Category: Leila mein Leila
“Leila mein Leila” is a song from the 1980’s movie Qurbani starring Zeenat Aman. I used to dance to the soundtrack in Livingstone when I was a little girl.
My Little Lady Leila
I've never carried a purse that way. A purse?! Never worn pink, Winnie- the- Pooh high-heeled slippers that light up (flashing-red bling). I don't own a flowery hat, or a flowery dress. She's two. Doesn't dress like this every day only because she can't have her way. A Zimbabwean yoga teacher, MoT, sister who's lived … Continue reading My Little Lady Leila
Blowing in the Wind
A week ago at the Koh Samui Airport; the four of us are rushing to our plane in an open air buggy. Leila pushes me. She shouts, “WOW! Mum. Look't Leila hair,” as she runs her fingers through her hair. “Yes! Your hair is blowing in the wind.” “Rawul awso,” she says, pointing at her … Continue reading Blowing in the Wind
Between the Lines
It’s 7am. Leila follows me into the bathroom. I notice her reflection in the mirror - fiddling with the drawers that store extra towels - as I brush my teeth. She’s not really interested in the drawer handles or contents. She’s working on something else. “Rawul did it!” she says over and over. Every time … Continue reading Between the Lines
La, la, la la la la, Leila, and the Door.
A few months ago a Yoga teacher asked me if I could make some space in the house that’s exclusive to my practice. I fidgeted. “Not really.” My living room Yoga studio, (now the the kids play room) has always been my practice space. "At least for your Pranayama practice." ---------------------- We have a spare … Continue reading La, la, la la la la, Leila, and the Door.
Uncle Mao
"Man-ee," L says as she examines the 5 Yuan note. She points at Mao Zedong's purple face, "Shu Shu!" she claims. Like any young Chinese woman is respectfully called ayi or aunt by a child, a young man is uncle - shu shu.
“Ma na”
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”
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
Pink shoes and a flower
by Hedvig
Natasha Devalia 