Framed Stories

There are times when a passing glimpse through a window or on a street corner, that I didn’t pay much attention to at the time, sticks with me longer than any travel memory.

A poignant scene, a mysterious face, those fleeting fragments of life, that register in my subconscious and return to haunt me.

Old lady - Varanasi

And then, too late, I want to know their stories….

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Madhu is an Interior designer turned travel blogger on a long sabbatical to explore the world. When not crafting stories on The Urge To Wander, she's probably Tweeting @theurgetowander or sharing special moments on instagram.com/theurgetowander

47 thoughts on “Framed Stories

  1. I think you should write the story then, I’d love to read what you imagine. Even a flash fiction would be an interesting challenge, do you accept? 🙂

  2. I recognize the feeling. I know it so well. Lately, with the years heavy on my shoulders and wrinkles settling nicely in my face, I have tried not to lose those moments…I have stopped and looked, asked, talked, showed my interest and curiosity – and the response is incredible. I don’t say I do this often, but I have at least done it, and felt uplifted while uplifting someone else with me. I wish we took the time to stop and wonder more often….I have never been snubbed or anything negative…With seriousness shining in your eyes you don’t often go wrong.

    Wonderful woman and beautiful photo.

  3. That’s a very good photograph. You have captured her features well.

    If that was in the UK, she would be shouting at you for taking her photograph and threatening to call the police!

  4. yes I am with Gilly … an invitation to write the story … this could be our new challenge for 2014 Madhu, your images, our stories too 🙂

  5. Brilliant captured, a photo including a lot of imaginary stories inside – really known this about the thought pop up a bit later – things run so fast nowadays and the meaning or our meanings of what we saw or what we think we saw “catch” us often with delay – in a way not so bad… 🙂 🙂

    Dear Madhu, all the best wishes for you and yours from here – Happy Holiday… 🙂

  6. There are still some classic buildings in Mumbai too. Obviously worse for wear but having survived since the late 1800s. Its the buildings built more recently that fall down. lol.

  7. I hope you don’t mind Madhu dear, if I used your post as a prompt.

    ———————————-

    Our parents did more than frown on our love. Their mullahs and our priests stoked the flames. They beat him out of the village. A few days later, his friend managed to slip me a note.

    “Wait for me, Devi, my love. I’ll return. Promise. Sharif.”

    She waits. Surely, he’ll return. He promised.

    ————————————-

    Perhaps not very original,
    Eric

  8. There is a treasure trove of memories written within her face! You always are at the right spot, at the right time to capture timeless moments Madhu! May your holiday be a very blessed and wonderful one!

  9. Fabulous image Madhu! Capturing fleeting moments like this is what impassions me to pursue my art in all its forms. The banality of life can be profound and evocative indeed, artful and precious. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts my lovely friend 🙂
    Ishaiya

  10. Great post, Madhu. I always wonder about the story behind a photo. Sometimes I lose myself even making one up. Thanks for sharing this one. -Max-

  11. Brilliant capture Madhu. Seated in the dilapidated building the woman’s expression lends itself very well for an interesting case study.

    Cheers and greetings for the season.

  12. I get that a lot when I look at my portrait shots. I always feel like interviewing them afterwards. 😀 Merry Christmas, Madhu.

  13. I don’t know which I love more; the beauty of the photo or the beauty of your prose. Fleeting fragments of life; that really resonates with me for some reason, Madhu. Sometimes I think that’s all there is, and we spend our lives trying to weave the fragments together into something we can make sense of. Lovely post.

  14. have a serene end of December and a bright new year! 🙂 my very best and friendly thoughts, Mélanie – just back from sunny Gran Canaria… olé! 🙂

  15. I know what you mean. My travel has been informed by those transient images. Perhaps they are still with you, absorbed into your dreams.

  16. Madhu, I’ve been reading through your posts I’ve missed over the past few weeks and this one seems especially poignant. It’s as though you captured a bit of her soul, and it’s lovely.

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