Conflation

While watching my currently favourite TV show Supernatural - there was a scene depicting a painting of the archangel Michael, and the few seconds the painting was shown reminded me of something else.

I did some research and found that the painting is called Saint Michel terrassant le Dragon. 

Michael vanquishing the demon.

This painting reminded me of another image that has been familiar:

Durga vanquishing the demon Mahishashur.

Since I've always averred that religions are simply different paths to the same goal (for the most part), this is one of many more interesting similarities that have cropped up over time.

Ameen

As'alullaahal-'Adheema Rabbal-'Arshil-'Adheemi 'an yashfiyaka

Left Hand of Darkness

"The unknown," said Faxe's soft voice in the forest, "the unforetold, the unproven, that is what life is based on. Ignorance is the ground of thought. Unproof is the ground of action. If it were proven that there is no God there would be no religion. But also if it were proven that there is a God, there would be no religion…Tell me, Genry, what is known? What is sure, predictable, inevitable—the one certain thing you know concerning your future, and mine?"

"That we shall die."

"Yes. There's really only one question that can be answered, Genry, and we already know the answer. … The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty: not knowing what comes next."

Silence

What makes something worth fighting for? What makes us get up and make the effort to even say we don't like something, so we'll try to voice it? Sometimes we say 'nay' just because we can. Or because we have a hope for something else. A right to something. A right to feel a certain way? Or to be able to say something. Or that hope that someone cares to listen. I don't know. It's probably one of those things that shouldn't be said, but sometimes I wish I didn't have a voice. Or that I could simply keep silent in all ways, forever. Words go wasted, arguments go unheeded, wishes uncared for, prayers go unheard.
Wanting anything for myself? No. It's time to simply let go.

Serendipity of Spring

March is almost ending and Spring is supposed to have already arrived. Perhaps it has -- perhaps we've all just been spoiled for choices, when a year ago in March we had amazing weather with temperatures hitting the high 30s. Anyways, this time around, it's definitely taking it's time. A slow and yet steady pace that somehow and hopefully will make it all the more worth it when it happens. One day we'll wake up and get hit with the realization, a sudden moment of serendipity: it's SPRING.

But wait a second, no, that's how I felt this morning. Yes indeedy, I awoke to a bright morning (well bright compared to past weeks), and while walking outside, that's when it happened. The call of the mourning dove. 

I know I know, I've written about this before. Last spring I'd hazard a guess. (Yeah yeah I'm so going to have to go back and look now). But yup, the mourning dove. There's almost nothing as beautiful in the morning, than hearing it greet you with that haunting melody. And when you hear it - the way I did - that's when you realize, yes it is Spring. I'd been hearing them off and on all week or so, and I remember on Monday there was this absolute cacophony akin to an orchestra tuning their instruments simultaneously. Rather, this was all birds - mourning dove, geese, crows, sparrows - all chirping, honking, singing at once.

Sometimes I think imagine if I had waited a minute longer, I would have missed that one rare event - and that thought, that realization, it's profound. Take last night, for example, the moon was absolutely ravishingly full and beautiful, and yet, the clouds were moving here and there restlessly, and if I hadn't paused that minute before crossing the street, I'd have missed the moment the moon came out of its veil in full splendour.

That's why, sometimes, we're looking for something further away, or are sometimes scared to appreciate the good we have today, and we miss it when it happens, or lose it, only to appreciate it when it's gone. Hello Spring :)

Falling

The magic of music is the way it connects two people and brings them closer. But sometimes when a song expresses for one a greater meaning, for the other -- it's just a song.

Warwick

The problem with fame is you no longer belong to you. You lose your persona and become the object of other people's obsession.

Battered

"I may have survived, but I am broken," I remind him sadly.

"No, Sunny, you're just a bit battered. We both are. Or if we're broken, that's only when we're alone. But now we're together, baby! And together, we're both whole.”

― Olivia Lynde, Summer's Desire

My New Pet

Meet my red panda. I absolutely entirely thoroughly utterly WUB its :) EEEEEEE.

Summer's Desire

“Much better now. And Sunny—there's no such thing as 'too much' when it comes to us. Too much mutual interest, or awareness, or desire, or too much damn love—there's no such thing."

"I love you beyond obsession," I murmur, terrified because it is too much.

"I love you to insanity," he replies, utterly solemn. "That's who I am, and that is who we are. I don't have any qualms about admitting it, and I don't have any regrets. Do you?”

― Olivia Lynde, Summer's Desire

Once Upon A Time

Martian Chronicles

Considering that the countdown is ticking until I open up this blog, it would make sense to actually make use of the time still belonging to me to write something, rather than just posting random things.

Lately, I've been reading The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. From the very first page, I was in love. This man knows how to write. The novel is a chronological account of Earth's movement to Mars over the years. It's science-fiction, but hell, does he make it seem like poetry. This is writing of the finest class. Everyone else who've also been reading this along with me have also been taken aback by it. It is absolutely sublime. It reaches deep, so deep, inside you to pull out your own memories and feelings - feelings you may never have realized were there. It's so evocative of everything that exists in the state of existing.

"I feel as if I'd been out in a pounding rain for forty-eight hours without an umbrella or a coat. I'm soaked to the skin with emotion."

Still

Museum of Innocence

When two people love each other as we do, no one can come between them, no one. Lovers like us, because they know that nothing can destroy their love, even on the worst days, even when they are heedlessly hurting each other in the cruelest , most deceitful ways, still carry in their hearts a consolation that never abandons them.

― Orhan Pamuk, The Museum of Innocence

Variations on the Word

I would like to be the air that inhabits you for a moment only. I would like to be that unnoticed and that necessary.

Margaret Atwood

Movies

So I've watched 4 hindi movies this weekend. And ALL of them scored big on my score chart.

Special 26

It's kind of been so long since I've seen Akshay in a somewhat more serious role. I remember distinctly when I saw him in Khakee in 2004, there was one scene where the spark for his humour just shone, it was just a small gesture, a sense of awesome comic timing, and in that moment I knew that he'd do so well in comedy. Anyways, he or the directors seemed to also cash in on that and for so long the commercialization of his comic timing overruled everything else, including a really intensely deep role. It might be a bit ironic now that this movie Special 26 again reminds one of the general gist of Khakee. Not literally, just the government angle. Anyways, I do not want to go into this any further without becoming a spoiler. I've always been a stolid fan of Akki, Anupam and Jimmy. And they do well in a very solid and intelligent movie.

Main Krishna Hoon

Granted, this is a children-oriented movie. It involves animated scenes of Lord Krishna's life. But, it appeals to me (okay yea yea I'm a kid). Juhi Chawla makes the entire thing worth it, if she weren't in the movie it wouldn't have worked. Perhaps the same can be said for Hrithik's special appearance, because anyone else doing it wouldn't have made the moment as special - he does a good job for the purpose. The little kid, Krishna, is just amazing, not to mention cute. Oh, and Juhi actually sings one of the songs on the soundtrack.

Bol Bachchan

This movie released quite awhile ago, and I'm soo glad I watched it and didn't depend on other people's reviews. If there is anything I love, it's a good laugh, and this movie does that - did that - for me. I've always liked Abhishek just simply because he's one of those guys who's always a prankster and lives to joke around. Rohit Shetty does a really good job  banking on that, and it shows: Abhishek won the Stardust, Zee Cine and Screen awards for his role. Again Rohit banks on Ajay's characteristics in putting him in the role of gruff and simpleton village 'Boss', and his "Englishman's English" is hilarious: it literally makes you blink and go WTH as well as just laugh at the seriousness with which it's said. A movie that does a really nice remake of 1979 Golmaal.

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

I really do not know exactly why but I LOVE this movie. It works for me. I think the intellectual bits go over the heads of those who go in expecting it to be on par with the usual hindi movie (...and then when a movie does reach that level of expectation they deride it for being the usual hindi movie). And in that Vishal Bhardwaj tries to tread a line that somewhat balances a political satire with a commercial Bollywood film, it might lose out on the oomph if it had remained purely one or the other. But the fact that it does not somehow works for me. Some reviewers complain that it became to mundane on a commercialized level because he injects the usual love story. I like that the love story is there, because what story doesn't have some kind of angle with which love happens? Ok ok, there may be many, but in this case, I think it works. If it didn't happen I would have been restless and furious maybe. The way it works up to the moment of reckoning, the citation from Shakespeare thrills me because, well I'm a Shakey nerd. "What were you doing in there?!" "Reading Shakespeare" *silence* "William."  Reminds anyone of VB's ode to Shakey, Omkara? 

 And as to the political aspect: the mindgames in trying to outdo the other side - reminding me of chess. If there was anything that kept the movie going it was that factor: trying to realize what the next step would be in trying to set the other side into a checkmate. Imran, though so many people say he cannot act, because he's too self-contained, or blank, or whatever...that's what works here. His innate nonchalance is what oozes out of the character he's meant to be. It induces that essence of Buddhism which is referred to in very subtle bits, (such as the books he owns, shown when he's packing up his stuff)-- again tying to his Communist credo. 

Anyways, I'm sure I can go on and I'd even take the movie down for another few watches to be able to really analyse the themes and motifs. But I'll just end this now. 

Book of Hours

Extinguish my eyes, I'll go on seeing you.

Seal my ears, I'll go on hearing you.

And without feet I can make my way to you,

without a mouth I can swear your name.

Break off my arms, I'll take hold of you

with my heart as with a hand.

Stop my heart, and my brain will start to beat.

And if you consume my brain with fire,

I'll feel you burn in every drop of my blood.

Rainer Maria Rilke

Feelin' Beautiful

Sometimes, there are just those days you feel great. For me, it makes sense that these days happen when it's a sunny day. Still relatively cold, but sunny. And I've got 'tumhi ho bandhu' stuck in my head all over again. Yup, it's that kind of feeling!

It just might be the coffee I had this morning: I tried to change up the coffee I usually get (Macdonalds') and got Timmies instead. I'm so used to the taste of Mcs though, and their coffee cup structure that it was almost like trying to kiss a stranger (err, not that I know what that's like). But as I write it up now, that's the metaphor that comes to mind. But it wasn't bad coffee. In fact, who am I kidding, it was good. Wait, I was trying to demonstrate that it's not the coffee...Ah well.

Let me see, I'd say it's a combination of: sunshine, coffee, yoga pants, comfort, and intrinsic elated happiness. :"]

Touching Base

I've already decided by now that I am going to be opening up my blog on it's birthday. A good bit of low-down time and I'm guessing it's as good as it would ever get, so might as well become social again.

Anyways, it is finally March, and I've been losing track of the days already, plus now Daylights Saving is back and other schedules are all messed up... but it's okay. I've just now finished changing the looks to Golden Memories and Butterfly Effect. The contrast is stark - like day and night! Oh wait, it does look like day and night. Oops. ¬_¬

I've been reminiscing about how last March, we had two whole weeks of summer. My coworker decided to cheer me up -- and consequently drew me a picture of a bright yellow-highlighted sun wearing sunglasses amidst the clouds. It's stuck on my desk like a drawing made by a kid. o_O

Ok now back to work.

Things You Should Be Able To Say About Yourself: 12

12. I have no regrets.
This one is simply a culmination of the previous eleven…

Follow your heart. Be true to yourself. Do what makes you happy. Be with who makes you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe. Love as long as you live. Say what you need to say. Offer a helping hand when you’re able. Appreciate all the things you do have. Smile. Celebrate your small victories. Learn from your mistakes. Realize that everything is a lesson in disguise. Forgive. And let go of the things you can’t control.

Things You Should Be Able To Say About Yourself: 11

11. I take full accountability for my life.

Own your choices and mistakes, and be willing to take the necessary steps to improve upon them. Either you take accountability for your life or someone else will. And when they do, you’ll become a slave to their ideas and dreams instead of a pioneer of your own.


You are the only one who can directly control the outcome of your life. And no, it won’t always be easy. Every person has a stack of obstacles in front of them. But you must take accountability for your situation and overcome these obstacles. Choosing not to is choosing a lifetime of mere existence.

Things You Should Be Able To Say About Yourself: 10

10. I have forgiven those who once hurt me.

We’ve all been hurt by another person at some point or another – we were treated badly, trust was broken, hearts were hurt. And while this pain is normal, sometimes that pain lingers for too long. We relive the pain over and over, letting them live rent-free in our head and we have a hard time letting go.


Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness, it causes us to miss out on the beauty of life as it happens. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.

Things You Should Be Able To Say About Yourself: 9

9. I know what unconditional love feels like.
Whether your love is towards a child, a lover, or another family member, know the feeling of giving love and not expecting anything in return – this is what lies at the heart of unconditional love. Life through unconditional love is a wondrous adventure that excites the very core of our being and lights our path with delight. This love is a dynamic and powerful energy that lifts us through the most difficult times.

Love is beautiful and unpredictable. It begins with ourselves, for without self-love, we cannot know what true love can be. In loving ourselves, we allow the feeling to generate within us and then we can share it to everyone and everything around us. When you love unconditionally, it isn’t because the person you love is perfect, it’s because you learn to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Things You Should Be Able To Say About Yourself: 8

8. I am good to those I care about.
In human relationships distance is not measured in miles, but in affection. Two people can be right next to each other, yet miles apart. So don’t ignore someone you care about, because lack of concern hurts more than angry words. Stay in touch with those who matter to you. Not because it’s convenient, but because they’re worth the extra effort.


When was the last time you told your family and close personal friends that you loved them? Just spending a little time with someone shows that you care, shows that they are important enough that you’ve chosen — out of all the things to do on your busy schedule — to find the time for them. Talk to them. Listen to them. Understand them.

Many times it’s our actions, not just our words that really speak what our heart feels for another.

Things You Should Be Able To Say About Yourself: 7

7. I am honest with myself.

Be honest about what’s right, as well as what needs to be changed. Be honest about what you want to achieve and who you want to become. Be honest with every aspect of your life, always. Because you are the one person you can forever count on.


Search your soul, for the truth, so that you truly know who you are. Once you do, you’ll have a better understanding of where you are now and how you got here, and you’ll be better equipped to identify where you want to go and how to get there.

Respect

Liebster Returns.

Okay, just because I have been 'away' doesn't mean I really have to be lazy. While I've been off for bloggers rehab, I have still been getting awards!

First award I received from Ajay and Kiara again - the Liebster Award.

So I was awarded this by Ajay on Feb 9 2013 -- I consequently had to go dig through his blog to unearth this gem again, and make sure I abide by the rules which go with it:

"So here goes the rules:

1. Thank the bloggy who awarded you
2. Post 11 interesting things about yourself
3. Answer the 11 questions questioned by the nominator
4. Choose 11 bloggers, create questionnaire for them (of 11), and let them know via comments"

Thank you Ajay and Kiara. Honestly, even though I haven't been writing (for you all to read, that is) and that I've privatized my blog temporarily, it's touching and motivating to still receive appreciation from you.

11 Interesting Things about Me...

1. I share a birthday with Irrfan Khan. So, if you make him Qhan. He's also IQ... (Ok that's a bit of a stretch, I know.)

2. I baked a lemon cake over the weekend and I am currently considering whether I should take a bite out of the cake I packed.

3. I love cooking. I sometimes get fed up of it, but lately I haven't found myself getting discouraged or losing the motivation, and I think it's because of someone else who's been cooking who keeps inspiring me as well; it's nice to share a common hobby/task.

4. It's a really sunny day today, and I'm loving it. I get absolutely happy in sunshine, and cannot wait for the heat to come.

5. I'm wearing  a blue and white plaid scarf that gifted to me, and which my best friend calls a 'kitchen cloth'.

6. Today and yesterday, I woke up and brushed and showered, got ready, and went back to bed for 15 minutes. 

7. I miss Dean. I haven't seen him in 3 weeks. But that's okay. It's nice to miss people and take a break so that when you see them again you enjoy their company more. -- well in this case.

8. I - as usual - feel like chopping all my hair off.

9. I haven't worn nailpolish in a few months now.

10. I need to go pee :( I don't know if that's interesting but I'm trying to finish this list before I go.

11. This is the last interesting thing about me, and that is that I love these kind of lists, but every time I have to do one, I cannot for the life of me think of things which are interesting about me to list. Ok im DOOOOOOOOOONE. *runs*

Answering the questions posed by Ajay:

1. Look at the lower right corner of the screen and mention the Time, plz.

11.02 AM.

2. How did you end up with your Blog Name? I meant *start up with....

Oh well, everyone always used to ask "how are you" and my response was that I am "supercalifragilisticsexyalidocious!".

3. Open your mobile phone and go to messaging. No! I am not giving my number for you to text me.
a. If the Inbox has more messages than Sent, then reply as 'Famous'.
b. If otherwise, well, reply as 'Even More Famous'. :P

Famous?

4. What is the one word that is stuck in your mind most of the time? Like a word from a song or slang or movie or a novel or whatever?

I dunno, someone's name I guess lol...like, in my head I'm always ready to tell that person something, so I'm naturally inclined that way to have the name in my head .. I dunno O_O

5. Your favorite Fiction Character?

I do not have ONE favourite fictional character. 

6. The craziest thing you might have ever done.

Honestly, I cannot remember...

7. Between Truth and Dare , which choice would you go with ? 

Truth, I think..

8. One word for my blog. Note : Insane, Stupid, Wth?, Wtf? , bla bla have already been used. So, pick up something Nice, plz, plz, plz, plz.... :P

Ajay, your blog is AJAYRIFFIC. 

9. What makes you write? 

Me and my craziness urging to be voiced :P

10. Favorite line/proverb/quote.

I have many. "Good things fall apart, so that better things can fall together" is one.

11. If ever there is a chance to meet the author behind this blog, would you meet ? (Plz say Yes! for my satisfaction at least... Kiddin' :P ) So ?

Yeah, of course! :D Then you can take my picture and get recognized as the famous photographer to take the picture of the most beautiful woman on Earth :B Bahahaha.

Ok and my last task involves nominating others for this award. By now, however, everyone I would have nominated has already been nominated, so that makes my life easier. Phew. That also means I do not need to write questions for you all! Now you can say 'phew'.

Now onto Kiara's questions etc.... oh wait, she has none -- yayyy. *hugs Kia*

A Sunny Morning

Good morning, Sunshine!

Yesterday being super cold, I was a little dejected to realize that it was still going to be pretty cold today. Then I woke up to the sunshine. That changed everything. Ahh, I can't wait till' Spring and Summer really get here.