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Handcrafted

When effort surpasses reality, the picture isn’t one of suffering—it’s one of progress.

Look closely, and life isn’t just about enduring; it’s about adapting, creating, pushing forward. The human spirit isn’t wired for defeat—it is built to survive and overcome.

Seen this way, suffering takes a backseat to resilience, and struggle reveals itself as transformation.

In markets, “handcrafted” is a premium label, reserved for the unique and the carefully made. But for millions, handcrafting life is not a choice—it’s everyday survival.

Effort, persistence, and the refusal to give in—that’s the real handmade story.

Coffee and Conversations: Wisdom in Every Sip

My dad always said, “Coffee drinkers are better thinkers.” He was a wise man. I’ve never had a reason to doubt him.

These days, “Coffee?” is the answer to everything.

Questions, answers, problems—it doesn’t matter. Coffee solves it all. Especially in Mumbai. The city hums with its energy, fuelled by endless cups.

Maybe it’s the caffeine. Or maybe coffee is just a great excuse to pause, talk, and think.

Either way, I’m not arguing. Coffee?

An Open Window, A World of Calm

An open window behind, a simple bench beckoning you to sit, a loyal plant keeping you company, and soft grass beneath your feet. There’s even a shade nearby, waiting for you to decide if you need it. Above you, the open sky stretches endlessly—a perfect invitation to pause and just be.

Now, imagine tossing in a book, a bottle of water, and a steaming cup of hot coffee. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? There’s just one catch: throw away the watch. This is not a moment for time to meddle.

This little setup isn’t just about comfort; it’s a rebellion. A rebellion against hurried calendars, buzzing phones, and endless to-do lists. It’s a reminder that life isn’t a race; it’s more like an unscripted performance under a limitless sky.

What happens when you sink into that bench? You’ll notice things—the subtle rustle of leaves, the changing hues of the sky, or the way sunlight dances on your coffee cup. Perhaps the book you brought along finally gets the attention it deserves, its pages flipping lazily in the breeze.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll discover the joy of doing absolutely nothing. Yes, nothing! It’s underrated, often mistaken for laziness, but oh, the freedom it holds. No notifications, no deadlines—just you, your thoughts, and maybe that sneaky plant that’s somehow photobombing your serene moment.

The best part? This isn’t a luxury reserved for sprawling gardens or countryside retreats. It could be your balcony, your backyard, or even a park bench nearby. What matters isn’t the setting but the mindset.

So, take the plunge. Open that window, grab your coffee, and let the sky remind you how vast your world really is—if only you’d stop to notice.

A Pink Bicycle, a Green Canopy, and a Sunday Well Spent

Sunday mornings have a different rhythm. A little slower, a little softer, and undeniably indulgent. The world pauses just long enough to breathe. And today, indulgence takes the form of a pink bicycle, resting under a canopy of green. A simple, striking contrast—bold yet comforting, playful yet serene.

There’s something about pink. It carries the spirit of childhood, the joy of carefree pedaling, the wind rushing past, and the giggles that follow. It reminds us that life doesn’t always have to be about speed. Sometimes, it’s about presence.

Green completes the picture. The colour of renewal, of balance, of quiet strength. It frames the moment, offering a reminder that the world is constantly growing, shifting, and flowing—whether we rush through it or simply sit and take it all in.

And so, this Sunday morning is just that. A blend of pink nostalgia and green calm, a visual pause before the week begins again. A moment to breathe, to absorb, and to be.

How has your Sunday been? Did you find a moment of indulgence before Monday’s gears start turning?

(at Mumbai, India)

Where Does the Sea Begin? A Child’s Questions at Marine Drive

We sit by the sea, watching its endless waves. She sits beside me, tossing questions like pebbles into the water.

“Where does the sea begin and where does it end?”
“Can we build a new sea?”
“If we can’t build a new sea, then we must take care of this one, right?”

I nod. She’s here for answers. I came here for the breeze. But she’s stirring up a storm.

Somewhere, I hope the right men and women are listening. Because the sea has no voice—except for those who ask the right questions.

 (at Marine Drive Mumbai)

A Bird in Hand—And the Joy of Watching It Appear

They say a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. But what about a bird drawn on a hand?

For a child, it’s magic. A few careful strokes, a little waiting, and suddenly, a bird appears—etched in Mehendi, alive in her imagination. The flutter in her eyes, the quiet twitch at the corner of her mouth—it’s a joy no real bird could match.

It’s not the big toys that bring the deepest happiness. Sure, they shine. But the small moments, the ones spent laughing, waiting, watching something take shape—those stay green in the mind.

Because joy isn’t just in what we hold. It’s in what we create.

Cotton, Clips, and Colours: A Lesson in Childlike Creativity

Swabs of cotton, clothesline clips, and a splash of colours. In the hands of kids, that’s all it took for magic to unfold.

No TVs, no tablets, no digital distractions—just pure imagination at play. The kind that turns ordinary objects into extraordinary stories. The kind that reminds us that creativity doesn’t need a screen, just space to roam free.

All it takes is a little belief—in kids, in their boundless curiosity, in their ability to turn the simplest things into something wonderful.

Yes, magic. That’s the word. And kids own it.

(at Bangkok, Thailand)

Tell a Story, Create a World: Lessons from a Child’s Imagination

The lion lends a ride to the monkey. The same monkey who can leap across three trees in a flash. But today, he needs a ride—because a buffalo with big horns is troubling him.

If you don’t make up stories on the go to enthrall your kids, you’re missing something magical.

Go on, tell them a story. Watch them react, imagine, create. Their minds will jump all over the place—and in those leaps, they’ll teach you something new.

The little miss reminds me daily that reality is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves. A different narrative can rewrite an old tune and make the world fresh again.

So, tell a good story. And more importantly, listen to the ones kids tell you.

Because when you give yourself to a story, the world changes with it.