Wednesday, August 21, 2013

New morning






Gloomy days are gone
New morning sparkles with fresh
Thoughts and ideas






Sunday, August 18, 2013

Very special...




At the stroke of midnight, she encircles her son in a bear hug and whispers “Happy birthday”. He turns ten today. He doesn't say a ‘Thank you’. Doesn't look at her. Just flashes a divine smile, oblivious of his mother’s love. Tears blur her vision. He’s very special to her. Yes, very special...and specially abled.....



This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda 

This post has been selected by BlogAdda as one of the WOW posts! Thanks!:)










Book-Review: Amreekan Desi by Atulya Mahajan




Finished reading Amreekan Desi by AtulyaMahajan (Random House India). I read some really nice reviews (Some said it’s hilarious) so, decided to read this.

The story revolves around two boys who desperately dream to fly off to America for a better future.

Finally they are living their dream in Florida State University. Akhil Arora, an engineer from Delhi, studies hard to have a nice career, plans to return India after few years and eventually falls in love with a girl Nandita whom he met on the flight.

On the other hand Jaspreet Singh aka Jassi aka Jazz (Who thinks there’s nothing left in India, watches only American serials and already starts to behave like an American in her small town of Punjab) tends to enjoy American life and women and has no plans to return back to his country.

This story is all about landing in the land of dreams, studying/enjoying/adjusting in a new country and how their lives take shape.

There are definitely some funny moments in the book. Behaviour of Goyalji and his son Priyank (Who becomes Perry in America) is amusing. I really enjoyed the character of Akhil’s father. But as read in the reviews, I didn't find the book hilarious.

Neat writing style of course makes the read smooth. But I felt that the length of the book could have been shortened a bit as some pages are filled with dull daily routine.

Overall, for me, it was an average read. But this could be a perfect read for young students especially who yearn to live an American dream.



This book review is a part of Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. Thank you Nimi Vashi!:)






Friday, August 16, 2013

Watercolour painting: Nature





I made these drawings yesterday with watercolours according to my imagination (Just Imagine!!) and as a beginner, I'm happy. I learnt a new thing about painting. If you're a beginner, you should draw on a small drawing sheet.
What do you think about my works?  I need your feedback and suggestions.







Thursday, August 15, 2013

Freedom is...






Freedom is…

Opportunity, to paint your life with colours of your own choice. Living life with your own terms…without the fear of any judgment and unnecessary interference, in a generous and and supportive society which doesn't pass/impose judgment on you (Especially for women…especially single women who are forced to stay in the tribulations of bad marriage and tolerate violence with their wrecked dignity due to our eccentric social structure).

Breathing your own little space, without any inhibition, in a relationship…

To be financially and physically independent

Right to learn new things without any boundaries

To express your opinion fearlessly

Liberty to make your own choice and decisions

And Above all, living with a sense of SECURITY

But freedom is not just grabbing a chance to do what you want or what comes in your mind without caring for others. Oblivious of your duties.

Savour the flavor of freedom with a prudent sense of responsibility…

Wishing you.... HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!






Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Book-Review: Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis





Recently, I finished reading a book "Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis. Oprah Winfrey has selected this book as the second title for her book club.

Twelve Tribes of Hattie is the debut work of Ayana Mathis which tells a heartwarming story of a woman called Hattie and her children.

At the tender age of 15, Hattie leaves Georgia and settles in Philadelphia, hoping for a good life. The story begins with the illness of Hattie's firstborn twins Jubilee and Philadelphia. They struggles for life and despite of Hattie's sincere effort and care, they finally meet tragic death due to lack of proper medical help. The opening chapter is very-very poignant and beautifully describes the love, care, anxiety and pain of a mother.

Hattie gives birth to nine more children and vows to raise them with grit and strongly prepares them to face the hard and harsh world which may not shower love on them.

Each chapter describes the different stories of her children individually. The author has portrayed a very strong female character as the protagonist in her debut novel, who learns to fight the hurdles of life from her own difficulties and firmly decides to make her children strong. The story deals with the ups and downs of life. Some prtions are powerful enough to put certain degree of strong impact in the mind of the readers.

Overall, it's a beautifully written book that expresses the poignant and practical aspects of life. For the first time author, Ayana Mathis has done a wonderful job!



I received this book from Random House India (Random Reads) for an honest review. Thanks!:)






Monday, August 12, 2013

Different path






She tapped her skillful steps on the floor, swaying the frills in style, and envisaged looks of admiration and encouragement. She finished her dance and expected a big round of applause but met with oblivious audience, dirty looks and an aura suffused with smoke and stench of alcohol. Oh, fate led her to a different path. 



Written for: The Mag
                   Sunday Scribblings








Friday, August 9, 2013

Solitude...





Reality seems like that recurring dream, in which she finds herself running in the eerie grandeur of palatial house, where silence screams. Life lacks togetherness and liveliness. But perhaps there’s no other option. Solitude has become her only companion. Maybe she should learn to be friends her loneliness. She sighs when someone knocks the door….




This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda 


Where we are supposed to use a sentence in our post which has a pair of opposite words (Oxymoron)



This post has been selected by BlodAdda as one of the WOW posts! Thanks!











Thursday, August 8, 2013

A letter...unsent





My dear friend,

I remember eating alone during lunchtime from my scanty Lunch box. Sometimes, just watching giggling girls in groups, sharing their yummy lunch. I had no one to share lunch or even my thoughts until you came to me that day with your large lunch box when I was sitting alone in a corner.

You were the new girl in my class. I still remember the day you arrived in the class the first day and sat on the last bench.

You flashed a sparkling friendly smile and I reciprocated wanly. You offered me your lunch but I hesitated as I didn't have anything to share. Maybe you understood my feeling and said “I don’t like eating alone. Please.” And you extended your Tiffin filled with stuffed parathas!

Next day, to compensate for your generosity, I offered you guavas, the only thing my meager pocket money allowed me to buy as I still had no stuffed lunch box to offer you. You took them with a big smile and chatted like a long lost friend. I just listened. A bud of friendship was about to bloom...perhaps.

Time elapsed merrily. We chatted tirelessly. You told me about your 'Best Friend' whom you missed a lot. 

Best friend? I didn't understand the meaning of best friend. I remember when I had to write an essay on ‘Your Best Friend’ I felt confused. When everyone scribbled a definite name, I used to look around to find a best friend in different faces. I found none. I expected to find my name in any piece of paper. I was disappointed. No one was interested in writing my name. I used to write an imaginary name as my best friend. It hurt.

That day again, we had to write about “Best Friend’. I knew no one would write my name; not even you as you had one whom you missed. I was not ‘Best Friend’ for anyone but that day I got a real name as my best friend and that was you! 



Written for: Write Tribe




Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Book-Review: My Stroke of Luck by Vijay Santhanam




Last night I finished reading "My Stroke of Luck by Vijay Santhanam" published by Hay House India.

This book is an inspirational journey of the author himself, from the adversity to triumph. It reflects the author's determination and patience.

At 41, a hard stroke hits the author and he finds himself in the pit of serious ailment and disability. He lost his speech and suffered motor skill disorder. He had to go through many frustrating therapies but it was his courage, will power and positive attitude that helped him to bounce back. And of course, he was blessed to have a caring and supportive family and friends!

The tagline of the book is 'Alphabet to author'. So, this book is all about his re-learning process and it's difficulties.

The book is nicely written. The author has avoided the medical/scientific terms (Though it deals with several therapies) which makes this book a light read. Initial pages are very engrossing but after that it seemed that the book (Healing process) was going in fast forward pace. I understand the author's love for cricket but the author has mentioned it several times that sometimes I found it irritating, especially in such a critical condition.

It's a must read for you if you like motivational read (Don't expect any fictional twist and turns!) It's really inspiring! Hats off to the author!

Since it's a motivational read, there should be some moral of the story:
First: Never avoid your sickness! Contact your doctor if it persists for long hours.
Second: Have courage, determination, positive attitude and patience in your life!



This book review is a part of Book-Review Programme by The Tales Pensive. Thank you!






Monday, August 5, 2013

Write your own destiny!






"You just can't have it!!"  When life threatens you and you feel disheartened, stand up and dare to write your own destiny!

You can achieve your desired dream/destination with your determination, dedication and patience. And it's not just an inspirational line...it's true!:)


For: The Mag


I realized...at that very moment




When the gentle breeze tickled my curls
And kissed me softly in a moonlit night
A face flashed in a corner of my heart
Ah, those enchanting eyes
Stirred the quiescent emotions
And refused to go away
I realized...at that very moment
Life will be lifeless without you
I won't say "I can't live without you
I just wish to embrace the garland of happiness together...
...Holding your hands...


Shared @ Poets United




Saturday, August 3, 2013

Drawing: Fisherman & Boat



I saw a photo in a newspaper and decided to draw it. I tried and here it is!


Please share your feedback and suggestion/tips




Friday, August 2, 2013

Memories....






My first attempt at 55 Fiction! written for: Write Tribe



She took out the old album and settled herself on the rest chair, her husband used to sit on. She adjusted her specs to have a look at those smiling pictures, her only companion in utter loneliness, for the millionth time. She touched them tenderly. Memories wheeled once again. Tears strolled down her wrinkled cheek.