Our daughters and our sons

I am numbed with anger and disbelief as I see the tamasha that is unfolding on the Indian news channels. One girl's tragedy is being used by everyone to further their agenda. What's the point of it all when even today, in educated homes, a girl's birth is a deep disappointment while a boy gets away with murder? We write eloquently about "India's daughter" but rapes continue on the roads of India. Do we even understand what it means to have true equality? We are a nation of big words and speeches, and zero action. In this case the action is required at the micro level, at the home level. Not possible. Because as much as we love to glorify our "traditions" and "culture", our culture is full of inequality, racism and sexism. As much as I would like to think big and hope that change might actually come about, I know it won't. Because we treat our daughters and our sons more differently than we would like to admit to the world.

Pure pain is deeper than words. Look at your daughter and hold her a little bit tighter today, love her like she truly deserves. Hold your son gently, compassionately too, and help him understand that some things are just wrong. No elaborate mathematical formula is required to figure out that this is, above all, a parenting issue. We fail both our daughters and our sons if we don't get this right.

And for truth's sake, stop the glorification of that poor girl's tragedy. She didn't ask to be a martyr. She didn't step out of the cinema hall that fateful night wanting to be the champion of women's rights in India. Can't the media in india, for once, get it's f-ing act straight?

We've taken the plunge

We have been a zero screen home for the last 3 days. And it hasn't been anywhere nearly as bad as I feared it would be. So it is zero screen for the kids, and we are allowed some tv/DVD viewing when the kids are asleep. And so far it has been very good. Mind you, there was Christmas in the middle, so presents and games helped. But even before Christmas, Simba was very willing to listen, to accept the new rules. He did ask for it a couple of times through the first day, but was easily dissuaded. I am very pleasantly surprised.

It all started with a small conversation with Sr. About boundaries for children. And I remember saying to her that sometimes you just need that little reminder, that gentle nudge, pushing you on. At least that is what happened in this case. Luckily, Ar was at home and we both agreed. And decided to do it. So good to have your partner on board where these tricky decisions are concerned.

I think Simba saw that we meant business. He knew that we were not going to back down. He didn't even fight like he normally does. It was a peaceful coup.

Lots more playing, chatting, cuddling, reading, making, drawing is happening. Even Ar decided to draw. And we laughed. His drawings, as you can see, are seriously funny.

Post Christmas hungry hippo madness

Hot off the needles

I just made this!

So thrilled that I actually pulled this off! I'm HAPPY right now!

Stockings

I've decided to make this year's Christmas stockings myself. Probably taken on more than I can chew at the moment. But I'm enjoying the process, as mad and what-the-hell-was-I-thinking as it feels. It's given me more relaxed happiness than I ever imagined I could have at present.

Quite like the little girl I've just embroidered who appears to be lost in making her music on the harp. My needle and thread are quite the instruments for a merry melody.

Last minute making

A jumper for little Babi. A first for me, I've never knit a garment before, save scarves, but then they don't really count do they?

It will go into her pile of Christmas gifts. If it gets done in time, that is. Though I doubt she will mind if it comes as a new year present.

Finished

The scarf is done. Simba initially claimed that it was bothering him and put it aside. He doesn't like wool next to the skin. On seeing the sunken expression on my face he suggested I put it on for him but outside his jacket collar. A happy compromise has thus been reached. He's worn it now every single day to pre-school, much to my delight. Yellow is, after all, his favourite colour.

The worst movie ever

Also happens to be the worst Yash Chopra movie. Jab tak hai jaan. See it if you want to die of boredom and extreme irritation. Can be summed up in one word - yuck!

Do you see that?

Look carefully. It's my DVD player's remote control. Inside the washing machine. Curtesy Miss Babi. Who thought it right I give the remote control a spin wash. Fantastic. Just fantastic.

I made this last night!

It was an absolute delight. This crochet lacey trim for my candle has been on my mind since last christmas, goodness! Time was of the essence so I couldn't do anything elaborate. But this cheers up my Christmas candle quite happily I think. Yay!!!

We made this!

Simba and I. Together. So much fun. We're working on a wreath at the moment and going a little bit giddy with childish joy as we twist wire into random shapes! Bliss!

Making

A scarf for Simba. He chose the yarn, especially the colour. He hearts yellow with a vengeance- my sunshine baby!

Christmas time

We are so looking forward to the holidays!