one constantly. A walk in the setting sun, watching a baby gurgle, laughing with my heart, dancing, chemistry jokes, cards, and loving people. Every moment counted.
Don't forget to make each of your moments, each of your sunsets count.
Lovingly,
Suparna
430
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Tesser Well
Dear Tomorrow,
Dan and I talk often about birth, life, and death, and things in between. We have our own beliefs about what happens when we, our bodies, die. Dan often says that death is the end and we come from the world and must go back to it. Living forever makes no sense in that respect. Life really is a journey because the end, in some ways has little consequence or meaning according to what we believe. Because we see life as such, the unfair (young, tragic days, for instance) really feels unfair. It may seem dire to some, our belief that death is the end and there is no beyond. But, to me, it makes the journey so much more worth it. It makes the journey the purpose of this existence that we are gifted with. It makes the journey worth living every breath to its fullest, and it makes our goal to live a sustainable, change-making, oppression-free, just, kind, loving life even more critical. I wish you a journey filled with love, kindness, risks, adventure, courage, hope, and I wish for you to walk this journey with pride and love. Tesser well my sweet Tomorrow.
Lovingly,
Suparna
P.S.- don't forget to eat ice cream along the way. It makes the journey sweeter.
429
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Kulfi Khao
Dear Tomorrow,
About a month ago Didi gave me kulfi molds. You know how the saying goes, when your sister gives you kulfi molds, you make kulfi. So, I did just that.
Most people I know like to practice a recipe/dish before serving it to guests. I had a dear friend once who would do a trial run of every dish in a meal before inviting friends. Often, I got to eat the rough draft, edited version, and the final creation. Couldn't complain!
I personally find that uninteresting. I think it's okay to try new things for the first time with others. Not everything can be perfect at all times, and certainly not the first. Somehow though, because I'm working hard to make sure my recipe doesn't cause chemical fires and/or release noxious fumes of failure, I usually like how my food turns out the very first time I make a particular dish.
Like today, I decided to (possibly slightly ambitiously) make kulfi. "How hard could it be to freeze a bunch of stuff in molds?" thought I so very foolishly.
I called Mummy and asked her to remind me how she made kulfi for those Air Force dinner parties when we were kids. I said "No" when she asked if we had khoya. And I said, "Hell, no" when she said you have to cook milk for something like 3 hours. But my resolute mind wouldn't budge - kulfi I would make. So, I decided to shortcut my way out of wasting electricity, my patience, and time by watching milk condense for 3 hours and bought a can of condensed milk.
The rest entailed, in honesty, my favorite part about cooking - mixing ingredients, following my trusty nose, and adding what I thought might be yummy. In today's case - mangoes, cardamom, and saffron.
Result: not a bad first time kulfi crop!
Take risks. Life's too short for trial runs. Kulfi banao...khao.
Lovingly,
Suparna
428
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ What Story Will You Tell?
Dear Tomorrow,
I feel full with family and friends who fill my cup and allow me the space to fill theirs. I hope you will have many chances to experience the joy of both of those feelings. Today, while talking to a dear friend of mine, I was asked to tell a story. I wonder sometimes what adventure I will embark on when this friend of mine calls, and each time I do find my feet striding along on a happy adventure. Today's has led me to wonder deeply...which story will I tell? There are many to be told, and much to be considered before telling them, but I'm confident I'm going to try to tell a story. I don't know which one to start with yet, but I'm grateful I have many to pick from.
I can't wait till you're a part of my story.
Lovingly,
Suparna
427
Monday, May 2, 2016
Letters to Tomorrow ~ Guilt is Useless
Dear Tomorrow,
When you're able to make gestures, Dan can teach you the "Guilt is Useless" hand gesture! Guilt came with all the baggage I carried with me from child- to adulthood. And Dan helped me unload, unpack, and get rid of all that excess weight I'd been carrying. Today was a day with no room for guilt. Only sunshine, time spent in caring for my self, recovery, and the man who makes me smile.
Hope your life has no room for guilt.
Lovingly,
Suparna
426
Sunday, May 1, 2016
I miss the sun
I know it's out there
Like it always is
We're the one always turning
Always on the move
Wearing veils of clouds
Keeping it out
Even though it stays exactly where
It has been for eons
Still
As permanent as it is
I miss seeing it
425