Graflections- September 2016

Time has come to look back to the month of September and cherish the good times and revise the learning’s from the not-so-good-times.

September was a busy month altogether. With the increase in the number of classes and the blogging challenge round the corner, the month was full of reading, writing, learning and relishing the joy of this buzz around.

Teacher’s Day: How can I forget to mention about this day when we’re talking about September? Of course, it was an evening worth remembering. No classes, celebrations, cake, snacks and yes, games as well! It sure feels great to spend time with my students apart from the classes I take.

Celebrating Birthdays: No it wasn’t my birthday. My birthday is this month, more details on it later. My parents’ birthday fall in September and though I wasn’t there with them to celebrate, but a bit of surprise from us made everything perfect. We had ordered cupcakes for them, that depicted their characteristics and they loved it!

Also, one of my cutest and sweetest friend’s birthday too falls in September and not to mention how much fun we girls had with her. Though time was short, but it was special... and fun too :D

Blogging challenges: I was a part of #MyfriendAlexa campaign by Blogchatter and it was such a learning experience altogether. I feel happy to be a part of such communities that helps you grow as a blogger and an individual at the same time. The month was all about writing new posts, reading and sharing others post and in this procedure, I came across some terrific bloggers on the blogosphere. People do so much to improve their blog, the content, the networks, improving on the statistics and I felt ecstatic to have known them and learn from them.

There was a huge drop in my Alexa rank, currently, with a Global rank of 4, 89,514 and Indian rank as 26,002 and I couldn’t be more happy about it!

Sure it got hectic, but it was totally worth it!

Before this month I took part in Blog-a-thon by BAR in August and July was occupied with Half Marathon, by Blogchatter!

As much as I love participating in these challenges, I’ve not signed up for the one going on in October. I want to write to keep that will alive and not write just for the heck of it. I want to stick to the quality posts and that is not possible if I have to forcefully on some days! And so I’m giving myself a break from the writing challenges as of now. Also, there are other things that have been lying in the corner from so long that are crying for my attention and now can’t be ignored further.

Published: No matter if you’ve been published before or not, the thrill of being published remains the same each time. One of my poems got published in Women’s Web, and it felt bliss. If you have missed reading it, you can click here and share the love :)

Dinners & Drives: Good times with friends and drives with them are what weekends all about and I’m not complaining! Random dinner plans, and my all time cravings which are duly taken care of by husband is something I am always thankful/grateful for! God bless the man! :P

I watched the movie #Pink as well and do I need to mention how much I loved the movie? I’m sure you too did! It sure was the movie not to be missed kinds!
A few things creep here and there, but that happens with all of us, don’t you think? And all we need to do is ignore it and move ahead. That’s the best way to keep your sanity alive!

More than 2 months and I still stare at the pile of books that are lying in front of me to be read! I’m still figuring out I don’t even know what!!

Anyway, this will keep on going, you tell me how did September treat you? And what are the things you are looking forward to in October? I am looking forward to all the celebrations and festivities this month!

Linking with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle Blog hop for September 2016.

Cheers

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Corridor

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‘I ran into that corridor! Did I make a mistake?’

‘What did you see?’

‘It was gorgeous Daddy! Magnificent! There were lights and doors. And the floor was shining like a... mirror... so clean! I loved it...! Can we live in that corridor, daddy? It had so many doors; can’t we use just one?’

‘It’s not ours, sweetheart. We work here, do all the chores... we can’t live here!’

‘If we do everything here, then why not live? You clean it so good, daddy!’

Poor man’s lone eyes escaped a tear as he narrated the harsh inequalities of the world!

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

This drabble (100 word fiction) is written for Friday Fictioneers, 30th September 2016.

Cheers

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It's Magic!

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

Linking with Haiku Horizons

Cheers

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Haiku is a traditional form of a Japanese poetry that consists of 3 lines, following a 5-7-5 syllable rule (first and third line 5 syllables, middle line 7 syllables). They don’t necessarily have to rhyme.

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8 Things to do when You’re Angry

That moment when your anger is at the boiling point, and you have no idea what to do? When the wind is against you and you feel helpless for not being able to do anything about it. How does it feel?

I, for one, am one person who doesn’t lose my cool that soon.  But when I do, I literally feel like smashing the other person’s face! Thoughts like why do I even know this person, why do I share a relation with this person, why can’t I boycott this person forever, is there a way if he/she can die, first see your mistakes you moron and then pinpoint me, we’re humans after all, we’re bound to make mistakes, etc etc etc. And above all, I feel helpless. Simply helpless.

Well yes, that’s me! It’s a rare situation but this phenomenon does exist!

Here are some tips that you can try for yourself. And these tricks do work  for me. So yes, they’re tried and tested. You can thank me later.

1. When things go against you, it sure gets on the nerves. All you need to do is take a deep breath and try to resume to whatever you’re doing. Focus on your work or simply ignore the person/situation, according to your suitability.

2. Keep quiet and for God’s sake, shut your mouth! At least try. Anger can really mess things around. Keep your words as minimal as possible.

3. Think about the times, all the times when people agreed with you on everything you said. This is just a phase, and it’s temporary and it is okay to not have people back you up sometimes.

4. To bam that person’s head/face, should be the last thought on your mind.

5. Try to leave the situation, immediately. It sure helps in pacifying the anger.

6. Later, think of the ‘whys’, if it was your fault, admit it or at least don’t repeat the same mistake, again.

7. Do NOT play the Victim Card, please! That’s the worst thing you can do.

8. Last, shed a tear or two. Yes, I do that. It’s not deliberate, but it just happens and boy, it calms me down like no other trick above! :P I am a woman, what do you expect?! Well, that’s me, again!  

So tell me which one works for you? And if there is anything else that you do, please suggest me too. 

I’ve run out of ideas now. Need your assistance now.

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

Cheers

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Success for You is? #MondayMusings

At this moment I’m occupied. With lots of stuff and yet I waste my time so much. I should read the lined up books for reviews, I should study for the exam I’m planning to give and I know this is my only chance to give the exam, God knows what’s planned for later. This being the only chance, yet, I’m not getting serious about it! When will I get serious I’m wondering? I want to work hard, but a simple thought of sitting beside A in the room distracts me. Why does this happen with me all the time? I should concentrate on my work, right, and yet I seem to put everything aside when he is around. I don’t feel like doing anything. Does this prove that I don’t love myself enough?

Why do I always take a step behind when the moment arrives of working hard, burning the midnight lamp, and build that laid back attitude of taking things for granted and then cribbing later of not being where I wanted to be, not having the things I wanted to have and not achieving the goals I wanted to for so long?!

Is there a defect in my system? Does this happen with you as well?

Sometimes I wonder, what really is success?

Google says:

the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.

Yes, to a lot extent. What if all you wanted was to be happy? And make less money, live in a small house, buy a small car, spending extravagantly is simply not your thing. Moreover, you probably don't want that much amount of money! I know it's rare, but what if?

Is it all monetary? Happiness is often put behind. Contentment is just another word. Success is often measured by the amount of money one makes.

Being busy, working all day, earning that respect, and being recognized for your work sounds all immaterial when it comes to measuring the amount of money one is making. Is the person able to pay all their bills? Is the person able to feed the family well, fulfilling all the demands? If not, one is deemed to be unsuccessful. It’s sad. It hurts and it sucks as well!

Take writing for example. Over these years, I’ve discovered my love for writing. I don’t really know if it’s my passion. But when it comes to paying, it barely pays me anything. Does this make my writing bad? Not at all. But because I’m not making enough money out of my writing, I won’t be called as a successful writer. No matter how much contentment I get doing it. Forget about others, I still have second thoughts of calling myself as a writer in the first place!

The moment writing will start paying me good money, I might be termed as, you know what we’re talking about, successful!

You’re not convinced, are you? Let’s take another example. 

There is the man who loves to drive. He is so fond of driving that he becomes a driver one day. He makes frugal money but he is happy with it. He is happy with his life, with his employer, with his family. But is he a successful person in the eyes of the world? I bet not! The moment he will switch jobs and settle where he could tap millions, he might sure be. And then his example would circulate all over the newspapers, colony, relatives, etc! 

Sounds ironical, right?

What do you think of that? Do you agree with my thoughts? Yes or no, share your views below!

P.S: It’s Monday! I don’t want to bug you more! This is enough for the day :P

Linking with #MondayMusings

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

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Mend

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

Linking with Haiku Horizons

Cheers

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Haiku is a traditional form of a Japanese poetry that consists of 3 lines, following a 5-7-5 syllable rule (first and third line 5 syllables, middle line 7 syllables). They don’t necessarily have to rhyme.

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Colors, Do they really define you?

In my growing years,

I was fond of white so much,

White people, white complexion

Oh! Everything that had a ‘White’ touch!

In my teenage years,

My adulation for black took birth

Shoes, dresses, earrings and bracelets

Only ‘Black’ ruled and it was totally worth!

Then came my early twenties,

My fondness for bright colours grew manifold

Red, yellow, orange and pink

Life and wardrobe were full of colours, making me bold!

But what’s there in the colour,

I really wonder?

It’s only a matter of choice

And not something that can be a blunder!

Children with fairer skin,

Always drew more attention,

But I was too naive to understand

The colour of the skin mattered to such an extension!

I too wanted to be one of those,

Cute-good-looking children

And thus my fondness for white grew

Simply to have that kind of skin!

Later I realised it was only a faux

It should be a good heart that mattered

Happy that I learnt this lesson in time

Or else dreaming for that white would have me shattered!

People never fail

To come up with suggestions

Why you're wearing this with that?

Bombarding me with all sorts of questions!

Adding colours to life

Is what matters in the end

Having a fabulous life with happiness around

Nothing can ever beat that perfect blend!

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

Cheers

Geets

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Thank you, Teacher!

I was such a naive girl

Happy in my shell, just like a pearl.

Not concerned about the world

And the people it had,

All I cared for were a bunch of friends

Who in the end made me sad!

There came teachers in my life

Just like they come in everyone else’s life

But the way they shaped my mind, and guided me through

I doubt anyone has found a teacher like you!

I was a loser lying on the ground

You picked me up and changed my life upside down.

I failed and experienced failure

But you said that’s the law of nature!

You were the reason behind my burning the midnight lamp

All I wanted was to become your champ!

Your motivation, your confidence,

Your faith and your support,

The punishment as well as the treats,

Oh, to express it all, the words fall short!

You were my mentor in every sense

It was all for you, my interest in the subjects became so intense!

You shaped my character

And made me a person worthy for the world

Taught me some great values of life

And prepared me for life that was going to get unfurled!

You were that light in the dark

Flickering brightly and brought my spark

You showed me the paths I’d never dare to choose

With you behind me, I could never make an excuse!

You pushed me beyond the limits I could ever imagine

Unleashed the new me and made me proud of my skin!

I can never thank you enough for what you have given me

Becoming worthy is the gift I want to give and see you in glee!

What you gave me, I want to take it forward

Making differences in lives will be my reward!

I am trying to take my rank to the next level with Blogchatter.

Cheers

Geets

Disclaimer: The above poem is dedicated to all my teachers who have shaped my personality and moulded me into the person who I am today.

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Gratitude list- August

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August was all about happiness, festivity, good times, family and friends! And that month too passed. And here we are in September! Can’t believe this year is going to be over soon! Anyway, that’s how August treated me:

- This month I travelled to my hometown and took the much-awaited solo trip. Actually, it wasn’t solo, it was dolo :P (coz it was my sister and me who took this trip together). Both of us wanted to do it and we finally did it this month. We went to Kasol and it was different. We met quite a variety of people in our journey and explored things that we hadn’t before. I am happy that we were back safely and the trip was filled with fun, laughter and adventures! I feel grateful for the wonderful family and even more understanding husband that I have! Not even once did he question or hitched about the idea of travelling solo. Touchwood!

- Then was the celebration time! Rakshabandhan! And the day was filled with meeting all the relatives and keep the joy of festivity alive. Isn’t it fun to meet all the family members after a long time? And the joy simply doubles when the gathering falls on festivals!

- I was home and happy to be back. No matter how much I wander here and there, but it always feels back to be home, in the same room, with the same man :P! It’s peaceful.

- My mother's recovery is on track and it was bliss to her doing her own chores, move out and do whatever she wanted to do.

- Two of my dear friends visited my city and it was... nostalgic to meet them! We've completed a decade together and we realised how kiddos we used to be and now we're all grown-ups! It's really a strange feeling!

Lots of things have been happening around and this month is going to bring in even more. I am happy that with every passing day, I trying to learn new things and understand a lot of stuff that works around me!

How did August treat you? And what are your plans for September? Anything special coming up? Share with me in the comments below.

Linking this post with Vidya's Gratitude Circle Blog hop for August 2016

Cheers

Geets

This month I will be taking part in #MyFriendAlexa campaign to take my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter . My current Global rank is- 12,78,569 (the less the better) and Rank in India is 71,752. My unique hashtag name is going to be #boisterouslyread. I hope to see a significant change by the end of the month :)

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Let’s discuss ‘That time of the month’ with #Period Pride

I had my first period at the age of 12. And I had no clue about it whatsoever. I did ask questions about what ‘Whisper’ and ‘Stayfree’ were, when advertised on television, but got no direct answer. The only thing that got to my ears was, ‘You’ll learn when you will come of age!’ And I used to wonder, will my brains automatically get the information from my surroundings, or will there be some information centre that will fill be up with the answers to my endless questions?

Anyway, my mother discovered and helped me when I had my period. I was a quiet child then. I wasn’t very talkative and usually preferred to stay mum in front of guests. When periods hit me, I was kind of neutral. Luckily, I had painless periods. It was only the discomfort that comes along that bothered me. And yes, not worshipping was another thing that I didn’t like about it.

Certain people lectured me about how I should behave in front of people and I shouldn’t talk about it in public, that I shouldn’t touch the vessel and pickles, and behave mature, coz now I am a grown up and not a child anymore. That was what actually scared me!

I now wonder, why? There was nothing to be scared of, nothing to be guilty of and nothing to be 

ashamed of! Having periods is the most natural things to happen, just like having a grey hair. It is the sign of indicating fertility amongst women, and imagine if it doesn’t occur timely, then it can be a really serious problem! Something as natural as this is treated with utmost shame! It’s a taboo to talk about it in front of people, especially the males.

Again, why? It’s all pointless! And it only leaves the boys with half-baked knowledge, which is even worse.

I remember having a few people in our school making us aware about the do’s and don’ts along with other information about ‘those days’!

Our school uniform was a white kurta with the red checked jacket. I dreaded going to school during those days, anxious of having a stain and often pestered my friends to check if I have stained my kurta. Of course, I reciprocated the same during their times! But as much as I hated that time of the month, I equally enjoyed the liberty that came along with it!

Making an excuse for not feeling well during the P.T. classes, not indulging in any sports or laborious activity, and lying down at home to take that extra nap, relishing the liberty of not studying and having a perfectly sound explanation for the same were some of the perks that came along. Thank God!

Now when I think about it, it only makes me smile. And with time, I’m kind of used to it. I’ve befriended with them. And it usually doesn’t bother me much now.

But what bothers me sometimes is when I see my relatives, wherein a family of 5, there are 4 females (three daughters and one mother), and when the mother is going through her menstrual cycle, it’s the elder daughter, of a mere age of 12, has to make tea, cook food, and do all the kitchen and household stuff! And by chance, if the dates of the mother and the daughter clashed, then the man of the house would bring some food from outside or eat at his friend's place and get packed for his family as well!

I really feel bad for them, for being stuck with all the old traditions. I feel sad for the little girls where in their years of growing up, they should be playing and fighting and falling and making friends, they are being caught in the shackles of such customs. And this is despite the fact that the family is an educated one!

Not touching the pickle, standing outside the temple and pray (and let the world learn that the woman is having her periods), not touching holy plants, not entering the kitchen, sleeping alone on a separate bed sheet and having meals in separate utensils, are some of the customs that are followed in the families.

While I didn’t have too many restrictions, few of the above were still prevalent in the house. But now, I’ve completely shunned them away! Yes, you heard me!

And I don’t feel a hunch that I’m doing something wrong. If my conscious is clear, I don’t think it’s a problem anymore then!

Lots of efforts are being made to spread the awareness, pertaining to hygiene during those days, use of various things available and their side-effects, other products that can be used alongside and so on. 

Naari is one such organization making constant efforts to share the word and remove the taboo from the society, instilling confidence in the girls and making them believe there is nothing to be ashamed of, of themselves or their bodies, and tutoring the underprivileged girls about the hygiene and nature-friendly products.

When I read about #PeriodPride on Write Tribe, I knew I had to write on this subject and spread awareness in a way.

“Chemicals like Dioxin which is found in disposable sanitary napkins is a known carcinogen and has been linked to ovarian cancer, abnormal growth in reproductive organs, impaired thyroid and immune dysfunction. Dioxin has even been added by WHO in their list of Dirty Dozen – List of 12 harmful chemicals.”

While spreading the word about the side-effects of sanitary pads, a few alternatives like cotton pads, tampons, and menstrual cups can be used without worrying about their fallouts.

Gone are the days, when women stayed within the four walls of their houses. Today, they are ahead in quite a number of fields and are bringing laurels to their families. If they are ahead in everything, then why should they be left behind in such an important thing as this?! 

Don’t you think?

Come on girls, share the post, talk about it and treat it as normal as you can!

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Linking this post with Naari and Period Pride via Write Tribe.

Cheers

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Climb

Linking with Haiku Horizons

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Haiku is a traditional form of a Japanese poetry that consists of 3 lines, following a 5-7-5 syllable rule (first and third line 5 syllables, middle line 7 syllables). They don’t necessarily have to rhyme.

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#Wednesdaywisdom

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Late-twenties crisis: Are you having one? #MondayMusings

Somehow, I’ve started speaking less.

It surely sounds like a relief to the people around me but this thing is kind of taking a toll on me. It is affecting me big time.

Sometimes I wonder am I moving towards depression? What is it that is going wrong in my life? Or what is it that is bothering me so much?

Everything, almost everything around me is in good shape and yet I don’t feel that joy. Even if there is a sense of happiness, it is temporary.

I don’t feel like going out, I don’t feel like meeting my friends and even if I do, I barely speak with them and I mostly prefer to stay mum. And yes, I do cry for no reason. Tiniest of things affect me, my sensitivity is at its epitome! All of it is so UNLIKE me! Countless thoughts revolve around the orbit of my brain and it’s difficult to find an escape. These thoughts are usually negative.

I’m turning into a woman I don’t like. My zeal to do things seems to flicker, the emphatic nature that I have seems to fade away, finding joys in others joys seems like a task, I get unhappy with what I have and wish for things (not necessarily materialistic) that others have!

All this is because I’m speaking less. And I don’t really know why! I always have expressed my heart out, talking to people has been my forte, and meeting them and feeling good has always been on my plus side! And now, suddenly, it seems incomplete.

I know it in my heart when I’m back to my usual self, all of this crap will go away!

Not that I have a lot of free time, a lot is going on but that volition to be good, do things, entertain people, be the heart and soul of my friends is languishing.

Yesterday, I met a dear friend after a really long time. And she was busy on her phone mostly and I was bored and thus ended up being on my phone! Again so unlike me!

I was home after being at my mum’s place for a couple of days and coming home meant happiness, it meant seeing my husband after a while. It was bliss. I loved having him around and things were going pretty smooth between us. And yet, I got pissed on such a petty thing. And spoilt my mood. And mind you, he was nowhere at fault. It was all in my head, all the futile, baseless thoughts that I keep having, that botch up everything around me, every time!

Is it depression? Are these the symptoms? Or is it the late-twenty crisis? Or are my planetary situations a bit deviated from their paths (if only there is a sound reason behind it)? I don’t know it yet and I don’t feel like finding out either!

The situation is not that worse, but it’s not good on the other hand! Something is bothering me, I just don’t know it yet!

Does this ring a bell with you? Have you felt something like this? What did you do? How did you escape? You gotta tell me! It really is affecting me!

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Free you, Happy You!

To the woman in my dreams

To the one, I want to be

I strive hard to come near you

But fail miserably in an attempt or two!

Handling situations

And fighting the odds with grace

Accepting things beyond my control

Make peace and be ace!

To love with compassion

And have the wisdom to fathom the world

To indulge in things and people

Living the life of inspiration is waiting to be unfurled!

To the long strides, I take

And the dream to take that perfect gait.

My head high and shoulders straight

Sparkling eyes, as I walk with aplomb.

To create magic in the words

I dream to stand out from the herd

Nothing in the world

Can stop inside that flying bird!

Yes, it’s a task

A journey through life

But I assure to meet you

One day, some day!

            - Geetika

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10 Promises for Life

As we come towards the finishing line of this enthusiastic BarAThon, all I feel is sheer bliss. The bliss of completing it. The bliss of making connections. The bliss of knowing so many incredible bloggers. I have participated in other challenges as well and have duly fulfilled them in time, but there is something about BAR.

It holds people together, it’s like that magic glue that sticks together everybody and has now tied us all in one big family. Never ever had I thought of having this kind of impact on myself at the end of a challenge. 

And what better day it would be than today, Friendships Day, to write the last post of the challenge!

Thank you, BAR! Thank you for being you!

All you BAR-tenders are fabulous people and I're so so so glad to have connected with you... all of 

you!

And with this, I make a few promises to myself!

1. Promise to accept things and people the way they are, and not try to change them according to             myself.

2. Promise to deliver the best in every possible way when it comes to my work.

3. Promise to embrace the differences with open arms we both share and see every new thing in a           positive manner.

4. Promise to laugh off petty things and move ahead with time

5. Promise to love unconditionally and spread its magic.

6. Promise to love me before anyone else. I know it always gets hard and I put others before me and       get hurt, every time. Every single time. That’s why I’m making a promise.

7. Promise to not do anything that may harm or hurt people who’re close to me.

8. Promise to value what I have and acknowledge the people behind it

9. Promise to be with you every time you need me!

10. Promise to follow my heart and do things that it always has wanted to do!

Day 7 of the #BAR-a-Thon Blogging Challenge 

Prompt of the day: Promises

Completed the challenge with fabulous Team #CrimsonRush 

Cheers

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Wishful Thinking

Her day started with snoozing the alarm and yearning to sleep for 5 more minutes, followed by all the household chores. Siya then made breakfast and the preparations that came along for packing a lunchbox for herself and her husband.

Husband worked in the production house.

While Siya’s entire day went busily at work, handling clients, taking calls, making arrangements, entertaining new customers and the day passed in a jiffy.

Only to return home and make dinner, eat with husband and then open her laptop.

A laptop that unleashed the zillion possibilities, a laptop that made her dream... to fulfil all the unfulfilled dreams... a laptop that had umpteen tabs opened, showcasing all the tour packages to travel her country... to travel the world!

All unrealized.

It would all have been possible... if for once, the husband said yes!

Day 6 of the #BAR-a-Thon Blogging Challenge 

Prompt of the day: Wishful Thinking

Rocking the challenge with Team #CrimsonRush 

Cheers

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