tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228882002024-03-13T20:37:59.649+05:30Ramblings of a pretty woman!...I like to believe that
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching"Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.comBlogger430125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-33239351308691133202023-09-17T21:30:00.005+05:302023-09-17T21:30:00.141+05:30Happy Birthday, My Rock! <p> It's your birthday today and I realized I don't write as much anymore on the blog. NOT done! I know you were a regular reader of my blog and we would often discuss what I write...when we speak. Albeit being a yearly post, I have decided to speak to you on your birthday on the blog...I continue to write a post to Baby Girl on her birthdays every year too! :)</p><p>I remember how it used to irk you that I talk constantly. With time, though not consciously, I have become quieter; I don't express my opinion on everything. I am able to keep my opinions and thoughts to myself. There's not an overwhelming need to express myself like it used to be earlier. Its a good thing. </p><p>I feel like I am in your presence, when I am praying/ or in the pooja room. The smell of Vibhuti reminds me of you. I pray to God with a sincere gratitude for all that he blessed me with and continues to guide me when I am feeling low. Tears well up when I pray or sing nowadays even if I don't mean to...It's a good thing, I know!</p><p>I was reading a book the other day and the following words ring so true:</p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #101010;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>When you are older you will understand how precious little things, seemingly of no value in themselves, can be loved and prized above all price when they convey the love and thoughtfulness of a good heart.</i></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxr4DxNvYpAmhV99Nricbw1Pq7wT8kYTvcvRSyEb2l006m4aeF2PYX23qRR4Rq8VCRnJ2T9roLd7Bzu7GUO0N34MmtZh2ef828OEfj-nx43iA9v2thbbYAFuP8GhOT3G__tPDNsiRVRuc4E-8w9lgwvGxvpg5SjPSSF3G0XFalFk5CgMyJlhpng/s2048/IMG_6532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxr4DxNvYpAmhV99Nricbw1Pq7wT8kYTvcvRSyEb2l006m4aeF2PYX23qRR4Rq8VCRnJ2T9roLd7Bzu7GUO0N34MmtZh2ef828OEfj-nx43iA9v2thbbYAFuP8GhOT3G__tPDNsiRVRuc4E-8w9lgwvGxvpg5SjPSSF3G0XFalFk5CgMyJlhpng/w640-h426/IMG_6532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>You gave me so much love; mostly in your actions never through words. It made me strong, confident and vulnerable at the same time. You have a big, beautiful heart with such a strong, noble soul. I remember talking to you over the phone saying " I love you"....and you would reply with a "thank you"!! I know you loved me with all your heart and soul. I have felt it all my life, so loved and cared for.<p></p><p>I am not going to lie. I feel alone, adrift without you with no anchor. Appa, you would often tell me that disappointments come from expectations. Do not have any expectations. I am trying, but its not easy. </p><p>On your birthday today, I am going to make your favorite kesari and give Baby Girl :) Happy birthday, Appa!</p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-81792204247671578032023-08-21T21:30:00.001+05:302023-08-21T21:30:00.147+05:30You are Leveling up to Eleven!<p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Dear Baby Girl,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">" The days are long but the years are short" rings so true! Did'nt you turn 10 just yesterday and you are 11 already? I can't say it enough...I just want to freeze time, hold you close to me...physically, with all my heart and soul....I always will.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQwhLJ5EUKuZHwDxbuPNSKSicxmilenG_gQiFfShy-1veFvF7sKS2Xv-nvaWLZnhGG15-z8aCBSBUk-bgnuA6AXb-KTAecOQv_UY_32siQeoy7C3PL8dVjQNqfbqHEYj6_RS4UPfY-a8J-eZrcBz5HfwBXqzM4w7atCjAtwyHWGSQn81retFEng/s3958/20230121_202849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3958" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQwhLJ5EUKuZHwDxbuPNSKSicxmilenG_gQiFfShy-1veFvF7sKS2Xv-nvaWLZnhGG15-z8aCBSBUk-bgnuA6AXb-KTAecOQv_UY_32siQeoy7C3PL8dVjQNqfbqHEYj6_RS4UPfY-a8J-eZrcBz5HfwBXqzM4w7atCjAtwyHWGSQn81retFEng/w488-h640/20230121_202849.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><p>my little Rapunzel, you are so obsessed with your long hair that you simply refuse to cut it or try out different hairstyles. We still fight over washing it this year too! ;-) You will soon realize that you have the rest of your life to do whatever you want, with your hair and change is the only constant...until then. I shall wait!</p><p>You delight both <i>Appa</i> and I, with your expressive nature; be it your long hugs and cuddles all day, your cute little artworks proclaiming your love for us or your sweet little gestures of making breakfasts or your elaborate performances...we thoroughly enjoy the lively atmosphere at home, especially during the weekends.</p><p>You have improved in singing with confidence, that was reflected in your mini-performances and opportunities to sing. Of course, there are miles to go and I wish you practised a lot more! You are showing a lot of interest in learning Western music formally. We do hear a lot of K-pop and pop songs playing in your room...sigh! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-nVbLobplhytpdI-WmwQiYqBPXWECPRrcM19uuofmDfUkGu_crEdQt40JPtmgNiB2f83e4CzpLiyBSj9Wz2VA7-BV8dAHlAHNJwnG9VTY76tVpd2lNaJBeYfKj6OD1kUssmMYsD1wFCs7FgqqjJdJ265kYhQ0HusRkCJQ-0zsW2WQ6Sn-z_GkQ/s2048/DSC03505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-nVbLobplhytpdI-WmwQiYqBPXWECPRrcM19uuofmDfUkGu_crEdQt40JPtmgNiB2f83e4CzpLiyBSj9Wz2VA7-BV8dAHlAHNJwnG9VTY76tVpd2lNaJBeYfKj6OD1kUssmMYsD1wFCs7FgqqjJdJ265kYhQ0HusRkCJQ-0zsW2WQ6Sn-z_GkQ/w640-h426/DSC03505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>....one of the most important milestones this year, you finished Primary school and you are off to High school...</p><p>You were so excited and nervous to get the Lead role in the Musical at school. We would often discuss the day after school and as a parent, I was nervous too, what if you don't get the part? I mentally prepared you to face rejection too ( isn't that how life is? Life throws you curves, you learn to swerve!). It was a huge relief and absolute joy to see you play the part with aplomb, an easy confidence and such happiness along with all your friends. It was really a stupendous show, Kudos! </p><p>...It's not all roses and rainbows, you have had some challenges at school with friendships, bullying and mean behaviour. I am glad you felt comfortable to share your hard feelings with me. As your mother, it deeply hurt me to see you sad at the end of the day, but I was amazed at your maturity and the ability to rise up from the situation. It has all been resolved but it was a great lesson to teach you as my daughter. Always be kind. Hold on to your core values; everything will fall into place. </p><p>With the end of the pandemic, we were able to travel a bit more this year. So of course, we went back to Bali for the year end break, met a few of your cousins in India and we managed to go to Kashmir for a week and explore a bit of India with you...</p><p>As you turn 11, our wish for you, is that you grow more confident, kinder, more loving and be the best version of yourself. You should work harder towards fulfilling all your dreams, desires and goals while enjoying life to the hilt, having fun and making sure everyone around you is happy. Surround yourself with people who lift you and most importantly, be someone who lifts others!</p><p>We love you, my gorgeous girl</p><p>We will always be there for you, cheering you on....with love and pride,</p><p>Amma & Appa</p><p></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-47446487446086162892022-09-17T21:30:00.033+05:302022-09-18T07:10:39.272+05:30Birthday conversations...<p> Happy birthday Appa!! ...I am going to go out and get some gold to celebrate your birthday. what do you say? (he will understand what i am referring to!)</p><p>" Birth and death are just passages where life is moving from one phase to another" - Sadhguru</p><p>Going home to Madras and staying in our home, my childhood home, where I have lived with you, spent a majority of my life - spending time with you, loving you, fighting with you, learning from you, laughing with you, praying with you....having long conversations with you...I remember and reminisce often about that. When I see your picture, I would feel an overwhelming sadness that you are not here in the physical sense anymore....now, I still feel sad but its not with that overwhelming grief. I have accepted and maybe, acknowledged it and realize that I have to move on. Life moves on. But I missed your presence, your own way of pampering me, and that feeling of protection and guidance so much. </p><p>When we were unwell and down with Covid (back in India), I could not help but think that we would have recovered quickly if you were around... you would have done everything in your power to make us feel better, feel loved and taken care of...I realize that I am on my own now. You have always wanted me to be strong, independant and self-reliant - I will slowly get there too. I had to start somewhere - so I did. </p><p>If I may say, I had a closure when I came home but I worry and think a lot about Amma now... LOL...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzwa3JN1HhCvNL1Fh1z8C8y6Ulb1UGOExifpPiGueHYZUEZeELvDs1lzYLV6dZ5jfZSjyDc8qpQpGz64wvYyaE4Ac6lpjkeqjpWgNEy2dzMKRsBsX6CVIlPZPZDMUM1gHhVqacMH07QDEq05Dz6Hl5OGM3zJLs6TQPhRk8FO5-ydWDqwFBDQ/s720/_MG_9117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzwa3JN1HhCvNL1Fh1z8C8y6Ulb1UGOExifpPiGueHYZUEZeELvDs1lzYLV6dZ5jfZSjyDc8qpQpGz64wvYyaE4Ac6lpjkeqjpWgNEy2dzMKRsBsX6CVIlPZPZDMUM1gHhVqacMH07QDEq05Dz6Hl5OGM3zJLs6TQPhRk8FO5-ydWDqwFBDQ/w223-h400/_MG_9117.jpg" width="223" /></a> ( I don't like to cut off Amma from the pictures, I prefer to see them both together)</p><p>I have always wondered how Appa and S( my husband for the uninitiated) are so calm, strong and resilient. I never got that...Until I moved away from home, I always took your strength for granted. Your strong support on all occasions let me be so naive, carefree and happy. I know now that I am very blessed to have a happy childhood, a shielded life from the cruel ways of the world. Appa and Amma are the reason why I always see the good in people, wear my heart on my sleeve.</p><p>Appa always made it a point to read all my blogposts and would often talk to me about it. He felt so happy that I am so expressive ( contrary to his persona and character)...I have always spoken my mind to Appa, even about difficult things in my life. Growing up, or even as a young adult, I felt seen and heard when he would patiently listen without judgement. </p><p>Dear Appa,</p><p>I am keeping all my promises - I am getting stronger, pray more often and with sincerity and am forever grateful to God and you guys for all my blessings and my gorgeous family. I am consciously making efforts to help people in need. I love you and miss you every single day. I know that you are in a better place, happy and content.</p><p>Your golden-hearted daughter </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-42006941098099430052022-08-21T21:30:00.053+05:302023-05-08T10:41:14.010+05:30Baby Girl is a 10-year-old...double digits! <p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> Dear Baby Girl, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You are the newest and coolest member of the double digit club! It feels like yesterday when I dreamt of holding you in my arms; hoping to manifest this sentimental glass painting into reality! I never imagined that this little baby I visualized would become a reality...boy! How amazingly beautiful is our dream? We are so honoured to be your parents and a medium that brought you into this world. You have fulfilled our lives and made us so much happier...life is amazingly beautiful with you in our life, my darling girl! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-maIu-KBrpzHR569vv9WPOyRnCXecCtfWcGXkybMF0xy2ysLRmLnBU0pDpxUeXrD2t4n3IID-yUOFONQEfm8sre6jHxnyWuPr873T3de_460QKTngW75b_NjEB9n6xLXaHGNnk6KMfQFMbDIqym1tAyiM68CRT334SCHnc-KId_e5KoghUM/s4032/20210628_113123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-maIu-KBrpzHR569vv9WPOyRnCXecCtfWcGXkybMF0xy2ysLRmLnBU0pDpxUeXrD2t4n3IID-yUOFONQEfm8sre6jHxnyWuPr873T3de_460QKTngW75b_NjEB9n6xLXaHGNnk6KMfQFMbDIqym1tAyiM68CRT334SCHnc-KId_e5KoghUM/w459-h628/20210628_113123.jpg" width="459" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This year has been really interesting; you got to spend time with both your grandparents and have an early birthday celebration with your extended family, grandparents and all the new friends you made. What a blessed little girl you are. You are so loved and so many people came together to celebrate you and the fact that you are growing up! <3</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Appa writes beautiful poetry and he is often a man of few words. When it comes to both of us, not-so-much! We love you with all our hearts and will always support you and love you in every way possible, my munchkin! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you walk on your own path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">stumbling, crawling and scrambling,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">moving forward as much as in reverse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">never faltering, never giving up,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">until you reach your goal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you speak your own truth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">through hitherto unknown languages and media;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">lucid and insightful, not philosophical,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">your theories of life and truth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">are often superlative and utopian.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you sing your own tunes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">no years of training to bank on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">but creating a thousand songs everyday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">inspired masterpieces of art they may not be,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">but everyone loves them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you are graceful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">dance to your own rhythm with no stage fright,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you can perform anywhere, at any time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">at times amusing, mostly graceful</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">but always entertaining.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you are persistent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">change is constant as is your energy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">but with a determined, almost obsessive, single-minded focus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">always doing what you want, when you want to;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">even so, no one complains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you write your own stories</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">with peerless creativity and imagination;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">using any tools and elements you can find.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">so advanced are your plots,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">they are rarely understood by others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you are fearless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of everything that moves or is still.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">on the other hand, you are incredibly brave</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and do things no one else dares to do</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">as if there were the simplest tasks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you live your own life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">away from the all the pervading chaos,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in your own imaginary land.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">unaware of the ways of the world and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">at peace with yourself and all around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">you are…a Blessing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray to Ummachi to always bless you with abundance of good health, love, happiness and all that your heart desires! You are certainly the most beautiful blessing we have received in our lifetime! We wish you a wonderful year ahead filled with loads of fun, memories, learnings...our sweetest, kindest daughter in the whole wide world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">All our love and blessings,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Amma & Appa</span></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-27617987757541109832021-09-18T06:52:00.005+05:302021-09-18T06:52:37.619+05:30Happy Birthday Appa!<p> It's your birthday today and I want to celebrate you. ...I think of you and miss you everyday, and you are so alive in my thoughts, actions and especially, in the fact that I want to help people more, financially, physically or in any way I can...that part is definitely all YOU! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKryP_V4FdhtUDmkzgbCQ8GJjhHxtggGccBG-VOY9lttcTIA-MBw1nytTFr-HNmWGCSR8260ZV6ywuQxzbJQrPShVrrFlzih9YPyJR75kSjI7OEfBVbbVQD2aJ-FhQB_yLcr6cvA/s2048/Appa+with+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKryP_V4FdhtUDmkzgbCQ8GJjhHxtggGccBG-VOY9lttcTIA-MBw1nytTFr-HNmWGCSR8260ZV6ywuQxzbJQrPShVrrFlzih9YPyJR75kSjI7OEfBVbbVQD2aJ-FhQB_yLcr6cvA/w400-h300/Appa+with+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I use sandalwood powder, I smell absolutely like you...I can feel your presence with the fragrance...</p><p>I make "paruppu usuli" and I savour it a lot more now coz it was such a favourite and you would make it with a lot of effort and love...</p><p>I think of you anytime we eat something you like, cabbage curry, rava masala dosa or a sweet dish that you would like...</p><p>I discuss my dreams about you with S and A, and it's always a good dream. I think it's your way of telling me that you are always there for me...</p><p>I am a changed woman, I have become more mature after you passed away...I am trying to be mentally strong just like you wanted me to be...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dUMXYiyuZHrBH5X1g3klcJsd1tBYC_s0etuzNOahgu-vVqfuHQ5ePCexxeFuYlP6tWezv1V0ehVmV9RK_xQRaqhdEraySpIqpA8aQmkNWScZ8O4258BYRzQObXB-FOpZsF2aPw/s2048/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dUMXYiyuZHrBH5X1g3klcJsd1tBYC_s0etuzNOahgu-vVqfuHQ5ePCexxeFuYlP6tWezv1V0ehVmV9RK_xQRaqhdEraySpIqpA8aQmkNWScZ8O4258BYRzQObXB-FOpZsF2aPw/w400-h266/IMG_1824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I am living life one day at a time, enjoying and trying to be happy, We will all celebrate life and celebrate you ALWAYS and FOREVER!! I love you, APPA!!!</p><p><br /></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-6445769775341012242021-08-22T03:30:00.008+05:302021-08-22T08:04:09.947+05:30Baby Girl is 9 years old today! <p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> Dear Baby Girl,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">...As I try to reminisce the year that flashed by on your birthday, I can only think of how excited you are, about your birthday and the double celebrations, that happen with friends and then family in India virtually. I think you are very much like me, in that sense, so excited about your birthday, the excitement, the celebrations and all the adulation! :)</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVBNq6HWhkDYJRchN-dEEaYaIoS9zbiPqP5RIUfL4eywG_hmr_ta6P0fKNlQ7ilP13UZOg4bHvYpWsTnDgjrBJVYOlCKZBlD3IvBKmaPL0_ghHn48Lwsi-xW7RZoPEscfaIVM-Q/s1600/IMG-20210502-WA0007.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVBNq6HWhkDYJRchN-dEEaYaIoS9zbiPqP5RIUfL4eywG_hmr_ta6P0fKNlQ7ilP13UZOg4bHvYpWsTnDgjrBJVYOlCKZBlD3IvBKmaPL0_ghHn48Lwsi-xW7RZoPEscfaIVM-Q/w300-h400/IMG-20210502-WA0007.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While it is unfortunate that the pandemic situation still continues to exist, I can see how well you have adapted yourself to it, and learnt to enjoy yourself in every way despite it. You wear your masks like a pro, with a smile hidden inside it. I really hope none of us will need a mask anymore when I sit down to write to you next year!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I am so humbled to see your phenomenal growth, especially on an emotional level. You have a clear understanding of acceptance, compassion, kindness and a special ability to always understand when to give me a hug and make me feel all better again! Humility is still lurking around, waiting for you... ha ha ha...there is a sea-change in your demeanor and I feel really proud of you, for evolving and growing into a good human being. Of course, there is a long way to go...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Apart from birthdays and anniversaries, you have taught us to celebrate and revel in the little joys of life. You are such a sweet, loving and expressive child that makes us smile with her loving cards, notes, handmade gifts, and tight hugs for no reason. You look forward to weekends to enjoy a game of Dobble, Uno, Jenga or any other new game that is added to the array. That tradition continues...</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l1UT2Og6z2lxFc0MPTQLNnguipZvbYTZy5BBccK_0VjCryqgN66deMQ__bgSk313NQbwkLnZSFojE4Umroz4aH0VPjbLFi1rp6pySZKg5-4C6fjYhI3AxenazC212ujOQuFBQQ/s4032/20210228_143154.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l1UT2Og6z2lxFc0MPTQLNnguipZvbYTZy5BBccK_0VjCryqgN66deMQ__bgSk313NQbwkLnZSFojE4Umroz4aH0VPjbLFi1rp6pySZKg5-4C6fjYhI3AxenazC212ujOQuFBQQ/w195-h400/20210228_143154.jpg" width="195" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You speak so lovingly, patiently to <i>Paati</i>, that really warms my heart. Her heart sings with joy at every tamizh word you speak, every musical note from your voice, and yearns to see your beautiful face with a beaming smile. Your vivid memories of Thatha, and the fun things you did with him in Madras are memories that keep me sane. You are so thoughtful, I am amazed at how you are looking for any signs of sadness or tears when something we watch or eat triggers a memory of my Appa....you quickly run over and give me a hug, or inform S that I am sad or thinking about Thatha....at these times, I wonder who is the mother? We are both longing to see Paatti and our loved ones in person, we will definitely visit India soon...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We share a common love, madness, passion for music. You are perpetually singing loudly, dancing and your energy is infectious. We listen to good music before we sleep too. You are showing more interest in learning music, and I can see that your confidence growing too. Learning will continue...Music is a life-skill that will create a beautiful balance and lend such calmness to your mind. You will know...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">When S has F1 on the weekends, you and I, have our own ritual of playing "Jaanu Papa and Aadu Papa". I really enjoy being a baby with you again. You love it so much that you are always checking with Appa for the F1 schedule. I think it's fun coz you get to see a different side of me - carefree, spontaneous, child-like, silly. But I can't always show that side coz it is good to be a balanced parent - disciplined yet fun!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You are obsessed with the water, the beaches, swimming...such a water baby!! I am happy to see you swim and enjoy being in the water, vicarious fun for me. You are such a social being too, I like the role-reversals now when you introduce me to so many people as your mother!!! It was so funny when the other day, a random person I didn't know too well, stopped me to ask if I am your mother? Apparently, my smile matches you..It is the other way round, your smile matches mine! ha ha ha</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q2nPqBPBrfUREQPakpqAWwlTwkeLsp_R0riUU4wG11Kljp7atB4iwXnqoFSAKdTG2zwYom76bnKhcmCmALbGzs8OqwsPdvifIhSERPQPB_XvODBaYCkb0xroENidm6l5dbt5Xw/s1590/20210629_190743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1008" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q2nPqBPBrfUREQPakpqAWwlTwkeLsp_R0riUU4wG11Kljp7atB4iwXnqoFSAKdTG2zwYom76bnKhcmCmALbGzs8OqwsPdvifIhSERPQPB_XvODBaYCkb0xroENidm6l5dbt5Xw/w254-h400/20210629_190743.jpg" width="254" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We want you to grow exponentially, in leaps and bounds in every way possible. Also, have a lot of fun, enjoy life to the fullest and spread happiness and love in abundance, and in every way possible. We have your back, standing right beside you - egging you on, cheering you on, beaming with pride at every little victory-milestone-joys of life, my love. You are truly the love of our lives!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We love you to the moon, and back!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Lots of love and blessings,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Amma and Appa</span></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-51432471468742787252021-04-20T21:30:00.036+05:302021-04-21T06:51:25.645+05:30This day last year...<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the first post ( first
month!)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the second post ( second month!)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the third post ( third month!)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"> to read the fourth post (
fourth month!)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the fifth post ( fifth
month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the sixth post ( sixth month)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the seventh post ( seventh
month)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the eighth post (eighth
month)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #9f6507;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the ninth post ( ninth month)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: blue;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the tenth post ( tenth month)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Click </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/22888200/5143247146874278725"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: blue;">here </span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">to read the eleventh post ( eleventh
month) - my brother shares more...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrpVNEKgeaXdgb55ordQY-HEPIvN_C5ft1-ldMwvhvzFaV8df4sP4p5VFzUNKVhKIRn-wvljsBTU-z364xCry78WdtVh60BWzWHIE0R-Ie2CsbGXmDxU3O93okYyeSWjFIdhaSA/s1280/IMG-20210420-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrpVNEKgeaXdgb55ordQY-HEPIvN_C5ft1-ldMwvhvzFaV8df4sP4p5VFzUNKVhKIRn-wvljsBTU-z364xCry78WdtVh60BWzWHIE0R-Ie2CsbGXmDxU3O93okYyeSWjFIdhaSA/w480-h640/IMG-20210420-WA0002.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><br /> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"> "I
was never ready for you to leave..."'</span></i></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; text-align: justify;">Its exactly been a
year since Appa passed away. I strongly believed, hoped and was so sure that I
would be in Madras with my family, with Amma and Anna. God has other plans,
life has other plans...I know, there's a reason that I am not aware of, right
now....</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I think I am still not ready to go home,
to a home from where Appa won't come out to greet me or hug me. I think I still
need some time to accept that, that's one reason for sure! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">I also firmly believe Appa is always
with me, whether I am in India or Hong Kong, or anywhere in the world. I have
an implicit faith and strong feeling now, that he is always within me, around
me. That will never change, its reassuring, and it took me a long time to
acknowledge that or identify that. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">Having said that, I also feel like a
changed person, internally. I am much quieter than usual. I don't think its
necessary to share everything with everyone or the need to talk constantly, a
bit like Appa! ha ha ...I am sure its a welcome change for the people around
me. We can all enjoy the silence a bit now...a part of me died with him. That
will never change....even with time.</span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I still tear up when I write
this blog...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I visualize him smiling, always
ALWAYS asking me If I need something? a cup of tea? ...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I miss his strong support,
guiding me when I am down or stressed,,,in his own tough love kind of
way...just a phone call away, even if I was not with him physically...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I talk to Amma or Anna about him
often....we share our stories together or anything that reminds us of
him...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I dream of him quite often and
he is always very much alive, as if he were in my life....forever...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I talk about him incessantly,
and tend to bring him up in random conversations about my memories with
him or what he would do for me...I will not apologize for it...I will
always talk about him...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I chance upon a handwritten
label or note from him...and I tear up...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I miss him when I see someone's
father. I fervently hope that someone's father stays healthy and happy...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I still cry uncontrollably at
times...I know its ok....</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I also felt really touched and
happy to hear a lot of stories about him from my cousins, loved ones and
friends who knew Appa closely...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">It was reassuring to hear that
Appa's siblings often check on Amma and talk to her regularly...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I often cry or get upset about
Appa, and I have S, Aaradhya, Amma, Anna and so many others who understand
and listen...try to cheer me up in their own way ( I am sure they feel the
same way or worse about losing Appa)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">Aaradhya will run from whatever
she's doing..if she can see that I am sad or my eyes are moist. she can
sense it every single time. I am grateful for all of them, these wonderful
people I am blessed with. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhPaqf3kIbXNcVmJ0qm_N2d3AzlsQCERJx_rLrNXUZ9yIBCa6R6vqGwn-xf_cqBifI_URkBAMuKgSPliYHvujGTepV0DFGkT9xnDEkhHDqSXoa4HMFxo6TQWPEAeNRRM5zug6oQ/s2048/IMG_7593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhPaqf3kIbXNcVmJ0qm_N2d3AzlsQCERJx_rLrNXUZ9yIBCa6R6vqGwn-xf_cqBifI_URkBAMuKgSPliYHvujGTepV0DFGkT9xnDEkhHDqSXoa4HMFxo6TQWPEAeNRRM5zug6oQ/w480-h640/IMG_7593.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">This is a glass painting I did for
him...I copied it from a picture of him...Sadly, he broke it by accident and I
was so upset with him. I am glad I clicked a picture on the phone, it's now on
the blog...</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">"Be the things you loved most
about the people who are gone..."</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">I had asked Appa to write me a letter
casually one day while we spoke on the phone. Amma tells me he wrote sincerely
for days together like it was a serious assignment! True to his nature, he
delivered on his promise and the letter reached me within a week. I have the
letter, safely ensconced in my locker as its my most treasured gift and memory
of him. Maybe, I had an instinct.., I don't know...</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">Anyway, he said that he was very
proud of the woman I have grown into, and what he loves most about me is that I
have a golden heart, innocent and full of earnest love for everyone. His words,
not mine...I hope to retain that " golden heart".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">I pray a lot more, not as much as
him, but as he would say, not always asking for something but just with
gratitude. I do pray with gratitude and thank god for all his blessings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">I want to help many people in whatever
way I can...financially, emotionally or just being there for them.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">He asked me to always have a good
bond with Anna coz he is my family after them. I will always do that, I will do
my best to be there for him.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">I strongly want to believe in this...</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-HK;">" Those we love don't go away.
they walk beside us and reside within us everyday...maybe unseen or unheard but
always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear..."</span></i></b></p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"></span>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-16774966789683414152021-03-21T07:25:00.001+05:302021-03-21T07:26:09.883+05:30 Appa and his Myriad Interests<ol style="color: #333333;"><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the first post ( first month!)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><span style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the second post ( second month!)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the third post ( third month!)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the fifth post ( fifth month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/10/appas-mantra-no-one-has-ever-become.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the sixth post ( sixth month)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/11/click-here-to-read-first-post-first.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the seventh post ( seventh month)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/12/appa-in-paris.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the eighth post (eigth month)</span></li><li style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 19.58px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/12/appas-ponnu-i-will-always-be.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the ninth post ( ninth month)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2021/02/tough-love.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read the tenth post ( tenth month)</span></span></li></ol><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Anna </i>is the fortunate sibling who has lived with my parents all his life and I repeat myself when I say this but I envy him for this aspect. Living together in close quarters, they have a shared bond, interests and have spent some quality together. He writes about light and happy incidents he remembers...this month.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Tim_8LpApnk6vKU_LdL1Fghe26A9qgDTfkY8rqrGP8SFhuHRlOq3fA1-u50pBouaICZR67Nn9D2kRUj-PfdXsJ5dZZQGgEoJXqDf8uQxIp82tqjkICdMnid0LEka2HXyLuhUA/s1030/DSC_0705-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1030" height="623" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Tim_8LpApnk6vKU_LdL1Fghe26A9qgDTfkY8rqrGP8SFhuHRlOq3fA1-u50pBouaICZR67Nn9D2kRUj-PfdXsJ5dZZQGgEoJXqDf8uQxIp82tqjkICdMnid0LEka2HXyLuhUA/w640-h623/DSC_0705-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Appa and Anna at his wedding, 2011.<p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of us know <i>Appa </i>as a strict disciplinarian with a no-nonsense attitude. People assume his interests are limited to his religious pursuits; however interestingly,</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Appa had a varied set of interests which will surprise most of us. I will try and put it across.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0a8c4211-7fff-406a-e97b-2887868a2651"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Appa and Music</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of us know Appa had a great ear for Music...ardent Carnatic music Fan, he could not sing but had a great interest in music. He used to tell us how in his younger days ( he was about 11 or so) would walk upto 10 -15 kms to listen to popular musicians who would sing all through the night and he would come back and slip into the <i>thinnai</i>. ( refers to a raised platform outside the entrance of the house).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appa also loved Film Music both Tamil and Hindi; his favourite singer was T.M. Soundarrajan. He used to have boxes and boxes of cassettes of film songs of TMS. He would ask me to download songs on a USB. He also had a great collection of old hindi music - Rafi, Kishore kumar, Asha, Latha, RD, SD, Madan Mohan. You would see him sitting in his room playing these old songs. He was choosy of the songs as well. He would not record, or download the entire album, he would patiently sit with me on selecting the songs to be downloaded. I often used to make fun of him saying, “<i>Record panikirel yeppo ketu mudipelo</i>” ( you record so much, when do you actually listen?)and he would jokingly say "neenga yenna thaniya vitta thane" ( only when you guys leave me alone!!)….. ;-)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He enjoyed listening to his granddaughters singing; he would ask them to sing - <i>Dhrithi </i>would sit in his room singing all the songs she knew and he would be sitting and listening while <i>Aaradhya </i>will sing to him over the phone or Janani would send her video/audio recordings on Whatsapp. He would tease Janani that Aaradhya sings even better than her, (he would listen to it over and over...)! :D</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Appa and Movies</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appa was a movie buff in his youth. When he was in Bombay, he would watch all movies, Hindi, English, Malayalam, Tamil. Language was no bar ☺. He loved action movies. Western movies were his all time favorites. Good Bad and the Ugly, For a few dollars more, Fist full of dollars are movies he would watch any time it was on TV. Clint Eastwood was one of his favorite actors.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baasha, Nayakan, Guna – I have lost count how many times both of us would have watched it. <i><b>Today when I watch the movies I always feel like he is sitting next to me watching and commenting. </b>I still remember he used to say "Guna le Kamal acting super da…. " ( Kamal hassan did a great job in the movie Guna)</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In his later years he did not have the patience to sit through the entire movie, but he would watch all action sequences with rapt attention. He would not like to be disturbed when the fight sequences would come on TV. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His other surprising interests would be the WWE. He would not share the remote when the shows were aired, especially the royal rumble and Wrestle Mania. He would get wild if we change the channels. He would know the players by names, right from Hulk Hogan, Hitman, Triple H, the Rock and his all time favourite THE UNDERTAKER. He would sway involuntarily to the movements of the players. He would get wild if we disturb him during the programs. He would not give the remote to anybody and watch the entire program like a child.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appa also liked comedy very much. Nagesh, Kamal, Crazy Mohan, Senthil, Koundamani and of course Vadivelu. He was a great fan of Vadivelu in his later years. Both of us would watch comedy scenes from movies daily. Our routine was after I come back from work, Dinner and Amma’s quota of TV time we would straight jump into the couple of comedy channels which would air comedy scenes all thru the day. H would laugh out loud and enjoy them. Both of us would sit watching and Amma would jokingly ask us “ Yen da ungalaku bore adikaatha paathathe paathundu irukel”( don’t u get bored seeing the same again and again}. Appa would say "unaku puriyaathu ma" ( you don't understand), we enjoy it. Vadivelu was his favourite. He would repeat his one liners very often ( "<i>unaku vantha ratham, yenaku vantha Thakkali Chutney - roughly translates to for you its blood, and for me its tomato chutney?"</i>). He would retire to bed late after this daily routine. <b><i> I still follow this routine but miss him very badly when I don’t hear his laughter.</i></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Appa and Food</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had earlier hinted <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" target="_blank">here </a>on Appa’s interest on food. Appa on one side, would eat whatever was served as he would not talk while eating and would never mention of taste. At the same time, he had very specific liking of food whether we eat outside or cook at home. He liked the <i>Halwa </i>from Bombay Halwa House in Chennai, or idlys would be always from Sangeetha. His visits to Mylapore would never be complete without his visits to <i>Maami kadai</i> for snacks. Even when Pongal was cooked at home, it was always accompanied with <i>Vadai </i>from outside. Lunch outside would have to be only in Woodlands. Dinner outside was always roti with <i>Bhindi Masala</i>. Even when Janani used to come he would ask her to make the <i>Bhindi subzi</i>. He himself was an expert cook. He would churn out awesome<i> dals, Rava Upma, delicious sakkarai Pongal, Semiya payasam</i> to name a few. He would say if you don’t add the extra dollop of Ghee then u will not get the taste.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both of us have learnt quite a bit of cooking from both of them. Even today when I make Rava Upma, I thank my Guruji Mr. Rajagopalan and strive to match his taste which is still to be achieved. Satya learnt to make Upma for Janani (when she was pregnant with A) just like Appa !!! </span></p></span>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-41327204021316689532021-02-21T08:24:00.001+05:302021-03-02T07:52:06.597+05:30Tough Love<ol style="text-align: left;"><li> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the first post ( first month!)</span></li><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><span style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the second post ( second month!)</span></li><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the third post ( third month!)</span></li><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the fifth post ( fifth month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/10/appas-mantra-no-one-has-ever-become.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the sixth post ( sixth month)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/11/click-here-to-read-first-post-first.html" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the seventh post ( seventh month)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/12/appa-in-paris.html" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the eighth post (eigth month)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/12/appas-ponnu-i-will-always-be.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read the ninth post ( ninth month)</span></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">I have been writing blogs for several years now and Appa was an avid reader of my blog. I began writing to improve my writing style in order to enhance my skills professionally. After I had my Baby Girl, it dwindled down to yearly posts for her birthdays and one or two posts here and there. Interestingly, I have written regularly every month exclusively about my dear Appa. He made me do it, tough love indeed. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Appa would often scoff at my kid-glove parenting style, where we (all?) tend to be obsessively cautious around our child's egos or emotions. I am guilty of that, I do over-think it when I discipline my daughter and worry too much about her reactions. I did'nt grow up like that. Appa totally believes in tough love, not to say he was not loving. But my parents made it very clear that they are my parents first, and I was always clearly told I could talk to them anytime. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Having said that, I grew up being very protected and sheltered all my life and then I got married. There was quite a lot of eve-teasing and I had to bear the brunt of it, quite often - be it while going to school or at college. Once, I went out to get some bread from our nearest grocery store, and I think some guy on a bike (off the road) pinched me or something like that.. . When I told Appa about it, he did'nt even send me out to buy bread or any grocery run henceforth. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">He would jokingly say, in all seriousness, " I am an old man, I can't fight with other young men - so the best way to protect yourself is to keep a low profile and make sure you don't get noticed" !!! By the time, I finished college and began to work, my brother was working in a different city. I had nothing to worry about, when my brother was around. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">One day, Appa and I were going somewhere, and waiting at the bus stop to board a bus. Right opposite to the stop, there is a tea-shop and lots of young boys linger around, " <i>sight-adichufying or line-maarofying</i>" all the girls at the stop. They are very obvious about it and you learn to ignore over a period of time, out of sheer compulsion. ( Appa began to allow me to take the bike to work later). While we waited for the bus, Appa kept standing in front of me and obstructing my view. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">I said: "Appa, <i>enna panrel</i> (what are you doing?)"</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Appa: " unna pakka mudiyaada madiri nikkaren( I am standing in front of you so that you are not seen)....so that none of these fellows can ogle at you!!! That's why I am standing right in front of you. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I found it so cute even then, my cute, sweet, protective Appa. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii58baCBC-NB9rpgRZN3y951GRF7FF3dVNzijKBwIKOsF0euFCab_mOFHkpmmAs7gfzu9Jva6DylbGxtSAJi2LH_Kg_yJdxzocOsbKJyRwghvg_veNAtK895m2LQTlyak5VeuDeQ/s1024/IMG_3014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii58baCBC-NB9rpgRZN3y951GRF7FF3dVNzijKBwIKOsF0euFCab_mOFHkpmmAs7gfzu9Jva6DylbGxtSAJi2LH_Kg_yJdxzocOsbKJyRwghvg_veNAtK895m2LQTlyak5VeuDeQ/w640-h413/IMG_3014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">He was so amazing, I did my MBA through distance and the exam centre was really far away from the city. He did'nt want to send me alone, he hired a taxi and would come with me to the exam centre, wait for the entire 2-3 hrs duration of the exam ( he would carry a book) and bring me back home in the same taxi. </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">For the next year exams, I found out that my school friends were pursuing the same course. He offered to take me along. When I told him that the previous year, Appa would come along, wait and take me back....he was simply amazed at how protective Appa was. I guess he felt I was old enough to figure it out myself , I was 21 or 22 years probably.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I would often complain to Appa and Amma, after I got married, that why they gave me such a sheltered life? I wanted to be more independent but didn't know how to be? Over the years, living in different countries, living alone( with my S), I learnt to be, but not as much as many of my friends, who can do anything or go anywhere all by themselves.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">When I lived in Paris, during my yearly visits back home - I would want to go shopping. Take an auto and just go. Appa and Amma would discuss in detail, which route to take, organize with a known auto driver or insist on why I need to buy anything at all !! I would get frustrated at why they fuss so much, when I live and work in a different continent, let alone different country, and manage everything pretty efficiently. Appa would insist that I am still his little girl, and he feels responsible for my safety. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I think about how angry/frustrated i got then....but now I am mature enough to understand how blessed I am...that my folks always cared about me, as a child, as a young adult, as a grown woman too! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I am terrified of cockroaches, like most people are...but I may nearly die if i see one flying! I am simply petrified. I was running late to work, I was probably 21 by then, I was taking out my Kinetic Honda parked right below my home, when I saw a huge cockroach on the tarpaulin cover - I simply froze and called out to Appa. Appa comes by, and when I request him to remove the cover,he flatly refused. Tough love did'nt really work in this case.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Here I am, a grown young woman crying profusely, pleading him to help. He refuses and says its high time you get over your fear. Just push the cover and it will go away. But I just could'nt...when it flew away, i literally had a heart attack. Luckily, it was an open space - so I could just take my bike and rush off to work. I was livid with Appa...there is no great lesson from this incident though...I am still petrified of cockroaches!!! ha ha ha...</span></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-16306761293950498862021-01-21T11:19:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:05:58.168+05:30Appa's Ponnu, I will always be...<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the first post ( first month!)</span></li><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><span style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the second post ( second month!)</span></li><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the third post ( third month!)</span></li><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the fifth post ( fifth month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/10/appas-mantra-no-one-has-ever-become.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the sixth post ( sixth month)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/11/click-here-to-read-first-post-first.html" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the seventh post ( seventh month)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/12/appa-in-paris.html" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the eighth post (eigth month)</span></li></ol><p></p><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><blockquote>"Appa's memory does not live in the pain of my grief". Having said that, I'll be honest, I feel guilty when I laugh heartily or I feel like I may forget him even for the moment I feel happiness, I feel like, how can i forget that Appa is no more with me? On the other hand, every little detail, every nuance, every memory in my life is with Appa...</blockquote><blockquote><i style="font-size: 14.3px;">iduvum kadandu pogum</i><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">....Appa will remain in my memories and in me, forever. I must admit that this monthly walk down memory lane I do, is very theraupetic for me. I am glad I am In doing this. For me and my loved ones and people who love Appa in their own way.</span></blockquote></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In 2019, I wanted to surprise him when he was a bit unwell, spend some time with him. I left Baby Girl with S for about 10 days here in Hong Kong, and stayed there in Madras with Appa and Amma. It was the best decision I made, though it was hard to leave Baby Girl alone. After that trip, Appa would talk to me regularly, on his own. It was very unlike him, but he would repeatedly thank me for coming over, or for having long conversations with him. Like I said, I talk to my parents everyday - Appa will talk only about important stuff while Amma will talk to me about my daily life. It's not like Appa to talk about inane things normally. Later, he began to speak to me everyday. I am glad we did. I have no regrets, I have expressed everything I have ever felt , be it positive or negative to both my parents. Yes, you are allowed to love something about yourself, I love that i freely express whatever I am feeling to the person directly. I managed to convince Appa to write me a letter ( physical) which I can always cherish, safely ensconed in my heart AND safety locker!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Appa is a connosieur of good music, especially classical music. When we were kids, Appa was quite short-tempered and I would always sit down to practice my music consciously knowing he is angry. He would calm down and be normal at the end of my practice session. I appreciate music more as an adult now, than I did as a child...when I listen to good music, I am always reminded of him.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> <a href="https://youtu.be/GvOhqmuDQAg">https://youtu.be/GvOhqmuDQAg</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> </span></div><div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I get goosebumps to hear this son-appa sing and emotion clouds my throat. ( the adulation and love in his father's eyes is so beautiful and they sing my favorite songs too!). I know these are film songs but melodious ones. After I lost him, I would often search for this video on Youtube and hear their beautiful voices, their expressions and the apparent love and affection in his Appa's eyes for him and try to remember my Appa through him. It helped me sleep, sometimes.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"> </span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">As a child, I always remember him reading or listening to music in his room, all by himself. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">He would roll his eyes to hear my fusion version of shlokas or classical music. I would argue that I can relate to this version, so what's wrong? ha ha ha...He does not appreciate any modification or fusion element to music - he is a traditonalist in the musical sense!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">In 2007, we were living in Pune, both my parents and in-laws visited at the same time once as we were both working (..and maybe we did'nt get too many days off for a break). He never let me cut my hair until I got married...so the first thing I did, was cut my hair after I was married. I was also in that phase of experimenting with my hair, I think I had coloured my hair a deep-red/burgundy or sorts. He thought i was asleep but I could hear him telling Amma - " she paid money to someone to get THIS done??!!!". ha ha ha...needless to say, he hated it. If you look at this picture, you can imagine his shock when he saw me fully transformed! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFLw_e4SelibkdzsK6bcAhR7K8GxMij87tcCUPbFBI17tmo_-nlNRBL8sNESpACjkq1wPHI1FPcKvD2h4zGpqoSBNaAcTNWNLz1_X8SUBPbOQMUGFVVD7Ah9IibVpFl9dQY8CaQ/s2048/J+and+Appa+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1918" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFLw_e4SelibkdzsK6bcAhR7K8GxMij87tcCUPbFBI17tmo_-nlNRBL8sNESpACjkq1wPHI1FPcKvD2h4zGpqoSBNaAcTNWNLz1_X8SUBPbOQMUGFVVD7Ah9IibVpFl9dQY8CaQ/w400-h375/J+and+Appa+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Appa and I, at the Punar Poojai during my wedding, he is seeking blessings for me, as always - 2003!</span></div></span><div style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">He always liked the traditional style of dressing , he loved it when i would wear a saree, or even simply indian clothes with my hair tied ( so he can actually see my face!).....with a </span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">pottu </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">or bindi. Anytime, I shared pictures, where I was dressed in a saree or kurta with pottu , he would always say " ah! there's my beautiful Janani...this is how I like to see you". </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">As I dry my daughter's wet long, silky hair, his grand daughter's long hair that she absolutely refuses to cut ( it would make my life easier, i have to admit!) , I can't stop thinking about how Appa would love that she has long hair... :)</span></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-13783878280754166762020-12-21T11:05:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:05:22.666+05:30Appa in Paris!<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the first post ( first month!)</span></p><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <span style="color: #9f6507;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span>to read the second post ( second month!)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the third post ( third month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the fifth post ( fifth month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/10/appas-mantra-no-one-has-ever-become.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the sixth post ( sixth month)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/11/click-here-to-read-first-post-first.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read the seventh post ( seventh month)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I will be honest and admit that I understood how lucky or blessed i am, ONLY when I moved away from my parents. </span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When i got married, we moved cities and then countries. While Paris sounds glamorous, when you live far away from home - it is HARD, I have been married for almost 18 years now, which means I have also spent a large part of my adult life away from Amma and Appa. </span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Having said that, I have spoken to them every single day. I call them EVERYDAY, until I share every liitle or big detail, good or bad news, professional or personal update, just about everything I share - my day is not complete. First person to hear every update is S ( he is physically present too), I relate my entire day verbatim when I see him. Since my folks are not physically here with me, I call them and still do the detailed download. :)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Normally, I talk to Amma about the inane details too, Appa is reserved for more serious, important updates and it is not very long. Appa is a very no-nonsense kind of person, he will speak to-the-point and put the phone down, in fact, many times even while you are still on. I would always laughingly tell him to say bye or something so I know that the conversation is over. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the year 2012, I distinctly remember, for a couple of days I could not reach them for a couple of days, I got a bit worried. Then, Anna informed S and I that Appa is having a small "procedure" and may not be reachable for some time as they will be in and out of hosptials. My memory is hazy now but he kept saying something to keep it "normal" for me. Even then, I remember praying fervently that the "procedure" goes well and they get to see my baby, I had no clue. I was pregnant with Baby Girl and it has been a tumultuous journey of loss until then. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Naturally, they did'nt want to disturb my peace of mind or create stress especially since I lived far away. Later, much later, AFTER Baby Girl arrived safely, Anna told me that Appa went through Angioplasty and Amma had open heart surgery. Anna was secretly discussing with S to keep the secret. S would often tell me later, that your brother was so worried only abour you. He would always ask "what do we tell baby?" ( I am indeed the baby of the house, so everyone refers to me as "baby"). </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">In hindsight, it all worked out well but they had a rebirth, both of them admitted in hospitals on the same day...I'd rather not dwell on the details.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">They willed their recovery and came down to Paris for my delivery, looking very frail but ecstatic and happy. I remember Amma tearing up, when she saw me with a 9-month belly at the airport,I will never forget the look on her face - pure joy! </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFfwx-_LJPmD09bEwlkKnIWLLOCLO1zR2ONd1LLnOFeh8SrTjCSAISMCo6cQ7Bd2CMxOE6SqZSi4etE5s1pG_yaH89vasP-HI1-uxAEXsvB3N3eYH022B6aFISCAH0s-SzIFpKg/s2048/IMG_3072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFfwx-_LJPmD09bEwlkKnIWLLOCLO1zR2ONd1LLnOFeh8SrTjCSAISMCo6cQ7Bd2CMxOE6SqZSi4etE5s1pG_yaH89vasP-HI1-uxAEXsvB3N3eYH022B6aFISCAH0s-SzIFpKg/w640-h426/IMG_3072.JPG" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Appa and Amma arrived about a week before my due date, and I had strict dietary restrictions and I was only allowed to eat fruits with no restrictions. I went through a phase of papaya, apples and finally reached watermelons by the final trimester. S was juggling many things, (it's a new country and Appa and Amma had never been abroad before this). He promised that he would pick it up for me after work and left for the day. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By evening, I was pleasantly surprised to see Appa walk home with watermelons!!! When I asked him, how he managed to buy it (as everybody speaks french. It's not easy to shop there). He said " Oh! I picked up the watermelons, went to the cashier, looked at the screen and paid the bill - did'nt need to say anything"! </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was very emotional, vulnerable and in absolute panic ( about my delivery) - but a bite of that juicy watermelon filled my heart with joy. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Frankly, I did'nt think he would venture out alone, let alone buy watermelons. I know he did it coz he loved me.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I was very, very scared that everything should go well and Baby Girl should arrive safe and sound. I would look at my ever-growing belly and freak out. S is definitely zen and calming, but its his first time too. Appa and Amma, despite all odds being there, really helped, reassured me and their constant words were " all is well...all is well". I remember calling them, after delivering Baby Girl, within half hour to inform that everything went well and she has arrived. Appa and Amma could not believe that I was talking to them almost instantly. Their voices were filled with absolute delight. How lucky am i, right?. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">When we came home with the baby, he came down to receive us, I was so touched coz they were "home" for me in every way. Appa and Amma did everything they could, to make it as smooth as possible for me. Unexpectedly, their visa was issued for a very short time, so they had to go back after 17 days or so. They initially planned to stay for a couple of months to help me with the baby. We tried our level best to extend the visa, but to no avail.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Every single day, for those 17 days, I would wake up to Appa and Amma, patietly peeling small onions or <i>sambar vengayam</i>. It is fried in ghee and fed to new mothers to heal the stomach. I can never look at small onions without thinking of Appa, among a million other things. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3nYDF8bFMJA9dc9KwD82uXUT5FCtaqyPHiGXQnmDrtqPzUSg4LAAXD3BnLoPlCTpXPoiGB6XsKMUep2smGopHwxZ0K7TZ-mIY4oYntddi1F1sk_JlsKQoEIDkd9DIvYpHARRXA/s2048/IMG_3077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3nYDF8bFMJA9dc9KwD82uXUT5FCtaqyPHiGXQnmDrtqPzUSg4LAAXD3BnLoPlCTpXPoiGB6XsKMUep2smGopHwxZ0K7TZ-mIY4oYntddi1F1sk_JlsKQoEIDkd9DIvYpHARRXA/w318-h400/IMG_3077.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Appa is not a very enthusiastic traveller but he came to Paris only for me. The other day, I was looking for some pictures of him to send to Anna, and I saw a picture of Appa and I, on the Seine Cruise...it made me smile :)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOgKfFP5Zjlt4-U_dlIsl-ZMHWRoZ83GsATR539SslxPJveGV8OcVfcI1Y7Z0dVsyioLjJfrTKaqHTk_yi2rMejxpN54DwQAFGKyOqsN50F9iKVLl5lAzxP0uVvsHCpHlx8EfrQ/s2048/amma-appa.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 14.3px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOgKfFP5Zjlt4-U_dlIsl-ZMHWRoZ83GsATR539SslxPJveGV8OcVfcI1Y7Z0dVsyioLjJfrTKaqHTk_yi2rMejxpN54DwQAFGKyOqsN50F9iKVLl5lAzxP0uVvsHCpHlx8EfrQ/w640-h472/amma-appa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">We lived in the centre of Paris, with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower from my living room,kitchen... every part of the house ...We would all walk together in the evenings to Champ De Mars, it's a picture taken casually on one such evening. I have lovely memories, of being a new mother, sharing the joy with Amma and Appa, will hold that moment close to my heart for eternity.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-91245925537687742892020-11-21T07:26:00.001+05:302020-11-21T07:28:14.058+05:30Always there for me...ALWAYS!<p> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Click </span><a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">to read the first post ( first month!)</span></p><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <span style="color: #9f6507;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span>to read the second post ( second month!)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the third post ( third month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read the fifth post ( fifth month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/10/appas-mantra-no-one-has-ever-become.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read the sixth post ( sixth month)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am absolutely baffled at how a loving, breathing person who's always been there, who has been a constant presence in my life since I was born, always there when I need just about anything and everything... Poof! disappears! ....He is only in my memories. When I close my eyes and try to visualize Appa, if its not as clear in my head as it is in my heart, I am in panic!!! How is that possible? </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">Sometimes, I can't help wonder if he will come outside from his room, when i visit Madras ( when it is possible to travel, of course!). Possibly all this may seem like a bad dream...Alas...anyway, let me refocus on all the happy memories of Appa that I began to share...</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP0crOfDurwd583D7RPeD1ncm8XWG_dSBSLog6sJnnJuxezOoyMa3lW_v7X-qVWfU7FKOhPPmPV3tdJ8s5PpNNju5My4eHVtl4ZwuNEsFU7WPo-c74ksswulFHAs8VMY9e685Ww/s240/image0-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP0crOfDurwd583D7RPeD1ncm8XWG_dSBSLog6sJnnJuxezOoyMa3lW_v7X-qVWfU7FKOhPPmPV3tdJ8s5PpNNju5My4eHVtl4ZwuNEsFU7WPo-c74ksswulFHAs8VMY9e685Ww/s0/image0-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I remember this long conversation with Appa on the beach about what sort of guy I prefer or would like to marry.( i grew up living very close to the beach, lucky me!). I also told him I want to work for a couple of years at least before I get married. He agreed and said it takes time to find the right guy and family. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">If my memory serves right, there was a prospective guy who was a professional classical musician, I think."<i>I don't want to marry a musician, I will end up sitting behind him playing the tampura</i>" - I said. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I definitely did'nt want to marry a doctor either. I felt he would only discuss about surgeries, illnesses and such depressing topics. Appa laughed at my naivety; he explained its not that simple. Finally, all I said was that the guy should be very tall. ( I am tall for an indian woman). At that time, I had no idea and didn't really give it a serious thought. I always say I grew up only after I got married while S was all grown up already! :P</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By current standards, I got married pretty early. I met S when I was 22 and was a married woman by 23! My parents introduced me to S and boy! am i glad they did? (<i>Prima facie</i>, before he met him, Appa was hesitant; he felt a C.A ( Chartered Accountant) would be very boring for his efferverscent daughter while Amma was glad he was really tall and well-built for her broad-shouldered, tall daughter) and we met eventually. After he got to know him and thanks to his amazing intuition and divine intervention ( for sure!), Appa was very confident that he would be the perfect match for me. S is the first guy and only guy I ever met! (It feels like a different lifetime altogether now!).</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I would like to keep a few things personal but without delving too much into detail, I can safely, confidently and (am very blessed) to say he is the best thing that ever happened to me. I owe it all to my parents, both Appa and Amma (and S's parents)! They truly love him as his own son and the love and affection is mutual. Touchwood. I doubt that I could have chosen a more perfect life partner than S, even if I had chosen someone myself! He is a lot more than just being very tall :-). I will leave it at that. I remember constantly thanking Appa and Amma for bringing S into my life.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I vividly remember being a newly-married girl and calling my folks and bawling over the phone, when i got back from work that "<i> I am so hungry, there's nothing to eat</i>!!!" LOL.. Depending on who picks up the phone, they would calmly ask me to drink a glass of milk or ask me to be more prepared before I leave for work. B</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">eing married and doing everything on your own suddenly, is not easy on you or the guy. Of course, over time both of us learnt to build our life together - organizing groceries, commute, home, travel, families - it is always work in progress even now.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In 2006 - 2007, when we moved to Pune, I worked for a Telecommunications company and as I walked back home or would wait for S to pick me up, sometimes, I used to have long chats with Amma/Appa. For one of Appa's birthdays, I wrote him a long, heartfelt letter. I was pleasantly surprised to see that he had kept the letter very safely even after many years. He said, "<i> It's a lovely letter, well articulated and I can see you have understood every member of our family well.You are so good at expressing your feelings</i>." </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am so glad I wrote him that letter, expressing all my happiness, good feelings and gratitude I truly felt. It's a big deal for me coz Appa is not too expressive and appears very detached. But he loves each one of us in his own way. People who know him understand that and cherish him anyway.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My parents were very protective of me; Appa or Anna ( I used to call him Anna as a kid) would always pick up/drop me to classes. Due to a lot of eve-teasing in buses, he got me a Kinetic Honda when I began working. But if i was not home by the usual time I did, within 5 minutues - he would be in the balcony waiting. In the next 10 minutes, the gate...mind you, these were times when there were no mobile phones. I would always call and inform if i was going to be late. They were always on guard. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Whenever I asked them something, to move somewhere to study, work in a different city, even to cut my hair - their constant reply was " Get married, and then do whatever you want"!!! I was exasperated with that answer. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.3px;">I remember my friends, especially boys being terrified of coming home coz they were afraid of Appa. He appeared strict but was quite friendly once you get to know him. I would literally drag people home. Some of my friends and my brother's are pretty close to Appa, they chat with him over the phone independantly as well - there are times he is more in touch with my friends than we are!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is a funny incident I relate to everyone. S and I, were engaged (for almost a year) before we got married. We were in different cities, we would chat online after dinner. This was at a time when you dial with the modem to connect to the internet and your phone line is busy at the same time. Our computer-modem setup was in the guest room which is outside the main home, it is an extension but within the same premises. You can easily see that I am in the room if you are in the living room. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So almost every day or maybe alternate days, I would logon to a video chat with S, in the guest room after dinner. Appa would religiously wait in the living room until I finish chatting. He was scared that it was late in the night and it would be unsafe to leave me alone, when I was indoors in the same house!!! He would be dozing off, sitting right there!!! When I asked him why he troubles himself so much when he can sleep, he would say what if someone takes you away when noone is there, so I want to be here for you. You talk as much as you want - I will be right here for you. Appa, you were always there for me and I still feel like you are always here for me.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I get all that my parents did for me much more when I became a parent. They are so giving, selfless and their all-encompassing love is more evident now when i have a child. </span></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-54549363226787644962020-10-21T07:54:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:06:31.817+05:30Appa's Mantra- "No one has ever become poor by giving"<p style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the first post ( first month!)</span></span></p><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <span style="color: #9f6507;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span>to read the second post ( second month!)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the third post ( third month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/09/appas-birthday-month.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read the fifth post ( fifth month!) - my brother pens his thoughts here.</span></span></div><p><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> "When Appa didn't have my hand, he had my back..."</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I know life moves on and everybody moves on eventually, but I am still here, I want to be here , to be honest...reminscing my past, through my college days now! I am trying to hold on to my precious memories that stood out for me, with Appa. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoehnJX3a0TjbPCozAMG1EnWc66oDbb_iPNpGzsjPu8APJ997Ttx2kgF1aPQBTF_cXFmxBrZkcbDsuGF5Tf2qEFoDpmvsZdHVGCh-1Ci23EsqocSeMFJBU64Q059VKJ8FOvnHYw/s458/DSC_0406.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="424" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoehnJX3a0TjbPCozAMG1EnWc66oDbb_iPNpGzsjPu8APJ997Ttx2kgF1aPQBTF_cXFmxBrZkcbDsuGF5Tf2qEFoDpmvsZdHVGCh-1Ci23EsqocSeMFJBU64Q059VKJ8FOvnHYw/s320/DSC_0406.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><p>Here's a <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-tiny-closet-of-fame.html" target="_blank">story</a> I wrote for the "Chicken Soup for the Indian Teenage Soul", in 2009! I got published in a book, thanks to a real-life account that illustrates what an amazing parent Appa was...I am pasting the story here for your reference.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><u><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">All Grown Up<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">It was the year
1998 and I was about 18 years old. I used to go for accounts tuitions after college.
I am an extrovert and never short of words at any time. So after class, when my
friend Rishabh and I got talking about our futures, we didn’t realize we’d been
having a conversation for close to two hours on the main road. It was 9.30 at
night. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">My dad got
worried and came looking for me. He saw us standing on the road engrossed in
our conversation. My dad is strict, and my brother and I are terrified of
incurring his wrath. So, the minute I saw my dad, I was gripped by fear. I was
mentally prepared for a showdown right in front of Rishabh. Instead, my dad
smiled at me and said “Come, let’s go home. It’s really late”. I was relieved
that he had not embarrassed me in front of my friend but suspected I was in for
it once we got home.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">To my pleasant surprise,
all he did then was sit me down and say “Listen, I have no problems with
your friendship with other boys and I have implicit trust in you. But, there is
a time and place for everything. You can invite your friends home or vice versa
and chat all you want. I don’t want complete strangers seeing you talking to
guys on the street and coming to the wrong conclusion. And, for your own
safety, please make sure you don’t stay out so late at night”.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">I thought of
what someone had rightly said: ‘Treat people as if they were what they ought to
be, and you’ll help them to become what they are capable of being.’</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">Perhaps, Appa realized
that he ought to get things off his chest without losing his cool, as he began
to understand that I was at a sensitive age. It was heartening to hear him say
that he had confidence in me. Under the circumstances, he could have drawn his
own conclusions from the lateness of the hour and the company he saw me in and
disciplined me as he always did. I felt happy to hear him speak so calmly and
explain his views to me, as if my feelings mattered.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">I felt he
respected me and treated me like an adult that day. That is what every teenager
secretly wants.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">As a teenager,
you are in the midst of developing your own individuality, and an ego in
addition. At that point, if Appa had shouted at me, I would have been
emotionally scarred for life with the memory of being humiliated in the
presence of a fellow student, and it would have spoiled our already delicate
relationship.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;">That day was a
revelation. It transformed my attitude towards Appa. I felt proud of the faith
he placed in me. Since then, I pointedly decided to never breach the trust of
my parents in any way. I always inform them of my whereabouts, the friends I’m
meeting, and important decisions I plan to make. In fact, I informed Appa that I
am bunking classes to go for a movie instead, in college! He let me!<span></span></span></i></p><!--more--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Appa was always very active and fit, he never looked his age. One advice or suggestion or life lesson he practised even before preaching is to help others as much as possible, financially ( whenever you have a bit of excess) and physically anytime you can. When many people come up to us, ( Amma, Anna or I) - it is always this, that he helped them when they were in distress, financially whenever it was possible. I love the fact that he never differentiated in helping, from a bank employee to a vegetable vendor - they are all human and we all need to be humane. (To this day, the vegetable vendor comes home to deliver even a bunch of coriander if Appa/Amma need something!)I know, for a fact, that he learnt this from his father, my <i>Thatha, </i>my grandfather. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Unfortunately, he passed away before I was born. But I know for a fact, Appa revered his father, his ideals , his innate need to help others. This is a story I have often heard from him about Thatha, exactly 10 years back... ( it was in my draft for a submission for "Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul", I thought this is the perfect time and place to share this story).</span><span face=""></span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>My father was a clerk in State Government service with
a meagre income. He had many mouths to feed, including 8 children, his parents
and parents-in-law. Often, he would not even get two proper meals in a day.
Needless to say, he had never been to a hotel or a theatre or had any form of
entertainment.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>This incident happened in the year 1947 when I was 8
years old. It was raining heavily outside and my father who had gone to the
temple, came back home fully drenched. As he entered the house, he called my
mother and asked her to prepare fresh dinner quickly. My mom replied
exasperatedly:</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>“There is hardly anything for us to eat. Infact,
tonight we are all going to eat just rice and buttermilk (or curd rice as we
call it, we could not even afford to have curd rice at that time for that
matter).</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>What is the matter? Why do you want fresh dinner now?
– My mother enquired.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i> “The poor
madman near the temple seems to be suffering from fever. He is not able to get
up, his body is shivering. He seems to be very hungry too. He needs immediate
attention.” – My father replied.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>We all knew that madman; we had seen him outside the
temple. A tall fair man, around 65-70 years old, with long hair and a flowing white
beard, he would talk to himself or curse someone all the time. A man of pride,
he would not beg for alms. People visiting the temple would give him some money
or eatables of their own volition. He did not have many belongings except for
one or two dhotis and a bag on his shoulder. It was believed that he was from
an illustrious family. His own avaricious relatives tormented him, drove him
out of the house and usurped his wealth. This trauma drove him mad. Since then,
he stayed at the temple.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>My mother asked - <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>“Are you crazy? That chap is a beggar and a madcap, we
ourselves have nothing much to eat and manage somehow! It’s raining cats and
dogs outside. It’s already 10 in the night, now you want me to prepare fresh
dinner for the sake of that man? Are you mad?”</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>My father got wild and shouted at her, “Don’t talk
nonsense. He has nobody else to take care of him. Do as I say.” </i></span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Having said that to my mother, my father left in the
pouring rain to bring the man home in an auto rickshaw.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>Cursing her fate, my mother went inside grudgingly to
prepare fresh dinner. My father returned with the man, served dinner to him caringly
and asked him to stay over for the night in our house. Next morning, the rain
stopped. He was offered a cup of coffee and then with an expression of
gratitude he left the place blessing us all.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><i>That night I learnt about love and respect for
fellowmen. It is not too difficult to give little in charity when you have
plenty. However, the desire and eagerness to help others regardless of your own
circumstances is truly noble. I am 71 now and this is just one of several
incidents that have deeply influenced my way of thinking. Since then, I have
always tried to help others as much as possible and strongly believe that God
helps you to help others. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>
</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face="" lang="" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">More than anything else, I remember my father for his
charity and follow his example till date. I have encouraged my children to have
similar values and I hope that they continue in the same vein. Remember, the
more you give, the more you get.</span><span lang=""> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span></span></i></p><!--more--><i><span></span><br /></i><p></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-86637141545820841832020-09-21T10:44:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:06:50.270+05:30Appa's Birthday Month! <p style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the first post ( first month!)</span></span></p><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <span style="color: #9f6507;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a></span>to read the second post ( second month!)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" style="color: #9f6507; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here </a>to read the third post ( third month!)</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/08/your-memory-is-all-i-have.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read the fourth post ( fourth month!)</span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13.3333px;">September 18th is Appa's birthday, he would have been 81 this year. I thought it would be befitting for my one and only brother ( elder) to write a post about Appa this month. He is blessed and lucky to have spent most of his adult life with both Appa and Amma. I really envy him for that alone! :-)</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">When Janani
asked me to pitch in with my thoughts for the montly series of memories about Appa, I
was in a fix - what do I write??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am not a story teller, I don't have a flair for writing like Janani. Additionally, she is always very expressive whereas
I am a little subdued. However, </span>I am still going
to give this a shot as it is “APPA” and I will put down some of my experiences.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">I am touching
upon a lighter topic, since it is his birthday this month and I want to make it a happy
relatable memory for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><u>Appa and Food</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">For people who
don’t know Appa, or the little they know of him, he was not very particular
about food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had the habit of not
talking while eating and he has maintained this habit from the age of 12(this
is something phenomenal I think as this needs a lot of discipline).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence when we all sit to eat together and eat
he would not talk at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So even if the
cooking needed salt or was salty he would never comment, he would just eat it as-is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amma/ J or I would realise only when we eat and modify accordingly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Appa was also a
fantastic cook, not that Amma is not ;-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both of us have learnt so much of cooking from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was famous for his Curries, Rava upma, Sakkarai
Pongal (Sweet dish) etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Appa’s <i>Rava Upma</i> is to die for… I realized that he relished food so much when we see him
being particular about the ingredients, needed for the dish. He would
insist on cooking it himself. </span>I chanced upon
so many recipes that he had collected and written down very meticulously while
going through his dairies. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">That was no surprise given he was an absolute perfectionist!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Even when we go
out for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner he would be very specific about the places
we go to or the food that he eats. Breakfast would be <i>Pongal & Vadai or Rava Dosa</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is <i>Idly,</i> it has to be the <i>Adyar
Sangeetha -</i> he wouldn’t go anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He would say "I don’t get such soft Idlys and the sambar that goes with it
anywhere else". <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Lunch mostly would be
the <i>Woodlands</i>, and it would be the <i>South Indian Thali</i>. We would all know what he
would order if he comes out for food with us, it would be the Bhindi sabji with
Naan, or the Rava dosa as I had stated earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Even while he
was in Paris with Janani, he would be very specific about the Indian restaurants
there and would comment on the quality not being up to the mark. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">I was the most
obedient, soft and gullible between the two of us ( note the sarcasm!), that I was always awarded the
best of the punishments given the fact that Appa was a strict
disciplinarian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apparently told him exasperatedly, during one such episode " Iru ..iru, nan periyavan aaanapram, ungalukku thayir saadam dan tharuven"...roughly translates to " Wait, wait...when I grow up, I will give you only curd rice"!!! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US">… He would relate this to everyone very often, laughing about it. He would comment that at least he says he will give me curd rice, that's more than enough! Now
that he is not around I feel "<i>oh my god I can never sit next to you and share our
banter while having food…"<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">He would not
want us to order food through Swiggy or Zomato because the food would not be piping hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would walk up to the street
corner tea shop ( Nair Kadai) and bring home those crispy Vadai and he would
say "<i>Nair Vadai thaan da Bes</i>t" ( Nair shop vadais are the best!)... Appa, I miss you whenever I cross that shop and see the bubbling vadais being fried. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">He would
frequent <i>Mylapore </i>in Chennai, for buying his quota of flowers for his daily
puja. His visits would always culminate
with <i>Mami kadai Vadai and Bajji</i>s near the <i>Kapaleeswarar </i>temple. </span>He preferred
sweets to savories. <i> Poli and Mini
Jaangri from A2B</i>, Bombay Halwa from Parrys (no not the France one ;-) but in
Chennai, India. He was a diabetic but
under control, he would never worry about it, he would say the days he eats few
more sweets, we can always take an extra dose of the medicine. He would never say no to <i>Pakodas </i>(Crisp and
hot!). He would buy it and come and offer
it to all of us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Appa also LOVED coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would never say no to an
extra cup when offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During J&S
visits to India, there would always be a coffee session at 11...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> t</span>his would be prepared for S only by
Appa with lots of love and exactly to his preference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the earlier days, he would go
all the way to <i>T Nagar</i> to buy a specific combination of filter coffee powder
from <i>Pandien Coffee</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, it
would not be without a visit to <i>Geetha Café</i> or the <i>Balaji Bhavan</i> for his round
of <i>Dosas</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">He used to make
amazing <i>Sakkarai Pongal</i> and <i>Rava Kesari</i> during the many pujas done at home as
an offering to god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would insist on
making it himself and it would turn out to be Yummmm with extra ghee and nuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would say if there is no ghee then there
is no <i>Pongal </i>or <i>Kesari</i>. </span>When others cook
any sweet dish he would say it is nice but a little more sweet would make it
better to suit my taste. My wife would
always say "<i>Appa, this is made exactly to match your taste</i>" which meant there is always an extra
spoon of sweetness to the dish. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDps6tfOqRtwzyJlKlHaJMWwzAuHRpfU3MOyW7mKvm69dNf6uoVqRgedAwZuHT4-_BKbwx7xjYwFmLXXqYfmhYm8dU_tGCvHjTwDglOqZaWso06Uz3rtZQfrd5J6jLMxgCJa2vZA/s1600/DSC_0704.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDps6tfOqRtwzyJlKlHaJMWwzAuHRpfU3MOyW7mKvm69dNf6uoVqRgedAwZuHT4-_BKbwx7xjYwFmLXXqYfmhYm8dU_tGCvHjTwDglOqZaWso06Uz3rtZQfrd5J6jLMxgCJa2vZA/s640/DSC_0704.JPG" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">This month
happens to be his birthday as well (18th Sep).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He would love his birthdays and would tell us that every 18<sup>th</sup>
of the month would be his birthday and he would celebrate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any birthday in the family will have one
payasam or the other made by Appa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
ask of gifts playfully will always be in gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He would ask us "how much of Gold are u gifting me???"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">In India the 80th
birthday (Sathabhishekam) is very auspicious and is celebrated in a grand
manner. </span>Sathabhishekam
is the set of Poojas and rituals that are performed for the couple when the
81st year starts or when 80th year gets completed. It is usually
organized by the couple’s children. This is considered as one of the most
important function in our Hindu Traditions.
It is performed when the person completes 80th and enters the
81. The birthday is celebrated in accordance to
the Nakshtra (Star) that a person is born rather than the English
birthday. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The 80<sup>th</sup> birthday
according to Indian traditional customs goes this way that when a person sees
1000 full moon in his lifetime (Pirai in Tamil) based on the lunar calendar he
completes 80. Appa would have celebrated
it in May. Technically he did see 1000
moon in his lifetime given the fact that life does form while you are in the
womb and if we included it he did complete 1000 Pirai.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Wishing you a
very happy birthday Appa.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">He was a
perfectionist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything that he did had
to be perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something both of us
strive to emulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would make sure it
was perfect and always on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very
disciplined in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much to learn
from u, our guiding light, friend, philosopher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Naina </i>(that’s
how I fondly call him) Sangeetha beckons u…..<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span><p></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-58090686971983303852020-08-21T21:30:00.001+05:302020-08-21T21:30:03.790+05:30A little piece of me…Baby Girl is 8 years old today! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This year, S alias Baby Girl's Appa does the honour of writing to her....on her birthday!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">…cramming the gaps between rare
moments of silence (when she is out playing) are conversations with 8-year old Baby
Girl, candid beyond imagination and, in this past year, turbo-charged by experiential
learning of:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>riots, protests, and tear gas thanks to the
pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>face masks, disinfectant, and hand sanitiser
thanks to the frightful pandemic</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>zoom, Alexa, google suite and peerless tech
skills thanks to virtual schooling.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">..and the questions she asks often leave us tongue-tied and Baby
Girl solemnly advising </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;">"Just google it, Appa!"</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 38.25pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-JNsIuSR0QlGnFnpv4sA9kzcVd91HzZB5LL55tkQpUkgqVQeWpn-C2QSSTyfO-UELqMHERU1AS72Ij0rFp2KPZGUQmDlHwp4U9nwOXDKHcfgfBDY0Fetnsg3Sv1ER-9_K3ZtnA/s4032/20200208_140249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-indent: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-JNsIuSR0QlGnFnpv4sA9kzcVd91HzZB5LL55tkQpUkgqVQeWpn-C2QSSTyfO-UELqMHERU1AS72Ij0rFp2KPZGUQmDlHwp4U9nwOXDKHcfgfBDY0Fetnsg3Sv1ER-9_K3ZtnA/s640/20200208_140249.jpg" /></a></span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Baby Girl’s 8<sup>th</sup> year
unleashed a potent combination of creativity, intelligence (full credit to genes
from me) and a wild/ weird streak, no idea where that came from 😉.
I love the resulting pretty and colourful artwork, innovative DIY homes for her
“pets” and clever lego creations (picture water slides from the resident’s
top-floor bedroom straight to her swimming pool). she even makes us cards for
every occasion with special “emojis” and customised with our favourite colours…<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1aAD8Bj5tqc0BAgb8XCTofb83Il37wNwR4KAfDO7RZNxlNbaQfrz3-xTpHf8FdCLXczBe0LgnB5jiYTt2GlgqhlkCrky3hMIPbYV_KwbcUyVDI_ugZpk8mcOSLcd6HZMFTgo8g/s203/8y-blog1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="203" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1aAD8Bj5tqc0BAgb8XCTofb83Il37wNwR4KAfDO7RZNxlNbaQfrz3-xTpHf8FdCLXczBe0LgnB5jiYTt2GlgqhlkCrky3hMIPbYV_KwbcUyVDI_ugZpk8mcOSLcd6HZMFTgo8g/w400-h278/8y-blog1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the dainty package that we
“handled with care” has grown into a 8-year old bundle of energy. she has now
earned the freedom to venture out by herself in the immediate neighbourhood. an
unexpected by-product of this are the multitude of cuts and bruises bumping
into things, falling over, scraping through bushes and the like. she takes this
sportingly and never fusses over her injuries, casually pointing out each mark/
scar and recalling how she got it…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZ5U0ps9qV_Ps5xyaut5oq-yIEZ3uBUfi4BdzhZNfp12-ca8JzTivlJ9tshvLDTsaEchaYRdqHuwad-6OiieJlE3CgzKzWUBuiotJtWxhyj5gqhKNi4qLKOESwPl8BtVsKJLEIw/s4032/20200208_154512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZ5U0ps9qV_Ps5xyaut5oq-yIEZ3uBUfi4BdzhZNfp12-ca8JzTivlJ9tshvLDTsaEchaYRdqHuwad-6OiieJlE3CgzKzWUBuiotJtWxhyj5gqhKNi4qLKOESwPl8BtVsKJLEIw/s640/20200208_154512.jpg" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">her discerning diet of milk and
mildness has slowly morphed into a diversified appetite embracing variety – from
the ageless Tambram staple of <i>Thayir Saadam + Urulaikazhangu roast</i> (curd rice and potato roast, a family
favourite which J and I also list in our top 3 favourite foods) to Garlic Naan
+ Paneer sabzi but remains faithful to the customary Generation Alpha favourite
– Pizza!<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8_jxDkteuzxQy313ojxru6VBzJ2w1o9oZstrFGcXt4FJfpiQ9aDUAEG2XK_XBSDTFSMIoAw-RmqFZpMT6P8L2ljEk1ffYn6rO19OcYn9kmFizR8fcicUzeBJH4yttOl7qj_clA/s365/8y-blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="133" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8_jxDkteuzxQy313ojxru6VBzJ2w1o9oZstrFGcXt4FJfpiQ9aDUAEG2XK_XBSDTFSMIoAw-RmqFZpMT6P8L2ljEk1ffYn6rO19OcYn9kmFizR8fcicUzeBJH4yttOl7qj_clA/w146-h400/8y-blog.jpg" width="146" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">we only managed a single holiday
trip in the last year but Baby Girl loved KL and Langkawi. she said she would
have preferred to fly in a “sleeping plane” (business class) but graciously
accepted to fly with us in Economy! she was thrilled with our visit to the bird
park but was quite concerned that the birds had to stay within the nets and
could not fly free as God made them. most of our days in Langkawi were spent in
Baby Girl’s favourite places – in the pool or on the beach but Baby Girl had
the incredible experience of holding a huge snake in her hands during the
resort’s animal interaction event. J and I were incredibly proud (and a bit
amazed) that she was so fearless and actually smiling and enjoying herself…<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNXqCRmfGLTEdlCR4C1-SugwS-WeQTQaOrduSms13XKgrlOyZJfcUV8IjsHmZ01GnanVdJBVmwi4QRbgT02NnztR2pbN243He6t0ZOiP1Mhw4llewuk2-U8JVfwZWJ1oxsS-K_Q/s4032/20200612_124720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNXqCRmfGLTEdlCR4C1-SugwS-WeQTQaOrduSms13XKgrlOyZJfcUV8IjsHmZ01GnanVdJBVmwi4QRbgT02NnztR2pbN243He6t0ZOiP1Mhw4llewuk2-U8JVfwZWJ1oxsS-K_Q/s640/20200612_124720.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the last year has been a landmark
year for all the wrong reasons, particularly in Hong Kong but this has been a
blessing in disguise for us. J and I have been at home much more than usual:
extensively working from home during the pro-democracy protests and almost
exclusively in 2020. with Baby Girl’s school adopting “home learning”, we’ve
spent time in semi-isolation in each other’s company – hours, days, months
working/schooling from home…so every day is Friday!</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">God bless you Baby Girl…we look
forward to more crazy stories, squabbling over Dobble games and heated debates
over who loves whom more, among the 3 of us!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lots of love and blessings, </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Appa and Amma</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-77824615145951080162020-08-21T11:05:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:07:17.797+05:30Your memory is all I have...<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14.3px;">Click <a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f6507;">here</span> </a>to read the first post ( first month!)</span></p><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Click <span style="color: #9f6507;"><a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" target="_blank">here </a></span>to read the second post ( second month!)</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14.3px;">Click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/07/i-have-so-much-left-to-say-about-you.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9f6507;">here</span> </a>to read the third post ( third month!)</span><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><i>"Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows" </i></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">they say time heals grief, loss...I'd personally say, with time, I have learnt to acknowledge the fact but accepting and moving on is a gradual process...I am working on it. </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">When I listen to good music, I think of him...</div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">When I have good food or something he would love, I think of him...</div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">When I am praying or listening to devotional songs, I think of him...Appa always was very spiritual, so automatically my mind goes on default mode to Appa</div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">Hell, funny thing is....I was watching a movie with Dwayne <span style="font-size: 14.3px;">'The Rock' </span><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Johnson in it and tears streamed down my face...interestingly, Appa is a big fan of WWF, which is such a contrast to his personality!</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I remember how he would check the WWF schedule in the paper, finish all his work, pooja, ahead of time...and tell us all that he is reserving the T.V, for a certain period of time! LOL...we used to smile inwardly at his child-like enthusiasm and excitement as he cheered for his favorite wrestling star! </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I have a big, beautiful picture of Appa and Amma, deliriously happy, holding my baby girl. I can vividly remember that day too. Initially, I would look everywhere but at that picture, it was hard for me. With time, my viewpoint is different. I look at his picture and its almost life-like, I feel like he is right there smiling at me...on some day, i feel reassured and on some others, i feel an overwhelming sense of loss. I am saying like it is.</div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">What I have begun to love about writing this series about Appa, apart from jogging my memory to acknowledge, appreciate and share about my amazing father - is the sheer happiness and emotion with which Amma calls me and discusses it. I am so happy that I can make Amma feel happy in some way, even if remotely.</div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I am not sure about kids world over but every Indian kid will relate to this. I was writing my Xth Board exams and I was a studious child who worried about my scores like my whole life depended on it (how silly I was!)...Amma and Appa never really cared, it was never a big deal in my household. i mean, they insisted that we do our best academically, but there was no pressure. They pressured us more on being better persons by nature and<span style="font-size: 14.3px;">, for me, </span><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Carnatic music!! </span></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">My cousin was getting married and I was in the wedding hall locked inside the room fervently studying for my social studies exam. All my other cousins were together and having fun. My heart was totally with them but in my mind, I felt I had to study, so I stayed indoors. Appa saw my dilemma and told me to enjoy myself with all my cousins. He said he would coach me later so I will be ready for the exams! I readily agreed at once, had my share of fun. </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I absolutely panicked a couple of days before the exam. <span style="font-size: 14.3px;">I remember waking Appa at 3 AM and crying that i was going to fail the exam. He smiled and assured me that I would do just fine and we would begin prepping at dawn! At the crack of dawn, we began studying together. He painstakingly went through all my study material - history, geography and civics (Appa studied Chemistry, he helped me understand equations too really well). He coached me for two days in all three disciplines, helped me focus on what's important and what's not...I fared really well in the exam, all thanks to Appa!</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I also vividly remember sitting with Appa after every exam, calculating how much I would score! I would always come up with a higher number while Appa would give a realistic score and the final result would be somewhere in-between! He insisted that I had to take maths, no matter what, in my XI and XII. While I grudingly agreed only coz I had no choice, when I moved to college - maths, statistics and analytics were a breeze! I never admitted to him that he was right! </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">When it was time to choose in what discipline I wanted to graduate in, I told him I wanted to do Law. He knew everything and he said just because your close friend A (ahem!) is doing law, you can't move cities to pursue law, no way! :) </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I realize that these incidents really stand out in my memory because he came through when I needed him most, like he told me through his actions: "you can count on me, no matter what!". </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">If I appear confident to most people, I owe it to my Appa and Amma for instilling that confidence in me. I am quite temperamental and emotional by nature. But I genuinely draw strength from my parents when I am down...they instantly drop everything to make sure I am ok - physically and emotionally. Even as an adult, I need them and they have both always been there for me and my brother. I am forever grateful coz I know as a matter of fact that not every parent is like that. </div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">Appa is known to be very strict and everyone is a bit scared around him. But in reality, he always listened to me, I always appreciated how he treated me as an individual and respected my point of view, even as a child. I am not scared of Appa, I love and respect him. I have always felt only when you do something wrong, you feel fear. I had nothing to be scared of...</div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2fIYWE8o3pNg60P_Vk6D6GlyuPfEXl0eqXJICuD_TyTurUHDeHn7G4vTKUwMPTs3lhOdiax_k4iRJGRg7qjj7ty80MVNPuM1rngD6Ru8g-0jLgxVfDs-dxdwwuTw_jqg_U5d4g/s1600/appa+holding+Aadu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2fIYWE8o3pNg60P_Vk6D6GlyuPfEXl0eqXJICuD_TyTurUHDeHn7G4vTKUwMPTs3lhOdiax_k4iRJGRg7qjj7ty80MVNPuM1rngD6Ru8g-0jLgxVfDs-dxdwwuTw_jqg_U5d4g/w450-h800/appa+holding+Aadu.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">On a totally different note, tomorrow is my baby girl's birthday (she turns 8 on 22nd August). I had to go through a few losses before Aaradhya came to me, thanks to the blessings of many people in my life, especially the prayers of Appa and Amma. I will always remember what Appa told me..." Don't spoil her just because she is your only child or that you fervertly prayed for her....she does not know that. I know you will love her and bring her up to the best of your abilities. Don't go overboard, such that she does not understand the value of it". I will always remember that. I know she has his choicest blessings, she is his favorite child, even more than me! (he used to tease me all the time that she is so much more beautiful than his own daughter!)</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14.3px;">I naively thought, he would be around even after she got married....</div></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-23635469897883842272020-07-21T08:31:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:07:37.463+05:30I have so much left to say about you, Appa! <font face="georgia">Click <a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read the first post ( first month!)</font><div><font face="georgia">Click <a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" target="_blank">here</a><a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/06/always-looking-for-your-broken-index.html" target="_blank"> </a>to read the second post ( second month!)</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><i>It may be three months since...and on my part, </i></font></div><div><blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i><font face="trebuchet" size="3">I really try to keep myself busy with the things I do, but everytime I pause I only think of you...</font></i></h3></blockquote></div><div><font face="georgia">There are some difficult times in life, that leave a mark on you in a positive way! It was this incident that made a mark in our lives. We lived away from Amma for about two years as she was transferred to a different city, I must have been a 12 or 13 year old girl then. Appa took care of me and my elder brother, during that time in Madras while Amma was in Bangalore. It's a difficult age to be away from your mother and I always thought it was the hardest on me. I realize now how difficult a period it must have been, for Appa - to live away from his loving wife, to singlehandedly take care of a pre-teen and a teenager! </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">Boy! He single handedly (yes, single handedly, he had no help from anyone absolutely) took care of us. He fed us, taught us, made it special even on festivals and every time Amma would visit, he would make it a very happy time for all of us. Few things that really stood out for me - </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">1. Every evening, after school, he made us both sit down and learn "Hanuman Chalisa" every day so that we could sing and present the full version to Amma when she came. Amma was ecstatic when we sang in tune, and by heart!</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">2. He understood that being away from Amma was really hard on me ( I would cry copiously every single time she needed to travel back to Bangalore!). So he had secretly recorded a loving wake up message from Amma in her voice, he would play it in the morning to wake me up! It really made my day to hear her voice. I say this specifically coz growing up, Appa was very strict and Amma was very lenient. We were terrified of incurring his wrath while Amma could be cajoled easily.</font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTcF2FSKNA7AZXBOIG-H_u-i79Ur-Mh7r0Jh5e4bTTj73MTS1OfdiqOl0bOaLG5L3-eJh2WTS9pLdR5VL8O5AgEp4kz2dMthlYgwNsRRzMoQJlGp4XB1uai03_oEqOjrbHFHKoA/s720/appa+amma+J.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="720" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTcF2FSKNA7AZXBOIG-H_u-i79Ur-Mh7r0Jh5e4bTTj73MTS1OfdiqOl0bOaLG5L3-eJh2WTS9pLdR5VL8O5AgEp4kz2dMthlYgwNsRRzMoQJlGp4XB1uai03_oEqOjrbHFHKoA/w625-h444/appa+amma+J.jpg" width="625" /></font></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><i>(in this picture, L-R, My cousin Athma, myself, Appa and Amma)</i></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">3. What stood out for me in all this; once, after Amma was returning to Bangalore after spending the weekend with us in Madras, I was really upset and crying. Appa tried to console me, he sat me down and explained softly, patiently (which is an exception to the norm as he was always quite short tempered, no time or patience to cajole or convince!) to me. He said ( in tamizh, of course...we don't converse in English at home!)</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">"Do you realize how hard it is for Amma? If you cry like this everytime she leaves, that's the image in her mind all the way back to Bangalore...do you want her to feel sad and more lonely than she already feels? </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">We should all try to make the most of it, be happy and send her with happy thoughts...after all, we have each other. She is all alone there without any of us, her own family!( Amma stayed with her elder brother's family (My Mama) who were loving and equally her family in Bangalore)....you should never cry and add to her problems, be the solution that she will definitely come back to....very soon! I never cried after that, even though I longed for her just the same. </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">Now that I am married and a mother, I can only imagine how hard it must have been, for both of them as a couple and as parents. I am very blessed that I would probably have the option to quit if such a situation arises. Appa and Amma did'nt have that choice but never complained or even mentioned in our lifetime that we sacrificed our time together for you. I am very grateful and blessed for life lessons such as this on parenting and partnership in every sense!</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">I never took my parents for granted, after that! to be honest, I never did before the transfer either. All my memories are happy memories of all of us spending time together as a family, eating together and having fun together, in general. I realize now that Appa and Amma never went out by themselves, all they did was spend every free minute with us. How selfless that is? </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">I strongly believe that I am a well-rounded, happy individual - thanks to my happy childhood, the secure feeling I got while growing up and how immensely proud my parents were. They would often, appreciate, praise and encourage me in every way possible! It definitely made me a confident person who was very proud of her roots. </font></div><div><font face="georgia">Thank you for being my parents, Appa( and Amma)!</font></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-87840381772342006172020-06-21T10:06:00.000+05:302021-03-21T08:07:57.367+05:30Always looking for your broken index finger...Appa! <font face="helvetica">Click <a href="https://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-been-month-appa.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read the first post ( first month!)</font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">Today marks two months since you moved to a different dimension of life, Appa! </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">I am a very expressive person, both emotionally and physically. I hug, kiss and express myself freely, I tend to touch your arm or pull someone's arm when I talk, subconsciously. On the contrary, Appa is not expressive at all, very disciplined and extremely organized. He will not touch anyone unless required and vice versa. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am an exception to that rule. </span><font face="helvetica">I would always plonk myself on his lap ( even as a fully grown adult!), smother him with hugs and kisses. I remember every physical aspect about him, he would always be very well dressed, well-groomed, smell of sandalwood powder or <i>cuticura ( a brand thats popular in India),</i> his smooth skin, broad nose, stern expressions ( when we were growing up!), rare hearty laughs and his broken index finger. I have asked him repeatedly for the story about his broken index finger...</font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="helvetica">When he was a little boy of maybe 7 - 8 years old, he was cleaning the fan. My memory is hazy but he ended up cutting his finger, it got cut off through the blade or hook. Here's a little boy, looking at his cut finger on the floor! Inadvertently, he just picked it up and held on to its position until they reached the hospital hurriedly. The doctor appreciated his quick thinking and they were able to retain his entire hand!! As a result, his index finger will look slightly different.</font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y6wXNND2toDSS1znLwy1zbx18INoxTgVaWkSAOBfalHcHtXy_p1nRgdo1IKSMFP1xc0fytq5SjqMMFQ30II6QrANHnlAoUlB94V_uwogmvcSkfcA2kTLl4ophryH_pT_zpSA_A/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y6wXNND2toDSS1znLwy1zbx18INoxTgVaWkSAOBfalHcHtXy_p1nRgdo1IKSMFP1xc0fytq5SjqMMFQ30II6QrANHnlAoUlB94V_uwogmvcSkfcA2kTLl4ophryH_pT_zpSA_A/s320/finger+appa.jpg" /></a></div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">When Appa and I traveled on public transport, the men and women are often separated, on different aisles. If it was a crowded bus - I would patiently scan through the hands holding the railing - <i>Dang</i>! I could always spot his broken index finger and feel a sense of relief that I can locate him when we need to get off or when we reach our destination. (I would often doze off with the slightest whiff of cool air. Appa would repeatedly warn me to be alert!).</font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">Before going to sleep, he would wash his face, put on talcum powder and freshen up! As a kid, I used to ask " why do you get ready when you are going to sleep?" and he would jokingly say " I want to look good in my dreams too"!!! </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">As an adult who has her own family now and a daughter, I truly appreciate and acknowledge that I grew up in a gender-neutral household. All of us chipped in with the housework, Amma and Appa both cooked, my brother and I had our share of chores. We all did our bit together, so that we all relaxed together as a family. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">We ALWAYS ate together as a family, no separate meals in our home ( something from my childhood that I continue with my little family too!). An interesting fact about Appa is that he will NOT talk while eating. In all his life, he has never talked during any meal. It takes a lot of discipline to do that every single day, its nearly impossible for me :-). </font><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If I wanted permission to do something or go somewhere, I would ask him only while eating. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I would pretend as if I did'nt understand what he was saying (he would answer through sign language as he won't talk) and run away! Of course, in reality, I totally understood what he was saying! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><font face="helvetica">Another strong memory about food I remember is that, on a weekend or a Friday night, if we were bored or disinterested about dinner - he would mix <i>Thayir Saadam</i> ( curd rice) with <i>Vetha kuzhambu</i> (spicy tamarind stew?) / vegetable stir-fry of the day and Amma, Anna ( I called my brother Anna as a kid) and i would sit around him. We would extend our hands and he would lovingly, tirelessly serve bite-sized balls of rice. He would say " You guys eat much better when I give you like this rather than the times you eat yourself ". Ah! I would do anything to have that ball of rice from him, right now. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">During summer vacations, our big treat was<i> tutti frutti ice cream</i>! I would patiently wait until dinner is over, run to the freezer and hand over the 1-kg container. I would always insist that i am served last ( I felt that I would get a larger portion that way!), he would smile and give me extra. I know, he always served me an extra dollop of ice cream, an extra dollop of love too! </font></div><div><br /></div>Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-18843490428348020032020-05-21T06:42:00.005+05:302020-05-22T17:14:47.163+05:30It's been a month, Appa!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<font face="georgia" size="4"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">" A father doesn't tell you he loves you. He shows yo</i><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><i>u </i><i>"</i></span></span>.</b> Oh boy! He SHOWED me how much he loved me, in a million ways all his life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Appa passed away on the 21st of April, 2020. I had asked him to write a hand-written letter to me earlier last year, as a keepsake. One of his key advice to me was that I should be strong emotionally. I should learn to face everything in life with a strong determination, never break down. </span></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif" size="4"><br /></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font face="georgia" size="4"><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif">I always call Appa( and Amma) first, to give a detailed account of my happy news, bad news, times of panic, when I am unwell ( or it's S or Aaradhya), when I need reassurance, when I need to simply hear their voice...it's like just talking to them calms me down and everything's well with my world. Life will never be the same without you, not being able to hug you or see you in flesh and blood...I know you will always be around in spirit! Yet...I break down every morning when I realize that he is no more.<br /></font>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Every small detail or the big stuff remind me of Appa every single day. As I grieved for his loss, that aspect stood out for me. When you lose a parent, it leaves a void that can never be filled. But I do not want to cry ( I know its ok to cry!). I want to remind myself, Amma, Anna and all those who loved him and knew him to remember him, honour his memories, share all the happy moments I shared with this amazing man, to whom I was born, a lucky and blessed daughter. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2eb7In2R8lBrT0Rs9pHRTk9NP9FjF8PN3lm9iBSfJ5C3MCojlEVDoGMVbNjOelP3saRhjkwCL05F92ZONpoPC5Aajz6ZxCwYj9FvX-2tkQqw_VVCpFhKR-JK7dWdFNiNSLHF6Q/s1600/appa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia" size="4"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2eb7In2R8lBrT0Rs9pHRTk9NP9FjF8PN3lm9iBSfJ5C3MCojlEVDoGMVbNjOelP3saRhjkwCL05F92ZONpoPC5Aajz6ZxCwYj9FvX-2tkQqw_VVCpFhKR-JK7dWdFNiNSLHF6Q/s640/appa.jpg" width="640" /></font></a></div>
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<font face="georgia" size="4"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Every month on the 21st until a year, I will share a memory,
revisit those times - as a child, an adolescent, an adult, a wife, a mother and
most importantly - his daughter! We will take a journey through memory lane,
converse through the blog - share all the good times, his wit and humour, his
guidance, his lessons, our happy moments together.</span><o:p></o:p></font></div>
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<font face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></div>
<font face="georgia" size="4"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">My earliest memory of Appa, is when I went to kindergarten just down the road, from our home in Madras (South India). Appa had his own business and operated close by. So he had the flexibility to pick me up from school and take me home. We had only half-day school, we would take naps after lunch there until a parent or caregiver comes to pick the child up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">In my lackadaisical state, I vividly remember safely ensconced in Appa's strong shoulders, my hands nestled in the nape of his neck, touching his soft skin. Appa is a reasonably tall man but in my mind, he was the tallest person I had ever seen! I felt really proud that MY Appa is SO TALL ! I would brag to all my friends that he is the tallest among all :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">As I grew up, I was curious like any other toddler and asked a lot of questions. Please click <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-daddy-strongest.html" target="_blank">here </a>to read this account. Appa loudly chuckles when he read <a href="http://jananisatyajit.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-daddy-strongest.html" target="_blank">this </a>on the blog. He would say to me, " you are too innocent, you believe anything i say!". My brother would not buy something like that! ha ha ha...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Over the years, he would always tell me that I have a "Golden Heart", it means that I am straight forward, like to see the good in people. I cherish that compliment and hope to always live up to his expectations, his "Golden Girl", Indeed, I will be... APPA!</span></font></div>
Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-83117098504053704012019-08-22T00:00:00.000+05:302019-08-22T20:53:43.099+05:30You are 7, going on 17! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Baby Girl,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...this is what i feel every year but it needs to be said out loud...you are growing up way too fast! PERIOD. you are 7 years old, 7 YEARS OLD! When i buy clothes online, i have to look at the "older girls" category for you now - you, an older girl?? I am in denial...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...actually, sometimes i do feel like that already....especially with all the sass, attitude and instant retorts to everything i say. Where in the world did you learn to reply like that? <i>Appa </i>and I are often perplexed with all the defiance and attitude....however( thankfully!) when i am angry or cross with you, you come over with a glass of water, make me lie down and massage my legs! ...and very calmly speak to me "<i>Amma</i>,<i> i think you are very tired...take some rest</i>". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love it when sometimes, you always save a treat or something special for <i>Appa </i>and gingerly offer it to him when he is back from work. sigh, my little baby is all grown up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are times when i am overwhelmed and worried about something or my folks ( i am human and of course, i have my moments), and she comes over and gives me a big hug and reassures me. These are lovely moments that make me feel very blessed and happy that you are so loving and kind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I fervently hope and pray this remains and extends to everyone around you. you are a beautiful little girl, inside and out - stay that way, my baby girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A huge deal for us, we went on a solo trip to Korea, just you and i, without <i>Appa</i> with T <i>chithi</i> and <i>Vaishnavi</i>. You were really well-behaved (mostly!), we had a lot of fun and it was our first trip to a place even <i>Appa</i> has not been to! Score!! I am sure we will do a lot of fun trips together soon...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">you got your first "star of the week" at school and you nonchalantly handed it to me as you got down from the bus, on your way back home from school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">i was pleasantly surprised to see you get this and a little bit shocked! ....my naughty girl so well-behaved at school? this is the beginning of many more such wins, my darling! :0)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You are the perfect example of "where there's a will, there's a way" and boy, are you strong-willed? <i>Appa </i>and I were simply amazed how you mastered skating absolutely on your own! You are such a pro, all thanks to your constant practicing at home, starting from brushing your teeth in skates to virtually until you sleep in skates! you relentlessly pursue something until you are really good at it, its an amazing quality and something you should develop as you grow and apply it to all positive things in life. You have also begun to cycle independently this year with no training wheels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The "tooth fairy" visited you so many times this year and you lost at least 6 teeth all around the same time. <i>Gopal thatha</i> makes fun of you that your mouth is like a "postbox" now, a big hole right in front.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As a family, we are very lucky and blessed to be able to travel often and we should really count our blessings. We chilled out in Bali last summer and you literally lived on the beach and pools, a very relaxing holiday, another destination ticked off our bucket list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had a epic holiday in December to New Zealand. <i>Appa </i>and I have always wanted to go there as we fell in love with the place after watching "The Lord of the Rings"...and it was all that we ever thought it would be....we were thrilled to see you appreciate the natural beauty, your love for animals, fearless, adventurous spirit ...as we traveled. you related the incident about how you visited a real farm and fed baby goats with a bottle to almost everyone we met! ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had a mini-break and went to Macau and managed to go to India ( spent some quality time with both sets of grandparents, meet some of our friends, etc.) twice this year! You are such a lucky girl who has traveled to so many countries already! Well, we both would love for you to be able to travel the world, enrich your mind, body and soul....that's what travel does to you. I personally think it also teaches you to appreciate and respect different cultures, cuisines and people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have seen a marked improvement in your <i>tamizh </i>and hopefully, you will speak your mother tongue fluently. I could see you making an effort to converse in <i>tamizh </i>with T<i>hatha </i>and P<i>atti </i>and was pleasantly surprised to hear you converse when noone is paying attention to you. I have realized that the key is to just let you be, you will eventually catch up, but we will never stop trying! After all, you understand everything we speak, be it in tamizh, hindi, english or even telugu! <i>cheppoddu</i>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is important to speak your mother-tongue, be proud of your roots and where you are from...no matter where you are, you must embrace your language, your culture....gives you a sense of identity. trust me, you will understand as you grow up and learn different things or meet different people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Darling, we love you with all our hearts and will love you no matter what. Continue to enrich the lives of everyone around you, also stay happy, have fun, be spontaneous and wild but always remember that it is more important to be kind and loving to everyone and to yourself! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We love you to the moon, and back! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lots of love and blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amma & Appa</span><br />
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Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com2Hong Kong22.3193039 114.1693611000000621.8493704 113.52391410000006 22.7892374 114.81480810000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-7309276903097677802019-03-14T15:38:00.002+05:302019-03-14T15:38:19.879+05:30While at the gym!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am one of those unlucky ones, who just needs to <i>look </i>at food, I'll put on weight. I am also "blessed" with hormonal imbalances and slow metabolism. So I try to live an active and healthy lifestyle; working out at the gym is my persistent attempt to persevere and stay healthy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I head to the gym, equipped with good music, comfortable workout clothes and my kindle too! Often, I choose my choice of "repetitive torture" and invariably end up watching people. You come across such a variety of entertaining people that these tools are often forgotten! Let's get this out of the way, yes! it's great all these people ( yours-truly included) make an effort to stay fit and prioritize some time at the gym in the middle of a busy day! <i>These are just light-hearted observations of people, you don't need to get offended...if you do, please feel free to click on the X button at the top-right corner! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. The Rabid Runners</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They are perennially on the treadmill running so fast; at such high intensity that the room is filled with the rattling noise. They are sweating it out in buckets, literally! I look at them in exasperation while torturing myself on the elliptical and wondering when I will ever reach those levels of stamina.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. The Pinterest Pupil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...and then there are those who constantly look at their mobiles to follow a certain sequence of workouts. I take a peek (while humbly picking up a 1 or 2 kg dumbbell) at the super-fit-chick's mobile, who does handstands, burpees, lifts, squats and what-not...and realize that the virtual instructor is Pinterest! ....aah, the many advantages of the world-wide-web, eh?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. The Spirited Sanitizers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...I am very amused at these people. Before they begin working out, they will obsessively sanitize every equipment religiously - the screen, the handles etc. While I understand that it is good hygiene and is also common courtesy to keep it clean for the next person, it is highly entertaining to see how paranoid people can get, in a place where you expect people to sweat-it-out! To me, it is over-sanitized! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. The Passionate Fashionate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....always seen in the most trendy and hip athletic wear, better known as athleisure wear in recent times. Their workout clothes are a perfect fit; extremely flattering and provides "inspiration" to commoners like me. The legs have transparent panels, the sports bras are in trending,neon colours screaming for your attention or they already have flat, toned abs in those leggings that you feel like they probably live at the gym!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, there are some really skimpily dressed men in tiny shorts and singlets that make me squirm. Irrespective of the weather, their clothes are uncomfortably short. In addition, they will direct the fan towards them when the air conditioner is full on blowing cold air. Go figure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. The Music Mavens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...I can relate to this group a lot! I can't survive working out without good music. I have "inspiring tracks" to keep me going or some moving melodies to relax me, at times. I go into panic mode if the phone charge is low and I am unsure if it will last until I finish my workout time. I am also someone who will stop working out in the middle to change tracks or ensure my headphones are in place, before I do anything else. The headphones and phone are of prime importance to go to the gym. I have observed a few others who are in tandem with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6. The Manic Multitaskers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...those who try to squeeze in as many tasks as possible while walking on the treadmill or puffing away at high speed on the elliptical. I have noticed many people catch up on calls ( I am guilty of doing that too!), check e-mails, messages, whatsapp ( of course!), watch videos on Youtube and even read books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you fall into any of these categories, don't take yourself too seriously. Go ahead and have a hearty laugh!</span><br />
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Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-65074703782020981922018-11-19T06:28:00.000+05:302018-11-19T06:28:31.700+05:30Personality Update! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I read through my recent posts, I realize they are all about Baby Girl, her yearly updates or our amusing conversations, her antics and so on and so forth....so I can remember these details for posterity! As evident as it can be, my life, heart and mind is filled with thoughts of her, she is truly my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have changed so much as a person since I became a mother! You can often hear S commenting to BabyGirl that your mother has become so serious now, and add that " she was so wild, impulsive and really silly". My immediate response to that is that i can't impart discipline if I am not disciplined or serious myself! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Interestingly, as I sit here, unable to sleep, introspecting how I have evolved over time, I am a changed person indeed. I worry a lot more, am really paranoid about everyone's health or safety, and often have sleepless nights over the tiniest details. Earlier, i would just sleep and not worry about anything and be carefree...not a good change, I know! But it is what it is...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am blessed with wonderful parents and I have an amazing relationship with them. It has taken me so long to understand that its not a given. There are so many others who do not have the luxury of unconditional love like I do. I would always seek attention, want something especially emotional support from them all the time. Recently, I have begun to finally understand that they are getting old. I should be the one offering at least emotional support if not physical support. I am always missing them physically and long to touch them everyday. EVERYDAY. There's always something that reminds me of Amma or Appa. That will NEVER change either. That's how it should be. As time passes by, I have lost so many loved ones and the first thing that always comes to my mind is that the biggest disservice that you can do to a loved soul is to forget them. Always keep them alive in your happy memories. I always remember you and the good times, Balaram mama...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the professional front, I have started yet again, from scratch in Hong Kong. I am working independently here, I am my own boss. I can't say i have reached my goal but i will get there, slow and steady. I have never been someone who gives up easily. thankfully, that has NOT changed. I juggle many hats with absolutely no help here and honestly, that's the way I like it too. It makes me feel accomplished, self-reliant and totally busy through the week. I like a routine to my days, not the kind of person who likes it to be a "weekend kinda day" everyday, for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Life teaches you a lot of lessons along the way and you learn to appreciate, acknowledge and embrace both big and small blessings in your life. I have come a long way in that sense. I do not take any relationship, situation or possession for granted, especially considering all that I have today was a dream of yesterday. I have learnt it the hard way that these dreams do not come true for everyone. Its important to be thankful for everything you have, and also for everything you do not have. There is a reason for it, you don't know it YET.</span></div>
Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-49482896083824415962018-08-22T00:00:00.000+05:302018-08-22T00:00:11.370+05:30You are 6 years old! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Aaradhya,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't possibly forget that you are turning 6 coz you are always reminding me about it, more specifically, what you want as your birthday gift! A material girl, indeed! It changes quite often ...from "shoes with wheels" to a ukulele ( I had to google it to figure out what it was!)...it keeps changing almost every other day. Your childish enthusiasm is charming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You are my biggest strength and weakness...and you already know it. There are times when I feel like my love for you will burst in its seams from my heart and there are times when I am so livid with anger while you are smirking away with the hint of a knowing smile that says "I got you!", eh?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hear this all the time, from your teachers, my friends who interact with you and people who keenly observe you that you are a very strong individual and very confident, in general. I am very happy and proud that you know your way around, you are independant and you are a self-assured child. At the same time, I am scared that it could also mean you could end up growing up into this arrogant person. I am trying my best to make you understand that it's ok to know what you want but it is more important to be kind and nice to everyone. We have our little tiffs about this once in a while. It's ok. we are <i>both</i> learning from each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You are very enthusiastic and interested in multiple things. You have a good sense of rhythm, love music and always want to hear in the background even when you are playing, which we are obviously thrilled about, considering we are obsessed with music ourselves. You have begun formal music lessons in carnatic music this year, i am hoping you develop a keen interest in vocals and start appreciating music more and more.You are quite an "artist" in your own words...our home is filled with loads of sketches, drawings and loving notes from you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUJWhobtTIqankWcLScYk8CEVrJbez7v9V-wVRDrHTsLs7bEcsi4yVDuB5Q6jzevNpOnnp-8okdvdvybA86dvRGfiHsMYUWCLk0_rHWF88wsj5osgv7Evd8NXWQkD73Jz5nx1kA/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUJWhobtTIqankWcLScYk8CEVrJbez7v9V-wVRDrHTsLs7bEcsi4yVDuB5Q6jzevNpOnnp-8okdvdvybA86dvRGfiHsMYUWCLk0_rHWF88wsj5osgv7Evd8NXWQkD73Jz5nx1kA/s640/IMG_0842.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You have acquired our love for travel and get most excited when we plan for a holiday somewhere. We had an amazing summer break at Bali as a family and also went solo with T Chithi to Seoul, Korea. You were mostly good and it was a huge relief to me. I was very pleasantly surprised with your kindness, loving nature and learning to share ( brief flashes!). At 6 years, you have been to Paris ( born there!), Andaman, Srilanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, Korea apart from different cities in India ( Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Amritsar to see the Golden temple)...pretty impressive for a 6 year old, girl! You are truly one lucky child. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have an inhouse "girlfriend" already, who compliments me on my outfits, notices anything new I buy or is the first to notice if i am sad or upset and you try your best to make me laugh. It instantly uplifts my mood and I feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I am already looking back at chubby baby pictures or watching your antics as a 2-3 year old from our old videos and you are my constant companion, who thoroughly enjoys watching herself with glee! Full of self-love, aren't you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You are everything and much, much more than we ever imagined, aaradhya. We hope and pray good health, happiness and want to see you grow in leaps and bounds. My wish for you is that you are always loved and protected by God. I hope you learn to be more kind, empathetic and always remain good at heart. We will both work on it over the years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We love you with all our hearts, my munchkin,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amma & Appa</span><br />
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Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-84747212362874493822018-04-11T16:41:00.002+05:302018-04-11T16:41:58.994+05:30The view from my window<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My favorite corner of my home - the reading alcove overlooking the sea...I am transported to a different world with characters who seem to fill all my senses and become one with me in my little world as it exists! ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I look at this beautiful serene view of the sea and as I see the boats move slowly from a distance...a sense of calm descends over me and I feel very relaxed. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have my "alone time with my books and thoughts" here everyday and it prepares me for anything and everything for the rest of the day. I feel blessed that I have this view and my beautiful family - that's all I ever want - truly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The lows and ebbs in life make you realize what is most important to you. Of course, I am definitely one of those people who gets introspective and so very philosophical during a low phase. I always think that i should be grateful for all the people, blessings, food, security, travel, partner, child, good health, friends, family, etc. and focus on being positive. Except, when the good times thankfully roll in, i am just busy living my life and forget gratitude - this time round I want to consciously remember that equanimity in state of mind at all times is key to balance in life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am also someone who strongly believes "Happiness is a state of mind". If you believe you are happy, you are! The same logic can be applied to anything and everything - both positive and negative thoughts. Always fill your minds with positivity, gratitude, happiness, contentment and your life will be filled with love, light and everything bright. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I sit here at the window, typing away - there are these huge ropes that seem to never end. The window cleaning is in progress. To me, they look like "beanstalk" from "Jack and the Beanstalk", my favorite fairy tale. I love the concept that God is so accessible and I can take the "stairway to heaven" as and when I please to pay a visit to Heaven! It brings a smile when I see the dangling ropes and I am not exaggerating when I say they are endless. In Hong kong, due to constraints in space, apartments are all high rise buildings going up to 60 floors! So it is pretty high and you also have a spectacular, magical view of the sea, the boats literally floating by...it makes me smile :)...especially the "beanstalk"! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22888200.post-19806267309415872282017-10-10T06:49:00.000+05:302017-10-10T06:50:02.747+05:30My evolving sartorial choices! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...when I am bored, I go through my archives and often ruminate over how I have changed/developed/evolved or insert any term that screams self-evaluation and I am going down memory lane! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have realized time and again that I am a mellowed down version of my former younger self. Recently, I was reading an old e-mail I had sent to S, when he was my fiance and I sounded so silly and full of words and emotions. I could not relate to that person anymore. I am essentially the same person but I may not express myself so freely or say it all out loud. I am more careful with my words; have replaced them with a smile. I guess that makes me a very cheerful person!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also look very different now (..I think i feel different)</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">. My style has evolved considerably. I have accepted my body type and feel good about some of my better physical attributes. I have made peace with my thunder-thighs! I have decided to embrace my well proportioned figure and good height and dress according to my personality! It may not necessarily be in-trend or what's in vogue! But hey, I dress myself in an elegant manner and i feel confident about myself. That's what matters. To me. It is such a happy space to be in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of course, I want to be healthy, fit and have all the stamina to make the most of life. It's just that now I am not clamoring to be thin - if that makes sense. So I have embraced skirts - pleated, A-line, tailored - you name and it and I wear it with aplomb. Skirts that enhance a smaller waist and curves. Most importantly, you can't see my thighs! Yay! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On a more serious note, I am learning to appreciate my positive physical attributes as well as ACCEPT that there are certain aspects that may not be very flattering about me and it's absolutely fine. Accept it and move on. There are much more important things in life to focus on and it's not such a big deal once you realize it does not matter anymore. Once you make up your mind and heart - it's not such a big deal. But this epiphany does not occur overnight. It is definitely a slow process with hurdles of extremely hurt feelings, disappointments, low self esteem etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyway, moving on...I have also developed a keen interest in sarees. I always knew I looked good in sarees as I am quite tall but always shied away from them. I was never good with the drape and feeling as comfortable and elegant as wearing them! I have slowly embraced the gorgeous fabric, understand what material suits my body type. Now, I look forward to occasions to wear a saree. There is never a dearth for lovely sarees in a south indian household. All else failing, there is always Amma to borrow or better steal from! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt52nJYOz3TvA2lL65kVRybJXDKkILMZn5XB9L2tJAKBX4H7xh0Zu48JPzzRbX4hKNytsaUMPWDkB_ehzDi4PgIE0lUxbEWPETIn9m8VvjMRj5zkDP16urNVOq7C1-0WZAjJAS4w/s1600/20161108_104902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt52nJYOz3TvA2lL65kVRybJXDKkILMZn5XB9L2tJAKBX4H7xh0Zu48JPzzRbX4hKNytsaUMPWDkB_ehzDi4PgIE0lUxbEWPETIn9m8VvjMRj5zkDP16urNVOq7C1-0WZAjJAS4w/s400/20161108_104902.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvLaZC8uow6fQwbyHm1UMfjN4slhs0C52KPsLlT629lt1VwLbQsDJqGEuaJ3n4XESL8NZXXcdc92wTi9xe4M_JalXqyucIMF6Er70yPA761UiQaEiDLVM9nPcDuJ2LD-bgaizNw/s1600/20161108_105110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvLaZC8uow6fQwbyHm1UMfjN4slhs0C52KPsLlT629lt1VwLbQsDJqGEuaJ3n4XESL8NZXXcdc92wTi9xe4M_JalXqyucIMF6Er70yPA761UiQaEiDLVM9nPcDuJ2LD-bgaizNw/s400/20161108_105110.jpg" width="225" /></a></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am wearing a knit sweater top and a crop top respectively - adds a quirky and interesting twist to the saree and more importantly, you save the time and effort of looking for fabrics and a good tailor to stitch a blouse! You could pair the crop top with a skirt as well or even pair it with a smart blazer/pants/jeans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To the utter dismay of the husband, I am always looking for interesting crop tops to pair with sarees or contrast prints and colours that will go with traditional weaves to wear - probably when my cousins, nieces, nephews or close friend's kids get married in future! what? everyone gets married at some point...at least you would hope for it! </span></div>
Pretty Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872668669569076341noreply@blogger.com0