the In-between times..

Heya all, it's been a while, isn't it - hope all of you (esp. dearest Minervan Fellows) are doing well. Thank you, dear Goddess, for being the sweet Friend you are - love your visits & notes, as always.
Been pretty busy of late, mostly handling material affairs (school/training/work) - with its fair share of frenetic & exhausting, as well as museworthy moments here and there.

New experiences, new people ~ like the gal I got to meet on the train home last Thursday - because of my bubbly companion, a friend of Thuz from back in the old varsity, who gaily allowed the two neighbouring gals to join in our conversation - and we'd all met simply because we'd been discussing the visibly palpable and increased security on the trains (reflecting back to the old first-aid days, i agree it's always better to be prepared but the presence of more security personnel can get quite unnerving, too). Anyway, when I introduce myself to her, she replies: Oh, we have the same name.
Found it pleasantly amusing (though I know my name's isn't that rare) and because I'm exhausted from surviving a heavy school day (with a Lit presentation that went fine) with about two hours of sleep - my companion's happily entertaining the two gals we've just met. Later in the night, this new acquaintance sends me an sms inquiring of my birthday - and it turns out hers was just the day before. Hmm, it does sound nice to meet your namesake for a birthday surprise, yea?

These few exhausting weeks of late (with intensive projects and presentations etc.), have also offered their little but valuable learning moments - of the much-appreciated gestures of (unanticipated) help and support from good friends (undergoing the same exhausting schedule), and Mom's unrivalled chai, my secret fuel - aha.

Perhaps, all of this sounds rather 'airy-fairy' - this business of appreciating the little special moments that lay hidden just between the cracks of our oh-so-busy lives -
but it does help put things - and life - in a more enlightened perspective. There now, for us all - some noteworthy snippets, which somehow encompass so much of what Minerva believes..

Value in life ~ Compassion, via suffering ~ Blessed, yes

& especially:

In-between times

*From the last DailyOm link above:

The in-between times are seldom about landmark moments... when you look at the good that exists in your life, many reasons for celebrating the in-between times may become clear: a cup of your favorite tea, a beautiful sunrise, a good book, and the smell of fresh air can be reasons for celebration.

Celebrating the in-between times can be as easy as paying special attention to them when they do happen, rather than taking them for granted ...

And also, since it's been a looong while since Minerva's got some time in solitude for beloved melodies (from Ab Ke Baras to Apni Zulfein, Piya Tora to Piya Basanti), some newer melodies here, now:
*Anbae Anbae & Varugiraai: Not vouching for the lyrics or the movie itself, but A. R. Rahman's (& Harisaab's) renditions are worth a mention - and
*Latest in the airwaves, and one of Minerva's fave musical duet-pair (remember, Dolnaa?) - Thadakku Thadakku, by Harisaab & Sujatha (go on, try and figure why it's winning Urs truly over).

With warmth & hope, Minerva*
p.s. To dearer chums, have finally embarked on something I've long intended - went for my first Hatha yoga class last Monday. It's a small start, but invigorating yes: Minerva's current fave asana's (but, of course) ~ the Virabhadrasana.