Here’s to the historic women’s bill passed in the upperhouse today! Tribute to one of my favourite characters ‘Pathumma and her goat‘ written in 1959 by Malayalam writer Basheer.

“Basheer’s sister Pathumma, who lived in a dilapidated shack a little distance away, would visit the house everyday with her daughter Khadeeja and with them would come Pathumma’s goat. This goat had absolute freedom in the house. It would eat up anything it could, from fallen leaves before someone came to sweep them, Chaambaykka fruits from the lower branches of the tree Basheer planted, trousers worn by Basheer’s nephew Abi, grass specially gathered for it, food set away for it, even food meant for human inhabitants of the house…to the author’s copy of newest editions of Basheer’s Baalyakaalasakhi, Shabdangal and Vishwavikhyaadamaaya Mookku, fresh out of press.”

Its a long journey said very short! A day of many things, 31st dec 09, things were dull until I found these orphans, ‘Misha’ and the little curious ‘Ho’ on my local subway platform, wet and frozen! Not sure if I heard them calling, but they seemed happy as I lifted them up!

So we decided to take that journey together, hopped the platform hoping to set foot on some white joy ~ snow killers were already there, tiny mounds of snow slowly melting in salt lakes!

Misha-ho seemed happy that they didn’t miss the train this time, but felt so heavy at heart for New Yorkers being so serious inside the train.

Fourteenth street buzzed with yellow bees as always!

But sad, the little Tibetan friend from Bylakuppe refused to invite Misha-ho for a photograph inside her colourful shop in 14th st!

But nothing can stop Misha-ho, we went on to venture snow covered Union square park where the first Labour day parade occurred in 1882.

And gave a cheerful laud to George Washington who was almost getting ready to fly on his horse!

Misha-ho had been loving the ‘up in the air’ experience, while my arms ached all along. Nevertheless, we noted that this was one day New Yorkers
generously smiled and nodded at us!

Before getting back home, one little song Misha-ho wanted to hear from the ‘Meetles’ on New Year’s eve, and I swayed on till Misha-ho said ‘I’m done!’

First big snow of my life, still unaware that my fingers could freeze, feet could damp through cracked shoes! I ran out to my little empty town early morning, all that I remember is the excitement of seeing a white cover so large, thick and puffy!

Took the Lilliput train to where the white cover lead me, till I thought I reached Antarctica! Wandered without focus in a colorless land till I lost my metro card!

“Would you please let me in, I lost my card, forgot to bring money too?”, my hungry voice didn’t work at the Metro lady, she grumbled “It doesn’t work that way honey!”. I was more than nice that day, didn’t even try to squeeze through the entry bar!

Some ten minutes later, here comes the first catch, my hungry voice worked again “I lost my card, could you help me out?”. He stared at me to ask “Oh, from El Salvador?”, now that I’m so sure of my always doubted Spanish connection I said “yeaahh!”

“Alright! I’ll swipe you in..!” Thank you so much, now that I’m out of Antarctica!

If walls and shutters of Kerala could speak their mind, its undisputably this man, Mohanlal.

But times are changing, flex boards are fast invading our towns to replace painted faces of our favourite stars. Even before you start enjoying their imperfections and faded tones, they’ll be gone forever. Before they do, here is an attempt to document the painted glory!

You may also visit the flickr pool.

Meeran Talkies is one of the several second town movie theaters that are being closed down in Kerala. Ranging from bad stories to shrinking audience to multi million salaried heroes may counted as reasons.

But all that we know for real is, the reel is over!

rest shall be carried to another town for re-sale..

Meeran Talkies could become Meeran marriage auditorium which is the most lucrative business these days..

Blue - Brown seats could fade in memories..

And the doors will be hushed forever!