Writing is a process of discovery as it opens new windows for exploration of the self . In fact just today one of my friends insisted I write about her. Writing on someone is not as easy as it seems. It's different when we talk about a person and different when we try to capture the essence of the person in writing.
But nevertheless I did promise her I would write about her. She is one of my mom's closest friends who doesn't need a hearty occasion to cook for her family and friends. I still remember the Spicy Chicken 65 and Fried Fish she specially prepared for us when we went to her place for lunch. The variety of dishes she made was fit enough for a king that words are not enough to describe her culinary expertise. For some people I guess actions speak better than words. She's no exception as her food speaks about the oodles of enthusiasm and love that go into making every dish exotic.She actively involves herself in activities that her son's school conducts and encourages him to go for oratory competitions where he ultimately emerges a winner. Watching TV, reading Tamil novels and updating herself about her home - India are some of the activities that never cease to interest her. She does not only keep in touch with her friends but updates herself on what's hep and happening in Tollywood (For those who do not know, the Tamil Film Kingdom is known as Tollywood/Kollywood - not too sure on that one). Usually when she visits us, she brings her son along who loves playing UNO and Monopoly with me. From my writing I know I don't sound young. Like I mentioned earlier in my blog there is a kid hidden in each one of us who we often avoid out of shyness and guilt. Label it what ever you please but I feel it's useless withdrawing from the self.
Oh God how I distract myself and let my writing wander along with me. So back to square one. As I said earlier my mom's friend loves getting out once-in-a-while. She firmly believes that education is the key to one's development and constantly keeps an eye on her son while he studies. Her son is very bright and looks very intellectual with specs on. Every time I look at him I feel he thinks too much for his age. But I guess age does it to us. When we are young we are always curious about things we don't know about. It's something like how the baby picks up words of their mother tongue step by step. And before you know it they're kids who speak more fluently than expected.
What we expect in life and what it finally gives us are two things that can never be reconciled. We live a life that is filled with mystery and beliefs - beliefs that sometimes arise out of superstitions. My mom sometimes laughs when she hears the stories her friends tell her. But what do we do when our identities are shaped by certain beliefs?
Explaining what we believe in often leaves us in a twist. Belief is something inbuilt and personal that continuously undergoes change. What we believe today may not neccesarily be what we believe tomorrow. Change overshadows every thing leaving no stone unturned in time.
When you are Old (By W.B Yeats)
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars. In life we come across people who make our life liveable and worth living. Giving up on life is easy but living each day and keeping pace with it is the challenge each human being should not be afraid from taking. When I meet certain people who make a difference to me I believe they deserve a mention. No matter how small or big they might seem what they should realize is how much they matter to the writer. Getting recorded is no big deal but to me being remembered by someone is the biggest gift to anyone who as a friend has succeeded in making at least one life different if not all.
Life is all about the friendships and relationships we forge in our journey through life. What matters most is the person you are, not what you cannot be. Once you value yourself you will learn that life has so much more in store for you. So what if you’re different? In difference lies uniqueness and as a very famous proverb goes:
“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder."
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