The good ol' days

"Do you not often wish that you could take a childhood memory, blow it into a bubble and live in it forever?" quips Sarah Allen in the popular book Lost Lake. Ask the majority of us adults to close our eyes for a minute and go to our own special 'happy place' and don't we all conjure up cherished images of our childhood, climbing trees, playing simple games with our friends, and eating a warm home-cooked meal? (Understanding Childhood Amnesia, Sept 2). On the flip side, our innermost fears also revolve around certain childhood experiences, which, insignificant though they may have appeared, snowball into adult fears, often so illogical that it scares us right into the psychologist's expensive chair.
Our earliest memories are woven into our subconscious mind and affect our daily adult lives and the manner in which we bring up our own families. While medical science and neurogenesis may be able to ascertain the 'why' and 'how' of the inherent makeup of our minds, I still feel a lot of it really comes down to how we, as parents, strive to slowly build beautiful memories into our children's psyche.
Many well-meaning folks had discouraged me from taking my toddler kids to Disneyland, lamenting that they would not remember much. A decade later, the tiniest mention of the trip will have them regaling you with all the detailed highs and lows of their special journey, enough to build a travelogue on. Their adult 'happy place' is built on early childhood memories filled with the love and warmth of family fun.
Jimmy Escobar, by email

VOICES OF INSPIRATION
When the world is pushing you down, reading the wknd. article 'Your voice is your only currency in life' (Hollywood, Sept 2) is sure to turn your frown upside down. I found the article about Kevin Smith, who found his way to happiness even through negativity, very inspiring. The indie director - a man with a very brave heart, I think! - was not afraid of being different... something most of us find hard to do. I don't think there is a better way to start a new week than by reminding yourself that you are unique and special indeed.
'As Good as Gold' (Sept 2) was another article that I enjoyed reading. Luisa Rosas's story is one of the many stories that come with an unexpected twist. Through her life, she proved that you will never know if you will enjoy something unless you try it first. Thank you wknd. for the inspiring articles you publish every week.
Merin Lobo, Dubai

ALL IN ONE
The wknd. issue dated Aug 26 was a complete package in many ways. The story of the 'Ice Princess', for example, is sure to inspire the coming generation to achieve their goals. Being an expatriate in the UAE for the past 13 years, I would like to personally wish Zahra Lari all success in her future ventures - especially for the 2018 Winter Olympics that she has her sights set on. Ayukta Thakur's words lent hope as well, as they focused on combining the practical life skills of special needs students together with their mainstream education in order to better develop their self-confidence and independence ('Focus on strengths, not disabilities'). Kudos indeed!
The splendid city of Jaipur (Royal Splendour) was brought alive in our minds in a captivating narration; whoever reads it will surely add it to their next list of holiday destinations. And the Back-to-School treats in Kitchen Classics were really helpful for a confused mother trying to ensure a healthy variety in her kids' school lunch boxes - and stuff they will eat, no less! Thank you for all your efforts in bringing out this wonderful magazine.
Sheena Biji, Dubai

KEEPSAKE, PLEASE?
I adore the Beauty Basics column by Rima Soni and really wish it could be printed in some sort of perforated format that would enable us to tear it out and keep for future reference as well. Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work!
Vanita L, Dubai
 
OVERSIGHTS
In last week's issue of wknd., the lead photo for the Luisa Rosas interview (As Good as Gold, Sept 2) was shot by Leslie Pableo. Also, the caption on page 36 of the Travel story (A-punting we go on the Cam) reflected an older one on Jaipur. The picture is actually a shot of people punting under the Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge. The oversights are deeply regretted.