Sometimes, I wonder if we are so caught up in our busy little lives, we so easily forget to laugh at ourselves. We're always running around chasing money and chasing clients, we're so caught up in our lives other than the ones we dreamed of. Our lives at work, and traveling to work, or our lives running errands and keeping things in order. Oh, how easily we lose the plot! How easily we lose sight of our dreams- of our happy homes, our happy families, our zealous ideals, our stardom hopes. We leave it all behind in our race, our routine. We let it all so easily slip past for a tomorrow.
Stop to catch them? Perhaps, there's no easier way than taking sometime to laugh at our madness. Maybe, we take our lives too seriously. Perhaps, we need to watch the things we occupy so much of our lives with, with a funny glass. And, laugh at the things we give so much importance. The meetings, the running about, the stress, financial goals. Or, in my work life for example, the running back to office, the backstabbing, the endless meetings.
Just like Omkar Sane teaches us in his debut novel, "Welcome to Advertising, Now Get Lost!" He takes us through the Indian Advertising world, bit by bit, getting all of us to laugh at it, with it and also at ourselves. Because, you and me we make up a little part of the madness. Even if all we're doing is buying the delicious new Nokia Supernova, just because Priyanka Chopra dresses it good.
Launched on Friday the 19th, by Cyrus Broacha at a gathering of friends, family and mentors, "Welcome to Advertising, Now Get Out', got its first few laughs at the launch. With funny man Broacha, there's little else to expect. Back home, curled up with this beautifully illustrated paperback, it was time to discover.
Discover the darkness in his humour! I began quickly to think our flailing lives, and the laughter we so desperately need. Loudly, I laughed at me. Silly. But then again, a lot less silly than the madness that crowds this Monday.
[More Monday Musings here ]
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Waiting for Rain
Summer has long
prolonged its stay
there is no joy now,
like there never was
in plucking mangoes
off rusted shopping carts
then rolling down concrete,
not dried yellow grass
Here comes the rain.
A bubble, a drop
Then there is a drizzle
Hallelujah!
Droplets of water
rinse off our heat, and sweat
and summer sins,
But they don't stay
The rains,
not our sins.
Here we are at
summer again.
Where throbbing hearts
linger for rain,
for joyous splashing
and stomping
and frolicking
and swirling
Oh sing-along-with me,
Here comes the rain.
Joy explodes
hearts turn somber
feet turn happy
And sorrow
gently wafts.
prolonged its stay
there is no joy now,
like there never was
in plucking mangoes
off rusted shopping carts
then rolling down concrete,
not dried yellow grass
Here comes the rain.
A bubble, a drop
Then there is a drizzle
Hallelujah!
Droplets of water
rinse off our heat, and sweat
and summer sins,
But they don't stay
The rains,
not our sins.
Here we are at
summer again.
Where throbbing hearts
linger for rain,
for joyous splashing
and stomping
and frolicking
and swirling
Oh sing-along-with me,
Here comes the rain.
Joy explodes
hearts turn somber
feet turn happy
And sorrow
gently wafts.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Love Letters - 22
Where have you withered away to I wonder, as I move slowly to this wordless song that has stealthily taken over the night. Where are you now, when you must be here? Watching me, if not with me? Where are your little dreams taking you, or have they died, quietly? Without even telling me? Oh, I do long for you under this moonlit sky.
I long not for these familiar faces about me. They are laughing, and attempting to make me smile...but my heart is not in it's place. My heart too has withered away, to the distant land where you belong. I drown my sorrows in worldly revelry. But, I do not like it my love. Oh my love, my charming all-weather soul friend, I do not like it.
I imagine you here now. Your soft breath humming forever into my ear. Your sing-song words putting melody into this night air's song. And, then just like you once were, this little dream is snatched away from me. As quickly as you came, you are gone. And, no I cannot cry. I cannot lose hope. I cannot fall, cannot falter, and cannot let the world see through my eyes.
When they look at me with those fallen eyes, I know they know. But, I cannot think of them now. I can think only of you. I can think only of our fearless love, our intimate eye games. Only you knew the secret thoughts in my head. I long so much to reach out to you my love. But, each time, you slip away like an illusion that never was.
And, I live on with a melancholy settled so deep within...so deep within my soul.
[ More Love Letters Here ]
I long not for these familiar faces about me. They are laughing, and attempting to make me smile...but my heart is not in it's place. My heart too has withered away, to the distant land where you belong. I drown my sorrows in worldly revelry. But, I do not like it my love. Oh my love, my charming all-weather soul friend, I do not like it.
I imagine you here now. Your soft breath humming forever into my ear. Your sing-song words putting melody into this night air's song. And, then just like you once were, this little dream is snatched away from me. As quickly as you came, you are gone. And, no I cannot cry. I cannot lose hope. I cannot fall, cannot falter, and cannot let the world see through my eyes.
When they look at me with those fallen eyes, I know they know. But, I cannot think of them now. I can think only of you. I can think only of our fearless love, our intimate eye games. Only you knew the secret thoughts in my head. I long so much to reach out to you my love. But, each time, you slip away like an illusion that never was.
And, I live on with a melancholy settled so deep within...so deep within my soul.
[ More Love Letters Here ]
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday Musings -9
At half-past five on Sunday, I walk past a familiar street in Churchgate, where little birds and young-pecking couples indulge. Along the side are some of the city's finest colleges, parked cars, and plush buildings that reek of Mumbai's legacy. I walk past loafers around swanky cars and I reach the cold, welcome breeze of the sea.
Young couples, and big families and old aunts line up on the promenade to watch the setting sun, the collapsing waves; to take in the glorious wind. I'm tempted to join them, but I do not. I accompany some friends to the Tea Centre instead, something I've been wanting to do for a long, long time.
Resplendent with white walls and classic wood work, the Tea Centre holds up quirky posters on it's otherwise bare walls. We savour the many delightful varieties of tea it offers. Flavoured Iced tea, Kashmiri Kahwa, Indian summer tea, Green tea and other exotic blends.
We're in tea heaven, we quickly discover. And, place an order for a light, non-sugary Indian Summer Tea that's as delightful as the sweetened Cherry flavoured Ice Tea. But, they save the most charming for the last, is what we also discover. A sugary hot concoction of apple bits, tea leaves, honey and brown sugar. We are in tea heaven, indeed. And, even more so, when we tuck into scones. Hardened, crusty bread with a dollop of cream and jam, that took us back to days at Mallory Towers.
Our little tea-party ended, and soon we were on the long road to Colaba Causeway. We straddled past heritage buildings, clean streets and a handful of people until we reached a flurry of shoppers and sellers and bright lights at the Causeway market. An hour of window-shopping and walking about later...we were, all of us, ready to brace an all new Monday and the week it brings.
[More Monday Musings here ]
Young couples, and big families and old aunts line up on the promenade to watch the setting sun, the collapsing waves; to take in the glorious wind. I'm tempted to join them, but I do not. I accompany some friends to the Tea Centre instead, something I've been wanting to do for a long, long time.
Resplendent with white walls and classic wood work, the Tea Centre holds up quirky posters on it's otherwise bare walls. We savour the many delightful varieties of tea it offers. Flavoured Iced tea, Kashmiri Kahwa, Indian summer tea, Green tea and other exotic blends.
We're in tea heaven, we quickly discover. And, place an order for a light, non-sugary Indian Summer Tea that's as delightful as the sweetened Cherry flavoured Ice Tea. But, they save the most charming for the last, is what we also discover. A sugary hot concoction of apple bits, tea leaves, honey and brown sugar. We are in tea heaven, indeed. And, even more so, when we tuck into scones. Hardened, crusty bread with a dollop of cream and jam, that took us back to days at Mallory Towers.
Our little tea-party ended, and soon we were on the long road to Colaba Causeway. We straddled past heritage buildings, clean streets and a handful of people until we reached a flurry of shoppers and sellers and bright lights at the Causeway market. An hour of window-shopping and walking about later...we were, all of us, ready to brace an all new Monday and the week it brings.
[More Monday Musings here ]
Monday, June 08, 2009
Monday Musings -8
On one charming summer holiday, back in the days when we had summer holidays, my father said to me, "Don't go anywhere without your running shoes." Because, there I was on a glorious cruise boat waiting in line to use the treadmill whilst watching the lovely spread of sun and sea about me, without my running shoes.
From then on, I've always followed his advice. Whether it's been a shopping-and-Thai food oriented trip to maddening Bangkok, a short vacation to the hills of Matheran, a work oriented trip to insipid Chennai, I've always carried my running shoes.
And, so I had them with me on my one day trip to Pune. One day of too many things to do, who would've thought I'd need my running shoes? Oh, of course I did!
We reached Pune at half-past 4, settling into our large room at the Pune Club, overlooking green, green grass. And, by 5'o clock I was in my well-worn running shoes, ready to walk about and explore this magnificent property. A British-style lounge with cane chairs and low-lying tables. A quiet restaurant with courteous waiters and well-cooked food. A large bar that promised Morrison and the Beatles. And, a notice board that advertised Scrabble camps and squash tournaments and cricket coaching.
By all the flurry of the good life, lay a long, winding running track. Tucked away beyond the sprawling lawns, the plastic chairs, and food stalls. I took to my feet, and ran. It had been maddeningly long. Round and around I ran, walking only to catch my breath.
Discovering along the way, quiet minds on benches, shuffling feet on a basketball court, aching limbs at an exercise centre, the young and snazzy at a small gymnasium. Little children outside changing rooms. Sign boards and exercise charts at every nook, and every corner. An even brown path, the wind in my hear, and a dozen other running feet. Discovering so much, and so little of this beautiful, beautiful world.
Won't you take your running shoes and set off somewhere this Monday?
[More Monday Musings here ]
From then on, I've always followed his advice. Whether it's been a shopping-and-Thai food oriented trip to maddening Bangkok, a short vacation to the hills of Matheran, a work oriented trip to insipid Chennai, I've always carried my running shoes.
And, so I had them with me on my one day trip to Pune. One day of too many things to do, who would've thought I'd need my running shoes? Oh, of course I did!
We reached Pune at half-past 4, settling into our large room at the Pune Club, overlooking green, green grass. And, by 5'o clock I was in my well-worn running shoes, ready to walk about and explore this magnificent property. A British-style lounge with cane chairs and low-lying tables. A quiet restaurant with courteous waiters and well-cooked food. A large bar that promised Morrison and the Beatles. And, a notice board that advertised Scrabble camps and squash tournaments and cricket coaching.
By all the flurry of the good life, lay a long, winding running track. Tucked away beyond the sprawling lawns, the plastic chairs, and food stalls. I took to my feet, and ran. It had been maddeningly long. Round and around I ran, walking only to catch my breath.
Discovering along the way, quiet minds on benches, shuffling feet on a basketball court, aching limbs at an exercise centre, the young and snazzy at a small gymnasium. Little children outside changing rooms. Sign boards and exercise charts at every nook, and every corner. An even brown path, the wind in my hear, and a dozen other running feet. Discovering so much, and so little of this beautiful, beautiful world.
Won't you take your running shoes and set off somewhere this Monday?
[More Monday Musings here ]
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Love Letters - 21
We play a game of hide and seek. You hide. And, I seek. Foolishly, I count time until you are tucked away, nowhere to be seen. I then begin to hunt for you, looking for a little help along the way. Eventually, I find you. The happiness is ephemeral. It is time we play another game of hide. And, seek.
We are tired of our familiar game. We sit down to a round of Scrabble. You place your words. And, I counter yours. Our wretched word play goes on for hours. You plot and think and play cleverly. I shoot impulsively, and sometimes beat your score. The scales even. And, then you win. We both lie spent, after three hours lost.
We no longer want to sit still and play. We switch to catch-and-cook. Merrily, often childishly we run about. You chase me, and then I run after you. We’re out of breath, both at once. Our eyes meet, and then we walk slowly, ending the game.
We now play teenage games like Truth and Dare. You are brutally honest. And, I wouldn’t dare. Wouldn’t dare to tell you, I love you. Wouldn’t dare to fight for ‘us.’ Wouldn’t dare to ask you to another game, of another kind.
[ More Love Letters Here ]
We are tired of our familiar game. We sit down to a round of Scrabble. You place your words. And, I counter yours. Our wretched word play goes on for hours. You plot and think and play cleverly. I shoot impulsively, and sometimes beat your score. The scales even. And, then you win. We both lie spent, after three hours lost.
We no longer want to sit still and play. We switch to catch-and-cook. Merrily, often childishly we run about. You chase me, and then I run after you. We’re out of breath, both at once. Our eyes meet, and then we walk slowly, ending the game.
We now play teenage games like Truth and Dare. You are brutally honest. And, I wouldn’t dare. Wouldn’t dare to tell you, I love you. Wouldn’t dare to fight for ‘us.’ Wouldn’t dare to ask you to another game, of another kind.
[ More Love Letters Here ]
Monday, June 01, 2009
Monday Musings -7
My house is abuzz with career conversation. My sister is awaiting her 12th grade results, and spending her time thinking about what career path to choose. The Indian Education system being the way it is, requires you take the decision at the young age of seventeen. Of course, there won't be any harm if you make the decision later. But then it may also mean you haven't best utilized your years of education. My sister therefore worries and stresses, analyzes and over analyzes, hoping to make the right decision.
And, so she frets over whether to take up Law, or Commerce, or Economics, or Psychology, because the decision must be made. We try to help her, but we know only so much of her mind. At this stage, we are as clueless as her. What will she enjoy studying? What will she excel at? What does she have the aptitude for? These are some of the questions we cannot exactly assess answers to at this stage.
To make an informed decision, we talk to people. I quickly realize we live in a generation of people, who often make the right decisions, for the wrong reasons. Students choose educational courses for eventual salaries,for the course popularity and for future acceptance into a good university. Of course, financial security is an important factor. But, somewhere, I believe we're all losing the plot.
My father looks back at his time, and marvels at how things have changed. He believes, sadly so, we no longer have the time, or the luxury to make a wrong choice. This only furthers the stress whilst making a decision. Which is why, perhaps, I'd like to share what I've come to learn.
That, decisions are difficult. Decisions, any kind of decisions, are never easy. And, the truth is no amount of advice, and knowledge, and goodwill will help you take the final plunge. Because, in the end it has to come from you. And, how does it come from you? I believe at the final straw, when you have analyzed the pros and cons, one factor distinguishes the 'Yes' from a 'No.' And, that's passion.
Passion, that may now exist only as a little thread running through your life. But, passion that will drive you to take that plunge, and more importantly make the most of that plunge. I think I will tell my sister today, to leave everything aside, and find that thread. Because, it is there, even if she does not yet know. We've all been made of it. I've come to realize that, on this magnificent Monday.
P.s. Tell me what you think, I'd like to know. More Monday Musings here ]
And, so she frets over whether to take up Law, or Commerce, or Economics, or Psychology, because the decision must be made. We try to help her, but we know only so much of her mind. At this stage, we are as clueless as her. What will she enjoy studying? What will she excel at? What does she have the aptitude for? These are some of the questions we cannot exactly assess answers to at this stage.
To make an informed decision, we talk to people. I quickly realize we live in a generation of people, who often make the right decisions, for the wrong reasons. Students choose educational courses for eventual salaries,for the course popularity and for future acceptance into a good university. Of course, financial security is an important factor. But, somewhere, I believe we're all losing the plot.
My father looks back at his time, and marvels at how things have changed. He believes, sadly so, we no longer have the time, or the luxury to make a wrong choice. This only furthers the stress whilst making a decision. Which is why, perhaps, I'd like to share what I've come to learn.
That, decisions are difficult. Decisions, any kind of decisions, are never easy. And, the truth is no amount of advice, and knowledge, and goodwill will help you take the final plunge. Because, in the end it has to come from you. And, how does it come from you? I believe at the final straw, when you have analyzed the pros and cons, one factor distinguishes the 'Yes' from a 'No.' And, that's passion.
Passion, that may now exist only as a little thread running through your life. But, passion that will drive you to take that plunge, and more importantly make the most of that plunge. I think I will tell my sister today, to leave everything aside, and find that thread. Because, it is there, even if she does not yet know. We've all been made of it. I've come to realize that, on this magnificent Monday.
P.s. Tell me what you think, I'd like to know. More Monday Musings here ]
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