Been tagged by sush and as ususal have been very prompt in taking it up.
Thanks Sush- I enjoyed this.
Here is my visual DNA.
I would like usha and hhgmom to do this tag
Anyone else who is interested can also take it up
February 28, 2007
February 26, 2007
Viva Velachery
Reliance is opening a retail outlet in Velachery, walking distance from home.
Bang opposite is a Retail Management Institute. Some coincidence this!
The Nilgiris, next door to me, is not at all worried about the competetion.
I say, more the merrier for me as a consumer.
Most of the regulars here know that I am a keen announcer of any developments in my locality- Velachery
We will shortly have:
Karaikudi- a Chettinadu restaurant- not to my taste but a lot of my non veg colleagues swear by it
Chat.com- a small joint on the taramani road
Style Spa- the ex- Gautier outlet
Naihaa- to join the already inaugurated but not very well stocked Naidu Hall
Is someone listening out there??
There is still ample room for Subway, the movie multiplex and rotiwali bai.
Bang opposite is a Retail Management Institute. Some coincidence this!
The Nilgiris, next door to me, is not at all worried about the competetion.
I say, more the merrier for me as a consumer.
Most of the regulars here know that I am a keen announcer of any developments in my locality- Velachery
We will shortly have:
Karaikudi- a Chettinadu restaurant- not to my taste but a lot of my non veg colleagues swear by it
Chat.com- a small joint on the taramani road
Style Spa- the ex- Gautier outlet
Naihaa- to join the already inaugurated but not very well stocked Naidu Hall
Is someone listening out there??
There is still ample room for Subway, the movie multiplex and rotiwali bai.
No Chinta, yet Chintamani
Had a much needed if rushed outing to Chintamani, Kolar where Navy's folks live.
Anush recognized her grandparents and was following her thaatha a lot.
Here is proof of what she did other than munch on grapes forever.
February 23, 2007
Observations
The foreigner says , take me to the "Taj"
The cabbie takes her to The Taj , Agra. She meant the Hotel Taj.
courtesy: Salaam e ishq
In Chennai, till a few years ago we had The Park , meaning the Park Sheraton ( vis a vis Chola Sheraton- known as Chola) Once the new hotel by name The Park came up, it led to a lot of confusion in terms of destination and the direction since both are landmarks.
To add to this,Park Sheraton is often referred to by old timers as the Adyar Gate Hotel
In India if you are a woman with short hair, they automatically think you are a rebel, very progressive ( read feminist) , etc. I wonder why? What does the length of your hair have anything to do with it? It is a matter of convenience and the weather and maybe an inclination for fashion max max.
Why is it that each time the elections are around, we get these quick over night lays- i mean of roads? They are shoddily done.You will see that they leave a one foot dust patch on either side of the new road. The contractor obviously is either in a hurry, short of materials or both.
Also if you recollect this post, I have another To add there:
The Reluctant Gymmer
Forced out of home EARLY each morning by a mother / sister or spouse who is concerned about you health/ girth or both. Why do u need enemies when you dearest ones are like that. Rationally they have the edge over you. Emotionally well they get you there as well. SO you go out of bed and get to the gym each morning unfailingly.
The cabbie takes her to The Taj , Agra. She meant the Hotel Taj.
courtesy: Salaam e ishq
In Chennai, till a few years ago we had The Park , meaning the Park Sheraton ( vis a vis Chola Sheraton- known as Chola) Once the new hotel by name The Park came up, it led to a lot of confusion in terms of destination and the direction since both are landmarks.
To add to this,Park Sheraton is often referred to by old timers as the Adyar Gate Hotel
In India if you are a woman with short hair, they automatically think you are a rebel, very progressive ( read feminist) , etc. I wonder why? What does the length of your hair have anything to do with it? It is a matter of convenience and the weather and maybe an inclination for fashion max max.
Why is it that each time the elections are around, we get these quick over night lays- i mean of roads? They are shoddily done.You will see that they leave a one foot dust patch on either side of the new road. The contractor obviously is either in a hurry, short of materials or both.
Also if you recollect this post, I have another To add there:
The Reluctant Gymmer
Forced out of home EARLY each morning by a mother / sister or spouse who is concerned about you health/ girth or both. Why do u need enemies when you dearest ones are like that. Rationally they have the edge over you. Emotionally well they get you there as well. SO you go out of bed and get to the gym each morning unfailingly.
February 22, 2007
Lost in Blogsville
I just realised. Multitudes( :-)) of bloggers are unable to visit me because I have confused them!! No one knows who I am or where to find me. ...hmmm
I call myself artnavy
My blog address is abouttimenow
The blog title is The not so artful dodger
Identity crisis or split personality?
Maybe just too ordinary a personality?
Orchid- I am tempted to poll on this but I abstain from growing concern about you
I call myself artnavy
My blog address is abouttimenow
The blog title is The not so artful dodger
Identity crisis or split personality?
Maybe just too ordinary a personality?
Orchid- I am tempted to poll on this but I abstain from growing concern about you
February 21, 2007
Polls are back
Apart from the poll, you may also comment. I will share the context and background to this trow.
And yes this morning, I saw a choukidaar ( watchman) blissfully ambling along and singing out loud an old Tamil song. He spread so much cheer. Hope he has a great day!
February 20, 2007
My First Night
Was filled with performance anxiety.
Would I live up to expectations?
Could I refuse ?
What if I failed?
Would I be judged?
Would it be painful?
Would the equations change forever?
How to admit it was my first time- would he laugh or would he understand?
Many had done it before me, a lot will do it after me. It was common enough. A part of life. And Amma had told me not to worry. My father (who is my rock) the more practical one had encouraged me to take the plunge, giving me the man's perspective !
Why was I being so diffident, so difficult on myself.
You know what? I did well. And I did it twice- so no fluke there. And I intend to do it again if required.
Night outs from Anushka - done it twice and I did not brood ( at least not too much). It was not too painful once I got immersed in work and she did not forget me.
If anything the equation has got stronger. And no no none laughed, not anyone in my family or at work- they distracted me enough not be worried and Amma's presence at home with Anush, was of course the most reassuring thing.
Would I live up to expectations?
Could I refuse ?
What if I failed?
Would I be judged?
Would it be painful?
Would the equations change forever?
How to admit it was my first time- would he laugh or would he understand?
Many had done it before me, a lot will do it after me. It was common enough. A part of life. And Amma had told me not to worry. My father (who is my rock) the more practical one had encouraged me to take the plunge, giving me the man's perspective !
Why was I being so diffident, so difficult on myself.
You know what? I did well. And I did it twice- so no fluke there. And I intend to do it again if required.
Night outs from Anushka - done it twice and I did not brood ( at least not too much). It was not too painful once I got immersed in work and she did not forget me.
If anything the equation has got stronger. And no no none laughed, not anyone in my family or at work- they distracted me enough not be worried and Amma's presence at home with Anush, was of course the most reassuring thing.
February 19, 2007
The Weekend that was
Was in Ahmedabad on Friday. It was nice to visit the city where Navy and I met and studied and did other things for two years. That too on Anush's 1.5 yr bday. Ate at Swati a lovely veggie joint , had golgappas on the street. Shopped for mostly unnecessary yet much wanted clothes at Sanskriti ( near CTF, Panchvati)- a must do if you go to Ahmedabad. Missed visiting Gamti but will save it for the next Abad visit. And yes, to those of you who have not been there, you must visit to see how the city stands well despite the riots, couple of floods and the earthquake.
Saw Black Friday on Saturday. Excellent casting and wonderful performances. A little graphic in parts- but I do not think it could have been effective any other way. Wish the editing had been better- about half an hour too long. I was in Mumbai during the riots and had a friend under house arrest in her home for almost a week. Why? Because she was born Muslim. We saw a lot of tense moments and utter disbelief though our area was relatively safe. It is not a matter of being Hindu or Muslim or Christian etc- we need to be human first.
Caught India questions Amitabh on NDTV. He has so much elan. eg.
Question- "What will God tell you when you die?"
He said- "Welcome. I have been waiting for you a long time"
Red earth, pouring rain
Madhirakshi- A set old Tamil songs/ poems set to tune unconventionally by Anil on the piano and Sikkil doing the vocals. A rather monotonous but very mellifluous and soulful concert. Aruna Sairam also introduced Padam and oh she was wonderful in meeting her brief. And yes, Anush was wearing a kurti and looked so arty and behaved really well. Must have been the youngest patron of the arts at the venue.
Saw Black Friday on Saturday. Excellent casting and wonderful performances. A little graphic in parts- but I do not think it could have been effective any other way. Wish the editing had been better- about half an hour too long. I was in Mumbai during the riots and had a friend under house arrest in her home for almost a week. Why? Because she was born Muslim. We saw a lot of tense moments and utter disbelief though our area was relatively safe. It is not a matter of being Hindu or Muslim or Christian etc- we need to be human first.
Caught India questions Amitabh on NDTV. He has so much elan. eg.
Question- "What will God tell you when you die?"
He said- "Welcome. I have been waiting for you a long time"
Red earth, pouring rain
Madhirakshi- A set old Tamil songs/ poems set to tune unconventionally by Anil on the piano and Sikkil doing the vocals. A rather monotonous but very mellifluous and soulful concert. Aruna Sairam also introduced Padam and oh she was wonderful in meeting her brief. And yes, Anush was wearing a kurti and looked so arty and behaved really well. Must have been the youngest patron of the arts at the venue.
February 18, 2007
One and a half now
My baby is 18 months old. One and a half years. WOW.
Time flies. The stork arrived. The first birthday was celebrated and now we are half way to the next one.
As has been the practice, 18 things about Anush today:
Anushka has to see her mother first thing in the morning as soon as she is up
She stands at the balcony and says Hi and bye to all who pass by
She loves to watch lights on buildings and says "tite"
She likes to open and shut lids/ boxes
She likes to shoe shine her Appa's shoes
She loves to mop the floor and then uses the same rag on her face though.She wipes her nose herself when she has a cold
She doodles with crayons and pens and calls them "pain"
She joins older kids in their play, much to their amusement and later dismay
She does not want to share her toys with kids her age
She wants to use deo like her amma and chants " dee" till I mock apply it
She finds it incredibly funny when one mews like a cat
She is glued to the TV during ad breaks and barely sees you walk in, while she is at it
She demands neat Bournvita each time she drinks it
She loves dates and raisins
She is competing for wardrobe space with her mother
She sings and talks to her dolls and her paati
She likes to sit on stools/ modas/ cars/ her chair
She is no longer afraid of her potty chair but is psyched by her large white bath tub and her play pen which has become a store house now
Anush, it has been quite a journey and you see baby, it also implies I am no longer a new mom. I have cleared my probation period and been confirmed. My performance may have wavered but not my enthusiasm.
I wish that you reslish every moment of life. Believe me, It is worth it.
February 15, 2007
Namma Bengalooru
Was in Bangalore yesterday. I always felt that Bangloreans are a kind and peaceful people, welcoming towards guests. In India. we are brought up to share and the minimum courtesy when you have guests is not to refuse water. Well....Being a dodger, I move on things that struck me on this trip.
Jet airways welcomed us with heart shaped cookies. Bow tied and all that. Nice gesture. Would have been better if eth cookies had been from Cookieman.
Just found out that Nilgiris and MTR both have sold out of the founding family. Saving grace being that the MTR restaurant remains in family custody.
The National Polio drive is so good. There are volunteers( college girls/ girl guides?) who sit at the airport and catch everything that is on two feet and less than 10 years of age and ask if they have been vaccinated- I was pretty impressed by their perseverance even amidst the rows of trolleys that come in the way
Traffic in Blore is a nightmare and I just mean the approach to the airport from the main road. I rushed out of the cab and made a run for it. Just five minutes ahead of take off time but enough time to receive a few condescending looks .
Am amazed to see the development on the route to Sarjapur road. And i do think the residential apartments at Blore are the best looking of all the metros
Missed meeting up with my old buddy whom I hardly stayed in touch with. Plan to meet up next time. Was good and coincidental to talk to him on Valentine's Day.
For all those who believe in it- Happy V day and for those who do not it is another excuse to proclaim your love for all your dear ones.
Finally behave as if everyday is a V day, as Navy says.
Jet airways welcomed us with heart shaped cookies. Bow tied and all that. Nice gesture. Would have been better if eth cookies had been from Cookieman.
Just found out that Nilgiris and MTR both have sold out of the founding family. Saving grace being that the MTR restaurant remains in family custody.
The National Polio drive is so good. There are volunteers( college girls/ girl guides?) who sit at the airport and catch everything that is on two feet and less than 10 years of age and ask if they have been vaccinated- I was pretty impressed by their perseverance even amidst the rows of trolleys that come in the way
Traffic in Blore is a nightmare and I just mean the approach to the airport from the main road. I rushed out of the cab and made a run for it. Just five minutes ahead of take off time but enough time to receive a few condescending looks .
Am amazed to see the development on the route to Sarjapur road. And i do think the residential apartments at Blore are the best looking of all the metros
Missed meeting up with my old buddy whom I hardly stayed in touch with. Plan to meet up next time. Was good and coincidental to talk to him on Valentine's Day.
For all those who believe in it- Happy V day and for those who do not it is another excuse to proclaim your love for all your dear ones.
Finally behave as if everyday is a V day, as Navy says.
February 13, 2007
My Soap Story
Or Should I say Kahani Soap ki. Given that Ekta Kapoor has so many of them & it works well for her, I thought I would try my hand as well.
Some soaps bring tears,
Some are reassuring,
Some bring joy and memories
Some are plain distressing.
So indulge me on my soap saga....
When I was a little kid, I used brown Pears- till I was about 7 yrs old - because my mother bought it for me.
Then it was Rexona- Because we bought a TV and i loved the "Sona sona" ad ( Alan- this sona is "gold" not "sleep")
Ponds Cold Cream soap- It was one of the few soaps that came in a dark coloured carton - a lovely creamy moisturizing soap- cannot find it anymore
Le sancy- That big bean like soap which was supposed to float- again ad led buy
Dettol- In my early teens- I thought it kept me squeaky clean for a day full of activity
Pears Green- In college- loved the smell
Allcare- Am sure no one even in Godrej remembers this brand of theirs
Shower Gel/ cream- was gifted an Armani Shower gel set durign my wedding and since then Kahaani mein twist- I moved to shower gel- use any of the Olay and Palmolive ranges
Then it was Rexona- Because we bought a TV and i loved the "Sona sona" ad ( Alan- this sona is "gold" not "sleep")
Ponds Cold Cream soap- It was one of the few soaps that came in a dark coloured carton - a lovely creamy moisturizing soap- cannot find it anymore
Le sancy- That big bean like soap which was supposed to float- again ad led buy
Dettol- In my early teens- I thought it kept me squeaky clean for a day full of activity
Pears Green- In college- loved the smell
Allcare- Am sure no one even in Godrej remembers this brand of theirs
Shower Gel/ cream- was gifted an Armani Shower gel set durign my wedding and since then Kahaani mein twist- I moved to shower gel- use any of the Olay and Palmolive ranges
Post pregnancy I moved to Palmolive Aromatheraphy- the magenta one- it was a very reassuring scent for me and I thought that the baby would like it/ or would find it non-intrusive when I was nursing her. I more or less continued with it.
Do share your soap story with me.
And all you TV buffs, KARAMCHAND is back on air as is the over the top Coffee with Karan ( which I still like to catch)
February 12, 2007
Like parent, Like child
Madmomma wrote a lovely post on this. On this very blog, I have been asked more than once, if Anushka resembles me.
Honestly, she hardly does and it hurts to admit it. When I conceived, Navy and I only wished for the baby to be healthy & happy. Then she was born and everyone gushed how fair she was -just like Navy. ( much to the relief of some in Navy's family) "Oh please, all babies are fair. They get darker with time", I said. After all, I had been a fair baby myself.
She has a pug nose, not mine or Navy's. She has curly hair- more like my paati. So I would claim she is tall, has long limbs and fingers- just like me. But whom was I kidding- Navy also has all those. But yes, she has my eyes.( minus the short-sightedness hopefully)
As she is growing up I am happy to notice how similar we are.
She has a ready smile and a hearty laugh.
She loves music, dance and clothes.
She enjoys outings and the movies
She fusses to get her way with Navy and he indulges her
She is curious, has opinions and communicates loud and clear
Naughty with us and an angel when outsiders are around
She eats all veggies and snacks heavily (if i permit)
She eats messily. ( I know what your are thinking but yes i am happy to have company)
But there ARE things that I hope & pray she gets from Navy and not me:
His way with numbers (I can't tell 40% of 4 quickly in a situation)
His athleticism & his ability to laugh at himself ( I am really not sporty- in either sense of the term)
His great complexion- note diff between colour and complexion
They say children change with time. Most of all, I hope she is her own person- a strong, concerned and reliable individual.
Honestly, she hardly does and it hurts to admit it. When I conceived, Navy and I only wished for the baby to be healthy & happy. Then she was born and everyone gushed how fair she was -just like Navy. ( much to the relief of some in Navy's family) "Oh please, all babies are fair. They get darker with time", I said. After all, I had been a fair baby myself.
She has a pug nose, not mine or Navy's. She has curly hair- more like my paati. So I would claim she is tall, has long limbs and fingers- just like me. But whom was I kidding- Navy also has all those. But yes, she has my eyes.( minus the short-sightedness hopefully)
As she is growing up I am happy to notice how similar we are.
She has a ready smile and a hearty laugh.
She loves music, dance and clothes.
She enjoys outings and the movies
She fusses to get her way with Navy and he indulges her
She is curious, has opinions and communicates loud and clear
Naughty with us and an angel when outsiders are around
She eats all veggies and snacks heavily (if i permit)
She eats messily. ( I know what your are thinking but yes i am happy to have company)
But there ARE things that I hope & pray she gets from Navy and not me:
His way with numbers (I can't tell 40% of 4 quickly in a situation)
His athleticism & his ability to laugh at himself ( I am really not sporty- in either sense of the term)
His great complexion- note diff between colour and complexion
They say children change with time. Most of all, I hope she is her own person- a strong, concerned and reliable individual.
February 08, 2007
My favourite number- Three
Am taking up this tag from lifelover.
I have done another version earlier for myself and for Anush .
Three things that scare me:
1. Loss of dear ones
2. Snakes
3. Lizards
Three people who make me laugh:
1. Anushka
2. Navy
3. My paati
Three things I love:
1. Family
2. All Arts
3. Food
Three things I hate:
1. Hypocrites
2. Garlic
3. Self righteous people who also think only they are right
Three things I don’t understand:
1. Why God causes misery
2. Pessimism
3. Why cant i fluctuate betwen work and home as i please
Three things on my desk:
1. My bottle of water
2. A cute Ganesha
3. My cell
Three things I’m doing right now:
1. Making a ppt
2. Looking at the dullened Mehendi on my palm
3. Wondering why i am so psyched by filing returns each year, when it is so simple
Three things I want to do before I die:
1. See the world- ref my post Pending visits
2. Learn to ride a bike and to swim
3. Do my family proud
Three things I can do:
1. Voice my opinion fearlessly and truthfully
2. Sing, cook and dance at the same time
3. Complete 1000- piece jig saw puzzles in 3 days
Three things you should listen to:
1. Anush laughing
2. Navy singing
3. Birds in the forest , early in the morning
Three things you should never listen to:
1. Ramya Krishan in Thanga Vettai
2. Criticism from people who do not matter to you
3. Himesh Rehsamiya singing
Three things I’d like to learn:
1. Western dance
2. Driving
3. Baking
Three favourite foods:
1. Anything made by Amma
2. Boiled corn on cob
3.Chocolate brownie sizzler from Bombay Blues/ Waffle from Movenpick
Three beverages I drink regularly:
1. Water
2. Lemon juice
3. Light coffee
Three TV shows/Books I watched/read as a kid:
1. Target/ Enid Blyton/ Nancy Drew
2. Ek Kahani, Showtheme, Nukkad
3. Giant Robot, He Man, Saturday Date on Radio
I have done another version earlier for myself and for Anush .
Three things that scare me:
1. Loss of dear ones
2. Snakes
3. Lizards
Three people who make me laugh:
1. Anushka
2. Navy
3. My paati
Three things I love:
1. Family
2. All Arts
3. Food
Three things I hate:
1. Hypocrites
2. Garlic
3. Self righteous people who also think only they are right
Three things I don’t understand:
1. Why God causes misery
2. Pessimism
3. Why cant i fluctuate betwen work and home as i please
Three things on my desk:
1. My bottle of water
2. A cute Ganesha
3. My cell
Three things I’m doing right now:
1. Making a ppt
2. Looking at the dullened Mehendi on my palm
3. Wondering why i am so psyched by filing returns each year, when it is so simple
Three things I want to do before I die:
1. See the world- ref my post Pending visits
2. Learn to ride a bike and to swim
3. Do my family proud
Three things I can do:
1. Voice my opinion fearlessly and truthfully
2. Sing, cook and dance at the same time
3. Complete 1000- piece jig saw puzzles in 3 days
Three things you should listen to:
1. Anush laughing
2. Navy singing
3. Birds in the forest , early in the morning
Three things you should never listen to:
1. Ramya Krishan in Thanga Vettai
2. Criticism from people who do not matter to you
3. Himesh Rehsamiya singing
Three things I’d like to learn:
1. Western dance
2. Driving
3. Baking
Three favourite foods:
1. Anything made by Amma
2. Boiled corn on cob
3.Chocolate brownie sizzler from Bombay Blues/ Waffle from Movenpick
Three beverages I drink regularly:
1. Water
2. Lemon juice
3. Light coffee
Three TV shows/Books I watched/read as a kid:
1. Target/ Enid Blyton/ Nancy Drew
2. Ek Kahani, Showtheme, Nukkad
3. Giant Robot, He Man, Saturday Date on Radio
February 07, 2007
Gypsies
Korathi, Lambaadi, Banjaaran- whatever the name, they always get a second look from us. The movie - Caravan ( not to forget the Dilbar song with Aruna Irani) romanticized them. We have also had Kollywood use them:
- Khusboo's tribe in Swayamvaram ( the movie was shot in 24 hrs I think)
- Jooth ley Jooth ley, lambaadi paat ley ( love the tune, not sure about the lyrics or movie)
Have you ever noticed how beautiful those women are : in their gher- waale skirts, swishing about as they walk and backless cholis and large bracelets. A little bit of soap and shampoo and they could give the sultry sirens of Bollywood a run for their money.
In Chennai, you either see them garbage picking with long iron rods in hand or selling colourful bead trinkets, chains, ear rings, bracelets. Their children do not go to school. They end up uneducated, poor and filthy.They are bi/ multi lingual but it is probably not polished enough to be of commercial value to them. It is invariably the women who are into business. Some of them are into false hair sale and a few still offer to predict your fortune. What about their own future?
But it may just be what I see as an outsider, a mere spectator.
February 06, 2007
Spin a yarn
Once upon a time, last Sunday, a little Buddha by name Anush decided to amuse herself. And this is how it went. . .February 05, 2007
OTBT- Part III
It has been a while since I did this series. ( Part I and Part II)
I need to add one very ramshackle run down place in Sowcarpet called Mahaveer. It is a Rajasthani bhojanalay and serves dal batti churma and typical Marwari side dishes with fluffy hot phulkas and over dilute lassi or chaas.
If you can ignore the fact that the waiter serves with his bare hands ( tongs- what are they?), the climb to the restaurant is rather steep, the clientele is very truck driver like, then go there. The food was nice, flavoursome without assaulting your senses.
It is located next to Ambica garments shop on NSC Bose road which is a one way. This is my first visit in almost 8 years to this area of Chennai- It is so cramped it reminds me of Crawford in Mumbai. Dime a dozen gold shops is what you find here.
Dal batti- the best I have had is in Mount Abu in the cold on the road side for dinner, when ghee was not taboo or an indulgence since i was then a Body Slimilicious.
BTW, for the regulars at the blog, who are aware of my desire to see the ship- Gotheberg, well I could not make it despite going there. A serpentine queue welcomed me and the security did not even allow our car into the car park saying it would be closing time by the time our chance came!!
I need to add one very ramshackle run down place in Sowcarpet called Mahaveer. It is a Rajasthani bhojanalay and serves dal batti churma and typical Marwari side dishes with fluffy hot phulkas and over dilute lassi or chaas.
If you can ignore the fact that the waiter serves with his bare hands ( tongs- what are they?), the climb to the restaurant is rather steep, the clientele is very truck driver like, then go there. The food was nice, flavoursome without assaulting your senses.
It is located next to Ambica garments shop on NSC Bose road which is a one way. This is my first visit in almost 8 years to this area of Chennai- It is so cramped it reminds me of Crawford in Mumbai. Dime a dozen gold shops is what you find here.
Dal batti- the best I have had is in Mount Abu in the cold on the road side for dinner, when ghee was not taboo or an indulgence since i was then a Body Slimilicious.
BTW, for the regulars at the blog, who are aware of my desire to see the ship- Gotheberg, well I could not make it despite going there. A serpentine queue welcomed me and the security did not even allow our car into the car park saying it would be closing time by the time our chance came!!
February 02, 2007
Gutenberg's Gifts AWOL
Why do some people borrow books and not return them. In most cases, the obligation of the loan eats the borrower and skews the balance in favour of the lender. But not so with books. I wonder why? And there is nothing I can do when the borrower happens to be Navy's boss's wife. How many times does one ask to have it back? I do not feel this way about all my books, but I do treasure some of the rare ones ( also invariably expensive ones)
I recollect I lost a Mr Mulliner hardbound at campus- I was so bugged. Polonious or rather Shakespeare was right when he said- "Neither a borrow nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend." Maybe he, and in turn we, lost a few drama scripts that way? A Midsummer Day Dream or a sequel to As you like it ?
I recollect a quote I read in school, that proclaims unabashedly- "Never lend a book for no one ever returns them The only ones in my library are those that others lent me". If i borrow books, i ensure i read them first and fast and return them.I do not press for books if I sense any reluctance on the owner's part. I understand.
Book Readers- There are some who ask you politely and revere the book as much as you do.
Book Raiders- There are others who tell you" I am taking this book "and pounce on it as a matter of right and my heart sinks in fear that I may never see that copy ever again.
Book Lovers- But then there are others who hard bind the book for you, iron out the dog ears and return it promptly after a read.
Whatever the category, I cannot refuse. Our upbringing tells us to share and multiply knowledge. So there I go lending books again.
But I diligently make notes on little post-its right in front of the borrower and keep track till they return it. And if the book is too precious I just buy them another copy , preferably a fake one if i can find it. ( yeah- i can hear you say " how cheap..." but that is ok)
I recollect I lost a Mr Mulliner hardbound at campus- I was so bugged. Polonious or rather Shakespeare was right when he said- "Neither a borrow nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend." Maybe he, and in turn we, lost a few drama scripts that way? A Midsummer Day Dream or a sequel to As you like it ?
I recollect a quote I read in school, that proclaims unabashedly- "Never lend a book for no one ever returns them The only ones in my library are those that others lent me". If i borrow books, i ensure i read them first and fast and return them.I do not press for books if I sense any reluctance on the owner's part. I understand.
Book Readers- There are some who ask you politely and revere the book as much as you do.
Book Raiders- There are others who tell you" I am taking this book "and pounce on it as a matter of right and my heart sinks in fear that I may never see that copy ever again.
Book Lovers- But then there are others who hard bind the book for you, iron out the dog ears and return it promptly after a read.
Whatever the category, I cannot refuse. Our upbringing tells us to share and multiply knowledge. So there I go lending books again.
But I diligently make notes on little post-its right in front of the borrower and keep track till they return it. And if the book is too precious I just buy them another copy , preferably a fake one if i can find it. ( yeah- i can hear you say " how cheap..." but that is ok)
February 01, 2007
Toy Story
- I have from time to time introduced Anush to indigenous Indian toys. I refer not to the Funskool - MRF variety but the lovingly handcrafted toys of yore- eco friendly, colourful, economical and good looking. They are sometimes a little heavy ( being wooden) and therefore potentially dangerous if Anush decides to whack them or throw them about. But so far, these ethnic playthings have only been cause for fun. Here are some of them:
- A dried & painted palm leaf cube that doubles up as a rattle. It can be easily made at home and contains some tamarind seeds for the noise.
- A set of Etikoppaka ( from Andhra Pradesh) - train, rattle, Russian dolls interpretation that go one into the other, Ganesha pencil sharpener, telephone
- An assortment of spinning tops from Tamil Nadu
- A set of fruit jigsaws from Pondicherry( Banana/ Pineapple/ Tomato)
- A mouse from Mysore
- Could not resist adding the set of Elephants from Sri Lanka
And while you are at it , visit here to trigger your interest in Indian crafts of all kinds. It seems to be a very painstakingly collated site that is as interesting as it is informative. I chanced upon this when I was looking for the origin of the word- "moda" or "muda"
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