Dress-Up
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.
My Two Turned Three Yesterday – Part 1
Royalty
Dancing Gypsies
Boys Can Wear Dresses Too
(As Posted at Multicultural Mothering) "Look, the woman is free now," Leila describes an American Indian man in the animated film. "That's a man, Leila," I say, knowing full well where this would go. "But, but he has long hair, and..." "Men can have long hair," I was a little too stern with her … Continue reading Boys Can Wear Dresses Too
Pre-school and a Post at Multicultural Mothering
My kids have been in pre-school for almost a week now. Thankfully, the transition couldn't have been smoother. Day 1 was fine. They didn't really know what they were in for. Second day Rahul wouldn't let go of me. Leila waved good-bye, and tried to get her brother to let go of my hand. "Come … Continue reading Pre-school and a Post at Multicultural Mothering
Baby Newton
"Mum look kshhhhh, looook, kshhhh doing kshhhhh up kshhhhh down." That's what I heard this morning. Rahul was trying to tell me something. Something BIG of course. I was focused on staying out of his and Leila's hyper-excited way, working hard at Facebook. I look at him as he's throwing a toy into the air, … Continue reading Baby Newton
Raksha Bandan this Year
Last year we celebrated the bond between brothers and sisters in our first Raksha Bandan. Leila tied a rakhee (usually an ornate string that symbolizes a bond of protection), around Rahul's right wrist. Leila had to have one as well - that bit is what made it Raksha Bandan - Our Version. They hugged and … Continue reading Raksha Bandan this Year
To the Temple of Dawn by Long Boat
We stopped at the Buddhist Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), one of the most beautiful temples I've seen, on our long- boat ride along the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. We climbed the steep stone steps all the way to the top level. Standing next to magnificent intricate carvings - it was the traditional Thai … Continue reading To the Temple of Dawn by Long Boat
Bangkok from the Hotel-Room Window
photos by Maher
Natasha Devalia 