“Today is as good a day as any to summarise the year 2021!"
So this newsletter is about some significant and some not-so-significant events/ experiences.
The month of January was all about good food, contagious laughter, UNO nights and conventional sibling conflicts! Shah residence had all the children back under one roof and all of us revelled and enjoyed the time together which we had taken for granted otherwise.
February came with an unconventional opportunity – a few close friends who are also clients invited me to do a photo-shoot for their stunning fine-jewellery brand – Bhani Jewels! The entire experience of being on set, with props, a cameraman and a videographer was surreal and also one that I will cherish for a long time! I felt like a small child in a book store, who was thoroughly fascinated by every single thing that eventful morning!
A picture post the shoot of me checking out the dessert counter!
March was random. On a particular evening drive, my friend’s car ran out of fuel in the middle of a crowded lane and it was a sight to behold - three girls (quite theatrically) physically pushed a car to the left parking lane. It was a night I will never forget, I am sure my phone gallery does have a photo of the three of us relishing an ice cream by the side of the road, while we brainstormed a way to get fuel in the car!
April took us back to lockdown and I did not take the first week of being confined to my house (all over again) very well. Some perspective helped later. The sheer privilege and luck of not being infected with the virus and having all my family members and close friends safe and healthy encouraged me to embrace the lockdown a little better. Long walks in my neighbourhood every single day made sure I didn’t lose my sanity.
May was all about mangoes, longer walks, occasional chai-meets with close friends and far too many sunsets on the terrace.
A picture of one of those gorgeous sunsets!
Spirits lifted in June with the onset of Monsoon! Also, I got to illustrate some beautiful flowers for a client, which till day adorn my work desk.
A picture of my desk!
In July I joined (after much speculation and procrastination) a two-month-long Artist’s Workshop, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. It was conducted by Hansika Sharma – who is a wonderful human and her work is evocative and thought-provoking. If you ever get the time, do explore her work!
August was a bitter month! It was socially packed with endless goodbyes. I wish I could sing Sam Smith’s song – I am too good at goodbyes and mean it. On a personal achievement, I did (as a way to deal with the goodbyes’) illustrate my first zine for my dearest childhood friend, a personal project that is so close to my heart and something I am proud of.
A picture of the zine!
September was blah! My sibling left for his Master’s. The last and the toughest goodbye. It took me pretty much the entire month to get used to not having him around in the house and also, bizarrely enough, I missed his playlist on some days.
October was when I took up embroidery – a hobby that I simply wanted to try. And ended up cycling a beautiful corduroy off-white oversized shirt with tropical motifs!
A picture of the embroidery in progress!
November was a personal favourite. It was festive, it was bright and it was all things happy and loving. Also, I went on a travel holiday for the first time since the pandemic hit us and it was pretty much the best week of 2021. The trip to Agra was all things love, laughter and happiness! Heartfelt gratitude to the ones who were a part of the trip – Thank you!
A picture of me at our gorgeous homestay in Agra!
At last December! It has been the fastest, almost blurry month, filled with joyous anticipation of the year that is yet to come!
The picture of the neighbourhood garden which is now a place of solace and comfort!
The year was what it was! Writing about it as briefly as I did for the newsletter ensured that I embrace things just as they were. There is beauty in the mundane!
That’s all for this newsletter, feel free to share a few of the significant or insignificant events that were a part of your year!
Until next year, hope you smile more, love more and enjoy the beginning of a new year!
As always a song recommendation - I have heard this song almost every single day of December – Snow Flower by V (BTS) feat Peakboy. Beautiful and jazz-y! Hope you enjoy it!
Sending love, hugs and a warm comforting cup of chai always,
Krupa
