Christmas Eve!!

The christmas eve celebration started with an elaborate cooking exercise, the result of which was pretty good :-)

The dinner was followed by gift opening and attending the midnight mass in Tamil. :-)

Madhushala (Tavern)!!!

Mrudu bhaavo ke anguro ki
aaj bana laaya haala
priyatam, apne haatho se
aaj pilaaonga pyaala ;
pehle bhog laga loo tujhko
fir prasad jag paayega
sabase pehle tera swagat
karti meri madhushala

The author here welcomes the reader to his book by telling him/her that he has made this wine(book) with great care and love just for him/her and that he will himself offer this wine.


Pyaas tujhe to, vishv tapaakar
poorn nikaalonga haala,
ek paanv se saaki bankar
naachunga lekar pyaala
jeevan ki madhuta to tere
upar kab ka vaar chuka
aaj nyochavar kar doonga mai
tujh par jag ki madhushaala

The poet here again is telling the reader that he will go to any extents, like boiling this world to make wine or dance on one leg with an empty cup, to make this collection of Madhushala pleasing to the reader

Priyatam, tu meri haala hai,
mai tera pyaasa pyaala,
apne ko mujhme bharkar
tubanta hai peenevaala;
mai tujhko chak chalka karta
mast mujhe pee tu hota
ek doosre ko ham dono
aaj paraspar madhushala

The poet says that the reader is the wine and he himself is the cup and by filling the cup , the reader will become an alcoholic . Also by having the reader(wine), the author (cup) is brimming with joy and that the book(Madhushala) is incomplete without the author and the reader

Bhavukta angur latha se
kheench kalpana ki haala
kavi saaki bankar aaya hai
bharkar kavita ka pyaala
kabhi na kan bhar khaali hoga
lakh piye do laakh piye
paathak gan hai peene vaali
pusthak meri madhushala

The authors asks the reader to let his imaginations run wild,as if u r drunk while reading this book. The author says he is the wine-bearer and he is passing on his poetry(wine-filled cup) in this Madhushala (world). The author here is praising himself by saying that even if u have(read) this wine(poetry) million times it will not go empty (with meaning). He finally reveals that this book is the Madhushala and the readers are the drinkers.

Madhur bhaavnaaon ki su-madhuar
nitya banaata hoon haala
bharta hoon is madhu se apne
antar ka pyaasa pyaala
utha kalpana ke haatho se
svayam use pee jaata hoon
apne hee mein hoon mai saaki,
peene vaala , Madhushala

The author says that he has been making wine(poetry) of all the nice feelings and experiences of his life. He has been filling his inner self with this wine and has been consuming it through his imaginations. The authors declares that he himself is the wine-bearer, drinker and the Madhushala

In Praise Of Slow

"In praise of slow" by Carl Honore. This was probably the perfect time for me to read this book.

I have just moved to a new city (Chennai). Last year in Hyderabad was really fast. It was special in many ways; I met some wonderful people and had some lovely conversations. The time I spent with these people, has had a profound effect on my personality.
Moving to Chennai was a big change. Something that I was not really prepared for, it was a total surprise. But this change brought with it the opportunity to reflect.
When life is at its best, and everything seems to be perfect, we somehow become unaware of the significance of the passing events. Some of the most valuable lessons go unnoticed, we fail to heed and observe, to be thoughtful, and all this deprive us of the consciousness of the experience of the action.

By means of retrospection you may live again the incidents which have occurred; you may view them impartially; you may read your own actions as from a book. It gives a whole new perspective on your own life. You sincerely regret the mistakes you have made, and with equal sincerity acknowledge and applaud your more commendable accomplishments.
I think it’s really important at times, to indulge in some retrospection and introspection. It is the best exercise for both intellectual and spiritual growth.

Last weekend in Mahabalipuram was really great. It was a full moon day and the bright light of the moon falling on the calm sea made it look beautiful. A long walk on the shore was great. Some things in life are priceless!
The bonfire last time was a big hit and we did it again!!!

hi!!

hi!!