Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Sunday Roast

CEO Of The Lost And Found Department


This week's interview is with Braja,
who writes the blog Lost And Found In India.


Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

I started to blog as a kind of "writers yoga," to exercise my writer's muscle and get into some daily writing routine, pressured by that little "Publish" button ... I wanted to write after not having done so for two years (working as an editor pushes the writing to the back ...), and I wanted to get a book that I'd started on finished and published. I achieved all those things by December last year. But now, I blog because I love to be in touch with the hundreds of people I've met online, who reciprocate so much, and in some of whom I've found good friends.

What's the story behind your blog name?

We decided to move to India almost eight years ago. The first days you arrive here -- even if you've been here plenty of times before -- you're lost :) There is so much to adjust to culturally on a daily basis that it's blinding. But the purpose for coming here was to find some deeper spiritual and philosophical foundation to our lives. And we did. In the end I realized that daily I'm lost and found again, in every way possible. Repeatedly. And joyfully :)

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Definitely the people, the relationships, the sharing ... it's unbelievable how many people I've been in touch with, come close to, been helped by, given help to, laughed with, at, for, and in spite of :)

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Never fear that what you -- your real self -- displays and expresses on your blog or with others will be rejected; despite our numerous faults and misconceptions, bloggers are also people doing the same thing as you, taking the same risks, expressing the same nervous truths perhaps...they can relate to you, will accept you, and embrace you, giving you strength to go to greater heights...so just don't fear....go for it.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

Wow ... soooo many. I'm not being polite .... there are so many. Grandpa at Word Mechanic is unfathomably talented in terms of poetry .... he's an extremely gifted, heart-rending poet, and has been a writer all his life. A wonderful writer. His poems have touched me the most, especially On Taking First Communion In Hospital. Then there's Vodka Mom,who is known for her humor, but her depth and heart-rending posts have been beautiful.

But it's so hard to categorize it all to one mood: so many I read touch me in different ways ... and I love that. I also admit I love your Verse and Worse ... it's lightness, ridiculousness, and consistency all impress me :)) And I realize I've just named three people who are writers: two of you professionally and long-term, and Vodka Mom who has taken it up only recently but who is a natural. Her posts will be back up soon by the way ... don't fear :) As a writer, I'm drawn to writers ... and as a writer, I'm drawn to people who aren't writers but who are fearless in writing and expressing. It's wonderful out there :)

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

Are you serious? All of 'em :) Well ... for me anyway :) As far as the comments and responses go, I'd say two are equally special to me and have also affected my readership in a way that I didn't expect. The first is a recent one called Changes, which is a rather deep expose on how things have changed for since my husband and I suffered a violent road accident six weeks ago; the second is a rather special one that brought my readers to the point of changing their views on cows, and changing their calling of cows to Cow-babies :) You Know How I Told You I Loved Cows.


Today's Sunday Roast with Braja is the 75th in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.

56 comments:

introspection said...

That is a beautiful interview. I am rather new to blogsphere, but I have been around when this accident news of dear Braja came. Great to know her blogging details. I will be going over to catch up with older posts if I may.
This is really a great interview all thanks to you David.

Rosaria Williams said...

Thanks, David. I have been following Braja's blog for a while now. She never fails to amaze me with her energy, wisdom and sense of humor.

Your interview added a few more strokes to the picture.
p.s. Is that her picture?

♥ Braja said...

That's me Lakeviewer....with extra lines :)

Cynthia Pittmann said...

I enjoyed your interview with Braja, David. I've been in touch with her for a while and I think she is such an honest blogger. When people are looking for deeper meaning in life, sometimes their writing can get clouded with good intentions and a compelling desire to hide personal flaws. I think Braja is able to share her daily life with both integrity and humor. Thanks for posting this interview with one who is both 'lost AND found'. <3

Angie Ledbetter said...

Nice "outage" post!

Anonymous said...

Great interview as always. I am a big fan of this blogger and think she has a lovely and interesting blog going here.

CJ xx

Captain Dumbass said...

Whenever I'm out in public I always have that feeling I'm being watched. Since I started reading Braja I've often wondered if the whole 'Lost & Found' bit is just an elaborate cover for a devious quest for global domination. Now I see that I was right. Granted, it will be peaceful and much better off for the cows, but I worry that she'll take away my bacon.

Please don't make me a vegetarian, Braja.

Sandi said...

Beautiful interview! I love Braja!

Linda-Sama said...

love her blog because her posts always remind me of why I love India.

Feisty Crone said...

Great interview with our Braja. Braja is honest, funny, and a great blogging pal.

Pseudo said...

Great interview David. I've been enjoying Braja's blog since last Fall and you added a layer of meaning.

mo.stoneskin said...

So that's what the great girl looks like? I can't believe she published a book without asking me to write the foreword.

Susan English Mason said...

Great title for the interview, David. Just wanted you to know I noticed and appreciated the cleverness.

As for the Braja - she is simply Princess Braja to me. She is blogging royalty in my mind's eye.

shoreacres said...

Very interesting interview, and helpful as well. As I approach my own 100th post, I've grown a bit reflective, and find some of my own home-grown convictions about blogging reflected here.

This is rich fare, and I'm looking forward to more exploring.

LadyFi said...

Great answers. And great choice, David. Braja is one of my favourites...

Unknown said...

Great interview, I alrweady enjoy Braja very much

Sandra said...

Ahhhh Bellabraja...

You won't find a better woman in blogosphere.

She is fierce, loving, strong, incredibly intelligent, a true friend, and a great writer...

Yes, that is her lovely picture up there... right where she belongs.

Elizabeth said...

An excellent interview with one of my most top favorite bloggers.
What I like about Braja is her honesty.
We were all so horrified about her accident and so relieved that she lived to tell the tale.
David, Willow now has your book.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Braja has a book published! Jeez, I need to go back and read up on past posts. I totally missed that.

Thanks for the great interview. I'm a huge Braja fan :-)

Kathy B! said...

Brava for Braja!

Brilliant choice David. I love comng over here to see where your spotlight shines. You have quite the knack for picking the good ones.

Ugich Konitari said...

"In the end I realized that daily I'm lost and found again, in every way possible. Repeatedly....."

Nothing truer...for all of us in our lives too...

Brian Miller said...

nice roast. so great to meet braja...off to check out her blog!

Lori ann said...

I enjoyed this interview so much. I was so happy to have found Braja, only to have lost her again thanks to Internet Explorer.

Now, thankfully I've got FireFox and it's helped me get back to L.A.F.I.I.


Great Interview David!

radha said...

A recent follower of Braja's blog. And was glad to know more about her! Thanks.

Saz said...

I love Braja and her blog, so happy to see her honoured here!

Thanks David for the pick of the week!

Bee said...

I've been enjoying Braja's blog for a while now, but your interview uncovered some new and interesting territory.

This is such a great series. You must do more to make connections that any other blog that I know of.

@eloh said...

Whatever happened to your face in your accident...didn't matter...you are a strikingly pretty woman. No wonder your mom told you to gain a little weight. ha

Ananda girl said...

I've known about Braja for a time now. I am a dedicated follower. Her humor and her insights are very welcome additions to my life. Most appreciated is the way that she makes me stop and think.

An excellent choice!

Sarah Lulu said...

Wonderful interview David. I do think of Braja as a friend ..it's pure magic isn't it? SO far away we can be and so close.

Akosua Miracle said...

This is awesome! Fun to learn more about the people behind the blog.

xxx said...

Yes I too already am aware of Braja.... the cheekiest blogger on the web :-)

best wishes
Ribbon

Mike said...

I just recently started reading Braja's blog, but the one thing that I totally agree with is that you should not hold back in your commenting or posting, some people may hate you, but at least you are real!

Debbie said...

Braja is one of my very favorite people I have met while blogging. You'll never find a more honest, caring, open person. Thank you for focusing on her.

Beth said...

Great interview! Braja was one of the first blogs I followed. She never disappoints!

Ann Imig said...

Braja's blog is truly unique. She is one of a kind, bloggers flock to her--not only for her warm and witty writing, but for her wisdom.

Why, yes you can use that quote for your book jacket, Braja!

;)

AiringMyLaundry said...

Fantastic interview. Braja rocks.

Unknown said...

I KNEW it was going to be a great interview. I have always wondered about the title of her blog. I think it is very fitting now that I know more about her.

She is truly a great inspiration to me and many many others.

Great pick!

Kavi said...

This is lovely ! A super duper interview.

And a neat format too !

Many many congratulations

Cloudia said...

Well said-
BOTH of you!
aloha from Hawaii

Comfort Spiral

Zip n Tizzy said...

Love this.
Thanks David!

Anonymous said...

You always feel special visiting Braja's blog. And I've read both of her mentioned posts.

Thanks for taking the time to shine the spotlight on her.

Alok Bhatt said...

I admire Braja for her deep sense of human values & commitment to a cause.......It is her spirituality that helps her connect to so many people ....wide and far......irrespective of their caste, colour, religion, region and creed........She is a gifted individual with an amazing ability to share......share her thoughts and likings........

She is the best example of what power of sharing can do to someone........

Thanks David and thanks Braja!

SG said...

David, thank you for this interview with Braja. I started reading her blog only yesterday, and am already a huge fan.. her writing is so genuine... I was glad to know more about her.
I like your blog, am starting to follow it.

Jinksy said...

Lovely to see Braja hit the headlines here - so much better than that darned truck! :) xxx

The Grandpa said...

Not sure what I can say that others haven't, but Braja is inspirational and truly a great friend and great human being. And, wow, can she write. I can't wait to read her book.

I remember the shock that rippled through the blogosphere when news of the accident involving here and her husband first appeared. We are all so relieved at the outcome.

Unknown said...

Great interview David. I, too, have been following Braja for a while and thoroughly enjoy her thought provoking posts. One major thing about her is that she obviously reads all of the comments about her posts and doesn't hesitate to take the time to respond privately; she's really wonderful about that.

Sodermoto said...

Great Interview! Love Braja's blog. She is so fresh and entertaining to read her blogs. Thanks for interviewing her.

Shrinky said...

Another fascinating and enjoyable interview, I do so love this feature! Thanks David, and hi Braja, I must look you up soon.

darsden said...

Fabulous :-)

A Woman Of No Importance said...

Braja is a talent that can take your breath away, David. She is personal, passionate and poignant... I am honoured to know her and take great pleasure in learning through her strength and her wit and feeling...

Bless you for featuring her, and thank you for this wonderful regular feature, sir! Happy Sunday! x

sheila said...

What a beautiful way to honor a beautiful person. Very nice interview.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

This was awesome. I've followed Braja for some time now but it was fun and enlightening to read her answers.

Sassy Britches said...

I heart Braja. It's funny how you think you know someone's "story," but there's always something left to surprise you. :)

Stacy Uncorked said...

A beautiful interview of a beautiful person. Thanks for letting us get to know our dear Braja a little better! :)

Craig Glenn said...

Ah David! You have interviewed a Gaint! I love Braja. Her blog is a daily MUST READ!

Thank you so much for "The Sunday Roast"! I have been introduced to many new blogs of note through your brilliant series.

Craig Glenn

Sharon Rose said...

David, this was a great interview with Braja. She has the wisdom of many years and offers insight, deeper thinking than one can find in a book.
She is an amazing lady!