Books in 2021

 In 2019, my New Year Resolution was to read atleast one new author every month. In 2020, I wanted to read at least one non-fiction every month. In 2021, I just wanted to read more.

In 2022, I want to continue reading at least one new author every month and also read more translated work from Bangla. Recommendations are welcome 😊

 

My reading Journey in the year 2021:

 

Books Read: 42

New authors: 25

Favourite New Authors (in no particular order)- Anthony Horowitz, Kazuo Ishiguro, Alexander McCall Smith

Most Read Genre: Mystery

Favourite Debut Novel: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Favourite Fiction: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Favourite Non- Fiction: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Most Disturbing Read: Why Men Rape by Tara Kaushal

Favourite Poetry book: Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

Read with your child- India’s Adventures in Space by Spoorthy Raman

 

#Booksin2021 #LoveReading #Happiness #LoveBooks

 

Below are the snippets posted on Facebook. Each one speaks volumes of my mental space at that point of time and my reading journey.

 

Book 42- The Story of the Lost Child- Elena Ferrante. 27^th Dec 2021

 

A dear friend introduced me to this book almost 2 years back. As I come to the final book of the Neapolitan series, I cannot wait to know what happens to Lila and Lenu and their friendship.The fourth book in the series. This time, water in a new favourite mug gives my Kindle company:)

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #AboutFriendship #TranslatedWork #Sequel #KindleRead #NeapolitanNovel #Book42

 

Book 41- The Nothing Man- Catherine Ryan Howard. 25^th Dec 2021

 

Amidst nature, the song of birds, solitude and some me-time.

#Book41 #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #CurrentRead #LoveReading #LoveBooks #MurderMystery #HolidayRead #BooksIn2021 #KindleRead #WomenAuthors #Happiness #Gratitude

 

Book 40- Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982- Cho Nam Joo. 18^th Dec 2021

 

Travelled on work after 21 months and finished this book in exactly two sittings. A rivetting book that hits you hard. You relate to many experiences and you know exactly what the female protagonist has gone through. A must read. This year has been about discovering some fabulous writers.

#Book40 #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #WomenAuthors #TranslatedWork #GenderDiscrimination #WorkTravels #ReadWhileTravelling #Happiness #Gratitude #Gift

 

Book 39- Atomic Habits- James Clear. 1^st Dec 2021

 

This book was part of our #BlossomsLoot in 2021 January. Picking it up as my first read of December.

Habits are an integral part of our lives.

Just like how Marie was always the perfect accompaniment to my Assam Chai. While Chai and I have parted ways, Marie now gives company to my Black Coffee.

Some Habits stay on, they are a reminder to another set of habits.

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book39 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #NonFiction #Learnings #Gratitude #Habits #PowerOfHabits #AtomicHabits #TinyHabits #LoveCoffee

 

Book 38- Inhale Exhale- Dr. Ishan Capoor. 30^th Nov 2021

 

Thanks to a dear friend who sent this today by India Post. A happy surprise. Cannot wait to read it. Thank you Sonali Bhatia

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book38 #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #Poetry #Learnings #Gratitude #BookByAPulmonologist #Covid19 #LoveCoffee

 

Book 37- Circe- Madeline Miller-4^th November

 

His and Mine. This Morning.

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book37 #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #Rereading #Learnings #Mythology #Pramadhs #LoveCoffee

 

Book 36- India’s Adventures in Space-Spoorthy Raman- 1^st Nov 2021

 

We bought this book a few weeks back and gave it to Ira this morning. She finished it already I am also starting my November with this book. The excitement of reading a book, written by someone you know!

Spoorthy Raman , the book looks absolutely beautiful and Ira shared some interesting facts that stayed with her as she read.

Congratulations

on this amazing feat! To reading more books written by you

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book36 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #SpaceAdventures #India #ScienceWriting #IraReadsMammaReads

 

Book 35- Kiara and the Sun- Kazuo Ishiguro-20^th October 2021

 

Back to Ooru, back to life.

Picked this dystopian Science fiction by an author I began reading this year as my next read!

#BooksIn2021 #Book35 #ScienceFiction #CurrentRead #Happiness #LoveCoffee #LoveReading #KindleRead #NobelLaureate

 

Book 34- The Thing around your Neck - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -14^th October 2021

 

Sitting amidst the mountains, watching the fogs play hide and seek. Humbling.

Will miss these mornings

The one constant is my company and a book in hand.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book34 #Happiness #Travel #Pramadhs #LoveMountains #CurrentRead #ShortStories #FavouriteAuthor #KindleRead

 

Book 33- Milk and Honey- Rupi Kaur-13^th October 2021

 

Another day.

Another morning.

Hello from another place in the Western Ghats! Finding solace in the silence, the rains and the poetry.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book33 #Survival #LovePoetry #Happiness #Travel #Pramadhs #LoveMountains #CurrentRead #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #KindleRead

 

Book 32- The Full Cupboard of Life- Alexander McCall Smith- 12^th October 2021

 

Hello from the Western Ghats! In a quaint place that had a small bookshelf welcoming us. Picked this book with one of my favourite protagonists I discovered this year. A fabulous coincidence that this is the second book in the series.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book32 #LoveMystery #CurrentRead #Series #Library #BookShelf #Happiness #Travel #Pramadhs #LoveMountains

 

Book 31- Then She was Gone -Lisa Jewell- 4^th October 2021

 

When in between meetings, you want to read. Because what better thing to do while you wait.This year has been a record on the number of murder mysteries that I have read<3

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book31 #MurderMystery #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #CurrentRead #KindleRead #BetweenMeetings

Book 30- The Shivering- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- 30^th September 2021

Another short story<3

#Book30 #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #FavouriteAuthor #ShortStory #KindleRead

 

Book 29- Before the Coffee Gets Cold - Toshikazu Kawaguchi- 30th September 2021

 

The last few weeks I haven't been able to read much. This book was gifted by two dear friends. Time to read it as I sip my coffee.

The longpi mug was bought at Dastkar few years back from this Artisan from Manipur. Like the book, the mug is special too

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book29 #TimeTravel #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveCoffee #LongpiCoffeeMug #Memories #BooksAreTheBestGifts #LoveBooks #CurrentRead #TranslatedWork

 

Book 28- One of Us is Lying- Karen M McManus- 27^th August 2021

 

Nothing in life is just B&W. Neither stories, nor those mugs of coffee nor existential thoughts!

My last book was an extremely difficult read. So, picking up something light, hopefully.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book28 #KindleRead #DebutNovel #MurderMystery #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #ExistentialThoughts #LoveCoffee #EnamelCoffeeMug #CurrentRead

 

Book 27- Why Men Rape- Tara Kaushal-25^th July 2021

 

This book was bought online in 2020, the year it released. I have many times picked it up and put it back because wasn't sure I could read it. Few pages in. I want to continue reading. I want everyone to read it.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book27 #NonFiction #InvestigativeJournalism #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth

 

 

Book 26- Those who leave and those who stay- Elena Ferrante- 8^th July 2021

 

Lila and Lenu and their friendship. One of those translated works that tugs at your heart. The third book in the series. This time, some Black tea for company!

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #AboutFriendship #TranslatedWork #Sequel #KindleRead #NeapolitanNovel #Book26

 

 

Book 25- The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency- Alexander McCall Smith- 6^th July 2021

 

This book came highly recommended from a close friend. Halfway into it, I absolutely love Mma Precious Ramotswe and the narration of life and culture in Botswana

A perfect company to my quiet mornings.

Can't wait to read more in the series. There are 20 books.

#Book25 #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveMystery #KindleRead #Series

 

Book 24- Zikora- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- 1^st July 2021

 

July begins with one of my top favourite authors. Was introduced to her writing by a dear friend and my reading life just got better.

#Book24 #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #FavouriteAuthor #ShortStory #KindleRead

 

 

Book 23- Moonflower Murders- Anthony Horowitz-22^nd June 2021

My journey with Sophie is slow. Picked up another book to read simultaneously. Loved the first book by Anthony Horowitz. This also seems intriguing.

Giving my read company is a bowl of happiness!

*The Cover page picture is sourced online.

#Book23 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #LoveMystery #KindleRead

 

 

 

Book 22 –Baby and Dubdub- Khyrunnisa A.

Book 21- The Puppy who was Left behind- Holly Webb- 14^th June 2021

 

"Mamma, read this story about Dubdub. It is really nice"

"Ok Ira, how about the book by Holly? "

"That is a sad story, about a puppy who is left behind"

"But don't they get back together in the end?"

"Yeah, they do."

"So, it is a story with a happy ending?"

"Yes actually".

Ira sat with me as I read the final pages of Baby and Dubdub's story. Two delightful books that made my weekend

#Book21 #Book22 #ChildrensLiterature #IraRecommendsMammaReads #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #IraLovesDogs #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #FourthNewAuthorOfTheMonth

 

 

Book 20- Jostein Gaarder-Sophie’s World- 9^th June 2021

Picked this book up in 2010 at the Bangalore Book Festival. Many times picked it up and just put it back on the shelf. Finally, this morning seemed right to begin reading it.

"It seems as if in the process of growing up we lose the ability to wonder about the world".

The pretty coffee mug is courtesy Hamsa Venkataraman . It is pure love.

#Book20 #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #PhilosophicalThoughts #Wonder #BBF #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #DebutNovel #TranslatedWork #CoffeeMugs

 

Book 19- Rebirth- Jahnavi Barua-5^th June 2021

A book from two of my besties, with their personalised messages is what makes this one even more special. Also, the fact that the protagonist hails from the state, where the moda at home is from. Random connections, you know.

Kaberi could just become one of my favourite protagonists ever.

#Book19 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #Gratitude #Happiness #Friends #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth

 

Book 18- Go Set a watchman- Harper Lee- 30^th May 2021

Another treasure from Blossoms, Bengaluru. I was fascinated by Scout and Atticus Finch when I read, To Kill a Mockingbird years back.

For me, Scout challenged gender norms and was someone to look up to.

As I picked this book up yesterday to read, I couldn't help but find comfort in wanting to know how is Scout doing.

#LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #Sequel #SecondHandBook #Book18 #Gratitude #Memories #SundayThoughts #FavoriteCharacters

 

Book 17- When we were Orphans- Kazuo Ishiguro- 24^th May 2021

Picked this book from Blossoms 2 summers ago when it was one of the most normal things to do! Miss those moments.

#LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #SecondHandBook #Book17 #Gratitude #Memories #MondayMusings

 

Book 16- Daughter by Court Order- Ratna– 17^th May 2021

Arnie's life seems as complex as my multilayered breakfast!

#Book16 #CurrentRead #BorrowedBook #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveReading #IndianAuthor #Gratitude #HappyBreakfast #MondayMusings #BooksIn2021

 

Book 15- Anxious People- Fredrik Backman- 1^st May 2021

'May' we reach out to each other, 'May' we be there for each other.

'May' we find solace in the little things we do. 'May' we reflect on our words, thoughts and actions.

#Book15 #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #FavouriteAuthor #LoveCoffee

 

Book 14- Bipradas- Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay-23^rd April 2021

#Book14 #TranslatedWork #BanglaLiterature #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #GiftedBook

 

Book 13- Magpie Murders- Anthony Horowitz- 5^th April 2021

Hello April,

Let just the books I read be full of mystery. I want you to be mundane, calm and boring; just a regular sort of month.

Much love.

HE has already read this and highly recommends it.

The original cover of the book is red and black; some red apple for thought, giving my book company!

#Book13 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth

 

Book 12- Honour- Elif Shafak-29^th March 2021

Picking up an author I love and whose books give a sense of comfort. Protagonists who are so real, so flawed and so endearing at the same time.

#CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #Book12 #FavoriteAuthor #Gratitude

 

Book 11- Collected Stories- Gabriel Garcia Marquez- 7^th March 2021

I began reading this book in 2016. This year the idea is also to finish the unfinished books. As I flipped the pages, I actually found some boarding passes from 2016.

A grim reminder also of my last work travel that was on 7th March 2020.

#Booksin2021 #CurrentRead #UnfinishedBook #LoveReading #Gratitude #Memories #WorkTravel #ShortStories #Book11

Book 10- Fasting, Feasting- Anita Desai-1^st March 2021

Marching into the new month, with a book that explores multiple nuances of Indian families, through the food and the eating.

An interesting foreward by Rana Dasgupta, whose Tokyo Cancelled I have read and immensely enjoyed.

#BooksIn2021 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveReading #CurrentRead #IndianAuthors #Book10 #BookerPrizeRunnerUp #BorrowedBook #Gratitude

 

Book 9- The Other Shore-Enso-27^th Feb 2021

Enso is a quest and the beautiful pen name chosen by this author. This was a lovely book of poetry gifted to me by a friend, that makes you ponder and reflect on the simple realities of life. I do have some favories here- Creation, Free Spirit, Reaction and Flow.

#LoveReading #CurrentRead #DebutBook #BookOfPoetry #PenName #Book9 #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #BooksIn2021 #Gratitude #LovePoetry #ExistentialQuest #Reflection

Book 8- Palli Samaj- Sarat Chandra Chatterjee-18^th Feb 2021

#LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #TranslatedWork #BanglaLiterature #Book8

 

Book 7- A Suitable Boy- Vikram Seth-7^th Feb 2021

There are some books that you may have been wanting to read for years! This is one such book for me. Waiting to see what unravels in these 1349 pages!

A friend who is in a spree of reading Vikram Seth nudged me to pick this one, and I borrowed it from another friend.

Look what I found in the pages. A memory? A story?

#Booksin2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #FriendsAndBooks #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #Book7 #Gratitude

Book 6- The Tattooist of Auschwitz- Heather Morris- 4^th Feb 2021

A story of love and determination to begin February

#DebutNovel #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #Book6

 

Book 5- Nudge- Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein-26^th January 2021

Read this book 2 years back and reading this again. I teach Behavioral Science to Public Policy Masters Students this semester. A fabulous book to nudge those classroom discussions.

Also, Happy Republic Day Everyone. Nudge yourself to be a more rational, conscientious, accepting and empathetic citizen. The Constitution Preamble adorns a wall at home and triggers many a thoughts in the Pramadh household.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book5 #NonFiction #RepeatRead #AcademicRead #Pramadhs #HappyRepublicDay

 

Book 4- The Story of a New name- Elena Ferrante-22^nd January 2021

Some days, you take comfort in the known.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #AboutFriendship #TranslatedWork #Sequel #KindleRead #NeapolitanNovel #Book4

 

Book 3- Parineeta- Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay-19^th January 2021

I love the sweetness of 'Patali gur'. For me, it is about Kolkata winter memories- hot phulkas with Begun bhaja (Brinjal fry) and gur.

Last evening, a swiggy parcel from a dear friend brought the same warmth, sweetness and happiness! I had shared a desire to read some Bangla literature, translated books. I received some patali and a few books

Began reading one right away.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #TranslatedWork #BanglaLiterature #Happiness #Gratitude #Friends #LoveReading #Book3

Book 2- Queen of Dreams- Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni-11^th January 2021

Waiting for the week to begin! Starting a book by an author whose books I absolutely love. And then to find a quote from another of my favorite authors in the starting pages. I absolutely enjoyed reading Murakami's Sputnik Sweetheart.

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #OneOfMyFavoriteAuthors #MondayMusings #Gratitude #Happiness #Book2

 

Book 1- Girl in White Cotton- Avni Doshi-1^st January 2021

Hello January!

#BooksIn2021 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #DebutNovel #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poke that Puri, the Pramadh way

                      Looking up to the sky

There is a lot that the last two years have taught all of us. For the ones who parent little children , it was about embracing the chaos and changes that were beyond our control. 

We at home realised even more through all this, the importance of giving our child experiences to remember, doing things together as a family. The key was appreciating what we have, anticipating a new experience, savoring it together as a family and making random, little memories that you will someday remember and it will bring a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your lips. Just like one fine morning while driving to school pick up spot, Papa talking about potholed roads and teaching Ira the concept of the path of least resistance! Each time we drive through that road in question, this conversation will be etched in our memories. 

Have actually listed some of the randomest and not so random things we did. Random because many a times these were unplanned, some of course planned keeping covid and safety precautions in mind. 

1. Cooking together- Get Ira to help with sorting greens, sauteing onions, cracking and beating eggs. We also progressed to having Ira make one Sunday breakfast a month. Simple sandwiches to pancakes from ready mixes. The idea was to enjoy the process. Being  a foodie, she did like it but was exhausted cooking for 3 people! 

2. Game evenings- Uno Flip, Ludo, Scrabble, Taboo, Pictionary Online topped some of the games we played at home this year. Most Mondays of the year were no screen days and we ensured we played a game together. But again, that was not the only day we played games. 

3. Drawing, colouring and some craft too- we drew, coloured and made things together. Independence Day evening we did a picture with our hand prints. Prompted by a family activity from school, we also did a dot art. We learnt some origami finger puppets and even butterfly bookmarks. We spent an evening this week colouring cupcakes and just imagining the different possibility was so much fun! 

       

4. Treks, parks and more- The last two years when covid was in control, we also managed some early morning treks. Read- waking up at 4am and leaving home by 5am. Ira loved being the trail leader and would pack her trek bag with all essentials, including first aid kit and her whistle. How do we manage such early mornings? We are all early risers and some time in nature is motivation enough. We also managed to visit cubbon park a few times. Walk in the park with friends and fur friends just made our day. 

5. Reading together- While our mornings begin with coffee and books, some recent happenings meant we changed our coffee time. But the reading habit continues and now is punctuated across the day. Ira got introduced to Harry Potter books this year and what a ride it has been. She is on the 5th book now, as I write this blog. And has also begun reading a book titled, The Vedas and Upanishads for Children by Roopa Pai, gifted by Mr. Chatterjee, who she recently met. 

6. Cycling with Papa- Ira also transitioned from a balance bike to a normal bike recently and Papa taught her some bit of road cycling. Wearing her helmet and mask and following directions, navigating traffic with Papa right behind her, she did rides upto 2.5 kms distance. 

7. Adventure, Climbing and Skateboarding- Ira had begun climbing classes but they were disrupted due to the second wave. Those 2 days in the week made her super happy. She has a fabulous coach and we hope to resume that soon. She of course continues her Karate classes. Ira has also begun learning skateboarding by herself and recently, we took her to a skateboarding workshop where she was coached. She now wants to join classes and we are figuring that out. Post that session she said she was hapiest to be out of home and do all this kind of stuff. And yeah, she skateboarded and enjoyed bum-boarding too :) 

     Fun bum-skateboarding

8. Travel- We managed to do some holidays within the state and all of them were in the Western Ghats. Perfect place to relax, do nothing and just be. Some of these places we managed long walks, short treks, a trail walk through paddy fields where we fell and feet got stuck in deep mud too. We also played in a creek and looked up at the open sky and counted the clouds in the mornings and stars at night. 

   We love travelling and love to pose in style

9. Pretend play and Do nothing days- The year was challenging for the Pramadhs in many ways and we found solace in little pretend plays with Ira. A restaurant scene, solving a mystery or travelling in an imaginary place. Also, do nothing days at home when we do nothing much. Sometimes, cook up a storm of dishes literally because foodies love such days. 

10. Journaling your experiences- writing happy chits to writing her little journal, the thought was to capture what am feeling, how am expressing it and why am feeling that way. This is a wip and our little human being reminds us constantly that there is so much happening in that little mind. 

So, as we brace ourselves for 2022, we look up to the skies and hope that this is a better year for everyone, we have experiences we learnt from, make the most of and cherish, also experiences we create because life is precious. So, next time you eat that fluffy puri, remember to poke the puri to make that little hole and then enjoy the goodness of it all, the Pramadh way! 

             Puri poking is serious business 

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Pramadhs #Happiness #Gratitude #Blessings #Experiences #LoveCooking #LoveTreks #LoveNature #LoveHolidays #LoveTravels #LoveAdventure #LittleHumanBeings #Parenting #Covid19 #Random #Memories 

41, accepting and liberating.

                 My first attempt at Gond art- 

                  'A woman seeking Liberation'

The birthday gone by! 

Blessed in many ways, grateful for many things. 

The year gone by has been trying and the focus has been to find space for myself amidst all the chaos. 

Had a quiet birthday with Ira and Prashant. He made some delicious food like always, I ate and took an afternoon siesta. Had a quiet birthday. Some would even term it boring and getting old :). Ira made a beautiful card and wrote, "I hope you are happy to be 41 years old today. " 

A friend dropped by and made ambodes for the birthday girl, another sent boxes of cakes and another boxful of sinful chocolate delights. The next afternoon, a nice lunch at home with 2 friends who have been our pillar of support constantly. 

I spent the afternoon attempting a Gond art. Learnt the basics as part of an interaction with Ira's school art teacher the previous evening. 

The heart was overwhelmed but the mind continued to be in chaos.  Some days, actually many days have been a battle for me. A person who stepped out at the drop of a hat today gets cold feet. I have almost stopped meeting people, I haven't met people for socialising in group larger than 6 to 8 (just one meet up with 8 people including us recently) in the last 2 years (not considering the days I go to MCC). I did not meet one of my closest friends who was leaving town. That is how deep the fear was. May be even irrational at some point. I have cancelled plans, postponed them indefinitely and have learnt not to make plans too. I have at times stopped even trying. 

I have had more quiet days than I have had in the last many many years. I am no more the person who sent the Good Morning message on groups diligently everyday (not random ones, but the ones with close friends). I hardly do calls and I hardly have stayed in touch with many friends. Friends have been kind and understanding. I have also lost friends and acquaintances and learnt that life goes on. 

I have learnt not to have the need to be wanted, to be seeked. I am still here, but I am learning to make peace with not existing, for people. Difficult for an extrovert who derives energy from being amidst people. 

What has kept me sane are my reading , my work, cooking,the two amazing people I live with, Baba, Ma and Joy; and some friends.

'He' has been my anchor. The acceptance, the hugs, the unconditional love and the difficult conversations when I most needed them, some random plans to push me beyond that comfort zone, the understanding of the silent and weepy moments. My little girl has been a star. She has seen me dazed, losing my cool and just not being in my element. She has helped me be stronger and push myself in these dark moments. She has helped me be a mother who takes care of herself first, so that she can be there ready for the day ahead. 

So, to the year to come. The challenges may continue, the road continues to be rough. I hope to find moments with myself, focus just on self. Do things for myself and my well-being. And find the acceptance of these fears, thoughts and actions liberating. 

Happy 41 to me. <3 

#HappyBirthday #41sBirthday #Happiness #Gratitude #Acceptance #Love #Pramadhs #Ira  #Us #Family #Parents #Liberating 

Healium, a story by Ira

                            Ira with her art

Ira has been learning about plants in her Science class and her teacher encouraged the children to write a story imagining that they are a tree. She gave the little one prompts every week and they had to build on the story. Along with writing this story, there were nature walks, observations and experiential learnings galore. 

This Children’s Day, am sharing Ira’s tree story. 

******** 

I am a Tree

I am a healing tree, I have wide branches and a medium trunk. The colour of my leaves are white. White I feel is the colour of Life. My leaves have and give the healing power. If you are hurt, pluck a leaf and squeeze the water. I live on a short hill, surrounded by grass. I have birds that sit and make their nest. I also have rainbow coloured fruits.

My name is Healium.

My bark is a medium share of brown and it has wavy patterns. It feels hard and nice. Animals, birds and humans eat my fruits. My seeds are heart shaped. They are covered by my fruits, which are floret shaped. They taste sweet. 

I was a heart shaped seed. Someone planted me but I did not see. I was also happy when the birds made my fruits their feast.

Monkeys share my fruits with the whole animal kingdom. 

(Message to Humans) Take care of yourself.

Illustrated by Ira

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #ExperientialLearning #ScienceStories #Observation #NatureWalks #ArtByIra #StoriesByIra #Parenting

Discovering Little Readers, the Ira way

 

 Finding her reading nook at our holiday in Balur

We all at home enjoy reading. For me, the reading habit goes back to childhood. Ma would read a lot of Bangla stories to Bhai and me. And I read my first abridged classics, Black Beauty and Great Expectations, when I was about 8 years old. Baba never got me comics saying that reading classics would help me have a better grasp on English. Trips to Sapna Book House, Gangarams and even the booksales at Safina plaza over the years just enriched the habit of reading. While travelling to Kolkata by train, a mandatory visit to the Higginbothams stall at Chennai Railway Station would mean I pick up a Hardy Boys. I still have those at home :) 

When I first met Prashant and we got talking. I realised he reads primarily non-fiction and biographies. While that habit continues, he has over the years also explored the fiction books and I have picked up the habit of reading non-fiction. He is also into audio books, which am yet to explore. Just getting to the kindle was a journey for me. Every year, our reading lists have some common books. 

Now, the question we are often asked is how did we make Ira take to books. What is the parenting hack to creating little readers? 

The honest answer is we hoped that she takes to them and so we began reading to her really really early. Prashant even would read the newspaper editorial page aloud to her. It was all about the sounds to start with. 

                            Our Mornings

Read to the child. Read a bit everyday. 

Read books yourself. 

Have  a family reading time as part of the day. 

Ours is the morning time as we do our coffee and she does her milk. 

Also, read aloud with them once in a while even as they transition to reading on their own. 

We often buy books and keep and just gift her on random days. 

We read on our travels and now, she does too. 

Soon, doing all this, you will discover that they have discovered some favourites. 

Ira loved Dr. Suezz books, we spent days reading How I met My Mother and Guess How much I love you multiple times. We also introduced her to Pratham and Tulika books. 

She then transitioned to Ladybird books, all types of titles. Fairy tales to dragon stories to ones on planets and earth. 

Julia Donaldson and Peppa Pig books also took up space in her reading shelf. 

Along with these, books bought from exhibitions by authors across the world. 

The last 2 years saw her exploring Enid Blytons, Geronimo Stiltons and this year, she took to the Harry Potter Series.  Prashant has also been reading Mahabharata and Ramayana by Arshia Sattar to her and we also discovered Khyrunnisa's books during the pandemic. For now, she is smitten by a book that talks about India's space explorations by Spoorthy Raman. 

Ira even likes reading random pamphlets from stores, diagnostic centres and even salons! 

She at times picks up some of the books we read to her as a toddler and reads them, saying that she feels like reading her baby books. :) 

We are also specialising in Mehendi designs based on book themes. 

                      Potterhead at home

We can only hope that this reading habit stays and grows. For now, we have a reader who finds her favourite nook even on holidays to read! 

So, here to discovering stories, magic and new worlds through books! 

                          Holidaying at Coorg

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #ReadingHabit #LoveBooks #LoveReading #DiscoveringBooks #Parenting #Gratitude #Happiness #Pramadhs 

Baba found a new shopping partner

          Lunch at one of our fave places! 

I have always done my shopping with Baba since a child, into my teen years and even now. Every year, pujo shopping together has been a ritual. While last year, we missed this; this year Baba found a new shopping partner. 

All of 7 years old, super excited to try the clothes, overwhelmed with so many choices. Tried the clothes, posed for Dadu, Mamma took pics to share with Dida, all done in style. And end of the shopping expedition, wants to know where we are going for lunch! 

A microblog for posterity. Because it is these moments, these memories that we hold on to. 

Also, something sweet that Ira and Dadu love is what tied together the end of day! 

                     The day in a snippet

#Ira #Iraisms #StoriesAtSeven #IraAtSeven #Happiness #Love #Gratitude #Grandparents #IraAndDadu #IraAndMamma #Shopping