BIRDS

These are what the sky was (over) populated with, earlier this evening.

MY KITCHEN WINDOW

is green.

Now if only my thumb, more so.

SOAP

Taking a shower just got more fun!

THE FRAGRANCE LINGERS ON

He would stand patiently on the corner of the pavement, under the shade of a tall old Ashoka tree, the wisdom of his years showing on his weather beaten face, browned with the sun, a slight smile playing about his lips. Calm, always unruffled, his arm stretched out, laden with fragrant garlands of delicate brown blooms, those of the bakul flower. Dressed in a white shirt, always clean and pressed, but one that had obviously seen better days, together with a pair of brown trousers, carefully preserved and crisply ironed on the crease. His feet ensconced in brown Kolhapuri chappals, and a Gandhi topi on his near-bald head.

This is how I remember him.

Every summer and winter break (and some weekends in between),  Mum would whisk my sister and me off to Pune, to her parental home, where our grandparents lived. Having to keep us entertained (and thereby alleviate boredom and crankiness), she would take us out for a walk every evening. It was on one of many such strolls that I first saw him, standing facing Kaka Halwai, a sweetmeat store, under the Ashoka. Mum did too, and exclaiming at the exquisite beauty of the bakul flowers, purchased a garland for her hair. This was only the beginning of our association with him. Every day, every holiday - I had got accustomed to walking down that busy, bustling street - and seeing him stand, alone, almost unmoving, hand stretched out to display his fragrant wares better. A slight smile, a confirmation of the price, and subtly shifting a garland from one hand to the other, to be placed in a waiting soft, velvet-like green leaf, deftly folded over and tied loosely with string - all then handed over to Mum, the smile in place. The pattern of years.

Today, whenever I pass by that street, I still slow down that corner, almost expecting to see him standing there, flower garlands on his arm, never once calling out to passers-by, in a bid to sell his wares. The tiny, delicate beige-brown blossoms, those that would continue to give out their exotic fragrance even when dried. Those tiny flowers that helped him eke out his living, for so many years. The dignity they offered him, his humility and gentle nature shining forth. Simple and unobtrusive, similar to the blooms he held.

Of course, he no longer is there... physically.

The fragrance, however, continues to linger.

TV TIME

Harry Potter on the telly again! Hurrah! Off to watch The Goblet of Fire for the nth time.

ONE BIRTHDAY, PLEASE!

That's what I want. I love feeling special. I love the cake. I love them presents (heh heh!).

Oooh, I love birthdays! Can I have one already?

MY FAVOURITE CORNER

...of our living room.

That lovely glowy bit there?

Courtesy this:

When lit up:

TO-DO LIST

Because I love lists (never mind the fact that more often than not, I happily drive down to the supermarket leaving said cherished list at home), here goes:
1. Cleaning agents - a mop and a broom, please!
2. AA cells (or batteries)
3. Tomato ketchup
4. Veggies
5. Fruits
6. Yoghurt (or curd, or dahi)
7. Happiness Oreos

AND
*drum roll, please*

8. Bliss heaven manna NUTELLA

Am off shopping - if nothing else, to replenish my fast-diminishing supply (gasp! choke!) of item # 8 on the list.

BEING 'PROPER'

Back in the 80s, when I was in the single-digit age group, life was a lot less complicated. The early 90s, even. Did you know that being 'proper' was not a mandatory requirement? Nobody sang from the rooftops about how things were politically incorrect, nobody went all twisty to shout slogans about violent cartoons, nobody insisted that one of the - rather, THE - celebrated childrens' author of all time was racist, or even sexist. No comic books delightfully detailing the exploits of news reporter-heroes were quickly taken off the bookshelves.

...And then we got 'proper'. Bah.

Ergo, a certain feline and rodent duo were banned from homes, channels on the TV hurriedly flipped, with people delicately shuddering at the effect they apparently had on their children. No, never mind domestic violence, or even dramatisation on other more mature content on the telly that kids are constantly exposed to. That, of course, paled in comparison to the antics of the four-legged characters. How can we even compare the two? Gasp!

Consequently, beloved characters from books took on new 'correct' names, none that had sexual/ political/ racist/ any other seemingly offensive overtones. Worse still, you found that a toy or two had been erased from the bright, colourful pages of your childhood. Characters no longer looked the same, or spoke the same - if they were there at all!

So comic books were banned, panels from them (skillfully?) edited, and 'proper' versions were put up for sale.

Don't get me wrong, y'all - nowhere, and in no way, do I support biases, be it gender/ race/ lifestyle preferences/ any other. I'm as much for equality (or is balance a better word?) as you are. However, I honestly believe that some things that are sacred, and best left alone.

Somewhere, isn't it all a matter of perspective?

FOOD FOR THE BIRDS... AND ME

Sunflower seeds!

For those of you who have read Enid Blyton (or grew up on them like I did), you must be familiar with The Adventure Series (http://www.enidblyton.net/adventure-series/meet-the-characters.html). None of the said adventures would have been complete without Kiki the parrot golden crested cockatoo, a multi-talented winged (and supremely able) partner in crime to the four human children. Among her (Kiki's, i.e.) favourite foods are sunflower seeds, which she picks up in her little claws and daintily nibbles at.

Dunno about dainty and/ or claws, but as the picture above suggests, a fair amount of them seeds are now ingested by yours truly. Yum yum.

Anyone with fun recipes for these seeds? Apart from bread/ similar baked goods?

A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN

...Isn't it?

This, ladies and gentlemen, is a view of sheer awesomeness at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Thank you, Nimilita (a wonderful, wonderful friend - and not just because she lets me use her personal photographs out here in blogland), for a glimpse into what undoubtedly is Heaven - or as close as you can get to it, if nothing else.

 

 

This, I believe, is as good a reason as any to happily ditch the material world and turn holy/ spiritual/ whatever-suits-you, isn't it?

SUNSET ON THE SAND DUNES

Rajasthan.

Through my parents' camera lens.

PEN DRIVE

This came in complete with a video about the Chinese Year of the Rabbit too! Loved it! One of my more fun purchases in recent times, methinks.

FUN DAY AT WORK

... Involves:
- Music over the speakers
- Colleagues visiting from another branch office to celebrate with us
- Snack box lunch for everyone (and that too one involving apple pie and croissants, yum yum)
- Festive atmosphere (flower garlands et al!)

So I had one of those yesterday. :)

See?
(Ignore the bad photography - the lighting was poor too lazy to click better.)

SON OF SNAPE

While watching Part II of the Deathly Hallows, that's what came to mind. Heh heh! How is that possible? Well, imagine HP in Bollywood, or on Indian telly land. There, anything is possible! And by that, I do mean anything.

Sample these:

• Husband/ son of the family declared dead. Widow/ parents of said son in mourning. Post funeral, that is. So just when the widow about to be remarried, the dead - yes, dead - husband shows up.
• The Ms Goody-Ten-Thousand-Shoes daughter-in-law (DIL) missing/ presumed dead/ similar tragedy. Evil DIL (or equivalent scheming female relative) has taken over the simpering household and reigns Queen. In a twist of fate, the original DIL (believed to be dead, remember?) returns - with a shiny new face, courtesy the friendly neighbourhood Plastics Guy. Cosmetic surgery at its best!
• Child marriage long over, the matriarch of the family does not like the single-digit aged grand-DIL, and hatches an Evil Plot to have her (also underage) grandson remarried - to another minor. Many twists and turns and years (and finally hitting maturity) later, said grandson moves to the Big City and falls in love, forsaking the sweet little wife from childhood - with Wife Part II, i.e. the minor from his nightmares! Tough keeping up, eh?

So I figure, if any of that can happen, why not the Son of Snape? Or maybe sequels involving business rivalry (now that Lord Voldemort is no more - or is he? Heh heh! *eyebrow raised*) between the Potter/ Weasley kids and the Malfoys? Or wait - maybe even a marriage between them! Gasp! Of course, this would only be a plot to take over the Potter millions. Ahhh! See - endless possibilities!

What's your version?

HE'S BACK!

That adorable elephant-headed God is here again!

Hello, Ganpati. Or Ganesha, if you prefer that. Or maybe just hello, Gamps.

SUNSHINE!

...after some zillion and one days of rain. Hurrah for the bright blue skies and shiny green leaves!
Let's make a list (oooh!) of sun-filled likes:

1. No damp

2. The dog stays dry (not that I have one, unfortunately)

3. So do the rugs and carpets (these I do)

4. No fungus/ suspicious ugly growths on walls (this itself makes it worthwhile)

5. Dry footwear (bring on the strappy sandals, do!)

6. No ruined pedicures (and ergo pretty feet)

7. No stupid umbrellas that overturn at the slightest hint of a breeze (and get you wet in the rain, bah)

8. No frizzy hair (close to the non-appearance of fungus, close)

9. No excuse to not go on my evening walks (wait, wrong list...)

Unrelated, but stay tuned for a festival update!

BLOGGER-ED!

Just as I (finally) get used to changes on Blogger, I see some more! Arrrghhhhh.... gotta go figure 'em out now. *grumble*

HUMAN PYRAMIDS

To celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, (most) parts of India celebrate a festive called Janmashtami, a.k.a. Gokulashtami. Traditionally, a handi (pronounced: haandee, i.e. earthenware pot) is filled with dahi (pronounced: dahee, i.e. yoghurt) and tied on to a rope that is suspended across say, two apartment buildings. This would be at a height of more feet than I'd ever like - somewhere in the range of 30 - 40. Ulp. What needs to be done is pretty simple - or not. Human pyramids need to be formed, to reach the handi, break it, and have the dahi spill over. Often, these pyramids have anywhere between four to five tiers, with a child atop the pyramid to smash the handi. There are local youth groups that vie for this 'contest', seeing that there is a cash prize attached to each such handi, ranging from between INR 10000 - INR 100000, or sometimes even more.

Thought I'd do a pictorial representation for you, given that this is the first time ever that I'd decided to watch the action live myself. Why? Am not sure this is my idea of fun, or a sport, seeing that the pyramid-ers work sans helmets, knee/ elbow pads, harnesses... you get my drift. What's enjoyable about possibly falling off the formation, breaking a limb or two - or worse? Anyway, that's for another post, steeped in reality checks.

Interim, here goes:

Step 1: Getting to the venue, on bikes (see - no helmets), or atop a truck.

Step 2: Behold the goal!

Step 3: Pyramid in formation.

Step 4: Err, a shot of these guys actually breaking the handi? Urm, my camera didn't cooperate. I was too late to click. Anyhoo, what's imagination for?

Go on, y'all know how you would whack a pinata, eh?

THE RAINMAN COMETH

... and never go away. Or so it seems. Thought I'd gotten done with my cribbing about the rain for this year, really. About the damp, wet dog smell on everything. About the fugly fungus everywhere. Ick. Ick. On the housework front, laundry that just doesn't dry, rainwater that craftily sneaks in from invisible cracks in the wall. Bah.
So the MET has predicted three days of incessant rain, which roughly means we're looking at maybe five-odd days or so, given that the MET track record is really nothing to write home about.
How do I get to work today? I wish I were a school student, just for the day - schools have been asked to close, given the rains. (Hmph. Distressing not to be able to look 13 instead of 30 some days.) Instead, I brave the rain, waterlogged streets, human and vehicular traffic and cautiously ease my way into the parking lot at work.

Getting home, you ask? Rinse, repeat.

TREE OF LIFE

That's what I spent my afternoon painting today, acrylic paint on canvas.

Ahhhhh. Bliss. Love those paint splattered fingers!

No, the canvas is a perfect rectangle; just that the photo's clicked at an odd angle. Really.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WROTE A LETTER?

I've almost forgotten how to write, more's the pity. :(
While happily tapping away at the keyboard is now the norm - and how convenient it is! - it's made us all forget what used to be termed as the 'art of penmanship'. How many of us today can actually put a pen to paper and write sentences, never mind paragraphs or pages, without our hand cramping up? Without getting 'bored', or 'tired'?

And let me not get started on spellings.

PINK, BLUE AND SPARKLY!

At the risk of sounding all giggly and schoolgirly, I must gush about having bought sparkle nailpaint. Sparkle! And pink. Pink?! Okay, dusky rose, or rather some fancy-schmancy name for it that's on the bottle. And dare I say it - blue! A nice, turquoise-y blue!

Circa 1990s, eh?

PUNISHMENT

...by choice.
Honestly, amazes me just how people are gluttons for punishment. How they can listen to insults, get tossed about by random anyones, and generally be treated as life form even lower than pond scum. Really, now.

One arguement might have to do with circumstances. Or so they'd want you to believe. But what happens, in that case, to being the Master Of Your Own Destiny? Can you, as an individual, not decide what direction your life is going to take? Or do you meekly accept what is, as-is? Sure, life isn't always fun (never mind the proverbial bed of roses), and there are times when you go, why me? But should you spend all your time whining why me, and do nothing about it, arrrrghhhhhh... now that I just don't comprehend!

Which brings me to self-respect. Even an ounce of that goes a long way. How can anyone take that away from you, huh? Again, I have no answer, but find it impossible to believe that you can be convinced that you're a waste of space on Earth.

Or is it easy to speak when you're on the other side - wanted, loved and secure in your knowledge of that? When you know that there are times when you will be down, but bounce right back you will.

My thoughts, these... what are yours?

WEATHER UPDATE

Mundane, you think?

Well, we've I've been hoping for clear skies since a while now, given that it's been some months of dull, dreary grey now. While romantic and all (only out of a window, or walking by the sea), there isn't anything even remotely so about having to wade through ankle-deep water, or worse. And of course, bugs. Ick. And fungus. Ick. Ick.

Being a home owner (and one living close to the sea) makes it worse: there are these hideous, fugly, just plain gross forms of fungi sprouting out the walls. I shudder to even take a swipe at them with a paper towel, because as I approach them, they seem to grow in size, smell putrid and generally reach out to me with musty little feelers. Ulp. Strategy: Get gooseflesh on arms and down the spine. Leave paper towel as-is, and scream for the significant other to help, i.e. clean away the creepies. Which he does (bless him), but only after having a go with the camera. Do we really need visual reminders of super creepy fungi? Do we?? Do we???

Oh for loads of sunshine! *whimper*

WHILE ON ART...

... I also love like think there's something about The Scream, by Edvard Munch. Something.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scream)

Captivating, really. Makes me pause every time I see a reproduction somewhere.

ALL ABOUT ART

For me, art is roughly translated as Vincent Van Gogh. Have always, always loved his works, and wait for when I can visit the museum in Amsterdam. Until then, this is where is go: http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/

And of course, I spend lazy weekends (even though there aren't as many as I'd like.... grrrrr) with oils on canvas, working my paint-splattered way through The Starry Night (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starry_Night), Country Road with Cypress Trees, or thumbing my way through a book (or two) on his works.

Ah, bliss.

Who's your favourite artist?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDIA!

You're 64 today!

You have so much to be happy about, so much to celebrate, so much to be thankful for, so much to look forward to.

It's great being with you - cheers!

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

For most in India, it's a super three-day weekend. For me, two. (Yesterday - Saturday - was a working day.) Anyway, that's potato/ potato, really. It's a H-O-L-I-D-A-Y weekend, woohoo!

So while I may not be chillaxing on some exotic beach somewhere, diaquiri in hand, what I AM doing is watching back to back movies at home, catching up on some reading, blogging, shopping with the girlfriends, painting, cooking... not bad, eh?

More in a bit - pictures, too!

A FULL DAY

Too lazy to type much, but with good reason why: a full, satisfying day at work. One of those days when you're totally charged up, adrenaline pumping and believe know that given a chance, you can conquer the world.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

RUPEE ZERO, PAISE ONE ONLY!

Yup, that's the amount due on the husband's credit card this month.
Roughly, that would be equivalent to:

0.00022 USD

0.00015 Euros

0.00011 GBP

Bwaaahhhhhhhhh.

BELATED, I KNOW...

So maybe I am just lazy don't have the best sense of timing. But anyhoo, here's what caught my eye (much) earlier this year at a local wine-and-other-things-alcohol-related store:

Greetings of the season, y'all!

WHEN THE FRUIT BREATHED FIRE

Dragon fruit, anyone?

Here's some more info on it, for those who may want to know.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya

WHEN FOOD LOOKED GOOD!

That, ladies and gentlemen, is a picture of what was served when I ordered Chicken a la Kiev for dinner at this new place in town. Oh, all right - it's been around forever, just that I seem to be the only inhabitant of Mumbai who had never been there. New to me, right? *grumble*

Deconstructed, that is:
Mashed potatoes made into the chicken, with food colouring for the beak.
Tortilla chips for the wings and tail (?)
The 'egg' was SINFUL - batter fried cheese and melted butter and some other bits of goodness
Served on a bed of rice, surrounded by chips and sauteed veggies (See, I knew it was healthy. Hah!)

Waddled home some gazillion pounds fatter, but oh-so-happy.

CHOCOLATE

Hmm, haven't made any in a while now. But here's a (badly taken) picture from when I did, a few weeks ago:

TELLY ON THE BLINK

So we're in the middle of watching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince for the nth time, when suddenly Hermione peers out at us from this gloomy, mud-coloured screen. That she's also eerily outlined (for want of a better word) in orangy-yellowish squiggles really doesn't help her case. Or rather, the telly's. Panic. Mad rush to the TV to switch off the mains, count to ten, and switch the TV back on again, silently sending up prayers to the Telly God. Apparently though, he's rather miffed with us: twelve hours later, Hermione still looks the same. Sigh.

Reach out for the laptop, Google Samsung India's helpline, and listen to Tinny IVR Lady for the longest time, before getting connected to "Hello, Ma'am, this is Whatsisname, how may I help you?". Turns out that the 'help' will arrive only after 24 hours, so until then, we have other forms of entertainment to choose from for today:

• Listen to music.
• Read. (Ah. Music to my ears, I don't need the radio now, really)
• Paint. (Damn, where did that canvas get to?)
• Take a walk in the rain. Hmm, maybe towards evening.
• De-clutter my wardrobe. Uh, yeah, sure. *whistles loudly, looking skywards*
• Just spend time chatting with the significant other. Now this can be done!
• Cook. Err, rain check! Rain check!

TABLE?!

Sure, if you insist. That's what it is. A table.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, now. *rolling eyes in head*

Okay, if you've finished laughing and picked yourself up off the floor, here's the lowdown: this was a table we - the significant other, a couple of friends and self - sat down at to dine. Okay, seriously, stop laughing! :D Where, just so that you know where to go for your next dose of entertainment? This restaurant at a budget hotel in small town India.

Buuwwahhhhahahahaaa.

ONE BLACK COFFEE, PLEASE!

Seriously, black coffee should be declared a religion. How is it even possible to start off the day *yawn* without a steamin' hot cuppa?

This is what most of my mornings look like:
Wake up smiling grumpy most of the time.
Look around bleary-eyed.
Stumble to kitchen.
Plug in the trusty best friend, uhh coffee maker.
Scoop in the grounds, add the water. Slosh some on hand, of course.
Keel over wait while the coffee manna is brewed.
Inhale the goodness.
Garner enough energy to open one eye, as a result. See what magic coffee can do?
Eagerly grab mug with both hands, inhale the happiness again. And again. Sip. Scald tongue. (Oh, how does that even matter? It's coffee heaven.)
Sip some more.
Open the other eye.
Mournfully look down at the dregs, wondering where heaven vanished to.
And then... start off the day.

Now, can this be anything but a religion?

SICK OF BEING SICK

That's what I am. For the past couple of weeks or so, have been fighting off a miserable cold. And just as soon as I think I'm all better, whoosh! it's back. Blergh.

These days, those manufacturers of tissue paper are rejoicing at the business I've been single handnose-dly been giving them.

Chicken chowder, here I come... again!

THE CITY IS WOUNDED. AGAIN.

As I type, three serial bomb blasts have hit the city. All in places wherein the human population is so dense, that even a stray pup wouldn't find a spot to place a tiny paw. And no, I don't exaggerate.

Tomorrow's headlines will praise Mumbai and her people, about how we're 'resilient', how we 'bounce back', how 'life goes on', how strong the city and her people are... Rehashed, recycled - just the venues of the tragedies change.

But this makes you wonder: where all can you hide? As long as terrorism has us in its clutches, we're just not safe anywhere. Tomorrow, we're all gonna be back at our desks at work, and today will be a memory we'll tut-tut about. Shame. It's so painful. Every time something like this happens, for a minute there you're cold with fear, and almost dread calling up people - you are so afraid of hearing the worst. You feel so helpless... and then your belief that politics is a joke is reinforced.

The question is: How long? Just how many more such incidents wherein the city continues to pay so heavily?

BAKING BREAD (OR BUYING A NEW MICROWAVE)

Did you know that baking bread is one of my favourite things to do to relax unwind serve with the soup at dinner?

So these days, here's what I've been attempting to bake. (Does 'attempting' raise an eyebrow? It should, if like me, you own a convection microwave too! Grumble.)
Flour - 200 grams
Baking powder - 1 heaped teaspoon
Walnuts - a handful (okay, maybe more)
Egg - just the one
Honey - umm, enough to drizzle over the walnuts and soak 'em up. So maybe 2 or 3 generous spoonsful.

Here's what you do:
Mix all the above ingredients, and pop into a pre-heated microwave for about 20 - 25 minutes.
When you hear the ping! - head on the micro, poke head to glass and try to peer in. When unsuccessful (as I nearly always am), open up door and stare at what was supposed to be the World's Best Baked Loaf and scowl. (Or maybe not, it may just turn to stone. No, scratch that, it can't get any worse, can it now?) Or better still, grab car keys and head on over to the nearest electronics store and drool at better microwaves/ Gadgets Designed To Change The Future Of Baking Forever. As I do.

P.S.: No, this fiasco attempt at baking bread does not reflect on my domestic abilities (or lack of them).

WHY COFFEENCINNAMON?

A little late in the day, I know, but here's the logic:
1. I love coffee.
2. I love cinnamon.
3. I love cinnamon flavoured coffee.

Not necessarily in that order.

Also on my list of favourites these days is my new diffuser (pictures to follow) and cinnamon aromatherapy pure happiness oil. So here's the thing: when you light this little tea light, there's the most wonderful cinnamon-y scent that wafts through the living room house. Bliss!
So add to that:
Coffee in my favourite mug
Instrumental music
Dim lighting
A good book
Nothing else comes close to this, when you wanna unwind at the end of a stressful day!

TO HAVE A PERFECT SUNDAY, I WILL...

relax with a hot cuppa tea and the newspapers,
watch Harry Potter I (again, for the nth time) on DVD,
have a leisurely lunch,
blog,
haul self off to Phoenix Mills, watch a movie (Delhi Belly).

Happy to report that I've not even gotten past item #2 on list. (Okay, so I did skip to #4, which is evident)

*dances a happy dance* SO much to look forward to today!

WAITING

Six p.m., and he is obviously running late, she thinks as she patiently waits for him by the sea shore. It is a rainy evening, with a strong breeze and a wild sea vying for attention against the heavy grey skies, promising even more rain in the hours to follow. Shivering, she pulls her stole closer, and sits herself on an empty space on the low stone wall separating the sea from the pavement and the road beyond. Watching the vendors, cajoling people to purchase paper cones full of hot gram spiced up with sea salt and a twist of lime, she idly contemplates giving in and buying one. Just the vague thought of spoiling dinner stops her.

Some distance away, a man casually dressed in faded denims and a plaid shirt hurriedly steps off a bus, umbrella in hand, and starts to walk briskly towards the sea. Mr Mehta from Kumar's Coffee Shop waves out a greeting as he passes by. At the traffic lights, a young boy in a dirty but cheerful blue-and-white striped tee shirt weaves quickly between cars, exchanging copies of the evening papers for a couple of coins. He calls out to the boy, purchases a paper and continues to walk ahead.

There she waits without complaint, he thinks guiltily, and quickly hurries to her. With the familiarity of practice, he reaches out and weaves a small garland of fragrant jasmine flowers into her wind-swept braid. She turns around at the gesture, smiles and moves over for him to sit beside her.

Together, they open up the papers, and scan the Apartments Available section in the Classifieds. Until then, they make do with the privacy the sea and a low stone wall have to offer them in the bustling city of Mumbai.

KIARA

Meet Kiara.

She's the building dog. Now what's a 'building dog'? Simple - when you live in an apartment complex in Mumbai where space is a luxury and hence can't have a pet (other than goldfish or hamsters or such maybe) at home, you have what is called a building dog. What this means is that a random stray walks in; the NGOs come in and volunteer, vaccinate, spay, feed - not necessarily in that order - the said stray (and subsequent puppies, if the spaying was a little too late) which is collectively adopted by the kids in the apartment complex and becomes the building dog. Of course, said four-legged furry friend gets a name, gets food (it's now upped to Pedigree) and above all gets loads of love, cuddles and play dates with the same kids. Works well for all.

Kiara entered our lives roughly around seven-odd years ago, and has been the darling of all since. Of course, she's now getting along in doggy years (fifty plus, eh) and sadly, as with humans, age does tell on her. (She isn't acquainted with Botox, you see.) However, the pup she was seven years ago is more or less how she is even today: playful, frisky, loving, sweet... and always, always makes you feel special. It's amazing how she can chase away your tiredness as you park the car at the end of a long work day and crawl home with a wag of her tail, one tiny whimper and a soft nose gently nudged against the back of your palm. The only treat she looks out for is a head rub, a few words cooed to her and a pat or two. Rinse, repeat.

MY DAILY FIX

How many of you out there also need their daily fix (many, many) scoops of Nutella?

(No image while I take my own and upload it; dunno about all those scary copyrighted pictures floating around cyberspace.) Finally! Done!


Serving suggestion I:
1 slice of bread
1 banana
LOADS of Nutella
How-to:
Spread Nutella on to the slice of bread, this nice thick layer that ensures zero bread visibility. (No, no - I don't hate bread at all; just that Nutella should be seen - and eaten - and not heard.)
Chop up the banana and top the Nutella, uhhh, bread with these l'il circles.
EAT! Hee hee.


Serving suggestion II:
Know crepes? Yes? Great, how about a Nutella crepe then? Trust me, it just doesn't get better than that!


Serving suggestion III:
Have you tried Nutella with pancakes? Yeah, hot buttery 'cakes over which Nutella is drizzled? Do!


Serving suggestion IV:
1 JAR of Nutella
1 spoon (or fingers, if said cutlery is unavailable)
How-to:
Unscrew Jar of Heaven.
Dig in with the spoon (or finger).
Need I say more?


How do *you* eat your Nutella?


P.S.: In a saner world, I see you folks slowly shaking your heads in disbelief, and thinking about un-reading this blog, or hey... maybe there's more of us out there? Please say I'm not the only one who needs a daily fix? Please? Pleaseeeee....


P.P.S.: Did you know there's a World Nutella Day? *dances a happy dance*

COLOURS

WEEKEND UPDATE

So what're we doing this weekend?
Here's the complete list of ingredients:
The significant other - 1 nos.
Self - 1 nos.
The in-laws - 2 nos.
The significant other's nephew - 1 nos.
Car - 1 nos.
Packed overnight bags - 2 nos.
Sunscreen - 1 nos.
Beach gear - LOADS!

Watch this space for pictures of our weekend trip to the beach!

And... what does your weekend look like?

BREAKFAST!

Secret *snort* recipe:
One pancake mix (Betty Crocker is what I use)
Bananas
Honey to drizzle

How-to:
Follow instructions on box *snicker snicker*
Chop up bananas and artistically (ha ha) toss up on waffles
Drizzle over with honey
... EAT! :D

LEGAL...AND CAN'T DRINK!

As per this archaic new law we have, an Indian citizen can vote, is grown up enough (chronologically, if nothing else) to marry and generally has the right to say and do more or less as s/he pleases, as an adult well before the age of 25. ...All, that is, but consume alcohol. Yup, that's right - you need to be a grand old 25 before that booze bottle can touch your lips, 25 before you can blame everything on the alcohol.

What I'm seriously wondering is this: how will this new legal limit curb alcoholism, or the fallouts of loving the bottle more than one should? Will it really result in less road accidents, marital violence, substance abuse? For those vigorously nodding in the affirmative, all I can ask is how?! It's not going to happen 'for real', because the tipple's going to be available anyway: at home, at parties and other places I leave to your collective imaginations. Just because one needs to flash a 25-and-over ID while actually, physically buying booze, there's nothing that ensures it's not consumed before that age bar. Worse, this could result in kids hiding the fact that they drink from their folks, which has its own possibly grievous consequences. It simply means that what was legal up until now and generally done in the open, will now become a closeted activity, with repercussions all around.

So go on, vote, get married... but hey, you can't toast with champagne, remember!

FOR DAD

Remember the time Dad played chauffeur? All those play dates, rides to school, dance class, art class, Math lessons... Or days when it'd pour the proverbial cats and dogs, and Dad would drive you out in near zero visibility conditions just to have a hot corn-on-the-cob by the sea? How you'd feel its tangy lemony flavour hit your tastebuds even as you watched the rain safely ensconsed in the car, Dad by your side? How Dad could be counted upon to drive you anywhere, anytime, all you had to do was ask? Or sometimes, not even that - he'd just know, and you'd see him waiting patiently by the car, keys in hand.

Cut to the present, a rainy day in June 2011. Dad needs to get to work, and his car is at the service station. Solution? It's now *my* turn to drive in the pouring rain, drop Dad to work and then head on to office myself.

For Dad - for all those times he's been there, unconditionally.

THE NEW 20s

Apparently, the 30s are the new 20s. Is this merely something to make somebody in their 30s feel less fuddy-duddy? Ignore that annoying strand of grey that refuses to cow down under threat? Refer politely to the crows feet around the eyes as laugh lines?

Hah. A spade is a spade is a spade. Liked it better when I could still fill in 20-something on application forms/ questionnaries. Liked it better when the L'Oreal lady didn't try selling me something "for mature skin, ma'am". Arrrrrgggghhhh.

Just a ruse, really, just a ruse.

CAR-MA

Remember when you learnt to drive a car at 18 (or 16, depending on the legal age where you are)? Your first encounter with another vehicle (a cab, in my case) which swore you off driving for a bit? Feeble attempts made over subsequent years, more off than on? If yes... read on!

Finally, at the insistance of the significant other, I did get back down to driving. Initially, it seemed like he was inventing ways to torture poor not-so-little me, but given that for this project his will power was stronger than mine, I did get behind the wheel after all. No negotiation. The total sweetheart that he is, he went all out to buy me an automatic (yay!), making my journey (literally!) easier than it would've been, given Mumbai's horrific driving conditions at the best of times. Really, changing gears on a manual is NOT the best way to spend your time in this city. Estimate this: for a six kilometre (or about 3.72 miles) stretch from home to work, it takes me *only* 40 minutes - one way. Sigh.

This is what the newbie looks like:

TIP OF THE DAY

Always, always bring your camera (even a point-and-shoot will do) with you wherever you go. That way, you won't miss any photo op that comes your way.

Picture this (pun intended):
Mommy Cat strolling by with Teeny L'il Kitten caught securely between her jaws, being transported to someplace safe and cozy, away from the rain. Mommy Cat tires, puts down itty bitty kitty, licks it, comforts it, and then picks it gently back up. Rinse repeat, until safe harbour is reached. Awwwwwwww.

Well, guess who missed capturing this on cam? Yup, yours truly, because the point-and-shoot was HOME! Arrrrggghhhhhhhh! Will now need to furtively hunt for Ms Mommy & Family for some pics...

ON MOVIE REVIEWS

Dunno if it's just me, or is there zero quality to the movie reviews I read in the papers/ on the Net/ wherever else? This is what they normally read like:
Discuss the plot. In excruciating detail.
My take: I mean, c'mon! Had I wanted to read a synopsis, wouldn't I just go watch the damn film?! Why, why must the plot be disclosed virtually in entirety?

Next, the music score. This is either dissed or raved about. A song or two may be picked to the bone, especially if it's a typical Bollywood item number.
My take: Why, pray tell? Whatever happened to a fine discussion on the musical genre, the genius (if applicable) of the composer/ playback singers/ the acoustics at large?

Then, it's the turn of the cinematography. Direction. Production values. Background score. Technical aspects. Or wait... is it really?
My take: Where are these, for cryin' out loud? Why are these almost always forgotten?

For all those reviews out there, no, I don't wanna know the movie plot, I don't wanna know what actress X is wearing in item song Y, I don't wanna know how the story ends for goodness sake! What I would like to read about - seemingly impossible, I know - is an analysis more in depth, one that focuses more on the film making process, how it's translated on screen in that particular movie, and more information on the look and feel of the movie. Capiche?

CALORIE, YOU MEANIE!

Oh you empty calories - I do love you so! The better the food tastes, the nastier are the calories.

From bitter experience *sigh*, I've come to believe that it's an undisputable law. There are times when I'm convinced that my denims have shrunk, and I know it's the calories to blame for the darn shrinkage. I mean, what else could it be, right? There's no way that the jeans could've become tight...is there? *hushed silence*

POLITICS

Normally, I stay away from this topic. Several happy ways to do this:
Ignore the newspapers that come in every morning.
Switch telly channels the minute you come across a newsy one.
Slink away from conversations that are remotely related to said subject. (Honestly, talking to cactii would be more productive, am sure.)
Nod intellectually with a very knowledgeable look (practice, baby, practice) should you be unable to avoid such conversation, and then quickly change the conversation to say, knitting, or film gossip.

But the news these days, I tell you! There's a circus going on, in the guise of politics, and how. Everyone and his cousin wants in on the political pie, and has been doing their very best to jump in. It's official: the caravan's overstuffed now. It's soooo In.Your.Face, you'd have to be totally lame (and some) to miss it. Time to stop paying for DTH, eh! :D

ON MY KITCHEN SHELF

Really, nothing like a cheerful kitchen, given that the said place is not exactly my favourite hangout. I'd rather be reading a book.

DENTIST

The teeth have been acting up for the past few days now. By acting up, they've been sensitive and putting all these scary thoughts *whimper* about cavities in my head. Really, those little green bugs with fangs that dance in toothpaste commercials are so not cute when it comes to real life and real teeth. That's when I stop chortling and saying "oh, how sweet". Hrumph.

Call in the dentist!

There I am, reluctantly dragging my size 8 feet dentist-wards, hearing the drill go ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz in my head, having mental images of green bugs wrecking havoc on my already-sensitive teeth. An agonizing wait later, I'm all togged up in a bright blue (what a cruel contrast; nothing can be that cheerful at the dentist's office really) cape, harsh overhead light shining into my eyes, and lying vulnerable on the chair... torture. (breathe in, breathe out) Doesn't help overmuch when the masked and gowned dentist peers in to my open mouth, brandishing the dreaded drill...

Turns out though, that I'd been overcautious to the point of paranoia, as there are no cavities *cheers* or other scary germs prowling around in Teeth Land. *whew*

The teeth are now clean and happy!

THE STORY OF EVOLUTION

Once upon a long time ago in Cell Phone Land, there lived an Alphacell.

Now this handset resembled a cell phone less, and a cordless land line phone more. However, it was the sweetest, meekest phone to roam the Earth, almost like its predecessor, the Argentinosaurus some 90 - 100 million years ago. It was harmless, and did its basic job well. You really couldn't complain.

But then, as with everything else, enter E-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N. And that brought in the Nocya. And another Nocya. Actually, quite a few Nocyas. Now this new species wasn't as peaceful as the Alphacell; its behaviour was more along the lines of the Spinosaurus - it was everywhere, and eventually became the undisputed King of Cell Phone Land.

However, technology wouldn't rest easy, and soon the Nocyas were nudged by the So-Knees of the world, and suddenly, Cell Phone Land looked a much brighter, happier place. There were multiple new species, loads of attractive new features and so many shiny wonderful handsets to choose from. Life suddenly got complicated. Of course, the So-Knees weren't the last in the chain...

...And enter the Blueberrys and other fruits! If anyone was floored by the existing inhabitants of Cell Phone Land, the newbies took competition to a new level altogether. Suddenly, there were price wars (gasp!), swankier features being churned out before you could say 'Cell Phone', newer versions being introduced...you get it. Cell Phone Land was now super snazzy!

As one of those 'anonymous' quotes floating around goes: 'Life was much simpler when Blueberrys and other fruits were, well...just fruits'!

'EXCUSE, PLEASE ADJUST'

I'm really not a fan of the local trains.

People, enough to populate a tiny island somewhere, all crushed into one tin can labelled 'Andheri Local'.
Picture this: Four ladies cramped on to what is essentially a seat for three, when along comes Polly and says, "excuse, please adjust". Which means that the three afore-mentioned members of the fairer sex are to pack themselves into even smaller proportions to accomodate Number Four.

Those car keys? My best friends, I tell you!

DUDE, WHERE'S MY FRIDGE?

... And a gazillion rupee prize to anyone who can locate my fridge under all that!

ON MEDITATION

So woke up one morning and decided to start off with meditation. Experienced bliss. Hooked on for life. Hah! Now that would be a fib, and how!



This is actually how it started off.

Got introduced to this very warm and wonderful couple, aquaintances of the folks'. They are both deeply spiritual and religious, of course with both being mutually exclusive. (Which is what I like.) A few evenings at their place, some discussions on who we are, what are we doing here, what is our purpose in life...you get the drift. Basic questions, maybe, but every time you visit them, you have a different view, a different answer. Then of course, there's karma. Without going into a crash course on spirituality (I'll leave that for another post), discovered with them that it's plain and simple wonderful to sit quiet and meditate.

This is how I go about it:
Dimmed lights
Air conditioner on
Diffuser with some pleasant aromatherapy oil (my current favourite's cinnamon)
Favourite CD (instrumental/ chants)
So all you have to do is have the above organised. Yes, it's comfortable. Yes, it's convenient, and at my convenience. Even a 15-minute meditation, with just myself for company is good. Sure there are times (most times, to be honest) when it's difficult to not think about anything, or clear my mind of every little thought, but that's okay. It's okay to have the random thought flit by, but it's more important to focus on your breathing, and soothe your mind with the music/ chants. (See, that's why you pick something restful.)

One day, I may take this a notch higher, where I may not need the music to calm me, I may not need the diffuser to waft a soothing aroma and I may not need the AC on to feel good. Until then, however, my brand of meditation works!

Try it, do!

SRI LANKA IN PICTURES

Here you go:



And here's another:

HOLIDAY!

Or rather, celebrations.

So the significant other and I celebrated six years together last month. Not bad, given that see-saws and relationships are virtually synonimous, don't you think! Six years of marriage, six years of 'in sickness and in health' (which we did go through on the anniversary itself, seeing that we were both nursing the most goddawful colds!), six years of just being together. Okay, for those married/ in committed relationships for longer, I can imagine that six years is baby food, but do humour me here. :)

Holiday? Always good!
A surprise anniversary gift? Even better!

So the husband planned an (extended) weekend to Sri Lanka!

Here's a picture of beautiful Sri Lanka:

BREAKING NEWS!

Circa 1980s: Enter newsreader. Bright red lipstick and rouge: check. Chiffon saree impeccably pinned to shoulder: check. Hair perfectly coiffed: check. Tight smile on face: check.
News read out deadpan. Nothing is too sensational, awe-inspiring, nail-biting or demands any sort of reaction, really. Minister so-and-so loses election. A facial muscle twitch should do it. Floods in x part of the world. A facial muscle twitch should do it. International honour bestowed on classical singer. A facial muscle twitch should do it.

2011: Enter newscaster. Flawless (if overdone) makeup: check. Business suit (with the brand flashing on ticker): check. Poker-straight hair: check. Expression on face: Can't say, really.
After all, it's all about the breaking news. OMG celeb so-and-so chipped a nail while at the spa today. Breaking news! The darling of all party circuits caught in an MMS scandal. Breaking news! Cricket season begins. Breaking news! A tree fell and blocked traffic for 2.5 hours. Breaking news! Mrs A from Apt. 4B in my apartment building chopped veggies for lunch today. Breaking news!

Really, now! Is there ANY sanctity left to the news at all?!

DREAMS

So is it considered an omen - good or bad - to dream about snakes? About those whom you loved but are no longer with you? About those who are alive, but you dream are dead? About magic (the Potter variety; not black)? About flying? About falling down? About so many myriad things, and in such a manner that on waking you're not able to separate dream from reality for a grand old moment there?
Maybe that's why people have dreamcatchers. Hmmm.

MR MOUCH

In the garden!

FOOD FOR THE GODS

Or at least, for me. Yummmmmmmmmm!

HIATUS

Apologies!
Loads to say, not so much time. :( Will be back soon.

THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER

With love from the significant other. Couldn't've asked for more.

QUACK!

Step 1: Go to Chandigarh.
Step 2: Drive down to Sukhna Lake. Evenings preferable.
Step 3: Park car, get down and walk to the lakeside. And walk some more.
Step 4: Spot ducks/ geese, like this: "Ah, look! There's a duck/ goose!"
Step 5: Wait for friendly neighbourhood (rather, lakeside) kid to stop by with paper cones full of peanuts. (Doesn't take too long.)
Step 6: Ask price of peanuts. Go bug-eyed at the sheer robbery, but buy anyway. (Look longingly at the ducks/ geese, and kiss your chances of haggling on price good-bye.)
Step 7: Shell out kid's asking price. Grab paper cone.
Step 8: Get attacked by (seemingly perpetually) hungry ducks/ geese.
Step 9: Unravel paper cone in haste. Toss peanuts to said quackers.(Else risk getting attacked to the accompaniment of obnoxiously loud quacking.)
Step 10: Pose for photograph(s).

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

The new year brings with it aspirations, hope, prayers for a good beginning. Would be nice not to see so much gore on the telly, gruesome news in the papers, and overall, less violence in the world. (None at all would be too much to ask for, right, so let's keep it real.)

Gods and politicians, are you listening?

TEENY TINY BUGS

... Courtesy the incessant Mumbai rains! :(

To say nothing of:
the damp
the fungus
the doggy-out-in-the-wet smell on things
the resultant cleaning up around the house!

And here I am, someone who normally loves the rains!

Oh, for a spot of sunshine...

UNTITLED

Those endless nights, full of darkness.
It's only your love that shows me the light.

Those times I think that despair will kill me.
It's only your love that keeps me alive.

Your voice fills me, permeates the silence.
It's only you I want to hear.