Just a random post

I've been writing so much about football, I feel like I have nothing else to write about any more. So, I opened up this page and decided to write about feeling like I can't write about anything. Because as I read recently, "Writing is a muscle" (Colin Nissan) and it must be exercised.

That doesn't bode well for my writing, because exercising can be quite tedious. Yet, as I read through more of what Colin has to say, things begin to makes more sense (You can take a look at this brilliant link http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-ultimate-guide-to-writing-better-than-you-normally-do). The more you write, the easier the words start to flow. In all honesty it doesn't matter what you are writing about. Every word you pen down (or type out) can become intriguing at some point - if not to the masses, to yourself! Sometimes, writing is like talking to yourself and exploring your world - your mind, heart and soul. And boy, does that feel great!

And as you exercise this writing muscle, it becomes more flexible. One ordinary day, you wake up and go about your routine work, then you write. From there on, everything is extraordinary!

For the love of the game

13th July 2014. I didn't think that yesterday would find me watching the world cup final, especially without Brazil playing in it. It has been a week since the heart-breaking loss the Seleção had. And yes, they lost again at the 3rd place play-off! By then, I think there was hardly any room left to feel worse. 

I had no plans to watch the final. The funny thing is that both Argentina and Germany are teams that I like and support. In fact I even placed bets on them. In comparison with my love for Brazil and the Seleção though, the love I have for the two finalists is almost insignificant. I was also not prepared for any further football heartbreak. 

Football is football though, and I found myself slightly excited at the prospect of a final with Messi & yes, the Germans. And so I found myself watching at the edge of my seat, surrounded by other football lovers - some genuine, others just keeping up with the football mood! 

It was a good game. I definitely would have liked a South American win. Firstly, I love the flair and style of South American football, secondly, I was still sore about Germany beating my team, and lastly, a few special people I know love Argentina! A big part of me was therefore disappointed with their loss. 

But it all came down to Germany taking the opportunities they got! Argentina should have been ahead at least three times through the game. It was a pity they didn't convert some very obvious chances! The game was intense and the teams were well matched. What was disappointing was how easily Argentina lost the ball after battling for possession. But boy, did they keep their heads through most of the pressure moments! Germany was clinical and waited for that moment where they could catch Argentina unaware. Their win was professional. My critique for Germany is that while they played like well-oiled machines, they do not have enough aaaah moments! But technical precision, perhaps has a charm of its own, and Germany won fair and square. 

But yes, the referees need to go back to school!For now, I will leave the die-hard fans to enjoy their teams victory. I will empathise with the Argentinian & Brazilian fans who have had their hearts broken. I will wait for 2018, so I can go through this entire cycle again & watch Brazil lift the cup! :) 

Humbled and humble in defeat

I've been out of action with a flu this last weekend. While I watched the quarter final matches, I wasn't able to write about them.

I'm still out of action - because of a flu and a broken heart. Brazil have lost their semi final. With Neymar out, and Thiago Silva suspended, it was always going to be a tough game. But, like most of the world, I was expecting a tight match and in my case, hoping for a Brazil win. 

7 - 1 was the final score. This is probably worse than the defeat to Uruguay, at the Maracana. 

Today, I'm not capable of discussing the match: what went wrong, or right. Firstly, at 1-0 something told me it would be the end, and I stopped watching (spared myself some grief). Secondly, because I'm too sad to care. Everyone knows things went wrong. Very wrong. 

This post is for the fans, and for the Seleção themselves. Right here and now, I have to say that as sad and unhappy as I am, I still love the Brazil football team. I bet there are fans out there, right now, depressed, angry (some extremely so, and doing rash things because of it) and I empathise! I so so empathise. 

And this loss will make history. It will be one of those games that you will never hear the end of, especially since it is the worst defeat Brazil has ever had! Come 2055 (if that is even a world cup year) people will be talking about this humiliating defeat! As a fan, you have to be as prepared for that. For any current, or future Brazilian player.... ... ... God speed!

And as I write this post, trying to hold back my tears, I'm feeling sadder than ever for the Seleção. But as much as I feel battered, I am so proud of the humility of the team. I have just read some of the comments from team members and Scolari himself. The Brazil team has heart! I truly am sorry they fell apart and failed on the pitch tonight... but perhaps one has to lose painfully to win triumphantly (shrug!)

And. .. This is to console myself and anyone else who needs consolation (there must be millions out there!) 5 world cups still belong to us! And remember, it did take 34 years between 4 &5!

P.s. Some coping tips: 

Stay away from the TV, the sports section and possibly the cover page of newspapers for the next two weeks. Eventually reading about this loss will be do-able, if not less painful.

Yes, you may want to keep off twitter and fb....

For those of us who have friends who would like to rub it in, or even worse sympathise (not empathise), you have a few options: cry and don't say a word. Shrug it off and hide your pain. Refuse to get into an argument....and when their teams lose, laugh hard (just kidding. .. football is too serious to be used to bait and tease! )

With this, I bid everyone goodnight... If I have the strength and will, I may write about the rest of the games......

All set for the Quarters

We can look forward to some gritty matches as the world cup heads towards the quarter finals of Brasil 2014; The draws look sensational.

To start us of we have France - Germany. Enough said. If we make the assumption that both these teams will come to play at their best, then this should be a cracking match. A match I believe Germany will win.

Not many may agree with my choice, considering Germany found it particularly hard to find the net in their round of 16 match versus Algeria. What a game that was! Too often, especially in the first half, Germany was left floundering with fast-paced and precise movements by the Algerians. The second half of the game saw a more settled team effort by Germany and their continuous energy and perseverance in extra time won the the match for them. Algeria were inspiring, much like their game against Russia, they came out with all guns blazing and obviously made the game tantalising. Their counter attack pace surpassed runs by the Netherlands team and brought to mind the dangerous Ribery! Neuer in goal was thunderously brave, or stupendously lucky - either way his runs, time and time again, out of the goal area were stunning. Where was the German defence? It looked like a one-man army, in defence. And all credit to the Algerian goalie, as well, for the number of shots saved!

I only watched the first half of the France - Nigeria game. And while it was a high energy game, Nigeria put France in their place. The ball had the most excitement in that game, passes from both teams were wanting - each would win the ball to give it away tastelessly! But from discussions with many, I understand that the game was much better in the second half. One of the reasons I pick Germany over France is simply because I don't believe France has been tested this world cup. Their opponents so far have been average - thus their better performance. Against Nigeria, we saw them struggle. Whatever the scoreline in the first quarter final, the match is bound to be pulsating.

The next quarter final match is a thriller, Brazil - Colombia. What a world cup Colombia have had. So far, they are the team that have played flawlessly. It is no wonder that the golden boot belongs to, the now famous, James (Read Hames) Rodriguez. Colombia's round of 16 match was the most straight-forward game in the entire round. The team is playing as one unit with consistent and accurate passes. Their play is flowing and one can find very little fault with their game. 

Brazil on the other hand has had a series of tough games, the toughest being the quarter final. Apart from nerves, Brazil does have to work on closing lapses in concentration that have cost them a few goals. It will also be good to see some consistency from the players: After a brilliant first game, Oscar has been quiet, Hulk has been hulking in the corner and only came to life in the match versus Chile, when he was brilliant. The two consistent players have been Thiago Silva and Neymar. I think with a little more focus in midfield and defence, and a persistent attack, Brazil will be in the semis. 

In the other pool, we start off with lucky Netherlands taking on a tough looking Costa Rica. Netherlands did not deserve to win their quarter final. This may sound harsh, but it is a fact, Arjen Robben ought to be ashamed. I read an article that read, "Robben: we are on a mission" and the first thing that came to my mind was, yeah, you are on a mission: a falling one! I suppose this critique sounds harsh, but who cares? I hope Costa Rica pulls a shocker and tosses the Netherlands out! 

And finally, Argentina take on gritty Belgium. Whoa! Belgium? World cup quarter final? Who would've believed it? Anyone who has been watching them over the last year or so! I would like to say that Argentina will win this one easily. But I can't. Belgium have played a technically sound game this world cup. They haven't had the most dramatic, flamboyant or high energy games, but they sure have got somethings right. This should be an interesting game to watch. If Argentina score early, I believe they will secure their berth at the Brasil 2014 semi final! 

My hopes (with a little logic applied) for the semi finals: Brazil - Germany, Argentina - Netherlands. Hopefully, the two South American teams face-off at the finale. I think having Netherlands in the final would be ugly! It would also be an ugly final without Brazil!!!

I say again, go Brazzzzzzzzzziiiillllll! :)

The bird's music

A Little bird visits my window pane

and sings of love, 

and things of fun.

He draws thoughts from my heart, 

and weaves them into lyrical rhyme - 

Sings on, in his sunny voice. 

Everyday the song is different,

Everyday the aria, excellent,

Everyday I hear in harmony, "I love you so."

I look out from my window pane:

Near my singing bird, is another one.

Whistling a syllable, humming in unison - 

A different tone, lilting the same ode

A blithe trill from one to the other,

A serenade of love together.

A week of interesting play

As a world cup fan, I think it is important to do the following:

Support one team with your head: This team is the dependable one. They play well, have decent odds at winning and offer you, the fan, a great deal of excitement with their wins and a relatively low level of trauma if they loose, or fail at any stage

Support one team that is an underdog: This team truly adds colour to your world cup experience. Regardless of wins or losses, just supporting a team that has about a 1 in 32 chance of winning a game is exciting. Again, a win for this team is rewarding, and a loss is nothing out of the ordinary. 

Support one team with your heart and soul: This team is your football nectar. Watching this team play has your football passion at a crescendo. A win for them is a win for you. You will listen to critique about this team and still stick to your supporting ways. Their losses will hold you emotionally hostage and in many cases ruin your world cup. Their wins at any point will make you feel like the world is just darn beautiful. And, if they take the cup, you are set for life - every consecutive cup will have you recalling this win. This team is your football heart break and your football salvation. 

I feel that the above is an essential survival combination for non neutral game watchers!

But moving on from the fan side of things, the last week has produced some very exciting games. The Iran - Nigeria game was one that stood out, for the wrong reasons. It was incredibly boring. So boring, the first 15 minutes of the second half felt like two hours. A complete contrast to the Iran - Argentina game's second half. In the latter, I think the 4 4 2 strategy did wonders for Iran, and if I didn't like Argentina, I'd have been quite disappointed with the end result, in spite of another Messi inspired magic moment. I'm sure that the Nigeria - Bosnia game would have been boring. Regardless of Nigeria's win, I've no regrets over not watching that game.

Group D has been tantalising. After a pretty magnificent start in the Italy - England game, both teams were rather disappointing in their second games. Italy were only a reflection of their first game. Pirlo was as close to insignificant, versus Costa Rica, as is possible. The passes from midfield to the forwards were amateur, loose and ill timed. On the other side Costa Rica were refreshing. Their consistency from the previous game was a delight and I think the scoreline was an accurate representation of the game. In the other draw we had England take on Uruguay. It should have been a do or die game for both teams, and Luis Suarez's re-entry for team Uruguay sealed England's fate. For most of the game, things were even - pressure from both sides and a fair number of chances. And then, Suarez happened. If statistics are considered, the world should have been prepared for England's loss (they have never won a world cup finals game after conceding a goal, first). However Rooney finally had his world cup maiden goal. After some bad luck hitting the goal post with a pretty flavoursome header, Rooney eventually found the corner of the net, with a rather brilliant pass from the right. But sloppy defence, a dull Sterling ( who really should have been playing centre forward) and another Luis Suarez goal (where it looked like Gerrard forgot he is playing for England and not Liverpool), sealed England's fate. This does mean that Italy - Uruguay is going to be a stunning game - or so we hope.

I've got to talk about the Brazil - Mexico draw. This has got to be the most stunning 0 - 0 game in the world cup. Full of chances for Brazil, Ochoa was the man of the day saving goals left, right and centre. Again (and sadly for me), this leaves Group A quite open. I do think that Brazil game was improved and Thiago Silva had moments of brilliance, in defense, emulating Cafu. There was some Oscar brilliance missing and Jo's misses up front were nightmarish. Overall though, I still think Brazil has what it takes, and hopefully they come into full flow versus Cameron - again a do or die game.

Lastly, there was the game with the big dilemma: Germany - Ghana. I have been a bit peeved off with Ghana for letting the US beat them (completely unnecessary). I also love the German team. The draw was perfect for me. It meant Germany is still very much in position to qualify. It also means that if Portugal beat USA (how I wish) some sort of order can be established in the group of death. That aside, the game was very exciting, both teams playing for the win and never settling for the draw. Ghana dominated much of the game but the introduction of Klose and Schwinesteiger, for me was ruddy brilliant! 

The next week of football promises to be even more exciting and decisive. I can't wait to see who will meet in the first games of the knock out stages. Viva football!

Italy - England : My non-professional take :)

The weekend was made extra "busy" because of the games that had to be watched. None was more important this last weekend, then England - Italy.

Both are football power-houses. Both teams have had the worst luck at world cups. Both teams can be extremely lethargic at the biggest stage for football, and both can be surprisingly slow.

Like most people, I expected a draw and thought we were all justified when the scoreline was at 1-1. But we were wrong. Final score 2-1, Italy. This makes Group D even more interesting, especially after Costa Rica's win over a rather dull Uruguay.

Unlike other encounters between Italy & England, the game we had over the weekend was exciting. For the larger part of it, England dominated play, were unlike their usual sloppy selves (at the world cup stage) and it was quite surprising that they lost. It was exciting to see the younger, energetic team, make use of the experience of players like Gerrard and Lampard. Some of Gerrard's long passes from left back, to the right front were not only precise but prompted the best chances to score. Sterling was inspiring: I think he gave the team the inspiration and precision that has been lacking over the past years. Rooney didn't disappoint, and was as disappointing in the world cup as he has been over the last few years, playing for England. That might sound critical, but Rooney magic for this team needs to happen more often and more consistently. Is he a great player? Sure, but he just doesn't make it happen at these games. It is nice to see this team in action, and if they maintain their zing, it will be nice to watch their next few games.

Italy was the less impressive team, apart from some extraordinary play that came in intervals. While they certainly maintained the high energy of the game and had a slight edge over England with possession (So the statistics said, even though in the second half it was harder to actually see), I feel they could have been better. At 35, Pirlo was still the most exciting player to watch. His pass, that led to Italy's first goal was breath- taking, and had the magic taste of football that was played by the legends. (Honestly, it was like wow!!!) And, his free kick deserved to be a goal (damn the goal post!). Balotelli playing as the lone striker did what he had to in the second half, and delivered a great goal. For the rest of the game (before and after) he was blah! Chiellini & Di Rossi were, as always, solid and dependable for Italy. Antonio Candreva, in his no. 6 jersey was really a pleasure to watch in the game. Together with Pirlo, they have the power to give Italy a formidable midfield. One will hope that the team gets better with each game they play. If they do, they will be a force to reckon with.

So, there we have it, the game of the weekend.... and now, I can't wait for Germany - Portugal!

Go team Germany!

Knock-out!

I wish someone would knock-out my heart from its current residence, keep it there till the end of Brazil's game and return it to its home after they win. That I believe is the state of many Selacao fans (not the average fan;The REAL one's) The nerves are here to stay. As much as it is absolutely exciting, today's game is going to be a tough one for Brazil, and even tougher for fans. Sigh! For now thinking about how far this football show has progressed is more pressing...and relaxing!

48 matches and 136 goals scored; two weeks of play, and only one round done! That's an average of 2.83 goals (if we are to be mathematically correct), or 3 goals a game. Suffice to say, "What a world cup!" In fact it is a record breaking world cup, in terms of number of goals scored in the preliminary round. 

The goals have definitely lead to the surging excitement of the football fiesta, and the week that has passed has had a number of fascinating twists & turns; good and bad. 

I'd like to start with the Italy - Uruguay game. I personally feel that it was a football tragedy. Not only because of some dull Italian football, but predominantly because of bad referee calls and one, Luis Suarez. The jokes on the internet have provided fantastic entertainment, but at the back drop of a sad event in football - That a player can blatantly attack and bite another on the pitch and still finish the match is disappointing. For all his talent, Suarez's biting problem really ruined the game, and the magic of football. He not only let himself down, he let his team and country down! Regardless, Italy failed and are headed back home accompanied by an unaccomplished English team. 

Netherlands had a tough game against Chile, which does come to show that while they are playing some good football, they can be stopped! Spain apparently redeemed themselves with a win over a rather rough Australia (a return to their game of yore?) Colombia thrashed their Japanese counter parts and I believe they are a team to watch - for me they are more thrilling than the Chile squad. There is something very new and daring about the Colombian side (Hopefully we see more of this in their next game) 

The Greece - Ivory Coast game fluctuated constantly between being boring and exciting. At the end of it, Ivory Coast were a disappointing team that evening and Greece exploited that. Ghana and their off the pitch domestic drama were tossed out of the world cup (Disappointing that the African teams are always surrounded by such issues!) As a saving grace for Africa, Nigeria & Algeria are through to the knock-out stages! And what final games they both had! Nigeria held their own versus a star studded Argentina team - kudos! The Algeria - Russia game was fast paced, had movement across both sides of the pitch and was fun to watch! In contrast the other game in group H was truly boring. A 1 -0 win for Belgium was the only good thing about it. Otherwise, it was dull enough to have me switch over to the Algeria game. 

The US - Germany game was special. Mostly because the Germans won it with another moment of accurate and precise Muller action! What a goal that was! To be fair, the US team played a good game and you can see that Klinsmann has had a very positive influence on the team. Beasley has the ability to feed Dempsey with stunning passes and it must be said that Dempsey is still one of the most dangerous forwards, to date. He still maintains his uncanny way of running through the opposition's defence line leaving supporters screaming their lungs out, and non-supporters holding their breath. Germany played a reasonably good game but there were many worrying moments at midfield where they lost the ball carelessly. Something that they definitely cannot afford to do in their next games.

The stage is set now for the round of 16! Who will make it through? How many fans will be celebrating, and how many will be braving the world after heart wrenching disappointment? How many goals will we see? What magic moments will Brasil 2014 offer this week?

Brazil's First game

I couldn't resist writing about this. I am sure there is bias towards Brazil in this write-up, but the point is not to be unbiased, but to bring in a different perspective!

My prediction for the Brazil - Croatia game was a tough win for Brazil and a score line of 2-1. I did not expect the Croatian goal to come from a Brazilian touch!

I did expect that the Croatian midfield would put up a battle, and that there would be times when the Brazil defence line would be exposed. There were no surprises there.

There was also no surprise that everyone, everywhere (or most everyone, everywhere) has a lot of complaints and "critique" about the game, and more so about how Brazil played. I have constantly heard that the game was messy, Brazil played poorly, the referee made bad decisions, Croatia was great and so on. This obviously from "neutral" observers.

First of all, when Brazil play, there are a very few people who are neutral. Second, because expectations are so high with Brazil, the criticism is worse. Fair enough.

But here is what I saw as well. As much as Croatia did put up a great show, and did have many opportunities (yes and verily, exposed the Brazil defence (ermm why people were surprised or complaining about this, I don't know!) They did not score that first goal! Yes, they scored a second disallowed goal...and the referee has definitely been punched about this; C'est La Vie. It does happen in football. To be fair, while the foul was not intentional, the player did practically fall on the goalie! Remember the disallowed goal for England, that was a goal? That was probably worth more debate and drama than this incident.

Moving on, I also saw that Brazil had more shots on goal, more interesting play up front, some of the footwork and passes were tantalizing! Case in point, the entire play that prompted Neymar's goal! That was phenomenal. So was the last goal of the game - Oscar was fantastic! The set piece that led to the penalty was also well done. How about the time Neymar played in the ball from the line adjacent to the goal, back into play? Trust me, if this was another team - big or small - everyone would have been going gaga over these moves. Well, I am going gaga over it now.

Sure, Brazil need to get better over the course of the tournament. But kudos for battling out a tough match, and showing grit after a mess-up! Facing the crazy pressure from the world, and coming out tops! It is one match won, and one important job done. Come win or loss, this was the start that was needed. It's exciting to see Oscar do what he did and here is wishing him luck for the rest of the tournament! And Neymar - go for it!!!

So, bring on more games! bring on the samba beats, come rain or shine!

And it is here!

A few months ago, I wrote about the growing excitement of the world cup! (Football Fever)

That excitement has reached its climax and we are at the brink of another round of the greatest sporting event on planet earth.

And the excitement has hit home. General conversations around me have gradually, but persistently, changed from everything to simply Brazil 2014. Who will win? Who won't? Who do you support? When is the first game?

Even if the conversation is between people you do not know, there is an unyielding curiosity to find out who else is supporting your team, who isn’t, who can be incredible enough to not care…why, where, how?

One way or the other, world cup excitement gets under your skin. I always tell myself that the next world cup, I will remain calm and watch with a neutral mind set – may the best man (or men) win. Every four years, I realise how futile that is. 

Futile because I love the thrill, the anxiety, the endless rush of excitement when the lucky referee blows that unchangeable first whistle. This is it! How humdrum and dull if I couldn’t pick a side, and run with them, cry out in joyous passion when they score a goal, or weep in misery if they lose! Dreary!(but probably much better for my health!)

I am sure being a fan of any powerhouse team is daunting – there will be catcalls, doubting friends, teasing maniacs, bets lost, drinking sprees ending in tears or jeers! It is a tough call for fans. Being a Brazil fan is even more daunting. As five time champions the pressure on the team and fans alike is sizzling! But a Brazil fan I am! And looking forward to another round of our football passion!!!!

So, let's all try and keep calm and watch the world cup 2014! And go Brazzzzzziiiilllllllll!!!!!!

Beginnings

In the beginning, there was me – and there was her. In the beginning, we were two.

Then, in the new beginning, there was me. Life was simple then. I didn't need to worry about where I would sleep, or what I would eat. A few days without meals, was something I was used to. Cold floors, and nursing wounds were the routine. There were no beds where I stayed.

That was then. Now, there was her. There was him as well. He was unimportant. He was the problem. I looked up and saw him slouch - his slothful belly and mournful mouth sinking incessantly into the mouldy, stained couch. He was sipping on a dark bottle of dark beer – something cheap no doubt, and was gazing spellbound at the TV

“What you looking at?” You would think that he came straight out of the States if you heard him speak with his nasal accent.

I reverted my gaze hastily. This was not the time to test the waters. I had to think about her. I had to sit this out for another hour. One hour and he would be snoring and nothing would wake him up.

It never failed to impress me. How I would blare music, silently sneak out of the door for a breath of fresh air and escape. And there he would be grinning, as he looked out the window, daring me to leave.

I did,once. Leave. A few days back, and now there was me. She had gone, but there was another. There was me – and there was her. Only.

I wish I hadn't picked up the phone that day. But they called to say there had been an accident. I was almost delirious with joy. I couldn't believe my luck.

“Is he dead?” My voice was barely a whisper as I tried to repress the quivering happiness that was gripping me.

Two hours later, there was a rotund, over-bribed, rough-tongued policeman walking me to see her lifeless, bony, beaten up body.

“The baby is fine.” I stared at the lady who was attempting to be nice to me.

“Is he dead too?”

“She must be in shock”, “poor thing”,

“ Is he dead too?” I knew I shouldn't have shouted. Everyone was ogling at me. And then, there was the pat on my shoulder. I was forced to turn. I endured the hug.

“I'm sorry baby!”

I knew better than to respond.

“She was drinking again, and I couldn't stop her from taking the car!”

He had killed her. I knew it. I could smell it on him.

I see it in his eyes, even now. This creature that I had to get away from. There was a cry from the room above. I ran up and put my hand over her mouth, forcefully. She quietened at once. She didn't cry often. She already knew that noise was bad. She looked at me now, and I laughed with her, quietly.

Before, there was only me. Now we are two.

I waited for the comforting sound of that first snore. I picked her up and walked down to the empty kitchen. There was no food. There wouldn't be. I didn't care. I wanted water. I drank and I drank. I gave her some too. She needed milk. I gave her water.

I walked back up. I decided to let the light in and opened all the curtains. The sunshine was glaring. 

When she died, I was almost happy. For her. I think of her now. She must have felt the same way I did. At the beginning there was only her – and then there was me. That's why she left me something.

The snoring had stopped. I walked down again, with her. He lay there, still sleeping. No more noise escaped him. The cheap bottle was replete on his breathless paunch.

I smiled.

In the beginning, there was only the two of us.

The problem I have with fairy tales is...

Nothing. I have no problem with fairy tales. I love fairy tales. I do have a problem with a bunch of people talking about the problem with fairy tales:

"Fairy tales tell our daughters to believe that a man will rescue them. Fairy tales create a baseline for determining beauty. Fairy tales this and fairy tales that."

I'll tell you what, fairy tales are simple and lovely stories that interpreted the right way can show people that there is a wonderful world out there, if we can just reach out for it.

Now, many would argue that the big-eyed, blonde hair princess stereotype the concept of beauty. I beg to differ. The princess characters are beautiful more because of their personalities. So why not focus on that. Let's see, strength of character, sense of loyalty, a will to persevere, the ability to learn from mistakes, humility, grace and selflessness. Aren't these what we should be focusing on?

Oh, all these tales, or most of them have heroes. And yes, they often seem to rescue maidens caught up in a whirlwind of events. But stop a minute. Are not the tales more about finding love and friendship, true love and true friendship? Is it not more about reaching out to the people closest to your heart? Is it not the culmination of the characters true strength that results in them finding love? Yes, perhaps the answer is that simple. Sure, fairy tales are about love and pretty things. They are also about characters with strong foundations, choices and life in general.

It is not for us to judge these stories or write them off as a bad influence, it is for us to interpret them and engage the people we influence to see the beauty that is fairy tales. 

I am no psychologist. I am not even a parent creating reading hazards for my children. But I grew up loving (and still do) fairy tales. From sweet Cinderella, vibrant Belle, loyal Rapunzel, the extremely brave Ariel, to the patient Aurora (just to mention a few!), are heroines and their stories (and hundreds more)who have shown me the joys of different worlds, the depth and quality of character and beauty beyond materialism! I do not think that a man will rescue me from my problems. I am independent and have a will to succeed. I like to do creative things - Belle made me want to read, Cinderella made me want to make pretty things, Rapunzel made me less vain about my hair, Ariel - Ariel taught me about the ups and downs of life and Aurora taught me to be patient!(Again this is to mention a few!) I do not make friends based on looks, or judge based on skin colour or hair length!So forgive me, but I will stick to reading fairy tales, enjoying them and sharing their splendour!

Words

The word, word is defined as, "a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed."

I think that neatly sums it up, even if it is a pithy and almost unimaginative definition. I have spent many an hour pondering on the famous or infamous saying "actions speak louder than words." Those hours never end with a stolid conclusion on the viability of this statement. I do believe though, that actions and words compliment each other, and one without the other is like bread without butter - insipid.

Words equate power. Words express our souls. Words can leave a global footprint. Words can be life changing. Words are profound.

My life, and I am sure most peoples lives' have been affected by words. These words can be from anywhere - books, movies, speeches, conversations, and in any form - written works, and/or audio and visual material.

For me, books have been an integral part of life. I cannot imagine my life without a good book to read. Imagine a life without the shared drama of Shakespeare's plays, or missing out on the mystery and grandeur created by Tolkien! A world without the description of Georgina from the Famous 5! (Wait, I mean George!) My childhood was made so much richer because of words that I read! Days spent reading and days spent playing games full of adventures and characters we had read about!

Then, there was more Enid Blyton - school stories that slowly moved onto other books, other word-treats! "The delights of anticipation" as Anne would put it were incessant. Book by book, word by word, life transformed from school to high school to university, from only prose to prose, poetry and plays! Words changed from words that were merely read to words that were spoken, written and shared!

Words not only impact, but impress upon one's mind. The numerous times someone has said something complimentary or otherwise to you that have left a mark on your life forever. Sometimes it is just one word like hello, or good-bye, that can change the course of your entire life - A feather touch, light on your skin but strong enough to make sure you can feel it forever!

Words are magical - good or evil magic is relative. Like a witch or wizard in front of their brewing pot - just the right quantity of syllables, the perfect touch of flavour as you drop in the annotations and other styles . A perfect mix of words and your brew is ready! Ah and what we can do with this powerful magical potion! Change the course of the world, add some zing to a special someone's day, stop that person in their tracks as you throw out word after word! Stop the world, move the world, love the world! Sigh! Words! Words! Words!

Life without words (imagine trying to describe silence and not having the words to be able to?) would be a life I don't want!

Dancing: Not for the faint hearted

"Mum, can I please cut my hair? Can I get fringes?"

"Of course not! How will you dance?"

"Aunty, can I please cut my hair? Can I get fringes?"

"Sure darling, but please stop coming to dance class."

"Hey, are you coming for the party at ...., this Saturday? Everyone is going to be there and it's going to be the party of the year."

"Hey...well, I'd like to but it's in the afternoon and I have class..."

"Oh...well can't you skip?"

"I have a show in two months..I can't...I can't believe I will miss it! Uggghh"

Those are just a few conversations that are likely to happen between you and mum, teacher and friends, if you learn dance, or it should be.

I've been learning dance, almost since I was born. I have been teaching dance for the past 16 years. And whilst I will say that dancing for pleasure, leisure or fun is for everyone, professional dancing is not. I am sure most dance teachers, students and connoisseurs will agree after they read this.

Dancing is about passion. More importantly, dancing is about commitment and hard work. Dancing is about sacrifice and love.

When it comes to Bharata Natyam, there is a strict adherence to a dancer's lifestyle. A Bharatha Natyam dancer will pay keen attention to body posture; straight back even when exahsuted; grace that is endearing and sometimes belies actual physical and mental state. A Bharatha Natyam dancer will maintain an old fashioned hair do to keep it healthy (and easier to work with when styling it for stage) even though she often ponders styling it in the latest fashion. This dancer will time and time again, forsake to-do's and events because she has practice - it is 100% commitment! And boy, does it lead to satisfaction. That moment when you are dancing almost leisurely, your legs in a perfect plie, Your footwork in perfect rhythm to the complex steps of music that you have grown to love. Your hands moving with precision that seems effortless, and the story you are imparting moving you and all around you to feeling the breath of the story!

A lot has changed. These days, dancing is often about achievements, and then passion. It is about doing everything else, and then dance. It is about fun (which is good) but with less of the hard work. So, what has gone wrong? Why is it that parents will approach you and say," I want our daughter to do her Arangetram," (loosely translates to dance graduation) and then proceed to tell you she has exams, but the last 3 months she is in the country, she is all yours and will only dance! Sounds perfect - 3 months of only dance and then taking on the stage and having a brilliant performance! And believe me it is possible. But the underlying philosophy of it is wrong. Getting to the point of Arangetram is not the work of a strenuous 3 months - it is the beginning, of the final product of months, if not years of consistent work and improvement. It is the culmination of the love you have for an art into something you will treasure all your life. It is not a school exam that you study for, pass and move forward, or fail and retake. It is the blossoming of an artist!

The big dilemma for dancers still in school, or those that work is, priorities. It is not wrong to take a few days off from dance class to study for your exams, or to attend a work meeting. But ask yourselves this, would you use that break you take between physics and maths to try a dance step you have been struggling with? Would you say no to that after work drink with colleagues because you needed to rehearse? The key is balance!

I believe the fundamentals need to stay intact - Dancing is not for the faint hearted. It involves pain, fatigue, sacrifice! It involves a love for the art, a drive to never give it up and the will to let it become an intimate part of your every day life. When you have cried because your feet are hurting, but still continue dancing; when you are at the brink of throwing in the towel and find yourself trying, one more time, to perfect that dance sequence that has been bothering you for months; and when you willingly let go of other things in order to dance - Then, you are a dancer!

Reflections

It might be a mindset, but come December, or the conventional end of year, I start to reflect on life and how my part in this gigantic play is panning out. Have my acting skills improved? How am I dealing with the unexpected? Am I doing enough to perfect my act? Is acting still fun? (Forgive the cliché analogy of life and play acting!) 

Reflections give me pause: that moment to breathe in the air, soak in the sunshine, and dance in the rain. It is a moment of complete me-ness; that time of the year when I am perfectly honest with myself, and almost always at peace with myself. 

As the years have passed these reflections have become more profound. Age does offer me that pinch of salt to face the growing number of disappointments and frustrations, the increasing number of times a straight road decides to take a twisted bend (not one of those picture perfect bends but quite the opposite) and the heightened knowledge that life is not the bed of roses you once imagined it to be. Reflections with a pinch of salt allow me, on the other end of the pool, to appreciate the small things better, to tap myself on the back and be happy that I got through another year. To look around at the people surrounding me and laugh from my heart at their pleasures and love them with my soul. 

This time round, December has started of with an in-depth journey to self-understanding. I have discovered that I am a creature who yearns for control. Situations or tasks that I don't have complete control over throw me off balance (ricochet me off to planet stress-abundance, would probably be more fitting a statement). I think I have known this for a long time now, but merely seeing it at its core has allowed me to respond to my crazy behaviour when faced with such times. I can now safely count till ten before I land myself softly and quietly on planet stress-abundance. This is a small tiny step, but one that appeases me, nonetheless.

There are other things that I am learning, or re-learning, about myself: I do not like confrontations. I love cheese - in-fact I am a foodie. I abhor standardised solutions on how to live life (they irritate me). And, so many other small delicious self discoveries follow. Reflections of these kind always pave the way for me to journey on a magnificent road, called me. It's far from perfect, but it is a lovely reminder that there is much beauty here on this road...

Football Fever - The early symptoms

Football is the most exciting sport on earth. That is a fact, and not up for debate. Anyone who would even think about debating this point, know now that this post is probably not something you can relate to.

I've grown up with football and sheer football mania is something that has oozed into my being and will not ooze out. Truth be told, I watched a lot more football when I was in high school - I was a regular premier league addict and even more of a Brasileiro série A fan.

As I've passed through uni, and progressed into the realm of the working world, the time I spend watching football games on TV has reduced dramatically, so has the inclination. I still have a good idea though, of what is the latest in the world of the EPL and the Champions League (I mean who wouldn't have an idea with all the accessibility to this information, promotions and hype!) and love watching a game whenever I can.

The one thing that hasn't changed is my addiction and dedication (I use this word on purpose), in watching the Football World Cup! There is absolutely no event (Apart from the Olympics, I suppose) that comes close to the excitement of this sporting event.

Next year is going to be phenomenal. The world cup comes home, to Brazil. South American football, without doubt, has its own flavour and magic - fancy footwork, star players, passionate crowds and a sheer love for the game, set to the background of football manic countries, promises to have a lasting impression! Can anyone ask for more?

As it stands, the final groups were announced over the weekend and this is going to be another interesting world cup. We have England and Italy facing off, France pretty much being in an easy group, and Argentina and Brazil having stiff challenges, at the early stages. It will also be interesting to see how the "minnows" perform.

All in all, the journey is gaining pace and the fun begins... (minus the tension, for now). I can't wait for Brazil 2014!!! Whoop!

Little Red.... And Goodbye

Little Red is (I suppose I should say, was) not your typical fairytale girl dressed in a red riding hood, off to meet her grandmother. Little Red, believe it or not, has never met a wolf (at least, not as long as I have known her)

Over the last two years, Little Red has been a big part of my life. In fact, we went almost everywhere together. It all began with my growing frustration and quotidian weariness with commuting using matatus (for those who are unfamiliar with the term matatu: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matatu) and buses. This together with a darling family resulted in my hook-up, so to speak, with Little Red.

When I first saw Little Red, I was still awed and unsure about our meeting. She did look just about right, though. Fate bound us and I took my first, little steps into a whole new lifestyle. Little Red - my new red colour Toyota Raum, took me to work and back, as never before. I would cautiously and nervously drive down Mombasa Road and avoid all the scary highway turns, matatu infested roads and traffic-frenzied roundabouts. The quieter, albeit pot-hole prone roads were better for us.

Slowly, Little Red and I got to know each other better (And yes, Little Red was definitely a she. Her love to get ripping, her absolute dislike and reaction to stupid drivers and her taste of destinations made it pretty obvious!) With every journey we grew more confident with each other. And soon, I was no longer dreading the roads, but enjoying my time driving around, cursing in traffic and singing my favourite songs out loud.

Little Red was many a time, my refuge. I would laugh with her and cry tears with her. Some days, it would be time spent with her that inspired me with brain waves, ideas and beautiful thoughts. I shared my heart breaks with Little Red, and my happy thoughts too. Best of all, I shared cheeky, fun moments with her. Like the time she purposefully followed a car, just because it looked good! Or, the first time I drove myself to a dinner party - how much fun!

Little Red did pull some crazy stunts: there was the time she decided that she was sick of her front wheel and went ahead and burst! Poor appa (dad, in Tamil) was in the car and had to dictatorially tell Little Red to get a grip! I think she did learn her lesson. She was off in ICU for nearly a month and that seemed to have curbed her temper and when she was back on the road, you could tell that she had been injured. Soon, she was back to her wily, old self and was busy taking me and friends out on memorable errands, parties and even farewells.

Little Red had a personality. With appa she was super dainty and well-behaved. With Shalini, my sister, she was a regular speedy Gonzales and with me she was just her usual, crazy self.

Once, on a trip to the airport, some crazy dude decided to mess with her and gave her a good knock out! Out cold again, Little Red recovered relatively fast from her injuries, but was definitely starting to show signs of ageing! That certainly didn't knock the fun out of her and Little Red and I have continued being best of pals, driving new, scenic routes together and daring just a little more every day!

Sadly, I had to let her go! Little Red was ready. She wanted some R&R. She was sad to go, but happy to get her goodbye's done quick and easy! I said bye to Little Red today - my first car! I can't help loving my first car, my Little Red - here's wishing her a lovely journey ahead!

Bathrooms...and aesthetics

The word bathroom is defined as, "a room containing a bathtub or shower, and usually a sink and toilet." Considering that it has a significant impact on my day to day hygiene, it hardly seems a wonder that whenever I am travelling and wherever I am travelling to, one of my central considerations is the availability of this facility. 

Over the years, very few bathrooms have actually met my approval. They are either too small, too dirty, too ugly or too boring. A bathroom needs space, personality, air and grooming! Think about it. The bathroom is your sanctuary and in truth one of the most personal spaces you will ever have. 

It therefore never fails to irritate me, when I see housing with bathrooms the size of a peanut. I'm sure everyone can relate to the tremendous annoyance when you are trying to walk into the bathroom and the door practically opens into the loo? For those of you who are as peevish as me, this means that unless you are wearing clothes that are as tight as your skin, you have to ensure you are clinging onto everything on you, aiming to ensure that nothing is touching the bathroom doors, loo or the floor (try this with a shawl,stole or a saree!) Eventually, you manage to squeeze into the bathroom, close the door and do your business. You then proceed to wash your hands in the sink that is barely inches away from the loo and breathe thankfully as you leave this nightmarish room. 

Then, you have the bathrooms that are very much like the ones mentioned above, with an added twist - welcome, shower area! Kudos to architects and builders who manage to accomplish this; an extra round of applause for those who think of taking into consideration a raised platform, partition or shower cubicle. This way there is no chance of shower water draining all over the bathroom floor. One only needs to manage to get past the obstacle course (door, loo and sink) and reached the shower, then proceed to grapple on how to keep your towel dry, actually move around enough to clean your entire body and get out of the shower without tainting yourself by touching sink, loo or door. But yes, YAY! We have a partitioned shower.

It gets worse when the partition is just a dreamed up apparition! You have had a long tiring day, forget about taking a shower, how about just washing your feet? You open the dreaded bathroom door and voila! Someone has been to the room already ....and taken a shower, and not bothered to clean up. Now all you have to deal with is a stream of water - possibly carrying grime and definitely sprawling with germs ... that you need to walk through to clean your aching feet, which is pointless at this point, if you mean to walk back and out of the bathroom. Let's not even get to the point where you would want to utilise the loo!

To be fair, I have seen and used (sadly) small bathrooms that are extremely clean and have enough ventilation to keep things sane. Thank goodness (and cleanliness) for the owners of small bathrooms who care enough to keep things clean. Because, there are bathrooms of all sizes and shapes that are worse than any of the above mentioned - unclean, shoddy, messy, stinky, dark and gloomy!

And it is these purposefully ugly bathrooms that annoy me the most. We spend a good deal of time in bathrooms. One should want to be in there and not be aiming to rush in for a quick water beating and rush out. A good bathroom needs to be AIRY, FRESH, SPACIOUS, ORGANISED (Cabinets and wall shelves go a long way here!) SUPER CLEAN, and BRIGHT (don't forget to keep those mirrors sparkling, so you can dance in front of them dressed, undressed or somewhere in between). The bathroom is the most important room in your house/living space and should be a place you enjoy spending plenty of time in. So go on, spend extra time, effort and yes, money on your bathroom! If not, don't bother inviting me over!

Here are a few links with pictures of what I would consider nice bathrooms:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/946469/West-Isles-Kid-s-Bath-traditional-bathroom-minneapolis

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2629804/Laguna-Beachfront-Contemporary-contemporary-bathroom-orange-county

For those with smaller bathrooms, look at the awesome bathrooms here:

http://freshome.com/2012/10/09/30-small-bathroom-design-ideas/

And use the simple tips and ideas found here:

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/bathroom/bathroom-design-ideas-00100000104729/#1

Drifting on a lonely sea...

My heart begins to race any time

A sound escapes my phone -

From excitement and hope, 

Anxiety and dread.

My heart begins to race any time 

I dream of us together,

And then reality comes in, an unwelcome guest

Leaving me forsaken - dead alone.

My heart begins to race any time

I think of life-happy with you,

And nearly stops in sadness,

For this may never be the life I know

My heart races every time

And slowly, it quietens down.

The sound from my phone, 

Is never yours;

That dream I have of happiness, 

Slips from my grasp and drifts afar;

Life as it should be

Is but dust at my feet.

My heart is numb and no longer alive -

Unaware of life,

Unaware of us.

Passion & Drive - Random thoughts

Lately, I've been thinking about these words - passion and drive, and amazing possibilities swim before me. Who would've thought that two simple words can have so much potential?

But, that's just what it is - an appetising bowl, full of dreams and hopes coming to fruition. Think about that clear, sunny day with clear, blue skies and the excitement of a nice drive along green pastures and elegant trees. You stop near this hill, surrounded by the smell of wild grass, and have an impromptu picnic - and out comes the passion fruit - golden and orange, a promise of sweet goodness inside. You happily break the fruit into half and suck at the juicy pulp inside, cooling your insides with a remarkable taste of freshness! Who would've thought that passion can be so rewarding?

While you stretch yourself on your picnic mat and look up into the sky, drifting thoughts fill your mind. How often do you hear the clichéd advice, about doing what you love and being passionate about your work in order to achieve success? It is quite obvious that where there is passion and drive, success will follow. The question is, what happens to those people who have a job and do it to their best ability, but are not passionate about it? Do we write them off as failures, or brush them aside as people who will never attain greatness in what they do? Should we recommend that they forge ahead and find something else to do - something they can display passion for and have a drive to excel in? Is there a single formula that can work for everyone?

I think not. Sometimes, passion and drive do not necessarily come from loving what you do, but from love of something else. A parent will work at the most miserable of jobs, so he/she can give their child all things possible. The happiness in her/his child's eyes is their drive, the smile spreading on the lips of dear ones, their passion! That is only one example. I am sure we have all met people who are brilliant at something, but are almost struggling through life - working at a job they don't like or are not brilliant at. What of it? We shake our heads at them and think, if only they would try their hand at this - fame, fortune, wisdom - it would all be theirs. But do we really understand? Perhaps, satisfaction in something else entirely is their passion and drive!

Thoughts drift again...passion. What a tantalizing word - and then you add drive to it and there you have it again: a sumptuous coming together of things. What drives us to passion - the more carnal and intimate longing? Is it lust, or is it love? Is it the culmination of both? the breaking open of that passion fruit to satiate our thirst for wholesome sweetness? That sweet pleasure of kissing that person just a little while longer and with an extra serving of zeal? The promise of oneness - a celebration of all your dreams and hopes coming together for treasured moments of complete love - is perhaps what drives us to passion of any kind, after all

The sun begins its descent...and you pack up your little impromptu picnic things. Time to head back to the car and the pleasant drive home - with a little, orange coloured, passion temptingly peeking on the seat next to yours...