Hola...
Happy Halloween to everyone who or whose children are celebrating. The pumpkin gets a royal treatment today and forgotten tomorrow. Children today have donned lots of nice character dresses and the elder ones got the opportunity to dye or paint their faces.
The boys mostly wear the spider-man, batman, star war characters while the girls enjoy various Disney princess characters. My visual experience so far. There are so many options in the market these days to create some unique characters. Last year i saw a lot of kids dressed up as trolls characters and they indeed looked adorable in those.
This morning students near the bus stop were almost unrecognizable with all their masks and helmets. Everyone was super excited to scare the other and it was a fun to see all the children. Last night we had a small birthday celebration and my S overjoyed on seeing his friends. A small gathering over cake and pizzas and a tired S went to bed early. This morning he woke up a couple of minutes earlier and i was surprised. I almost thought i would have to drag him out of bed given his energy levels went down yesterday after all those giggling and running around. With a twinkle in his eyes he explained that he wanted to open his gifts and that's the reason why he woke up early. Both the mommy and son excitedly opened and appreciated each gift that he received.
It is very important for kids to learn about gratitude and be appreciative. Over the years i have gently tried to explain him that size of the gift box never matters. It's the love and emotions that counts. I do not know how far my teachings will remain with him in the long run but at least i can comfort my self that 'i tried'.
On a Halloween day he wanted to eat something colorful. So i made him beetroot rice and gave him sautéed vegetables separately. His snack box had grapes and fig bars and a yoghurt.
All from the month of October. Catch you all in November.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Tiffin Tales 42
Hola...
Today's post is dedicated to my dearest S on his birthday. I am equally excited as him because it was on this a mother was also born. S and me are growing up together albeit on different parameters. A child adds a completely new meaning to our lives. While growing they discover the world while we discover the world through their eyes and from a different angle. I have always been grateful to the Almighty for my children but their birthday's are a special occasion when i say a long prayer of gratitude.
This morning we woke to the birthday message calls from our families and friends and relatives. While mostly stuck to wishing on social media, grandparents called perhaps twice or thrice. I could sense their elevated level of excitements. Let me try in my own way to express my gratitude through this humble post.
Today's post is dedicated to my dearest S on his birthday. I am equally excited as him because it was on this a mother was also born. S and me are growing up together albeit on different parameters. A child adds a completely new meaning to our lives. While growing they discover the world while we discover the world through their eyes and from a different angle. I have always been grateful to the Almighty for my children but their birthday's are a special occasion when i say a long prayer of gratitude.
This morning we woke to the birthday message calls from our families and friends and relatives. While mostly stuck to wishing on social media, grandparents called perhaps twice or thrice. I could sense their elevated level of excitements. Let me try in my own way to express my gratitude through this humble post.
- First of all thank you for a mother was born on this day too.
- S taught me to relive my childhood. His naughty expressions and mischievous smile always makes me yearn to go back to my childhood. Thankfully with i get to retrospect those moments.
- S is quite an emotional child. Post delivery i also used to get emotional at every unwanted things. I think along with him i also getting a grip of my emotions over the years.
- S likes to make friends. He can be friends with almost with everyone. He is quite a chatterbox but with every birthday i feel he is getting close to the digital world and it worries me to an extent.
- He is religious. He doesn't understand God but he likes to offer his prayers everyday and secretly i admire it.
- His aim in life keeps changing every week. For example as of this week he wants to be a truck driver. The reason is truck driver gets to travel a lot and he drives on lanes where others don't not bother him much. Well, i see a point in that.
- If there is a concept of rebirth i would like to be blessed to be your mother over and over again.
I cannot think much at this moment because i am a bit overwhelmed with work. I hope and pray that the Almighty always showers his choicest blessings on you. More details tomorrow. Today's lunch was peas pulao with boiled eggs. His snack was on his special request a packet of Lay's chips and a small yoghurt.
Take care and catch you all tomorrow.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Tiffin Tales 41
Hola...
I hope you all had a nice and rejuvenated weekend. Over here, it was dull and windy. Even though we went out, the winds definitely tried hard to blow us away. It wasn't raining consecutively but certainly accompanied the dull day. Monday seemed to start with some sunshine, and i hope we receive sunshine abundantly.
My neighborhood certainly looks gorgeous. There are different shades of yellow and red. Most of the trees have shed their leaves especially over the weekend. I see people piling up bags of dried leaves near their homes. Everything about the fall season is so dazzling and cheerful. Different shades of same color, the smell of cinnamon spice and hues of every color. It's in a way to instill optimism before the winter sets in. Winters can very harsh, low and addled and fall colors before winters certainly helps to believe that 'if winters come, can spring be far behind?'
My S was feeling very sleepy this morning. When i asked him to wake up, with sleepy eyes and mischievous smile he said Sunday isn't over mamma, it will be over only when i wake up. We had a good family moment over those lines and wished that Sunday visits us often.
Sundays cannot come everyday, but mother's are always there for their children. With time, children grow up but the urge to stay with parents never die. Well, not in my case though. I would like to see my parents every day but since that is not possible i try to stay connected in every possible way. There can never be another mother. On that thought today i made vegetable pulao with basmati rice and ghee. My S likes to have that and i hope he enjoys the aroma of basmati rice. His snack box was pears, yoghurt and a small piece of home made cake.
Happy Monday everyone....
I hope you all had a nice and rejuvenated weekend. Over here, it was dull and windy. Even though we went out, the winds definitely tried hard to blow us away. It wasn't raining consecutively but certainly accompanied the dull day. Monday seemed to start with some sunshine, and i hope we receive sunshine abundantly.
My neighborhood certainly looks gorgeous. There are different shades of yellow and red. Most of the trees have shed their leaves especially over the weekend. I see people piling up bags of dried leaves near their homes. Everything about the fall season is so dazzling and cheerful. Different shades of same color, the smell of cinnamon spice and hues of every color. It's in a way to instill optimism before the winter sets in. Winters can very harsh, low and addled and fall colors before winters certainly helps to believe that 'if winters come, can spring be far behind?'
My S was feeling very sleepy this morning. When i asked him to wake up, with sleepy eyes and mischievous smile he said Sunday isn't over mamma, it will be over only when i wake up. We had a good family moment over those lines and wished that Sunday visits us often.
Sundays cannot come everyday, but mother's are always there for their children. With time, children grow up but the urge to stay with parents never die. Well, not in my case though. I would like to see my parents every day but since that is not possible i try to stay connected in every possible way. There can never be another mother. On that thought today i made vegetable pulao with basmati rice and ghee. My S likes to have that and i hope he enjoys the aroma of basmati rice. His snack box was pears, yoghurt and a small piece of home made cake.
Happy Monday everyone....
Friday, October 26, 2018
Tiffin Tales 40
Hola...
It's Friday again and like most of us i am excited and exhausted both. Friday seems to be a hope that the next two days will be different but on the contrary the opposite happens. My S has activity classes, the refrigerator needs some refill, family wants something appealing on the table, piles of clothes and if the stars are unfavorable on the kids will have a runny nose or coughing. Hail weekend.
Well, this weekend i have promised to organize myself a bit more . I will plan my weekends going forward without the promise that my plan will be successfully completed. If so there will be a detailed post about my plan and how smoothly i could execute it.
To come to this day, it's been quite backbreaking till. I had quite a few pending task and some good driving to complement that. SO today my post will be bit short not because i am getting dramatic about Friday but because both my eyes and brain need some rest. I am completely going to ignore the state of house (which is mess) now and pretend to get some sleep. Of course i am blessed with the most caring children who will evenly make sure i do not lie down unattended for too long.
The morning started with the thoughts that a few important things need to be taken care of whereas my S was sheepishly happy because he isn't going to carry his lunch box today. Instead he would be digging in to his slice of pizza and giggle with his friends. I did pack his snack box though. I packed mixed vegetable 'paratha's' and a pack of string cheese. He insisted on a fruit bar and i happily packed it too.
Let's see how this weekend unfolds but i hope and pray that you guys have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Catch you on Monday!
It's Friday again and like most of us i am excited and exhausted both. Friday seems to be a hope that the next two days will be different but on the contrary the opposite happens. My S has activity classes, the refrigerator needs some refill, family wants something appealing on the table, piles of clothes and if the stars are unfavorable on the kids will have a runny nose or coughing. Hail weekend.
Well, this weekend i have promised to organize myself a bit more . I will plan my weekends going forward without the promise that my plan will be successfully completed. If so there will be a detailed post about my plan and how smoothly i could execute it.
To come to this day, it's been quite backbreaking till. I had quite a few pending task and some good driving to complement that. SO today my post will be bit short not because i am getting dramatic about Friday but because both my eyes and brain need some rest. I am completely going to ignore the state of house (which is mess) now and pretend to get some sleep. Of course i am blessed with the most caring children who will evenly make sure i do not lie down unattended for too long.
The morning started with the thoughts that a few important things need to be taken care of whereas my S was sheepishly happy because he isn't going to carry his lunch box today. Instead he would be digging in to his slice of pizza and giggle with his friends. I did pack his snack box though. I packed mixed vegetable 'paratha's' and a pack of string cheese. He insisted on a fruit bar and i happily packed it too.
Let's see how this weekend unfolds but i hope and pray that you guys have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Catch you on Monday!
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Tiffin Tales 39
Hola...
It's a very cloudy Thursday here and temperatures have dipped own a bit. For the last few days we are constantly switching from light to partly heavy jackets here. The pumpkins are mostly carved and people have put up in their patios, near the doors or windows.
My S had an interesting project this time in school with pumpkins. Even though his teacher instructed that no carved pumpkins would be allowed (which was a blessing for me) they wanted students should do something creative with their favorite cartoon character on the pumpkins. They can color, paint, decorate and basically do anything except carving to bring out the character.
Last evening we realized that October 26th is the last day for submitting that project and instantly all hell broke loose. A panicked mother son duo got into that assignment. While i got mad that he didn't remind me, he on the other argued that he is too small to remember anything. Well, we both burst into laughing. Together we sat and decided to figure a way out. He insisted to get a big pumpkin and then i convinced him that a smaller one would need less time. He agreed though. His current favorite seemed to be Humphrey the Hamster. We quickly took out an image from the internet and then began the final tasking of drawing that image on pumpkin. I have to openly admit that i am not good at drawing but both of us took turns to draw Humphrey. Even though its a far cry from the images from the internet still i think it looks decent enough if looked from his eyes. His satisfaction levels were strong enough to assure me that together we put up a decent show. He was quite excited to show it to his teacher and his friends. It was a quite a hectic evening and when he fell asleep i realized that these moments down the years will give me warmth once he leaves my nest.
Children have so many layers. They can make you strong and weak both at the same time. They can cry and smile together and i have witnessed it so many times. This morning for his lunch box i made 'sooji upma' with peanuts and vegetables. I usually add a generous amount of ghee so that it doesn't get too dry. His snack box had pineapples and grapes and a pack of yoghurt.
In this worldly rush, pause a bit sometimes and look at the world through the eyes of a child. It will both be refreshing and different. Enjoy your day...
It's a very cloudy Thursday here and temperatures have dipped own a bit. For the last few days we are constantly switching from light to partly heavy jackets here. The pumpkins are mostly carved and people have put up in their patios, near the doors or windows.
My S had an interesting project this time in school with pumpkins. Even though his teacher instructed that no carved pumpkins would be allowed (which was a blessing for me) they wanted students should do something creative with their favorite cartoon character on the pumpkins. They can color, paint, decorate and basically do anything except carving to bring out the character.
Last evening we realized that October 26th is the last day for submitting that project and instantly all hell broke loose. A panicked mother son duo got into that assignment. While i got mad that he didn't remind me, he on the other argued that he is too small to remember anything. Well, we both burst into laughing. Together we sat and decided to figure a way out. He insisted to get a big pumpkin and then i convinced him that a smaller one would need less time. He agreed though. His current favorite seemed to be Humphrey the Hamster. We quickly took out an image from the internet and then began the final tasking of drawing that image on pumpkin. I have to openly admit that i am not good at drawing but both of us took turns to draw Humphrey. Even though its a far cry from the images from the internet still i think it looks decent enough if looked from his eyes. His satisfaction levels were strong enough to assure me that together we put up a decent show. He was quite excited to show it to his teacher and his friends. It was a quite a hectic evening and when he fell asleep i realized that these moments down the years will give me warmth once he leaves my nest.
Children have so many layers. They can make you strong and weak both at the same time. They can cry and smile together and i have witnessed it so many times. This morning for his lunch box i made 'sooji upma' with peanuts and vegetables. I usually add a generous amount of ghee so that it doesn't get too dry. His snack box had pineapples and grapes and a pack of yoghurt.
In this worldly rush, pause a bit sometimes and look at the world through the eyes of a child. It will both be refreshing and different. Enjoy your day...
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Tiffin Tales 38
Hola...
The festive season is kinda over but hey, Diwali is still there...We Bengali's are still holding on to the last biggest festival of the year. Perhaps after thats it's back to everywhere or wherever want to go. Lakshmi Pujo is always fun but the arrangements take up almost the entire day. Earlier women of the house used to divide the workload and the entire day of fasting or even some extended hours never mattered. From doing the arrangements of 'bhog' to making 'alpona/rangoli' everything used to be somewhat streamlined. With time in most households its one woman army army or if fortunate enough would be two people to share the load and worship the Goddess.
It's all about time and timings. When we are late time rushes, and we are slow time almost stops. Happy times makes the clock run while hard times pauses it i feel. When my S was a baby i wondered when would be grow out of diapers and now with each birthday i want him slow down. Human psychology i guess!
This morning i saw my S staring through the window. He sat for quite a few minutes and seemed lost. A few minutes later i tried to probe. He was somewhat deeply thinking why does weather change, why not everything can remain same. I explained to him that if things remain same it would be boring. He somewhat agreed to an extent but he didn't like. He doesn't want the trees to shed their leaves, relatives visiting going back, his favorite shows going off air. He loves people around, laughs and endless conversations. To him life should be exciting. He is too naive to understand the intricacies of life. Children have completely different mindset. I wish we never lose our innocence even when we grow up. The element of innocence should should somehow never leave us.
After that discussion he asked egg fried rice for lunch to which i added vegetables and eggs of course. His snack box had pineapples and a sweet today and yogurt.
Enjoy your day and watch your surroundings, everything keeps changing everyday. Cherish them....
The festive season is kinda over but hey, Diwali is still there...We Bengali's are still holding on to the last biggest festival of the year. Perhaps after thats it's back to everywhere or wherever want to go. Lakshmi Pujo is always fun but the arrangements take up almost the entire day. Earlier women of the house used to divide the workload and the entire day of fasting or even some extended hours never mattered. From doing the arrangements of 'bhog' to making 'alpona/rangoli' everything used to be somewhat streamlined. With time in most households its one woman army army or if fortunate enough would be two people to share the load and worship the Goddess.
It's all about time and timings. When we are late time rushes, and we are slow time almost stops. Happy times makes the clock run while hard times pauses it i feel. When my S was a baby i wondered when would be grow out of diapers and now with each birthday i want him slow down. Human psychology i guess!
This morning i saw my S staring through the window. He sat for quite a few minutes and seemed lost. A few minutes later i tried to probe. He was somewhat deeply thinking why does weather change, why not everything can remain same. I explained to him that if things remain same it would be boring. He somewhat agreed to an extent but he didn't like. He doesn't want the trees to shed their leaves, relatives visiting going back, his favorite shows going off air. He loves people around, laughs and endless conversations. To him life should be exciting. He is too naive to understand the intricacies of life. Children have completely different mindset. I wish we never lose our innocence even when we grow up. The element of innocence should should somehow never leave us.
After that discussion he asked egg fried rice for lunch to which i added vegetables and eggs of course. His snack box had pineapples and a sweet today and yogurt.
Enjoy your day and watch your surroundings, everything keeps changing everyday. Cherish them....
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Tiffin Tales 37
Hola...
It's another celebration day for Bengali's. People in other parts of my country worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali but for Bengali's its celebrated on the seventh day after Durga Puja. This day is also known as 'Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo'. On a full moon night or 'purnima' the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped by the women folk.
On the day women fast the entire day. During the day, women do all the arrangements of the pujo. Various sweets dishes are prepared on this day. Another integral part of this festival is 'rangoli' or 'alpona'. There are lot of women who expertise in drawing this on the floor of their houses. Usually women use flour or rice paste diluted with water. There is a reason behind that. Earlier people never had access to fancy colors, they used these and the floors used to look bright. Moreover it is still super easy to clean. These days markets are flooded with colors and designs but still there are thousands of women who use this home made paste.
Flash forward, i am still fasting, yes i am. But the house has to keep moving if not running. I am unable to run today but yes making sure everyone's needs are fulfilled. I have lots of preparations to complete now. The morning started a few minutes late today and since then i am moving too. Sensing it's a different day today my S insisted on repeating his lunch idea from yesterday. He liked his soya bean rice yesterday and was quite generous with his compliments too. I happily obliged as i was looking for some options too. The snack box was usual with fruits and cheese.
I rushed to the market to get fruits and necessities for the Pujo and now will start with the preparations. I sincerely pray that the Goddess will visit this part of the earth and my home and bless us. Fasting is always optional and i have been doing that for years but every tear it seems to be a new challenge especially with the kids. Let's see how the Goddess streamlines the day. Happy Lakshmi Pujo to everyone celebrating.
It's another celebration day for Bengali's. People in other parts of my country worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali but for Bengali's its celebrated on the seventh day after Durga Puja. This day is also known as 'Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo'. On a full moon night or 'purnima' the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped by the women folk.
On the day women fast the entire day. During the day, women do all the arrangements of the pujo. Various sweets dishes are prepared on this day. Another integral part of this festival is 'rangoli' or 'alpona'. There are lot of women who expertise in drawing this on the floor of their houses. Usually women use flour or rice paste diluted with water. There is a reason behind that. Earlier people never had access to fancy colors, they used these and the floors used to look bright. Moreover it is still super easy to clean. These days markets are flooded with colors and designs but still there are thousands of women who use this home made paste.
Flash forward, i am still fasting, yes i am. But the house has to keep moving if not running. I am unable to run today but yes making sure everyone's needs are fulfilled. I have lots of preparations to complete now. The morning started a few minutes late today and since then i am moving too. Sensing it's a different day today my S insisted on repeating his lunch idea from yesterday. He liked his soya bean rice yesterday and was quite generous with his compliments too. I happily obliged as i was looking for some options too. The snack box was usual with fruits and cheese.
I rushed to the market to get fruits and necessities for the Pujo and now will start with the preparations. I sincerely pray that the Goddess will visit this part of the earth and my home and bless us. Fasting is always optional and i have been doing that for years but every tear it seems to be a new challenge especially with the kids. Let's see how the Goddess streamlines the day. Happy Lakshmi Pujo to everyone celebrating.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Tiffin Tales 36
Hola...
Welcome to a new Monday. New day, new promises, new challenges and of course a new you. No matter we might feel nothing around has changed yet, a new day brings with itself everything new.
This week is looks pretty hectic to me. Lots of things need to be taken care of and oh yes, it's my S's birthday next week and i have tons to things to assemble. This excited mom has made some simple yet special plans to make that day a bit memorable.
Life rushes when we are busy running to make something memorable. It's those moments that go down the way to make the journey historic. We often think we are celebrating our child's birthday or of our kids but the way they look at things are completely different from how we perceive. With every birthday they are more developed than the last year, with upgraded thoughts and ideas and of course with umpteen number of questions. In my case the way of celebration is also opinionated. Children these days have their favorite cartoon characters and some of them want their party supplies to be based on those characters. Well, i have long back offered my apologies saying that i cannot run or walk that extra mile to get that exact character swirls or balloons or that Birthday badge. It will always be a nice small celebration which may not be grand but it will be sweet.
This year too i am not planning anything huge but our all time emphasis on the taste of the cake. Even though a Bengali, i feel my sweet tooth is somewhere hidden and occasionally pays a visit. So i will try to explore my neighborhood to find a nice, not overtly sweet cake. Yes, i can get his favorite character on the cake top too unless its an animal. When he was around three he insisted on Daniel the Tiger's face on the cake and i almost went berserk looking for a good baker who could bake such. I thing i took the vow shortly after that.
Well, let's see how things spice up this year. For today's lunch it was his all time Soya bean rice with some carrots. I at times try to replicate those soya nuggets with baby potatoes or minced meat balls, but as i said with every birthday wisdom and intelligence is quickly triumphing over mommy's trick. This mommy surely needs to buckle up. His snack is almost static with fruits and yoghurt.
More talk tomorrow. Take care and take rest....
Welcome to a new Monday. New day, new promises, new challenges and of course a new you. No matter we might feel nothing around has changed yet, a new day brings with itself everything new.
This week is looks pretty hectic to me. Lots of things need to be taken care of and oh yes, it's my S's birthday next week and i have tons to things to assemble. This excited mom has made some simple yet special plans to make that day a bit memorable.
Life rushes when we are busy running to make something memorable. It's those moments that go down the way to make the journey historic. We often think we are celebrating our child's birthday or of our kids but the way they look at things are completely different from how we perceive. With every birthday they are more developed than the last year, with upgraded thoughts and ideas and of course with umpteen number of questions. In my case the way of celebration is also opinionated. Children these days have their favorite cartoon characters and some of them want their party supplies to be based on those characters. Well, i have long back offered my apologies saying that i cannot run or walk that extra mile to get that exact character swirls or balloons or that Birthday badge. It will always be a nice small celebration which may not be grand but it will be sweet.
This year too i am not planning anything huge but our all time emphasis on the taste of the cake. Even though a Bengali, i feel my sweet tooth is somewhere hidden and occasionally pays a visit. So i will try to explore my neighborhood to find a nice, not overtly sweet cake. Yes, i can get his favorite character on the cake top too unless its an animal. When he was around three he insisted on Daniel the Tiger's face on the cake and i almost went berserk looking for a good baker who could bake such. I thing i took the vow shortly after that.
Well, let's see how things spice up this year. For today's lunch it was his all time Soya bean rice with some carrots. I at times try to replicate those soya nuggets with baby potatoes or minced meat balls, but as i said with every birthday wisdom and intelligence is quickly triumphing over mommy's trick. This mommy surely needs to buckle up. His snack is almost static with fruits and yoghurt.
More talk tomorrow. Take care and take rest....
Friday, October 19, 2018
Tiffin Tales 35
Hola...
It's Friday again and its drizzling here. The temperatures have dipped a bit and we all are looking for some comfort food. Be it a bowl of hot soups, or some nice warm dinner this weekend is going to be spent at home and lots of food.
Today is the day of Vijaya Dashami when goodness triumphed over evil and Goddess Durga returned to her abode. People with tears bid a farewell to her and wait for return for the following year. Bengali women on this day go near the Durga idols offer her vermillion and sweets and seek her blessings. Following that all women exchange sweets, dance and those sweet moments become memories till the Goddess visits again.
Bengali homes on this day cook special meal even though food is an integral part of her homecoming. Most households make puffed 'luchis' and spicy chicken or mutton curry for dinner. Tonight even though i do not have any such plan but definitely have plans for 'luchi' though. There is a subtle difference between 'luchi' and 'puri'. I am still wondering what should be the accompaniment. I do not have any chicken in my freezer so will mostly make some cauliflower curry.
When i woke up this morning, the first thought that came to my mind is that Maa Durga is on her way to her home. Even though a part of me became sad yet the faith that she is omnipresent somehow consoles us.
The past week all my posts have been on the Goddess. In the midst of everything we include her, in our thoughts, in our dreams and of course in our craziness.
My S wanted 'aloo paratha' today for lunch. Even though making them early morning is tedious yet i happily adhere to his request. Less on spicy with some additional butter i packed him 'aloo parathas'. The snack box was a bit different with some pears, fruit bar and a cheese stick.
Enjoy your weekend and take rest. Your body needs nourishment so does your soul.
It's Friday again and its drizzling here. The temperatures have dipped a bit and we all are looking for some comfort food. Be it a bowl of hot soups, or some nice warm dinner this weekend is going to be spent at home and lots of food.
Today is the day of Vijaya Dashami when goodness triumphed over evil and Goddess Durga returned to her abode. People with tears bid a farewell to her and wait for return for the following year. Bengali women on this day go near the Durga idols offer her vermillion and sweets and seek her blessings. Following that all women exchange sweets, dance and those sweet moments become memories till the Goddess visits again.
Bengali homes on this day cook special meal even though food is an integral part of her homecoming. Most households make puffed 'luchis' and spicy chicken or mutton curry for dinner. Tonight even though i do not have any such plan but definitely have plans for 'luchi' though. There is a subtle difference between 'luchi' and 'puri'. I am still wondering what should be the accompaniment. I do not have any chicken in my freezer so will mostly make some cauliflower curry.
When i woke up this morning, the first thought that came to my mind is that Maa Durga is on her way to her home. Even though a part of me became sad yet the faith that she is omnipresent somehow consoles us.
The past week all my posts have been on the Goddess. In the midst of everything we include her, in our thoughts, in our dreams and of course in our craziness.
My S wanted 'aloo paratha' today for lunch. Even though making them early morning is tedious yet i happily adhere to his request. Less on spicy with some additional butter i packed him 'aloo parathas'. The snack box was a bit different with some pears, fruit bar and a cheese stick.
Enjoy your weekend and take rest. Your body needs nourishment so does your soul.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Tiffin Tales 34
Hola..
Today is 'Maha Navami' and the final day of Navratri. Today is the last day of Durga Puja and tomorrow the Goddess leaves for her home agin with her four children. It's a mix of happiness and sadness for children as the Goddess leaves. Her homecoming for the year comes to an end and after three euphoric days of fun festivity people will get back to their usual lives once again.
People like us who live quite far away, even the sound of 'dhak' sets our adrenaline rushing. Dura Puja is incomplete with the sound of 'dhak' and this sound is somehow synonymous with Durga Puja. This year at our local celebration my S got a small chance what he calls 'drums' to play. He was so excited and thats when i tried explaining him this sound is an integral and inseparable part of Pujo. I do not knowhow far he got it but the fat he got a chance to use those sticks and hit it aimlessly was enough to bring him smiles.
Today morning woke up thinking thats it's the last day of the Goddess's sojourn for this year. After completing my morning chores took a shower and offered my prayers sitting in my small prayer room. I will miss you and will patiently wait for another calendar year for you to come. Till then take care of all your children. The world is in utter chaos and helplessness is reigning supreme. Love is fading and negativity is proving victorious. Let there may be more compassion, love and acceptance in this world.
With these thoughts in my mind i prepared a simple lunch for my S this morning. Last night he insisted on having noddles but i made it clear that with the ongoing Pujo i will make a simple vegetarian noodles devoid of any onion and garlic. He complied though. With truckload of vegetables the noddles were somewhat buried but make sure it tastes good. I had to pack that in a thermos so that by his lunch time he gets some nice warm plate of noddles. The snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy the season...
Today is 'Maha Navami' and the final day of Navratri. Today is the last day of Durga Puja and tomorrow the Goddess leaves for her home agin with her four children. It's a mix of happiness and sadness for children as the Goddess leaves. Her homecoming for the year comes to an end and after three euphoric days of fun festivity people will get back to their usual lives once again.
People like us who live quite far away, even the sound of 'dhak' sets our adrenaline rushing. Dura Puja is incomplete with the sound of 'dhak' and this sound is somehow synonymous with Durga Puja. This year at our local celebration my S got a small chance what he calls 'drums' to play. He was so excited and thats when i tried explaining him this sound is an integral and inseparable part of Pujo. I do not knowhow far he got it but the fat he got a chance to use those sticks and hit it aimlessly was enough to bring him smiles.
Today morning woke up thinking thats it's the last day of the Goddess's sojourn for this year. After completing my morning chores took a shower and offered my prayers sitting in my small prayer room. I will miss you and will patiently wait for another calendar year for you to come. Till then take care of all your children. The world is in utter chaos and helplessness is reigning supreme. Love is fading and negativity is proving victorious. Let there may be more compassion, love and acceptance in this world.
With these thoughts in my mind i prepared a simple lunch for my S this morning. Last night he insisted on having noddles but i made it clear that with the ongoing Pujo i will make a simple vegetarian noodles devoid of any onion and garlic. He complied though. With truckload of vegetables the noddles were somewhat buried but make sure it tastes good. I had to pack that in a thermos so that by his lunch time he gets some nice warm plate of noddles. The snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy the season...
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Tiffin Tales 33
Hola...
It's a bright sunny day and my heart cannot contain my excitement. Even after years i still feel like the small girl in frock waiting for Maa Durga. Yes, it's 'Maha Ashtami' today and we went to visit Maa.
She is on a sojourn and for Bengali's her sojourn is a grand affair. I am a bit drained after all the excitement and travel but the moment we see her idol some magic takes over and all negativity melts away. That's her power or motherly love.
I woke up supremely enthusiastic about going to the temple. Having taking care of all the materialistic needs we packed our spiritual minds and hearts. My daughter had to go to different to accept the 'Kanjak Puja' or in Bengali popularly known as 'Kumari Pujo'. In northern part of India, on the eighth day of Navratri, people worship little girls who are apparently considered the form of Goddess. The younger the better. They clean their feet, wipe them, touch their little feet and offer something as a gift. They also offer them 'Puri, Kala chana and semolina halwa'. This is very special and the offertory is so yummy. In Bengali community little girls are worshipped at the temples.
Draped in a crisp 'tussar silk' i took extra caution so that i do not flip off. Wearing a saree comes naturally to a Bengali girl and no excuse comes to rescue. Together as a family we went to visit Maa, offer her obeisance (anjali), pray and have the amazing 'bhog er khichuri' (offertory). Words fail to explain the sense of euphoria it makes me feel. With a satisfied heart and a nourished soul and tons of love from Maa we came back home hoping to meet her soon.
As you can guess today S didn't go to school hence no lunch box. Tomorrow it will be the same day. My mind is already getting abrasive with scratching thoughts but let's see what Maa has in store fro us.
It's a bright sunny day and my heart cannot contain my excitement. Even after years i still feel like the small girl in frock waiting for Maa Durga. Yes, it's 'Maha Ashtami' today and we went to visit Maa.
She is on a sojourn and for Bengali's her sojourn is a grand affair. I am a bit drained after all the excitement and travel but the moment we see her idol some magic takes over and all negativity melts away. That's her power or motherly love.
I woke up supremely enthusiastic about going to the temple. Having taking care of all the materialistic needs we packed our spiritual minds and hearts. My daughter had to go to different to accept the 'Kanjak Puja' or in Bengali popularly known as 'Kumari Pujo'. In northern part of India, on the eighth day of Navratri, people worship little girls who are apparently considered the form of Goddess. The younger the better. They clean their feet, wipe them, touch their little feet and offer something as a gift. They also offer them 'Puri, Kala chana and semolina halwa'. This is very special and the offertory is so yummy. In Bengali community little girls are worshipped at the temples.
Draped in a crisp 'tussar silk' i took extra caution so that i do not flip off. Wearing a saree comes naturally to a Bengali girl and no excuse comes to rescue. Together as a family we went to visit Maa, offer her obeisance (anjali), pray and have the amazing 'bhog er khichuri' (offertory). Words fail to explain the sense of euphoria it makes me feel. With a satisfied heart and a nourished soul and tons of love from Maa we came back home hoping to meet her soon.
As you can guess today S didn't go to school hence no lunch box. Tomorrow it will be the same day. My mind is already getting abrasive with scratching thoughts but let's see what Maa has in store fro us.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Tiffin Tales 32
Hola...
Subho Saptami to everyone, even if you have no clue what i am saying. It's the seventh day of Navratri celebrations and first day of Bengali Durga Puja. Goddess Durga does not specifically bless just one community so my small little prayer to her is that she bless us all. That's the reason why we fondly call her Maa (Mother).
Growing up every year before the Pujo we remember our father used to get this magazine (not typically though) called 'anandomela'. This magazine used to be subscribed by most households. It's a bengali magazine mostly for children published fortnightly. During Pujo there used to be 'Puja Barshiki' or 'Durga Puja Special' which was much awaited thing for avid readers. Over the years its popularity has multiplied but now with all those ebooks and kindle versions i wonder how passionately people still wait for the Pujo editions.
Living outside my place i have very limited access to this magazine but i sincerely request if the publication house can come up with e version of this magazine i can revisit my childhood a bit. I still do look forward to read those short stories and get transformed into a different world and who knows in that process my children can get a sneak peak how their parents grew up. My wishful thinking of the day.
Yesterday i had soaked and boiled some kidney/rajma beans. This morning i used some of those boiled beans to make some rice for my S's lunch box. He likes beans and i added some salad to the rice. His snack box was fruits and yoghurt and as a part of the on going festivities this Mom sneaked a small cookie in his lunch box. My small way of bringing smile at his face amidst the festivities.
Until tomorrow enjoy your day and life....
Subho Saptami to everyone, even if you have no clue what i am saying. It's the seventh day of Navratri celebrations and first day of Bengali Durga Puja. Goddess Durga does not specifically bless just one community so my small little prayer to her is that she bless us all. That's the reason why we fondly call her Maa (Mother).
Growing up every year before the Pujo we remember our father used to get this magazine (not typically though) called 'anandomela'. This magazine used to be subscribed by most households. It's a bengali magazine mostly for children published fortnightly. During Pujo there used to be 'Puja Barshiki' or 'Durga Puja Special' which was much awaited thing for avid readers. Over the years its popularity has multiplied but now with all those ebooks and kindle versions i wonder how passionately people still wait for the Pujo editions.
Living outside my place i have very limited access to this magazine but i sincerely request if the publication house can come up with e version of this magazine i can revisit my childhood a bit. I still do look forward to read those short stories and get transformed into a different world and who knows in that process my children can get a sneak peak how their parents grew up. My wishful thinking of the day.
Yesterday i had soaked and boiled some kidney/rajma beans. This morning i used some of those boiled beans to make some rice for my S's lunch box. He likes beans and i added some salad to the rice. His snack box was fruits and yoghurt and as a part of the on going festivities this Mom sneaked a small cookie in his lunch box. My small way of bringing smile at his face amidst the festivities.
Until tomorrow enjoy your day and life....
Monday, October 15, 2018
Tiffin Tales 31
Hola...
So, the much awaited week starts today. It's 'Shosthi' and Maa is at her father's home. This morning i woke up to a wonderful feeling that She is home, somewhere so near, so close all around. Her aroma is everywhere and her presence is so strong that everything else seems blurry.
The weather looks good outside. It's windy but the sun is shining and the leaves are hastily disappearing. Sitting near the window i am wondering how the world looks so different from a child's eye. There are so many things, perhaps quite some are minuscule that do not escape a child's eye. They have some exclusive way to decipher things which is so pure and pristine.
Over the weekend we had lot of discussions and in one of those discussions my S asked why can't everyone be happy? Why do people get sad? What is sadness? Even though i tried in my lucid way to explain him sadness where we get upset when our expectations aren't met properly, to which he said , if we cannot get a certain thing why not concentrate on something else. While it was difficult for me to explain him that there are diverse ways to look and solve a problem he wasn't convinced. Everything looked simple to him and complexity of any problem didn't seem to make any sense to him. For any problem he always has a solution which at times makes us burst into laughters but we never forget to encourage him.
This afternoon as i sit near the window and trying to find ways to solve a few daily life problem i am thinking about my S. Had he been around he would have come up with quirkiest of solutions and solve all of them in a jiffy.
As of now, i am leaving all my problem at Maa Durga's feet and asking her to take care of them. For today's lunch box i packed vegetable rice with some raisins and dried cranberries. I hope he likes the sweet and a pinch of sour taste of the rice. The snack box had peach and cheese a small pack of yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy your day.
So, the much awaited week starts today. It's 'Shosthi' and Maa is at her father's home. This morning i woke up to a wonderful feeling that She is home, somewhere so near, so close all around. Her aroma is everywhere and her presence is so strong that everything else seems blurry.
The weather looks good outside. It's windy but the sun is shining and the leaves are hastily disappearing. Sitting near the window i am wondering how the world looks so different from a child's eye. There are so many things, perhaps quite some are minuscule that do not escape a child's eye. They have some exclusive way to decipher things which is so pure and pristine.
Over the weekend we had lot of discussions and in one of those discussions my S asked why can't everyone be happy? Why do people get sad? What is sadness? Even though i tried in my lucid way to explain him sadness where we get upset when our expectations aren't met properly, to which he said , if we cannot get a certain thing why not concentrate on something else. While it was difficult for me to explain him that there are diverse ways to look and solve a problem he wasn't convinced. Everything looked simple to him and complexity of any problem didn't seem to make any sense to him. For any problem he always has a solution which at times makes us burst into laughters but we never forget to encourage him.
This afternoon as i sit near the window and trying to find ways to solve a few daily life problem i am thinking about my S. Had he been around he would have come up with quirkiest of solutions and solve all of them in a jiffy.
As of now, i am leaving all my problem at Maa Durga's feet and asking her to take care of them. For today's lunch box i packed vegetable rice with some raisins and dried cranberries. I hope he likes the sweet and a pinch of sour taste of the rice. The snack box had peach and cheese a small pack of yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Tiffin Tales 30
Hola...
Yay, its Friday and yes it's for real today unlike yesterday (if read my last post, you know what i mean). Today we woke up to some freezing numbers and stayed the entire day. Cold winds with low temperatures and it was a lethal combination.
While i am regulating my room calefaction, my cousins are almost set for Pujo and these days, they are busy doing some dress rehearsals before the Goddess arrives. Durga Puja is a big festival and owing to enormousness and complexity of rituals it is not possible to do without priest. The preparatory measures are many, that the reason only a handful of qualified priest can perform this Pujo. It almost takes half of a village (if i am not wrong) to organize and maintain the celebrations seamlessly.
An average Bengali looks forward to Pujo for multiple reasons. More than being religious its another way to welcome their daughter Durga at her father's place. Bengali's wait for an entire calendar year to meet their daughter and immerse in celebration. Apart from waiting for their daughter and preparing hundreds of delicacies it's another way to bypass the regular lifestyle and do regular jobs differently. People fly from different parts of the world just to gather with family, friends and even neighbors. For Bengali's its the bonhomie that supreme's everything.
I will share a different post on Pujo special food that are available during this time. As i am sitting cosily and enjoying the pictures that my cousins are sharing, my S is curious to know more and more about the festival. I feel happy and sad at the same time, because i believe somewhere my words fall short to explain the magnanimity of this festival and this is where experience matters, which i am unable to give him. Someday... Till then i will hold on to my faith and wait for some magic to happen soon.
Coming back to reality and grinds of life, i went outside to get some groceries. Braving the wind i conquered but lost a pair of my cute gloves. Now i have to do some treasure hunting to find another pair to beat this weekend's wind. Today my S took 'paratha's'for lunch with some sautéed vegetables. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Have a wonderful weekend friends. Whether you are preparing for Pujo or you are enjoying through the pictures, enjoy till it lasts for they become memories very soon. Take care!
Yay, its Friday and yes it's for real today unlike yesterday (if read my last post, you know what i mean). Today we woke up to some freezing numbers and stayed the entire day. Cold winds with low temperatures and it was a lethal combination.
While i am regulating my room calefaction, my cousins are almost set for Pujo and these days, they are busy doing some dress rehearsals before the Goddess arrives. Durga Puja is a big festival and owing to enormousness and complexity of rituals it is not possible to do without priest. The preparatory measures are many, that the reason only a handful of qualified priest can perform this Pujo. It almost takes half of a village (if i am not wrong) to organize and maintain the celebrations seamlessly.
An average Bengali looks forward to Pujo for multiple reasons. More than being religious its another way to welcome their daughter Durga at her father's place. Bengali's wait for an entire calendar year to meet their daughter and immerse in celebration. Apart from waiting for their daughter and preparing hundreds of delicacies it's another way to bypass the regular lifestyle and do regular jobs differently. People fly from different parts of the world just to gather with family, friends and even neighbors. For Bengali's its the bonhomie that supreme's everything.
I will share a different post on Pujo special food that are available during this time. As i am sitting cosily and enjoying the pictures that my cousins are sharing, my S is curious to know more and more about the festival. I feel happy and sad at the same time, because i believe somewhere my words fall short to explain the magnanimity of this festival and this is where experience matters, which i am unable to give him. Someday... Till then i will hold on to my faith and wait for some magic to happen soon.
Coming back to reality and grinds of life, i went outside to get some groceries. Braving the wind i conquered but lost a pair of my cute gloves. Now i have to do some treasure hunting to find another pair to beat this weekend's wind. Today my S took 'paratha's'for lunch with some sautéed vegetables. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Have a wonderful weekend friends. Whether you are preparing for Pujo or you are enjoying through the pictures, enjoy till it lasts for they become memories very soon. Take care!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Tiffin Tales 29
Hola..
I woke up thinking today is Friday...lol...I looked into my phone only to realize my feelings were very momentary. As i dragged myself out of bed, all of a sudden i started to skid and almost skated in bed of lego pieces and found myself rolling in the floor. It was indeed a very good morning and to shake myself up. Ouch!
As i discussed yesterday the importance of talking in native language, yes, i blasted in my language this morning. Starting from the weather to the clock, to the toys and finally at the dishwasher which i had forgot to turn it on. My misery knew no bounds when important pieces of the kitchen were in the washer and turning in cycles, i was struggling a bit with sleepy eyes to put everything together. Sensing a trouble brewing, the other members kept a safe distance from me this morning. Oh yes, i was murmuring in my language.
As the day settled down, and sense dawned upon me i realized that for most of the things i was to be chided. Had i slept with the alarms on, i wouldn't have been late. Had i paid a bit more attention and turned on the dishwasher, the morning would have been different. Had i shown some extra patience and helped my child in cleaning up his toys perhaps i would not have tipped off. Extra of everything would have made it but i guess i was too tired. We all like anything 'extra'. From extra cheese on pizza to extra minutes of sleep, to an extra day off we all look forward to our extra moments. From extra morning snuggles with my children, to requesting the clock to provide extra minutes, we all look forward to these additional. This morning i couldn't say anything to my husband, he came pretty late and was almost drained out to have that 'extra' patience to help in cleaning or other jobs.
Whenever i visit my parents i always secretly wish for some miraculous extra days. Miracles do happen but never for mere mortals like me. For my S extra is extra cheese, extra piece of his cherished cake, extra playtime, extra screen time. While he doesn't like any extra food except his favorite one's but secretly wishes for extra holidays though.
As of today i will stick only to the positive side of extra. Not all extras are enjoyable. In my next post i will discuss a few anecdotes of what undesirable extra did to my family (humorous though). Today my S carried 'upma' as i had shortage of utensils and cooking equipments and this dish seemed like a quick fix. Snack box was regular with fruits and cheese though.
Have a great Thursday folks...
I woke up thinking today is Friday...lol...I looked into my phone only to realize my feelings were very momentary. As i dragged myself out of bed, all of a sudden i started to skid and almost skated in bed of lego pieces and found myself rolling in the floor. It was indeed a very good morning and to shake myself up. Ouch!
As i discussed yesterday the importance of talking in native language, yes, i blasted in my language this morning. Starting from the weather to the clock, to the toys and finally at the dishwasher which i had forgot to turn it on. My misery knew no bounds when important pieces of the kitchen were in the washer and turning in cycles, i was struggling a bit with sleepy eyes to put everything together. Sensing a trouble brewing, the other members kept a safe distance from me this morning. Oh yes, i was murmuring in my language.
As the day settled down, and sense dawned upon me i realized that for most of the things i was to be chided. Had i slept with the alarms on, i wouldn't have been late. Had i paid a bit more attention and turned on the dishwasher, the morning would have been different. Had i shown some extra patience and helped my child in cleaning up his toys perhaps i would not have tipped off. Extra of everything would have made it but i guess i was too tired. We all like anything 'extra'. From extra cheese on pizza to extra minutes of sleep, to an extra day off we all look forward to our extra moments. From extra morning snuggles with my children, to requesting the clock to provide extra minutes, we all look forward to these additional. This morning i couldn't say anything to my husband, he came pretty late and was almost drained out to have that 'extra' patience to help in cleaning or other jobs.
Whenever i visit my parents i always secretly wish for some miraculous extra days. Miracles do happen but never for mere mortals like me. For my S extra is extra cheese, extra piece of his cherished cake, extra playtime, extra screen time. While he doesn't like any extra food except his favorite one's but secretly wishes for extra holidays though.
As of today i will stick only to the positive side of extra. Not all extras are enjoyable. In my next post i will discuss a few anecdotes of what undesirable extra did to my family (humorous though). Today my S carried 'upma' as i had shortage of utensils and cooking equipments and this dish seemed like a quick fix. Snack box was regular with fruits and cheese though.
Have a great Thursday folks...
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Tiffin Tales 28
Hola...
Hope everyone is blending in well with the changing weather, situations, upcoming festive season or if not anything the upcoming winter season. It's just another week before Bengali's start celebrating their greatest festival of the year 'Durga Puja'. While living outside home and place our minds and hearts constantly oscillate between both the places.
This morning after my S left for school i was chatting with a friend of mine. She is a close confidante of me and over the years she can almost sense what is going on in my mind. We started with exchange of pleasantries and the weather to festival and importance of celebration. After our discussion a lot of questions started to bang my head. How am i doing in teaching my children our traditions and cultures? Are they getting a fair idea about their customs? Will they be able to identify themselves with the people of their roots? Will the binary surroundings leave them confused? What will they finally accept? These questions left me dumfounded for quite a few minutes until i stopped them from owning my mind.
According to me the first step is to talk to them in their first language. It is very, very important to teach them their native language because its their first identity. Language plays a very imperative role in building minds and identifying themselves. While it is also essential to know the local language for better adaptability, yet it is equally important to speak the native language at home. I believe you can express your true emotions only in your language. I may be completely wrong though. Many people have friends or spouses who do not speak the same language yet they bond over lifetime, but somewhere i feel its critical for the children to learn their first language first.
These days with the rapid changing scenario people back in my place are ignoring to teach their children their native language and teaching them to be global. While i am certainly not against it but what i fear is that down the lane the kids do not forget their roots. I have always been vocal about teaching my children my native language and faced criticism too. My S struggled in his initial school days but children i feel are are super absorbers. They grasp the situations pretty rapidly. While its a mix of two languages currently at home, yet i feel privileged to be talking in my first language. At least when i lose my judiciousness and i indulge in jargons (occasionally though) my S can figure out and help me with a glass of water. Hope he can read my mind in the near future too.
On a happy note i made cauliflower rice with a boiled egg for my S and snack box had fruits and smoothie. Catch you all tomorrow with some more rants...Till then enjoy....
Hope everyone is blending in well with the changing weather, situations, upcoming festive season or if not anything the upcoming winter season. It's just another week before Bengali's start celebrating their greatest festival of the year 'Durga Puja'. While living outside home and place our minds and hearts constantly oscillate between both the places.
This morning after my S left for school i was chatting with a friend of mine. She is a close confidante of me and over the years she can almost sense what is going on in my mind. We started with exchange of pleasantries and the weather to festival and importance of celebration. After our discussion a lot of questions started to bang my head. How am i doing in teaching my children our traditions and cultures? Are they getting a fair idea about their customs? Will they be able to identify themselves with the people of their roots? Will the binary surroundings leave them confused? What will they finally accept? These questions left me dumfounded for quite a few minutes until i stopped them from owning my mind.
According to me the first step is to talk to them in their first language. It is very, very important to teach them their native language because its their first identity. Language plays a very imperative role in building minds and identifying themselves. While it is also essential to know the local language for better adaptability, yet it is equally important to speak the native language at home. I believe you can express your true emotions only in your language. I may be completely wrong though. Many people have friends or spouses who do not speak the same language yet they bond over lifetime, but somewhere i feel its critical for the children to learn their first language first.
These days with the rapid changing scenario people back in my place are ignoring to teach their children their native language and teaching them to be global. While i am certainly not against it but what i fear is that down the lane the kids do not forget their roots. I have always been vocal about teaching my children my native language and faced criticism too. My S struggled in his initial school days but children i feel are are super absorbers. They grasp the situations pretty rapidly. While its a mix of two languages currently at home, yet i feel privileged to be talking in my first language. At least when i lose my judiciousness and i indulge in jargons (occasionally though) my S can figure out and help me with a glass of water. Hope he can read my mind in the near future too.
On a happy note i made cauliflower rice with a boiled egg for my S and snack box had fruits and smoothie. Catch you all tomorrow with some more rants...Till then enjoy....
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Tiffin Tales 27
Hola...
Hope you all have started to a great week. To those who are celebrating 'Navratri' enjoy all the nine days of devotion, food and festivities. These nine days nine forms of the Goddess Durga will be worshipped. Many people will be observing fasts and having special food in place of regular food. The main emphasis will be on fruits and dairy products.
Bengali's do not observe fasts for nine days but the last four days known as 'Saptami, 'Ashtami', 'Navami' and 'Dashami' are of paramount importance. While it comes to eating Bengali's differ. Most people have vegetarian food on those three days while the larger section likes to devour non vegetarian items made specially on these days. On the day of Asthami Bengali's unite to have special 'Bhog' offered to the Goddess and relished by all. The Bhog is so special to Bengali's that all throughout the year no other day of the year the same Bhog tastes the same. Yes, i know all the Bengali's will unite on this thought.
We all have our different ways to praying and celebrating but what amounts most is our devotion and perhaps more than devotion is our acts and thoughts. Years back growing our parents would try to explain these things and lay stress on good deeds and actions. They never asked us to follow anything religiously but let us follow if our hearts wanted to do so. Now being a parent i also want to be a free thinking parent but somewhere my heart wants my children to learn and imbibe those things among themselves. I will never enforce or institute anything but anything that belongs to my roots and followed by my children will be my victory.
The above lines may seem philosophical, illogical, emotional or skeptical but holding on to ones's traditions and values can be a daunting task while living out of your place. There are distractions all around but inner voice should be the ultimate guide. These lines are an allegory to my morning conversation with my S. Tomorrow i shall discuss in details about our chit-o-chat. Please bear with me. Today's lunch box was beetroot rice and an omlette and the snack box had peaches and strawberries.This week yoghurt has been replaced by smoothie and shall continue this week. Take care friends....
Hope you all have started to a great week. To those who are celebrating 'Navratri' enjoy all the nine days of devotion, food and festivities. These nine days nine forms of the Goddess Durga will be worshipped. Many people will be observing fasts and having special food in place of regular food. The main emphasis will be on fruits and dairy products.
Bengali's do not observe fasts for nine days but the last four days known as 'Saptami, 'Ashtami', 'Navami' and 'Dashami' are of paramount importance. While it comes to eating Bengali's differ. Most people have vegetarian food on those three days while the larger section likes to devour non vegetarian items made specially on these days. On the day of Asthami Bengali's unite to have special 'Bhog' offered to the Goddess and relished by all. The Bhog is so special to Bengali's that all throughout the year no other day of the year the same Bhog tastes the same. Yes, i know all the Bengali's will unite on this thought.
We all have our different ways to praying and celebrating but what amounts most is our devotion and perhaps more than devotion is our acts and thoughts. Years back growing our parents would try to explain these things and lay stress on good deeds and actions. They never asked us to follow anything religiously but let us follow if our hearts wanted to do so. Now being a parent i also want to be a free thinking parent but somewhere my heart wants my children to learn and imbibe those things among themselves. I will never enforce or institute anything but anything that belongs to my roots and followed by my children will be my victory.
The above lines may seem philosophical, illogical, emotional or skeptical but holding on to ones's traditions and values can be a daunting task while living out of your place. There are distractions all around but inner voice should be the ultimate guide. These lines are an allegory to my morning conversation with my S. Tomorrow i shall discuss in details about our chit-o-chat. Please bear with me. Today's lunch box was beetroot rice and an omlette and the snack box had peaches and strawberries.This week yoghurt has been replaced by smoothie and shall continue this week. Take care friends....
Monday, October 8, 2018
Tiffin Tales 26
Hola...
'Subho Mahalaya', yes thats how on this day Bengalis all over the world greet and wish each other. Our belief that Goddess Durga had descended on earth and will be celebrated and worshipped all across in her various forms or 'avatars'.
Since it's my children's childhood now, i walk an extra mile to coach and develop their thought process towards our cultures and traditions. My belief is that even if we are not deeply religious but we should have fair idea about our roots and institution. Growing up we used we wake at 4 am and somehow waking up so early never seemed to be an effort. The excitement was so much that most of us would look forward to that very day. I have always been a morning person but the ones who weren't (cousin's) would comply with that exceptional day.
This morning was a bit different. The weekend was dampened with all most all of coughing and i had a brake fail runny nose. No amount chicken soup or warm lemon water was able to keep a tab on my runny nose. Goodness, it was terrible. Today even though the number of tissues are certainly less yet i have a sore throat and almost a baritone voice. Of course everything has its own influence. I hadn't had the need to request anything twice to my children because of my gravity of voice. The schools were closed today and we had a lazy day today at home.
My S is always fond of home made cookies and cakes. The morning started with 'chandi path'by the legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Mahalaya is incomplete without him and we still get goosebumps listening to him. I tried my best to explain in nutshell to my S the significance though i am not sure how much he could fathom. In the evening he requested me to bake something and i oblidged. I baked him some orange flavored muffin and now my kitchen smells heavenly. We grated some orange peels because we never use orange flavor. Fresh orange zest always adds special kick to the aroma to the cake/muffin. My S was impeccably happy and what else could i ask for.
Have a wonderful time and catch you all tomorrow. Love!!!
'Subho Mahalaya', yes thats how on this day Bengalis all over the world greet and wish each other. Our belief that Goddess Durga had descended on earth and will be celebrated and worshipped all across in her various forms or 'avatars'.
Since it's my children's childhood now, i walk an extra mile to coach and develop their thought process towards our cultures and traditions. My belief is that even if we are not deeply religious but we should have fair idea about our roots and institution. Growing up we used we wake at 4 am and somehow waking up so early never seemed to be an effort. The excitement was so much that most of us would look forward to that very day. I have always been a morning person but the ones who weren't (cousin's) would comply with that exceptional day.
This morning was a bit different. The weekend was dampened with all most all of coughing and i had a brake fail runny nose. No amount chicken soup or warm lemon water was able to keep a tab on my runny nose. Goodness, it was terrible. Today even though the number of tissues are certainly less yet i have a sore throat and almost a baritone voice. Of course everything has its own influence. I hadn't had the need to request anything twice to my children because of my gravity of voice. The schools were closed today and we had a lazy day today at home.
My S is always fond of home made cookies and cakes. The morning started with 'chandi path'by the legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Mahalaya is incomplete without him and we still get goosebumps listening to him. I tried my best to explain in nutshell to my S the significance though i am not sure how much he could fathom. In the evening he requested me to bake something and i oblidged. I baked him some orange flavored muffin and now my kitchen smells heavenly. We grated some orange peels because we never use orange flavor. Fresh orange zest always adds special kick to the aroma to the cake/muffin. My S was impeccably happy and what else could i ask for.
Have a wonderful time and catch you all tomorrow. Love!!!
Friday, October 5, 2018
Tiffin Tales 25
Hola...
It's Friday once again and it's raining here. It's an dark, dull and cloudy day and all i can think of is hot 'samosas' or 'pakoras'. Well, yes, i can only think of those goodies.
My house cleaning is in full swing and waiting for the Goddess to descend on earth. I am not sure if she will personally visit my abode or not but all i can do or try is to create a refreshing environment for her.
Mahalaya has many tales. It's said Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before embarking on his final battle to win over Ravana. Lord Rama worshipped the Goddess in autumn and used 108 lotus flowers to please the Goddess. The Hindu Bengali's worship the Goddess on this time of the year. Of course Durga Puja is celebrated twice a year but the celebration in autumn is more popular. Mahalaya marks the end of 'Pitri Pakkha' and 'Devi Pakkha' starts. On the day of Mahalya people offer prayers for the departed souls of the family known as 'tarpan'. People do 'tarpan' at the crack of dawn on the riversides. As Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before the battle this signifies the awakening of the goddess on the day of Mahalaya. Many people start shopping after Mahalaya.
Well, no extensive shopping for me but i try to follow a few rituals around this time. I don't know if the Goddess is watching me or not but my children are doubtlessly watching me and making tiny imprints on their minds. Somewhere the mother in me wants them to learn and know if not follow.
As it's been raining since last night i woke up a few minutes late and decided 'not' to make any lunch for S. Since he loves cheese pizza i thought of letting him have it for lunch and packed his snack box instead. His snack box had fruits, cheese and a small fruit bar. Hope he likes it.
Have a good weekend friends. Enjoy the weather, situations and surroundings for they rush very soon...Cheers too that!
It's Friday once again and it's raining here. It's an dark, dull and cloudy day and all i can think of is hot 'samosas' or 'pakoras'. Well, yes, i can only think of those goodies.
My house cleaning is in full swing and waiting for the Goddess to descend on earth. I am not sure if she will personally visit my abode or not but all i can do or try is to create a refreshing environment for her.
Mahalaya has many tales. It's said Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before embarking on his final battle to win over Ravana. Lord Rama worshipped the Goddess in autumn and used 108 lotus flowers to please the Goddess. The Hindu Bengali's worship the Goddess on this time of the year. Of course Durga Puja is celebrated twice a year but the celebration in autumn is more popular. Mahalaya marks the end of 'Pitri Pakkha' and 'Devi Pakkha' starts. On the day of Mahalya people offer prayers for the departed souls of the family known as 'tarpan'. People do 'tarpan' at the crack of dawn on the riversides. As Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before the battle this signifies the awakening of the goddess on the day of Mahalaya. Many people start shopping after Mahalaya.
Well, no extensive shopping for me but i try to follow a few rituals around this time. I don't know if the Goddess is watching me or not but my children are doubtlessly watching me and making tiny imprints on their minds. Somewhere the mother in me wants them to learn and know if not follow.
As it's been raining since last night i woke up a few minutes late and decided 'not' to make any lunch for S. Since he loves cheese pizza i thought of letting him have it for lunch and packed his snack box instead. His snack box had fruits, cheese and a small fruit bar. Hope he likes it.
Have a good weekend friends. Enjoy the weather, situations and surroundings for they rush very soon...Cheers too that!
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Tiffin Tales 24
Hola...
So, how are we all doing? All excited for the weekend? Yes, me too. Yesterday it was a mixed bag of emotions and somehow i did not let those mixed emotions fen me down. My spirits are somewhat spiking high today as i have to do little bit of shopping for my children for the upcoming festive season. This weekend looks somewhat busy with the kids running to different places and me managing maintaining the sanity. Tonight i will try to make small list. Of course the kids dominate the list.
On Monday its 'Mahalaya' and Bengali's all over the globe are waiting for the Goddess to descend on earth. We Bengalis believe that Goddess Durga descended on earth on this day to end the 'ashurs' or demons thus marking end to the battle between the Goddess and "Mahishahur'. This day is basically celebrated how the Goddess was sent by husband Lord Shiva and other Gods with other powers and weapons to fight against the demons. This day also marks the end of 'Pitri Pokkho' and if you are a Bengali you know what i am talking about.
Growing up i used to see my Mother and all the neighboring ladies cleaning their homes before 'Mahalaya'. They used to say we should clean before the Gooddess arrives on earth. The ladies used to clean everything from bed sheets to window curtains and try to sparkle every corner of the house. Many women used to prepare dry sweets to be stored in air tight containers to be offered to the Goddess over the festive season. I can go on and on but the clock is always swift and somewhat accelerated i feel.
On that note i packed a little different lunch box for my S today. He insisted that will have 'rotis/chapatis' since his friends also carry those. Well, i was happy since he wanted a different menu. So today i packedhim 'roti' with potatato and soya beans curry. I am waiting for the verdict though. His snack box was green grapes and pears and a yoghurt. Her's hoping everyone hold on for some more because Friday is almost here. Stay charged
So, how are we all doing? All excited for the weekend? Yes, me too. Yesterday it was a mixed bag of emotions and somehow i did not let those mixed emotions fen me down. My spirits are somewhat spiking high today as i have to do little bit of shopping for my children for the upcoming festive season. This weekend looks somewhat busy with the kids running to different places and me managing maintaining the sanity. Tonight i will try to make small list. Of course the kids dominate the list.
On Monday its 'Mahalaya' and Bengali's all over the globe are waiting for the Goddess to descend on earth. We Bengalis believe that Goddess Durga descended on earth on this day to end the 'ashurs' or demons thus marking end to the battle between the Goddess and "Mahishahur'. This day is basically celebrated how the Goddess was sent by husband Lord Shiva and other Gods with other powers and weapons to fight against the demons. This day also marks the end of 'Pitri Pokkho' and if you are a Bengali you know what i am talking about.
Growing up i used to see my Mother and all the neighboring ladies cleaning their homes before 'Mahalaya'. They used to say we should clean before the Gooddess arrives on earth. The ladies used to clean everything from bed sheets to window curtains and try to sparkle every corner of the house. Many women used to prepare dry sweets to be stored in air tight containers to be offered to the Goddess over the festive season. I can go on and on but the clock is always swift and somewhat accelerated i feel.
On that note i packed a little different lunch box for my S today. He insisted that will have 'rotis/chapatis' since his friends also carry those. Well, i was happy since he wanted a different menu. So today i packedhim 'roti' with potatato and soya beans curry. I am waiting for the verdict though. His snack box was green grapes and pears and a yoghurt. Her's hoping everyone hold on for some more because Friday is almost here. Stay charged
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Tiffin Tales 23
Hola....
What a day of surprise... The weather suddenly climbed the stairs and we almost thought that it's a summer day. It was a super windy day but given the temperatures were a darling number hence everyone seemed to enjoy the winds today.
As yesterday was spent in indulging in sartorial choices my cousins made for the festive season, the feeling somehow lingered in my mind and i guess the happiness remained in my blood vessels as well. But life is a jumble and when we try to solve a part of it, another part is alternated. As i spoke to my mother this morning i came to know a few of our long distant relatives passed away. I knew they were struggling with age old diseases and somewhere we find it very hard to accept that we won't see them ever agin in this journey. That barrenness is never repleted. Time makes those memories go weak but that essence never goes away. While i was praying to the Almighty for the departed soul i suddenly started to miss my grandmother. It's been more than a decade that she left us yet at times i still feel her gentle touch. I took a trip the memory lane for sometime and tried to recollect those wonderful years spent with her.
Every year before the festive season starts i pray for her soul to the Almighty. She would be so happy and excited for me and my brother during this season. Her excitement was connected with us and by any chance if there were any school tests around that time she would be more upset than us. Even though she lived a long life yet our human gluttony wants more. Memories are indeed precious.
This morning there was no Broadway show at home and everyone seemed to be very accommodating. I guess someone or something was preparing me for the upcoming news. Life and time moves on and moving on with them is perhaps maturity. Today my S took his favorite 'upma' with added 'ghee'. He loves it and i love making it for him. His snack was little bit different. Along with fruits he he took a packet of popcorn and he seemed quite excited with the change...
Enjoy those precious minutes for they will turn into like a beautiful butterfly of memories. Take care!
What a day of surprise... The weather suddenly climbed the stairs and we almost thought that it's a summer day. It was a super windy day but given the temperatures were a darling number hence everyone seemed to enjoy the winds today.
As yesterday was spent in indulging in sartorial choices my cousins made for the festive season, the feeling somehow lingered in my mind and i guess the happiness remained in my blood vessels as well. But life is a jumble and when we try to solve a part of it, another part is alternated. As i spoke to my mother this morning i came to know a few of our long distant relatives passed away. I knew they were struggling with age old diseases and somewhere we find it very hard to accept that we won't see them ever agin in this journey. That barrenness is never repleted. Time makes those memories go weak but that essence never goes away. While i was praying to the Almighty for the departed soul i suddenly started to miss my grandmother. It's been more than a decade that she left us yet at times i still feel her gentle touch. I took a trip the memory lane for sometime and tried to recollect those wonderful years spent with her.
Every year before the festive season starts i pray for her soul to the Almighty. She would be so happy and excited for me and my brother during this season. Her excitement was connected with us and by any chance if there were any school tests around that time she would be more upset than us. Even though she lived a long life yet our human gluttony wants more. Memories are indeed precious.
This morning there was no Broadway show at home and everyone seemed to be very accommodating. I guess someone or something was preparing me for the upcoming news. Life and time moves on and moving on with them is perhaps maturity. Today my S took his favorite 'upma' with added 'ghee'. He loves it and i love making it for him. His snack was little bit different. Along with fruits he he took a packet of popcorn and he seemed quite excited with the change...
Enjoy those precious minutes for they will turn into like a beautiful butterfly of memories. Take care!
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Tiffin Tales 22
Hola...
It's a Tuesday with lots of mixed emotions just like our weather here. The weather change is hitting hard this time and we are taking our turns to wipe our noses and having bowls of soup to clear throat.
This morning I woke up to see my phone flooded with photos from my cousins who are actively doing shopping for upcoming Durga Puja festival. Lots of sarees with matching accessories, shoes and what not. For a moment all the pictures made me green with envy but I enjoyed browsing the photos. While each one of us poured our crackerjack opinion on the purchases, but my early morning conversation with my cousins definitely exhilarated my mood for the rest of the day.
My S woke up and excitedly asked why i was smiling so i explained him in a nutshell. He grinned and said these are girly talks and doesn't want to know more. I could not help stop laughing. I saw him running to his dad and informing him the same. I don't know what he said but i could hear them giggling. Of course, I ignored because I was almost drowned in the conversation. A quick glance at the clock and I almost started to sprint.
My S had a dentist appointment last evening so he missed doing his homework. This morning I had to get after him to complete his work. Goodness, for a few minutes I was cursing myself why wasted those precious minutes over the phone but the other side of the brain and heart was smiling too.
Staying thousands of miles away from homeland and festivities I was somewhat missing the shopping part but this small moment of conversation cheered me up and this my gratitude of the day. On a happy note i packed egg fried rice for my S and snack box had berries, pears and his daily dosage of yoghurt.
Hop everyone finds their moments of gratitude all day and everyday. Take care...
It's a Tuesday with lots of mixed emotions just like our weather here. The weather change is hitting hard this time and we are taking our turns to wipe our noses and having bowls of soup to clear throat.
This morning I woke up to see my phone flooded with photos from my cousins who are actively doing shopping for upcoming Durga Puja festival. Lots of sarees with matching accessories, shoes and what not. For a moment all the pictures made me green with envy but I enjoyed browsing the photos. While each one of us poured our crackerjack opinion on the purchases, but my early morning conversation with my cousins definitely exhilarated my mood for the rest of the day.
My S woke up and excitedly asked why i was smiling so i explained him in a nutshell. He grinned and said these are girly talks and doesn't want to know more. I could not help stop laughing. I saw him running to his dad and informing him the same. I don't know what he said but i could hear them giggling. Of course, I ignored because I was almost drowned in the conversation. A quick glance at the clock and I almost started to sprint.
My S had a dentist appointment last evening so he missed doing his homework. This morning I had to get after him to complete his work. Goodness, for a few minutes I was cursing myself why wasted those precious minutes over the phone but the other side of the brain and heart was smiling too.
Staying thousands of miles away from homeland and festivities I was somewhat missing the shopping part but this small moment of conversation cheered me up and this my gratitude of the day. On a happy note i packed egg fried rice for my S and snack box had berries, pears and his daily dosage of yoghurt.
Hop everyone finds their moments of gratitude all day and everyday. Take care...
Monday, October 1, 2018
Tiffin Tales 21
Hola....
Its Monday and its super cloudy here. I hope everyone had a good weekend. Only the fortunate ones must have had a relaxing weekend. I managed to steal a few extra minutes (not hours though) for myself this weekend though.
Parenting is so complex and I so wish there was a sure shot formula or blueprint for raising children. As children grow up its not only a whirlwind of emotions for them but for parents as well. We evolve everyday as parents too. Our emotions are thickly attached with our children. When they are upset we get affected too. As grow and discover their surroundings and people, we grow with them too. The constant challenge to guide them, protect them, nourish their brains and body especially when they are totally dependent on you. They start to see the world through our eyes, speak the way we teach them but its their thought process we carefully need to steer. Its the mind which gives rise to curiosity and curiosity leads to discovery.
This morning me and my S were discussing food and its ramification on the body. I was also trying to prioritize not to waste any food. There are millions of people all over the world who go without food for days. After a few minutes of conversation my S wanted an explanation of poverty. What is poverty and how do we get poor? The question was a bit deep to explain in the morning rush. What makes us poor? Unable to eat to unable to share? Well, it hit me somewhere and the entire day those words acted like a hungover. While my objective was to bang in his head that he should not be wasting food, he almost left me numb for the day with his questions.
I think this weekend we will have a detailed conversation on this and i will have a few more lines to write. This morning was very dull and my S wanted something good looking for his lunch box. I made him a vegetable sandwich with loads of combination of colorful vegetables. This weekend we got a a big batch of yoghurt but my S didn't like the taste it seems. So the snack box had fruits and a cheese stick.
More parenting and growing woe tales tomorrow. Take rest! Mondays can be battering too :)
Its Monday and its super cloudy here. I hope everyone had a good weekend. Only the fortunate ones must have had a relaxing weekend. I managed to steal a few extra minutes (not hours though) for myself this weekend though.
Parenting is so complex and I so wish there was a sure shot formula or blueprint for raising children. As children grow up its not only a whirlwind of emotions for them but for parents as well. We evolve everyday as parents too. Our emotions are thickly attached with our children. When they are upset we get affected too. As grow and discover their surroundings and people, we grow with them too. The constant challenge to guide them, protect them, nourish their brains and body especially when they are totally dependent on you. They start to see the world through our eyes, speak the way we teach them but its their thought process we carefully need to steer. Its the mind which gives rise to curiosity and curiosity leads to discovery.
This morning me and my S were discussing food and its ramification on the body. I was also trying to prioritize not to waste any food. There are millions of people all over the world who go without food for days. After a few minutes of conversation my S wanted an explanation of poverty. What is poverty and how do we get poor? The question was a bit deep to explain in the morning rush. What makes us poor? Unable to eat to unable to share? Well, it hit me somewhere and the entire day those words acted like a hungover. While my objective was to bang in his head that he should not be wasting food, he almost left me numb for the day with his questions.
I think this weekend we will have a detailed conversation on this and i will have a few more lines to write. This morning was very dull and my S wanted something good looking for his lunch box. I made him a vegetable sandwich with loads of combination of colorful vegetables. This weekend we got a a big batch of yoghurt but my S didn't like the taste it seems. So the snack box had fruits and a cheese stick.
More parenting and growing woe tales tomorrow. Take rest! Mondays can be battering too :)
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