Waiting for Summer...

The Emerald City is gorgeous in the summer. After a terrible winter last year we are in for some freaky weather this time round. With the El Nino effect in place there is no sign of snow and its been warmer than usual. The rain, of course, is our constant companion here in Seattle :-) However the light streaming through my living room window makes me think of the summer months ahead.I for one can hardly wait !!

My Nite Ice Candle..

Living in the Pacific Northwest has many advantages..a short drive or ferry ride will take you into British Columbia. This region of Canada is mesmerising with stunning scenery, friendly people and quaint towns. A few years ago on a summer road trip we had a long wait at the ferry terminal on Vancouver Island. My husband sat patiently in the car line with my son while I set off to explore the area. Colorful marquees in a distance aroused my curiosity and I saw that it was a weekend art market. I love browsing at art walks and flea markets as they have lovely treasures waiting to be discovered. I was immediately attracted to this unique and very pretty "ice candle" in red. I bought it from the artists wife and soon discovered that I was now the owner of an original piece by Rick L. Silas.

Rick was featured on BBC and is a famous glass artist and inventor of advanced glass technology. In 1995 Rick created an ice sculpture for the lobby of a major corporation. The sculpture was to include a "cracked ice" glacier effect. Silas developed a way to shatter and bend tempered glass at room temperature while maintaining structural integrity.This cold bent glass can be shaped into gorgeous designs like the ones below. His innovative " shattered glass " has been patented in his name under the trademark of Silastial.

Here is a shot of my very own Silastial artwork that I am very proud of. It illuminates my living room with a lovely glow...

A preview of the gorgeous creations by this very talented artist... my absolute favorite the plant in ice panel .. The beautiful Calgary skyline with the backdrop of the annual balloon festival.

Rick Silas lives in Sidney, BC and its gorgeous surroundings inspires him to create one of a kind glass paintings and sculptures that are simply stunning!

Photographs courtesy : http://www.coldbentglass.com/

Dream away in Patagonia..

This is my Dream Canvas...a room with a view at the Hotel Salto Chico in Patagonia,Chile. Can I hope on a plane and make it there with two toddlers......maybe not :-) For it is located in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of South America and to get there you need to travel 2500 kms south of Santiago. I am happy being mom for now till someday I just might make it there :-) In ancient times travelling to Patagonia meant sailing across one of the world's most perilous seas.Today,however the Torres Del Paine National Park has very good tourist infrastructure and is an ideal place for Eco-tourism.

This dreamy lodge is situated in the park and is at the edge of the Salto Chico waterfall. I am in awe of its dramatic location and sheer beauty. I quote from the hotel website " It was designed to create a dialogue with its environment, putting human beings with the sublimity of their surroundings " These lovely words have won me over. The lodge's 50 rooms await the guests in its natural surroundings. Go on dream away and let the journey begin ..

The rustic yet stylish elegance of the lodge beckons and I for one could live here forever.. Photos courtsey : www.explora.com/explora-patagonia

Therapeutic Home decor..

Therapeutic Home decor..

Late into the night after my family is asleep I start redecorating. .. sounds silly but that's what I do :-) Its the time of the day when I am alone with my thoughts and my head is brimming with ideas ! I love to move stuff around in my living room to create a new look and when I do it makes me smile. I am excited tonight as I have some new treasures sent by my mom from Delhi. The lotus shaped copper tea light holder is just what I need to bring in some light. The glow from it illuminates my Buddha statue and I am at peace just looking at it.The hammered brass leaves are stunning and I love them. The Delhi emporiums it seems are getting a face lift and there are many treasures like these waiting to be discovered. I go to bed happy and feel like my four year old with new toys....

Random Thoughts..

Its been a while since I blogged and I have no one to blame but myself. Days pass by and you suddenly realize that you have not taken out that wee bit of time for yourself. It could be just to drink a hot cup of tea, listening to a song you cherish or for me blogging :-) I intend to remedy that immediately!

In the New Year I take with me memories of a year gone by. The highlight of which was my daughter turning One :-) We just got back from a lovely holiday and ushered in the New Year surrounded by good friends. These images from my holiday of the setting sun over the Pacific in the last few days of 2009 makes me wonder what lies ahead...

Happy New Year to all and may 2010 bring you a treasure chest of wonderful memories that last a lifetime.