We are like this only

Me : "Appa, I called to ask if you survived the World Cup debacle."

Appa : "I am stepping out for a walk, call me on my cell."

Round 2 :

Me : "Appa, I called to wish you happy Ugadi."

Appa : "I am watching West Indies vs Bangladesh, call me on my cell."

Round 3 :

Me : "Appa, called to check if you have the account number and all the details."

Appa : "Ok good, SMS on my cell in another hour with all the details."

Round 4 :

Me : "Appa, do you want me to forward you the email?"

Appa : "Ya, email it to me and SMS when you are done, I will check it."

Phew! And I am told my Mom SMS's my sister during work hours checking to see if she had her breakfast/lunch/snack, if she drank enough water and if she stopped by the ATM to withdraw cash.

When I visit home and I rub the jet lagged stupor from my eyes, its 7pm and the house is silent. I fix myself a drink, lounge on the couch watching mundane programs on the many channels that I *dont-miss* but definitely realize the absence and so on and so forth and I realize its 9pm and I hear clicking noises from the front door. My family members arrive each in his/her own time between 9pm and 10pm.

Routine questions ensue to each-Where have you been? Why are you late? What do we do for dinner?

A variety of answers later, I decide that night(since my jetlag is keeping me awake) to buy my family one of those small white boards. A cute board with an attached marker pen is intantly placed very conveniently(en route to the front door) so that residents find it easy to jot down how long they'd be gone.

48 hrs later, the scene repeats. I wake up at 7pm to find the house empty yet again! I walk up to the white board and see the only thing that was ever written on it-my mother's standard "Om" written neatly on top as soon as it was purchased. The rest of the board remained squeaky clean and bereft of any updates. I guess that means everyone just disappeared into thin air.

Sigh! Why do I even try?

Of venting and being a vent!

9:01PM (on a weekday, note off-peak hrs start) : Ring Ring!

Me : "Hello"

Calling party : "Hey Altoid, hows it going?"

Me : "Good, hows you?"

Calling party : "{start rant}

9:40 PM after a myriad Hms and tongue clicking noises and appropriate methods to convey sympathy and support.....

Calling party : "So whats up with you? Whats going on?"

Me : "Errr, well you know stuff going on...its like" {abrupt disruption here by other party}

Calling party : "Hey, listen. I got to hang up now, I am {multiple choice options here}

1. at the library and need to hang up.
2. my sister just called and I need to take her call.
3. I am at the gas station.
4. {Unsaid but implied reason} I am done venting and dont really care to listen to you!

I usually am a good listener, I lend my ears and am told very often that I am a good confidante. Its not often that I vent but on those rare occasions when I do have something to vent about, is it too much to ask for a return favor? But really, does it have to be made so obvious that all I should be doing is listen? I am sure this too shall pass and I will be back to my generous self(I can feel my self conferred halo stirring into action as I write this) and rent my ears for all and sundry.

After reading this, if I see comments asking for my phone number please get in line and take a number token! Your case will be given due consideration and I reserve the right to deny!

Yeah! Did I mention I am told very often that I am stubborn? Girls are made of sugar AND spice arent they?

Got yarn?

Threadwork












Rangoli
=====================================================================

I love the story(stories?) that can be weaved from this scene-a myriad possibilities. The name that immediately popped into my head when I chanced upon this Needle N Thread kit on one of my visits to India was Kamala-Vimala. The second image is a rangoli version of the same wherein I had to memorize the scene and reproduce at a Rangoli competition some months ago.

The two women could be sisters, could be sisters-in-law, could be friends.........so got story? got name?

Anyone that can come up with a short story(maybe a small explanation for this scene) and names for the two women, please include them in the comments section.

Spread the word and let the stories begin!

Update(as of 30th March) : Is it pessimism or is it the body language like drooping shoulders and the posture? Everyone seems to have a sad story- some about parting, some about life's inevitable burdens even some about nostalgia.

I guess one can never tell for sure, regardless of what we weave, I conclude its a very thought-provoking piece- agree?

Really?

Them numbers about "Idol" votes and QVC buyers- are these real?

I find it hard to believe about 6 or 7 million people dialled in their votes on Americna idol or that some 25000 odd people called in and ordered a piece of clothing on QVC.

I mean do people sit and watch QVC 24x7x365 and order regularly?

I dont know, I only watch QVC while channel surfing and even then I find it hard to stick on to the channel to watch whats coming up next.

And voters. I follow American idol most seasons once it reaches the final 12 contestants stage. Be that as it may, I still havent reached the stage of text messaging my vote.

Maybe thats another feature I will sprout as I get more and more entrenched in the "Amerikaan" system.(note, I didnt say culture).

Indian I am and Indian I will be.

Moving on up

************************All characters are fictional********************************

"Hello ma'am your new car was delivered to the showroom last night, you're welcome to come pick it up anytime" said Paul with the right amount of excitement and glee in his usual dulcet tone as would make a satisfied customer rush to the showroom at one to pick up the prized possession. Anu hung up after promising to stop by in the next couple of hours.

As she drove to the dealership post-work she recalled the many trips that she'd made in this very car, a used (overused) jalopy of yesteryear. A "car" that she needed to get from point A to point B at a time when anything with wheels was a much better option than the thought of having to walk the distance or depend on public transport, with dwindling finances and sheer desperation.

[Begin flashback]
It all went back to the time she got a call from her recruiter that she'd done very well in her interview, the interviewers had been impressed and she should be packing soon to go to the faraway land of opportunities, challenges and ka-ching. This was all the catalyst she had needed to drift away into cloud nine land where the fast paced life coupled with limitless possibilities rode along life ...........rode along life in a....................convertible!

Thud, she fell on the ground with this dream when she realised that she'd probably have to start driving a four wheeler and couldnt manage to string along in two-wheelers like she had till now.

"Ammaaaaaaaaaaa" she cried, "I need to sign up for driving lessons, you know" she proclaims.

Appa looks up from his paper and smiles fondly for want of a better reaction at this scary to-do item. Ashu wears a look of horror at her sister's words, turns to her mom and says "Amma, I think Akka has lost it!".

Amma chips "Padma aunty's son went to Raja driving school right around the corner you know. I'll find out on my way back from school today, if you'd like."

Anu "Haan, can you amma? I can go for evening classes, around 5 maybe. I'll go early to work and should be able to come back early."

Two days later, amma announces over dinner that she signed Anu up for the driving class course- 3 weekdays at 5:30 for the next 4 weeks and then the driving test.

"Yipppieeee" screams Anu while Ashu has another horror-stricken face pasted all over. Appa pretends to watch news on TV.

On the first day of lesson, as Anu gets ready to head to class, Amma intercepts at the door with "Anu, I'll give you company for your lessons".

Anu accepts graciously enough as the two head over.

"Madam, my name is Kiran and I will be your instructor."

After initial introductions and the entourage seated, Kiran begins to explain the A(ccelarator)B(rake)C(lutch)'s of the car and driving. " Ma'am you first need to step on the clutch and move gears from neutral to first gear and at the same time let go of the gas pedal, slowly till the car begins to roll like thus and then (with foot still on clutch) shift to second gear(for whatever second gears are used for, the author is unable to recall) and then onwards to third(in a clear road with less traffic)" and with this demo, Kiran smoothly gets the car off the parking lot into an open field. He parks and smiles at Anu while asking her to get behind the wheel. Please note this would be the last time a smile adorns Kiran's face for the entire duration of the course.

The next 30 mins are spent exactly thus :

- Anu behind the wheel
- steps on the clutch
- moves from neural to first gear
- accelarates resulting in the car hopping a few inches in mid-air and then
- settling about a feet ahead with a thud and
- switching off and stopping.

wash, rinse, repeat!

Amma has an exaggerated expression of horror(akin to the one on Ashu's) with her mouth agape. Kiran watches patiently but with exhaustion dripping all over his face.

"Try maadi ma, you will get it" he says ever so encouragingly.

After 30 mins of this torture, Amma is in a near-palpitations stage and concedes. "Anu, do you want to try again tomorrow? Kiran-lets go back, this should do for today" she concludes.

"Let's try to park, we still have about 15 more minutes" persists Kiran enthusiastically.

He steps out of the car and sets two posts about the width of a car. He motions for Anu to step out for a minute and slides back into the driver's seat. Through the open window he coaches Anu on legal parking techniques.

Anu nods her head vigorously and decides not to try this new trick until she's mastered the first.

10 mins later, Amma chimes from the back seat "Shouldnt we head back now? I have to make dinner, you know."

Thus convinced, the entourage returns back to base. Kiran has the "how-did-i-sign-up-for-this-late-evening-nightmarish-session" look stamped all over his face.

Late in the night Amma tells Appa "You should teach her with your car, you know. She will learn better"

"Whatttttttt????" screams Appa.

"Well okay I know you dont want to ruin your prized possession, but this is your daughter. Who better to teach?" reasons Amma.

"Let her finish this course." dismisses Appa and turns over, settling into slumber.

Amma thinks she has a slight sprain in her back, probably due to the hopping car, but she dismisses the thought instantly. She sighs as she sinks into a blissful night's sleep.

Thus four weeks pass and slowly but surely there is promised progress. Every day Amma has grown a new worry wart in her system, her nagging back sprain has progressed into acute pain and Kiran's impatience has now emerged as a registered vice which shows in his demeanour(no longer pleasing and helpful). The late evening sessions are a daily test on the team's nerves, moods and dispositions.

"Ma'am your driving test is at 10am next Wednesday" announced Kiran on the last day of class. "And when you go abroad, can you get me a bottle of Scotch?"

"Sure, sure" says Anu averting Amma's scowl.

"So, what do you think Kiran? Will she pass?" asks Amma hopefully.

"Ma'am I will pray to all my Gods that she does. I cannot take any more classes!" concludes Kiran.

Between 10 am and noon on the day of the test a few people are in fervent prayer mode-Amma, Appa, Ashu and Kiran!

When Anu returns home later in the afternoon with a box of Anand Bhavan sweets, all at home are jubilant though Appa has some worry lines visibly evident.

Amma takes him aside and says "She is leaving in another 2 weeks, she wont use your car!"

"Phew" Appa sighs.
[End of flashback]

Anu's first car purchase in the "phoren" land after successfully getting the local license was an exciting trip for her friends more so than for her. She let herself be guided by the decisive calls made by them. And Voila! she was driving home a car of her own that evening.

The same car that had served her well for so many years. It had seen multiple road trips across many coasts that had improved her skills beyond Amma/Appa or even Ashu's wildest imagination. It had seen use and misuse, it had been the one asset she owned for many years.

And now, now after all these years, Anu had decided to get a brand new car, a stylish swanky one, in a color she had always dreamt about, every feature a luxury worth the wait. Some thing she had always dreamed about. And here she was, en route to picking up a beauty on wheels but trading in her best companion till date.

Sadness, mixed with excitement leaves an interesting after-taste.

Got declension?

The first time I heard about declension was from this excerpt in my English text book at school. The entire episode had me in splits back then as it still does by which Churchill's autobio "My Early Life" became one of my earliest books to go in the "library" collection. For the uninitiated, [start of day-dream]my "library" collection is the set of books that will go in the dark wood panelled library in my "house" lined with a wallpaper of books, will house a comfortable settee and recliner, a mini fridge stocked with the cool-aids and a sofa-bed that will serve as a bed for those that wish to stay the night over in this esteemed room.[end of day-dream].

As weird as we find the English language, I find the ones which support and entertain declensions even more so and this applies to languages like Sankrit, German, Latin and such. I was a disaster while Sankrit featured in our syllabus because of the need to use declensions and all along I'd recall this lesson from my English text. It encouraged me to know that Churchill himself had this to say in the above mentioned excerpt :

"When the last sound of my mother's departing wheels had died away, the Headmaster invited me to hand over any money I had in my possession. I produced my three half-crowns,; which were duly entered in a book, and I was told that, from time to time there would be a "shop" at the school with all sorts of things which one would like to have, and that I could choose what I liked up to the limit of the seven and sixpence. Then we quitted the Headmaster's parlour and the comfortable private side of the house/and entered the more bleak apartments reserved for the instruction and accommodation of the pupils. I was taken into a Form Room and told to sit at a desk. All the other boys were out of doors, and I was alone with the Form Master. He produced a thin greeny-brown covered book filled with words in different types of print.

"You have never done any Latin before, have you?" he said.

" No, sir."

"This is a Latin grammar." He opened it at a well-thumbed page. " You must learn this," he said, pointing to a number of words in a frame of lines. " I will come back in half an hour and see what you know."

Behold me then on a gloomy evening, with an aching heart, seated in front of the First Declension.

Mensa - a table
Mensa - O table
Mensam - a table
Mensae - of a table
Mensae - to or for a table
Mensa - by, with or from a table

What on earth did it mean? Where was the sense in it? It seemed absolute rigmarole to me. However, there was one thing I could always do: I could learn by heart. And I thereupon proceeded, as far as my private sorrows would allow, to memorize the acrostic-looking task which had been set me.

In due course the Master returned.

"Have you learnt it?" he asked.

"I think I can say it, sir," I replied; and I gabbled it off.

He seemed so satisfied with this that I was emboldened to ask a question.

"What does it mean, sir?"

"It means what it says. Mensa, a table. Mensa is a noun of the First Declension. There are five declensions. You have learnt the singular of the First Declension."

"But," I repeated," what does it mean?"

"Mensa means a table," he answered.

"Then why does mensa also mean O table," I enquired, "and what does O table mean?"

"Mensa, O table, is the vocative case," he replied.

"But why O table?" I persisted in genuine curiosity.

"O table – you would use that in addressing a table, in invoking a table." And then seeing he was not carrying me with him, "You would use it in speaking to a table."

"But I never do," I blurted out in honest amazement.

"If you are impertinent, you will be punished, and punished, let me tell you, very severely," was his conclusive rejoinder.

Such was my first introduction to the classics from which, I have been told, many of our cleverest men have derived so much solace and profit."

Buzzzzzzzzz

Wordfly for the moment : manifestation

The Namesake

Pic courtsey : http://www.impawards.com/2006/namesake.html

Unlike "The Devil wears Prada" or "Count of Monte Christo" or the million other movies made from novels, this has been the first time a great book has been translated into a wonderful movie. Its a first in many accounts for me because I have never had movies depict settings exactly as I imagined them to be while reading the book. This one delivers the same setting as though Mira Nair was tuned into one's mind. Delightful depiction of sentiments and emotions, Calcutta's ethnicity and authenticity has been digitally captured with great success and the brilliant star cast ties in with the strong storyline thus earning credits worthy of an academy award.

All in all a wonderful package of visual delight worth every penny spent, every ounce of energy invested.


Rating : Awesome(which is 4.5/5)

Sibling

One day at a time

Twas dawn when I walked every day for my classes
And dusk when I walked back
And all day long as I walked twas the gulmohar
twas those trees that gave me shade
they gave me the cool air and the sweet scent
they'd make it fun, they'd make it easy
now i've learnt a lot, but i dont see the trees
the same ones that helped me get here

The concrete jungle has overcome
That which nature provided with love
so now let me give back what i gained
to have one day back
to those times when i'd hop skip and jump
en route to class under the gulmohar trees.


Can I get one of those days back
When mom would walk me back from school
Under these shady branches
When mom could look at me with hope
that my life would turn out far better than hers

I want it all back, thats all I want
One day at a time!

=================================================================
[Err, thanks to the chiclet for pointing out the error, the earlier picture has been removed(the owner definitely agrees that it was a very good one) and replaced with a pic, kindly lent by Chiclet herself of the same gulmohar trees referred to in the poem . Sigh! What would one do without such kindred souls as Chiclet!]

Uno

I honestly believe photography is as much art as watercolor or oil. Any medium that is used to depict beauty in everyday life is just as artful than any.

And so, just as silently as it came into existence-with no birth announcement or fanfare, sneaking in surreptitiously "it" has turned one. I mean my blog and I also find this to be my 100th post as I make this whimper of an announcement.

When "it" started there was no category to file it into, the owner had stumbled upon this world quite by accident and quite late in the game. Like Alice in wonderland, herein was a world with blogs in every category, rewards for the best in each one, friendships and communities being made, a new social networking that had risen and all so suddenly and rapidly that the owner felt quite archaic to be finding it this late in the technological calendar.

Be that as it may, this space is largely unpublicized, and was started as a medium to talk about some of the owner's interests such as movies, books, music , photography and surprisingly travel(objection sustained, there hasn't been much action in that front) and all and sundry in between. Unlike other blog(ger)s the owner is unaware of the likes or dislikes of the target audience that reads this blog. But blog hopping has led the owner to a wide variety of blogs-literary, humorous, mommy land, baby land and so on and so forth and has definitely been an interesting adventure.
Except for a handful of them, there might not even be too many visitors. The owner doesn't believe in showcasing personal trials and triumphs and/or debating on controversial topics, to that extent this could be a private journal. It could also serve as a calendar of sorts.
For most part, visitors that stray here might find it to be quite a "normal" and mundane blog(ho hum perhaps!). But for the ones that do emerge to leave comments as well as for the lurkers that silently endorse this space, this post is a small and humble token of appreciation . For those anonymous'ers that have left comments commending the good work and requesting that the owner continue to do the same going forward, thank you and welcome.

On that note, all ye come, grab a berry, pour yourself some bubbly, unwind and lets clink glasses- if not anything else spring is just around the corner, those skirt lengths will soon shrink, smelly socks and heavy boots will vanish.

Its a tiny landmark but nonetheless lets toast for many more of these small, simple and cozy pleasures.

Bits, bytes and beyond

The irony is that, growing up, I never imagined that life in my time would be so totally different from my parents. I am sure they never imagined mine to be so diverse from what they'd known and believed. I am referring to this extreme proliferation of technology and computers in our daily life. When I went to school and even during my years of undergrad, I never guessed that I would belong to a generation that would use, exploit and abuse bits and bytes to the extent I know I do now.

All around me, be it the PDA, the ipod, the GPS, the laptop, the desktop, the digital camera, the multitude of flash cards, portable USB drives- you name it and one begins to use and adopt these gadgets into one's daily life like fish taking to water. I amaze myself some times at the ease with which I master the use of these. What is it that makes one bristle with excitement at the newest toy thats been announced? It always takes me a while to train my parents to use simple gadgets. It isnt even that I am a computer whiz, I know and understand the basic components, hardware and function- but for most part what I know and how I use is very intuitive. The only good thing(and this can be attributed, to a large extent, to my short attention span) the first thing I do when I get a new gadget is to read the manual end to end :).

I have a stash of Palm pilots, chargers, old cell phones that weigh a tonne, car charges and the like which I am just unable to sell- be it at eBay, Craigslist or the lamest yard sales. I guess the shelf life of gadgets is shrinking by the month(as opposed to years, only a short while ago). I cannot imagine a world without DSL(dial up sounds so archaic already!), laptop, cell phone, ipod and so on and so forth. Are we just living the cutting edge 21st century new age?

Hail Bits?

Calvin and Hobbes

So the third and last favorite in the trilogy after this and this is












I have been a huge fan of Calvin and his pet tiger Hobbes. This is the first full collection I have of my favorite cartoon. I also love painting this pair and enjoy bringing out the various expressions that come oh so naturally on Calvin's face. As usual wiki says it all.