"Dilli O Dilli"....

"Dilli O Dilli"....

Delhi is burning up..its 100 degrees and just warming up. A far cry from the cool and wet weather in Seattle. Its been three days since I reached here and I am loving it! I realised today that Delhi has been home for me for the past 18 yrs. Its a city that has helped me become the person I am today. I feel lucky that these two cities in different corners of the world are both "home" for me. I spent the day today walking down memory lane. My school and college haunts call out to me and each visit is extra special. Its wonderful to retrace the steps of your past and walk towards your future. My love for this city is unconditional as its a treasure chest of childhood memories and happy thoughts.

Summer Holiday

I am going on a summer holiday...

I am on a high as I get ready to leave for India tomorrow. Its a wonderful feeling to be going home to family and friends. My annual holiday there is my special time of the year:-) The instant I land in Delhi and see my parents, I feel like a kid again. Its a feeling like none other! I shall miss the gorgeous Seattle summer and my life here for 3 months. I do plan to blog frequently from India. A big "Thank you" to all of you who stop by and leave your thoughts on my blog. It has taken me many years to actually begin this blog and your comments inspires me to do more ........

MY HOME FEATURED IN RANG DECOR

I am thrilled to see my home featured in Rang Decor, one of the leading interior design blogs today. Have a look at my home featured on Archana's blog www.rangdecor.blogspot.com. I am a great admirer of her unique blog which showcases interiors and design concepts from all over the world.

Summer Dreams

I can hardly wait for the Seattle summer. I recently found these pictures which I took in the summer of 2006. The picturesque beauty of Seward Park is stunning. I love to spend time here as its therapeutic and miles away from my daily stresses.

Dream House

My first home in Atlanta was certainly love at first sight. I walked in and saw this beautiful brick fireplace and fell in love with it. The rustic elegance of this inviting room made me want to light the fire and curl up next to it with a good book. I recently found these pictures and it was a walk down memory lane. I remember the excitement of moving in here and the sleepless nights I spent trying to to get the right look.

I picked up the red rug on a trip to Mexico and it compliments the cushions which I bought in Urmul, Rajasthan. The little paper kites pasted on the mantle are from Dilli Haat in Delhi. I truly believe you can create a unique style of your own with big ideas and inexpensive things!

A Proud Daughter

Blogging gives me a wonderful platform to express my everyday thoughts. Today I was on the Internet and came across some interesting information about my mother. This is an abridged form of a paper presented by Dr. Prem Kumar who talks about sports in Patna. I quote from his paper : "An Overview of the Glorious Past "

"The talk of Badminton brings to mind several Inter-University Championship held in Patna at the Wheeler Senate Hall. Patna's best ever display in the Varsities Badminton came during the Zonal championship held here in the mid 60's. The brilliance of Madhu Sinha (MOM), grand daughter of Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha titled the scales in favour of Patna in the East Zone finals. She not only won both the singles but also teamed up effectively with Miss Sharan to clinch the doubles. It was a pity that due to some personal reasons the girls could not go to Bombay for the Inter-zonals and play for further glory."

As a daughter I am aware about her passion for sports. However this reference to her outstanding performance definitely gives me a high. I am one proud kid!

The promise of Spring...

The promise of Spring...

Chasing a Rainbow

Writing about nature and its many facets is not an easy task. To capture its essence through thoughts and images is like chasing a rainbow. An attempt by us to seize perfection. The feeling of content when you are a part of something beautiful is sublime. Living in the Pacific North West which is endowed with all this pristine beauty gives me eternal bliss. I seek out these idyllic places and yearn to linger there forever.

Snoqualamie Falls, Mt Ranier National Park, Cruise on Lake Washington, Mt Ranier from Lake Washington ,Mt Ranier National Park, Driving to Leavenworth and the view of Seattle skyline from Alki beach.

My passion

The picture perfect beauty of Caneel Bay ( St Johns), A stunning Hawaiian sunset, the yachts marooned in Marbella ( Spain ) the idyllic Isle Mujeres ( Mexico), a beach in Majorca (Spain) and the busy Cozumel harbour in Mexico. This is an attempt by me to capture a few special travel memories....

My Heirlooms

I love old things especially family heirlooms. Antique heirlooms are an integral part of my home. I am proud of them and curious about how and when it came into the family. My mother gave me a few pieces of a Royal Cauldon dinner set a few years ago. These were bought in England by my Great Grandfather in 1930's and shipped to India. His home had a dining table which seated 48 people at a time. I presume this dinner set was used when he entertained on a grand scale. My quest to know more about these pieces led me to do some research . I have been able to gather a lot of information about the history of Royal Cauldon.

Cauldon Potteries manufactured china and earthenware at the Cauldon Place Works in Stoke-on-Trent in England. The owners of the Cauldon Works were " Potters to Her Majesty " and as a result Cauldon were able to adopt the branding Royal Cauldon in 1930. The printed backstamp " Royal Cauldon England Est. 1774 Made In England " was in use from 1930-1950. In 1962 the firm Cauldon Potteries Ltd. was divided and the porcelain side was continued by Coalport, which in turn is part of the well known Wedgwood group.

My prized collection..

A few other stunning pieces by Royal Cauldon :

Images courtesy : Replacements Ltd.

Simple Touches

A sunny corner with a few tulips and my favourite Ganesha idol..

Cherry Blossoms

A drive along Seattle's Lake Washington is full of surprises. In every season there is something new to look forward to. This weekend I drove here to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms in all their glory. The flowering trees against the backdrop of the lake and the snow capped peaks took my breath away..

Sun, Sea and Sand

Images of the sun,the sand and the sea come to life with these beautiful pieces. An assortment of sea shells in a clear vase. Napkin rings shaped like a starfish, jellyfish, octupus and a crab. This aquatic touch can liven up any home in a unique way.

Images courtesy Pottery Barn.

My Paintings..

Prized posessions and special memories... A collection of Chandan Chaudhary 's paintings . These were gifted to me by my parents and hold a special place in my heart.The Ganesha painting is my good luck charm. Its been the focus of my home since the day I moved to the States after my wedding.

"Budha Baba" as I like to call him. This painting is a favourite and I love the black and white effect. It reminds me the many music concerts I attented with my parents in Delhi. This painting brings to life Rajasthan's ancient forts and havelis. I have spent many of my childhood years in Rajasthan . The "Darwaza" was one of the first Chandan paintings my mother bought many years ago for our living room. Its my connection to home and India..

A Love Affair ..

A Love Affair .. I am in love and have been for the past 12 years or so. Much to my husband's dismay its not him as he came into the picture later :-) Its with Australia. A beautiful country which I was fortunate enough to visit numerous times. My job with the Ausralian Tourist Commission now called " Tourism Australia " was a dream job. Destination marketing is a great field to work in. I had the satisfaction of marketing and showcasing a place which I truly loved. I have so many memories of my trips to Oz. Here are just a few of them.

Climbing the top the Sydney harbour bridge for some spectacular views.

The stunning Sydney harbour with the white sails of the Opera house.

Shopping for trinkets at the Rocks.....Sydney's oldest settlement.

Driving around and admiring the stunning villas at Watsons Bay. (NSW)

Sailing across Sydney harbour.

The drive to see the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. (VIC)

Watching the little penguins at the Penguin parade in Philip island (VIC)

Reminiscing is such fun and I have a treasure chest of lovely memories. This is just the beginning and there is so much more. Enjoy these images for now and I will be back with Love Affair Part 2.

Images courtesy Australia website.