Sunday 30 April 2017

Z is for Zagreb and Zindagi #atozchallenge

When, on the 6th of April 2017, I took this photo, I was sure my Z for this challenge was sorted. Not one, but two Zs were asking to be explored and exposed. Lucky me.

My blogging to do list when I woke up today (the last day of A to Z) looked like this:

1) write replies to all the comments on my Y post 
2) quickly work through all the pictures I'd clicked in Zagreb (in the few hours we'd spent there)
3) write Z for Zagreb.
4) publish and share
5) And finally, visit as many participating bloggers as possible.

Sunday--sorted.

But this is not how my morning is unfolding. Zindagi (Urdu word for life) is interfering with my blogging plans.

A whatsap message has appeared on my phone screen while I'm waiting for the water to come to a boil in the pan on the hob. 

"Let's meet for coffee." my friend types. She wants to talk one on one. 

I am tempted to decline and arrange for a day in May, like everything else I've been putting off this month: threading eyebrows, picking that blouse from the tailor which was supposed to be ready by the 4th of April, yoga, walk in the park, coloring my roots, etc. etc.

I know I won't have the time to go through and edit lots of pictures, like I'd planned to. Dazzle them with your brilliance Arti, my ego keeps whispering sweet nothings such as these to boost me to pay attention to him. Finish with a flourish, Arti. Get all those photos out. Friends can wait. What's the big deal? May begins tomorrow. Have your coffee then. 

Ego is  quite persistent.

I add grated ginger to the boiling water, wait a bit, then add the tea leaves and let it all brew under the lid. 

"If I see her at 11, I'll be back by lunch. I can post then." I'm trying to convince myself while I tidy up, make the beds and put the laundry out to dry, all in a haze of should I/shouldn't I?

"Just need a friend who'll listen to me today." another text and I'm decided.

I'm off, will finish the post when I get back and post it.
A long chat, a few hugs, a double macchiato and a delicious croissant later, I'm back. 

It was a day to listen. Not a day to write. I had plans, but zindagi had a few, too:) In a way, I'm glad Z turned out the way it did. 

It made me look up and take notice of a few realities. Blogging is great, but life happens outside the laptop screen. 

What was your last day of A to Z challenge like? Are you looking forward to it all coming to an end or will you miss it?
Streets of Zagreb may appear next year, 
if I'm here:)

THANK  YOU All 
for being part of this:)
Happy Zindagi to all. 
xoxo

36 comments:

  1. Yes, a casual, "hey, wanna grab a coffee?" might wait but "I could use a friend today" cannot - and quite rightly trumps all the rest.
    I won't miss the stress of the writing but I will miss all the people.
    I'm glad to have found you, my new friend. :-)

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    1. I'm soooooo happy to have found you. Starting my blog visits now-- will pop in soonish. Hugs.xx

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  2. Great post! I've loved the challenge and will definitely miss it.

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  3. Love that word, zindagi. And that street cafe in Zagreb is lovely.

    My post for today was written well ahead of time, so today was a normal Sunday. A little politics on the Sunday morning TV, a little gardening, and the weekly trip for household supplies.

    I've enjoyed the challenge (my first), and expanded my horizons. I have a busy two weeks coming up, so I'm glad it is over, as I would feel stretched for time to reply to everyone and visit the blogs I like.

    Phillip | Z is for Zines Zoinks! I made it to the end!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comments Phillip.

      Hope to see some more mail art once you're back to blogging.

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  4. I love the pictures of the street cafe.
    This was my first time participating in the a to z challenge and I learned to branch out of my comfort zone. This writing community is the best!

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    1. It is Pat.
      Thank you for stopping by.
      Will come and say hello soon:)

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  5. This is a most perfect ending post to the challenge Arti. Happy Zingadi indeed! Your series has been such a delight, and I'm so happy to have connected.

    I've enjoyed the challenge very much, but am looking forward to a bit more breathing room in May. :-)

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    1. Cheers to breathing rooms and homes and gardens and woods, too:)
      I'm so happy I got to meet you Deborah.

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    2. What can I say ...waah! 👏👏👏
      Am just soo impressed and kind of inspired too... love your blog and the posts... Your diligence and your photo-artistry too..Insh'Allah I will join he tribe soon too...

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    3. Please do Ketaki. It'll be fun. xx

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  6. An excellent choice for today! Our connections to each other are truly the reason we are here and this friend's need took priority.

    Hope to see you again next year!

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    1. I hope so too Beth. And hopefully during the year as well.

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  7. I would love to walk down that street, sit at a table and give the waitress something to do! A delightful and amusing finale. I loved the challenge and am really sad it's over. Only another 11 months to wait!

    Z - It's farewell to Amble Bay!

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    1. I can see that so clearly Keith--you and the waitress:)
      Amble Way brought so many smiles my way, I'll be sad to bid it goodbye too.

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  8. Neat photo of the sign and a lovely Hindi word to end the A-Z challenge!

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    1. Cheers.
      Zindagi full of starlight is what I wish upon you. Thank you for visiting.

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  9. What a beautifully vibrant , post ! I have become a fan of your photography . :)
    Its so true that life doesn't follow our diktats . We simply dance along to its tunes . But, perhaps, that makes the journey more fascinating too - the unpredictability. I love "zindagi " too.A wonderful Z.
    congrats on a very vibrant A through Z.
    Best wishes always,
    Moon
    https://aslifehappens60.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you Moon. A fan?? Woohoo...I'm feeling rather full of myself right now.
      Thank you for dropping by and for such kind words.

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  10. Good choice, Arti. Zindagi is more important than Zagreb any day. You can tell us about Zagreb in a future post (and I hope you do) but your friend needed you today. Beautiful post! Congratulations on a successful A to Z challenge.

    Let's see, my day was almost as planned (spend day on A-Z) but in the middle, zindagi happened :) Back on track now, just reading other's Z blogs a bit later than planned.

    Emily | My Life In Ecuador | Zoo - I live in one!

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    1. Looks like a nice last day of the challenge Emily.
      Thank you:)

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  11. Always choose to affirm those around you. An excellent end to your A to Z, congratulations!

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    1. Thank you:) I've enjoyed your stops here.

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  12. Ah yes..
    Well I confess that what I did was write the last one on Saturday and then stay in bed reading until midday on Sunday, after which I showered and went out for a long leisurely lunch.... with. Humongous gin & tonic.
    Thank you visiting my blog and introducing me to yours. I will be back.

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    1. Wendy, next time--call and ask when you're off to the land of Humomngous G&T! I can help, you know.
      Last year, I told myself that I'd write a few posts in advance to prevent this lastminute.com scenario. But, I never listen to myself when it comes to deadlines.
      You day sounds like a day in heaven to me.
      Thank you for visiting.

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  13. Mine went up only late last night ... I thought the Z one had to be today as we're supposed to have a day of rest on Sundays. So, today is the day for catching up and responding. I've always enjoyed your posts Arti and the beautiful photography and an insight into your life. Have a wonderful day today - public holiday here in South Africa and a wonderful May!

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    1. Happy May to you too Susan.
      I can imagine you resplendent in autumn yellows around you. Enjoy and thank you so much for your beautiful words.

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  14. There really is no way to say no to a friend who needs to talk. Zindagi--I will remember that word.

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    1. It's been a good journey this April Jacqui. Thanks for visiting.

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  15. Zindagi! A great day to celebrate it!

    Thank you for your A to Z challenge. Your wisdom and words and travel have been enlightening.

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    1. Thank you Toni. Your visits have been very welcome here:)

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  16. Sounds like you made the right choice to me. Zindagi is a great word, and now you have a future Z post in your pocket to boot. I spent part of Sunday visiting and replying to comments, but mostly spent it on leisurely things I'd been neglecting through the month. Playing catch-up continues today. :) Was very nice meeting you, and congrats on completing the challenge!

    A to Z 2017: Magical and Medicinal Herbs

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  17. This was a great way of finishing the #AtoZChallenge. For me, it has been like having a long coffee with a lot of people. As in every group, I like some of them more than others (that's life!).

    Thanks for your posts!
    -----
    Eva - Mail Adventures

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    1. Thank you Eva. And so true:)
      So glad our paths crossed this year.

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