The change of season and change of mood.

The first week of fall and I can feel the difference in so many ways. It was like yesterday when I had to put my shades on because the sun was rising up and I drive east all the way to work. And now it’s dark when I leave home, and sunrise is delayed. The air is crisp and a little chilly. I still don’t need a sweatshirt yet, but full sleeves feel good. The weather change can be a reminder that we need to be flexible. The things which were necessary yesterday are no longer important today.

I still can see green everywhere, but some of the trees are already changing color and are ready to get rid of the old leaves.
Last Saturday, Action Museum had a caterpillar lab when I took my group there, and I saw a larva becoming a pupa, leaving the old skin.

I think it’s nature‘s way of reminding us to let go of things which don’t serve our purpose. It might be values, philosophy, habits, lifestyle, and sometimes people.
The cleaning of the house, letting go of old stuff, is another reminder. Like our spring or fall cleaning, we need to declutter our mind too. This might be a time to look into adopting a new lifestyle, upgrading the philosophy, trying a new hobby, or changing the genre of movies or books.
Just stepping away from day-to-day chores and mindset, taking a break, and thinking differently.

Let’s adopt the change in season and do some more - inside and out.

A simple cotton for work. Festival season upon us, time to take some of my silks out.

Small Steps, Big Adventures: Anand's Train saga

Anand loves going to the mall and walking. I don’t know what the connection is with mall walking, but that’s his thing. For years, his dad would drive him, and Anand would walk for 90 minutes, change in the mall restroom, and then they’d head back home.

While Anand walked, Dad would sleep or read in the car. I, on the other hand, was never very thrilled about the idea, so I usually did my own thing. A couple of times I tagged along, but honestly, it just wasn’t fun for me.

I’ve been nudging Anand to take the train and go wherever he wants, but with Dad always ready to drive, why would he bother trying something new? This little “mall routine” even became a point of argument between Anand and me (or really, between me and Mr. Husband). Dad’s philosophy was always, “Anand will do it when he’s ready.” Mine was, “He won’t be ready unless we push him a little.”

Finally, in one of those arguments, Dad gave in. He told Anand that if he wanted a mall trip by car, he first had to take one train ride to Boston. Honestly, I think he only said it to shut me up.

Little did he know how Anand would react. A couple of months ago, Anand did try a solo train ride from Boston, but he switched lines, ended up taking different line, and panicked. Dad had to drive a few miles to get him. After that, Anand swore off trains.

But this time, because Dad put his foot down, Anand had no choice.

So, last weekend, Anand—reluctantly and a little annoyed with me, convinced it was all my idea—took the train into Boston. He walked around on his own and came back safely. The trip went so smoothly that by the time he got home, he was already planning his next adventure.

This Saturday, he pushed it further—he took the Green Line from Newton into the city. Roamed around Seaport enjoying a trip to Museum of Icecream and took the commuter rail back.

Then on Sunday, he added another layer: he took the ferry from Boston to Hingham Shipyard. He had it all planned—tickets booked by Thursday, schedule sorted. He even had lunch at his favorite spot: Wahlburgers headquarters.

Google Maps and Google Earth—you’ve been lifesavers. I’m so grateful.

It’s been an experience for all of us—learning when to let go, when to give a gentle nudge, and when to push a little more firmly. 

Festival season and Sarees :) a simple Kanji Cotton for a meet.

Paint and sip saga we didn’t sip much but sure painted a lot

 Having kids with needs in the family means parent’s  social circle social life is limited to the therapies classes appointments and woking on resources for their child.

And if mom is also working, even the responsibilities are shared, it mostly falls on mother. I always talk how women are brainwashed or raised with “the caretaker“ concept.  To take time out for something they enjoy or to do something for themselves. It’s such a foreign concept .

My mission is always about supporting them first then their children. keeping that in mind I organized a paint and meet up for the mothers.  Grateful to the grant we got.

The place was booked couple of weeks ago and the planning began. We had space for 20 people, but we stretched our limit added a few more. that day 25 of us showed up to hang out, chitchat, enjoy some  snacks and  drinks. 

The 3 hours ona sunday afternoon turned into laughter, jokes, conversation, and beautiful hydrangeas on the canvas. One of the mother had her cell phone right next to her with very attentive mindset, but slowly she could let go the worries and enjoy the grown-up company.

On the way back, I kept thinking how wonderful to have this kind of opportunities and places where we could belong without our kids or family responsibilities. Knowing very well that we are connected because of our children, but we still find various other threads to keep us together and keep us connected.

I also learned a few lessons not to take everything on me, include others in planning and sometime let them decide the course of the day where I can just sit and enjoy.

We’re gonna do another event soon and that would be just the rain and repeat cycle.

The mom’s exactly know the expectations in preparation. I might be able to sit back and relax and maybe take out the artist in me and nurture it because this time my painting was the worst. I couldn’t even bring it home. It was that bad.

I take solace thinking I didn’t paint well but enjoyed the company.

I cannot thank the instructor and the owner of Pinot palette. They were wonderful, kind and patient. They exactly knew that these mothers were not there for painting.but to breathe, laugh and feel like ourselves again. They provided us a no judgment zone, empathy, and some funny moment for that we are grateful. 

The dream team

My master piece  

A simple cotton for work - Saree Monday 

One Show, Many Families, One Community- One world.

In the last few weeks, I have been part of a group event.

When the organizer approached me, I was in awe of a different version of this show called One World—people from all walks, shapes, and sizes walking on stage: people from various cultures, lifestyles, and philosophies. Basically, it is another version of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The idea was that I would walk with Anand on the stage, but I asked to include a few more families from the group.

These families showed up for every rehearsal—weekends and weekdays—driving long distances, diligently.

They were grateful that their kids were getting an opportunity to go on stage. They were grateful that their families were acknowledged. They were grateful that they were included.

Inclusion—belonging and being part of something—was the biggest drive for these families.

The kids had a hard time with no structure, an unknown environment, and not understanding the bigger picture.

But the driven parents made it possible. They made accommodations for their children, figured out what worked for them, and made it happen.

They were there on weekends and even on a weeknight for the final rehearsal. Even with the long drives, they were determined to give it a try.

On the final day, one of the families who lived in the same town offered their home for the group to rest and relax before the show.

The whole gang met for rehearsal, then went to their house, rested a bit, and changed into their fancy clothes for the show. They still managed to be on time, attentive, and ready.

Our group was a tiny part of a bigger group, but I witnessed many things backstage and realized how gratitude overpowers attitude and entitlement.

The show rocked so did our families. The audience was very generous with their cheers and appreciation.

I am grateful to the organizers and choreographers for giving their time, attention, and understanding, and for accommodating these families.

We will get there—four families in one show at a time. Step by step, show by show, with gratitude we will create a world where everyone belongs.

A Banarasi for the show.

Patriot Premiere – An Evening to Remember

I am not much of a sports fan, but living in New England, it’s hard not to get swept up in the spirit of the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox. These teams slowly become part of your life, even if you don’t follow every game.

I don’t usually watch much football, but how could I say no when I was invited to the Patriot Premiere? And to top it off, Mr. Husband agreed to come with me — one of those rare occasions when he gets dressed up for a dinner event!

I was honored to be named Volunteer of the Year for Americas for State Street. This recognition came with an invitation to a truly special evening, and I was excited, nervous, and curious all at once.

For the occasion, I chose a beautiful Banarasi saree in an ivory-and-gold combination. As we arrived, the grandeur of the gala immediately took our breath away — the glimmering lights, elegant décor, and the buzz of excited guests created an unforgettable atmosphere.

The evening was something to remember. The food was excellent, the weather was just perfect. Everything that evening showed how hard the organizers worked and planned everything with care and attention to the details.

Meeting those players was another experience, seeing them on TV is different than staining next to them, chatting and being photographed with them.

The pictures, the autographed football, the conversation will remain with me for a long time.

The real joy was listening to the work this team in the community. Their commitment to support local initiatives, connecting with local communities is inspiring. Sports is not just for fun it can bring people together and make a difference.

This night wasn’t just about football or glitz; it was about connection, community, and celebration. Walking out of the gala, I felt proud, grateful, and energized.