Why South-Asian Americans should say #blacklivesmatter

 South-Asian Americans, this is your struggle too!

When there is an uncomfortable or unsettling topic on hand, we all like to live in denial. When COVID deaths were reported initially, I heard countless people ask -what underlying conditions did the person have? We all prefer to live in a world where we are not vulnerable. We prefer to believe we are not susceptible to the dangers or the injustice around us.

The peaceful protests all over the country were supported by people of all color. The voices of the second-generation South-Asian Americans were clear and visible. The first generation Americans chose to be partly silent with just a few voices voicing their support. Part of the reason the first generation maybe quiet is because we have culturally been raised to not question the establishment. When one ethnicity or minority is discriminated against, at times the other person of color (POC) lives in this belief that this is not about them.

South-Asians need to understand that the next George Floyd or Breona Taylor could very well be them or their loved one. There is video proof of George Floyd’s death. There is video proof of Amy Cooper threatening an African American man. How many deaths of other POC have occurred with families wondering why and how it happened? And then there are also known cases of racial aggression against South-Asians.

Let us not forget Srinivas Kuchibotla who died after being shot at, at a bar in Kansas because he of how he “looked”. Let’s not forget the Indian grandfather Sureshbhai Patel who was assaulted because he looked “suspicious”. Numerous people of color have been viewed with suspicion because of their religion and their skin.

As South-Asian Americans, if you think you or your children are immune because your are financially stable, have a job and an education, there needs to be more dialog. For a racist, who cannot accept anyone who looks different than him or her, it does not matter what shade of brown your skin is. Light-brown, Lighter-brown, dark-brown, peach ..it just does not matter. You are still different, you are still vulnerable.

Your children are watching your reactions and what you say much more than you realize. This is a vulnerable time for them. The pandemic is not over yet, their last 3 months of school were just snatched away from them, they never got to say good-bye to most of their friends and now they see the country erupting in protests and peaceful protestors being attacked as well. This is the time to have dialogs at home and talk about racial equality. This is not the time to look away and pretend like everything is normal. 

Let us not forget the Civil Rights movement that allowed immigration. Indian American, let us not forget that, Mahatma Gandhi led India to freedom from British colonization by his non-violent peaceful protests. This is not a new struggle for you.  This is the time to lend your voice and join the movement. This isn’t just someone else’s fight. 

Gandhi said, “Be the Change you wish to see in the world” ….. It is now time to “Come out of your bubble and Wish for that change in the world. This is totally about you too!”

How to Stay Motivated through what we have learned in History

We have been living in alternate reality for the last few months. The old normal, intermediate normal, new normal… It’s all been a crazy ride. First it started with a challenging virus hitting parts of the world and the rest of the world thought it was safe… and then it became a global pandemic. For the first time in our lives, simple things we took for granted were taken away. We could not meet up with our friends, everything was shutdown, even grocery visits were limited. We swayed from cooking crazes, eating binges , exercising with fury, picking new skills, enjoying family time, racing through Netflix and waiting for the lockdown to lift. We thought it was the most challenging time of our lives….

And then 2020 had something new to throw at us. A bigger challenge than most of us have ever faced… A reality check that we live in a world where a human life can just be taken away… like it wasn’t human. While we always knew of innocent deaths in the past and protests have always been around...there was nothing as startling and unsettling as the video of a life being taken away. It served as a wake-up call for many.

And then we saw protests nationwide and what was even harder to deal with was … peaceful protests being disrupted. The pandemic suddenly seemed much easier to deal with, then watching peaceful protestors being attacked.

And yet, we have prevailed through more difficult times in our history. History was my least favorite subject. As a kid I would wonder why we had to learn and memorize about all these facts from the past, when we could be spend that time learning Science. The next great invention could come from that and benefit the whole world. What good can History really bring, I would ponder. 

And yet today, History is probably our best healer! It can and should inspire us to thrive and prevail. We must remember the struggles that mankind has had and how we have overcome all that.  Leaders like Dr. King remind us to “Dream” … Writers, dreamers, poets like Maya Angelou remind us to “Rise”. History has countless voices that have inspired generations to speak up, to march, to lead. India was under the colonial British for nearly 200 years before Britain resigned to the non-violent protests of Mahatma Gandhi. Nelson Mandela had been in prison for 27 years before apartheid left South Africa… The great leaders of the past worked tirelessly to create the freedom we have today! We did progress and we did create real change. And while things may look bleak, there is still hope.

And we can still thanks Science for the internet and social media. People are sharing information at a rapid pace, inspiring each other to stand up and speak up. People are ignoring even social distancing guidelines and filling the streets. Liberty , Justice and the Right to live without fear.. That’s the simple ask…And while it may stress you day in and day out to see America in crisis … go down your memory lane and think of your favorite leader from your History book.. to heal you, to inspire you and motivate you to look forward to a brighter future!

And if it helps, just type away too. To stay positive! Remember the pen that was mightier than the sword …. The keyboard is the mighty pen of today! #blacklivesmatter #keepwriting #justice #peace

It's not Political ~ #blacklivesmatter

Friendship Poem~ The joy of being able to be who you are...

              Is your Heart on Your Sleeve?

By Lin Thomas

Time to celebrate or grieve

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Just put it out there

Be courageous and share

Find your sounding boards

Your dead letter boxes

Who don’t judge you

Just motivate and pull you through

Those true friends that care   

With them, your heart on your sleeve you can wear

You can express what you feel

Your soul can heal

You can laugh or appear like a fool

Cos you are your own definition of cool

You can be... who you are

Doesn't matter if you are a moon or a star 

Express your thoughts... fearlessly

Wear your heart on your sleeve, in all honesty

What naysayers think ...it doesn't matter

But how you feel, it's what really matters

This is World War III. Civilians... Stay Sane & do what you can.

Make no mistake, we are in World War III. This is not one country against another but all of us against the big invisible enemy. The one that cannot be seen with night vision goggles. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the majority of human population on the planet in one way or the other. The first responders, medical community, law enforcement officers are the heroes, call them the military or armed forces ..they are the ones fighting the enemy. They are battling on the frontlines, treating and helping the covid-19 affected patients in the ICUs and hospitals around the world. And the rest of us if you are not on the front line, you are a civilian.    

Ten Ways Civilians can Help

(1) STOP Complaining: If you identify yourself as a civilian and you are not hit by the virus, you are NOT the one suffering. We are the people who have the safety of our homes, while those on the frontline save lives, putting themselves at risk. Memes and forwards have been flooding the social media and clearly folks are having a hard time managing to work remotely, keeping the kids occupied, keeping sane and get essential groceries. But hold on, all your troubles are nothing compared to the people on the front line. 

(2) Rally behind those who can build medical supplies NOW... If you know a business that can manufacture the much needed equipment or gear that the medical community needs, this is the biggest crisis of the hour. We have spent billions on our defense budgets over the years.. this is no different and needs attention immediately. How can the heroes help save lives if they cannot protect their own lives. Period! So whether you are a business owner, a government leader, an influencer, a celebrity, a millionaire or a billionaire.. act NOW to use your influence to get the much needed masks, respirators, gowns and kits to the medical community asap.  

(3) Support the researchers trying to find a cure ~ If you know a researcher or you are in a position to support one, this is the only way this war will end. We can control the spread but we need an answer for those who are already impacted. 

(4) Stay Home - Buy online so you can limit your trips to the grocery and unless your job is essential, please stay home. Let me say it again, STAY HOME even if you do not have symptoms. That is the only way to flatten the curve as you may have heard at least a 100 times this week. 

(5) Conserve food and resources purchased already ~ While you may have the capacity to buy as much as you wish, many resources and essentials are getting out of stock. So conserve it so you don't need to replenish it soon. Someone else who needs it can get the essentials and grocery, if you are not sweeping things off the shelves. 

(6) Spread useful and verified information. Don't spread panic. If you have information from reliable sources that is helpful, please share. We are flooded with memes and humor so it would help if folks can tag their posts as HUMOR or INFO. This way people who need a light hearted moment can view the humor videos and the others who are looking only for info can view that.  

(7) Don't worry about your child's distance learning: The biggest education you can give your child now, is how we deal with this global crisis. Help them see things in perspective. How they can view themselves as lucky because they have a home, food and are safe. Help teach them to conserve resources. The educators will figure out distance learning. This is not what parents need to do. This is the time for parents to speak kind words to their children, reassure them and help them build the grit to handle the stress that this unprecedented crisis has unleashed on the world.    

(8) Stop binge eating NOW~ When isolation first started for all of us, I took my diet seriously and lost a few pounds. However, when the first death was announced in our school district, it had me stressed out that and I unknowingly started eating for 10 minutes. When things hit close, there will be stress. Find other avenues to reduce stress. Whether it is prayer, meditation, reading, exercising, organizing, boost your immunity, and pick up a new skill. Anything that is a stress buster for you.. just do it.   

(9) Stop Conspiracy Theorizing : It's not going to help. We need a solution to the problem right now.    

(10) Do not question your faith.  This month is a perfect opportunity for all the naysayers to ask .. Where is God?  As we see the death tolls rising in US cities, coffins piling in Italy, the Pope himself tearful ..and all religious gatherings and prayer services cancelled.... even the faithful could pause and ask the question.. where are you God? Please rescue us from this epidemic. And yet, God is in our midst. As we have always known.. God lives inside each one of us.. God appears in the form of humans.. None of this is new... Look around and you will find God. Our medical workers who forge ahead with limited equipment and try to rescue lives, putting their own lives in danger. God lives in them. In our good reporters who seek to spread information and not panic. In our medical researchers who are racing against time to find a cure. And the Satan lives around too. In the form of hoarders who have hoarded medical equipment and sanitizers in the hope of making a quick buck. In the form of fear mongers who are seeking to spread chaos and sensationalism. 

This is the time our faith must be strong. Just like in the battlefield, we have to fight this enemy. When Mother Theresa went to the leprosy stricken areas of Calcutta, the disease did not affect her. Leprosy was a very contagious disease but she helped the sick and the suffering and it was a miracle that she did not get affected. She was proclaimed as the living saint. May the medical workers of today, also be protected from Covid-19 the same way. 

We must keep ourselves sane during this tryst. As we traverse through this super stressful time, and remote workers all over the world battle with keeping their sanity within the walls of their home, pause for a second... we are civilians... and the people on the front-line need us all to rally behind them. 

Five Steps to Be a Passionate Writer

Do you have the desire to write? Have you always wished you had more time to write? Has it been several years since you last wrote?

This past year, when people have talked to me about my book or stories, I have discovered that there are several people in our own DC Metro area who may have a lot of hidden talent. Some people mentioned they have written during their college days. Some love to write, but have not been able to do so, or not had the time. Since you are reading this article, we can assume you may have some motivation to write. If you like to write and hoped you did it more, what is it that is holding you back? 

Here are Five Steps to become a passionate writer..

1) Finding the Topic.. what can one write about? Find a central theme.

This article is not intended to be a guide on writing.  However, I would like to share my experience on how I have transformed into a more focused aspiring writer. Reading definitely provides inspiration, but it should be done as a hobby to gain perspectives and increase your knowledge. It should not be done right before you embark on a writing mission yourself. I believe reading other articles just before writing can prevent creativity from flowing naturally. Instead take inspiration from real life events. Think of subjects that are close to your heart. Talk to people; write how you feel in certain situations. Think of any message you want to convey.  Once you have an idea that you feel strongly about, words will flow automatically.

What is the biggest takeaway you want your readers to have?
Once you have a central theme, the task gets much easier. Think about what is close to your heart.

2) Find the right atmosphere
Don’t sit in front of the blank computer screen or paper and try to think of ideas. Instead take a walk and reflect on what you want to say. Perhaps make small notes. Find a favorite spot that you can write comfortably and feel inspired.

3) Think of your audience: 

Who is your audience? Decide whom you are writing for and write what they would like to read. My past projects were catered to specific segments, my favorite being young children and middle- grade readers. I have written for young children but my next goal is to write non-fiction for adults. 

4) Finding the time

Time will never come by easily. Time has to be made. If you are really determined, you will be able to accommodate it. I thought I never had time too, but I took the plunge. 

5) Reflect, think and be motivated:
How do you know you are inspired enough? For one thing, you will be clicking and clacking on your keyboard furiously. You will feel the adrenaline flow, like a runner nearing the finish line. How wonderful it feels when one completes the task.

(This article has been updated from an original article by the author, published in the Kerala digest 2012)  

Balancing Work, Life and the Gym ~ Lin Thomas

(Published  in Tharakam 2014, published as part of the 26th Annual Jimmy George Volleyball Tournament hosted by Baltimore Washington Kings)

  Constantly juggling your family, career, errands and kid’s activities? Ladies out there, does that sound like your day to day life?  Does the day just get by you? Have any of you been trying to get some exercise added into your busy schedules? I am sure there are some of you who are regulars at your local gym but not me. My best friend in high school was an avid regular at our local gym in Goa and she kept coaxing me to join her. I was amongst the vast majority of Indian girls, for whom “working out” at the gym isn’t exactly a top priority.

Flash forward to the present time, as a mom of two young kids, I decided to turn a new leaf.  Few months ago, I zeroed in on ‘Zumba’ classes at the local gym. I procrastinated for two days, and 7.40 PM class on Thursday was my last chance for the week.   After a busy day of meetings at work and juggling project schedules, I reached home. I dillydallied till 7.20 and suddenly realized I would be late. I raced to the gym and explained at the front desk why I was there. They asked me if I had been to that gym before, to which I said no. It suddenly dawned on me that this was the first time I was actually IN a gym. I felt odd, almost embarrassed; how could I have never visited a gym before. As I had constantly heard about the gym from my friend as I grew up and my hubby is a member of the same gym, it seemed like I knew forever what a gym was. It just struck me that I had never actually even been on a guest pass.  

Everybody at the gym seemed extremely fit and looked great. The next thought that came to my mind was how unprepared I was. I was wearing a regular T-shirt not a sports one. I was carrying my hand bag not a sports sac.  I did not even have a water bottle in hand. What was I thinking? One look at me and it would seem like I had come to buy groceries.  I hoped that no one who knew me would spot me. 

After the formalities the manager walked me over to the Zumba class. The class had already begun. I found a spot at the very back corner so almost no one could see me. In fact, my spot was not even visible in the gigantic mirror on the wall. I didn’t want to look at myself. The music was in full swing and I joined in with the steps. The first few minutes were extremely hard and it felt almost surreal. The few girls around me looked like models out of a sports magazine. Slowly, I surveyed the rest of the room and spotted plenty of women in all shapes and sizes. I heaved a sigh of relief and continued. Upbeat Latino music was playing and slowly I started getting a little comfortable.  After the first five minutes it started getting a little easier. My salsa dance steps from a community class five years ago started returning to my memory. In my mind, I thanked the Senorita dance moves from a prior KAGW program three years ago.  My steps seemed to be getting into the rhythm and my confidence levels began to rise. In ten minutes I dared to move slightly to the left and see myself in the mirror. I relaxed a little as I realized I was not THE most awkward in the class. This was far better than getting four stars in ‘Everybody Dance’ on the PS3 at home. The synergy of the folks around me encouraged me to keep going.  I wasn’t here to win a dance contest and the best part was it was a lot of fun.

After my initial hang-ups and embarrassment, I reached a point where I didn’t want the class to end. Folks were guzzling Gatorade and ice-water. I had to make do with occasional breaks to the water fountain, but it was still okay. I was still having fun. The entire workout lasted an hour. The adrenaline was flowing through me; I was feeling refreshed and energized. For the next class I decided I wouldn’t be a newbie. I would be more prepared.  I got a sleek looking water bottle and some brand sports gear for the next class. The classes were fun and I kept making it for a minimum of two classes per week for few months. I also kept adding to my gym wardrobe and life seemed great.

My hypothesis (illustrated below) is that in life, many of us have a determination cycle. We start off with a goal feeling determined, work hard and feel pride when we accomplish it. Then complacency sets in and then we spiral back at square one. 

(Disclaimer: The illustration has been created by the author and is not from any self-help or behavioral trainer’s book. It is purely the author’s perspective and is not scientifically proven in studies and is not patented yet. After creating this illustration, the author did google search it to check if this brainwave has occurred to others and it seems like it has not.  :-) )

So my determination cycle to go to the gym then began its downward stretch. New job responsibilities, some more chauffeuring to kid activities and Old Man Winter hits Virginia. Do you blame me if I decide to hibernate away from the gym during winter? How can one go for the 7.40 PM class when daylight is gone by 4 PM?   So I relinquished the desire to keep up with the classes and slowly got so lazy that I stopped going. But hey guess what… Spring is here.  According to the determination cycle, it is time for me to turn a new leaf. I just heard they started Bollywood Jam classes. It is time for me to put away those winter sweaters and get all the Puma and Nike stuff out. Neighborhood gym, watch out… here I come. No more excuses – at least for a few months.

How I learned the Joys of Public Transportation

~Lin Thomas

Faced with the prospect of my next project being in Washington DC, I mumbled and grumbled about the idea of having to use public transportation to get to work. And my hubby made it a special point to be gleeful about it. Come on!! , he said, it’s cool to be working in DC. You can travel by the metro, sip a Starbucks and read the news paper. .Isn’t that awesome !!

Besides the fact that eating & drinking is not allowed on the metro and more importantly, Starbucks isn’t my favorite brand, I just couldn’t digest the fact that I would have to give up the comfort of my car and travel in the snow and rain by train and bus!!

I dragged myself to the Park & Ride close to home and boarded the bus that would take me to the nearest station. I have a 20 minute non stop bus ride and then a 20 minute train ride to work. I slowly began to realize that it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. In fact, it was pretty relaxing. I found a cozy seat on the train and began reading the newspaper I had picked. I realized that I actually read it, instead of scanning it as I would have at home. Suddenly my fears seemed unfounded. I looked around at all the friendly faces and it dawned on me that here I was traveling to work, not worried about the traffic on the beltway ,not worried about the car that rudely cut in front of me or the sulky driver behind honking at me. I was actually relaxing!!   Isn’t that a luxury few can afford on the way to a dreary day at work?

Traveling by the metro instills in you an unusual reality check. The young CEO and the day laborer paid the same ticket and enjoyed the same status in a metro. There was this unusual sense of camaraderie amongst the passengers. As day went by I began to love my travel all the more. I got time to catch up on my reading, listen to music, plan a party and also be updated on the latest fashion trends thanks to the fashion divas who board the train once you enter the ‘District of Columbia’.

Public transportation offers you many choices. It offers you some time to reflect and analyze the life around you and be more in touch with people from different walks of life. You can make some friends, solve some puzzles or even catch up on some sleep lost due to a late night movie.

Talking about sleep, it is not the best thing to do if you are a deep sleeper. You might have to get a ride back to the station you missed or better still miss out on some interesting happenings. One fine day as my bus went down the Dulles Toll-free Road, a co-passenger decided to take a snooze. Let’s call him Sleepyhead.  Our new driver who was obviously unfamiliar with the roads forgot to take exit into the parallel road that leads to our exit. Once you miss that road there’s no turning back. It takes you straight to the Dulles airport. None of us realized something was amiss until we began to see some unfamiliar buildings. The first thought was that we had got into the wrong bus. All of us turned to each other and said where are we going? Everyone looked really amused. If you are familiar with the Dulles airport roads you’ll know that you need to travel quite a bit till you can actually get back to the highway in the opposite direction. Add to that some construction work and we really did have a joy ride. Sleepyhead was blissfully unaware of all what was happening. After a good 15 minutes ride through all the new construction in the Dulles area we were on our way back. This time our driver did not make a mistake and we were on our exit ramp. Everyone in the bus began clapping, reminiscent of the days when planes landed successfully post 9/11. Sleepyhead woke up with all the commotion and really looked confused seeing that the 30 other passengers were all clapping on the bus. He looked around and everything looked just the same as it did every day. The look of confusion on his face was a sight worth savoring for me as a bus rider. Don’t you agree now that public transportation has its own share of fun and advantages.

(Published in Kerala Digest 2004)
(The author continues to work in Washington Dc and the love-hate relationship with public transportation  continues.... 8 years and counting :-)..)

How to Inspire children through CCD class

Friendship with Jesus, through CCD class
                                                                    ~ Lin Thomas

This year, I decided to volunteer as a Catechism/CCD teacher. Before my 6th graders took the Mid-term test, I asked them a question. How important is this exam and is it more important than your school exams? I got several answers most of them citing the importance of school exams –how it was important because it would help them get to college, get jobs etc. These marks would not get into their report cards. Yes, they were all right answers from one perspective.
Then I asked another question - True, your education will help you get a job – but how does CCD class help you? Some of the answers were truly amazing. One 6th grader answered – It helps us make the right choices. Another said, it helps to make us learn more and be strong. What beautiful minds these 11 year olds had. Isn’t it true that no matter how educated we are, the basic qualities that make up our personality matter tremendously? After some more brainstorming and discussion about qualities that Jesus teaches us, the class reached an agreement that CCD class/exam was at least of equal importance like the school classes/exams.

After this discussion, I began to think about the people around me that may not have religion or God in their lives. Many of us probably know a few ‘Atheists’. For some it is fashionable, and some it may be due to circumstances. I will describe two such atheists I know. The first person has a hard time getting along with colleagues. She has relationship problems with her spouse. She doesn’t accept differences in people easily. With all that is going on she feels lonely, weak and thinks people don’t treat her right. Perhaps, if she believed in God, a supernatural power who loved her and would guide and protect her, she could be a stronger person. She would love others more and in turn be loved.

The second person also claims to be an atheist. However, he treats everyone with respect. He is a devoted father and husband. He does not speak evil of others. He is a happy person, loved by all. In my opinion, although this person may claim to be an atheist, he is truly living the life of a Christian in thought, word and action. He follows God’s words in how he lives and treats others. On checking further, I discovered that his parents were devout Catholics. I realized that although some circumstances may have caused him to give up his “faith”, his parents had instilled in him strong Christian qualities perhaps by the way they lived and treated others. Isn’t that way of life, more beautiful than saying your prayers regularly, and then treating others with contempt and breaking God ‘s commandments.

As parents and CCD teachers, we have a very important responsibility to set the right example for our children. Although, we need to finish teaching the chapters in the syllabus and conduct the exams, what matters much more is what lessons in life they are taking home from the CCD class. Children may forget names of people in the stories or the stories themselves and may score less on CCD exams. Although the classes and the exams are very important, how they think in their day to day lives and treat others is a true reflection of their faith.

Prayer and faith are definitely important but in addition, I pray that they see Jesus as a friend and Saviour. That is something they cannot forget easily. I also pray that the faith they develop, helps them be stronger people in their future lives, make right choices and in addition to believing in God they also live like true Christians in thought, word and action.
​
(Published in StJude NVA November  2012 newsletter)

How I gained the courage to dance

                                                                                                                ~ by Lin Thomas​

 
Up until a few months ago, I was the dancing equivalent of a bathroom singer. Although I really loved to dance, I had never learnt dance. Dancing remained a whimsical desire with me classifying myself as someone who can’t really dance.
 
It was after I had my 2nd baby, dancing came back to my life with a bang. Most Indian women will recollect the loads of ghee and butter- laden nourishments offered post-pregnancy. Since I love to do “what is right for you and the baby”, and I am also a big fan of anything that is sweet and edible, I voraciously ate up anything offered to me.

Three months later, my digital scales caused my eyes to almost pop out. I had gained 45 pounds!!.. I kept a low-profile and most of you have not seen me at my healthiest. (Earlier generations in Kerala consider weight to be a positive sign of health and prosperity)


I decided to take the help of one of my best friends –“Google search”. Since there was plenty of advice, I decided to do something of everything. I started crunching celery, eating smaller portions, the list was long. My weight started dropping a little, but the road seemed endless.

Then a dear friend of mine calls. Do you want to dance for KAGWs Xmas program, she asks. I told her I was too fat to dance. She responded, what could be a better reason to say yes. It made perfect sense. Only when I got to the practice session, I realized I was truly a fish out of the water with no stage experience. I had another surprise in store, my very first Bollywood dance performance - was going to be a Madhuri Dixit fast track. Wow !!! I decided to proceed because I had to knock off those evil pounds.

The toughest part in the sequence was a stretch of 4 spins. By the end of the 3rd spin I almost felt I would spin off the stage. I tried in vain to convince a few in the group to change one spin to another step but everyone seemed to do just fine. I had a joint stretching, eye-opening experience where I learnt for the very first time how to follow a beat. My dormant ambition to dance, was revived thanks to the zillion jhatkas and matkas we practiced.

Mera Piya Ghar Aaya

I strictly followed some advice I had read – When you dance, dance like no one is watching. I had a wonderful experience and as you can guess, my weight started dropping faster.
                               
With the experience of a fun 3 minute stage number to my credit and my new found confidence, I decided I could take it to the next level. I brazenly enrolled myself in Kathak classes. Here I was, a mom of 2 young kids, learning dance for the very first time. I chose Kathak, since that was the dance class closest to home. My inexperience in dance selection was clearly evident at my first class, when I found out that a major component of Kathak is a “Chakkar” aka. the Spin. I nearly dropped out of the class when I learnt I would have to practice a combination of 9 spins. Phew !! .. If only I hadn’t paid the fees for the first quarter..

Eight months into the Kathak classes, there is much more finesse in my dance and I am close to managing 4 spins. The digital scales seemed to be getting kinder by the day and I am close to fulfilling by weight loss resolution. Of course, Google search and I continue to remain close friends.
So have you ever said out aloud.. “No, I really can’t dance??” Well, “Think Again” :)
​
​(Published in the KAGW Kerala Digest 2011 released in Washington DC)


(The author continues to love dancing and later participated in a Bollywood(Senorita) Dance and a traditional Thiruvathira. She still considers herself a novice at dancing - but an enthusiastic, hardworking novice, nevertheless  :-)... )

How to Write for small kids

　

                                     NAUGHTY TO NICE                      By Lin Thomas

                         (Read Aloud Story for Children of Ages 2-6)

Knock! Knock! Knock!    Ellie Bear knocks on the bathroom door.

"Open the door, Sasha," she says.

"Nah nah na nah."  says Sasha.

"You have a cold, Sasha. You are going to be sick, if you play in the water for too long. I am coming to get you. Listen to me. I am your big sister!"

"You can’t get in, Ellie. The bathroom is locked."

“I love this tub. Let me have some fun. This is my tub! Mine, mine and only mine!  I love bubbles. Out goes the Yellow Ducky. Out goes the red boat. Let me throw some bubbles into the air. Wow, this is so much fun.”

"Hey Sasha, put me back in. This is my tub too," says Yellow Ducky.

"Nah nah na, nah, it is mine, mine and only mine."

 "Achoo", Sasha sneezes. "It is getting cold, but this is still so much fun. I love bubbles."

"You are too naughty, Sasha. This place is all wet," says Yellow Ducky.

"Be quiet, Ducky. This is fun, fun, fun."

Sasha hears some sounds at the window and looks up. Ellie tumbles inside. She trips on the flower pot at the window.

"Oh! Ellie, Mommy’s favorite flowerpot fell. It is a million pieces."

"It is all because of you Sasha. You are too naughty. I am coming to get you"

Ellie slips on the water and falls. She begins to cry.

"Oh! My sister is hurt!" Sasha quickly jumps up to save her sister. She hugs her with both hands and gives her a wet, soapy kiss.

"I am so sorry, Ellie".

Sasha opens the door and helps Ellie to get on to her bed. Sasha gives her one of her favorite Band-Aids. Ellie gives Sasha a smile and a hug. Sasha goes back to the bathroom and tries to clean up.

"First let me clean the floor and the flower pot."

"Sorry, Yellow Ducky, I was mean to you. Here, go back to your tub".

"Achoo!"

Sasha sneezes. "I am shivering. I need a towel. I am cold.

"Come here my baby," says Ellie. She gives Sasha a hug and a towel. Ellie helps Sasha get on to her bed. She gives Sasha a fluffy blanket. "Here this will keep you warm."

"Thanks, Ellie. I love you. "

"No more playing in the water, okay?"

"Yes, Ellie"

Sasha gives Ellie a hug. "Are you feeling better, Ellie? Is your hand okay?

"Yes, I am fine Sasha. Thank-you for sharing one of your favorite Band-Aids."

"I love you, Ellie. You are a nice big sister"

"I love you too, Sasha. You are a sweet baby sister."

The End

Why the language you pray in does not matter

'Finding my Faith' ... in Malayalam ~ Lin Thomas

Malayalam is my mother tongue and I have always known how to speak it. However, I was raised in a multi-cultural state of India called Goa where I had the opportunity to learn or comprehend about 5 different regional and foreign languages. As I grew up I always attended mass in English. Attending mass in Malayalam was something reserved for summer vacations in Kerala. My school, run by Franciscan sisters, contributed in my love for English hymns and English mass.

When the St Jude Community was initiated with the hard-work and effort of our community members, I was also excited to be part of this organization. However, there was always a little bit of apprehension on how this community would be. As most of us probably felt, I also had some doubts on how this would all turn out. Would folks be friendly to each other? Would there be politics and infighting? Would people be welcoming? And then there was the language issue. Like many others, raised outside Kerala, I always prayed in English. I consoled myself with the fact that I spoke Malayalam pretty decently, so I had nothing to lose. In fact my Malayalam had improved over the years as I was now an active volunteer for the local Kerala association.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that from day one people were extremely friendly and welcoming. Each memory is clear, with the energy and enthusiasm that folks generated for the picnic, Xmas programs, carol singing or any other event. Every Sunday, you are greeted by the smiling faces of other community members. I did miss the English masses and enjoyed the Youth masses, but overall it was a happy experience. I made several friends. My children have made plenty of playmates and look forward to go the “Indian palli”. They look forward to meeting the “chechimaar” and “chetanmaar”. I also volunteered as a CCD teacher, which has been a rewarding experience in itself. Each class, I looked forward to meeting my students.

And then something else happened. After going several Sundays to our Malayalam mass, I went for the regular English mass at my local parish. I was happy to go there because I loved to pray in English. It was out of the blue, that I suddenly missed the Malayalam prayers and the choir. In an unexpected manner, I realized that the Malayalam mass had now become an integral part of my spiritual self, not just my social self. After all, it doesn’t matter which language you pray in. It will take me a while to learn all the prayers in Malayalam, but the feeling of peace, while praying with the community is undeniable. It is now nearing two years since our inception, and today I can proudly state that this community –“my” community and its members have become an essential part of my life.

For those of you who do not attend regularly, keep coming more often and you will see that this can become an addiction. A couple of people told me that they felt a little lost when they come to our mass, because they don’t know the people that well. After that incident, I look out for new faces, so I can speak a few words and make them feel welcome. For those, new to the community, feel free to start a conversation with the others. We have all gone through the same feelings of apprehension that you have. For the long timers, take the extra step to greet that new face. For those who are not comfortable with Malayalam, and for the youth, I have learned through my moment of self realization that you can be bilingual in prayer. And of course, the only way you can improve a language is speaking it.

Living thousands of miles away from our homeland, we are trying to create an environment in which our children can thrive and grow. We are trying to build a place, where they can build a support system and strong friendships. As we move forward, I pray that we retain the camaraderie and friendships that we have built. I hope that we grow as a community. I hope that personal agendas never come in the way of the greater good. I thank God for making this community a reality and I pray that even 20 years from now our children can proudly state- I am part of the St Jude SyroMalabar Community of NVA.

(Published in the St Jude Souvenir Magazine - May 2012)

How to Write a Skit for kids- Example

Feel good - Free Christmas Script for middle graders

The True Meaning of Christmas - The Musical, A Free Christmas Script for children 9-12 years of age ~ by Lin Thomas
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The Script below was enacted by 6th grade students. The content has been provided as a free resource for any other group of kids who would like to perform a Christmas play. ( The content maybe used for a performance but may not be reproduced in any format. All rights reserved)


Cast
The Delaney family:
Mr Harry Delaney ( Harry)
Mrs Gloria Delaney (Gloria)
Tim Delaney (Tim)
Becky Delaney (Becky )

The Jenkins family:
Mr David Jenkins ( David)
Mrs Ruby Jenkins (Mrs Jenkins)
Ryan Jenkins (Ryan)
Mary Jenkins (Mary)

Narrator (Priest)

(Opening Scene )
(Screen setup – 2 small tables or one large table in center back of stage, 2 laptops, game console, hand mirror on table. 3 stand mikes in front of the stage a little away from each other. Stage co-ordinators please switch OFF the mikes) (All dialogues were pre-recorded)
 
Priest : Good Evening everyone. I am Father Sebastian. Welcome to this musical extravaganza ~ called the True Meaning of Christmas - The musical. Our story consists of two families. The Delaneys and the Jenkins. Let us find out how they discovered the True Meaning of Christmas. It was the morning of Christmas eve.

(Music – Harry enters from left )
Mr Delaney : Hi , Everyone, I am Harry Delaney. I own half the manufacturing businesses in Virginia. (proud walk)

(Christmas music in background) (Suddenly surprised and looking out in distance to see where the music is coming from)

(Harry) What is with this Christmas celebrations.. Sigh !! If only we didn't have these holidays the productivity on that day would increase the gross income of my company by 12%.
I already told my staff to come to work on Christmas day.. Hah !! (Rubs hands in glee).. It is not mandatory .. but... my workers know that they can get laid off if I am upset.. Hahaha (evil laugh)

Priest : And this is the beautiful, sophisticated Mrs Gloria Delaney
(Music –Gloria catwalks walks to stage from right and goes to mike on the right)
Gloria : Hello Harry !! (cat-walking - stylishly dressed -posing).. Did you transfer the money for my solitaire ring. I also need a few new Louis Vuittons and some Prada shoes for this Christmas. I will spend the whole day today online .. they have great deals on my favorite brands on Christmas eve.

Harry : (bored look) - Sure !! What a waste of money - but whatever.
(Gloria moves back away from the mike checks her nails )

(Hip hop music – Enter Tim dancing from left and comes to mike on the left)
Tim: Dad I need a new bike and four new combo packs of PS3 games. This Christmas holiday, I need to perfect this new game. You can kill the enemy in 10 different ways.. How exciting !! I am going to do that today and tomorrow..

(Fashion music Enter Becky from right –Gloria has moved back away from the mike –so Becky can be near mike on right)

Becky : Dad , Mom, I need a new car as this one isn't as stylish as before. I also just broke my second IPad - so I need a new one.

(Pause 2 seconds (Walking around)
(Becky) Tomorrow my favorite salon Georgina is CLOSED.. I will spend the Christmas eve getting this new jazzy hairdo .. I need to have purple hair with purple nails.

Harry : (bored look) - Sure !! What a waste of money - but whatever ..

Harry: Since tomorrow is a holiday , I better spend the rest of today playing with the stock market. I can make so much more money for my family.
Song - fav things
Becky – Latest in fashion for a beautiful girl
Tim- The fastest of bikes and gadgets galore
Becky: Beautiful diamonds and nice precious rings
Becky: These are a few of my favorite things
Gloria: Emeralds, sapphires and red shining rubies
Gloria: Diamonds and precious pearl necklaces
Henry: Stock market gains make me want to sing
Henry: These are a few of my favorite things
Gloria: Fashionable shoes and handbags of leather
Tim: A superfast bike that will make me look cooler
Henry: A big bank balance, cash bonds it will bring
Henry: These are a few of my favorite things

(Delaney parents go to laptops and act out actions. Tim moves around playing with console. Becky looks in mirror walks around)

Priest: So the Delaney family spent Christmas eve -in the way they planned it. They got all their gifts. Harry Delaney spent the whole day working with stocks, making more money for his family. He didn't want any gift. Gloria spent the day shopping at supersonic speed. Tim was locked up in his room perfecting his killing skills.. and Becky made sure she looked super cool for Christmas.

(Priest move out and Delaney family come forward near mikes)

Harry: I made $20,000 today .. but I still feel something is missing... My family only wants my money. (sighs)

Gloria: I got my Prada shoes at 20% off.. but I am still not happy. Something is missing..

Tim: I got the highest scores in my game- but I feel tired and lost .. I feel sad..

Becky: I look supercool .. but I feel lonely .. Nobody has time for me.. (sighs)

All: Why is Christmas so boring and sad !!! We got our presents.. What is missing - Is this the meaning of Christmas ???????

(Priest walks into the stage from left)

Priest.. Hello !! I am Father Sebastian.. Come let me take you to another place...

(All follow priest out of stage to left) Make stage dark Parents set up Jenkins dinner table by removing laptops, adding Tablecloth, big containers, fruits) Also place Violin, Viola and Keyboard on stage on a chair or same table/ floor / or stand at the right hand back.

(Stage co-ordinators please stop dialogue CD if stage is not ready as yet)

(Jenkins family except David, enters from right and are on stage - – then turn lights ON - busy doing something around the house when silent night music is going on.)
When music is still going on- Delaney family enters from right and watches Jenkins family. Back row Priest, Harry ,Becky

(When music ends, David enters from right and goes near right mike.)

Mr Jenkins : Hello Ruby, children.. I am home!!
(Ryan and Mary come running happily to Mr Jenkins.) Hey Daddy - Merry Christmas!!

(Pause 2 sec) (Mrs Jenkins comes running -wipes hand on apron and near mike )
(Mrs Jenkins use left mike )Mrs Jenkins : Hi David, What a pleasant surprise.. I am so glad to see you home. Didn't Mr Delaney say you need to work the entire Christmas week.

(David) Mr Jenkins: Yes dear.. but my supervisor said I could take off- if I find a replacement.. My dear friend Mark agreed to work in my place.. Mr Delaney only cares for the profits.. It doesn't matter - as long as the work is complete.

Ryan: What a mean boss you have!!.. Mr Delaney doesn't pays you even half of what you deserve.

(Mary – middle mike –shared with Ryan )Mary: I hope he doesn't enjoy his Christmas

Mrs Jenkins: Don't say that children. It is Christmas time - It is a time for sharing , caring and forgiving.

Ryan : Yes, you are right.. We have all this wonderful food that we should thank God for..

Mary: And we have wonderful parents like you.. who love us so much.. (hugs Mrs Jenkins)

Song – fav things 2
Mary – Presents of hope and love that we share
Ryan- Simple good gestures that show that we care
Mr Jenkins: Quality Family time in the evenings
Mr Jenkins: These are a few of my favorite things
Mary: Bright happy smiles, a friendship that gives
Ryan: Words that inspire , a heart that forgives
Mrs Jenkins: Christmas time - what joy it will bring
Mrs Jenkins : These are a few of my favorite things
Mrs Jenkins: Do you know what the greatest gift of all is - It is the Gift of Baby Jesus. God sent out his son so he can live with us. We should all thank God for the many blessings he has given us.
Mr Jenkins: Yes, the best present you can give each other is Love.
Mr Jenkins: And let us thank Mr Delaney too - because if it wasn't for this job- we would not be able to afford this food either.

Show praying actions around the table. ( Then they happily eat and have fun at the dinner table.. )

When the Jenkins family is eating, Delaney family quickly come near all the mikes.

Becky and Gloria stand near right mike , Harry and Tim share the middle mike and Priest left mike

(Mr Delaney wipes a tear.. and they all look at each other)

Becky: I think we should buy some presents for the Jenkins family this Xmas.

Harry: I think I should give Mr Jenkins a salary raise this Xmas.

Tim: Why don’t we celebrate Christmas with the Jenkins family ?

Priest left mike: That is a wonderful idea.

Leave  and return with packages.

(Enter into the scene -with gift packages.. )

Tim: Can we join you to celebrate Xmas?
(Jenkins family all surprised -and receive all the presents... All excitedly chatter.. .) Gloria comes forward to right mike

Gloria: (tells all) In buying all the presents - we forgot that Jesus is the best GIFT of

ALL . and this is the time for all of us to spend time with each other- and thank God for giving us this wonderful present of Lord Jesus...

Mary: I have a great idea.. let us celebrate by singing together...

Mrs Jenkins : How about singing Away in a Manger? Do you all know that?

All : Yes, we all do..

Each person - I can play the Viola..

I can play the keyboard..

Becky: What a wonderful idea.. this is going to be fun..

Christmas Carol- Away in a Manger
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Away in a manger - Song (performed by all kids)

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Becky: That was wonderful .. I really enjoyed that song ... Thank-you Jesus for bringing us this joyful Christmas..After all spending time with family and friends is the best way to celebrate Christmas..

Ryan :Yes !! And Jesus did not have any luxuries. Just a stable with no bed.
We must always remember that the true meaning of Christmas is not in the presents but the feeling of love and togetherness.

Ryan : Do you guys have any other fun idea..

Mary : how about a dance??

Ryan : Oh no- I can;t dance..

Tim: Yes ,you can .. just try it out ..its lots of fun..
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Christmas Carol- Carols of the bells - Dance



Costumes
Mr Harry Delaney ( Harry) (black suit/ pants/ hat) (Props- old laptop, – empty shoe box wrapped in gift paper)
Mrs Gloria Delaney (Gloria) ( bag / fur /stylish clothes) (Props- old laptop, – empty shoe box wrapped in gift paper)
Tim Delaney (Tim) (Props – empty shoe box wrapped in gift paper)
Becky Delaney (Becky – Props- hand mirror )
Mr David Jenkins ( David - work clothes)
Mrs Ruby Jenkins (Mrs Jenkins –setup for dinner table)
Ryan Jenkins (Ryan)
Mary Jenkins (Mary) Props –Keyboard
Narrator (Priest outfit, bible)

(This skit was performed by the wonderful 6th grade students of St Jude in Virginia in December 2011)