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Jamuna Devi Advani has created a beautiful family history in poetry. Land of the
Dancing Deer begins with reflections about her memories and beliefs and
continues with stories of her life's journey. Throughout the book she
includes beautiful watercolors and photos of those who were important to
her.
Her life began in the Imphal valley in North East India and continued
in New Delhi at the College of Nursing. She was married for 36 years and when
her husband could no longer hold on to life, she moved to the West to be
near her daughter. It was a big adjustment but she was persistent and
learned to live with loss.
Advani writes of precious moments spent with her grandmother, the
love-filled advice she received from her. Losing her grandmother was one of
her great losses, so great she says, that in dealing with the death of her
grandmother it was as if part of her ceased to live.
Stepping on the stones of joys and sorrows
The family's tree spread wide and tall,
Buried in my loneliness
I wonder.
Looking at the mirror,
The reflections I see now.
My secret self exposed:
I am the one who was within me.
Advani writes about her fear of writing and says, "Each one of us
has something to tell—one unique story deep inside—buried between courage
and fear." I suggest reading Land of the Dancing Deer for ideas
on how to fulfill your own destiny and start writing your story.
Jamuna Devi Advani graduated in Nursing from Delhi University in 1958.
She moved to the U.S. late in life and has never lost interest in all her
varied hobbies. She has published articles and poems in the Story Circle
Journal. She is currently working on her memoir.
The Dancing Deer of Manipur known as Sangai found at the edge of Loktak lake at the Keibul Lamjau National Park.