Early one morning a couple of weeks ago. Leila: Where's papa? Me: He's on a plane, going to Houston, in America. Rahul: Like the pilgrims? Me: Yah, to America like the pilgrims. But he's on a plane, not a boat, so he'll be there by tomorrow. Leila: Can you be papa? Me: What do you … Continue reading Papa speaks Francais
Author: natasha devalia
Author Poetry and Art books: ‘Tears and Grape Seeds’ 2025, ‘one touch of the rope’, 2024 and ‘Unseen Veins’, 2023
Zambian of South Asian descent, living in Thailand.
I write poetry, perform, and I’m currently an MFA (painting) student. The themes of my art whether expressed through movement, poetry, painting or as interdisciplinary forms include identity, belonging, mental health and family life.
Jungle Play
This morning Maher noticed something dangling off a roof right next to our bedroom. A snake had shed it's skin last night. The kids were intrigued. Until they looked at it closely, they thought it was plastic. And then...it wound up in the play-doh. Trust in Me,The Jungle Book
Dreams
Leila just waking up: Mama. In my dream I had up slippers (high heels). And they were lighting up every time I walk. How time till I can have real up slippers? Waaaa Waaaaa, I want up slippers. Me: Well, don't you complain about your neck hurting, and your legs hurting? She nods. Me: High … Continue reading Dreams
Hip Hop Stories
Me: Today is Saturday. Do you have school today? L & R : NO!!! Me: Hey, Anna goes to a hip hop dance class on Saturdays. I think it's a lot of fun. Do you guys want to go with her today? Leila: I already know hip hop. It's on one foot. But I only … Continue reading Hip Hop Stories
Yoga and Travel : A Guest Post by Wesley Vonn
Wesley – Blogger and Health Aficionado Yoga and Travel - The Connection is Deeper than you Think. Yoga is more popular than ever before, and many people rely on yoga as a means of staying in shape and of maintaining top mental health. However, the benefits of yoga often go beyond what even its practitioners … Continue reading Yoga and Travel : A Guest Post by Wesley Vonn
Park Yoga with Papa
A Doctor and a Dragon (part 2)
To explain where stories come from, we helped Leila and Rahul make their own mini-books. I transcribed their stories.Natasha Visits Dr. Leila by LeilaDoctor Leila goes for a walk.She goes to the nurse's house.The nurse goes to Dr. Leila's house.They do a blood test for Natasha.They check Natasha's heart. (L and R both demand I … Continue reading A Doctor and a Dragon (part 2)
A Doctor and a Dragon
Leila this morning: When I become bigger, I want to be a builder. Leila this evening: When I become bigger, I will be a doctor. I'll do blood tests and IV's.Me: Ok. When you are older you can go to a doctor school then.Rahul: I don't want to be a nurse now.Me: What do you want … Continue reading A Doctor and a Dragon
For Just Being There
In July last year, Maher bought me an iPhone for our anniversary. My frist ever Smartphone. Of course, I didn't even open it for a few months. Now I'm hooked. And then my brother introduced me to WhatsApp while complaining about how people don't just pick up the phone and call for a few minutes. … Continue reading For Just Being There
Yay! We’re Home
Yummy pancakes and finger painting in the most beautiful place in the world!
Natasha Devalia 