On your birthday, I honor the quiet, wise love you gave me; love that understood when closeness could heal and when it could harm. Long before I could name it, you saw that forcing the family to remain as it was would only deepen wounds. From your final days, you offered me your most carefulContinue reading "A Birthday Tribute (Excerpt)"
Morning Reflection
A quiet winter morning unfolded under fresh snow as the sun peeked through snow-clad, barren trees, casting soft hues of gold. The landscape shimmered like a fairytale. In the stillness, a bluebird appeared—bright against the white, carrying warmth into the cold. For a brief moment, it reminded me that a thing of beauty is aContinue reading "Morning Reflection"
The Garden That Grows With Me
Gardening has always been more than just a hobby—it's a thread that connects me to some of my dearest childhood memories. I often think of my mother and the vibrant gardens surrounding the spacious bungalows where I grew up. As a child, I’d spend hours playing among the trees and shrubs, quietly picking up gardeningContinue reading "The Garden That Grows With Me"
Happy Easter
4.1.2024- Blue Moon Crocuses in bloom in my garden "no winter lasts forever; no spring skips it's turn"
Snapshots
Watching Spring's renewal of life, beautiful backyard birds and delightful wildlife I engage with the enchanting nature everyday, and I wonder what it has to say! Crocus: Like every year, my first bloom in the garden this week. Follow me: https://m.facebook.com/SnapshotsandStories/ for more snapshots and stories.
a message today @ 2.4.2024
Rocky’s Black Friday Shopping
Rocky loves to ride in the car. He mostly settles down in the backseat sleeping. When he is not, he stares intensely at the front seat driver or passenger following the conversation and making sure everything is fine. He only gets up on his two hind legs to check the surroundings if the car slowsContinue reading "Rocky’s Black Friday Shopping"
Through Peace to Light
"I do not ask, O Lord, that Thou shouldst shed; Full radiance here; Give but a ray of peace that I may tread; Without a fear" Late Fall: the soft morning rays of the rising sun falls on the Hickory tree leaves that are about to fall off
Happy Diwali 2023
Rocky is an Adult!
Rocky turned 2 in May this year and was officially declared an adult dog by the vet last month during his annual check up! At 2, Rocky is a healthy, happy dog boy and there was nothing big in my list to discuss with the vet, except for the lack of thick hair in hisContinue reading "Rocky is an Adult!"
Morning Shadow and Glow
If I were a sunbeam I know where I would go; Into the darkest corner to spread some cheer and glow Today Morning@7:00am
Note Card
Smiling in Beauty
A peaceful place in my garden: Flowers, Flowers, Fragrant and Gay, Everywhere we See Smiling and Chiming in Beauty Each Day, Blooming for You and Me
Lilies
Colorful elegant lilies herald the month of July and August in my garden. "Flowers, flowers, fragrant and gay, everywhere we see, Smiling in beauty each day, blooming for you and me"
Ring out the Old, Ring in the New
February: The sight of fresh new leaves on my indoor plant finally brought some relief and a smile to my face. But at the same time I felt heavy hearted when I saw the few remaining old leaves that were about to die and fall off.... July: Indoors, the new leaves that came out turnedContinue reading "Ring out the Old, Ring in the New"
The Himalayan Foothills
A long desire to visit the foothills of Himalayas was finally fulfilled early this year. Even though a short stint, but the trip to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world has been a memorable one. Halfway around the world now, in a quiet corner of my room, I can visualize the turquoise green watersContinue reading "The Himalayan Foothills"
The Black-capped Chickadee
"High among the branches is a cosy nest; Listen as the nestlings try to chirp their best"
Sweet Memories of Sweet Beverages from India
"We do not remember days, we remember moments"
Spring Tulips
I happened to have a layover at Amsterdam during a long journey to Asia. As the plane slowly descended in preparation for landing, I spotted some colored fields from my window seat. Initially confused, I soon realized I was looking at the famous tulip fields along the canals! I wished I had enough time toContinue reading "Spring Tulips"
Mother’s Day
Acrobatics in Snow
Albeit a bit late to share some winter snow pictures... Here is Rocky having too much fun trying to catch a snow ball in the February snow. I was amazed to see him jump so high and realized how tall he is if he stood on his two hind legs. As you can see heContinue reading "Acrobatics in Snow"
Godly Confluence
"There is beauty all round; There is joy in every sound; Peace and plenty here abide; Smiling sweet on every side" Devprayag, Uttarakhand, India Left to right: The rivers Bhagirathi from the Gangotri glaciers and Alaknanda from Badrinath meet here, merges into one and continues downstream through the narrow Himalayan valleys as Holy Ganga orContinue reading "Godly Confluence"
Celebrating Spring
"March wakes the flowers of Spring; Makes the silent birds to sing; Pass it on, pass it on, pass it on"
Legacy
A post in honor of Black Month. Black Month reminds me of a beautiful mural with a strong message which I saw in Philadelphia few years ago. The mural, on the side of a building facing a parking lot, explores the work of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass to end slavery. This piece of artContinue reading "Legacy"
Rocky @ One Year Eight Months
I have read about behavioral changes in a dog after being neutered.Honestly, I have not noticed a huge change in Rocky since December, when he was neutered. May be a slight change in the barking pattern when he meets other dogs during his walk and overall good behavior during the daily walks. Nowadays, he greetsContinue reading "Rocky @ One Year Eight Months"
Black n White in Snow White
Spot me if you can!Looking for it's mateA stroll in the snowCamouflaged in black and white #my 50th post
Warmth in the Cold
Half a decade is long, and your memories cling on the key chain strong; Your wish to see the world far far away thus fulfills everyday, As the cold winter moves in, when you are are lightyears away, I remember you today, and everyday....... In the warmth of the pink sweater, or the adorable jewelryContinue reading "Warmth in the Cold"
Happy New Year
Wishing you all good health, happiness, peace and prosperity in 2023. May your new year be filled with adventure and joy!
Happy Holidays
The holidays are coming up. So that Rocky can have some fun time with us over the holidays, I scheduled his neutering appointment earlier this month. We had read a lot about it and just followed the veterinarian's advice and got it done soon after he turned 18 months. It was indeed hard to seeContinue reading "Happy Holidays"
The Wondering Soul
Pass it On
I recognized the Red-bellied Woodpecker who came to the bird feeder from the woods today. I captured the moment with a smile.......... "Was it the sunshine of a smile, Pass it on; Staying but a little while, Pass it on" I celebrate 1000+ all-time views of my website with this post to share my joy!Continue reading "Pass it On"
Rocky’s First Hotel Stay
Recently Rocky had the opportunity of an overnight stay at a pet friendly hotel. I wasn't sure how he would behave but more worried if he would sniff at every corner of the hotel lobby, elevator, corridor and pee. I packed his favorite blanket, but in my heart I knew he would love the bedContinue reading "Rocky’s First Hotel Stay"
Happy Thanksgiving
Sending good wishes to all my followers this Thanksgiving! May you have all the best delights in life.
Buddha and the Deer
Both Captured in one Frame From all kinds of flowers,Seek teachings everywhere,Like a deer that findsA quiet place to graze,Seek Seclusion to digestAll you have gathered. . . — Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
Beaver Blood Moon
Total Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon captured from my front yard early morning today. The street light illuminates the bright yellow Fall foliage. In the background the Beaver Moon glows red and orange as the earth's shadow slips on the face of the Full Moon. The reddish glow would have surely looked eerie in the darkContinue reading "Beaver Blood Moon"
Cosmos
"Flowers of earth and buds of heaven"
Expressions
Rocky is very inquisitive and sneaky. He is almost one and a half years old but his facial expressions can match up to any adult human. It's just mesmerizing. The photo below captures his casual stare but often with some intention. He seems to be soaking up everything he is watching. Reminds me of myContinue reading "Expressions"
Rocky’s Fall Adventures
Fall is a lovely season. Nature celebrates itself by displaying vibrant colors ranging from shades of yellow to orange all around. This year it has been more enjoyable, thanks to Rocky. I want to share some of our adventures together exploring the nature during our daily morning walks. I love the fact that he stopsContinue reading "Rocky’s Fall Adventures"
Mesmerizing Raw Beauty of Fall
"Beauty is truth’s smile when she beholds her own face in a perfect mirror." -Rabindranath Tagore Sunset at Lake Skaneateles, New YorkSunset and Seagulls at Lake Skaneateles, New YorkRemnants of Summer Blooms as Fall takes over @Lake Skaneateleshttps://ridewithtia.com/2022/09/06/alluring-beauty-lake-skaneatelesThe White Houses and the Colored Trees @ Lake SkaneatelesThe hill top peaking through the clouds; the redContinue reading "Mesmerizing Raw Beauty of Fall"
Nature’s unfolding
"The flower's age is but a day; its bloom the pledge of it's decay Sweet it's perfume, it's color bright; it blooms at noon and fades at night" @7:30 am @8:00 am@ 12 noondifferent angle @ 12 noon@6:30pm
Snoopy Rocky
It's been awhile I posted an update on Rocky. I am happy to see your response to so many of Rocky's post. Well, time is flying and Rocky is already a year old now and a tiny bit settled in his behavior. He doesn't jump on people when on a walk and of course heContinue reading "Snoopy Rocky"
Alluring Beauty: Lake Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a picturesque village in Onondaga County, in central New York, United States. I have always heard a lot about its beauty from everyone local to this area and that how pretty it is during summer and specially winter. On one short trip to central New York, I realized we were very close toContinue reading "Alluring Beauty: Lake Skaneateles"
Best Friends: bubble bee and lavender
“Blessed Three”
"Meek and Lowly, Pure and Holly; Chief among the 'blessed three' Turning Sadness into Gladness"
Days of the Week
It's springtime and this past week, pristine flowers of different shades of mauve and purple bloomed in my garden. I have dedicated each portrait to a day of the week, as every day is a chance to start afresh! Take a moment to appreciate these beauties of nature, enjoy and share! For any day ofContinue reading "Days of the Week"
Blend of Natural and Artificial
Texture and Pattern: mix of natural shadow patterns with beautiful flower Rangoli Rangoli, outside the main entrance at a cultural event in Bangalore, India To learn more about Rangoli: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/04/style/rangoli-art-diwali.html
Rocky by the Sea
It's springtime and warming up. Nature's greenery is back and there are beautiful and gorgeous blossoms all around. As we enjoy this warm weather, we are also looking forward to something else. It's Rocky's birthday! He turns one year old this week! Yay! In celebration we headed out to the beach yesterday. Nonetheless we wereContinue reading "Rocky by the Sea"
Flowers of Spring
"God make my life a little flower, That giveth joy to all, Content to bloom in native bower, Although the place be small" Primrose
Daily Prompt #5
Daily writing promptHow do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?View all responses The loss of my parents and the unexpected changes in family dynamics reshaped my perspective over time, teaching me that love and wisdom are sometimes expressed through distance rather than togetherness. (see https://ridewithtia.com/2026/02/04/a-birthday-tribute-excerpt/)
Daily Prompt #4
My first computer felt electric! I set aside a fixed time every day just to sit with it and check email on its glowing screen. It now rests in a basement closet, hard to let go!
Daily Prompt #3
I generally enjoy quiet, reflective moments in my leisure time—gardening in summer and writing in winter as I shape thoughts into stories. Observing small details in nature and sitting with memories, especially those tied to love, loss, and meaning, give me a deep sense of grounding.
Rocky’s Neighborhood Friends
While Rocky is very popular at the kennels, he has also made a few select friends in the neighborhood, actually, just two of them. One is Yogi, with whom he is in constant conversation across the fence. They chitchat, exchanging curious sniffs, playful glances, and silent understandings. Yogi clearly adores him. The other is Huxley,Continue reading "Rocky’s Neighborhood Friends"
Daily Writing Prompt #2
My first name, Tia, is short yet meaningful. While it has different meanings across cultures, for me it represents a parrot: a symbol of curiosity, observation, and voice. The name feels warm, approachable, and expressive. Tia reflects how I see the world: watching closely, learning quietly, and sharing life’s moments with color and care.
The Day Rocky Wandered
Rocky was out for a while, exploring both the front and back yard. The dry crab apples from fall had wilted and been crushed beneath the winter snow. Now his interest had shifted to fallen twigs scattered by strong winter winds and to the lingering scents of nocturnal animals—as if he were the keeper ofContinue reading "The Day Rocky Wandered"
Daily Writing Prompt #1
Daily writing promptCan you share a positive example of where you've felt loved?View all responses Loved by Rocky, our pet chocolate lab, feels like being chosen, again and again. Rocky’s love isn’t complicated or conditional. It’s steady, protective and present.Even when he’s busy exploring the yard like its appointed guardian, he comes back—not because heContinue reading "Daily Writing Prompt #1"
The Vortex I Didn’t Expect
I went to Sedona looking for something I wasn’t sure I believed in. For years, I had read about its vortexes, places said to hold concentrated spiritual and metaphysical energy. When work brought me to Phoenix, I extended the trip, following a quiet pull that felt older than logic. Sedona is overwhelming in the gentlestContinue reading "The Vortex I Didn’t Expect"
Sandwich Marshland and the Misty Shores of Chatham
On the northern curve of Cape Cod, the Sandwich Marshland stretches like a quiet, living quilt of green and gold. Woven with tidal creeks, salt marsh grasses, and the slow rhythm of nature, the marsh pulses with the ebb and flow of Cape Cod Bay. A wooden boardwalk threads its way through this tranquil expanse,Continue reading "Sandwich Marshland and the Misty Shores of Chatham"
Happy Dance
I did read that labradors love water. However so far Rocky's affinity towards water has been only limited to drinking it. But then he hasn't had the opportunity to swim yet. It's getting warmer and gardening is in full swing. The plants need water. I love this time of the year. But this year IContinue reading "Happy Dance"
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