Wind and Speed

Biking...

I have never practised it as a sport. Only recently have I discovered it as a hobby too.

Biking. Simplisitic and yet fulfilling in essence. Especially if you like looking around yourself a lot.

I didn't really learn to bike because I was interested in it. I learnt it because my younger sister would bike and it was embarrassing for me not to be able to. I think I even used to grudge it. Funny how things change as you grow older...

I love looking around me. It doesn't matter what I look at. I have always loved looking out of the window. No matter where I was. In a train, on a plane, even inside a house... I would always want the window seat. Wanted it since I was a child. Even if I looked out at the same view day in and day out, it didn't matter. The view has just to be interesting and arresting to my mind. Whether it be the skyline of Center City or just a view of the suburbs. I love it.
To the point where I sometimes ignore the person around me and concentrate all my attention to the view outside.

And biking gives me the same satisfaction. It's like constantly looking out of a window that has no frame. No boundaries. No wooden panels restrict your view...you can see as far as your line of vision can stretch. The blue skies and the green grass. Wherever you look. Or the dull gray of the pavements. I like it.
Another reason why biking appeals to me more is because I am an impatient person. I don't have enough patience to go walking or running. Its too slow. I can't wait for things to happen. I can't wait to get to my destination.
Naah.

Its the speed that thrills me. Biking is fast enough to give me the sensation of flight and speed...without my ears being jarred by the harsh sound of engines. I love going down the steep inclines and have the wind hitting my face as I pick up speed. Have it rushing past my ears. It almost feels like I am flying for those short moments. I am more aware of my own self in those moments. Almost as if I had my arms outstreched towards a huge wave that was rushing to meet me.

I might never have the physical strength to go biking up hills and mountains and steep tracks. But I love whatever little that my body allows me to do. Sometimes, when the road is empty...I bike right in the middle of it, with great speed...just for the thrill of it. I wish I could go faster, further and for longer.

The wind continues to hit my face. I screw up my face and narrow my eyes. Let's see how I fast I can make it to the other end of my journey.

Let's see.

Fragrances and Me

Just thinking about few smells that I love... I decided to put them down.

Smell of the pages of a brand new book. I always bury my nose in the pages of new books and close my eyes. I love the feeling, it always calms me down and makes me smile.
Of fresh earth when the rain *just* starts to fall. I love standing the rain and taking in this smell, slowly with my eyes on the sky and my arms spread out. Like an eagle about to soar. It gives me a sense of freedom and of raw beauty. Don't know why...
Smell of turpentine. On paintings, wood..everywhere. Its just powerful yet pleasant.
Acetone. I have loved this smell ever since I learnt how to paint my nails. I loved the smell of it and the sensation of it on my skin. It was as if someone had sprinkled miniscule grains of ice on my bare skin. Ah...
Lavender. Reminds me of tall trees and young women in the 1890s...running across fields of lavender trees in their hats and hooped skirts. This smell soothes me a lot.
Tangerine. Another sharp, yet pleasant smell. I love it for the momentary hint of sharpness it gives and then gives a feeling of chill. It reminds me of winters and well, oranges.
Petrol (that's what we call gas in India). I just love this one. Don't know why.
Coffee. No questions asked.
Eucalyptus. I love the smell of this tree's leaves. Especially when they burn...
Wood shavings. Again, I can't explain why I like this smell. It gives me a very raw and earthy feeling as well. And I love it too...

Thank you

"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you."

-- Anonymous