My Notebook
This isn’t a personal diary for public view. It’s more like a glimpse into whatever’s taking up space in my head that day, minus the parts I’m keeping for myself, obviously. Think of it as my brain, lightly edited, for public consumption. Equal parts brain dump and performance, you decide which entry is which.
I’ve tried journalling before, but it’s never really stuck. So this is another attempt, with a slightly more public incentive to keep at it. A place for little thoughts, observations, things I learn, and moments that might otherwise disappear into the general chaos of life.
Everyday Note
Sep 18, 2026
A Language That Needs Company
A Language That Needs Company
Been learning Basic Indian Sign Language a little at a time. The problem is, if I'm not practising it daily, it slips out of my head almost as fast as it went in. Trying to convince someone at home to learn it with me. Even a few signs a day would help it stick. Some things you can't learn alone. This might be one of them.
Been learning Basic Indian Sign Language a little at a time. The problem is, if I'm not practising it daily, it slips out of my head almost as fast as it went in. Trying to convince someone at home to learn it with me. Even a few signs a day would help it stick. Some things you can't learn alone. This might be one of them.
One Good Thing
Sep 07, 2026
Vitla Pindi Vesha
Vitla Pindi Vesha
You simply cannot match the wild, beautiful variety of characters walking the streets of Udupi during Vitla Pindi, the grand finale of Krishna Janmashtami. For a day, the streets come alive with music, processions and vesha, with people of all ages dressing up as characters from stories, folklore and tradition. A little bit of chaos, a lot of colour, and a tradition that turns the whole town into a stage. Photographed by my cousin, Ria, who has a lovely eye for beauty.
You simply cannot match the wild, beautiful variety of characters walking the streets of Udupi during Vitla Pindi, the grand finale of Krishna Janmashtami. For a day, the streets come alive with music, processions and vesha, with people of all ages dressing up as characters from stories, folklore and tradition. A little bit of chaos, a lot of colour, and a tradition that turns the whole town into a stage. Photographed by my cousin, Ria, who has a lovely eye for beauty.
Everyday Note
Sep 01, 2026
The Birdwatching Tradition
The Birdwatching Tradition
Every time I see a bird, I'm reminded of our early-morning childhood birdwatching days, logging sightings in our notepads with our trusty Salim Ali guide. Now, a Red-whiskered Bulbul has nested inside our home, and I'm passing that same magic down to my nephew.
Every time I see a bird, I'm reminded of our early-morning childhood birdwatching days, logging sightings in our notepads with our trusty Salim Ali guide. Now, a Red-whiskered Bulbul has nested inside our home, and I'm passing that same magic down to my nephew.
Everyday Note
Aug 20, 2026
Playing CrossPlay
Playing CrossPlay
I play Crossplay with friends and family quite often. There’s no pressure to finish a game in a day. You make a move when you have time and pick it up again whenever you get around to it. Some days I realise I haven’t actually spoken to the friend or the family member I’m playing with. I suppose that’s our way of saying hello.
I play Crossplay with friends and family quite often. There’s no pressure to finish a game in a day. You make a move when you have time and pick it up again whenever you get around to it. Some days I realise I haven’t actually spoken to the friend or the family member I’m playing with. I suppose that’s our way of saying hello.
One Good Thing
Aug 18, 2026
Aati Onji Oota
Aati Onji Oota
Rain drumming on the roof, the earthy scent of the monsoon, and a banana leaf slowly filling with the flavours of our heritage. Aati Onji Oota represents a time of simplicity, community, and resilience in coastal Karnataka. Sitting cross legged on the floor, sharing what the season provides, you wonder if you will ever be able to carry on the traditions your mother and foremothers have carried for so long. But for now, I am happy to do my part by sitting down, eating this wholesome meal, and appreciating every bit of what they have passed down.
Rain drumming on the roof, the earthy scent of the monsoon, and a banana leaf slowly filling with the flavours of our heritage. Aati Onji Oota represents a time of simplicity, community, and resilience in coastal Karnataka. Sitting cross legged on the floor, sharing what the season provides, you wonder if you will ever be able to carry on the traditions your mother and foremothers have carried for so long. But for now, I am happy to do my part by sitting down, eating this wholesome meal, and appreciating every bit of what they have passed down.
One Good Thing
Aug 12, 2026
The Better Version of the Weakest Player
The Better Version of the Weakest Player
I’ve been playing badminton with some old school friends for a couple of weeks now. I’m still figuring out the racket, the shuttle and occasionally which direction I’m supposed to be facing. This week a friend said, “You’ve gotten slightly better.” I am still the weakest player of the lot. But I am now a slightly better version of the weakest player. Progress is progress.
I’ve been playing badminton with some old school friends for a couple of weeks now. I’m still figuring out the racket, the shuttle and occasionally which direction I’m supposed to be facing. This week a friend said, “You’ve gotten slightly better.” I am still the weakest player of the lot. But I am now a slightly better version of the weakest player. Progress is progress.
SHIFALI ROBINSON