Leaf: The Spiral Garden is looking particularly beautiful these days with orange cosmos, hibiscus, cornflowers, tomatoes, lettuce and pomegranate (right at the entrance). (Varanasi, India)

Rae: I was so happy to visit Jaya last week and meet her husband and new baby. Her baby was born at only 6 months gestation, but he is four months along now, and doing very well. Here she is standing in front of her little one room house. (Ashvem, India)

Leaf: I followed this huge cow on her rounds through a particularly crowded lane way. This shop keeper fed her a roti (chapatti) and then came out to receive a blessing from her.  (Varanasi, India)

Rae: After I drive the forty-five minutes to Mapusa to go to the market, the first thing I do is drink a coconut... or two. It helps in the heat and sun. (Mapusa, India)

Leaf: I can almost imagine the old (modern/hip and happening) 'Uncle Ji' inside who came up with the name 'Modern Vision Guest House'. Love it! (Varanasi, India)

Rae: When I'm in Goa I always buy my coffee here, at the Tea & Coffee Corner. The proprietor is a particularly serious man who sometimes will crack the tiniest smile, if he has known you long enough. The names of the teas on the cupboards are: Orange Pekoe, Hi Gro Pekoe, Darjeeling, Special Blend, and my favorite, Family Tea. (Mapusa, India)

Leaf: It's hard to resist buying flowers for the garden from these old village ladies. (Varanasi, India)

Rae: This season I've been walking up to the village with Isaac in the early mornings sometimes, to sit down and have puri bhaji at the puri bhaji place. I love these tiny Indian restaurants, or "hotels" as they are called. (Arambol, India)

Leaf: I am in love with these wooden, red lacquered containers and have been every since I fist laid eyes on them the very first time I came to Varanasi. (Varanasi, India)

Rae: Isaac is such a delight in the sea. Ever in motion, laughing at the waves, a chunk of cuteness on the beach. (Arambol, India)

Leaf: Many of my neighbours make their life and livelihood on the Ganges River; washing clothes, bathing, fishing, swimming, and offering boat rides. (Varanasi, India)

Rae: The moments of love between my oldest and youngest sons often take my breath away. (Arambol, India)

Leaf: We celebrated the spring festival of colours Holi with our community. So fun! (Varanasi, India)

Rae: I got "got" by people in the road and my face became a map. (Arambol, India)