Celebration......

 My gratitude to all for making me grow. Some of them don't like to mention names, it is their good spirit and hence I don't mention it. One good friend recently posted a link for the video about "being single" and why the stories are not told. It made me write this post. A BIG THANK YOU to the friend for bringing a writer in me? Rather I would say I am expressing what is churning in me... the floodgates are opened to express... Reading and reading alone gave me a way to put my words on paper rather type......

When I see the posts or writings that to me are bold (I grew up in the times were posing a question, talking about topics ....love, marriage, intimacy, relationship, gender, sexuality and being single, etc., for various reasons or rather unknown to me never cropped up in my head, shall I say I was rather busy with mundane day to day life? 

For me, life is simple, love unconditionally, never bothered about reciprocation, remained single by choice, never checked whether good or not. I always checked if something suits my temperament or am I ready, recently read a novella written by Gabriel García Márquez "Memories of My Melancholy Whores" after a post by a friend. I rather heard on audible, that made me introspect on the issues that I never felt are not to spend time on. Loneliness - I am alone but never felt I am lonely, books, music, theatre, friends, wellwishers, and more occupy my time and I never felt I am forced to replace my emotions. Always there are people who call me or meet me and these little surprises I felt are making my day. Many ask the question "Any story behind being single" my usual answer is "Never met one". Rather I want unconditional love and want my space (is it because I am born in July?) I am accommodative but don't want to lose my freedom. Another question "in old age you need a companion" I am in relationship to secure my old age dependence on someone? Love - when I am in love does that need to be two-way...... And I am in love with the universe, I see love everywhere and people are curious about my passing of time rather in a cool way how I enjoy I am not a foodie, not a party man, there are ways I enjoy with small ways..... I read "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.... hmmm I am doing good so far..... Rather I say I celebrate every day being surrounded by a rainbow of colours...

I am back with my smile

While reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, I was trying to connect the dots from my reading of the book related to my life including various experiences. During this time I read a tweet of a friend on smiles. Which triggered me to the thoughts around book and more so on "smile".

The book talks about habits and how one can cultivate good habits slowly that may not give immediate results but lang a lasting impact. At the same time how to get rid of bad habits. 

Reading at the age of 13 started for me as I got books as a prize for excelling in academics (my school to my knowledge conducted a function the first time, that also coincided probably with the 125th year of school establishment).  Most of the books are classics and I read and enjoyed them. Due to various reasons reading became a solace to live in an imaginary world to forget surroundings. Till then my smile that was appreciated, started vanishing from my face I didn't realize. Reading became my priority, later as I moved into higher studies, reading for pleasure or to gain knowledge remained with me though I didn't realize it. I participated in extracurricular activities acting in plays making others laugh without a smile on my face, I felt when I see the pictures. 

During the lockdown, I realized due to more time to introspect, how many things hinted at many times (I call these incidents dots). When I sat to connect the dots that hinted at reading and smiles. Reading remained with me and I felt strongly that no matter what I am not going to leave reading and I started reading a wider genre. I am reaping the results when many people talk about my suggestions or how I motivate people or for that matter, there is an immense change in my behavior or body language that people say that I am an approachable person. 

Let me talk about smiles. During one of the interviews  (I am ashamed now when I recollect this incident)  I was in a bad mood and didn't answer positively but I heard an interviewer talking about the smile outside the room and with a positive outlook and should be given a chance. Once I went to a bookshop I generally visit again I was in a bad mood due to the stacking of many incidents of the day and the cashier while billing gave a compliment about my smile. During one trip to Mysore, I got done my sketch by an artist many acquaintances and friends told me that I am looking serious but I gave them a reason probably artist gave my original mood or state of mind. I got framed the picture and look at it, then I realized where is my smile? To nail, recently when I went out for a dinner with like-minded persons the guest gave a compliment about the smile? Before going to bed I connected all dots and in these years how the universe conspired to bring all my wishes to come true, why then do I forget about my smile? Now I am smiling more often (of course if there is a reason to do so). 

Random thoughts prelude to thoughts on reading - The Book of Dog

 

Prelude thoughts

I met a friend (I am not mentioning the name as the person likes privacy) of mine during a recent visit (the person takes care of street/stray dogs and takes care of the cats)when I entered the house the stray dog tried to woo me to play with her (though I like dogs or pets I am worried due to various reasons I may not be able to give full attention, hence I generally keep away from pets) I didn't fall for her cute charming tricks. Later in the week on social media, I read about the book an anthology - The Book of Dog edited by  Hemali Sodhi, I liked the aspect of the sales proceeds to be given to various organizations as a part of encouragement doing my bit at the same time to buy from the indie bookstore I ordered the book. Initially, I started reading one story at a time after 2-3 stories I couldn't keep the book away and completed the book in one night. I just finished reading the book "Qabar" by KR Meera (English version) where the protagonist's mother leaves home to take care of the stray dogs.

About Book 

This anthology consists of 45 pieces by prominent people about their dogs/pets (if permitted to use as many may not like to use these terms) to name a few (the names that I am familiar with) - Shobhaa De, Jerry Pinto, Gulzar Rajdeep Sardesai, Anita Nair, Paro Anand, Maneka Gandhi, Ruskin Bond, Mark Tully, Devdutt Pattanaik. The pieces that include poetry, prose, and satire, in first person, third person, or from the voice of dogs make the reader go through emotions - smile, laugh, cry, or empathetic to the writer and mostly fall in love with wonderful being called the dog. The relationship between humans and dogs is a question that always remains with me ponder into as many of my friends are dog lovers and owned a dog as well (I know some of them cried for several days when their beloved dog left them to the other world).

I enjoyed reading....... and writing about the book as well.

HAPPY READING ..... woof, wow..... wow.....

Days from one Librarians day to another: Life gave me chances to grow

 On 11th August 2021, Facebook gave me pics from memories. What a coincidence I wrote a note on a biography of Dr. SR Ranganathan on the same day (one of the pics was from 2020 of the biography I read). I sat down recollecting from memories. And took note of all the things that happened from last year to this year. 

I met authors online and attended several book launches and discussions, interacted with many authors and some of them followed and commented on my posts on social media. On various platforms participated in book discussions met many wonderful people online who always provided me feedback and appreciated my efforts. 

I always felt that to approach and learn from professionals/experts. This year as a part of that signed up to attend IFLA-WLIC  (The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), World Library and Information Congress (WLIC)) 2021 from 17-19 August. And got an opportunity to register and have one-to-one coaching online from a mentor though I was to attend on 23rd August and the session preponed to 10th August. The mentor assigned to me is Ann Lundborg,  a developer for library and adult education in the region of Skane, Sweden. IFLA gave guidelines relating to the coaching sessions and as I did homework before attending the session. This helped me in learning and be part of the session actively. The feedback from the mentor gave me confidence (hope will try and will be a mentor). 

All through I wrote and published posts on blogs of professional groups and newsletters. Finally, today (12th August) when I posted on to my colleagues' groups and various social media about the National Librarians Day, the amount of positive feedback about my work made me feel good. I am blessed to have people (an amazing group of professionals from the School Library Association India), friends, and all those I met on social media, who encouraged me to be what I am. Thank you All.

HAPPY LIBRARIANS DAY

On Father’s Day

 

Till someone called me and greeted me on Father’s Day I did not realise, I always feel do I need to celebrate a day or is it all days? Any day for that matter. I debate all the time. There are things at times I repeat I wonder always how my father spent his life with so many smiles despite what he went through I have never seen him complaining. Positive all the time. He never saved for his post-retirement life. I always wonder about that. He interacted with all age groups with ease, and everyone loved to meet him. For quite a long I was angry (as many things about him later in my life maybe this happens when one is young) and the anger turned into admiration.

 

I always remember…

 

He never said anything for more than once...

He always suggested and never forced his way….

He was always a life-long learner…

Respected another person…

He always greeted people…

Most of all he loved all for what they are….

Be Positive: Writer of simple living and higher thoughts

 

I always wanted to be a reader and read any genre that makes me hook to the book. At the same time, I wish to read books with simple language. I am never a “fan” type. I am not sure when and how I got hold of Ruskin Bond’s writing (I do not even remember now which is the first one I read) simple writing made me start looking for his works. I started treading as many as possible to read. Many times I immersed myself and do not want to leave till I finish reading.

As I started getting curious to know got to know about the author more and thanks to the internet, I realized how many across age groups liked his writings and are hardcore fans (I observed he got fans across age groups and they love his works and him as well and the fans always are very enthusiastic and enjoy sharing positive vibes).

After reading more than 100 books (nearly 900 writings stories, non-fiction) written and compiled by the author I profiled the author – as an avid reader, writer, gentle, nature-loving, positive being, enjoy nature, down-earth despite knowing his status as a writer, most of all like to spend time for himself and for his writings. And many people who knew me started feeling that I have become a fan of the author. My secret wish is to meet him at the same time hesitated to meet him for the profile I created of him.

During summer vacation at times, I tried to visit Mussoorie for various that did not materialize and when I see the fans waiting for him on his birthday 19^th May to wish at Cambridge Book Depot, I feel uneasy for missing the chance to visit. How do I know what is stored in destiny for me? I heard the author is visiting Hyderabad and I got a chance to meet him imagine got 20 minutes with him. I am bowled over by his persona and I realized that whatever profile I created of him I saw him in front of me. I admired him for all the attributes I mentioned earlier. What stands out most of all for me is despite facing many struggles he always got a positive attitude. Now I proudly say I am FAN OF RUSKIN BOND after meeting him on the 6^th of November 2019.

Many Happy Returns of the Day Ruskin Bond sir

What are we teaching young? Observed on Public Transport Travel

For the first time, I observed this while traveling on public transport. Earlier I wrote on various observations that talked about personnel of public transport system or people traveling and their behaviour. 

The other day I was traveling by local transport bus and the bus was filled and in one of the stops on old lady got into the bus as there was no seat empty, a young girl tried to get from a seat to give the old lady a seat, the girl's mother's instant reaction made me think about the situation. The girl's mother asked the girl to sit instead of giving her seat to the old woman. on one hand, we want the kids to learn values and when they try to put whatever they learned into practice we rebuke them or shame them in public? How do they understand this behavior of adults?