Happy Birthday Amma !

A quick hello to everyone !!
I write in my thoughts, especially when I'm travelling. I assume I'll remember what to write later but when I sit down to do the real thing, I run out of words. They sound a little made up, which I'm totally not in favour of. I love things written in the moment. Like now. The flow.
Amma celebrates her birthday today. My goddess. My life. The reason to my very existence. I'm no one without her and that is fact.
I owe her a million thanks and a trillion sorry. And zillion hugs and infinite love.  A mother is so strong. She handles everything with so much vigour. Mine too. Amma had a hard time putting up with me during my teenage and earLy twenty something years. Eventually, I learned that no ones love would compare to your parents, that's why they are termed as God sent.
I spend a lot of time with Amma now. I appreciate everything she does. I enjoy talking to her about current happenings. She is very well read. You can ask her about world news and she will confidently update you. She watches Tamil serials and movies, on and off. She reads extensively. And she enjoys doings educational maths and science. I'd say I inherit part of my intelligence from her.
During my recent illness, which I plan to write in length, very soon, Amma was by my side all the time. She healed me. With her love and care and affection. I'm very much better now. Amma continues to monitor and my eating habits and sedentary lifestyle so that I do not fall into the same rut again.
It was a small family affair. We had a hazel nut cake. And I bought her whole roasted coffee beans from Starbucks. She loves coffee, that too, at 4pm every day. Amongst her routine.
It's 10.15pm here. I sleep early on most days. I get lethargic easily.
So, here's Good Night.
Love your parents. We are nothing without them. God gave them to us, to cherish and love, as we do Him.
Till I write again, take care everyone.

Love,
R. Shalu.

Of Lunar New Year and Love !

Hola !!!
The Chinese Lunar New Year has begun. The year of the Pig, it is. Malaysia is on a two day national holiday. For us, it has been rather hectic.
We spent Monday night at my sister in law's place. Slept real late. Woke up a little late, too and headed of for brunch. I did the laundry and some cooking. And, tidied up the house.
Today, Amma & I went to my Grandma's house in a city which is approximately 54kms from where we live. Alor Setar is the capital of our state, Kedah. The weather, unfortunately, was blazing hot when we reached around 10am. Yes, it's real humid here, right now. Dry season, synonymous with the Chinese New Year festivity. But Paati's house is surrounded by lots of plants and the marble flooring kept us cold and cozy.
Paati's house is a picture of tranquillity. It's an epitome of a true home sweet home. Paati is no longer around but her home remains as beautiful as ever. Void of her actual presence but a thousand memories of her are etched all over. My aunt lives there now and has maintained the house excellently. The home, I mean.
I'm sharing a couple of photos of them instead of a song today.
Because, nothing is as precious as this God given life and a loving family. And holidays, are meant to be spent with loved ones. At least for me. And I believe, for many of you all out there too.
So, if you have a holiday coming up or even the weekend which is just two days away, make it a point to spend it with the ones who truly love you.
Ya, you can go catch a movie. Or head window shopping. Just drive around. Hang out at home. Whatever pleases you - but make sure it is done with your loved ones. Please.
I've got lots to write, actually. There are so many things I want to write about - especially my health situations that I want to share with many of you, but I have this horrid habit of procrastination. And, the days have been a little busy, of lately too.
I will soon. Write. More frequently.
Good night. God bless.