And then this happened..

I love you for writing the most amazingly precious thing anyone has ever written for me.

While starting this blog four years back, I never knew I would reach this level, I never knew that this journey would become an integral part of who I am and would define me far better than I ever could and that someone would send me a mail telling me how much my work is admired. ^.^

I don't want to make it an award speech, but I really am overwhelmed and I want to thank each one of you who reads or has read Mirage. Thankyousomuch!!!!

Much love

xox

That Which Cannot Be Expressed.

You don't know which thing might move you to tears unless you experience it. You don't know which thing might touch your heart and take you to another land unless you feel it. You don't know what is there beneath few lines unless you breathe along with every word of it.

Sigh!

Few days back, my friend introduced me to the poetry of one of the most outstanding poets and philosophers Jalal-ad-Din Rumi, a Turkish Sufi. Honestly, I carried some knowledge about this great man but never really spent time to read his fantastic work...his quotations.

Yes, that day in the metro I gulped in some of his most throbbing words and experienced something that I can never articulate in few expressions. It is either indeed ineffable or I am too naive or callow to look for some worthy appreciation. All I can say is that this man's words which were recorded somewhere in the 13th Century moved a teenage girl to tears in the 21st Century. See how amazing it is. We say that people change with time but do you find any change in the inner soul of every homosapien? For I believe that many before me would have shed tears while reading the same lines. Many before me would have felt a strong and powerful connection the way I did. So how am I different to those nth number of people?

Think.

Anyway following is the one that I am talking about. You can read his other quotations here.

“Like This 

If anyone asks you 
how the perfect satisfaction 
of all our sexual wanting 
will look, lift your face 
and say, 

Like this. 

When someone mentions the gracefulness 
of the nightsky, climb up on the roof 
and dance and say, 

Like this. 

If anyone wants to know what "spirit" is, 
or what "God’s fragrance" means, 
lean your head toward him or her. 
Keep your face there close. 

Like this. 

When someone quotes the old poetic image 
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon, 
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings 
of your robe. 

Like this. 

If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead, 
don’t try to explain the miracle. 
Kiss me on the lips. 

Like this. Like this. 

When someone asks what it means 
to "die for love," point 
here. 
If someone asks how tall I am, frown 
and measure with your fingers the space 
between the creases on your forehead. 

This tall. 

The soul sometimes leaves the body, the returns. 
When someone doesn’t believe that, 
walk back into my house. 

Like this. 

When lovers moan, 
they’re telling our story. 

Like this. 

I am a sky where spirits live. 
Stare into this deepening blue, 
while the breeze says a secret. 

Like this. 

When someone asks what there is to do, 
light the candle in his hand. 

Like this. 

How did Joseph’s scent come to Jacob? 
Huuuuu. 

How did Jacob’s sight return? 
Huuuu. 

A little wind cleans the eyes. 

Like this. 
When Shams comes back from Tabriz, 
he’ll put just his head around the edge 
of the door to surprise us 

Like this.” 
― Rumi

__________________

Time for some good news now: I feel elated to announce that Mirage got it's first award by two of my lovely blogger friends. Yayyyyy!!!! It is a complete honor to receive the award. Thank you so much Keirthana and Sumitra. You both made me SOOOOOOOO HAPPY.

<3 <3

Accolades To My Favorites. =)

The year 2011 has been very good to me and has given me tons of reasons to celebrate and to feel grateful of my stars. And this is the reason I was thinking a lot lately to find out a good outlet to release some of the emotions by letting the world know. And this is what I came up with. It’s going to be a real lengthy post but please bear with my over-sentimental heart. Like I said, I needed an outlet. And the craving ends here.

(There is no order. And the idea has been shamelessly stolen from Crystal.)

Crystal- I know almost all of you are aware of this prodigy that we have in our blogosphere. Those of you who do not, should go die. Or rather should not waste any further time and visit her blog asap. She is without a doubt one of the most excellent and ardent writers that I’ve ever come across. I am so addicted to your blog. And each of your post leaves me awe-struck. Keep up the good work, Crystal. I will always love you.

Pradeeta a.k.a MSM- Another one of my favourite blogger stars. As her blog name suggests, mystique is her forte and she has got a great command over it. Her stories and posts leave my inner wanderer in search of answers to her questions. I love her a lot as a person as well as a writer. She is a darling. And I am so glad to see her back as it’s been so long that I read any of her amazing works. Missed you!

Fiona- She is also a very famous blogger and has recently created a craze of Fibonacci Sonnet. And many, including me, have been a proud part of this craze. But apart from this, she is a brilliant and an enthusiastic writer too. Oh and how can I forget those amazing comments which I get from her! Trust me, she is such a sweetheart that she can make you jump around in ecstasy by her honey-dipped feedbacks. Very few bloggers take out time to actually read other bloggers work and give a genuine feedback and she is one of them. I am so glad to know you Fiona. Shall keep in touch always!

Red- She is Ms. Anonymously witty and humorous in every possible way. I love the way she writes. Her posts make me smile and laugh a lot. Yes, it happens very rare that I laugh out loud while reading an article but it is definitely not the same with this girl. Her sense of humor brings all the charm. And it is a sheer delight to read her blog. I rarely miss reading her blog. And suggest you the same for a good rib-tickle.

Maithili- She is the master mind behind our all girls blog ‘Darlings of Venus’. Being a lovely story weaver, she grips the readers with her words and fills the void spaces with intense and deep emotions that sometimes it becomes really hard to accept the fact that it is just a story and not some real life incident. She writes many amazing series of love stories at her blog ‘One Such Story’. You have an honest heart, Maithili. Stay the same, always.

Yashi- She is a great friend of mine and is one of the best things that has happened to me in college. But without being biased, let me tell you friends that her writings are absolutely stunning. She is a newbie here but doesn’t seem one if you read her posts. I feel so proud of you Yashi. You are a wonderful writer. And please don’t forget that I always keep my antique watch with me as I wait to read more of your work. *Govinda styled wink*

Phatichar- That is just his blog user name. I know it is weird to refer to someone with that name. But this man has his own way to do things. He mostly writes spooky tales in the simplest form and narrates them in an outstanding manner. And I can guarantee you that he can rip your soul apart with the kind of fear that he creates in the mind of the poor reader. You don’t believe me? Then go read his blog. And one more thing, actually it’s kind of a warning - If you have a soft heart and get scared easily (like me) then do not read his posts AT NIGHT. :P

PeeVee- Okay this girl calls herself Ms. Chocolate Obsessed and has got a huge fan following. Needless to say, she is one of my favorite bloggers. Her short stories are simply awesome. And recently I got to see the abstract side of hers which was, without a doubt, an enthralling piece of literature. I love the way you put your thoughts into words. Smart yet so cute. And I adore you miss, totally!

Shruti- She doesn't write the usual stuff which you can find anywhere on the blogosphere or even if she does then she would never put it in the most usual form. Yes, that is what I have deciphered after reading many of her blog posts. Intriguing and deep! Her words can seep through the strongest wall and can touch your heart with an absolute ease. You are a fantastic writer, Shruti. You have always been one.

Dishita- She is my only Gujju friend in this blogworld. Her posts are simple, smart and quite entertaining too. We have a strong Haiku bond and she carves striking haiku poetry. You should definitely give her a visit because I can assure you that you won't face disappointment. I’m happy to have known you, Dishita. Love you a lot.

The Solitary Writer- I call him Chacha Nehru. Why? Because I am just like his kid sister and he has a soft corner for kids. And so, the name. *Heights of lameness* He was my very first friend here and has seen the transition of the writer in me. A very nice person to have some good talk with and as a writer he just takes you to another world with his heartfelt stories. I've read many of his posts and suggest order you to do the same.

Yvonne- She is one of my newest pals. And I'd like to mention that she has published two books as well. Impressive right?! :) What I like about her writings is the simplicity and those perfect rhyming schemes in her poems. She always leaves me surprised with the kind of poetry she does. I’m so glad to have you as a blogger friend as I learn a lot from you. Keep writing, Yvonne!

Suruchi- We have a Kanpur connection. And this was the first thing which dragged me to read her blog and believe me I haven’t stopped after that. She is the coolest English teacher I have ever seen or will ever see in my whole life. A fun-loving and down-to-earth lady, she is. And oh! her adorably cute daughter Seeya, how can I not mention her! You should definitely read her latest post and I’m sure it would leave a smile on your face.

Stranger- A very interesting blogger buddy of mine. He is also a newbie but that doesn't stop him from gripping the reader with his sharp words, till the end. And I would like to suggest you Mr. Stranger to write quite often because I wait to read your work. Alright? *Crosses arms*

Soumya- Her crisp, striking and candid words carry the charisma of her blog. She is an alluring person and has the caliber to make you lose yourself in her writings. I enjoy reading her blog and it’s absolutely a pleasure to receive her feedback. Love you, Soumya! :-*

Chandana- The girl at First Avenue is definitely a very pretty girl and is a brilliant writer as well. She is a fashion blogger and the best thing about her is that her fashion quotient is suited for everyday wear and not something which is all bling bling and difficult to carry. And apart from this, the simplicity and audacity of her posts never fail to enthrall me. Keep writing friend! :)

Anshul a.k.a Blasphemous Aesthete- (Yeah, I got to know your real name. Finally!) He is one hell of an intelligent and philosophical person. And has just become active from his months long dormancy. A very popular blogger too, he takes you to another land with his writings be it in English or in Hindi. You should never stop writing friend. Make full use of the talent you have.

Writing Bee, Confused Soul, Dee, Sumitra, Keirthana, Rachit, Lizzie, Rahul sir, Balqis and Twisha- You people have made me smile a lot many times with your gorgeous writings and kind feedbacks. I so appreciate your presence on my blog and feel blessed to have met you all here on this little platform. Though I’m pretty new to you all, I’m deeply impressed by each one of you. Keep up the good work friends. You all write fantastically.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!

*****
P.S: Heartfelt apology if I've forgotten anyone's name.