Candid Utters...

Fat Free 2012?

2012-01-01T19:27:00.006+05:30

I have felt that people who lose weight don't get the credit for some odd reason.

"You don't have to do anything to lose weight, just join a gym n go on a diet"

"Walking on a treadmill is easy because you don't have to walk, the treadmill makes you walk" (???)

"People are fat because they eat junk"

etc.

These and many more comments on me and others, made me realise just how wonderfully can some people Blah because not all bodies are the same and not all health conditions are the same. People are overweight because of a reason/s. Things become worse when someone has a health issue which promotes weight gain, so, for that person it must be a tougher task to treat the illness first, stop the weight gain and then concentrate on weight loss.

(Image courtesy: google images)

Anyways, not going into details, yesterday was a 'felt good' day not just because it was the last day of the year but because I got all my pants altered :p Miser as you may call me :P I am NOT buying new clothes until I am those many kilos lighter! By the way, I have lost 6kgs (yayyyyyy!).

I have and will be uploading karaokes on Youtube from now on, so, do drop by and let me know how good/bad am I! *wink* If you want me to sing a song of your choice, do let me know (plsss be kind to me).

(Image courtesy: google images)

Wishing all my bloggers a very happy, joyful, successful and colourful New Year!

A visit to the Mahalakshmi Temple

2011-10-19T19:38:00.005+05:30

Early mornings are gorgeous, especially, when you have to travel by a local train in Mumbai to the other side of the city. The fresh air, the uncrowded trains, the slightly cold weather... and looking at the birds fly in the sky is never as delightful at any other time of the day.

I have not grown up visiting temples on a regular basis and we mostly do puja (worshiping the Gods) at home. This time, however, we visited the famous Mahalakshmi Temple. My mother and I decided to leave early in the morning for obvious reasons.

Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai. (image courtesy: google images)

The Mahalakshmi Temple is one amongst the oldest shrines in Mumbai. They say that it was constructed around 1785 and its origin is connected with the creation of Hornby Vellard. It is situated in south Mumbai (Breach Candy) at the seashore and is one of the most visited temples of the city. The main shrine comprises images of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati.

Taking pictures in the temple premises is strictly not allowed so I clicked this one outside. It shows the entrance where you go straight upstairs inside the temple:

There are shops/stalls both inside and outside the temple that sell flower garlands and pious paraphernalia to make an offering to the Goddess. This was one of the stalls selling religious threads and other fancy puja items:

The temple is always crowded with devotees as it is considered to be a sacred temple in Mumbai. People from far and wide come to this holy shrine to seek blessings from the Goddess and don't mind standing in long queues just to have a glimpse of the Goddess. However, we visited the temple early in the morning on a Sunday when supposedly half of the tired Mumbai was asleep so it was a smooth trip I would say.

PS: My weighing scale has been behaving the way it is supposed to but being on a weight loss regime during this time of the year is simply urggggh! :p You see, Diwali is less than a week away!

Thick-skinned

2011-09-15T20:05:00.000+05:30

Poor kitty! The torture he/she is being exposed to... :D

When your clothes don't fit, that feeling.. oh that feeling! It is certainly not an all of a sudden phenomenon, but when you cannot wear that favourite dress of yours, that feeling :(

Since long I have been walking up the down escalator (should I try doing that literally to get real results? Never mind).

How creative and convincing can some excuses sound!

And those fad diets! The Banana Diet, The Green Diet, The Detox Diet, The Liquid Diet, The Water Melon Diet etc.. they never make you lose weight and keep it. They're nothing but temporary and impractical fixes that make things worse in the long run.

They say count your blessings....err calories.

Scales. I am to work on two scales - One inside my throat and the other lying on the floor.

This is how one pound of fat looks like while it occupies a rent free space under one's skin.

YUCK!

(Looks like a deformed Jalebi)

Leaving you with an inspiring quote by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi-

"Not to have control over the senses is like sailing in a rudderless ship, bound to break to pieces on coming in contact with the very first rock."

My All

2011-08-27T03:08:00.001+05:30

(Image Courtesy: zastavki.com/eng)

It has been quite a few weeks since I posted something here. Sometimes we just need to unplug! However, I could not help but sneak in to some of your blogs (I could not resist doing that). Now that I am back, let me ask you a question that has been strolling in my mind since a long time: "Does your heart beat for something? If yes, did you follow the beat?"

My heart was not where I was, it was singing a different song. I stopped turning a deaf ear to it, although, it took me a lot of time and a lot more than what I could ever explain. I would be wrong if I said that I had no fears. I still am trying to figure things out and have not really reached somewhere but the petty jobs that I have been doing since then have helped me learn all that I did not in these years (whoever said that I am wasting time;)

The talent hunt I participated in a few months back was my first audition. "There are going to be people who must be trained for years," I thought. I pushed all the thoughts aside, prayed for being able to give it my best and gave it a shot. Although, things did not go as I would have liked them to in that competition, a big thank you to everyone who liked/voted for me. It means a lot and I mean it!

Again,

"Does your heart beat for something? If yes, did you follow the beat?"

My Friend, Just Be

2011-07-09T19:22:00.003+05:30

For a change, my dear, be a friend to me.
A little less of solving, so, switch off your logic.
No more verdicts and all the wisdom you've gained over time.
Relax your concern, for a moment or two. Just be

...For me to share and speak to your elephant ears.

Sensitive to your words, so, keep them safe

Till the time I say it all but not for you to solve.
For a minute and more possibly, just be.

The calm in your voice is infectious like a Flu
But I have different plans, please let me continue.
I know, once I start, you'll start simultaneously,
Please don't. For a change, hold on and just be.

Venting out is not easy, although, sets one free.
Have made it this far, now ready to speak my heart.

But till the time I say it all and not for you to solve,
Go easy on your benevolence, for now my dear, Just Be.

(Image Courtesy: sodahead.com)

...and I am lucky.

2011-06-11T17:44:00.000+05:30

It is strange how life talks to us!

After a long time, I was on a mini-shopping spree last week. While I was traveling back home in a rickshaw, I was thinking of the better options I could go for and how I had to settle down on things with a reasonable price tag on them. "This is okay for now, I'll get that one the next time", I comforted myself. One of my self-pity sessions, on the go!

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. ~Virginia Woolf

Being a rainy saturday evening, there was a lot of traffic on the road. The rickshaw stopped at a traffic signal and I looked wanderingly outside the rickshaw, to my left. On the footpath, I saw a family preparing their meal while the kids were eagerly waiting and staring at the half cooked meal and so was I, but in pity. I was stuck at that place for a while so my eyes, as usual, started concentrating on the details:

The tomatoes were perfectly chopped and so were the onions. Next to the chopped vegetables was a flat pan and someone was making chapatis (I could not see their faces because they were all sitting underneath a large, white, torn plastic sheet with their backs towards the road). Also, were some cooked chapatis and dough kept aside. And I must say that given the condition they were in, the efforts they had put into preparing their meal was inspiring indeed!

By the time I had a look at everything I could within those 2-3 minutes, the signal turned green and the rickshaw moved. I was not silently grumbling or even thinking about My situation anymore. The object of my attention was left behind and all my heart could think of was that sight. Why do we as humans need such reminders?

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?

"If I wanna floss... have I got my own?"

2011-05-01T23:08:00.002+05:30

This is not about my experience while I was trying to clean my teeth. This is not a feminist post. Just a mild touch to the topic that gets a lot of attention amongst the women who studied hard, spent years at home post marriage, lived for others believing it was noble, but now think otherwise!

I pity, but have no sympathy for women who do not exercise their wills/powers. I am not talking about the legal powers or muscular strength here, you know what I mean.

"Love will never separate one from his/her personal legend" - Paulo Coelho

Every other day, I come across women who complain about how their lives have turned out to be and how they were powerless to take a 'step' towards anything they wanted to, whatever it was. Any damn thing! After a certain age, we all have the power to exercise our wills, don't we? I understand, sometimes we do not have a choice and then, grumbling helps, but temporarily. I too, am tired of grumbling in my own special right but have come to realise that it is resultless. Taking responsibility for one's own decisions however successful or unsuccessful the outcome has been/might be, is not easy. But if it is 'easy' that we are looking for, why not just let life pass by?

The tradition is such that post marriage a lady is supposed to stay home, look after everybody in the house, produce babies and that is her life. Even if one tries to go ahead with anything other than the fixed plan, oppositions are bound to occur. Not all families oppose a woman working, but this happens more or less with the joint families. Whatever one chooses to do with one's life, I respect their decision given the fact that it was purely uninfluenced and taken by oneself. So, no judgements out here. However, the problem arises when after a couple of years one starts realising that the decision of staying home was in the favour of everybody else but self!

I feel everybody has the right to choose their way of life, whatever it might be. And it feels bad to hear someone saying...

"Had I continued working post marriage-

My health would have been better,

My financial standing would have been better,

My studies would not have gone waste,

I would have been able to contribute to my child's growth".

(Such a waste of life I tell you!) Well, if this is what you feel, then, this must be the truth because your frail inner voice never lies. Ever heard of the word 'balancing'?

It is we who lack the power of making our close ones understand that everything eventually falls in place, that it is not a crime to exercise one's will. Pondering over the past, indulging in self pity, we all do that. But for how long can we carry a 'I could have'? All I want to say here is "it's never too late". As long as one is alive, one stands a chance and can go ahead with that which gets so much attention in one's thoughts and words but finds no place in one's actions.

By the way, I don't know who said this, but it sure makes sense to me... "A successful union is the one in which one does not prosper at the cost of the other."

(Image Courtesy: 123rf.com, gallavant.co.uk, hirediversity.com)

Meme Tag!

2011-04-19T22:49:00.000+05:30

MEME TAG

Tag–I’m it. Savira, a talented Yoga Instructor has tagged me with a MEME. She shares her life, in her words "The art of Oneness through the practice of Yoga on and off the mat", at LIVE in the moment LAUGH always BREATHE with awareness.

I am to answer a few questions about myself then pass the MEME on to other bloggers I enjoy. It’s a fun way of getting to know each other!

Here goes...

1. If you could go back in time to relive one moment, what would it be?

Every moment I was on stage performing in my school/college.

2. If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?

The "rules" that now in the form of "tradition" work against the interest of women.

3. What movie or TV character do you think you resemble most in personality?

Monica Geller (Friends).

4. Which TV or movie character would you like to be?

None.

5. If you could push one person in the whole world off a cliff and get away with it, who would it be?

Not that I have had all rosy experiences with people. Not that I am an angel at heart :p but I don't feel the need to push anyone off a cliff what-so-ever.

6. Name one habit you want to change in yourself.

Taking people at face value.

7. Describe yourself in one word.

Dramatic!

8. Describe the person who named you in this MEME in one word.

Empress!

9. Why do you blog? Answer in one sentence.

Because I love/enjoy talking.

10. Name at least 3 people or more to send this MEME, and then inform them.

Terri Tifanny

Jeannette Levellie
Nouman Naseer
Sourav Pandey

These blogs are creative and inspiring. I enjoy reading them. Please check them out :)

Thank you Savira!

(Image Courtesy: http://cafebebe4u.blogspot.com)

Tiny Pleads (2)

2011-03-31T22:19:00.005+05:30

It would be great if.. things could be found inside one's house with a 'Ctrl F'.

(Why did they have to give us this comfort on the PC? I want the same convenience for finding things at least in my room!).

It would be great if.. saying No was easy.

(Sometimes your heart says Yes and your mind says No. Yes, I am talking about the fatty foods.)

It would be great if.. one knew how long an association would last for.

(Entries and Exits in one's life would be less dramatic.)

It would be great if.. Sanskrit was taught in schools as a second language.

(When the priests ask to repeat their words during rituals, I feel like I am offering paper flowers to God.)

It would be great if.. marriage was an option.

(When I see it as an outcome of a social obligation amongst some, I doubt their self respect.)

It would be great if.. they dismissed the rule of providing a defence lawyer to the terrorists.

(What could be a reason convincing enough for brutal mass murders?)

It would be great if.. parents wouldn't age.

(It is not a good feeling to experience. Being able to match up to their degree of care for us, is out of question!)

It would be great if.. there was a fear of 'Bad Karma' amongst people from the very beginning.

(Why does one have to wait to turn 60? And then realise things, feel sorry and start visiting holy places. So.... they think He doesn't get it!)

It would be great if.. cellulite was not stubborn.

(My Dear Cellulite,
I know you love me but I don't, so please leave!)

It would be great if.. Facebook adds two sub-options to the relationship status 'Single'...

1. Single and ready to mingle.

2. Single but on a break.

('Single' is a W i d e concept...and I would like being specific.)

(Image Courtesy: greetings.ca, tattooartistideas.com, cathyyip.com, ourwedding.in and Google Images.)

Colours Galore!

2011-03-20T20:39:00.002+05:30

Time flies! I don't feel like it has been a year since my last post on Holi and it's Holi yet again! Holi has always been fun but is no more as fun as it used to be. As a child, I used to find dry (powder) colours to be inferior because they could be washed off the skin easily. If I played Holi, it had to be with the semi-permanent, synthetic (hard to wash-off, harmful to skin/hair) colours. As the years passed by, the Indian consumers were introduced to 'organic colours'. Although, they are slightly expensive than the normal synthetic ones.

Okay, I was in the Holi mood.

Food items like Gujiya and sweets are a tradition, but I never tried Bhang ki thandai :D Holi is turning out to be more and more "sober" as the years are passing by. I have not been into celebrating "Semi-Hooligan-Holi" since a decade or more! Those times were really different!

'Holi Khele Raghuveera' is the song that comes to my mind this Holi. Primarily, for the use of Awadhi lingo in the song giving it a desi feel. Holi in Mumbai is nowhere close to the Holi celebrated in the North. I miss those days when I lived in a town and used to celebrate a lavish Holi. The festival was celebrated typically! Nowadays, people settle for a decent teeka. Well, I end up with teekas all over my face, most of the times. What is the point if there is not a visible difference in the ‘before’ and ‘after’? :D

Image courtesy: Google Images

I love powder colours!

With so much happening around, the air of enjoyment this Holi, is cold. While Japan is going through a rough patch, I hope and pray that this Holi brings cure to the injured and strength to the weak. I also wish you and your family colourful times ahead!

Happy Holi !!!

Just a day... or more?

2011-03-08T21:20:00.001+05:30

Unconditional liberty is extremely enticing,
I could do with a little more.

Something physical can't be so overwhelming,

Something physical can't hold me down.

I wonder if I would ever know,

If being in one's skin was perfectly fitting.

Biting my lips out of curiosity, I wonder
How would it feel to be an untrimmed Me?

When I stepped out of my building today and headed towards the town, I was pleasantly surprised to see people actually celebrating this day with good spirits and not just as any other "Day". I had some strangers wishing me too:) I am not much into the "Day" concept but as I always say, who would not want an excuse to have a nice time with friends/family? I am, although, a little nosy sometimes...why is the International Men's Day not celebrated around with equal gung ho?

Happy International Women's Day!

(Image Courtesy: leagraph.deviantart.com)

Foggy Greens

2011-02-18T18:55:00.000+05:30

Maharashtra seems to be 'catching cold' from the north. Had travelled 140 kms approx. from where I live. This is when I was crossing Lonavla (beautiful, scenic, green and foggy). Leaving you with some pictures I clicked on the go.

Drape

2011-02-07T21:01:00.001+05:30

They say "she is undergoing treatment". What treatment? Her limbs have been chopped off! So, resisting your rape could lead to you losing your limbs, in a certain state (women empowerment!). A gang rape took place in the capital some days back and while I am writing this, I am watching a news channel that says that the victim of the Kerala rape case died yesterday. Well, Mumbai is where I live and is it untouched by crime? (Haha) It has become so common that it happens every now and then, everywhere. By the way, these rape cases are the ones which have been highlighted by the media, hence, we came to know of them. Many rape cases do not see the light of the day or the light of justice because either the victim is ashamed to come out in the public, the victim is threatened by the rapists or the family of the victim does not want to be infamous.

Back in the olden days, the females of the species were not allowed to go out of the house post sunset, leave alone going out alone. So was that right? At least, it safeguarded them from being sexually harassed by the goons. Imagine if life for us women was the same today - staying indoors under layers of drapes. Not talking to anyone outside family. Not laughing out loud. Conversations to be limited to a 'yes' or a 'no'. Conversations? Nah...Reply would be the word. No studying, no mingling, no working = No Fun. Expressing views/opinions = Taboo.

If life has to be the same as it was years and years ago, let us do it exactly how it was, then. If goons-turned-rapists-turned-butchers can do what they want to because you know 'they rule', then let us go back to being the society where children and women are to stay indoors because anything can happen to them anytime! But I do not think that is the way a developing nation should ideally function.

After the crime has taken place what is the use of the hype if the same crime takes place again within a few days? There are goons around the world and there are many. But why are they not scared of the police, the government.. basically the judiciary system out here? Some news channels are running polls asking the viewers to suggest the type of punishment that should be given to a rapist. Oh common! No one wants them to be offered a cheesilious pizza!

Criminals are not scared of the consequences of their ill acts because they know they will get away with it sooner or later. There is no 'fear of punishment'. If it has to go on like this, you better keep all the women you care for indoors completely draped because... you never know! Oh my conditional independence...

(Image courtesy: google images)

This day...

2011-01-22T03:29:00.000+05:30

It was today, last year. I remember, when I had written my first blog post I felt like I was writing in a closed room. It has been a year since then and I feel content. Writing has always been more like a therapy and in the company of some great writers I have learnt things that I would not have otherwise. Thanks to everyone who has ever visited Candid Utters! I was going through each post and it was a strange feeling because every post has so many memories attached to it, it all flashed in my mind like a movie trailer!

Movies remind me of Music! When I was tenish, my father gifted me a small musical keyboard (one octave). I used to play songs like 'Give me oil in my lamp', 'Showers of blessings' and others that were taught in school, all day. Two years later, he gifted me a new musical keyboard (this time, two octaves) slightly bigger than the first one. He used to sit beside me and ask me to sing and play songs from Hindi movies and I used to enjoy it! When I was 15, he bought me yet another keyboard (three octaves) as the old ones got spoilt with time. Me, being a student of time, when he used to see me sitting idle, he used to ask me to get my keyboard and start off! Not that he was a professional musician. I now feel that in a way, he used to take my tests (damn! I didn't even realise it!). Considering the pattern I had observed since childhood, I was once sure in my mind that a huge, shiny, melodious piano was on the way! It has been more than a decade since he passed away, but baby.....could I stop? ;)

Cheers to the year that has passed and many more to come!

(Image courtesy: candlefind.com, event-search.org)

.....that ends well!

2010-12-29T14:35:00.001+05:30

It is almost New Year. However, I am not a person who gets all excited and gaga over the fact that it's New Year but who would not want an excuse to celebrate with close ones? I have also never believed in the New Year Resolution thing. I would do what I want to do and not do what I don't want to do, with or without a resolution. What about you? I don't know of anyone who followed it throughout the year till the end. Do you know of anyone who followed it month after month until the next New Year?

It seems like there is some bad vibe attached to the word Resolution because it becomes tougher to achieve your goal with "Resolution" attached to it...haha! On the contrary, it has become more of a joke. It is actually fun when you know what you ought to do but you casually declare your resolution, hinting your people not to take it seriously and not to nag every time you go against your "oath". Which is the resolution that keeps coming back to your mind year after year?

I never had to put on layers to save me from cold when I was outdoors in Mumbai. I was on my way back home from the market last evening and at one of the traffic signals I had a hearty laugh when I saw a guy on the bike with his head covered with a pullover! He had tied the sleeves of the pullover under his chin, just like you wear a scarf. I wish I had taken his picture but I was amused by his creativity. You know, we are not used to of so much cold for God's sake! Considering the gradual decrease in temperature year by year, the Arabian Sea would someday be frozen and would look like a large bed with a crisp white bed sheet spread over it. Looking at the brighter side, I would not have to travel to the north spending thousands just to feel snow...someday!

This year has been DIFFERENT. It has been slow and is continuing to be so. The example is odd but somewhat like a snake sheds its skin for good. May it be out of nature or circumstances, it has to and there is no other way out. I hope this New Year brings a positive newness in our lives. Wishing you a fruitful year ahead!

(Image courtesy: dryicons.com, discoveryeducation.com, bestparty-ideas.com)

The Anticipated Flight

2010-11-29T21:53:00.000+05:30

Can I fly with broken wings?
If not, I ain’t crawling!
Sensitive feathers, as these may appear,
Took me to heights, my only gear.

These screams, this noise,
My partners call me up!
Wanting me to try, to fly on my luck.
Yet again I fall down,
Injure another sensitive feather.
Gets worse with every try,
But don’t let my soul wither.

This place is new to me, Father!
Was I destined to fall on this ground?
Is it my deeds or my carelessness,
That I see no cure around?

I'd rather pass out struggling
Than lie wounded in despair.
Have you lost hope in me
Or do you doubt, I could still dare?

I'd be flying with your sprinkle of mercy,
My flaunty wings would shine!
I'd spread them to woo my beloved moon,
Affirm, the world underneath was mine!

Mend my wings, Father
Or tear'em apart for once!
Playing in the mud is a filthy game,
I ain’t scared of falling again.

(Image courtesy: sodahead.com)

Double Fun!

2010-11-14T17:47:00.000+05:30

5th of November was a memorable day for I had two events to be excited about - Diwali and My Birthday:) Here are some of the Diwali pictures that I clicked taking out time between the rituals...

The two diyas placed outside the main door of my place.

Some typical Diwali snacks and dry fruits.

A lantern and some blue lights outside the windows. These blue lights gave an awesome effect to the room. If it was time to go to bed, you would rather watch them blink, than close your eyes!

I don't get the reason behind bursting extremely high decibel crackers continuously. I like the ones that are more sparky (not that I haven't contributed my share of noise to my surroundings!).

It took a couple of clicks to get what I wanted out of the pic on the left with four diyas. You know, when you see that something is so perfectly beautiful on its own, you would only want its picture to be as you see it for real. I didn't want to lessen even a percent of the effect it was giving inside the dark room, hence, I clicked at least eight to ten pictures and this one swayed me the most visually! On the right is one of the many simple diyas placed outside the windows all over the house.

This birthday was one of the most memorable ones and so was Diwali!

Bang Bang Bang!

2010-11-04T23:59:00.013+05:30

It's DIWALI tomorrow!

Running around from one market to the other, buying the Diwali merchandise, I am exhausted already! Shopping was never so tiring! May be because this time it was not just about clothes, bags and shoes but also diyas, flowers, lights, lantern, sweets etc. Though, I am enjoying it anyways.

In the mean time, I realised that writing a story is not as easy as reading one. That is my lesson after writing the first few pages (can't call them chapters) of the story I hope to get published someday. I now respect the authors of the endless number of books that I have read, even more. Trust me, if you have left something incomplete (in my case my story) it is not easy to turn off the switch in your mind until the next time you sit to complete it. Have you gone through the same feeling ever?

The crackers have been bursting all over the place endlessly! Blogging/writing or any other activity except for the Diwali preparations, has taken a backseat since the past few days. I also have to share that I have colourful night-lamps or to say so, in my room..... how? Well, it is the lights that reflect in through the windows from the outside during the nights and it is a beautiful thing to see it while you wait to fall asleep. As usual, the noise of the fire crackers don't stop may it be the daytime or the night. But I am sure, by now, even the cats and the dogs in the locality where I live, must have gotten used to it. So who am I to complain?

The festival of Diwali is a treat to the eyes because of the lights and it is the biggest festival too. So, here's wishing peace and prosperity to you and your family!

Wish you a very Happy Diwali :)

(Image Courtesy: googleimages, michsaechao.tumblr.com, craigontoast.com)

18 till you die!

2010-10-19T15:11:00.001+05:30

I was watching the rerun of a talk show the other day and it left me with a question, rather a feeling. The guests on the show were asked to complete a sentence which went like this - "I wish I knew at 18....."

Not that I have not heard of such random stuff earlier.
Not that I had the same answer earlier!
(It is strange how the same question can manage to get different answers from you at different times.)

As for me, I wish I knew at 18...that "go with the flow" is not the way to live.

They say one knows all that one should, that which is unknown is supposed to be so. However, we all find such questions entertaining.

Try this - subtract 18 years from your age, those many number of years it took you to know what you wish you knew then. Ten years from now your answers are going to change, but that only means that you have learned something new over the years! Always always always be happy about yourself:)

What is it that you wish you knew at 18?

(Image courtesy: tessawrr.deviantart.com)

Tiny pleads

2010-09-26T23:52:00.001+05:30

It would be great if.. there were free screenings of super hit movies for the poor (they deserve entertainment too). It would be great if.. human body could do without food based on individual financial condition (sleeping with an empty stomach, I am sure, is not a good feeling). It would be great if.. children could see a halo around their parents' heads (to an extent, our behaviour is based on what we see). It would be great if.. the heart and the mind could talk one at a time (would have been much easier to figure out which... is saying what). It would be great if.. confessions were made a compulsory monthly practice amongst communities (I can't think of my butt getting burned when I could do nothing about it). It would be great if.. there was freedom to commit n number of sins like 5, 10, 15 whatever (some sins are so tempting! How do the genuine saints keep away from them?). It would be great if.. free will actually existed (it's like a teacher telling his student "Doing your homework or not is your choice, if you don't, the type of punishment is my choice"). It would be great if.. the holy guys could declare a sign as a *hint* for people to understand when they'd come across their soul mate for the First time (why waste time?). It would be great if.. love was available in stores (having to work hard day and night to afford love might make people value it much earlier in life...if at all).

(Image Courtesy: colourcatcher.deviantartcom)

Ganpati Bappa Morya!

2010-09-11T19:07:00.004+05:30

The phase of the year where there would be festivals lined up one after the other until the New Year, has come. I love it! Lord Ganesh is back in Mumbai or to say so. He is seen everywhere. Yesterday, I went for a window-shopping-spree and I came across a unique idol of Lord Ganesh. The height of the idol was about six feet, but what made me appreciate the artists was the creativity that went into the making. It was made out of Biscuits, and how! The dark brown part that you can see, are dark chocolate biscuits and the rest of the idol is made out of other types of biscuits. The mall people had placed the idol near the entrance. When I saw it from a distance I didn't realise it was biscuitated; an innovation of one of the leading biscuit making companies.

The tradition of this festival is that the devotees bring Lord Ganesh's idol at home, office, mall etc to offer prayers and seek blessings. The size of the idol and the number of days they would keep it entirely depends on the person who brings it. Generally, if brought home, it would be for one-three days and the idol size would be relatively smaller as compared to the idols brought at the public places. The family members have to practice discipline in terms of cleanliness, eating vegan food, hourly prayers etc, so not everybody could manage to bring it home.

It is believed that Lord Ganesh bestows his presence on earth for all his devotees in the duration of this festival. It would go on for ten days starting today. On the eleventh day, the statue/idol is taken through the streets in a procession while singing and dancing, for the idol to be finally immersed in the sea giving a see-off to the Lord. This ritual is known as Ganesh Visarjan.

Lalbaugcha Raja, Ganesh Chaturthi-2009.

I had never seen such dedication of the masses (in person) towards one thing at the same time until I experienced my first Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai. For these ten-eleven days, Lord Ganesha is the talk of the town and he is the most sought after celebrity! No, more than that. There are a certain places where his idol is brought every year since decades and these places are also famous for the experiences of the devotees for their wish fulfilling. The devotees stand in lines for ten-twenty hours at a stretch just to have a look at Lord Ganesh and offer prayers, may it be just for a few seconds.

Traffic jams, loud speakers on full volume and sleepless nights; who cares when Faith is the driving force behind it all! Festivals like these come as a reminder to those who have forgotten that it's not about which part of India (or the world) one is from, because it does not make a difference to Him.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi... Ganpati Bappa Morya!

(Image Courtesy: greenpacks.org)

Fish!

2010-08-31T16:04:00.004+05:30

I finally....got to bring a pet. I had shared in one of my initial posts that I have always longed for pets. I was suggested by my peers that a Fish would be a better option for starts. It is low on maintenance and unlike dogs and my favourite - cats, it is apartment friendly too. So, I went ahead and got me a pair of Gold Fish, an inch long with feathery fins! They could have been a muse to a wildlife photographer. Not just the physical aspect though, we built a cute connection with each other within minutes. Normally, the fishes would hide behind the objects in the tank if you went near but these two were fiery and playful. It was a good start, because it was a new experience altogether; better late than never.

The first day was okay, but what I didn't know was that I bought a pair which was already sick. They probably caught a disease from other fishes in the tank they were in, at the shop. They were sick, was something I came to know the very first day in the evening, because of some peculiarities they showed. Apparently, the shopkeeper (moron) was not aware that they were a sick pair. I don't understand as to how the vendors can be so careless, for if it is their business, they have to be serious and careful about the beings! Just because they were already sick, I didn't want to give them back or keep them away. So, after a few enquiries, I got some medicines prescribed for them. Other things like the tank water, oxygen, cleanliness, food...etc., everything was in place. In the mean while, I did some additional research and the second day, entirely, was about my fishes. They showed no signs of improvement and their condition got bad in spite of trying everything I was told to. Helpless was the word that I felt alphabet-by-alphabet.

I wish if there could be a place where these creatures could get some sort of treatment during sickness and the professionals who can detect further illness, if any. We don't have easily accessible qualified vets around here, especially for fishes. They mostly, are for dogs and cats. Or should I say that I couldn’t come across any such help at that hour. I had to give them to the vendor for their condition was getting worse and he was the one who could get professionals to take care of them at that time. He tried convincing me to take another pair from him as a replacement but I didn't want to do that. I wanted my fishes back post the examination and treatment. To this he said that there's no point and they would pass away soon, anyways. I had nothing to say.

A peep out of my balcony

The length of an association has always been less important for me than the connection I have had with that association. Anyways, since the last three days it has also been raining so much that the garden in my building is almost flooded. The greeny grass is hardly visible. Me? Well, I am on medications for the rashes on my skin since yesterday. It is probably an allergic reaction because of coming in contact with the bacteria from the fish tank the other day, assumed my skin specialist.

For now, the humidity in the air equals to the humidity in my mood... the former is taking a toll on my skin and the latter should make it thicker.

Because I am free...

2010-08-14T20:07:00.001+05:30

...I don't know what it means to live without freedom. I was born in a free country, but I understand and can imagine how pitiful or uncool it must have been. Just like when you watch a movie and you are touched; you feel like crying or you get angry when the situation goes wrong... hold on to that feeling! That is what I feel because I have not seen it happening around me. Hence, I can very much relate to it, respect the sacrifices and still, not enjoy the day as much as I might enjoy a live concert by A.R. Rahman or Mariah Carey! (I know there can be no comparison what so ever but then, how do I explain?) Anyways, does that make me any less of a patriot?

Apart from the beauty of my nation and the countless things I am proud of; I have seen corruption, families living on streets, kids (of the maid we once had) wanting to study but working for money and so on. But that is not all! I have also seen NGOs and groups of individuals coming forward to make a correction to what's wrong. I remember, when I was a kid my mother had once asked our maid about her place of birth. The maid replied saying "Naseeb hai main sheher aayi. Gaon mein khaane ko mila toh mila nahi toh do gilaas paani peeke so jaaneka, woh bhi kaisa nala ka paani jaisa" (It is my good luck, to have come to the city. Back in the village, it was not sure if there would be any food to eat. Usually, would drink two glasses of water which is same as the water in the drain and go to sleep).

I came across a video the other day. It would take 15 minutes of your time still, I recommend you watch it for the sheer honesty of the people about whom it is and the people who have shot it. It also refutes the famous saying... "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" in a beautiful way.

Watch it here.

I am not a social worker. But there is a lot I could do to start small. Probably, get a few willing friends and neighbours involved and sort some things out in the area where I live. It is necessary, I feel, to graduate what I got from those great people to its next level, while living my normal life. I thank God for having given me a better place to live in than a lot of people around the world!

Tomorrow, I would be attending the early morning get-together with friends, neighbours and their kids for the flag hoisting in my locality and celebrate yet another Independence Day with fun and gusto! After that, the day is unplanned being a Sunday. So, I am free is what I say, when it is a Sunday :)

How do you interpret freedom?

(Image Courtesy: cimaartindia.com, thirtythr33.de, indianyouthspirituality.com)

The sky is not your home...

2010-08-04T22:40:00.001+05:30

“I see you want to fall, so what makes you hold on? The sun has gone backstage; do you plan to turn me on? You announce your arrival hiding behind dark handsome clouds. The same old way to tease me; cowardice is not allowed! It’s been a year since we met last and you're still playing silly games. Exactly what I expected, I know you love me… don't explain!

The trees, the birds and me... we’re in a discussion to see...would you bring a thunderstorm? Or a drizzle will it be? Come wash away my questions. Give me a humid hug. The sky is not your home... else spend this dusk alone.”

One cannot run away from the pleasures these crystalic droplets bring! How is the weather around you?

Fiction : The Suffocating Stare

2010-07-24T16:37:00.005+05:30

Thank you for your wishes! While I was sitting at one place with less mobility because of the sprain, I wrote something fictiony. I preferred to sketch out my characters for this short story, but obvious it was fun! Here is what I scribbled...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meera (to her workmate Sia) : .......all right then, let's see how the presentation goes. It's been a hectic week. Tomorrow is a big day. I have to do it this time if I want an appraisal. God! I am not prepared.

Sia : Oh common, don't tell me that.

Meera : Really, this time I am not at all prepared.

Sia : Who cares about what one speaks at the podium? I doubt if people themselves understand what they mumble up there. All they do is mug it all up and puke! You just have to look good.

Meera (chuckles) : That's not how it works! Still, I have a lot pending as far as... is he looking here? DON'T LOOK BACK!

(Sia turns around)

Meera : Nooooo......**** I told you not to look back!

Sia : Who are you talking about?

Meera : I am not looking in that direction.

Sia : Listen, what's happening? Who is he?

Meera : How do I know?

Sia : Looks hot! Anyways, I am done with my presentation.

Meera (looking at her laptop) : He's not my type, looks way too shabby and shallow.

(After a few minutes)

Sia : He is still looking here.

Meera : Then go, talk to him.

Sia : Are you crazy? I've never seen him around here, looks like an outsider.

Meera (sarcastically) : Hmm. There's something wrong with his left eye, it seems. Let me have a closer look.

Sia : What?

(Meera wrote something on a tissue paper kept on the cafe table, put her laptop aside and walked over to the stranger sitting a few meters away, with that piece of tissue paper in her hand.)

Meera (to the stranger) : Excuse me! This is the name and number of an eye specialist. My friend has been noticing you, she thinks you have a "focus" problem in your eyes. Get well soon.

(Meera went back to where she was sitting. The stranger looked at the paper that she handed over. There was an eye specialist’s name and number on it and Not what he thought! He took out a mirror from his pocket and checked if anything was wrong with his eyes. He stood up and started walking towards Meera and Sia.)

Sia : He is coming here.

Meera : (Trying to look uninterested) …because he wants YOU to take him to an eye specialist.

Sia : Is that what you told him?

Meera : Haha.

Sia : Shut uuhhh...

"Hi, I'm Vicky" said the stranger.

Meera and Sia : Hi.

Vicky : By the way, I need your contact number Miss...

Sia : She's Meera.

Vicky : Right. Meera. I think I know you. You look familiar. Wonder if we know each other? How about giving me your number? I mean, I need to take someone along with me to the eye specialist, you know, what if I need some help?

Meera : Let me tell you something Mister. You appear to be an average looking wannabe.....LOOK IN MY EYES WHEN I AM TALKING TO YOU DAMMIT! You have no sense of behaviour, you've been eyeing me for the past 15 minutes and my friend thinks you're hot!....... If you don't disappear in the next 10 seconds... I'll kick you hard you know where and you'll have to go to a general physician instead.

(After a pause...)

Sia to Vicky : Are you married?

Vicky : Yes... Ummm.... No. Okay bye.

Won't you Splash?

2010-06-26T21:06:00.013+05:30

"Don't threaten me with Love, baby. Let's just go walking in the rain." - Billie Holiday

As a child, have you ever made a paper boat and allowed it to float on its own unless you got bored of it being stranded in one place and pushed it to go round and round and round the pothole on the street? I did.

The monsoons have always been the eventful time of the year for me. The reason I say "eventful" is because it brings along a lot, from the past and for the future. It's like a celebration for an entire season and not just a day or two. The plants and trees look brighter, fresher and greener. The roads are clean black, unless they are flooded considering the trend we have seen in the past few years here in Mumbai.

It is a trend, people love eating "kanda bhajiya" (made out of onions with a covering of spiced gram flour) with a glass of "cutting chai!". There is one day every year when it rains really heavily as compared to the other days. It becomes as dark as a night and that is my "bhajiya" moment! If I happen to be at home at that time, I sit by the window to have "bhajiyas" and enjoy the darkness and the chills the wind brings, with the tiny-miny droplets of water which make my face moist. That moment has not yet arrived though because I am still waiting for it to rain as it should.

A peep out of my window

Do you love getting wet in the rain? I do. Although it has to rain cats-and-dogs-and-bulls-and bears for me to go out there without an umbrella. It has to be that perfect windy rain. When I was in college, many a times I avoided carrying an umbrella, on purpose. Frankly, I never enjoyed rains as much as I do now, living in Mumbai. Mumbai rains are famous (and infamous) as they say "you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too". As long as it is not over the top, I welcome and enjoy it, while at home or while travelling.

However, with a sprained-bandaged-leg (wrong timing!) I cannot even think of stepping out and can only console myself with the glimpse of showers in and around my building. Thankfully, the monsoon has still not "arrived" in the real sense of the word, except for a few showers here and there and some threats from the puffy loud clouds. So, I am still waiting for me to get back on my feet and then the skies could bring it on! Until then... as I said the rains bring along a lot, from the past and for the future... I hope to be completely drenched, again this year. No, I was not a frog in my last birth!

What does the rain remind you of or how does it affect your mood?

(Image courtesy: fbuk, fotosearch.com)

The Invisible Connections

2010-06-12T23:58:00.002+05:30

Between you and me, something is in common. There has to be something that makes me go back and check out what is going on in your life. What is on your mind? What is it that I can learn from you today?

I know when I would finish reading your piece of writing and would exit your blog, I would take something along with me... a feeling that would probably make me realise that "I am not the only one facing the situation I thought I was". Or may be, an inspiration that tells me that "life is a rainbow..." and then I start enjoying the colours of life - both dark and bright. You have made my day many a times, unknowingly solved a puzzle that I was struggling to solve in my mind.

Dhanyavaad (Thank you), to all of you for your love, support and your wonderful company! Each one of you has created a place in my heart and I cannot put it in words how delighted I am when I hear from you!

I am finding it really difficult to take a few names. Hence, if you have been reading my blog, please accept any one of the below mentioned awards for your blog, as my thanks to you for accompanying me in this incredible journey, for I appreciate the writer in you :)

Wishing you Love and Luck!

The Greener Grass On The Other Side

2010-06-05T23:47:00.009+05:30

Now that most of my friends know that I am not a morning person, it's but obvious that I get a sudden boost of energy as the evenings draw close. And I can't help but wonder if I am the only one who feels like "Man! the day has just begun" at 5 in the evening? Should I be living in the other part of the world? Is it just my bio-clock or I love the dark? (I love the dark!)

Recently, it was one of such evenings when after having a tiring day, I visited my friend's new abode. A world, away from the world. If you don't mind the travelling bit, today in Mumbai you can get homes which don't make you feel like you are in Mumbai. You know what I mean? The more greener and spacious you want your surroundings to be, the farther you should move from the main city. Well, this rule applies to most of the places all over the world.

Though not everyone would live away from the "hub" where the buzz lies in the air! Hence, one of my own ways to be close to nature - I plant plants in the backyard of the place where I live and one of them is almost a middle sized palm tree now (yippee!).

Living close to nature keeps one grounded. The more we allow nature to be a part of our lives, the calmer we feel within. A kind of relaxation that no spa in this world could ever give us.

Still, we are so used to of living the "instant life". Infact, I can't even imagine having to go 5 kms down the road just to buy a carton of milk, rather than making a call to the grocery shop at the foot of the building where I live and place an order for a home delivery. My grandparents have lived that kind of a tough life though, even my parents for that matter. And I love the life of a small town. Are you thinking of my chances of surviving in a small town? Not sure of that. But one thing is for sure, then, the grass would be greener this side, where I am right now with all the luxuries (read necessities) needed to live a simple life!

(Image courtesy: jackrabbithomestead.com, jldfineart.com, ignatz.brinkster.net)

A Beautiful Start To The Weekend

2010-05-08T11:45:00.005+05:30

Yawnnn!!! I am not a morning person, have never been, even though studies and work have been like a strict warden to me over the years. I am an early morning person by routine and never by nature or free will. I don't understand how can people just get up and go for an early morning walk and can come back and not fall on their bed like an injured soldier. I see my neighbours go for work after a jog! I wish I could manage to do that ever. Makes me feel good already. My friends and I mostly get to go during the evenings, so I thought of going to the beach early morning, for a change. And the morning scene is so very different!

Juhu beach is not very far away from my place, a half an hour drive. I have been there many times since I was a kid. The most pleasant memory is of a "Holi" celebration that my family and I had with my father's friends and their family. It was the loudest celebration I experienced in my childhood, was amazing!

Back from the flashback. It was slightly cold and the soft breeze, very relaxing. When I reached the place there weren't many people around. Unfortunately, by the time people started coming and I could actually take some "interesting" pictures, my cellphone's battery went out. Never mind, next time. People were out walking; some alone and some with their pets. I saw children playing football carelessly. The older people had their daily news update sessions among themselves and they were in groups all around the beach. They are the ones who are the daily visitors with a morning walk on their schedule. I also came across many groups of people standing in a circle and laughing their lungs out, laughter club I assumed. I had a nice one hour walk up and down a stretch of the beach. As always, I enjoyed the coconut water and it quenched my soul (natural drinks can work as no artificial ones could ever manage to).

Walking around it felt like "I should be here more often during mornings". After all it's not that hard, once you make up your mind about what you have to do after you wake up. But my eyelids are very obstinate I tell you, especially when they're closed. When they know it's a day off, they refuse to open what-so-ever! However, the calm and the serenity of this place in the wee hours of the mornings cannot be put off for whatever. I hoped to do more good to my senses, as I yawned back home...

The Shoania Saga

2010-04-17T19:21:00.019+05:30

So, there has been yet another breaking news on the channels, which has nothing to do with the common man. The highest ranked female tennis player ever from India - Sania Mirza and the Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik's affair. Few days back when the controversy related to Shoaib being already married to another girl from Hyderabad, was all over the place, there was a certain interest to know "What's going on?". Initially, Shoaib did not want to give a divorce to his "first wife" saying that he is not married at the first place, then we came to know that he went ahead and actually gave her a divorce! Strange!

Viewers are made to believe what is shown to them and most of the news channels over do it. Or should I assume the celebrities themselves are involved in this for publicity. Who knows what's the truth behind the capital-lettered blinking BREAKING NEWS. Sometimes, I pity these celebrities. I was surfing tv channels and stopped by only to see Sania being asked these ludicrously stupid questions - Would you support India or Pakistan post marriage? Would you stop playing for India? How will you cope with the cultural differences? Please! Give her a break and us, a vacation! If she is so madly and hopelessly in love with a guy surrounded by so many ifs and buts, it's totally her decision to marry him or not. Sania would still remain an Icon for the tennis lovers and a pride for Indians. Shoaib would still have his fans in his country cheering for him. The media has had their say, the astrologers have predicted their bit.

Journalism today has reached a point where they cut, cook, garnish and serve the news instead of just showing it as it is. Will this wedding derail the fragile diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan or would the wedding knot play a messenger of peace and friendship? I ask - Is it supposed to? Now that the wedding is done with, why not just let the newly wedded couple be.

Have you ever felt as an audience that the media has overdone it?

Dream Bubbles

2010-04-01T20:33:00.009+05:30

Monuments of history,
Haven’t seen these before.
The soil under my feet,
Doesn’t know me anymore.
Strangers like friends,
Pass back a smile;
A sign that they know
I am here for a while.
The streets from a distance,
Look like an excel-spreadsheet.
A different blue in the sky,
They dance to a different beat.

I am now where I actually am,
My eyes are open now.
Can't believe it was a dream,
I want to be there, but how?
The smiling faces I saw,
The exposure so nice,
Unwilling to let it pass,
To go back - I close my eyes.

Dreams can be magical! They take you where you’ve never been. Moreover, they show you a different view of the world you live in. A glimpse of a long lost loved one, a casual acquaintance or anybody who is a nobody to you! It is very situational. Sometimes dreams are too good to let go. This makes me want to know your experience with dreams.

Have you ever seen a dream that you didn’t want to let go?

(Image courtesy: gypsydance.com)

Sun Smooched!

2010-03-19T21:13:00.014+05:30

I was travelling to my friend's place and it takes about two and a half to three hours to get there by road. My friend and I decided to go there by a three-wheeler and not book a cab, the reason- it's cheaper.

I had lost my well-fed mind, I committed of being there by 3pm! Yes, I accept it was a blunder of a plan to travel in the afternoon time when the sun rays just can't have enough of you. It was burning, barbecuing HOT! I haven't experienced Mumbai being so hot since a long time. May be that's how I fell into the trap. I tried everything while I was on my way- I had shades on, applied sunscreen, I covered my ears with a scarf (I see people doing this in the northern states a lot during summers), that didn't help so I covered up my entire face and hair except for my eyes. Man, I felt weird! Not to mention the hot wind was blowing my mind.

An "autorickshaw" is a vehicle open from both the sides and is easy to travel in because it’s airy, traffic jam friendly, easy to hop on and off and easy on the pocket (I have put up a pic for my friends who don't have an idea of what an autorickshaw looks like). However, during the daytime, nowadays, it is an absolute frying pan with the heat coming from the top for a change. On my way I saw people sipping fresh lime water from the road side stalls and I felt they were so lucky. My friend carried a bottle of coke with her but by the time we felt thirsty it was boiling hot. There was not much traffic on the road, Surprise!

We managed to reach our friend's place and had a good time. After all the heat and sweat, a glass of plain cold water tastes like the ultimate holy drink. I love aerated drinks, fruit juices, smoothies and all of that but nothing, NOTHING can replace water!

By the time it was evening we almost fainted at the thought of travelling back for three hours! This time it was cool because it was evening by now and the thought of the heat didn't scare us that much. Mumbai is a combination city in terms of weather. It is never too cold and never too hot. This day was an exception and may be because I have been used to of staying under the roof during the day time, I felt as if I was standing right "on" the equator! My friend and I pledged not to travel during afternoons, not during this season, to this my friend's mom pulled our leg saying "as if you people were born in Simla" :)

(Image courtesy: amarmur.com, branniganrelo.com)

A Pet or Two

2010-03-09T15:25:00.007+05:30

One cannot be changing homes all the time if one wants to own a pet. This is one of the reasons for me never having one. "Raising a pet is not a joke, one needs to take up the responsibility completely" said my father once. My parents made me understand that it would be like a member of the family and apart from playing with it, there would be a lot more to the idea. Some how we kept on delaying the decision of finally getting one and I am talking of the time when I was say twelvish. I have had my time of analysing options since then- started off with a pup. Then, a parrot. A parrot because our house keeper had a talking parrot and I was very sure of bringing me one too. I would talk endlessly when I would be in "the mood" so may be I liked that side of the green bird (it used to speak Bengali, can you believe that?). However, I took a step back when I was told that it would have to remain caged.

I love the idea of coming back home from work to a loved one (the pet) and you forget all your worries for some time. On the other hand, I have also seen people getting fascinated with the fact of bringing home a "furry friend" and all they think they need to do is to throw some food and walk them around. I guess there must be a lot more to that. It's just like adopting a child. Say if you adopt a human baby, would you return it to the adoption agency if you can't cope with the do's and don'ts and if the experience is not as fun, would you? I would definitely hope not! They must be having their growing up years and their tantrums, health related issues, mood swings and all of that which shouldn't come as a surprise later on. Being aware of what the experience would be like is the key, I guess, once you've finalised on a breed.

Folks have suggested me of pups, turtles, cavies, the good old fish aquariums and so on, but kittens have always topped my list. Not too sure why, may be because I have seen cats at my granny's place since always, may be somethings just don't have a reason to it and this is just one of them. There are a few restrictions to owning one even now but I am to deal with them soon and hopefully play a decent role whenever it is meant to be.

Sitting in my room, sipping a cup of ginger tea, while life "purrs" along.

(Image courtesy: livevideos.co.cc)

Holi Hai !!!

2010-02-27T23:48:00.017+05:30

It's Holi!!! Once again it's that time of the year when people forget all their differences and get together to have fun, spread joy and have a blast with colours!

My favourite has always been the "Gulaal" (may be because it comes off easily) which is a pink coloured powder. Playing with dark colours like brown and black is also fun at times. Some of my folks are really into playing Holi with the automobile grease! Applying oil on the face and hair makes that painful post Holi bath less troublesome.

When I was a kid, water balloons used to be my gang's and my favourite apart from the pichkari (water gun) which takes some effort of refilling again and again. We used to throw water balloons on people and run away. I remember hiding in my room so that my neighbours don't put all these outrageous colours on me. I had a tendency of resisting initially, but once if someone managed to put colour on me, I used to be out on a mission to make sure nobody in my neighbourhood is left out uncoloured.

How can I forget the sweets! I have a spicy tooth but I enjoy eating sweets during festivals. "Gujiya" (kind of a stuffed pastry) being the main sweet of this spring festival is so very yummy. A glass of "Thandai" is what a thirsty soul needs to re-charge itself and get back to enjoy the rest of the bash. Food is always a reflection of celebration so as always there would be a lavish dinner to end the celebration with a bang!

Some old songs are never that old. The unofficial Holi anthem- "Rang Barse" from the movie "Silsila" is a must-play on Holi, listen to it here.

The children in my locality have already started celebrating. Me, being on the other side of the fence now, have to watch out for those water balloons! But it's fun and I am loving the sounds of merriment and having lot's of fun already.

Can't wait for the riot of colours to begin...

Happy Holi !!!

Why Not Kill The Karma?

2010-02-23T19:35:00.007+05:30

'Karma' or originally known as 'Karam' is a deed. It's an eastern religious concept that links what we experience in the present to our actions in the past and we are supposed to perform good deeds to earn good Karma. Somewhat similar to the famous quote- "As you sow, so shall you reap".

But I already know all of this and most of us do. "What Goes Around Comes Around", that was a nice hummable song! I have been knowing the importance of earning good Karma on a daily basis from people around. Almost every Hindi movie is based on this very idea- Karam. As an audience, I love to see the villain punished for his/her bad deeds and for me, the protagonist has to be "Karma Conscious". The point is how strictly can we follow this concept, or better, how much are we in a position to follow it practically? For instance, when we have a chance to take a revenge, don't we? Easier said than done though, can't we just let go?

Irrespective of the harm caused to us, forgiving unwillingly is a task and is very heart wrenching. Let me try and explain the exact feeling in one word- Claustrophobic! On the other hand, cursing, abusing is so comforting. Nevertheless, ten years down the line I don't want to wonder if the silly grudge was worth a space in my heart at the first place.

Let's consider some examples-

If you pay your taxes on time, what's the big deal if you do not donate or participate in the works of charity ; INR 500 a month is not going to get an orphan a master's degree. I don't have to help my neighbours just for the sake of it, unless I am promised back a favour. I can see that my colleague is over-loaded with work. He is a good friend but when it comes to work, man I am a "professional". I don't want to sit back and help him because that's not my job. So what if some goons are misbehaving with a fellow passenger, I don't want to get into trouble and who's got the time to answer the cops?

How Beasty! Stepping into someone else's shoes (even if it's not of our size) makes us relate to the situation perfectly. It's a human tendency to avoid "extra baggage", but I am sure we would have a different opinion if we would have been the one who needs help, that is where the beasty point of view gets a spank..... Ouchh!

Smelling The Roses

2010-02-14T17:49:00.006+05:30

When every expression however deep or shallow it is, has the conveniency of being expressed through an emoticon, a hand written letter has most chances of being considered outdated. In case of a long-distance hook-up, what would be more quick than a text message, right? Question: How long did your last relationship last? Don't answer. I am just plain curious to explore to what extent can the mode of communication effect our relationships. Some say, as long as things are genuine at both the ends, it hardly matters. I do agree to this, although "instant access" can sometimes play a devil, ask me (later). After all, they don't say "too much of anything is bad" for nothing!

I have spent my growing up years in different parts of the country and speaking of friends, I have been blessed with knowing the joy of being able to maintain connections by sending and receiving cards and letters. It used to make my day. As time passed by, I graduated to using emails, chat, sms and all that is there today. No doubt, it is quick which is a necessity in today's times. However, when I look for the "charm factor" in all of this, I feel sometimes receiving a physical letter from your loved one is more enchanting than an email in the "arial" font: click--sent--click--received. Keep today, delete tomorrow, what say?

Instant noodles, instant coffee, speed dating is such a culture. I would not deny, the first two are my all time favourites, although the last one never found a place in my head. I hope I am not sounding like a 19th century bachelorette, but my preferences include the best of both the worlds. This is exactly what I mean to share here. Just as we plant roses and want them to grow fast and we want them to bloom and look beautiful asap we can also stop by to smell them and experience all that they've got to offer us, all that simplicity of life has got to offer us.

P.S: Roses remind me today is Valentine's Day! Lots of love to everyone!

Sick!!!

2010-02-08T14:59:00.004+05:30

Right! That's bad. We can't lead our normal life, we can't hangout with friends, dance and swimming is way out of question. Its funny how we tend to think of things that are completely opposite of what we are expected to do. And it feels like a mini hibernation. But I have come across the time of sickness as a time of self-exploration. I can do things that I would otherwise not get to do due to the hustle and bustle of my daily routine. Watching movies and my favourite sitcoms I missed out on, reading my half-read novel and I can go on.

As a child when I used to fall sick, my otherwise over-enthusiastic and energetic personality used to change to a quiet one because more than the illness, what used to bother me were the sounds of my friends playing games downstairs the building and it was almost like a curse because I couldn't be a part of the chaos.

But as time passed by, I realised we can take over the little time that we are sick, as a "me time" and we can do that without cribbing. We can try avoiding getting sick by adopting several measures but sometimes we just can't stop it from happening. In the midst of bitter medicines and the time that refuses to pass by as it used to, I also got to know how much my loved ones care for me.

Although I am doing alright, I've been making it a point to take out some "me time", and that really helps. Playing a sport, playing the musical instrument that was nicely packed and kept in the topmost shelf of my cupboard and was waiting to be of some use, catching up with friends...it can be just anything. Because as I understand, if we proactively do not keep some time aside for ourselves, then nature makes sure that we do it.

Mart - ography

2010-02-01T00:43:00.006+05:30

"Half a dozen oranges for this much?" I mean, I know it's a Mart...and what a Mart! But still...okay fine whatever! So, I was there to buy some groceries. I normally specialise in garments, shoes and yes bags too but groceries are not my area of expertise. This place is a bit far off my place but if it is about shopping, I am all for it! The staff was well trained and the merchandise nicely kept all over the place. I headed towards the fruits section as it looked less crowded.

I was selecting my favourite fruits like strawberries, grapes and yes not to mention oranges and I saw a teenager who looked "lost in a wonderland". Just for now, let me call him the "wander boy". He looked confused with an empty shopping cart. He was picking up fruits from display, reading the label and carefully keepin'em back. May be he was window shopping fruits! Or may be he was plain surprised at the prices, just like me. My cart was half full of fruits by now and I headed towards the veggies that looked nicely packed, fresh and clean. After a while, I saw the wander boy juggling with the purple and green cabbage and in the process of mastering the art, it found its way to a fellow shopper's cart... Oops! It was an old lady's and she looked furious. I hope all went well with him and the cabbage after that. I went towards the cosmetics section looking for a lip balm. I picked up my regular one and the salesgirl in charge pointed towards the other brand and rudely said "this is the same as the one you've picked, try this". I smiled and said "thanks, but I like this one" and she gave me a rude expression. I turned around and didn't care, I knew these people have targets.. Targets! I know what's that. Would talk about my connection with targets later.

I was done with my shopping and I finally headed towards the main counter and saw a celebrity standing in front of me. My instant reaction to myself was "I saw him last night on a reality TV show" (and yes he was looking cuter in reality) but nobody around bothered him. I guess we Mumbaites are so used to having celebrities all around us that the whole demigod concept doesn't exist anymore. Every now and then we keep figuring out the familiarity of a seemingly known face.

With my shopping bags and a last minute purchase-a cola (to have on my way back home) I left the mart, while thoughts of the strange experiences flashed in my mind at the speed of light, just like they show a quick flashback in the movies...the old furious lady, the snappy salesgirl, the cute celebrity in a boy-next-door look and yes the ultimate wander boy..I WONDER what he bought.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

2010-01-22T23:12:00.010+05:30

If I am beautiful to the core, will my indiscipline be forgiven? If I am thoroughly intelligent, will my ugly looking braces and balloonish body not come in my way up the success ladder?

The other day I was traveling in a B.E.S.T bus, back from a day’s work and I happened to overhear a conversation (I know that’s bad manners but they couldn’t help their voices and I couldn’t help my boredom!) of two people sitting behind me who seemed to be friends. The girl was upset at how things didn’t work for her marriage as her “could be relatives” were looking for a combo-offer! i.e. the habits of a home-maker and the looks of a model. The guy sitting next to her reacted to this as a threat and retaliated saying “So what? Aren’t you people also looking for a hunk with a cash-making machine?”. Me, being a non-contributing part of the conversation-cum-debate-cum-quarrel, smiled and thought of the answers my fellow passengers had raised to each other.

The hype surrounding “looks” is too exaggerated. Now common, I love my family because of thousands of reasons, other than how they look! We as an audience, consumers.. need to understand that the nature of some professions demand good looking people, where their looks are as important as their performances. For the rest of them, it doesn’t matter whether their employee is a “Monroe” or a “Presly” lookalike!

Its the end of a relaxful day, but not over yet. I better leave my pc alone. As I wrap up to have a leisure walk before I am off to sleep, comes my neighbour’s little one crawling and demanding attention! It doesn’t matter to him how sleepy my eyes look or how many merits have I gained at work.. Just a smile and he is happy. Before I’ll leave, I’ll make sure, I don’t forget to put that thing on my face that makes everyone look beautiful.. a Smile. And no make-up or accessory could come anywhere close to a smile’s competition. With a smile on, I don’t care what the "mirror on the wall" thinks of me.. I got my answer :)