October 8th

Phew! The parcel reached them on their day. It was the one to witness their smiles while they unpacked it. Two little pouches for my two little sisters!

Wish you a very Happy Birthday my darling sisters! 

All the while I made these, I was imagining their faces when they would open the package to see these pouches... It is indeed a pleasure to make our loved ones happy! :)

All sewed with love and care...

I cut all the pieces using my Sizzix bigshot machine. The pouch body is fleece and the flowers in felt. The star button to add beauty to the flower.

Stitched a couple of button holes and passed the grosgrain ribbon through it, then tied it into a bow.

Simple, yet beautiful... Just like my sisters! :)

What started out as a cell phone pouch... ended as a pouch to be used for saving trinkets! But what's important is it reached them on their birthday... Thank you USPS!

Appa in IIT

First things first... I am so proud to say my father gave a lecture in IIT Mumbai on rural community development.

I have not spoken much about my father or his contribution to rural development in Andhra Pradesh... But today is the day!

My father started working for an NGO (Non-government Organization) called ARTIC since 1980. Ever since then he has been working on the betterment of people in villages in Srikakulam Dist. He lives in a small village called Kotturu in Srikakulam Dist, A.P. near to tribal villages. He has spent his entire life trying to improve the living conditions of people like providing basic necessities such as water, sanitation, health, education, micro-financing etc. He gets funding from government or from other bigger NGOs.

More on his projects later... 

Let me now bask a little in his glory! :)

Here is the link to his presentation.

On cloud nine

One long phone call... and I am back to my childhood days... My mama is still my mama! 

His visit to Srikakulam when we cut cake, sang and danced for him...
"eh dil muskil jeena yahan..." recorded in his voice
Playing dashing-cars in Appu-garh... 
The deal to get an ice-cream only if we sang for him...
Buying me my first black-forest pastry...
Helping me understand Multi-threading during my MCA...
Telling me to be more close with Thatha during his last days...
We all singing Antakshari in Mehdipatnam home...
His "Laka Laka Laka Laka"...
He lifting me up during mala-maatral in my wedding...

All the loving gifts he showered upon us...
the gundu bommai... the 64 shade crayola crayons... the stencils and color sheets... the magnets and gyroscope... the heart-shaped silver earrings... 

His voice... His laughter... and the way he talked about places he had been... And I still can't believe the fact that I live in the same street as he did (long time ago!) 

I felt I lost my mama somewhere down the line... but now he is back... or may be he was always there... and I was the one who was absent!

One email and one call... All the years of silence melted away... and I do not remember the last time when we spoke for this long...

My incoherent sentences says everything... I am on cloud nine... I am so relieved... and so happy!

Roses.. my sisters.

This one is dedicated to my very loving sisters.

With a heart full of love (the pink centre)... And an honest being (the white petals)...

Art Ilaka

It's a place for people who like to express themselves through art. Ilaka means "place"

I love their ideas like the Ande Ka Fanda...

An illustration with message on an egg (wooden egg)...

Notebooks with colorful covers...

Lots of works of art including one in support of the "One Billion Rising" Campaign

You can view more in their facebook page.

Just this week, an article about Art Ilaka got published in Hans India. Check it out here.

I am so proud of them! Congratulations and wish many more accolades keep coming your way! :)

Giving Back

I am very very proud of this person for making a decision to give back to the society. He has started an English medium school in his own village and made his people proud. He has  named the school after his elder brother whom he admires. He wants to maintain the school as a no-profit-no-loss school. At a time where people look at school as a means of earning money, this person has put in his life's savings to do something for his own village.

This school has around 260 students now. As most of the children's parents are illiterates, the teachers spend extra time with the students and make them do their homework in school itself. So, it is more like a no-homework school. The teachers take out time to visit the students' homes to help them with their learning.

While people like me just dream to do something good to the society, you are living your dream. Hats off to you Govind and keep up the good work. May God support you in this noble cause.

See more about his school at http://bsreddyfoundation.blogspot.in/

For Shuchi and her better half...

Wish you a Very Happy First Month Anniversary!!!

This is time when everything looks pink and perfect... 

There is a feeling of "love is in the air"...

The time when 24 hours ain't enough when together... 

And one minute seems a lifetime when apart..

Every little thing is cherished and celebrated and given more love...

The glow in the face and sparkle in the eyes...

More swing in the stride... More smile on the lips...

The feeling that every romantic song in the world was written just for the two!

The feeling that with you by my side I can win the world!

The feeling of oneness even in silence...  

The feeling that is more than love!

May you two live like this... always and forever!

Needless to say.. This post is dedicated to the two loving souls!

Miss you!

Wish we could catch up one last time before you both left for India... 
Missed you both... Miss you even more now!


Needless to say, this post is dedicated to Kash and Sravani!

Bun Certified Bava Programmer!

Only jokers from Mastimakerz can come up with a tag line like this!

We came across an old video of us taken during our trip to Nagarjuna Sagar. The video had Karthik looking at the camera and talking like a newsreader. He was teasing Spoo like this:

"She joined IMIS thinking it is IIMS. She is planning to do MBA from SBI. She knows a lot of programming languages like Bava 1.4, B, B++, B sharp, SQL, para SQL, MS home, FROG, RASCAL, Doors98. She has recently joined Macro Swift. She is Bun Certified Bava Professional!"

We could not help replaying the video several times and each time we laughed so hard that our tummies ached! Wish we could reverse the time and re-live those days again!

Even though the running commentary was Karthik's, this post has been dedicated to Spoo  because she is the one who always gives so many many chances for everyone to come up with new ways of pulling her leg!!! :-)

Dosa Making

While I spoke with Viji Athai(aunt), the inevitable talking of cooking sprang up. And when I told her that we got dosa mix for making dosas during weekend, she was asking if Yamuna was going to join us!!! Well, everyone knows that if we need dosas, it has to be Yamuna who would be the one spreading the batter on the pan and flipping the dosa until it becomes crisp and yummy! :)

Even after one full year of being the head chef of the kitchen... Not that Vikram does not cook... He does and there are a couple of dishes that he excels in and those are the ones that I don't even know how to make!!! Anyway getting back to me being the head chef of our kitchen... It is just two of us, so there is ample opportunity for trying out new stuff or improving my culinary skills.. But that never happens, because I do not like cooking!

Even during the time when I was with my sisters, I would prefer them cooking rather than me! But what we did was to divide the tasks amongst ourselves. So, Ganga was good at making bhendi fry and rolling round chapatis while I was good at making the mixed vegetable pulao. But the one thing that I could never do, was to try making dosas. I never had a chance to try because Yamuna was very good at it. Even now I do not know the knack of spreading the batter evenly on the tawa to make a thin round and crispy dosa.

Last weekend, while Vikram and I struggled to make dosas using the dosa mix batter, I was dreaming of getting Yamuna closer to our home, so that we would have the privilege of having yummy homemade dosas that are large and perfectly round without any tears and those that are evenly spread and nicely cooked on both the sides. Now you can imagine how bad our dosas came out! Anyway, I am proud to say that my hubby makes better dosas than me!!! That will help me get around the task of making dosas. I can peacefully eat them while he makes them for me! Oops...! Did I tell out the truth?

Anyhow, the truth is I will always remember and miss Yamuna whenever and wherever I see dosas... Needless to say that this post is dedicated to her and not to dosas!!! :-)

Coins and Piggy Bank...

This post is dedicated to my Ganga! :)

No matter how much we earn, still coins play a very important role in life... For checking our weight at the bus stand or buying tickets for a bus ride or for paying for vendors in the train, we all need change... 
 
There is always a thrill to holding coins in our hands. It reminds me of days when one rupee would get us at least 10 orange peppermint candies... We would maintain a piggy bank made of terracotta. It would resemble an egg with a slit on the top for dropping the coins. The only way to get the coins out was to break it. But we three sisters found out another way of getting the coins out of the hundi (as we would call it!) With a help of sharp object like scissors we would hit at the slit of the hundi and carefully made the slit large enough so that by turning the hundi upside-down, we could see the coins fall against the slit and then with a small scissors we will hold the coin and pull it out. It was fun pulling out all the coins and them pushing them inside through the slit.

The major contribution to our hundi came from our dad's wallet and the major contributor is/was Ganga. The unsaid rule was: The destiny of any change in Appa's wallet was the Hundi!!! :) Ganga was/is the first one to look out for loose change in Appa's wallet or Amma's purse or on the computer table or fridge top or anywhere in the house. She was/is very good at looking at the right places and at the right time and the coins would be on their way into our Hundi even before we could open our mouths in protest! Now you know why I dedicated this post to Ganga! :)

We continued to maintain a Hundi long after we finished college and started working. After getting married, I could not help continuing the tradition. But I wanted a Hundi from where I could take out the coins without having to break it and so here is my creation...

I decorated an empty ice-cream box with fabric. I added a slit to it's side for the coins to slide in! Ain't it a nice idea? :-) 

Now I am ready to flick some coins from my husband's wallet for safe-guarding them in my Hundi! ;-)

Quilting and Place Mats

This post is dedicated to Donna who has inspired me to start quilting. The first time I stumbled upon her site, I was(still am) all in awe for her designs and quilts. I was new to the idea of quilting and I did not have any knowledge about the techniques used in quilting. I had never seen a rotary cutter!

I keep asking her basic questions about quilting and she always explains me very patiently. Initially I did not know how triangle pieces were joined and she came up with a post for that. I used the same method for making my cushion cover. Then I learnt diagonal weaving technique from her. I am yet to try it out.

Thank you Donna for all your support! :)

I am trying to use quilting techniques in making little little things before I take a plunge into making a full size quilt. 

These placemats have given me a good practice! I took help of this link for putting another quilting technique to use. I joined one long strip(3 inch width) of yellow with another long strip of brown. And then cut them into segments and stitched them up as shown here.

I used a single cloth for the other side of the placemat, with a color that is not related to the colors used on the chessboard side. This way we can use either sides of the placemats.

This has helped me gain confidence for starting my first quilt. Let's see how that turns out to be! :) In Tamil, there is a saying: Naan irukka bhayamenn? which can be loosely translated as 'Why fear/worry when I am with you?". With respect to quilting, I can say 'Donna irukka bhayamenn!' (Why worry, when Donna is with me!) :)

Car-ride with Karthik!

Car-ride with Karthik has always been a fun-ride... His funny comments and stories make me roll onto the floor clutching my tummy and laughing... His presence is like laughing gas...

 

In Karthik's own words: "Karthik's laugh and Yawning are contagious!!!"

 

Here are some of the rib tickling comments that he passes while driving:

• (To a pedestrian crossing the road): He is simply moon-walking, man!
• (To the vehicle-driver in front of his car, that is going at a snail's pace, even though all other vehicles are going fast): Nidhra mabbu lo nadipisthunnaadu! (loosely translated: He is driving in his sleep)
• (To a pedestrian crossing the road): Kallu mooskoni cross chesthunnadu (He is crossing with his eyes tightly shut)
• (To another pedestrian crossing the road): oorike itu nundi atu walking chesthunnaadu! (loosely translated as: He is on his morning walk and walking from this side of the road to that side!)
• (To another pedestrian who crossed the road in a hurry right in front of Karthik's car): Did you find only my car to commit suicide!!! :P

It's a pleasure to sit in his car while he drives and entertains us!!! May be that's why his name has the word Car (KARthik) in it!!! ha ha ha :D

Needless to say, this post has been completely dedicated to the funny driver.. Oops.. I mean.. to our dear Karthik! :D

Nimbu Soda

A glass of road-side Nimbu Soda is the right thing to quench our thirst on a hot summer day. It's cheap, it's quick and it's refreshing!! I simply love it.

 

Srividya was the one to introduce me to it. It was probably on one of our long walks around Mehdipatnam or Abids or some other area in Hyderabad that she made us stop by at one of those bandis carrying a heap of nimbu(lemons). As I was an amateur, she ordered for me. And I could not stop with one glass. We had three glasses of Nimbu Soda before our tummies bulged and threatened to invoke the nature's call. We had to stop it there!!!

 

That was when I started having Nimbu Soda at every opportunity I got. I remember a day when we were went around the Mehdipatnam bus stop twice and also outside raithu bazaar and all the way to  Humayun Nagar police station road looking out for a Nimbu Soda bandi because could not stop the urge for having it. Those were the days when we did not have that many options in cool drinks that had lemony taste apart from Limca.

 

I have spread my addiction for this Nimbu Soda to Vikram too! He generally does not prefer the roadside juice stalls (at least not when he is with me!) However, Nimbu soda is an exception!!!

 

After a long tiring sweaty sultry day, this is the one and only one drink that we can gulp down and feel content!!! :)

Allah Ke Bandhe...

When I think of him, the very first thing that comes to my mind is this song: Allah Ke Bandhe.. Oh my! What an amazing singer he is! While he sings, I just seem to be floating in a trance. His passion for music introduced me to some really good songs... I remember the day when we watched 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na...' together... He was pointing out the sounds of various instruments and I even remember him saying: "This is A.R. Rahman's first jazz!" I was and am awestruck with his knowledge in music...

 

How can I forget the time he made my birthday special by singing a song for me... Such a nice manner to make one's day!!! :-)

 

A very nice person to talk to, very open minded and down-to-earth... I have taken advice from him many-at-times and he has been very supportive towards me...

 

How can I forget the time we spent in Pondi having fun at the beach and also our adventurous journey to the railway station to catch our train back home!!!

 

As time flew, we met less and after some time even our correspondence through mails reduced... But still, every time I listen to Allah Ke Bandhe playing on radio, I am reminded of him...

 

Today, I bumped into him, rather he bumped into me... I came to know that today is his last day in office... I am filled with mixed feelings none of which I can express in words... A rush of emotions.. It's like someone close is going very far away... It's like we have lost the end of the string that's tied to a gas balloon... Let the balloon soar higher and higher and reach the summit of success... I wish you all the best Aditya... Miss you...!

Thatha...

It's a day to remember Thatha today... His Birthday...

He was the one to teach me a lot of things in life.... He was the one to learn Telugu alphabet just for the sake of teaching me.... He was the one who took care of me when my mother was busy with my newborn sisters....

He shared his deepest secrets with me... And told me the way of life...

I was his pet... Even on his death bed, he called me and advised me on what kind of a life I should lead and the best ways to improve myself...

He was very good at using idioms during his conversations like "Yaane Kutti podum nu paatha, oru mootai ladhdhi potudhu" (While we were eagerly waiting for the elephant to give us a baby, it gave us a heap of shit!)... :-)

He also would use a lot of sanskrit analogies to life... His favorite was Bhaja Govindham... He would read Vishnu Sahasranamam every evening and wanted me to learn it also. I remember sitting with him on many days and reading the slokam...

It has a very peculiar way of smiling... Whenever he would smile his lips would droop down, rather than spreading up (The way we draw a smiley).. My mother has inherited the same smile and I remember thatha in her smile...

He was very methodical... I have learnt making to-do list from him. He would also always carry a shoulder bag while going out. Even I do the same... He led a very simple life and probably resting in heaven now! :-)

Thatha, I miss you a lot!

On Public Demand...

Everyone wants to know whom I am referring to in my post "Selflessness"...
And... shall we let the cat is out of the bag now?
Do I really need to mention the selfless person's name?
Okay... Okay.... Enough of beating around the bush!
The person I was referring to in "Selflessness" is none other than our own good-for-nothing fellow... Just Kidding... It is Mr. Suresh Hari..!

Now the little secret is out! :)
Go Suresh, go and bask in the glory of fame! You are famous now! :)

Dhanyavaad!

We all have heard of cakes for Birthdays, Anniversaries and Farewells... But has anyone of you ever heard of cutting a cake for hard work? It may sound familiar to some of you; however, it seems to be a very unusual gesture for me.

I have received many awards, merit certificates and praisewalls for my contribution to my project; but no one had ever done anything like this for me. I never knew that a simple and sweet gesture can mean so much to me!

What an creative way to encourage the team by sending cakes to our homes! It has added a personal touch to the appreciation and has motivated me tremendously... I am very fortunate to work with such a thoughtful person like you. Thank you very much for the cake and for your moral support that has helped us jump over hurdles, break through the barriers and find resolutions to our issues.

Your unique way of honoring us will be a cherished memory in my heart for a very long time. This "award" will always remain special to me. This little gesture of yours has triggered an extra vigor in me to continue my work with more enthusiasm. Dhanyavaad!
(Please pardon me for the incoherent sentences. My mind and my heart are bursting out with so much happiness and gratitude that they seem to cloud my sense of writing.)

For readers who cannot make head or tail of the post. Here's the background:
Last Friday, when I was at the airport waiting to board the Hyderabad flight, I got a call from a aunt saying a parcel had been delivered on my name. What was inside the box? It was a yummy cake from our boss in recognition to our efforts. I cannot say if I was happy or sad at that point of time. There were mixed feelings. I was extremely happy and excited to receive something like that. At the same time I was a little upset that I would not be able to taste it until I got back to Chennai. Luckily for me, my 6yr old nieces, Anthika and Anvitha were at home and who can be more apt to represent me and cut the cake? :)

They have saved a large portion for me in the fridge! I am eagerly waiting to see the picture of it and to taste it!

Happy Birthday Sriram!

Sriram, Wish you a Fun-tastic Birthday! :-)

Let’s hop and skip
And swing and sway
For it’s Sriram’s birthday today!

Let’s twist and turn
And rock and roll
For it’s Sriram’s Birthday today!

Let’s jump and leap
And somersault in the air
For it’s Sriram’s Birthday today!

Let’s sing and dance
And yell and scream
For it’s Sriram’s Birthday today!

Let’s slide and glide
And do a jiggety jig
For it’s Sriram’s Birthday today!

Let’s run and catch
And play non-stop
For it’s Sriram’s Birthday today!

Let’s blow the candles
And cut the cake
And smear cream on all faces
For it’s Sriram’s Birthday today!


Sriram, Wish you a Fun-tastic Birthday! :-)

Selflessness

Can you imagine yourself giving away your new T-shirt for someone who needs it during fancy dress competition? Can you imagine yourself lending your favorite bag to your friend for three whole months? Can you imagine yourself staying back late for giving moral support to someone who is neck-deep in project work?

Well, I am proud to say that I am very fortunate to have such friends… friends whom I can trust… and friends who trust me!

This post is about one such buddy of mine. The first time I got a glimpse of his benevolence, was when my sister needed a digital camera for her college project. She had been given an assignment of taking pictures of extraordinary posters and hoardings in the city. She also needed some pictures for her own posters related to her project on Water Conservation. This buddy of mine was just an acquaintance then and I had not even asked him, but he was willing to lend his camera to me. I was very much surprised and was wondering how he could trust me with his couple-of-months-new cam! In fact when I took the camera from him, it slipped off my hands and fell on the pavement. But he did not even scold me. He gave me a warm smile and picked up the camera and gave it back to me. The camera was in its case, so nothing has happened to it. “Thanks” was all that I could give back for his warm gesture!

Of course, after that day, he never loses any opportunity to describe the kind of pics my sister had taken… upturned bucket… a bucket with a broom etc.. etc… :-)

He understands me to the core and most of my thoughts match with him and we confide in each other. He never showcases his generosity publicly; it’s just there inside him and he is ready to extend a helping hand for anyone who needs it. We never need to ask. He has sixth sense to understand and empathize with our situation and assist us.

When I was to be sent to Chicago on project work, he was the one to explain me things… to counsel me and make me prepared for the whole new world. He lent me many of his things (some of those are yet to be returned to him!), but I was not able to give him anything in return! Not even a gift from Chicago! I really feel very bad about it and I don’t know how to rectify the situation.

I appreciate the way he rides his bike. He never breaks any traffic signals, not even when the roads are empty. He is the only one whom I trust to drop me home safely when I am wearing a saree!

I am finding no words to express my deepest sense of gratitude (the way Karthik would put it!) to this invaluable friend of mine. All I can say is I dedicate this post to you, my dear and I am thankful to God to present me with a friend like you.