Sangeetha Kamath

On a clear Autumn evening, the sky is a splash of feeble purple, a hybrid of Lavender laced with Heather. It's a garden of blooms in the sky with streaks of Fuchsia and Mulberry , a medley of regalia. That's how my favorite person is.  A pale Violet , the vintage elegance of a timeless sundress as she twirls away to heart's content without a care in the world. Plum is the zing of the freshness a wine ushers in on a barbeque evening. The seasonal blueberry ice cream bars with drizzles of Lilac are the cool respite I look forward to and find in her company. Byzantine is a powerful stance as she holds her audience captive. An incandescent Mauve is soothing with her tone and forthcoming promises. A lustrous Amethyst wise beyond her years, dazzles us. Periwinkle is a whisper of her charming heart's desire. Iris although dainty, exudes confidence rooted and balanced.  Cornflower and Orchid blend in an encrusted tiara woven to mark a gorgeous splendor . Wisteria is ...

The best laid plans come crashing down all  around in a heap of smoldering rubble . Dry and dusty, it's a sun-baked quarry emitting a pall of steam wearying one to the last dregs as all the rose tints fade to grey scale … And then there remains an uneven ground cracked, a few footsteps away–ridged, to stumble upon anew. The jagged edges of one's own folly and expectations were mushrooming gravestones heralding an epilogue of sorts. The splinters of the remnants of the high throne and the pedestal that once held lyrical dreams and castles in the sunshine --- now a mere standing ruin weathered by the freezing snap of winter and dog days of loaded high summer. Hellfire and brimstones rain abound, as do  the scorching heat of a rising lava around. From the melting river of fire, from this barren and dead earth a flicker of spark arose from the strewn ashes to rebuild a defiance and gradually peaking to a steady confidence. The dying embers refused to be totally extinguished....

  The rain washed sky reflected in the color of your eyes. Smoky , when deep in thought but otherwise an iridescent quartz with sunlight bouncing off the clear cut facets. Summer blue speckled in them when you had big dreams, aims and wishes for us. Dazzling like crusted sapphire they would dance in delight whenever we made you proud.  In all their childlike innocence, they were the radiance of miniature moons peeking though floating clouds—pure and sublime!  Glowing like the last vestiges of a burning coal , they had held me safe in your warm affection and a reassuring armor, cloaking me from the freak drafts blowing my way. Wistful and soft like sprinkles of snowflakes , they had held the depths of the ocean as well-- crinkling at the edges, vulnerable, charming and authentic as could be. How I miss those eyes, daddy, that had  mirrored an endless canvas of dawn, the glitter of fading stars sparking liveliness in them.  Widening in amazement, narrowing in...

In the still, restful hush before dawn arose, a single bright star greeted me today through the lonely blue haze. A wordless ‘Good Morning’, it sparkled contrary to Dad's hearty voice ringing through the house.  The sky rejoices in you, we revel in all the good memories you've given us to write about, journal about, sing about…most importantly to converse about with joy in our hearts and a wistfulness in our eyes.  Could any treasure be more dear than this? It's a spring in my rose garden with your nostalgia in full bloom. A tiny heart with its vast, grand, golden and upbeat moments is overstuffed with the fabulous 50 years of my life you've given me. Everything is hunky-dory for most parts of the day and night– because I dedicate every waking moment to you, as do I with my mellowed breathing just before I fall asleep asking you to envelop me and Babylou with the most powerful, shielding aura that is now yours.  Yet, there is no silence more louder, no void more expans...

  Lunch hour chaos pulsed through the popular restaurant, yet the staff somehow made room for me at their corner table. As I waited for my meal, my gaze wandered to the unfolding drama. A newly appointed elderly waiter stood before the head server, his eyes cast down, in apology and deference. The head server's voice rose, a harsh rebuke echoing through the dining area. The transgression? Serving himself the expensive dishes meant for customers, not the staff meal package, the rule he was unaware of and it was obvious from the honest error that it was his first day at work. I didn't see greed nor malice. The elderly waiter's repeated apologies seemed genuine, but the head server's anger only intensified. The power dynamic was stark, and I felt a pang of discomfort. As I watched, I realized that the head server's behavior was a reflection of a deeper issue – a lack of empathy and kindness.  At that moment, I was reminded of the Mongolian concept of Zöv Amdral , whic...

I sit here, in a rustic cottage nestled in the Japanese countryside, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The thatched roof above me blends seamlessly into the landscape, as if the cottage has grown organically from the earth itself. As I sip my steaming cup of matcha, the bitter notes dance on my tongue, invigorating my senses. The ceramic cup, crafted by local artisans, feels warm to the touch, a gentle reminder of the human hands that shaped it. Outside, the landscape unfolds like a canvas of serene beauty. The cottage is perched on a hillside, overlooking a valley blanketed with a tapestry of emerald green tea fields. The delicate leaves rustle softly in the breeze, releasing the sweet scent of fresh growth. In the distance, the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji rises, its snow-capped peak glistening like a shard of crystal in the morning light. The mountain's presence is both calming and awe-inspiring, a reminder of the power and majesty of nature. As I gaze out the wi...

Today, I discovered the joy of *Xiao Shuì*, the art of taking a short nap. I've always been someone who struggles with sleep. March 22nd I've started incorporating *XIAO SHUÌ* into my daily routine. I take a short nap after lunch, and it helps me power through the afternoon. I've noticed that I'm more focused, more productive, and more patient. I've also started to appreciate the beauty of *Xiao Shuì*. It's not just about sleeping; it's about taking a break and listening to your body. It's about giving yourself permission to rest and recharge. March 29th Today, I had a busy day ahead of me, but I was feeling exhausted. I decided to take a *Xiao Shuì* nap, and it was exactly what I needed. I slept for 30 minutes, and when I woke up, I felt like a new person.  It's about self-care. It's about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. It's about being kind to yourself and giving yourself what you need. April 3rd As I reflect on...