Basil's Brain

Twinkling, shinning, mesmerising so beautiful so bright You have names You are a guide Inspiring poets and romantics you weave magic... Star , Star i want to hold you i wish to be you Five points of mystery a lifelong fascination a centrepoint of awe Star , Star you are a symbol holding enchantment for now and forever

The death of someone close or an unexpected death of someone known affects us in a way that makes us question our own mortality. We question the meaning of life. We mourn and grieve for some time. Eventually, we get back into our roles and routine. Last week i watched a show called, '100 Things To Do Before You Die'. It really made me pause and ponder on my life. In the show, Sebastian questioned the meaning of life after his best friend dies. He went on and wrote a "Bucket List" and literally dropped everything to do all that he wanted to do but did not have time for or was afraid of doing. We are all guilty of that, aren't we? How many times have we made plans and then abandoned them for one reason or the other? Sebastian's adventures and experiences touched him in ways that made him feel truly alive. i told myself...i'd better write a list and get a move on instead of being stressed and disheartened over the cards life has dealt me. i too hope to

i closed my eyes... images appeared incessant chatter Oh mind! be still i want to hear...nothing i wish to be one with the universe In the glory of silence enveloped by tranquillity Tis not easy for the mind chatters away Reminding about this and that saying, telling... Watch... do not reply Absorb the beauty silence gives Soar in bliss with the sound of silence

Gurgling with toothless glee she raised her pudgy arms rosy cheeked chinese baby Dark hands reached forward caressing plump limbs talking and cooing Indian lady Just four months and loves to play sitter said proudly She is beautiful enthused neighbour Innocence that knows no colour nor culture Purity which is blind to race and religion Sacredness that brings forth bliss Joyous giving to one and all. Babies watch with wonder smile with pleasure laugh with abandon... No matter what your colour.

A month ago, the book 'Why Men Love Bitches' by Sherry Argov was reviewed in the newspaper and a few men gave their views. It would be interesting to read this tome...i thought. However, the referral to women as bitches did not quite sit well with me. Argov justifies by saying 'bitch' defines "... an empowered woman who derives tremendous strength from the ability to be an independent thinker, particularly in a world that still teaches women how to be self-abnegating". i have no intention to condemn nor criticise Argov for her views especially when i have not flipped the pages of her book. What tickled me were the mens' views on strong women and characteristics that reflected strength in a woman. It ranged from having a good personality to being confident yet they unanimously expected some form of feminine qualities such as softness and gentleness as imporant attributes for a successful and lasting relationship. In the end, i felt that a woman not on

One of my good friend just celebrated her birthday and i asked her what was the best gift she received.She said it was a pencil from her nine year old nephew. Buying gifts nowadays can be a very expensive affair.People's tastes have changed for the biggest, the best and the one with the highest price tag would be ideal. Kids and adults alike have perfected the art of dropping subtle hints or telling outright preferences of what they want for their birthdays and other celebrations. Apparently, the justification is that it is better to get what the person wants and will be able to use rather than not liking the gift and leaving it in a corner or worse to wrap it up again and give it to someone else.God forbid, should it ever return to the original giver by mistake!. Whatever happened to; 'it is the thought that counts?'...i wonder. Have we become so materialistic that we cannot appreciate something given to us with love and care?.Should we have higher expectations from

i'm being lazy...trying hard to relax my tense muscles and enjoy a holiday but my mind has its own agenda. i wish i could take that long walk along the beach and let the sea breeze clear my head and allow me to immerse myself in my downtime... i'm going to paint my toes with lemon yellow varnish and munch on dried fruits. i miss my books though. i cannot seem to read when on holiday. i feel i will be missing out on the weather, the scenes of everyday life, the chats and laughter with family and friends. My brain is on holiday.

"Being a victim to social stigma and gossip is part of life of a woman who has broken every rule in the patriarchal game of chess.All they expect of you is to be a willing pawn on the chessboard of life.As long as you allow yourself to be crossed,checkmated,everything's fine.You decide your moves yourself and they discard you like a broken pawn". i wrote the above excerpt when i browsed www.indianwomenonline.com ten years ago!. i do not know if the website is still active but the extract seems to ring true even today. The United Nations declared 8th March as International Women's Day and there has been a deluge of articles and write-ups in the local dailies on issues concerning women this past week. The success stories are truly inspiring and gives motivation for women to move forward and excel in their chosen fields, to progress to greater heights and find a balance between work and home. Nonetheless, the very reason of being female has brought about untold

She is beautiful Strong in body, mind and spirit cheer her She is beautiful Articulate in speech Gentle yet firm in manner applaud her She is beautiful A fabulous mother,grandmother,aunt,sister and friend celebrate her She is beautiful Fearless in the pursuit of her dreams be proud of her She is beautiful True to herself and compassionate to those around her admire her She is beautiful... She is a WOMAN * This is a dedication to all the GIRLS at whatever age you may be. Always know & remember how special you are no matter what you do.