The Smell of Ironing Being Done: Finding Poetry in an Everyday Chore

 

Some poems stop us in our tracks not because they speak about extraordinary events, but because they find extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

Recently, I came across Dorothy Aldis's delightful poem "Ironing." It begins with the memorable line:

"The smell of ironing being done..."

That single line transported me instantly. It reminded me of freshly washed clothes, crisp cotton, the gentle hiss of a hot iron, and that unmistakable warm fragrance that fills the air when clothes are being pressed. It is a smell that many of us recognize instantly, yet very few of us have ever paused to think about it, let alone write a poem around it.

That is the magic of poetry.

A poet possesses the rare ability to notice what the rest of us overlook. What we consider an everyday household activity becomes, in the poet's hands, a subject worthy of admiration, reflection, and art.

The rest of the poem beautifully compares the fragrance of freshly ironed clothes with flowers and freshly baked cookies, before ending with a charming image of little starched dresses waiting for children to wear them and run out to play. It is a simple poem, yet it captures warmth, comfort, innocence, and the quiet happiness hidden in everyday life.

Living in Chennai, ironing clothes is much more than a domestic chore. It is an occupation that supports countless families.

Every morning, the local ironing person collects neatly folded piles of clothes from homes across the neighbourhood. By evening, the same clothes return, crisp, wrinkle-free, and carefully stacked. Shirts, trousers, sarees, blouses, kurtas, churidars, T-shirts, dhotis—each garment has its own ironing charge. Every item represents a small earning, and together they make up a day's livelihood.

Their work is far from easy.

They stand for hours beside scorching charcoal or electric irons, often in small roadside stalls exposed to Chennai's blazing sun, sudden showers, dust, humidity, and traffic. Their hands move tirelessly from one garment to another, ensuring every crease disappears and every fold sits perfectly. While we enjoy the comfort of wearing freshly pressed clothes, we seldom think about the effort behind them.

Perhaps that is why the opening line of Dorothy Aldis's poem lingered with me.

The smell of ironing is not merely the scent of warm fabric. It carries with it the fragrance of honest labour, discipline, and dignity. It speaks of people who earn their living one carefully pressed garment at a time.

The poet's brilliance lies in transforming something so familiar into something we suddenly notice with fresh eyes. There are no grand mountains, dramatic storms, or mythical heroes. Instead, there is warmth, steam, cotton, patience, and quiet work.

This is one of poetry's greatest strengths. It teaches us to slow down and pay attention. It reminds us that beauty often hides in the routines we perform every day without a second thought.

Reading Dorothy Aldis's Ironing also changes the way we look at the world around us. The next time we hand over a bundle of clothes for ironing or receive them neatly pressed in return, we may not see just a service. We may see craftsmanship, perseverance, and human effort.

That, perhaps, is the finest achievement of a poet—to make us notice what has always been before our eyes.

Who would have imagined that the smell of ironing could become poetry?

Yet, after reading Dorothy Aldis's opening line, I realized that poetry isn't always about discovering new worlds. Sometimes, it is simply about rediscovering the one we already live in.

From Tolerance to Acceptance: The Journey Towards True Inclusion

    

 

From Tolerance to Acceptance: Why Respecting Differences Is Not Enough

"Tolerance keeps the peace. Acceptance builds the bridge."

In today's interconnected world, we often hear phrases like "We should be more tolerant" or "Let's accept everyone as they are." Although these words are frequently used together, they carry very different meanings. Understanding this distinction can transform our relationships, workplaces, schools, and communities.

Tolerance is a good beginning. Acceptance is the destination.

What Is Tolerance?

Tolerance means allowing people to hold different beliefs, opinions, customs, or lifestyles, even when we disagree with them. It is about respecting another person's right to be different without trying to suppress or discriminate against them.

Think of tolerance as saying:

"I don't agree with your choices, but I respect your right to make them."

Tolerance prevents unnecessary conflicts. It allows diverse people to coexist peacefully.

Example 1: The New Neighbour

A family from another state moves into your neighbourhood. They speak a different language and celebrate unfamiliar festivals.

A tolerant neighbour does not object to their customs or make them feel unwelcome. They simply allow them to live as they choose.

This is an important first step toward harmony.

What Is Acceptance?

Acceptance goes one step further.

It means recognizing that differences are a natural and valuable part of society. Instead of merely allowing someone to be different, you genuinely respect and appreciate their uniqueness.

Acceptance says:

"Your differences don't make you less worthy. They make our world richer."

Acceptance creates belonging rather than mere coexistence.

Example 2: Celebrating Together

The same neighbours invite you to a festival you have never experienced before.

Instead of politely declining because it is unfamiliar, you attend, learn about their traditions, enjoy their food, and wish them well.

You haven't changed your own beliefs. You have simply chosen to understand theirs.

That is acceptance.

Tolerance vs. Acceptance in Everyday Life

In Schools

Imagine a child with a learning disability.

Tolerance means classmates don't bully or exclude the child.

Acceptance means they include the child in games, adjust activities when needed, and appreciate the child's strengths.

One avoids harm.

The other creates inclusion.

 

In the Workplace

Every employee has a unique working style.

A tolerant manager allows employees to work differently.

An accepting manager understands those differences, values individual strengths, and creates an environment where everyone can contribute effectively.

The result?

Better teamwork, higher morale, and greater innovation.

 

Within Families

Generational differences often create misunderstandings.

Parents may tolerate their children's career choices.

Acceptance happens when they support those choices even if they would have preferred something different.

Likewise, children can accept that their parents' values were shaped by another era instead of dismissing them as outdated.

Acceptance strengthens relationships.

The Garden Analogy

Imagine walking into a beautiful garden.

Would it be attractive if every flower were a rose?

Probably not.

The beauty lies in the diversity—roses, jasmine, marigolds, lilies, orchids, and countless other flowers blooming together.

Human society is much the same.

Tolerance allows every flower to grow.

Acceptance admires every flower for its unique beauty.

Why Acceptance Matters More Today

We live in an age where people interact across cultures, languages, religions, professions, and generations every day.

Social media connects us instantly with people from different backgrounds. Workplaces are increasingly diverse. Schools bring together children from varied cultures and abilities.

Simply tolerating these differences is no longer enough.

Acceptance encourages curiosity instead of judgment.

It replaces stereotypes with understanding.

It helps us learn from one another instead of fearing what is unfamiliar.

Acceptance Does Not Mean Agreement

This is an important distinction.

Accepting someone does not mean agreeing with every opinion they hold.

You can disagree respectfully while still recognizing another person's dignity and right to be heard.

Acceptance is about respecting people, not necessarily endorsing every idea.

A Lesson from Indian Culture

India offers a remarkable example of diversity.

Different languages, cuisines, festivals, clothing styles, and traditions flourish across the country.

When we visit another state and enjoy its local food, appreciate its customs, or greet people in their language, we are practising acceptance rather than mere tolerance.

Our diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths.

Moving from Tolerance to Acceptance

Here are a few simple ways we can make that shift:

Listen before judging.

Ask questions with genuine curiosity.

Learn about cultures different from your own.

Include people rather than merely allowing them to participate.

Respect differences without expecting everyone to become like you.

Appreciate that every individual brings a unique perspective.

Small actions often create lasting change.

Final Thoughts

Tolerance keeps conflicts at bay, but acceptance builds lasting relationships.

A society built only on tolerance may remain peaceful.

A society built on acceptance becomes compassionate, inclusive, and vibrant.

The next time you meet someone whose beliefs, language, culture, or lifestyle differs from yours, ask yourself:

Am I simply tolerating this difference, or am I choosing to understand and value it?

That single question can make all the difference.

Reading How I Write: My Kindergarten Journey into the World of Writers

   

 

Some books are read. Some books are experienced. And then there are books that quietly transform the way we look at reading itself.

How I Write, edited by Sonia Faleiro, belongs to the third category for me.

This is not a book review. It is simply my reading journey—how I approached the book, how it challenged me, and how it changed the way I think about reading.

The book was a New Year 2026 gift from my father. I began reading it in January with great enthusiasm and finally completed it on 3rd August 2026. It took me over seven months—not because the book was difficult in the usual sense, but because life happened. Other books demanded attention, daily responsibilities came in between, and there were several long and short breaks. Yet, I never abandoned it. I always knew I would return and complete it.

My First Reaction

Before receiving the book, I had heard about its title and knew a little about its contents. But when I finally held it in my hands, I had an amusing flashback.

It reminded me of my college days.

Do you remember looking at your seniors' thick textbooks and wondering, "How can anyone read such a huge book?" We would ask the funniest questions:

"Do we really have to finish this in one year?"

"Won't it become boring?"

"How do people even remember all this?"

Standing with How I Write in my hands, I had exactly the same feeling.

I laughed at myself.

I realised there was still a child inside me who was intimidated by "serious books." At the same time, I felt a quiet determination grow within me. If I wanted to become a better reader and writer, I needed to grow beyond that fear.

Before Reading the First Page...

Instead of jumping straight into the interviews, I decided to prepare myself.

I made a handwritten list of every contributor in the book.

For each person, I noted:

whether they were the interviewer or interviewee,

their gender,

their nationality,

and the genre they write in or their profession.

I did this with great sincerity.

While making the list, I made another discovery.

I knew only a handful of the names.

Most of the writers were completely new to me.

And that was perfectly alright.

Rather than feeling discouraged, I became curious.

Reading Required Complete Attention

This is not a book you can casually skim through while your mind is elsewhere.

Every interview demands attention.

First, understand the question.

Then, carefully absorb the answer.

Often, a single question opens many doors, encouraging the writer to reveal their habits, struggles, opinions, and creative process.

I found myself admiring not only the writers but also the interviewers.

The interviews are crafted so thoughtfully that one question often unfolds into multiple layers of insight. Framing questions in such a way is an art in itself.

A Completely New Reading Experience

This was my first experience reading an entire book built around interviews and conversations.

Many times, I felt like a kindergarten child.

You know that posture?

Hands folded together, chin resting on them, eyes wide open in wonder.

That was me.

Every few pages, I would pause—not because I was tired, but because I was amazed by the conversation unfolding before me.

Thirty-One Brilliant Minds

The book brings together around 31 people—interviewers and interviewees—each established in their own field.

Some belong to similar literary traditions.

Many are completely different from one another.

Each has their own writing process, philosophy, discipline, and way of looking at the world.

Even after completing the book, I must honestly admit something.

Many of these writers are still new to me.

And I think that is perfectly fine.

Reading this book has not made me an expert.

Instead, it has made me a student.

What Next?

I have already decided that this will not be my only reading of How I Write.

The second reading will be slower.

This time, I won't read with the urge to "finish" the book.

I want to sit with every conversation.

Think about every answer.

Reflect more deeply.

I also have another plan.

As I reread the book, I want to explore the works of the featured writers alongside their interviews.

Reading their books after learning how they think and write will probably help me understand their writing style, themes, and literary voice much better. Their works may become little clues that help me remember each writer more meaningfully.

I Am Still in Kindergarten

If you have already read How I Write, I would genuinely love to hear from you.

Please remember—I still consider myself a kindergarten student in this journey.

So if you have suggestions, reading tips, or ways to approach this remarkable collection more effectively, please share them.

Simple suggestions are most welcome.

Sometimes, the best way to enter a library full of great minds is not by pretending to know everything, but by happily admitting that we have only just begun.

And that is exactly where I am.

Still learning.

Still wondering.

Still reading.

One interview at a time.

Book Food Language Featured in the Directory of Best Indian Blogs 2026

    

Some emails bring a smile. Others become milestones in a blogger's journey.

A few days ago, I was delighted to receive an email informing me that Book Food Language has been included in the Directory of Best Indian Blogs 2026 by Indian Top Blogs. It is a moment of immense happiness and encouragement for me, and I am grateful to share this news with my readers and fellow bloggers.

The email read:

"Your blog finds a place in the latest edition of the Directory of Best Indian Blogs. Keep blogging. Make the best use of your blog, whether for sharing ideas and creativity or for spreading something good and/or for business purposes."

These words are more than a congratulatory note—they are a reminder of the true purpose of blogging.

What is Indian Top Blogs?

Indian Top Blogs has been supporting the Indian blogging community for many years. Since 2010, it has been publishing directories of the Best Indian English Blogs and Best Hindi Blogs, while also featuring category-wise lists covering literature, travel, photography, fashion, beauty, and many other subjects.

Beyond the directories, the platform regularly publishes articles on blogging, shares practical tips for bloggers, and welcomes high-quality guest posts that benefit the blogging community.

A Recognition That Encourages

As someone who has been blogging consistently for years, every recognition reminds me that dedication never goes unnoticed.

Book Food Language began with a simple passion—to write about books, food, language, culture, traditions, travel, and everyday experiences that deserve to be documented and shared. Over the years, it has grown into a space where I enjoy reviewing books, preserving traditions, exploring regional cuisines, and celebrating India's rich cultural heritage.

Being listed among the Directory of Best Indian Blogs 2026 is another memorable milestone in this continuing journey.

This Recognition Belongs to My Readers Too

A blog grows because of its readers.

Every visit, every comment, every shared post, every encouraging email, and every conversation has motivated me to continue writing, researching, and publishing regularly.

I sincerely thank all my readers, fellow bloggers, authors, publishers, and friends who have supported Book Food Language over the years. Your encouragement has made this recognition possible.

To Fellow Bloggers

Whether you are a new blogger or someone who has been writing for years, remember that consistency matters.

Write about subjects you genuinely care about. Share authentic experiences. Keep learning. Keep improving. Recognition may come sooner or later, but the joy of creating meaningful content is the greatest reward.

As the email rightly says:

Keep blogging. Make the best use of your blog—whether for sharing ideas and creativity, spreading something good, or building your business.

Those words are worth remembering.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I am honoured that Book Food Language has found a place in the Directory of Best Indian Blogs 2026.

This recognition inspires me to continue writing with the same enthusiasm and commitment that has guided me since the very beginning.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey.

Here's to many more stories, book reviews, food memories, cultural explorations, and conversations through Book Food Language.

Happy Blogging!

The Pen We Choose Can Change the Planet: Why Writers Should Return to Fountain Pens

  

The Pen in Your Hand Is Also a Choice

As bloggers, writers, readers, teachers, and students, we spend countless hours writing. We often discuss sustainability, yet one of the most commonly used plastic products on our desks is the humble ballpoint pen.

Every refill, every disposable pen, every transparent plastic folder handed out at conferences eventually becomes waste.

What if we simply chose differently?

A fountain pen or a refillable ink pen may seem old-fashioned, but it is one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic consumption.

Why Choose a Fountain Pen or Ink Pen?

It lasts for years, sometimes even decades.

Only the ink needs replenishing instead of throwing away an entire plastic pen.

It creates far less plastic waste.

It encourages slower, more mindful writing.

Many writers feel it improves handwriting and makes writing more enjoyable.

For generations, authors, journalists, and scholars created masterpieces with fountain pens. They remain reliable companions even today.

Say No to Plastic Pens as Gifts

Seminars, conferences, workshops, and book launches often distribute:

plastic ballpoint pens

transparent plastic folders

disposable writing pads

These items are accepted without a second thought. Most are forgotten in a drawer or discarded after a short time.

Instead of collecting them, we can politely decline.

A simple "Thank you, but I have my own notebook and pen" sends a powerful message.

If enough participants do this, organisers may rethink what they distribute in future events.

Carry Your Own Writing Kit

I have decided to carry:

my own reusable notebook or paper pad

my own fountain pen or refillable ink pen

If organisers offer another scribbling pad or a plastic pen, I can politely return them with thanks.

It is not about rejecting their hospitality. It is about reducing unnecessary waste.

Small actions often create larger conversations.

The Ripple Effect

Imagine if every blogger, journalist, author, teacher, and student made this one change.

The demand for disposable plastic pens would gradually decrease.

As demand falls, production naturally follows.

Real environmental change often begins with consumers choosing better alternatives rather than waiting for manufacturers to change first.

Every Signature Counts

The words we write influence people.

The tools we use should reflect the values we believe in.

An eco-friendly lifestyle is not always about dramatic changes. Sometimes it begins with something as ordinary as a pen.

The next time you need to write, choose an ink pen over a disposable plastic one.

It may seem like a tiny decision, but millions of tiny decisions together can create a cleaner future.

What about you? Would you consider carrying your own notebook and fountain pen to your next seminar or conference and politely declining disposable plastic stationery?

Marudani and Gorintaku: The Timeless Tradition That Colours Hands, Hearts, and Heritage

   

 

A Bowl of Marudani, A Handful of Memories

Yesterday evening, my new neighbour knocked on my door with a small bowl of freshly ground Marudani. She had prepared it at home and had come to share it with the women in the neighbourhood, just as generations before her had done.

That simple gesture instantly transported me back to my childhood. Memories of plucking Marudani leaves from the backyard, watching elders patiently grind them into a smooth paste, and waiting eagerly for the rich reddish-orange colour to appear on our palms came rushing back.

In today's fast-paced world, where ready-made mehendi cones are available at every corner, such heartfelt traditions are becoming rare. Yet, one small bowl of freshly prepared Marudani reminded me that some customs are not merely rituals—they are expressions of love, blessings, friendship, and community.

It also inspired me to write this post, celebrating the beautiful tradition of Marudani in Tamil culture and Gorintaku in Telugu culture, a heritage that deserves to be remembered and passed on to future generations.

Some traditions are not learned from books. They are passed on through hands—quite literally.

For generations, Marudani in Tamil culture and Gorintaku in Telugu culture have been much more than a natural hand decoration. They represent family bonds, festive joy, blessings, and the beauty of simple living. Long before ready-made mehendi cones became common, every household knew the joy of preparing fresh henna from the garden.

A Plant That Belonged in Every Home

In many villages across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and even in numerous urban homes, a Marudani (Henna) plant was an essential part of the backyard garden.

Whenever a festival, wedding, or family function approached, someone in the house would step into the garden and carefully pluck fresh Marudani leaves. The leaves were washed and taken to the grinding stone.

There were no shortcuts.

The leaves were patiently ground into a smooth paste. To deepen the colour, a few pieces of whole betel nut (pakku/supari) were often added while grinding. Water was sprinkled gradually until the paste reached the perfect consistency.

The fragrance of freshly ground Marudani itself announced that a celebration was about to begin.

The Art Before Mehendi Cones

There were no plastic cones or ready-made stencils.

The designs were created with love by another family member.

Some women used only their fingertips to create elegant patterns. Others used simple household tools like:

Matchsticks

Thin sticks made from dried coconut leaf ribs

Small handmade wooden sticks

With remarkable skill, they drew straight lines, dots, flowers, vines, and geometric patterns across the palms.

The fingertips were often completely covered with Marudani, forming tiny caps of rich green paste that later turned into a beautiful reddish-orange stain.

Every design reflected patience rather than perfection.

Waiting for Nature's Magic

Once applied, the paste was allowed to dry naturally for several hours.

Children were constantly reminded,

"Don't touch anything!"

Hands remained carefully open while conversations, laughter, storytelling, and festive preparations continued around them.

After the paste dried completely, it was gently washed off with plain water.

Slowly, almost magically, the orange stain appeared.

Within a day, it deepened into shades of reddish-orange, becoming nature's own ornament.

Nothing Went to Waste

If some Marudani paste remained after decorating the hands of all the women in the family, it was never discarded.

Instead, it was lovingly applied to the feet as well.

The feet, decorated with Marudani, completed the festive appearance.

This simple practice reflected an older generation's respect for natural resources—using every bit with gratitude.

Aadi and Thai Fridays in Tamil Tradition

In Tamil households, Aadi Fridays and Thai Fridays hold immense spiritual importance.

Women wake up early, clean their homes, draw colourful kolams, offer prayers to the Goddess, and prepare traditional foods.

Applying Marudani becomes an inseparable part of these auspicious Fridays.

The decorated hands symbolize:

Prosperity

Auspiciousness

Divine blessings

Feminine grace

Joyful celebration

It is believed that celebrating these sacred Fridays with devotion brings well-being to the family.

Ashada Month and Gorintaku in Telugu Homes

In Telugu culture, the month of Ashada carries a unique tradition.

Young girls in the family are treated as manifestations of Devi Maa, the Divine Mother.

As part of this beautiful custom, Gorintaku is lovingly applied to their tiny hands.

The ritual is not merely decorative.

It is an expression of reverence towards the feminine divine present in every girl child.

The smiles on those little faces, proudly showing their freshly coloured palms, become precious memories that stay with families for years.

Sharing Happiness with the Neighbourhood

Perhaps the most touching part of this tradition is its generosity.

Once the Marudani paste was prepared, it was rarely kept only within the family.

A small bowl of the freshly ground paste was shared with neighbouring homes.

Women exchanged Marudani with one another as a gesture of goodwill, prosperity, affection, and festive spirit.

The blessing was simple:

"May your home also be filled with happiness and abundance."

The giver felt joyful.

The receiver felt remembered.

Thus, one bowl of freshly ground leaves strengthened an entire neighbourhood.

More Than Decoration

Today, beautifully packed mehendi cones are available everywhere. Intricate professional designs have become popular for weddings and special occasions.

Yet, the traditional ritual of grinding fresh Marudani leaves by hand carries something irreplaceable.

It teaches:

Patience over convenience.

Nature over chemicals.

Sharing over storing.

Togetherness over individuality.

Tradition over trend.

Every leaf carried the fragrance of home.

Every pattern carried the touch of someone dear.

Every coloured palm carried generations of memories.

A Living Heritage Worth Preserving

Marudani and Gorintaku remind us that our greatest cultural treasures often grow quietly in our own backyards.

A handful of leaves, a grinding stone, the loving hands of a mother, grandmother, aunt, or sister, and an afternoon spent waiting for nature to work its magic—these simple moments have coloured not only palms but also countless childhoods and family memories.

As modern life moves faster each day, preserving such traditions helps us stay connected to our roots.

Because sometimes, the deepest colours are not the ones we paint—they are the ones our culture leaves on our hearts.