This month, I thought I’d try my hand at writing a review-of-the-month post. While I have written a yearly review, I have never ever done a monthly one. I wonder if I can even remember everything that happened during September, but here goes.
5th of September, Teacher’s day. I got a load of lovely messages from all my students both old and current. It’s so satisfying to know that my students remember me even after decades have gone by. This one really touched my heart!
“Hello maam,
I may be several timezones away, pursuing a career in a completely different subject, but I will never forget everything that I got from you. For all the life lessons and values that have stuck much longer than actual classroom teaching, thank you so much. I will always cherish you as my teacher.
Wishing you a very happy teacher’s day, ma’am.”
A finished project
Another highlight was that Gyana Geetha and I finished working on my series of books “English Adventures for little ones.” This is a series of 4 books for kids aged 4 to 7 which combine engaging stories with guided conversations to build fluent English skills. This should be up on pre order soon.
Having the grandkids over
My daughter Natasha has gone to Pune for a month to do a course on how to train dogs with behavioural issues. So the four legged grandkids are here with me for a month or more. Cats are so different from dogs. Once I give them their food and water and they have clean litter, they spend their days mostly sleeping or playing by themselves. Once in a while they climb up on my lap for cuddles, but more often than not, I forget they are in the house. When I go to search for them, I find them hiding in a carton or sunning themselves outside on the window sill which has safety netting fixed all around.
Matheran Magic
September also saw me planning Matheran Magic, a writer’s retreat in the rustic environs of Matheran, a hill station near Mumbai. Most of the writer’s retreats I have wanted to attend too expensive and more focussed on the amenities of the place. I wanted to create something for writers that was affordable and which was concentrated more on writing. Matheran seemed an ideal place for a no frills, no fancies ;just pure writing kind of retreat. ( More about this in my next post)
Things that didn’t get done this month
I wanted to write more, but just got one blog post out. This month I plan to make up for that.
My walks and yoga has also gone for a toss. I had planned to be regular but sadly I was too lazy to keep that commitment to myself. I also didn’t get out of the house much. I didn’t interact with a lot people either. This is something I need to do as I get too complacent just being alone at home and that is not good for my mental health.
October promises
For October, I plan to write a blog post a week and interact more with my fellow bloggers; so if you would like me to read and comment on your blog, leave a link in the comments .I also plan to start writing the second book in the series of Muffin and Mamma. My young readers have been clamouring for more stories about Muffin and it’s time to put them into words.I plan to work on at least one of the crochet projects that I have started and left half done. And my priority is getting started on my walks and yoga again.
They say if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I have made my plan for this month, Now all I have to do is follow it. I’ll update you on my progress at the end of the month.
Cheerio for now! See you in my next post!
I used to write a monthly review post earlier. It really helps celebrate small wins and reorganize my ever-growing to-do list. But this year, I haven’t written a single review post. I think I’ve been worried that it would only highlight what I couldn’t accomplish. Time to change my thinking, I guess.
Look at you, making me rethink my life choices through your September Stories!
Wishing you a delightful October ahead, Sunita.
I’m always amazed at your focus in publishing new books, Sunita. The new series looks so good. Good luck with it.
Wishing you only the best in October – especially with the health related stuff. That’s the easiest to give up, no? ♥
My best wishes to you for accomplishing your October To do list.
Thank you, Anamika. i definitely need the wishes! 🙂