7 school memories that sum up the nostalgia of a magical second home

   There are few places on Earth with which we share a typical love-hate relationship. We hate it while being forced to be there every morning, only to return back home and be there once again, the next day. The discipline, routine, sincerity, ambiance and not to forget load of studies bothered us while we walked with a bag on back, day in and day out. No wonder our dear school turned into a second home since we ended up spending almost equal time as our own home sweet home. But all of this boredom magically transforms into nostalgia when we bid good-bye on the farewell day. No matter how much we hated it, we start developing feelings of love and affection after crossing the gate, never to return back again.

  We may be able to visit our school later in future, but it is not the same like carefree students with innocence on our faces and identity card badges on the neck. As soon as we depart from our school, every bit of hatred is converted into love. So much is the transformation that aspects we detested convert into laughter, emotions, tears and a longing to get back. The moment this school closes its doors for us, we realize that space was special indeed. And I am sure no other thing in the world can replace the joy of sitting on our school benches. We may continue returning to academia years and years after school, but it will never be the same again. It is only when we face the real world, do we realize that the load of homework was much better than the load of adulthood. Or better still, fear of answering our teachers was much manageable than answering our own uncertainties and challenges of so-called matured life.

  Now though you and I cannot return to this magical place as students once again, I was tempted to relive it through memories. After all, nostalgia works wonders when we can think about the beautiful memories etched in our minds. Normally, I do not advocate revisiting the past for it disturbs the action of present. But there are some things in life that deserve moments of our present. And if past is the source of your smiles right now, there is no harm in just experiencing it for a short while. Childhood and school are the best sources to get this joy at its best. It does not mean each one of us has had nothing but happy memories in school. We all do have our own share of bitter experiences or undesirable memories, while struggling to fit into the system. But the power of happy memories definitely weighs much more over the sad ones, making us forget the drama, while holding the pleasure.

 I am making an attempt to present some of the best memories through my lens. Some of these may resonate with the student in you, while few others may not. Do share your feedback and your own list too. Memories that remind you of the love-hate relationship with your second home. Memories that bring a smile, while longing you to return back, just once more. Memories that make you realize school was probably the safest, best and most loving shelter for the innocence in you. And memories that cannot be erased from your system, no matter how far you have reached from its location or how long it has been since you stepped out.

1.       Same bell-different effects

Building and curriculum may differ, facilities and teaching staff may differ, quality of education and methods of assessment may differ, but what unites almost all schools is the powerful and penetrating school bell. This same school bell sounds different at different moments due to its underlining message. Boredom of starting yet another long day of studies in the morning to an unexplained relief when the boring session ends, music of recess bell to the ultimate joy that announces “Go home, little birds. You are hereby released!” The school bell definitely rings a wonderful tune of nostalgia, deserving the first spot in memories.

2.       ‘My’ space in an otherwise alien layout

Even if we stepped in and out of the same building, same classroom and encountered the same set of people in school, there was something unsettling till we settled into our own school bench, waved hi to our desk and finally entered into some kind of sacred ‘my space’. The memory of settling into that one school bench, while making an attempt to cooperate with classmates around was one of the best memories. Though that bench would change every now and then, thanks to the new found concept of moving from first row to the last every single day of the year, there was some novel joy of being into ‘my’ place, more like ruling the kingdom from a designated throne!

3.       After all, all world’s a stage

Though the great Shakespeare used this as a monologue for his play, I take the liberty to change the reference as per context. And when I use it in my school memories, I point to the fact that we all performed in school one way or the other. Whether that meant drawing a chart and brimming with pride when displayed in classroom or forced to sing/dance for the annual day function. It could mean just reading one page from textbook yet declaring victory as though featured in a movie or participating in the school race to luckily fall into the one of the first three places. Performances in school followed a typical pattern. From reluctance to participate to slipping away from classroom for so-called ‘practice’ sessions, from finally managing to perform to laughing at the blunders, the memories are filled with joy of ‘doing’ something.

4.       About picnics and trips, excursions and outings

School picnic- I am sure even the sound of this word is enough to bring back flood of memories. Days of planning, packing, excitement and shopping for one day picnic or months of the same for school trips sum up the joy of being out with friends and creating memories. It brought everyone closer to the realities of life. And looking at our fellow classmates and teachers away from the boring walls of school into the open world only made it sweeter, stronger and memorable.

5.       They made us, they still make us and will always continue doing so

If school stands for love-hate relationship, we are also guilty of similar feelings with teachers. We loved them for their affection and patience, hated them for being strict, rude and ever demanding. We also had our list of favorite teachers who always stayed good in our eyes even if they shouted and an equal list of strict teachers who seemed to scare us even if they spoke kind words of appreciation. All of this changes as soon as we step out of school when we miss each and every one of them.  We are able to find love in their shouting and purpose in their punishments. We are able to find their affection for treating us like little kids because no one does that anymore. Interaction with our teachers formed one of the best memories in our school, after all we owe our childhood to those lovely elders in this second home. I don’t think I can express any of this if I meet my teachers today, but I can never thank them enough for whatever they have done for me; just like it is impossible to weigh love of our very own parents at home.

6.       The power back-stage

We often end up appreciating actors and actresses for a good movie, but fail to recognize the talent back stage. It happens similarly in school too where we remember teachers and friends but forget the crew back-stage. Hence my school memories also involve the wonderful team of peons, clerks, administrative staff, cleaners, helpers, watchmen, bus drivers and many more. From a favorite peon uncle who listened to our demands and granted extra favors to a rude one who always managed to catch us in some blunders, from an administrative staff who put us off as silly kids, only to respect us soon as a teacher stepped in to the sweet cleaner lady who shouted yet helped us if need be. School memories bring their love to the forefront for they were a part of the drama too.

7.       And finally to the fellow mates who pulled us through

School friends- compete, study, love, fight, tease, hit, cry, pull pranks, laugh, smile, play, oppose, argue, blame, co-operate, team up, break up, shout, forgive, write sorry letters, wish, hope, congratulate, give gifts, promise to stay in touch. I am not convinced if I have included all the possible verbs to describe the interaction with school friends. They were the fellow mates who struggled with us, just like us to get through the school years. Making some of the best memories, it is impossible to find the same level of trust, love and connection with anyone else later on. It does not mean we cannot gain new friends, but there is some unique tag that separates them from the rest of the gang. Thank you to all who accompanied me in this journey, I couldn’t and wouldn’t be able to do it alone.

  I figured I must stop somewhere or this nostalgia will easily override the word limit. In fact it is impossible to put a limit to the wonderful school life, a place that took us in as clueless innocent minds to turn us into a slightly matured troop, yet equally clueless to face the real life ahead. We long to release ourselves from the weird clutches of strict school discipline, but miss it the moment they send us away. Also, these seven memories cannot do justice to the entire experience, these are more like mere drops in the ocean of a beautiful place where I wish to go back once more, if only not as an ex-student!

To the school that made me, thanks for tolerating this little girl in uniform with bag on back, water bottle on neck and dreams in her eyes….

7 metaphors on life that say it right

  To start this post, I will need to back-up a bit. Back in school days when English was one of the least-studied subjects and grammar was the perfect tool to score maximum marks, the concept of ‘figures of speech’ seemed interesting. Though understanding difference between simile and metaphor or finding the correct type meant scratching the head, it at least appeared different. After running around in the maze of verbs, adverbs, nouns and pronouns, figures of speech meant some serious business. More like maturity of higher standards, I enjoyed figures of speech for their greater value and stronger looks.

   I apologize if all these memories make you sad with your own dreaded grammar classes, but the reason to mention them is my new-found love for one such figure of speech- ‘metaphor’. Ever since I started penning words for pleasure, income or purpose whichever suits best as per situation, I realized the joy of using metaphors. Instead of scoring marks and lifting up the overall percentage, when these metaphors seemed appropriate for practical use, I could not contain my growing interest. And while I involve them in usual writing, I am excited to dedicate a post too.

  For those of you who were confident of scoring well in essays and ignored grammar for its boredom (I salute you), let me help you a bit. As indirect means of comparison, metaphors link two unrelated aspects to each other. It enables clear description of a word/phrase by comparing it to an object/material or a well-known occurrence. And while this helps understanding, it also serves as an interesting tool for language. Think about any philosophical thoughts and chances are you will come across many interesting metaphors. In fact philosophy, arts, literature and poetry draw a lot of influence from these metaphors that make it relatable, interesting, appealing and attractive.

  When I thought about metaphors, I felt what better way than to include those on life. After all, life is a giant puzzle and everything revolves around it. Walk with me as I take you through this listicle on life metaphors. These are common ones that must have hit your ears quite often in the past. In fact I am sure you must have come across each one of them. I present seven of the metaphors that I believe say it right. A big bow of gratitude and honor to all those who created them because it surely hits the target, right on point. Courtesy to the creative artists who brought these to life.

  Do feel free to add to the list with more interesting metaphors from your end, the fun is in knowing a bit more about the mysterious hero called life.

1.       Life is a journey

Probably the most common of all, life is often described as a journey. After all, it does start with our birth, taking us to different stations, destinations, places, stages and age-groups. It shows us different realities along the way and changes quite often. No matter how well we seem to know about our life, it keeps evolving with newer realities. Also like a journey, the fun is to keep exploring and moving ahead. Sitting within our comfortable station because we feel secure is incorrect, rather experiencing and evolving is the key.

2.       Life is a roller coaster ride

Another metaphor that makes total sense, life is nothing but an adventurous roller coaster ride. Picture the tall ride with numerous twists going up, down and taking turns when we least expect. Isn’t life similar to this? One moment you are going up with happiness and pleasures, only to unexpectedly fall down. Changes in situations that lie beyond our understanding is the real punch. Roller coaster is one such unexpected adventure that does spell fun, frolic and enjoyment. Often we look at the ride and seem to prepare ourselves for the twists, but unless we experience it first-hand, it is impossible to know how it actually feels. For all those of you who proudly (or timidly) avoid such rides in theme parks, there is no escape from the real one called life.

3.       Life is a jigsaw puzzle

I enjoy this metaphor for bringing back memories of childhood. Just like a jigsaw puzzle reveals the full picture only after connecting perfect pieces into each other, our life is similar too. The puzzle is to link our events, experiences and realities. We are often confused with the flow of our life, not realizing that each one of these events will reveal a wonderful picture step by step. As far as we trust the process and believe in the final output, our inputs will definitely bring value.

4.       Life is a maze

       With our share of uncertainties and confusions, there is no other metaphor to put it more aptly. Life is indeed a maze with confusing turns while we struggle to find our way out. Blame it on situations that seem to make us go from one way to the other, but they also prompt us to think, act, find alternatives and improve. The joy is in brimming with pride when we find the right way and laughing at our silliness when we get caught, once again!

5.       Life is a movie

 I am not sure if I have heard this somewhere or creating one on my own. But, how can one deny this metaphor when our life delivers all possible kind of drama?  There is everything in it that can be turned into a typical movie. We have location, scenery, props, plot, actors, villains, story, fun, laughter, emotions, mystery with occasional sad scenes and over the top melodrama. We also seem to have surrounding music score to match our story. While some stories are more dramatic to qualify as best-thrillers, few others are just plain with a feel-good factor. But at the end I am sure, we all have some twists and turns to form a good entertainer.

6.       Life is a book

Fill the pages with happiness, beliefs, thoughts, experiences, adventures and events and what you get is a thick book of life. The quality of this book will depend on our attitude. Whether we make it colorful with experiences both good/bad, happy/sad or whether we keep it plain and boring like a notebook, the choice was, is and will remain ours.

7.       Life is a river

This is one of my favorite metaphors. How often do we hear the thoughts “Go with the flow”, “Enjoy everything and be in the moment”,” Take it slowly and steadily”, “Wait for the right time.” All these point to the reality that life is similar to a river. It comes across hard rocks and hits against unexpected blocks on the way, but the joy lies in going with the flow. It flows beautifully delivering happiness and joy, all the while serving its purpose.

 So, what’s your verdict? Do you agree with the title and count them right? Or object to them, while suggesting some new ones from your basket? Type, write and share to solve this mystery together. After all, the aim is living our life, while sharing the essence with others. 

7 effects of being buried behind books

 I was deliberating whether to insert ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ before the word ‘effects’. Because if you are a bibliophile or book lover like me, all these effects will seem brightly positive, bringing a big smile and forcing you to blurt out ‘guilty as charged’. But on the other hand if you are one of those who feel drowsy even at the thought of reading or end up sleeping while holding these books in hand, the effects may seem negative. Hence in consideration to the mixed audience, I choose to keep it neutral. Read them as positive or negative depending on your take and nod or raise your eyebrows as it fits best.

 Needless to say books are everything for the book lover in me. But I must be truthful- all of this love flourished only after I bid good-bye to the educational ones. For any school or college kids reading this, rest assured no course work books have the power to bring out a long post like this one. Unless you are a book worm - in which case, I rest my case.

 Give me a big mug of coffee, a non-fiction book (though I enjoy fiction too), one quiet corner and no one gets hurt. While buried behind the book, one may not even realize my presence - ensuring peace, silence and feeling of well-being. No wonder my husband likes it best when I am more engrossed inside the pages and less involved in discussions that may obviously end into typical husband-wife arguments. Win-win for all. But this post is not to celebrate positive effects for a person surrounded by book-lovers (like my husband), rather for the first-hand joy of entering into a wonderful maze of words.

  Books transport me to a different world that is totally novel from the one around me. While non- book lovers will take it as a sign of alienation and aloofness, it is a perfect way to be there, yet be away. They enable so many experiences that would not be possible even if we strive hard to accomplish each one down the line. I do not intend to make this an educational post discussing the rich knowledge and store of information, but will strive to depict some lovely experiences as seen by a book lover. I cannot convey all the feelings that a book delivers because those are definitely beyond the scope of my vocabulary, but I will make an attempt to introduce it as much as I can.

 Read on and do convey your feedback. To all the fellow bibliophiles- I sincerely hope to do justice to at least a tiny fraction of what you feel, but do forgive me for the lack of good words and to the non-bibliophiles- hit back with your arguments; the floor is open for discussion or war, whichever seems best.

1.       Being there, doing that

Pick any book and it seems inviting. It takes the reader into an unknown world and creates the perfect setting. It drives one to imagine, feel, experience and be there at the site of action. I am always transported to a different area that gives me an up, close and personal view of the topic. From moon exploration to the mars expedition, travel diaries to dry economics, books have the ability, power and strength to take me where the action is.

2.       All that matters is the word in sight

 Each time I pick a book, I am drawn to the present and forced to focus. It is similar to a kind of mindfulness meditation that demands every ounce of energy to the task in sight. All forms of distractions or stray thoughts seem to disappear because the words in hand need my attention. Undoubtedly, books sharpen concentration and engage everyone to the ‘here and now’.

3.       New book = new friendship

No matter what the topic is, I always feel books communicate to me as a friend. It starts with a little awkwardness where I am trying to understand the new person, progresses with excellent communication and feeling of trust when I develop a strong bond and finally takes me to the end where I am unwillingly forced to bid good-bye. I agree not every book delivers the same amount of friendship, but that is exactly how we feel in real life too. Some friends are closet to heart, while few are mere acquaintances.

4.       More reception to the outer world

Though books take me to a different place, they do not make me aloof when I return back to reality. In fact, I experience more understanding, connection and affection to the immediate surrounding. In order to differentiate the world of books and the reality of present, I experience a desire to contribute myself to the surrounding. Though books tend to instill dreams and empower imagination, all of it ceases as soon as the book is shut. The idea is to soak into whatever you are doing.

5.       A lingering positivity that lasts

Of course this depends on the topic and kind of books one chooses. You cannot expect happy thoughts after a dark mystery, but based on my preference for non-fiction, I realize books deliver a sense of happiness. These feelings of joy may not be the same every time because of diverse topics, but the effect is a novel sense of pleasure. I am more in charge of happiness and feeling of well-being than dreaming unnecessarily about something that may not be true.

6.       Knowing something about everything

Books are designed to act as storehouse of knowledge. Staying true to this purpose, they deliver nothing but pure information. While I may not be able to learn, understand, implement and reproduce every tiny bit of information, reading about varied topics introduces me to lot many things. It allows me to go to unknown territories. Like my recent introduction to the world of modern and contemporary arts has given me a sneak-peek into an otherwise distinct and unrelated field.

7.       A unique sense of ‘aha’ moment

A good book is the one that relates to you and speaks to your mind directly instead of lying around as cold facts and plain words. When I dive into such an engaging book, I encounter numerous moments of connection. The bond seems so strong prompting a quick smile, a quiet wow and an unexplainable sense of joy. Though this is a positive effect, I am worried to embarrass myself in a library or public place, while smiling alone with a book in hand.

There are many more effects but I may not be able to capture all of them through my limited understanding of written words. These are experiences that are close to heart, but miles away from appropriate and adequate expression.

Coming to the end, what is your verdict? Were these effects- positive or negative? Did they seem to connect or appear alien? And what is your take when or if you bury or pretend to be buried behind books?

5 natural wonders of the world

Growing up, I always fancied the ‘Seven wonders of the world’. It instilled a sense of awe, amazement and excitement that such magnificent structures adorn our planet. And before I even knew how to get there or what significance they hold, I was excited by the thought that wonders of the world exist. There is something wondrous and beautiful –either created naturally or crafted by skillful hands of people, making it famous around the world. To be honest, I was disappointed when they started creating a new list under the title ‘New seven wonders of the world’ because for me the list was permanent and these wonders were meant to be in it forever. I did not comprehend the need to play around with them and change the contents due to changing times. But that is the way things work. We need to move ahead with time, appreciating the new entrants, while honoring the old ones.

  Well, this post is not to talk about the wonders of the world that are created to honor architecture, natural beauty, heritage and purpose. It is to honor the natural show created by ‘nature’. I was tempted to think about natural wonders through my eyes. If given a chance to frame a list of natural wonders, what will I pick? The word ‘natural’ has a strong meaning here. I want to focus on wonders exhibited by Mother Nature. These are not enlisted to celebrate skills of man-made wonders but designed to appreciate nature at its best. I always believe natural beauty is several steps beyond our comprehension. We can create, invent, discover, upgrade, update and do everything unimaginable with passing years, but we cannot imitate the role of ‘nature’. We cannot create anything remotely close to the wonders of nature that turns a magic wand, every now and then.

  Blame it on my dreamy eyes or nature-kissed soul, I am drawn to natural beauty instantly. I am guilty of finding joy in natural wonders because they are simply beyond words. When I find myself admiring pattern of clouds or staring at colors of sunset, I realize I am smitten once again. No wonder my memory card is loaded with these pictures, while holding none of mine. Connecting with nature is said to be the best form of relaxation and meditation, healing uneasy thoughts and erasing away unnecessary bitterness. And whether or not any statistical research can prove it, my husband can definitely vouch for it. To his amazement as soon as nature draws me to stop talking and start admiring, he is surprised by the effect. I am sure he must be secretly thanking nature and its picturesque effects for keeping me silent a bit longer (every husband’s dream, after all!)

  These natural wonders are usual things that occur in nature but leave me mesmerized. You can state their occurrence, cause, and reason but there is something unexplainable that makes it wonderful. Though Science can elaborate its phenomenon perfectly, it is good to look at it with surprised eyes. Not everything needs to be explained, analyzed and understood. Some things should be left as ‘wonders’.

   I can go on and on under the pretense of introducing this topic, but I must get to the list sooner. Here are the list of natural wonders as perceived through my eyes. Do share your version and let us match to see how well we match!

1.       Pattern of clouds

  I am always amazed by the diverse pattern of clouds created in the sky. The more often I look, the more I realize there is something interesting about it. From low hanging clouds to dense thick blanket, from tiny circular cotton balls to colorful strands, there are so many patterns- just waiting to be adored and admired. Look at any time of the day and there is some distinct pattern and color enjoying its stay in the sky. Call it a desperate need to seek validation (guilty as charged), when I googled to check if there are others who admire clouds too, I came across the ‘Cloud appreciation society’. There is an entire club of people who enjoy clouds and share photographs of these wonderful members of the sky.

  Why and how clouds are formed is not the wonder because we all know it, but why do they align in a specific pattern and come across as distinct shapes is the wonder that makes me stare at it a little longer.

2.       Shape of the moon

  Let us not involve lunar cycle and make this technical and boring, but rather look at moon with romantic eyes and see if it appears as a wonder. To me the shape of moon seems an excellent phenomenon of beauty. From a thin C-shaped curve to full bright circle, moon shape and moonlight are wonders in their own regard.

3.       Shades of the ocean

  I feel guilty of describing an ocean, sea or beach using just three colors- green, blue and grey, while being awestruck by its unique shade card. As water adorns different shades at different times and at different spots from the shore to the horizon, it is nothing short of a natural wonder. Though there is valid explanation of reflection and sea-bed coloring the water, it is mesmerizing how these shades change quite often. The beauty that nothing is the same and you are greeted with a natural color every visit adds magic to the experience.

4.       Palette of leaves

  Thanks to the current season of fall, this phenomenon is more relevant and wonderful right now. We are tuned to look at green leaves and there is nothing unusual about it, but what surprises me is the changing colors from green to yellow, orange and red. Different trees wear different shades of green too. No two trees may have the exact same green shade, portraying its unity in diversity.  

5.       Sunset

  Saving the best for the last. Propose as many theories of setting sun or explain it through simple physics, yet there is something mystical about sunset. It manages to catch attention at that very moment. No wonder people travel to special sunset spots around the globe to make the most of the opportunity. More than sunrise, I am attracted towards the aura of a setting sun (though I am a morning person!). It appears as a formal declaration, announcing the end of a day, while leading towards a calm night.  What makes me wonder is the style adopted by this departing member. It makes sure to spread its royalty and force everyone to take notice. With mesmerizing shades and dramatic effects in the sky- it bids a good-bye, while asking (or rather demanding) everyone to pay attention. To me sunset appears as a well-coordinated show set in the stage of sky. Preparation lasts for few minutes, while spreading the right shade and pattern, followed by the final performance of setting sun, only to be wrapped by immense darkness.

  This concludes five natural wonders as seen through my lens. What wonders form your list?

  Do you seek wonderment in the fact that nature presents a show here and there or stick to the scientific explanation? If you pick the first option – I will be happy to find people like me. And if you pick the latter- well, more scope for posts, while I try my best to transform your opinion!