The earth delighted in feeling my bare feet..

Footprints in the sand: I finally found mine!
Along the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Gopalpur in Ganjam district, Odisha. Feb 2012.

When the sky and the sea stared at me together, what did I do? I couldn't look them straight in the eye for as long as I wanted. They were too selfless. Too flawless. Too much at peace with themselves for me to look at them and not wonder at the churning within my self.

With the sand beneath my feet slipping back into the sea, the earth gently nudged me to say that I cannot stand in one place for too long, that it shall all pass. So I simply walked along the shore they'd all made together...

Walking on a beach is therapeutic for me. And for most, I believe. The moist sand makes a certain halo around the foot as I place it on the earth's heart. It even lets me stamp it with my feet. Soft and easy...it's like the earth is celebrating my every step. Well, the sea quickly comes and makes sure that everyone's given a clean slate to discover themselves...each time..as some wandering soul like mine rushes to seek refuge. So those footprints are quickly swept away into nothingness by one gentle wave. 

One day...I'll be able to match nature's stare unflinchingly...feel the sky wrap its arms around me...and stand there long enough to let the sea kiss my feet...and I'll curl my toes to kiss it back, like lovers who've spent aeons apart. 

A month's stock of pictures lie unclaimed, unnamed in my camera and where else. Plenty of things happened in the meantime that prevented their appearance here. They'll be right up here asap!

Fleeting connections

Jan 15: What a truly fascinating spectacle! As I raised my camera to shoot this charming bunch of people, they simultaneously raised their hands in greeting. Their spontaneity filled my heart. Later, I noted how the smiles are turned on full beam on the little boys' faces and laden with some scepticism on others. The clichéd idea of age taking its toll on innocence comes to mind...blah! I loved the moment regardless.

Faith to uphold faith

Woe to one who believes in nothing...

Jan 14: In the hollow of a tree, I noticed the entire paraphernalia utilised in worship neatly arranged...faith can really crawl in anywhere! No offence to religiously ritualistic souls but I'm not one of your clan. A diya, bottle of oil, few idols, a bowl to hold some water, few pieces of mithai...well, god definitely wouldn't go hungry, thirsty, unwashed or cold in case she decided to visit.

However, what leapt out at me from this scene was the precariousness of the way bricks were balanced to prevent wind from blowing out the flame. That got me thinking. Does faith lie in the flame or in the bricks?

Collecting memories in itself

Jan 13: Have read a few books under this tree...it's a place that has outlived experiences.

Those who insist :)

I wasn't aware that I have some loyal followers of my blog who diligently point out any lapses in regularly posting new stuff. I guess it gets so much easier to continue with projects like these when one is assured of some solid people who wouldn't hesitate to pose as 'anonymous' followers of their work, adequately expressing concern over unexplained absence of posts.

You guys know who you are so...big hug!

Here I go again :)