14th March, 2026

What am I working on?

My partner collected a few stones near Kawasan Falls in Philippines. Planning to paint those.

What am I reading?

Last week I read Mental Load by Emma. The book is relatable, especially for women, as it tackles concepts that demand attention. I liked the sections on the mental load, women in the workplace, and the subtle differences in how men and women navigate work versus family - it was sharp and thought-provoking. Some parts feel less connected—anecdotal or not deeply researched—but the core of the work succeeds in raising awareness of questions we should be asking. What makes it powerful is its tone: uncompromising yet accessible, funny without being frivolous. It strikes a nerve because it speaks plainly (even the illustrations are simple) and honestly about issues too often brushed aside.

What am I watching/watched recently?

I watched 'The Swallows of Kabul'. It is a hauntingly beautiful adaptation of Yasmina Khadra’s novel, brought to life through delicate, watercolour-like animation that softens yet intensifies the brutality of Taliban-ruled Kabul. The style reminded me of illustrations in Khaled Hosseinis's Sea Prayer. The film is about two couples, one clinging to hope through education and progress, the other weighed down by illness and duty, find their lives tragically intertwined. You may find yourself reflecting on humanity, morality, and the meaning of life when confronted with such circumstances—so starkly different from the comfort and privilege of your own world.

New thing I learnt lately?

The Carnian Pluvial Event is a period 232 mil years ago when it rained for 2 mil years on Earth. A time marked by massive volcanic eruptions that led to global warming and extreme rainfall. It is regarded as a period of increased extinction. However, the Carnian wet episode also opened the door for the flourishing of new life, such as dinosaurs, frogs, lizards, and turtles, as well as modern coral reefs and plankton in the oceans, according to geologists.