Hi my loves,

I sincerely apologise for it has been way-too-long since I posted here! Not that I haven’t intended to or haven’t thought about it every single day, but sometimes real life just takes over. Now before I continue with what is already seeming like a self important bout of verbal diarrhoea, let me explain that I fully well know that some of you reading this don’t even know that I’ve been missing from the blog and/or you don’t even really care. To you I say, that’s okay *shrugs*. However, I still feel like my absence deserves an explanation so here we go (bring out the popcorn darling, this could take a while!)

In the beginning of June, the boy and I went to Goa for a few days. It was a much needed break and helped us reconnect with each other and with Momma Nature. It also helped me up my Instagram game because I sure did go crazy clicking! I haven’t done a post on the blog for this Goa trip because it was really short and frankly, it was more lets-just-relax than let’s-go-check-new-places. Still, I’ll include a few pictures in this post for you to get a glimpse of our vacay!

Just looking at the pictures makes me feel more relaxed! Anyway, when we got back I had an idea to try out an Ask Me Anything Video. I asked you via Insta Stories if you thought that was a decent idea and was so stoked that you responded favourably. So I went ahead and made it. Check it out if you haven’t yet.

The general feedback I got from this was to record with better quality next time and to perhaps keep it shorter. Both of which I am completely taking into consideration as you will find out soon. I’ve been meaning to make a lot more videos. In case you’re wondering, it’s for the following reasons:

1. It’s really fun for me to do as I’ve always had a penchant for public speaking/presenting. It feels natural and exciting to me all at once.
2. I get really tired from writing everyday and making videos is a nice break for me while still being able to reach out to you all.
3. I have way too many things to say and it’s humanly impossible to keep writing articles on every little opinion. Short, snappy videos are definitely a respite in this case.

Although I am a writer and videos are not my main area of expertise, I really do want to explore the medium more. Make sure to tell me what you feel about this. Am I on the right track? Or do you feel I should stick to writing and not bother with video content? I genuinely need advice and will look forward to hearing from you, even if it’s via private message or email. The point is your guidance – it doesn’t matter if you don’t comment below.

But, I digress from the updates…

Now as you all know the rains have officially begun. This for me, year after year, is a very trying time. Not only do I fall ill physically, I always show signs of anxiety/depression around the rains. I know I’m one of many who feel this impending sense of doom during the gloomy weather months. There’s a medical term for this feeling – it’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s a real thing that I’m not making up – shall link a post here for you to know more about it.

To make matters worse, my back and neck started acting up and I was rendered useless and in pain for a few days. I have had this problem before and have come to realize that it is an occupational hazard for me. I spend hours typing away (apart from doing many other things) on my laptop. I was about to sign up for physiotherapy when life had other plans.

In a pretty sudden turn of events, my grandmother passed away last Tuesday (27th June, 2017). I really don’t want to say much about it here, I’ll link the little Instagram tribute post down below. We are just glad that she didn’t go through much suffering, although it is taking us a little while to accept that she’s not around any more. Just the Friday before her demise, she was hale and hearty, and went for a walk even. I know this is an irreparable loss and my thoughts are constantly with my own mother (who is incredibly brave and strong) and my Maama’s family who lived with my grandmother in Delhi. They will all feel the loss more than I can ever imagine. Being around my family for the last few days has really made me think so much about life, love, loss, and longing.

Amidst parathas laced with extra butter, generous kharchi envelopes, and serious Dilli twang, many a summer/winter passed with vivid memories of 'Nani's House'. My Nani was a tiny yet fierce woman with the face of an angel but enough strength to battle an army. She together with my nana, birthed and raised two wonderful children and four even more wonderful grandchildren (if we may say so ourselves). She lived a long, sometimes turbulent, yet beautiful life, and left us yesterday for what I can only presume is a long overdue date night with Nana. I hope the two crazy kids are enjoying their second innings up there together. Meanwhile, at Nani's house, we reminisce fondly and find a glimpse of her in every nook and cranny; in her vegetable garden raised with love, in her little corner dedicated to the Gods, or in her son's voice or daughter's smile. RIP Nani, thank you for all the wonderful memories. 🙂

A post shared by Real Girl | Smriti Notani (@realgirlco) on Jun 28, 2017 at 12:02am PDT

Needless to say, I can’t suddenly snap out of the mood that has pretty much punctuated my last few weeks. But I’m trying, I swear. Slowly but surely, I’m getting back to life, routine, and happy thoughts – because as they say, the show must go on.

Sorry about the emotional nature of this post; perhaps you were expecting my signature tone and were let down. I’ll make it up to you soon, I promise.

That, incidentally, brings me to the last and most important order of business –

I plan to do very exciting things on the blog soon. Even though I work really hard on all the content I put out already, I am going to work even harder on consistency. I have always been scared of biting off more than I can chew – work wise. I keep stressing about the writing assignments that are non-blog related but I have decided to focus more on building the Real Girl community. I won’t stop my other writing assignments, but I’ll work that stuff around Real Girl and not the other way around. Give me a few days, and I’ll get back with a concrete plan. Till then, Au Revoir. Thanks for reading this long-ass update. Now send me good vibes and go hug your family!

Much love,

xx

Real Girl

PS: I really hope you know that even if nothing goes up here, I’m *always* active on my socials. Go follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat if you aren’t already.

PPS: My neck is much better now. It sorted pretty much by itself. A bit much like life, no? 🙂