October gratitude

October has been a truly whirlwind month. Hectic as more than half the month went in frenetic preparations for Diwali and then the culmination and still more hectic activity. Work has been especially heavy this month and balancing that and the work at home has at best been a struggle. But you know, we somehow Read More →

Last week was Diwali and the 5-day festival brought out the festivity for all of us. In my home, the preparations started weeks ahead. Deep cleaning was the first activity embarked upon and that began around Dasshera followed by buying new clothes for everyone. This time the kids were enthusiastic to wear kurtas which made me Read More →

Gathered around the dining table, we were having a late breakfast on a downcast Sunday. I was browsing through the newspaper filled with sorry tales of the havoc the incessant rains had wreaked on Bangalore when I came across an article on why Indians do not contribute much to charity. It was a comparison on Read More →

lonesome Diwali

In my home, Diwali is the festival that is celebrated with the most gusto. I am not a very festival person and generally I like to witness the festivities and associated toil from a distance, but not for Diwali. From cleaning to cooking, decorating to diyas, buying new ethnic wear to a proper Lakshmi pooja, Read More →

The month of September has flown by pretty swiftly and there is a lot that it leaves me grateful for. This was the month when the younger son had his birthday. From what gifts he wanted (cajoled, demanded) to where he had his lunch and what else he wanted to do, he had it planned Read More →

conversations with kids

Do you remember the time when you and I were growing up? Not only was the innocence charming, our parents were extremely trusting as well. Those were the days when it was natural to strike conversations with strange kids, pull their cheeks and offer them chocolates. When a neighbourhood ‘uncle’ was the benign fun guy Read More →

GratitudeAugust

August was a whirlwind month for me. More ups than downs, I would say. And that is always such a lovely thing. Here is how the month transpired: An outing with friends: In the start of August, we did a roadtrip to Kabini with 5 families. It was so much fun spending time together in Read More →

women rituals

You know how rituals are colourful, joyous and always accompanied with a variety of food. But these same rituals are restrictive in nature if you scratch below the surface. They keep some people out. Have you noticed how in most Indian festivals and poojas, women are at the forefront. Planning, executing and celebrating. When I Read More →

gratitude july

July draws to a close, and this month has seen many more downs than ups for me. Healthwise, this was a month of concerns. I’ve had cough and allergies on and off for 3 weeks now. They abate and resurface. It has been quite dismaying. But, yes, I am managing with home remedies and have vowed Read More →