My 30 before 30 - A bucket-list of sorts!

1. Read 30 books
2. Do 30 heart pushups and 3 pull-ups (at least)
3. Drive coast to coast - Covered 4 time zones (Michigan - California though not coast to coast)
4. 300 miles - this biking season
5. Visit Alaska! Ice Cave Hike in Mendenhall 
6. Help 30 non-profits around the world.
7. Start a new initiative/company.
8. Get PADI certified.
9. Hiking the Grand Canyon.
10. Eating seafood. 
11. Buy a house!
12. Get back to swimming.
13. Learn a new language.
14. Pick up a new skill
15. Ride a motorcycle.
16. Learn to do a hand stand and walk on your hands!
17. Learn how to Pole dance.
18. Be more patient
19. 30 posts in my blog
20. Produce a Fringe Show
21. Cook for 30 days straight.
22. Wake up early/ Bike to work.
23. 30 parties/meetups/get together before 30!
24. Travel Solo.
25. 30 hours of hiking. 
26. Paint
27. Roll down a snowy mountain top.
28. Dance on stage just before/after I turn 30!
29. Play football/soccer in rain with a bunch of boys.
30. Swim in an ocean!

...makes you stronger!

Hey girl, you are there in my thoughts and you feature in my dreams,
I pray for you every day even though I don’t really know what prayer means!
I have missed you many days when I was here and I wish you had come
I am sorry I never understood your dreams, those days I should have just kept mum

I cannot take away your pain though I wish I could;
But I am a believer, I know it will end; I know it should.
I have told you this before and it will always hold true,
You just ask me and I will do anything for you!

Hey, look there is light at the end of this dark path;
It is indeed going to be a happy aftermath.
Put in your mind along with your might;
You will emerge winner in this fight.

They come buried in deep, cold & dark mines,
But diamond burns hard before it shines!
Now is just a short testing time,
It will be behind you even before I can find a nice word here to rhyme :P

(Now that you are smiling :-))

That smile of yours will keep you strong and going.
The age is on your side, so do what you are doing.
The beautiful people around you will never let you fall;
You've got to bounce back after all :-)

Unknown relationships...

The moment our eyes met, a connection was felt
He smiled a smile which I had never before met
I took his hand and he shook it hard
Out sprouted his excitement which was all this while jarred!

He saw a winged elephant in a flying cloud
He created an angel with a clay mould
He clapped, he jumped, he laughed aloud
He dint seem to care about the reaction of the crowd

We sat at the window and he sang for me
His creativity was strewn across for all to see
All he needed was my attention, he wanted the time to freeze
Though Innocent and gullible, he was not easy to appease

He was a big man but his mind was that of a child
But why was he here even though his imagination ran very wild
I have everything and yet I always cribbed
With all his disability he still rejoiced

He did cry when I bid goodbye
But I had to let go, my heart was dry
I just had one question when I looked up at the sky
Just tell me god, Why??


I taught at Spastic society of Karnataka for one summer. The first day when I entered the classroom full of kids of age 13-15, one kid who had never opened his mouth for the last two years smiled at me.
As I sat next to him and tried to teach him 2nd standard math, he just held my hand tight and never wanted to let go.. He never spoke a word but smiled at me for hours holding my hand.. eventually he started singing and responding to me.. the teachers there said this was some improvement they had seen in quite some time... That evening when his mom came to pick him up the teacher told his mom what happened and she was in tears... she shook my hand and said thanks.. She was a poor lady whose husband always accused her for giving birth to a spastic son..
I had done nothing... I had no idea what made that child so fond of me... Had he felt the affection, which he always wanted, when I held his hand for hours.. I had no clue..
I had gone there just to help out but I felt so wanted.. More than him I felt so rewarded that evening...

Letter to the Prime Minister

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you from Minneapolis,USA. I have been living in this country for the last 2 years but I miss my India every minute. I am what I am and where I am only because of the place I took birth in, because of the people who raised me and all the values instilled in me by my family, my teachers & my friends. I would love only the best of lifestyle to all these people and every Indian who is born with these cultures and traditions. I support Anna Hazare only so that my country will be so much better without corruption.
Please give heed to him. Give politics a clean face!

Jai Hind,
Divya Maiya

A New Beginning

Lots of things have changed over the last year!!


I picked up my eyelash and placed it on my fist..
Closed my eyes and chanted a long string of wish..
Before I blinked I blew it away into the mist..
I could see wishes turning true in a swish!!!


Summary -

1. My mom came to live with me in Madison... She was here for my birthday... She experienced so much and more of my lifestyle and she turned a youth all over again!! We danced.. We traveled.. We attended classes :P We even skied together!!!!!

2. Dance Dance and more Dance!!!! Gave so many performances and loved it..

3. Traveled to places on pretext of interviews!!

4. GRADUATED with a Masters degree :P

5. Moved to Minneapolis ( close to Madison :) and closer to Madhu :D )

6. Got a job right here... YAAAAAAY!!!

7. Moved into a pretty house...

8. Finally Married!!!!! :D :D

9. SURMA wins its first NATIONAL FUSION DANCE TEAM title :D :D


Life just gets better with every day!!

Few Things which makes me smile everyday… :)

Cocoa Pebbles with cold 2% milk, bunch of new emails and FB updates…
My soft colorful mittens which promises to keep me warm as I head out in the cold
The crunching sound of fresh snow under my feet…
The inexplicable fun feeling when I step on it not realizing its depth and I sink in 
A silly thought of me turning fair as the icy wind blows against my face :P
The superficial greeting by the bus driver which brightens the start of my day
Self trust that the day's cooking experiment is not going to fail and I would love eating it anyway :)
The enjoyable pain after a 3 hr long dance practice…
Comfort feeling that I can pick up my phone and I have more than one number to dial when I am bored
A bed time story narrated by mom over the phone which makes my smile linger till I get up the next day!!

Misadventures & Celebration!

Day 1:
We drove miles to find my surprise
To celebrate our anniversary
It is so much fun he said
Least did he know about the upcoming adversary

He had planned it; it was a state park :|
He started to pitch the tent in the dark…
As I started whining in the silent night…
Our neighbors’ well trained dog let out a slight bark


Day 2:
We crouched up inside the tent, waiting for the rains to subside,
He hated the rains and refused to go on a bike ride
When the sky got clear, he overcame his resentment..
Lets Canoe! He screamed with some excitement

We sailed along the wind, admiring the beauty around
Paddle hitting the water was the only sound
Soaking up the sun, we sang, we laughed
Farther and farther we went, away from the ground.

We turned around to head back towards our camp,
Suddenly the wind had turned into a vamp
There was no way could we could paddle back
Our spirits were getting damp.

He said, Paddle honey, just there is the shore
Though cold winds blew, beads of sweat began to pour
With his motivational speech he began to bore
I threatened to jump off the canoe; I could take it no more

Finally we pulled over on a private jetty,
Walked on a highway wearing life jackets; we looked pretty
Six miles and Paddles in hand, we were almost dead
Phew! That was how our celebration ended.

Happy Independence Day!!

She was pretty, young and married to a rich tycoon,
Her goals and ambitions had been washed away by a violent typhoon…
Giving up her dream job, she was now a home maker,
Occasionally partying with her husband who was a party monger!

High society pretensions and fake attitude she loathed
Yet she sailed along with his whims and let her wishes be….
She cleared the plates left behind by her husband and said
Happy independence to you but let me free….

He was lying on a bunk bed when the siren rang,
Wondering how his life had changed in a bang...
For no mistake of his, he was sent to this place so ragged…
Out onto the quadrangle he was dragged,

The wardens, guards and officers all stood still
As the anthem was being sung and the flag hoisted high for all inmates to see
He turned towards his innocent cellmate and wished,
Happy independence to thee!

The pain was unbearable but yet he had to go…
He pinned many tricolor badges to his tattered shirt,
Grabbed a dozen flags and swaggered ahead slow..
The whipping was cruel, today a lot more pennies he had to show

He could hear a loud cheer from the school where he badly wanted to be,
Studying was discontinued and now he was on a selling spree…
As he offered his days’ earnings to his dad, he whispered,
Happy independence to me!

A moral to give away!

A friend and I ran along the beach
Savoring the stunning scenery around
Where sea gulls flew and waves splashed
And the entire locale resonated with a silent sound

I had always wished for this experience
A cozy time with myself and no one watching me
I swam, jumped, danced and thought
I realized that I could be what I wanted to be

Headed back home to face human presence
This time the situation was tense
Ailing grandma lay there pale
Coughing, breathing hard & fighting the assail.

She was sick but plenty she talked
Jovial as she was at me she mocked
Years of wisdom were being scattered
Pair of ears was all that mattered

I knew she was unwell but dint realize her pain,
I left next morning; I had to catch a train
Her eyes closed behind me; her voice had seized
I could have made a change but I had restrained!

Not sure if God exists, agnostic I am
But someone around me had something to say
By unfolding these string of events before me,
Life sure has a moral to give away

Trapped in Madison !

With ambitions aplenty
I stare at this visa print
I am headed to this hyped country
With a hope of making some mint

White carpet welcome is embellished with snow showers
Half a smile of achievement escapes
As I step out to start a new phase
Half a smile of anxiety follows

Undoubtedly beautiful is the place where I reside
But I get to appreciate it only on the bus ride
A moment is all I get to embrace the sunshine
Then I am lab stuck from noon to nine

Back to school after a long break
It’s so different and hard to take
I am alienated in this alien place
You guessed it right my grades are at stake

I can’t handle this pressure I want to flee
It has been just a few days but I’m missing home already
To make it worse, I can spot Verilog where ever I see
Is it trying to invoke the nerd in me?

I headed to this hyped nation
I chose books over a beer pint
But my craziness is retreating hint by hint
Am I really enjoying my new stint?

A Scoop of Himalayas!

I traveled for hours and miles,
Braving the woods and gaping at the skies
Just a glimpse or little more maybe
Would satiate my eyes' urge to see

I trekked along valleys, climbed many hills
Waded across brooks and through water stills..
Even with so much beauty around to relish
I wanted something more to be

Tired I was, panted like a famished pup
Rode a mule when my legs gave up
With not much energy and a few more paces
I was sure I would reach my snowy mountain ranges

A giant white cloud sped past me
Challenging me for a race
He played cheap tricks by frosting my feet
And dampening my pace

As I reached the top,
I could'nt believe what was there..
Thousand scoops of Himalayas
Stood gallantly for me to stare

I stopped; fell on my knees
To admire my dream destination
My rival, my competitor mockingly sneered
And moved ahead in elation

Up he went and marred my vision
Making sight hazy and blur
Though jealous I was of that cloud
I yelled, "You win, please stay back here."

Deaf ear he turned as he floated above
And embraced my dear mountains
When he turned back for a second to show off his victory
Just one scoop of Himalayas was what I could manage to see :(

Pretty Pretty

A soothing sweet voice which will heal all ur pain
Or a high pitched screech with which ur blood panics while flowing in ur vein….
Pulling out her hair and running around like she has just missed a train…
Wonder where sanity is hidden in this Miss.Insane

Running around malls from city’s one corner to the other end…..
Worshiper of latest fashion and current trend….
Collector of worries from every nook and every bend….
Always twitching her finger is tension’s best friend!

She vows to go on a diet while she is feasting on ‘chaat’
She gets drunk on cranberry juice and vanishes with a dart…
She loves to hog right from a mcVeggie to a lemon tart :P
How I miss my eating partner and an ever hungry brat!!!!

She keeps firing the same question, each time expecting a different answer...
I am dumbfounded by this designer model; she is a unique character…
Spreading like wildfire is her infectious laughter…
A friend for life she is, a very pretty monster…

it's you !

I was destined to know a person so beautiful…..
But it just happened one day, out of blue…
My friend is what I call her……
I can die for her, of which she has no clue…

You’re my soul mate, you know me the best….
I’m a fan of your simplicity, love your style…
Your company is what I crave for…..
I wish I could walk you a mile……

Those days with her were the finest….
The times we went on wild quests…..
Missing the lectures, breaking rules….
More than students, we were classroom’s honorary guests!

You took pride in whatever I did and I in yours …
Those never ending conversations of pieces and bits….
Which we carefully downloaded it onto a paper and preserved it…
With various fonts and colors, we proudly called it our ‘chits’….

She is like these beautiful black pearls, rare and different….
Her voice is so soothing, she can offer solace to any broken heart…
She is the most beautiful hue of the rainbow…
Her presence itself is so addictive, with her, its impossible to part….

You’re the pain; I would love to endure….
I wish I could rewind those days for a while….
You’re one of my special ones……..
I wish I could walk you a mile…

That Old Feeling Returns :)

I was sitting on a bench at my granny's house , deeply involved in some craft work which I had happily abandoned when I was 8. I was too thrilled to be doing what I was coz I had always thot that i lacked patience and skill for it. I did not shift my base for hours and dint blink for minutes. I was totally involved when I heard a scream..!!! My concentration was broken in a flash and I literally jumped with my eyes and mouth wide open with excitement. My boyfriend was back after a one year's stint in the US. He was standing in front of me with a camera to capture my reaction! My instant reaction was to hit him and say, "U R MAD!". The least expected reaction a friend said. I could see the sparkle in his eyes, partly because he was too happy to see me and partly as he was extremely proud of himself that he had managed to surprise me for the first time in his life.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=53YiuRcAp5Q&feature=user

One whole year's wait had just erased and I felt that he had never gone. Everything was like how it used to be before. His struggle while we sat on the floor to have lunch; his hands in pocket while standing and talking; his slow walk; his characteristic laugh, just everything about him was the same. I was a little disappointed as i had expected and wanted an iota of change in him so that I feel that he was away for a while. What was new was his bundle of stories about the states!

He has put on a few pounds (surprisingly it does not matter to me) and has got fairer ( relatives will be happy about the 'FAIR' groom :P). We meet everyday and the joy of meeting him is increasing with each day, which is a little weird. This feeling is the one I had during our initial dating days. I have not experienced this for a looooooooooooong time now and am enjoying it. Our fights, the laughs, holding hands, bike rides everything has returned. The comfort level, the warmth is still the same. He is still the same. But something is new. I have found a change. A change I cannot describe but just feel. An exaggerated elation!

Distance has done us good.
With all difficulties we stood.
We are falling in love all over again.
It feels fresh like rain. :)

Zephyr

Clueless of the world around, I raise my arms……
To embrace the zephyr, that is talking a silent language…
Unable to comprehend what s being conveyed…
I purse my hands and bring it closer to my ears….

“Here are your friends to keep you company”, it said…
“Hold them close as true friends are a few!”
A bunch of flower petals are thrust in my arms...
Shades of Yellow, red and colors so new…

I caress them gently and treat them with passion…
I study their abstract inward beauty with admiration…
Overtly hospitable as I am, I give them a place to stay…
Right there in the unfathomable depths of my heart…

Slowly I start dreading the wind and anticipate its ferocity
I order it to retreat, being possessive and selfish…
Offensive it gets, ravenously it charges……
Rampages my ecstasy, I’m left with remorse and anguish...

Each colored petal moves in a different direction………
It now yearns for a selfless person, a different destination…………
I repent my actions and pray for forgiveness….
“Come back O wind; help me find my friends!”

Then a wish to fly away with the wind is overheard...
A pair of beautiful wings is gifted…
I swing them to and fro, I’m being levitated…
Here I go…..to rejoice and reunite..!!!!

AFFLICTION !

I lay painless, in a pool of blood…

Even the days bright sun, gave up, when the wound refused to dry.

I had tried hard to see what could hurt me more..

But the pain u inflicted was more painful that I could not even cry.

I stabbed myself, It did not hurt…What hurt me more was you…

Each time I thought about it.. the affliction was something new..!

Everyday there was a hope that things would be better

I loved you with all my heart; I gave you my everything…

U chopped my trust into pieces; Ripped me off my self esteem,

U gifted me with a shattered pride, am now left with half a wing..

I slit my wrist, it did not hurt.. You butchered me, yes it was you..

Each time the knife tore my skin.. the affliction was something new..!

While I am growing weak, there is something within, that beats for you…

Are you so callous, why cannot you see that I still feel....

When I blink I capture your image… When I breathe, it speaks of you…

You stripped my confidence, but my love for u, u can never steal..!

I cut a finger, It did not hurt…What hurt me more was you…

Each time I thought about it… the affliction was something new..!

The times when we kissed, when you held me close..

It was all fake and I was used like a whore..

I leave this world with a lot of bruises, one for each time you deceived..

If am ever re born, I will still love you and of that am sure..

I burn my lips, It does not hurt… you burnt me alive, it was you…

Each time the flame eats me up… the affliction is something new..!

Happy valentines day.!!!

In a crowded lane when I walk alone,
I stretch my hand and I can feel your hold.
It gives me strength, further I tread…
To accomplish goals, to strive ahead!

When I sit by the window, clogged by your memories
My lips widen by its soothing pleasantries…
As I recollect those blissful chirpy times,
I efface the desolation, I am sad no more!

I shut my eyes, I drift away
While in my dreams, you break in
Being left footed, yet you dance
Just to keep me company as I sway!

As I gape at the blank wall, you read my eyes
The phone rings and there you are….
With your banters and gags, I go hysterical
Thus my sob stands defeated by my chuckle!

When the darkness closes in there, the sun shines bright here…
As the tears of anticipation dribble down here, you bathe in snowfall there…
This severance is difficult to comprehend, tough to bear…
Come back, here are your people who care!

In all your troubles I pray you smile…
Embracing life and enjoying all the while…
Through your eyes I am viewing the world; and I see you shine…
But I sorely miss you, my valentine!

tHoUgHtLeSs.........

Beneath the stars, beneath the sky

Contemplating my life, lifeless I lie…..

Sound of the waves, wetting my feet, deafened my ears...

Futile was my struggle for all these years!!



Times of uncertainty, accompanied insecurity...

Drowned me deeper to the depth of ambiguity...

Familiar paths are now turning alien...

I’m drifting away into a world of oblivion...



My fickle mind is frantically hunting for a reason,

I’m fighting against myself in this humongous treason…

Marching steadily, my heart is on its way…

To wage a war against my mind which is drifting away!



Unanswered questions annoyingly hover above my head…

A phase of realization creeps in to tell me things which were left unsaid…

I stop; take an oath to never surrender…

I decide to fight all odds, being a strong contender!!!



Beneath the stars, beneath the sky

I give birth to a new hope with a sigh…

With a profound confidence I rise, kicking away my fears…

Futile isn’t my struggle for all these years!!

UTOPIAN DREAM

Mornings are too short and nights sleepless…

Amidst turmoil, work rendered should be flawless…

To talk to the inner self I have no time….

The poet within me is dying; there are no more words that rhyme…

.

Mechanical lifestyle, filled with dismay….

Synthetic concerns worsen your day….

Evading the place where even trees refuse to sway…..

I want to fly to utopia, far far away…..

.

Healthy competition has become blind….

A constant dagger behind is a common find...

Multiple set of eyes always watching my stride…

From this inhumane torture I’m not able to hide…

.

Ruthless vandalism is reigning strong…

Being malicious is no longer wrong...

Undressing this stress which clutches all day...

I want to fly to utopia, far far away…..

.

Missing the long walks and talks with my mother…

Beside the lake where we blew all the gathered chicken feather….

Eavesdropping and hiding, with pals beneath the heather……

Without any of these, my senses have begun to smother….

.

I choke on my words when I talk about the times of yore…

My eyes stream up and myriad emotions galore…

To relive those days of nostalgia, I want to fly away….

I want to fly to utopia, where your hair will never grey…..

Miss U Blog!!!!

Work is eating my blog time :(
I miss those times where I would sit in front of the comp n stare at it for long hours and type one or two sentences meanwhile..... I stare at the computer for hours even now... but for a different purpose... which does not excite me... and I'm bound to it! :(
Does it mean anything at all?
I choose to live differently....
I'll come back soon...
Wait for me....!