Ephemera A colourful and powerful Australian Elephant - inspired by the children of India in Balmain

लाल pronounced Lal is the colour Red in Hindi

Exactly as promised, at 1 minute past midnight her phone made a whoosh sound. Jasmine would only see the message in the morning as she was fast asleep

“You need to find a shop in Balmain. It has an Elephant called Ephemera who has the answer, with lots of love Santa”

Jasmine’s mother looked at the message over and over again. Not believing it. Jasmine was insisting on coming to work with her so she could search for this shop. The message was from a number 05683 5683.

9-year-old Jasmine had woken up early and she was ready. 

After Jasmine’s mother finished her shift at Woolworths, they started searching.

They turned right and went down a hill. On the left was a lovely old building.

“This is the Balmain Watch House and the oldest Police Station in Australia. But sadly we have no Elephant. I have heard there is one near Dawn Fraser Baths”, said the lady there. “Are you from India?”, she also asked. 

Jasmine’s mother admired the red Bandhani tie and dye scarf the woman was wearing.

Jasmine showed no interest in swimming in the beautiful harbour pool called Dawn Fraser Baths with quaint green wooden balconies and a small sandy beach. There was a little cafe where she also asked. “Sorry no Elephant here,“ replied the attendant. He also offered her an Anzac biscuit.

Normally Jasmine would have loved the pool but today was different. A day to find an Elephant in Balmain and find her answer. She had to hurry.

As if by magic, she saw it. This mosaic of an Elephant outside a shop in Darling Street. Near the bus stop. "Whoosh" went the phone confirming that this was the place.

Jasmine felt she had come home. The colourful block prints, Raj the large wood gatekeeper, the Bandhanis, the Indian tops called Kurtas, Bedspreads with Elephants on them. Handwoven Ribbons and the shiny Kansar Brass thalis, the Kutch bells, the Embroidery, all about India she had heard about. Kutch is a state in India.

"But where to look?"

Jasmine stood in front of Ephemera the Elephants mosaic with this question in her mind.

"Look in the bags", she heard a whisper. Could this be Ephemera the Elephant whispering?

She inspected the shop. There were many bags.

The red recycled bag. She looked in. Empty

The orange Lisa Hall bag with patchwork and mirrors. Nothing

The yellow Kutch bag. Zero. 

The little green, light blue, indigo-blue wallets from Kutch. Not a thing

The block print toiletry bags, The navy blue, pink gold one nothing, the purple one empty, the gold white black paisley print one empty too.

And then she spotted this small red pouch attached to the Sanganer print cushions. Sanganer is a place in Rajasthan.

Jasmine nervously opened the bag. And yes there was a piece of paper with a message. 

This is what it said 

सांता को आपके नोट के लिए धन्यवाद। मैं शांति हूं जिसका अर्थ है शांति। पंचांग मेरा अच्छा हाथी मित्र है। अगर तुम चाहो तो वह तुम्हें मेरी तस्वीर दिखाएगी।

तुम इतनी देखभाल करने वाली लड़की हो। और मैं जानता हूं कि आप अपनी मां की अनिद्रा का समाधान ढूंढते हैं। अच्छी नींद की कमी सभी के लिए बहुत अधिक तनाव पैदा करती है।

मेरा सुझाव है कि आपकी माँ जब भी संभव हो अपने अंगूठे और तर्जनी को एक साथ पकड़ें। एक बार में एक हाथ या दोनों।

यह काम करेगा आप देखेंगे। साथ ही, उसे जब भी संभव हो लाल रंग पहनने के लिए कहें।

आपको हमेशा शांति मिले

PS संदेश यह देखने के लिए अच्छी तरह से छिपा हुआ था कि क्या आप इसे खोजने के लिए पर्याप्त चतुर होंगे

Jasmine's mother translated

Thank you for your note to Santa. I am Shanti which means peace. Ephemera is my good elephant friend. She will show you my picture if you like.

You are such a caring girl. And I know you seek a solution for your mother's insomnia. Lack of good sleep creates too much tension for everyone.

I suggest that your mother hold her thumb and index finger together whenever she can. One hand at a time or both.

This will work you will see. Also, ask her to wear the colour red when possible.

May you always have peace

PS The message was hidden well to see if you will be clever enough to find it

लाल Red Ephemera the Elephant rests

रंग नारंगी pronounced rang naarangee means the colour Orange

Aria stopped talking after Maya her Bunji lost all her hair. 

Bunji: Means friend/mate in Aboriginal.

It was not Maya's fault- just an illness. Seven-year-old Aria was a quiet person anyway, but her teachers did not understand this. 

Aria then started growing her hair, and every few months had it cut and sent to a wig factory so that someone like Maya could use it.

Aria was slim and quiet and Maya was plump and talkative. It could be that opposites attract and they had sat next to each other on the first day of school.

Aria's name was chosen by her mother and honoured an old song. 

Maya's father was Indian so the name respected the ages-old Indian traditions.

Their parents had only said Hello to each other at school functions

Maya's mother wore a sari even though she was Australian and liked cooking Indian sweets. Aria loved Barfi. Maya's Indian grandfather lived with them and each day he was served his vegetarian meal on a large steel plate. The sadness of Maya's illness had cast a cloud of silence on the family. Maya still remained talkative

Aria had Irish ancestry and as you know singing is a great tradition of the culture. Aria's grandmother sang Irish folk songs often. Maya also loved Irish scones made by Aria's family

The illness had surfaced quite suddenly and within a month all of Maya's hair had gone. Luckily at school, everyone was understanding and no one teased her. But you can imagine what a seven-year-old wearing a wing looks like.

The first time Maya had to wear a wig, the family and Aria stood in front of a statue of an Indian goddess, lit small lamps and burned incense sticks. Maya's grandfather had also made a small flower garland.

Maya's grandfather chanted softly, "I am beautiful, the world is beautiful". But somehow from that day Aria went quiet and stopped cutting her hair. Maya also liked going to church with Aria. They both sang hymns.

Maya hated Aria's silence and repeated the words " I am beautiful, the world is beautiful", whenever she could

I am beautiful, the world is beautiful

One night in her dreams Aria saw these words and a large Elephant smiling at her

"रज़ाई का जादु

razai ka jaadu"

This happened over several nights and Aria always felt happy when the words appeared. What did they mean? What language were these?

Aria over the next few nights was able to write these down. Her sadness lifted whenever she looked at these words

The librarian at Balmain Library thought the words were Indian so Aria showed these to Maya's family and translated them to " The Magic Doona". They advised that while Doona was the closest to the word Razai, these were made using different methods. Razai is completely handstitched 

Aria typed in the word " Razai" and " Balmain" on her computer. A Facebook post by a shop called India in Balmain came up

Aria and her grandfather visited the shop as soon as they could and asked about the Razai...There were so many kinds- of flowers, elephants, palm trees, leaves, mangoes and feathers. All filled with just cotton wool.

Aria slowly saved up to buy the one with an Elephant on it. Her grandmother and Maya also helped her.

The first time she used the Razai, she felt her hair growing at a much faster pace. The next day she cut it all off and sent it to the wig factory. Night after night her hair grew quickly to make at least five wigs per day. She was overjoyed by the results and spoke to her grandfather for the first time in many months." I was quiet because my hair was growing so slowly. I felt helpless. Now I can help Maya even more. Thanks to the रज़ाई का जादु"

रंग नारंगी rang naarangee Orange Ephemera the Elephant likes hugging people

पीला

pronounced peela means yellow

Even children can cook Indian says a poodle.

Coconut had to wait outside. He knew. He sat next to the water bowl. Whining unusually. But he knew the rules. He was obedient. It was a way to show love to those around him. Coconut peered through the glass hoping he would catch her eye. The eye of Ephemera, the Elephant.

It was not to be today. He knew his time will come.

This happened over several days. But no sign of Ephemera's eye.

His mummy went in and bought a dress by Indian designer Injiri, a kimono of Bagru Prints. Bagru is a town in Rajasthan. And House of Wandering Silk beads. This was nice and 

Coconut knew he was close to the one. The one and only Ephemera.

What does a poodle do when waiting?

Coconut was blessed. He could hum the words his father had taught him as a pup

"You are the strongest yellow

the mightiest yellow poodle

think of yellow when you feel alone

yellow will settle all that anxiety in your stomach.

Your day full of naans will come my dear yellow coconut"

The patience paid off. Coconut managed to get into the shop with his mummy one day. He kept quiet and looked lovingly at her. She turned to the shopkeeper and said.."you see he is just saying that you can bring me into the shop and I can behave". Sadly no sign of that eye, of Ephemera.

Coconut kept humming the yellow song as he was whisked away outside.

7 am one morning. There she was. Bella the Kelpie tied to the lamp post outside the shop.

A mandala or a rangoli was being made outside the shop on the footpath. There was music playing, laughter, sweets, dog biscuits and flowers. Apparently the Indian Goddess of wealth visits on this day. Coconut however just wanted to catch the eye of Ephemera.

Bella was very happy to see him. They both remembered each other from that previous life in Varanasi.

"I just can't catch Ephemera eye", said Coconut immediately to Bella.

" Ah, our lovely Ephemera, the mighty one, the beautiful one, the queen of Varanasi. I just saw her and she was wondering why she had not seen you. But as you know many all day want to catch her attention" replied Bella.

"I have been trying and trying and trying." "she won't look in my way", cried Coconut.

"Did you make the offering though?" asked Bella. You know how she loves naans. 

" But how do I do it now", " I am a poodle"

" Offerings need not be physically made. You just have to offer in your mind and she will notice."

At last thought Coconut. I have found a way.

Next time when he was waiting outside India in Balmain, he imagined Ephemera, the Elephant smiling

He imagined himself fetching a bowl. Adding a cup of self-raising flour to it. And then enough milk to make it the consistency of clay. He then left the dough for an hour. As if by magic, the dough rises. He makes small balls and pulls them by hand to make these flatter. He places each in an oven tray with the heat in the oven at 200 degrees Celcius. Within 10 minutes the flatbread gets a few brown marks and it is ready. Sometimes when the brown marks do not appear he keeps the bread longer in the oven until these do. Moved to a plate then covered by butter, the naan offering is ready. Ready for the one and only Ephemera. Coconut can feel the Elephant sparkling.

Coconut looked up and there was Ephemera with her face to the window, smiling at him. He was happy. The most powerful Elephant in Balmain had smiled at him. This is all that he wanted. To please her.

The next time he saw Bella, she was excited to know that her idea had worked. She also said " I could see what delicious Naan you made in your imagination. In my imagination, I also cooked a curry to go with it."

Coconut knew that his life will now be full of magic and joy.

Bella's Curry ( even Children can cook this)

Make a curry paste. I teaspoon Turmeric, 4 tablespoons Cumin-Corriander Powder, 3 Tablespoons Oil

Smear these on 2 chopped and peeled potatoes. I large chopped Eggplant. Place in an oven tray

In a separate metal container mix thoroughly  1 tin chopped tomatoes, I cup water 1 tablespoon salt, 3 tablespoons sugar. 

Bake the potatoes and eggplant in a 220-degree oven for 30 minutes.  Also, place the metal container with the tomato mixture in the oven.

Make sure the potatoes are golden and cooked by piercing with a fork. Otherwise, leave baking for longer.

Add the tomato mixture to the potatoes and eggplant.

Garnish with coriander leaves and lemon juice before serving.

पीला Peela Yellow Ephemera the Elephant likes to breathe deeply 

हरा भरा pronounced 

hara bhara means green 

"Ephemera loves me the most. She wears a Kutch waistcoat for me always."

"Nah, I know her favourite is the Chikan White embroidered Kurta and that she wears for me."

" Have you ever seen her wearing Madame Hall? Now that's especially for me."

"and Injiri...have you seen her in that...only for me."

F86 looked up from the grass. The name is to identify her breed. She had dewy eyes, long lashes and her coat was deeply dense. She was the unofficial head of the cattle here on this farm in Oberon. The visiting Children's voices were interesting. And when F86 looked up the whole herd looked up and listened.

"I prefer her wearing the purple Nehru Jacket just for me." "The silk block print pyjamas look lovely on her". "The Ajkrakh scarf matched with the bandhani scarf is the best.""She looks so royal when she wears the Ralli coat. Ralli is a fabric woven by snake charmers."

All the cows on this farm were gentle. They never jumped fences

F86 looked at the children. The boys.Adi, Jonathan, Rupert, Orlando, Jimmy. The girls.Lucy Charlotte and Violet

F86 could see how they enjoyed each others company as they munched on oranges and Bombay mix.

When Adi was by himself, F86 approached him and told him of the dance near the big gum tree at midnight. She told him that his special Ephemera would be there. She also asked him to make a model of Krishna.

F86 explained that Krishna is an Indian god. He was a cowherd and remembered for removing evil from the world

She then went to all the boys individually and separately, advising them of the dance and said the following,

To Rupert

she introduced Hanuman. The monkey god helped Rama rescue his wife and partner Sita. F86 requested a model too.

To Jonathan, she introduced Rama. The peak of duty and sacrifice. His loyal brother was Laxman, who she talked to Jimmy about. F86 mentioned that Ephemera may like a model of both Laxman and Rama.

To Orlando, she mentioned Shiva- who lives on a mountain and among other roles is the Lord Of Dance.

हरा भरा hara bhara  green Ephemara the Elephant wears a green garland

Violet can be described as angelic. Cherub faced with Pink cheeks. And smooth hair. When F86 approached her like she had the others, Violet immediately offered to make a model of both Laxmi ji the goddess of wealth and Kali ji the goddess of destruction.

Laxmi ji

Laxmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman with an owl as her vehicle, signifying the importance of economic activity in the maintenance of life,

Kaliji

Kali's earliest appearance is that of a destroyer of evil forces.

Lucy who is tall was charmed by the story of Radha, girlfriend to Krishna. Radha is elegant, beautiful and loves pranks.

Saraswati is the Goddess of learning and Charlotte loves knowledge.

Gently midnight arrived.

One by one the children arrived carrying their models. There were no Ephemeras.

F86 asked the children to form a circle after placing the models they had made in the middle. And she asked everyone to think of their Ephemera.

A red Ephemera emerged in the centre. It had the name Adi on it

An orange Ephemera emerged with the name Jonathan

A yellow Ephemera emerged with Rupert on it

A green Ephemara emerged with the name Jimmy

A light blue Ephemera with the name Lucy

An indigo blue Ephemera with Charlotte on it

A Navy Blue, Pink, Gold, Purple Gold white  Ephemera with Violet 

The very dark black night in Oberon enjoyed the shining colours 

The children were amazed to see so many versions of Ephemera the Elephant and realised that she was special to everyone.

Each Ephermera wore the same crown.

हरा भरा hara bhara  green Ephemara the Elephant wears a green crown 

हल्का नीला pronounced

halka neela is light blue

Singh lived in Mumbai and had heard of the Pillar of Buddhist stone. How and why he did not know. Perhaps a memory from a previous life if you like that kind of explanation.

Singh was not sporty and loved music. However, his family were all enjoyed sport.

He did not get good marks at school. And he was slow at many things so was ridiculed often. 

But the idea of meeting the Pillar of Buddhist stone drove him. And he knew she was in Sydney. How will he get from Mumbai to Sydney?

He also knows she was in an area called Balmain.

One Christmas, India was playing Australia in cricket and Singh's father, an avid follower of Cricket decided to take the family there.

A man turned up at a party given by the hosts. He said he was from Balmain. Aha thought Singh.

He could already feel the colour surrounding the Pillar. Purple is dominant and with traces of colours Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Indigo Blue, Navy Blue, Gold, Pink, Purple, Gold, White, Black.

How did Singh know so much? Perhaps he had been a wise man before

Ah, you mean "India in Balmain?" when he mentioned his quest to the man from Balmain. Yes, there is an Elephant there who we refer to as the pillar of Buddhist Stone.

Ephemera smiled when she saw Singh, "Why do you call me the pillar of Buddhist Stone? she asked.

Singh gave many reasons.

You wear red shoes

You smile an orange smile

The colour yellow shines through you

Green adores you, your courage and your compassion

Your light blue voice is soothing.

You listen to every sound and word

An invisible navy blue crown, with pink diamonds, gold leaf is your hallmark

Purple lavender is your scent

and your halo is gold white black

हल्का नीला halka neela  light blue Ephemera the Elephant likes hymns

नील pronounced

Neel is indigo blue

Indie and Bella are young Cattle Dogs who live in the Blue Mountains near Sydney.

They both like to jump at their visitors.

They are not keen to come to the city much as either they have to stay inside or be on a leash. In the mountains, they are much freer.

They both love visiting Ephemera the Elephant in Balmain.

They don't jump at Ephemera. Both Indie and Bella love Ephemera's humming. Feels like the morning dew of a fresh Australian Light blue morning or the crisp burning murmur of wood in an evening fire stove.

Ephemera knows that Indie prefers the Indian morning Raagas and Bella the evening ones.

In fact, they individually are at their loudest at those particular times

It is difficult to explain these raagas by just writing about them. It's best to listen. And there are many options on the internet

The wordings of the compositions in morning ragas Bhairav are often meant to rouse the gods themselves, or describe Lord Shiva in all his rough-hewn glory, or to offer gratitude for the passing of the night and the coming of another dawn.

Does music have a day and night? While we know it is not bound by time or space, Indian classical music has come down through centuries of tradition that celebrates all hours of the day.

हल्का नीला halka neela  light blue Ephemera the Elephant likes calm voices

गहरा नीला pronounced

gahara neela is Navy Blue

गुलाबी pronounced

gulaabee is pink

सोना pronounced

sona is gold

At one time he had a red ball, and he wanted all the red balls in Balmain

He had an orange. which really is all he could eat. Then why did he chase for all the oranges in Balmain?

all one needs is three good friends but he had to be the "Centre of Attraction"- a yellow beacon.

Did he show genuine love to anyone but himself? He got nervous at the simplest of things going wrong. But that's the way he was.

He did have a lovely calm light blue voice and listened earnestly.

But perhaps he had a mental weakness just to live in the now and not to think of the future...( you can hear navy blue crying as this approach if you are alone could be very unlucky). Pink paced up and down, Gold stopped glittering. But then not everyone is perfect.

Purple just stood still. so did White and Black

Ephemera the Elephant slowly crept up to the boy. She lit a candle near the Boy's face so he could feel its warmth and generosity.

गहरा नीला

gahara neela Navy Blue, गुलाबी

gulaabee pink

सोना 

sona gold

strong Ephemera the Elephant

Ring the red Kutch bell once, the orange Kutch bell twice for edginess, the yellow temple bell three times

the green leaf bell four times

light blue bells in the sky will ring automatically

followed by indigo blue heavenly bells

Celestial bells come in many colours

Navy Blue

Pink

Gold

Purple

Gold 

White

and

Black

Ephemera the Elephant whispers and passes by