Appreciation For The Fellow Ilites

Thank you all for the kind words and mentions. No better start to the holidays than to know you are remembered and appreciated. I've had incredibly rewarding interactions in the long long time I've been around. So many of you have made indelible impressions on me even if our exchanges have been limited to text on a virtual forum. I have used the collective wisdom of this forum to guide my real life decisions more times than I care to admit.

In no particular order,
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@Cheeniya : A combination of Wodehousian humor with Austen's witty irony. I am in awe of your prose, so much so that I suffer writer's block giving feedback for your snippets. Everything I write seems dull and stiff in comparison. Hopefully 2019 will be the year that fixes that.

@jayasala42 : Ma'am you are a fountain of wisdom and knowledge. I savor every snippet, story and anecdote you share. I consider myself lucky to have the privilege of interacting with you knowing that you are a highly regarded writer who could grace any platform she chooses.

@Thyagarajan : Sir, the pair of little waving emojis, the purple title text, and the captivating first person narration are quintessentially you. Reading your snippets is liking riding shotgun with you and viewing the events unfold in real time. In your words everything from steaming rice to the peek-a-boo moon come alive in brilliant Technicolor.

@rgsrinivasan : Stealing Cheeniya Sir's moniker, IL's own O. Henry, I've always enjoyed the simplicity yet depth of feeling in your poetry and snippets.

@meenasankaran : Writing somber treatise is easy, humor is hard. Ask me, I've tried. I envy your skill to effortlessly spin laugh-out-loud snippets with the threads of everyday life.

@Srama : Often during a guided meditation Andy Puddicombe suggests imagining a beam of molten sunshine entering through the top of your head and filling every corner of your being with warmth and light. That is how I feel when I read your snippets. Can't think of a better way to describe you -- you dear friend are warmth and light.

@satchitananda : From a missing brain in a jelly fish to ruminations about life itself, you are the incurable thinker. Your astute and humorous observations are a treat to read. Glad to see you back in action. You were missing far too long.

@kkrish : When knowledge, industry and tenacity meet, KKrish happens. I have always admired your passionate pursuit of all things space, but your meticulous attention to detail is on display in everything you do, from the weekly meal plans to your excellent snippets. Thank you for being a role model and making me strive to put my 100% in everything I do.

@Viswamitra : Your dedicated pursuit of spiritual ascendance is admirable yet it hasn't robbed you of your playfulness or the ability to savor the lesser joys of life. A prolific puzzle maker and a chef de IP in the kitchen, your ability to rally the community together is an asset to IL.

@iyerviji : Aunty you embody simplicity, patience, and compassion. There is no one on IL who hasn't learned something from your zest for life and simple contentment.

@sokanasanah : The Dronacharya to my Eklavya. But above all a dear friend. Your advice and rare admonishments have always been equally appreciated. I am a better person for having known you.

@justanothergirl : There are those who impress us and those whom we wish to impress. You're the latter for me, the older sister I'd wish for. Your presence was a comfort and your approval uplifting. I miss you.

@kaniths : Curious and creative, always supportive, always sweet. Easily annoyed but just as easily placated. ; ) Never one to hold a grudge and a whole lot of fun to talk to. I cherish your friendship. Thank you.

@Blinky : The mention is merely for aesthetics as I know only too well that you are unlikely to return with the same handle. Through the years, through numerous avatars your relentless pursuit of self improvement has remained an inspiring constant. I have been lucky to witness the transformation first hand. It would be silly to try and recount the number of ways you have influenced my own pursuits. Suffice to say you will always be my dear cherished friend.

@Laks09 : I can go on and on about you but I will say just this. You planted the seed of running in my psyche and my life hasn't been the same ever since. It opened up a facet of my personality I had never tried to explore. You will always have my gratitude for introducing the me that was, to this new me.

@jskls : Writer and poet par excellence! You are blessed with many hidden virtues which, all credit to your humility, you rarely reveal to the world. Yet it is easy to see the quiet courage and resilience underneath the gentle, soft demeanor. Have long admired you for your strength Lakshmi.

@GeetaKashyap : Motherlode of creativity! Writer, poet, story teller, chef and artist. There is no dearth of Jacks of all trades but you are the rare master of all. Though what I appreciate most is your passionate advocacy of worthy causes in your snippets. I cannot forget your snippets about the cattle egrets in your community and the little chick you rescued. Thank you for being a dear friend.

@Shanvy : You are one of those I call IL's secret warriors. A charming helpful personality that conceals a struggle and victory against the odds. Your personal story is an inspiration to us all. I treasure our shared love of books, ghazals, Abida Parveen and the old fashioned ways of cooking. : ) Thank you for your friendship.

@Rihana : One of my favorite quotes says "If you can't intelligently argue for both sides of an issue, you don't understand the issue well enough to argue for either." You have often given me the opportunity to reexamine closely held beliefs and separate emotional arguments from those based on logical reasoning. A robust counterargument serves as an opportunity to learn and expand our understanding of issues, and there are few on IL who do it better than you. Thank you.

@yellowmango : Passionate and loyal champion of anyone in need. Always ready with a wise word and a supportive hand. For me you personify grace.
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@ashima10 : Vivacious and funny! Thank you for your company and motivation on the running thread. Miss your posts on the positivity thread.

There are so many names that remain unmentioned especially those who are not active anymore. They may be gone from the forum but not from memory. I will come back as I recollect with horror the ones I have missed. Apologies in advance. Please chalk it up to advancing age. Thanks for the thread Viswa. I don't post as often these days due to real life constraints. This was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge everyone I have silently admired and appreciated all year long.

Wish everyone a bright, sunny, happy 2019! May the year bring joy and fulfillment of all your heart's desires. ​