Yesterday I sat down with my friend Kriti J to record an episode of her podcast, Dirty Brown. We pinned our mics to our tops, shifted some furniture, did a sound check, and started talking. She is redefining the term “badchalan” which traditionally has a derogatory meaning, meaning a woman of immoral character – to an Indian woman who is empowered and does things on her own terms. Kind of like a Loose Woman… a woman who is free!
It was fun prepping for this interview, as I thought about this blog and how it started and even the title that I chose because of my love for the book She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb. Wally says that in writing the novel, his mentor told him to read all the old epics and manifestos – the Hindu epics, the Odyssey, The Hero’s Journey etc. And he did his homework. His character Dolores Price seems awkward and broken, but yet her hero’s journey is evident. The author says that when the hero/heroine returns from their quest, they are now of use to the world, having grown through their battles, and armed with a renewed sense of purpose.
I went to see Malala Yousafzai speak about her new book a little while ago. She was funny, candid, warm, and fierce. She focused a lot on her journey with mental health and how important it was to take care of herself when all her suppressed traumas and memories surfaced and she was unable to concentrate at Oxford. And she gave dating advice to the audience!! I wish I’d asked her a question but there was a sea of hands and so I sat back and listened. She spoke about Afghanistan and asked the activists and people of Afghanistan that were in the audience to stand. The situation is dire. If you’re able to donate, this is a great organization that is still educating girls there despite their imprisonment. She also spoke about her love story with her husband Asser… it was dreamy and beautiful and my favourite part of her book. It wasn’t easy because of conflicting priorities and pushback from her mother, but in the end oh-so-worth-it.
I can’t believe Christmas is around the corner! The golden, red, and green lights strung along the balconies are lighting up the darkness outside my condo. The wind is so treacherous, I had to duck a few flying boxes. It’s one of those nights you just want to stay home.
She's Come Undone 