Book Signing
Dear Friends, Please join me at the Shaler North Hills Library for book-signing and a talk, "Imagination, Dreams and Meaningful Coincidences." I'll be delighted if you can come! Here are the details: ...
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Writings and Readings Blog
Madhu Bazaz Wangu
The Immigrant Wife & Chance Meetings 50% Discounted
Dear Readers, Have you read The Immigrant Wife: Her Spiritual Journey? Did you purchase Chance Meetings: Stories About Cross-Cultural Karmic Collisions and Compassion? If not, now is the time to do so! From June 27 to July 5 both books will be discounted 50%. Remember to download them on a reading apparatus for your summer read: The Immigrant Wife: Her Spiritual Journey (Now $2.99, Was $5.99) Chance Meetings: Stories About Cross-Cultural Karmic Collisions and Compassion (Now $1.99, Was $3.99) Delight in your readings and have an unforgettable summer! Madhu ...
Read MoreWhy I Love Pittsburgh, Reason # 3
Pittsburgh Cultural District The reason #3 why I love Pittsburgh is its Cultural District. Opera, play, ballet, and symphony stir my soul, the purpose of all art. The stories told in verse and prose puncture the repose of routine, and they are essential for frequent reawakening. Recently, Pittsburgh Opera’s “The Rake’s Progress” at the Benedum and Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s “Disgraced” at the O’Reilly succeeded in stirring my spirit in spades. One of my favorite artists, David Hockney, designed the sets in cross-hatching technique, eccentric costumes and childlike wigs. His props and designs reinterpret Stravinsky’s opera for the stage. Stravinsky was himself influenced by engravings of William Hogarth, an 18th century artist. Hockney felt that Hogarth’s precise cross-hatching technique perfectly...
Read MoreChance Meetings NIEA Finalist
Dear Readers, Happy Mother's Day! On this beautiful day I'd like to share some good news with you: Chance Meetings: Stories About Cross-Cultural Karmic Collisions and Compassion, is a Finalist for the 10th National Indie Excellence Award. Check it out at http://www.indieexcellence.com On the NIEA website the book appears with its original cover: The new cover is: ...
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10 Reasons Why I Love Pittsburgh | Reason #2
Reason # 2 Strip District Market In mid 1970s, when I arrived in Pittsburgh, there was not an International Isle in the local supermarkets. Vegetables such as okra (called lady’s fingers in India), turnip, long purple eggplants and kohlrabi were unfamiliar to the grocer. Goat meat was unavailable, and lamb available only during the week of lent. This was frustrating as I took as much pleasure in buying mouth watering raw ingredients as preparing scrumptious dishes. Couple of weeks after our arrival my sister, who had settled in Pittsburgh five years prior to the year we did, drove us to the Strip District. Driving through 13th to 33rd street on Penn Avenue she said in that market place I would find everything and anything I needed. And I certainly did. Before parking the...
Read More10 Reasons Why I Love Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Tri-River State Pittsburgh, where three rivers meet (thus a sacred city according to Hinduism) has been my home since 1974. My husband and I have lived here for more years than in India where we were born. Our daughters were brought up here; they went away to college from here (Boston and Los Angeles) and returned to marry at the magnificent Hall of Architecture, Carnegie Museum of Art. With its 446 bridges over the rivers and countless hills and ravines, Pittsburgh landscape looks as breath taking as Srinagar, the capital of the Valley of Kashmir. I love Pittsburgh for its natural beauty, four distinct seasons, theatres, universities, museums, international restaurants, and numerous other sites. Let me begin with Phipps Conservatory. Each time I visit the green building I feel the thrill that...
Read MoreGaurav, The brother Shanti Adores
Satyavan wants to immigrate to America. Shanti’s mother and sister are frantic. “Do you want to go to a foreign land and leave your family?” Her mother asks. “Why did he have to move seven seas away?” Ganga says. But Gaurav, Shanti’s brother—who happens to like Satyavan, declares this to be a great career opportunity. What does Shanti think? To find out, read The Immigrant Wife: Her Spiritual Journey, now available in print. ...
Read MoreSister of Shanti’s Heart – Ganga
Ganga was sister of Shanti’s heart! Seven years older, Shanti admired everything about her. And Ganga loved her as much, if not more. A few months before her own wedding, Ganga purchased semi-precious jewelry sets, for herself and for Shanti. But there was a problem: Ganga did not like Satyavan. “What do you see in him?” She would say, “I tell you, something is not right with him!” Shanti was in love with Satyavan. What was she to do? Some of the jewelry pieces from Ganga's collection: [gallery columns="1" size="large" ids="41061,41062,41064,41059,41063,41058,41060"]...
Read MoreIntroducing Shanti and Satyavan
Introducing Shanti and Satyavan Shanti Bamzai, the protagonist of The Immigrant Wife: Her Spiritual Journey, was born in the Valley of Kashmir. The valley is framed by the mountain ranges of Karakoram, Pir Panjal and Zanskar. The Jhelum River runs through it. Kalhana, the renowned eighth century historian writes, “Kailasha, the divine abode is the best place in the three worlds; Himalaya is the best part of Kailasha, and the valley of Kashmir the best part of Himalayas. . . . The valley’s saffron, iced water and grapes are rare even in heaven.” Shanti’s family often picnics at the garden Nishat Bagh meaning ‘Garden of Bliss.’ One Sunday, Satyavan, a houseguest accompanies them. The morning sun has colored the landscape gold. Luxurious mountains form the backdrop to the garden and the shimmering Dul...
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