One the eve of India’s QF match with Australia…sharing some all time classic quotations from the mouth of the one and only Sidhu!
Lets hope that Sachin’s willow manages to silence him in addition to the aussie brats.
Sidhuisms
1. That ball went so high it could have got an air hostess down with it
2. Experience is like a comb that life gives you when you are bald.
3. Sri Lankan score is running like an Indian taximeter
4. Statistics are like miniskirts, they reveal more than what they hide.
5. The Indians are going to beat the Kiwis! Let me tell you, my friend that the Kiwi is the only bird in the whole world, which does not have wings!
6. As uncomfortable as a bum on a porcupine.
7. The ball whizzes past like a bumble - bee and the Indians are in the sea.
8. Indian team without Sachin is like giving Kiss without a Squeeze.
9. You may have a heart of gold, but so does a hard-boiled egg.
10. Kumble’s bowling at the moment is flat as a Dosa.
About Me
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
TsunaMe
Tsuna “Me”
They say that the saline content of the water fluid in an expectant mothers belly is identical to that of the ocean. That’s why our tears are salty …we all have a little bit of the sea in us.
But when the ocean inside or in this case – the ocean outside is in a fit of fury. What can one do but possible try and stay afloat…?
I live next to the sea.
Last Friday though, my usual wave and surf view was not as comforting.
I knew the sun was setting and that his fleeting kisses would make the waters blush a fiery red. But I couldn’t tear myself away from the new channels showing the ugly aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Japan and the subsequent Tsunami.
As I saw the angry brown waves rush ashore and sweep away life and any semblance of it – my gaze wandered to the waves gently lapping the shores of my world outside my window. And I could not help but wonder … is this the same sea? …the same waves that are crashing the lives of thousands, gently lapping at my minds shore…
It made me think about my life and my experiences with tsunami’s of a far more personal nature. It made me wonder if I had been too quick to blame the people responsible and for judging them to be bad based on the nature of the damage.
Maybe these people that once hurt me were also like the sea …calm and gentle with some and raging bulls with others – based on the nature of the personal earthquake and how much it had shaken their world.
Maybe there is no such thing as good people or bad people. Maybe – its just a bunch of good people who make terrible decisions that cause great havoc to others. Maybe we are all on one side of that ocean or the other or the angry wave itself depending on the situation.
And maybe sometimes – we are just in the way of the storm...with no option to run or hide…just let the water soak us silly
They say that the saline content of the water fluid in an expectant mothers belly is identical to that of the ocean. That’s why our tears are salty …we all have a little bit of the sea in us.
But when the ocean inside or in this case – the ocean outside is in a fit of fury. What can one do but possible try and stay afloat…?
I live next to the sea.
Last Friday though, my usual wave and surf view was not as comforting.
I knew the sun was setting and that his fleeting kisses would make the waters blush a fiery red. But I couldn’t tear myself away from the new channels showing the ugly aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Japan and the subsequent Tsunami.
As I saw the angry brown waves rush ashore and sweep away life and any semblance of it – my gaze wandered to the waves gently lapping the shores of my world outside my window. And I could not help but wonder … is this the same sea? …the same waves that are crashing the lives of thousands, gently lapping at my minds shore…
It made me think about my life and my experiences with tsunami’s of a far more personal nature. It made me wonder if I had been too quick to blame the people responsible and for judging them to be bad based on the nature of the damage.
Maybe these people that once hurt me were also like the sea …calm and gentle with some and raging bulls with others – based on the nature of the personal earthquake and how much it had shaken their world.
Maybe there is no such thing as good people or bad people. Maybe – its just a bunch of good people who make terrible decisions that cause great havoc to others. Maybe we are all on one side of that ocean or the other or the angry wave itself depending on the situation.
And maybe sometimes – we are just in the way of the storm...with no option to run or hide…just let the water soak us silly
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The most boring day
The most boring day
I read an article this week about April 11, 1954.
Turns out that this one day has been singled out as the most boring day of the 20th century. Apparantly – nothing of significance happened on this day. No births. No deaths. No headlines. So much so, that the announcer on BBC’s 6.30 pm new bulletin simply read out “There is no news today”
It made me smile. After all – what events are actually news worthy in our lives are ones that get no mention at all. Sometimes not even by our own selves.
I started to think about all the small miracles in my own life that have just gone by unnoticed by me. Like the day that I learnt to swim, or the day that I learnt to ride a bike, the last day of high school, or the day that I got a drivers license. Believe me – they were big days. For me.
The day that I stood on my own feet and got my first paycheck. The day that I learnt to say No to something I did not believe in. The day that I grabbed the chance that life offered me. The day that I met my best friend. The day that I began to regard my mom as a friend. Newsworthy days.
I’m sure it was the same for April 11, 1954.
Many battles were won and lost on that day. Many fates hung in the balance and were decided. Many people moved up, moved on, moved out. Fell in love, fell out of love or simple loved.
And for them – it was a significant day.
I think there is something for me to learn from this. To capture and celebrate moments as they happen. To have my own san sani version of Mumbai Mirror or People or whatever. To learn to view with moderation “news” I read about Brangelina or wars or economic crisis.
Because the real newsmakers and kingpins of my world – reside elsewhere. To learn to celebrate them.
So that I do not become like the 6.30 pm BBC reporter saying there is no news today. But find something in everyday that moves me.
Afterall – how I spend my time is how I spend my days and how I spend my days is how I spend my life.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Book Review: Eat Pray Love
Book Review: Eat Pray Love
I may be the last one on the blogosphere to succumb to the Eat Pray Love Phenomenon. But ohh well – you can never have too much of a good thing I guess!
Elizabeth is mostly a victim of her own optimism when it comes to her life. Why it is hard for her to overcome this – is the simple fact that she is inherently an optimistic person – and cannot be too cynical…its then that she realizes what she eloquently says that often her wishbone…is where her backbone ought to be ! Successive failures in her personal life – leave her so depleted emotionally that she wakes up one day and realizes that she doesn’t have an appetite for life – well – not at least the way she used to.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow – when she realizes that what she doesn’t have – she cannot give and thus cannot get from others.
Human beings are strange creatures. Elizabeth describes a situation that her friend – a counselor finds herself in. This lady is a highly qualified and experienced counselor whose new assignment is to help a group of a few hundred refugees from Cambodia who have been granted asylum in New York. On her first day – she is highly intimidated – these guys have seen it all – lived through it all – genocide, poverty, earthquakes and what not. But a strange predicament awaits her in her sessions – all that gets spoken about in the sessions is – about how someone met this girl in the camp who left him for another guy and how some lady couldn’t forgive her ex husband for not supporting her. Every problem that got discussed was about human relationships. And yes – as we all know – they can get pretty complicated.
The process of soul searching can get pretty intense. Like is there really a reason why we need to know the answer to certain broad open ended questions like “What did I do wrong” or “Where is my life going” at 3 freaking am in the morning? I’m not saying we don’t need to know at all. But why possibly at 3 am? As humans –we should be able to forgive ourselves first. Its something that is so hard to do… We should actively try to build that sort of relationship with our own battered souls that allows us to make grave mistakes sometimes. It’s the only possible way to grow and shed who we are in lieu of what we may yet be…if only… When shampoo commercials need to tell us that we should celebrate ourselves “because we’re worth it” …. We know that trouble cannot be too far away…
Something else that really appealed to me in the book is about the power of making choices. Its weird how we spend so much time choosing clothes, what car we will buy or the house we will rent or the food we will order but such little time choosing our thoughts. This is what Elizabeth’s journey is about. Its about actively choosing – to have an appetite for life. To eat, To pray and to love.
A wise healing man in Indonesia hands Elizabeth a picture of a person who has eyes on his chest and arms and legs touching the ground. He tells her than in order to heal she must become like the picture – with arms and legs firmly rooted and she must learn to see with her heart.
The reason why I am recommending this book is because it reminded me yet again of something that helped me battle my own demons not so long ago. That happiness is the direct consequence of committed personal effort. You’ve got to take charge and create the sort of life and experiences you wish to have. Life is like being at the prom. You got all prettied up – but if you lurk in the shadows – no ones going to dance with you. You’ve got to step onto the dance floor and shimmy with every ounce of energy you have.
I must admit – I got pretty emotional reading this book at times. I felt her pain and I felt her joy. It helped me reconcile with some loose ends in my own life and appreciate and not hide my battle scars.
I know its cheesy– when a book reminds you of your own journey. But hey – if you are here reading this blog – then its not a surprise to you – because we love cheesy J
It made me want to celebrate. And I hope that you read it and celebrate too.
Much Metta
Kau
Friday, November 12, 2010
Here's looking at you
Its been quite a year so far.
The one between my last birthday and this fast approaching one.
On my last birthday – I might have been the saddest 31 year old around.
My grandmother passed away the day after my birthday battling a stroke in the hospital
I felt like the world was ending. 2009 had been an abysmal year on the personal front and things just got progressively worse as the year pushed along. Right until the end.
This year has been everything but that.
What a difference a year can make.
So here is looking back at the 31st year of my life on the eve of yet another cake and candles day.
This year – I am nothing but grateful for the journey that has brought me from where I was one year ago to here and now and the kind hand up in the sky that has guided me along.
I am optimistic, reflective and blessed at the new lessons, the new friends, new experiences and new chances.
Thank you Sonu Agji. For the magic you worked for me from the heavens.
Hugs and High Five.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Weighted Average
I’ve recently subscribed to the Femina magazine. Its new tag line really captured me “For all the women you are” …well …post marriage pounds notwithstanding ….sometimes when I step on the weighing scale these days... I feel like there is really…many many of me. My stupid split personality just won’t leave me alone …and especially not on the weighing scale…no wonder I have issues with my weight.
Can you imagine the two of us trying to fit into my fav blue jeans? No wonder they don’t fit. ..Moving on…
I went to the gym this morning and burnt 100 calories. That should take care of the few chips I had last week. See – This works!
It’s all about Spinning, Splenda and Staying positive!...ummm….
When I told my trainer exactly how many sweets I ate over this weekend – he assured me that by next diwali – If I went to the gym everyday – I could totally burn all of them. Ya !
Weight Loss is about making small changes. I read an article on readers’ digest.com about how one should spot exercise during free time. Like the time one spends making tea or boiling milk in the morning. It really appealed to me. So last week – I stood near the kitchen platform – watching the tea brew, held the counter top and lifted my right leg for a long side kick. The resounding crash from the falling utensils, embarrassed me so much, that I grabbed my sneakers and ran off to the gym before anyone woke up to see what happened. Thanks readers digest!
After much introspection, I’ve figured that the really problem isn’t my weight. Its my height. I’m not 5 kgs overweight. I’m 5 inches short. If I had been taller – then the weight would magically stretch out and I’d be as supple as a strawberry twizzler! (Love those – twist you can’t resist baby!!) ..So I’ve started skipping.
Someone told me that skipping will make me taller. Not to mention the extra sleep one gets from skipping really makes my skin glow. Love how science has progressed..I’m sure few centuries ago people didn’t realize the benefits of skipping the gym every other day. What’s that thing they say …make less work more for you…or something …
I’ve also heard that one needs to control ones diet for weight loss to be effective. So I went to Crossword and did an extensive research on diets – Southbeach, Atkins and what not. Weight Watchers – Watch me! ….Then someone told me about this new cutting edge diet that everyone is on. The Seafood diet. I swear by it. It makes me feel so good and wholesome. Not like those “If it tastes good –spit it out” commercials… It’s easy to follow – basically…Every time You see food – you eat it ! Apparently its worked great for Julie after her octuplets. I’ve tried it for the last 14 days and I’ve lost exactly 2 weeks. Isn’t it great ?!
It’s a highly spiritual journey so far- lots of thinking, lots of reading, lots of advice but I am determined to be optimistic and be 100% committed..Like they say ..a waist is a terrible thing to mind
Hopefully something will work for me soon and I’ll be able to switch back to my regular toothpaste and ditch the fat free Colgate.
Mine over Matter
On my long drawn break from the blog world – one of the stories that caught my eye and moved me was that of the Chilean miners who were trapped underground for months.
I’m not very proud to say that I had a very pessimistic approach to the whole event when the news first broke and I thought to myself that this going to be a hopeless wait, an impossible situation. The next thought that crossed my mind was about how hard it would be to be trapped in one place for such a long time. Everyone knowing you are trapped and trying to help you. But you would be waiting for a long time much to everyone’s dismay.
Chile as you know is very far away. But metaphorically - we have all been there haven’t we? Stuck in our own underground hole – cataclysmically – waiting for the tide to turn and change to happen. The problem in being stuck in a moment... for longer than a few moments is that we start befriending our demons. Change then, becomes more fear inducing than the misery that we get used to. And we wonder if this is how status quo will always be.
Each and every single one of the 33 miners survived the ordeal in a path breaking rescue. The oldest was 62, the youngest was 19. And they were all fighters.
In an interview – one of the miners told a reporter that all 34 of them were like a family underround. The reporter – corrected him saying “33” – to which the miner told the reporter – “No – There were 34. God never left us alone there for an instant”
As I watched the celebrations on TV, I was at once dumbfounded, humbled and disappointed at my own lack of faith. The truth is – that if we look closely enough – miracles happen around us all the time.
We are either too busy with our own problems or attribute them to chance or science or other convenient parties.
Who would have then thought eons ago that swirling waves of dark water that covered the entire planet would in a shattering event fold by the zillions to form mountains that would reach up and kiss the sky.
If we have faith – then every mountain is a miracle. Every day is a gift when the impossible is possible.
And it we don’t – then kid you not – we have nothing.
And as the countdown for 2010 begins in its own way – my plan is to start having more of it. Everyday.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
The pursuit of happiness
"Sometimes losing balance for love...is also part of leading a balanced life"
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
2010 has certainly been a year to remember.
Its been a year of trying to achieve balance as usual and keeping up with the things and people I love in light of game altering life changes and building new relationships and foundations and happiness.
And now as the year starts waning - I slowly find the scales of my world tip to a reasonable pace and place.
Much Metta.
Its weitd to see myself change - in thought process, ideology and heart - in slow motion.
It makes me more humble, grateful and aware.
Kind of like when you are in a place and time - and you clearly know as a person that right here and right now - you are making a memory - or that something life altering is happening.
Its a little bit like having a dream I would say.
Like I'm watching it - and smiling. Sometimes in my own skin..sometimes a stranger.
Change.
Time and the hands of fate have changed a lot of things - but I find myself making changes too.
They say that what we think is significant change is a process where we just more clearly become ourselves.
It makes me a bit weak in the knees to think about my life like that. It makes me pray and be self critical a lot more than I can handle somedays ..thesedays..
I guess ..All I can do - is hug the change silly and be still and remember that my mind and my body is where I live.
Its my house and I must care for it - physically and mentally. ..even when things change ..pace changes..life changes...
And after doing my best to do that .. if I can still have some time to spare and words to write ..like today .. then all I really should be saying .. is "Thank you"!
I'm Kaumudi Oak
I'm 31 years old and my city is Mumbai.
Thank God - I have enough.
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
2010 has certainly been a year to remember.
Its been a year of trying to achieve balance as usual and keeping up with the things and people I love in light of game altering life changes and building new relationships and foundations and happiness.
And now as the year starts waning - I slowly find the scales of my world tip to a reasonable pace and place.
Much Metta.
Its weitd to see myself change - in thought process, ideology and heart - in slow motion.
It makes me more humble, grateful and aware.
Kind of like when you are in a place and time - and you clearly know as a person that right here and right now - you are making a memory - or that something life altering is happening.
Its a little bit like having a dream I would say.
Like I'm watching it - and smiling. Sometimes in my own skin..sometimes a stranger.
Change.
Time and the hands of fate have changed a lot of things - but I find myself making changes too.
They say that what we think is significant change is a process where we just more clearly become ourselves.
It makes me a bit weak in the knees to think about my life like that. It makes me pray and be self critical a lot more than I can handle somedays ..thesedays..
I guess ..All I can do - is hug the change silly and be still and remember that my mind and my body is where I live.
Its my house and I must care for it - physically and mentally. ..even when things change ..pace changes..life changes...
And after doing my best to do that .. if I can still have some time to spare and words to write ..like today .. then all I really should be saying .. is "Thank you"!
I'm Kaumudi Oak
I'm 31 years old and my city is Mumbai.
Thank God - I have enough.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Kiss
It was V day.August 1945.
The war had been won and John Lennon had his wish come true and a new day had just begun.
The japanese were on their way home and for the allies it was a homecoming like never before.
Times Square.
A jubliant sailor embraces a passing nurse and locks lips in one of the most prolific potraits of all time.
And the moment was captured.
For me - I saw this poster for the first time in a special edition of the Time Magazine in my teens.
The drama of the moment, the kiss, the celebration, the hushed end of a war, new beginnings ..sealed with a kiss
And I was awe struck. I wanted to go to New York and ofcourse be kissed by my own sailor.
I have come across this picture many times since - it always brings a smile to my face.
Today, for the first time a newspaper article put a name to the face in this snapshot.
Edit Shain - The nurse in the photo - died at the age of 92.
RIP Edith.
Thank you for one of my favorite print visuals of all time.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Seasons
In Bombay, its hot all year round. Except for the monsoons.
I've lived in places that have distinct seasons. Four in Atlanta, Three in Hyderabad.
I love seasons. Its amazing and awe inspiring when I experience that exact moment - when one season changes into the next.
In Mumbai, I always know when I cross the L&T flyover on the way back from work.
In June, I can see the approaching clouds and high humidity content.
In November, I cross my arms as I feel the wind cooling down.
In April - I frown at the blast of heated air on my face.
In Hyderabad - It was my nightly walk back to SV1 that would have these clarity stuck moments.
Listening to the peacocks - I knew that spring was not too far away
Watching the fluttering leaves made me crave for the rains
A bright moon peeping across Dry trees heralded winter.
Many years ago, even though it only seemed like yesterday, I used to have a tree outside my window that was a steady no error indication of weather changes. Green buds in spring, Lush foliage in summer, falling branches in the hurricane season, Red leaves in Fall and Barren in winter. I used to sit at the exact same couch and watch the years tick.
Its great therapy if you ask me.
It makes me aware of the cyclical nature of all things.
Happiness, Saddness, Fear, Joy, Situations, Relationships, Journey's.
Long time ago, I was dealing with a crippling personal crisis and it just so happened that the hardest part of my self discovery was in the penultimate months of the year.
It was a brutally cold winter back then and seemed like it would get the better of me. But by early next year, I had the spring back in my step as the leaves turned colors again.
It was oddly touching. The cooincidence of it all.
I think 2009 was a tough year for me personally. I would probably rate it as one of the hardest years I've had since my early Atlanta days. But I remembered what I had learnt before.
That even my own battles would follow a seasonal pattern. When they were hot and out of control, pouring torrents and tears, turn dry and barren and ultimately wane into the autumn of their own timeline.
I just had to wait. For my time to come.
The truth is, that everything changes. Its all transient and gone before you blink.
Its upto me, to take personal responsibility for whatever situation I find myself in - happy, sad, confused, delighted, disgusted, at war or at peace.
Beacuse times change and bring out the worst in me and the best in me
Yet - what is written by the hands of God, remains and survives... and makes its presence felt.
Maybe thats why - I love the spring so much.
Because I know that I must cherish it. Deeply and dance around with flowers in my hair.
And when the the rain falls, Faith will be a pretty good unberella to have.
I am 31 years old, and my city is Mumbai.
Thank God I have enough.
I've lived in places that have distinct seasons. Four in Atlanta, Three in Hyderabad.
I love seasons. Its amazing and awe inspiring when I experience that exact moment - when one season changes into the next.
In Mumbai, I always know when I cross the L&T flyover on the way back from work.
In June, I can see the approaching clouds and high humidity content.
In November, I cross my arms as I feel the wind cooling down.
In April - I frown at the blast of heated air on my face.
In Hyderabad - It was my nightly walk back to SV1 that would have these clarity stuck moments.
Listening to the peacocks - I knew that spring was not too far away
Watching the fluttering leaves made me crave for the rains
A bright moon peeping across Dry trees heralded winter.
Many years ago, even though it only seemed like yesterday, I used to have a tree outside my window that was a steady no error indication of weather changes. Green buds in spring, Lush foliage in summer, falling branches in the hurricane season, Red leaves in Fall and Barren in winter. I used to sit at the exact same couch and watch the years tick.
Its great therapy if you ask me.
It makes me aware of the cyclical nature of all things.
Happiness, Saddness, Fear, Joy, Situations, Relationships, Journey's.
Long time ago, I was dealing with a crippling personal crisis and it just so happened that the hardest part of my self discovery was in the penultimate months of the year.
It was a brutally cold winter back then and seemed like it would get the better of me. But by early next year, I had the spring back in my step as the leaves turned colors again.
It was oddly touching. The cooincidence of it all.
I think 2009 was a tough year for me personally. I would probably rate it as one of the hardest years I've had since my early Atlanta days. But I remembered what I had learnt before.
That even my own battles would follow a seasonal pattern. When they were hot and out of control, pouring torrents and tears, turn dry and barren and ultimately wane into the autumn of their own timeline.
I just had to wait. For my time to come.
The truth is, that everything changes. Its all transient and gone before you blink.
Its upto me, to take personal responsibility for whatever situation I find myself in - happy, sad, confused, delighted, disgusted, at war or at peace.
Beacuse times change and bring out the worst in me and the best in me
Yet - what is written by the hands of God, remains and survives... and makes its presence felt.
Maybe thats why - I love the spring so much.
Because I know that I must cherish it. Deeply and dance around with flowers in my hair.
And when the the rain falls, Faith will be a pretty good unberella to have.
I am 31 years old, and my city is Mumbai.
Thank God I have enough.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Signs - 4 : Tea in Turkey
The perfect vacation rarely starts with the perfect plan.
But it almost always does, in theory atleast.
This month - I drew up the plan for the holiday of a lifetime - sun, sand, beaches and feta.
Until sovereign debt, EU insolvency, inflation and a nationwide strike happened.
Greece no longer seemed like the perfect vacation and I scrapped my much beloved plans.
My travel agent provided me several choices. And as I mulled over them - I couldnt find any that seemed as exciting and could not help but wonder for a little bit if it would be too much of a compromise going somewhere else.
Yet, I continued planning with earnest enthusiasm and kept the spirits going.
And then one day last week, I decided that I needed to read a book during my commute to work and picked up a copy of "Chicken Soup for the Tea Lovers soul"
I sat in a rickshaw on a jam packed street in Mumbai, a heady concoction of dust, smoke and humidty making its presence felt and read half inspiredly about the pleasures of tea drinking in during white christmases, on quaint european squares and with cream filled scones in the yorkshire rains.
And then - I started reading a fascinating story.
About a couple that went on a holiday. And how they had a car breakdown. And just when they had succumbed to the holiday mess monster, were offered a refresing cup of tea by complete strangers in a foreign town and how they continued to cherish that one unexpected travel memory.
And the biggest surprise of it all - was that the story was set in the one city which was my top 2nd choice for a vacation. Istanbul.
And I knew at once, that it was the right choice.
Maybe even better than the oroginal choice. Because - in its own way, through complicated travels, it had chosen me.
I made a promise to go there and drink my own cup of pekoe while savoring the blue mosque and some lovely conversation. And I was at peace.
The Universe has a strange way of making itself heard.
Now if only, I always had the time to listen.
I wouldnt stress as much, I wouldnt sweat as much. I'd just let go.
Then again - I wouldnt be me.
But sometimes, in my own ditzy way, I hear its song.
And I am blessed. And I find meaning.
Amen.
But it almost always does, in theory atleast.
This month - I drew up the plan for the holiday of a lifetime - sun, sand, beaches and feta.
Until sovereign debt, EU insolvency, inflation and a nationwide strike happened.
Greece no longer seemed like the perfect vacation and I scrapped my much beloved plans.
My travel agent provided me several choices. And as I mulled over them - I couldnt find any that seemed as exciting and could not help but wonder for a little bit if it would be too much of a compromise going somewhere else.
Yet, I continued planning with earnest enthusiasm and kept the spirits going.
And then one day last week, I decided that I needed to read a book during my commute to work and picked up a copy of "Chicken Soup for the Tea Lovers soul"
I sat in a rickshaw on a jam packed street in Mumbai, a heady concoction of dust, smoke and humidty making its presence felt and read half inspiredly about the pleasures of tea drinking in during white christmases, on quaint european squares and with cream filled scones in the yorkshire rains.
And then - I started reading a fascinating story.
About a couple that went on a holiday. And how they had a car breakdown. And just when they had succumbed to the holiday mess monster, were offered a refresing cup of tea by complete strangers in a foreign town and how they continued to cherish that one unexpected travel memory.
And the biggest surprise of it all - was that the story was set in the one city which was my top 2nd choice for a vacation. Istanbul.
And I knew at once, that it was the right choice.
Maybe even better than the oroginal choice. Because - in its own way, through complicated travels, it had chosen me.
I made a promise to go there and drink my own cup of pekoe while savoring the blue mosque and some lovely conversation. And I was at peace.
The Universe has a strange way of making itself heard.
Now if only, I always had the time to listen.
I wouldnt stress as much, I wouldnt sweat as much. I'd just let go.
Then again - I wouldnt be me.
But sometimes, in my own ditzy way, I hear its song.
And I am blessed. And I find meaning.
Amen.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Bookish
I confess - I am a people watcher.
Especially when I travel.
Airport lounges, long bus rides, noisy cafeterias and crowded malls.
And when the subjects in question, are reading books. Its even more fascinating.
Let me tell you why.
Many years ago, I took the bus in a quiet southen school town called Gainesville from Oaks Mall to Student Drive. It had been a hard first few weeks in the US and much of my time and energy was spent on observing how different and difficult everything was. Everyone was...
It was the last bus and there werent too many people on it.
Right across from where I sat ..was a young girl. In her early 20's. Like yours truly.
But the similarities ended there I thought.
She had half pink and half black hair. At least 5 piercings on her face. And colored tatooes that peeped out on any visible body part.
Was dressed in black from head to toe with smudgy black eyes that would put cleopatra to shame. Some obtrusive metal music blared from her music player and she blew bubbles from her bubble gum to pass away the time.
She seemed to have a pretty well defined idea about who she was about, what accesories were part of her identity..and she looked like she was all together and yet falling apart at the same time.
Being only 2 weeks old in the US, I had never seen anyone like her before.
And I thought to myself predicatably so - how different are we.
Both in this bus, headed to the same stop.
Me - from a far away continent - trying desperately to make sense out of the new life I had chosen for myself - where I constantly had to repeat what I said and think twice before I did.
And then I saw it.
In her hand.
Like a beacon.
A copy of Richard Bach -Illusions.
My bag suddenly became very heavy. Beacuse nestled between the peanut butter sandwich - I had made myself earlier that day and forgotten to eat and my documents file - was my own copy of Illusions. ..purchased on the street outside churchgate station..many long months ago.
It brought a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
Perspective and Awareness - when they attack together - are lethal and spare no mental boundaries whatsoever.
I felt wistful and hopeful...that in some way .. This girl ..and I had something in common.
And it made me feel optimistic - and want to try and find something in common with all the unknown things and people around me.
And I drank from that half full glass...many many times in the years to come and still do when I encounter something new and daunting.
But this post is not about that girl or my multitudious grapples with life.
This post is about technology.
And why I love it and hate it at the same time.
Rewind back to my story and imagine that it was happening today.
I would board the bus - sit down and look at the girl.
She would be blowing bubbles, reading Bach happily on her kindle ....or her Ipad
And I would not have my revelation.
Books. Technology will undoubtedly bring books and literature to millions. At a click's notice.
But it will take away these small things - that bring me so much joy.
Like looking at the serious stiff upper lip gentelman .. reading a PG Wodehouse at the airport...
or a conservative indian aunty ..reading some raunchy mills and boons type ... or a flaky shabby teenager absorbed in shakespeare ...or many many people at the same airport lounge reading The Lost symbol ..a day after its release...
Its such a small thing... I know ...
But somethings are better the old fashioned way.
Like wine in glass bottles with corkscrews.
And Books in yellowing sleeves with dog eared pages that you inscribe and give to your loved ones and hold close to your hearts tightly when you are a nameless person in the waiting room of life.
Especially when I travel.
Airport lounges, long bus rides, noisy cafeterias and crowded malls.
And when the subjects in question, are reading books. Its even more fascinating.
Let me tell you why.
Many years ago, I took the bus in a quiet southen school town called Gainesville from Oaks Mall to Student Drive. It had been a hard first few weeks in the US and much of my time and energy was spent on observing how different and difficult everything was. Everyone was...
It was the last bus and there werent too many people on it.
Right across from where I sat ..was a young girl. In her early 20's. Like yours truly.
But the similarities ended there I thought.
She had half pink and half black hair. At least 5 piercings on her face. And colored tatooes that peeped out on any visible body part.
Was dressed in black from head to toe with smudgy black eyes that would put cleopatra to shame. Some obtrusive metal music blared from her music player and she blew bubbles from her bubble gum to pass away the time.
She seemed to have a pretty well defined idea about who she was about, what accesories were part of her identity..and she looked like she was all together and yet falling apart at the same time.
Being only 2 weeks old in the US, I had never seen anyone like her before.
And I thought to myself predicatably so - how different are we.
Both in this bus, headed to the same stop.
Me - from a far away continent - trying desperately to make sense out of the new life I had chosen for myself - where I constantly had to repeat what I said and think twice before I did.
And then I saw it.
In her hand.
Like a beacon.
A copy of Richard Bach -Illusions.
My bag suddenly became very heavy. Beacuse nestled between the peanut butter sandwich - I had made myself earlier that day and forgotten to eat and my documents file - was my own copy of Illusions. ..purchased on the street outside churchgate station..many long months ago.
It brought a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
Perspective and Awareness - when they attack together - are lethal and spare no mental boundaries whatsoever.
I felt wistful and hopeful...that in some way .. This girl ..and I had something in common.
And it made me feel optimistic - and want to try and find something in common with all the unknown things and people around me.
And I drank from that half full glass...many many times in the years to come and still do when I encounter something new and daunting.
But this post is not about that girl or my multitudious grapples with life.
This post is about technology.
And why I love it and hate it at the same time.
Rewind back to my story and imagine that it was happening today.
I would board the bus - sit down and look at the girl.
She would be blowing bubbles, reading Bach happily on her kindle ....or her Ipad
And I would not have my revelation.
Books. Technology will undoubtedly bring books and literature to millions. At a click's notice.
But it will take away these small things - that bring me so much joy.
Like looking at the serious stiff upper lip gentelman .. reading a PG Wodehouse at the airport...
or a conservative indian aunty ..reading some raunchy mills and boons type ... or a flaky shabby teenager absorbed in shakespeare ...or many many people at the same airport lounge reading The Lost symbol ..a day after its release...
Its such a small thing... I know ...
But somethings are better the old fashioned way.
Like wine in glass bottles with corkscrews.
And Books in yellowing sleeves with dog eared pages that you inscribe and give to your loved ones and hold close to your hearts tightly when you are a nameless person in the waiting room of life.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Roman Holiday
For Travel junkies like me, inspiration comes from many varied and unexpected places.
Movies, Books, magazines, Commercials ..music .. blue skies..brewing java...gourmet food ...quaint coffee table art books to name a few. ..LOng Days in cooped up cubicles, traffic jams..and emotional roadblocks ..
How many of those fabulous fantasies actually translate into vacations is another thing.
But the beauty lies in imagining and trying..
Trying to imagine how your life can be transformed by culture, by geography, by vast seas and rugged mountainscapes, by unknown rituals and strange customs ..that convince you how important the story of some places is ..and what a shaping role ..it can play .. in your own.
And of how every journey is a revelation and a revolution in its own small way ..inside your mind atleast.
So here is an unabashed list of things that have moved me ..in recent and not so recent times and made me feel like picking up my sneakers, packing a suitcase and taking off.
1. Motorcycle Diaries : Seeing Ernesto "Che" and Alberto with not much more than a full tank of gas, warm smiles and an open mind, navigate the south america disapora ...what from machu pichu to chile to a river cruise down the amazon was a life changing experience not only for them ..but also for the rest of us mere mortals who saw it on the big screen and could only imagine the independance, fear and inspiration that wide open horizons provided the duo ..
2. Under the Tuscan Sun: (*)
Everyone goes through trying times, when one feels like a grasshopper being slapped around by the newspaper of life. But how many of us .. can walk away from everything we once loved ..and move to Tuscany in Italy, become penniless buying a broken down house ..and build a life back while piecing it together brick by brick. Frances did .. and inspired me to do the same for me.
3. Terminator 2 - Judgement Day: Now this took travel to a completely new dimension. What if you had a chance to step into the past ..and do something that would some how change your then future and now present. What would you see ? Would you see how irresponsible you were back then, towards yoursef, the environment, the world. Would it take a gun weilding, metal melting gooey cold eyed terminator to make you realise the value of how beautiful the earth was and your life ? What would you do ..if you were there .. right there .. and how does that change what you will do today ? Does it ? Will it? Can it ? ..and mostly .. will you Let it ?
4. The Beach: (*)
When Richard stays in his dingy hostel in Thailand and experiences the aggravation and frustration of a traveller itching for a different experience, you just cannot imagine what hold for him in the next few months of his life. Astounding and Rebellious though it is , part of you wants to go to Phi Phi and when he jumps into the idyllic waters ..some turquoise drops splash on you too !
One of my favorite quotes - something that I have printed and read before every trip is from his movie ..where Richard says "Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. From mine it's a generation that's circles the globe and searches something we haven't tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It's probably worth it"
5. The Holiday : Ever wanted to get away from it all ? Leave no address behind ? No Number anyone can call you at ? ..Bt thene again .. you can never put life on Hold .. Yet ..some try ..
When two unknown women ..strangers to each other .. decide to house swap for the christmas hols one year .. all the way across London and LA .. you know that fate awaits them ..in places far away from home ....they pack a suitcase ..and get on a plane for like 10 hours ..eat from plastic containers ..but hey .. we always carry a little bit of home in us ..no matter where we go.
And yet ..when a journey in steps is accompanied by a journey of the mind .. it is the most humbling extraordinary experience of all .. And though ..you may be in an ordinary place .. nothing close to the seven wonders ..old world ..or new world .. you still wonder ..at the beauty of it all ..
6. Forrest Gump : "Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know which one you are going to get" ... and when it happens in an unknown town ..when you swallow the bitter sweet familiar
fudge .. its amazing isnt it :) ...Chocolates, Ice Cream and Coffee ..taste great on vacations !!!
When you through in some rugged cross country running ..a shipwreck in a storm and wide open fields .. it makes you want to close your eyes and leap ...
7. North by North West: Oh ..to see the gorgeous Cary Grant ..being chased by a plane in an open corn field ..hanging off the precipice of Mount Rushmore complaining about the looks Teddy's been giving him .. one of the greatest spy movies of all times !
..to be continued :)
Movies, Books, magazines, Commercials ..music .. blue skies..brewing java...gourmet food ...quaint coffee table art books to name a few. ..LOng Days in cooped up cubicles, traffic jams..and emotional roadblocks ..
How many of those fabulous fantasies actually translate into vacations is another thing.
But the beauty lies in imagining and trying..
Trying to imagine how your life can be transformed by culture, by geography, by vast seas and rugged mountainscapes, by unknown rituals and strange customs ..that convince you how important the story of some places is ..and what a shaping role ..it can play .. in your own.
And of how every journey is a revelation and a revolution in its own small way ..inside your mind atleast.
So here is an unabashed list of things that have moved me ..in recent and not so recent times and made me feel like picking up my sneakers, packing a suitcase and taking off.
1. Motorcycle Diaries : Seeing Ernesto "Che" and Alberto with not much more than a full tank of gas, warm smiles and an open mind, navigate the south america disapora ...what from machu pichu to chile to a river cruise down the amazon was a life changing experience not only for them ..but also for the rest of us mere mortals who saw it on the big screen and could only imagine the independance, fear and inspiration that wide open horizons provided the duo ..
2. Under the Tuscan Sun: (*)
Everyone goes through trying times, when one feels like a grasshopper being slapped around by the newspaper of life. But how many of us .. can walk away from everything we once loved ..and move to Tuscany in Italy, become penniless buying a broken down house ..and build a life back while piecing it together brick by brick. Frances did .. and inspired me to do the same for me.
3. Terminator 2 - Judgement Day: Now this took travel to a completely new dimension. What if you had a chance to step into the past ..and do something that would some how change your then future and now present. What would you see ? Would you see how irresponsible you were back then, towards yoursef, the environment, the world. Would it take a gun weilding, metal melting gooey cold eyed terminator to make you realise the value of how beautiful the earth was and your life ? What would you do ..if you were there .. right there .. and how does that change what you will do today ? Does it ? Will it? Can it ? ..and mostly .. will you Let it ?
4. The Beach: (*)
When Richard stays in his dingy hostel in Thailand and experiences the aggravation and frustration of a traveller itching for a different experience, you just cannot imagine what hold for him in the next few months of his life. Astounding and Rebellious though it is , part of you wants to go to Phi Phi and when he jumps into the idyllic waters ..some turquoise drops splash on you too !
One of my favorite quotes - something that I have printed and read before every trip is from his movie ..where Richard says "Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. From mine it's a generation that's circles the globe and searches something we haven't tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It's probably worth it"
5. The Holiday : Ever wanted to get away from it all ? Leave no address behind ? No Number anyone can call you at ? ..Bt thene again .. you can never put life on Hold .. Yet ..some try ..
When two unknown women ..strangers to each other .. decide to house swap for the christmas hols one year .. all the way across London and LA .. you know that fate awaits them ..in places far away from home ....they pack a suitcase ..and get on a plane for like 10 hours ..eat from plastic containers ..but hey .. we always carry a little bit of home in us ..no matter where we go.
And yet ..when a journey in steps is accompanied by a journey of the mind .. it is the most humbling extraordinary experience of all .. And though ..you may be in an ordinary place .. nothing close to the seven wonders ..old world ..or new world .. you still wonder ..at the beauty of it all ..
6. Forrest Gump : "Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know which one you are going to get" ... and when it happens in an unknown town ..when you swallow the bitter sweet familiar
fudge .. its amazing isnt it :) ...Chocolates, Ice Cream and Coffee ..taste great on vacations !!!
When you through in some rugged cross country running ..a shipwreck in a storm and wide open fields .. it makes you want to close your eyes and leap ...
7. North by North West: Oh ..to see the gorgeous Cary Grant ..being chased by a plane in an open corn field ..hanging off the precipice of Mount Rushmore complaining about the looks Teddy's been giving him .. one of the greatest spy movies of all times !
..to be continued :)
Sunday, February 07, 2010
War on sound
This very sleepy sunday morning here in Mumbai, month 2 of 2010, I lay awake in bed little before sunrise.
With mostly a blank mind, I ended up just trying to absorb the many sounds of a city waking up. Of the house waking up. Of life waking up. To a new day.
The birds, the milkman, cars starting up, the sound of headlights as they made strange shadows on windows.
The sound of breathing. Doors opening and doors shutting.
A friendly dog barking. Newspapers rustling.
In a few hours - the peace and the quiet of this amazing soundfest will be shattered by honking cars, traffic jams, a zillion everyday worries and rif raf.
Not yet though.
It is incredibly special to me, the serenity of these few fleeting minutes.
It is now, in the slience of this dark room, I can hear the voice of my heart inside my head.
The sound of optimism, of wonder, of resolve and hope. Of prayer and desire.
To make things work, to be a better person, to grow and learn. To be present.
Slowly - one heartbeat at a time.
This early morning slience to me- is Gods song.
And on days when I hear it and can listen to it - I am blessed with extraordinary peace in a much ordinary existence.
Thank God I have enough.
With mostly a blank mind, I ended up just trying to absorb the many sounds of a city waking up. Of the house waking up. Of life waking up. To a new day.
The birds, the milkman, cars starting up, the sound of headlights as they made strange shadows on windows.
The sound of breathing. Doors opening and doors shutting.
A friendly dog barking. Newspapers rustling.
In a few hours - the peace and the quiet of this amazing soundfest will be shattered by honking cars, traffic jams, a zillion everyday worries and rif raf.
Not yet though.
It is incredibly special to me, the serenity of these few fleeting minutes.
It is now, in the slience of this dark room, I can hear the voice of my heart inside my head.
The sound of optimism, of wonder, of resolve and hope. Of prayer and desire.
To make things work, to be a better person, to grow and learn. To be present.
Slowly - one heartbeat at a time.
This early morning slience to me- is Gods song.
And on days when I hear it and can listen to it - I am blessed with extraordinary peace in a much ordinary existence.
Thank God I have enough.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Time Travel
I love travelling.
I love the sense of adventure and spirit that an unknown place infuses in my blood.
I love to set my alarm in a new city, wake up and walk out armed with the 4 S's .. sneakers, sunblock, Sunglasses and smiles.
I make one big trip a year and when I am lucky, more than one.
I've been more lucky than less lucky.
But as the first month of the year comes to an end. I've had an interesting revelation.
That its true, like all the books and philosophers say - the greatest journey one can make sometimes, is go the distance between two people.
Its takes a lifetime in some cases.
And WIP in others.
But it can be the most interesting mammoth of an adventure you've ever embarked on.
This year - I am learning so many new things about my dearest friends.
About how brave some of them are battling with the hand that life has dealt them, in case of some others - how well they write... how some of those I hold closest to me deal happily and take on the challenges that life and our friendship poses. How distance can be bridged in just one warm phonecall. Or even a text message. How years of indecision and cynicsm can evaporate with just one kind gesture. Of how people much older than me, are actually far more progressive than me in the way they approach sometimes. About faith, resilience and hope.
The Journey...that bridges the gap between two people, one step, one dinner, one phone, one hug, one tear, one laugh one email, one smile at a time.
So what are you waiting for ?!
Screw the sunblock and let the yellow beams soak you silly.
Reach out. Hug someone. Kiss someone. Miss someone.
Have you said it ?
I love you.
I cant live without you.
You make my world a better place.
You make me smile.
Thank god for you.
Wanna grab a cup of coffee ?
How are you doing ?
Life is happening - Right here. Right now.
So walk the distance, take that step and be a happy traveller.
Today :)
I love the sense of adventure and spirit that an unknown place infuses in my blood.
I love to set my alarm in a new city, wake up and walk out armed with the 4 S's .. sneakers, sunblock, Sunglasses and smiles.
I make one big trip a year and when I am lucky, more than one.
I've been more lucky than less lucky.
But as the first month of the year comes to an end. I've had an interesting revelation.
That its true, like all the books and philosophers say - the greatest journey one can make sometimes, is go the distance between two people.
Its takes a lifetime in some cases.
And WIP in others.
But it can be the most interesting mammoth of an adventure you've ever embarked on.
This year - I am learning so many new things about my dearest friends.
About how brave some of them are battling with the hand that life has dealt them, in case of some others - how well they write... how some of those I hold closest to me deal happily and take on the challenges that life and our friendship poses. How distance can be bridged in just one warm phonecall. Or even a text message. How years of indecision and cynicsm can evaporate with just one kind gesture. Of how people much older than me, are actually far more progressive than me in the way they approach sometimes. About faith, resilience and hope.
The Journey...that bridges the gap between two people, one step, one dinner, one phone, one hug, one tear, one laugh one email, one smile at a time.
So what are you waiting for ?!
Screw the sunblock and let the yellow beams soak you silly.
Reach out. Hug someone. Kiss someone. Miss someone.
Have you said it ?
I love you.
I cant live without you.
You make my world a better place.
You make me smile.
Thank god for you.
Wanna grab a cup of coffee ?
How are you doing ?
Life is happening - Right here. Right now.
So walk the distance, take that step and be a happy traveller.
Today :)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Rain
Remember the parched heat of early June.
The air ripe with anticipation, the sense of imminent change and an air of expectation so think you could cut it with a knife.
One minute - there is silence.
The next minute, water is flowing from the lips of the sky into your life.
One minute you are standing high and dry
The next minute the heavens have soaked you silly
And so it is - by the gentle hands that guide me and watch with anticipation and sometimes despair, my twisted journey through this maze called Life.
My Life.
The big things in life - have happened in a matter of seconds.
One would always think that big change happens gradually - over time.
But the truth is that - there is always that split second - where you dont know and then suddenly you do know.
You can plan for emergencies and plan for rainy days and plan for the next 10 years.
Just plan on having a darn good time too.
And plan on being surprised.
And plan on Life taking your breath away when you least expect it.
Thank God I have enough.
The air ripe with anticipation, the sense of imminent change and an air of expectation so think you could cut it with a knife.
One minute - there is silence.
The next minute, water is flowing from the lips of the sky into your life.
One minute you are standing high and dry
The next minute the heavens have soaked you silly
And so it is - by the gentle hands that guide me and watch with anticipation and sometimes despair, my twisted journey through this maze called Life.
My Life.
The big things in life - have happened in a matter of seconds.
One would always think that big change happens gradually - over time.
But the truth is that - there is always that split second - where you dont know and then suddenly you do know.
You can plan for emergencies and plan for rainy days and plan for the next 10 years.
Just plan on having a darn good time too.
And plan on being surprised.
And plan on Life taking your breath away when you least expect it.
Thank God I have enough.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Oasis
I’ve never been walking in the desert long enough to actually know what it feels like to spot an oasis.
Metaphorically though, I’ve had experiences with lots of mirages.
When you get too close to something that doesn’t actually exists and pick up the pieces after. When you’ve made a habit out of evading smokes and mirrors and realizing that things are real only when they get over – least you get too involved, it’s hard to spot the real thing even when it stares you squarely in the eye.
So metaphorically, I am walking through a desert and I see an oasis in the distance.
I have two choices – I trust my eyes and follow the green light.
Chances are it will be a myth and I’ll spend much time recovering from the critical path lapse.
Or I could ignore the temptation to succumb and keep walking.
Sooner or Later – the desert is bound to end – mostly later and so what if I’m completely wasted and out, atleast I survived and made it out.
The thing is ... I’ve never actually been to an oasis…
and if I can only get there I know my soul will get drenched silly.
And for some reason if it doesn’t – whats a few more days/years of knee scraping in the grand scheme of things. Nada.
Rock Paper Scissors. I’ve just got to find out now. Point of no return.
And all I can do in the interim is pray and keep the faith and believe that like someone said: “Muddai Lakh Bura chahe kya hoga … wahi hoga jo manjoorein khuda hoga”
Thank God I have enough.
Metaphorically though, I’ve had experiences with lots of mirages.
When you get too close to something that doesn’t actually exists and pick up the pieces after. When you’ve made a habit out of evading smokes and mirrors and realizing that things are real only when they get over – least you get too involved, it’s hard to spot the real thing even when it stares you squarely in the eye.
So metaphorically, I am walking through a desert and I see an oasis in the distance.
I have two choices – I trust my eyes and follow the green light.
Chances are it will be a myth and I’ll spend much time recovering from the critical path lapse.
Or I could ignore the temptation to succumb and keep walking.
Sooner or Later – the desert is bound to end – mostly later and so what if I’m completely wasted and out, atleast I survived and made it out.
The thing is ... I’ve never actually been to an oasis…
and if I can only get there I know my soul will get drenched silly.
And for some reason if it doesn’t – whats a few more days/years of knee scraping in the grand scheme of things. Nada.
Rock Paper Scissors. I’ve just got to find out now. Point of no return.
And all I can do in the interim is pray and keep the faith and believe that like someone said: “Muddai Lakh Bura chahe kya hoga … wahi hoga jo manjoorein khuda hoga”
Thank God I have enough.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Faith
The purpose of Faith is to believe in what you just cannot see.
And sometimes, when you do, You get to actually see it.
And when that happpens, on a blue moon night in Bombay, You;ve just gotta put your seat belt on and believe as your heart floors the runway of life.
:)
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