Gyan from a four year old!

The other night when I was taking my LO to brush her teeth, this is what followed...

LO: Mamma, I do not want to brush my teeth tonight, please...
Me: No, that is not right. We need to brush every night otherwise the germs will come and eat the leftover dinner from your teeth.

After a seconds hesitation..
LO: Mamma I think germs are good.
Me: Why *suprised*
LO: Because if they eat it it from the teeth then there is no need to brush..

And then I am quite stunned to speak for a few moments afterwards, And believe me I am not the one to be at a loss for words with anyone. So it looks like my daughter is really taking after me!!

Bubba Talks

Bul means Blue
Chawberry -mean Strawberry
Muddy cuddles - Muddy puddles
Wooter -  means Water

The other day she asked me which is my favourite color..As I was busy I distractedly said Orange.
Then a week before my birthday when her dad asked her what present we should give Mamma..she immediately responded, "Mamma likes orange present!"

On my birthday I asked her "Where is my present?"
"It's hiding in the bedroom. "
She took me to the room, I knew there was no present. So I made a sad face and said "I want my present"!
"It's hiding in the shop. Ok? Don't be sad. We will go and get your present."

I always intimidate her by mentioning about monsters when she doesn't listen to me. The other day when I tried the same tactic she says "Mamma, don't say that. I get scared. I feel sad. I love you Mamma"

Her best friend's name is Sai. I told her we will go with Sai and Meenu to Peppa pig world in the coming weekend. "Mamma, me and Sai go on the Peppa Pig car, there is no place for Meenu chechi"

Turning 3!

How you have grown
Has it already been three years?
It only seems like yesterday when I nuzzled my nose
Against your tiny feet

How snugly you used to fit in my arms
With your tiny fingers wrapped around me
I miss your baby smell and the gurgling sounds
And still remember that first smile!

And now you seem ready to take on the world
Rushing ahead of me everywhere with your tiny feet
So eager to explore, touch and feel
Questioning the ways of the world

Yes your questions..
Sometimes amuse me and bring a smile to my lips
And other times leave me in wonder
Makes me realise "Right answer may not be right always"!

Like when yesterday you asked "Mamma, what's on the moon?"
I was stumped for a second, Should I tell the truth?
And see the disappointment in your face
Or should I try to be imaginative as you are!?

I can see that independent streak in you
You remind me of myself in so many ways
I hope I can keep that fire burning in you
Make sure there is always wind below your wings

But for now darling
How much ever you say "I become big" 
You will always be my litte one.
Happy Birthday my sweetie pie!! 

All for Cancer Research!

Dear Friends,

I am participating in the Race for Life 5K to be hed in Croydon on 13th Jul.

Please make your contributions by visiting
https://www.justgiving.com/sumeetmolvasavan/

Many thanks for your support.

SK

Karwa Chauth

Yes I know it was sometime back in Oct and I don't even remember the date! Does that make me a bad wife? There were many ladies (my neighbors) who were celebrating it with much fanfare and were all decked up and sending messages on WhatsApp.. asking if anyone had seen the moon yet!? Don't you find it contradictory (I actually found it funny) that women who are well-versed with the latest technologies, still believe in such age old custom?

Seeing all the hullabaloo surrounding it my husband told me with a smirk on his face "Look at all those women.. doing so much for their husband!?, Why did not you do it?". And that irritated me and prompted me to ask him " Did you ever keep a fast for me?". Am I treading on land mines here!?

Isn't cooking, cleaning, washing, working and I am sure there are loads more that I have missed here enough to prove your love? Now do I also have to fast on top of all this!?

I know I must have irked a lot of pati-vrata women out there by now. But I really do not believe in this bourgeois mentality of fasting for a husbands long life. Yes women used to fast in the old days and they had strong reasons to..men used to goto war.
Yes men goto war even today and spending a day at the office is more bloody too than the good old days.

I am religious to an extent but do not believe in all of the rituals.

Curiosity - 55 Fiction

She always sat at the same spot and he could only glimpse her pair of rainbow colored sandals.

His curiosity had been piquing, he got up and strode towards her, all eyes upon those legs.  He fell across the stool onto the floor on all fours with a bang. He looked up, she was gone.

100 Words on Saturday – 7

I knew it was my last day there

When did I grow up?
 Why only I have to leave?
Is it the end
Or a new beginning?

What kind of a love is this?
 that needs me to leave
My old Loves behind..
 But do I have to?

As I walk down the steps
 I am hesitant
Now that the day has come
 I don't want to!

As I look back at him
 Blurry eyed
Can see him smiling
 With tears in his eyes.

As he walked towards me
 Hugged me, Blessed me
Whispered in my ears "Be happy, Always"
 I knew it was my last day there

100 Words on Saturday – 6

By the time Diya looked up from her desk all she could see were empty cubicles.  Looking at the parking area from her 6th floor window a sense of foreboding came upon her.

She quickly took her purse and started towards the lift. As the elevator landed she ran towards her car, banged the door shut, was about to start the engine when she heard a banging at the window.  

She hesitated but speeded away.

As the man stood holding her purse he was sad but not bewildered to see such paranoid reaction from women every once in a while.

Zindagi

Haan Zindagi tho kat jaaegi
 Kuch haste, kuch rotein
Lekin jeena tho usko kehte hain
 Jo har pal jiyein

Kabhi dekha hai aasmaan mein udte parindo ko
 kabhi socha hai kaise lagta hoga
Pankh phailan kar khule aasmaan mein udna
 Dhalte hue Suraj ki roshni mein kho jaana

Pehli baarish ki boondon ka
 Mitti mein mil jaana
Unki dheemi dheemi khusbhu
 Mein kho jaana

Phoolon ka malmal
 Chehre par sahlana..
Haan issi ko tho
  Kehte hai Jeena mere dost!

Touch 01.

If I could have anyone I choose as my 'forever friend'/ 'life partner' , I would choose...

My husband. Yes, to whom I have been married for six years now. And have known him for more than eight years and maybe more because I feel like I have known him forever. Yes, how could I have not known him!? He is like my twin soul. We are alike in so many ways but very different at the same time.

Yes we compliment each other. Wherever I am weak he is strong and vice versa.

He lets me know in very firm words if my head is floating very high up in the clouds and helps me in keeping my feet firmly on the ground. At the same time he himself will be the first one to let me know if I deserve to be in the clouds for sometime...:)

He helps me in his own little ways. Encourages me to achieve more. Guides me out of the jungle of Life when I am lost in the woods of sorrow. Helps me in seeing the light through the hazy shadows of lies and deceit. And the most important thing "I can just be just myself".

He is not perfect but neither am I. But can you imagine how boring life would be if we all were perfect?

I love him for all that he is and not. And wouldn't change this relationship for anything else in the world.

Is this what they call Selfless Love?

Today I came across a beautiful poem and really loved it, hence thought of putting it down here.........

Your children are not your children. 
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. 

They come through you but not from you, 
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you. 

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, 
For they have their own thoughts. 

You may house their bodies but not their souls, 
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. 

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. 
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

~Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Before we decided to have our little one I always used to think of "how will my baby grow up?", "Will he/she turn out OK?", "What if he/she turns into an evil person?". Oh yes! I used to think all this and more!

But the day I set my eyes upon her I fell head over heels in love with her. It was the type of love  where in I loved her innocence, her tiny hands and feet, her long yawns, the twinkle in the eye.

I don't think I will be hurt if her views are not the same as mine. If the dreams I saw for her are not the same as what she dreams of. If she does not turn out to be the perfect person that I wanted her to be. If her interests are not the same as mine.

I can already see the little person in her. Being ever inquisitive, funny, cheeky and gorgeous.

I will love her for the person that she is and not what I wanted her to become.

I know we are going to have our share of disagreements as she grows up but I hope I will remember this in those times too!

Is it O2 or a birthday cake!!

A two year old can fire your imagination. I realised this when we took our bubba to the O2 dome (Millenium Dome) over the weekend. Those of you who have not seen it below is a picture of the same.

photo credit: http://www.americanahotel.co.uk/media/photos/o2a.gif

Now as soon as we got out of the car my little one started singing "Happy Birthday to you.. Happy Birthday to you". It took me a moment to realize that she had actually pictured the dome as a big birthday cake and the support poles on the top were the candles and hence the birthday song. Yes it brought a smile to my lips too... :)

Even though I had seen the building a thousand times before I never pictured it that way!

And in a way it got me thinking how I have lost the child in me. Kids find even the smallest of things very interesting and look at everything around them with curiosity. They actually bring a fresh perspective into this world. I just hope I can keep the fire of imagination burning in her and maybe that will kindle back mine too.

My thoughts...

This has been plaguing my mind for quite some time now. Whenever I see mothers who have left their jobs to look after their little ones at home, I do feel a twinge of guiltiness seeping into my heart.. thinking whether I did the right thing.

Am I a bad mother in leaving my bubba at the nursery at only 1 year of age?
Will my bubba turn up fine when she grows up?
Is she missing something by me not being able to spend more time with her?

I must say I and my bubba did struggle a lot in the initial stages..she was falling sick quite frequently...I could not leave her at the nursery with the image of her crying stuck in my heart.

The pressure and guilt became so much that I left my job and spent time with her so that she can get used to the nursery and once I felt that she is happy I looked for another job a bit closer to home. Luckily I got one that gave me enough flexibility in working hours and holidays.

And I must say that now she actually looks forward to going to the nursery. She enjoys the company of the staff and other kids of her own age. She is doing lots of activities and learning a lot too.
And I am also happy in the sense that my bubba is happy and being looked after well and I can goto work without worrying about her.

Having studied so hard and devotedly, I also know that I am fiercely independent, not working is not an option for me. I just hope I am setting up a good example for her.

But still that guilt nags me and is bleeding my heart little by little....

( I know I have rambled on as usual...but then I have got a valid reason to do so as its Free Write day on Write Tribe )

Awakening

Atlast I have decided to awaken by blog from its deep slumber of about 2.5 years!!

A lot has happened in my life since then...the most important one being.. I have a 2 year old daughter now!
Yes my bubba is very naughty and keeps me on my toes whole day. And by evening I just want to lie down and sleep

peacefully. But now my hands are itching to write..as she is two now, I do get sometime (read nil) to do my stuff.

And hence the first thing that I want to do is pen my thoughts, my day, my life, just anything on my blog.

So watch this space..here I come!

Summer evenings in Bhuj!

I do not know why but these days I have got very nostalgic. I am thinking back to the good old days of my life. Its not that now I am unhappy or anything but it just made me realise how being "in the moment" we sometimes forget that "this is the moment". Many of us and of course including me forget to appreciate the "present" and always look for the future. And even when we do come at "that future" we still keep on looking into the future! Ah! I know I have confused you now!

Like about a few months back when we were in Italy and mesmerised by its beauty, all I was thinking was "I wanna come back to this place and soak in its beauty and culture." I had to remind myself that "Well, you are here NOW, so enjoy it"

I have stayed all over India. Actually mostly the North West parts like Bhuj, Deolali, Ambala, Chandigarh, Jhansi,  Nasirabad to name a few :)

The best memories that I have of are Bhuj in Gujarat.  The warm and breezy summers of Bhuj during which once me and  my brother flew the kites at the back of our house. The big Magnolia tree at the back which was always in full bloom  during the summer. In the evening when I used to sit at the dining table for studying, I always used to sit facing the window through which I could see the magnificient tree and the slanting rays of the sun falling through its leaves and flowers on to the ground. And the cacophony of the birds coming back to their nests for the night. 
Ah! It seems like I am back there on that chair by the window. The bright and exquisite flowers are looking more colorful by the rays of the sun falling on it in the evening. The sky is too a plethora of colors made by the setting sun. And I can see the dark outlines of the birds hovering over the tree. I always used to be mesmerised by that sight and could not read even a line in my book untill the sun had set and it was all dark outside.

Seven Personal Heroes: Cafe Writing July 2010

“I’m kind of hooked to the game of art and literature; my heroes are artists and writers.”
– Jim Morrison
As part of the July 2010 project, Cafe Writing prompts:
In improvisation, one of our exercises is a game called “Seven Things,” in which we go around in a circle giving each other the challenge, “Give me seven things that [whatever].” We are not going to go around in a circle here, but if you’re drawn to lists, this prompt is for you.
Give me seven of your personal heroes. These can be public figures, or personal acquaintances. Have fun with it. As always, explanations are welcome, but not obligatory.
Whenever one hears the word 'hero' being mentioned in a conversation it is usually about someone who fought in a war, or the one 'very brave', or the numerous scientists, explorers and it could go on! But for me this list is going to be very personal. I believe just striving through the various ups and downs in life requires so much braveness and tenacity. I have so many people in my life to whom I can look upto and be inspired. They are the ones whom I have seen sad, happy, lost, celebrating, fighting, making things happen with their never-dying spirit and ever loving and caring.

In no way can I just come up with seven names because there are so many more ...

1. My dad, I have always looked upto him since I was a child. And awed and inspired by his thoughts and his resoluteness. He inspired and guided me to follow my dreams. He once told me whatever you do, wherever you go I am there for you...always. He taught me to learn from my mistakes. I love you Dad.

2. My mom, for being always there for me. Even though we have our share of fights we love each other a lot. For her I am still the little girl who doesn't know a thing about the world! :)

3. My grandmother, for telling me all those bedtime stories, for being so active and for giving into my tantrums! I miss you grandma..

4. Krishna, my soulmate, my strength. I have learnt so much from you.

4. My bestEST friend Reshma, for showing me the illuminated path. Giving into my demands and all those wordly advices. Just for being there for me and for understanding me.

5. My teachers in school and college.. I can't name all of them here. Thanks for having faith in me and encouraging me.

6. Jeba, my good friend. For showing me what friends are really for and what friendship means. And for being my companion in those lonely days in Bangalore. She is a star.

7. Muth aunty. She was what I wanted to be like when I grew up. I think that sums it up. :)

New Year Musings..

I know I have neglected my blog for a long time now, but what's better than to start blogging again in the New Year :) I know that's a bad excuse for not writing more. If we really want we can consider every day like a 'new' day. To start things afresh, its very much similar to 'today is the first day of the rest of your life'.

Everybody waits for the new year to arrive to make resolutions which most of them break promptly on the first day itself. And for those who do manage to carry on with their resolutions, after a while other commitments like work and family take over and the resolutions are forgotten. For some they just lose the enthusiasm with which they started the New Year.

I don't believe in New Year resolutions. First of all I don't understand why people have to wait till the New Year to make resolutions. For me its as and when I feel the need to change something in my life. I don't have the patience to wait if I feel I need a change Now.

For all those who have kept New Year resolutions I wish you the strength to carry it till the end of this year and if possible for the rest of your lives.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A great start to October!!

The October weekend of 11th and 12th least to say was 'Victorian'* and 'Star Studded'**.
To understand the opening statement you have to read this post :)

The 11th!

I don't know whats it with me and the Tudor dynasty. First I got a chance to watch the movie 'The Other Boleyn Girl' about four months back. This movie details the life of Anne Boleyn who became the ill fated second wife of Henry VIII of England. About a month later I visited Hever Castle where Anne Boleyn grew up. And then on the 11th I got an opportunity to visit Warwick Castle which came into the possession of Henry VIII through inheritance.

On the 11th I with my family was invited to an event organised by my company. It was an all day event being held at Warwick Castle* which is in the county Warwickshire, overlooking the river Avon. It became a popular tourist attraction after being purchased by the The Tussauds Group and many corporate events are held there now.

I was awake at five in the morning looking at the clock and trembling with excitement thinking about the day ahead! By seven we all were seated in the coach. Thus the long drive of two and half hours commenced. Initially I was unable to take in the beauty of the countryside because of the foggy morning, but later on as the day progressed and as the rays of the sun pierced through the fog dispensing it, I was able to admire the shires of England.

We reached the castle around ten. After having a sumptuous breakfast we proceeded to explore the castle. We explored many parts of the castle...
The State Rooms

Wonderfully decorated in silk curtains, with coffered ceiling. The rooms have a royal look with upright sofas, paintings of the Earls who inherited the castle. It displays the family's most prestigious possessions.

Guys Tower & Caesar's Tower

We got wonderful views of the surrounding areas from the top of these towers. Yes, of course it was built so that the archers would get a good view of any approaching enemy troops.

The Curtain Walls

I would call them the 'iron walls' surrounding the castle constructed with fortified bricks for its protection. It also has walkways on it.

The Dungeon
This was creepy. It had a very narrow passageway with a very small window, with very less light in the room. After all this was the place where the prisoners were held.

The Chapel

The Mill and Engine house

One can get a demonstration of how the power of River Avon was used in early days for electricity.

Victorian Rose Garden & The Peacock Garden

The Ghost Tower
Here it is said that this tower is haunted by the ghost of Fulke Greville who was stabbed to death by his manservant. This is now home to the attraction "Warwick Ghosts Alive" which tells the story of how he was murdered using live actors and scary props.

The castle also features one of the world's largest siege engines 'The Trebuchet'.

The lunch included a variety of items for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike. Thanks to 'Chennai Dosa' who were the caterers of the event.

After the lunch we were so stuffed that we spent some time beside the lake watching the swans and peacocks and the birds of prey.

There were various activities being held around the castle like archery, sword fighting..

By five thirty we were back in the coach travelling back to the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving behind the Victorian era.

By the time I reached home it was nine, my legs were so tired of walking all day long that I fell asleep the moment I hit bed.

The 12th!

The next day dawned and with it the feeling to be with the stars!! No guesses?? Ahem, the stars** Mohanlal, Mukesh, Jagadeesh, Vineeth, Swaraj Venjaramoodu, Jyothirmayi and Lakshmi Gopalswami had arrived here in Croydon with the sole purpose of entertaining us! ;)

Mohanlal is a two time national award winning actor,and producer, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001. This was Mohanlal's first Europe Stage Show.

The show was organised by the Parayil Group. The show was more music and comedy-oriented with some amazing performances from Swaraj, Mukesh and Jagadeesh which left many of us twitching in our seats with laughter.

Mohanlal sung beautifully, solo and a few duet.

Jyothirmayi and Vineeth gave some wonderful dance performances traditional and modern. The finale of the show was a foot tapping number sung by Mohanlal and Afzal.

Thus came to an end the weekend which was full of nostalgia, action, fun and lots of laughter.

Morning Muse

Lying on the bed
I squint my eyes
Through the gleaming rays of the sun
To catch the ever elusive time

I realise
Its already too late
By this time
I should have been at the gate

I jolt myself
Out of the bed
Long gone are those
Carefree merry days

Oh! How I wish
I could turn back time
To be vanquished
Of this grime

Sadly I realise
Life must go on
There will be bumps
But I should hold on

As I leave
The warmth of the sheets
I perceive
Its a bright day outside

Dew gleaming
In the bright sun
Ants scurrying
Out of their den

Birds leaving
Their nests
Kids walking to school
In full zest

I look at the time
No more in apprehension
Now I know
My mood can't be dampened

I turn back
To get dressed
With a spring in my steps
A smile on my lips

I am strong
I will be out of this gloom
I say to myself as the sun
Peeps into my room

A Rainy Evening

For Cafe Writing: Option Two: Pick Three: “Pick at least three of the following nine words, and write a paragraph, scene, flash-fic, essay, blog entry or poem using them. The words are drop, evenings, glad, mist, motionless, murmur, pallid, rivulets, swoon”. I have chosen seven words.

Pitter-patter pitter-patter
Swish swoosh Swish swoosh

Be it the sound of rain drops falling on the window pane or the wind rustling in the leaves. It brings a sense of peace over me, suddenly I feel all the more closer to nature. The evening which was dull and dark a few moments before had suddenly turned lively with the leaves dancing in the rain as if welcoming the first drops of rain after the summer. I breathe deeply to fill my lungs with the refreshing scent petrichor.

Suddenly I hear a murmuring of voices and see the kids have come out. They run towards one of the many rivulets that have stemmed out of the earth now. Some have paper boats in their hands which they gently lower on to the water and their faces brighten up on seeing the boat moving with the flow of water. They start splashing water on each other.

I don't know how long I stood motionless, bewitched by the resplendence of nature unfolding before my eyes.

As I turn to leave the sky turns a shade darker. A bolt of lightening lights up the evening sky, seconds later it is followed by a deafening thunder. The kids look at each other and I can see fear etched on their faces. They run inside leaving the paper boats which is now being drowned by the spiralling rush of water. The plants are swooning under the weights of the fruits and the heavy rain.

All of a sudden the rain subsides. The sky clears up. As I see the setting sun in a plethora of colours I am glad to have lived one more day.