Reliving magic

Anush watched Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin's Circus .
The B&W look did not detract from the slapstick.

These are the latest to join the list pioneered by Sound of Music and ET and the songs DD's Ek Chidiya and Que Sera Sera.

The rain a few days back also introduced Singing in the Rain to the girls.

Coonoor

We had been to Coonor with Navy's side of the family this weekend.

More on the trip later. For now, feast your eyes.

Here is a pic of yours truly years ago.

Aditi shares the stance and Anush the toothless grin and lollipop.

An Aam Story

When I was just a little girl
Staying in a house in Vijayawada

I loved to eat mangoes sitting in the back yard
A skinny figure in a white slip frock

My dad and I would compete as to who could finish faster
And who was left with dirtier fingers/ face
And while you may find it hard to believe,
He always won the former and me the latter :-)

There was a little step there which led on to a garden patch
My mom had planted December flowers and  marigolds and even some spinach

One day I just decided to 'plant' the seeds of what I had eaten
I just shoved three seeds at intervals, a bit under the ground and soon forgot about them

Lo behold  after a few weeks, there was not one but three saplings sprouting
And to think they grew into  mini trees by the time we were leaving

My ex neighbours tell me one of them still bears yummy mangoes
Thinking of the little girl and the mango seeds she left behind, a long time ago.....

Linking it up to Tulika's mango stories

Valentine's Day

We were busy dismissing the day as a marketing ploy.

Then recalled how on campus ( which is pretty remote and isolated) Navy had wooed me with - a set of Mad comics, a watermelon, a bunch of roses and a lovely ceramic turtle.

So I guess there is a time and place when even such things mattered, even to us.
Though I don't recall if I gave anything to him!!

When I was young....

People often say that their childhood was the best time of their life.
Though I was not a depressed child, I cannot claim the same. My childhood was good but it was also an awkward and insecure phase.

As I recall, I have always strived to enjoy life all the time, at any age. So there are a lot of good memories and some tough ones.... what about you?

*****
We went to two entirely different kids' programs yesterday
One noble ( Ashwini trust's Annual day) , one subtly opportunistic ( fest by a Pre school) in nature
While kids enjoyed both, the first one left me inspired and introspective
*****
Saw Rockstar- loved first half- the second half was a DRAG
*****
Do look up ST for a chat with Samhita Arni- a child author , now grown up.
Kids who have read the book are welcome to pose questions if they have.
You will also see some extra goodies at ST today. Do not miss the fun!!

Children of the Mini forest

We got to see this yesterday when we went for Anush's best friend's birthday. The girls had a great time and this mini forest was also a revelation to us.

We went for an eightieth birthday puja of an uncle and met up with C who was a large part of our first couple of years of marriage- lot of old memories and nostalgia there.

Also made it to the book launch at Mother Earth and met the creative gang of Tulika. This must be the first male author I have met from their stable, my feel is they have only a few men penning for them. Hmmmm. An interesting eco treasure hunt, potting a seed and an impromptu meet with some blogger friends also happened.

A fruitful weekend !

Fond farewell and a welcome

Yesterday we bid adieu to a colleague and to my boss. It was touching and fun and most of all I relived what I suppose has been one third of my work life ( 10 yrs now here) in a few minutes.

The colleague/friend is one of the most creative and enthu people I know. A mutual friend recalled how he had checked me out and noticed my metti (I had been a new bride then) when they first saw me, a decade ago! Sometimes the strangest memories linger....

The Boss man is also a friend and will be missed terribly. He is the reason I stayed this long and happily so, in this job.

*****

It was also yesterday that ITW of Ojas- Tejas fame rejoined my workplace. Again nostalgia filled moments, foremost being that we began blogging together when we had our babies a few years back and were colleagues in this office.

Here is to togetherness!

A year in Bangalore

Exactly 12 months ago, the Artnavy family made its way from Chennai to Bangalore. From the Marina to Cubbon From Parfait to Egg Factory From Saravana Bhavan to Vidhyarthi Bhavan From Vandalur to Bannerghata From Navadisha to Akshara As you can see, it has been a good year. A year ago I had said-"Have been unable to capture all the emotions that I feel about the move - muddled, expectant, excited, disturbed, hopeful, nostalgic....mostly happy that we will be together as a family ....The house is almost fully set and once again I feel that it is the people who make it a home" I cannot agree more. Thank you Aditi and Anushka for adapting easily and my folks for being there and enabling my work life. And Navy for being around a lot more than in Chennai. This year we had - A few excursions exploring Karnataka Many trips to grandparents' home A handful of birthday parties Some family functions inluding our first Golu Bonding with old friends, including a few blog meets Growth and acceptance as a work from home employee( though with some niggling doubts)Countless weekly trips to Chennai for me Eating out a bit and watching movies rarely Enjoying a resort like weather and existence Thank you Bangalore.

A Wholesome Affair

We headed to the other end of town yesterday- first to Central Tiffin Room for yummy dosas and then the Millet Mela. Interesting how they are trying to revive the use of these oft ignored grains. Anush enjoyed wearing the cap made of grains. Aditi enjoyed the millet chocos kind of cereal. My mother enjoyed exploring and shopping! We discovered a cute little shop called Desi close by.

During one of my aimless TV surfing moments Anushka mentioned- "Amma don't want this channel- no one sees it and they don't even know how to spell Colo(u)rs!!"

We had Navy's school friends visit and we also had my college buddy's ( a new father) parents visit. Major nostalgia trips...

Pl visit the two part interview of an inspiring duo at ST and leave your comments....

To Mumbai and back

Was on a whirlwind trip ( well I seem to do not other kind) to Mumbai.

It was a farewell for a colleague and friend who is moving continents.

I was moved by the poverty I saw,
I was nostalgic about the places I went to,
I was excited by the pulsating life and pau bhaji ( yes!!),
I was shocked out of my tiredness at Blue Frog( it was Metal night) ,
I was indulged by my friends at midnight ( took the sea link finally)

Again it felt odd to stay in a hotel when this was/is home!! I have loved every town and city I have lived in, but Mumbai will always be special.

Pune

Think Pune and I think of Shrewsberry biscuits. I am not too fond of Bhakarwadi( Chitle bandhu)

A charming fellow blogger got me these awesome biscuits and Lonavala Choco-Walnut fudge ( A1 and Cooper rule)  and some interesting dry fruit jelly-candy - halwa kind of sweet. Thanks Uma.

I wonder if you get any of those in Blore/ Chennai. I think you do get a version called Badamika at Anand sweets which is a bit like the Shrewsberry biscuit.

This was certainly a trip down memory lane. I still address my paati as Poona paati since that is where she lived when  I began to speak as a baby. She left Pune but the name stuck on.

Birds of a feather

Had a wonderful trip to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. We went with my SIL and family- in itself guaranteed fun all the way.

Saw a lot of birds- pied kingfishers, egrets, painted storks, spoonbills, cormorants, herons, ibis, some others that I do not recall, a few mean looking but sleepy crocs and countless bats. Anush was in wonder though a bit tired. She also wanted to see a croc with its mouth open wide!!

We were told more birds visit in March- April including the flamingos which evaded us at Pulicat a few years ago but which are fresh in my memory from Nallasarovar ten years ago!

Will possibly do another trip in April.

We passed by sugar city Mandya, the Maddur vada town, Ramnagar- the Sholay location and of course the obligatory stop at Chennapatna. Photos were taken by my able nephew and will come in later.

Also visited the temple at Srirangapatna and was dazed by the crowds. Way too much to feel comfortable with a baby and a by now tired kid. Did a quick darshan and stepped out to enjoy the architecture and air.

Ate at Adigas- very good and Kamats- not so good. Missed thatte idlis in Bidadi. That too maybe for next time.

Max City

Was in Mumbai yesterday after a gap of over two years. I love the city !

I was not too pleased about the numerous glass- steel buildings( our office is moving into one soon) that have mushroomed but I loved the pulse and the life there despite the possibility of skirmishes in the latter part of the day.

Back in Blore, I did the airport- home dash in just the early morning kind of time, since the city was almost asleep here even at 7pm.

Library period

Aditi scrutinising her books

When I was in school, library meant only a subject, that too just once a week, when we were not allowed to take home any of the books. We were to read and return the books during that one hour or so. Very uninspiring for someone who grew up with lots of books, of a large variety, at home .

I was a member at a library in Shillong for the one month that I holidayed there and realised that this was a good way of enjoying my hobby without spending too much of my folk's money.

However most of my life we have only bought books from favourite shops such as Prabodha in Vijayawada, Strand and the footpaths in Mumbai, Landmark in Chennai.

It was only over this weekend that I enrolled in a local library called Just Books.

Apart from access to more books at a lower outgo, I have just run out of space at home for any more books unless I dispose some, which I am unwilling to do!!

As Navy says, I guess we will not really stop buying books despite this but may end up reading more, which is never a bad thing. With Anush also beginning to read to herself I look forward to using the library well.

Here is my latest review at ST of a rather different and deep story for children. My first book from the library.

I must mention "How Far will I fly?" a beautiful book lent to us by Uma, is also of the same genre but more cryptic.

Guntur Paatalu Vinipistha

Tulika's blogathon calls and since most Tamil ones are covered and I do not know too many in Hindi or Marathi I decided to call in this one from my Guntur days

In Telugu-
Chukku Chukku raillu osthundhee
Dooram Dooram Jaragandee
Jo Jo Paapa yaydatthu
Laddo mittai thinipistha
Challanee kapi thaagistha

Translated-
Chuk Chuk comes the train
Please move aside
Sleepy baby don't cry
I will get you laddoos and sweets/ candy
I shall let you drink cool coffee!!

Writing on the Wall

The generous bird Tulika, flew by a few days ago with this book by Urmila Shastry, for just participating in the blogathon on mother tongue!!

Our bi lingual is in Hindi. It is a good way to introduce words and associated words and also simple drawings. It comes at a time when Anush is very curious about Hindi equivalents.

So yet another book to be treasured from the Tulika stable!!


Talking of black boards, from my school days , I recall how I would ensure that the board was scrubbed clean and a thought for the day written on a corner. I even got myself a book called This day in History just so that i would have some thing interesting to share each day.

This was before the time when chalks need to be dustless and boards have turned white and markers are the norm not chalk!!!

Even slates with wood frames are rare to come by nowadays... can you tell me where I can get one?

Farewell Chennai! Hola Bangalore!

Was there in Bangalore on work and squeezed some time to check out our new house. Adequate is how it can be described after what has been a most custom made living that we have enjoyed the last 6-7 years in terms of home in Chennai.

This week has gone in wrapping things up literally. Have not even done a proper post in a while- be it Aditi's 6th month or her Anna prasanam, Anush's school review or her making cards for all in school, the loving farewells from various friends, my quick glimpse tours of all the houses we have stayed in Chennai..... anyway we should be all set in Blore by April second week.

Have been unable to capture all the emotions that I feel about the move - muddled, expectant, excited, disturbed, hopeful, nostalgic....mostly happy that we will be together as a family and an extended family .

There are many friends from the past we can catch up with. And as many blogging ones that I leave behind in Chennai , I will find in Blore. Of course i cannot be Bangalore Timeout but am hoping that my friends will keep me posted on what to do, from everything like good theaters to good restaurants, kids workshops to weekend getaways, even a good carpenter or plumber!

For now I will work from home ( with a few day trips to Chennai ) and for that I feel grateful.

Gives time to settle into a new city, a new school for Anush, a new work environ, discover and explore a new place!

For me, Chennai has been for culture and comfort, maybe complacency even.
Let us see what is in store in Bengaluru. Off we go.

The Chennai Chronicles VII- Blogging Chums

Edited to add-

Last evening we had a lovely meet with most of the regulars, a farewell for crazymom and artnavy- as we move on to Blore.

It also was also a welcome party and the bday of a new Chennai blogger- ardra.

Needless to add there was music, masti and majaa

Happiness always multiplies when you share and I enjoyed sharing my little joys and big ones here with bloggers.

I still recall my first 'live' meet was with Hiphopgmom on one of her visits to Chennai in 2007. Me- a rookie mom and novice blogger and she a veteran grandma blogger!

The bloggers I have met since include the ones from Chennai and also some world famous ones who visited Chennai.

I will never ever forget the wonderful Baby shower I had right here for Aditi.

Blogging also is what led to the Mister Muthu series getting published in Chandamama. ( while on it check out the new online episode on the side bar here)

So from now on, when I read about Chennai blog meets, I will really miss you Chennai mommy bloggers - even more. Maybe I could remain on the mail list so that I can dash down to Chennai or time an office trip accordingly!

Yes we will be in touch on-line- but it is just not the same. Soem of the friends I made here through blogging- have gone on to become very dear family friends. You know who you are and I hope you visit us in Bangalore!

But I look forward to being on the list at Bangalore blogger friends meets.

The Chennai Chronicles VI- Juicy Chat

In my early days in Chennai, I was amused by people saying - Shall we go for chat? -pronouncing it as 'chat' !! Now the word is not as mispronounced and there are many eateries which offer you good chaat.

But true authentic bhel lovers will find the murmura ( puffed rice ) here too thick- it is more the jaalmurri kind.

Here are some of the outlets that we like:

Madras Bhel puri- in T nagar- a small little stall in the lane beside Naidu Hall and Raymonds- the guy makes a delightful bhel salad

Kailash Parbat- the most recent one to open in Chennai - helps relive my Bombay days- they even made me sukhi bhel or at least attempted to!

Ajnabee- In Egmore, with lots of Gujju farsaan as well

Shree Mithai- Best at Chetpet but available at other branches

Mansukhs- in T nagar and Alwarpet, more known for their Rajasthani thali

Street shop- Nungambakkam- Outside Karishma boutique

Makkhan chor- a taste of Mathura- Cenotaph road

Gangotree- multiple branches, we like the T nagar one a lot

Cream Centre- St Marys road and Nungambakkam- Fantastic stuff- you can even opt for a chat platter

Just revisited the OTBT series I had done long ago and my old write up on Chennai street food for Metro Mela (the pics that have been updated seem irrelevant though) .

As for juice, go here :

Gream's road Fruit shop

Haji Ali Juice Centre off Greams Road

Aavin stalls offer yummy buttermilk called "more"

The juice shops at Kovai Pazhamadir- all branches

Also try out these local juice shops:

- The juice shop opp Kirtilals in Alwarpet

- The juice counter at the Petrol bunk next to Pizza Hut Nungambakkam

- The roadside coconut water guy

- and the Neera that you get occasionally

Wow! I got this award from itchy. Flattered even more by what she had to say about me and the company I am in! Though each and every blogger I know is creative in one way or another , I would like to particularly pass the award on to:

Shruthi

Sheela

TPLover

Sugarcraft

Tulika

Keep the creative juices flowing! It is so energising !

Chennai Chronicles V- Celebrating Chennai

Chennai is steeped in culture and history. Here are some wonderful ways, the two legged kind, to discover the city and its natural bounty.

Storytrails, with whom my father had been a story teller tops my list. It also has interesting trails for children and has expanded to Mumbai.

The rest of the walks that have caught my fancy are listed in no particular order.
Madras Heritage walks - a very interesting venture where "Madras Walks is not a company or voluntary organisation. It is a group of people who love taking other people on heritage tours. "

Madras photo walk - really cool and I recall one which had a street food theme

Madras Day walks - Chennai Kondattam has been one of the most lively initiatives from Ms. Kanimozhi and Mylapore Times also does something to this effect.

Kilpauk walks- Initiated by a particular locality based Chennai proud set of people

Tree walks with Nizhal, a really noble initiative

Turtle Walks ( Olive Ridley) - reflecting Chennai's concern for nature

And if you get tired walking or are afraid of the Chennai heat or have smaller kids with you, you have this cool option and this cooler option of travel.

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On Women's Day, I would like to say that Chennai is as safe as any city in India. Of course I rarely use public transport and am off shorts and so called modern outfits now a days...

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Some Anushisms for the road-

On her first visit to Mc Donalds which has opened a branch in Velachery- "Appa we are going to Old Mc Donalds ?"

"Amma, if there are no beaches in Bangalore, we need not go there!"

" Why can't we have two houses in Bangalore? We have in Chennai na?"