Category: Musings
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Changes
I sit in my office, the light fixture above me giving off a warm glow. It’s a little close to 6:00 pm. Early evening. The darkness outside makes it seem surreal. The Christmas tree is lit, the warm yellow of the tiny bulbs casting a mellow glow around. Red and white gift paper peeks from…
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The year in review
The end of the year brings with it nostalgia. For the days gone past and the milestones left behind. Each year as I stare down the end of December, I give in to a personal ritual. One of reading my posts from the beginning of the year. Re-living the moments, the angst, the happiness, the…
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Don’t grow up so fast
I brush your hair back and efficiently pin it so your hair will remain dry as you shower. You turn back and the face that stares at me looks almost grown up. For a moment I get a glimpse of how you will look like at the threshold of womanhood. The next half hour passes…
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Much ado about cooking
I lift my head from the last page of a novel I am done reading. I am startled by how dark it is. I switch the lights on and put a pot of water to boil. Even as the water hums and sizzles, I slide the grated ginger into it and turn the heat down.…
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The smell of memories
I stand by the sizzling tawa pouring the batter and swirling it into a geometric shape. You stand by my side on a little chair, the top of your head nuzzled against my side. My left arm is positioned across your trunk protectively to keep the heat and oil from getting to you. You lean…
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Taking pause
The sunlight streams in from the mullioned window in the foyer. I pass the room where your toys lie scattered. A momentary annoyance creases my face. I stand debating if I should clear it up or have the two of you do it when you are back from school. I pass your bedrooms. The crumpled…
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A year in review
Sometime this week a year ago, I traded in my full-time job for something more flexible. A stay at home, work at my pace kind of compromise. The past year has been rewarding and in some ways been reshaping my views on financial independence. The first few months were heady. I did not miss the…
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Cocooned
I walk the length of the home from the study to the kitchen my eyes taking in the mound of clothes to be folded. I spy the book on the server desk and smile as I pass. Grating ginger over a pot of water yet to boil, the conversations in my head are ongoing. Even…
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Cup of joy
The phone rang and I pushed my chair back as I realized it was my Amma. Sensing it was a good time to take a break. I walked over to the kitchen and glanced at the clock. Tucking the phone between my neck and ear, I started on the dishes. Minutes passed and the sink…
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Push or let go?
Time seemed to slow. The half eaten sandwich on Pattani’s plate mocked me. I surveyed the space around me. Lunch bags half filled, the stove messy, the sink cluttered and my eyes scanning the clock as if staring at it would magically cause the next half hour to fly past and let the blessed emptiness…