For all my fillies.

Just when I begin to think that fashion magazines don't know how to write a decent article, along comes a surprise. W Magazine has a fabulous article about a female racehorse - with the coolest name, Zenyatta - who has been dominating races since 2007, including some against all-male competitors. She has a come-from-behind formula that works every time, and is even known for her "dancing" style. On top of all that, she has never been anything but first. The horse is amazing.

Still, I was absolutely floored by the quality of W's article. Steve Haskin's turn of phrase is elegant and powerful, just like his subject. He takes something most of us probably can't relate to (unless we were deeply moved by Seabiscuit or Secretariat, or had a friend or family member who took us to the races a lot), and makes it not only interesting and inspiring, but something we can care about too, now that we know it exists.

Love to all my fillies, keep on pushing!

K

An Old-Fashioned Love Story with an Empowering Message

I just rewatched one of my favorite Bollywood movies, a charming folk story called Paheli. The sets, the costumes, the music and the actors are all superb, but what I really love about it is its ability to transform my mood whenever I watch it.

Paheli (meaning "riddle" in Hindi) tells the story of a young woman named Lachchi (played by one of my favorite actresses, Rani Mukherji), who is engaged to be married to a trader's son named Kishan (played by Bollywood superstar Shah Ruhk Khan). Kishan is something of a weenie, he always cowers before his father and is obsessed with his accounts. He takes so much care to balance the wedding accounts that he appears to be uninterested in consummating the marriage, but soon reveals that he just doesn't want to get Lachchi's hopes up, since he plans to leave the very next day on a five-year business trip. Lachchi is devastated, but comforted by the women of the house.

However, as soon as Kishan leaves, a spirit who had fallen in love with Lachchi comes to the house, in the form of Kishan! He fools the entire household into thinking he's the real son, but he tells the truth to Lachchi, wanting her to love him in return. She accepts the spirit's love and devotion in exchange for that of her real husband, and they spend four happy years together. Unfortunately, she becomes pregnant by the spirit, and news reaches her husband away on business. The real Kishan comes back, and the family can't tell their son from the impostor. A wise old shepherd manages to solve the riddle, but I won't spoil the ending for you if you want to see the movie.

While it's fun to watch the family's antics and worry about whether the spirit will be with Lachchi in the end, what I found really inspiring was the feminist message of the film. At the beginning, Lachchi is completely powerless, married to a man who doesn't seem to really love her, alone at the start of her married life and (if this were more realistic India) in no position of power until she bears a son. She has all of the burdens of being subordinate to her husband, but none of the benefits. When the spirit comes along, he seems to be a man made out of female desires:

"I am the yearning that resides in a woman's heart...that's who I am. I'm the love she wants."

While the real Kishan is away importing and exporting and tallying figures, the spirit Kishan dotes on Lachchi, his reason for living. Not only does he listen to her and help her fulfill her desires, he treats her like an equal. When she gets mad at him for using magic to help the family, he listens to her and promises never to use magic again, so she can "forget that he is a ghost" and believe he is her human husband. He also builds a well in the town and strikes water, ensuring a secure future for everyone. Though everyone attributes these successes to the spirit Kishan, he is really acting as Lachchi.

Lachchi also grows throughout the film. Starting off a naive young bride, the spirit gives her courage to be assertive right off the bat. When he reveals himself to her and asks her whether or not she wants him to stay, she immediately bursts into tears and replies, "No one ever asked me my wish." She becomes empowered by his love for her, turning her into an excellent wife and mother without withering her youthful qualities of joy and grace. She even has the courage to tell the real Kishan the truth - that the spirit did not deceive her and seduce her, that she chose him for his honesty and pure love. At a time when men were the beginning and end of conversation, this is a great example of a woman's grace and power over her life.

Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Phil Milenge Chalte Chalte!

K

Multitasking and Looking Fine

To partially distract myself from not having a real job yet, I've been using the little funds I have available on fashionable work clothes. I bought this top yesterday on Ruche, a great alternative to ModCloth, and hope to have it delivered sometime this week. I'm planning to wear it with a patterned skirt, simple slacks, or with jeans on weekends.

I know a lot of people are down because of the economy and the lack of employment opportunities around the world. Trust me, I'm feeling the anxiety and frustration and anger just like you. There are some times when preparing for a job you don't even know is out there seems like a waste of time.

But someday you will get that job. One day, someone is going to look at your resume and say, "This is the person we need." And you will be hired. Or maybe you will get the courage to start your own business, to take your dreams and passions and share them with the world. Then you'll be completely in charge of yourself and your destiny. Either way, on that day, you're going to want to look fabulous.

Chin up. I love you, and one day, so will they.

K

Au Naturale

I'm always inspired by nature, the shapes and textures and colors that occur without much purposeful design. I hope these photos I took of places around the Bay Area will inspire you to check out the world around you!

Always love and respect,

K