Grace and Frankie – All About Marriage and Friendship

I wasn’t planning to talk about Grace and Frankie so early as I just have finished watching 4 episodes of Season 1. I thought I would at least complete Season 1 and go for it but Episode 4 was so heart wrenching and heartfelt at the same time I couldn’t stop myself from writing about it.

Grace and Frankie is a comedy television series on Netflix but it will make you think and wonder about relationships after age of 60.

Do we become more “mature” or the carefree “childish” attitude? I guess I will only know when I reach that stage.

Grace and Frankie – the two never in their wildest dreams would have thought of living under one roof after their marriage of 30 plus years come crashing to a halt. What is the reason? Their husbands (Robert and Sol) were in love with each other for almost 20 years which they kept it hushed and now want to get married.

You would think I am standing with Grace and Frankie. Yes, they are distraught after learning their husbands’ homosexuality but it isn’t easy for Robert and Sol. It takes courage to accept owns sexuality and not ‘hide’ it.

Grace – what can I say about her? She is so graceful, ambitious, a woman who makes other women envious about her life. Frankie – I won’t call her funny because she is adorable, wise who makes me smile and laugh wholeheartedly.

They were frenemies for entire life but now are sharing same home and end up realizing they have no one but each other.

Image source: Pinterest

On the other hand, kids of both the couple are trying to sink this revelation about Robert and Sol and divorce of their parents. They try and behave as if they have accepted their relation but it ain’t easy for any of them.

Episode 4 titled Funeral shows Grace, Frankie, Robert and Sol first time together in public since the separation. It is sad to see when Robert and Sol talk with their friends of many years about their relation and are immediately been shoved off.

Grace didn’t want to confront Robert and so is in hurry to pay her condolences. But how can they not stumble? Grace doesn’t approach Robert and Robert still is in complete awe in her. He breaks down after watching Grace walk away without talking.

How complicated are relationships? Are they really complex or we make them unbearable? We take our relationship granted most often. Sometimes it is too late to acknowledge the same. When you lose something or someone, you realize what you have lost.

Robert: You look beautiful.

Grace: I am so mad at you. You get to be happy now, don't you? You're not losing anything.

Robert: That's not true.

Grace: Oh, really? You have everything.
A week after you left, you had dinner with the kids just like it was any old Tuesday. I know about that. So what are you losing, exactly? Because I've lost my marriage, my extended family, my own family is broken up. And I don't know if you know this, but I just lost my best friend.

Robert: You look beautiful.
Grace: I am so mad at you. You get to be happy now, don't you? You're not losing anything.
Robert: That's not true.
Grace: Oh, really? You have everything.
A week after you left, you had dinner with the kids just like it was any old Tuesday. I know about that. So what are you losing, exactly? Because I've lost my marriage, my extended family, my own family is broken up. And I don't know if you know this, but I just lost my best friend.
You look beautiful.
I am so mad at you.
You get to be happy now, don't you? - You're not losing anything.
- That's not true.
Oh, really? You have everything.
A week after you left, you had dinner with the kids just like it was any old Tuesday.
Yeah.
I know about that.
So what are you losing, exactly? Because I've lost my marriage, my extended family, my own family is broken up.
And I don't know if you know this, but I just lost my best friend.
Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=grace-and-frankie-2015&episode=s01e04
You look beautiful.
I am so mad at you.
You get to be happy now, don't you? - You're not losing anything.
- That's not true.
Oh, really? You have everything.
A week after you left, you had dinner with the kids just like it was any old Tuesday.
Yeah.
I know about that.
So what are you losing, exactly? Because I've lost my marriage, my extended family, my own family is broken up.
And I don't know if you know this, but I just lost my best friend.
Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=grace-and-frankie-2015&episode=s01e04

It won’t be easy for Robert and Sol to get back the love from Grace and Frankie even as friends. 

You look beautiful.
I am so mad at you.
You get to be happy now, don't you? - You're not losing anything.
- That's not true.
Oh, really? You have everything.
A week after you left, you had dinner with the kids just like it was any old Tuesday.
Yeah.
I know about that.
So what are you losing, exactly? Because I've lost my marriage, my extended family, my own family is broken up.
And I don't know if you know this, but I just lost my best friend.

Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=grace-and-frankie-2015&episode=s01It won’t be easy for Robert and Sol to get back the love from
Grace and Frankie even as friends.

I am sure I will continue to watch the gorgeous Grace and Frankie, a hippie art teacher. If you want 30 minutes of smiling, laughing, and “feeling” the emotions, watch it. Till then, meet you next time with a prose, poetry, book, movie or another TV series. Keep coming to find out.

Th1rteen R3asons Why

Imagine if you receive the audio tapes with the life events narrated by the one who has committed suicide. Not just any stranger, but your friend or a sibling or your child. Suicide is an absolute contrary to the humans strongest instinct - 'survival'.

Thirteen Reasons Why, a netflix originals is an adaptation of the novel by Jay Asher. I am not talking about the TV series to 'review' it rather I want to highlight the essence of the novel - 'mental health'. The characters truly depicted the dark emotions going inside a teenager or young adults. A large proportion of adult suicide deaths occur between the ages of 15 years and 29 years.

Life events during teenage has the power to make or break. It is not easy to wipe off those memories. Every parent or being a family member should understand 'giving space', "respecting privacy" but should never hesitate to talk to each other or misinterpreting as 'interference.'

What drives a person to end his own life? We, humans are social animals. There is a reason that we are called as being "social". Even being an introvert doesn't make you stand outside this definition. Hannah Baker narrates her story with the raw feelings and experiences she goes through. How one incidence has a great impact on her. Following is the conversation between Hannah and the school counsellor:

Kevin Porter: [to Hannah] Why don't we start with how you're feeling right now.
 Hannah Baker: Right now?
 Kevin Porter: Yeah.
 Hannah Baker: Right now. Lost. I guess. Sort of empty.
 Kevin Porter: Empty?
 Hannah Baker: Yeah, I don't feel anything. Like I don't care anymore.
 Kevin Porter: You don't care about what?
 Hannah Baker: About anything. School, myself, the people here. My parents.
 Kevin Porter: Your parents?
 Hannah Baker: I mean, I care about them, but I'm not... I'm not who they need me to be.
Hannah Baker: I need it to stop.
 Kevin Porter: You need what to stop?
 Hannah Baker: I need everything to stop. Just people. Life.

Have you witnessed the feeling of 'nothingness'?

We often forget, ignore or are not aware that our behavior towards others can make or break a person. We rush too fast to label a person - introvert, extrovert, shy, timid, courageous. Do you believe in first impression is the last impression? It holds true but not every time. Every person reacts in a different manner for same stimuli and why does he react in the way depends on several factors.

Never judge a person. You haven't walked in his or her shoes. 

Hannah is a victim of bullying, shaming by her fellow classmates. These incidences are real, occur around us but they are shoved under the blanket or turned a blind eye.

Hannah speaks about the 13 reasons in the audio format. She did reach out for help but I was shocked how it turned out to be. She was laid down by her friends but she was also disappointed with herself for not coming out to speak against the sexual assault she witnessed.

Suicide may end life but it greatly affects the life of the beloved ones - parents, friends. They are grappled with guilt, anger and depression. This has been shown perfectly with the characters of Hannah's parents and friend - Clay. When everyone thought about why and who will believe what a dead girl has to say about sexual assault, bullying, rape, Clay fought for her.

Things which we do not experience doesn't make them unreal. Hence Thirteen Reasons Why should be watched by parents with their children, teenagers or even adults.

Depression. Regret. Guilt. How often have you gone through them or lived in them? The topic of mental health is still considered a topic 'should not be talked about'.  We hesitate to reach out to ask for help. You may not be comfortable to talk to your parents, or spouse or friend. There is Talking therapy that helps you deal with the negative feelings.

“Life is unpredictable and control is just an illusion. And it makes us feel small and powerless.”

I know it is not easy to ask for help. Trust me I have been through it. Even after been educated all about counselling I couldn't help myself. The moment I took the appointment of a counselor was the best decision. I had been just breathing and not living. That one session with my counselor unveiled emotions and cleared off hazy thoughts.

Yes, Life goes on but it has no meaning if the bitter taste lingers despite of 'moving on'. Always remember - It is okay to be not okay. It is okay to be not perfect. It is okay not been loved by everyone. 

She Drowns in Broken Prose

She drowns in broken prose
to
Escape from white noise
where
She hears her lost voice
and
Finds him close

©Beyond Horizon 

 

Book Review : Age of Azmoq The Valantian Imperium by Rajamayyoor Sharma

Title:  Age of Azmoq: The Valantian Imperium

Author: Rajamayyoor Sharma

Pages: 392

Price: 499 INR on Amazon

Kindle edition: 249 INR

Note: I received the copy of the book from BlogAdda - the largest community of bloggers in India. The views expressed here are honest, unbiased and my own.

What comes to your mind if I ask, “Which is your favourite book from the fantasy genre?” I am sure it might not be from any Indian author.

Age of Azmoq: The Valantian Imperium by Rajamayyoor Sharma has created a fantasy world where power, dominance, trust, betrayal aren’t uncommon.

Be ready to take in lots of information about the vivid characters distributed throughout the book. The author has divided the book in seven sections where each section introduces new story, characters and history.

While reading the prologue I felt the story would be infernal but once I dived into the first few chapters I realized the author has grazed the humanly world with perfect fantasy. I had read dozens of contemporary novels recently and thought it would be difficult to seize this fantasy world but the book proved me wrong.

Rajamayyoor Sharma has written a page-turner book.

Plot:

The story revolves around the metal – Azmoq which has incredulous power which when used improperly can destroy many lives. The military of Valantian Imperium is all set to control and conquer the village which has vast reserve of the metal.

The story-telling is mostly in first person language and which makes it easier to understand the character and his relationship with others.

Villasboro – The village where people live above the age of 100 and the houses are shaped in form of animal footprint from above.

The narration of Valantian Imperium, the Order of Seven, Final 100, Hammer brothers, Yerins is mystifying.

Characters:

Each character has flaws with its unique abilities and morals. I loved the names which the author has created for the places (Villasboro, Nuevida), characters (Forresgrim, Anirved, Kazena, Azrial, Elibir) and language (Deusorthok)

There are many twists in the storyline, for one moment you might think the person is a bad guy and the next he turns a good-hearted hero. ‘Karn’ is the character I feel in love with. His ferocious attitude, flirty nature, mind reading capability makes it impossible to not love him.

The role of ‘Kazena’ is surprisingly brilliant. Dag Heyat is another robust evil character that I loved.

I do not want to spoil the story here but read it for how 3 people (Dev (the unknown and unnamed), Karn and Eric) from different areas of same continent, a teenager, one in mid-twenties and other in his mid-thirties find each other in obnoxious situation yet end up having the strongest bond of friendship.

Weapons:

You will read about the powerful Azmoq laden weapons: swords, glove, brace and armors.

Author has created fascinating imaginative landscapes in form of map makes them alive and immersive. The reader will continue to read without skipping any pages because if you do, you might miss an important part.  The footnotes in the book, however can be informative but sometimes distracts the world you have created in your mind while reading.

This is what makes me do to make the fantasy world more alive and memorable

Final verdict:

A fantasy novel should have the ability of world-building with strong unforgettable characters and I am in complete awe that and an Indian author has done it with this book.

You will love this book if:

a) You like to read about vast dynasty, powerful weapons, mind reading, war, friendship

b) You want to feel the characters alive in an incredible world as if walking in their footsteps

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

You Are Not My 'Need'

You are not my need.
I want you but I can't have you.
I can never justify the 'want'
Because
You are the one I can never have.
Did you get it? Or have I confused you?

Before We Go - The Movie, Love, Life and Me

Have you ever hesitated to confess your love to someone?

Have you ever had your heart broken?

Have you ever been in a toxic relationship?

Have you ever been in love which seems to last forever?

Yes or No, the essence of these questions is love. Love is beautiful. I won’t call love a ‘thing’ because things break, things get destroyed. Does love too? I have seen people in love destroy each other, hurt each other to the point of breaking. What kind of love is it which always hurts, regrets and says sorry?

This question is in reciprocation after watching the movie – Before We Go. I like watching movies as I have mentioned many a times on my blog. Though I am not a big fan of any specific actors, I like movies because they have the power to showcase the fiction with touch of non-fiction.

I would love a movie even if not a big hit because it made me think and ponder over the impact it had on me.

Before We Go turned out to be one. The story revolves around two strangers who meet one night and how they learn about their life and help clearing up the faded faith. It goes without saying they learn to know about ‘love’ with new perspective.

There is no perfect. There will always be struggle. You just need to choose who you wanna struggle with.

True isn’t it? How many times have you questioned about the decision you have made to be with the people in life? I am not talking solely about relationship of love but this is true for other relations too.

Brooke Dalton: It's possible, isn't it? It's possible that you could meet somebody who's perfect for you even though you're committed to somebody else.
Nick Vaughan: No, no, see, I think if you're committed to somebody, you don't allow yourself to find perfection in someone else.

I am searching for the answer Brooke asks over here (My most favourite dialogue from the movie). Do you have any answer or what’s your perspective on this one?

The best part of the movie is Nick and Brooke calling their past self and giving advice. I don’t want to ruin the story for you but I have to mention this one:

Nick Vaughan: And at the end of the night, you're gonna want to say some things, but don't. Don't ruin it. It's nothing she doesn't already know. Just give her a kiss. Wish her good luck. And, uh... thank her. Thank her for showing you that you can love more than one person in this life.

I can’t argue over this and don’t even try to argue with me. This for me is not less than sacred.

I was fascinated with the concept of talking with your past that I decided to dial the number to myself 5 years back. What would I tell myself?

“Poonam, it’s you from the future. Your ritual of turning off the net will be broken one night and be thankful for Amazon prime video for it. Trust me it would be best because you are going to hear those words you believed you would never hear in this life. It will definitely make you insomniac for two straight nights but it would be worth it. You need those words to be heard. You will regain the faith and belief that love exists in this world and for you.” 

Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan

Dear D (That's what I call you),

I don’t need to talk with you through this medium but I can’t get over my OCD of documenting my life. When I shall look back at this once we turn wrinkly, it will never fail to make me smile, laugh and cry. You may be thinking what made me write today for you. I came across the song, “Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan” from the movie Yaarana today, but the cover version by Rahul Jain. How can it not make me remember you, after all it’s about dosti!

You are the only one till date I have spoken tons, so much that I did not even with my parents.  We crossed each others’ path at an age where great friendship is rare because we had already seen true colors of people in this world. Yet there was nothing or no one who could stop the birth of our friendship.  

Can you tell me why are we still friends who do not require words to elaborate our thoughts? I have no answer to it. Okay, let me put down few points-

Our compatibility. No, wait. If compatibility was the reason we would have been life partners.lol.

The fact is reverse. Our ways of thinking are not in sync but we 'listen' to them unbiased. I have never opinionated you. I have never judged, neither you have me. Our ability to be with each other in differences is what keeping this relation alive.

You crossed the topmost point on your bucket list - getting me fermented. That's an EPIC success for you!

Our stupidity burrowed the well of regret and instead of crying out to each other, we both fell into it. Will we ever get out?

I am sorry that I kept you out of my life for certain time phase. I was such a fool not confiding all to you when you were and are the one who can catch me behind the mask I wear. I lost those years without you and I am extremely ashamed of myself to keep you waited all those years even after knowing we can always be with each other. No matter what!

This is getting emotional. Let me vent though. I can't carry this burden within me. We knew the path we were walking on but it came unexpectedly, may be too early or too late or at the right time I must say.

I am walking over this path happily but I am also passing by insecurities and jealousy - the black masked emotions that has the power to ruin man. I can't get through them. It is turning out to be more difficult than I presumed. These emotions might kill us.

I have to let you go. This time I am being selfish. I have decided to give the pen to fate who shall write the story for us. I will persevere to read it. Life has already conspired against us, I can only wait to read the book fate will compose.

This is getting too emotional, ain't it? My birthright is to pester you for lifetime and not this. You gave me back my lost muse. I can never be like C but she always will be my inspiration.

I may never find myself in your words but I am happy enough to be in your smile, a real one and not the fake.

I have nothing better to end this letter than the lyrics of the song mentioned earlier.

Tere jaisa yaar kahan

Kahan aisa yaarana

Yaad karegi duniya

Tera mera afsana

Meri zindagi sawaari

Mujhko gale lagake

Baitha diya falak pe

Mujhe khaat se oothake

Yaara teri yaari ko

Maine to khuda mana

Yaad karegi duniya

Tera mera afsana

Yours forever,

you may never find a friend like me ever :P