During my growing up years, every
Christmas I wished that I were born a catholic, especially when I met my
friends who showed me cabinets full of toys and beautiful range of dolls that Santa
gifted them each year.
Yes, I was greedy for gifts because I
never received any, not even on my birthdays, nor any awards at school, nor
from my family members who came from abroad. Gradually I lost interest in gifts
and my expectations came to zero when I realized that I could afford to buy
whatever I wish and didn’t have to depend on anybody to shower any gifts on me.
Now, I have a rule for visitors that if they come to see me, they are not
allowed to bring any gifts for me. Thank you.
Nevertheless, I was pleased when
Santa visited me this year and dropped me a book. Okay, I admit there is
neither a chimney in my house, nor an open window, but an unknown person sent
me through post (what else) and I was surprised.
Do you believe in Santa?
The one who
is dressed in red with white moustache is a happy fat man who laughs ‘Ho Ho Ho’
but he is to get the children in good spirit.
My Santa is an unknown person, whom I
have never met, a member of the group ‘Marathon Bloggers’ where bloggers
decided to blog everyday during the month of December. A secret Santa was
created in the group, sometime back where we were asked what we wanted this
Christmas. I asked for ‘Good health’.
My wish of ‘good health’ was to divert my
attention from pain to cooking good food, in the form of a book called ‘Classic Tamil Brahmin Cuisine’ that had won a prestigious jury award in 2009. The book
has collection of vegetarian dishes with extra tips on buying and preparation
authored by Viji Varadaranjan and Padmini Nataranjan.
A beautiful handwritten note added at
the inside cover revealed (through my handwriting analysis skills) that person
who sent the book is a meticulous person with beautiful mind and thoughts. When
she was selected to choose a gift for me, she visited my blogs to know my
taste, such effort (I am so grateful to her) only those who care would do.
I have added her to my friends’ list
on FaceBook and nurse a desire to meet her some time in future.
FaceBook is my virtual space where I
find beautiful pearls and Meera Prasant is the new friend who shall remain in
my circle.
Cheers to all my virtual friends……..