Outside my window

For a country that is the second largest in population & the seventh largest in the world geometrically, the Indian railway system reaches just about every nook and corner of the land!

For as long back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by train journeys in India. To those who have not yet experienced it, traveling on trains there is really quite the adventure!

There is that special something about sitting by the window seats for god knows how long; the rare, beautiful sights, so much life just whizzing past. The rhythm of the changing tracks is almost music to my ears and the mouth-watering aroma of the freshly cooked vadai & chutney makes me feel as though I am truly home! Admit it, no railway journey would be complete without the smell of those freshly cooked vadai & some hot, strong chai!

Sadly, these train journeys have become almost extinct nowadays, who even has time for train journeys since they are now replaced by flights & car trips? They have become so replaced that I, quite honestly, cannot remember the last time I went on a long train journey. 

Hi again

I am back! Almost three months not a word written. Life is keeping me very occupied as you can see! I must say, I really have missed this space (like I ALWAYS say) & definitely missed writing. It’s been long since I’ve had the chance to actually sit down and have some ‘me’ time. And even longer since I did a lot of usual things actually!   

After months of wordlessness, writing has once again brought back a flicker within me of something that once used to be.

I don’t promise to write every day, however; I shall strive to write as much as I can. Perhaps I’ll write about my upcoming trip or how excited I am to finally get my braces of? Hmm...Or maybe I’ll switch things around a bit and maybe even write a couple of book reviews? Something, anything!

As for the other updates for the long periods of absentia, nothing too exciting happened other than those special, valuable, very memorable and sentimental moments taking place now and then.

Hope all is going and has been well with all of you. Thank you again for dropping by. I know I haven’t been regular with my posts, that’ll be taken care of soon however. Happy Reading!

Until next time,

A.  

Thinner but better!

That’s right! I upgraded from an s3 to an Iphone 6; I bet most of you are now probably shaking your heads in disappoint. However, I must say, I really am impressed & I’m REALLY loving the camera quality on this phone. I've been taking photos religiously not off myself (for ONCE), but of those around meà nonliving objects that is. And for those of you who follow me on Instagram I’m sure you’re also aware of how much I’m loving this phone! #Soznotsoz

So I thought, why not post something different for a change?

Nothing exciting though tbh, just a couple of photos I’ve taken with my new gadget!

Do enjoy.  

As 2014 draws to a close

Here we are again, on the last day of the year. Man, I feel like year by year time passes more and more quickly.

Earlier today while skimming through photos on my laptop, my eyes started to well up roughly halfway through the year when it hit me how blessed I am. And when I say I blessed, I mean that I've been truly gifted with such amazing friends, family, memories and experiences. 2014 has been a year consisting of trials, challenges, tribulations and most importantly self-discovery. To me 2014 was definitely a year of self-discovery – and self-trust.

If it comes to friends – this year was amazing! I have never been such an outgoing and sociable person. Over the course of the year I made a handful of really amazing friends who I can’t imagine not knowing, I’ve met a bunch of amazing, bubbly, outgoing and talkative characters just like myself.

Man! A year can go by in the quickest of flashes. 2014 was definitely a year full of surprises. I must admit, it’s been an interesting or should I say a roller coaster of year. I grew stronger not only as a person but also a writer. And as each successive day differed just slightly from the last, when a year’s worth of those days has passed, I find myself in an entirely new place from when I began.

I’d like to take a moment in today’s post to really think about who & what I’ve gotten to see and experience over the year. I’ve been lucky enough to experience something different each day, each week, and each month in the past year.

2014 brought changes – big changes, small changes, good ones and also many not so good ones; but from where I stand right now, I’ve come to realize that I should always look back at those experiences with a smile and learn from them. I’ve learned to be proud of my accomplishments and most importantly I’ve realized I should look at hardships as both opportunities & learning experiences to better myself. We get so caught up with the negatives in life so easily that we don’t realize that we are above all, insurmountably blessed just to be alive.

As for 2015 new year resolutions, fortunately I’ve never been the type to set New Year’s goals or resolutions. For me, if I make up my mind to try or change something, I usually give it a go regardless of the time of year. All in all, it’s been a successful year.

 2014, thank you for all you’ve given me. And 2015… Let’s do this!

I had an extremely hard time picking which photos I wanted to put up as my “best of 2014″. So here’s a few favorites of mine.

Milk and Honey - Rupi Kaur

"I am hopelessly a lover and a dreamer and that will be the death of me"//

My first ever poetry book I’ve laid my hands on, in fact my first ever book I’ve bought online & trust me, I am so glad it was this one! Milk & Honey would by far be the most soulful book I have ever read. A very well structured, moving and deeply powerful book I’ve read in a very long time. Anyone who loves poetry needs to read and should get themselves a copy of this book ASAP.

Yesterday evening sweetness was delivered to my doorstep. That’s right, it's finally here! What a wonderful surprise it was to come home to this waiting for me. All the way from Canada to my cosy bedroom in Australia, I could not be happier! I must admit, it's beyond an honour to have your heart up on my bookshelf Rupi. I am so glad to finally have my hands on this beautiful masterpiece. Who knew words could flow so effortlessly, your words are perfection; they have definitely struck a chord - such powerful words imprinted in here..I don't see myself wanting to ever put this book down! I can’t help but reading & re-reading every single page, one of the most rejuvenating piece of work I’ve read in a very long time! Your work is truly a piece of art & it has touched me in ways that I thought would not be possible, I’ve found pieces of my soul in here, thank you Queen. I look forward to watching you grow as a poetess. Highly recommended for all my beautiful girls out there

About the book

“Milk and honey' is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. It is split into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain, heals a different heartache. 'Milk and honey' takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look and find sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.”

About the author

Rupi Kaur is a writer based in Toronto, Canada. She studied Rhetoric and Professional Writing at the University of Waterloo. She travels globally to speak and teach workshops on topics such as trauma and healing while also performing her spoken word poetry. Rupi devours words, art, metaphors, bodies of water, and storytelling. She shares her writing with the world as a means to create a safe space for progressive healing and forward movement.

You can find more of her work at www.rupikaur.com

“I want to apologize to all the women i have called beautiful
before I’ve called them intelligent or brave
I am sorry I made it sound as though
something as simple as what you’re born with
is all you have to be proud of
when you have broken mountains with your wit 
from now on I will say things like
you are resilient, or you are extraordinary
not because I don’t think you’re beautiful
but because I need you to know
you are more than that”  

- Rupi Kaur

Kiss of love?

Over the last couple of months, recent media reports, newspapers and TV channels have been flooded with headlines of Indian youth organizing a protest called “Kiss of love” to show their angst against Moral Policing by publicly kissing.

I'm sure it’s fairly evident from the title what I'll be rambling about on today’s post, yep; it’s none other than the highly controversial campaign “Kiss of love”. Come on; I had to post something regarding it sooner or later eh?! For those of you unaware of what I'm babbling about, let me take a moment to fill you in.

On November 2^nd, activists from all over Kerala gathered to protest against the series of moral policing attacks by organizing a public event in Marine Drive (Kochi) for the rights to be able to kiss in public. The protest started with a couple that had been seen in a coffee shop kissing, later on a political group vandalized the coffee shop they had been seen in. 

The Kiss of Love protest embarked in the southern state of Kerala last month and has now spread nationwide. The protest sparked off following a recent attack in a café in Kozhikode. The attack triggered after a local news channel - Jai Hind TV telecasted a story about alleged immoral activity which then led to hugging and kissing on the premises of the Cafe’. 

Recent acts of violence towards the youth of India by moral policing are what led to the campaign “kiss of love” by Kochi youth. However, the problem is that the protest ought not to be about kissing at all. A theatre artist and her colleague were detained for travelling together at night. A couple were arrested for suspected “immoral activities” on a bench in Alappuzha, especially suspicious because the woman was not wearing anything to indicate she was married. An IT professional in Kochi was beaten up by drunken men for riding pillion on a male colleague’s motorbike.

I couldn't care less about what people do privately and I have nothing against those who want to express love towards one another; however, I'm concerned of it being expressed in public. Not only does it affect the upcoming generation but, it also creates an impression that this is the only way to show thumbs down to moral police. I think we can have a better way of answering moral policing rather than one like such. All these protests have made me wonder if India has become so far gone that the youth of India has now fully adapted to Western ways. 

During my previous visit to India, I realized how much Kerala and its people are so influenced by the western culture, and how our moral & ethical issues are degrading. I saw some drastic changes in Malayalees, especially the youth. Not only were there changes in the way people dressed (girls especially) but also the way they acted & presented themselves. 

I know for a fact my cousins, friends and myself are people someone who look forward to going back home just so we can fully embrace our Indian culture & traditions. Something which really excites me about going back home is the dressing up part of the holiday, wearing churidhar's, saree's & what not! I LOVE the excitement of getting ready  each day especially those early morning wake up calls to leave for the temple! Gee, words cannot describe how much I miss that!  

What really surprised me this time was seeing girls turn up to temples wearing tight leggings/shorts and singlets/crop tops and no sleeve tops (To my fellow malayalee girls, you're coming to pray at the temple not for a fashion show; so please, kindly cover up your cleavage, navel and other body parts which we do not wish to see, please get your ish together!) and then there's us turnin' up all dressed up and mallu-like with our new churidhars & flower garlands in our hair! 

Our country has a vast and secular motherland, with an array of culture, traditions & beliefs. And personally, I wish if we could inculcate the good ways of other nations instead of copying everything they do. 

Today’s youth is brought up with the most twisted views, leaving them dangling between Indian traditions taught by their parents and the western adopted “cool” lifestyle as observed around us. The heavy influence of western styles on Indians has taught us that it’s our right to free expression - which by no means do I think is wrong, however; taking advantage of this right and showing affection in public isn't right at all. 

Recent acts of violence towards the youth of India by moral policing is what led to the campaign “kiss of love” by Kochi youth. However, the problem is that the protest ought not to be about kissing at all. A theatre artist and her colleague were detained for travelling together at night. A couple were arrested for suspected “immoral activities” on a bench in Alappuzha, especially suspicious because the woman was not wearing anything to indicate she was married. 

I agree, each and every person has the right and freedom to be affectionate and to express one’s love for another, but not at the cost of altering public spaces. I think the motive is good, but the path chosen to protest against moral policing, I'm not too sure about. 

I felt like this video was totally relevant here :') Shout out to Lakshmi Menon & her channel 

  

Roller coaster of emotions?

Almost two weeks not a word written.

The truth is, there has been nothing there in my mind you know that really triggers my thoughts. Mmm..Now, how exactly do I describe this current situation of mine?

Lack of inspiration, maybe?

It’s been a while since I’ve thought of anything actually worth writing about, or should I say worth posting about?...

However; recently, I’ve been having the urge to write about a number of things, but everything just seems to narrow down to that one basic element – FEELINGS. 

Is fair the new lovely?

"According to market researchers ACNielsen, in 2010, India's whitening-cream market was worth $432 million (Rs.2, 600 crore). In 2012, Indians were said to have consumed 233 tonnes of skin-whitening products." - The Times of India 

"The fairness creams marketing strategies, which show that a girl can't get married unless she is fair, change the mindset of individuals. The visual media has changed the strategy so much that even fair people also use fairness product." Ravi Mittal 

Let's face it. It's true; we Indians ARE obsessed with fairness.

In our society, being fair can take you from rags to riches, unemployed to employed, transform you into a star or even a beautiful air hostess but most importantly, it can get you married to Prince Charming! 

The sad part is, it doesn't end there, thanks to all the celebrity endorsed fairness products the obsession becomes even bigger! 

Fair is lovely, fair beautiful. However, is being fair really everything? 

  

Long time no see?

Well hello! 

It's been a while since I last blogged, and for those of you who actually read this nonsense & somewhat care, I must admit, I've really missed blogging! I've been swarmed with so MANY happenings over the past couple of weeks that blogging took a short hiatus and it seems that for nearly every blog, sooner or later there'll be a day where the 'sorry I haven't blogged in a while' post will surface. And, well, I guess today's my day. 

These last couple of weeks has been really hectic. I've been racing around doin' a handful of things e.g. preparing for exams, doing assessment pieces, performing, travelling, sorting out WEX, etc, etc - the list is endless tbh! 

Nevertheless, I'd like to end today's post on a positive not. 

On Thursday, I had my first placement at the early childhood school, what a fulfilling experience 'twas! I was lucky enough to work with the sweetest, cheekiest and most loving preschoolers. Their inquisitive attitudes, bubbly personalities & endless amount of energy made them a joy to be around! It felt wonderful when they dropped me to the door at the end of the session and squished me with their tight little hugs! However, it melt my heart when little Lilliana walked up from behind, hugged me & told me she loved me. So precious! Bless their souls. 

Enjoy those simple & little beautiful things in life; and, make life sweeter with a cup of coffee! Good day world.

           

  

Sleepless hours & dreamless nights

There are days where I wake up with bucket loads of energy & happiness; motivated & ready to do things. However, there are also days where I wake up feeling miserable & gloomy (but, don’t we all?).  On days like these my emotions are usually sub-optimal and I prefer keeping to myself, and I guess the best description that suits my current situation is perhaps the classic, “roller coaster ride”.

28/08/14

I lay there in silence, beneath the warm blankets, wide-awake listening to the birds outside my window. It was five past five and there I was, feeling completely lost & buried by a number of inexpressible feelings.  

Like always, sleeplessness led to another, and eventually I had a number of thoughts racing through my mind. I thought and thought.  Luckily, they were positive thoughts, a notion of happiness passed through me as I thought about all the people I’ve met on this journey called life & all the ones I am yet to meet. There are many who I’ve met unexpectedly & will hold onto for the rest of my days, however, there are some who’ve parted their own ways. But most importantly, the thoughts I reflected on most was what I’ve learned from each of these individuals  & what I have yet to learn from those in my tomorrow.  

“Not every day is good day, live anyway.

 Not all you love will love you back, but love anyway.

Not everyone will tell you the truth, be honest anyway.

Not all deals are fair, play fair anyway.”