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·3 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. …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 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. …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