Petals!

The year 2014, when it first began to unfold, promised me nothing and gave me no reason to hope. Fortunately, 2014 isn't anything like I expected it to be. 
In 2013, I felt a hundred years old, really. I expected to feel worse at the beginning of the new year. But funny thing is, I didn't. 
At a professional level, this has been my best year. At a personal level, I have begun to protect my fence of happiness and growth. I am not letting in people who make me feel negative about myself. The need to be surrounded by those who care and love me has outweighed everything else this year and yes, it has paid off in a big way. 
I feel as though I can take on the world and conquer it with just a smile.  I would also like to believe that my best years have just begun as amazing, beautiful things are happening in my life.

My new home is slowly getting ready and should be ready early next year. You know, it's a really small space in terms of square feet but the view is amazing. One rainy …

♥♥ This is the first Guest Post on Petals!. I thank Anupama Prakash with all my heart for writing this book review for Petals!  ♥♥

So, honestly I picked this book for the lame reason that it has been made into a mini-series and was featured on Masterpiece Theatre, a program close to my heart. Masterpiece Theatre, didn’t let me down and Sebastian Faulks’ s page turner outdid expectations.
Starting off pre World War 1 in France, we are quickly entwined in the life of StephenWraysford, the protagonist as he settles down as a guest in the Azaire household. Stephen, an orphan, is sent by his benefactor to learn the textile business from Monsieur Azaire. 


Stephen’s character unravels beautifully through the book, subtle personality nuances mingled with straight forward biographical detail, bringing this strong in convictions yet vulnerable in emotions, young man(he is barely 20 when the book begins) to life in our imaginations.
It’s easy to identify and sympathize with Stephen and I cheered him…

It happened to be one of those interesting days when I had tea with a well-known journalist. One thing she told me stayed in my mind, “I am a single mother by choice. But what I didn’t realize is that it’s so hard to get your child’s respect when you are a single mother. No matter how sincerely you try, you seem to fall short somewhere.”
This story is about a single mother's fight for justice.

Daughter by Court Order: Story & Characterization Ratna Vira’s debut novel, Daughter By Court Order,is a shocking, heart touching story of a girl called Arnie (Aranya is her full name) who grows up emotionally and physically abused by her celebrity mother. This is about her fight for justice.

This story has some very ‘desi’ inspired characters such as Arnie’s great dadaji who had been a powerful CM and her phuaBaby Singh. Throughout her life, it is dadaji andphua who protect her. Their traits and characterization are so well-structured that you feel as though you can see them right in front …

Here's an eclectic selection of posts that I read and enjoyed from around the web. I just knew that I had to share it with you!

We all look forward to improvement in everything we do. 

From keeping the kitchen clean, finding more storage space to keep our kid’s toys to writing a winning entry for a writer’s contest, this month’s collection has a bit of everything for you. You can also boost your mood with this blog post:Five Exceptional Posts That Will Motivate You Today.
So, grab a seat, get your morning cup of tea/coffee and imagine this is your Sunday brunch. Ready to read?
[Image Courtesy: http://unsplash.com/]
Calm the Mind A calm mind holds the key to a happy, productive day. Maybe this post will help you to work towards it. Read the full post here.If you enjoy meditation and like to experiment with different techniques,Raja Yoga may interest you as it focuses on how observation, intuition, discrimination and experience. This means that everything you learn in Raja yoga is based …

Raksha Bandhan celebrations are over. But pretensions have not. Thankfully, not everyone pretends. But this isn't just about Raksha Bandhan at all - it's happening across all occasions and festivals.
The young domestic help who comes and cleans my home every morning had a bright smile today. She said, proudly, “My brother took me to a shop and asked me to choose three salwar suit materials. This happens only once a year. So, I bought three materials and each cost a thousand rupees. And he also bought me two sarees and gave me some money. This happens only once a year but I feel so happy.”
Don’t get me wrong. This is not a one-incident rant. I have spoken to several people before putting out this post. Everyone had a list of material gifts they mentioned with delight, nothing to say about sweet, childhood memories with their brother. I find that very odd.
I am not being judgmental about anyone. But increasingly, I get the feeling that we are becoming a ‘what-can-I-get-from-the-ot…

What’s the big deal about breast cancer – lets dig into some facts. 
Also, do read: If Yuvi can, You can!
Breast Cancer Facts You Should Know Take a look at these breast cancer facts:
1.In 1 out of 10 women, doctors say the cause of breast cancer is genetic. This means if your grandmother, mother or any family member has it, you are at a higher risk than other women. 2.Regular breast self-examination will help to detect lumps or any symptoms early. The earlier you find out, the better for you. If detected early, you may not have to remove a breast and may require only a minor surgery. 3.Don’t EVER ignore the early signs. Your body is TRYING to tell you something. Pay attention and take action. 4.Do not ignore any signs of lumps, pain around or under the armpits – these are not signs to easily dismiss. 5. Breast cancer treatment is highly personalized. So, go to the best breast oncologist-surgeon.
Don’t completely TRUST Mammograms, Go with your GUT FEEL The routine mammogram isn’t fool proof. So…

Susan Cain’s book ‘Quiet; The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking’ is a MUST READ book. 
Introverts versus Extroverts is a fascinating topic. It's a much talked about issue particularly when relating it to campuses and work places where 'personality' speaks volumes and has the power to make and break careers. And way too often, we are not sure where we fit in. 

That's why I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts' by Susan Cain - it is  a well-researched book with interesting, specific insights that you can easily relate to.

If you have ever felt that you work BEST alone, then Susan Cain explains why you feel the way you do and that it's perfectly fine to work the way you feel most comfortable with. [Do read: What My First Job Taught Me & Why I Didn't Learn Anything From It and Why are women mean to women?]

Figuring it out: Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  Here are some more interesting facts about introverts:

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