Published inVidya Sury, Collecting Smiles·PinnedMember-onlyHi! I am Vidya Sury, Collecting SmilesWelcome to my profile — After more than a decade in the corporate world in sales/marketing/training, I took off my 4-inch heels, dumped my expensive handbags, donated my wardrobe of 300+ sarees, quit my corporate career, and got married to my soulmate, and moved to his city. Of course, I imagined I would be back at work after a short sabbatical, but the most wonderful thing happened to me. I became a mom. And naturally, much as…Profile4 min readProfile4 min read
PinnedMember-onlyLet’s Connect!Second Innings, New Beginnings Sometimes you have to get away to come back strongervidyasury.medium.com Quick Mindfulness Meditations that will take 10 minutes or less and have you smilingvidyasury.medium.com A Cup of Peace — is my mother’s story — one of the hardest I have ever written. Living with diabetes? Here’s how you can manage it better. Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?Writing1 min readWriting1 min read
Published inThe Narrative Arc·3 days agoMember-onlyI Was Pleasantly Surprised To Meet My Mom Today at The MarketShe passed away thirteen years ago — Armed with two sturdy totes swinging from both shoulders, I set out rather jauntily. I directly head to the vegetable vendors and fill my bags. This is a great strategy because once I load them I am less likely to wander around. I smile as I recall how, when I…Memoir6 min readMemoir6 min read
Published inThe Penny Pub·4 days agoMember-onlyRelationships Are a BlessingEverybody needs somebody — I am not much of a party-goer, but that does not mean I don’t enjoy getting together with friends. I am comfortable with large crowds and being “on stage” thanks to my career as a sales trainer, which involved both one-on-one discussion and addressing large groups and, often, heated arguments…Relationships4 min readRelationships4 min read
Published inDancing Elephants Press·4 days agoMember-onlyI Was Too Busy Collecting SmilesBecause I have smiles to go before I sleep — In India, we’re just taking a breather from celebrating the festivals of Navaratri, Diwali, and Karthigai, also a festival of lights observed in South India, and specifically sisters praying for brothers. You will agree when I say that doing things for others makes us happy. This is one of my…This Happened To Me4 min readThis Happened To Me4 min read
Published inSix Word Photo Story Challenge·6 days agoMember-onlyWhile Passing Hudson Yards, NYC, I Saw Something!December Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Freestyle Six” — Is that tree sending me hugs? Thank you Mary Chang Story Writer 💕and Sandi Parsons 💕 Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today? Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Mastodon Help me support underprivileged children via Ko-Fi. Thank you! Visit our home page to enjoy our brilliant photographers and photo story weavers.Photography1 min readPhotography1 min read
Published inSix Word Photo Story Challenge·Dec 3Member-onlyDaydreaming With A StatueDecember Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Freestyle Six” — Taking a moment to slow down. Thank you, Mary Chang Story Writer, and Sandi Parsons ❤ Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today? Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Mastodon Help me support underprivileged children via Ko-Fi. Thank you! Visit our home page to enjoy our brilliant photographers and photo story weavers.Photography1 min readPhotography1 min read
Published inImogene’s Notebook·Dec 1Member-onlyNot Growing Old. Just GrowingA poem — On life’s stage, years weave tales untold, In time’s embrace, mysteries unfold. In the twilight of sunset, a golden glow, A wisdom deep, like the roots below. I waltz with days, I tango with years, Each wrinkle earned is a testament that cheers. Youth’s fleeting dance, a whirlwind of delight, Now…Poetry2 min readPoetry2 min read
Published inSix Word Photo Story Challenge·Dec 1Member-only“Happiness” Six Words & a Photo: November ConclusionSWPSC: “Happiness” & Freestyle Stories — November Conclusion — Ambushed by Mickey at Times Square I enjoyed wandering around New York on my own last month. Naturally, I was a little bit nervous figuring out stuff — the transport, the routes, places to visit, and the logistics. Everything was so very different — and a bit intimidating. But I think I managed pretty well and…Photography8 min readPhotography8 min read
Published inThe Narrative Arc·Nov 30Member-onlyI’ll Never Be Sorry I Wore My Red SariI was the only saleswoman in the office and lost my innocence — The year was 1990. I worked as a sales manager in a reputed organization. I was the only woman on the team. While it was a good team, there was always the undercurrent of having to prove myself. When sales territories were allocated, the boss asked me if I would…Memoir5 min readMemoir5 min read