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.

Mother's Day - For Amma & Appa. Kaatru Veliyil from Un Samayal Araiyil.

I'm breaking the norm. 

Here's wishing not only my Mom, but also my dearest Dad, up in heaven, a very blessed Mother’s Day. 

It took both of them to raise me. To be what I am today. It’s undeniable that a family runs solely because of a mother’s sacrifice and dedication. And, in ours, my father played an equally strong part. 

Yes, I say, “Amma” first, whenever I fall. Yes, it's Amma that I confide in anything, and everything. Oh, yes - it's Amma this and Amma that. 

But, my father – my Appa – he ruled my world. 

He still does. He always will. 

My Heavenly Mother. 

The one I carry in my heart at all times, and everywhere I go. 

So, here's ALSO wishing all the great guys who are totally supportive of their moms and wives and girlfriends, a Happy Mother’s Day. 

For my fellow women – A Blessed Mother’s Day, TOO. ;)

What-A-Song. Illayaraja. Sung by himself. From an awesome movie. Listen on loop - you will fall head over heals with this one. :-)

A year older. And, hopefully, wiser.

Greetings from Shalu.

First, and foremost - thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, to everyone, for the birthday wishes. The one which came, some days after the mid of November 2014. Thank you for the blessings, the love, and the care.

Birthdays are very personal, to me. No. Not because of the getting old issue. 

But, because, I truly believe, it is a day you celebrate with loved ones. The family and friends that you genuinely hold close to heart. And, I did, exactly that. 

God and Appa. Thank you for continuing to watch over me. And for blessing me, from up above. 

Amma, my Goddess. The one who makes me realise that heaven will always be a place on earth, as long as I have her, with me. Thank you for the midnight, surprise party. 

Akka. My best friend. My second mom. We share a 13 year gap. But, we are allies. Compatriots. Shopping buddies. Gossip gang. Partners in craziness. 

And, she is my favourite Whatsapp contact. Yes, such a favourite, that we share secret messages, even when in the same room. Thank you for the side dishes for party. Thank you for ensuring a good attendance. 

My brother, Segar. Who remembered. For once. Hahaha.....

Guys rarely keep track of dates and all. So, when he actually called to wish, I found it a little weird and funny. Brothers. They can drive you crazy. He does, too. But, he cares just as much. And, I continue to count on him, anytime of the day. 

Mogan. For one of the earliest wishes. For making me smile from ear to ear. For continuing to be a part of my life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

Inpan and Devaki. My besties in London. For the phone call across the miles. For the messages. For just being there, in my life. You've put our friendship on a pedestal. You're family, guys. And, I love you both as well as the two little ones, so very, very much.

Sivaram. My blog reader. Years have transformed us into Facebook and email friends. Thank you, too, for that surprise phone call, from India. I was truly taken by surprise because you remembered. And not to mention, that sweeter than sweet poem via mail. May God bless you in your new journey of life. And, yes, thanks. Very much appreciated. 

To my besties, who compromise of 5 crazy girls, from my uni days - Thanks. You guys rock. 

To everyone else who is aware of my EXACT birth date, and dropped by to wish, thank you, too.

Yes, I am blessed. Thanks.

Take a piece of the cake. Virtually. That's all that is possible for now.

Signing off,

~Shalu~

Kannamaa, is what my father called me. The Jigarthanda song.

Greetings.

It's drizzling over here. Not warm neither cold, but definitely better than dry and humid.
I have been down with the fever, flu and sore throat for the past one week and more. 
Visited the doctor, thrice. Yes, thrice. The last, being yesterday night.
My temperature was at 39.5 to 40 degrees Celsius high, so the doctor gave me 2 injections.
One for the fever and the other for the throat infection. 
I am half recovered now. The is a slight running nose and a lesser than mild cough, but way better than what I was the whole of last week.
And, for the first time in days, I slept well. 
I miss Appa, especially at moments like these. Amma is a wonderful caretaker, nevertheless. All 100%. She made me rice porridge. She poached eggs. She made Chinese noodles. And bought me, fresh coconut water. I am being pampered to the max. But, I miss Appa, despite all.....

Kannamaa, is how Appa called, me. I still raise eyes if someone does so, out of the blue. 
It's equalent to being called the Queen. The exact way Appa doted upon me. Like a Queen. I have no doubt that even Amma and Akka were second to me. I was, definitely, the only apple of his eye. And, that is the plain truth.....

I enjoy this song. It's a little eccentric, though. I was suppose to watch the movie at the theatres recently, but had to make way for something else. Everyone is raving about it. And, I am a big fan of Naalaya Iyakunar contestants. Karthik Subburaj, the director is one. And there is also the young talents comprising of Siddarth, Lakshmi Menon and Bobby Simha. People who ACTUALLY act, not flaunt. So, more reasons to watch this movie.....

Signing of, now. 
Take care. God bless.
Sleepy..... Thanks to all the medication. 

p/s :- using an iPad to blog is like using a GPS tracker in the Sahara Desert. Or perhaps I am not too Internet savvy especially with iOS devices. 

Pray for MH370..... The missing Malaysian Airlines flight bound toBeijing.....

I am still in New Delhi. It's raining outside. And the weather is chilly. Despite me, wearing a long sleeve shirt and a black bomber jacket.

We are all still hoping. Still praying. Still waiting. For a miracle. 

For MH370 - the Beijing bound plane which never reached its destination. 

God has his way of knocking sense into our brains. We are so caught up with fast growing technology and high tech gadgets and a career centered life. 

It's at moments like these that we take time to appreciate how short life can be. 

And, how we rarely take time to TRULY cherish and treasure loved ones. 

I will be flying back soon. 

I am not afraid. There is no phobia. 

No pteromerhanophobia. 
Pteromerhanophobia - otherwise known as a fear of flying. 

Really? Yes. Really. Maybe 0.05%. Tiny jitters. That's all.

Why? Reasons, a few. 

Mom is with me. We are flying back home - together. She will be by my side, throughout the journey. 

She carried me in her womb for 10 months. She was my saviour then. She is my saviour now. She will be my saviour, always. 

An infant feels safest in the embrace of their mother. 

A crying child feels consoled when their mother carries them. 

At this point of age, just holding on to her hands, calms me wondrously. 

If I were to return to the Almighty, then, so be it. I have her with me. Having her beside me in the last moments of my life, would be a perfect ending to the beautiful life I have lived so far. 

Mothers are God's greatest gift to us. The human form of the Almighty. They will never hurt us, even if we do them. That great, they are. 

Adore them. Cherish them. Love them. A mother is God's way of telling us, He is always with us, no matter how unruly we get.

I have Amma with me, and this itself makes me safe....

God gave us this life. He has all right to take it back. I accept whatever fate He has in store for me. Bathing in the Ganges and touching the holiest Shivlingam in Kaasi Viswanath temple has tranquillized my soul. Varanasi has totally changed my outlook on life, and love. 

I am still at the hotel room. Glued to our TV. BBC has been playing day and night. Nothing has been confirmed. We are all hoping for a miracle. 

The massive search mission has grown to 45 ships and 34 aircraft, more than 48 hours after the plane first disappeared off the radar. 239 passengers and crew on board. Nearly two-thirds of the 227 passengers on the plane are from China, with others from the US, Ukraine, France and other countries.

The entire nation is praying. The world is, too. 

Collective prayers can create wonders. Read about it, somewhere.

It does not matter that they are strangers. 

Praying for the well being of another, is a good deed.

Please help us, fellow Malaysians, pray for the safe return of all these 239 people. 

Your prayers and thought, will be of much help.

Hail - the power of collective prayer !!!

Have them in your thoughts for a millisecond.

Hold them in your prayers in a minute of silence. 

Prayers do wonders.....

Take care. God bless.

With love from New Delhi,

-Shalu-

p/s - reading this to console and appease the worried heart. The 12 noon Malaysian time press conference confirmed that no sightings of air plane debris found. So, let's continue to pray for the miracle. God bless. God bless. God bless.

A Mother's Infinite Love. Kannathil Muthamittal.....

It's late and I am dead tired. It's a Friday night and all I want to is head to bed.
But I am here..... Posting, a piece of my heart.
To thank my visible Goddess from the very depth of my heart. 
My Amma. My mother. My life. The one I am no one, without and everything, with. 

I lost my platinum chain a few weeks back. I have been wearing it for ages. 
You see, I do not wear yellow gold. I do not fancy them. But, I adore white gold - platinum, to be exact. With a touch of diamond. This, to me, is far more elegant and swank. 

I cried when it went missing. Lots. I searched high and low - until I finally gave up. Consoled myself to get a new one by the end of the year.  I ceased to think about it much, the days after. 

I cried again, today. The only difference was, it was tears of pure joy. I was at my prayer altar, at home, when I saw,  a jewelry box engraved with the words "Habib". Right in front of my Lord Venkatasalapathi's picture. I opened it, to see a beautiful plaited pure platinum chain. And, that too - from Habib's - Malaysia's Best Jeweler. It would have cost her a fortune. 

I know. My heart is the better judge. No one could have understood how sad I was over losing the chain. No one except, Amma. And, only, she would have gone to the trouble of replacing it, for me. I remain her little girl despite me having grown as old as a dinosaur. That's what children are to their parents. Their babies, no matter what the age.

My mother. The one who has always been there and continues to be there, for me. Be it during my happiest moments or the weaker ones. I am just so, so blessed to have her rooted strongly in my life.

I went to her room a short while ago. She was fast asleep. I laid my head near her feet. My heaven is there. At her feet. Really. She IS God, to me. How else do I describe this purity ? It feels so beautiful. My head near her feet, looking over her, thanking her with all my heart and praying from the very depth of my heart, for her well being and happiness. Overwhelmed. I cried, in gratitude, for having such a wonder of a mother. I still am, as I write this. A mother's love moves mountains. These tears are trivial.....

I love you with all my heart, Amma. Thank you so much for the gift. 
We are bringing her for a vegetarian lunch tomorrow. She is life time herbivorous. My brother is also back, from the capital. It will be a moderate family affair at this newly opened restaurant named "Garam Masala" here in Sungai Petani. Ironically, this wonderful eatery belongs to my mother's niece. 

It is getting late. 12.55am ??? Ouch. This is real late, for me. I need to get up early. I have prayers in the morning. 

Good night. Stay blessed.

p/s - This song comes from one of Amma and my favourite movie. Kannathil Muthamittal is a stellar from Maniratnam. 

Of jots and mugs and zilch songs ..... Happy August !!!

Playing on the stereo in my room, as I am writing this, on replay are this 3 songs - "Yennodu Vaa Vaa" from Neethane En Ponvasantham, "Maalai Mangum Neram" from Rowthiram and "Innum Konjum Neram" from Mariyaan. 
July - was hectic but awesome. It was a blissful 31 day span. 
I had a short vacation in Bali with some girlfriends. 
I was out on a beautiful date with Mogan.
I watched Mariyaan - twice - with my darling sister who has been such a sport, despite not being too fond of Dhanush.
I spent a four day weekend in the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur - with closest family and friends.
I went furniture hunting - and am weeks away from a new, cushy, cozy and snug sofa. A self chosen fabric one - thus, the wait.
I had lunch at my work desk - on most days. 
I bought my Mom a gift - she has been wanting for some time now. 
I talked to Appa 's soul - every night without fail. I am praying devoutly for something. He is my Other God.
I met an old, humble, well mannered and friendly couple who sell rice for a living at a restaurant in Pitt Street Penang. They made me feel so sheltered.
I got a gift from a friend. A burlap diary. It was cute. I have yet to start jotting.

I love traditional Indian clothes. Churidhars and sarees - especially. My cousin who flew in from India bought me this. From Soch, Chennai. A dark green and pink kurti. Loved it - heaps.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that, August will be wonderful, too. 

I miss so many things. My father - especially. 

And, India. My motherland. The country I so love.....

And these.....

Can I skip a song ? It is getting late into the night, and I want to shut my eyes and dream.
You go do that too.....
Good night. God Bless.

Kanna Kanna from Vathikuchi & my recent watches

First things first. I have to say my apologies. For being such a lazy blogger. I wish I had more time in hand. Free time - that is. To actually, sit and write my heart out. My days are fully occupied. I am not just busy as a bee. I am as busy as a cranberry merchant at Thanksgiving. Yeah. That is how life is at the moment.

My bestie at work was transferred to another department - without any announcement. It was shocking and very much unanticipated. It has been days since we went back together, and I miss her a lot. She is the life of my travelling time. The comic who makes me laugh in barrels. 

And now - both of our jobs have been reassigned. Thus, me being super busy. With her away - I have been delegated to do her job, mine as well as train another staff. And, it gets easily taxing. But, work is work, and despite all the discontent, we just go on with the management's decision. Correct ? Same here.

I managed to watch couple of good Tamil movies. Thaandavam, David, Vattikuchi, Kadal, Chennaiyil Oru Naal. In chronological order. I am supposed to go watch Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, later in the evening. Keeping my fingers crossed - for this highly recommended comedy. 

So here goes. A speedy review. In point form - short, precise and basic. We have way too many exhausting in depth reviews. I do not want to do the same.

1. Thandavam - I have never liked Vikram. Yes. He is great actor - I know. But, to me, he is plain uninspiring. The only movie of his I enjoyed was Kaasi. And, this. Thandavam was relatively good. An action drama on terrorism with a lot of other issues thrown in. I watched the entire movie in one go. 

2. David - My second attempt. Only due to the fact that - Mogan and I watched it together. I found Bejoy Nambiar's direction uncertain and wavering in most parts. The only good part of it was the ending - which stresses on the moral of forgiving. 

3. Vattikuchi - At the theaters in my hometown. Only 5 of us in an entire cinema. I liked it - nevertheless. For Anjali's spontaneous acting and a funnily quizzical ending. Oops - yes - and those two songs titled, "Kurru Kurru" and "Kanna Kanna" deserve a special mention. I am addicted to the latter. What-A-Song!!!!

4. Kadal - One short sentence. I LOVE, LOVE the movie. I brush off and overlook every single negative review on it. Come on. It was a great movie. A must watch. A Tamil movie zealot's dream. Out of the box theme. Mani Ratnam cannot go wrong. He did not this time, too. I have watched it three times now. Gautham Kartik, who looks very South American, is a star in the making. And, I laud Rajiv Menon for his excellent cinematography. Manapad, Kottayam, Kochi as well as all other locations in the movie- were simply breathtaking. Kadal remains a stellar in my eyes.

5. Chennaiyil Oru Naal - Watched it yesterday. Another great Tamil thriller that kept me on my toes - throughout. With a huge cast and multiple stories entwined tactfully - this is another 2013 must watch.
What else, now that my short reviews are done with ?
Our Tamil New Year - Vijaya - comes a calling next Sunday. I may be away. My dearest brother is constantly using my broadband. Really. I am not making up stories. In fact, it has been weeks since I even went to Facebook. Hopefully, right after this.
Well, back to the Tamil New Year - my advance wishes. God bless - each and everyone of us. And may the year ahead bring us happiness and the best things in life.
To God - Thanks for the blessings. To my late Appa - I miss you - all the time. To my Amma, Akka and Mogan. Thanks. I am no one without you guys. Love always.
Signing off with this song. I am weirdly addicted to it......

Acoustic cover - "Kadhal Sadugudu" - Sathya Mani

Happy New Year, everyone. Belated.

I am back. My very first post for 2013. 

Down with a frail flu, and thus, tucked away in the precincts of my room. 

I was supposed to do so many stuff today. 

Go for that awesome comedy everyone is raving about, titled - "Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya?". 

A brisk walking session with my sister, at the joggers park, which is a 10 minutes drive from home sweet home. You see, I am lousy sportsperson. And, all this hype is only due to the fact that I bought my very first pair of sport shoes. 

A drop by to my regular tailor. He sent me a sms, this morning, reminding me that my saree blouses are ready. 

And, I have not done any of the above mentioned. All I did was rest, on my bed. And, after months - I had a long afternoon catnap.

Saw a poster on these 10 things on tumblr. Found it drawing. And, here I am today, with my version of answers. 

10 different things I want to say to 10 different people right now.

- to Appa, I miss you and continue to love you, every single second.

- to Amma, thanks for standing by me, throughout all these years. Love you, too, but, for me, Appa is STILL number one.

- to Akka, how can I live this life without you ? My ally, my critic - my best girl friend. The one who knows me inside out.

- to Mogan, thanks. I truly do not what else to say.

- to a friend named Sivaram Mayilnanthan, who lives faraway, in my favourite Chennai city, this is a toast to you and an optimistic 2013 that you have promised yourself. Life is never easy. It is up to us to make the best of it.

- to my great girl friends - Jo, Sue, Vino, Rani & Nits, looking forward to our reunion.

- to Mr.MK @ Mu. Karunanidhi - I love Chennai and the rest of Tamil Nadu. Please find me a way to get stationed there. You can make it possible, right ?

- to Shakthisree Gopalan - the singer of that awesome, spellbinding, "Nenjukulle" song. You rock. As in R-O-C-K !!!!!

- to me, myself & I - do not worry over the awful days, rejoice over the wonderful ones.

- to all those racist out there, "Listen, listen, listen - good etiquette is far superior than discrimination....."

9 things about myself.

- I love girlie stuff. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, fashion mags, recipe blogs. 

- I do not bring my mobile phone everywhere. I am NOT dependent on it. 

- My favourite sound is that of the flapping waves, in the midst of dead silence.

- I listen to ARR's "Moongil Thottam" song more than 20 times in a day - for now.

- I LOVE the traditional Indian churidhar & the saree. My all time favourite attire.

- Alaipayuthey is my favourite movie. STILL.

- I bought a book titled, "The Strength of the Sun" by Catherine Chidgey but have yet to find the impulse to read it. Soon, hopefully.

- My favourite colour is yellow. So, is Lord Tirupathi's. 

- I enjoy eating wholemeal bread stuffed with vanilla ice cream and a dash of Hershey's chocolate syrup.

8 ways to win my heart.

- Through my family.

- Waking me up with a romantic, deep throaty, "Good Morning, Sweetheart..."

- Sweet surprises. The little ones. 

- Asking me out on date - to the temple. This is an ultimatum.

- Holding my hands when I least expect it.

- A wink at me, in a sea of crowd. That should make my heart somersault.

- A kiss on the forehead. Another ultimatum.

- An evening over coffee and great conversation.

7 things that cross my mind a lot.

- God & religion.

- Life.

- India.

- India. Again.

- India. Yet, again. By now, you should have known how absorbed I am, about India.

- The well being of my family and loved ones.

- What I intend to do - next.

6 smileys that describe my life right now. Answers at http://www.netlingo.com/smileys.php
- :O
- :-#
- 8(:-)
- :-`|
- })i({
- X/)

5 people who mean a lot to me.

- Appa, Amma, Akka, Mog♥n & my brother.

4 turn offs.

- Racism and comments related to it.

- Cancelling already confirmed plans.

- Bad manners.

- Arrogance.

3 turn ons.

- Displaying love - no matter how plain.
- Great food.
- Illayaraja's music.
2 things I wish I had never done.

- Been rude to my parents during my rebellious teenage years.

- Discontinuing my Grade 7 in piano lessons.

1 confession.
- Hmmm.... I have. Already. To the Almighty Lord. It is a silent prayer, in the form of a heartfelt confession. 
And, this is an acoustic version of a great number from my favourite movie. 
Let the sun shine this 2013 !!!!!
God Bless.....

Vanakkam Vazhavaikkum Chennai from Marina

10.21pm, Saturday. Right now. The time in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Yes. I am here. In my very favourite city. The weather has been good to us.  Yes!!! The weather has been great. Cloudy. Windy. Just the right amount of sun. Even the feared, Cyclone Mahasen has weakened, say reports. Yippiee Di Yaa Yaa. The exclamation I use when I am in a state of delirium. I am. Right now. I will never be able to explain the amount of happiness that I am feeling at this very moment, now that I am living my days and nights, in the city I hold close to my heart and soul. Neither would anyone be able to measure it. Yes. Yes. Yes. I love this city, heaps. 

Watched Vijay's Deepavali release, "Thuppaki" at PVR Ampa Skywalk. I would not say it is a great watch. Tolerable, simply put. Unlike many of his other movies, which depict him in superhero mode. This was directed by the sensible AR Murugadoss and thankfully, Vijay shown as us, fellow mortals. 

During the movie, they showed trailers of "Kumki" and "Neethane En Ponvasantham". The two movies I am eagerly looking forward to. The ones definitely on fellow zealots list.

My vacation to India is beautiful. From the very first moment, my flight took off. I enjoyed every day that has since passed. And, am looking forward to the remaining days I will have in this awesome city. God's and Appa's presence is nestled in my soul. Mom and my sister are close by. My travel companions. 
With love from Singaara Chennai..... this is Shalu signing off.
p/s : - What better song than this, huh ??? Enjaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii :-)

Oru Kili Oru Kili from Leelai (2012)

Happy Sunday !!!!! And, Happy Mother's Day - to each and every female, in this world.....
And, to my darling Amma - thanks for everything. My heaven remains beneath your feet. God bless you, always.....
Made Amma, and Akka (my second mum), an eggless Suji Cake. It turned out pretty tasty. Amma gave it 8/10. Akka 9/10. Not too bad, I guess. Thanks to a wonderful website titled Sharmi's Passion and my love for cooking. 

Tea Time - My cuppa tea and pieces of the Suji Cake

The hot from the oven eggless Suji Cake

The side view - of the eggless Suji Cake.

I have been on my toes - yet again. Been super busy since morning. Wanted to catch forty winks but somehow, household duties got in the way. Weird, but I actually enjoy doing them. 
Read a review about the movie from which today's song comes from. Leelai. In fact, I caught a glimpse of it on Sun TV's Top Ten Movies this morning. It was in  fourth place. Looks impressive. Would definitely find a way to watch it and keep you guys updated.
I love this song. And, the way the video has been presented. Done with great taste minus the uproar. Nice.
5 reasons why I chose this song and video clip.
No. 1 - The song. The sentimental flow. The lyrics. Beautiful.
No. 2 - The chemistry and intimacy between the hero and heroine is just amazing. Nothing overboard. Lots of similarity to Alaipayuthey's Snegidhane, noted. Semma romantic.
No. 3 - The heroine and her awesome choice of sarees. The hues and the colours compliment her perfectly. Wow.
No. 4 - The background. Nothing fancy. A fort boarded by the sea. Wonderful. Can someone tell me, where is this? But, India, right?
No. 5 - Every moment in this video rings a "huge" bell.....(yours truly is smiling sheepishly, yet again.....) Every single second of it. Rephrasing. Every single second of it. Nijama, nijama..... (truly, truly). FYI, I awarded Mogan, the Quantum-Leap-from-Workaholic-to-Super-BestFriend-Award, recently. He has yet to be notified. Hahaha. This too, I shall keep you all updated, about.....
Have a great week ahead. See you around. Stay sweet, and safe, ya !!!!!

Yennayidhu from Mounaguru

Happy Belated New Year everyone !! My wishes are a little late, I know, but, isn't it better to be late than never ?? Hope the year started with a big bang for each and everyone of you, and will continue to prosper until the next one arrives.
The week was hectic. The thought of writing a short post did emerge every now and then. Unfortunately, thoughts remained thoughts. Pragmatism failed. 
It has been a beautiful Saturday over here. The moderately sunny and extremely windy kind-of-one. It is 35 past 5 in the evening now. Amma's freshly brewed milk tea is minutes away. If Popeye's was spinach, this is mine. Homemade boost. 
Watched this movie during my New Year weekend. A good one, that is definitely on my 2011 recommendation list.
Cheers !!! See ya around, REAL SOON :-P

Sondham Eppodhum Thodarkathaithaan from Praptham

"சொந்தம் எப்போதும் தொடர்கதைதான் முடிவே இல்லாதது
எங்கே சென்றாலும் தேடி இணைக்கும் இனிய கதை இது
என்னை உன்னோடு சேர்த்த தெய்வம் எழுதும் புதுக்கதை இது....." 

And, alas - here, we are, on the final day of the year..... 

It has indeed been one great year. And, I pray the ones ahead would be better - not just for me, but each and everyone of you.....

This post is specially dedicated, with heartfelt thanks to the ones closest to my heart.

The Almighty God - I am so grateful for everything You have bestowed upon me......

My Father - The one who is no more but remains in my heart and thoughts, at all times. My hero. 

My everything. 

My Mother - For patiently putting up with my antiques. And, continuing to treat me like a little girl, which I no more, am. 

My Sister - My comrade. My ally. My second mother. I wish you good health and great happiness. 

Mogan - for being a part of my life and making them sweeter than ever.

My friends, near and dear - for doubling my joy and sharing the pain. 

To every reader of my blog, who has stopped by, intentionally or otherwise, thanks and God Bless !!!

Happy New Year everyone !!! 

Have a fabulous 2012 !!!!

Pirai Thedum Iravile from Mayakkam Enna

Ten reasons why I LOVED Mayakkam Enna.
10. The Voda Voda Thooram Kurayilai song visualization. Cleverly hilarious. 
9. The bathroom scene. Dhanush's comically petrified  look upon sighting of the lizard. 
8. Dhanush runs away to Mysore. He returns after a long hiatus. Richa's dialogues. How she missed him. How she begs him to never do that again. The embrace and tears of joy they share. And, along the movie, the stolen looks that Dhanush and Richa constantly share. 
7. Dhanush, chancing upon a grandmother by the road side. He uncovers her beauty - like never before. The happiness on her face. The pride she oozes. 
6. The Kumudham issue with Dhanush's photo shoot of elephants. How the magazine goes through so many hands before being discovered as a masterpiece. It is then, that Dhanush's life takes a quantum leap.
5. The Kathal Kathal Yen Kaathal song. Took me by surprise. I conceptualized Selvaragavan doing something alike Varanam Aayiram's Anjalai song. I was so, so wrong. 
4. The dreadful look of Dhanush upon finding his work plagiarized, by the man he idolizes. He gives brilliant expressions. Believe me, when I tell you, that your heart will skip a beat at this point of the movie. 
3. Merciful Richa's adamancy and determination to stand by her man - come what may. Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. She is one to him. 
2. Dhanush on receiving his first major cheque and assignment. His lifetime dream. A photo shoot for The National Geographic magazine. The ecstatic Richa, upon hearing the great news, heads to the prayer altar, thanks the Almighty, and returns to the hall to find Dhanush sitting at their home entrance with a bottle of alcohol and a jug of plain water. She pauses in despair. He pours down the alcohol. He drinks the water. 
1. The last fifteen minutes. The words Dhanush use to express his gratitude to his friends and wife. Heartwarming. 
This a must watch - if you ask me. So, please do so. Do not let, its slow pace deter you. This movie has so many ponderous charms. 
".......விழியின் அந்த தேடலும்
அலையும் உந்தன் நெஞ்சமும்
புரிந்தாலே போதுமே ஏழு ஜென்மம் தாங்குவேன்........... "

Kannuku Mai Azhagu from Puthiya Mugam

Time flies - faster during the last two months of the year. At least - that is how I feel. Another three day weekend over here, in Malaysia. I have neatly drawn plans. Today. Woke up rather early, despite sleeping late. About 6.45am. Mornings bright early, nowadays. Amma's garden has a blooming Thulsi plant. Plucked the leaves and tied a garland. Not my first attempt on tying one - but, it turned out just the way I wanted it to. 
Also, went to the theater to watch "Mayakam Enna" - with mum, my sister and a cousin. I liked it - a lot. The three of them didn't, though. 
Tomorrow. Need to wake up early, yet again. My beloved sister wants to go shopping - in Penang. I, as always, have been ordered to comply. And, its not like that I do not  fancy purchasing. It is, again, a win-win situation, for us. Sara Corpening, the food writer, asked, "How do people make it through life without a sister?" She could not have questioned better. If you have a sister, you will agree with me - wholeheartedly. 
Monday. Would be, all about unwinding. The original "Mankatha" DVD is in hand. Would like to finally - watch it. Days and days after all its hype has died down. And, settling the needy chores. 
Listen - to this soothing number. Semma feelings .....
"தமிழுக்கு ழா அழகு..... தலைவிக்கு நான் அழகு....." 

Kallikaattil from Thenmerkku Paruvakaatru

11.11.2011. A date similar to this will only come, in the next 100 years, they say. And, it will, be 11.11.2111. So, take time to cherish this significant day.
It was for me. Significant. Enduring and notable. His phone call are always, a delight. Same today. A super surprising one at 7.51pm..... 
This emotionally moving and stunning song comes from the 58th National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. The heart rending lyrics from Vairamuthu, also, won this year's National Film Award for Best Lyrics. This song is for keeps. A great one that celebrates and honours a mother's devotion. 
Dedicated not only to my mother, but to the greatest man in my life - my father. The man who was an equally devoted mother, to me. My hero. My everything. The one I think of and miss all the time.....

Un Alagai Kaniyargal from Uthama Puthiran (1958)

I am back. After the hiatus. The Deepavali hullabaloo has muffled. But, it was a great week. A great, great week, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Yesterday - we went for a movie. A family outing, actually. To watch, of all movies, the Vijay starer, Velayutham. I do not have anything to comment on it, except, "Abbbaaaaaa ...... hdjhsdedbnd skksjdjhadhadak;lckas;ckl;akclkclakcv cxftxclaks; ......" if you know what I mean.....
So, pass Velayutham. Lets talk about something more refreshing.
The last day of Kantha Sasthi tomorrow. Amma and I are planning to cook up a feast. A wholesome vegetarian spread. The fridge is brimming with leafy and greeny stuff. I have already browsed through a few vegan cookbooks for ideas. Managed to peek at a few food blogs, as well. It will be for family, extended family and a few special invites. I feel driven - already. Cooking is something that I love to do. And, of lately, gardening. Both, alleviate the senses.
This is a classic number from the 1958 Uthama Puthiran. It was filmed at the famous Brindavanam Gardens in Mysore.Such a beautiful and happy number. Give it a try.....
Nitez....

Kannukum Kannukum Mothal from Ninaika Terindha Maname

Need to confess that I have never heard this song neither watched the movie - ever. And, then, how now ? Watched something on TV. A musical program. This song popped up. Instant attraction. Thanks to the particular, uplifting lines - in bold. Searched for it on YouTube and voilà, here I am, with the song of the day. 

It was a super hectic Saturday for me. My first stop, this early morning, was to the temple. The third Puratasi Sani. Lit a ghee lamp for my revered Lord Thirupathi before heading to an Indian restaurant for breakfast. Skipped my fast this week. Fasting would have been unwise, with the number of places I had to go, and the list of things I had to get done. 

Returned to my sanctuary around 5.30pm, a midst a heavy thunderous rain, to Amma's special home made evening tea, a special seat in front of the living room TV and a compilation of good songs on Sun Music. Perfect.....

Tomorrow is Sunday. Thank God. I still have another day to unwind.....

Cheers !!!

p/s - I miss Chennai - heaps. Being vegetarian makes me miss my delicious South Indian Thali Sets, more than ever..... Counting days before I return to the city where my soul resides.

South Indian Thali Set - While I was in Chennai

Bombay Thali Set 

கண்ணுக்கும் கண்ணுக்கும் மோதல், நெஞ்சத்தை நீ தந்தால் காதல்

கண்ணுக்கும் கண்ணுக்கும் மோதல், நெஞ்சத்தை நீ தந்தால் காதல்
என்னென்ன இன்பம் வாழ்க வாழ்கவே 

மாலைத் தென்றலே மாலை கொண்டு வா
வேளை வந்ததே வாழ்த்துப் பாட வா
கண்ணுக்கும் கண்ணுக்கும் மோதல், நெஞ்சத்தை நீ தந்தால் காதல்

நினைக்கத் தெரிந்த மனம், மறக்கத் தெரிவதில்லை

கவிஞரின் கவிதை
உயிரின் உறவு இது, உணரும் தருணம் இது
நடத்தட்டும் வயதை

மாணிக்கத் தீவே மாலைப் பூவே
காணக் கண் கோடி, வேண்டும் தாயே
ஆனிப்பொன் தேகம், ஆனந்த மேகம்
மாலைத் தென்றலே மாலை கொண்டு வா
வேளை வந்ததே வாழ்த்துப் பாட வா

புருவக் கொடி பிடித்து, பருவ படையெடுத்து
ஜெயித்திடும் இனமே
அபயக் குரல் கொடுத்து, அழகு கரம் பிடித்து
அடைக்கலம் மனமே

தோற்றாலும் தேனே, நான் தான் ராஜா
ஏற்றுக் கொண்டால்தான், வாழ்வேன் ரோஜா
நேருக்கு நேராய், நெஞ்சத்தைப் பாராய்
மாலைத் தென்றலே மாலை கொண்டு வா
வேளை வந்ததே வாழ்த்துப் பாட வா

Kumaripennin Ullathile from Engal Veetu Pillai

The song, I tuned in to this morning. A peppy and perky number from yesteryears. Remember humming this song all day long after watching this super hit Makkal Thilagam M.G.R starrer, back then. 

The haze is lighter, today. It would have been a radiant Sunday morning had it not been for the brume. Hope the weather will change for good real soon. The agonies of Mother Earth are aplenty. Thanks to the emergence of  the materialistic mankind. How sad, at times..... 

I plan to do some gardening this evening. It gives me a sense of rejuvenation and exhilaration. Come join me.... 

Karumthulasi leaves (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and an array of green potted plants from Amma's garden.

குமரிப்பெண்ணின் உள்ளத்திலே குடியிருக்க நான் வரவேண்டும்

குடியிருக்க நான் வருவதென்றால் வாடகை என்ன தரவேண்டும்
குமரி பெண்ணின் கைகளிலே காதல் நெஞ்சை தரவேண்டும்
காதல் நெஞ்சை தந்து விட்டு குடியிருக்க நீ வரவேண்டும்

திங்கள் தங்கையாம் தென்றல் தோழியாம்
கன்னி ஊர்வலம் வருவாள்
அவள் உன்னைக்கண்டு உயிர் காதல் கொண்டு
தன் உள்ளம் தன்னையே தருவாள்
நான் அள்ளிக்கொள்ள அவள் பள்ளிக்கொள்ள
சுகம் மெல்ல மெல்லவே புரியும்
கை தொடுவார் தொடாமல் தூக்கம் வருமோ
துணையை தேடி நீ வரலாம்

குமரிப்பெண்ணின் உள்ளத்திலே குடியிருக்க நான் வரவேண்டும்
குடியிருக்க நான் வருவதென்றால் வாடகை என்ன தரவேண்டும்

பூவை என்பதோர் பூவை கண்டதும்
தேவை தேவை என்று வருவேன்
இடை மின்னல் கேட்க நடை அன்னம் கேட்க
அதை உன்னை கேட்டு நான் தருவேன்
கொடுத்தாலும் என்ன எடுத்தாலும் என்ன
ஒரு நாளும் அழகு குறையாது
அந்த அழகே வராமல் ஆசை வருமோ
அமுதும் தேனும் நீ பெரலாம்

குமரிப்பெண்ணின் உள்ளத்திலே குடியிருக்க நான் வரவேண்டும்
குடியிருக்க நான் வருவதென்றால் வாடகை என்ன தரவேண்டும்
குமரி பெண்ணின் கைகளிலே காதல் நெஞ்சை தரவேண்டும்
காதல் நெஞ்சை தந்து விட்டு குடியிருக்க நீ வரவேண்டும்