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Microwave Madam on Building-Uncle
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 21 – Those of you who live in India will understand the term Building-Uncle even though it might be new to you. For those who don’t, in India, all elderly men are called Uncle wherever they go, and elderly women, Auntie. The Building-Uncle is my term for the uncle who lives within the same housing society or building.
Keep readingBook Review – Hours with Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh
Book Review – Shrayana Bhattacharya takes one on a journey, weaving the lives of real women into the socio-economic fabric of the India they live in.
Keep readingThe Stages of My Life | Definitions
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 20 –
It used to be Baby ‘cos they saw I was young
the one they looked after when her parents weren’t around.
Then, it was Didi – the elder sister
a young adult woman without a ‘Mister’.
MM’s Story:
The role of the Indian woman is defined very differently from that of the Indian man. Her career, education or income level matter very little. What seems to be important to society is her personal choices. Or those that are made for her by her family. And by the God’s.
Keep readingA Cure For Cellphone Addiction | Do You Ever?
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 19 – He loved his work and his hobbies and didn’t wish to sacrifice these things. So he did something she’d been asking him to do for a long time without much success. He started to put aside his cellphone on the weekends!
Poem: Do You Ever?
Do you ever leave your house without your phone
call up somebody who lives alone
feel grateful for the friend who was there through the sad
let your maid have a day off when her back is bad?
To Be A Better Wife
To be a better wife I need a husband who’s here…
The lyrics of ‘To Be A Better Wife’ are written to the music of Here There and Everywhere – a song composed and written by the Beatles. I wrote this during the lockdown of 2020.
Keep readingHealing The Gender Divide
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 18 – Male Rage is different from anger that is a part of the normal range of human behaviour because it isn’t natural, but created by a system we need to leave behind. MM had seen this rage many times in the lives of many women she knew.
Keep readingI Could Look At You In Envy
I could look at you in envy for all the things you have
the ease with which you cope and your luck when things get bad.
You show me I can shape my world and bring that little ease.
That when the wind is strong we might need to bend, or sway like those sturdy old trees…
Space Within Barriers | My Greatest Friend in Times of Need
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 17 –
She could have made this a battle with her husband, but the truth is, a large part of the problem was her. And HER ATTITUDES. Because she too had, without conscious thought, embraced this disrespect.
Poem: My Greatest Friend in Times of Need
My greatest friend in times of need
I talk to you, say what I please.
You help me out when times get tough
you listen – never say you’ve had enough.
Men-OH-Pause
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 16 –
Men-OH-Pause give your wives a break
don’t get up and leave them to wash up the plates.
They’re on their feet before every meal
cooking and washing and keeping the home clean.
MM’s Story:
She had always felt that society has a perceived value for money and things that far exceeds their actual utility, and their ability to create security and bring happiness.
Keep readingFemininity ALWAYS Comes With Strings | Dr Google
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 15 – Menopause would be the biggest struggle for MM. Because our medical system is wonderful with surgery, hormone treatment and procedures for women. But it doesn’t address the biggest health issue that women face – the lack of rest and support for women at home.
Poem: A Visit With Dr. Google
We visit the doctor once a year
when we’re not feeling too good. Just to be sure all is clear.
The doctor tells us to have some tests
but we decide to try lifestyle changes and a little rest.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Anitaelise. I teach piano lessons and write poetry. I love walking in the sun, listening to music and playing the piano. Happiness is seeing my students in piano class. Writing in my diary. Being out in the sun. Planting in my little compost pots. And looking up recipes that I’m never going to cook. Minimalism and and organization have relaxed my housekeeping and brought much joy to daily living.
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The Relaxed Housekeeper by Anita Elise Kohli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at sayselizaATgmail.com.
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the relaxed housekeeper 