Sunday, February 15, 2015

Appa's Kannama. Happy Valentine's, everyone.

I celebrate another, non gazetted Valentine's Day. 

Appa called me Kannama. And on some days, Shalu Ma.
Shalu Ma, was more of how Amma called me, during my schooling years.
She still does, now. Once in a while, though.
My darling sister and over protective brother, have their own ways of calling me, too. 
But that will be a whole new topic that, I don't intend to dwell in, at the moment. 

Certain pet names give you goosebumps. These are mine. 
And they come from people I carry in my heart, everywhere I go. 

I grew up in an environment abundant in love. 
My parents were the perfect couple. My Amma, the ever supportive wife. The stern but loving Mom. 
The family, that was and is there for me, every day of my life. 

And, Moganadass... 
The best friend of infinite years.
Moderately reserved. Beautifully loving.

I am blessed, indeed. 
I am thankful, to the Almighty. 
For everything. 

So, here's wishing the loves of my life, a very very very Happy Valentine's Day. 
My Appa, up in heaven. 
My Amma. My Akka. 
My Mogan.
My brother. My share of genuine extended family and friends, too. 

Good morning. God bless. 

Love,
~Shalu~

p/s :- surprise song :) listen. it's beautiful. one of my present favourites.


Sunday, February 1, 2015

12 Date Ideas ~ my Tamil girl version

Early Valentine wishes. :)

2015 is the year of dates. Dates, dates and more dates. At least for me. It was one of my resolutions.

2014 was a little lame. Scarce and sporadic. Yes, it was. Just writing it, emphasises the pathetic tone.

So, this year, I want to date more. To enjoy those beautiful moments. To make time for the sweet nothings.

And, I intend to abide by them.

And, what better time to start, than February, the month of love?

12 Date Ideas - I want to have with him.

1. The Temple Visit
My ultimate date, would be definitely this. An early morning visit to the temple. The tranquility and serenity of this place of worship. The peacefulness it brings the heart, is just speech defying. Just him & me. In the presence of the Almighty. Amidst the chime of temple bells, the chant of sacred verses and the aroma of jasmines, roses, sandalwood and incense. And, a stop over for breakfast. Think idli and Madras coffee.

2. The Sunrise Watch
Yes. The Lets Watch The Sunrise Together Date. The one that begins with a phone call. Where he candidly asks if I would want to see it with him. And, where, I would happily say yes. You know, the well spent one, where you talk stuff, hold hands, embrace the silence and enjoy the dancing of waves, as the sun rises, embodying a new beginning. And a simple Western breakfast, there after.

3. The Joggers Park
Oh, yes. The Joggers Park. Oh, and this is not only confined to health freaks or the wannabes. Huge trees. Sweet breeze. Ample shade. Wooden benches. Morning dew. The smell of earth, and grass, entwined. Relationships grow over simple stuff like this, not material ones. Oh, and this is not only confined to health freaks or the wannabes. Stroll along. Jog. Brisk walk. Whatever. Spend time together. That's all that counts.

4. The Coffee Cafe
The coffee cafe date. Something I will never say no too - even on my busiest days. I love coffee. I love tea, too. And, I love quaint restaurants which serve them. Ambience is such a turn on. Just sitting with your greatest crush, sipping a hot drink and exchanging sweet nothings - is downright lovely. Malaysia, every nook and corner, has an endless list of superb cafes and hangouts. It's a matter of starting - somewhere.

5. The Scooter/Bicycle Ride
The thought of the date itself puts a huge grin on my face. Him & me. A scooter. Or a simple bicycle. So honestly romantic. The ability to hug him from the back. To fiddle with his hair and ears. To scream in ecstasy, as you ride downhill. There's a certain kind of happiness when he leads. And, you know, you are in safe hands.

6. The Movie Date
Yup. A good movie, that is. And, Tamil, preferably. A cup of chilled drink. Two straws. And, a strong hand grip at every time a beautiful moment comes. If I could turn back time and choose 3 Tamil movies that for a date, Alaipayuthey would always be Número Uno. Number One. Then, the recent Panayarum Padminiyum. A stellar. And last but not least, any Ajith movie. For him. Think Don.

7. The Beach Picnic
I am an aquaholic. Read that right. Please. Aquaholic. A person who loves water. Any place associated with water. Especially the beach. Mention beach, and I am hyper. I am somewhat lucky. Penang is an island. And, beaches are a plenty. Picnics should be somewhat early morning. Or late evening, when the sun is down. Some chocolate drink, fresh juice, sandwiches, chips, a picnic mat, and voila, you are set.

8. The Count the Stars Match
How beautiful a thought. Not to mention, jaw dropping romantic. On a bright cloudless night, however. But, insect repellants would be very handy. You don't want to spend the night shooing away mosquitoes instead, do you? And, at the end of the day, the magic lies in making the best, out of trivial moments like this.

9. The Kitchen Party
Cooking together. Yes. What more couples should do - more often. Bonding is a necessity in any relationship. And, what better way than preparing a meal together. I think it's a sweet idea. Deciding on a simple but lovely menu. Going to the grocers. Buying the stuff. And returning home to start the entrée. Not to mention, setting up a romantic atmosphere, Illayaraja's music playing softly in the background, and all.

10. The Family / Friend Hangout
I grew up to the notion that love begins with family. Still do. Always will. A guy who ensures you are a part of his family and friends, is ALWAYS a keeper. Make the best of those outings. Be pleasant to everyone in his circle. And, be genuine. Put the effort to be a part of it. Establish a connection with his clique. He wanted you in, so make him proud.

11. The Rain Dance
No. Not the non virtuous one as in Bolly or Molly movies. I am referring to the ones that happen at the brink of the moment. When it's starting to rain a little heavier, you are both out in the rain, he catches hold of your umbrella and throws it away. And, you just embrace the joy of getting drenched in the rain with someone you genuinely adore. Love is about the small things.

12. The Pet Shop Trip
I love animals. Especially dogs. And birds. I have actually done this one, albeit it being a non date kind of thing. More of a stop over. He wanted to get food for his fish, an Arowana. But, I enjoyed those little moments. Both of us drooling over the animals in the pet shop. The rabbits. The hamsters. The birds. The fishes. Why not? Especially if both love animals.

Note : iPads are least Blogger friendly. And I am not too Internet savvy. I want to make that clear. So, I am currently not able to post a song. Pardon me. But, given a choice it would be, at this very moment - "Haiyayo Nenju Alayathudi...." from my favourite Aadukalam.

Till I see you all again, this is a signed off with lots of love,
Shalu.R.

Ps ~ oh, please wish me luck. Will need them, lots. ;)