This evening in the yellow van cab on our way to the airport, past the Calgary Tower and not far from the Calgary zoo, I told the children again that we are headed back to China. M asks : " Who are we going to see in China?" L responds: "Ma na!" "Yes," I say. … Continue reading “Ma na”
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.
Nanu the avocado
1pm yesterday afternoon. Calgary Court House. Maher tells Rahul, "Au jourd'hui on va a la ceremonie. Nanu devient avocat." Rahul says "cado." ------------------ 7 pm this evening. Nanu's apartment. Maher to Rahul : "Tu veux manger un avocat?" Rahul says,"Nanu" Maher asks L and R: "Qui veux un peu plus d'avocat?" Rahul says,"cado."
The Monkey Song
The Monkey Song from the Jungle Book is one of our favorites. The music is catchy, the dancing good fun, and the animation colourful. R pretends to play the trumpet like the monkeys. L watches intently, and loves the other two main songs as well, the Elephant march with Colonel Hathi, and "The Bare Necessities", … Continue reading The Monkey Song
Bicycle- stroller
Wow! Check this out. Thanks for forwarding Marwan. Got to see if I can find it here in Montreal. (Yes we're in Canada, hence all the recent YouTube posts!)
Dragon and Phoenix Twins
“Are they Dragon Phoenix Twins?” I am asked every day, everywhere, and by everyone around me in Chengdu. “Yes, they are,” I reply. “Waaaaa” they exclaim with glee, and huge smiles, “You are very lucky. How happy you must be.” Twins generate as much or dare I say more excitement here in China as anywhere … Continue reading Dragon and Phoenix Twins
Mother knows best
This song from "Tangled," is one of L's favorites. I can't get over, "Skip the drama, stay with mama..." The theatrical expressions are worth a watch Any thoughts on the parenting here?!!
Papa Panda
We were at the Bookworm cafe this evening where Leila found a stuffed toy to play with. It was a Panda with a baby one attached. She repeatedly tries to pull the little one out saying, "Baby,... baby." I walk over, and say, "The baby looks like she wants to stay with her mama." She … Continue reading Papa Panda
How Our Parents Did It: Parenting, I Mean.
I often wonder how to do it "right"? Parenting, I mean. Do I really need to follow one of the many methods out there, and then diss the rest? Certainly there is value in the research, but how do you choose which? My parents followed no system except an instinctive, sincere one. True to them. … Continue reading How Our Parents Did It: Parenting, I Mean.
What you can’t see
Reblogged from OnoLisa
Natasha Devalia 