Monday, May 4, 2009

A FRENCH CONNECTION AND MAGIC IN THE SKY


I was trying to take a photo of the sun set through the Chinese fishing net.

Suddenly I heard a sweet mellifluous voice saying, “Excuse me sir!! Can you take a photo of the two of us?” I turned around and saw a lovely lady standing next to me with sparkling eyes and a big, bright,beatific smile on her face. My heart skipped a beat.

The beauty about smile is that when someone smiles at you, you also tend to smile instantaneously. They say a smile is contagious. Try it at home,on your colleagues and on strangers and see for yourself.
I smiled back at her and told her, “ I will not take one photo but as many photos as you want until you are completely satisfied.” She giggled like a little girl and walked with her companion and posed. I took a few photos. They saw them and were happy. They told me they were from Paris in France. Immediately I thought of my blogger friend Catherine in Paris. They have come to India on a holiday. The lady’s name was Elizabeth and the man’s name was Luke. We chatted for a while and I gave them directions to visit some important places of tourist attraction. Then I told them I want to take a photo of them to post it in my blog. They readily agreed. You can see them smiling, affectionate, loving and beautiful. I gave them my blog address. They said they will check up on my blog and post a comment after going back to Paris. May God bless them with all happiness.
No doubt,I was thrilled to meet this interesting couple and talk to them.

However, God must have decided not to let me go with half a cup of joy on account of this chance meeting with this happy, vivacious love birds who had a zest for life.

As I walked, I saw the sun setting over the cloudy skies.

I kept on walking with my eyes fixed on the sky. Slowly I could see an array of enchanting and fascinating colors spreading all over the sky. The tapestry of colors displayed was so magnificent that I was totally dazzled and spell bound.





I stood there transfixed marveling the might of God. I was soaked in happiness and then I realized my cup of joy was full and overflowing.

35 comments:

Mel said...

Joseph, what a wonderful story! Thank you for doing that for them! I'm sure they were blessed beyond measure and will remember the providential encounter for the rest of their lives! The photos of the sky are lovely, and Luke and Elizabeth look like a happy, friendly couple. This is one of the most delightful aspects of blogging, in my opinion.

Regarding smiling, it's funny that you talked about it in your post today, because I just came across this quote today:

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." --Mother Teresa

God bless you, Dear Joseph!

Thank

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Mel:)

I am amazed at your lightning response. I am sure you have a crystal ball:) I just now posted this and within a few minutes pat comes your response.

It is 12.50 AM here and I was waiting to finish this post and go to sleep.

Many, many thanks Mel for your words of encouragement and support.

Good night :)
Joseph

Linda said...

What a beautiful account of the couple you photographed. It was very touching. And the amazing sunset seems like a gift to you for your kindness and genuine friendship to them.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

a lovely write Joseph and the pics were awesome I cingratulate you.
My father when young spent many years in India, not sure where as he passed away when I was three,

About my book it's still on my blog page and also Amazon UK,
If you would like a copy I can send one to you. I have a few spare.

Thanks for the visit I do appreciate you reading.

Take care.
Yvonne.

Femin Susan said...

your are very lucky, meeting those two French people. A smile can put everything upside down.My mother, when she scolds I give her a sweet smile and her anger always calm down.

Cheers!

Unknown said...

Amazing pictures...I enjoyed them very much. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be there in person! I especially like the first one taken through the fishing net.

Thanks for stopping by my blog too and of course I don't mind! I love snooping around too.

God bless you!

FCB said...

Hi Joseph,
What a lovely story. I'm sure you added a meaningful ingredient to their visit. Little did they know when they approached you that they had asked the perfect person to photograph them.
I have to say, these pictures are absolutely stunning. What a display of beauty.
Keep a clicking,
Fred

Amrita said...

My cup of joy also overflowed reading this post. How love to make friends and meet people this way.I am too shy for it.

The sky photos are fantastic.

magicpolaroid said...

beautiful sunset and colors joseph!

Manivannan Sadasivam said...

That's a beautiful encounter sir, I mean both, the couple and the evening sky :) And you had captured them amazingly!

The photos of sky are too good.

Great going!

Cheers!!!

Leo said...

Methinks you have been infected by the love bug. Savor the feelings.

Unknown said...

Great snaps!

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A New Beginning said...

Hello!
God is an amazing artist, but its very difficult to capture his art.
Its an equally difficult art to bring a smile on someones face:)
You are great with both:)
Best wishes!

Catherine said...

Elisabeth and Luc were fortunate to meet you, smiling Joseph.
A face illuminated by a smile, even shy, is an encouragement to go to this person. You're perfectly right.
Here, in Paris, people are so in a hurry, one hardly note the expression of one's face. I would even say that smiling with no reason would be interprated curiously. Too bad !
Your pictures of the sky are stunning ! The colors of a dream.
I, particularly love the first one. The one we have to be persevering to watch. Like a beautiful present of a life moment.
The Chinese fishing net in front of, makes all the difference.
Thanks to share your full cup of joy, Joseph. Cheers !

SkyJuice said...

This is a lovely post with beautiful words, Joseph. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day! :-)

A.

Amber Dawn Inventive Soul said...

~*Beautiful sky!*~
I love your story about the encounter with the young couple from Paris.
So sweet!
:o)

Satheesh Kumar said...

Hi sir, u r really cool and helping in nature.U r broad-minded and have a passion for making friendship with people from different parts of the world....This is what I like to have in my life too.
And the sunset photos are nice.Where is it,sir? Can I know the place sothat I can visit the place the other time. Its really beautiful although Kerala itself is a heavenly place.Rightly called as "The God's Own Country." Thanks a lot for ur small dose of Kerala's Beauty.

deeps said...

ohh wow!
that so very wonderful of you and more than that,
so inspiring and spontatious to leave your mark behind ...



well, though a couple of them are missing there, the ones that appear there speak volumes ..
and it s only apt that you got that lovely couple in your cam just like other mind-capturing snaps...

great going

Banteringblonde said...

What a nice post! Thank you for visiting my blog!

RAJI MUTHUKRISHNAN said...

Just too beautiful for words!
God is great.

Kat said...

Joseph,

Thank you for the wonderful comment you made about my photos on mel's blog. I really enjoy hearing what others think of my photos and your comment really made my day. God Bless!!!

Kat (Katrena)

Unknown said...

Great post! The sunset shots are beautiful and the chinese net looks gorgeous on your pic!

Anonymous said...

I saw a butterscotch sun this morning, but no camera..honestly, even with a camera, I don't take pictures this well, but my mind's eye does.

Elizabeth & Luke are beautiful, but how much is them & how much the photography skill? Half & half, perhaps.

You've given us some of the happiness as well. ~Mary

hpy said...

So many nice things in a day - and you enjoyed all of them.

Rhapsody Phoenix said...

Namaste...i have returned to give you a link to some of my photos on my MSN SPACES LIVE Blog http://cid-10e7cab72959d790.skydrive.live.com/play.aspx/.res/10e7cab72959d790!945/10E7CAB72959D790!946?ct=photos (I hope it works)and decided to stay a bit, I am glad I did for i encountered your firery sky, magnificent. I am a avid sky watcher as you will see if you visit my MSN blog.

If the link does not work please try this one...http://rappingonamelody.spaces.live.com/.

blessings to you and your family

Rhapsody Phoenix said...

http://rappingonamelody.spaces.live.com/

Rema said...

French conne....

Oh! Its remarkable sir. I just enjoyed the photographs. Right person they approached for photograph.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Rema:)

Greetings:)

These are not normal opportunities that we get. Since I started the blog, I keep my eyes open for such things. I carry a camera with me all the time and if I don't have a camera I use the mobile phone camera.

I'm glad you liked the photos.

Kindly keep in touch.

Have a wonderful day Rema:)
Joseph

Rema said...

Hi Sir,
Finally, my comment appeared. I am happy to see your reply too.

I know it is not easy to get a topic to write. One has to be very alert and observant.

Good luck! keep writing sir.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Rema:)

Many, many thanks for your comments and words of motivation.

It is not necessary to have any special subject to start a blog. You can write on any subject including recipes , experiences, thoughts, your family or anything under the sun.

I hope you will start a blog soon.

Have a lovely day Rema:)
Joseph

P.N. Subramanian said...

After a very long time you have given us this beautiful post. However I wonder how the French couple could converse in English. They are adamant and speak in French only. May be because of necessity. Thanks once again.

Unknown said...

Having known you for ages only today I could realize after visiting your Blog that you are wonderful lovable person!

I regret for the late finding after having known you for the last 44 years!

I appreciate and admire all your gentle and exemplary qualities and try to pick up a few at least hence forth!

God bless you and have a wonderful blessed Year ahead!

No doubt you have brought a smile on my face too today!
Loving Pal

TDS

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello TDS,
Many, many thanks for your generous comments. I am thrilled. Best wishes to you and your family.

infia said...

Nice pics uncle...

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Thanks Shirley. best wishes