The door between us lay ajar for years, You could have walked into my boudoir, Or invited me into your den, But you did nothing at all. You watched while the door closed slowly, Until all that was left was a crack, Through which a sliver of light escaped. When the last ray of hope … Continue reading The Rift
Tag: motivational
Faith Carries You Through Adversity
I was talking to someone today who's going through a really tough time in their life and questioning if God exists. I don't think God has sent any blessings into my life at all, this person said. It was hard for me to convince them that God is with us and sees us through our … Continue reading Faith Carries You Through Adversity
30 Days of Gratitude
This year with the kids out of the house and me adjusting to life without them amongst other things has been challenging. Maybe some day I'll tell you all about this phase in my life. For now, let me just focus on what I'm grateful for this year. Day 1 I was in California for … Continue reading 30 Days of Gratitude
Did You Miss the Bus?
A couple of weeks ago, I had a strange dream. I was in Chennai at my parent's place and had to catch a bus to DC. That's right! Washington DC! My aunt was given the task of booking an Uber for me to get to the bus station. She got distracted and ended up looking … Continue reading Did You Miss the Bus?
A True Raja
Several moons ago, Rajus from modern day Andhra Pradesh moved to a small town near Madurai. Nestled between the Sanjeevi hills and the Western Ghats, this town was named Rajapalayam after its early settlers. The Raja family cultivated the rich, fertile land and the land as well as the people prospered. Into one such Raja … Continue reading A True Raja
Love So True
It's February and hearts are popping up everywhere. You can't go to the grocery store or watch TV without a constant reminder that this is the month dedicated to love (read as buying heart shaped stuff. Heart-shaped Cheerios anyone? ) And what if you have no one to shower with heart-shaped gifts? Spend it on … Continue reading Love So True
30 Days of Gratitude in a Challenging Year
Lost my dad in the beginning of 2022 and it has been hard to keep my head above the water and carry on. This year was a mixed bag. Ups and downs, hits and misses, losses and gains. Come November, I didn't want to do this but I'm glad I did because it made me … Continue reading 30 Days of Gratitude in a Challenging Year
Sumathi Mutasshi—My Other Grandmother
I have two biological grandmothers and one adopted grandmother. My book, "Thank you, Dadima," which is a memoir of my dad's mom has an entire chapter dedicated to Ganga, my adopted grandmother. But many of you don't know much about my mom's mom or Mutasshi, as I used to call her. Her name was Sumathi … Continue reading Sumathi Mutasshi—My Other Grandmother
Papa’s Pet
I hate to say this but that title was hijacked and I was replaced by a mutt for the past 13 years. After my grandma passed away in 2009, my parents moved to her bungalow from their cozy 2-bedroom apartment not too far away. For years my dad and brother, both dog lovers, had been … Continue reading Papa’s Pet
For you Papa
Dear Papa, When Amma was sifting through your things, she found your Madras Literary Society card and said, "Papa wanted to give them a copy of your book." Little did I know that this would put in motion a string of events that would lead to my book launch---something you wanted to do when I … Continue reading For you Papa