When Ms. Papaya asked me what I was doing, I told her that I was listing down 61 things that I was grateful for.
In her wise 5 year old way, she told me “Aji that’s a lot of writing you’ll have to do!”
But, when you’ve lived as long as I have lived, you really have a lot to be grateful for. So these are 61 things I am grateful for.
- For starters, I’m grateful that I’m alive . With the raging pandemic, life especially in a city like Bombay, this is indeed something to be grateful for .
- But having said that, I am grateful that I am living in MUMBAI because it is truly a great city to live in. I am grateful for the chaos and the craziness that allows me to be more inventive and innovative while I navigate each day.
- Marine Drive and the sea spray on my face as I walk down the sea
- And the quiet leafy roads in the city.
- The house that I live in that is neither too big nor too small .
- The gorgeous view from my kitchen sink– whether it is the early morning city or the lights coming on, working in the kitchen is no longer a bother .
- My little patch of green in my balcony – I love the leaves fluttering in the breeze
- The sound of parrots screeching past every morning – what better way to wake up every day?
- The lawn and the garden that is a priceless treasure
- I am grateful for my neighbours ( nosy they may be) Knowing that they ask after me, show that they care
Then there are the simple things that lift up my spirit.
- 11. Sunlight streaming through my window- feels like a blessing as the warm rays come inside.
- 12. Fresh air – to fill up my lungs with the force of life
- 13. Like rainbows in a monsoon sky – pure magic after a gentle shower
- 14. The glorious sunsets
- 15. The magic of a starlit sky
- 16. The smell of fresh rain ( petrichor ) – the smell of hope as it promises new shoots
- 17. Pretty flowers
- 18. Sandy beaches and crisp mountain air
And I am grateful for my bounteous table.
- 19. Hot chapatis and daal chawal.
- 20. Potato wafers – the crispy crunch makes sandwiches better
- 21. Buttered toast –
- 22. Hot bhajias in the monsoon
- 23. Fresh vegetables of the season bursting with goodness
- 24. Seasonal fruit like mango and grape
- 25. The smell of fresh coffee that greets me each day.
I am grateful for the luxurious indulgences that enrich my life
- 26. Chocolates and cheese and a glass of good wine.
- 27. French perfume, soaps that work up a lather and body creams
- 28. Slinky silk sarees that make me look slim
- 30. French perfume – it elevates my mood with its lingering fragrance
- 31. Turkish towels – love the feel on my skin as I towel myself dry
- 32. My bed with its clean white sheet, soft pillow and the assurance of a good night’s rest
I am really grateful for being born in this century with all its inventions and innovations.
- 33. Hair dryer – to quick dry my hair in a decent style
- 34. The television – for bringing movies to my home
- 35. The radio – that brings its own comfort as I listen to songs that blare all day long
- 36. My car – that gives me the freedom to go where I want and when I want
- 37. The lift in our building – so I don’t have to climb to the top !
- 38. My washing machine that takes away the drudgery of washing clothes
- 39. The dishwasher that makes my plates sparkling clean
- 40. The fan that lulls me to sleep with its comforting drone
- 42. The air conditioner that makes summer bearable
- 43. The train that makes travelling a pleasure
- 44. The aeroplane that cuts short long distances between places
- 45. The telephone that brings people closer
- 46. The computer that makes working a joy
- 47. The mobile phone that I can’t do without
- 48. The camera that captures memories for me to look back at leisure.
- 49. The sewing machine that let me stitch clothes for my girls
- 50. The Internet that makes life a breeze
- 51. Google that allows me to unclutter my brain my from facts.
- 52. My blog that has brought me so many readers and friends. Finally, I have a group of people who don’t tell me to “shut up”.
- 53. E-commerce that makes shopping easier
- 54. Home deliveries and takeaways for days when I don’t want to cook
- 55. The credit card that allows me to spend without real money
And last but not least, I am grateful to Lady Luck who has always looked out for me
- 56. I am grateful for being born in this wonderful country called India. I love the heat. I love the dust. I love madness. I just love it all.
- 57. I am grateful to the people who make my life comfortable like my home help, the grocer, the cleaning lady, the vegetable vendor, the bread and eggman …………..
- 58. I am grateful for my good health and the doctors and dentists and healthcare workers who keep it so.
- 59. I am grateful to my teachers for expanding my mind and horizons.
- 60. I am grateful for friends who share in my life journey.
- 61. And finally I’m grateful to my family – my parents, my brother, cousins, uncles and aunts. I am grateful to Hubby Dear, and daughters and my Little Ones. I am grateful for their patience with me and my whims. They indulge me my fancies and support me in all things. Above all, they surround me with their unconditional love.
With that I bid you farewell
Ciao
Twenty- five Seven 
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