Stonecutter - By Jon J muth, John Kuramoto

Stonecutter

Authors- Jon J Muth and John Kuramoto

Publisher - Feiwel and Friends, An imprint of Macmillan

I picked this book in the kids section at the library. At times, I wonder how these books come in the kids section. Specially when I go looking for picture books for a 3 year old and stumble upon such books, I ponder even more.

Lovely book. I quickly managed a glance at it for just about 10 seconds before deciding to take it in. All that caught my attention in those 10 seconds were -

1. A small book, which I knew I can read it in about 5 minutes
2. A black and white imaged book.
3. A story about a seemingly unpopular guy - A stonecutter

After reading the first few pages of the book, I was just pulled into it -

1. How many times haven't I questioned myself about how significant is what I am doing?
2. Doubted myself about how good I am? 
3. How different am I when all I am doing is some routine old mediocre chores, 
4. Dreamed about how I wish I was someone else, doing something else?
5. How I wish I was in some place else?

So, this stonecutter, the only character in the story ponders about his life and is unhappy that he is at such a low status in the society and keeps wishing for more power, money and luxury and to be one-above-all-else.

Strangely every wish of his is granted as he gathers more power to be superior over every one else whom he eyes.

What goes round, comes around is what exactly happens with him. And finally, He finds himself at peace, no longer wanting to be someone else. He becomes someone who is happy who he is, happy with what he has and happy with what he is doing.

Isn't that what everyone yearn out of life?

A simple yet profound read. Something that lingers long after you have read and something that forks out more questions and answers within yourself every time you flip its pages.

On second thoughts, what happens to life next if you are satisfied with who you are and what you have. Does life stagnate and stink? Or does life go into a perfect rhythm that it always was meant to be at??

Back from a break with a new challenge

Whoo!! Was that break needed? I don't know :) But I am glad I am back.

To stay put on to writing, I decided a new challenge would just encourage and motivate me as needed. So here's my challenge -

Today is June 05th 2012 and starting today, till the end of this year, I wish to read and review 100 books. Any 100 books that touch me, inspire me, put a smile on my face, make me think twice, make me recommend it to someone, or even hate it.

And all these posts go under - 'My Read, My Review'.

Good luck to me!!

Challenging myself - 'Y' for you

You were there for me when I was struggling to stay afloat in a raging river. Every smile and every kind word mattered. I could breathe through many a days just hoping to see you knocking at my door with a smile. And when life got impossible, all I had to do was, knock on your door. How many days have you set things straight for me over a cup of coffee?

I no longer have the bigger gifts that you gave me. But small gifts like pencils, erasers and notepads have a long life. To remind me that one does not need great gifts in life. It is the little things that stay with you. For time and forever.

Life keeps us busy and we still manage a hi every so often to wish each other well.

You were a great friend in my life. I miss you dear.

-xox-

I know this contest is done. I know I have won. But I still can't seem to leave it. I wanted to write for all the 26 letters. I have covered 15 letters. 9 more to go. I did take up this challenge and I am still not done yet. :)

Yippee!! Hurraayy!!

I won a prize at the contest that I was entering so far!!

Here's the link - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-on-in-may-plus-writemotivation.html

Meanwhile, I had also entered another lucky contest and won it -

http://www.teachingauthors.com/2012/04/3-new-giveaways-for-our-3rd.html

What a month April has been!!

Challenging myself - A love story

The man in the moon is coming down to meet the lady of the lakes.

 The cool spiraling breezes sing love songs. The lotuses bloom to fill the air with a lovely fragrance. The swans dance to the songs of the fishes and the fog sets up a lacey veil.

The mood is set. The time has come. The lovers, whose love extends beyond their distance are destined to meet under the glittery starlight.

They met every night, filling the world around them in love until one day, when the Sun got jealous of them.

He came, all mighty and powerful, all brilliant and radiant proposing the lady of the lakes. But, she turned him down. Ashamed and embarrassed he waged a war with the moon, capturing him and chaining him to revolve around the earth.

And ever since then, they both wait, eagerly, for the full moon day.

Challenging myself - 'U' for Unsure

There was love; only, it felt like I was drowning in it.

There was care, only it stringed freedom off my neck.

There was concern, only it turned judgmental to all I did.

There were thoughts about me, only, it consumed all your time.

The all-deceiving youth in me had made me shut my mind.

I was reckless, I was irresponsible. I was blind.

I said ‘no’ for the sake of saying it.

I did all those things that you warned me from.

I knew you loved me but I challenged you to prove it.

Unsure of what I am doing, I ran from myself to unknown land, so far, that I can’t return back, no matter how much I want to.

You were right, all along.

I am sorry.

I have damaged much more than sorrys can repair.

I want to come back. I do.

Will you accept me?

This was a response to the blogging contest at - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html. The rules for the entry were - Tuesday April 24 - your entry should contain the words "unsure" and "unknown".

Challenging myself – ‘W’ for Wanderlust.

 Wanderlust. That’s what runs in my veins. I can’t sleep at night; I can’t stay awake from my day dreams. What lies beyond these waters? What lies beneath the clear blue skies? What lies past those horizons?

Soft murmurs that sneak up to my ear amidst the howling wind call me. The rolling waves and tinkling ripples lay out a carpet welcoming me. The long green grass of the whispering meadows rift apart, making way for me. The indigo skies and twinkling stars shine bright to light up my way.

The world ahead, beyond and around is on its toes waiting for me.

And I am set, to explore the land beyond our little island.

Wait for me. I’ll be back to huddle around the warmth of the night fires, to sip in late tea and to share my voyages and adventures.

I am going to chase those wanderlust wonders.

o-x-o

This was a response to the blogging contest at - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html. The rules for the entry were - Thursday April 26 - begin and end your entry with a word beginning with the letter ‘W’. Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'V' for Vengeance

My parents made a big mistake. They thought you were a venerable man of the Lord. The one, sent to raise us from the dust. They failed to validate your values, failed to look behind your veils that revealed your vague vagaries. They trusted you. Blindly and Completely.

And all you did was to turn them to ashes. What did they do to you? What were you after?

Our quiet little valley will never be the same. Every family has a loss. And this has to be vanquished.

I escaped your wrath, time and again. But, I had to come back. You called this vendetta upon yourself and I had to be a Vampire to end this.

Vengeance tastes sweet.  

This is where I laid their ashes. And as promised, I have come here to pray that now, may their souls rest in peace.

This was in response to the Blogging contest at -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html 

The rules for the entry were Wednesday April 25 - include three words starting with the letter "V" in your entry.

Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'S' for Success

Success doesn’t come silent,

It comes with drumrolls, parties and celebrations.

It gets name fame and money.

It brings lots and lots of people.

And it brought with it an illusion, that it would last forever for me.

Success was the crest of a wave in my life,

The trough of failure was slinking right below it.

I missed seeing it, until it hit me real hard,

And the night that was the heyday for me, ended abrupt. 

A new face, a fresh voice, and an unpolished talent,

Was all that it took to knock me off those high heels.

I had failed to realize till now, that this was exactly what I had done

To the pretty girl, whose shoes, that I had stepped into.

The story repeats for her too. She won’t be spared.

And I just pray that, on that day, she be better prepared than me.

This was in response to the blogging contest at - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. The rules for the entry were Saturday April 21 - your entry should contain the words "silent" and "slinks". Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'T' for Ten Comandments

The secret of Success is in Thoughts ,

You think you can do it, You think you can't, You are always right.

The secret of Achievement is in Today,

Do Today, what you wanted to do Tomorrow.

The secret of Happiness is in This moment,

Live the Present. Yesterday is History. Tomorrow, a mystery.

The secret of Talent is Toil,

No pains, No gains.

The secret of Getting is Giving,

Taking less than you accept goes a long way.

The secret of Help is in You.

You have Ten fingers and Toes at your command.

The secret of Teaching is in Learning.

The world is spinning faster than you perceive.

The secret of Accomplishment is in Teamwork

The Thumb, though special, fails without other fingers.

The secret of Contentment is in Thanking

Count your blessings. You do have more than you need.

The secret of Long life is in Simplicity

Simple living and High Thinking is in itself a Treasure.


This was in response to the blogging contest at - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. The rules for the entry were  Monday April 23 - base your entry around the letter "T". Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'R' for Run, Run, Run

I am running a race, where the finish line keeps shifting ahead every time I have reached it. Time and again, you have reminded me that I am not good enough. That, the bars that define the standards have risen each time before I have reached them.

And I wonder what would happen if I stop running. What would happen if I run the other way? Run away!!! Never to return.

I appreciate all those people who leave their present tying it as their past and dive head first to embrace the unknown future. What reigns ahead, no one knows, but what rallies behind are those thorns, ready to pierce our relation beyond repair.

I see a storm brewing its way. Raging Thunderstorms and Rainfalls peek from those red dark clouds above, reflecting on these waters. But, there is always something to look forward to, when all this is over.

- A rainbow

This was in response to the blogging contest at - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. The rules for the entry were Friday April 20 - Base your entry around the letter "R". Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'Q'. An entry related to war.

Countries quote us as ‘Terrorists’. A war is upon us.

But there are just as many innocent people here as there are corrupt ones.

And it is just as is, in any other country out there in the world.

Yet, no one has any qualms about this war. I guess no one, but me.

How can it be so quiet on the outside,

When there is a shouting match going on inside?

How can there be bird chirps and tweets here,

When all that you hear on the land are gun fires?

How can the air be so much purer and fresher,

When all that you breathe out there is bomb smoke?

How can there still be clear waters here,

When there are rivers of blood flowing on the land?

How can life still go on so unchallenged here,

When, out there, death is just a quick matter of seconds?


This was in response to the blogging contest at - http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. The rules for the entry were  hursday April 19 - include three words starting with the letter ‘Q’ in your entry.  Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'P' for Prayers

Prayers to the Sun God mark the beginning of a day in Hinduism.
The sun God is known as – Ravi, Bhanu, Aruna, Divakara, Dinakara, Surya, Aditya, Bhaskara, Mitra and a 108 other names.

Salutations to the lord, the one who reins the world on his vanquishing chariot pulled by a horse with seven heads, the provider of heat, light and seasons are in three forms.

• Sandhya Vandane is offering water to the God, “Argya Samarpane”. It is a daily ritual, done at dawn, standing in the water that is chest deep.
• Surya Namaskara, the salutations of prostrating before the lord is an ancient Hatha Yoga Asanasa practiced widely all over the world.
• Chanting of the revered Gayathri Mantra – 

Om bhūr bhuva svaha tát savitúr váren(i)yam
bhárgo devásya dhīmahi dhíyo yó naha pracodáyāt

"May the divine light of the Supreme Being illuminate our intellect, to lead us along a path of righteousness".

Salutations to you – Sun God, so that the day may start and end in peace.

This was in response to the Blogging contest at -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html .The rules for the entry were  Wednesday April 18 - begin and end your entry with a word beginning with the letter "P"  Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'P' for Perseverence

Perseverance - The one that has kept me up so far, the one that will help me reach my dreams.

Looking back, the journey has been on enduring footsteps on thorny roads of the sharp ridged, steep rocks. Criticisms and Cynicisms at every step of mine, all attacking ever stronger than before to make me quit.

But, I Won’t Quit. Not This Time.

Discouragement is, but a fuel that has kept me going on!!!

Yes, you might have had your day, every time you have had me doubting my abilities. Every time that I have let my self-respect sidetrack, just to accommodate you.

But, let me assure you one thing - That, soon enough - I will be the one with the last laugh.

You may do whatever, but you can’t stand long enough, blocking my ways of passion.

This was in response to the Blogging contest at -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html The rules for the entry were  Wednesday April 18 - begin and end your entry with a word beginning with the letter ‘P’.  Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'O' for Orient

I sit oriented facing east.

Looking at the mists rise,

Watching the fog give its way,

For the sparkling dew drops, in the rising sun.

I sit oriented anticipating spring.

Waiting for the rebirth of those thorny trees,

For those longer days and shorter darks,

And eager for more colors in my life.

I sit oriented, ready for new beginnings.

I might have failed, yet again, this time.

But, the lessons that I learn from my mistakes,

Are all the stepping stones, to my own success.

This was in response to the Blogging contest at -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html The rules for the entry were  Tuesday April 17 - your entry should contain the words "own" and "orient"  Write a short story/flash fiction/poetry/other writing. The entry should be based on this picture and should be less than 150 words.

Challenging myself - 'N' for No

I am submitting at least one comment at the blog  -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. 

Rachael has a picture and she is inviting posts based on the picture each day.So, here’s my entry for the 'N' day and the rules for the entry were - Monday April 16 - Base your entry around the letter 'N'.

No, it can’t be true.

You are coming back. Aren’t you???

All you did was go for a swim, out to the river, with your best chums.

And, they come to tell me, that you got drawn into that whirlpool. To never come back ever.

It doesn’t make sense to me.

Where is that whirlpool now? 

Why was it you?

Why you?

The void that you have left behind, what shall I fill it with?

The world that you have left me in, whom shall I live with?

And all that is left now, is a calm river. And a whirlpool in me that has sucked out all else.

Where is that whirlpool?

I shall wait for it.

Wait right here for it.

 I am coming with you my dear, coz, this time, I am taking a different vow.

“Till, not even death, can do us part.”

Challenging myself - 'M'

I am submitting at least one comment at the blog  -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. 

Rachael has a picture and she is inviting posts based on the picture each day.
So, here’s my entry for the 'M' day and the rules for the entry were - Saturday April 14 - include four words starting with the letter "M" in your entry 

"Meet me at midnight" was all that you said before you disappeared.

It’s been a year since the day you said that.

Slipping out before midnight and sneaking back in at dawn has been easy, but waiting this long wait for you has been the hardest.

I don't blame you. I sensed this was coming, the day I met you. You, the millionaire’s heir, falling in love with me, the little Village witch’s daughter would never be accepted. Not by anyone.

But, I am not like my mom. And that’s the truth that no one else understands, but you.

“Maid in mistress” he whispered. “Tonight, meet him at midnight” was all that he said before he disappeared. I must have gone numb listening to it. Numb with fear, anxiety and eagerness. Numb with Hope.

I sit here paralyzed, impatient for this midnight, the midnight of my life.

 “You are coming!!!” 

Challenging myself - 'L'

I am submitting at least one comment at the blog  -http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-z-blogging-challenge-rachs-writing.html for a very creative contest there. 

Rachael has a picture and she is inviting posts based on the picture each day. 
So, here’s my entry for the 'L' day and the rules for the entry were - Friday April 13 - begin and end your entry with a word beginning with the letter ‘L’

Longing to see you

Longing to feel your touch

Longing to tell you

I Love you so much

Over the clouds

And from under the waves,

Over the leaves

And from under the roots,

Over the rainbow

And from under the volcano,

Over the rocks

And from under the oceans.

Love will always find its way

And I sit here, hoping that my loneliness

Leaves its way for your return - The love of my life.