TREE HOUSE BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN

  

  A tree house, a free house,

A secret you and me house,

A high up in the leafy branches

cozy as can be house

A street house, a neat house,

Be sure to wipe your feet house

Is not my kind of house at all

Let's go live in a tree house

       

THE MUSIC IN OUR HOMES NEEDS CARE TOO: MAINTAINING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, ESPECIALLY THE VEENA

 

  

A musical instrument at home is not just another object occupying a corner of the room. It carries music, memories, practice, tradition and sometimes even generations of family history. We may dust our furniture regularly, clean our kitchen appliances and polish our brassware, but how often do we pause to ask: “When did I last take care of the instrument?”

Musical instruments need care even when they are not being played.

This is particularly true of the veena, a beautiful yet delicate instrument that deserves careful handling, cleaning and storage.

A veena is not furniture

A veena should never be treated like an ornamental piece that can simply be placed wherever there is space.

It is made predominantly of wood and has several delicate components. Changes in temperature, humidity, dust and careless handling can affect it over time.

The first rule is therefore simple:

Handle the veena with respect and with both hands whenever it needs to be moved.

Do not drag it across the floor or lift it casually by a convenient part. When carrying it, support its weight properly and make sure that nothing knocks against the instrument.

A beautiful veena deserves a safe journey even from one room to another!

Dust is music's silent enemy

Dust settles everywhere—and musical instruments are no exception.

After playing, the instrument can be gently wiped with a soft, clean, dry cloth. A microfiber or similarly soft cloth can be useful for removing surface dust.

The strings and wooden surfaces should be treated gently. There is no need to scrub, rub vigorously or use household cleaning products.

And please resist the temptation to give the veena the same treatment as a wooden table!

No furniture polish, harsh detergent, spray cleaner or excessive moisture.

If the instrument requires deeper cleaning or polishing, it is better to consult an experienced veena maker or instrument technician.

The strings need attention too

The strings are in constant contact with the player's fingers, so sweat and oils can accumulate.

After playing, gently wiping the strings and accessible surfaces can help keep them clean. Hands should ideally be clean and dry before playing.

But strings should not be unnecessarily tightened, loosened or replaced without understanding the instrument.

When something appears wrong—a loose string, damaged bridge, unusual buzzing sound or change in pitch—it is better to seek professional help rather than experiment with adjustments.

A YouTube tutorial is not always a substitute for a veena maker!

Where should the veena be kept?

Location matters.

Keep the instrument away from:

Direct sunlight

Excessive heat

Air-conditioner vents

Damp walls

Places where water may splash

Kitchens and areas exposed to cooking fumes

Windows where rain or strong moisture can reach it

Crowded passages where someone may accidentally knock it over

The Chennai climate, with its combination of heat and humidity, makes this especially worth remembering.

A stable indoor environment is preferable to repeatedly moving the instrument between very different conditions.

Cover it—but let it breathe

When the veena is not being played, a proper protective cover is important. It protects the instrument from dust and accidental scratches.

But storage should not mean wrapping it tightly in layers of unsuitable plastic and forgetting about it for months.

Occasionally take the instrument out, inspect it and make sure there are no signs of moisture, cracks, pests or other damage.

An instrument that is kept safely should still be checked regularly.

Never keep things on top of it

This sounds obvious, but homes have a wonderful ability to turn every horizontal surface into a temporary storage shelf!

Books, handbags, clothes, newspapers and other household items should never be placed on the veena.

Even a seemingly harmless object can put pressure on delicate parts or cause scratches.

Give the instrument its own designated space.

Children and pets need to know the rules

A veena can be fascinating to children. The strings look inviting, and the large wooden body naturally attracts curiosity.

Children can certainly be introduced to the instrument—but under supervision.

Similarly, pets should not have unrestricted access to it. A curious cat or playful puppy may not understand that the beautiful wooden object in the corner is a valuable musical instrument!

Don't forget the veena's surroundings

Maintaining the instrument also means maintaining the space around it.

Keep the storage area clean and reasonably dust-free. Check occasionally for insects or wood-boring pests. Avoid keeping damp cloths, plants that leak water or other moisture-producing objects close to the instrument.

The idea is simple:

A clean environment creates a safer home for the instrument.

Professional maintenance is part of ownership

Even with excellent home care, a veena may occasionally need professional attention.

If there are cracks, structural changes, damaged components, persistent buzzing, problems with tuning or other unusual changes, consult a qualified veena maker or experienced technician.

Don't wait until a small problem becomes an expensive repair.

And when the instrument is valuable, old or has sentimental importance, professional inspection becomes even more worthwhile.

 

The most important maintenance: PLAY IT!

There is another kind of neglect that we don't talk about enough.

Sometimes we keep our instruments so carefully that we are afraid to use them.

We cover them, protect them, dust them, admire them—and hardly play them.

But a musical instrument is meant to make music.

A veena sitting silently in a corner may be beautifully preserved, but the real life of the instrument begins when someone's fingers touch the strings and music fills the room.

 

A little care, a lifetime of music

Maintaining a musical instrument at home doesn't require complicated rituals. It requires clean hands, gentle handling, a safe place, regular inspection and respect for the instrument.

And perhaps, most importantly, it requires remembering what the instrument is there for.

A veena is not merely wood, strings and craftsmanship.

It is music waiting to happen.

So dust it gently. Store it safely. Handle it carefully.

And then, sit down, tune the strings and play.

Because the best way to care for a musical instrument is ultimately to let it sing.

 

READING ON THE MOVE: FROM TRAINS TO TWO-WHEELERS!

   

 

For a book lover, travelling often means one wonderful thing: extra reading time!

A train journey? Perfect.
A flight? Absolutely.
A long wait at the airport? Even better—open the book!

But recently, a thought crossed my mind. We are often advised to take care of our eyes while reading. Consider the optimal light, comfortable posture, proper distance from the book, and readable font size. Most importantly: don't strain your eyes.

Fair enough.

With all these precautions in mind, reading while travelling can be quite enjoyable. But then, my imagination started travelling faster than the vehicle itself!

Train reading — Approved!

The rhythmic sound of the train, a window seat, a cup of coffee, and a good book—what more does a reader need? Of course, provided the person sitting next to you does not want to discuss the entire history of their family!

Flight reading — Highly recommended!

Once the seatbelt sign goes off, out comes the book. A few chapters before landing, and suddenly the announcement says, “We have begun our descent.”

Wait! What happened to the rest of the book?

Bus reading — Proceed with caution!

Now things become interesting.

One minute you are reading:

“She looked into his eyes…”

The next minute the bus hits a pothole and you are reading:

“She looked into the sky, the road, the neighbouring village and perhaps another chapter altogether!”

Reading in a moving bus requires excellent concentration, strong hands, and the ability to locate where you left off every time the vehicle jumps.

Auto reading — A new adventure genre!

Can you imagine reading in an auto-rickshaw?

The book moves.
You move.
The auto moves.
The traffic moves—or sometimes doesn't.

At every speed breaker, the story gets its own plot twist.

Perhaps this should be called interactive reading. The road itself contributes to the narrative!

Reading as a scooter pillion — Is it possible?

Now comes my favourite question.

Can a person sitting as a pillion on a scooter peacefully read a book?

Technically, perhaps.

Practically? I have serious doubts!

Imagine this:

One hand holds the book.
The other hand holds… what exactly? The book? The scooter? Your balance? Your life?

The wind turns the pages before you can read them. You begin Chapter One and suddenly find yourself in Chapter Seven—not because the story moved fast, but because the breeze did!

And what about stopping at a traffic signal?

You read three lines.

Green signal!

Book closed.

Thirty seconds later, another signal.

Book opened.

Perhaps scooter-pillion reading is ideal only for people who enjoy micro-reading!

Cycle reading — Please don't try this!

A cycle demands balance, attention and both hands—preferably on the handlebars.

Unless, of course, you have invented a revolutionary hands-free book holder, voice-controlled page-turning device, and a completely traffic-free road, this category should remain firmly in the realm of imagination.

Because no book, however gripping, is worth becoming a headline:

“Reader So Absorbed in Thriller That He Forgot He Was Cycling!”

The Verdict

For book lovers, every journey looks like a potential reading opportunity. We carry books in handbags, backpacks, and sometimes even hold one under our arm just in case an unexpected ten minutes of free time appears.

But perhaps we must accept that not every mode of transport is designed for reading.

Trains? Yes.
Flights? Certainly.
Waiting rooms? Wonderful.
Buses? Maybe, depending on the roads.
Autos? Only for the adventurous.
Scooter pillion? A hilarious thought!
Cycling while reading? Absolutely not!

So, fellow readers, I leave you with a fun question:

Have you ever tried reading while travelling in an unusual vehicle or situation?

And more importantly—

Can anyone honestly claim to have successfully finished even one chapter while sitting as a pillion on a scooter?

If yes, I would love to meet that reader. They clearly possess a level of concentration that deserves its own literary award!

 

A Perfect Literary Ending

As Emily Dickinson beautifully wrote:

“To travel far, there is no better ship than a book.”

And perhaps she was right. A book can take us across oceans, into unfamiliar lands, through centuries, and even into imaginary worlds—all without asking us to fasten a seat belt!

So whether we read on a train, a flight, or comfortably at home, books remain our most dependable travelling companions. But when it comes to reading on an auto, as a pillion on a scooter, or—heaven forbid—while cycling, perhaps it is wiser to let the vehicle do the travelling and the book wait patiently until we stop!

After all, a book may be the best vehicle for travel—but not every vehicle is the best place for reading!

Capsicum: The Colourful Stranger Who Found a Home in South Indian Cuisine

   

 

There are some ingredients that seem as though they have always belonged to our kitchens. Yet, when we look back at the culinary history of India, we discover that many familiar vegetables and spices were once newcomers. Capsicum is one such colourful traveller.

Known variously as bell pepper, sweet pepper, or capsicum, it was not traditionally a part of the ancient South Indian kitchen in the way brinjal, gourds, drumsticks or native greens were. Over time, however, this stylish vegetable slowly entered Indian cooking and made a place for itself.

Its journey is an interesting story of how a foreign ingredient can gradually become completely comfortable in a desi kitchen.

From Continental Kitchens to Indian Cooking

Capsicum was widely associated with Mediterranean and Continental cuisines, where colourful bell peppers appeared in Salads, roasts, soups and stuffed preparations. In India too, its early popularity was perhaps more visible in urban and restaurant kitchens.

Slowly, however, the vegetable began appearing in Indian homes.

The idea of stuffed capsicum became particularly popular. A hollow capsicum filled with spiced potatoes, vegetables or paneer had an attractive appearance and a flavour of its own. It looked elegant on the dining table and soon became a favourite side dish for special meals.

But capsicum did not remain confined to stuffed preparations.

It began blending beautifully with Indian spices.

A South Indian Makeover

South Indian kitchens, known for their ability to adapt ingredients creatively, soon welcomed capsicum.

One of the simplest and most refreshing preparations is capsicum pachadi or raita. The mild sweetness and crunch of capsicum add a pleasant contrast to curd-based dishes.

Then comes the delicious capsicum curry with dals.

In many homes, tur dal and channa dal, along with red chillies and spices, are roasted and ground into a paste. This flavourful mixture is combined with chopped capsicum, creating a dish that is rich, aromatic and distinctly South Indian.

The crunch of capsicum remains, while the roasted dal mixture gives it body and depth.

It is a beautiful example of culinary adaptation.

A vegetable that may have entered the Indian kitchen from elsewhere now happily sits beside rice, rasam and curd!

Capsicum Everywhere!

As its popularity grew, capsicum began appearing in several familiar dishes:

• Capsicum pachadi /raita
• Capsicum curry with tur dal and channa dal
• Stuffed capsicum
• Capsicum kurma
• Capsicum in vegetable sambar
• Mixed vegetable curry
• Pulao and fried rice
• Vegetable gravies

Its presence gives an ordinary dish something slightly different.

A mixed vegetable curry suddenly looks more colourful.

A kurma gets an interesting crunch.

A sambar gains another layer of flavour.

Even a simple stir-fry becomes more attractive when green, red or yellow capsicum enters the pan.

A Foreign Touch to Desi Food

Perhaps this is what makes capsicum special.

It has the ability to retain a little of its own identity while blending effortlessly into another cuisine.

Its flavour is not overpowering. It does not dominate the spices. Yet, we notice its presence.

There is a mild sweetness, a fresh aroma and, above all, that wonderful crunch.

Capsicum can give a slightly Continental appearance to an otherwise traditional Indian dish. A colourful vegetable preparation with red, yellow and green peppers can instantly make the dining table look festive.

It is almost like a guest from another country who comes into the family, learns the local language, enjoys the local food—and eventually becomes one of the family!

Stylish, Rich and Crunchy

Capsicum has something of a personality.

It is stylish because of its shape and colours.

It is rich because it can carry flavours beautifully.

And it is crunchy, which gives texture to dishes that might otherwise be soft and uniform.

Most importantly, it is wonderfully handy.

Open the refrigerator and find a capsicum waiting there—and suddenly many possibilities emerge. A quick curry, a pulao, a kurma, a sandwich filling, a mixed vegetable dish or even a simple sauté.

Few vegetables can move so comfortably between cuisines.

Stories Passed Down Through Kitchens

Every generation has its food memories.

There are stories of vegetables that grandparents considered unusual, ingredients that mothers learnt to cook after marriage, and dishes that slowly entered the family menu.

Capsicum too has such stories.

Once considered something modern or foreign, it gradually found its way into South Indian kitchens. Today, many of us cannot imagine a mixed vegetable curry without it. It has become so familiar that we may not even realise that it was once a newcomer.

That is the beauty of food.

Cuisines are never completely still. They travel, borrow, adapt and transform.

Capsicum is one colourful example of this culinary journey—a vegetable that arrived from elsewhere, discovered Indian spices, met dals and chillies, entered the pachadi bowl and the sambar pot, and finally found a comfortable place in the South Indian kitchen.

And perhaps that is the real story of capsicum:

A foreign traveller who did not remain foreign for long.

What is your favourite way of cooking capsicum? Is there a special capsicum recipe that has been passed down in your family?

Whether the Weather: A Small Poem with a Big Message

 

WHETHER

Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot –
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not!

Some poems are memorable because of their deep emotions, while others stay with us because of their clever use of language. Whether is one such delightful little poem. At first glance, it appears to be merely a playful verse about the weather. But hidden within its repetition and rhythm is a powerful message about life.

The uniqueness of the poem lies in its wonderful play on two similar-sounding words: whether and weather. The poet repeats them so skillfully that the poem almost becomes a tongue twister. Yet, despite its simplicity and humour, the verse carries a meaningful thought.

The weather is something beyond our control. It may be fine, cold, hot, pleasant, or unpleasant. We may like it—or dislike it—but we still have to live through it. This is where the poem quietly moves beyond the literal meaning of weather.

Isn't life much the same?

There are days filled with sunshine and happiness, and there are days of storms and difficulties. We cannot always choose the circumstances that come our way. But like the line says, “We'll weather the weather”—we somehow endure, adjust, and move forward.

That is perhaps the hidden message of this short poem: acceptance and resilience. We may not have control over everything that happens to us, but we can learn to face it. Whether we like the circumstances or not, life continues—and so must we.

The speciality of this poem is that it delivers this wisdom without sounding serious or preachy. Through a simple play of words, rhythm, and repetition, it reminds us of one of life's greatest lessons:

We cannot control every season of life, but we can learn to weather them all.

A small poem. A clever poem. And perhaps, a very practical philosophy for life.

What do you think—does this little poem speak only about the weather, or about the changing seasons of life too ?

The Joy of Tasting Your Own Cooking

     

There is a special kind of happiness that comes while cooking.

The dish is finally ready. The kitchen carries the aroma of spices, seasoning, and all the little ingredients that went into the preparation. You serve yourself a small portion, take the first bite—and suddenly pause.

“Wow! This is really tasty!” That moment is delightful.

Not because someone else praised the food. Not because guests asked for the recipe. Not because the family said, “You should make this again!” But simply because you enjoyed something made by your own hands.

We often cook with an expectation.

Will the children like it?
Will my husband enjoy it?
Is there enough salt?
Will the guests appreciate the dish?
What if nobody eats much?

And yes, appreciation feels good. A compliment from someone who enjoys our cooking can make all the effort worthwhile. But there is another joy that is equally important—the joy of self-appreciation.

When you taste your own cooking and genuinely feel, “I made this well,” there is a quiet satisfaction that needs no audience.

You don't have to wait for approval.

You become your own first guest.

Sometimes it may be a complicated recipe prepared after watching several videos and reading different versions. Sometimes it may simply be a quick dosa, a bowl of rasam, a chutney made with whatever was available, or a familiar dish cooked without a recipe.

And then comes that one perfect bite. The balance of flavours works. The texture is right. The seasoning has settled beautifully. And your heart says, “This is yummy!” What a lovely moment that is!

Cooking is often associated with serving others. We cook for family, friends, festivals, celebrations and guests. But perhaps we should also learn to enjoy the food we create ourselves.

After all, if we cannot appreciate our own effort, why should we constantly wait for someone else's praise? Self-appreciation is not arrogance. It is acknowledgement. It is recognising the time, effort, learning and little experiments that went into creating something.  So the next time you cook something delicious, don't immediately look around to see who will compliment you.

Sit down.

Take a bite.

Enjoy it.

Smile.

And tell yourself:

“Yes, I cooked this. And I really like it!”

Sometimes, the best compliment comes from our own heart—and that is enough to make the meal taste even better.

A question for my readers:

Have you ever tasted your own cooking and felt, “This is absolutely delicious!” even before anyone else had a chance to say so?

Varalakshmi Vratham: A Friday of Faith, Prosperity and Tradition

   

Varalakshmi Vratham is one of the important Lakshmi worship traditions particularly associated with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is observed mainly by married women, who pray for the well-being and prosperity of their families, husband and children.

The day is dedicated to Varalakshmi, a form of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The name itself combines Vara—boon—and Lakshmi, symbolising the Goddess who grants blessings. It is traditionally believed that worshipping Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping the Ashtalakshmis, representing different forms of prosperity and well-being.

A celebration at home

The preparations are as important as the puja itself. Homes are cleaned and decorated, kolams are drawn at the entrance, and a special puja space is arranged. A kalasam, representing the Goddess, is decorated with turmeric, kumkum, flowers, jewellery and a saree. In many South Indian homes, the beautifully adorned Amman face placed on the kalasam becomes the centrepiece of the celebration.

Women observe the vratham, perform the puja, offer fruits, flowers and traditional sweets, and exchange thamboolam—usually betel leaves, areca nuts, turmeric, kumkum and other auspicious items—with other women.

The sacred thread tied during the ritual is known as dora, while the offerings made to the Goddess are traditionally called vayana.

Beyond the rituals, Varalakshmi Vratham is a celebration of gratitude, family, abundance and feminine devotion. It brings together generations as mothers, daughters and daughters-in-law participate in preparations and pass on customs that have travelled through families for years.

The flowers, kolam, lamps, turmeric, kumkum, traditional food and beautifully decorated Goddess are not merely festive details. Together, they turn the household into a sacred space for a day of prayer and thanksgiving.

And perhaps that is the enduring beauty of Varalakshmi Vratham: prosperity is not seen merely as wealth, but as the presence of health, happiness, family, food, knowledge, peace and well-being in our lives.