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A Widow Heals The Pain Of Her Lost Love Through His Photographs

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Images from Instagram(@Anjalipinto)

After one year and three months without her husband Jacob Johnson by her side, Anjali Pinto, a Chicago-based photographer and widow continues to document his photographs on Instagram, thereby healing the pain of losing her love

Text credits: Lakshmi Priya

With tears, stress, and trauma, most of us have battled with our pain of losing someone close to heart. Confronting the death of someone who had seen the best and worst and stood with us during the good and bad is one of the most challenging situations. But Anjali Pinto, Chicago based photographer and a widow is facing this challenge of losing her husband Jacob Johnson with more power and strength. She breaks the taboo on grief and heals her pain through her Instagram account by documenting the photographs of Jacob and her life after his death and sharing them with her 51,300 followers.

Anjali’s journey of healing began on January 1, 2017, a day after she lost her husband due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Amidst the heart-throbbing pain, Anjali captured a photo of her holding the hands of her husband who was laying in the hospital bed. She posted it on her Instagram account with details of the funeral.

From then on, Anjali’s Instagram account started flooding with his photographs and memories they made together. Four years of knowing each other and one and a half years of being married, the photographs are not only about the memories they lived but also the spellbinding love and intimacy they shared. Anjali’s heart-breaking descriptions under each photo, about the endless love they shared, definitely leaves many in tears.

We would often travel near our birthdays, born 3 years and 3 days apart. 2013 New York, 2014 Mexico, 2015 Austin, 2016 New Zealand, 2017 to be India. I remember so vividly our side trip from Isla Mujeres to see the ruins in Tulum and the Gran Cenote. We were so very happy, in crystal water and warm sun. When other people were taking pictures of the beauty of nature itself, my camera was so focused on him. I was in wonder of this man, so sure of himself, so comfortable in every setting & so easy to please. How did I snag someone this beautiful? He's perfect for me. Last night I dreamt he came home from work, carrying packages from the front hallway as he often did. He had a big smile on his face, I thought maybe he was carrying a present for me. I had told him not to get me anything. The sight of him startled me awake, shot me out of slumber. I saw what he was wearing and the way he looked at me, but I didn't get to hug him. Lying there, mad at myself for not continuing the dream, desperate to look at him again, I remember today is my birthday and it is the first I'll have to spend without him.

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The trips they made, the family meets they attended, the restaurants they visited, even the warm hugs and kisses are beautifully captured.

I never got to thank him for how much he adored my physical person. He never once made anything but positive remarks about my body and my size. A week before he died, I was venting to him over text about how I had gained back 6 of the 18 pounds I had worked all year to lose. "There, there boo. I love you," he wrote. It seems wild to think that I was convinced that losing weight would make my life better. I was the happiest. One's health is not measured by physical fitness or outward appearance, or he would be alive today. When we had our wellness visit in preparation for purchasing life insurance, I was embarrassed that I weighed 20 pounds more than him on the same scale. All the love and respect he showed me has a permanent place in my mind. I may never feel more beautiful than the way he saw me, but remembering his gaze and his love has drastically improved my self worth. It's skewed my perception to reality – you are beautiful. (We all are). Photo by @vnina ❤️

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The friendship of Anjali and Jacob began through Instagram.  After four years of friendship and love, they tied the knot to each other. Jacob was an expert hammock-napper, Snapchat star and meticulous NPR storyteller.  Anjali recalls the good memories of her wedding day and suddenly feels the pain thinking how everything will be fine without him.

I am keeping myself so together, feeling sure of the two feet I stand on when I turn out of bed each morning. Then a song plays and I'm transported, and begin to feel the unraveling. How can everything be okay without him? Last night I found myself swaying, remembering so vividly a moment from our wedding. Everyone was on the dance floor, but the venue needed us out. Music stopped and everyone turned to Michael and chanted "ONE MORE SONG, one more song." Heart of Gold by Charles Bradley came on, Jacob put his arms firmly around me and we kissed through huge smiles. Trumpets sounded as our feet shuffled. We were the last people to leave, we stopped to thank every person working and assured them that everything was exactly how we had dreamed. We turned back to look at the empty space, in disbelief of how life could be so good to us.

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Grief is different for everyone. Some people cry, some deny the fact that the person is no more and some even slowly push themselves into a stage of depression. Like every other person, Anjali has her own break-down moments. Still, at the end of the day, she puts back the bits and pieces of the strength left in her to inspire the world out there. By letting the world know the kindness and love of Jacob, Anjali is doing her best for her husband. She proves the fact that love does not die along with the person whom we love, but instead, it grows.

Grief is very much a taboo in our culture. As much as we want to help people that are hurting, we are never taught what to say or do to help. We avoid the conversation all together, or talk about something that makes us more comfortable. People have said to me, meaning to be supportive, remarks that are so upsetting it's mind boggling. "I know what it's like to be lonely, well not as lonely as you," or "I'm so happy for you," or "If I were you I would just want to go back to my routine," I have no desire to be critical of people, it brings me no pleasure. I want to be thankful, that I am alive, that I am supported. I want to take what they meant to say instead of what I heard, which is "you're in my thoughts." For each of the really dark days I've encountered since Jacob died, I have had a mechanism to cope. Friends, traveling, my family, his family, great books, massages, nature. If you have a friend or a loved one going through a loss, do not assume what they are feeling. Do not tell them everything will be okay. Do not tell them what you would have done if you were in their situation. Just listen. Be patient. Be compassionate. Be flexible. Show up. Tell them something that you loved or admired about the person that's gone. If you never met them, say you wish you had. Acknowledge their loss. Thank you to each and every one of you who has shown up.

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Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

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Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

 Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira. 

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

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How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

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Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

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Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

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Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Architecture

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.

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