I want to write sins!

Once in a while, the table turns around and I am at the one with answering questions instead of asking them. It's not too bad...once in a while. :) Thanks to my friend Eileen, for asking me to do this in the first place. You can check out more encounters at: http://anencounterwith.blogspot.com

An Encounter With...: An Encounter with...Tragedy

Name : Anu Venugopal

Age : 34

Where Are You From? : Malaysia

Currently Residing In… : Malaysia

What Do You Do For A Living? : Journalist/Writer

AEW : What does the word “Tragedy” conjure up for you?

AV : An unexpected event that changes life as you know it and forces you to evolve into someone different, hopefully someone better.

AEW : Some people use the word “tragedy” very loosely. What are your thoughts on that?

AV : It’s true, people tend to describe anything that doesn’t go their way as a tragedy – even if it means missing out on one’s favourite food or being stuck in traffic, but those events are not tragedies, merely inconveniences.

AEW : Have you been through a tragedy yourself?

AV : I used to think being broken-hearted was the worst tragedy, but now the biggest, most significant tragedy I had been through is my father’s passing.

AEW : I am truly sorry to hear that {HUGS}. How did you survive through the tragedy and after?

AV : I don’t think I have completely survived it as yet. I am still in the process, by thinking positive, by remembering dad’s words of wisdom, his perceptions of life and his sense of humour.

AEW : I do remember how timely your Dad always appears the moment I light up a ciggie back in the day! Anyway, how much of surviving a tragedy is mental strength and how much of it is physical strength?

AV : 70-30 I think. You have to will yourself to get past the tragedy, to get past the pain and look for the silver lining. There is always a silver lining, whether it is obvious or not. You just got to look harder sometimes.

AEW : How strong do you think a normal human being is? What do you think is “breaking-point” for someone? Or do you think there IS a breaking point in the first place?

AV : A normal human being is as strong as he or she thinks she is. It is all up to the individual. If you think you are strong, then you are. I think there is a breaking point, but it is not as serious as it sounds. Yes, things can get so bad to a point that you don’t want to wake up, but it is never as bad as you think. It can get better.

AEW : That is something to ponder about really. Hey, have you heard of Panic At The Disco? J

You : The rock band from Las Vegas with the cool songs and videos? Yes!

AEW : So do you consider yourself writing sins or writing tragedies?

AV : A bit of both - sins and tragedies. But I am trying to write more sins than tragedies *grins*. Life's more exciting that way.

AEW : You're right. It is indeed more fun that way! I myself write a lot of sins too! *giggles*. Anyway, Anu, thank you for sharing today. And be strong.

Posted by dolphintales at 1:01 AM

Labels: light and candid

Read On >>>

Dreamin'

I was talking to my colleague about dreams the other day. It is just funny (in an interesting sorta way) that the dreams I've had of my late grandmother can more often be scary, than sweet. And this despite the fact that she used to love my sister and I and was never shy of showing her affection - it's a mystery to me.

Like the other day, I dreamt that I went into my room was switching on the lights and fan, but nothing was working. And then I turned towards my bed and there she was right in front of me, in her white sari, holding a candle and there was a mirror next to her. In my dream I was scared, and I tried to push her (why would I want to push my dear grandmother, I don't know) and she dodged my push. Then she said "Nalle Kaana" in Malayalam, meaning ''See you tomorrow.'' And then I woke up, startled. It was a pretty scary dream for me.

Maybe the dream is a way of saying that she has the solution for what I am seeking. Or maybe the candle (light) is her way of giving me hope. Perhaps. A point to ponder for sure.

And so far I have dreamt about my dad, but it's all been short and non-scary. He's always with us, doing something he would normally have done, when he was around. Well, I have been thinking about him so it's logical, that I would dream about him.

Speaking of dreams and dad, I remember one particular dream I had about him a few years ago. He got a call from some company who said that he had won a competition - he had the most vitamin among the contestants. Can't remember what he won though, probably more vitamins. He was always into his vitamins, he used to take them religiously. He had a good laugh when I told him about the dream. Hmmm.

Read On >>>

Blessed

Wouldn't it be nice if I had a secret fan/reader who looked forward to reading my movie reviews, because he/she thought I write it well? Ah, we can all have dreams. :)

I must confess there are times when I truly love my job. The feeling is so strong, it's like I can almost taste the sweetness. Having worked for 10 years now I've always had a strong attachment with my jobs, but this latest one is the icing on the cake. There are times, when I search for the right words to describe a scenario, I get this huge adrenaline rush. And when I do find that right word or construct a whole sentence that I am proud of, it's just a moment of pure bliss.

Every so often I do feel blessed to have this job as a writer. Love it to bits I do. And I've said this quite often to God, thank you for giving me the chance to be able to discover my way with words and make a living off it. Thank you!

Read On >>>

Book Review: Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian

Title: Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian
Author: Hishamuddin Rais
Publisher: ZI Publications
Ratings: 7/10

If you think the title of the book is intrigu­ing as the reviewer did, you are in for a treat. Written by Hishamuddin Rais, the columnist for Off The Edge magazine, blog­ger and former ISA detainee has plenty to say in this book that pays tribute to a diverse selection of gastronomic adven­tures.

From his sister's home-made tapai, gulai itik at a village restaurant and satay in Kua­la Lumpur, his many accounts of flavourful dishes are consistently both detailed and drool-worthy.

Hishamuddin's tales of tasty concoctions are not only from Malaysia but from cities across the world, including Rawalpindi, Tokyo and London.

Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian is a unique read as it fuses stories about a variety of food fe­tishes with real life travelling anecdotes. Between "food porn" and cultural experi­ences from his days of exile, it is hard to pinpoint which aspect defines the book.

While the mixing of English, Bahasa Ma­laysia and French may be frowned upon by hardcore linguists, it portrays the au­thor's straight-forward, relaxed and open minded persona to the front. Hishamud­din's personal and candid method of writ­ing is a breath of fresh air.

Adding to the authenticity of his stories are colourful photos of dishes he tried with relish and people he met while on his quest for good old fashioned food. Warning - this book may make you hungry and cause you to travel the world in search of new flavours. - By Anu Venugopal

Read On >>>

The Truth

The truth is everyday I think about him, even if its in a small, simple way. There are days when I can't listen to anyone talk about him without having tears in my eyes. But there are also days when my heart is filled with his face, his actions, his thoughts and he gives me comfort in his own way.

Work makes me feel better, but it also leaves a bittersweet feeling. I remember all those times when I was home, but not really at home because I was busy writing, busy finishing up my stories. When I could have been with him, talking to him about his childhood days or whatever he wanted to. But that is life, you're always chasing something else thinking that it is important, when you let the real important stuff slip by.

I make mistakes, I am only human. They said it right - you don't know what you've got until it's gone. So true! I will just have to remember all those times when we were together, the funny things he used to say, the things he used to teach me even though I didn't want to listen (yes, I admit it!)

But I know, even though I wasn't the perfect daughter he accepted me as I am and always thought the best of me - as fathers often feel about their children. And as days pass, it may still hurt but I know I will get by with the memories of him, in the big corner of my mind and centre of my heart.

Blogging also helps, so emo Anu is here for a while...:)

Read On >>>

Me Mini

Knowing that I am walking on the same path my father did gives me hope and much happiness.

He told me about this jogging track in Subang a while back and I told myself that I would explore that track soon - but for the longest time I was happy to be going on my own favourite route. I found time on hands and a desire to try something new last Friday.So I made my way to the area and there is was - a little walking track that was had a lot of greens and character. No wonder he liked it. And as I walked along the track I couldn't help but think he would have walked on the same track just over two months ago.

It's a good feeling somehow. That also got me started on thinking about the other things that I have in common with him.

First of all I look like a lot like him, some people say I'm a carbon copy. He walked a lot and enjoyed it - same here. We love books and bookshops also quotations. When we are passionate about something, we go on and on about it. We are both the strong, silent type. We have the same philosophy about credit card management. (Ok, so maybe his philosophy got stuck in my head.) We are both thinkers but admittedly he did more than just think - he did a lot too.

I've got lots more to share about my father. He had this "Book of Knowledge" as he called it, where he wrote interesting things he read including this one :-

“Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use” by Linus, friend of Charlie Brown/Snoopy. Although he didn't get to use all those gears, he did try his best. And now it is me who has to use those gears.

Read On >>>