If I had the time….

This evening, as I stood on my balcony gazing up at the sky, I admired the fluffy clouds moving gently across the sky.

I smiled, as I remembered a game that we played as kids, when we would lie on our backs on the lawn, with the most beautiful blue sky spread above us, with cotton-puff clouds scattered in various patterns.

We called it the Creator’s garden. Based on the shape of the clouds on a particular day, we would make predictions about what the Creator had planted. From cauliflowers to pumpkins to beans and carrots, we played this silly game over and over again.

Lazy holidays under the sun, watching flocks of birds fly overhead and colourful butterflies flitting about.

I asked myself why, as adults we don’t have the time for such simple pursuits that give so much joy.

I then asked myself this question and tried answering it – “If I had the time, would I spend time on such simple and fun activities?”

Yes….! If I had the time I would….

– chase raindrops on the window pane with my fingers

– cut okra slices, dip them in paint and make flower patterns on the wall

– blow soap bubbles on a bright, sunny day and chase the bubbles as they glisten and fly away

– eat a huge cotton candy

Courtesy – istock
– try hanging upside down on the sofa as we used to do as kids 

– play and fight with my siblings over board games

– watch the night sky and stars, sitting in our backyard

– laugh at old family jokes that are repeated ad nauseum

– splash water by jumping into one puddle after another on a rainy day

– laugh at silly things

– eat sugarcanes and mangoes, with friends and siblings on a hot summer’s day.

Sigh! If only I had the time….

What simple things from your childhood would you do, if you had the time?

Would love to know…

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A mid-ocean brush with divinity

We are on holiday in Bali. The ocean sparkles- turquoise blue and emerald green. Small waves play about in white swishes, as we head out in a glass bottom boat, to our snorkelling site.

We are very excited as we peer through the glass bottom. Our guide points out various things – both around us and in the water.

We arrive at the snorkelling site. When I jump into the water, I feel the waves bobbing, and suddenly feel nervous about the depth. Swimming in a defined pool is ok, but this…!

I keep asking the guide to stay close to me. There are a few people who dive-in as we arrive. It can’t be that scary, I tell myself.

As we go down a few feet,
we are overwhelmed by the sudden explosion of colour. The Creator is such a great artist; fishes in shades and combinations unimaginable, flit or swim gracefully around us. I feel the tension ebbing away, though I still feel a tad nervous.

After a few minutes, I come up for air. And there is another loud upward splash in front of me that nearly does me in. I scream out and flail my arms.

The splash slowly takes the form of a young lad, probably in his late teens.

He winks at me and says, “Hi! I am the Ocean God. Pleased to meet you.”

I laugh. I love his humour and its spontaneity. 

I continue to laugh as I dive back in, more relaxed now, ready to see more.