- Men who crave power look back over the mistakes of their lives. Pile them all together and call it destiny.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Monday, 16 November 2009
The Glass Palace and other stories
"Every life leaves behind an echo that is audible to those who take the trouble to listen "
Amitav Ghosh author,The Glass Palace
Its incredible how much we urban folk depend on electricity. Id almost forgotten my good habit of reading fiction, but thanks to the 48 hour unnecessary blackout caused by the cyclone Phylus or Phlegm whatever, it was revived.(hopefully not to be lost again).Much better use of time than aimless browsing and television watching. I rather enjoyed reading "The Glass Palace" by Amitav Ghosh, which was lying untouched on my shelf for the past year or more. I have a liking for Indian authors or writing based in the Indian context for fiction.Like Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri etc. Its not only because of the context but because of the writing style and the emotional connect as well.
The Glass Palace is probably one of the few books Ive read based on such a real historical event. Its very real, the depiction of the colonial era. I think what struck me was the way he has built the characters of the story. The women especially, who are not gentle .Reminds me of my grandmothers stories of the freedom movement and the beginning of the modern era as she told me.
I miss my grandmother suddenly. She was way ahead of her times and a free spirit to say the least. Some may argue that she neglected her family in her forthrightness and independent nature, but I have always looked up to her. Maybe Ill write her story someday . Or use it as an inspiration.Just like Ghosh converted his family stories into this novel.
Well,to summarize this weekend Amitav Ghosh has inspired me. and that is a sign of a true artist.
Amitav Ghosh author,The Glass Palace
Its incredible how much we urban folk depend on electricity. Id almost forgotten my good habit of reading fiction, but thanks to the 48 hour unnecessary blackout caused by the cyclone Phylus or Phlegm whatever, it was revived.(hopefully not to be lost again).Much better use of time than aimless browsing and television watching. I rather enjoyed reading "The Glass Palace" by Amitav Ghosh, which was lying untouched on my shelf for the past year or more. I have a liking for Indian authors or writing based in the Indian context for fiction.Like Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri etc. Its not only because of the context but because of the writing style and the emotional connect as well.
The Glass Palace is probably one of the few books Ive read based on such a real historical event. Its very real, the depiction of the colonial era. I think what struck me was the way he has built the characters of the story. The women especially, who are not gentle .Reminds me of my grandmothers stories of the freedom movement and the beginning of the modern era as she told me.
I miss my grandmother suddenly. She was way ahead of her times and a free spirit to say the least. Some may argue that she neglected her family in her forthrightness and independent nature, but I have always looked up to her. Maybe Ill write her story someday . Or use it as an inspiration.Just like Ghosh converted his family stories into this novel.
Well,to summarize this weekend Amitav Ghosh has inspired me. and that is a sign of a true artist.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
I became an atya of an adorable baby girl yesterday. I was so excited , drove to the hospital as soon as my brother called.And there she was , all wrapped up and sleeping soundly. What an adorable sight. Babies have this content look on their face. And its admirable how they can demand attention just by crying . One wail and there are five people at their mercy , whether its feeding time or diaper change or just plain tantrum for no apparent reason.
Anyways, I know something for sure. Life is a miracle. Babies are a blessing and God exists.
Anyways, I know something for sure. Life is a miracle. Babies are a blessing and God exists.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Friday, 30 October 2009
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Expectations
Expectations are the culprit ultimately, I have noticed, when it comes to emotions connected with people.
You form opinions of people based on your past experience, or some preconceived ideas, others experiences or even superstitions. And there you form an imaginary datum line. Some people fall short and you are disappointed, or angry or hurt even. Others exceed it and you are happy and content .Then the datum line shifts higher and your expectations increase. And then as you get more and more impressed ,it shifts higher consistently and you assume this is probably heaven. And then,suddenly as if something exploded , you are let down .Its a terrible moment to imagine.
If there's anything to wish for in that moment , its the wisdom to understand that people live by their own choices. And not by your expectations. And I realise that if they did live by my expectations just to see me happy, it would only make sad.
Hmm..Did I just contradict my theory.? maybe not...Thoughts can be complicated.
You form opinions of people based on your past experience, or some preconceived ideas, others experiences or even superstitions. And there you form an imaginary datum line. Some people fall short and you are disappointed, or angry or hurt even. Others exceed it and you are happy and content .Then the datum line shifts higher and your expectations increase. And then as you get more and more impressed ,it shifts higher consistently and you assume this is probably heaven. And then,suddenly as if something exploded , you are let down .Its a terrible moment to imagine.
If there's anything to wish for in that moment , its the wisdom to understand that people live by their own choices. And not by your expectations. And I realise that if they did live by my expectations just to see me happy, it would only make sad.
Hmm..Did I just contradict my theory.? maybe not...Thoughts can be complicated.
Monday, 5 October 2009
I miss him all the time .
But especially, Ive noticed, randomly, in the most absurd moments I think of him. When I'm deeply engrossed in doing something.When frustrated about not getting something right and breaking my head on something , I suddenly lose focus and turn away to see the reality around me. That is when I remember the old happy times. In that refreshing pause.That reassuring moment....that real life is just fine. I feel nice about that. That its all okay. Everything is just fine.
I feel happy about feeling that feeling.
And I'm glad that he chose the life he did because that created all those pleasant memories that I keep falling back on today. He taught me this one thing among countless others , not to lose focus of reality.
Today on the site , with all the construction going on, this labourer woman was busy piling bricks on her head struggling to meet the deadline I had imposed on her and the other workers. Her 10 month old child was playing in the sand. And every break she took she spent playing with him and holding him. I noticed that today. Until yesterday I only felt bad , felt pity..I even got from home a old worn out chaddar for the poor child to make myself feel better (I believe charity is a selfish act done to feel good about oneself)
But today I saw them so happy , playing and laughing just like any other family.
And I smiled .. and I missed him yet again ...
and I smiled.
But especially, Ive noticed, randomly, in the most absurd moments I think of him. When I'm deeply engrossed in doing something.When frustrated about not getting something right and breaking my head on something , I suddenly lose focus and turn away to see the reality around me. That is when I remember the old happy times. In that refreshing pause.That reassuring moment....that real life is just fine. I feel nice about that. That its all okay. Everything is just fine.
I feel happy about feeling that feeling.
And I'm glad that he chose the life he did because that created all those pleasant memories that I keep falling back on today. He taught me this one thing among countless others , not to lose focus of reality.
Today on the site , with all the construction going on, this labourer woman was busy piling bricks on her head struggling to meet the deadline I had imposed on her and the other workers. Her 10 month old child was playing in the sand. And every break she took she spent playing with him and holding him. I noticed that today. Until yesterday I only felt bad , felt pity..I even got from home a old worn out chaddar for the poor child to make myself feel better (I believe charity is a selfish act done to feel good about oneself)
But today I saw them so happy , playing and laughing just like any other family.
And I smiled .. and I missed him yet again ...
and I smiled.
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