The Beautiful Transition

My dearest friend, White Diary asked me to take care of her Kadipatta plant (Curry leaves) and other plants till the time she finds larger space to keep them. I was more than happy to take them and keep them on my window grill.

Hungry Caterpillars

After a month, suddenly I noticed there were caterpillars on the plant. Oh My God was my reaction! The Common Mormon. There were three. I missed the first two stages before it became a caterpillar. I kept the plant indoors to not let the birds eat it and kept a close eye on them.


There was too much excitement that WD and me would discuss its process. It was indeed thrilling. Never seen this before. Out of the three caterpillars, one died :( that is when I took the plant and kept it right in front of my eyes! Didn't want to lose the other two.

This is the stage of Pupation. Before it gets into the stage of pupating, the caterpillar stops eating completely. They don't move either. This is when I thought they were probably dead. But they weren't. I touched it a little, it wriggled. I researched a little about their cycle and that was a relief and a beauty. The pupa hung itself, suspended on two silk strings...reminded me of Spider-man! This is also called the Chrysalis. Butterflies do not form cocoons, moths do.

After a week it started turning black, which meant the end of the pupal stage and a butterfly would emerge. Yay! 

Common Mormon Butterfly Emerges :)

                             And here emerges the Beautiful Butterfly and stretches its wings.                                    

Pretty Things!

And there were two. Flying around in the room. I played a lot with them. Held it, let it sit on me, and then I had to let them go out in the open... to fly to freedom, to live and continue the cycle of life!

Research source: http://www.butterflyschool.org/new/meta.html, http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Papilio_polytes/,  blogs, images. 

Freedom for me is...

• Choosing what I want to study.
• Choosing where I want to study.
• Switching jobs when I don't like one.
• Choosing a profession on my own.
• Wearing whatever I want.
• Returning home late night and safe.
• Voicing my opinion to my boss.
• Keeping silent when I don't want to talk.
• Correcting others' mistakes.
• Correcting my mistakes.
• Saving my money.
• Spending my money.
• Making decisions.
• Being the leader.
• Fighting with family, friends, colleagues.
• Riding my bike.
• Traveling and exploring places.
• Sharing and discussing. 
• Penning down thoughts.
• Love whoever I want to.
• Hate whoever I want to.
• To think about marriage whenever I want to.
• Appreciating and criticizing.
• To scream when frustrated.
• To scream when happy.
• To have fun.

What is freedom for you?

शुक्रिया...

• The New Year.
• Willy's wedding, it felt so good to see him so happy and I'm glad I was there to celebrate his happiness.
• Sports day, it was amazing to see the students so excited with the practices and the main day event, they didn't care if they stood last, they just enjoyed the races... however exhausted they were.
• Rajeshri, the sports teacher, for putting up the event all by herself and attending to each and every student keeping in mind their ability. She amazes me.
• The meeting with WD. Pleasant. Sweet. Happy.
• Chinu's Birthday, my adorable student. It was heart melting to see the relationship between he and his mother, he and his father. Non-verbal but can express himself so beautifully. Chinz I love u.
• My registration number, finally got it.
• Jaa, for the friend I can see in her.
• My safety, wherever I travel to, however late I return, with whoever I am with.
• Medical miracles, its great how medicine has progressed and treated people giving them hope to live a better and happy life. From treating chronic illness to infertility.  

31st December 2012 Thank you notes...

Thank You for...

• Family, for being together, however far away. Being there for each other in times of need.
• Friends, for making life fun, beautiful and worth living.
• The work I do, keeps me on my toes day and night... without it I don't know what would I have done.
• My colleagues, who are more like friends, makes a lot of difference when colleagues are like friends, for being warm, understanding and fun.
• My students, who give me happiness each day and show me in their own way, that no matter what, life is indeed beautiful.
• Festivals, Birthdays, Anniversaries, all these celebrations to celebrate togetherness and to bring in a little cheer.
• People who are not amongst us anymore, but have been there for us, with us and will remain in our memories forever.
• The places I've been to, making me realize that there's so much more to learn and experience.
• Prayers and Blessings, from people who wish well for my family and me.
• Gifts, small or big, old or new, the thought that goes into choosing one, keeping in mind my likes and dislikes.

.....2012 however it was, Good, Bad and Ugly.

All set for New Challenges, New Endeavours, New Beginnings that 2013 would bring.

Happy New Year!

Exploring Bombay- Banganga

Banganga, Walkeshwar.

So, my friends and me had an exploration after a long time. This time it was a visit to the Banganga tank at Walkeshwar, Malabar hill. It is the much heard of place as there used to be musical concerts that took place there called the Banganga Festival.

We went there and we saw so many things happening there. There were kids playing cricket and an enthusiast foreigner who played with them.

There were a group young people, I'm guessing students photographing different things around the place.

There were also a group of women who were singing and very well.

 The mythological story that goes with this place is, Lord Ram, was tired and asked his brother to bring him some water. So Lakshman instantly shot an arrow into the ground, and water gushed forth from the ground, creating a tributary of the Ganges, which flows over a thousand miles away, hence its name, Ban Ganga. Source: Wikipedia

As it is supposed to be a holy place, there were a lot of temples around at every nook and corner.

There were ducks and geese. It was amazing to see them and when we went close to them they were all running away.

It's such a great place. Quiet, Peaceful, Enjoyable.

You can just sit there for hours.

The only turn off was the water was not clean, well that was expected.

This time in our expedition, our dear friend Maria joined us who we met after years as she was away. So this was our reunion. :)

Thank you for...

• 2nd saturdays off, having a saturday holiday is so valuable.
• The call from Suzan from Goa, it's amazing how people still remember me even when I've lost touch with them for years.
• Colourful Pens, gifted by pree from Chennai.
• History, the past that has a lot to do with the present and the fascinating stories that are told.

Exploring Bombay

Exploring Bombay, is something that my friends and I have decided to do. Visit places that we have never been to but have heard a lot about it. Many places in Bombay are beautiful and have many stories attached to it that we want to rediscover.

Tourists: Heena, Priya, Me

Duration: No time limit. Cover as many places in a month.

Rules: A camera is a must. A little research before visiting the place. Carry plenty of water.

1. Phillips Antiques, Colaba
This is the first palce we visited. They have a collection of different ancient things like pottery, toys, furniture, etc. There were maps of pre & post India. Pictures of Old Bombay. We were NOT allowed to take pictures inside the place so we took one outisde.

research source: http://www.phillipsantiques.com/home.aspx
Fox traveller.
(inset pic: Heena Priya outside Phillips)

 2. Sassoon Docks, Colaba
One of the biggest fish markets in Bombay. We went there in the evening where there was nothing to see. The market is right inside from the main gate of Sassoon dock. We plan to buy fish one day from here.

research source: Wikipedia, blogs.

3. Afghan Church, Navy Nagar Colaba
This is one place I have always wanted to go. I have heard so much about this church.  It is built by the British to commemorate the dead of the First Afghan war of 1838.

When we entered the premises it didn't look like we were in Bombay. It was silent, nobody was there except for the garderner who told us that the Church shuts at 1pm. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the inside of the church.

Research source: Wikipedia

Merci Pour..

• WD, her birthday on the 2nd of July. Spending that time with her after a long, was very peaceful. Waiting for her to come back from her foreign trip and to listen to all her exciting stories.
• Stories, people's life stories...how everyone goes through tough times and rise and fall and rise again...it's beautiful how each one's life is designed differently.
• That call from SBH from the border of China, it made me happy.
• The special BEST bus services when the train drivers went on strike on the 20th of July. Although it took me 5 hours to reach home... I reached safely.
• The company, in the long bus journey- Pree.
• The physical strength and a calm mind in times of high stress.
• My colleagues, for their kindness and concern.
• All the time spent with Heen.
• Pan, for everything. My Superman.
• My students, for all the fun I have with them.

Balance for me is...

• Keeping a smile on the face even on a gloomy day.
• Keeping my cool when people are trying my patience.
• Juggling family, work, friends, relationships, emotions.
• To recharge the talktime on my mobile phone.
• Giving a high five to my student for a good job.
• Text messaging/tweeting in a super crowded train.
• Singing in harmony.
• Maintaining a conversation.
• Maintaining eye contact.
• The connection between the weak and the strong.
• Savings and expenditure.
• The transition from sad to being happy.
• Team work and team strength.

What is balance for you!?

Thank you for:

• Heen coming to India and to Bombay. So much happiness and peace to have her here and the nonstop talking and catching up of the 2 years we've lost.
• Her family really nice to see them healthy and happy.
• The celebration of my principal's birthday, the program set up by one of my co teachers and how the children danced and enjoyed.
• The route from Powai to Goregaon through the Lush Green Aarey. An incredible journey by bus and the rains adding to the beauty. It filled me with so much happiness. It was even a shorter route with no traffic. Fabulous!
• The call from MB and knowing that he is fine.
• 3D movies, it is so real. Watched the Amazing Spiderman...indeed amazing!
• Pree, for discussing the issues of communal disharmony and making me feel a little less upset by saying 'the people with narrow mindsets are inmates of a zoo you just watch them and move on to your business!'

Thank you for:

• Pree, with whom I can be however I want to and have funny, awesome moments at the same time.
• Pree's family, who welcome me and treat me like their own.
• Children, who manage to put a smile on grumpy, frustrated faces too.
• Food, for whoever makes it and makes sure I don't remain hungry.
• The child in the train, who cleaned the compartment and smiled at me when I gave him something to eat although the amount was very little.
• Birthdays, to celebrate life and the people who've been with you making it worth the ride.
• An occupation, to occupy my mind.
• The public transportation, that make efforts to reach me on time to places and safely...how much ever I crib about the price hike.
• The rains...it cooled the city and my mind. :)

Thank you for:

• The physical and mental strength to take care of my dear ones.
• Wisdom for making quick and good decisions.
• Money, for all the things I can buy and can live a decent life and provide support.
• The time alone to rethink over things and rejuvenate myself.
• Friends, who come bring in cheer and leave and will hopefully come again.

Letter to Myself at 16

Dearest darling C16,

I'm glad I'm writing to u C. I know you are enjoying the whole new world of college, different people, different opinions, different thoughts...nobody there knows you and that makes you feel good and secured. Don't be afraid to make new friends...don't doubt them..you will see how they stick on with you no matter what happens.

Dude, stay calm however irritated and fcked you are....its not gonna take u anywhere and people will start keeping a distance from u if u behave like a rude bitch!

I know you are hurting and trying your best to get out of the pains of a break up. In time, things will be fine with u...but talk it out to someone...to a friend...u need to let it out.

C, change is natural...it is a part of life...I know so many things are changing in your family...and u feel alone and stranded...but hang on....you will see how there will be more changes that you will feel good about, that u will like.

Don't hate ur folks, they love u and will need you much more than u had ever thought.

Continue to write and keep your letters...cuz soon the idea of letter writing will vanish. Continue to write in your journal...that will always be with u...in ur happiest and worst days. Continue to play music...learn more of it...it cleanses the soul. Work on ur stamina girl....I can see u are losing it...run like how u used to...keep cycling.

Accept defeat....but next time do much much better....don't waste your time sulking around.

Take up jobs...volunteer...its okay even if u don't like it...it will teach u a lot of things and you will know what you really want to do with ur life. I know you are at a stage where you don't know what u are gonna do with ur life....don't worry...you will find what you want to do and believe me, you will love it.

Don't think u are alone C, u have so many people to care for u and who love u..Just that u don't know and can't see it but they are there....and will always be there. Don't be a worrier. It's never an end...there's so much to life...so much more to see and u will be surprised how fascinating life can be.

Take care. Have fun.

Love u always,

C25.

Bumped into this idea from this post...loved it and wanted to do the same.

Dearest Team Mate

It's amazing how you have handled her in her sickness.

She trusts you...she loves you...she can't do without you.

I know the years you both have spent together hasn't been very pleasant.

But you both stuck by each other.

She feels safe with you.

You are her punching bag.

I know it hurts you but I even know how much you love her.

You care so much.

You are so patient.

You have balanced our lives.

And at the end of everyday you smile.

We have not always got along,

But we've had our share of great times together.

Today we are a team.

And I love being your team mate.

I love you.

I have seldom felt and told you.

But I love you more and I love her too a lot

Things may change.

Time will change it.

But I know we will always be a team.

A family.

Mumbai Special

It has been 20 long years since we have come to India Mumbai :) It has given us peace, prosperity, hope, friends, vision, respect, love, married life, etc. Thanks to this state and our parents who took the decision to get us here and show us a different culture or life to live on the edge. Lots will change... our bond will never... God Bless and happiness to come.

My brother sent this message on the 11th of September. It made me happy.

I have lived and let this place grow into me...with sweet and bitter memories.

20 years... and more to come... Mumbai a home I call.

So much more...

I have been longing to write...but what I want to write about...well...a hell lot of things, but cutting it short...

I am learning so much from life...I am learning so much from people's lives, people's stories...and each story ends indefinitely.
I am learning from the bonds I've created and I'm creating with people...I feel I belong.
I have been surprised with myself...with my thoughts, with the things I have done and with what I've felt, I learn from myself too...I see an other me.

'The life of every person is a diary in which one means to write one story, and writes another.'

Understanding Children

"Sometimes we forget that children have just arrived on the earth. They are a little like aliens, coming into beings as bundles of energy and pure potential, here on some exploratory mission and they are just trying to learn what it means to be human. For some reason Dennis and I reached out into the universe and found each other. Never really know how or why. And discovered that I can love an alien and he can love a creature. And thats weird enough for both of us."
From the movie Martian Child (2007).
This is written in the book that David the adoptive father writes about his adopted son who thinks has come from Mars. A must see movie.

Finally a Good bye

Addressed to my class.
I'm glad it has ended...I don't have to see u guys again...at least not for another few months. I hated all of u. I hope I never get to work with u all...well can't really say, but anyway.

A personal goodbye to...
Pac, I am not ur 'best friend'... I have been rude, sarcastic to u...n u didn't get it...u kept coming back to me...dude...! Why are u staying in Bombay...grrr! I don't want to know anything more abt ur 'special powers'...!
Maj, Your rudeness is not gonna take u anywhere. stop thinking people are blaming u, are trying to hurt u...and plotting a scheme against u....gosh!
Yap, I'm glad u stuck around till the end...even though it was rough. I'm glad u are going back. I feel bad for u...but I know things will get better once u are back to your 'Kingdom' :)
Fus, U are superficial. Stop screaming...I can still hear ur screeching voice...eeeh!
Zam, Dude....I missed u like hell. U were one person in class I could actually call as my friend, talk on paper during lecture...laugh abt anything n everything...having u around made it easier to glide through most of the year. I won't forget the little trips to mocha's...harbour line platforms... :) I hope u are doing fine.
Char, One thing...good u left...another thing...I missed having u around. I am not 'excessively happy' it was bcuz of U n Zam who used to make me feel happy. I shall meet u very soon.
Ast Ber, Don't simply include me in ur plans. I am not even acknowledged by u wen I'm in class.
Step Sav, U guys must start a recipe blog or something, not like I appreciate it or enjoy ur recipes...dude that is all u guys talked about whenever we sat for lunch together....ehh!
Nei, Grow up.
Bel Dil, I thought u guys were nice....but u are not. Bel stop thinking u conquer the world...cuz u don't. But yeah all the very best to both of u with ur centre...and for everything. I shall visit it someday.
Pan Rul Vep Sub, Ma'am there's no point apologizing wen the damage is already done. U call urselves special educators... have patience, understand ur students, every individual is different...this is what u taught us.
MRs, LDs, VIs... All the very best guys. Yes there are some nice moments that I can look back at and smile. Anyway take care.

Teach. Touch lives. Grow.

One whole year...

Yeah it's been one whole year.... since we parted ways.
I remember this day...last year... all we did was fight.
Bitter. Tears. Anger. Frustration. Anguish. Love.
I met you four times in this year. Four times.
I was fine. You were fine. But it wasn't the same.
I cried a hell lot of times.
I still cry.
I miss you... I want you to know that.
I know things have changed...You have changed...I have changed.
I don't know how many more years to come will it be like this... but one year has gone.
I love you...I still do....and I want you to know that.

Au Revoir 2008

Hmm....another year has come to an end. So much has happened. So how was my year...hmm...it was different. A lot of changes have taken place and somehow I embraced every change that came my way.

I realized that yeah bad things happen.... and at that time you have no idea what to do, but just escape from there...but later, even though its slow....good things happen too...and you just don't believe that it is happening with you...and it makes you feel you must just stay there.

People come into your life.... you don't know how where....but they are there....they love you, they care for you....and you wonder sometimes ‘am I worth it’. But what the heck just love them back.... embrace the moments, embrace the people who are there with you... quit questioning your happiness.

I can give excessive happiness and love to a person and can also hurt and upset that person really badly.

Life can be busy....well it is busy....but you can always take out time for people...even if it's a little time...it's worth it.

It’s great getting high...really high sometimes.... it's like knowing an alternate you.

At times you don't know how to react to things that happen.... one is because you can't do anything about it...and you don't know what to do about it... and end up being a silent spectator.

These are just some random jottings...reflecting back on 2008.

Celebrate the coming year and enjoy every bit of it. Take care guys....

Happy Crazy New Year!!

Scribbles :)