Preeti Shenoy's Blog, page 71
July 4, 2013
8 rules to simplify relationships (post 23)
Sometime back, someone had given me a tag of a 'relationship expert'. This person felt that I am extremely understanding, kind and compassionate by nature. I guess I am all of that--but of course, what you see on the blog of my personality, is just one-dimensional! I am extremely restless by nature, get bored by routines and I want to try new things each time, and most of all I detest rules. If there is a rule, you can be sure I would want to break it.
However, there are some rules that I have always followed, or tried to follow. They have stood me in good stead and saved me many relationships. (I am blessed to have tonnes of good friends who love me a lot)
Here are eight rules (that I follow) to simplify relationships:
1. When you are wrong, apologise humbly : Be gracious in accepting your mistake. It is okay. You are human. You are allowed to err. Say that you goofed up and mean it. Ask the person o forgive you. You will be surprised, how far this simple act can go. (Don't be like Sandeep from The Secret Wish list)
2.Tell them you love them and miss them : Most people presume that the other person ought to know that they are loved. This is especially so, if it has been a relationship of many years. I still feel it is so important to tell the person you love them. (Text if you are shy!) I know it doesn't come naturally to many people, and many are shy of actually expressing it. But the words 'I love you' are powerful. I use them often, and I mean it when I use them. (Akash of tea for two and a piece of cake did the same too though it took him a while to learn)
3.Look at things from their perspective, not yours: You might think that something which you strongly believe in, is the only right way to do a certain thing. It is rarely so. Often, we are so convinced about our 'right-ness' that we refuse to even see the logic or rationale in an opinion vastly different from ours. (Diksha's parents from The secret wish list could have vastly benefited from this one!) Put yourself in the other person's shoes--you will then know exactly where it pinched.
4.When you are hurt, don't blurt : When I was younger (say in my twenties) one of the biggest mistakes I used to make was blurt out things in anger. I have improved a lot since then. (I now stew and blurt out after many days heh heh). Words said in anger can really wound. Take a deep breath and bite your tongue. Let the words stay in your head. Write them down and wait for a few days, and then see if you feel the same way. If you still feel as strongly, by all means, express it. But when you are hurt, do not immediately blurt.
5.Look at it as if it were your last day: Think of this scene..You are on your death-bed. You have a few more hours to live. Will this pettiness matter then? No? Then why should it matter now? By not letting go, you are adding to an emotional burden you already carry. Free yourself. Lighten your load.Let go!
6.Make the effort : If a good friend has got busy with their lives, make an effort to drop a simple mail, or steal a quick chat on the phone. Often if no effort is made from both sides, chasm slowly widens. I have, without realising , lost a few friendships this way. Now if a relationship matters to me, I will go the extra mile and get in touch with the person, even if I haven't heard from them for ages.
7.Accept that things change : Sometimes people change. Things change. Situations change. Just because someone meant the world to you, at a particular point in your life, it may not be the same today. Everyone undergoes multiple experiences, as we go through life, and all of it changes us as people. Accept it. Do not fight change. it is a part and parcel of life.
8.Know when to call it quits : And finally, know when to walk away from a situation. if something isn't working out for you, try all of the above. Try your best. If the situation is still making you feel down and drained, if it is doing nothing to nurture your soul, if all that it is giving you is pain, respect yourself enough to walk away.
These are my rules, and I have mostly followed them.
leave me a comment if you like this piece and would like to see more such, in the future, and I shall consider writing them for you :)
Until tomorrow..Ciao and much love!
__________________________________________
If you like my writing, you might enjoy my books.
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
photo credit: K. Sawyer Photography via photopin cc
http://preetishenoy.com/
July 3, 2013
An awesome afternoon. (post 22)
Today, I met the gorgeous
Madhuri Banerjee
at a lovely cafe in Bangalore. We had a fabulous time together and had so much fun. I don't remember laughing this much, in the last few weeks! She and I talked non-stop, and we had so much to share. We talked about books (mostly), writing process, men, phones, fitness and a whole lot of other things.
Madhuri is truly one of the warmest and nicest people I know. She is also very down to earth, unassuming and a total riot to be around :-) I also follow her on twitter and some of the stuff she tweets go straight to the heart.
Later, we went and checked out some clothes, did some girlie things, and generally relaxed and unwound. We discussed so many things--the conversation was buzzing, flying and zooming in all directions, it was hard to keep track of the multiple threads we were conversing on.
I had read Madhuri's 'Mistakes like love and sex' and I told her that the sex scenes in the book were sizzling! She has done a splendid job on them. We talked about how it is really hard to write a good sex scene, without making it sound like porn, and without ever referring to genitalia. I was telling her about how the reader has to experience every single emotion that the protagonist feels, and therein lies the strength of the book--and she agreed.
I got her to sign her book for me and I shall always treasure what she wrote:
They say that sometimes you never know the real value of a moment till it becomes a memory.
Today, the moments we spent, have indeed gone into the 'treasured memories' section straight away.
Here's to both our books, and here is to more such wonderful times Madhuri!
_______________________________________________________________________
If you like my writing, you might enjoy my books.
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
Madhuri is truly one of the warmest and nicest people I know. She is also very down to earth, unassuming and a total riot to be around :-) I also follow her on twitter and some of the stuff she tweets go straight to the heart.
Later, we went and checked out some clothes, did some girlie things, and generally relaxed and unwound. We discussed so many things--the conversation was buzzing, flying and zooming in all directions, it was hard to keep track of the multiple threads we were conversing on.
I had read Madhuri's 'Mistakes like love and sex' and I told her that the sex scenes in the book were sizzling! She has done a splendid job on them. We talked about how it is really hard to write a good sex scene, without making it sound like porn, and without ever referring to genitalia. I was telling her about how the reader has to experience every single emotion that the protagonist feels, and therein lies the strength of the book--and she agreed.
I got her to sign her book for me and I shall always treasure what she wrote:
They say that sometimes you never know the real value of a moment till it becomes a memory.
Today, the moments we spent, have indeed gone into the 'treasured memories' section straight away.
Here's to both our books, and here is to more such wonderful times Madhuri!
_______________________________________________________________________
If you like my writing, you might enjoy my books.
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
July 2, 2013
100 random questions (post 21)
I was browsing through the Internet, and I found
these 100 random questions
Decided to do it for today's post.
Here goes:
Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.
Karnataka has an impressive range of KSRTC buses. :D
Stretch your left arm out as far as you can, What can you touch?
Edge of the bed
Before you started this survey, what were you doing?
Whatsapping :)
What is the last thing you watched on TV?
OMG--it has been so long I watched TV that I don't remember.
Without looking, guess what time it is
4.11
Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?
4.56
With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
Sound of rain
When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
This morning. Was meeting some people.
Did you dream last night?
yes
Do you remember your dreams?
yes--most of the time.
When did you last laugh?
Yesterday
Do you remember why / at what?
At something my kids said.
What is on the walls of the room you are in?
Paintings by Niall Young.
Seen anything weird lately?
No--unless Bangalore's potholes on the road count as weird.
What do you think of this quiz?
Surprised it is making me think.
What is the last film you saw?
Raanjhana
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Norwich UK.
If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
A lovely home facing the beach.
Tell me something about you that most people don't know.
I have about 6 academic degrees and diplomas (of course, I am proud of it) and I actually feel bored to tell people all my educational qualifications . I tell only when i get to know the person really well. It's like a privilege reserved for a specail few :) Don't ask me why--It's just one of my quirks. I am shy that way.
If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Make it safe for women to go anywhere they like, wearing whatever they want, at any time they please and not get harassed, raped, abused or called names.
Do you like to dance?
Love to.day I stop dancing would be the day i stop living.
Would you ever consider living abroad?
Have lived abroad for a while.
Does your name make any interesting anagrams?
ee trip.
Who made the last incoming call on your phone?
My good friend Priya.
What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
A workout plan :)
Last time you swam in a pool?
Three weeks back
Type of music you like most?'
Stuff like Goo Goo dolls and Mumford and sons
Type of music you dislike most?
Mindless meaningless lyrics like chipka le saiya fevicol se..YUCK
Are you listening to music right now?
No--Unless chirping of birds count as music
What color is your bedroom carpet?
I don't have a carpet in my bedroom
If you could change something about your home, without worry about expense or mess, what would you do?
nothing! I love how I have done up my home!
What was the last thing you bought?
ha ha..Pav and noodles :P :)
Have you ever ridden on a motorbike?
Oh yes :)
Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
Bungee jumping..
Do you have a garden?
A lovely one.
Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?
100 percent
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
who has messaged me--who has tweeted to me :D
If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
Maddona or Demi moore
Who sent the last text message you received?
Ravi Subramanian (author of best sellers like Bankster and If God was a banker)
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Debenhams UK
What time is bed time?
anytime the lines start blurring on the book I am reading.
Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
Yes :) In college and I won :)
How many tattoos do you have?
Zero.
If you don't have any, have you ever thought of getting one?
Never. Hate them.
What did you do for your last birthday?
Went out with family.
Do you carry a donor card?
No
Who was the last person you ate dinner with?
Satish and kids.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Depends on whether it has water in it or Vodka ;-)
What's the farthest-away place you've been?
Farthest from where? In reality or in dreams? :) My imagination takes me everywhere.
When's the last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
May be eight years back.
Have you ever won a trophy?
Plenty.
Are you a good cook?
yes--a fantastic one :)
Do you know how to pump your own gas?
Excuse me? :D
If you could meet any one person (from history or currently alive), who would it be?
Emperor Akbar :) Or Prithviraaj Chauhan.
Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school?
Of course. 12 years of my life :)
Do you touch-type?
Well --60 percent
What's under your bed?
Nothing.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. It's sexual attraction maybe but definitely not love. Real test of true love is time. And I believe in love.
Think fast, what do you like right now?
A nice conversation. Instead I am doing this questionnaire.
Where were you on Valentine's day?
In Kochi, doing a book launch!
What time do you get up?
Between 6.00 and 6.15 AM most days.
What was the name of your first pet?
Too painful to talk about it.
Who is the second to last person to call you?
Ab poora call history loge kya? :) Second last person to call me was my Bank relationship manager and he called me by mistake :)
Is there anything going on this weekend?
Nothing planned.
How are you feeling right now?
Not too good, to be honest.
What do you think about the most?
My next book!
If you had a Big Win in the Lottery, how long would you wait to tell people?
I wouldn't tell! I don't see how it is relevant to them or why they should know.
Who would you tell first?
Of course, Satish.
Do you sing in the shower?
I have music in my shower. So I don't sing but i listen to music.
What do you do most when you are bored?
I am never bored. There's always so much to do.
What do you do for a living?
I write books.
Do you love your job?
Totally, fully , completely.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A corporate hot-shot
If you could have any job, what would you want to do/be?
My current job or a fitness instructor.
Which came first the chicken or the egg?
How does it matter as long as you get your Omlette or friend chicken? :-).
How many keys on your key ring?
Three.
Where would you retire to?
Some place tranquil and serene.
What kind of car do you drive?
A chauffeur driven one ;)
What are your best physical features?
My eyes and smile is what I have been told
What are your best characteristics?
Straightforward, sincere, passionate, honest, always keep my word, am usually fun to have around.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go?
Sao Paulo, Brazil
What kind of books do you like to read?
All kinds. Of late, I am leaning towards spirituality and esoteric stuff.
What is your favorite time of the day?
Around 10.00 am or so, when I am alone.
Where did you grow up?
In different parts of India, including Chennai.
How far away from your birthplace do you live now?
About 600 kms.
What are you reading now?
Am reading four books! One of them is Sudha Murthy's Dollar Bahu. Another interesting one is by Sonia Choquette.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
yes :)
Can you close your eyes and raise your eyebrows?
yes :)
Do you have pets?
Yes
How many rings before you answer the phone?
Sometimes I don't bother to answer :P The only excpetion is if my mom is calling.
What is your best childhood memory?
Running with my dad on the beach.
What are some of the different jobs that you have had in your life?
Art-teacher, work-shop trainer, Ground-staff at an airline, Volunteer to under-privileged children, pre-school teacher, Placement Executive.
Any new and exciting things that you would like to share?
My new book is done!! A few months more before it hits the stands :)
What is most important in life?
A loving family and peace of mind.
What Inspires You?
My father , Great physiques (healthy bodies), Nature, My children (yes, they do inspire me with their zest for life) and also my dog! (Not kidding. There is such a lot you can learn from a dog but I will save that for another post)
________________________________________________________
If you like my writing, you might enjoy my books.
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
Decided to do it for today's post.
Here goes:
Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.
Karnataka has an impressive range of KSRTC buses. :D
Stretch your left arm out as far as you can, What can you touch?
Edge of the bed
Before you started this survey, what were you doing?
Whatsapping :)
What is the last thing you watched on TV?
OMG--it has been so long I watched TV that I don't remember.
Without looking, guess what time it is
4.11
Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?
4.56
With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
Sound of rain
When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
This morning. Was meeting some people.
Did you dream last night?
yes
Do you remember your dreams?
yes--most of the time.
When did you last laugh?
Yesterday
Do you remember why / at what?
At something my kids said.
What is on the walls of the room you are in?
Paintings by Niall Young.
Seen anything weird lately?
No--unless Bangalore's potholes on the road count as weird.
What do you think of this quiz?
Surprised it is making me think.
What is the last film you saw?
Raanjhana
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Norwich UK.
If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
A lovely home facing the beach.
Tell me something about you that most people don't know.
I have about 6 academic degrees and diplomas (of course, I am proud of it) and I actually feel bored to tell people all my educational qualifications . I tell only when i get to know the person really well. It's like a privilege reserved for a specail few :) Don't ask me why--It's just one of my quirks. I am shy that way.
If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Make it safe for women to go anywhere they like, wearing whatever they want, at any time they please and not get harassed, raped, abused or called names.
Do you like to dance?
Love to.day I stop dancing would be the day i stop living.
Would you ever consider living abroad?
Have lived abroad for a while.
Does your name make any interesting anagrams?
ee trip.
Who made the last incoming call on your phone?
My good friend Priya.
What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
A workout plan :)
Last time you swam in a pool?
Three weeks back
Type of music you like most?'
Stuff like Goo Goo dolls and Mumford and sons
Type of music you dislike most?
Mindless meaningless lyrics like chipka le saiya fevicol se..YUCK
Are you listening to music right now?
No--Unless chirping of birds count as music
What color is your bedroom carpet?
I don't have a carpet in my bedroom
If you could change something about your home, without worry about expense or mess, what would you do?
nothing! I love how I have done up my home!
What was the last thing you bought?
ha ha..Pav and noodles :P :)
Have you ever ridden on a motorbike?
Oh yes :)
Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
Bungee jumping..
Do you have a garden?
A lovely one.
Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?
100 percent
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
who has messaged me--who has tweeted to me :D
If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
Maddona or Demi moore
Who sent the last text message you received?
Ravi Subramanian (author of best sellers like Bankster and If God was a banker)
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Debenhams UK
What time is bed time?
anytime the lines start blurring on the book I am reading.
Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
Yes :) In college and I won :)
How many tattoos do you have?
Zero.
If you don't have any, have you ever thought of getting one?
Never. Hate them.
What did you do for your last birthday?
Went out with family.
Do you carry a donor card?
No
Who was the last person you ate dinner with?
Satish and kids.
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Depends on whether it has water in it or Vodka ;-)
What's the farthest-away place you've been?
Farthest from where? In reality or in dreams? :) My imagination takes me everywhere.
When's the last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
May be eight years back.
Have you ever won a trophy?
Plenty.
Are you a good cook?
yes--a fantastic one :)
Do you know how to pump your own gas?
Excuse me? :D
If you could meet any one person (from history or currently alive), who would it be?
Emperor Akbar :) Or Prithviraaj Chauhan.
Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school?
Of course. 12 years of my life :)
Do you touch-type?
Well --60 percent
What's under your bed?
Nothing.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. It's sexual attraction maybe but definitely not love. Real test of true love is time. And I believe in love.
Think fast, what do you like right now?
A nice conversation. Instead I am doing this questionnaire.
Where were you on Valentine's day?
In Kochi, doing a book launch!
What time do you get up?
Between 6.00 and 6.15 AM most days.
What was the name of your first pet?
Too painful to talk about it.
Who is the second to last person to call you?
Ab poora call history loge kya? :) Second last person to call me was my Bank relationship manager and he called me by mistake :)
Is there anything going on this weekend?
Nothing planned.
How are you feeling right now?
Not too good, to be honest.
What do you think about the most?
My next book!
If you had a Big Win in the Lottery, how long would you wait to tell people?
I wouldn't tell! I don't see how it is relevant to them or why they should know.
Who would you tell first?
Of course, Satish.
Do you sing in the shower?
I have music in my shower. So I don't sing but i listen to music.
What do you do most when you are bored?
I am never bored. There's always so much to do.
What do you do for a living?
I write books.
Do you love your job?
Totally, fully , completely.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A corporate hot-shot
If you could have any job, what would you want to do/be?
My current job or a fitness instructor.
Which came first the chicken or the egg?
How does it matter as long as you get your Omlette or friend chicken? :-).
How many keys on your key ring?
Three.
Where would you retire to?
Some place tranquil and serene.
What kind of car do you drive?
A chauffeur driven one ;)
What are your best physical features?
My eyes and smile is what I have been told
What are your best characteristics?
Straightforward, sincere, passionate, honest, always keep my word, am usually fun to have around.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go?
Sao Paulo, Brazil
What kind of books do you like to read?
All kinds. Of late, I am leaning towards spirituality and esoteric stuff.
What is your favorite time of the day?
Around 10.00 am or so, when I am alone.
Where did you grow up?
In different parts of India, including Chennai.
How far away from your birthplace do you live now?
About 600 kms.
What are you reading now?
Am reading four books! One of them is Sudha Murthy's Dollar Bahu. Another interesting one is by Sonia Choquette.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
yes :)
Can you close your eyes and raise your eyebrows?
yes :)
Do you have pets?
Yes
How many rings before you answer the phone?
Sometimes I don't bother to answer :P The only excpetion is if my mom is calling.
What is your best childhood memory?
Running with my dad on the beach.
What are some of the different jobs that you have had in your life?
Art-teacher, work-shop trainer, Ground-staff at an airline, Volunteer to under-privileged children, pre-school teacher, Placement Executive.
Any new and exciting things that you would like to share?
My new book is done!! A few months more before it hits the stands :)
What is most important in life?
A loving family and peace of mind.
What Inspires You?
My father , Great physiques (healthy bodies), Nature, My children (yes, they do inspire me with their zest for life) and also my dog! (Not kidding. There is such a lot you can learn from a dog but I will save that for another post)
________________________________________________________
If you like my writing, you might enjoy my books.
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
July 1, 2013
You are loved (post 20)
A little while ago, I was speaking to a good friend. I was telling her about how the older I get, the more convinced I am about 'destinies and life path.'
I was telling her, that when things happen, we always do not know the reason instantly. But a reason there is. Always.
When a situation is giving us pain, it is because we are looking at it too closely and we are in the midst of it. If we step aside, outside it for a moment, and try and look at it from a distance, you might see a clearer picture. It may not lessen the pain, but it sure gives you a more philosophical perspective.
If we are hurting because of something, we need to heal first. Emotional wounds are just like bruises. Except that they are internal and you cannot see them. Just as you would apply medication to an external bruise, and be careful about that area, till it heals, so too with emotional wounds.If you have been hurt by something (or someone) and are in pain, you need to do stuff which is a balm to your soul, and your spirit. You need to take time off to nurture yourself and heal.
You need to surround yourself with people who make you feel loved or things that bring you peace. One of the best ways to do this is to do something exclusively for yourself.
Treat yourself to that one thing that gives you joy. Be it shopping, be it reading a lovely book, be it taking an afternoon off and doing nothing except lazing around.
Do it. Indulge yourself.
You are important and you are loved.
_______________________________________________________________
ps: Leave me a comment, if you found this perspective useful and could connect with it. I want to know if it resonated, or if it was OHT :) (overhead transmission).
If you like my writing, you might enjoy my books.
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
photo credit: xD3x via photopin cc
http://preetishenoy.com/
June 30, 2013
On working hard. (Post 19)
Most days I work a lot. I just can't sit still (except when I am meditating) or idle away time. It has become such an ingrained part of my personality that I don't even notice it. It is only when someone points it out that it hits home as to how hard-working I really am. Especially if that someone pointing it out, happens to be your fifteen year old son.
I had just cooked an elaborate Chinese three course meal. It turned out really well. ("Maaa, this is even better than the stuff at Mainland China", both my kids exclaimed, which is the ultimate compliment when it comes to Chinese cooking). I felt pleased as I had spent quite a lot of time in the kitchen making this, and it indeed had been a lot of work. (Like the protagonist in my book Tea for two and a piece of cake , I too have a done a certificate course in cooking).
A picture of the stuff I cooked'
Now, the one thing that I detest is a messy kitchen (or a messy home for that matter). So I asked my son to help me clear up.
There was stuff to be put away, stuff to be put for washing, table-mats to be put away, plates to be cleared. And finally the table had to be wiped clean.
My son, after a hearty meal, was feeling lazy. But of course I recruited him into 'The task of clearing up'.
'Okay--now put these plates for washing. Okay, now put away the mats. Okay--I have transferred the leftovers into smaller bowls--can you put them in the fridge?' I issued the orders like a General in the army, and he followed like a faithful soldier.
Finally he groaned 'Maaa--why do you always have to be so hardworking?'
After a stunned silence, I burst out laughing, and then told him I am definitely blogging about this.
:-)
Honestly--what choice did I have? :-)
______________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
I had just cooked an elaborate Chinese three course meal. It turned out really well. ("Maaa, this is even better than the stuff at Mainland China", both my kids exclaimed, which is the ultimate compliment when it comes to Chinese cooking). I felt pleased as I had spent quite a lot of time in the kitchen making this, and it indeed had been a lot of work. (Like the protagonist in my book Tea for two and a piece of cake , I too have a done a certificate course in cooking).
A picture of the stuff I cooked'
Now, the one thing that I detest is a messy kitchen (or a messy home for that matter). So I asked my son to help me clear up.
There was stuff to be put away, stuff to be put for washing, table-mats to be put away, plates to be cleared. And finally the table had to be wiped clean.
My son, after a hearty meal, was feeling lazy. But of course I recruited him into 'The task of clearing up'.
'Okay--now put these plates for washing. Okay, now put away the mats. Okay--I have transferred the leftovers into smaller bowls--can you put them in the fridge?' I issued the orders like a General in the army, and he followed like a faithful soldier.
Finally he groaned 'Maaa--why do you always have to be so hardworking?'
After a stunned silence, I burst out laughing, and then told him I am definitely blogging about this.
:-)
Honestly--what choice did I have? :-)
______________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
June 29, 2013
3-D quilling (Post 18)
Regular readers will know that I make a lot of quilled cards, especially name boards. You can view them HERE .
Over the last two days, I have been trying something new. 3-D quilling!
I made a quilled angel.
You can see the front and back views. This angel is made up only of paper strips!
This picture here on the left gives you an idea of the size.
I somehow am now in love with the 3-D miniature quilling. I have been reading up about it and am astounded by the creative possibilities.
I tried my hand and I madea tiny flower pot with roses.
Whenever I discover something new, I am at it, like an obsessed person for a few days :) In fact, Satish will vouch that I am an obsessed person :)
Obsession, when directed well is good. It makes you achieve things. Keeps that adrenalin pumped.
I have made one more thing ( a man with a hat--I have named him Ivan) which has turned out really well. I have glued it and left it to dry. I shall upload a picture once the whole project is complete. (I intend making a family)
I also intend making some more angels :-)
I sometimes toy with the idea of conducting a workshop just to teach all this--to help people discover the joy of creating something just from paper strips.
Perhaps I will--sometime!
______________________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here. (You can pay cash on delivery. You don't need a credit card)
To buy my books on Amazon, outside India click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
June 28, 2013
When the world seems to be a lousy place.. (post 17)
And when the world seems to be a lousy place when nobody loves me, when I get shouted at for no fault of mine, when I just feel like running away, I just crawl under the table and lie still, waiting for the feeling to pass.
And sometimes, my mummy crawls in there and stays with me. (and she always stays till I feel better)
____________________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here.
To buy my books on Amazon click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
June 27, 2013
Persist. (post 16)
It is amazing when you think about the difference in how others view you and how you view yourself. Others judge you by what you have achieved while you judge yourself by what you are capable of achieving, or rather, to be put it precisely, what you think you are capable of achieving. Sometimes all of these are vastly different from each other.
For instance, many newspapers write about me and they highlight 'blogger turned author'. This gives most people an impression that all you have to do to become a successful author is to start a blog. The fact is, I have always been in love with the written word, and I have always written. I used to write in a diary, every single day, since I was 12. In school, I have won lots of prizes for writing competitions. In college, I have won prizes at University level for short-story writing, creative writing and Public speaking among others. Before I became a published author, I wrote for many magazines, including Readers Digest. I have also written for Times of India.
The blog, no doubt helped me reach out. The popularity of this blog (this blog is among the top blogs in India) , no doubt pushed me towards my first book. But there was a lot of ground work, which had been happening for years, before that!
If you want to be a published author, it is not imperative to start a blog, though of course, a blog will help. A blog will help you to connect directly with your readers, give you a platform to showcase your writing skills, will help you get noticed, and you will also have a 'ready sample' of your writing when you approach people for writing assignments.
When I started this blog, it wasn't with any intention to get published. I wrote here everyday, because I loved to write and I wanted to connect to people. For months and months, nobody even read my blog. But I continued writing, as it gave me joy. I still remember how excited I was, when I first got a comment on my blog, from someone living in the UK. I remember flying down the stairs excitedly, telling Satish that someone from UK, actually could connect to what I was saying. That someone later went on to become a good friend. When I moved to the UK, I met him many times and to this day we remain in touch. regular readers will know that I am referring to Niall Young , an awesomely talented artist and a wonderful human being. (My home is full of paintings by Niall)
The other day, at a social gathering, a discussion about writing came up and when I mentioned that I am doing a blog-marathon, most people in the group were taken aback. 'Oh my God, I could never do that. It just isn't my cup of tea,' they said in admiration. But I was just doing something that came naturally to me.
I write, because I love to write. I do the blog-marathon, as a challenge. Ask a marathon runner and he/she will tell you that he/she runs because they love to run.
I do believe that is so essential to success. You have to be passionate about something if you want to keep doing it day-in and day-out. Malcolm Gladwell in his book 'Outliers' (a brillant book--i loved it) says that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in any field.
And if you have to persist for that long. you will be miserable, if you are forcing yourself to do it.
Discover what gives you joy. Do what comes to you naturally. Do what you enjoy.
Persist.
Persist.
Persist.
And you will find success chasing you, instead of the other way round.
And even if it doesn't, you will still be happy.
__________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here.
To buy my books on Amazon click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
For instance, many newspapers write about me and they highlight 'blogger turned author'. This gives most people an impression that all you have to do to become a successful author is to start a blog. The fact is, I have always been in love with the written word, and I have always written. I used to write in a diary, every single day, since I was 12. In school, I have won lots of prizes for writing competitions. In college, I have won prizes at University level for short-story writing, creative writing and Public speaking among others. Before I became a published author, I wrote for many magazines, including Readers Digest. I have also written for Times of India.
The blog, no doubt helped me reach out. The popularity of this blog (this blog is among the top blogs in India) , no doubt pushed me towards my first book. But there was a lot of ground work, which had been happening for years, before that!
If you want to be a published author, it is not imperative to start a blog, though of course, a blog will help. A blog will help you to connect directly with your readers, give you a platform to showcase your writing skills, will help you get noticed, and you will also have a 'ready sample' of your writing when you approach people for writing assignments.
When I started this blog, it wasn't with any intention to get published. I wrote here everyday, because I loved to write and I wanted to connect to people. For months and months, nobody even read my blog. But I continued writing, as it gave me joy. I still remember how excited I was, when I first got a comment on my blog, from someone living in the UK. I remember flying down the stairs excitedly, telling Satish that someone from UK, actually could connect to what I was saying. That someone later went on to become a good friend. When I moved to the UK, I met him many times and to this day we remain in touch. regular readers will know that I am referring to Niall Young , an awesomely talented artist and a wonderful human being. (My home is full of paintings by Niall)
The other day, at a social gathering, a discussion about writing came up and when I mentioned that I am doing a blog-marathon, most people in the group were taken aback. 'Oh my God, I could never do that. It just isn't my cup of tea,' they said in admiration. But I was just doing something that came naturally to me.
I write, because I love to write. I do the blog-marathon, as a challenge. Ask a marathon runner and he/she will tell you that he/she runs because they love to run.
I do believe that is so essential to success. You have to be passionate about something if you want to keep doing it day-in and day-out. Malcolm Gladwell in his book 'Outliers' (a brillant book--i loved it) says that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in any field.
And if you have to persist for that long. you will be miserable, if you are forcing yourself to do it.
Discover what gives you joy. Do what comes to you naturally. Do what you enjoy.
Persist.
Persist.
Persist.
And you will find success chasing you, instead of the other way round.
And even if it doesn't, you will still be happy.
__________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here.
To buy my books on Amazon click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
June 26, 2013
Wordless Wednesday 37. Blue (post 15)
A picture I clicked in a small street bazaar in Bangalore, India. Loved the blue and the colours in this pic.
This is my entry for Wordless Wednesday .
_____________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here.
To buy my books on Amazon click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
June 25, 2013
A gift from the heart (post 14)
One of the things about writing--it is baring your soul. In order to be a writer, you have to be brave. You have to create something and send it out into the world, hoping that others will like your baby as much as you. It is almost like standing naked for everyone to see, and comment.
And not everyone is kind. You will face a lot of criticism, ridicule and jealousy. You have to have a thick-skin really!
But the good part is, if you are successful and if your words have touched a chord and made a place in someone's heart---oh the love you receive! It is overwhelming, incredible and simply a marvelous, top-of-the-world feeling.
I have been very fortunate to have all my books do exceedingly well because people find an emotional connect in my writing. And no matter how many fan-mails I get, I still feel fantastic when someone writes in. (I do get back to replying eventually, even if after a delay)
But one of the mails that I got--I just had to reply back immediately: This is what I received (shared with permission of the writer)
Hi preeti
I am a regular reader of your blog and I have read all your books. I really like your writing. When ever I have a dull day or a moment I open your blog and read some of your old posts. I find them really inspiring.
I do a bit of quilling and I made this for you.( I have also commented on some of your cards). I hope I get to meet you in one of the book launches and give this to you. (till date I couldn't make it to any of your book launches due to some reason or other :( )
This is dedicated for your book 'a tea for two and a piece of cake'. I loved that book. I have read it 3 times till now.
Thank you for all the wonderful writing. Wish you all the happiness in your life.
Love
Pooja
PS: I also want to make a small kettle so that this becomes a complete set! . Will do it before I meet you next :)
And this is what she made for me:
How awesome is that?!! :)
I am still *beaming* :)
Thank you Pooja!!
_____________________________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here.
To buy my books on Amazon click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
And not everyone is kind. You will face a lot of criticism, ridicule and jealousy. You have to have a thick-skin really!
But the good part is, if you are successful and if your words have touched a chord and made a place in someone's heart---oh the love you receive! It is overwhelming, incredible and simply a marvelous, top-of-the-world feeling.
I have been very fortunate to have all my books do exceedingly well because people find an emotional connect in my writing. And no matter how many fan-mails I get, I still feel fantastic when someone writes in. (I do get back to replying eventually, even if after a delay)
But one of the mails that I got--I just had to reply back immediately: This is what I received (shared with permission of the writer)
Hi preeti
I am a regular reader of your blog and I have read all your books. I really like your writing. When ever I have a dull day or a moment I open your blog and read some of your old posts. I find them really inspiring.
I do a bit of quilling and I made this for you.( I have also commented on some of your cards). I hope I get to meet you in one of the book launches and give this to you. (till date I couldn't make it to any of your book launches due to some reason or other :( )
This is dedicated for your book 'a tea for two and a piece of cake'. I loved that book. I have read it 3 times till now.
Thank you for all the wonderful writing. Wish you all the happiness in your life.
Love
Pooja
PS: I also want to make a small kettle so that this becomes a complete set! . Will do it before I meet you next :)
And this is what she made for me:
How awesome is that?!! :)
I am still *beaming* :)
Thank you Pooja!!
_____________________________________________________________________________
To Buy my books in India, click here.
To buy my books on Amazon click here
http://preetishenoy.com/
