came in cold and soggy, bleary-eyed and wondering what next? may left with a parting shot of beating umbrellas to a pulp and blowing them inside out. these months have been stubborn, dragging the sun around like a deflating balloon. they've produced fireworks of color in people's gardens, they've sent cityfolk running for shelter in the middle of the night.

these days when clock hands seem to run marathons and friday is always here, when routine gets frightening and you wonder how did i get here, a tap on the shoulder comes to cut into the dance by wonderful visitors i never thought i'd meet.

amusing lunches with strange soundtracks, becoming a chatter-box when i've been so quiet far too long, walking north when it's south that you want, heading west to find her resting there, cushioned with dear proof that she is loved. a bouquet of balloons, helium-filled cheerleaders waiting to go home.

here is the toast, the here's to...naan bread, basmati rice, veggie dumplings swimming in a hot cream sauce and spinach delight washed down with mango nectar. blood red tile giving off a beautiful glow, sweet fragility with a lion's heart underneath.

and even in this season's stubborness, grey days have moments of wonderful color and it's called friends.