Loves, Old & New

*****

Dog eared copy of Agatha Christie's ''They Came To Baghdad'' with all sorts of odd paper scraps tucked between the pages...my grandfather's; the man from whom I inherited an unquenchable thirst for reading!

Old handbag, faded & shabby, dismally frayed at the edges, the one I never use, yet shy from throwing away...the worn-out smooth leather brings me peace...

Bunch of orange roses given with a shy smile and received with a glad heart....a magical moment trapped forever...yet it repeats itself with continuing reassurance :-)

Sharing food and laughter with one's own...eating with hands...licking the fingers dry...giggling over nothing and everything...stuffing oneself silly....lazing in the aftermath....

Cake slowly rising to life in the oven...the house smelling of oranges, vanilla, cinnamon...a cup of tea waiting impatiently to give it company...

Nourishing song...celebrates love, friendship, building bridges, holding hands...carries bits of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, sung by people who create unique music-scapes...reverberates long after...

Simple home cooked meal on a lazy afternoon...a pass-me-down recipe...the known taste filling you with reassurance, comfort & contentment...the aromas bringing a host of memories flocking back...

Sound of church bells wafting in from the distance...filling the air with rich sounds....and promises....

Macaroons, a crazy French concoction, which is soft and melt in the mouth oh-so-sweetly...you just cannot stop at one...ever....and the colours....so pretty...

Pottering around the house... DIY art projects... lavishing some TLC.... the house laps up.... transforms itself into a home....warm and inviting...for us....

Cosy rooms, buffered from the cold and the winter chill...cuddling on the couch...sharing, loving, talking...

Rows and rows of silver ear-rings....much worn...yet not old...never out of favour...or fashion...a cherished collection...ever growing...

The garden...a tiny piece of heaven...the air feels fresher...the sky looks brighter....the soul lighter...days when the sun comes out....pure bliss...

Walk along the Thames....exploring London's many bridges...discovering lazy by-lanes...busy markets... starching beneath layers of history... a great city...many have explored before...many will after...yet one cannot help...but be filled with wonder...

*****

P.S. This is partially taken from my latest post in my other blog Kitchen Karma. Of course if you want to know about the food bit, you need to take a peek there.

P.P.S. We are going on a short holiday this weekend. Will catch up once I am back. Hopefully will be able to bring you stories from our trip :-)