After a blood test that showed very high WBC's at the Bangkok Samui Hospital, an IV line was in ready, for a night of antibiotics. Rahul spent hours in pain and then hours trying to find an escape when he heard the dreaded "blood test". This morning he has been convincing Maher to just walk … Continue reading Leila’s Paw and Rahul’s Boxing Glove
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.
Mama, Malaki is a Spider!
Malaki Paul is a brave little boy who goes straight to the hearts of the judges and audience at Britain's Got Talent 2012. He feels what he sings. Partway through the audition he breaks into tears. A teary hug from his "best mum in the world," and he starts his song again, and he sings … Continue reading Mama, Malaki is a Spider!
Translating Bullshit into Bullshit
Rahul and Leila chopping play dough vegetables. Maher: Qu'est ce que tu cuisine Leila? Leila: Uhhh, I'm cooking mothika. Maher: Ah bon. C'est quoi "mothika"? Leila: Papa, ummm, en francais c'est lita.
Installation Art
A few months ago when the Chengdu rain was pouring incessantly, and probably around a full moon day, I bought a bunch of frames from Ikea. I picked a handful of my favorite paintings by R and L and created a colourful installation. Me: Do you think these two work in here, in the black … Continue reading Installation Art
How November Whizzed By…
A Family of Scorpios and My Non-Existent Asana Practice November 1: Happy Birthday Rahul and Leila November 7: “He won,” Maher exclaims as I walk in. “Now I’m ready to move to America!” he winks. “But I don’t want to go to America on the Mayflower,” Rahul says. “If we go to Plymouth, America, we … Continue reading How November Whizzed By…
This is How We Roll
Or should I say Ring. And no, We don't get very far, Very fast.
Starbox
4am. “Maaaamaaa. Waaaah. Mama.” Me, slipping in between the children, “What’s up Rahul?” “Where’s my book?” he asked, as he frantically felt around the mattress and floor. Me: Which book, this one? "NO. The one with rabbits and the balloons.” Me: Uhhh....rabbits and balloons, is it this one then? Even more agitated, Rahul: Not that … Continue reading Starbox
My Two Turned Three – Part 2
Reintroducing Myself
I'm Mum of Twins (MoT) Leila and Rahul (L and R), who turned 3 on the 1st of November. They started pre-school a couple of months before their 3rd birthday. I've gone back to teaching some yoga classes. I've never been busier - with figuring out how to get the kids out of the house … Continue reading Reintroducing Myself
Carnival
Natasha Devalia 