Simple Pleasures

The turnout was incredibly heavy today. Almost all the members showed up this morning. Whether this had anything to do with the launch of the Lonavala Slideshow (alongside) yesterday is hard to say. But surely, when Shekhawat-ji announced that Kishor-bhai would be making a presentation of the snaps on his laptop tomorrow morning, the excitement of all present was palpable.
It is these simple pleasures of life most of us take for granted that often bring the biggest joy. The Internet, digital photography, uploading, blogging, surfing, etc. have become part of our everyday existence like the air we breathe. But for many members – especially for elderly ladies who do not have direct access to a computer at home – the chance of seeing themselves on a monitor screen presents a different kind of thrill altogether. Khatoon Baig’s outburst (in English!), “Thank you so much” was indicative of how eagerly she is looking forward to tomorrow’s slideshow.
Even otherwise, the joy of watching the pictures together in a group is not the same as seeing them all alone. This would be like reliving the Lonavala experience once again. Oddly enough, many members still cannot believe that the pics/slideshow can also be viewed independently at home. For them, this is like a film show, or at best, a TV programme (as one gentleman put it) which can be viewed only on Kishor-bhai’s laptop. When told that anybody, anywhere in the world can log in and watch the “programme” any time, 24 hours a day, they felt this was some kind of joke!
Well, to open their eyes to the magic of the Internet, is by itself, an exciting prospect. There was some talk of celebrating the occasion with phapra-jalebi tomorrow morning. The idea hasn't been totally dismissed. Nor has it been unanimously accepted. Watch this space.

Renu Babani says:
Yes, tomorrow looks like it is time to show everyone the slide show. Those who didn't attend the picnic will realise how much fun we had. The rest who attended, will recall the good times. Yes, we enjoy being together, especially after the exercise sessions are over and everyone talks amongst themselves before heading home. These are the fun times!
--Renu