Less than 24 hours later, went..

 And had a dosa at the temple cafeteria! 

It wasn’t planned, but it happened because we were meeting up with a dear friend, and Casselberry was the midpoint.

Also read something which I’ve read before, and need to remember:

"Find a beautiful piece of art. If you fall in love with Van Gogh or Matisse or John Oliver Killens, or if you fall in love with the music of Coltrane, the music of Aretha Franklin, or the music of Chopin - find some beautiful art and admire it, and realize that that was created by human beings just like you, no more human, no less."--Maya Angelou

Important to know that the difference between those who remembered and those who did not. That is what made all the difference. Goodnight blog, got late chatting with our friend.

Veenu Banga

May 30th, 2025

Woke up to…

 Venus! Shining brightly outside my window. While the sky was a lighter color, there she was, the goddess of Love, sparkling like a butterfly shaped diamond right outside my bedroom window which opens east. It was a little before 5:00 am, and I thought, was it just me going euphoric at seeing her? The thing is, SkyGuide, the what I thought of as my trusty App, is no longer that. When I pointed it to the sky, it seemed to identify it as Saturn, showing Venus a bit lower to its left. I so much wanted to share it with someone. Taking a chance to see if any of the others were up, I went to my truly trusty A- and he’s no App but the biggest boss of them all. To my delight, A was up and willing to oblige his crazy Star struck human. Told him to bring his phone, because like Siri, all the Apps in the world behave better with him. Inside joke, but also the truth. 

A obliged and sure enough it was Venus! Saturn (my obeisances to you O Lord!) was much higher in the sky and not visible to our eyes. So hung around and A taught me something new: 

My Very Earnest Mother Janet Sent Us Nine Patties

As part of my ongoing education at the very capable hands of K and A, this is how I was advised to remember the names of the nine planets, in relation to their proximity to the Sun. I love learning new things, and this was a great start to my morning@! 

Mercury

Venus

Earth (I did not know it was a planet. I thought Earth was Earth, Mother Earth, and all good things that make it home. Somehow, I’m not ashamed of my ignorance. A little sad that science or astronomy or astronomy-whatever overlooks all of that and gives it the status of a planet. Not that it is not a distinction or high enough accolade, but, it is not- lofty enough for all that which comes from and of it. That’s just my two poet (not me, my soul) poor cents.)

Mars

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

Pluto (Pluto, I’m told is no longer considered a planet. I forgot to ask, what it is considered now, if anything at all. Man easily forgets what it no longer- fears? Has use of? Etc. etc. etc. Will ask and add update)

So, there you are dear blog, I’m not always boasting, I’m an educator too. If you did not know this already, and this you did not, I know, because I did not know, so how can you know it, because I’m the one writing you, sir. Or Lady Blog? I think that sounds better. 

This lesson can be short and sweet and it’s not a lot to remember, but it also is. I’ll close with how I started, Venus shining brightly outside my bedroom window. Keeping vigil, I would like to think, as I slept in sweet slumber, and it delivered on its promise of a nice and bright sunny morning. Or Sonny morning! Cheesy? Yeah, allowed, as it brings a smile to my face! 

Veenu Banga

7:55 am

May 30th 2025

Going home with.. Going home with

Diamond Girl! I think it may be our first flight together. She’s an A 330-300 Airbus. I think they’re may be wider than Boeing, but then I’m no expert. 

In our seats and belted up which I’m apt to do throughout the flight regardless of indicator overhead. They’ve gone around with two rounds of juice and water. Succumbed to water on the second attempt. Glasses returned and started to write this. Internet/ Wi-Fi on board, is available starting at £3 plus, and last time when I had purchased it, it wasn’t so easy to connect. So using notes to write. 

Had checked into Hyatt at MAN last night and they had upgraded us to Hyatt House which has Suites. One bedroom Suites with a kitchenette, and we were in the Hyatt House instead of the Regency, where we usually stay. K got her own room, while A and I shared. Did not realize that the same building houses two different hotels. The lady at reception I noticed, looked familiar and soon she said, “You’ve stayed with us before, I remember you.” I remembered too, that she has a lovely Eastern European name which sadly now slipped my mind. 

So the entry to the elevators for the Hyatt House is through a small lounge like room almost immediately to the side of reception, while the usual Hyatt Regency where we’ve stayed before is a few steps further down off of the main hallway. It’s a nice open plan and the other end has the restaurant/ breakfast and dinner areas. 

It seems the Suites are for those visiting for longer stays. I wondered who those folks could be, and noticed Africans and Chinese at the entrance to the lifts. I suppose rich parents of kids attending Manchester University, with a huge campus that borders the hotel at the downtown end. 

As we walked to the elevators I looked straight ahead a saw her! It was the lovely Hiba for sure! I wondered if she would remember me. She’s wearing her hair differently from the first time we saw her. It was the same style on our last trip in mid December last year. She has a lovely smile and her name means a blessing in Arabic. 

Went down for dinner end sure enough she remembered me! “You’re back?” It was lovely to see her again! She has an eternally cheerful face and warm, friendly and ready smile. 

Doors have been closed for a while, and they’ve gone around closing overhead bins. Small delay announcement, and now we’re pulling back! 

~~~~~

That was then and this is now: 02:06 hours to destination. And, mind you, it was the third miracle of its kind in a less than a whole day! I had started watching a BBC special and service had just begun, when what do I see, rather who? 

The man had his back to us and the lady was facing me, as they spoke to K in the seat ahead of us. A and I sat together. I noticed the sauve profile of the young man as he was bending down and speaking to K and and I smiled a knowing smile. Told A, that’s Garry with the two r’s. And soon enough he saw the expression of recognition on my face and I said Garry with the two rr’s and he looked a bit surprised too, and asked me if we had flown together before. Well, since we had flown together exactly two months ago, and in interesting circumstances, he was able to jog his memory and recognized me. Honestly, I did not believe it first because the Virgin crew are so attentive to Everybody, and they fly up to 500 passengers on any given flight, so to recognize the face of one person is highly unlikely. That’s three in a row for me, three people who remembered me- strangers, and that’s what I’m so stoked (extreme, I suppose, but it’s nice to not be the only one with an elephantine memory!) about. Conceited? I know, I know, but I’ll allow it, and only because it lifted my spirits and made me smile. Though, honestly at the hotel, I did feel a little embarrassed and wondered if I was truly deserving of it. Actually, humbled and honored if I’m truly honest with myself.  

I was interrupted with the arrival of High Tea, consisting of a warm scone with clotted cream (my very, very, very favorite!) and strawberry jam, cheese sandwiches, a Vintage cheddar and apple chutney quiche which I did not care for so much, and an apricot and lavender macaron  which was nice. They’ve got rid of the Virgin Vera inflight Magazine, which is quite sad really, because they’re nice to read, especially features about known and unknown destinations; and bring back home to add to my collection. I say get rid of the quiche and bring back the magazine! 

Almost close to touch down. ….And, landed! Thank you, Diamond Girl! 

~~~

Bags took a while to come. When we finally arrived home, the heavens unleashed a very wet welcome! We were drenched just getting out of the car, in our driveway. Showered and unpacked just a little. Dinner and now my bed beckons. Good night and May peace be with all.

Veenu Banga

8:49pm

05/29/2025.

Thank you God!

 For a lovely day, for a wonderful birth-day. 

The children surprised me with a lovely card that was a gift in itself. K had got me presents from the markets. Handcrafted cast iron bird feeder/ birdbath, hanging in a copper chain. The second thing was a unique tree ornament that could be dug into the tree, and the effect would be a kookaburra sitting on a branch. Of course, I’d never stab a tree, so kookaburra will have to sit on the wall, next to the Perspex painting of a baby robin that Kanchan gave me for my birthday three years ago. She had seen it displayed at an art exhibition and the Dutch artist couldn’t ‘sell’ it till the exhibition was over. So K paid for it, and the artist came home to drop it off and signed the paperwork for it to me, as I was spending my birthday in Amsterdam that year. 

Had a truly special birthday. Spoke with friends from long ago, had the sweetest messages and haven’t yet read them all.  The most magical was to speak with Armaity, after almost being friends for about 40 years, when Mummy was in Bombay. Palli made the day special for me. She brought me a beautiful Saree, and made me wear it! If it hadn’t been pink and navy, I may have protested more. Pink being my favorite color, it was easy to comply. I feel I look like a man in a Saree, not having worn it for so long. 

It was great connecting with childhood- childhood friends, from Babar Road and Pandara Road, like Neeru who I’ve been friends with since we were almost infants. And a couple of others who were special then, and remain so now. 

Whoever suggested I blog, did me a huge favor. When I read some old posts, the memories come alive as if the moments were being relived. Despite my best intentions to write everyday, and with no dearth of inspiration, the hours slip away. 

It had rained all day and when it stopped we went for a walk after dinner. A pointed out the shy to me, where the clouds had parted a little and the sun was peeking out from behind them, as it headed home for the night. This came my birthday to a close. 

In 10 minutes the clock so to speak, or more like the iPad will tell me it’s midnight, and it’s officially the start of my next year of life. Though I started my 73rd year when the watches clocked 3:30 pm New Delhi time. I was reminiscing how times have changed, and so many examples came to mind. 

Sleep has been inviting me to journey to dreamland, and I’ve resisted. Just wanted to be sure I wrote this and it will remind me or cheer me up when I look back on this day. Said goodbye to the Sun till tomorrow. Welcome new moon. I’ll see you shortly in my dreams. 

Veenu Banga

May 27th, 2025

11:55 pm

A day bridging the past and

 The present. My childhood friend Neelu came over today. She brought me an early birthday gift- containing a bounty of gifts. Notably old photographs. There are two of mine with the children when they are both under 10 years old, and I’m all dressed up in a gold tusser silk Saree, with a bindi at Babar Road, with my beloved BA and JM. Instantly felt I should never have left india, because it meant parting with them, not having their nurturing love and blessings in my and the children’s lives. That would be worth more than all the riches I am have accumulated in the world. 

Neelu also had a picture of me climbing on the cage of a young tree outside my grandparents home. I’m about three or four years old. There are no cars on the street, except my grandfather’s white Chevrolet and all the houses are single storied. Our mothers were friends from before they were married, so my mum would have sent this photo to Neelu’s mum, who moved to Nairobi after her marriage and later they came to England. So it’s good that Neelu and I can catch up when I’m spending time here. 

Neelu also brought me a poem I had written, dedicated to her. It’s dated December 2, 1982. My Marion Richardson handwriting is still quite neat- not the scrawl I have now. That was the blast from the past, which came bearing a plethora of precious gifts. Thank you, Neelu.

After Neelu left in the afternoon, Palli came over. She has been diligently coming everyday, a couple of times a day, to check up on me while A is away on work. This evening I made mushroom quesadillas and Palli helped with the tomato salsa, and we ate dinner together. So much kindness. Neelu and Palli, bridging my past and present. I feel loved. I hope I do not take this gift of love for granted. 

Actually it all started in the morning. Aiva was coming and she was here bang at 10:00 am, with a huge bouquet of the most beautiful flowers. So the house was happy to get Aiva’s thorough treatment and I decided to wash all the small area rugs in the bathrooms, which dried pretty soon in the bright sunny day. So happy house invited more happiness. 

I think I need a website to post pictures of special occasions and gifts. There are about 8 kinds of flowers in the bouquet and I placed them near my writing area. Aiva needn’t have, but she did, setting off the tone to a blessed day. 

Praying for a restful night as I go to bed with gratitude, yet again, for the kindness of so many good people that make my life a joy! 

Veenu Banga

11:59pm

May 21, 2025

A day to remember when

 I’m disappointed with people. Woke up around 8:00 am as had a late night. And what a surprise- an unexpected event. Had only combed back my hair, not even brushed my teeth, and called Palli for help. She came instantly and stayed with me for almost 5 hours. Thank God it was a Sunday, and summer. 

Palli is a devoted Krishna bhakt and today I feel Lord Krishna came to my rescue in the form of Palli. I’m realizing more and more, that Palli’s devotion to Krishna has had a profound effect on me, and my curiosity. This girl from Orissa has a karmic connection with me.

I had showed her my collection of Oriya fabrics, including sarees and curtains from Utkalika, more than from any other State emporium. And though I shopped at all the emporiums, and have lots and lots of stuff from Utkalika. Table linens included. 

Thank you Palli, today is unforgettable. I cannot repay your kindness over seven incarnations. God bless you, your parents, the city you were raised in and God bless wherever you come or go- may your beloved Krishna’s protection be with you always. As you say, He doesn’t have eyelashes, because he dare not even blink- he constantly watches over his devotees. And, Palli, you’re his favorite! 

11:59 pm

May 18, 2025.

What an episode!

 Finally, just finished watching the full episode of “Krishna’s story, Birth, Love, death and yantra,” with Vinay Varanasi on the Beer Biceps You Tube channel. It took me at least three days, perhaps four or maybe five, as I had to rewind in several places to understand it fully. Absorb it? If at all. only a few parts of it. Very intense. 

My curiosity to know about Krishna’s life is still not fully satisfied, and though this episode answers a lot of questions; it also leaves me with new ones. So Krishna was born for a purpose, and he is Vishnu’s Avatar. That Krishna came to clean up the world and deliver it from evil doers- and parallels are drawn between Krishna’s life and that of Rama and Sita. Radha is Krishna’s eternal love, but what is Sita to Rama? Beyond being the SHAKTI. Was there ant love in their relationship, like that of Krishna’s love for Radha, and hers for Krishna? As a Bhagwan, it seems the unrequited love is part of His presence as a person who is very much a part of the world in that time. 

Before this, I had no idea that Radha and Krishna were secretly married. I don’t understand in what terms the word marriage is used here, and if I were to guess it’s probably their souls united with each other in the purest form possible, and pledged to remain so in eternity. I had heard that once he leaves the Gopis, and Radha, he never returns, never sees her again. Were they not children when they were parted from each other? Some say Radha was older, and that she is subsequently married off to someone. I suppose that chapter of those years cannot be written without discussing the lives of both. What of Krishna’s eight wives? What are their roles in the story? Or his 108 gopis? These may seem very base level questions, but indeed they are not. Our lives are defined by those procreative years- our legacy is written with what happens then. That’s how I feel about it. 

What of his youthful years? How are his friendships formed, with Sudama? What are their stories of his formative years that influenced him, and influenced his world through him? It would be worth Krishna’s Biography written with simplicity, for the lay person who wants to relate to Krishna and not just be in awe of him? What about his time as a husband and father, and why did his dynasty end with such disastrous consequences. Other than Gandhari’s curse, what were the sequences of events, what were the roles of his progeny? Surely, he did not just spend his life waiting for the curse to unfold? He had convinced Arjuna to take up arms. What are his feelings as he goes through those years watching his progeny and clan be annihilated? 

Was he doing some kind of tapas in the forest in those turbulent personal times, before he was struck by the hunter’s arrow? What was it? How can we not feel love for the man, for the Avatar born as man who has achieved so much, is such a prince of dharma and strategy and justice? Who does not come to Draupadi’s defence, unless she asks for his help, and that’s another lesson in ?? He’s a celebrated teacher, and an adored, mesmerizing lover, who has complete attention of the Gopis’ affections and devotion. Who is he and is he all that, and yet a part of humanity to be affected by Gandhari’s curse. Was that curse meant to be part of her Karma, or is that an instantaneous and foolish decision on her part that wiped away the rewards of her dharma wearing the blindfold, in dharmic devotion for her blind husband?

Vinay Varanasi’s mention of Gandhari towards the very end of the interview also reminds one of all those human beings, oneself included, who at times have a blindfold over their eyes, and who are quick to pass judgement and curse. Also reminds one of the need to not waste words, uttering them thoughtlessly, but preserve one’s breath in the service of the good. That just one small action, or one wrong turn in life, can change the trajectory of one’s destiny. Or, if Fate is a given, is that too destiny? 

Was Gandhari’s tapasya wasted by mouthing her curse, or was that her destiny. On a surface level, the blindfold can also be representative of how we turn a blind eye to certain aspects and realities of our lives, of seeing only what one wants to see, and what about the people, women especially, who are quick to pass judgement and badmouth their sometimes perceived competion? Of all the stupidity of men who abandon their wives at the behest of their mothers or relatives, and then their egos build lie upon lie to convert their folly to truth. And the women- what of them? I find men and women equally conniving, especially in this day, all the rascals who are being now exposed with women coming forward with their abuse and mostly sexual assault. What a crass state of affairs. What happened to sublime love? Why does Krishna’s life not expand more on it. Real, true Sublime love. 

What happens with Radha? We know so little about her. But we do know she is Krishna’s eternal love, and saying Radha Radha takes us to him, and he answers. I suppose there will only be questions if one looks at Krishna’s life intellectually. One must put one’s mind aside, and love Krishna with one’s heart. And see Krishna, in what attracts us and then live life to our best potential so as for it to be a worthy offering at His Lotus feet. That may well be the path to take us to the realization of adoration and love as it were meant to be- gifts from our creator to celebrate our own selves. Radhe Radhe and Krishna Krishna. 

Veenu Banga

5:35 pm

May 16, 2025

@Clifton Upon Dunsmore.