Slow Man

J.M Coetzee is as reclusive as they get. Honorary Doctorates from ten or so Universities. I must say that there is an aura about his writing that can't be explained. The first author to win two Booker's, His books aren't easy reads as such. You tend to ask yourself if such a mysterious man can write so beautifully. The Imagery is quite brilliant, as is his play of words. I tend to believe that his Life's lessons are reflected in his books.Coetzee's dedication to his personal regime and writing is unmatched.
Slow man was a delightful read, to say the least. The Protagonist is Paul Rayment, a French man in his sixties who has moved to Adelaide. It seems as though Paul has no regrets about Life. Single, Unmarried, with nothing to look forward to but a 'Daily Routine', Cycling through the streets of Adelaide,running daily errands, and delving into Photography. Then all changes in an instant when his Leg is amputated as a result of an Accident. His live takes various twists and turns; Having to live and accept the situation and reflect on a Lost Legacy, or the lack of it, Marijana, a paid nurse is asked to take care of him and his stump.
Rayment soon develops sexual feelings for her; This is coupled with his inability to move out of bed, He is now left to her disposal. Rayment doesn't quite accept his impending doom. Once, he was in the position to grapple with his indepence, but now He has to dig deep and do what is right. Marijana is happily married with a Kid named Drago; Rayment feels a need to be grateful, so he offers to take care of Drago's education and future. He proclaims his love for Marijana. Coetzee does a great job at explaining how events take a turn for the worse. Love, Hope and delusions dictate Paul'sheart. Marijana's husband begins to suspect the worst, and Paul has to contend with Losing everything. Until Elizabeth Costello comes into the picture and tweeks things a bit:)

It is best if I don't explain how lovely this book is. It is a master-piece in every sense. I promise you that you will close the book with a smile on your face, relating yourself to what is played out and understanding what goes into writing such an eminent book, so real and powerful that you actually wonder what it's like to be Paul.

Monday- Like every other day?

Time for my next post I guess. I always have an urge to write something but somehow, I don't. It's been like this for a while now.Maybe so, because All I feel like writing about is how the montony is just so thick.
Anyway, Last Monday, I got off work relatively early, Headed home around 6. Sat my ass on the couch,switched on the tv, and thought to myself-Wait, this isn't right! I wondered for a while what I'd do for the duration of the evening; This was new to me.My job requires me to stay way past 8 on most days, where in I'd quietly slide home, tired and sleepy, and quickly slide into bed.
I decided to go take a walk outside (This isn't unfamiliar territory, One would think). I started walking down Sampige road towards Mantri mall.A cool breeze was blowing across the Road. The clouds were darkening, and trees swaying: Left to Right, as if they were willing to accept whatever the sky threw at them.The hawkers by the side of the road were trying to gather their belongings and move to safety. Then word came around like a domino effect from behind me that Cops were passing by.One by one, hawkers packed off and disappeared. A few were still trying to make a quick buck but they sauntered off as well. I crossed the road with a strange sense of elation. Maybe it was the smell of rain and what comes with it, Or the sight of vibrant colours from the Green of the swaying trees, the yellow of Blossoming flowers and the Red of Car tail-lights. There was this old rustic second hand bookstore that caught my attention; I quickly slid in before the
downpour got the better of me. From Sci-Fi to Romance, there were quite a few novels spread out on tiny racks. Reading spree that I was on (Two novels in the last 5 months :P), I managed to "bargain" with the Store Rep and picked up a John Irving for 120 bucks. As I was playing with it, taking in the overwhelming Scent only a very old-ass book can give you, a tiny little cockroach dropped to the floor and scrambled away. I couldn't help but smile to myself. Quite plausibly, this book might have never been removed from it's resting place. MAYBE it was passed on from another bookstore, or a previous owner. It really is gratifying when you pay for something you're surely going to keep.
I wouldn't quite say this is breaking the monotony; This was more like a chain of small micro-events lined up together and blending in perfectly, each doing it's bit to help.
I realised that it is very important to cherish the small things Life throws at you. Often, We are so caught up in the motions of everyday life that we forget that It does give us something, as long as we are willing to take it.
As I waited for the elevator when I was back home, for the first time ever, I banged my head against the door!!!

Long Overdue

It's been so fucking long. New Year's eve went by in a heartbeat, and it's hard to believe we're already almost into March. A lot has happened since New Years. Those stupid ass resolutions are just what we say/portray to make us feel good about ourselves. Work is the shite, if you know what I mean. I managed to get my GMAT out of the way, and now have to get rolling on the applications to make it in time For September. My hopes are pinned on France, and hopefully I'll have some good news by Mid-April. 

I would like to talk about some interesting events which helped me gain a broader perspective about Life and it's hideous games. There is some stuff going on at Work, and I don't like where it's going. Unlike in other aspects of Day to Day life, it's hard to pitch an outcry against things that don't seem right. Basically, you're like a prostitute, getting paid every month to do what you're told to do. There is something about 'Work Pressure', and what it embodies, that makes you realise that you got to do IT, even though it doesn't make sense any sense whatsoever. Even if it asks you some really tough Questions, you just have to tell yourself that the things you're doing that do not make you feel 'good' are only on the WEEKDAYS! 


I did get to see Bryan Adams play out to a solid crowd at Palace Grounds. He's been one of my favourite singers for a long time now. I always wanted to see him Live. I remember back in 8th, I'd play "The Best of Me" cassette over and over . Back then, I was care-free, fascinated with POP, Soft Rock and no idea about any other Genres. But I knew that Adams was the man to see simply because of these lines- 
"when you can see your unborn children in her eyes 
You know you really love a woman"

As a 13 year old, actually believing that this is what Love is, and even to this day I'd like to think that This is what the real deal is. I got goosebumps when he started singing the first verses of "I'm ready" and  Please forgive me. It was like an endless dream, not to be compared with the craziness of Iron Maiden, but unique and sublime in its simplicity. Music is the simplest Emotion:)

In other news, A friend of mine went to Israel on work. He'd taken a little Stone from Mysore with him. this is from the all of us to a man of kindness and Humility, and the Greatness that is much more than a movie.

Schindler's list is more like an experience, one that will bring you to your knees at the end and make you shed a few tears. All of us feel so strongly about this Man (even though Schindler's ark portrays him in a 'lesser' sense). So this is for the Movie, For humility, and for a Right Way to lead life!

This post is for all those people who have been friends for a long time, whose friendship draws from things they share in common, be it Iron Maiden, the same taste in Food, books, views on life, or the 'I love that movie' for example Schindler's List. I hope that each one of you cherish what you have for as long as it lasts.

'cause Friendship is the roots of the Big banyan tree that we associate with Life. Cheers!

P:S- I am back:P

BLANK

There was a re-assuring calm around and about the Ocean.  The waves were striking at the rocks. In the distance, the gleaming lights of the approaching ships, coupled with the Bright setting Sun diving sharply into the Horizon, only augmented the Beauty. Here I was, on the Beach, A single malt on the rocks in hand. No complaints. The liquid was precious. The Golden Colours dancing and playing with my head. The Sun's reflection on the Ice cubes accentuated the feeling that was what It was. As I was finishing my drink, the Bartender pops a Champagne bottle and passes me a note. It reads- "To an eventful evening, Love- S". Before I can ask him where it's from, he's gone. I turn around to check but I see nothing. For a while, I sit and wonder who Could it be, but my mind is blank.
I'm feeling nervy and edgy. My body exudes a chill and the Hair on my neck Stands erect. All this in the mediterranean. I have no reason to be nervous. But yet I am. I am confronted by the Demons of my past. I shed a tear, and quickly wipe it off. I don't want to be reminded about my nemesis or my parched past. It was a long time ago. Things have changed. It was only after she left that I started feeling Uneasy about most things. I didn't want to ruin a perfectly Good evening. I gulped down the last portion of my drink, and got up from the wholesome Chair that was my home for the last couple of hours.
Who could it be, i wondered. I just hoped it wasn't her. But yet I wished It was.
As I made an effort to walk up to the Clubhouse, I was approached by a fine young gal, who sauntered across without an effort. Her face had the symmetry unheard of. Her eyebrows and those deep blue oceans gave me the shiver. Her skin was that Olive you dream of seeing. She stood about a foot away, and bent forward as though she wanted to whisper something in my ear. I took the cue and bent inwards. I was met by a soft tenderness followed by an exchange of fluids. 
We made out for a while; the passion building up. The Breathing was getting heavier. I didn't want this moment to pass. I wanted to be young again. I held her waist and pulled her towards me. She told me to follow her back for a Night Cap. I obeyed. I was in a trance. I was feeling nervous again. Jittery to say the least. I didn't have to be, I figured. It was way back, I have changed now. It is a different me. I tried telling myself this, as she led me away. Sensing my nervous energy, she smiled and said- The Night is still young..
Little did I know that there wasn't a past, one that gave me the chills, there was No Gal in her 20's, and the note that said 'To an eventful evening' wasn't even a note.Schizophrenic I was, but wasn't :)