Wordsmith at work

  On Birthdays   Your birthday is the day you enter planet Earth, which calls for a celebration on that day and every year after until you pass away. Even after that, you may be remembered on your birthday. As children, most of us love birthdays. Our birthdays are usually marked by new clothes, a slew of greetings, a big fat cake, a party, and many presents. My mom usually baked a big fat birthday cake for me and tailored a new dress. I began my day by visiting church wearing my new dress and then carrying a bag of candy to school to distribute among classmates and teachers. The class joyfully sang the “Happy Birthday” song, and I enjoyed every moment of the celebration. My favourites were cooked lovingly by Mom, or we went out to eat. Over the years, I did have the occasional party, which was always great fun. With advancing age, quieter celebrations with family and close friends or perhaps a trip may become the norm. Then, there are milestone birthdays that mark sign...

My name is Allwyn Prestcold.I am milky white in colour, and my name is boldly emblazoned across my chest. I was bought by a newlywed couple almost 60 years ago. A year into their marriage, the couple became the proud parents of a baby girl whom they named Marietta. I was always filled with goodies and food. The couple took good care of me. My door was never left open for long, and it was never, never banged shut. They treated me with the utmost care and gentleness. I defrosted and cleaned regularly. Marietta was, of course, forbidden from opening me. I lived in Mumbai for about 2 years, and then Marietta's father was transferred to Jamshedpur. They took me along. I, of course, was transported by truck together with their other belongings, but praise the Lord, I arrived in one piece. I spent 22 unbearably long summers in Jamshedpur, cooling food and drink and preventing it from spoiling. Fridge water and ice were a staple during the summer. Marietta's mother, Marie, was an ex...