My Story

Hi! Welcome to my blog 🙂

I’m Archana, a mother to three (one is a dog), a wife, and occasional writer.

Most all of the best times of my childhood were against a backdrop of books, stories, reading and listening to the wonderful stories my Grandfather told us, and the conversations we had huddled around a dinner table or in the garden or living room during holidays year round or summers spent together with the whole family. It’s the one thing that has stayed with me through the ups and downs of life, the warmth of those memories still lighting up my soul. My one constant love through life has always been this love for the written word, the art, its beauty, the learning and it’s enduring impression that lasts a lifetime. By profession, I manage portfolios and programs in the Technical world – where products are made, their stories are told and I help bring people together to do this work. Since I wanted to also nurture my creative side while taking care of my kids and managing the household, I started blogging.

I love food and would have loved cooking if I could only have my own sous chef in the kitchen. I make lists of lists, love superheroes, enjoy reading, poetry and keep trying to tread along on this nourishing journey of discovering the meaning and purpose of life through art and community.

It’s been well over two decades and some now since I flew the roost in pursuit of higher education, a career, love and a life of my own. I’m grateful to have all of those now but have also experienced profound grief when I lost my only sibling, my hero, to an illness and my grandfather, an illustrious figure, a pillar of strength and source of unconditional love. Their impact on my life has been tremendous. I spent a lot of  time mourning my sister’s loss and trying to understand and accept it and with my grandfather’s passing I shifted my focus towards celebrating their inspirational lives.

India, where I grew up with my sister will always be the closest to my heart and though we’ve lived in some wonderful places we were looking forward to landing somewhere we can set up roots permanently. It turned out to be Austin! We’ve been here over 12 years now but life is unpredictable 🙂

‘Mya’ was a pseudonym both my sister and I were extremely fond of. Since her passing, I’ve tried to adopt her zeal for life, her wit, and her inimitable spirit. I believe she lives on in me and hence the name of this blog. Here is what you will see on this blog.

1. Musing and living mostly:

As I explore this city and figure out life as a working mom with two kids I will write about my journey past and present and whatever comes with it.

2. Something you may learn:

I will touch upon my experience with grief, loss and how to cope. My ongoing efforts to be a good parent, practice yoga, meditate, include more art in our lives, keep my plants alive and my struggles in the kitchen will perhaps teach you at the very least a thing or two about what not to do.

3. My one goal:

Most importantly I want to express myself and connect with like-minded people, which is what brings me here. And so, I will have to keep writing. I hope to provide you with an enjoyable read and perhaps learn something with me while I chronicle some of these experiences, my thoughts and the many adventures of everyday life and living!

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