Urmi's little world

Craft Project: A Tortoise Costume :)

2012-02-15T15:33:00.002+04:00

My son Samarth had to dress up as a character from a fairytale for The Fairytale Ball that was held at his school today. I was really confused as to what I would dress him as, because I was quite bored of the usual Prince, Alladin, Knight, etc.

That's how I stumbled upon the idea of dressing him as a character from a fable. And what better and easier than a tortoise? I googled up some ideas and this is how I created his costume :) Pretty cool, isn't it?

I even painted his face for an effect, how's that? :) I think he made the cutest tortoise ever!

Yet some more Mehndi Designs

2012-01-29T12:01:00.000+04:00

My top 5 favourite Lavani tracks of all time

2012-01-24T10:43:00.000+04:00

( Image courtesy: Marathi-songs.com)

Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particularly performed to the beats of Dholak, a percussion instrument. Lavani is noted for its powerful rhythm and erotic sentiment. [source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavani]

Here is one more link to read more about Lavani dancers: http://www.indianmirror.com/dance/lavani.html

Being a staunch Mumbaikar, I have been strongly attracted to the beats of the Lavani songs for as long as I can remember and today I'm sharing my most favourite Lavani tracks of all time :) Oh and I have to admit - the best part of the Lavani is most definitely the dholak beats that resonate in the beginning of each song :) :) :)

Numero Uno! - Apsara Aali from Natarang. If there were anything such as the heaven of Lavani music - I think this one would be right there. Listen to it, and you'll agree! The raaga it has been composed in, and the lyrics - together make this a beautiful melody like none other! Each time I listen to it, it gives me the goosebumps - especially as Apsara Aali is sung in chorus!

Next - no surprise that the next one on my list is Vazale ke bara from Natarang again! This is yet another catchy Lavani track and so deserves to be on my list!

From the black and white era, this one is Reshmachya Reghani from the movie Maratha Tituka Melavava which was released in the year 1964. Fun and flirty, this is one Lavani I can listen to any time!

Jaalimandi Pikali Karavandh - from the movie Pudhcha Paool, yet again from the era gone by. As melodious as this song is - believe me, it is tough to sing! I had learned it and performed on stage once but it was quite a task. The twists and turns of melody in each line is something only an accomplished singer like Smt Manik Verma could beautifully execute!

And finally - Disla ga bai Disla from the movie Pinjara ! I was wondering which one would complete this list and then I remembered this song. Catchy beats make this one a memorable track!

Have you heard Lavanis and do you like any? Leave me a comment! :)

Do my cheeks look like Ra.One's Shah Rukh Khan? :O

2012-01-21T12:40:00.002+04:00

Mesmerized and admiring a very airbrushed photograph of Shah Rukh Khan in a magazine cover of Ra.One, Samarth's conversation with me goes like this:

Samarth: Amma, do your cheeks match Shah Rukh Khan's?

Me: No, how can it. Shah Rukh Khan is a man.

Samarth: No your cheeks are dry and Shah Rukh Khan's cheeks are very smooth.

Me: Huh !! Ok, whatever :O

GRRRRRR.... The last thing I want is my cheeks to be compared to Shah Rukh Khan's airbrushed image and that too of Ra.One which I totally detest. Okay my bollywood-attracted, star struck 5 year old son, I'm definitely not headed to moisturize my cheeks on this very dry winter morning !

Ready to bring in 2012 =) =)

2011-12-29T12:17:00.000+04:00

Some Tamil songs I have been hearing lately

2011-12-04T16:46:00.001+04:00

Azhagai Pookuthey

This haunting melody in the Raga Kiravani from the movie Ninaithaale Inikkum has captured my heart in gentle essence. I cannot stop hearing it!

Idhu Varai Illatha Unarvukal

From the movie Goa, this one is very contemporary and stylish, yet extremely melodious!

Aval Appdi Onrum

From the movie 'Angadi Theru'. Before I watched this movie, I was in total awe of the melody and lyrics and it kept attracting me magically. The movie has a very raw content and it focusses on the lives of the employees in big textile showrooms in Chennai and how they are treated by the owners. Extremely heartwrenching story; I couldn't bear to watch it at one stretch. This song took on a whole new meaning for me after I watched the movie as I really immersed myself in the characters.

Kaatril Varum Geethame

It will surely be etched into my favourites for many many years to come by !

Do you have any favourite songs that you would like to share with me? I am waiting to read about it !

Tulip-o-mania ;)

2011-11-21T16:49:00.001+04:00

Check out my tulip inspired Kolam :)

Unrelated but it fits in with my kolam theme ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_mania

Playing F.A.V.O.U.R.I.T.E.S

2011-11-15T11:27:00.001+04:00

Linking in to the monthly party on Colours Dekor and very happily at that :)

The past holds a lot of importance to me as it has shaped me into what I am today. Good or bad; memories are something which most of us will carry in our hearts and minds till the very end, isn't it? I dug up some old favourite pics and in the process; I rekindled a lot of memories as well. Of joyous laughter, of precious moments frozen in time and; amazingly, of days that I sometimes I wish I could rewind to.

It comes as no surprise to me; that in the list of my favourites - photographs are always at the top. I love going back to old albums be it digital or the good ol' prints; and I find myself being transported back into the very depth of those photographs.

I am pleased to share here a few photographs of some priceless moments in my life; which carry within them a lot of meaning; and some feelings that I can never express well enough in words :)

Here I am below, enjoying some time with my mom and sister on a family holiday to Ooty in 1994-95 [me on the right]

....celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary :):) May 17th 2005

....a priceless photograph of my little baby boy - in November 2006

............Watching a beautiful sunrise in Madrid - September 2011

...the doorway leading to my home here in Abu Dhabi

I clicked this photograph of my son in January 2010 - everything seems perfect in here; and I love this for its blatant innocence :)

...My favourite plant - a Tulsi :)

My favourite avatar of the Almighty - Lord Ganesha who has respected our faith in Him and never let us down!

Music is an integral part of my life - no two ways about it! Here is my favourite song which I used to sing a lot as a child especially at competitions and I have won prizes for it too. It's 'Lakdi Ki Kathi' from the Hindi movie Masoom :)

And another one - this time in Tamil. 'Raasathi Unnai Kaanatha Nenju' from the movie 'Vaidehi Kaathirundhaal' - is an eternal favourite of mine. It always, always brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it. There is a lot of hidden emotion in the melody and the lyrics that shakes me up like almost no other song can. Hear it to believe it. Even if you don't understand the lyrics; the song will rattle your senses.

And I sign off with a cute ant-elephant joke I just read and which will be a favourite one soon ;)

There was a football game between a team of elephants and a team of ants. An ant gets hold of the ball and runs to the goal line, but suddenly an elephant stands in front of the ant and crushes it. The crowds spring up and start booing the elephant . The referee said to the elephant, "Why did you crush that poor little ant?" The elephant said with tears in his eyes, "I only meant to foot trip him" !!!

I am sure you loved reading about my favourites - where's yours? I'm waiting :D

Okay so I really can't get enough of Mehndi, it is turning into a passion!!

2011-11-11T13:31:00.001+04:00

Tiny little feet decorated by me :)

..And my friend Sonal was visiting and she agreed to be my guest ;) here's her palm :D

Riot of Colours !

2011-11-07T17:04:00.002+04:00

Yes, it is exactly what it looks like it is. A wastepaper basket ! :D I volunteer at my son's school once a week and I took this picture on one of my days there. We were cutting up some craft paper to make a project for the display board; and I could not resist clicking this one. Beautiful, isn't it? :D

Festive season translates into lots of Mehndi ! :D

2011-11-02T16:17:00.001+04:00

Did you enjoy the designs? Don't forget to leave a comment! :)

We drove up to Jebel Hafeet :)

2011-10-30T16:35:00.000+04:00

We drove up to Jebel Hafeet this weekend; here are some snippets :)

You can read more about Jebel Hafeet here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jebel_Hafeet

Viewing Al Ain from high up there :)

Breathtaking!

We loved it !

I rarely ever post travel pics on this blog but now on I will. Stay tuned!! Hope all of you are having a lovely October!

Shubh Deepavali !!

2011-10-24T09:56:00.000+04:00

दीपाना दिपितम इती, पा अल्नेना पलितम,आयुर्दायाकम, वाल्नना अर्जितमलययोगेना ईप्सितम इती दीपावली

दीपावली प्रकाश्येता खलु सर्वं!!

The translation runs as:
May the Deepawali (Diwali) take the humanity towards Eternal Light! This light is the physical light created by the earthen Lamp, for seeing around, where I do exist. May it lead me to Eternal flame and to provide me meaningful Long life, the higher Yoga of Supreme realization and grant me the boon of Spiritual illumination!

All the phonemes of the word Deepawali have been explained in the Sanskrit Sloka. The first three lines are the sound structures of the term Deepawali, signifying the quintessence of the effulgence of the clay lamps ,The fourth line of the Shloka is prayer for all.

[Ref: http://sanskritvoice.com/2007/11/08/the-essense-of-deepavali/]

With this beautiful prayer, I hereby herald the beginning of Diwali this year :-) Today is the first day of Diwali and it's Dhanteras, the auspicious day that falls two days before Diwali, when Hindus buy gold/silver or anything to signify wealth/Lakshmi.

First things first though! Shopo Diwali fever is on and I have a secret little wish list :-)

This one by Varnam stole my heart !! I'm in awe of the beautiful brocade design !!

And this one too from by Mish Mash Design!! The colour combination is so soothing on this one, and though this shade of blue may not be a festive colour, it sure wins my heart!

....and I save my most favourite one for the last

Could there be anything more beautiful than this lamp by The People's Project? It brings back precious memories of my times spent at my grandmother's home and it reminds me of the beautiful antique silver lamps she possessed and I secretly admired !!

Thank you Shopo and ColoursDekor for announcing this contest and I sure hope I am one of the lucky ones!! Shubh Deepavali to one and all !! :)

Being proud of who we are

2011-10-11T10:00:00.004+04:00

In the end of September, we got back from a lovely week spent in Spain. I loved everything about that country; especially the greenery, the architecture and the best of all - the carefree, bindaas attitude that floats around in the air. It is that feeling of freedom, of being uninhibited without any stressful thoughts meandering about in the mind.

Yet, there was something else that struck me, it was in conformance to most of the other stories that I had heard from friends and family about the natives in European countries. About how they would not speak to a visitor in English even if they did know the language in bits and pieces. It's just that we experienced it first hand! All around us, we saw that roadside signs, boards, notices, warnings, directions in metro stations etc were all in Spanish. There was no way that a person who did not know the language would ever feel comfortable exploring by themselves.

We managed very well because we did have a broken knowledge of Spanish and we were able to throw in phrases combined with hand gestures that managed to communicate what we wanted.

Cut to India. It is so obvious that English has permeated in every single city, trickling into small towns and villages too. It is very easy for the non-Indian visitors to our country to navigate around without any help [at the risk of getting fleeced by touts though] but still, it is not that they will not understand where they are going.

I am yet to understand why we need to give English so much importance in our country?

Imagine what would happen if we were to politely greet a non-Indian tourist by saying 'Maaf kijiye behenji/bhaisaab; par hum Angrezi nahi bolte'.

They would be surprised for sure, but then they'd make sure they walk around with a Hindi phrase book so as to get around without hassles. By the way it is the same case in the Middle East where I live. Everyone here speaks lots of English/Hindi/Urdu so we don't ever feel that we need to learn Arabic to survive.

Just my thoughts today. But definitely fodder for the mind. Think about it :)

Happy Vijayadashmi - Dusshera to all !! :-)

2011-10-06T10:40:00.002+04:00

Heralding the festive month of October :)

Wishing one and all lots of happiness and love this festive season!

Short Film Review: 'Meals Ready' - Short Film in Malayalam- By Nithuna Dinesh

2011-09-23T15:00:00.000+04:00

All the people who have commented below the video, wrote about how sad the video is. I agree it is sad, but I am speechless at the grandpa's strong sense of self respect. It teaches us about what is more important in life and at the end of each day - money or a sense of intrinsic happiness. The way he sees it, at least the food he is eating will be what he has earned respectfully, regardless of whatever job he does. And I think that is the lesson for all of us here, sticking to our values and upholding our self-respect no matter what.

Even though grandpa and grandma live alone and they have no family, they are happy and they will sleep peacefully because they have each other. After watching the video, instead of feeling sad, this video gave me a good feeling. You will wonder how?

Despite the fact that the restaurant owner is ill treating the grandpa, still grandpa has no hard feelings towards him. Neither does he lose his cool nor curse him. Grandpa treats it like any other job on this planet which is thankless. It is so obvious here that in every manner he is richer than that restaurant owner, even though he is monetarily poorer. Money does give us a lot of opportunities and opens up a new world to us, but the lack of it does not mean the end of happiness.

Another thing I noted was that the restaurant owner was sulky faced the whole day but this grandpa had a smile at the end of the day - because no matter how tough his day is, at the end of the afternoon he had his life partner at home to share his food and happiness. Even if the restaurant owner had all riches in this world, he may have been ridden with guilt for not even offering the old man a drink of water.

Somehow I thought the director of this video was giving the viewers two choices. Either we lament about how sad life is for the two old people who have no family to care for them or provide for them - or, we take away valuable life lessons :) I choose the latter and I am sure most of us will :)

Homemade quickie Banana cake

2011-09-15T13:12:00.003+04:00

Ingredients :

Self-raising flour - 1 cup

Castor sugar - 1 cup

Baking powder - 1 tsp

Eggs - 2

Butter - 100 gms

Fresh Bananas - 2, pureed thickly

Vanilla Essence - 2 tsp

How:

Melt the butter in the microwave on medium-high for 1 minute. Whisk it together when warm and mix the sugar into it. Break eggs into this mix and whisk together very very well until well blended. Now add the banana puree to this and mix together. This is the forming of the batter.

Add the baking powder to the flour and mix. Now add this to the wet batter, in parts so that it does not form any lumps. Mix the whole batter very well now, it needs to be well constituted.

Invert a tea-saucer on your microwave turntable. Grease a microwave deep dish with a bit of oil/butter. Now pour the batter into this deep dish. Place the dish on top of the saucer that you have inverted on the turn-table, and microwave on high for about 6 minutes. Stop, and insert a fork into it - if the fork comes out clean, your cake is done. Else you need to bake it again for a minute or two.

Tip : While the cake is baking, don't ever leave it alone, keep an eye on the smell and go by your instinct. Enjoy!!

I baked it for my mother's birthday early in Sep this year and it was such a grand success!! Try it and I guarantee you the same!

Sacred Spaces

2011-09-13T10:54:00.006+04:00

It gives me great happiness to join in Patty's Creative Spaces linky party for this month of September :)

Let me tell you a bit about my creative space - it's a small square spot in a cozy corner of my bedroom and it is where I create most of my crafts :)

Cozy spaces attract me immensely, I feel more at ease and it helps my creativity to freely flow out :)

This drawer is where I store all my craft supplies, paints, brushes, scissors and other accessories.

My mantra is 'go green', so you'll be looking a lot of cartons, discarded boxes, and other tins when you sneak a peek into my workspace :)

Nothing gives me more peace than spending time crafting and creating some art :) Those are the hours in which I am truly content, a blissful experience :)

Do you like my space? Don't forget to leave me a comment! :)

Ganpati Bappa Morya!!

2011-09-03T14:54:00.001+04:00

Sunflower Mehndi :D

2011-08-02T12:33:00.000+04:00

My Favourite posts on Colours Dekor [authored by me]

2011-07-29T21:06:00.004+04:00

Shoe box : gift box

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2011/07/shoebox-gift-box_21.html

Peacock-lotus centrepiece

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2011/07/peacock-lotus-themed-centrepiece-final.html

Floral Wall Art

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2011/05/floral-wall-art.html

Kiddie Spongebob outfit [handcrafted]

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2011/03/spongebob-squarepants-craft-tutorial.html

Chinese Craft

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2011/03/crafting-in-china.html

Handcrafted Dolls using Toilet rolls :)

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2011/02/dolls.html

Simple, yet beautiful :)

2011-07-26T15:06:00.000+04:00

Festive kolams :)

2011-07-21T15:23:00.000+04:00

Mehndi Designing

2011-07-18T11:21:00.001+04:00

Floramania :D

2011-07-04T10:45:00.000+04:00

My first attempt at a podi kolam [podi is the tamil word for powder]

2011-07-03T13:40:00.002+04:00

Not so perfect, but not imperfect either? Bet all of you have seen better ones :) So another task this year is to get better at podi kolams!! :D

Hello Half-year 2011 ?

2011-06-25T19:31:00.003+04:00

Naawwwwww I can't believe the half of 2011 has disappeared already so soon?? :)

I've been up to a lot ! Finished my Semester 3 of the PGDBA, and also started to work full-time :) In between all that it's been a whirling typhoon with managing the house, husband and the kid. And I've also been supporting and contributing to a lot of other blogs too :)

I am so totally looking forward to the rest of 2011... want to travel, see one new destination at least and I want to just relax. I also want to meet my personal goal of staying in touch with friends and speaking to them on the phone [at least what I can manage].

And I also want to write more... :) and I promise to pay more attention to Raagfusion and update more often ! :)

A Thousand words

2011-05-20T14:37:00.005+04:00

Linking in to Patty's gorgeous spotlight on 'A Thousand words' this May :-)

My books have always been my companions all over the years. Be it my cookbooks, or my collection of fiction penned by Indian authors - it's very difficult for me to choose which particular book I love the most.

This is my tiny little bookshelf back home in Mumbai, a space which I treasure very very much. It's not a very big collection, but it holds great meaning in my life.

Books have always interested me. I have been in love with the magical world of words every since I was a little girl, always enchanted by it. I would always be found in my cozy corner at home, surrounded by my fave cushions and a book in my hands.

I recall an interesting anecdote at this point. Once, my mother was about to step in for a shower and she had asked me to watch over my toddler sister. I was around 5 at that time and, as always, immersed in one of my books. Apparently, mum came back to see that my sister had crawled really far away and I was just so busy reading that I didn't even notice!!

The same holds true even today. When I bury my head in an interesting book, I am blissfully unaware of what is happening around me.

This is a book that's very precious to me.... it contains a lot of traditional recipes given by my mum, and it also has a few recipes I like and have tried over the past few years here in my kitchen in Abu Dhabi.

Some cookbooks I own!

And... last but not the least, this is my very tiny little book collection here in Abu Dhabi. I have always wished to have more space so that I can collect more books - Hopefully it will happen some day! :)

I am keen to develop the reading habit in my son and I am already seeing the love he has for his picture books. They lure him into their world, just as they enticed me :)

2011-04-16T16:59:00.002+04:00

Happy Vishu to all the readers of my Blog !! May the nava-varsha bring lots of happiness, love and prosperity!!

Our children, Our priceless treasure

2011-04-06T11:35:00.006+04:00

April 2011 has been selected as the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness month.

Call me paranoid, call me weird. Say what you want, but I won't budge.

October 19th 2006 - a day when hubby and I were entrusted with a little bundle of responsibility by the Lord Almighty, and then right there I had made a pledge. I had in my arms, a little baby that was born in this world in which molesters and paedophiles lurk around everywhere and no path is ever safe.

I don't know why some people like to imagine that it does not exist, and that all is hunky-dory with this world. OPEN YOUR EYES, I want to scream. I want to shake such people awake to the gruesome crimes that are happening all around us, and turning a blind eye to it does not mean that all is well.

Hah, you'll say. How is that even possible, do you think you'll take on the world all by yourself? Oh sure I think I will, but then that's the mum in me speaking.

Honestly though, I wonder if I will ever be able to safeguard him from all these evil human elements that are out to snatch his innocence. As careful as we are with keeping an eye on him, in a fraction of a second, things could change. And trust me when I say that. Read on for more.

On a recent vacation abroad, we were shopping at a boutique when sonny boy disappeared. In those 10 minutes that we couldn't find him - all sorts of thoughts roared past my mind !! We looked for him everywhere around the place, my heart pounding hard. I cursed myself for that 1 nanosecond that I had let my gaze wander away from him whilst I looked at some accessories. I screamed his name out loud everywhere and no answer. Finally at the end of 10 whole minutes we discovered that he had run past the exit and was looking for me.

But those precious minutes that we were clueless about his whereabouts - taught me a big lesson. That I could never take his safety for granted. Never, ever. Not for a single moment could I assume that this world had one nice samaritan who would return my lost child to his mommy.

These days, the 'cruelties' of humans who derive sadistic satisfaction by preying on children, have crossed all limits. In the Middle East, where I live, a lot of cases go unreported and a lot is hushed up due to the 'culture' and the 'laws' of the land. It is for this very reason that I have never been comfortable with the idea of sending my child to a daycare or even hiring a nanny to take care of him. I can't decide which option is better - so for the past 4 years I decided to do without it altogether and work from home for his sake.

------------------------------------------------------------

Read more about 4 year old Mousa's ordeal here, the crime took place in Dubai in November 2009 - his offender was executed by the firing squad on 10th Feb this year.

http://www.coastaldigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20331

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I call upon all parents to maintain a healthy relationship with their children - and always lend a listening ear to your child so that he/she will feel secure enough to tell you all about their day.

Most importantly, as a parent learn to trust your instinct. If you think something is wrong then 99% of the times, it is. Never ever ignore even the slightest change in your child's behaviour. If it appears unusual, try to probe a little more and look for clues.

Be aware !! After all, our child's safety is our responsibility - and not the child's!

-------------------------------

1. Read Sunayna's post on how mums can protect their little boys

http://sunayanaroy.blogspot.com/2011/04/csa-am-protecting-boys-from-csa.html

2. Aswathy's view on CSA

http://krishnnaleela.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/csa-awareness-my-two-cents/

Kids !!

2011-03-22T15:45:00.003+04:00

Our children grow up way too soon for our liking :( Illustrated by my experience today with my child.

The above ad is a popular one aired in the Middle East for a chain of stores by the Landmark group that goes by the name of Centrepoint. In these 30 seconds, for a fleeting moment they show a woman admiring a pair of shoes :)

My 4.5 year old son saw the ad and said for the first time ever -

'Amma, I will buy you those shoes'. And I asked him when, and he said

'On Monday'.

And then.. I just stared and stared at him. Wasn't he a little baby playing in my arms just a while ago - WHEN did he grow up this much?? I love him more and more as the days speed past us, but really, I wish he was a little baby all over again for me to relish :) Sigh :)

The WoMaN in Me

2011-02-26T17:08:00.006+04:00

The nurturer of happiness,

The harbinger of good luck

Together in your sorrow, behind every success

I sing silently, the tunes of hope

I'm rendered speechless, when I'm surrounded by infinite love

Sugar and spice, everything nice - it's me in a pink envelope

Deep inside me, the quest of this little heart

For love, akin to the little footprints in the sands of time

See it in the twinkle of my eyes, in the swing of my walk

I'm the real woman, I am confidence personified

Love me, understand me, know me

The world kisses my feet and I am mine!

Moi latest efforts : Indian Art :-)

2011-02-26T12:02:00.002+04:00

This is my interpretation of a heritage project. The building or interiors could use motifs like this

These are just some motifs I was doodling when I had some free time at work. My job involved a lot of phone conversations; the perfect time for my creative pursuits :o)

Music that haunts me

2011-02-16T10:07:00.000+04:00

Chitthi na koi sandes, jaane woh kaunsa des jahaan tum chale gaye
(You rest in an unknown place, from where you are unable to send us a letter or a message of your wellbeing)

This is a haunting song, rendered effortlessly by renowned ghazal singer Jagjit Singh. It was featured in a dark movie by the name of 'Dushman' directed by Tanuja Chandra. The story is about twin sisters [double role by Bollywood actress Kajol], in which one of them is brutally raped and killed. The other twin, traumatised and enraged - pushes against all odds to fight for justice. Her struggle forms a large part of the movie - the perpetrator of her sister's death tries to pin her down, to force her to back off.

I just don't know why this song shakes me up so much. There's just something about it that manages to wrench my heart out. I just can't place a finger on what is it that disturbs me.

To begin with, it reminds me of all the people who have passed away in our family - more so, of the untimely demise of my uncle in May 1992 in a car crash. My uncle was on a work assignment in a remote area where his car fell down a ravine. The incident is something I never forget as I was only 10 at that time. This song brings back memories of that horrible day; and I am transported back to what uncle would have experienced in the final moments before his death. The line below expresses just that.

'Koi Aah bhari hogi, humne na suni hogi'
(You would've cried for help, but it was unheard by us as we weren't around)

I remember listening to the song one morning in 2003 when it just came on the radio, and somehow I just couldn't control my emotions. I was sobbing so hard that I had to switch off the radio. Ever since I haven't heard the song even coincidentally, to my luck. Oh and by the way, writing about it here was like unloading my emotions.

Have you heard the song and does it shake you up too? Do you have a similar story; of songs or lyrics that affect you so badly? Leave me a comment!

it's NEW !

2011-02-12T17:50:00.002+04:00

The blog now has a new look !! - I've played around with the font a bit and I love it !! - what do you think? Drop me a line!

Floral !

2011-01-19T18:38:00.001+04:00

Her Calling

2011-01-11T10:47:00.005+04:00

The keeper of her secrets, her friend in her lonely times. It was all she needed and she enjoyed the special relationship they shared. They were inseparable, and were the cynosure of all eyes.

When she spoke, it listened and never asked her any questions. She would spend hours and hours on her favourite cushion, and would tell all her stories. When they were together, days smoothed into nights and then she would continue till sleep encased her.

A blue afternoon, butterflies prancing about her head. She had nothing in particular to do, the day seemed to drag on. Sleepy. Dreams whirling aimlessly.

A loud sound; rattled her out of her trance. 'It' was ringing. She answered, and froze. THAT familiar tune. It had haunted her since childhood, and now it was back. To wreck havoc and change her life forever.

Merry Xmas and a Happy 2011 !!

2010-12-23T15:10:00.003+04:00

Wishing all my precious readers a Merry Xmas and a Happy New year 2011. Cheers to a brand new year and bigger commitments :):)

2010-11-22T14:55:00.003+04:00

I'm on Etsy !!

I have finally put my thoughts and ideas into full motion and here is the link !! Right now I'm selling handmade envelopes, but watch the space cos there's more to come !

http://www.etsy.com/people/UrmilaSantosh

Kolam with a different pattern

2010-10-28T15:24:00.006+04:00

Saw this design in a photograph online somewhere and decided to try it out. The squiggles seemed easy to do. Does it look nice? :)

Samarth's Art Work :-D

2010-10-19T12:15:00.004+04:00

Some of you who are following me on Facebook would have seen these images. These are my 4 year old Samarth's drawings and writing.

I'm on Colours Dekor too !!

2010-10-14T13:11:00.004+04:00

Follow me on Colours Dekor which is a beautiful blog owned by Patricia Torres. Patricia is into home decor and like me; she loves all things simple, beautiful and aesthetic. Read my inaugural post at

http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/2010/10/gifted-craft.html

My little artist

2010-10-06T09:53:00.003+04:00

Samarth's begun to draw so beautifully !!

He drew a cute little flower last night on his blackboard and it was precious !! He also can draw an apple, a fish, a star and is still exploring. I am LOVING it !!

I really want him to explore his creativity and learn to think out-of-the-box. The school we have enrolled him in gives him the ideal environment and encourages learning through play. It's a mix of structured and unstructured, and he is enjoying it :)

Yummmmmmmmy Garlic Bread

2010-10-05T21:43:00.003+04:00

Tried my hand at Garlic bread and it was splendid !

I happened to have several slices of leftover old bread and had just bought a small box of ready peeled garlic cloves. I didn't expect a fantastic result; but the result was delicious. I made it as a tea-time snack today, we were ravenous and wolfed it down !! I forgot to click a pic though :-)

[Image courtesy: leboncroissant.com]

My recipe

Bread: I used slices of regular sandwich bread [6 slices] which I halved horizontally. The one used commercially is the french bread [baguette]

For the garlic spread:

Crushed garlic [I used a garlic press, and about 5 cloves]. You can alter the quantity as per your preference

1.5 tbsp of butter

1.5 tbsp of low fat cheese spread / mayonnaise

salt to taste

a bit of white pepper if you want the spice

Method:

1. Halve the slices of sandwich bread.

2. Spread the garlic mixture on each piece. Now heat a tawa and place 2 pieces at a time with the garlic side up. Once the bottom of the slice is warmed, flip over and wait for a minute or so till it is well browned

Serve with ketchup! :D Happy eating !!

Egg fried Rice :-)

2010-09-30T12:34:00.004+04:00

You're right !! I'm on a cooking spree and making my fave dishes this week :D Presenting - my version of the egg fried rice!!

Ingredients:

Basmati Rice - 1 cup

Veggies needed: Spring onions, Baby corn, Peas, carrots [use all, or choose any combination]

2 Eggs [whisked well]

Soya sauce

Tomato puree/paste [the readymade one available in supermarkets is fine]

White pepper

Salt to taste

Method:

Cook the rice al-dente and toss in a bit of oil and fry well till the colour turns mild brown. In another wok, pour a bit of oil and toss in the white part [scallions] of the spring onions and stir until it turns brown. Now add in the egg mixture and wait till the eggs get scrambled. Mix well. Now add the green leaves of the spring onions and the baby corn. Mix really well and add a bit of tomato paste and a bit of soya sauce. Add salt to taste, and a a bit of white pepper for the spice. Stir thoroughly and keep the flame medium-high so that the ingredients get roasted in the heat; and to get the slightly-burnt taste. Now toss in this veggie+egg mixture into the fried rice and mix together really well, on a medium-flame for 3-4 minutes. Done !!

Paneer Tikka ;-)

2010-09-27T11:20:00.005+04:00

The word 'Paneer' conjures up images of yummy dishes in my mind. I am a self-confessed paneer addict and so is my gorgeous soulmate Pallavi :-) I've been wanting to make paneer tikka ever since I read this funny post on her blog.

So !! Yesterday night was experiment time :-)It did not resemble the restaurant version in any way, and looked pretty charcoal-grilled but the taste was really nice. I also sauteed some onions to go with it. Since I used a small leftover block of paneer; I couldn't slice it as big and thick as I'd have liked to. But the result was delicious and it was a great accompaniment to parathas ;-)

And yeah Pallavi, I have mustered the courage to put up photos :) whatever it is, it's my piece of art ;-)

Here's the recipe :-)

200 gm Paneer cubed or into small thick slices

For the marinade:

4 tbsp thick curd

Appropriate measures of chilli powder, garam masala powder and salt.
Mix all together. I added tomato paste also to this [readymade paste].

The marinade needs to be really thick.

Method:

Slice the paneer into thick cubes.

Now prick the paneer with a fork and apply the marinade covering fully. Let it marinate for an hour or two. An hour is usually enough.

Shallow fry and enjoy it. Sauteed onion slices and capscium slices are also great accompaniments :D

The Attack of the Evil

2010-09-23T11:56:00.005+04:00

She cringed as it tried to twist her neck.The evil forces had arrived, she realized. It pounded her head into bits and pieces, and smirked. Soon, she thought, she wouldn't be alive any more. She wanted to retch, so she tried to get off the bed to move towards the open bathroom. It pinned her neck to the pillow, rendering her helpless. Stiff-necked, she tried to move but fell just near her bed. The back of her head felt non-existent and she passed out.

When she regained consciousness a few minutes later, she was aching all over. Clutching her neck, she pleaded with the evil forces to let her go. They said, not yet !! Not until we have achieved what we wanted to *smirking again* !!!

She could hear the phone ringing in the living room and she knew it was him, her sweetheart; and she pined to hear his voice. Immobile and sore, all she could do is let it ring on and on.

.................................................

............................................................................................................

And then, she woke up. Yet another migraine-induced nightmare that had succeeded in giving her the creeps. She looked around to make sure everything was okay. With her head still pounding, she checked every nook and corner in the large house. Moved towards the medicine chest, found her pills and popped one. There was noone who could help her deal with all this. She'd become tired and weary with constant debilitating headaches, which were no less than evil forces that were there to stay.

Life had to go on.

Recent Designs

2010-09-21T12:34:00.003+04:00

Chinna Chinna padham veythu, kannaa nee vaa :-)

2010-09-03T21:08:00.004+04:00

Right from when the festive season kicked off, I had dreamed of building this pandal for my darling Krishna for this year's festival. I am delighted that my decorative efforts paid off :-)

Enjoy these pics from Janmashtami at our home here in Abu Dhabi, this year of 2010

Everything turned out JUST how I had expected it to. Even the eats for neivedhyam tasted perfect, just the way I had imagined it would. Special thanks to Savithri for her mom's Nei Appam recipe, and to my precious Jaya chitthi for her microwave therattipaal recipe.

Onam 2010

2010-08-26T18:41:00.003+04:00

Spot the Hidden Butterfly :D

2010-08-15T16:20:00.002+04:00

New Wall Art

2010-08-03T14:57:00.009+04:00

I've always had the 'palm tree' Wallies on my living room wall [purchased from Ace Hardware], it has been that way for the past 2 and a half years. So I now decided it was time for a change.

When we moved to this home in Feb 2008, I had no clue that I'd become so artsy craftsy. And that I could use these skills to decorate my home. But then, quite frankly I didn't have the time since Samarth was just 17 month old baby and quite a handful.

I still think my home isn't as decorated as I would like it to be. I have to wait for sonny boy to grow up a little bit more before I can put anything fragile on the floors or reachable areas. Until then, wall-decoration ~ here I come ! :-)

Take a look at my wall now and tell me how you like it :-)

Only the images have been printed off the internet. The rest of the background work, designs and art is mine !! Same for the pic below.

For the Yashoda-Krishna photo above, I added the curtain design and flooring and the night background by myself. Like it?

Waiting for the bevy of festivals

2010-08-01T20:52:00.002+04:00

I can't really explain why; but this year I am totally looking forward to the festival season :-) :-) :-) Even though I celebrate by myself here in Abu Dhabi; in our cosy home - it is still something that I await.

I'm totally awaiting Gokulashtami for a special reason. This year, my inlaws have gifted me a small mini-stage made in oxidized silver for my deities to sit on during the pooja. I also plan to make a small jhoola for my new Vennai-krishna idol :-) And of course the Lord's favourites: Appams, Pal Payasam and Vadai. I also deck up my little boy as a baal-krushna :-)

Moving on, to Ganesh Chaturthi which is always replete with Modaks. I create my Ganesha idol by myself, as has been for the past two years; and last year I had also made a special pedestal for Ganaraya to rest on. Planning to make some paper flower decorations this year; as extra ornaments :)

And then there's Navratri and Diwali. Full of heavy-eats. Hope I can find some low-cal recipes for this year :-P

Happy Festive Season, to all my blog readers :)

Our Trip to Bahrain

2010-08-01T18:17:00.004+04:00

Such a quaint and quiet city, yet it bubbles with a unique energy. I am already totally head-over-heels in love with this lovely little Kingdom; with just one visit there. If I had the choice; I'd even be be happy to move there!!

That's the khau-galli in Juffair :P

This is Old Bahrain

That's the grand Mosque

:):)

2010-06-19T17:53:00.000+04:00

Pasta and Bechamel Sauce with veggies :P Delicious !!

2010-06-09T11:08:00.002+04:00

Interesting Border Kolam :)

2010-06-07T14:06:00.001+04:00

Egg Noodles + Veg Manchurian ~ maketh a yummilicious meal !

2010-06-01T10:33:00.004+04:00

Whackworthy Individuals - Contest at Blogadda.com

2010-05-25T18:23:00.002+04:00

Normally I’m this person who believes in non-violence. I prefer to mete out the silent treatment to those around me and it always works. But being an Arian, ‘non-violence’ shouldn’t really be a part of my dictionary, should it?

Parents who look lovingly upon their ‘angelic’ children spreading havoc have always; I repeat, always amazed me. And have annoyed me endlessly. There was this little 3 year old boy at my son’s nursery class – who would insist on pushing my son around every day as we stood outside the nursery to head home in the afternoons. A little, harmless shoving around is nice for the kids and especially boys. But one day, it was clearly the limit because he shoved him so strongly that my son fell against a tree. And the mother!! She stood watching her son; not uttering a single word. I glared at him and his mom to get the point home. Thank God my boy was not hurt. Else I’d be writing here about HOW I whacked her [tee hee!] I have no idea how some parents cannot absolutely discipline their children. Even after I questioned her about her son’s behaviour, she just ignored me and walked off!

People who spit on the road anger me because they cannot be fined under the law here where I live. Especially those who make all sorts of grunting sounds to accompany their filthy act, make me want to pick the nearest weapon of assault and whack. They just don’t care that other people are walking past them. And why is it joyous for them to deface the very pavements that they hang around every day? It disgusts me to no end. I am praying for the day when the Singaporean law system is applied to every country around the world. I am proud of the way Singapore has enforced their rules regarding hygiene and general demeanour; in such a strong way that the residents have no choice but to abide by it.

In my opinion, people who backbite either at their workplace or in personal relationships, are insecure personalities with low self-esteem. They cannot fathom that other people can be happier than them and would go to any lengths to ‘crush’ the happiness, and draw attention to themselves. One would only understand, if one had been a victim of such behaviour. I for one, can never understand how some women can perfect the fake ‘Ooh-HOW-are-you, ooo-long-time-no-see’ routine. When it’s obvious, they’re thinking exactly the opposite at that very moment. Like, how did SHE come here, to this event?

People who show a blatant intolerance towards children, are annoying. For heaven’s sake, children will be what they are. They have the right to jump around and do funny things. It’s the only time they can get away with such behaviour, right? But no, some ‘adults’ just don’t get it. I have been given ‘the look’ by some people at public places when my son is running around generally and manages to get in their way. Have they have forgotten that they were kids once-upon-a-time too? By the way, I think adulthood is not just about growing physically. It’s also about maturing, growing wiser and learning from experiences.

Last but not the least, I want to whack people who compare. I mean those who are always in the race to get ahead and show that they are better. This urge to compare trickles into every little sphere of their lives and never really leaves. Salaries, expenditure, toddler’s weight, children’s exam scores, new vacation spots and the list goes on and on. Woebegone are those who are at the receiving end of such people’s constant meaningless chatter. Somehow it’s a very Indian concept because I interact with European women frequently and have realised that they don’t really waste time discussing such.

The challenge lies in making a difference. To try and spread LOVE all around us to make this world a happier place to live in.

Mystery Fiction Contest @ Blogadda.com

2010-05-14T22:46:00.006+04:00

Hi Folks ! This is my entry to the 'Mystery Fiction Contest' at Blogadda.com . You can find the announcement to the contest here: http://blog.blogadda.com/2010/05/12/a-mystery-fiction-contest-whodunnit

It was absolute fun figuring out who the killer could've been. I couldn't think of a more suitable answer than the one below :) Here goes..

----------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s very obvious as to who is the killer. It’s Lila’s conscience, the person who lived inside her!! An integral part of her that had borne way too much over the years. Heavy, disturbed and shaken, it just could take no more.

All her life, Lila derived pleasure in dominating over her men and other relationships; which had given her more than just plain happiness. It was a feeling of sadistic joy. However, ever since her last relationship with G had crumbled, she had come to realize that there were forces beyond her control that could destroy her forever. Demons had entered her body, ones who could remove her very existence from this world. And that feeling of helplessness shook the ground below her feet.

It really didn’t take much to bring her to the thought of ending it all, yet in style. There’s a very valid reason behind why Lila invited who was a part of her life to that last, grand finale of a party. She was too proud to apologize for the relationships soured because of her personality traits; but the person living inside her made her do it. She was to die of the virus that was G’s parting gift to her; but submitting to that death would’ve meant that she had given up!! No way would she ever let that happen, would she? She was Lila, she couldn’t bow down even before the wishes of the Almighty.

There is a reason why the others had tried to kill her and they had failed. No one could grant a suitable punishment to Lila, other than the person who lived inside her. In that flash of a moment, Lila emptied her life of all the memories and materialistic assets that she had clung on to and decided to leave. In the manner that befitted a woman who had fallen in her own eyes.

P.S: This is what I think I may have seen at Lila's house - Poster

-----------------------------------------------------------

YuMmY-iN-tHe-TuMmY: My besan laddoos

2010-05-10T13:36:00.003+04:00

Fun with PlayDough

2010-04-22T19:38:00.003+04:00

Back to creating my kolams :) :)

2010-04-18T11:02:00.004+04:00

My own designs

2010-04-17T15:30:00.004+04:00

These are kolam designs I have created on my recent trip to India...

Inspiring Kolam Designs

2010-04-17T15:12:00.009+04:00

The ones above .... the first one by my sister Sandhya; and the second one by Anil - the helperboy at my uncle's home. Fantastic, aren't they?

The ones below have been created by some Iyer women whom I don't know. Kudos to their talent !!

My ART work :)

2010-02-21T15:55:00.002+04:00

Mera TP

My manni's Kolam design

2010-02-21T15:53:00.002+04:00

It's been created by my sis-in-law .... isn't it beautiful? :)
Check this out....

Kolam, yet again!

2010-02-18T10:39:00.002+04:00

The basket

2010-02-07T17:02:00.006+04:00

A frilly frock with a beautiful pink lace; A glistening pair of baby-sized anklets. A small box of kohl and a little doll house. They lay quietly; in the deep abyss of the fluffy pink basket.

Ma, Hope you and dad will be here this week? The doctor says the baby may come in earlier than we expected.

The cupboard was all set and ready with the best wardrobe a baby girl could ever want. It was a zoo theme for the nursery ~ cute elephants and giraffes danced together on the mellow yellow walls.
Rattle toys, sqawking toy parrots - this little princess would have it all.

Push gently sweetheart.. push.. push.. yes breathe breathe.. push.. .... ooooh the baby girl's here !!!

The tinkling of the wind chimes awakened Ruki. The baby lay snuggling against her, fast asleep. She watched, as sleep enveloped her precious granddaughter Deah.

And then, she shed a tear. For her little pink princess born 30 years ago, who didn't get a chance at life. The life which was now Deah's to live. She'd be grandma's precious angel; the keeper of her joys and unfulfilled dreams.

The fluffy pink basket came to life :)

Kids are just the cutest :)

2010-02-04T19:27:00.002+04:00

Tots are the cutest, aren't they?

Samarth was lounging around today evening; and attempting to cuddle with me. He takes my palm in his and says 'Amma kaii soft-aa irruku' [Amma's palms are so soft :P] and then snuggles in..

My child made my day with his compliment :D

Pongal Vaazhthukkal :)

2010-01-18T15:18:00.003+04:00

Samarth's quiet musings..

2009-12-23T10:36:00.003+04:00

Last evening, Samarth was sitting next to me and watching me paint a clay pot [I was using acrylic paints]. He then announced that he would also like to paint with me.

I knew that if I had given the brush to him at that moment, he'd have created a mess by insisting that he would paint on the same pot. So for the moment I told him that when he grows to be a big boy, I will buy him paints and then he can also paint with me.
He was quiet for some time... and then said: 'Amma big.... ; Samu small !' :)

My little baby is growing up; in more ways than one :)

Festive Kolams :)

2009-11-18T10:43:00.004+04:00

This one and the below done by me for Samarth's birthday poojai

This one was done by my periamma [aunt]

And this one by me :)

Pookalams

2009-11-04T12:22:00.002+04:00

Rangolis Done over the years

2009-11-04T12:18:00.003+04:00

Yummy Yum Mysorepak [My first attempt!!]

2009-10-28T12:36:00.004+04:00

Hi Everyone !! :-)

Here are the images of my first attempt at making MysorePak..... turned out super yum !! :-)

The mysore pak is ready to be set into pieces. I couldn't take pics of the stages of production; if I had tried to, I'd have ended up burning the mixture :-))

Mysorepak !!

Do pardon the shapes in this pic ... cos all the nice square pieces have been packed for Samarth's cute n adorable greatgrandmas to relish in India !!

So here goes the recipe:

Besan - 1.5 cups

Ghee - 2 cups [I used Amul]

Sugar - 1.5 cups [powder it so that the mysorepak is smooth to taste and not crunchy]

Water - 1.5 cups

Before you begin, grease a steel thali with ghee and set aside.

Take a heavy bottomed wok and put 2 tbsp ghee in it. When the ghee gets warm, add the besan to it slowly and roast nicely till the you get the nice fried aroma. Keep stirring and the gas should be really really low, because besan can burn easily. Set aside. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, set the water to boil.

Once it begins to boil, add the powdered sugar and keep stirring till it reaches a single thread consistency [You'll know if you touch it between your thumb and index finger]. Immediately add the besan in parts and keep stirring so that it does not form any lumps. Once the besan has mixed well in the sugar syrup, start adding the ghee. You have to work really fast at this stage, else it will not blend in well. Add half a cup of ghee first and then keep adding in the same proportions until the mixture drinks up the ghee, begins to turn brown and starts to form a non-gooey mass and it will leave the sides of the saucepan. Immediately pour into the greased thali and cut into the square / diamond shapes before it begins to cool.

It will take about 10-15 mins to set well and cool. Enjoy the Mysorepak - and whoever is trying this recipe, do let me know how it turned out !!!

Happy Deepavali !!

2009-10-18T18:20:00.001+04:00

I hope all of you enjoyed Deepavali yesterday and I pray that this year brings cheer and prosperity in your lives. We had a nice celebration with yummy eats and good quality family time.

My piece of art !! I made it with shimmer rangoli colours and it looked just magical :-)

Rangoli Designs for the sides - near the edges of your outdoor wall or even inside

2009-10-16T15:31:00.001+04:00

Small Rangoli designs for the edges :)

Some more Rangoli designs

2009-10-15T23:48:00.000+04:00

Try these out, my dear friends - for this festive season - and don't forget to send me Pics !!! :) Pat, this goes out especially for you !

Mehndi Designs

2009-10-15T23:42:00.000+04:00

One more, for the festive season :)

Try this for Diwali? It's more like a Satya Paul design.. abstract :-)

2009-10-14T12:09:00.001+04:00

Rangoli Designs for Diwali

2009-10-14T12:03:00.002+04:00

I've put togther some nice Rangoli patterns for Diwali - simple and easy-to-create even for beginners. Do try them and let me know. There are just 4 here, but you can find other patterns on my blog too.

2009-09-16T12:10:00.001+04:00

Kolams made by me during my India trip in 2008

2009-09-06T15:18:00.000+04:00

2009-09-03T15:11:00.000+04:00

Pookalams - Onam 2009

2009-09-03T15:07:00.001+04:00

Kolams !! :)

2009-08-25T14:45:00.001+04:00

Tag Dasa !!

2009-08-18T08:13:00.004+04:00

Pallavi has tagged me with the Tag Dasa! What's that??? Well, read on !

Tag Rules: It’s harder than it looks!(Mind It). Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag your friends.
Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.
They have to be real… nothing made up!(nahi to police pakedega Sabdhan!!!)
If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers.
You cannot use any word twice and you can’t use your name for the boy/girl name question. Have Fun!!

1. What is your name: Urmila
2. A four Letter Word: Urge
3. A boy’s Name: Utkarsh
4. A girl’s Name: Ujwala
5. An occupation: Ululating [Blowing the conch at a temple, ok ok now don't glare at me, I had to create that one]
6. A color: No idea ! :P
7. Something you wear: Underwear [Ugh ok gross I know but can't help it]
8. A food: Uble Hue Ande :D
9. Something found in the bathroom: Ujala [Chaar Boondon Waala Haan Haan :D]
10. A place: Umayalpuram
11. A reason for being late: Upset stomach [Phew !!]
12. Something you shout: 'Ukkanthuko Samarth !!' [meaning Samarth, please sit down.. I say that to him all the time]
13. A movie title: Oops [2003]
14. Something you drink: Ubla Hua Doodh !
15. A musical group: U Srinivas and his mandolin [Doesn't that make a group]
16. An animal: -No Idea-
17. A Street name: Ujjant Marg
18. A type of car: whaaaaaaaaaaat
19. A song title: Unchey Log Unchi Pasand...hey hey hey hey Maanikchand
20. A verb: unnerve

Now I tag
Sandhya - http://thefunnytruth.blogspot.com/
Janaki - http://theindianticket.blogspot.com/

Have Fun ladies ! :)

Arranged :: Re-arranged

2009-08-12T11:32:00.001+04:00

Fragrant flowers of the malli* adorned her hair; the tinkle of her anklets resonated through the house. The house bustled with girls running around in their colourful skirts. Neatly arranging the bangles on her wrists, Surabhi pondered. The saffron hue of her silk saree lent her face an endearing glow as the evening sun warmed the room. Aunt Padma had given her a big lecture the day prior, on how she was to 'appropriately' conduct herself before Narayan and his parents [read, eyes lowered, soft voice, speak-only-when-required]. She gazed at herself once more in the mirror and happy with her appearance, she moved over and sat on the cane swing in her favourite part of this room.

The sizzle of bajjis frying and the aromas of the heavy-with-ghee kesari enticed her senses and distracted her for some seconds. What was happening here today and was she really going to go through this age-old tradition? Surabhi smiled to herself and arranged her expressions to befit a future bride.

A shuffle, a hushed whisper, and someone trying to hastily end a conversation. She peeped out, to see Narayan huddled against the wall. "Heyyy darling, how could I? Oh, today? It's just a formality, don't worry. It's only for today. I'll be with you soon. Ok hush, hush now let me go before someone tiptoes on me. Ooh Ashwi, I'm yours forever".

The ornate jewellery; the malli flowers; the bangles :: the glow dissipiated. She was enraged, furious, wanted to go question him why, and why did he only think of himself and his life. And what did she expect from him, when the perpetrator of her sorrow was one of her own? Surabhi didn't spare a thought for Ashwini anymore. For 9 months they'd jostled for space in the same womb, and growing up was a journey filled with compromises, adjustments and fostering of secret pacts. Today, her twin had dealt the final blow. Usurped her emotions, and played the biggest game of their life.

---
*malli: the fragrant jasmine

-Urmi- Unravelled !! :)

2009-08-08T20:05:00.000+04:00

1.What is your current obsession? Reorganizing :P
2. What are you wearing today? – An Ochre Salwar Kameez
3. What’s for dinner? At my mom's place - so paratha-subzi :) Maa ke haath ke baney !
4. What’s the last thing you bought? Clothes for a newborn baby back home in India, to be sent with my inlaws
5. What are you listening to right now? Marathi songs
6. What do you think about the person who tagged you? Pallavi ! She's my soul sister, she's a mirror image of me!!
7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? Dubai and by the beach please :-)
8. What are your must-have pieces for summer? Sleeveless tops, and cool accessories
9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? India to say hi to all my cousins!
10. Which language do you want to learn? Maybe Punjabi
11. What’s your favorite quote? I will change this question - What's my fave pastime? - Singing and writing
12. Who do you want to meet right now? My folks in India
13. What is your favorite colour?Usually bottle-green and red.
14. What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? Some nice salwar kameezes, the dressy occasion types.
15. What is your dream job? Freelance travel writing!
16. What’s your favorite magazine? Ahlan Masala!, n any magazines that have interesting woman-related topics.
17. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on? Books for my son and craft kits for myself.
18. What do you consider a fashion faux pas? Chipped nail polish
19. Who are your style icons? Anyone who can carry off their clothes comfortably - One of my husband's aunts is super gorgeous in anything she wears.
20. Describe your personal style?Casual and comfortable (see Pallo, we are so similar )
21. What are you going to do after this? Try to study
22. What are your favorite movies? Dil Chahta Hai, Zubeidaa.
24. What are three cosmetic/makeup/perfume products that you can’t live without? Eskinol cleansing water, my Nivea facewash and a kohl pencil. On the days that my skin is happy, these are more than sufficient.
24. What do you carry in your bag? On most days I am out with my son, so we share the same bag. Baby wipes, Pampers, Spare clothes for him and his toys.
25. What do you do when you “have nothing to wear” (even though your closet’s packed)? Wear a cotton salwar kameez
26. Coffee or tea?Always coffee - I am nauseated at the smell of tea...have never liked it !
27. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?Chocolate usually does the trick, or listening to a good song, or seeing a friend online.
28. What is the meaning of your name? It's from the Ramayana - Urmila was Lakshman's wife.
29. Which other blogs you love visiting? Pallavi's and a few other cookery blogs.
30. Favorite Dessert/Sweet? Icecream, Chocolate and Mysore Paak [i am biased towards the mysorepaak from Sri Krishna Sweets]
31. Favorite Season ?Winter
32) If I come to your house now, what would u cook for me? Pasta tossed in garlic n veggies
33)What’s your current mood? Sleepy :P
34) This is my own question - What's your favourite time of the day? - Late mornings !

=========The rules are:Respond and rework – Answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, and add one more question of your own.
Then tag eight or ten other set of people.Others in my blogroll, please feel free to drop by and collect yours

Patricia - http://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/
Sandhu http://www.thefunnytruth.blogspot.com/

Simple Kolam

2009-08-03T23:36:00.001+04:00

Mehndi Design done by me

2009-07-13T14:59:00.002+04:00

Interior Decoration @ My house in Abu Dhabi :-)))

2009-06-19T20:20:00.002+04:00

First two photographs : Painted the wall art myself :-)

The other one is a latchhook craft effort, done by yours truly. Took a lot of time, but the result is well worth it.

Amateurish attempt at Mehndi

2009-06-08T15:57:00.002+04:00

Chaukki Chokkiti Aaina

2009-05-16T11:32:00.000+04:00

Confused??? Well I was too. Not for too long really, because pretty soon I figured out what my little kid was trying to say. Kids these days are just too much - and it's amazing to see how they can grasp the fastest, in what is just pure entertainment value to us.

I just happened to flip channels when the title song of Chandni Chowk to China was on air @ Channel V India.

Samarth: [Gleefully gaping at Deepika Padukone] Chaukki, Chokkiti Chaaina... Oooooo Chokkiti Chokkiti Aaina...

I mean, I don't really dig Akshay Kumar and the likes so I just continued to surf when my little one took offence immediately because he was happily singing away and I interrupted his song-n-dance routine.

Samarth: Amma, Chokkiti Chokkiti poduuuuuuuuuuuuuuu....peesh !! [Podu meaning 'change the channel' in this context]

Sigh !!! :P :D :P :D

To My Darling Samarth, with oodles of Love

2009-04-23T15:11:00.001+04:00

[Samarth to me] : Umeeya? Don't cry ... peesh don't cry !
Samarth is my joyous little angelic 30 month old toddler son. He pronounces my name as Umeeya, and he said the above sentence to me last night when I was pretending to cry because he'd jumped over my back and hurt me.

19th October 2006. One of the most defining days in the 24 years of my existence on this planet, when the birth of my little boy totally changed my perspectives in life. From a carefree little klutz who lived in her own little world; I was now a MOM !! To this day, there's no predicting what stunts he's going to try next or what's the new word he's going to say [his vocabulary is increasing by leaps and bounds by the day]. As much as it may frustrate me at times; one sweet smile from him and I totally give in. Yes, he rules !

Let me now share with you the beautiful little poem that I penned on 11th November 2006 when my angelic Samarth was less than a month old. It was in the early hours of the afternoon sun while watching him fall asleep in my embrace; that I decided to pour it all out.

Your tender fingers envelope mine,
The first rays of sunshine, glow in your enchanting smile

Your breath so sweet, it feels warm against my skin
Nestled between my arms
You mean the world to me.

I cannot love you enough
Cannot satiate my heart with a glimpse of your face
Every breath that you take, fills my soul with a renewed passion

Tender feet, that patter against my chest
You watch me, arms outstretched
Asking for love, your eyes in a delicate quest

Watching you fall asleep, my heart fills with an unending love
A miracle, my angel
Sent by the Lord above

I want to write a little note to Samarth:
Every woman dreams of a cute little baby they can call their own and you are ALL mine. You know what? Sometimes I wish you'd never grow up. That you'd always be this little guy clutching his Amma's hand and wanting to be helped around. But; it's the circle of life and the rule of the universe. You'll soon be 3, begin to go to preschool and place your little hands in the books of education. Every single moment I spend with you, I'm filled with delight and unending love. I'm hoping you will read this as you get older and I hope I can be a continual source of inspiration to you; as my parents were to me. I want to treasure you, cherish every second we spend together and keep recording it for posterity.

Thank you Samarth, for being in my life.

Married to a Stranger

2009-04-20T11:22:00.001+04:00

Married for 30 years and sitting amidst a cosy gathering which included their children and grandchildren; Padma thought she was truly and astutely blessed. How she wished Hari was also here today with her; how she hoped they'd be able to exchange their silent glances as they always did.

Feb 4th 2009. A warm tear slid down her cheek as she recalled the horrid day two months ago when a sudden cardiac arrest took him away and they'd not as much had a moment to say their farewells to each other. Before retiring to bed the previous night, they'd barely exchanged a hug when the pain had come. Tearing and rushing through the very core of his insides; it had snatched him away in minutes. Final and undeterred, time waited for noone.

Naaaaaaaani? Naaaaani !!!!! ; screamed little Asha, all of 3 years. She wanted her grandma to see her newly stacked blocks that she'd arranged all by herself. Patting the little one on her back, Padma continued on to the room which she'd shared with her beloved Hari-ji. She was feeling particularly lonely this afternoon and pulled out the only one diary that comforted her in such moments.

Turning to the last page, she stared hard at the browning paper cutout. It read:

R. HARIPRASAD

1949-1979

My Baseball-Design Kolam :D Isn't that Innovative?

2009-04-08T12:04:00.001+04:00

Recipe for my microwavable brownies :) [Courtesy: Sanjeev Kapoor's Microwave Cookbook]

2009-04-01T13:53:00.001+04:00

Ingredients:
100 gm cooking chocolate
100 gm butter
1 cup maida [all purpose flour] + 1 tsp of baking powder. mix the maida+bkg powder and set aside.
1 cup castor sugar
2 eggs
1 small bowl of finely chopped nuts [i used almonds, u can use pecans or walnuts also]
Method:
Grease a microwave deep dish completely [including sides] and set aside. Melt the chocolate and the butter together in a microwavable glass bowl on HIGH for 2 mins. Whisk it together nicely with the castor sugar [the trick is to add the sugar in parts]. Break the eggs and whisk it into this mixture. Add the nuts at this stage.Now mix in the maida+baking powder which you have set aside. Combine it in parts and not put it all together. By now you probably have a gooey chocolatey mixture. Fold this into the greased microwave deep dish. Place a saucer [tea cup saucer] upside down on the microwave turn-table.
Place the deep dish over this and microwave on HIGH for 7 mins. The mixture will nicely rise and release the warm baking aromas :P
Remove and let it cool at room temperature for abt 10 mins. cut into squares and serve [preferably with vanilla icecream :P]

IMPORTANT: No matter what don't ever refrigerate the brownies as they'll turn stone hard and not soften even if you microwave them later.

Azhagaana Kolangal [meaning 'Beautiful Kolams' in my native Tamil]

2009-03-22T11:38:00.000+04:00