Quotidian Tales

Trying to find the motif in good deeds, I suddenly stumble upon this remarkable lineage that keeps me hooked on the stranger I confront. I n a small town where good deeds are accountable, I obsess about uncovering the hidden motives behind people's seemingly altruistic actions. I had become somewhat of a cynic, always searching for the ulterior motives or the hidden flaws in even the noblest gestures. One day, while waiting for the bus on my daily commute, I noticed a stranger - a woman with an air of mystery about her. She was handing out sandwiches to the homeless people who gathered at the stand, her smile genuine and her demeanor warm. As I watched her interact, I couldn't help but wonder, what was she gaining from this act of kindness? I approached her, my skepticism pricking at the back of my mind. "Excuse me," I said, "I couldn't help but notice you've been here every day, helping out. What's your story?" She turned to me wit

What a radical and riveting way to present an extremely relevant yet sensitive issue to its targeted audience! I ndeed, Abby Pete’s book, Harvey the Hippo meets Mickey Mandarin thoughtfully rules out exclusivity to embrace inclusivity with a tenderness that is apt for young minds. Acceptance of the fluidity of gender and a non-binary approach towards others are the fresh perspectives that this engaging read offers. Click HERE to buy the book You can also by the book in Barnes and Noble and L.H. Press The story is about Harvey, the hippo , who being a “he” and a “him”, lives in the zoo with his family and friends. They are Zo, the Zebra, who likes to be called “they” and “them”, Ginger, the giraffe, whose preferred pronouns are “she” and “her” and other animals too. However, their differences in identities do not affect their friendship but rather strengthen their bonds. In fact, the animals accept their friends as they are and engage in pl

They say that the 40s is midlife, and it's a crisis! H aving recently stepped into the fussy yet fascinating Forty Club, there is one thing I get to hear from friends and familiars alike. It is called a "Midlife Crisis"! Yes, you read that right. Be it someone not getting her long-deserved promotion and sulking over it or someone becoming quiet in a relationship (I bet the years of togetherness often render one speechless!), it is the midlife crisis that has to shoulder the blame. On the other side, if a so-long introvert suddenly starts churning out recurrent reels on her reinvented self and revamped life, again the clueless crisis is held culpable for it. Even a parent reacting to the tireless tantrums of her teenager (that's me!) is labeled as going through that particular phase of life. Every change physical, mental, financial or social, for the better or the worse (depends on the beholder) is callously yet confidently pushed within this b

Healthful Healing After Losing a Child L osing a child is an incredibly painful experience. The level of grief that accompanies this profound loss can be overwhelming, completely exhausting your mind and body. While your grief may feel all-consuming, taking care of yourself and prioritizing your well-being is crucial to healing. Setting healthy goals can serve as a guiding light, providing you with a sense of purpose and a direction on which to focus your energy. In this article from Quotidian Tales , we’ll offer some small steps you can take to nurture yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally as you navigate your grief. Chase Your Professional Dreams Losing a child can prompt a shift in your sense of identity and purpose. Pursuing your professional dreams may be a good way to rediscover yourself and reconnect with your passions. For example, if you like the idea of working as an entrepreneur, consider channeling your grief into creative energy and starting a

I am a string mom of a 5th grader who invariably looks forward to her son improving his listening skills and identifying the upbows. R eading the book "Up Bow Down Bow" by Nancy M. Schwartz and April E. Beard made me sense that same excitement in Nancy, a mother, who saw her youngest son Alex's desire to learn and love music. She felt the pure bliss and emotions of music seep into Alex and positively impact every facet of his development. The love for music is reflected even in the words of April, Alex's music teacher, who narrates every other chapter in the book. She is a core believer in Alex's abilities! The writing style is elegant and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story of Alex. The vivid descriptions of Nancy, April, and Alex's teamwork are also deftly woven into the narrative. It is a powerful reminder of staying true to one's passion. Every section of the book recounts a mighty beam of hope, a learning

Who doesn’t long for an amazing adventure and that too on a beach with friends and fun? And how effectively can a book entertain and empower at the same time? A Answers to such questions lie embedded in the interesting story, lucid language, evocative illustrations, and engaging exchange of Beachcombers: A Clementine the Rescue Dog story. In this book, Kyle Torke, the man who believes in the power of imagination and the possibility of exploration, narrates the story of three adolescents, Taliss, Conrad, and Coover, and their fantastic canine friend, Clementine. As the story progresses, the beach comes alive to the reader with its beauty and bounty. Any little enthusiast gets to meet sandpipers, starfish, purple crabs, grey snakes, seagulls, and pelicans along with cliffs, surf, flowers, and waves. Simultaneously, conscious activities that need to be undertaken to preserve the beach and its ecosystem are categorically mentioned. For instance, the removal of plastic for r

Are you struggling with your weight and feeling down about it? D id you know that being overweight or obese can have a significant impact on your mental health? In this blog post, we'll explore the ways in which excess body fat can affect your mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being. From depression to anxiety to social isolation, we'll delve into the psychological effects of carrying extra weight and offer tips for managing both your physical and mental health. So buckle up – it's time to take a closer look at how our bodies and minds are interconnected when it comes to staying healthy! Introduction to Overweight and Obesity Overweight and obesity are major public health problems in the United States. More than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Me

To be proud of one's identity! A cceptance of the self and others through appreciation and empathy lies at the heart of Sarah Porter’s book I’m Mixed and I’m Me . And while the subject seems one that needs to be pondered on, the presentation is just the contrary. A delightful read, it can aptly address tender minds and enable them to imbibe the message, which is crucial and compelling. The book begins with Snacks introducing himself and his sister, Wiggles, and promising to tell the reader "our own story," which he admits is rather unique. The first thing that we get to know is that their parents are from "different places," an aspect that gets starkly noted due to their obvious difference in skin color. Nonetheless, black lips kiss as softly as white ones and both parents are similar in showering love and shaping lives. Click HERE to buy the book Snacks assert that they are lucky to have dissimilar parents as that allows them to go on

A compelling story for teaching a child to say "I choose to do" and develop the practice of Positive Thinking… D on't we all have a difficult time getting our kids do simple chores? Don't we feel upset when they refuse to listen to our instructions and be productive? Don't we wonder what we could tell them to help them take right decisions and develop the right attitude towards life? Then this book by the versatile author, Maggy Williams , has the perfect solution to our complications and concerns. Click HERE to buy the book Through lively illustrations and a conversational presentation, we come across the daily dilemmas of a girl called Grace and how she usually responds to them. Till one day, her Dad explains to her that "…most times, we do have a choice." The word "choice" acts as a trigger and she feels "an inner shift" and from that moment, every activity that she accomplishes is her decision and not a co

The takeaway is that while the industry is imperative, you will thrive only if you are adept at unlearning, hustling, and aggressively finding solutions in a world where AI is taking over even before you are aware of it. S undays for me are laidback and without any alarms or reminders. I had just completed my yoga, mostly breathing exercises minus the rigor that a flushed Kareena Kapoor inspires through hers when I received a YouTube video in my really close friends' WhatsApp group. The one who sent it mentioned that it had pertinent information for parents and being on a roller-coaster ride with my teenager, I intended to at least skip and watch through it sometime. With the post-breakfast coffee in my hand, I started listening to it. Before long, I got so hooked on the ideas discussed and directions doled out that I was totally convinced to share them with others. To sum it up in a single word, it is all about "Newness," which the dictionary defines as th

The tale of an adorable floating Hippo who eventually make good food choices. T his book , its illustrations, and the story are a sheer joy to young readers! Have you not had this conversation with your kids and asked them to make good food habits? That whole conversation becomes easy when they read about Harvey, their hippo friend, touring the entire world and finally deciding to pick healthy food options. Crisp rhythm, friendly tone, and valor reside throughout the tale of Harvey. The floating part of the story bring kids into a pleasant aura where they can feel free and light while connecting to their little friend. Read other books of Harvey the Hippo Moreover, how author Abby Pete tours Harvey through the different cities around the world instills curiosity in a kid's mind about cultures and food habits in various parts of the world. We cannot disagree that it harvests awareness about food and health in diverse setups. Click HERE to buy the book

The book "Power Down & Parent Up," by Holli Kenley - says it is all about cyberbullying, screen dependence, and raising tech-healthy children. T hat reminds me of what my six-year-old had asked Santa as his last year's Christmas present - a tablet. Santa might give her a tablet this Christmas, but that keeps us, parents, on our toes thinking about whether it will be appropriate for the little one. Presently, technology has become a boon and a curse in itself. No wonder parents struggle to understand what to do and what should be the limitation imposed on kids to use it. It's a constant hassle between kids and parents. Let alone when it becomes a demand and addiction for these little ones. Can you even imagine the vast virtual world they get exposed to and how vulnerable they are there? Holli Kenley 's book analyzes, resolves, and tackles such daily hassles giving parents the upper hand when dealing with kids and technology. A book you can pick up

I was born and brought up in central Calcutta, schooled in central Calcutta, but then grew up to become the core Bengali who had an American childhood! W e Bengalis know the characteristics etched in someone from central Calcutta. Her strings are pulled from both ends. She owns the traits of the more settled in old North Calcutta while desirous for the contemporary South Kolkata (Eastern Kolkata wasn't so prominent then.) We still lived in our hundred-year-old rented homes with 20-inch deep walls and cut-glass floors. But, we went to the top schools in the city. We religiously fed the street dogs, cats, and cows but reluctantly swapped our indoor plants for lack of water. Though I have been a Central Calcuttan all my childhood, I was never pulled by either of these strings. I held on to an American fiber that tugged me on and off! My mom's best neighborhood pal was an American lady! Well, I know you could expect someone of British descent at that location and era

A book by Sweta Srivastava Vikram ! The perfect parcel of potions that one can sip on one page at a time and let the magic gradually transpire. W e inherently try to retain our emotions and thoughts. In the process, all remain in a hoard within ourselves while we continue to pursue massing it. Eventually, this affair summons the need for mindfulness, self-connection, and revival. Click HERE to buy the book That is when "A Piece of Peace" on the bedside nook can serve as our rescue parcel! One can read a chapter from the book and instantly connect with her ingrained emotions. To be able to understand and be cognizant of them. Sweta Vikram's book is the perfect parcel of potions that one can sip on one page at a time and let the magic gradually transpire! Even so, you will be entirely surprised to find numerous familiar and relevant questions answered throughout the book. We had to mention below some of the questions she answe

With a content heart and peaceful mind. E nding your day on a positive note is the secret to a happy and healthy life. When you end your day right, the next morning is automatically off to a good start. You may feel stressed and worn out at the end of your work shift, but you still have a couple of hours to turn things around. You may have encountered your fair share of challenges and grievances, but all is to be forgotten by sunset. The final target of the day should be to retire to bed with a content heart and peaceful mind. Here’s a list of things you can do to retire for the day in the best way possible 1. Take a Walk An evening walk serves as a light form of exercise and helps the muscles relax. You can walk alone and reminisce in special moments of the day or have someone accompany you to exchange thoughts; if you have a pet dog, let them tag along. Walk outdoors on a quiet street or at a park nearby to savor the freshness of green landscapes. 2. Wr

So find out what drives you and maybe at a crossroad, you too could get lucky like Kamran and meet yourself!… But beware in this inward quest, you will incessantly face the fundamental fact: “ Why am I here? ” and the sway between delirium and deliverance. A t a time when each one of us is seeking for some sort of inspiration to be able to connect with her inner self, ‘Kamran on Bike’ surely drops the penny in the precise spot. Now who is Kamran? Last weekend, casually, my friend had chanced upon him through a Facebook page and, intrigued by his vision, wanted me to dwell upon it. Some minutes into the page and I knew that I was delving into a man who perhaps emphatically embodied the words of Louis XIV. “ There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself. ” And indeed here is a man who literally does everything on his bike, a borrowed one to start with. He travels, unbridled, conquering not only the terrain without but also the territory within, and every

As you constantly relive memories that fill you up with remorse or pain. What does it mean to Brood on Yesterday? It means that you keep thinking about a regretful past. In your mind, you repeatedly experience an event or situation that upset you, which can be injurious to your mental health. You might pity yourself for making poor choices or think about how you could have done things differently. Some people think that brooding is a form of self-reflection that helps acknowledge previous mistakes and learn from them. However, brooding is like worrying and grueling oneself over errors of the past; hence, it is not in any way useful or healthy. What happens when you Brood on Yesterday? There is nothing wrong with recalling an episode of the past for insight and finding a solution to a recurring problem. You understand that you didn’t do your best before and that there is always room for improvement. When you brood, you let a former incident overwhelm you by