zoyanatterwala

[zoyanatterwala]

Book Review - Fast Ice - Numa Files, by Clive Cussler

After a long time i had the joy, of finishing a book at this speed, once you start reading it, you just can't keep the book down. It is such an immersive read.

Main Characters - Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, the Rylands siblings and the rest of the Numa Team.

Storyline - A group of environmentalists are killed over the discovery of an algae that could change the world as we know. The Numa team gets a whiff of this and follows the scent into a treacherous plot to end this world. Their adventures take them in the middle of the action.

Verdict - It is an amazingly well written adventure, brings in adrenaline and thrill just by reading it through. Go Numa!

#HappyReading

#Book12of2024

[zoyanatterwala]

Book Review - Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

What a read, I don't remember the last time, a book, piqued my curiosity in religion & then kept me intrigued throughout. Forty rules of love, really makes for a wonderful perspective, by writing about so many people and so many interlinked lives.

Main Characters - Shamz, Rumi, Ella and Aziz. While there are multiple people involved the story, they are important and supporting characters, however they are all linked to the main characters.

Storyline - What starts as an innocent story about an old housewife, tired of living with consistence and without real love, and accidentally comes across a manuscript & falls into the tangle of the tale of Shamz and Rumi, which alters the course of her life.

Verdict - Shamz of Tabriz, has a way of getting into your head about life, love, religion, universe and the almighty. Its a wonderful book, that makes you question the your way of thinking, makes you question your faith, love and then somehow makes it stronger.

#HappyReading

#Book11of2024

[zoyanatterwala]

Book Review - Anna K by Jenny Lee

Been a while since I wrote a review of a book, though I am glad I am back at it, Reading this year has been no piece of cake, routines, responsibilities and life seemed to keep getting in the way. This was my 5th book of this year and I finally feel like i get a hang of ensuring I read everyday, it has just started working.

Anna K, is a hooked right from page one type of a book, so genZ in its theme of writing and choice of words, that you immediately want to read more. It is also so freakin rich, that you end up wishing that you had some money, old or new, but some.

Main Characters - Anna K and Alexia Vronsky are the main characters through the book, however there are some important others who have their own storylines though connected going on. There is Dustin, Nicholas, Kimmie & Natalia. Then we have key supporters - Steven, Lolly, Beatrice, Alexendra and Eleanor.

Storyline - The story starts with an incident of Steven cheating on his gf Lolly and leads us to the first meeting of our main characters who instantly get attracted to each other. While their love story builds, we read about the infatuation Dustin has with Kimmie and how she thwarts his efforts the first time only to be disheartened, depressed and reach out to rebuild her relationship with him through the book. We move on to learn how young love can be so addictive and relentless, while they continue to face obstacles and challenges in the form of ex flames, boyfriends, family and a sex tape.

Verdict - While the story is so full of drama, i like how it tells that in today's world, your drama or your problem cannot headline forever, you are your own source of gossip and what you choose to do makes your story what and how you want to be. We can either sulk and be miserable or choose to move on and continue with life learning from our past hurdles.

#HappyReading

#Book5of2024

[zoyanatterwala]

Lessons of Life - 1st May 2024

An interesting conversation took place last evening between my boss and me, both of us trying our best to have a chilled and relaxed evening out in Goa, with some good music at Cohibas, a good spot recommended for all partygoers, especially on a Wednesday evening, or a weekend, they host some amazing bands to give you a good time.

Coming back to our conversation. I am 32 years old, celebrated 32 just a few weeks ago, but 32 nevertheless.

The question we asked each other was - 'in these many years of life what are the 3 lessons you have learnt and would like to live by'

And the answers came surprisingly super prompt to me & him, basis our own lives, but worthy of sharing. Jotting our cumulative thoughts and responses.

1 - Grief strikes us all, failure comes when least expected and lows are a fact of life, the lesson to live by here is to always choose to move forward, grieve, cry, wallow in self pity, but set yourself a time limit, post which move on for good.

2 - Depend on only yourself for all the major moves, decisions, choices and eventually the consequences of life. Most importantly be responsible for your self, your own happiness and the love that you deserve. The world can fail you, but you will always do your best.

3 - Choose your people, your close ones and mute the opinions of the rest of the world. Dont let others affect you.

4 - Learn to live in the moment, enjoy the now and the present.

5 - Grudges can hold you back, life is too short to hold on to the wrong doers hold a place in your minds, let them go

6 - Do your Karma, do what you are supposed to do, live your responsibilities and let life shape itself.

Go ahead and all your own in the comments!.

[zoyanatterwala]

2024 - A New Journey

I can’t seem to be able to write much anymore. No systematic thought comes to mind. In a way its good right.

There is no angst. There is no hatred. There is no anxiety. I am ok. Not at the epitome of happiness or mirth. But I am good. Enjoying my way up there, stumbling a little, steadying again and simply focusing on one step after another. I don’t know if I have come far or I am going higher, but i know though that I have come long.

Its been a journey, its been tough, but enlightening. The roads were rocky and difficult, winding and curved, dark and scary too. But then there is that light within, not too bright right now, but enough to show me the way. And all I know is to keep going on. All I know is that the light wont dim, I keep moving forward and it won’t falter, it won’t fail me. I are for myself and today and for ever more, I will keep going on. I will get there, I know I will. Reach the epitome of happiness and go beyond.

It’s been a journey of not knowing what to do, but trusting in me and the process. It’s felt like a lifetime in just a year. But this lifetime has taught me so much!

To continually keeping in touch with my inner light, to keep fueling the fire and letting it glow just a little brighter everyday. To accepting that there will be days that will drain me, days that take more than I can give. To accept that and be open to knowing that its going to be okay. Accepting the warmth of the light within and taking strength from the glow. Knowing that I can start again if not tomorrow, then the day after, but I can and that I will start, have faith in me and keep going and getting brighter every single day.

2024! To Shining within!

[zoyanatterwala]

It's 2024!

Oh hell, it feels like yesterday that I was figuring shit about my life, buried under stress and feeling inadequate as a person at the beginning of 2023.

What a year it has been, a year of true transformation and self-care, finding ways to fall in love with life and myself again, revelation of what I am capable of & discovery of the strength within.

My life went a total 360 as I moved from a depressed, confused, burdened, and confident to be so much better, becoming a super alpha, taking charge, confident, doing things I love and care about, starting things and taking care of everything I need to be done. Feeling powerful again.

2023 has been eye-opening, stretching, contorting and just everything I needed it to be, to awaken myself from the stupor I had been in. To realize what my dreams, my worth and my capabilities were.

2024, welcome you with the warmth, 2023 has left me with, with the wisdom I gained, with the strength I rediscovered, with the abilities to mold for the better. 2024, I look to you with hope, admiration, dreams and visions of a better, fitter, bolder, braver, stronger and just little bit younger me!

Cheers! & Happy New Year!

[zoyanatterwala]

Bengaluru - My Friend!

Hi, I am Zoya, 31, Single mother, separated and living on my terms once more.

This was not my first time in Banglore And oh what a refreshing trip it was. Spent my Sunday amongst friends who are family, hopping from one place to another. From Sitting and chilling to travelling through the nasty traffic of the city, it still seemed like being on a constant high, with a constant smile. From trying new dishes at beautiful restaurants to forgetting all about eating food while engaging in banter about the changing society and its impact on our generation. From rice and gunpowder at the famous Nagarjuna to eating podi dosa at the airport.

What I realized through this trip was that memories are made with how you feel - like when you see a beautiful sunset and feel a pause in your life, emotions that create the stamp in your memory. Most importantly how people make you feel, how your relationships build and how you find comfort in the most unusual of connections. Banglore was a cheer to friendships that stay and help you heal through your ups and downs.

If you are travelling to Banglore these are some things you might want to consider & some recommendations

Banglore weather may always be cold, so carry something to help you feel warm. There is always that nip in the air.

They have some of the best breweries so do try their variety of in-house brews

Always plan to arrive early, the traffic can throw you off your schedule, so plan well in advance

The airport has some good places to chill

Rent or get a private vehicle, Uber and Olas can be hard to get.

Select areas to explore daily, You cannot commute from one part to the other here, so plan your excursions near each other.

Ensure you have some friends, because then even the most stubborn or traffics will pass by

Like, share and comment. Let me know what you would like to read about. Fly! Because no matter where you are in life, you were meant to fly!.

#blogger #abiblioficionado #zoyanatterwala #writers #words #poetsofinstagram #poetry #amateur #bengaluru #zoyatraveldiaries #adventuresofasinglemother

[zoyanatterwala]

Adventures of Mysore City

Hi, I am Zoya, 31, Single mother, separated and living on my terms once more.

A few weeks ago when our official trip to Mysore was finalized, I saw a window of opportunity to rediscover myself again & rekindle the flame I carried for travel. So with just 1 week left to travel, I had my heart set, head right and got my gears into action to plan what I would do for an evening in Mysore. The research, the enquiries, the itineraries and the excitement filled my headspace and while I kept a loose plan ready for what I wanted to do. The day before travel, Obviously I overpacked, and set myself to rest through the night, though the nerves got the better of me & I barely slept. The trip commenced, Mumbai to Hyderabad & Hyderabad to Mysore, spent the day, flying over beautiful clouds and even better landscapes, once again realizing how beautiful our country really is.

Arrived in Mysore by 4 p.m. and checked into our designated hotel by 4.45 p.m., For all those travelling to Mysore or intending to here are a few things I think will help;

Mysore Airport is a small but spectacular airport with its access to a breathtaking view, so try to plan your to & fro to catch a sundown or a sunrise from the airport. It's absolutely refreshing.

Local transport, though available can be a little scarce, so if you are not staying well within the hustle and bustle of the city, ensure you have arrangements for travelling on your own beforehand.

Local Language, While people there are very helpful and seem good-natured, communication can be a challenge if you are not aware of the local tongue, so learn a few words if you must or hone your skills at dumb charades

Time, as a locality said to me, the best part about Mysore is, that you can get to anywhere you want within 45 mins, so even if you want to live outside the city area, go for it, the views are better and you won't much time to get back

Mysore Palace, okay, this is what I did, but make sure you visit it. It is a must-visit, the vast landscape of the Palace & its beauty is beyond doubt an evening by itself. With the help of my research, I made sure I got there for the light show & Trust me, plan your visit on a Friday-Saturday & catch the 7 pm light show, the ticket window opens at 6.30 pm

Keep a local's contact handy & make sure you have enough of a connection with them to be able to ask for favours.

Though I was not out and about much in the night, Mysore has some great upbeat pubs/lounges to spend an evening with your favourite drink.

Now for the adventure, those of you who have reached so far, thank you for reading my blogs, il try to be more consistent soon.

Soon after checking into the hotel I headed towards the palace in time to get tickets for the Light show, entered the palace gates and simply marvelled at the amazing architecture & well manicured and preserved lawns, took a stroll around and captured some beautiful images of the palace with an even more mesmerizing sky to go with it. After the stroll took some front seats for the show & enjoyed a combination of amazing lights and some great sound effects to go with the history of Mysore. As the show was about to close, I received a panic-stricken call from my colleague, 'My boss had met with an accident'. All of us (My boss, colleagues & I) reached the hospital about 20-25 minutes before the incident. On the way to the hospital, I was unaware of how minor or major it could be, or what would happen next, but I realized I only took deep breaths and tried to compose myself for whatever came, made up my mind that all would be okay & fine.

While my colleague informed me of what had occurred in the last 20-25 minutes & updated me on the first responses of the doctor in the emergency room, I prepared for an evening full of decisions and choices that would need to be made. While a lot transpired and my boss is recovering, I ended up learning some real things

Crisis situations can elicit varied responses from different people

Situations that are out of the usual can occur anytime and anywhere, some things can not be avoided. So stressing about what may go wrong will never let you be productive

Stress is inevitable, but how do we deal with that stress is what matters more

There is always a way out of every challenge you come through, in fact, many ways out of it, What choice you make is what defines the outcome.

Panic will definitely take over in a situation that feels out of control, we must not lose sight of what we must do next.

It is important for every person to know First Aid, you never know when it will come in handy

Practising the right mindset can do wonders, miracles are possible, just set your mind to it

Commitments is a commitment

Mind over matter, who would believe me if I told them that my boss conducted a 2-day session for 75 participants within 12 hours of having an accident, suffering a head injury, and getting 9 staples to help heal his wound? We did, we knew & he showed us.

I came back to Mumbai tired of the events that had occurred, but beyond doubt inspired and motivated to continue to live my life better every day. Indeed an adventure, full of self-discovery and beyond

Thank you for reading till the end!

[zoyanatterwala]

I AM THINKING OF YOU

I'm thinking about u,

A little more each day.

Holding on a little tighter,

To the words u say.

Every day I miss u,

More than the day before.

Our time together I love,

And I'm wanting even more.

I used to dream of you,

As I lay in bed each night.

Now you are my dreams,

Even through daylight.

I felt a flutter in my heart,

Whenever I saw u online.

Today my heart is glowing,

Filled with a brilliant shine.

I was shy to tell everything,

That I was feeling inside.

Now I feel so free to share,

With nothing I want to hide.

I thought you were special,

From the moment we met.

And each day a little further,

Into my heart you would get.

I could always feel a bond,

Every time our hearts shared.

When our souls bonded too,

I realized how much I cared.

I find my heart needing yours,

Cherishing all that you do.

Now I'm not scared to admit,

I am falling in love with you.

[zoyanatterwala]

Love - The Essence Of Life

Its not old school when you talk about true love, love can happen in every way - traditional & modern. In fact love is the most upgraded feeling, Every time someone falls in love its a new feeling. 

This one is for all those who are in love...

It’s like all my dreams have come true, These times that I have spent with you...  I never want this relation to change, With you I can climb the highest mountain...   When you hold me in your arms, The weather turns on its romantic charm...   Music starts playing in my frantic heart, And slowly all over there is an electric spark...   Certainly never felt this way before, Love has never mattered to me more...   What you and I have is so special and so true, What we share well, very few others do...  You make me happy, u make my heart beat, You are the priceless asset in my balance sheet...  Every evening spent with you is so beautiful, Even the fight’s are so memorable...  When I am around you I get these positive vibes, My love for you, how do I describe...  Certifying you as the best will be an understatement, When i am upset or hurt, Your love is my ointment...   There is no measure of time with you long enough,

Together now & forever, in times easy and tough...

P.S - Keep loving...

Warm Regards

[zoyanatterwala]

The Race

The Race

A mild head ache, a sleepy face,

A big yawn and your ready for the race.

The race of every day living life,

The race that gets you from morning to night..

The happiness of waking every morning,

Knowing that you are alive

With the fear of knowing not whats next

At night the relief of sleeping for a while..

The journey of getting through the day,

The joy of doing things right.

The hype of meeting someone special,

The smile reserved for after a fight..

The travels to your destinations, 

The discovery of something new.

Achievements and words of praise,

Moments with those special  few..

And then at night another race ends,

You make a prayer to wake you up again.

While with that you bury a few sorrows

You still hope for a better race tomorrow ..

-- Every persons life is a race. A race where you compete with your yesterday and challenge your tomorrow. You still hope for a  brighter and a better next day

You do the best you can. You give the best you have. You share a smile and someone else gives it back.

You fell proud of  yourself for certain things that you do, while  some actions you regret.

Life is a game and a gamble. You bet on yourself everyday and your the player playing against yourself.

ITS A RACE WHERE YOU DON'T RUN ALONE EVEN THEN YOU COMPETE JUST YOURSELF.

This race of your life gives you a meaning to live. So keep running the race. Some days you will  end victorious while on some very little occasions you will lose.

Don't give up your hope cause that is what is keeping you happily alive.

Regards,

[zoyanatterwala]

Decisions and life.

Making a decision today is one of the hardest things in a simple life.

Every step you take is a decision you make. Every breath is the decision to live.

Good decisions and bad decisions we face multiples through the day. A wrong step and you can trip or you can lose balance and maybe even fall. Its then about the decision of either giving up or standing back up.

There are so many moments in life when you think your too tired to get back up and continue when you fall. But victory lies with those who even after the fall decide to get back up.

The older you grow the  harder your decisions are to make. Learn from a toddler, who first starts learning to walk falls over a hundred times but they cry a little and then get back up.

Its true when they say that the more you fall the more you learn. How when you haven't made a single mistake will you learn to be perfect. To know what is right you have to know what is wrong.

If there are two paths and you have decided on choosing one, how will you know if you are on the better route without ever trying the other route.

Every rich man doesn't realize the worth of what he has unless he has seen or been poor. 

Your decisions lead you to what you were, what you are and what you will make of yourself.

Decisions can be small they can be big. Sometimes they may hardly matter while sometimes they may be life changing.

Keep making decisions most of all to stay alive.

Happy DECIDING!!!!! ;)

[zoyanatterwala]

My Teacher.... My guide...

Well I know it is a little late to be putting this up. But you don’t necessarily need a day to express how you feel about teachers. For me I have been guided and led by teachers through all my life. Without their support I wouldn't have been where I am today.

Thanks to all those teachers and people in my life who have thought me what I know, helped me stand with my head held high, gave me chances and opportunities to grow.

From the child & learner in me to all those teachers who helped me grow;

Of our lives the lamp you light

And oil and oil and make it bright

It is only when your blessings we seek

We reach the height of success peak

And if on the wrong way we walk

It is you who come to us and talk

For the walk of life us you train

Your efforts will never go in vain

We know for our own good us you scold

And for us you are more precious than tonnes of gold

Today as we celebrate teacher’s day

For you we specially pray

That God might keep you in his hands

Throughout your own life’s way.

[zoyanatterwala]

Birthday Wishes (For someone who just turned "60")

A simple thought, a simple wish was not enough for my colleague. Inspired to write a "few words" as wishes for her boss, Apurva & I started. When it was four lines she asked for more. Eight lines didn't satisfy her either. finally the following poem is what she approved as a short & sweet message for her boss who turns 60 years today. So here is wishing Him a very Happy Birthday & wishes for all those who turn Sixty.

On one day every year,

You turn older than you were,

A fine Sixty as you turn today,

Celebrate!!! It is your Birthday...

Although a Boss, you are a good friend,

Which started years ago will never end,

As a mentor, you lead us to our goals,

For that we thank you with heart & soul,

You are an inspiration for us all,

You thought us to always stand tall,

Keeping you in all prayers said,

Wishing you more golden years ahead,

With best compliments & happiness too,

I wish a happy birthday to you.

Also, not forgetting now more of your savings will count

That you are eligible for senior citizen discount.

[zoyanatterwala]

Heart Break (Use it as a stepping stone.)

Before you read the poem below, I am in a place in my life where i am happy, this poem just makes me realize that being vulnerable and holding on to what is lost has no meaning. Moving on is the key to happiness. 

I have broken my heart so many times, That now I feel I should let loose inside. The feelings I had for the one I loved, Have to be washed away & removed. I still cry nights thinking of you, U don't even know how much I miss you. That love u gave me is incomparable, And the way we departed most unbelievable. The love I had for you so true and pure, It was so strong and was real for sure. The fights that were so worthless, The times you were away & that emptiness. I wish the time spent was just a dream, Feels like a nightmare as in the nights I scream. The fear of being lonely haunts me, I was loved, no more, life taunts me. I feel so sad that I don't have you anymore, To hug me, kiss me or even just hold. My heart it can beat barely, But still it loves you so dearly. All are broken pieces stitched together, Without you I can go no further. Lost are all hopes of us getting back, What was it between us that lacked. Though I always say hopes never die, It is changing, I feel like I lie. Will have to learn to smile without you, It’s going to be fake & not true. Will have to move on, I guess so, Find reasons to live some more. Will have to hide that tear in my eye, As to those memories & you, I say good bye.

Regards,

[zoyanatterwala]

"Someone"...

Someone who cares, 

Someone who dares,

Always around you 

Whenever you in despair,

Crying when you cry, 

laughing when you laugh

Is a person who is always 

At a try to be by your side,

Mentioning not 

All his love for you

Even though it is far 

From being true,

You are in his dream; 

You are his only happy stream,

It is about you he dreams, 

If you are ill he screams,

So now remember 

Every tear disheartens someone,

At your illness he worries, 

He loves you & only you.

Regards,

[zoyanatterwala]

Love is....

Love the driving force of my life… I often keep thinking of different ways of expressing love. It is an awesome feeling. Not necessary love with your boyfriend, a hug from your father, the mother’s care, siblings loving fights all symbolizes love.

Well for me, LOVE IS……..

Love is freedom

Love is prison

Love cannot be bought

Love cannot be sold

Love cannot be sought

Love cannot be told

Love is a relation

Love is a creation

Love is tension

Love is to mention

Love is loss

Love is gain

Love is ease

Love is pain

Love is good

Love is bad

Love is happy

Love is sad

Love is friend

Love is enemy

Love is you

And love is me…