You Will Be Cherished, 2016!

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Yet another year pass by. And this time, it seems like it passed by in the blink of an eye. I still remember clearly the first day of the year, waking up to see my smiling little boy and starting the year with lot of hopes and enthusiasm. I wanted to do a lot of things this year, be high on productivity, and travel. I wanted to do all that I loved and stretch my limits.

This year, I realised you get what you wish for. Opportunities came knocking on my door with dream offers. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be editing books and connecting with authors, but that was a huge happy check in my bucket list. This year, writing made me stand on my two feet, giving me the financial independence that I lost somewhere in the excitement of being a mom. I am still struggling and I may not be earning as I used to, but I love the tiny steps that I am taking and it has given me the much needed confidence to push forward and struggle to do better. Through all this and more, writing helped me connect with long lost friends and acquaintances. I was overjoyed each time I got a new message or mail from an old friend just dropping in to say how they loved what I wrote and from there we caught up on our lives and spoke about our worries and dreams, and lengthy conversations pursued. Many a times, this little space of mine has been the perfect ice-breaker, when after the mandatory hellos and 'how are you's, conversations steered towards the blog and what I wrote.

After ages I stood in front of the mike, addressing people whom I hold in the highest pedestal, my professors and other authorities in my field of profession. I still remember, how I had sleepless nights thinking about addressing the dignitaries and standing in front of the mike. I couldn't remember the last time I took the mike and I almost had a nervous breakdown. But by the end of it, I had fought a biggest fear and I was overjoyed when I saw the smiling, comforting faces of my teachers whose "you did well" was the biggest certificate I could have got that day.

This year, I realised what best friends really mean. Just like last year, this year gifted me a few good friends and although we knew each other only for a few months, they were right by my side whenever I needed. Bangalore started slowly feel like home because of these lovely guys in my life and I realised, years doesn't matter when it comes to friendship, the connect is all that matters. And when you get that right, you know there is always someone to reach out to and you need to be extremely grateful for that. 

Like last year, this year too, I strived to be the best mother I could possibly be to the little boy. There were times when I failed, but I picked up, learning a lesson on the way and tried to better myself the next time. There have been times I've lost my cool, wondered whatever happened to my life, but there has been no single day I haven't sent a silent thank you note up for what I have. The house has been messier and noisier than last year, but for that I am more grateful than complaining and I wouldn't change any bit of it. 

I still haven't done all that I wished to do and I don't know if that is even possible - to tick off everything in your bucket list, but maybe that's ok since I would have a few dreams to look forward to the next year. There are still a few jitters I need to fight against, a few wishes that need to be taken care of and a few more limits that I want to stretch. There are still a few childhood interests that I was passionate about which got lost in the rush to catch up with life that I want to get back to. There are a few 'out of my comfort' zones that I want to tread and experience the unknown. But this year will always be in my list of favourites.

I am sure I will always look back at this year with endearment - the year I realised I was my biggest cheer girl, the year I fell more in love with myself, the year of "you go, girl!"

I will always remember you with fondness, 2016!

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

While The Little One Is Away For His Vacation

It's vacation time and the little one has gone to his grandparents' to enjoy his holidays by getting pampered, surrounded by people ready to be at his service, and breaking all the rules that is strictly followed by his parents!

When his Ammumma (grandmother) requested that he spent his holidays with them, I was happy to consent. While the boy would be happy to get all the attention and all that he wanted, I would get some 'me-time' to catch up on all the pending work and reading. And also some time to sit back, relax and breathe. And it was not like we haven't stayed apart. The little one has been staying with his grandparents every now and then for a couple of days since he was just above a year. But, when the time came to see him off at the airport this time, my mind was in a turmoil. I felt terribly lonely and I could feel my eyes well up. This was not the first time, but this was the first time my little boy was away from me for no particular reason. All the previous times, it was I who was travelling and hence it was I who always kissed him goodbye. This time, though, it was different! I wasn't going anywhere. And it was very difficult to wave my baby goodbye.

For the first time in three years, B and I were alone together. All the previous times, whenever the little one was at his grandparents', B would have been on one of his work trips and I would have been travelling, and hence, all three of us would have been at separate places busy with our own lives. But this time it was different. We were together without the little one for the first time since he was born and all of a sudden there was an awkwardness between us. In between all the parenting joys and troubles that engulfed us in the last three years, we forgot what it was to be a couple.  In fact, it felt like meeting each other after a very long time, if not for the first time, and panicking because there was a weird silence between us all of a sudden. It took a long drive, a dinner date and extra effort to strike a random conversation to break the ice. Somewhere along the rush to be the perfect parents to the little boy, we had sidelined us. All the long, marathon talks that we had before the baby now seemed like a distant memory from another life. When did we took the role of just being parents and forget the couple in us? Of course, we are still in love, but love took a new meaning somewhere in between. It was no more about being sweethearts, rather, it included a tiny bundle of joy that took the limelight away from us and self invited himself to be the spotlight, our star, our centre of attraction. 

Over the past two days, there have been times when I've missed him terrible and just wanted to break down and cry. I miss the tiny hands on my neck when we are sleepy, I miss the naughty feet pulling the table to the kitchen counter top and climbing on it to see what I was cooking, I miss the naughty giggles after turning the house upside down. Oh, I terribly miss him! Our home is just not the same without the little one around. The silence is indeed more maddening than all the cries and mess that the little boy makes. While I was looking forward to some 'me-time' and time alone with the husband, trying to regain my sanity among all the parenting craziness, I am not quite sure about it now. Am I actually regaining by sanity? I don't know. In fact, I really don't think so. 

We were married for three years before we had the little one. And ever since, it has been an action packed life with so much cheer and happiness, along with some hair pulling, nerve-racking moments, of course. But his presence in our life was such that I do not remember how we lived the three years as a couple before he turned us to parents. In fact, I do not seem to remember anything at all about our life before he was born. What did we talk? How did we spend time together? As much as we enjoyed our couple time then, looking back, life seemed to have been a dry run without all the noise and thuds that has filled our lives for three years now.

It's not been many days, but I am already counting the days and hours since I can give my baby a tight hug and snuggle with him, listening to the weirdest, wildest tales, laughing my heart out and playing "Mamma.. Where are you? I can't see you!". It is so true that you do not know what you've been missing unless you've experienced it! Motherhood is indeed a blessing, and I will not trade it for anything. Anything at all. Even if it means sacrificing my sleep, time and even sanity to an extent. 

Oh Boy... You Are Three!

Wasn't it yesterday that the doctor told me I was carrying you? Wasn't it yesterday that you were born? Wasn't it yesterday that I was figuring how to hug the newborn that you were and sleep? And now? Before I even realised, you are all grown up my dear boy! You have your opinions and preferences, you want to be involved in whatever I do, and oh boy, aren't you a chatterbox? My eyes well up when I realise I no longer can cradle you in my arms. As much as I want you to grow up, there is a heavy tuck in my heart when I see you all grown up as compared to the newborn that you were!

Our life has been so lively and cheerful ever since you came by. There have been times when I just wanted to shut my ears and hide myself, but i wouldn't trade the yellings and messy house for anything else in this whole wide world. Ever! I love your little hand around my neck and I heart the night time snuggles and cuddles. I am proud when you get things right with whatever you were doing. I am proud when you talk perfect sentences. I am proud when you complete your little puzzles and says, "look, Amma!". I am proud when you ride your cycle like a pro. I am proud when you pick a book and ask me to read it for you. In fact, I am proud of you every moment irrespective of what it is.

Over the past year, you've become naughtier, yet terrible two was more terrific than terrible! You've lit up our lives like I never imagined and you have been my perfect travel companion, never fussy and at the same time looking forward to all the car, flight and train journeys that we made. I love our daily meals together and it's a joy to watch you eat though there are times that you shower the floor with food, drenches the food in water and make a mess altogether. You've become a chatterbox and your endless talks fascinate me, although there are times I long for silence. You've been my right hand in almost all the chores that I do at home, ever willing to help me. You know, little boy, you are my champ!

The last year was fun with your chatters and quirky one liners. I hope my memory never fades because I want to remember each of your gibberish talks and your funny plays. How much have you grown in the past year, dear boy? From figuring out how to walk and talk properly, you are a pro at both, and the climbing? Oh boy! There isn't any place in the house that your little hand doesn't reach and your little feet can't climb! I love the whys and hows that you ask and I hope I can continue to help you figure out the answer for all your questions.

My little boy, you mean the world to me and I love you with all my life. As you turn three, I wish you don't loose your innocence, the spark in your eyes stays forever and your happiness will always be infectious. I pray our home is always filled with your chatter and laughter. Although I dread it, a piece of me still hope you remain the naughty boy that you are. As much as I enjoyed the last year and I am going to miss it terribly, I am eagerly looking forward to your 'threenage' and the fun and dread it is going to bring!

Happy birthday, Adhrith!

Best Friends Forever!

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A dear friend of mine, one of my soul sisters, saw the birthday cake that I got this year from my friends here and told me how she felt a tuck in her heart reading the "best friends" tag that was written in it. She wondered how these new friends became my best friends all of a sudden when people like her have always been around.

Growing up, I always thought that one could have only one best friend. And just like everybody who had that one friend whom you were closer to than anyone else, whom you favoured more than everyone else, I too had one. We grew up together, being with each other as much as possible (and it was easy since we were family friends and all the trips and dinners were mostly together!) and were an inevitable part of each other's lives. We didn't have to update each other on what's happening in our lives, since the other was equally a part of it, sharing with us all the happiness and sorrows (as cliche as it sounds). As it happened, she was my best friend and the world too knew us as the best friends that we were. 

But somewhere down the line, other people too joined in the list. The ones who saw the best and worst of me. The ones who accepted me as I am. The ones who pointed out to me my mistakes yet loved me. The ones who influenced me without even realising. The ones whom I realised I can't live without! It took me a very long time to accept them as my best friends, to look beyond the one best friend that I had. We were thick friends too, standing by each other come what may - minus the tag line! Even when I changed schools, went to college, started work, got married and had a baby, they stayed with me. They stood up for me in front of others, they even made friends with the family I got married into and in short, they were my life!

A new school and later, college, added another amazing bunch of people to the list. We may not have shared my whole childhood with, but we found common interests, we gave each other company when nobody else was there. More than anything, this set of people brought life and happiness to the new beginnings I chose. I grew up from being a child to an adult with them. We shared many 'firsts' together, slowly marking our presence in each other's lives.

When I started work, I made another set of amazing friends. We kept each other company while we worked late, we figured our way together amidst all the office politics, we lent a ear to each other when we cribbed about our bosses and we held each other's hands through all the frustrations. It was only because of them that life at work became easier and for that I will always be grateful to them.

In between all these, there have been people who have been a constant part of my life from the time I remember. This bunch is more of a family than friends. Our parents knew each other, we grew up together and we held close like we were siblings. Some were close to home and we were together almost all the time. We did trips together, we came back home late night almost every other day that the parents finally realised it was pointless to tell us and better to crib amongst themselves. We stood by each other through deaths, marriages and even births. We've had bitter fights without the apprehension of loosing the other only to end up hugging each other and wondering where to go for dinner once the fight was over.  There have been a lot of "I can't believe you are getting married" yet, we were more excited than them on their special day. Some were far away, yet the distance never came in between. We looked forward to the once in a year visits when we could spend time together and no amount of time was sufficient for our chats. We cried our hearts out and shared our happiness through chats and messages. We shared photos and videos to keep the other updated about our life. This bunch have been the closest I've had as the big bunch of cousins that I've always dreamt of but never had (I have only one first cousin and I consider her more as a sibling than a cousin). In fact, I do not remember a life without them!

Forward to now, the boy's friends' moms have become an integral part of my life. I am rediscovering my childhood with them. And I do not know how I would get past one day without them. Having them around, I know that I have help at hand whenever needed. I finally feel at home, here in Bangalore, after seven years of being here. We share our anxieties, worries and dreams together. We went with each other to the doctor's when the little ones fell sick, we checked on each other when the husbands were travelling and we were home alone with the little ones, we stepped up for the other whenever there was a need. We had fun while the little ones were at school and explored food joints and shops together. We have become family!

Because of all these amazing people, I now know I have quite a few best buddies in my life. The ones who are always by my side. While one comes with me for breakfast dates, the other makes sure I am a part of all the outings, yet another sends my favourite dish each time she makes and another lets me be bossy around her.... the list just goes on. And I am forever grateful for them. My wolf pack!

As Yet Another Year Pass By

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Yet another year passes by as I turn a year older today. I have always been excited about my birthdays. My anticipation starts days before and I keep wondering about the gifts and wishes that I would receive. This year wasn't any different except that the birthday celebration this year was very low-key. A sick baby at 2 in the morning, crazy deadlines and a flight to catch in the afternoon, I wasn't in any mood for celebration by late evening. The whole day, I had this long urge from within to step back and enjoy the day, but there were works to finish and I just wasn't able to enjoy the day.

There were no cakes, very few birthday wishes which were very special knowing that they remembered me on my special day without the help of Facebook (I've not listed my birthday there) and no gifts at all. However, there is one person who is always more pepped about my birthday than even me, every year. Every year, as November rolls in, Amma is as excited as I am and her birthday wish is always special. I didn't recognise the excitement and happiness in her voice on my birthday until I became a mother. Now, in her birthday wish, I can hear her imagining the day I was born, I can imagine her happiness as a mother and I can feel her celebration. 

There have been quite a lot of birthdays that has been very special to me. But a particular one stands out to me. My eighteenth birthday. Not because of the usual excitement of turning 18 years and a huge celebration as a part of that. It was my first birthday away from home and I was upset. The first time I was missing my parents after joining college and hostel. No birthday wishes were cheering me up and I was in no mood for any birthday treat that day. Generally, we had a tradition of cake cutting in the hostel for birthdays but I let the warden know that I'll celebrate the day a few days later. Things weren't great by evening and I can't tell you how much I was missing home. As I came back from the college, I saw a huge cake in the dining table, larger than the usual birthday cakes that we order, and I was irritated as I really didn't want to cut a cake that day. As I was walking to my room, the warden told me that I have a parcel and I see a lovely bouquet right next to the huge cake and a birthday card. The cake had come from my parents along with a bouquet and card. Tears welled up in my eyes. I cannot describe how my mood lifted up instantly and I was smiling for the first time in the day.  Daddy always take extra effort to make my day special and this was just the first of many that was to come in the future. 

In this six years of marriage, I've come to accept the fact that the husband man doesn't know how to throw surprises or pick a gift and hence, in this six years, I've never got a birthday gift from the man barring one time that I picked something that I liked and made him pay after much cribbing and let him know how he never gifts me anything. Because of this, I think all the birthday surprises that I've got have always been from my parents and each time it's so heartening to see Daddy take special effort to see me happy. It may not be about the gifts, but flying down to be with me or making arrangements to see that I celebrate the day, all these always makes me feel special and I know I have a family to whom I mean the world. 

I might have become a mother now, my priorities have changed, I look forward more to the little one's birthday than mine, yet I am still a little girl at heart who gets excited about my day and looks forward to it. Because of which, each wish that comes my way this day is very special and I hold each person who remembers me on this day and takes the effort to wish me very close to my heart. 

This may not have been my best birthday, but I am really grateful for the year that passed by. I did things I enjoyed, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I am back to earning on my own even if it's not the high pay that I would have earned had I not quit my corporate job. But most importantly, I am happy and I hope my lucky streak continues this year too! 

A One Day Trip To Mysore Amidst Demonetisation!

Ever since I visited the Trivandrum Zoo, I've been looking for a chance to take the little one to the Mysore Zoo. Finally, after almost a year of pestering the husband, one night when we had B's friend and family came home for a stay over, I resorted to cribbing to them about the pending Mysore Zoo trip and tada! The plan was finalised then and there to go the coming weekend. As luck would have it, just before the weekend, the government announced the demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee note. After much doubts and contemplation, since none of us had much useable notes in our purse, we decided to proceed with the plan anyway. And thus, on saturday morning, we started our road trip to Mysore with whatever cash we had and hoping most of the places would accept debit cards.

As we reached Bidadi, we decided to stop for breakfast at one of the roadside Thatte Idli places. The husband cribbed as he wanted Masala Dosa from A2B and as to how we are spending whatever little cash we had even before we started the trip. Nevertheless, we didn't pay heed to him - how can one pass by Bidadi without having Thatte Idli! And I must say, stopping here was one of the best decisions that we made. The Thatte Idli, here, was the best I've had in my life, as soft as it can be, melting in my mouth and left us wanting more. Sadly, the men declined our request for not wanting to spend whatever money we had with us. 

We reached Mysore Zoo by around 10:30 in the morning. Thankfully, the zoo accepts card payment and soon we got our entry tickets. The men decided it was best to walk rather than take the buggy (and of course, later regretted it!).  It's a good 5 Km walk but since everyone was excited about it, we decided to do it. Our walk started by watching birds, pheasants, flamingos and peacocks. 

The tigers and the lions were just waking up from their nap. 

We saw monkeys fighting with each other and hanging on the branches. We also saw the lion tailed macaques and baboons. 

Then of course, the Zebra was there and I was excited as much as the little ones.

We also saw wolfs, jackals and bears.

And, of course, the elephants too.

We took a walk through the snake park and I was enchanted by the pythons, anacondas and vipers. Surprisingly, this time the little boy too was way too excited to see these!

Our zoo visit came to an end with these beauties who stole our hearts. We spent quite a few minutes just standing and watching them much away the little twigs and leaves, and clapping with excitement!

It was a quite long and hectic walk and the two little boys were tired by the end of it, but we did have a good time here. There is a cafeteria inside and we stopped by for refreshments, but again the place accepted only cash (barring the 500 and 1000 notes) and we restricted our order to basic refreshments. The lush greenery provided the much needed shade while we walked and of course, it was a treat to the eyes as well. 

The Mysore Zoo is far better when compared to the Bannarghetta National Park, and of course one of the best I've seen, but if you ask me, I might rank it just slightly below the Trivandrum Zoo. But don't go by my words here, since this might be completely biased coming from a true Trivandrum lover! Yet, again, I feel, Trivandrum Zoo is a tad bit more greener!

By the time we were out of the Zoo, it was time for lunch. We were in a mood to try out one of the popular eat outs in Mysore and that led us to Gayatri Tiffin Room. After a couple of wrong turns and difficulty in finding the place, we finally reached there only to find that the place was closed! We decided to start our journey back to Bangalore and have lunch on the way when we passed by Hotel RRR (yet another popular restaurant). But here again, they accepted only cash and not card and hence we decided to give it a miss.

Thus, with much disappointment we started our journey back. A couple of kilometres into the ride, we came across Pujari's Fishland and decided to give it a try. The place is huge with ample parking space and a big hall that is converted into a restaurant. I loved the ambience and decor here. A look into the menu and I realised it's Mangalorean cuisine at its best however, there weren't much vegetarian options. We ordered for a fish curry meals, chicken biryani, curd rice, and rice and rasam. Except for the chicken biryani, all of us loved the spread and surprisingly, even the rasam and the curd rice was delicious. We had a hearty meal and topped it off with a sweet paan.

We had a good drive back with stories, laughter and two little entertainers. We saw the famous Rasta cafe board on our way and since none of us had been there, we decided to stop there for a break. And, we fell in love with the place. The greenery, open air, artsy walls and just about everything added to the beauty of the place. 

We sat there for a long time, enjoying the food ( fries and a crispy chicken burger along with a few cold drinks) and chitchatting. 

It was the perfect end to a trip I was dreaming about for a long time. Perfect company and a long drive just added to the whole fun. It was wonderful indeed!

Book Review - Snow Flower And The Secret Fan

Title: Snow Flower And The Secret Fan

Author:  Lisa See

Pages: 265

Rating: 4.5/5

After reading one of the best books that I've read in my life, it was difficult to choose the next. I was confused what to read when a friend suggested Snow Flower And The Secret Fan to me. And I am glad that I picked it up! 

The book is about the friendship developed by two little girls in China, which is narrated by one of them who looks back at her life, at 80 years of age. It is the story of a young girl, Lily, who at the age of seven, is paired with a laotong, a relationship that would last their entire lives. The two girls, Lily and Snowflower exchanges letters in nu shu, a secret language created by Chinese women, through a fan. The story tells the tale of how the two girls grow up together, right from foot binding (a Chinese custom for girls to prevent further growth of their feet)  to marriage and motherhood. They find solace in each other through their losses, difficulties and loneliness, but when a misunderstanding arises, the friendship is affected, only to be realised way later.

I loved the book for the friendship it portrayed. The book is about what all of us, girls, go through in our life when it comes to friendship. It is a beautiful book that tells us how we tend to misunderstand our friendship, how we feel our friendship is not being reciprocated only to loose friends and then realising later. We often try to please our friends, to get their approval and seek validation. Later, when we grow up, we do not want to let them know our difficulties and sufferings, just because we do not want them to be upset about us. At one point in the book, Snow Flower writes to Lily saying, "you won't have to listen to my complaints anymore. Three sworn sisters have promised to love me as I am. Write to me, not to console me as you have been doing, but to remember our happy girl-days together." It left me thinking about the friendships that I have. As much as I love my childhood friends, who are my heart and soul and the ones who know me inside out, as we move on in life, we need friends from the present as well, the ones that are there in your daily life, the ones with whom you share your life now, the ones who are there by your side. They may not know you or love you like the ones you grew up with, but they are your cheergirls in daily life, the ones who encourage you to move forward. And, that doesn't mean you love your childhood friends any less; just that you need both of them in your life.

The book gives an insight into the traditions and life of girls and women in China, the main being the laotong custom. It beautifully portrays how friends are as important as family. The part where Snow Flower and Lily participates in each other's wedding functions, being pregnant together and dreaming about their babies, being with each other throughout whatever happens in their lives, reminded me of my friends with whom I grew up - I remembered our wedding days, being there for each other as the perfect support all through the wedding functions, the husbands and in-laws accepting that the friends are an inevitable part that comes along with the bride, being excited about each other's pregnancy and the eagerness to hold the newborn. Life may turn around unexpectedly, sometimes leaving you in the dark as well, but true friends stay by your side, no matter what, determined to see you through. 

It is a light read and very interesting for the story line and the history that is weaved into it. The story is told very beautifully; there was never a point where the story lagged. More importantly, the book stirs a lot of emotions in you. I am for sure adding this book to my gifting ideas for brides to be, or for any girl for that matter. It is definitely a must read for every girl!

P.s: You can click the link below to buy the book!

Trunki Tales

Have you noticed those adorable, tiny, animal shaped suitcase with wheels that kids as small as toddlers tag along or ride on at the airport? I’ve been admiring it ever since the first time I saw it and always wanted to get one for my baby (who was not even born at that time!). I have been itching to buy it ever since the little boy was born, but after much discussion with the husband, we decided to wait till the boy was the right age to get one. It did make sense, since otherwise it would just be an extra luggage for me and I would have to carry it around instead of the boy. Now, as the boy was nearing his third birthday, we, decided to get him one. By now, he was obsessed with suitcases and wanted to push one at every chance that he got. So, finally, after much anticipation and scouting for options, the boy finally got a Trunki, as it is called, and his mamma was as excited as him!

...Continue Reading...

A Long Weekend Trip To Belgaum

Last weekend was a long weekend for us with Monday being Diwali holiday and Tuesday, a state holiday. It was only by the Tuesday of that week that we realised we could make a trip somewhere rather than be at home. There started the long fights between the husband and me. While I wanted to go somewhere which required a long drive, the mister didn't want to travel much. The resorts/homestays too added to our confusion. What he liked I didn't like and neither did he find anything interesting in what I liked. It was Thursday night already and we still weren't able to come to a common consensus when suddenly we decided to pay a visit to B's uncle who is currently stationed in Belgaum. It did actually cover all our requirements - a getaway, long drive plus the added fun of visiting family.

Calls were made to confirm Ammavan and Amman's (Uncle and Aunty) availability and off we were on Saturday morning to Belgaum. As excited as I was about the long drive, the moment we were stuck in traffic just few minutes after we left home we had a cranky boy in the car. No, I am not talking about the little one, he fared well as compared to his dad! I offered to drive sparing the man the panic attack and he gladly gave it to me. And so, we started our 500 km drive. It wasn't much of a scenic drive but I enjoyed being behind the wheels. The little one slept through half the journey and since I had carried a couple of books, his magic slate and lots of snacks, he was pretty much happy all the time. We took two major breaks for breakfast and lunch and a few small 2 min breaks to stretch ourselves in between. We reached Belgaum by evening and was welcomed by Ammavan, Ammayi and Casper, their dog.

Ammavan's house is tucked away from city life in the Belgaum Cantt area and the entire surrounding is beautiful! The house is surrounded by trees and all that you can see is greenery and lovely old bungalows. The boy was super happy seeing Appuppan and Ammumma and eager to play with Casper though he kept a mindful distance too lest Casper jumped on him. We sat chatting and catching up amidst chai and snacks until it was time to go for the diwali party. It was a very small affair but nevertheless we enjoyed with a couple of party games and I managed to bag a prize as well!

We had a good night sleep that night and woke up with the little boy wanting to play with Casper. While Ammavan went for work, we took Casper for a walk, played catch with Casper and the little boy and Casper was just hovering around each other. Post lunch we decided to visit Hidkal Dam, which was an hour's drive from Belgaum. After a few wrong turns and confused enquiries, we finally reached the view point of the Hidkal Dam. It was a very picturesque view from there and after spending a few moments there, we decided to roam around. After a good walk, we reached a point from where we had quite a few breathtaking moments. Each side had a different view - a lake view, the sun sparkling on the lake view, hill view - and each one was as picture perfect as it could be. Really, I couldn't choose one above the other. After spending a few hours and taking oodles of photo we drove back home to spend a relatively quiet Diwali at home. We lit diyas all along the front porch and the boy lit a couple of sparklers, and thus came an end to that day.

The next day, like the day before, after taking Casper for a walk and playing with him, post lunch we decided to visit Kaneri Math near Kolhapur. We visited the museum there; it showcases the way of life in the villages of India in the past and the early rural life. Though it was interesting, the place require a lot of walking around and by the time we were done, all of us were really exhausted. Ammayi and I wanted to purchase the famous Kolhapuri chappal, but sadly by then it was late and we had to head back home. After a laid back last night in Belgaum, it was time to get back to Bangalore the next day.

And so, after breakfast, we started our journey back to Bangalore, taking back with us quite a lot of goodies, lots of photos and so many wonderful memories. We had a wonderful three day break.  As much as I love small getaways with just the man and the boy, vacations like these gives the boy a lot of bonding time with family. There's always something about visiting family that gives you a lot of happiness and fun - funny childhood stories, your favourite food and so much love. These are special moments and I am glad that the boy gets to experience this joy and family bonding!

























Now, as yet another week starts and all of us get back to our schedule, can I start dreaming about the next break already?

Our Favourite Books By The Age Of Three

I’ve been a bookworm from the time I was a little girl. I remember very clearly the first time I got a storybook to read and ever since, books have been a part of me in more ways than I can describe. It became a habit that has not left me from the first time I picked one up and flipped through the pages. I read whenever I could – those few minutes/hours that I got while travelling, while I waited to meet someone, and given a chance, while I was eating. I read myself to sleep daily and sometimes, I read into the late hours of night reluctant to stop the book midway.

Hence, it was only natural that while I was pregnant with the little one, I was looking forward to setting up a library for the baby and I dreamt of all those moments, where we would snuggle next to each other and read whenever possible. Even before the boy turned one, I was reading bedtime stories to him. It didn’t matter whether he understood a single word of it, but I knew it did hold his attention for a while. I read to him when he was bored of playing with his toys, I read to him before we dosed off, and I read to him when he was cranky as well. Now, even after the little boy has discovered screen time, the boy still loves books and there is nothing that can replace our story time. After all, like a friend told me, no one will ask you to keep down your book unlike a mobile/tab!

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The Ivory Throne - Chronicles Of The House Of Travancore

Title: The Ivory Throne - Chronicles Of The House Of Travancore

Author: Manu S. Pillai

Pages: 694

Genre: Non Fiction/History

Rating : 5/5

There are books that are a good read, you finish the book happy to have read it and you look forward to your next read. Then there are books that you can't put down, you spend every waking moment itching to pick it up, start reading right where you were forced to stop and get lost in it. You miss it terribly once it's over and you just can't get over it. This book is one that falls in the latter category.

The Ivory Throne records the history of Travancore in the most thrilling manner that could be written. The book, as it mentions, is a chronicle of the fascinating times, from the era of Martanda Varma to India's liberation from colonial rule, two centuries after his passing. Above all, the book tells the tale of a female monarch, who served her people during one of the most crucial periods and brought about quite a few reforms and policies, which played a crucial role in laying the right foundation for the Kerala that we see today, winning the approval and love of her subjects, even amidst much opposition and backstage politics to make her step down. Though the book records the life and tales of the house of Travancore, the book focuses majorly on the life and story of the Regent Maharani, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, whose tales you tend to hear very rarely when you hear about the stories of the Travancore royal family. A lady whose efforts and service to the people have not been given the due credit that it required, a lady who has not been given her due share of glory that she deserved. The book traces the life of the Regent Maharani from the time she was adopted to the Travancore royal family at the age of 5 along with her cousin, Sethu Parvathi Bayi (Junior Maharani, and mother to the subsequent ruler, Chithira Thirunal Maharaja) until her death. Along with the book, you will live the whole life of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi from the time she was adopted, to the time she ruled and served five million people, stepping down from the throne when the minor Chithira Thirunal Maharaja came of age, her later life after stepping down as the Regent Maharani and the harassment she faced from her own family, to leaving everything behind and leading a life that was a total contrast to her royal life, and her insignificant death.

The book, running to 694 pages, is huge but the size really doesn't matter. It is a well-researched (the footnotes and references itself runs to more than 100 pages) and very well articulated. In fact, it is really hard to believe that this is the author, Manu Pillai's first book and even harder when you know that he was just about 25 years when he published the book. Much respect and even more admiration!

This is one of those books that you don't want to keep down. I stayed away from all chores, even going to the extent of hiding from the husband and kid as well (in fear of being called for any help!), eagerly reading and looking forward to the next page. In fact, it was so difficult to put the book down that even the little one's bedtime story was replaced by this book that he now calls the 'Princess book'. At the risk of sounding weird, whenever he wanted to hear/read a story, we opened this book and I read this out loud to him just because I found it really difficult to keep it down. By the time I was done reading, I had mixed feelings - happy to have known about the other side of the royal family that I so rarely have heard about and a sense of missing not knowing or having met anyone from this side.

It is definitely one of my best reads and I can go on and on about how much I loved the book. I spoke to anyone who would spare me a little time about the book and I am sure this book is going to be my favourite gift to anyone who loves books and history. I would really love to have a long discussion with anyone who found the book as interesting as I did! 

This book is a must read for anyone who loves non-fiction and Indian history as well as for anyone else who wants to get hooked to reading or would love to read a good thriller story. I am not someone who likes to re-read a book, but I'm sure this book will be an exception to that!

P.s: You can click the link below to buy the book!

When The Maze Soul Tai Came Visiting

The first time I saw a Mei Tai, I was intimidated. Long tails, complex ties and no easy buckles. The first time I tried a Mei Tai, it was an altogether different story. I fell in love with it! So forgiving, flexible as per your style and you can tame it the way you want. Ever since, Mei Tai has been my favourite carrier.

Whatever were the reasons for me to be intimidated about it became my reasons to love it too! I love how I can play with the long tails and end with fancy looking finishes. I like how it fits me more perfectly than a full buckle one, because I get to tie it as per my comfort and spread out the shoulder straps for an even weight distribution, unlike a full buckle. Also, it is a definite head turner with people looking at it (and you) and wondering “how did she do that?”. Above all this, a Mei Tai helps in getting the boy perched high on my back as compared to any other carrier, which helps him see the world unobstructed and have lovely conversations with his mom as well, keeping both, mamma and baby, happy.

Soaking in the sun and early morning cuddles

On a slightly different note, I love black and white prints. I am a sucker for anything black and white. And hence, when Soul Slings brought out its Maze jacquard range, I fell in love with its black and white geometric print instantly. To top this, those who tested and tried carriers in Maze were gushing about how cushy and soft the material was. Each time I saw a photo of a maze carrier, I was slightly more in love with it. However, buying one more carrier would be at the risk of the husband sulking and cribbing about the number of carriers I own (though, in my defense, I don’t own that many) and the entire family supporting him. Adding to this, the Mei Tai I already own is a black and white print, a cotton ikkat print one, which I absolutely adore and have no plans of parting with anytime in the near future. 

So, while I satisfied myself by looking at the beautiful pictures of Maze carriers, one day, Soul announced its travelling carrier programme exclusively for the Maze range. I immediately signed up for the Maze Soul Tai and crossed my fingers to be selected. And voila, it happened!

After a long, impatient wait the beauty arrived finally on one Tuesday evening and I had a week to host and enjoy it. After coaxing the little boy, who, whenever his mommy wants to carry him runs away as fast as he can (what’s with these kids? Only if someone carried me in these pretty carriers!), and bribing him, we tried the Maze Soul Tai for the first time. I must tell you, the weightless feeling that a Mei Tai gives you is incomparable!

It was a saving grace when the boy was sick and we had chores to finish

The Maze Soul Tai, by the time I received it, was buttery soft and cuddle worthy. The jacquard was broken well and had lost all its stiffness. Also, it was very different from the jacquards I had used till now. One, it seemed very airy and really lightweight and secondly, the two jacquard carriers that I had was still a bit rough, material-wise, even after breaking it in, as compared to the Maze jacquard which was as soft as it could get! To the extent that, at times, I felt it was too soft for a Mei Tai. It might also be because of the fact that I am used to my cotton Mei Tai and it has a certain stiffness to it that I’ve come to love. However, I’m sure I would love to have this material in a ring sling or a wrap for the super soft, cuddly feel that it gives.

Also, as much as I loved the design, for the finicky person that I am, the Maze design needs a bit of colour co-ordination. The design is so beautiful that any dress that doesn’t co-ordinate with it brings down its beauty. True story of what happened to me the first time I wore it. That said, this carrier will definitely go well with a casual jeans and plain top and it is sure to give you a very stylish, classy look!

We took it with us for a weekend getaway too

It’s definitely a worthy buy for all those looking for a Mei Tai, considering that a jacquard Mei Tai is quite sturdy and strong. For me, I would really love to have this print in a sling or a wrap (once I get the perfect excuse to add one more carrier to the seemingly evergrowing collection), only because I am too deeply in love with my cotton Soul Tai and I am just not yet ready to replace it!

P.s: This post was originally published in www.mommypower.in. To read, click here.