Preeti Shenoy's Blog, page 2
June 21, 2023
June 20, 2023
Travel Tuesday--The country which makes the best coffee
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
Hello again!
It's Travel Tuesday! I answer questions about travelling today. Here are five fun questions and my answers of course!
1.Who is the person at home that you miss the most?
When my dog was alive, it was definitely her I missed the most. It was heartbreaking for me to leave her and travel. She was like my shadow, always stuck to me. We were inseparable. On the days I travelled she would be really sad and wouldn't move much or eat much. (Otherwise she was a whirlwind of energy). I miss her so much 😔😫💔💔
2.What home comfort do you miss the most ?
To be honest, when I am travelling I don't think about home at all. I switch off completely. There's no point in undertaking travel if you are going to miss 'home comfort' --whatever those may be. I exist in the moment completely, when I am travelling. Also I choose clean, comfortable places to stay. As long as I have that I know that I will eventually be going back home, and therefore I travel with this mindset . Hence I don't miss home at all. Wherever I make my bed is home!
3.What has been the most interesting item of food you've tasted?
In Bhutan I tasted some stir fried vegetables. It had whole red chillies and oyster sauce. I loved this particular dish. I also absolutelty loved Teh tarik which I had in singapore. In Switzerland I had a high protein bread which was sold everywhere in Coop stores and I loved that as well.
4.What food from your home country do you miss the most?
I guess that would be idlis! I can eat idlis anytime.Although I must say that I am extremely non-fussy when it comes to food. I can eat anything as long as it is healthy , preferably with high protein.
5.Which country makes the best coffee or tea?
Undoubtedly the best coffee I've had was in Egypt, and it was Turkish coffee! I love strong black coffee, and I have it without sugar.
You can read this article for the best cafes in Egypt. When I had travelled there, I'd just gone to a small one. I feel those ones serve the best ones.
pic credit: https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Travel Tuesday as much as I enjoyed writing it :)
If have any questions about my travels--do ask! I will be happy to address it in the next edition.
Come back for a new post tomorrow.
Love
Preeti
June 19, 2023
Love in the Storm--a poem.
Photo by Marcus Woodbridge on Unsplash
For today's post I thought I'd write a magnetic poetry. I don't know how many of you know what it is. You can buy a magnetic word kit, and make poems out of the words that come when you pick them randomly. You then join the words to make a poem.
You can click HERE to see an online version of it.
This is the poem I made:
A bare whisper
Light as a mist
How smoothly the bitter dream
Urges you through sweet pictures
Black as a scream
A still shadow
some say is death
Yet I have to trudge on
With an ache like rust
As I live for you
A thousand times over
© 2023 Preeti Shenoy For more poems click here. Some poems have already appeared in print. Kindly do not reproduce without permission.© 2014 Preeti ShenoyFor more poems click here. Some poems have already appeared in print. Kindly do not reproduce without permission. - See more at: http://blog.preetishenoy.com/2014/08/...
June 18, 2023
Sunday Stealing--with someone famous!
Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash
It's Sunday again! Where does time fly to? It's time for a Sunday Stealing.
(Sunday stealing has been going on for over 15 years now and I used to take part in my early days of blogging. It's pretty commendable that it still continues. Kudos to Bev for hosting it every sunday and spreading warmth in the blogging community.
1) What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day?
Sleeping and reading. Is there any other way to spend a Sunday? (Oh--but I went to the gym and had a superb workout today. But I did read and sleep the whole morning!)
2) What do you look forward to every week?
When I am working on a book, I do look forward to finishing my word count and tracking my progress. But these days I am not writing (I already have three completed manuscripts). So I most look forward to my trip to UK which is coming up, as it means I can be with my daughter again!
3) Name three pet peeves you currently have.
People who are cruel to animals and also people who are rude, arrogant and think too much of themselves.People who damage books they read by carelessly leaving it with the spine open and making the pages dog-eared.The know-it-alls who give unsolicited advice and also people
4) If you were to win an all expense paid vacationfor two weeks to anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go? What aresome of the things you would like to experience while you were there?
The blessing is that I am at a point in my life, where I indeed can afford a vacation to anywhere in the world. (and I am so grateful for that as I have worked hard to be able to afford it). The places I'd like to visit are (in no specific order)
JapanSouth KoreaIndonesiaMontenegroSpainIn India I've been to most places except Leh. So I'd love to visit Leh. I'd like to revisit Varanasi over and over.
5) What was one of your favorite toys as a kid? Didyou save any special things from your childhood that you still have today?
I had several dolls and I'd named them all. I was also very fond of books right from a young age. I do have a steel rattle which my paternal grandmother had got specially for me, when I was a baby.
6) What is your favorite holiday? What is yourleast favorite holiday?
There are too many favourite holidays to name. My trip to Bhutan where we climbed up the mountain to reach Tiger's nest is unforgettable. I'd love to go back. I also loved Maldives where we took an ocean villa both times we went. We could get down from our villa into the sea and swim. Recently I loved my Switzerland trip.
Worst holiday--I've never had one. Thank Lord! (What a nightmare a bad holiday would be. Such a waste of money too)
7) Have you ever met anyone famous? What concertshave you attended?
Oh yes--I have met tonnes of famous people. One of them has even interviewed
me.
I was also invited to be a speaker along with another very famous person (Bruce Dickenson) This picture was clicked in the green room where he and I were waiting to speak. (He was speaking after me)
8) Are there any expressions that people use thatreally annoy you? If so, what are they?
I dislike the term 'Hubby' and 'wifey'. I don't know why---they are harmless but it irks me a great deal. Also So many people call me 'Pretty' and they think they're being original. I've heard it a million times before and it annoys me.
I also hate it when my old old friends keep repeating t 'You're a celebrity now.' (I mean, if they say it once I am really okay..But if someone keeps repeating it, it irks me because I truly believe I don't think of myself as a 'celebrity' and I'm quite grounded and down-to-earth.
9) Do you like your name? Are you named afteranyone? Is there a story how you got your name? Would you change it if youcould? If so, what name would you give yourself?
I quite like my name, although its a very common one. It was a popular name in the seventies. There were always at lest 2 or 3 Preetis in my class.
No, I wouldn't change my name at all.
10) It is said that it's the little things thatmake life worth living. Name five of those little things in your life
The love I get from my closest people
The love I get from you all--my readers.
My writing.
My gym (I know--I am such a gym rat now)
My art.
June 17, 2023
How daily journalling changed my life.
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Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
We live in extremely stressful and busy times with our attention spans getting even shorter than Insta stories! In this bustling world we inhabit, time evaporates in the blink of an eye.
If we take a moment each day to reflect and record our thoughts, it can become an invaluable practice which can transform your life . I've been writing daily journals ever since I can remember. It is an age-old tradition, which serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, personal growth, and emotional well-being.
Whether done in the form of pen and paper (I use an old fashioned fountain pen to this day!) or through digital means, this daily habit can be hugely beneficial. I am listing here a few of the ways it has helped me over the years.
Emotional Catharsis:Daily journaling acts as a cathartic outlet, allowing us to unload our burdens, frustrations, and anxieties onto the blank pages. By putting our thoughts and emotions into words, we create a safe space to process and release what weighs us down. This release can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being.
Enhanced Self-Awareness:Regularly documenting our experiences and emotions grants us the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. It provides a mirror into our innermost thoughts, desires, and fears. Journaling encourages self-reflection, helping us recognize patterns, identify triggers, and gain insights into our behaviors and beliefs. With increased self-awareness, we can make conscious choices to align our actions with our values and work towards personal growth.
Problem Solving and Decision Making:Writing in a journal allows us to analyze situations objectively and view them from a new perspective. It aids in problem-solving by enabling us to examine challenges, brainstorm ideas, and consider alternative solutions. By documenting our decision-making processes, we can trace the reasoning behind our choices and evaluate their outcomes. This reflective practice fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and refines our ability to make well-informed decisions in the future.
Emotional Resilience and Gratitude:In times of adversity, daily journaling serves as an anchor, providing a means to express gratitude and find silver linings. By deliberately focusing on positive experiences, blessings, and lessons learned, we cultivate resilience and develop a more optimistic outlook. Reflecting on moments of joy, accomplishments, and personal growth can uplift our spirits and remind us of our capacity to overcome challenges.
Capturing Memories and Personal Growth:A journal chronicles the journey of our lives, preserving memories, experiences, and personal milestones. As time passes, revisiting these entries provides a precious window into the past, allowing us to relive cherished moments and witness our own growth. It becomes a testament to our evolving perspectives, aspirations, and achievements, fostering a sense of self-continuity and serving as a valuable resource for future reflection.
For me, my daily journal is a sacred space to unload my thoughts, nurture my emotional well-being, and to gain insights into my own mind. Most people start writing in a journal and then stop because they don't know what to write or it becomes boring as their daily routine never varies. One of the things you can do is to make each day different and interesting by focusing on a small thing that was different, which gave you joy.
You could also record things that you're grateful for. Or you could stick pictures.
Would you like me to create a course on Skillshare where I'd guide you to keep a daily journal? (Like a 14 day course where you follow a prompt and I help you make an interesting page each day? All the lessons would be delivered instantly by video. You could check out my course on Creative writing. to know the format.
Let me know in comments whether you'd be interested in such a course?
Love
Preeti
June 16, 2023
My number one tip for achieving your dream life.
Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash
Many a time in my interviews, I am asked 'What's the one piece of advice you wish you had heard when you were starting your career?'
The people who ask this, I am guessing, want a tip which they can implement in their lives, a tip from someone they perceive as successful, and a tip when followed would give them a jump start in their career. But the only tip I truly have is a clichéd one--it is to work hard and to never give up. Clichés are often true and perhaps that's why many overlook it as it seems too simple to be true.
Today, I'm living my dream. It's something I never thought would be possible. I've worked hard for whatever I have achieved today (Fifteen bestsellers whihc have sold millions of copies and touched people's lives). I've struggled, faced rejections and made it on my own. There was no one to guide me , give me advice, hold my hand or pick up the pieces when I was down. I wanted it badly and I worked every single day towards my goal. Some days I might not have achieved it. But I was back the next day, chipping away bit by bit.
Consistency pays rich dividends. So be consistent.
Also the other piece of advice I have for someone starting out is 'Do not listen to others.' There will be a hundred people who tell you it cannot be done. If you share your dream with anyone it is likely that they will not see it the same way that you do. So be your own best friend. Reach inside yourself and find that reservoir of courage.Set it free and immerse yourself inside it. Fight, fight hard for your dreams. If you don't do it, no one else will do it for you.
More tomorrow
Love
Preeti
June 15, 2023
My top 13 books (Thursday thirteen)
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Hello there!
Today's post is a Thursday thirteen as it's been a while since I did this list. I keep reading and my list of books read grows and grows. Therefore it is only natural that my favourites change over time as I discover new books and new authors.
Here is my list of top 13 books, ( in no particular order):
1. Time Traveller's Wife-- Audrey Niffeneger
2. 10 Minutes 38 seconds in This Strange World --Elif Shafak
3. Lessons in Chemistry--Bonnie Garmus
4. People on Platform 5--Clare Pooley
5. Flatshare-- Beth O leary
6. The Off Limits Rule --Sarah Adams
7. Carrie Soto is back--Taylor Jenkin Reids
8. Goodby Things--Fumio Sasaki
9. Looking Inward --Swami Purnachaitanya
10. Collected stories of Roald Dahl
11. All books by Michael Morpurgo
12. Beneath a Scarlet Sky--Mark Sullivan
13.Aristotle and Dantes discover the secrets of the Universe --Benjamin Alire Saenz
I hope you discovered at least a few new books in this list. Enjoy!
More tomorrow.
Love
Preeti
June 14, 2023
June 13, 2023
Travel Tuesday! My top destinations in India as well as internationally.
Hello there!
How have you been doing? It's Tuesday again and we're almost half way through the blog marathon. I can't believe how fast time flies.
One of my great passions in life (apart from art, writing and fitness) is travel. So I thought I'd start a Travel Tuesday where I answer questions about my travels. Anyone who wants to ask me any question about my travels--please do so in my comment box, and I shall answer it on my Travel Tuesdays.
For the first travel Tuesday--here are five questions (and my answer
1. What's your favourite place so far?
It is very hard for me to choose. In India, I absolutely love everything about Kerala (It's where my mother lives too. ) No matter how many times I visit I never get tired of Kerala. Many of my books are set in Kerala too. The other place I fell in love with was Varanasi. Varanasi is not a place--it is an emotion.
Here I am on the early morning sunrise boat ride in Varanasi.
I also loved Meghalaya. There was so much beauty and the skies were nothing like I'd seen before. Outside India, I loved Maldives, Bhutan, Switzerland and Edinburgh. In the pic below you can see Edinburgh castle behind me.
2. What place is on top of your bucket list?
I guess I would like to travel to Spain, Japan and Brazil.
3.What can't you travel without?
Books to read and my sketchbook and paints. All are a *must* . (Apart from the practical things like passport and enough money)
4. Do you prefer solo travel or with someone else?
If the person has the same travel goals as me, then I'd like a companion. But if we have different travel goals, then by myself. Either way, I love to travel.
5. If you could swim with the dolphins or go shark diving which would you prefer?
Of course the dolphins. I am not exactly comfortable with diving. I don't enjoy the sensation of being under water, with the diving suit.
Did you enjoy this travel post? Let me know in comments.
Also which is your home town? What are the three places you would take me to if I came to visit you in your hometown? Please tell me below 👇🏽 and I might add it to my travel destinations!
More tomorrow.
Sleep well!
Love
Preeti
June 12, 2023
Fate and Destiny--Is it true that what happens to us is destined?
I'd got featured on Bazaar India along with Shruti Hassan, Kubra Sait, Neha Dhupia and Zohra Shakti where we all answered questions of Fate and Destiny.
So for today's post I thought I'd share what I answered.
You can also read the whole article HERE (and read what the others said about Fate and Destiny as well)
Here's what I believe 👇🏽
I do believe a onehundred percent in Fate/Destiny. Ironically, I also believe that one chartstheir own destiny. The two might seem contradictory but they are not. While wecannot fight what is to come, we can certainly take steps towards our goals.Even dreams need to be fuelled withactions, if they are to come true. However, if you did not get what youdesired, I firmly believe it is because there’s something better in store foryou. There were certain lessons to be learnt from that failure or therejection, and it is preparing you for the better things that lie ahead.
I’m a tarot card reader, and unlike astrology where certainthings/events are ‘fixed’ or destined, the tarot just shows us what couldpossibly lie ahead. Tarot is like a GPS which shows us what possibly could beon the path chosen by you. But it is up to us to choose the path and make theeffort to travel down that path.
Destiny has certainly played a big role in my life. While I’ve always written,I never thought I’d become a published author with 15 books, all bestsellers.The sequence of events which led to this was destiny. However, the sheerhard-work and discipline it took to get to this point in my life, was all myown.
My father who I was very close to, passed away all of asudden in 2006, in the middle of a conversation with my mother. He hadabsolutely no age related ailments, andwas in fact very fit. He was 66. To overcome the deep grief which I was drowning in, I started ablog, where I began writing about mundane moments of life, which make itspecial. Life is not always grand, but when we cherish the smallest of things,it becomes magical. When my father was snatched from me (that was destiny) itpropelled me towards writing with a ferocity, I never knew I was capable of.
The lesson it taught me was that, we cannot fight destiny.We do not know what is going to happen in the next hour, even. We only have anillusion of control. All we have is this moment—the here and now.
While we don’t have control over the terrible things thatmight happen to us, we do have a choicein how we respond to it. We can use our grief as stepping stones, as agents ofgrowth, and we can transform ourselves into the best versions that we can be.
My father’s death made me write every single day, and thefinal outcome of those consistent actions that I took, resulted in my firstbook. Thereafter, I put in the work needed and wrote 14 more books.
The advice I’d have given myself was ‘The best is yet tocome’ and I wouldn’t have believed it! Yet, here I am living my dream, forwhich I am filled with gratitude.
More tomorrow.
Today, I've had a very long day and I am exhausted.
Tell me in comments whether you beleive in Fate/Destiny or whether you think all that is just man-made perceptions.
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