Postcards From J

It's less than two hours to a brand new year. 2018! Gosh, isn't that something? Why did I decide to sit in front of a laptop and type this? I don't know. And no, I didn't even have some major breakthrough to talk about either.  Has it been a great year? Ummm... in bits and pieces. Like most of my recent years. What defines a "great year" anyway? 365 days of being happy? Can anyone ever claim to be happy or fulfilled every day of the year? Okay, I'm rambling now. Before I sign out, here are some highlights of 2017: - I grew up. Yes, I lived alone for the most part and I learned what 'adulting' really was. I have lived alone for a while now, but this year was really the test. During 2015-16, there was a lot going on. I travelled to a few countries on work and also for holidays in 2015 and the next year, the family was down as my niece was born here and that was the major focus for everyone at home. And then September 2016, the family vani...

"Your true life exists in between the period of time where you stop being an ass and something kills you. That's your life, and I just started my life." JOHN MAYER *** Honest, candid, thoughtful and positive! These are the words that first struck me after listening to this superb interview of John Mayer by Talia Schlanger. And I've listened to it twice already. Ms Schlanger did an outstanding job of conducting this with class. The questions and prompts were smart and effective. And the best part is she handled some of the obvious done-to-death talking points with such sensitivity that even JM surprised us and himself at the end to round off the perfect interview.  Set aside 35 minutes and press 'play' below to listen:   I have so many favourite bits in it! Listing a few here: On being asked whether he's nervous about his parents hearing 'In The Blood', he goes "Nah!" followed with "A good song explains its...

There I was, on my day off at home, switching between TV channels and came across Vh1. Some random song was playing and I wasn't even looking up from whatever I was doing. Then I heard this familiar strain and looked up and saw singer Anushka Manchanda in a video with another 'firang' guy. And soon I was actually humming a line or two. What song was this??? How the hell did I know the words? The credits that rolled at the end of the track called it 'Chase Every Dream' and it was on an album called ' TV Dinners '. Then it struck me as *that* Levi's ad and it intrigued me enough to Google it all.  So Mikey McCleary is this music composer who has worked with really big brands like Vodafone, Levi's and more for their ad jingles. On the request of many fans, he decided to extend the jingles into full tracks. And all of them are now part of his unique debut album called 'TV Dinners'. Cool, right? You can watch the video here for 'Chase...

I'm in love. With this man. And boy, is he talented or what! Hugh Laurie 's two albums are fantastic. And this coming from someone who isn't into this kinda music. It's raining outside as I type this... Perfect weather to curl up at home and listen to these gems. And those eyes! Le sigh. ~j~

It's Thursday and you're longingly looking at that calendar waiting for the weekend to descend upon you. For me though, the weekends have been so hectic that I'm looking for a weekend to get away from my regular week AND weekend. Seriously. In the middle of that thought, I came across this video today and it brought such sunny happy thoughts to my mind that I had to share it. I've always admired Usha Uthup's versatility and her unique personality. Fabulous singer, woman of substance and funny as hell. A true legend. Enjoy maadi, ~j~ PS: Who doesn't love her sarees and bindis? Sigh.

Looking for inspiration? Or maybe just something energetic to listen to? Here you go. Affirmation by Savage Garden. My ear-worm for today. I chose this video because of the lyrics on display. Sing along. And nod your head to the beat.  I've pasted the lyrics below... and marked in bold the lines I really like. Enjoy! I believe the sun should never set upon an argument I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye ...

23 days into the fifth month of the year, and I'm wondering where did the days go. And I also realise that I haven't blogged at all this May. Largely, I've been busy with domestic duties and a few social engagements. You'd be surprised to see how much housework can take out of you! May - when flowers explode with colour! In other news, we had a really wonderful writing class at MCubed Library a few weeks ago. And you know what? I discovered that I could write a bit of fiction (meaning something that didn't get inspired by my own life experiences). And that really thrilled me no end. I'm feeling horrible, though, for not doing a round-up of that and the previous meet-up of DD's Travel Writing Bus. Maybe I should combine the two in one post? Maybe. Fingers crossed. And then, earlier this week, a few of us dropped in at I-Bar at Bandra Reclamation (never knew it was packed with so many F&B outlets) for Music at The Big Mic - a platform fo...

And I wish you both the very best. ... Did you write the book of love, And do you have faith in God above, If the Bible tells you so? Do you believe in rock 'n roll, Can music save your mortal soul, And can you teach me how to dance real slow? Well, I know that you're in love with him 'cause I saw you dancin' in the gym. You both kicked off your shoes. Man, I dig those rhythm and blues. I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck With a pink carnation and a pickup truck, But I knew I was out of luck The day the music died. Lyrics courtesy: Don McLean, American Pie

My song of the day:  "The scars of your love remind me of us  They keep me thinking that we almost had it all  The scars of your love, they leave me breathless  I can't help feeling  We could have had it all  Rolling in the deep (Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)  You had my heart inside of your hand  (You're gonna wish you never had met me)  And you played it to the beat  (Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep) " What a voice!  PS: DeeSee - you better not make fun of her again. #ABC POSTCARD 30/31

To all those friends who called, sent text messages, tweeted, DM'd: THANK YOU for your concern. As most of you have learnt by now, I need time to figure some things out. My blog is the only place I can truly express myself without having to engage in mindless debate through the day or having to reduce a tweet into a rant soon forgotten. My heart may be a little broken, but it's very strong, and it will get over the hurt. I know it will. I chose to share this track by Lifehouse because the lyrics just kept playing in my head since that dreadful moment. I'm sure you'll relate to it as well . Even if you don't, enjoy the music. Lifehouse - Broken The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time I am here still waiting though i still have my doubts I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing With a broken heart that's still beating ...