This One is for Mom - WOW #9

       "Any person in particular that you want to thank for your success?" the young author who had the second consecutive best seller under his name was asked by the interviewer.

       "There are many people who have helped me in realizing my dream but there is one lady who has to be mentioned, for she stood with me during all the odds!

       Uneducated she was, but she made sure I got the best education so that I could make a great name in the society and wouldn't face the same difficulties that she did!

       Though there were so many problems at home, she never let them affect me; instead she used to tell me stories of dreams and hopes which always influenced my life in great ways!

       Today whatever I am, it is because of my mom, my guide and my inspiration, without whom this feat wasn't possible and a mere thank you can never sum up the deep gratitude and love I feel for her" said the young man looking at his proud mother seated in the audience.

image source: pclayer.com

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)      

Doors - Five Sentence Fiction #7

       Amar dragged his feet through the streets, keeping his ear to the ground as he tried to unearth the mystery behind the explosion from the gossips of the people!

       He had got a real kick in teeth when he heard about the accident and though he had been preparing himself ever since, he had a gut feeling that it wouldn't be easy to face the truth!

       People were eye to eye saying "The poor couple lived alone; wonder where their son was instead of looking after them at such ripe age" and Amar felt an egg on his face hearing those accusations, which he knew he deserved!

       He remembered the phone calls his old mother used to make, asking him to come back, for they longed to see his face and the excuses he used to give, for he didn't want to return to the village leaving the comforts of The States!

       A tear escaped his eyes as he walked through the broken doors of the house, reminiscing the time he had spent here with them and wishing he had flew back when he still had a chance to make them happy!

PS: Linking this post to Five Sentence Fiction - Doors and Write Tribe - Wednesday Prompt 2014 #14.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

A-Z reflection post - Journey of a Survivor!

What is it all about?

       I hadn't even completed a whole month since I started blogging when I signed up for this challenge. I certainly had no idea about what it was but when I saw the excitement it was creating in the blogosphere, I understood it was something important and I couldn't stand the thought of being left out! So I dived into it without thinking much! Little did I know it would be so much fun and tiring at the same time.

      When the time came for deciding the theme, I wanted to select something that would be easy. So I selected the theme emotions which was easy enough as there were lots of them to choose from and writing about them should be easy enough. Well that was what I felt about it initially. But trust me, it was anything but that!

How I survived it?

       At first I hadn't scheduled any posts, I thought I would do it when the challenge begins but thanks to the lovely people in our facebook group, I got to know the importance of scheduling posts before hand. Four days before the challenge, I started scheduling. I couldn't complete much. All the later posts were written the day before the particular letter. It was truly a challenge. I was juggling between college and blogging. There was so much to do. Internals, project, competitions to attend and obviously that meant time for practicing; which left me with less time for blogging!

        With everyone actively doing blog hopping, I felt guilty that I couldn't do it with the same rate. At first I tried to visit all the blogs in the group but soon realized that it wasn't possible. I was neglecting everything else in the process. So I decided to go easy on myself and bookmarked a few blogs that I liked. There were some 20 - 25 blogs. I stated to get up early by an hour than usual to go through their posts and comment. Then I commented on few while I traveled in bus till college. Whenever I got spare time, I used to blog hopping till the extent that my friends started complaining about not giving time for them! Some days it even happened that I returned home by 9 pm due to project and wrote the post for next day! With wifi not working at home few days, I have even gone to the length of borrowing dongle from my neighbour to schedule posts. It wasn't easy at all and there were a lot of hurdles. But I finished it! Yes there are many blogs which I couldn't visit but I am planning on doing it in the coming months.

Who helped me?

       I seriously couldn't have completed this challenge without all the love and support I got from my friends. I would especially like to thank Shailaja V for adding me to the group, which has now become like a family to me, my dear friend Nibha and Porthos aka S(t)ri for the constant support and most importantly, my best friend Sadiya for putting up with me. I have made her feel sick of the term blogging by bugging her always about what to write. In middle of a class or during a study period, I would suddenly get an idea and I would make her listen to it and ask for her insight about it. I used to bug her to suggest me the emotion beginning from the letter or a story to go with an emotion. She used to get irritated sometimes but still she helped me a lot till the end to complete this challenge. A big thanks to you Saddy :) And also Usha Menon, Nabanita, Sushree, Sreeja, Kathy, Titli, Sunday Visitor, Shilpa, Pheno Menon, Prasanna, Liz A, Suzy, Sulekha, Sachin, Rajlakshmi, Beloo, Proactive Indian; thank you for your constant love and support :)

What I learnt?

       I have read so many posts and have got an opportunity to connect with many wonderful bloggers. I have learnt that there is much more to blogging than just a few random posts that I used to write before. The comments from my readers have helped me improve my writing style a lot. And I have learnt that scheduling the posts before hand can save a lot of difficulties during the challenge. I have learnt to manage time and most important of all, I have learnt to face the challenges head on! I have made many friends too. Hoping to keep in touch with all the people I have connected with during the challenge.

       Congratulations to everyone who completed the challenge :) Yay! We survived it :) And now I proudly flaunt the badge of the survivor on my blog :)

Until the next post (Challenge? ;) )

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

A letter to Sun God!

      It was another tiring day and I was dying for the much needed sleep but there was so much work to be done! I hadn't got even an ounce of sleep previous night. So this noon, when I finally finished all my work and was about to sleep, there was power cut! Aah the scorching sun!! It was so hot! The sun seemed like unleashing its pent up anger on us.

       I couldn't sleep at all! I was so irritated, I started cursing the sun. Not knowing what else to do, I started writing a letter to the sun, hoping somehow it would be read and justice would be delivered!

Dear Sun God!

       I hope everything is alright over there! Well even as I write this, I don't think that is the case! If everything was alright, then why would be burning so much! Maybe there is something troubling you too! Someone or something has made you angry and now you are taking it all on us!

       But let me tell you my side of the story. Lets go back a few years back in time. Remember the days when we used to go out and play with friends during summer vacation? It used to be so much fun. We used to look forward for the summer days! While parents still used to warn us not to play in the heat, we didn't mind your friendship; rather we reveled it. We were happy to let you be a part of our group and have fun with us. Good old days, weren't they?

       Now coming back to the present, I don't think we can have the same comradeship anymore! I no longer have summer holidays and I know it isn't your fault. While you can do nothing about it, it would be very helpful if you stop trying to add more to the already existing list of troubles! Life has become miserable lately. Listening to a lecture itself is difficult enough but now with you showing so much anger and spreading wrath, concentrating on anything has become impossible! Life has become lethargic. I have lost interest in everything! Exams are fast approaching, there are assignments to be written, internals to be read for, project deadline to be met, events to attend and challenges to complete. The work load is increasing. As if the pressure from lecturers and parents isn't enough to suck out every drop of enthusiasm from us, now why are you joining their side too?

       You have such an awesome life. No lecturers or managers to report to; you are the only one in your field and you rock! We all know how important is your presence in our life but that doesn't give you the right to toy with us like this! Whatever the problem you are facing, we all hope you find a solution to it soon. We truly do because we are tired of the affect it is having on us! Didn't anyone tell you that troubling others just because you have some problem is a bad habit? There, I said it now! So please stop the wrath you have brought upon us. Take some anger management classes if necessary but please hurry up and get back to your older, gentler self. And when you do so, lets be friends like before and enjoy the summer. Can we? Please? 

       Hoping you will soon come with a solution to your problem and ours as well. Wishing you lots of luck and success in controlling your anger. Have a cool day and in turn grace us with the same.

Regards,

A girl frustrated from the heat!

       The ice cream that I had kept on the table had already melted away! I longed for the end of this hot summer!

       The power came and I fell asleep forgetting the letter. When I woke up, it wasn't there. I wondered who might have taken it after searching for a long time and still not finding it! It rained heavily last night and today its a little cooler. By any chance, did my letter reach the proper recipient to whom it was addressed?? Aah I hope so!

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Liebster Award

      Friday night when I reached home, sad because of some unfortunate events, a surprise was waiting for me in my inbox to cheer me up; The Liebster award. I had heard about this award so much and to now receive one, I really feel elated. Thank you Preethi for being kind enough to nominate me. You made my day!

Here are the rules:

1. Link back and thank the blogger who nominated you in your post.

2. List 11 facts about yourself.

3. Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.

4. Pick 5 - 10 new bloggers (must have less than 300 followers) to nominate.

5. Ask them 11 new questions. Do not re-nominate the blogger who nominated you.

6. Go to each blogger's site and inform them of their nomination.

The 11 facts about myself:

1. I love music. I don’t mind being alone as long as I have my favorite songs and an earphone.

2. I hate watching 3 hour movies but I can sit and watch serials for hours!

3. I am a K drama addict! There is something about them that makes me watch them non-stop.

4. I love travelling. I wish someday I could go on a long trip around the world.

5. I hate pretense. If I don’t like someone, then I can’t pretend and be nice to them.

6. I don't find it necessary to fill every moment with chatter. I revel the silence. 

7. I don’t like being taken care of. Most of the times, I feel like it’s my job. Maybe someday I will get used to it!

8. I wish someday I can write a full length novel.

9. I dream to have a home near the beach where I can sit alone and read novels without having anyone to disturb me.

10. No matter how tasty the outside food is, my mom’s cooking will always be my favorite.

11. I hated ice creams until recently! Now I love them. Guess I can be considered normal now!

Here are the questions that were asked to me:

1. What do you think is more essential-Money or Happiness?

             Obviously its happiness! But come one, a shopping spree or new novel can pretty much make me happy. And money can do this ;)

2. Have you ever read a book that made you feel like murdering the Author? If yes which one?

          Oh once I had read a book that had given me headache. I am compelled to finish any book I pick up but this one made me sick. It was some three years back and I honestly don't remember the title!

3. Do you think that blogging is a step towards becoming an established Author? If yes, why?

          Yes. Blogging connects you with readers and you get to know more about their likes and dislikes. While it’s not easy to please everyone, you can get an idea about what and how you should write in order to touch hearts.

4. Is there an idiosyncrasy that others find charming/irritating in you?

           I am known in my friend circle for coming up with most creative and funny come backs during any arguments and they find this charming, except the one for whom the comeback was. They obviously find it irritating!

5. What is the best compliment you have ever received?

            Someone once told me that I have a beautiful soul and they are lucky that they crossed path with mine.

6. Who is your favorite author and why?

         J.K Rowling. For weaving the magical world of Harry Potter which thought me so many lessons of friendship, trust and making the right choices.

7. Whom will you trust more- your friend or your family?

          While I trust both equally, I hope it doesn't come down to the point where I have to make a choice!

8. Do you believe in the power of positive thinking? If yes, do you have any experience to share?

         No! I haven’t had any such experiences which made me believe in the power of positive thinking.

9. If you had a choice to select a Hollywood/ Bollywood actor/ actress as your dinner date, whom will you choose?

            Can I choose Korean actor please please please? It has to be Lee Min Ho :)

10. Which is that one song that never ceases to cheer you?

             I usually get bored of a song after I hear it continuously for a few times. So there is no particular song as such.

11. If you had a chance to be re-born in a place of your choice, where would you choose?

            If not India again, then this one has to be South Korea! I have gone crazy about this place after watching K dramas non stop

Here are my nominations for the award:

Shailaja V

Nibha Gupta

Usha Menon

Sabeeha

Sushree Dash

Ankur Anand

Kathy Combs

Titli

Sunday Visitor

Shilpa Garg

Sachin

My questions for my nominees:

1. What is your favorite pastime, apart from reading novels?

2. If given a chance to go back and change one thing from your past, what it would be?

3. Which is the first word that comes to your mind when asked to describe yourself?

4. What got you into blogging?

5. Which is that one thing that can change your foul mood and make you smile within an instant?

6. Which in the memory/incident that you treasure the most?

7. Ten years later from now, where do you see yourself?

8. If given a chance to be invisible for a day, what will you do?

9. Was there any major turning point in your life that made you who you are today? If so, then what is it?

10. What do you think is the key to any successful relationship?

11. According to you, what is the definition of a good novel?

So these are my questions for you. I hope you people will accept the award. Thank you for your love and support. Happy Sunday :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Freedom - Five Sentence Fiction #6

       He looked at her for a moment and turned his back on her.

       For a millionth time again he felt like she didn't like being with him there; that she was crying silently.

       He had hoped against hope that she would come around and learn to be happy over time but that had never happened.

       With a heavy heart, he opened the door that held her captive.

       A sad smile crossed his face as he saw the tiny bird fly away, as if rejoicing its new found freedom more than the safety of the golden cage.

image source: darlenesabella.blogspot.com

PS: Linking this post to Five Sentence Fiction.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Z for Zeal!!

      “I can't do it anymore mom” cried Jane as she stepped down from the stage. She had tried enough. She had suffered enough and now she could do it no more. She wanted to stop it all, the fear, and the humiliation! She would do it no more. She had decided to quit and no amount of coaxing from her mother could change her mind. The fame she loved dearly had become her enemy now.

       Jane was known for her sweet voice. When she sang, the crowd went mad. She was the singing sensation of her college. She was envied by everyone. And Jane enjoyed all this until the day when fate turned the tables for ever. Jane had been returning from one of her practice sessions, extremely happy about the upcoming concert that she would be performing in a few days. She was so lost in her dream world that she didn't notice the car until it was too late! That day she had lost her legs and was confined to the wheel chairs for lifetime. The blow was too much to take for and Jane had started to sink into her shell. She feared facing people and slowly she gave up her passion. She wouldn't perform anymore even after successive persuading from her mom and her teacher.

       One morning her teacher arrived at her home and asked her to accompany him to somewhere. He promised her she would love it. Jane had so many questions in her mind but she quietly followed him for she knew he always wished well for her. She had let him down when she had quit and she thought this was the least she could do. After an hour long journey, they reached a school for handicapped. At first Jane panicked thinking she would be left here but her teacher had different plans. As they walked in Jane noticed children of different ages, every one having some or other ailments. There was a boy who couldn't see but he was learning to write. A girl, younger than her had lost her hands and she was learning to write by holding pen in between her toes. There were many children like this who despite of being handicapped, were living life with Zeal. A lump formed in her throat as she saw them.

       At that moment her teacher faced her and said “Challenges are a part of life. Life doesn't end when something unfortunate happens. It ends when you give up. See these kids, they all are facing some or other difficulties but they never gave up. They don’t bother about what people think about them. They just want to live their life to the fullest. That is the kind of zeal you should have Jane. That’s what makes life worthwhile” Jane was finally understanding what her teacher was saying. She felt it was silly that she gave up her talent thinking people will mock her. She walked out as a stronger person, someone with zeal to live her life to the fullest without being afraid of people anymore.

image source: www.self-help-and-self-development.com

PS: Linking this post to the A-Z Challenge and Ultimate Blog Challenge April 2014.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)