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Thinking of #London and We are the World #WATWB

LondonAlmost one year ago, I walked the streets of London, and spent time with good friends, along with working harder than ever on my writing. Today, from deep within my editing cave, I think back on those times. After news of Westminster broke this morning, I’ve scrolled through my snapshots a fair number of times. They aren’t particularly great shots but for me, each of them carries a memory of a person or a conversation, and that’s what makes them special. May the spirit of London continue to enchant and inspire, may Londoners forever be defiant in their courage, optimism, and togetherness.

[easy-tweet tweet=”May the spirit of London continue to inspire, may Londoners forever be defiant in their courage.” user=”damyantig” hashtags=”#WATWB” url=”http://ow.ly/iyQ630abDek”]

LondonI’d just like to add that I see a lot of sadness in the news today, and everyday, from London, from Syria, and other war-torn places in the world. I do not suggest flinching from it, but I also do not recommend wallowing in it. Instead let us spread just a little light, in our own small way. For me, I’ve just shared a few photos of London and its people, on social media, and posted an album of them here.

My last post announced the We Are the World Blogfest, I’d like to invite you to join, if you haven’t as yet, to post each month a snippet of positive news that shows our essential, beautiful humanity.

London We are the world Blogfest

What positive act of humanity in life, in the news, or social media did you find today? What are your thoughts on what’s happened in London, and continues to happen in other parts of the world? How can we make a positive difference? Would you like to join the We are the World Blogfest? CLICK HERE for all my shots of London, and a little bit of cheer.

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Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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27 Comments

  • Shilpa Gupte says:

    I loved your photo album, Damyanti, and also your idea of posting something positive through social media. There is really too much of negativity that goes around and I think with something positive will definitely bring about a breath of fresh air!

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      We must do the best we can, Shilpa. That’s all we can do.

  • boomergrl49 says:

    I love your pictures! I work hard to stay on top of the news, because I find it a scary time. My family, our dog Rose, and reading fiction keep me grounded and remind me of all the good in this world!

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      I know. In a big bad world, we must cling to the little, good things.

  • The world is getting to be a scary uncertain place with the passing days but it is true we cannot wallow in misery with that. Lets all do our bit in trying to restore good faith and positivity amongst people. I sometimes worry what kind of a world are we going to leave behind for our children! Good luck with the #WATWB and would love to see how we could all contribute to a better and peaceful world.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      Yes, if we all do our bit, the world would be a much better place :). The #WATWB posts have been quite heartening!

  • This mindless violence is impossible. Does any religion want supremacy so badly that’s it’s advocates will kill maim till people get tired and succumb ? It’s important to spread light of #WATWB and still be aware as you correctly said .Because if we don’t raise our voice now ,there may be no one standing when those monsters dare to come for us.To hope ,positivity and a life beyond terror .Will be doing #WATWB with you.

  • chr1 says:

    Smiles with family. A good joke at work. My niece has her first imaginary friend. That’s where most of my meaning lies, and goodness.

  • cleemckenzie says:

    I dread news anymore. I don’t want to be one of those who sticks her head in the sand, but for a while I’ve disconnected to give some thought to our poor world’s situation and read more about the rise of terrorism. Once I’m armed with the information I need, I’ll reconnect.

    • Damyanti Biswas says:

      I stay informed, but have decided to spread positive energy instead of negativity 🙂

  • macjam47 says:

    You photos are beautiful.

  • London thanks you for your kind thoughts. We were in London on Wednesday (though not near Westminster). When my daughter didn’t return my text that night (she is fine), I also thought wallowing not a good idea and sent money to the World Food Programme. Your blogfest is a wonderful idea, but I daren’t join anything. I am planning to disappear for a bit in a month or so, though I will drop in from time to time.

  • hilarymb says:

    Hi Damyanti – I was up in London yesterday and had a lovely day … it was quieter – but everyone was helpful and aware. I just feel for those families, who now know of death, mayhem and destruction, and those who are left behind and have to cope. The populace – public, St Thomas’ hospital staff and parliamentary staff were wonderful … then the security and police seemed to be in control straight away – an example to us all.

    I’ll be with you for “We are the World” blogging day … cheers Hilary

  • Jemima Pett says:

    We have too much wallowing in it. The press here (UK) seem to be unable to do anything but make a drama out of a crisis. Fortunately our leader is of the type to get back to normality as soon as possible. I’m still glad I don’t work in London any more – ten years since I left has flown by!

  • jazzfeathers says:

    Sometimes, I think this world is just going crazy and I don’t know whether it will ever go back to sanity.
    But you are right. Each of us can do something to spead some light in this world. It may be hard, becuase we may think that our little candle won’t make any different. I always think: if we all think this, nothing will change, but if each of us makes a small, even a tiny effort, it will turn into a great wave.

    Let’s hope for the future.

  • What happens in the world is the result of many years of selfishness, cruelty of thought and facts.
    Unfortunately, this will not change, and the appearance that can only get worse… is showed if you actually look at what was decided by the American people in choosing their president.
    But it is also true that we are many who believe in the Change: we are an unstoppable multitude and Critical Mass that will enable a Radical Change, it’s almost reached.
    Serenity :-)c

  • simonfalk28 says:

    Damyanti, they are special photos, particularly for the memories they contain for you. Another wonderful post! 🙂

  • The tragedy is the people who do these terrible things feel they are honouring their god. They will suffer the reward of eternal damnation not honour. Our hearts go out to the people of London.

  • Tessy SM says:

    Brilliant idea. An idea can bring some changes. Keep up the good work.

  • Arvind Kumar says:

    wow, this is awesome

  • Absolutely terrible. I lived there for a while and really terrible to think what has happened and the lives lost.

  • I had just come out of my proofreading cave when I heard. My heart and concern went out. I have doing my best to send out positive waves. I hope that helps those who need it. You know I am there with you for #WATWB

  • DJ Cockburn says:

    Thanks for your thoughts. The most positive thing I can come up with right now was that I went into London to find everything carrying on as normal. If yesterday’s attack was intended to intimidate or frighten, it has failed dismally.

  • cathum says:

    Some nice positive thoughts, and a good idea. Thanks, Damyanti.