Today is not a milestone birthday, just a birthday as birthdays go. So I am not sure what I want to write about on this day.

The day started off as any other, with me going for my customary morning walk. But before that, I stepped out on to the balcony, took a look at the dramatic sky and stopped short. Pinks and golds were streaked across its canvas. You bet I hurried inside to get my phone for a picture!

Can phones ever catch the beauty of the sky as is better than the eyes? The phone companies might say yes, but I say ‘no’. Or may be I am not good at the capturing bit. Whatever. What does it matter? My eyes feasted on it and that’s what matters.

Don’t get me wrong. I am always for photographing things, whether it be people, events, places. Moments need capturing. And yes, capturing and enjoying THE MOMENT can and does go hand in hand. I say that to all those ‘superior’ people who look down their noses at those wielding cameras. You can bet your last falling rupee that they will be the first ones enjoying the ‘captured moments’ years down the line, courtesy of those very people who were looked at with derision when they went about clicking.

Anyways…

My birthday celebrations started off early this year with one set of friends catching me off guard at one of our get-togethers a week earlier to the d-day. I became a little girl again with a birthday girl sash and a tiara to boot. Not that I have ever had a birthday with such trimmings in my entire life. I mean, that’s not how our generation grew up, is it?

Our birthdays were more laid back. A morning bath, a visit to the temple to get the blessings of the deity in a brand new frock or skirt and blouse, a sadya, the typical vegetarian Kerala lunch served on banana leaf, in the noon, and just like that birthday was done. Birthday gifts were unheard of.

Birthdays were a different affair for our children. They had birthday parties with balloons, cakes, the works. Gifts were a must, either a surprise or something discussed and bought ahead for the day. Friends came over and there would be good food, games and lots of laughter.

How different generations are! And here I am getting a taste of the children’s lifestyle in my late sixties.

Yesterday, a pre-birthday lunch was had with the L&M. And today, on D-day itself, first there was the call from the sons. Then it was a lunch outing with another set of friends. After a hearty meal, the solo candle on the cheese was cake was blown and the cake dug into (I love cheese cakes!) with fervour.

Now it’s late night. Time to reply to all the wishes that have been pouring in through the day. On Facebook, on WhatsApp. Did I hear someone say ‘You seem to have lots of friends’? You bet. From all around the world in fact. And you thought it was only the British Empire on which the sun never set? Just joking. Or am I? 😉

©️ Shail Mohan 2026