Winter to Mother Nature is a season of minimalism. The colour palette has different shades of grey with tinges of pale green here and there. Occasionally, dollops of fresh, bright colours appear in the form of dahlias in my garden. My garden is a small one; comfortable, cosy place with not many trees or flower around. But, even then, the old, seasoned, intransigent winter has begun to mark its presence quite distinctly.
The periwinkle has lost its lustre. The flowers nod their heads involuntarily with the North wind as if they are dancing in a desultory fashion. The enigmatic violet/pinkish hue has been replaced by pale pink. The roses are behaving like demures, no longer their delicate petals are romping in joy. The glistening green of leaves are heavy with a shade lighter. The branches of the bigger trees are forming geometric patterns intersecting each other; barren, bare branches, devoid of foliage. Winter’s on the way.
In this part of the globe, as winter approaches, the distinct line between afternoon and evening gradually fades away. The morning starts late as the sleepy sun appears behind the diaphanous curtain of fog, the greyish-blue sky sometimes exudes warmth and comfort as the sun rises higher up, then suddenly, just after the noon the light begins to fade away. Soon, the greyish, foggy evening takes over making the sun effete.
It is particularly this time of the day I know not why I feel melancholic. That the earth is so quickly wearing her evening robe, makes me saddened. Winer is a hubristic hermit. It never feels attracted to the aestival beauties and, it enervates the verdant world with its steely, cold stare.
Lo and behold, brace yourself, winter is on the way.
It is at the end of my work day in the winter which does make me also melancholy, Maniparna. This held so many parts of the changing seasons. The grays are taking over and the flowers have more brown leaves than colors! Nicely written! 🙂 ❤
I didn’t know you’re a gardener, Mani! Your talents are endless, I see. Such lovely words you used — I especially love how you described winter as a hubristic hermit. Clever, girl!! xo
Jin India winters bring festivities and I love the spirit in the air. The nip in the breeze… I am already scared it will only last a couple of weeks here in Mumbai.
IN Kolkata, it’s just a couple of months, maximum. But, I’m not a fan of winter…the festivity in the air during winter increases my craving for good food, I want to sleep more, I want to go for short weekend trips, picnics- but all these are not possible…and so I don’t like it… 😛
Lovely vocabulary…..should I say winter blues are making you write one of your best pieces….It was such a delight to read….I recently had read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and the depiction of the hardships of war and the heartless winter always make me shudder…..When I say to myself that winters are coming, I go back to the novel and realize, it is just cold and everything else is fine…..Words and narration have powerful impact…..
Right Sunaina. I remember one of Owen’s poems about war and cold. It made me shiver too and I thanked God for everything warm around, the room, the woollens and the love of family. Words truly have great impact…they can tear us apart and can mend wounds as well…
Hi Maniparna 🙂 How lovely to read your posts and poems again. I was away from social media and blogs for a couple of months now. Shall be in touch from now on 🙂 It’s always nice to read posts from you. And yeah, happy winter and this reminds me how tough it’s going to be , especially to say no to the craving of food, sleep and laziness. 🙂
Hi Vidyashree, so happy to see you here after a long hiatus! I thought you are busy with studies or job… 🙂 It always feels nice to hear from you. Start blogging again full-fledged… 🙂
You are right, every winter, I eventually put on a few extra kgs :-(((
“That the earth is so quickly wearing her evening robe, makes me saddened.” – Loved this sentence! Very poetic. But do cheer up, evening robes are also beautiful in their own way 🙂
A very nice welcome note on winter,choice of words is outstanding, learned many new words.
winter is my fav. season but i dont like the moment just after taking bath coz after it i have to rush to hot sunrays.
My favorite season of the year. have many fond memories of winter. One more reason to love this season is the affair between the blankets cozy bed, pillows and me! Perfect relationship
What a beautiful descriptive write up on the colours of winter.. Yes it’s sleepiness reflects on the rising and setting of the Sun.. Along with those cloudy wetter and for us often snowy days.. ( though not so much snow in recent years )..We have had lots of floods again though..
Sending thoughts your way as you snuggle down perhaps with a good book in the cooler of the evenings..
Sending love and thoughts your way Mani.. I really enjoyed your post xxx
As they say in Game of Thrones, ‘Winter is Coming!’. I understand the melancholy part of it too well. I feel that whenever I sleep during the day. It has not been possible for me to find the reason, but when I wake up and realize that the noon has given way to evening, I feel sad. There is a sad mellow, glow to the room and somehow, I feel weepy.
After reading this, I just have one suggestion Mani, write a book please! Your descriptions are too beautiful 🙂
That is a poet’s perspective…so positive and perfect! Thanks for all the lovely language that conceals the cold and the smog. Keep warm and enjoy the winter! 🙂
What an apt description of winter as a hubristic hermit. Aestival and evergreen beauties are virtually reduced to ephemeral flashes. Grey days of winter really dulls life. Just think of many countries in northern hemisphere where people sight the Sun only few times in a whole year…!
I keep reading this poetic post over and over again and just feel amazed by how beautifully-craved your writing is. Your subtle description entices me much and it is as if we were all there and embrace the wonder of the scenery nearby. My warm greetings to you in this winter! 😊
What a beautiful expression of your garden and environment in winter… I admit, I love winters. And I love how everything has a sleepy look that takes on a brightness in the morning sunshine 🙂 Get cozy
I loved the way you have introduced the onset of winter Mani. In the otherwise cold and grey backdrop, your words have painted a colourful and bright palette. Your words made me bask in its warmth👍👍
How vividly and poetically you have painted the colours of winters with words. I can visualize your garden as a pallette in which the trees, flowers, grass and leaves add a dash of their shade. Happy winter. 🙂
Winter has arrived here, too, though it’s a few weeks later than usual. Temp this morning was 20 F. Still a few leaves on the trees, which for late November is quite amazing.
I can picture your garden and how you feel I think most of us do not look forward to the winter months….take care and feel the warm sun when it’s shining …
How beautifully you’ve expressed yourself dear Maniparna:) It’s an absolute treat to read your thoughts that have been articulated exceptionally well.
I used to brace myself a while ago…now Im slowly learning to embrace it:)
I know that melancholy you’ve spoken about…..it’s just the heart yearning for some sunshine I assume. Hot chocolate is my remedy … what’s yours?:)
Hugs & hope you have a happy winter:)
“I used to brace myself a while ago…now Im slowly learning to embrace it”- I wish to do this too, but somehow, I fail every time. But yes, winter does please us with our gustatory sensation…:-D 😀 I agree wholeheartedly… I love coffee, and homemade fruit cakes and steaks and wine… oh, yes, and hot chocolate too, ❤
It is at the end of my work day in the winter which does make me also melancholy, Maniparna. This held so many parts of the changing seasons. The grays are taking over and the flowers have more brown leaves than colors! Nicely written! 🙂 ❤
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True, this time of the season has something in it. The melancholy feels heavy at times, especially in the afternoon…
Thanks, Robin, for stopping by… 🙂 ❤
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Over here it is the rainy season. The day starts a little later, the nights a little earlier…and it does get dreary and same..melancholic too..
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Oh…I don’t like such weather. It makes me feel down, without any concrete reason 😦
Sending some sunny wishes to your side… ❤
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Thank you! It’s been sunny a little more these past two days..so that’s good!!
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That sounds great…:-D
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I guess the melancholy is more about missing bright sunlight than the chillness of the winters. As always a warm read, Maniparna. Happy winter!
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Thanks, Nandhini….yes, you can say, both are not mutually exclusive… 😀
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Maniparna, you paint a lovely picture―vivid and colourful. I feel dreamy not melancholy.
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That’s so nice of you to say, Kiran…enjoy the brief winter in Mumbai… ❤
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I didn’t know you’re a gardener, Mani! Your talents are endless, I see. Such lovely words you used — I especially love how you described winter as a hubristic hermit. Clever, girl!! xo
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It’s a tiny piece of green 😀 with few plants and trees.
Glad you liked the post…your words raidate warmth… ❤
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Aw, I’m sure you have a lovely garden! I always enjoy your writing. xo
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Jin India winters bring festivities and I love the spirit in the air. The nip in the breeze… I am already scared it will only last a couple of weeks here in Mumbai.
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IN Kolkata, it’s just a couple of months, maximum. But, I’m not a fan of winter…the festivity in the air during winter increases my craving for good food, I want to sleep more, I want to go for short weekend trips, picnics- but all these are not possible…and so I don’t like it… 😛
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Lovely vocabulary…..should I say winter blues are making you write one of your best pieces….It was such a delight to read….I recently had read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and the depiction of the hardships of war and the heartless winter always make me shudder…..When I say to myself that winters are coming, I go back to the novel and realize, it is just cold and everything else is fine…..Words and narration have powerful impact…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right Sunaina. I remember one of Owen’s poems about war and cold. It made me shiver too and I thanked God for everything warm around, the room, the woollens and the love of family. Words truly have great impact…they can tear us apart and can mend wounds as well…
Thanks so much for the comment… 🙂
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You write so well….it is mesmerising!
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Thanks a lot, you made my day… 🙂
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Wow…so beautifully expressed! Your post made me fall in love with winters ❤
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Thanks, dear… 🙂
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Hi Maniparna 🙂 How lovely to read your posts and poems again. I was away from social media and blogs for a couple of months now. Shall be in touch from now on 🙂 It’s always nice to read posts from you. And yeah, happy winter and this reminds me how tough it’s going to be , especially to say no to the craving of food, sleep and laziness. 🙂
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Hi Vidyashree, so happy to see you here after a long hiatus! I thought you are busy with studies or job… 🙂 It always feels nice to hear from you. Start blogging again full-fledged… 🙂
You are right, every winter, I eventually put on a few extra kgs :-(((
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He he he I too put some weight in winter 😉
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😀 😀 … Hi5 on that…
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“That the earth is so quickly wearing her evening robe, makes me saddened.” – Loved this sentence! Very poetic. But do cheer up, evening robes are also beautiful in their own way 🙂
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Right you are 🙂 Actually, not a fan of winter… 😛 it makes me sleep more and I find it really a task to get up in the morning…
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Totally loved your description,made me fall more in love with winters… Coffee, book, fog, sleep and repeat in that order.
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In my case, sleep comes first 😀
Thanks for stopping by… 🙂
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This is very beautiful. 🙂
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Thank you… 🙂
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And yet our winter is like the summer in UK 😀
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That’s true 😀
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I’m not a winter fan-boy and living in Bangalore for a few years has made me even forget it. Still, could relate to the nostalgia through your post.
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Thank you. 🙂 I’m not a big fan either…winter somehow makes me sad…
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Very nice.
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Thanks… 🙂
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Oh wow! It’s almost a poem 🙂 Loved it 🙂
I suffer from the evening melancholia too, in winters 😦
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Oh! Glad to know someone sharing the same emotions… thanks, Amitji… 🙂
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Reblogged this on Journal Edge and commented:
Article Source: maniparna.com
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Thank you so much… 🙂
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My Pleasure 🙂
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🙂
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Such a welcoming post! 🙂 But I hate winters! It makes me want to sleep more!
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I’m not a big fan either 😀 and it really takes a toll to get up in the morning… 😦
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Ha ha.. Agree!
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Very artistically described! 🙂
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Thanks, Indrani…:-)
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A very nice welcome note on winter,choice of words is outstanding, learned many new words.
winter is my fav. season but i dont like the moment just after taking bath coz after it i have to rush to hot sunrays.
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Hahaha…yes…taking a good shower becomes a tad bit problematic even with hot water… 😀
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My favorite season of the year. have many fond memories of winter. One more reason to love this season is the affair between the blankets cozy bed, pillows and me! Perfect relationship
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The love of sleeping in winter…:-D so much I’m addicted to it that it takes a lot of mental power to get up in the morning… 😛
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This lovely poem of winter tugs at my heartstrings My eyes have served my purpose.
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Thank you so much for the inspiring words… 🙂
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I love winters! Especially with the snow and morning sunlight, photography can be stunning.
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True that… thanks, Alok… 🙂
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Pleasure!
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What beautiful imagery! Oddly enough, this brought a smile to my face.
I can’t complain though, because I have a thing for winters. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂 I’m really happy to make you smiling…smile is the much needed thing these days… 🙂
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So true! 🙂
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What a beautiful descriptive write up on the colours of winter.. Yes it’s sleepiness reflects on the rising and setting of the Sun.. Along with those cloudy wetter and for us often snowy days.. ( though not so much snow in recent years )..We have had lots of floods again though..
Sending thoughts your way as you snuggle down perhaps with a good book in the cooler of the evenings..
Sending love and thoughts your way Mani.. I really enjoyed your post xxx
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Aww…nothing’s better than a good book and a cup of coffee… ❤ Love and prayer for you too, dear Sue… ❤
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Thanks Mani, I am not so keen on coffee.. But I do love a mug of hot chocolate 🙂 lol 🙂
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😀 I love hot chocolate too…
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🙂 😀 haha.. 🙂
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Love the lyrical and poetic description as well as the choice of words that stroke dreamy layers. Love it:)
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That’s so nice of you, Vishal..:-) Thanks a lot…
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As they say in Game of Thrones, ‘Winter is Coming!’. I understand the melancholy part of it too well. I feel that whenever I sleep during the day. It has not been possible for me to find the reason, but when I wake up and realize that the noon has given way to evening, I feel sad. There is a sad mellow, glow to the room and somehow, I feel weepy.
After reading this, I just have one suggestion Mani, write a book please! Your descriptions are too beautiful 🙂
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Thanks so much, Ranjini…you have always been so supporting. It feels great when someone can connect to my words in this way… 🙂
About writing a book, I’ve to overcome my laziness… 😛
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Yes, winter is on its way though it still feels like summer. Wonderful read as usual. 🙂
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Thanku so much… 😀
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Your words describing the the wonders of winter is so beautiful, totally lost during reading….:)
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Thanks. Your words made me happy… 🙂
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That is a poet’s perspective…so positive and perfect! Thanks for all the lovely language that conceals the cold and the smog. Keep warm and enjoy the winter! 🙂
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Thank you, Balroop…for the kind words. Have a cheerful winter… 🙂
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What an apt description of winter as a hubristic hermit. Aestival and evergreen beauties are virtually reduced to ephemeral flashes. Grey days of winter really dulls life. Just think of many countries in northern hemisphere where people sight the Sun only few times in a whole year…!
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True. We are fortunate enough to see glimpses of the sun even during winter…
Thank you so much, Sir… 🙂
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Tremendously eloquent and evocative, dear Mani – many congratulations on this work.
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Thanks so much, Hariod. This means a lot… 🙂
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I love winters and the warmth of soups. Your poetic expressions are so perfect. But yes, day ends so quickly and it is something I don’t like.
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Same here. Winter is never boring…only it’s cold and dark… 🙂
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I keep reading this poetic post over and over again and just feel amazed by how beautifully-craved your writing is. Your subtle description entices me much and it is as if we were all there and embrace the wonder of the scenery nearby. My warm greetings to you in this winter! 😊
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Thank you so much! Winter has a charm of its own and perhaps, that has inspired me to pen down the feelings… 🙂
Wish you a wonderful winter ahead… 🙂
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branches forming geometric patterns…ah…maths lessons too started..;)
it was a beautiful click..
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Hehehe…:-D
Thank you!
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😉
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wow, beautiful dear, keep it up
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Thank you!
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Winter is coming, as a GOT fan would say. But I love winter with all its myriadness, minimalism and magnificence.
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Yes! The line has become famous with GoT 😀
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😛
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Beautifully penned, thank you for sharing. Cheers! 🙂
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Thank you… 🙂
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You’re welcome, I would greatly appreciate it if you could have a look at my page as well, would love to hear your views. Cheers!😊
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That’s already done… 🙂
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What a beautiful expression of your garden and environment in winter… I admit, I love winters. And I love how everything has a sleepy look that takes on a brightness in the morning sunshine 🙂 Get cozy
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All others in my family love winter 😛 I’m the only exception. Though I don’t find it boring…it’s somewhat impassive and evokes sadness…
Wish you a sunny and cheerful winter ahead… 🙂
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After monsoon, winter is my favorite season! Loved the way you painted it!
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Monsoon is my first love, too 😀
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I loved the way you have introduced the onset of winter Mani. In the otherwise cold and grey backdrop, your words have painted a colourful and bright palette. Your words made me bask in its warmth👍👍
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That’s so kind of you, Radhika 🙂 Thanks a lot for making my day… 🙂
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Always a pleasure!!
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How vividly and poetically you have painted the colours of winters with words. I can visualize your garden as a pallette in which the trees, flowers, grass and leaves add a dash of their shade. Happy winter. 🙂
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Thank you, Somali. Let me know when you are in Kolkata next time.
Happy winter and a great weekend to you too… 🙂
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Sure I will. Now the hulo has restricted my movements out of town. 🙂 Happy weekend.
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Hehehe…hulo ke niye lekho aabar… with pictures…
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Tahole pooro golpo likhte hobe 🙂
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So beautifully poetic..
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Thank you so much… 🙂
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Winter has arrived here, too, though it’s a few weeks later than usual. Temp this morning was 20 F. Still a few leaves on the trees, which for late November is quite amazing.
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That sounds nice to me! I’m not a fan of winter.
have a happy winter ahead…hope it would be less severe this year… 🙂
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beautifully written, mani…cheers to winter!
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Thank you… 🙂 Have a nice weekend…:-)
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same pinch
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I can picture your garden and how you feel I think most of us do not look forward to the winter months….take care and feel the warm sun when it’s shining …
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That’s so nice of you, Sara 🙂 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy winter… ❤
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How beautifully you’ve expressed yourself dear Maniparna:) It’s an absolute treat to read your thoughts that have been articulated exceptionally well.
I used to brace myself a while ago…now Im slowly learning to embrace it:)
I know that melancholy you’ve spoken about…..it’s just the heart yearning for some sunshine I assume. Hot chocolate is my remedy … what’s yours?:)
Hugs & hope you have a happy winter:)
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“I used to brace myself a while ago…now Im slowly learning to embrace it”- I wish to do this too, but somehow, I fail every time. But yes, winter does please us with our gustatory sensation…:-D 😀 I agree wholeheartedly… I love coffee, and homemade fruit cakes and steaks and wine… oh, yes, and hot chocolate too, ❤
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Winter & the list of cravings it tags along are endless😉 Happy eating to both of us😊
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Hehe…yes…:-D
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