You, me and the Mini

automotive therapy, originally uploaded by suitablegirl.

You may drive a massive, recently-lauded teutonic tank, but that's not what fits you and that's not what I associate with you.  I connect you with a pure love for automobiles and all good things associated with them; when I hear Mini's rallying slogan of "Let's Motor!", I realize you're one of the few to whom I could or would even want to say that.

You should drive a car with paddles, you should drive a car with six speeds, you should drive something nimble, which is low enough to the ground that you can constantly thank it for tolerating your velocity, much like a bharatnatyam dancer asks the earth for her forgiveness before she stamps out a universe of beauty.

Or.

You should always be in a car which is driven by me, sunroof gaping no matter the forecast, dappled light pouring through to dance to music which will haunt both of us for months to come.  When I think of you, I think of Mini Coopers motoring up Wisconsin or Massachusetts Avenues.  I think of downshifting, cornering and racing through tight spaces, whether they exist temporarily as I carve a lane bang through the middle of two sluggish cars or permanently, b/c the streeets of Georgetown were never meant to accomodate parked luxury cars on either side AND two lanes of opposing traffic.

I think of your left hand alighting, for the briefest of moments (too brief) upon mine, which is forever welded to the gear lever.  I think of how when I'm with you, that's the only time I'm happy for unexpected moments of congestion or ill-timed red lights, b/c then I get to pelt you with kisses.  Indeed, there were instances today when I grew gleeful as my right foot braked, b/c I remembered what I suddenly had a few nimisham to do. :)

I don't know why our lives unfolded the way they did for the past three years and I don't know what to do now.  I just know that I don't want to be without you, that while I once wanted a 911, now all I want is a Mini...and you.
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Regarding what you told me about Mini's future "extended" remix; what perfect timing-- suicide doors make getting to little car seats simpler, don't they?
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Comments

[The Desi Nole]

Note to self: She CAN drive stick.

There is nothing like feeling and interacting with the car, an automatic can never get you that. Besides, I hate cup holders, When you drive... You DRIVE and not do a million other things. Something for people to think about.

[The Desi Nole]

ooh and here is something that you might find useful
http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread/t-100598.html

[Girish Menon]

How do you make time for all of this?!

[subcon]

It was lauve at first sight... the curves, the small frame, her uniqueness...okay, maybe not... it was the supercharger and the control when cornering. I just hope they don't change her too much-- I was a bit dubious when she went topless but was reassured when I saw her in all her glory. Minis do have a character all their own--glad to see you lauve them as well.

[turbanhead]

Hai, nammuday uncleleo ah-NO?

[A N N A]

alla cheta. ;) nammuday uncleleo othiri chooda. njaan oru pavaam penna. :D

[brimful]

Good lord, that is a fine piece of writing.

[your oldest fan]

I <3 this, too. The "bharatnatyam" line alone was poetry. More, please.

[NeelimaP]

Cars can do that to you? Wow....got to learn to drive:)

[snehaj]

really interesting. u r a malayali?

[A N N A]

Someone named "Anna" who speaks Malayalam would probably be Malayalee in my useless opinion, but I appreciate your desire to not assume anything. Yes. I am.

[alaipayuthey]

I've become a big fan of your heartbreakingly beautiful prose over the past couple of weeks, and the fact that you used the word "nimisham" (though I'm Tamilian) in this gorgeous piece was just a cherry on top of a sugary sweet ice cream sundae.

I'm sure you know about this already, but the website blurb.com has a kick-ass feature called the blog book where they'll publish your TypePad or WordPress blog on photo stock quality goodness and truly make you a "self-published author" ;)

~Your newest fan, Vidya

[Raz]

Forgive my mention of gender stereotypes, but I'm sure you know how uncommon it is for girls to speak of cars or driving as anything more than mundane. I can't say the mini is what gets my blood boiling, but at least you seem to display some element of passion behind the wheel. There is something magical about heel-toeing your way into a turn at speeds unimaginable to the car behind you. Your car dancing to apex before the violent rush of throttle dims the headlights in the rear view as well as the hopes of your unspoken suitor. It's a dance really. Cinderella's fleeing the Palace Ball and Prince Charming has nothing but the hot rubber from her shoes left as clues.

Perhaps the only thing more intimate would be a tango on two wheels. Motorcycles.

[sandeepa]

Heard you on NPR last week. Great to hear your voice :)

[Ashu]

While she DOES drive stick, I'd be nervous about the fact that she seems to prefer to shift with her LEFT hand. Eeek!

Just nitpicking - nicely done :) Stick is the only way to drive, and nimble is the only kind of car to own - D.C.'s so-called traffic be gosh-darned!

That was a fun read! Good luck with the whole romancing-while-driving thing, but keep your eyes on the road too!