Today, GG & BB turn 21! I can’t believe where the time flew. I remember bringing them back from the hospital as tiny babies who each fit the length of my forearm and today BB towers over me while GG is just a tad shorter than me. Today, they are legal adults in Singapore and can and should make their own decisions. I wonder how long it will take for me to crack and go to being my usual motherly, naggy self.
This blog also owes them a great deal. I started this space when they were about seven and used to document their lives. Readers who have been following me from that time will remember the weekly updates I used to do for every year of their school life – from the stress of PSLE to secondary school admissions to getting their EAE offers to their O levels, everything was documented here. Many of my blog posts are also a reaction to a particular stage in their life journey. My current series, Adulting 101 is because of where they stand today, as was my previous posts based on where they were and what issues faced children of that age. Even the first short story I wrote, way back in 2011, was about them! I should restart that series – for those who joined late, I wrote a few stories about two monkeys, Chiki and Chica and the stories were either inspired by GG & BB or were things, I was sure would have happened to them!
GG, you take your role as an older sister very seriously and even though you are only two minutes older than BB, you are like a second mum to him. I am sure even if BB does not appreciate this now, as he grows older, he will realise how blessed he is to have you in his life, as someone who is there looking out for him and keeping his best interests at the forefront.
GG, I am so appreciative of how far you have come in the last 10 years – from doing badly in your PSLE exams to fighting back and transferring to the express stream in secondary 3, to acing your EAE interview and getting admission to a course you enjoy and doing reasonably well in the course to getting a place in a public university. As I write this blog post, you have just registered to apply for the CA Singapore Foundation exams. I look forward to enjoying this journey and supporting you as a Singapore Chartered Accountant. However, it will take some time before this journey concludes. I am very proud of you, my sweet, smart and hardworking girl, my daughter, and my friend.
BB, you continue to be the sweet boy you always were, though there are times you exasperate me! After school, you joined the course you wanted, but somewhere down the line, lost your focus which resulted in the GPA you graduated with. Now that you are in national service and doing something similar to your diploma, hopefully, you realise the importance of having a university degree and work toward that.
BB, there is so much potential in you that sometimes, I worry about all that you are not achieving because of this. I think back to those times when you would come to me for everything, today the roles have reversed. It is me and Dad coming to you for advice on tech and things that we do not know well. I hope that in the next year or so you get your priorities straightened out and come into your full potential and lead the life you were always meant to. I am looking forward to that and look to planning and journeying alongside you. I am super proud to call you my son, a young man who is loyal, smart and is someone with a big heart. I hope you continue to keep giving me the hugs and kisses like you used to do when you were little.
So Happy 21st Birthday GG & BB! My only advice to you as you begin to live life as a legal adult is to always be mindful of the choices you make in life, whatever you choose, do it responsibly and for the right reasons and make sure you give everything your 110% and have fun doing it!
And when you have your respective partners, remember to never forget each other and be there for your sibling.
I am so exhausted this morning! Yesterday about 15 of GG & BB’s friends came home to celebrate their 21st birthday! I can’t believe it’s almost 21 years since they entered this world. Theirbirthday is later in the week, but because BB will be away at camp, as will many of his friends, we decided to have the party yesterday. Next saturday we will have another one, this time with S’ extended family. I did a ton of cooking yesterday and will do the same next week too.
The author of today’s quote is unknown, but the quote suggests that people often live in a state of unawareness or complacency until they experience an awakening or realisation. The quote reflects the idea that we may go through life on autopilot, unaware of certain truths or realities. It’s only when something prompts a deeper level of consciousness or awareness that we recognise we were not fully conscious before. It can also be about personal growth, implying that true understanding, change, or self-awareness comes only after we “wake up” from old habits, beliefs, or illusions. The quote captures that moment of clarity when one becomes fully aware of their previous blind spots or ignorance, leading to a shift in perspective. This metaphor can be applied to various aspects of life, such as self-awareness, emotional insight, or a broader understanding of the world.
This weekend is going through in a blur and I still have things on my to-do list, so that’s all for this week! See you next week…
The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing – Lara Love Hardin
No one expects the police to knock on the million-dollar, two-story home of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a shady secret: She is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors’ credit cards.
Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. She learns jail is a class system with a power structure somewhere between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies. Furniture is made from tampon boxes, and Snickers bars are currency. But Lara quickly finds the rules and brings love and healing to her fellow inmates as she climbs the social ladder to become the “shot caller,” showing that jailhouse politics aren’t that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend.
When she’s released, she reinvents herself as a ghostwriter. Now, she’s legally co-opting other people’s identities and getting to meet Oprah, meditate with The Dalai Lama, and have dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But the shadow of her past follows her. Shame is a poison worse than heroin—there is no way to detox. She must learn to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, prove to herself that she is more good than bad, and much more.
Viswakarma Jayanti is a significant festival in India, dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of the gods. The festival honours the contributions of artisans, craftsmen, and engineers who play a crucial role in shaping the world around us.
Lord Vishwakarma is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, revered as the divine architect and craftsman of the gods. He is often depicted as a deity with multiple arms, holding various tools and instruments associated with construction and craftsmanship. According to Hindu scriptures, Vishwakarma is credited with designing and building some of the most magnificent structures in the universe, including the palaces of the gods, celestial weapons, and even entire cities.
Vishwakarma is believed to be the son of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. As the divine architect, Vishwakarma inherited his father’s creative abilities and was bestowed with the responsibility of designing and constructing the physical world. He is often associated with the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism, where he is described as the divine carpenter and the all-seeing god.
Throughout Hindu mythology, Vishwakarma is credited with numerous architectural marvels and inventions. Some of his most notable creations include Swarga Loka which is the heavenly abode of Lord Indra, the king of the gods. Swarga Loka is described as a magnificent palace adorned with precious gems and surrounded by lush gardens. Vishwakarma is believed to have constructed the Pushpaka Vimana, a flying chariot used by the gods. This celestial vehicle is often mentioned in ancient texts and is considered a symbol of advanced engineering and craftsmanship. The legendary city of Dwaraka, the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom, is said to have been built by Vishwakarma. The city was renowned for its grandeur and architectural brilliance. The capital city of the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata, Indraprastha, was also designed by Vishwakarma. The city was known for its opulent palaces, intricate designs, and advanced infrastructure.
Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated to honour the contributions of Lord Vishwakarma and to seek his blessings for success and prosperity in various fields of craftsmanship and engineering. The festival holds special significance for artisans, craftsmen, engineers, architects, and industrial workers, who consider Vishwakarma as their patron deity. The festival is typically celebrated on the last day of the Bengali month of Bhadra, which usually falls in mid-September. This day is also known as Kanya Sankranti or Bhadra Sankranti. In some regions, the festival is observed on the day following Diwali, the festival of lights.
Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. The celebrations vary from region to region, but some common practices and rituals are observed universally. On Viswakarma Jayanti, devotees set up altars and idols of Lord Vishwakarma in their homes, workshops, and factories. The idols are adorned with flowers, garlands, and other decorations. Special prayers and rituals are performed to invoke the blessings of the divine architect. Devotees offer fruits, sweets, and other delicacies to the deity as a mark of respect and gratitude.
One of the unique aspects of Viswakarma Jayanti is the worship of tools, machinery, and instruments used in various trades and professions. Artisans, craftsmen, and industrial workers clean and decorate their tools and equipment, and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Vishwakarma for their smooth functioning and success in their work. This practice symbolises the importance of tools and machinery in the creation and sustenance of the physical world.
In many regions, community feasts and gatherings are organised to celebrate Viswakarma Jayanti. People come together to share meals, exchange greetings, and participate in cultural programs and activities. These gatherings foster a sense of camaraderie and unity among the community members.
In some parts of India, particularly in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, flying kites is a popular tradition on Viswakarma Jayanti. The skies are filled with colourful kites of various shapes and sizes, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and creativity.
Viswakarma Jayanti is steeped in rich mythology and folklore, with numerous stories and legends associated with Lord Vishwakarma and his divine creations. One of the most famous stories associated with Vishwakarma is the creation of the golden city of Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, Vishwakarma built the city of Lanka for Lord Shiva. The city was made entirely of gold and was known for its unparalleled beauty and grandeur. However, Lord Shiva later gifted the city to the demon king Ravana as a reward for his devotion and penance. Lanka became the capital of Ravana’s kingdom and played a central role in the epic Ramayana.
The Sudarshana Chakra, a powerful weapon wielded by Lord Vishnu, is believed to have been crafted by Vishwakarma. According to legend, Vishwakarma created the Sudarshana Chakra using the dust from the sun’s rays. The weapon is known for its incredible speed and precision, and it is said to have the ability to destroy any enemy.
Another interesting story revolves around the birth of Vishwakarma’s daughter, Sanjana. According to mythology, Sanjana was married to Surya, the sun god. However, unable to bear the intense heat and radiance of her husband, Sanjana created a shadow of herself, known as Chhaya, and left her in her place while she went to her father’s house. When Surya discovered the deception, he sought Vishwakarma’s help to reduce his heat and radiance. Vishwakarma agreed and used his divine skills to trim Surya’s radiance, making it bearable for Sanjana to return to her husband.
Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India, each region adding its unique cultural flavour to the festivities. In West Bengal, Viswakarma Jayanti is a major festival, especially among the working class, artisans, and industrial workers. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, community feasts, and cultural programs. Factories, workshops, and offices are decorated with flowers and lights, and special prayers are offered to Lord Vishwakarma. The tradition of flying kites is also a significant part of the celebrations in this region.
In Odisha, Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. Artisans and craftsmen worship their tools and machinery, seeking the blessings of Vishwakarma for success and prosperity in their work. Special rituals and prayers are performed in temples and homes, and community feasts are organized to mark the occasion.
In Karnataka, Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated particularly among the Vishwakarma community, which comprises artisans, craftsmen, and engineers. The festival is marked by the worship of tools and machinery, special prayers, and community gatherings. Cultural programs and activities are organised to celebrate the contributions of the Vishwakarma community to society.
In Tamil Nadu, Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated particularly among industrial workers and artisans. Special prayers and rituals are performed in factories, workshops, and homes to seek the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma. The festival is also marked by community feasts and cultural programs, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the people.
In today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced world, the celebration of Viswakarma Jayanti holds significant relevance. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation in shaping the world around us. It honours the contributions of artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and industrial workers, who play a crucial role in the development and progress of society.
Viswakarma Jayanti highlights the importance of skill development and innovation in various fields of craftsmanship and engineering. The festival encourages individuals to hone their skills, embrace creativity, and strive for excellence in their respective trades and professions. It also serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to pursue careers in craftsmanship and engineering, contributing to the growth and development of the nation.
For the Vishwakarma community, celebrating Viswakarma Jayanti fosters a sense of pride and identity. The festival provides an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate their heritage, and honour their patron deity. It also serves as a platform to showcase their skills, talents, and contributions to society.
The worship of tools and machinery during Viswakarma Jayanti also emphasises the importance of environmental sustainability. By seeking the blessings of Vishwakarma for the smooth functioning of their tools and equipment, individuals are reminded of the need to use resources responsibly and sustainably. The festival encourages the adoption of eco-friendly practices and technologies in various fields of craftsmanship and engineering.
Viswakarma Jayanti is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. It honours the contributions of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and the countless artisans, craftsmen, and engineers who shape the world around us. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, community gatherings, and cultural programs, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the people.
The Furies: Women, Vengeance, and Justice – Elizabeth Flock
In The Furies, Elizabeth Flock examines how three real-life women have used violence to fight back, and how views of women who defend their lives are often distorted by their depictions in media and pop culture. These three immersive narratives follow Brittany Smith, a young woman from Stevenson, Alabama, who killed a man she said raped her but was denied the protection of the Stand-Your-Ground law; Angoori Dahariya, leader of a gang in Uttar Pradesh, India, dedicated to avenging victims of domestic abuse; and Cicek Mustafa Zibo, a fighter in a thousands-strong all-female militia that battled ISIS in Syria. Each woman chose to use lethal force to gain power, safety, and freedom when the institutions meant to protect them—government, police, courts—utterly failed to do so. Each woman has been criticized for their actions by those who believe that violence is never the answer.
Through Flock’s propulsive prose and remarkable research on the ground—embedded with families, communities, and organizations in America, India, and Syria—The Furies examines, with exquisite nuance, whether the fight for women’s safety is fully possible without force. Do these women’s acts of vengeance help or hurt them, and ultimately, all women? Did they create lasting change in entrenched misogynistic and paternalistic systems? And ultimately, what would societies in which women have real power look like?
Across mythologies and throughout history, the stories of women’s lives frequently end with their bodies as sites of violence. But there are also celebrated tales of women, real and fictional, who have fought back. The novelistic accounts of these three women provoke questions about how to achieve true gender equality, and offer profound insights in the quest for answers.
Memories and Such 