The other day, I was going through my bedside cabinet drawers. They are fit to bursting, and something had fallen down the back, preventing the drawers from closing fully.

Instead of dislodging the offending item, closing the drawer, and getting back to whatever I was meant to be doing, I started a reminisce.

The bottom drawer is full of musical song-books.

Ones I helped to create.

During my teenage years, we had lots of family weddings, and my cousins and I decided we wanted to learn some of the traditional songs and dances so, going forward, we could continue the traditions. Of course, though I can speak and understand Punjabi, I cannot read or write it.

So came the fun job of trying to write it in Roman English, Phonic Punjabi!

And my ‘book’ was very popular within the family. For my own wedding, I typed and printed several copies which ended up in the far-flung corners of the world! This resulted in a few reproduced fancy copies being made, and adapted over the years!

The top left one was my original one, then my cousins printed them ‘offically’ for use at their weddings

And from my little idea there were off-shoots! My mum collects them whenever she goes to a wedding and sees them, then gives them to me!

Some of the ‘spin-offs’!

And also, as I dug deeper into the drawer, I found a whole heap of printed out Bollywood song lyrics! Cue a good hour of me sitting on the floor, surrounded by books, and paper, crooning to myself, hoping I wasn’t waking the children! (Don’t ask me to sing, because you know me, I probably would break out into song with not much encouragement!)

Then I came across a sketchbook from my GCSE years. I didn’t take Art as a subject, but I always enjoyed doodling and came across these pictures.

Palm tree paradise? Yes, please!

No, it’s not a self-portrait! I was never allowed a fringe growing up, I rebelled and had one cut in my late 30’s!

I think this may have been inspired by the Ball we had in my final year at school, which I didn’t go to!

So there you have it! Ritu’s Artwork, and Musical Endeavours!!!!

Have a great Friday Night Peeps!