But I Smile Anyway...

One-Liner Wednesday – Oh, Brother

30 Aug 2023 13 Comments

by Ritu in #1linerweds, #onelinerwednesday

“Wishing my brother, and all those I call my brother a very happy Rakhi/Rakhri/Raksha Bandhan.”
Ritu Bhathal

For Linda’s #1LinerWeds Challenge

Chai And A Chat #252 #ChaiAndAChat

28 Aug 2023 25 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Catch Up, Chai and a Chat

Oh my goodness, it is the last Monday of my summer break, and I am NOT ready to go back as yet!

Grap a brew, I’ll be with you in a second!

If we were having chai, I would sigh and tell you that I am just not ready for school, yet. I have a deep-rooted exhaustion that is lingering, right now.
If we were having chai, I’d admit that we barely did anything this week. I did meet a few friends for a couple of hours, but other than that, nothing. I am still unable to write, so I have read and watched a few shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I spoke of my issue with my publisher, and they ave been amazing with their non-pressure on me. That is so important. And we had my Brother-in-law and his wife over for a meal and to stay on the weekend, which was lovely. The weather has been up and down, too. Hayfever is all over the show. I did pop into school for a couple of hours as we have a new computer system that needs firing up on my work laptop, but other than that, I haven’t even been able to think about work the last few weeks. Too much other stuff on my mind…
If we were having chai, I would bring it back to Sonu Singh. I think he really feels my tiredness. He has been extra-loving the last few weeks and jumps up onto my lap at any given moment or takes over my desk… I will miss his acts of love when I am back in school!

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These last few days I will be getting ready for school. Lil Princess is meeting a friend then we have our getting-ready-for-school hair and threading appointments. Lil Man has his Driving Theory test, too! I start back in school on Friday and then have the small matter of my birthday on Sunday… 48 is waving at me, saying, “You and me, we have a date soon!” I just hope I feel more rested by then!

And while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday #442 – All Ears

27 Aug 2023 26 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Spiderman, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“Talking is so important. But so is listening.”
~Anon~

So true, Spidey.

I love talking. And when I cannot talk, I enjoy typing those thoughts. It is so therapeutic.

But as much as I know it is important to free your mind of certain burdens by talking, it is just as crucial as listening to others.

They have the same need to talk and let go.

And if you want people to listen to you, there comes a time when you need to be prepared to be that sensitive listener, too.

I like to talk, lots, but I like to think I am as good a listener to those who need it, too.

So, Peeps, what do you think? Are you a good listener? 😊

#SoCS August 26th, 2023 -Tune

26 Aug 2023 23 Comments

by Ritu in #SoCS Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Socs

Linda’s SoCS prompt…

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “tune.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

Can you sing?

Are you always in tune?

I like to think I can… but can I, really?

Some of you have heard my dulcet tones in the past, as I warbled along to my rewritten lyrics of We Are Family – instead, We Are Blogily! (I did post it a long time ago. Goodness knows if it is still on here!)

Uh oh… found it!