Regulars here know what happens on the first of every February. Busy or otherwise I am back at Shail’s Nest with my hair in a braid. Umm…For those not in the know, that is just an expression being thrown about freely and very far from the truth since I don an army recruit style short hair-cut. Well, almost, or at least only as much as the disapproving stylist at the salon I frequent will allow it. Sheesh, it is my head. Why shouldn’t I cut my hair as short as I wish?

Anyways…

What it means (not the hair cut but being here on the first of February) is that I am keeping my promise of ‘rambling’ on and on, on all days of February, or till the readers shout for reprieve and send me into hibernation by the end of the month. Just kidding. My readers, the loyal ones that is, the ones who still read and comment, as also those who merely lurk and read (Yes, peeps. I am aware of your existence!) would never dream of sending me packing. In fact they are always telling me ‘Write more, Shail!’ and if that wasn’t enough, they repeat, ‘Write some more, Shail!’

Now, tell me this. Who can resist such heartfelt urging from loyal readers? If you think I can, you have another thing coming. I may come across as the stern and no nonsense type who stands up to those trying to force her into situations, looks at some others in the eye and make them wilt (Thanks you, Wodehouse!), and also asks cheekily of yet others, ‘Oh yeah? Says who?’ But… as I have never failed to mention time and again, not only am I a baa lamb at heart (the tigress’ coat is more like a cover), I am also putty in the hands of people who read whatever I write.

Yessir. I love my readers, I do. As much as I love writing. And that’s saying a lot.

That is the reason why, eventhough I find myself shirking during other months, giving in easily to sometimes more urgent calls on my time, I make sure to come back and bombard you all with posts on consecutive days during some months. This is one such month. So here’s to the next twenty-eight days. May each day entertain you (and also make you think because apparently I can do that as well according to reports I have received) as much as it will me, as my fingers tap dance on the keyboard through all of February.

©️ Shail Mohan 2025