Mamma, I will take the lady bug bag today!

 "Mamma,  I will take the lady bug bag today!"

One of the best things about the montessori education we feel is that Ira does a lot of things herself. She wears her own shoes,  packs her own little bag when we travel or visit a friend, keeps her plate or bowl in the sink post a meal and even throws garbage in the designated bins. These may come across as small chores but for a three year old, these are stepping stones to being independent and self sufficient. Another reason we are grateful for the type of learning  that we have chosen.

#Ira #Iraisms #School #Parenting #gratitude #JackfruitHouse #independent #selfsufficient #TalesatThree #microblogging 

"And though she be but little, she is fierce"

Ira discovered the joy of a birthday this year. Having been introduced to the concept of cake cutting at school,  she likes birthdays because they mean cake. As she turned three today,  she woke up this morning and told her Papa it was her happy birthday and that he should wish her. When dadu sang Happy birthday, she told him song is during cake cutting; on phone just happy birthday. She told her Ajji, see you in the evening. A Dear friend visited her and the eyes sparkled because she discovered the next best thing,  birthday gifts. The sparkle in the eyes and the ear to ear grin just said it all.  She got Pluto for company,  a dancing octopus,  wooden puzzles, clothes,  blocks in wood and plastic, and crafts and books through the day. Each little gift was embraced with a squeal of excitement. This was also the first year when she attended calls. She promptly said, "Thank you for Wishing me" .  Ofcourse,  Papa and Mamma felt proud. There are many influences in the life of a little girl. Ira in the last few months has discovered superheroes and likes, Kara- the supergirl and wants to be strong like her,  fly like her and save the world like her. So,  while choosing what she would wear for her birthday,  the choice was obviously a tee with the superhero emblem and prior to that a top that said,  "And though she be but little, she is fierce" summing up our little girl and her little world. A world that we are discovering bit by bit everyday. Happy birthday Ira! Thank you for being the reason for our 'Earth Rejoicing'!

#Iraisms #Ira #gratitude #happyparenting #grandparentsareprecious #happiness #happybirthday #iwantcake #earthrejoicing #heartmelting #turning3

Love the way Ove does

Name of the Book: A Man Called Ove
Name of the Author: Fredrik  Bachman
Genre: Fiction,  Romance

This is a love story. Love story of a man whose life is  like an assembled tool kit till he meets a woman who creates some cacophony in that pattern. He sees the world in black and white but he is still perceived full of colour by a three year old. To him,  his wife is the most colourful element in his life, someone, before and after whom there was no colour.
His fixed ways of doing things,  his notions about people and his opinions on cars and houses make him annoying in bits and endearing in large measures. It is almost like there is a large brick wall you knock at to understand him,  to see that wall disappear just the next instant.
A large man literally dealing with his broken heart, his loss cannot be measured in words. You feel Sonja in his every breath, his every action,  his every thought, his every conversation near the gravestone.
I cried copiously reading this book because you fall in love with Ove for what he is- a man in love. His shortcomings,  his anger, his fury over the world notwithstanding. Parvaneh is like that breath of fresh air, an immensely lovable character. She is like the catalyst who ensure the actions and reactions take new turns.
A Man called Ove is a delightful read. I came across this book reco on the FB group Senior Reading Raccoons and am glad I picked it up during a recent visit to Blossoms. Read it, shed that tear, for you will see a man so deeply in love with his woman that you all somewhere would want to be a part of his life.
#Booksin2017 #Book6Review #FredrikBachman #love #marriage

Some of my favorite things... Chai and more

My Thursday morning began with a big mug of Assam chai and me filling my journal. Everything about it was special. The chai and the journal have been gifted by two of my besties.

I have always loved planners and have had some gorgeous ones during college life,  diligently bought end of December to begin using from January first. Once upon a time, I did attempt to keep a diary but it got too emotional at a point and I stopped writing. This December when I was gifted this 5 year one line a day journal,  the little girl in me was thrilled to bits. I have been diligently noting down about my day,  what happens, sometimes what am feeling. Suddenly, those few lines seem little but I can't wait to look at it five years down the line to see how every May 18th was for me in the last five years. Given the paucity of space,  I jot down what seems most important part of the day and when I look back at the last five months, it's a motley mix of things. This journal will always have a special place in my heart, like forever.

My love for chai began at Mounts thanks to the 'Ditchers'. Our night out conversations were interspersed with mugs of chai. We girls could drink chai anytime anywhere. From there, the love only grew and I had chai partners at IISc. Friends with whom you go for that chai break and who can almost take a chai break anytime, the hour of the day being inconsequential. This love deepened further when I visited Assam and the Nilgiris for work and 20% of my baggage would be chai, brought home much to the delight of the significant other, who also is a chai lover. With Prashant, I discovered the earthiness of makaibari green tea, the golden colour of the darjeeling tea and the beauty of a white tea brewed perfectly. My favorite ofcourse is adrak wali chai because nothing wakes your senses like that. So,  grateful for beautiful mornings like this and everything else too.

#someofmyfavoritethings #gratitude #besties #friendsknowyou #beautifulmorning #assamchai #happiness #bliss #chaipartners #significantother #ditchers

From Ira's Mamma to her Dida

Being a mom is the most difficult task and somehow our mothers made it seem so easy as we grew up! To the silent warriors that our moms have been to the 'let's conquer the world'  warriors that our daughters as moms, will one day be <3 day="" happy="" mother="" p="" s="">

When I think of my Ma, there are some memories about food, some about her disciplining and some about the way she deals with relationships in her life. In each of them is a learning that I have discovered latently. She is also the woman I argue the most with,  fight with, annoy and at the same time love the most. I don't understand a lot of things she does and why she does them, but I guess she has her reasons like Joy says.

Luchi and Alu and all things sweet! 

Today as a mom, when we plan the week menu for breakfast, I realise what a tedious task it is. Ma  would make phulkas or luchi or porota on demand every morning. This she would do diligently 365 days a year and I truly wonder how. Mornings were special when it was luchi time. The lunch box variety with khichdi and  alu bhaja would be a favorite and the yummy vegetable noodles. Ofcourse the alu posto,  the shukto, the maach paaturi and the tomator chutney have had their moments. I today understand that the best way for her to express her love was through making food for us. To date,  she makes the best payesh (the Bong kheer) and Joy will concur with this.

The long list of questions and the right thing to do

Ma was always strict in her own way. I will always remember that as a  five year old, I once picked something from the road on the way home. Well,  I did get some taps on the knuckles but I will always remember that we should never pick anything from the ground. A childhood lesson well learnt. She was my first teacher,  she sat with me every evening for the school homework, taught me all the Social Science subjects while Baba taught me Maths and Science. As kids, Joy and I almost saw her life revolve around ours- our studies, our extra-curricular activities and even our exams. Her social calendar was also decided based on our schedules. She was often ridiculed for that but she stood her ground. In modern definition, she would be a SAHM but at that time,  it was just taken for granted that she would do everything for us, no need for fancy labels. She was also the one who would deal with our long list of questions. Later of course ,  Baba received the same barrage as soon as he got home from work. All the times when Baba was out of town for long duration, she managed home and us,  with no complaints ever.

People management and all the gyaan that comes with it

Ma is a non-confrontational person. She stays away from arguments and fights. Often growing up I have seen people being rude to her and she won't respond. There have been moments when this angers me but I also understand that it takes a whole lot of strength to be this tolerant. She is a nurturer in every sense, putting the need of the other person before hers. Today of course I fight with her because I tell her that she must begin to think about herself and stand up for herself when someone is not nice to her.  But she brushes it aside saying am too 'sposhto bokta' (blunt) like Baba.

Some memories and some moments about Ma that I absolutely treasure

Ma used to be a part of plays for the Durga Puja annual function when we were in Mysore. It was fabulous to see her on stage and even now when I look at those photos, I know where that love for theatre comes from,  apart from the microphonic voice.
She used to read a lot of Bengali story books to us as kids,  Roop Kotha, being my favorite. I now urge her to start reading them for Ira, because stories always make the best memories.
She also makes the best phulkas and this is something that makes me very snooty about how the phulkas must be. I am far from reaching her standard for phulkas, some day... I live in hope.

In recent times, my favorite moment is when she makes alu bhaja for Ira and her eyes have the same sparkle and glee that Joy and I would have exhibited as kids.

Ma and I are chalk and cheese in many many ways. One common thing that binds us is the love for Chinese food and the fact that the favorite people in our lives are the same. I may not say it enough and one blog post can ever be enough to talk about a parent.

But here it is today, from one mom to another!
Happy Mother's Day Ma!

#grateful #mother #mothersday #memories #love #Ira #Iraisms #childhood

'Joy'fully Yours

There are many people in life whom we love and whom we take for granted.  Top of the list has to be our siblings. I am grateful to have a sibling. My Bhai is one of my greatest support and someone who never judges me ever(at least I think so) . I can share the most bizarre and controversial thoughts with him. He tolerates my OCD,  all my quirks, even those rare times when he gets the brunt of my anger. He is one of the first person I will crib to if am upset with ma baba. And he understands my thoughts behind all the cribbing. I don't expect reaction or action but I know he is listening.

My fears, even my miniscule joys,  my hyper excited moments are all shared with him. He has seen me weep over losses, seen me fight for what's important to me and has been beside me all that time. He is my strength in more ways than one. And the bonus is he of course likes almost everything I cook.  From bossing over him, thanks to the fact that am almost 8years older, to becoming confidante and friend, we have come a long way.

I look forward to growing old together,  to witnessing all the wonderful things that life has in store for him and for us. Life at times gets so busy that you need a breakfast date to spend time with your brother. What is important is that we have this space and we make this effort. I am fiercely protective of him and yet I am the first one to tell him if something is amiss. He is a young man today but he will always be my baby brother. And now of course, he is Joy to Ira, in all happiness. To the years ahead, gratitude. 

#gratitude #siblinglove #grateful #breakfastdatewithbhai #bhai #joy #emotionaldidi #microblogging 

A tale of unconditional love and Thayir Sadam

Name of the Book: Love, Loss and What We Ate

Name of the Author: Padma Lakshmi 

Genre: A Memoir

Padma Lakshmi in her memoir opens her heart and soul,  reveals her flaws and strengths,  takes you on an intimate journey of her life, filled with her tales of her native home in Madras, life in fashion, her complex relationships, marital chaos and her struggle with endometriosis and the miracle of Krishna. 

My favourite part of the book is when she talks about her grandparents home in Madras. Her relationship with her 'thatha' (maternal grandfather), buying ice-cream with the coin from the pocket of his shirt, the resilience of her grandmother and the description of her pickles and how she tempered the Thayir Sadam or curd rice. The story of the cool marble floor and the precious Godrej and it's hidden contents; the pickle jars and the description of womanhood and acceptance into the fold through the actions in the kitchen. Her relationships with her cousins,  making chilly cheese toast and her constant battle with identity, that even made Padma,  Angelique at some point. Her mother Vijaya Lakshmi comes across as a woman of great strength and it's amazing how she has stood by her through every moment. I do like the fact that she uses her mother's name :) 

Her detailed description of the fashion world,  her stints at Madrid, Paris,  Milan, New York; and her work also brings to light the various challenges/barriers of colour,  size and looks that women encounter. Things we all may know but when she narrates her insecurity about the scar from the accident and how it took a world renowned designer to embrace it for the rest of the world to see its beauty and for her to find acceptance. Her account of the Top Chef seasons,  her experiences of food tasting, the constant check to ensure the clothes fit,  the description of the cranberry health drink seamlessly fit into her narration. 

Her blatant honesty comes through when she talks of her marital problems, the lack of empathy from a spouse,  the unrealistic expectations and the devastating effects on her physically,  emotionally and psychologically. Her confusion in her relationships, her courting two men at the same time and the constant dialogue with herself about the morality and the practicality of it has been eloquently put. 

The places where she talks about endometriosis, the late diagnosis, the impact it has had on two decades of her life and sometimes the little known facts about it. She talks about the foundation that she set up along with her doctor and other benefactors- Endometriosis Foundation of America. 

Suffering from an ailment and seeing it's debilitating effects on her fertility and how she dealt with it is very inspiring. She talks about the low moments,  the depression, the feelings of worthlessness... all stemming from the aspect of fertility. 

Teddy to me was the star of the book in some way. His unconditional love for her and the fierce protectiveness is something a woman must hold on to in a partner. He let her be her own person and accepted her the way she is. His acceptance of Krishna makes your heart swell with pride and your heart breaks when you see him fighting his battle with cancer. 

The story moves across timelines and very deftly takes you through cuisines,  cultures, practices and little nuggets of wisdom. Padma Lakshmi has very seamlessly told the story of her life and crafted a dish worth trying. 

Two things I do wonder about- her constant reference to Karma and why is 'chatpati' written as 'chaatpati' throughout the book. I do like the little recipes she shared and I drew inspiration from that for the pic for this post. Who can say no to a lovely serving of Thayir Sadam on a hot summer afternoon. 

#Booksin2017 #Book5Review #Memoir #PadmaLakshmi #love #food 

Happy World Book Day 2017

A picture taken this morning that warms my heart. Ira has been down with an awful viral last few days. This morning she decides to do what comes naturally to her, reading her books and making up her stories. She is two years ten months and when I say read,  I mean she tells the stories based on her memory of the reading with us. Of course, it's World Book Day and Mamma takes this precious picture. The world needs more of us to love and read books because they transport us to a universe vividly colourful and happy.



Am reading two very interesting books. A woman in your own right was the first book I picked to read this year and am midway . slow read but thought provoking. Love, loss and what we ate is my current read and has been an emotional read so far. #readingbooks #happiness #worldbookday2017 #microblogging

Jouska

To all the brave women fighting everyday, fighting for their dignity, for their right to live, for their freedom, for their heart, for their mind, for their souls.

The mind wanders

Strange thoughts have a reptilian grasp

That choking feeling

The world is moving on

You are in a standstill

Like those moving picture toys

The cinema is but dark

The air trickles of sadness

The dry grass churns despair

You are stuck

While the ground moves

You hear the wind

And yet there is silence

No song, no happiness, no love

Still, sorrow, pain

The heart wants to be strong

Filled with awe

Anticipation, surprise, hope

The eyes blank

Desire that smile

That one look

Know you are near, yet far

It all disappears

In that grain of sand

Slipping through the desperate clutch

Hold on to that moment

Abyss is yet far

Dream shatters

Reality beckons

Those incomplete jagged lines

Tell a deep tale

The creased page turns

And it is all blank

#jouska #conversations #women #battlingabuse #battlingdepression #brave #poetry

Summer holidays begin, the Ira way

The summer is here

Montessori year one done

Filled with activities and fun

Summer holidays have begun

basking in the time and sun

Mamma planning activities

Papa planning trips

Stories to tell and create memories

More new books

More new ideas

New things to do every few minutes

Keep Ira busy

is the mantra

unstructured play is here to stay

Ira doing her own little thing

conversations and dialogues

phone calls and visits

Play dates with friends

Excitement rules the meet-day

Some park time

Making rotis for the pigeons

Cleaning soppu with elan

Teaching story puzzle to guests

Wearing her doctor glasses and checking temperature too

The summer camps begin today

New experiences and new worlds to explore

The Sea , Space and the Earth

More on them in another post

#Ira #Iraisms #Summerholidays

We should...we just should

Name of the Book: We should all be Feminists
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Non-Fiction, TED Talk

Gender is an unspoken subject, brushed under the carpet,  silenced with stern looks,  buried with intimidating comments. It is an interplay of power,  of rights,  of communication,  of freedom,  of an expression of self. 

The 4th book I read this year is a Ted talk by a prominent figure.  A person who speaks her mind and states her thoughts with such clarity that with every page you turn,  she inspires you to be a bit more like her. I related with every instance she shared,  some almost seem like a deja vu. It hits home so close and you are left thinking. I felt pain and hope at the same time. I felt anger and determination at the same time. 

A book I would like Ira and every girl I know to read. The truth is some things have not changed and change will happen in pockets in every generation. We need to be a part of that pocket, the part that endures and is brave to pass on the figment of thought to the next generation. 

Looking forward to read more books by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

#Booksin2017 #Book4Review #Gender #uncomfortablereality #unspokensubject