The frog party and a rainy day

There is something so beautiful about a grey, rainy day. Life takes on a different pace, everyday sounds takes on different notes, when they mix with the music of rain drops.

Umbrellas and ponchos bloom – vibrant and colourful. And if one is lucky, like I am, you are with friends, walking down a beautiful road and get to see hundreds of frogs hopping and leaping in merriment.

We stop. Transfixed. These little fellows are surely headed to a party..maybe a birthday party. They pause, they hop, they gossip and hop some more!

I capture a short video…..

We enjoy their progress and continue to walk, the pitter patter of the rain keeping us company.

I stop to look at a cypress tree, loaded with shining water droplets, waiting to rain down on an unsuspecting passer-by or a child, who will giggle and enjoy the moment completely.

There is a solitary sparrow, hopping about and the gentle lotus leaf that plays with water droplets.

The cobbled stones have had a wash and glisten in the grey light.

We continue our walk down the road. On our way back, we stop at a cafe nearby for some hot coffee. As we head home, we see some frogs, still on their way to the party. Maybe they had to work late, maybe they had to run some errands at the last minute.

They look so cute, these frogs. The rain has petered out, but big drops plop down from the trees and ledges of buildings.

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Sibling banter

Last night, we wound up after what was a very long day for all of us.

I sat with the kids, listening to their friendly sibling banter, my mind focused on my ‘Things to do list’. Only a few things they said actually registered with me.

     Courtesy – http://www.dreamstime.com

One word,  ‘birthday’, made me look up and pay attention. The conversation went something like this.

Son: My birthday’s coming up in a month.

Teen daughter: Wow, yes. What are you planning?

Son: I think I am too old for b’day parties. I will, maybe, have a few friends over.

Teen daughter: Why don’t you want a party? You did the same thing for Halloween. You did not want to go trick or treating.

Son: What’s wrong with that?

Teen daughter: You are growing up too soon..you need to enjoy these things at your age.

(I think, “Wow, my daughter is really giving good advice)

Son: Hmmmm….

Teen daughter: Just remember, if you give up all these things too soon….and then expect to eat all my Halloween candies,  that I gather after hours of planning and make-up, think twice. NO WAY will you get them.

Hmmmm……! So that’s what it was all about…I go back to planning my schedule with a smile on my face.