I have two sets of Marapachi bommais. This is the smaller, more embellished version.And I cross posted this review at ST today, in case you missed it on this blog.
Vanished by Sheela Chari, is a story about an eleven plus girl growing up in the US and trying to hold on to some of her Indian roots or as her parents suggest assimilate the best that both cultures have to offer.The 'cursed' Veena, gifted by her grandma from Chennai, makes its way to Neela in Boston , only to be stolen. After some twists and turns, a close call at a train station included, she finds it and what she does reflects unexpected generosity in one so young.
There is intrigue, in chapels and music stores. There is a bit of gyaan on the Veena, a legendary curse and how marketing ploys work. There are well etched characters including friends both Indian and American. The Krishnan family sounds like one you know well. There is a quirky Veena teacher and a secretive classmate.
Without being judgemental, the author Sheela paints a picture of a (pre) teen's life in the US with first gen Indian parents. Her concerns about oiling her hair ( smell like a salad dressing) , her laughing at her mom's ' drishti' (nazar utaarna) ring true.
A scene that completely blew me away was when the usually irritable sister allows her little brother to listen to her play the Veena and he in turn inadvertently helps her get over stage fright, even if in a limited way.
A very interesting and fast read, I felt it would make a good movie. The cover illustration does not do justice to the Veena or the story in my opinion.
Go here for an interview with the author, Sheela by Uma.
".......the Author Notes section of my book, I talk about how in Indian Hindu mythology, the veena is both the instrument of Saraswati, the goddess of learning, as well as Ravana, the arch-villain in The Ramayana (a religious text). Likewise, the wyvern (the dragon that appears in Vanished) is also a symbol of valor and strength in medieval history, as well as one of pestilence and revenge. I didn’t go looking for these qualities. But interestingly, as I dug deeper into my story and did more research, I discovered that these objects “resonated” in unexpected, meaningful ways........"Sheela just happens to be my SIL's SIL! So I have an autographed copy !! And Neela, the main protagonist, is inspired by our niece, Neela. She plays the veena beautifully now.
I wanted to dress Aditi up in the same outfit. Since she has new ones for trow, I thought I would do it today. 
Yesterday we had a lot of elderly relatives come over.
As usual, I was amazed to see how seasoned/ comfy they are at handling kids( even at 80 yrs of age) having had over 4 children minimum and handled about at least 6-8 grand kids!!
Joint set ups ensured there were always little ones around.
Not much ado was made or attention given but the kids grew up just fine. Privacy was an unknown word and kids were often entrusted to the family driver or peon to be taken for walks- you won't see me doing that even if I am dead tired, despite the loving and loyal staff that I have.
Times change the great grand aunt told me, nodding her understanding. Babies were and still remain precious, no matter what , just the manner and intensity of interaction with her/ him is different.
Reading Bringing Up Vasu- it is truly hilarious in parts but to sum up I feel it is a must read for first time Indian parents who do not blog. For others, one would have to breeze over some parts.
Recently read a beautiful story from DC books- Mango children's imprint on a short sighted eagle who is the target of ridicule and yet proves himself and becomes King. We loved it.
Such a lovely way to teach sensitivity to a youngster.
I finally read Princess by Jean Sasson. It is a real life account of a Saudi princess and the torture and lack of freedom that women suffer in a largely MCP society, behind a veil of riches and luxury. It is indeed gripping , revolting, sad, hopeful all in one.I am not sure if this book would be classified under the kind that sensationalises and panders to the West. However, if the plight of women there is even half as severe as depicted in the book, it is BAD news.
Have a look at this report if you want to know what else makes you lucky.******
While on horrors- MonikaM tagged me to share some of my worst domestic horrors :
Anyone who claims they do not have any is lying or is Nigella/ Martha. Since I neither lie nor am Nigella/ Martha , here are just a couple of mine from the culinary side:
I pride myself on efficiency in the kitchen.
I had left the arbi/ chepankazhunga to fry on sim since we like it really crisp but I did not want to deep fry it ( oil being unhealthy and all that) . But not having the patience to wait near the stove, I got occupied with something else. Then I went on to actually forget about it and went to the CD shop and returned half an hour late to see its charred remains. I managed to retrieve the kadai though. I did this again when boiling an egg- this time the vessel was also not retrievable.
I had forgotten to add any salt to the really yummy looking veggie upma that I had made for a guest, to whom Navy had just gloated about what a good and quick cook I was!!
I tag anyone else who would like to share their bloopers.
Was in Bangalore yesterday and enjoyed the rain that poured down as we were headed back to the airport. Travelled Jet after a long time and ate lunch at a darshini called Swati at 4 pm!!
In Chennai, Anush had gone to my grand aunt's farm and was very excited at having picked a zillion mangoes!! It did look like a mango market at home when I got back. since my mom did not take any pics, here is one from the past at the farm . . . and one at home with the loot
On Sunday we had been to a shaadi in an area called Valsarvakkam which I have never been to in the last 10 yrs in Chennai! I felt very hi-tech navigating teh route using googlemap on the cell phone.
Anush went up to the bride and told her " Aunty you are looking pretty"
She saw a girl in high heels and exclaimed" Amma , is she short or is she silly? " ( something her positively silly but not short mother had told her to keep her off heels) Luckily that girl did not hear this.
Image from: Amazon
Yesterday we made a resolution - no outings during the day for the next two months. 
