Writing prompts are a great way to get those creative juices going; reminding me of a subject I loved in school – Composition–  an amazing word to describe the creative use of words and far more evocative than the staid Essay Writing , which to me is evocative of serious thought that prods the mind and stimulates discussion. 

I used to look forward to our weekly Composition that we had to turn in every Monday morning  ( one in English and one in Hindi) that would be returned to us by the end of day with teacher’s comments and corrections. 

Today’s prompt of a memorable gift took me back to that schoolgirl memory of Compositions and Essays and of course , my most memorable gift. 

Like many people,I’ve been blessed with gifts- for my birthday, to commemorate certain events and of course just like that. I’ve been given gifts that are expensive , others not so but more valuable because of the sentiment of the giver, gifts that are given by people who mean something to me and some by strangers I encountered in business meetings or just people who stopped by.

One such gift that stands out in my memory is the KOH Crystal Nail File which was gifted to me many, many years ago. I am not the mani-pedi type of person and if I did bother with grooming , it was largely home done with inputs from more fashionable and worldly wise aunties and friends . I was always fascinated by ladies who had long , well painted nails that were filed to perfection and admired the way these ladies used their Emory boards to smooth away the rough edges. But eager though I am to try out new things, was hesitant to approach a nail file so when I got the KOH, I didn’t really know what to do but look at it with reverence and awe. Why would a woman who didn’t know me at all gift me such a thing? It looked expensive and useful but what if I wasn’t the kind of lady who files her nails? That was a pretty big risk she was taking!

Well, like a gracious recipient of a gift, I camouflaged my surprise to one of glee and made the appropriate oohs and aahs so that the gift giver gave her husband a triumphant “See I told you she’d like it” kind of look that  showed she had put a lot of thought into what gift do you give to someone who you don’t know. 

Since that day I must say, I do occasionally file my nails and remember with fondness the lady’s explanation ” I really didn’t know what you’d like but thought that this would surprise you if nothing else!” 

I’m posting this on #WYHO.