The finish line. Blog marathon post-31

The month on wheels started with a commitment of writing 31 blogs, one for each day for the month of August. Like a typical marathon, I went on with a lot of vigour, sweat and also few cans of Red Bull. :) As each day passed, relevant topics and their content became increasingly difficult. Sometimes I had ample time to pen down my thoughts, whereas few days had their own challenges drawing my attention to other commitments. My journey of "Blog Marathon" comes to a satisfying end with a lot to celebrate. My page views kept on increasing crossing 10,000 views. Thanks to everyone who liked, commented, shared or even found sometime to read my blog. It certainly feels good when you all relate to my thoughts in one way or the other. I feel connected!

This voyage of us (me and my readers) has been accomplishing. I shared what I strongly felt about relationships and world around, personal experiences, my mood of the day, few of my creations as well as comic strips.

My favourites, not is specific order-

1) Because I am happy, clap along.

2) Infidelity- a season or a reason.

3) Comic strip- marriage-o-logy.

4) You are what you are!

5) Top five things that annoys me.

6) Bollywood 101- Demeaning women. Guest post by Tarunn.

7) Wisdom from mom, a little faith.

8) Marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder.

9) Travelling in airlines through 'her' eyes.

10) And all the blogs where I shared my clay creativity.

A special thanks for liking my comic strips! This is something new I am trying my hands on. My one liners and over the top imagination has got new wings to fly through comics. I giggle as I design the whole concept and conversation. Though its time consuming, but surely my cup of tea.

Also, thanks Tarunn for participating and writing such an awesome guest blog with a strong message! Being a girl, I support it completely.

It has been a brilliant experience and a month to remember. See you all the other side of the coming month!

Cheers,
AJP

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Bollywood 101-Demeaning women. Guest post by Tarunn

Teacher – Today I will tell you a secret recipe for a hit song or movie. Demean women. Treat them as objects and we treat them as a buffet in a plate.

Honey Singh – Understood. Gives me an idea for a super-hit number. How’s this?

Raat ko hoga hungama


Jab chamkega chanda mama


Suit boot ko goli maro


Pehan ke aa jaao pajama

Pajama loose loose


Butter chicken and some booze


Kudiyon ka laga hai buffet


Chaahe jo kar lo choose

(Translated: - Wear loose pajamas, eat chicken, get drunk and then choose whatever girl you wish to)

Teacher – Another improvisation and a great technique is to make obscene adult comedy film. Full cleavage shows and obscene dancing steps and leave the rest for imagination of audience.

Indira Kumar – Fantastic. I am great with word play and I will pay huge money to wannabe actresses to expose. How is this for my creativity?

Teacher – To all my women wannabe stars, there is only one way to get into limelight. Expose, seduce and get your face imprinted on the walls of millions who should think of you every night before they sleep. You should be bigger than Gods for them.

Many – Clap Clap Clap!!

And the Bollywood saga continues where directors/writers/producers have brains below belts. A huge example is Bollywood’s greatest contribution to dictionary, the word “Item Girl”. It clearly shows the level of maturity with which we treat our women. Media does not understand that they have a huge impact on the mindset of people and kids will learn what they see. They would grow up being disrespectful to women and learn to treat them as items. In a country of 1.2 billion people where we have news of rapes and eve teasing by the hour, Bollywood has had a major contribution. There have been debates where Bollywood celebrities have refuted the above statement. Any of the women who have felt unsafe onetime or the other would easily tell them the cheap Bollywood slangs used by loafers to tease. Sadly, a lot of women who don’t respect themselves contribute to this obscenity as well. A sincere suggestion to them is that pornography is legal in many countries and it should serve your purpose of money and satisfaction both.

Below is a 14 minute video which would open your eyes to what Bollywood feeds into the mind of the young and the old. Grow up Bollywood and start respecting women. Grow up because this country was once a symbol of respect for women and now its second most unsafe country for women.

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My favourites from Black and White Era. Blog marathon post - 29

The era of Black and White would always be memorable as you hear unforgettable stories from parents and grandparents. During the time where television was a privilege, people flocked in long queues to the cinemas to experience wonderful stories and beautifully written songs again and again and again. It was a proud moment to mention the number of times someone went to watch a movie. My father still enacts so many of these songs and old scenes, we enjoy it laughing our heads off. These memorable moments are the real gems of life.

These are my top favourites.

1) Kisi ki muskurahaton pe ho Nisar- Anari



2) Har fikr ko dhuen mein udata chala gaya- Hum dono



3) Hum hain rahi pyar ke - Nau Do Gyarah


The list is endless as endless is the love for this golden era. Which ones are your favourites??

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Travelling in airlines through 'her' eyes. Blog marathon post- 28

'Didi this watermelon has dried up. You kept it for quite many days in the refrigerator' my cook giggled while chopping watermelon.

'Just check if it's not rotten.' I smiled and asked.

Phone buzzed.
She received the call.

A silent moment of shock. She shivered as she talked. Tears rolled down her cheeks like flood, breaking all barriers of control.

Her father had expired, leaving behind her mom and three siblings. My cook Lakshmi who is just 21, is the eldest in family. How life changes in a split second? It's unpredictability is nasty, a moment before she smiled teasingly.

I hugged to comfort her in uncontrollable sobs. But nothing can be comforting if you lose someone close.

'Di..I...didn't..meet..my father...since...last two years. So many times...I tried.. I met with an accident..and couldn't travel. Now they (relatives) wont even...wait for me...to see him for final time. My village is 8-9 hours far from Bhubaneswar. Train will...take long. How can...God be so harsh...so harsh.' She mumbled between sobs.

Me and husband (Tarunn) exchanged looks, we knew what we had to do. Everyone deserves to say goodbye to loved ones. We grabbed our car keys and left for airport immediately. It was better to buy ticket directly from counter rather wasting time booking at home.

'Lakshmi do you have an identity card? Call your neighbours in village and tell them to wait for you, not to do cremation.' I said.
'Di I will pick up ID card from home. Don't have balance in phone.'
I gave her my phone. She called all the people she could, yelled and cried. Then, we stopped for few seconds at her home to collect ID proof.

By 9:45 we left from Sarjapur to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. On the way I searched for all the flights available. Best bet was Indigo. Tarunn called Indigo 24/7 customer care for help and briefed them about the situation. He requested to treat it as a special case under emergency. Lakshmi had to reach Bhubaneswar asap, considering a long road travel to her village henceforth after landing. The flight had to depart at 11:45 from Bangalore to Bhubaneswar. As we were travelling in peak traffic hours, it was anticipated that it will take almost one and a half hours to reach airport. Indigo personnel denied us. They kept mentioning the mandatory rule to reach at-least one hour before the check-in.

We kept driving. Lakshmi puked all the way. She was nervous, anxious, scared and insecure.

'Didi, I have never travelled in a plane.' she cracked.
'No problem beta, we will ask for airport assistance. They will help you through the journey. If you need anything, just ask them.' I assured her.
'Didi, will they talk in Hindi?' She enquired.
'Sure. They will.' I said.

Tarunn raced through the empty roads, but we got stuck in bad traffic as well. Finally, we reached at 11:10. We rushed to different counters, asking about flight details. Tarunn requested Indigo folks to let her in on humanitarian grounds.They denied saying rules cannot be changed, boarding had just started for 11:45 flight. Airlines are for people's convenience, if an emergency is also not taken into consideration then what is the purpose of its existence?  Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Air Asia don't fly to that destination. Air India's connecting flight was fully booked. From every where we heard one word 'sorry'. When we wanted someone to help us out! Finally, after requesting a lot to Air India, they accommodated and we bought one ticket for Lakshmi. But it was for connecting flight, Bangalore-Delhi-Bhubaneswar.

We asked a wheelchair for her, as her knee ached. She had met with an accident last year. I explained to her how to read her ticket. She could read Bangalore, Delhi and Bhubaneswar.

'Didi what is 15:15?'
'This means at 3:15 you will land at Delhi.'
'Didi how will I travel alone? I am scared. I don't even understand time written on the ticket. But my father is waiting for me.' she cried.
I made her write all the flight timings so that she feels a little confident. And, I could see it in her eyes.

Her words struck me hard. Airlines in India talk so much about budget travels. How it is for everyone, affordable and for masses. But a small thing like time is also not printed considering the less educated ones? How ironic is that!

'Didi can you not accompany me inside the airport?' she asked.
'I cannot. They don't permit it. Can you see the guy with wheel chair inside? He will assist you until you board the flight. Anything you need, you tell him. Give me a missed call if you want to talk to me regarding anything, I will call back.'

As she went inside. She waved at us saying thank you. We were choked. The policeman asked us to leave, but we couldn't. Our eyes followed her to the counter until her boarding pass was issued. We peeped through the glass stoned. She also knew we were standing far across and that gave her the assurance. I called her on phone and said not to worry at all, be strong.

Then I heard the lady at the counter say, 'You may proceed to gate number 5. Here is your ID card.'
The wheel chair guy came near the glass separating us and him. Through a small opening he asked, 'Can she walk a little just to climb the stairs for flight. I asked her, but she didn't reply.'

'Yes she can. But can you communicate in Hindi to her and request everyone to do the same?' Tarunn explained.
'Yes yes, why not.' he replied.
Being in India we have to request people to speak in Hindi! It is a huge satire on us!

As I write, Lakshmi must be travelling. I am not calling her as she might be on roaming. But, my thoughts are with her-
Will her family wait for her?
Will she say final goodbye to her father?
Is she fine?
What she must be going through?

I have no answers to them. All I can do is pray to Almighty to give her courage. And, all I know is, today me and Tarunn did what best we could do in our capacity.

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The Mask. Blog marathon post-27

Another one of my clay-to-mania. :) Masks are a symbol of joy and festivity. And, I love them! Making this was fun. Though a lot of finishing and firing remains. But, the restless me cant wait to post it. Making this reminded me of my all time favourite movie "The Mask" featuring Jim Carey and hottie Cameron Diaz. A mask is most people's secret wish-list to be able to break all chains and dance like no tomorrow. Hope you liked my clay mask. I too wish it gets some powers and comes alive to make me live in another world.

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Comic strip- Astro #Fail. Blog marathon post- 26

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Comic strip- Marriage-o-logy. Blog marathon post-25

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Top five things that annoy me. Blog marathon post- 24

Few things I rant about that annoys me to the core. I don't mind swaying an electric racket bug zapper for fixing them up, ha!

Bad feet or footwear

Okay, so this is very annoying. People who don’t maintain their feet in a prim and proper way, or wear clumsy footwear are a big turn offs for me. To mention, I lose my attention in what they say, like digital footprint (in literal sense :)), the image is glued and runs like a breaking news! No matter how hard I try, they replicate the All out commercial for me. 

Don’t you get bored?

This question is a BIGGGG mood swinger. I treat it like a personal comment which is downright rude. I am totally unapologetic if I have drifted away from few acquaintances because of this. People who have least interest in their life, but are always nudging in others- please take a break! For record, I am too proud to announce that I am far more talented than you perceive. Bored? Well, that’s completely out of question. Fellas, you gotta stay with me to understand how my day flies. :) And remember, if you are busy then so is the other person! RESPECT what people do in their own little ways.

People who create a havoc in relationships just for their own selfish reasons and future secretive plans

I have seen age old strong relationships break like glass. Relationships built on a rock solid foundation, love, care, and sharing the inner most feelings are bygone just because of some insensitive ego centric fool, who just wants to prove their point! They hurt with their actions, their sick thinking and words! Then it becomes difficult for me to get back into I-like-you-mode. And, the best part is that they are not even apologetic for what they did and are at peace. Isn’t it funny? After drifting apart everyone they remain in good books of many. Relationships are not about this, it’s about understanding others point of view and try to be in their shoes.

Disturbing elements during movie

A complete spoiler. People have this habit of tapping chair from behind. What’s wrong with them? Such people should be banned! All the cinemas should have big banners reading (and mocking), ‘Are you a seat knocker? Yes, then get knocked off!’

Question banks

Some people seriously have this irritated habit of asking series of questions like a tennis match. Just like Paresh Rawal’s role in Judai. Watch this video to laugh and cry at the same time, if you have one such person in your life. :P

Carrying the sun sign of BULL, these definitely acts like a teaser red cloth. :P

Issued in public interest! :D

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Things often asked to an artist. Blog marathon post- 23

If you are an artist, you truly have a wonderful gift caressed and cherished throughout lifetime. I sometimes wonder, if many people actually understood art/artists well. It appears they don’t!! Few of the things often asked as requests/innocence/mock or in whichever way are sometimes extremely hilarious or sometimes proper insult.

To a guitarist

‘I am throwing a party (birthday party of my kid) at my place, you have to be there and yes don’t forget to get your guitar. You will be star of the evening.’

‘You don’t even have to tune your guitar, we know nothing. Whatever you play would be good to our ears. Just play.’

You will often hear requests like ‘Who let the dogs out’, Justin Bieber etc.. Justin Bieber??? You can’t be serious!!

To a painter

‘Gosh you are such a gem! This one is awesome, can you make one for us too. We are shifting in our new place and what better house warming gift from a dear friend.’

‘You are very good with colour combinations, can you suggest something unusual for the rustic look to go with for our living area.’

‘Can you make me learn how to paint this one? Of course master strokes will be yours only to give that classy touch!’

And there would be free-loaders who would want to take your paintings for free.

To a writer

‘Can you proofread my document, just check there are no grammatical errors.’

‘Can you please suggest a nice punchline for a website I am launching, you have a great vocab. It will be a cake walk for you to come up with something nice.’

‘Please read through and give an honest opinion. Do you think I have it in me to be a writer?’

‘What do you do all day? Aren't you bored? All you have to do is just write and you can do it part time with some decent job.’

To a singer

‘Please sing for us, we can’t let you go like this. Only 2 lines please, my daughter would be very happy to hear you sing.’

Even if the artist has a bad throat he/she has to sing in a cracking voice for their fans, friends and family. 

I remember in one of the awards, Dhanush won debut award for Ranjahana and was asked to sing ‘Kolavari di’. Humbly and innocently he said ‘I am too bored of it’. Still he was persistently insisted and finally hummed couple of lines. :)

To a Chef

‘Your spouse is so lucky to have you. Every time great culinary experience! Do you often cook at home as well?’

‘Can you tell me the secret ingredient in this recipe, it tastes divine?’

‘We will love to come over for dinner. Who wants to miss being at a Chef’s play station.’

 For an artist, their profession is more of visual, culinary, literary, performing arts, etc. Artists don’t like 9-5 jobs. They are moody, passionate and think from their hearts. They love creating things, but only to satisfy their own hunger pangs and not necessarily for making money or decorating other people lives. Support them without cracking a deal with them!

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Cotton balls. Blog marathon post -22

A bed of ocean,
sometimes
a snowy mountain,
sometimes
a beautiful painting.
How spectacular you are!

Cotton balls spread out in the territory of their own. Defining and redefining. Squeezing, flying, changing hues and disappearing. Without the scare of loosing their identity, vouching boldly. Always recreating a soulful experience.

A playground of the Almighty. Dynamic and sensational, yet ever changing. Depicting breath taking formations! Are you a reflection of God's mood for the day? :)

I am filled with tranquillity, dipped in the intoxication of nature! Let it sink in completely. Keep me amazed with your moves! :)

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Social Networking Syndrome. Blog marathon post-21

It’s an OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)! You lack controlled behaviour.

How to know you are falling into the trap or developing it like a parasite? Few eye openers to help in identifying if in a state of denial. As much as technology is a life saviour, it can even become an obsession!

Just in a middle of work, you open Facebook to check updates. It normally happens just when you start your work and then you loose focus on tasks to be finished during the day.

In cafeteria, while gulping food down, you don’t let your taste buds take control as you are busy checking Whatsapp, Facebook or Twitter.

How often does it happen that you logged in just to check a deal or update, instead end up watching some shared video and other related tabs? These related tabs are the ones which have power of advertising bounded with your likes and dislikes to try and keep you on that page for as long as possible. Before you know it, you are in a never ending maze of things you love and compel you to see more and more. Then a sudden realization hits you an hour past but either you give a damn and continue to watch or sink into a guilt trip.

In middle of an important conversation with a friend, you lose eye contact as your phone buzzed. Somehow checking that notification overwhelms you and conversation becomes less important.

Reading an interesting book and having a craving to check Whatsapp or Facebook?

Posted a new photo or status update or anything you wanted to share, your entire day goes for a toss checking updates million times, smiling away to glory on comments and number of likes. Your frequency of logging in is more than usual.

Disable Facebook app from your smart phone

Keep it light. It should not give you any notifications on what friends are posting (may be enable only for few special friends), prompting you to reply asap, sometimes within seconds. Make it a habit to just log in through your system only once in a day for few minutes. If you follow it even for seven days, I can assure you will get over this addiction and temptation. Facebook is to connect with all, not to live your life on it. Let’s not make it a hobby. There is so much more to learn rather than updates of what’s going on with your friends, who made new friends or who drifted apart. No Facebook app on phone, no notifications buzzing your phone and drawing your attention from the work you are doing. It’s for leisure, don’t make it a treasure. Ha, what a rhyme! ;)

Start saying no

Your first step is to start saying no. No to things that lure you like lucrative offers behind a showroom. If you are in a middle of something very important, no matter how many calls or notifications you get, you can always be courteous and tell your friends that you will call back later, and they will understand.

Appreciate nature

It gives joy and satisfaction, unmatched by any electronic device. The creator (biggest designer) has crafted everything around, even you in a splendid way. It’s impeccable! Acknowledge the beauty around and within you. Heaven is nothing that is experienced post death, it’s around you, embracing you every second of your life. Witness it and don’t be a victim.

Exercise

When you feel nervous and the urge to open an app doesn't stop at your command. Take a stroll outside. Run/walk, bleed out some sweat. It is stress reliever. You will feel the change. Even three deep breaths do wonders!

Make time for people around you

Life is short. Love and be loved. Make it a habit to not watch television while having dinner with family. Even mobile phones should be banned. Ask about each other’s day at work, or in school of children. Talk, discuss and inculcate good habits. Smile and share. That’s your treasure!

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The 'Joey' in us!! Blog marathon post-20

Joey has been my favourite character in Friends. I am sure, many adore him as well. The way his character was developed in each season was phenomenal. He stood out the most. Charmed us with his wits, funny moments and comic timing.

There is a Joey in all of us. If not all the qualities together, but assorted ones do exist. :) Which ones do you relate to the most?

How often have we had a temptation to hog like there is no tomorrow?

The thought of eating food to live- is illusion, we live to eat! :)
Source

A hunk, girls get glued to-
So he knows all the moves. How to win a girl for a date is a cake walk.
The famous way to approach - 'How you doing.' :)

Source

Nod head intelligently as a camouflage 

And, then finally buy an encyclopaedia to prove some worth.

First one to know about your friends affair
Everyone experiences this privilege once in a lifetime. Be it a friend of yours or someone in family. Being a secret keeper is an awesome feel. However, its hard to avoid constipation after that.

Be a tube light
We all have our moments of confusion and crowned as a tube light.

A friend, always by your side
Support a friend when they really need you, even if he had to propose to Phoebe. Isn't it sweet? Friends comfort each other with their warmth and presence.

Tease a hell out of your friend

Big pranksters plus level the score with something tingling.
'You stole my girlfriend! Now I am going to mess with your clothes.'
How often we have done it with our friends?

Fake laughter

Dress unusually and be happy

Innovation is the mother of all inventions
Even if it's a disaster

First time threading experience
:)

Glued to lazy boy
Have you experienced movie marathon (three-four movies back to back without a break)?
Or
Watching sit-coms, entire season at a go?
I can bet, at least once, you all must have tried it.
My maximum record goes for 18 hours non stop. Eyes were swollen and food was ordered.

Nap partners
Been a hostler? Then you know the feel. ;)

These are all the Joey moments I could recall. I strongly believe, there is a Joey in all of us. We love him because we are like him in many ways. :)

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Tuesdays with Morrie. Blog marathon post-19

A beautiful book, with lessons for lifetime. An intriguing thesis and conversation between professor Morrie (in his final days) and his student Mitch. They share a unique bond. To have a good mentor in life is so important, it can be your mother, father, teacher, grand parents, anyone who guides you and shows the right path. Initially, I thought how in this practical fast paced world, will this book do justice. But it resonates with everybody. It teaches to experience things we miss out daily, things that go unnoticed and facts that we keep at bay. How we are in a race for everything, how we forget the essence of life. I loved this book thoroughly. I questioned, why I didn't read it earlier. But as it's said, 'everything comes at the right time to you'.

Heart touching as well as eye openers explained in such an ease. I would like to quote my top three favourites from the book.

One on day, Morrie says he has an exercise for us to try. We are to stand, facing away from our classmates, and fall backward, relying on another student to catch us. Most of us are uncomfortable with this, and we cannot let go for more than a few inches before stopping ourselves. We laugh in embarrassment.
Finally one student, a thin, quiet, dark-haired girl whom I notice almost always wears bulky white fisherman sweaters, crosses her arms over her chest, close her eyes, leans back, and does not flinch.
For a moment, I am sure she is going to hump on the floor. At the last instant, her assigned partner grabs her head and shoulders and yanks her up harshly.
'Whoa!' several students yell. Some clap.
Morrie finally smiles.
'You see,' he says to the girl, 'you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too- even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling.'

..............................................................................................

The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family. It's become quite clear to me as I've been sick. If you don't have the support and love and caring and concern that you get from a family, you don't have much at all. Love is so supremely important. As our great poet Auden said, 'Love each other or perish.'

...............................................................................................

'You know what the Buddhists say? Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent.'
But wait, I said. Aren't you always talking about experiencing life? All the good emotions, and the bad ones?
'Yes.'
Well, how can you do that if you're detached?
'Detachment doesn't mean you don't let the experience penetrate you. On the contrary, you let it penetrate you fully. That's how you are able to leave it.'

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Childhood games. Blog marathon post- 18

Childhood is always close to heart. No matter how mature and grown up we become, childhood is always endearing. Kid-ish talks, games played together and the question bank we were for our parents can never be lost in time. It’s always treasured like a magic lamp. 

As we grow, the games we play change. They are more of professional ones with competition and killing attitude. A sea change from what we cherished as kids. But the essence of those games we played as kids always remain fresh as ever.

Slow race

When we read ‘race’, its implied that something fast and furious is in store. Maybe speeding down the hill, or, running 200-400 mts, etc. But have you ever played a slow race? Sounds weird? Truly, we have been a bunch of freaks. We (me and my brothers) use to mount on our respective two wheelers, and then the race began. Winner was the one who drives it slowest. If we touch our feet to ground for balancing, we were eliminated. Almost at zero speed we had to balance. We teased, distracting each other so that the other one is eliminated. It was so much fun!

Arm wrestling

This has been one of my favourites. Rolling t-shirts up, highlighting our muscles, we used to have arm wrestling competitions. As my brothers flaunted their biceps in the mirror or to each other, I used to barge in flaunting mine- see even I have a cut in my biceps. And, we all laughed.

Twenty-nine 

It is a card game, which has been our family game. My grandmother taught me how to play it. During summer vacation, entire family used to play it together. The addiction went to an extent that even late nights when elders had dossed off, we used to sneak out of our beds and play under a candle so that no one knows. We had special code language designed before every game to give hint to our partner. Yeah, we used to cheat a lot- everything is fair in love, war and a card game.  :)

Ghost stories 

Wrapping with white blankets, even putting artificial teeth with horns was the most daredevil and favourite game of my brothers. I was a scare cat, was even scared of the Onida ad with devil. The more they looked real at night peeping from the window, dancing and making a horror sound. The more sleepless nights I had. This was the scariest music -

Throwing stones in a puddle of water

How often have we done it? I think it was a major reason for floods during rains, as we overflowed all the pits with stones. :) Bigger the stone, bigger was the splash of water. How innocently crazy was that!

Snakes and ladder

The saddest part of the game was when the big snake bites at 97 and brought back to 2. It was heart wrenching- seemed as game was over. How hard was it to understand the fact that life does mess around with you sometimes. So, we invented few variations, we climb with snake as well as ladder. :) Or, if someone climbs a ladder, then he/she is immune to the first time a snake bites. See, it was a win-win situation. We never had to worry about snakes any more; only competition was between each other. 

Musical chair

I don’t remember any birthday party without musical chair and tons of gifts. Even if we loose, then also parents gave us gifts. Running fast and breaking suddenly to grab a chair, how fanatical it was. Even making a train, the eldest standing in front and roaming in the home like train compartments.

Climbing trees

We were mini version of monkeys, I suppose. Climbing trees was a hobby especially to a litchi tree. Plucking litchi, negotiating our share, and never being satisfied. Once I slipped from the tree and my brothers were scandalized that parents will scold them. Hehe. I still remember both my brothers, pulled me inside the home; one held my arms and one my legs.

Bath tab was a boat

We used to treat bathtub as a raft. Sitting close to each other and using hands for rowing, as done in a raft. We splashed water hard out of the tub and kept filling it so that water doesn't drain completely.

Tipi tipi tap tap

So which color you want? We had a different version of it. One person was supposed to say, ‘tipi tipi tap tap’ and the rest of the players in union would say, ‘which color you want?’ To which the person used to play manipulative spelling out colour just next to him/her. If someone hasn't touched the colour named by him/her, then they will be out.

Chor police

How we all fought to be the bad guy. Making room dark, hiding to places less expected and sometimes even getting locked for hours until parents find us. Playing was fun and so was bashing and pampering by parents when we got locked.

Oonch neech
Total fun and frolic. Teasing the person who is den by hanging one foot in air, touching it just for a second. We were very aggressive while playing the same, prone to getting hurt a lot of times.

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Wisdom from mom, a little faith. Blog marathon post-17

'Do you know what is faith?' my mom asked.

'That's my name.' I replied on a lighter note.

We laughed.

'You know when babies are tossed up in air, they still smile. Being scared in a teeny tiny way, they hold on to parent's finger with their small palms. So what makes them smile? They smile because they know that parents are there to catch them. That is faith!' she beamed as a knowledge house.

Silence.

After a while of introspection, I inquired, 'How do you make things sound so simple?'

'Because I am a mother.' she smiled and continued. 'It's important to have absolute faith in the Almighty, in our mother goddess (Shri mataji). Whatever the situation is, accept it and leave it to her. Neither you are a doer nor I am. We are just puppets. The moment we understand this, we are bereft of most of the worries that occupy us. Everything is in her hands.'

'So, how does faith help?' I asked inquisitively.

'If you have faith, no wonder how long in the air you are, alone and scared- you will always be caught by safe hands. Surrender to the mother of all. Have a little faith.'

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You are what you are! Blog marathon post- 16

So often we use these lines-

To a girl-
'No wonder, a girl is driving.'
'She's not a fast runner since she is a girl.'
'She loves doll house more than football.'
'She loves pink over blue.'
'She doesn't have strength of a guy.'

To a guy-
'Don't be a cry baby, men don't cry.'
'How can you like romantic comedies? It's for girls.'
'Be a man.'
'Don't be clumsy like a girl.'
'He is stronger and faster.'

These are normal syllabi everyone uses. Not knowing how offensive it may sound though spoken willingly or unwillingly. These small statements spoken off and on, discriminates the genders. Such notions are the source of proving masculine power over feminine ones. This being the root cause of many racist mind sets and power game politics between the genders.

Here is an awesome video-


So very well conceptualised. Honestly, I believe there is nothing 'like a girl' that exists. Its all based on individual choices and ones characteristic.

'Like a guy' or 'like a girl' is just a thought. When a baby is born, he/she is alien to such concepts. As they grow, these ideas are cultivated by parents, teachers, friends, society. How often do we see parents planning pink colour on walls of a room for welcoming their girl child, stuffing more dolls and soft toys rather than cars. Even gifts by relatives are gender-ized. To a baby boy, we gift more of cars, GI-joes, etc. In fact, if a guy wears pink, its gayish as pink is for girls. Where is the rulebook that says it all, I never understood.

Being a girl, I never played with dolls or student teacher game most of the kids play. I was always with brothers playing out in sun. Though my sister loved to play with dolls, talking to them. She loved barbie doll kitchen set, draping a saree from a dupatta and scolding like a teacher. :)

Few of my choices since childhood, coined me with the phrase 'you are more of a guy'.
I loved to be loud when I laughed.
I have great strength in my arms (courtesy to my brothers with whom I enjoyed numerous arm wrestling matches and always was a strong contender)
I always wore a snap back, sometimes even turned the hat all the way round leaving snaps being visible on my forehead.
During winters in school, I always wore pants. Once my physical training teacher blasted me hard thinking I was a boy (I also had a boy cut, as they call it) standing in the girls line.
As a matter of fact, I love boxers more than skimpy pyjamas or shorts. :)

Well, that's me!. I choose to be like this. I am more comfortable being so.

(Both of them can be comfy in each other's shoes.)

It doest matter if you are a girl or a guy. The social discrimination must end some day and it starts with you and how our generation should bring up their children. Every person has its own personality, choices, likes/dislikes and beliefs. It's better to say, 'that's the way he/she is' rather than Gender-ize!

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The swirling flag. Blog marathon post- 15

Feel of the swirling flag cannot be described in words. It's felt deep within, a pride moment. This photo is taken at Bangalore airport. I saw the flag and stopped to click, though my phone camera didn't do any justice to the photo. 

I clicked multiple shots zooming the camera more and more every time. My fellow Indians stopped to see me taking the pics as photography extravaganza. They must be thinking I am some NRI returning to home land. :) Irrespective of what anyone thinks, its all about being India. How awesome you feel seeing flag hosting in the sky, where the sky and the land is your own!

It has been a journey of 68 steps of freedom. Freedom that was fought for collectively! From powerful speech by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to thundering speech by Mr. Narendra Modi. The entire journey has been historical and epic, but still we have a long way to go. 

Jai Hind!

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A Day of Claying - Blog Marathon Post 14

Sharing a pen stand I made which can also be used as candle stand(small scented ones), as light from inside can make beautiful imprint on the wall through the design. A rough look, I have to work a lot on its finishing. I couldn't help posting it, as I am super excited. It took me 5-6 hours. Honestly, its not as simple as it looks and too much hard work with immense patience.

Step 1- Preparation of the slab.
Wedge clay until no air bubble found. It's required to wedge 52 times and the entire process might have to be repeated 3-4 times to eliminate air pockets. Air pockets are real deal breakers which can end up creativity in a soup. Then, either roll it in a machine or do it with a rolling pin to flatten the clay. This technique is called slab work, where thickness needs to be constant across all the sides you plan to make.

Step 2- Cut the slab with pen knife.
To be done with precision, it has to be cut in an angular fashion, so that all five pieces can be pasted together ( four sides and one base).

Step 3- Paste all the sides
Tip- Do not let the clay dry. Needs to be finished as quick as possible and paste it with help of slurry(clay diluted with water).

Step 4- Smooth-en all sides using water.

Step 5- Design
I designed the three sides as in the images. Using a knife again, I made a butterfly, embossed a leaf pattern and again crafted another leaf pattern. One of the sides also endorse initials of us (Tarunn and Me - TA).

With a lot of work still remaining, drying will take another 2-3 weeks followed by levelling up with sand paper and leaving it to fire and be born into its final product.

Cannot wait to finish this. A lot of hard work for a day. A much deserved sleep awaits. Good night folks!!

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Come Feel The Rain. Blog marathon post- 13

Its yet another rainy evening. Rain plays a very dubious role for the mood, sometimes I feel chirpy and ready to fly with wings and sometimes it makes me feel dull. Happens with all I believe. When your mind is blank, seems like a desert until far across. But there is an unknown pinch of a cactus and no thirst for doing anything. Just be idle. Mute.

'Is everything all right? You don't seem to be youself.' (the expected question)


'Yeah all is fine. But something feels incomplete, missed and there is this sinking feeling. Though all is well. Its yet another day of meaningless, mischievous game I play with myself. Where I win as well as loose.' (an over the top answer- which even I didn't understand.)

Such a dusky day is accompanied by none other than one of my all time favourites, 'Carnival of rust' by poets of the fall.


A beautiful song with a heart taking video, implicit lyrics and music to just sway away with. As I write, this song plays loud for the 14th time, beating the sound of roaring rain outside. And, still I am not bored of it. Don't know if that's about the song or about my mood.

I have an entire playlist in my mind, next ones are-
In the end- Linkin Park
Animal instinct- Cranberries
Not afraid- Eminem
Boulevard of broken dreams- Green Day

.....It will keep on pouring as I'll keep playing and that too on a repeat mode.

P.S.- Indulge with me in my thoughts while you play this song to read my blog. 'Come feel the rain.'

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Marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder. Blog marathon post-12

Marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder and lightening. 

- Clint Eastwood

Marriage is an institution I believe in and it requires a lot of efforts. I am no preacher here. Even I am discovering and rediscovering the beauty of it with my partner. Every experience together is sometimes a learning, sometimes overwhelming.

Here are some of the things I feel are the basis of a healthy marriage by my own little experience.

Communicate. It’s simple and effective. Please don’t waste time in guessing business, ‘You should know how I feel’. This is a very common notion. Some days partners can understand it’s instinctive or intuitive, but when they don’t then communicate.

I am feeling low because of…

This complicated situation in family is freaking me out….

Discuss all of it. Don’t hold back. Even when it’s about each other, then also without being mean or rude, things can be communicated. If you are too agitated, let it pass by, take your own time to be normal. Then discuss, as it will help not to use harsh words and hurt each other more. You can even email or write a letter as well. It helps. 

The power of touch. It’s very important. As a new born also we understand the touch of our mother, we feel happy to be in her lap. The feeling of togetherness is what binds a couple. Hugs are like magic wands. Always be in constant touch.

Never let the feeling of superiority sink in. Who earns more, who is better looking or who is more educated or talented etc. are destructive thoughts that should be kept at bay. It will take the relationship to a black hole. There is nothing to compete between partners. This is one of the biggie to break a relationship, you can click here to read my earlier blog that covers this in point five. The level of understanding is related to emotional quotient. How one feels in any situation. How to cherish, be supportive and respectful to each other.

It’s never too late to say sorry. I know a lot of people who are egoist to come and say sorry. ‘Sorry seems to be the hardest word for many!’ If you have hurt each other by harsh words or actions, it’s important to say sorry and leave it behind. Bruise in the heart if not treated always hurts, never heals. Don't leave it on time to heel. One has to patch it up with love and understanding!

Encourage them to do things they love, stopping them should be way out of question. For example, if someone likes to dance, let them, doesn't matter if they are not perfect (according to your dictionary). The more you stop them the more frustrated and dissatisfied they will be.

Be with your partner. This means be it your own parents or any family member, always defend your partner. Take stands for him/her when required. The situation doesn’t change according to the gender, like a girl should understand more than the guy. That’s also a misconception. Both are equally responsible to and for each other.

Never prejudge. This is another common thing between partners. They tell each other about how they feel about someone before introducing them to their partner. But I don’t agree with this. Me and my husband never preoccupy each other with opinions we have for someone. Whenever we meet anyone first time from family or friends, we meet with open minds and it’s our own discretion what opinion we form for anyone. We respect our likes and dislikes like two mature individuals. Also, the feeling for accepting each other’s family and friends like your own is important. But, if anyone behaves rudely or coldly with your partner, then you should not blame him/her for withdrawing. You would do the same had situation been reciprocated.

Indulge in each other. Not every person is same. And this is another wrong notion people believe in, that for two people to get along very well they must have same interests. That’s funny! Accept the fact that none can be your mirror image or soul mate kind of stuff like shown in movies or sitcoms. It’s all about two people liking each other and willing to work out their relationship. Show interest in each other’s likes. For instance, if your partner loves watching sitcoms or maybe football and you hate them, at least give him some company now and then. 

Last but not the least, never forget the reason why you married him/her. That will always drive you. New circumstances come, situations change, but this thought should be as fresh like yesterday. It’s a secret for happy marriage. :)

This is no relationship advice. But I certainly believe that love and respect while working on your relationship goes a long way. These were my thoughts, please feel free to share yours. 

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