Mothering

Teaching her to brush teeth, wash her hands, change her clothes; bathing her, feeding her, teaching her to feed herself, playing with her, reading to and with her; thinking of her clothes--what is suitable for play, for school time, as nightwear, as partywear; arranging for her to have playmates, space for play, taking her to the park; ensuring some physical exercise; thinking about what will entertain her; the kind of TV programmes she can watch, the VCDs and DVDs that are suitable for viewing by her.

Mothering is about the physical energy devoted to all the above and more. It is about the mental and emotional space that your child occupies within your being. It is about being able to withstand emotional blackmail and figure out the line dividing pampering and caring. It is about putting aside your needs/preferences/assumptions and being present and observing. It is also about nourishing yourself, having time for yourself so that the self replenishment spills over to nourishment for the child. It is about solitude to sort out your priorities, to have the space to listen to your own music and read what you enjoy. Mothering is about connecting with other mothers and finding that so many are doing the same and also doing it differently.

And not to forget that it is about kissing, cuddling, stroking, hugging, running and walking with your daughter or son. Playing with your child and laughing with her or him

On Domestic Violence

• When your husband takes your medical records without your consent or knowledge and uses these against you
• When your husband tells household help to take instructions only from him as a condition of employment
• When your husband does not allow you to hire help for taking care of household chores or child care even if you are willing to pay for such help
• When your husband does not allow you to drive the car even though you know how to and are a competent driver
• When your husband denies you entry into your matrimonial home even though you are legally married to him
• When your husband takes away the home computer or landline so that your access to the internet, email and phone connections is that much more difficult

New Bollywood Films

Loins of Punjab was great. I was in splits throughout the film and surprised that the Censor Board had permitted all the f words that were repeatedly used. The US NRIs are also going to love this film, and actually all urban desis in India, especially in the north.

Shabana was marvellous as usual and so was the fellow who played the crude Bokade, the entire set who played the Patel clan, Ayesha Dharkar and the abso cute American guy who playes Cohen, her beau in the film.

Hyderabadis, the film's running only at PVR and the 8 pm show. So do catch the film and laugh all the way.

I have done it! Created my own blog!! I can reach out to the many, miles and oceans away or barely a block away whose paths need to cross mine