A few days back, my son was helping me with gardening. He picked a flower, ran to me and handed it over. I took it from him and exclaimed it was a beautiful flower. He asked me to hold it in my hands, close my eyes and make a wish. “Someone will hear it and know about it and give me my wish.” I held the flower and made my wish. Then he ran towards the flower beds and came back with a couple more before I could stop him. “Take a picture, take a… Read More »A SPECIAL WISH
This is from a prompt writing exercise. The assignment was to write a sales pitch and use the following phrases:- Compare for yourself, the sky’s the limit, all the amenities, a golden opportunity, true potential My Yellow duck “Hello there, would you like to buy something? It’s really special. Yes, that’s it. My yellow duck. Nooo! don’t walk away. Come back. It’s really special. This is the best duck ever. Why is it the best? Let me tell you. Well, first thing is, I won it with my super catcher skills at the mall.… Read More »Yellow Duck
A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to do a book reading at Barnes and Nobles, Steven’s Creek. Since I got into writing and publishing my first book, it has been a dream to be one of the authors doing a reading at Barnes and Nobles. Afterall, it was the readings that I had attended at B&N and other bookstores that probably planted the seed in my head. Somehow, having an opportunity to be a featured author in a place surrounded by books and literature, validates everything I am hoping to be. The reading went… Read More »Book Reading of 10 Gulab Jamuns at Barnes and Nobles, Stevens Creek
A few days back I did a book reading at Books Inc in Alameda. The store is in a great location in downtown Alameda – so much spirit and life in the city! I was so honoured to be featured on their displays for Children’s books as well as Diverse books. It was a dream come true to be on the same shelf with some of these authors. I made some close connections that day including a woman who has been working on opening a reading nook in a Laundromat that doubles as a hang… Read More »Book reading at Book Inc. Alameda
QUIET, LIKE YOU ARE SLEEPING It is my day to aid at my son’s school. I drive the familiar route. My NPR station is on from last night. I hasten to turn it off, but a bit too late. The words guns, shooting pervade the consciousness of my six-year-old. “Did somebody die?” he asks with big wide eyes. “Someone did bad things and hurt others”, I say weighing each word. How much does he need to know? “Is a bad person like a thief?” he continues. His only reference to evil doings is a folklore about… Read More »Quiet, Like you are sleeping
My son may not share much detail of his every day, I have learned not to push, but sometimes he comes up with deep observations that really make me ponder. The other day I was picking up my son up from after-care. He showed me his art-work for the day, swung his backpack on and swooshed his paper plane towards the car. As I drove along, I could see him from my rearview mirror sporting a half smile, looking out of the window lost in his thoughts. Suddenly he asked, “Do you have friends that… Read More »Laugh like crazy
A few weeks back I did a book reading at Wonderland Chinese immersion school. It was special because it was my first ever book reading. I am so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to do this at such a wonderfully well-run school with caring staff and teachers. I loved the concept of an immersion school where students get to really learn about a specific culture. It was heartwarming to see the school was so sincere in giving the students opportunities to not just immerse in some cultures but also learn about diversity and exposure… Read More »Wonderful Book Reading at Wonderland
I have been trying prompt writing and have been enjoying it. I never know what how it will start or how it will end. This is a prompt that asked us to write a title, a headline and a news report using a picture of a kid with no front teeth. Here’s what turned out Happy Holidays A boy with no front teeth brings holiday cheer to town. “I noticed something was different about him the moment he was born.” Mary Ann Lou announced with pride. She seemed poised and well prepared for the questions… Read More »Happy Holidays
Every year, the Diwali celebration at my son’s preschool- Happy Days, is a much awaited one. This time it was even more special for me as I was given an opportunity to present my book “10 Gulab Jamuns” to the wonderful parents and children of Happy Days. The director, Ms.Marmen, here is an energetic force behind the school and she has always been so encouraging throughout my journey. I read a quick excerpt from my book and had her volunteer to taste some Gulab Jamuns as she was being cheered by the audience. The festive… Read More »A Happy Day with 10 Gulab Jamuns
Last week we went to a birthday party of a very dear friend of my son. The family was so gracious to include a book reading of 10 Gulab Jamuns as part of the celebration. Even with stiff competition from an impressive bouncy house, the kids eagerly gathered around when it was time to read. Some of them had come early to make sure they don’t miss the session. The kids were engaged and interactive throughout. A few recognized and were excited to see foods that they eat every day featured in the book. Some… Read More »A birthday celebration with 10 Gulab Jamuns
Last week we had a little Diwali celebration at my son’s Kindergarten. We read from my book 10 Gulab Jamuns, sampled some Gulab Jamuns, made paper lanterns and painted clay lamps (diyas). It was so much fun! Some highlights 10 Gulab Jamuns story reading: Kids were delighted with the story. The names of the characters ‘Idu and Adu’ and also saying ‘Gulab Jamuns’ aloud together gave everyone a lot of laughs. They amazed me with their counting skills and observations about the pictures. They identified different foods that they knew or had tried before and had… Read More »10 Gulab Jamuns’ Diwali celebration
My son was helping with gardening. He picked a flower, ran inside and handed it over to me. I took it from him and exclaimed it was a beautiful flower. He asked me to hold it in my hands, close my eyes and make a wish. Someone would hear it and know about it and give me my wish. (Thank you Kindergarten teacher!) I held the flower and made my wish. Then he ran outside and came back with a couple more. Take a picture take a picture for Facebook he exclaimed. I winced… Read More »Make a wish!
Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players have given us a new Shakespearean conundrum to think about. To kneel or not to kneel. Is it right to do anything but stand in front of the flag during the National Anthem? Even if it a respectful sign of protest against things that might be challenging the fabric of the nation? Everyone is facing this dilemma in football stadiums, in high schools, and really everywhere the national anthem could be being played. While we are on the topic of national anthems, let me share another experience of mine.… Read More »To Kneel or not to Kneel
Just then, out of nowhere, as the train left Mulund station, a beautiful voice came lilting through the doors and windows. It was the sweetest sound one could have heard. “Lemons sweet lemons for you”. And like magic, the rains suddenly stopped. A brave defiant rainbow stood outside the window. Overjoyed by this happy coincidence the ladies brought their hands together and clapped for Suman Bai. “Look what magic my lemons bring”, said Suman Bai equally elated. “Lemons sweet lemons for you.
One morning, as most schoolday mornings, I was running around frantically pushing my sons to move a little faster. I managed to tackle two tantrums in the car and drop the younger one to his daycare. Next, I had to drop the 5-year-old to his Kindergarten. I rushed to the car balancing the to-do lists in my mind while my son lingered on the sidewalk. I opened his car door and goaded him on. He skipped and hopped, trudged and trailed. Frustrated I pulled him along and told him maybe he should do a little… Read More »A daydreaming agreement