Hi there!
I have in the past week been reminded softly by some, reprimanded by others-for not having informed them how I am faring . So as anxiety among friend and loved ones seems to be escalating-I have finally got down to giving you the run down of events of the past 2 weeks.
I am feeling fine-just a slight pain-which is natural. The stitches were removed the day before. I am attaching an article I found incredibly informative on the Urology.Health.org site. Of course for those of you who I am sure would rather
hear about it in short from me-well here goes…
I am minus my right kidney and right adrenal-and apparently at the age of 49, the doc says one kidney is more than enough to survive for the rest of my life-he gives me a good 40 years more-though ideally I would prefer a lesser sentence!
A day before the surgery Ann Robinson who conducts a quiz programme on BBC Prime (The Weakest Link), gave me an added piece of information-that the only organ in our body which double up to perform the function of 2, in the event of having lost one of them due to ill health-is the kidney. God bless her for the timely bit of information!
The surgery went off real well - 4hours + 2 hrs to regain consciousness! Dr.Choquenet was really so good. There were a few hiccupsin the post operative care due to the callousness of a couple of day nurses-but the night nurses more than made up with their care, concern and timely help-not to mention their calming cuppa tea!)-so all in all-I was okay. Besides, I know I have to live out my past karmas!
The Biopsy (conducted post surgery-for kidney operations), showed that the tumor was an Onchocytoma-which is considered a benign tumor today-though until recently it was also considered a low grade cancer. The doctor told us this was among the largest tumor he has removed-the right adrenal had to be removed as well cos the tumor was on the top 2/3rds of the kidney-incidentally-the article I am attaching reinforces this point. The tumor had to be removed-there is no doubt about it.
Anyway, the good news is that it is not malignant, not a carcinoma, there is no metastasis to other organs, the vena cava and blood vessels are safe, the lymph node is safe. My kidneys are functioning well so far. Will have to be careful with the medicines I take in-no brufens, aspirins etc, I have to lower my salt and sugar intake-and therefore keep my bp and triglyceride in check.
My sons have taken turns with keeping me company-Prahlad through the surgery, and Siddharth-now. I know its been hard on them-they can’t for the life of me (!!)understand why they can’t do the things they want to do, go to the places they want to go to-why does amma have to fall sick!?!
My husband has been his usual humorous self-but sometimes I wish he were more serious-but then he wouldn’t be Narayan then right? Like the time he, Sid and Anita laughed when the Doctor asked whether my appetite is good still-N actually said “Nothing to worry about, that is very good” – I found myself laughing too!!
Anita was here right after the surgery for a good 10 days-during which she cooked soups and healthy food for me-I hope I was not too tough on her! If I was, God help her to understand that it was Nimo in bad times-that she promises
to be good next time over! Seriously, she was truly wonderful!!
That’s it guys-
Merry X’Mas and a Happy New Year !!
love,
Nimo
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Passing Thoughts...
When the sun is slowly sinking and rain clouds fill the sky-I think sorry thought of sad and gloom in life as it passes by!!
The Bangalore Writers Club-Meeting of 5th April’09
Presented by Nimo N. Menon
Three poems from the book “Towards a new harmony with life” were read out at the onset-‘Sense & Sensitivity’ (Poornima Tandon), ‘The Street Child’ and ‘Moods’(Sujata L.)
1) Discussed in detail how my book,’Towards a new harmony with life’ came to be-with regard to content (prose written in the form of poetry), visuals, my search for the perfect Visualiser, my experience of working with him, deciding on the book’s format( a Hard Bound, Coffee Table book),how I worked out the pricing adding on what I would have to pay the Distributor (usually 50% of the S.P.),shortlisting printers and selecting the ideal printer based on his rates, delivery schedules and quality of work. And most importantly, their understanding of my requirements.
(Visualiser: M.B.Suresh Kumar; Printers : Vykat Prints Pvt. Ltd.)
2) The two reasons which made me decide I would publish the book myself-1) The response I got from major as well as not so major publishing houses-that they required a minimum of 6 months to revert to me after receipt of manuscripts-as they have too many manuscripts already lined up.
I had just come out of a major brain surgery-and was determined to bring out the book at the earliest possible date.
3) The next search was on for a Distributor who would do justice to my book-I took a trip to Mumbai as well before I decided to work with East West. I zeroed in on Westland Publications( earlier East West Publications), recently acquired by the Tata’s. They were big time, with plenty of credibility in the market. They did warn me that Poetry did not sell as well as Prose in our country especially-something I took in my stride-I was not going to let 27 yrs of work-even if it began with scribbles-go up in smoke!!
Actually, most of the poems were done in the last 10 years. However I have certain pieces dating as far back as 1982. I decided I would also do my bit-with book stores-meet up with them, check if my books are on their shelves-otherwise inform the distributor and ensure action is taken. It was no easy task.
A fellow member, Sujata related the experience of her friend who had her book of fiction launched by none other than Shabana Azmi, published by Penguin and the stores did not stock the book just 2 months after launch. The publishers clearly told her she would have to follow up with the stores. Period.
Now, in that case my efforts at ensuring my books were on bookshelves for over a year after launch was creditable-especially since mine was a poetry book. My years in advertising and marketing surely helped-I did my very best to make sure the books were on the shelves as long as possible!
4) The Distributors advised me on how to procure my ISBN No. and barcode by writing to Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, Govt. of India, Ministry of H.R.D., N. Delhi. I had my ISBN no: sent to me in 10 days time.
5) I had already got my manuscripts ready-with the visuals by this time. My sister Sita Nayar was my chief editor. Her command over the English language is the best
I have ever encountered in my entire life.
My friend Mamtha Adiga was my advisor-she had me remove parts she felt were not necessary-she could view it more objectively that I could, I guess!
6) Here are some of my observations:
- Commercially viable books are the call of the hour.
- Works of fiction sell better than poetry.
- people are no longer die-hard romantics, they want books that make sense, less
frills, not high brow, books that tell a good story.
-In an article I read a in a newspaper-it was written in bold:
Cover Story : Wanted Writers who can tell a good story, whether crime, humor, travel, sci fi, chic lit, filmi or sheer pulp fiction…
Harper Collins, has made commercial pulp fiction its mission and the discovery of the new writers its quest. Genre writing in its simple form-which reaches out not to the elite readers alone-but to the younger readers as well as people venturing into the world of reading perhaps for the first time, became the call of the hour. People want a good story-simple and straight forward.
7) -I believe for good writing one needs to possess an inherent complex imagination and subtle sensitivity, it cannot be learnt. A good writer has to be empathetic and compassionate.
-Good writing comes from within the being and cannot be taught. One must feel good before you write. As Juhi Sinha, filmmaker said in her latest book ’Beyond the Dunes-journeys in Rajasthan’ - ‘Writing becomes art when it comes from the heart’
-When you write your senses and emotions must be aroused.
-A good writer is focused, steadfast & disciplined; good writing deals with
making good sentences,in the right pitch, tone and pace.
-Like writer and poet Rukmini Bhaya Nair said, ’A piece of writing becomes an art when it takes flight and captures your imagination.’
-Seek a stimulus-like a bunch of flowers, greenery around you to set your thoughts flowing.
-Writing can be inspired by a good book just read and likewise painting can be inspired by a good work of art-but eventually it is your original piece which will sell.
-Quoting an article I once read entitled ‘Can everyone become a writer’, Fatima Bhutto said at the Jaipur Literary Fest (early 2008), that:
‘the best writing is honest and true, by opening your mind and heart to a topic and letting it take you to places and feeling that you weren’t prepared for, you create good work. If that can be taught then that’s wonderful”
“Art of writing is just that, an art. It can come in many shapes and forms, colours and textures, sizes and feelings (brings to my mind my poem, ‘moods’ which was just read out to you). Write what is true to you; honest writing is hard hitting”.
-If you want to be an outstanding novelist, you need, in addition to the innate imagination, an inspiration whose source is a mysterium , and which lies outside one’s self and about which Ghalib wrote ’My thoughts come to me/From somewhere Beyond/When Ghalib is attuned/To the music of the stars”
8)Finally, I have this board here which tells you my website, (www.nimomenon.co.nr) from where you can access my online store, and gives you press clippings of the book launches I had in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai., review on the book, and Q&A Session, based on what was asked to me at the Mumbai Launch. (This was read out to the members, by Ralph at the forum)
I had printed 1000 book out of which I have to date sold 500 books-in India, Monaco, parts of Europe and USA. I have recovered half the amount I have spent-including what the distributor made). And guess what-I haven’t given up yet!
I plan to work on two books on fiction-one targeted at the adult segment and one for young adults. The ideas are there waiting to take form! Meanwhile I have been overpowered by another passion-painting portraits-oil on canvas.
I must now show you a compilation of poems brought out by the Delhi Poetree Association-‘In Many Voices’-something to inspire us. This was published using the money collected by the Association by organizing events over the years.
A Simple Exercise
Write a short essay-150-200 words, on an experience which has aroused a deep emotion within you-be it empathy, compassion, concern-be it a take-off on something you have read, be it something you are creating at this very moment.
A tip:
To begin with spend a few minutes thinking about what inspired you to write this passage-a stray dog, a street child-just anything.
Good Luck &
Cheers!
Nimo
Three poems from the book “Towards a new harmony with life” were read out at the onset-‘Sense & Sensitivity’ (Poornima Tandon), ‘The Street Child’ and ‘Moods’(Sujata L.)
1) Discussed in detail how my book,’Towards a new harmony with life’ came to be-with regard to content (prose written in the form of poetry), visuals, my search for the perfect Visualiser, my experience of working with him, deciding on the book’s format( a Hard Bound, Coffee Table book),how I worked out the pricing adding on what I would have to pay the Distributor (usually 50% of the S.P.),shortlisting printers and selecting the ideal printer based on his rates, delivery schedules and quality of work. And most importantly, their understanding of my requirements.
(Visualiser: M.B.Suresh Kumar; Printers : Vykat Prints Pvt. Ltd.)
2) The two reasons which made me decide I would publish the book myself-1) The response I got from major as well as not so major publishing houses-that they required a minimum of 6 months to revert to me after receipt of manuscripts-as they have too many manuscripts already lined up.
I had just come out of a major brain surgery-and was determined to bring out the book at the earliest possible date.
3) The next search was on for a Distributor who would do justice to my book-I took a trip to Mumbai as well before I decided to work with East West. I zeroed in on Westland Publications( earlier East West Publications), recently acquired by the Tata’s. They were big time, with plenty of credibility in the market. They did warn me that Poetry did not sell as well as Prose in our country especially-something I took in my stride-I was not going to let 27 yrs of work-even if it began with scribbles-go up in smoke!!
Actually, most of the poems were done in the last 10 years. However I have certain pieces dating as far back as 1982. I decided I would also do my bit-with book stores-meet up with them, check if my books are on their shelves-otherwise inform the distributor and ensure action is taken. It was no easy task.
A fellow member, Sujata related the experience of her friend who had her book of fiction launched by none other than Shabana Azmi, published by Penguin and the stores did not stock the book just 2 months after launch. The publishers clearly told her she would have to follow up with the stores. Period.
Now, in that case my efforts at ensuring my books were on bookshelves for over a year after launch was creditable-especially since mine was a poetry book. My years in advertising and marketing surely helped-I did my very best to make sure the books were on the shelves as long as possible!
4) The Distributors advised me on how to procure my ISBN No. and barcode by writing to Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, Govt. of India, Ministry of H.R.D., N. Delhi. I had my ISBN no: sent to me in 10 days time.
5) I had already got my manuscripts ready-with the visuals by this time. My sister Sita Nayar was my chief editor. Her command over the English language is the best
I have ever encountered in my entire life.
My friend Mamtha Adiga was my advisor-she had me remove parts she felt were not necessary-she could view it more objectively that I could, I guess!
6) Here are some of my observations:
- Commercially viable books are the call of the hour.
- Works of fiction sell better than poetry.
- people are no longer die-hard romantics, they want books that make sense, less
frills, not high brow, books that tell a good story.
-In an article I read a in a newspaper-it was written in bold:
Cover Story : Wanted Writers who can tell a good story, whether crime, humor, travel, sci fi, chic lit, filmi or sheer pulp fiction…
Harper Collins, has made commercial pulp fiction its mission and the discovery of the new writers its quest. Genre writing in its simple form-which reaches out not to the elite readers alone-but to the younger readers as well as people venturing into the world of reading perhaps for the first time, became the call of the hour. People want a good story-simple and straight forward.
7) -I believe for good writing one needs to possess an inherent complex imagination and subtle sensitivity, it cannot be learnt. A good writer has to be empathetic and compassionate.
-Good writing comes from within the being and cannot be taught. One must feel good before you write. As Juhi Sinha, filmmaker said in her latest book ’Beyond the Dunes-journeys in Rajasthan’ - ‘Writing becomes art when it comes from the heart’
-When you write your senses and emotions must be aroused.
-A good writer is focused, steadfast & disciplined; good writing deals with
making good sentences,in the right pitch, tone and pace.
-Like writer and poet Rukmini Bhaya Nair said, ’A piece of writing becomes an art when it takes flight and captures your imagination.’
-Seek a stimulus-like a bunch of flowers, greenery around you to set your thoughts flowing.
-Writing can be inspired by a good book just read and likewise painting can be inspired by a good work of art-but eventually it is your original piece which will sell.
-Quoting an article I once read entitled ‘Can everyone become a writer’, Fatima Bhutto said at the Jaipur Literary Fest (early 2008), that:
‘the best writing is honest and true, by opening your mind and heart to a topic and letting it take you to places and feeling that you weren’t prepared for, you create good work. If that can be taught then that’s wonderful”
“Art of writing is just that, an art. It can come in many shapes and forms, colours and textures, sizes and feelings (brings to my mind my poem, ‘moods’ which was just read out to you). Write what is true to you; honest writing is hard hitting”.
-If you want to be an outstanding novelist, you need, in addition to the innate imagination, an inspiration whose source is a mysterium , and which lies outside one’s self and about which Ghalib wrote ’My thoughts come to me/From somewhere Beyond/When Ghalib is attuned/To the music of the stars”
8)Finally, I have this board here which tells you my website, (www.nimomenon.co.nr) from where you can access my online store, and gives you press clippings of the book launches I had in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai., review on the book, and Q&A Session, based on what was asked to me at the Mumbai Launch. (This was read out to the members, by Ralph at the forum)
I had printed 1000 book out of which I have to date sold 500 books-in India, Monaco, parts of Europe and USA. I have recovered half the amount I have spent-including what the distributor made). And guess what-I haven’t given up yet!
I plan to work on two books on fiction-one targeted at the adult segment and one for young adults. The ideas are there waiting to take form! Meanwhile I have been overpowered by another passion-painting portraits-oil on canvas.
I must now show you a compilation of poems brought out by the Delhi Poetree Association-‘In Many Voices’-something to inspire us. This was published using the money collected by the Association by organizing events over the years.
A Simple Exercise
Write a short essay-150-200 words, on an experience which has aroused a deep emotion within you-be it empathy, compassion, concern-be it a take-off on something you have read, be it something you are creating at this very moment.
A tip:
To begin with spend a few minutes thinking about what inspired you to write this passage-a stray dog, a street child-just anything.
Good Luck &
Cheers!
Nimo
What Motivates
What Motivates
Nirmala N. Menon
January, 2001
The question that has always puzzled me and left me in an eternal quest for an answer is, ‘What is it that motivates people to do their very best?' Could it be the incentives and perks offered , the system of rewards, or merely a congenial, progressive work atmosphere? Or perhaps, appreciation of a job well done ?
In my experience, each of these above stimulants only produces temporary results, save in a few cases. The crux of the matter is that the person employed has to be inherently made of the right material, to contribute to productivity at every stage. They have to be self disciplined, for which, surely it would help if they have been a part of a family set up where parents, siblings and every family member has a purpose in life, and works towards a goal. Leisure time spent with loved ones is the added and essential perk, which has a balancing effect in our lives. It is eventually the ‘caring’ element which moulds and firms up our personality, and makes us strive for excellence. There simply has to be dedication at every stage and an emotional commitment to whatever one does. Here I must remark that the reward for all this for every teacher is the smiles of approval on the faces of contented children. I make this remark as at this point in time I am a teacher-and this is incidentally,what I like to do best of all!
The common tendency of not seeing a job through to the end, or probably giving up just before seeing it through, is something that has never ceased to amaze me! It is almost as though an unnecessary, unwarranted anxiety or perhaps a misunderstanding or a new found incompatibility with ones peer, makes one give up before completing the assignment. Skills and abilities apart, people also need an inner strength and perseverance, despite initial failures. There simply has to be the strongest will to succeed!
Quoting Peter Morgan, Director General, Institute of Directors, “An enterprise culture is one in which every individual understands that the world does not owe him or her a living.”
How many of us take our jobs for granted and after a while simply forget to contribute? Irrespective of the job-related repercussions of such indifference, does one stop to think of the repercussions on ones own being? One can become so inefficient that one drowns oneself in irrelevant paperwork, and gets involved in petty trivialities, in order to justify ones presence in the institution. All initiative, enterprise is then lost and one fails to face new challenges .Innovation and consistency in the quality of work produced, in my opinion, is the name of the game.
The success of the IT Industry is something to learn from. The fast pace at which the industry grew and their progress therefore, has been unsurpassed, and this is one industry which has stood the test of time-updating its technology at every phase in order to stay at the helm at all times.
Finally, to conclude, I would like to mention that money is not what should be the sole reason for motivation and though a necessity, it should not be the ultimate goal or the ‘be all and end all of life’; for the well being of our mind, body and soul, we must be happy with what we are, what we do and what we become.
Let us all therefore stop for a bit and assess why we are here. That would surely be a wonderful beginning.
Nirmala N. Menon
January, 2001
The question that has always puzzled me and left me in an eternal quest for an answer is, ‘What is it that motivates people to do their very best?' Could it be the incentives and perks offered , the system of rewards, or merely a congenial, progressive work atmosphere? Or perhaps, appreciation of a job well done ?
In my experience, each of these above stimulants only produces temporary results, save in a few cases. The crux of the matter is that the person employed has to be inherently made of the right material, to contribute to productivity at every stage. They have to be self disciplined, for which, surely it would help if they have been a part of a family set up where parents, siblings and every family member has a purpose in life, and works towards a goal. Leisure time spent with loved ones is the added and essential perk, which has a balancing effect in our lives. It is eventually the ‘caring’ element which moulds and firms up our personality, and makes us strive for excellence. There simply has to be dedication at every stage and an emotional commitment to whatever one does. Here I must remark that the reward for all this for every teacher is the smiles of approval on the faces of contented children. I make this remark as at this point in time I am a teacher-and this is incidentally,what I like to do best of all!
The common tendency of not seeing a job through to the end, or probably giving up just before seeing it through, is something that has never ceased to amaze me! It is almost as though an unnecessary, unwarranted anxiety or perhaps a misunderstanding or a new found incompatibility with ones peer, makes one give up before completing the assignment. Skills and abilities apart, people also need an inner strength and perseverance, despite initial failures. There simply has to be the strongest will to succeed!
Quoting Peter Morgan, Director General, Institute of Directors, “An enterprise culture is one in which every individual understands that the world does not owe him or her a living.”
How many of us take our jobs for granted and after a while simply forget to contribute? Irrespective of the job-related repercussions of such indifference, does one stop to think of the repercussions on ones own being? One can become so inefficient that one drowns oneself in irrelevant paperwork, and gets involved in petty trivialities, in order to justify ones presence in the institution. All initiative, enterprise is then lost and one fails to face new challenges .Innovation and consistency in the quality of work produced, in my opinion, is the name of the game.
The success of the IT Industry is something to learn from. The fast pace at which the industry grew and their progress therefore, has been unsurpassed, and this is one industry which has stood the test of time-updating its technology at every phase in order to stay at the helm at all times.
Finally, to conclude, I would like to mention that money is not what should be the sole reason for motivation and though a necessity, it should not be the ultimate goal or the ‘be all and end all of life’; for the well being of our mind, body and soul, we must be happy with what we are, what we do and what we become.
Let us all therefore stop for a bit and assess why we are here. That would surely be a wonderful beginning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
