Reflections Of A Desi Mom

  As a young married lady when I used to see daughter's of friends holding and cuddling their Barbies' amongst other toys - I used to cringe and wowed my future-child would never-ever-oh-so-never hold that skinny little thing ...leave alone play with it.  Aaah!! The perks of being a mother and that too of an incessant young girl - I just finished watching the latest Barbie movie -  Barbie Princess Adventure     Yup! You guessed it right - That's why I titled this  Never say Never !   No offense to #Mattel but I simply hated Barbie Dolls as a young school girl myself. I remember when my uncle living in a another country used to ask me if he wanted me to bring any toy for me - I used to tell him get books on the next trip instead. I think even then the materialistic world of plastic smiles, fake bodies and fashion clothing didn't interest me..just like it doesn't now.  As an aunt - I remember buying Barbies & accessories for my husband's nieces while residing

Diwali festival is almost over. I say almost because I can still see my social media feed full of Diwali DIY and Decor pix. The lights in our balcony or the neighboring buildings still shine bright and cute in the dark November sky. I am still reluctant to swab away the Rangoli that I spent cpl of hours breaking my back for with my girl clan! But all good things come to an end. As they have to make way for new ones.. tomorrow and after that. But it seems empty to not share this year's Diwali experience.  Diwali View from my Balcony Last couple of years, the efforts to have a very festive festival has paid off every year. I realized celebrating festivals as a nuclear family [after having a child(ren)] has its pros n cons. We get to form our own sweet customs and rituals..  And the best part has been the choice and freedom of making your own happy traditions combining your legacies.. At the same time we miss the affection of grandparents and extended family on special days. However,