Yes, I love historical fiction. It has become my favorite genre. I spend hours reading about them. This has been my favourite genre for the past three years.
I picked up rather started listening to Philippa Gregory's White Queen out of curiosity and now historical fiction has become my obsession. I always loved history and I like it when historical fiction portrays the emotions and struggles behind that history.
I realized that there are many people who do not agree with Philippa Gregory's take on history. There are people who do not like her style of writing too. She introduced me to this genre and I find that her writing very engaging. In an interview she said that she spends days imagining what her characters must have gone through. This is very evident in her books.
I accept that as a school girl, I watched old movies for their lovely gowns and dresses. Slowly as I grew up and recognized social injustices, I started noticing how the society evolved. As the feminist in me grew, I was able to recognize the position and treatment meted out to women. But at that point books about history were not labeled historical fiction. At least not that I was aware of.
Yes, I have read more about English history than Indian history because I see less of propaganda and more of history in their books. Have you noticed that these days Indian history discussions revolve around maligning people from the pages of history. It is presented as though the intention is to correct history but it leaves a bitter taste. Yes, I am all for recognizing for their deeds. Yes, Indian history specially the freedom struggle resembled the corporate environment where the most "visible" ones were the most recognized and loved. As a somewhat introvert, I appreciate all those lesser heard names. But to do so we do not have to malign the popular ones. With the exception of Indu Sundaresan, I have rarely come across Indian authors who are fair to all the sections of the Indian society.
An interest in this genre has led me to discover a few fascinating things. I started following many pages about history on Facebook. Going back to English history, it was amusing and surprising that the Britishers feel so strongly about their royalty. There people who love Tudors and who hate them. There are blogs supporting Richard 3 or Edward 2. People defend and love them with a passion that I have not come across Indians. I wonder if the Indian royals would have continued the way they did in UK, we probably would have felt the same way too. It is interesting to read the discussions anyway. Another fascinating find was this website - http://www.frockflicks.com/ The women in this website discuss the costumes and their podcasts and blogs are quite eye-opening.
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Thursday, July 10, 2014
That Affected Me??
I have been wondering about my writing hiatus. There has been no dearth of topics. Everyday I can think of something to write. But I just could not sit down to write.
I could identify a few reasons. But the most silly of them is my desk or writing place.
Earlier, when I was fairly regular with my blogging I used my desktop to blog rather than my laptop. Later I started solely relying on my laptop. Which meant I didn't use a table and chair. I was lazily lying on my bed. The first thing that you want to do when you are lying on a bed is to do some major time pass activities like facebook and chatting before drifting off to sleep.
I am able to focus better sitting at a desk. I realized it very late. I am not blogging regularly but I am able to browse and read up information that cannot be classified as time pass.
So what affects your writing?
I could identify a few reasons. But the most silly of them is my desk or writing place.
Earlier, when I was fairly regular with my blogging I used my desktop to blog rather than my laptop. Later I started solely relying on my laptop. Which meant I didn't use a table and chair. I was lazily lying on my bed. The first thing that you want to do when you are lying on a bed is to do some major time pass activities like facebook and chatting before drifting off to sleep.
I am able to focus better sitting at a desk. I realized it very late. I am not blogging regularly but I am able to browse and read up information that cannot be classified as time pass.
So what affects your writing?
Friday, March 8, 2013
Psst.. come closer
Its Friday today and do you know how I start my weekends every Friday evening? I drool over this awesomeness - Apartment Therapy, I love you. It takes me to far away land where I live in a country house or a cosy cottage. It keeps my fantasies alive. Ok, that was a stretch. It is feast for my eyes. Ok shhh.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
If Video killed Radio Star …who will kill TV?
After two days of leave and watching non-stop TV, I want to know –
Who reads all the feeds splashed across the NEWS channels’ screens. They are displayed everywhere on the screen, in all directions, and they have no correlation to each other.
Who watches reality shows? Going by the popularity, may be everybody.
I thought “Moment of truth” was pathetic and it is going to be aired on all channels in all the languages. Whose brainchild was it anyway?
Breaking NEWS: Sushma says “Don’t get fooled by Rahul’s chocolate boy looks”. That is breaking NEWS?
Almost all channels run promos on Becoming “green” or Sustainable living etc. Take the Lead! Show us how you are contributing to the cause.
After all the mayhem on TV, I still love my college days’ favourites:
Friends
Everybody Loves Raymond
CSI – All three series
Oprah – I really miss u
BBC Documentaries
Travel n Living and Discovery channels
Who reads all the feeds splashed across the NEWS channels’ screens. They are displayed everywhere on the screen, in all directions, and they have no correlation to each other.
Who watches reality shows? Going by the popularity, may be everybody.
I thought “Moment of truth” was pathetic and it is going to be aired on all channels in all the languages. Whose brainchild was it anyway?
Breaking NEWS: Sushma says “Don’t get fooled by Rahul’s chocolate boy looks”. That is breaking NEWS?
Almost all channels run promos on Becoming “green” or Sustainable living etc. Take the Lead! Show us how you are contributing to the cause.
After all the mayhem on TV, I still love my college days’ favourites:
Friends
Everybody Loves Raymond
CSI – All three series
Oprah – I really miss u
BBC Documentaries
Travel n Living and Discovery channels
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Butterfly Award
Yeah I got an award. The award was given to me by Videhi. Thanks V.
Here go the rules of the award:
- Put the logo on your blog. (And no, I have no idea why the logo says "for the coolest blog I ever know". LOL!!!)
- Add a link to the person who awarded you
- Award up to 10 other blogs
- Add links to those blogs on yours
I would love to present the award to:
Thanks V for nudging me write again.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Quirks!!
Quirks! Few weird qualities that everyone possesses but we laugh when we see them in others.
Here are some quirks:
When I like a song, I obsessively listen to it over and over.
Ever noticed when people exchange files from mobiles or any other device using Bluetooth? When my friends and I exchange music, we all come closer to form a circle after enabling Bluetooth like a group of junkies trying to use a joint. Once the files are exchanged we move back saying “aahh” as though we just got our fixes.
I know someone who loves to keep everything clean and orderly. One day at a restaurant, she realised that the sugar coated ‘Sauff’ was not spread evenly on the plate and she started spreading it in all seriousness.
I know a Test Engineer who just revamped his blog and tested every aspect of the template including comments. Now that is called being a thorough professional.
I saw this lady in a train who was started spraying room freshener as soon she boarded the train. She went on to spray every few hours during the journey.
But to each his/her own. Who are we to complain? They are just quirks. Is'nt it?
Here are some quirks:
When I like a song, I obsessively listen to it over and over.
Ever noticed when people exchange files from mobiles or any other device using Bluetooth? When my friends and I exchange music, we all come closer to form a circle after enabling Bluetooth like a group of junkies trying to use a joint. Once the files are exchanged we move back saying “aahh” as though we just got our fixes.
I know someone who loves to keep everything clean and orderly. One day at a restaurant, she realised that the sugar coated ‘Sauff’ was not spread evenly on the plate and she started spreading it in all seriousness.
I know a Test Engineer who just revamped his blog and tested every aspect of the template including comments. Now that is called being a thorough professional.
I saw this lady in a train who was started spraying room freshener as soon she boarded the train. She went on to spray every few hours during the journey.
But to each his/her own. Who are we to complain? They are just quirks. Is'nt it?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Words I loved this week
Some quotes I liked this week. I love the dry humour in them too.
First is from Henry Miller and I know I have to learn this for better relationships.
“Living apart and at peace with myself, I came to realize more vividly the meaning of the doctrine of acceptance. To refrain from giving advice, to refrain from meddling in the affairs of others, to refrain, even though the motives be the highest, from tampering with another’s way of life – so simple, yet so difficult for an active spirit. Hands off!”
Second quote is from Lisa Kogan, one of the bloggers in Oprah.com and it is from this page. Read on and you know why I love it: the content and the choice of words.
“I like women. I like them as much as or more than I like almost anybody. But the women I like best aren't always strong, and they're certainly not invincible. They're creative, they're idiosyncratic, and they're around if you need them. They complain, they console, and they can shop their way through virtually any crisis. They know how to raise hell and they know how to raise children. They can spot a scam, a lousy doctor, and a crummy boyfriend in under 10 seconds. They've perfected the withering stare that makes a nasty salesperson, flight attendant, or coworker fold like an origami swan. ….. They've never met a carbohydrate they didn't want to have a close personal relationship with. They brake for sex, sleep, and solitude, cashmere, caffeine, and Joan Didion. They've got nerves of steel, the courage of their convictions, and excellent footwear. They're sugar and spice and everything I aspire to. They remain cautiously optimistic.”
First is from Henry Miller and I know I have to learn this for better relationships.
“Living apart and at peace with myself, I came to realize more vividly the meaning of the doctrine of acceptance. To refrain from giving advice, to refrain from meddling in the affairs of others, to refrain, even though the motives be the highest, from tampering with another’s way of life – so simple, yet so difficult for an active spirit. Hands off!”
Second quote is from Lisa Kogan, one of the bloggers in Oprah.com and it is from this page. Read on and you know why I love it: the content and the choice of words.
“I like women. I like them as much as or more than I like almost anybody. But the women I like best aren't always strong, and they're certainly not invincible. They're creative, they're idiosyncratic, and they're around if you need them. They complain, they console, and they can shop their way through virtually any crisis. They know how to raise hell and they know how to raise children. They can spot a scam, a lousy doctor, and a crummy boyfriend in under 10 seconds. They've perfected the withering stare that makes a nasty salesperson, flight attendant, or coworker fold like an origami swan. ….. They've never met a carbohydrate they didn't want to have a close personal relationship with. They brake for sex, sleep, and solitude, cashmere, caffeine, and Joan Didion. They've got nerves of steel, the courage of their convictions, and excellent footwear. They're sugar and spice and everything I aspire to. They remain cautiously optimistic.”
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Comes with the territory
Did you observe that people from a particular profession say the same things or behave in a similar fashion? I guess it comes with the territory.
Politicians fighting for everything and right now they are fighting for sharing seats. Oh ya I forgot we are talking about politics, it’s bound to get dirty.
Models/ singers/ actors always come into their by profession totally by accident. “A friend made this portfolio as a prank and submitted to the agency” - Didn’t know making a portfolio was cheap. “the director spotted me while I was going to college” – if only life was that simple.
Ever heard any HR personnel giving a simple answer straight to the point? Standard answer is “I will get back to you on that”. Same goes for people managers and the standard answer with managers is “good question”. But where is the answer!!
If I had a penny every time I heard a customer service personnel, except Dell of course (wink wink), who very mechanically said “I completely understand how you feel” I would be rich.
Share what you think.
Politicians fighting for everything and right now they are fighting for sharing seats. Oh ya I forgot we are talking about politics, it’s bound to get dirty.
Models/ singers/ actors always come into their by profession totally by accident. “A friend made this portfolio as a prank and submitted to the agency” - Didn’t know making a portfolio was cheap. “the director spotted me while I was going to college” – if only life was that simple.
Ever heard any HR personnel giving a simple answer straight to the point? Standard answer is “I will get back to you on that”. Same goes for people managers and the standard answer with managers is “good question”. But where is the answer!!
If I had a penny every time I heard a customer service personnel, except Dell of course (wink wink), who very mechanically said “I completely understand how you feel” I would be rich.
Share what you think.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Random Thoughts
Work is keeping me so busy that I am very exhausted and I am missing out on my daily, no weekly dates with my muse. Sad.
Added to this is the change in climate or some virus causing ill health to everybody, including me. Damn the virus.
Over the last week, there was an over dose of Women’s day celebration at work, TV and Church. I realized everybody has an opinion of ‘what a woman should be’ and ‘how she should behave’. My favorite book, ‘Little Princess’ sums how every human being must behave. When someone does not behave properly, firmly but very nicely say that it is not acceptable. Don’t take it lying low. On the other hand, one should never behave badly because a Princess never stoops low. Of course it is just a children’s book but you can learn a lot from it. You don’t have to agree, this is just my opinion.
What is the chance of meeting four your colleagues in a company of 200 odd employees in the same weekend in different parts of the city? Do we all lead uniform lives?
Slogged in the gym for more than a month and a half to shed 4 kilos. Congratulate me people.
Tired of everything, need a vacation.
Added to this is the change in climate or some virus causing ill health to everybody, including me. Damn the virus.
Over the last week, there was an over dose of Women’s day celebration at work, TV and Church. I realized everybody has an opinion of ‘what a woman should be’ and ‘how she should behave’. My favorite book, ‘Little Princess’ sums how every human being must behave. When someone does not behave properly, firmly but very nicely say that it is not acceptable. Don’t take it lying low. On the other hand, one should never behave badly because a Princess never stoops low. Of course it is just a children’s book but you can learn a lot from it. You don’t have to agree, this is just my opinion.
What is the chance of meeting four your colleagues in a company of 200 odd employees in the same weekend in different parts of the city? Do we all lead uniform lives?
Slogged in the gym for more than a month and a half to shed 4 kilos. Congratulate me people.
Tired of everything, need a vacation.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Oh ya Valentine’s .. hmm
As soon as logged into gtalk on Monday morning, one of my closest friends asked me if I had any plans for the weekend. I asked him if it wasn’t too early to be planning for the weekend. His reply was “For you and me, it’s just another weekend. Many people wait for this weekend for ages” and that is when I realised it was Valentine’s on Saturday.
What is it about Valentines that makes people go crazy, mushy, and do all the sweetest things possible. I know a couple that went bungee jumping on V’day. Over the week I heard so many crazy things. One friend promised herself that she was going to wear black because wearing red didn’t make any difference. Another friend was cribbing that he had only dates to eat and no ‘hot dates’.
My Valentine’s Day started with message from a sweet friend wishing me and my ---- a happy V’day. My dear SMS friend, there is no name yet to fill that blank. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your gf though.
That bungee jumping couple got married yesterday. I attended their wedding and had a great time with a few of my closest friends. What do you do when you have a lot of time and a camera in hand? You take pictures of everything. - Hands, legs, bags, food, hairstyles, flowers, bugs etc.
Bungee jumping couple - You guys look so cute together and I am so happy for you guys. I particularly liked the SMS reminder where you said you where happy to marry your best buddy. Congrats. Oh btw the food was awesome.
What is it about Valentines that makes people go crazy, mushy, and do all the sweetest things possible. I know a couple that went bungee jumping on V’day. Over the week I heard so many crazy things. One friend promised herself that she was going to wear black because wearing red didn’t make any difference. Another friend was cribbing that he had only dates to eat and no ‘hot dates’.
My Valentine’s Day started with message from a sweet friend wishing me and my ---- a happy V’day. My dear SMS friend, there is no name yet to fill that blank. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your gf though.
That bungee jumping couple got married yesterday. I attended their wedding and had a great time with a few of my closest friends. What do you do when you have a lot of time and a camera in hand? You take pictures of everything. - Hands, legs, bags, food, hairstyles, flowers, bugs etc.
Bungee jumping couple - You guys look so cute together and I am so happy for you guys. I particularly liked the SMS reminder where you said you where happy to marry your best buddy. Congrats. Oh btw the food was awesome.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Write Mind?
My previous role required me to be left brained. Now in my current role as a Technical writer, I am supposed to be right brained. But I wonder if I am one.
I took this test on personality:
My personality type is ENFJ.
You can try it too - http://www.kisa.ca/personality/
So I am:
Extraverted (E) 54% Introverted (I) 46%
Intuitive (N) 68% Sensing (S) 32%
Feeling (F) 60% Thinking (T) 40%
Judging (J) 77% Perceiving (P) 23%
Me extraverted? Thhattt is a surprise.
Now I wonder if I am left brained, right brained or no brained.
I took this test on personality:
My personality type is ENFJ.
You can try it too - http://www.kisa.ca/personality/
So I am:
Extraverted (E) 54% Introverted (I) 46%
Intuitive (N) 68% Sensing (S) 32%
Feeling (F) 60% Thinking (T) 40%
Judging (J) 77% Perceiving (P) 23%
Me extraverted? Thhattt is a surprise.
Now I wonder if I am left brained, right brained or no brained.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Crazy List
Something that started as a prank is now a minor addiction. I am talking about forwarding sms. It started back in my night shift days. Back then my friends would message when they were on their weekly offs teasing me that they were going to sleep and I had to slog through the night. This continued and became a daily affair.Like most people I have this set of friends who message regularly. I then created a ‘crazy list’ on my mobile. This list contains all the senders and receivers of my silly sms(s). Many people have been added to this list since its creation. This is a list of people who have a good sense of humour and of course they forward me many sms(s). These people send me a series of sms right from sweet messages to some really cheesy silly messages. But I love them all. I happily recycle each message I receive.
Hail CUG. Hail non CUG members too.
Do you have a list too? I know Shilpa calls her list ‘Bug List’.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Vacation
I just remembered that I never wrote anything about my vacation. It was more of a pilgrimage than a vacation. I went to Velankanni in Tamil Nadu. This is a very important pilgrim centre for Roman Catholics of South India. It was also one of the worst hit areas of the 2004 tsunami.
I have been there three times since the tsunami. I still cannot believe that this seemingly calm sea can cause so much havoc and destruction. I was on the beach on 26th December 2008 and I saw this curious scene. There was a family on the beach and they were carrying plastic bags full of flowers. They emptied the bags in the water, kissed the water and made the sign of the cross. Family of a victim?? Later they were playing on the beach. So did they come to terms with it or were they just paying respect to all the victims?? Did not have the courage to ask though. I was not sure if they would not like the intrusion.
I never saw something like that and I thought I could share it.
I have been there three times since the tsunami. I still cannot believe that this seemingly calm sea can cause so much havoc and destruction. I was on the beach on 26th December 2008 and I saw this curious scene. There was a family on the beach and they were carrying plastic bags full of flowers. They emptied the bags in the water, kissed the water and made the sign of the cross. Family of a victim?? Later they were playing on the beach. So did they come to terms with it or were they just paying respect to all the victims?? Did not have the courage to ask though. I was not sure if they would not like the intrusion.
I never saw something like that and I thought I could share it.
Friday, December 12, 2008
I am back!!
Hi all, I am back and this time I hope I will post more often. Thanks Shilpa and Videhi for the encouragement. In a funny way thanks to Nikhil too.
Hey you know what I guess I finally grew up. In the past few months I started noticing a slight change in my perceptions. Few years back I was trying to be positive. Now I guess I am really being positive and may be a little grateful too.
A few months ago, I was reading some write ups on data integration and I thought ‘This is sooo good. I get to read on a wide range of technical info’.
Recently I was swaying to some local band playing rock music and I thought ‘This is where I had to be and I don’t want to be anywhere else’. This was one of those really peaceful moments. I can understand feeling this way in a Church but rock ??!!
I met up with a close friend for lunch and thought ‘This is what I need’. I am not talking about food of course.
Here comes the best. I walk into work each day and I realize I have a few close friends here and many good friends. I am greeted by smiles right from the elevator to my desk.
Yeah I am happy happy.
Hey you know what I guess I finally grew up. In the past few months I started noticing a slight change in my perceptions. Few years back I was trying to be positive. Now I guess I am really being positive and may be a little grateful too.
A few months ago, I was reading some write ups on data integration and I thought ‘This is sooo good. I get to read on a wide range of technical info’.
Recently I was swaying to some local band playing rock music and I thought ‘This is where I had to be and I don’t want to be anywhere else’. This was one of those really peaceful moments. I can understand feeling this way in a Church but rock ??!!
I met up with a close friend for lunch and thought ‘This is what I need’. I am not talking about food of course.
Here comes the best. I walk into work each day and I realize I have a few close friends here and many good friends. I am greeted by smiles right from the elevator to my desk.
Yeah I am happy happy.
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