My Escape From Reality :)

My Dream Canvas often acts as my ten minute escape from reality. Some days it is even more meaningful to blog a little as it helps me unwind and relax. MDC is a big part of my life and yet I share only a part of me here! There is a whole other side as well:) On the home front there is a lot going on and some of it is not in my control. However, what I can control, and I like to do is blog and take pictures :) Sometimes doing the most random things can make you feel relaxed. I moved stuff around to give my home a summer makeover. I dug out this little horse which was lying neglected in a closet and now it has a new home next to my turquoise lamp!

MDC is where I usually share my thoughts about design and décor and my passion for photography. Yet blogging is like maintaining an online diary. It is hard to disconnect the realities of everyday life from the virtual world. However, every once in a while I write just for myself......simply to pen down my thoughts. As a blogger does that happen to you? Do you always write for an audience or sometimes is it just for you??

Today, I spent a few hours chatting with a friend at home. A cup of tea and a good conversation with a friend who "gets you" can be the biggest blessing in life. I am fortunate to have an amazing set of friends where I live. While I was writing this post, I received a comment from a  blogger friend and reader who said "  Each time I visit your blog, I leave a little happier Anu! Thank you so much."

A thoughtful comment like this on a day like today was just what the doctor ordered :)  Thank you! I have a lot on my mind these days...... and a good conversation with a friend and a kind comment on MDC reminds me that I should not just dwell on the negatives but count my blessings :)

My little horse says hello :)

  

Image: My Home

Some Introspection

While this is a design blog, every once in a while, I introspect. I have been living in the United States for over twelve years and this is now my home.  However,  I consider myself lucky to be able to call two countries home. My roots are in India and Delhi is my haven. I am fortunate that I get to visit Delhi every year. My ties with this city are very strong. My parents live in Delhi and this city is a part of me. It is a treasure house of memories!  My husband often tells me that "you come alive in this city".  I have to admit that he is right :)

 

This afternoon as I sat by the window in my living room, nostalgia set in. This year I decided not to go to India for various reasons. As a result, it will be a two year gap, when I next visit India.  It has been a year since I visited, and I can't help but miss home. For those of you who are not from India or know nothing of Delhi...please forgive me as I ramble along. However, we all share a common bond of childhood memories and places close to our heart. I am sure you will understand and relate to my longing to be where I spent some wonderful years.

 

I miss those carefree days. Hanging out with friends, going to the numerous exhibitions, and attending the music concerts that my parents dragged me to, are some of my treasured memories.  The lunch ritual at the Delhi Gymkhana club, shopping at Khan market,  and eating spicy momos (dumplings) at Dilli Haat, are still the highlights of my annual pilgrimage to Delhi.  I could go on and on. For those of you who did not get a word of what I have been talking about, I apologize.  These are some of my favorite haunts in Delhi :)

 

As I look back, I remember that amazing feeling of invincibility. One thought that one owned the world. As the years go by, these memories become even more special.  I might be reminiscing with rose colored glasses, but that is my prerogative. Isn't it beautiful when one look back at life, and simply smile :)

 

What are some of your favorite memories ?

 

 

 

Image: My Home this afternoon...

 

 

A New Year Resolution For My Home

I am happiest when I spend time with my camera. In the middle of a crazy day I love to stop for a few minutes to take pictures. It acts as an instant stress buster. A cup of tea completes the picture:-) I am getting really tired of the winter and the dark gloomy days which is typical for this time of the year. Since I can't do a whole lot outside, I am trying to focus on things that I have been ignoring on the home front. My home is being cleaned out! I  have already made three trips to Goodwill last week to donate stuff. I am attacking every nook and cranny of the house and trying to get rid of things that we no longer need. I have a long way to go, but at least it is a start. I feel a great sense of achievement once I am back after dropping off the stuff. It makes me happy to be able to give away things to people who might need it more.

 

De- cluttering the house is an ongoing process for me. However, this year it is part of my New Year resolution. I hope I can keep this going for a while :) Do you have any tips to share about this process? I really envy those people who are disciplined and de- clutter on a regular basis.

 

 

This is a picture of my Turkish kettle. It is from the store called Loaded Trunk and I have blogged about them here and here!

 

 

Images: My Home

 

Joining Wow Us Wednesday# 103 At Savvy Southern Style.

Joining The Aloha Blog Hop at What Jean Likes.

Some Thoughts and a New Week

Hello Monday and a warm hello to all of you! I have been extremely disturbed by the news of a horrific tragedy that unfolded a few days ago here in the States. I am sure many of you share this sentiment with me! It left me sad, angry, scared.....and so much more! I know this is a design and lifestyle blog and my happy place! However, sometimes it is hard to disconnect and talk about design and decor when there is so much heartbreak all around!

I could go on and on.......but sometimes when there is lots to say, you feel that words seem inadequate.......

My best wishes are there with all of you! Have a good week ahead.

 

 

Image : via

Rest and Relaxation

The days are racing by and it shall soon be winter. The mountains around us have got their first sprinkling of snow!

For me, an old shoulder injury has started acting up. I had to reluctantly pay the doctor a visit. She has recommended rest and relaxation........pain killers....... physio therapy and a long drawn treatment plan!! The very thing that that helps me unwind is off limits. I need the shoulder to get better so I have to limit typing (: Anyway, I guess I have little choice in the matter! My idea of R & R would be sitting on a rocking chair and admiring the golden hues around me :) Reading a delightful book or lazing in bed. The fairytale like setting of the third image would be perfect :)

Alas !! I have to get back to reality but at least I have enough time now to daydream :) Frankly, life is chaotic but then My Dream Canvas and You make it so much better!!!

Have a wonderful week and hopefully I shall see you back here soon!!

Image : I and 2 : via, Image 3 : via

A Dream Come True

There are big dreams and little dreams. My dream was pretty small :) I wanted to write and do something for myself......something that would make me feel happy and content. I chose to take a break from work due to personal reasons. My life changed completely a few years ago and that is when I decided to stay home with my kids. I have to confess that there are days when I miss going to work. However, today I am happy to say that My Dream Canvas fills that void. I love blogging. I enjoy writing. I am passionate about photography and my home. Last but not the least, I love the world of home decor and interiors.

I need my daily dose of MDC and I am glad at least some of you feel the same way :) My readership and my friend circle is growing everyday. I  have met some amazing people through My Dream Canvas. Today, I realised that the Facebook page of My Dream Canvas has over 2000 followers. I am thankful for every like, every GFC follower, every Facebook follower and every comment that has come my way :) Thank you for making a "Dream Come True"

To join my Facebook Page please click Here!

Image : My Home

Slow Down and Smile

 

I am in the mood to slow down. The days seem to be flying by and I need to catch my breath. I want to savor my cup of  tea, read a book without getting distracted.......laze in bed..................you get the drift :)

 

It is good to daydream a wee bit before reality sets in and the day begins:)

 

Here's wishing you a beautiful day. Do slow down and remember to smile!

 

 

 

 

 

 Image: via

Remembering My Great Grandfather!

Hello there!! My Dream Canvas is primarily a lifestyle and design blog. However, it is also very much a part of me, who I am  and where I come from :) Today marks the 65th year of India's Independence. I would like to wish all my Indian readers across the globe a very Happy Independence Day.

As a kid my grandfather would help me make the Indian flag using paper, some glue, and a long stick :) I would spend hours coloring the flag and then wave it around gleefully :) Today, I am happy to share the significance of July 4th and August 15th to my kids. It is a nice feeling to call two countries home :)

This is a picture of my Great Grandfather (from my mother's side). The reason I am sharing this with you is because of his connection with India's Independence and the Indian Constitution. I am usually not one to share  a lot of information about my family on MDC, but today I just felt like it :) After all each and every one of you through MDC has become a part of my life!

His name was Dr Sachidananda Sinha. He was born in 1871. You can click Here to know more about him on Wikipedia. Here is some information about him that I am proud to share with you today.  He was a lawyer, orator, legislator, publicist, educationist and humanist.  He was a member of the Imperial Legislative Council and the Indian Legislative Assembly. In 1946 my Great Grandfather was made the first President of the Constituent Assembly of India.

Here's an interesting fact not known to many people. His last great act before passing away was signing the Indian Constitution on 14th February 1950. The Constitution was sent to Patna by Dr Rajendra Prasad (India's first President) as my Great Grandfather could not travel to Delhi due to his ill health. At a ceremony in his house attended by many dignitaries he signed the Constitution of India.

Every year at this time I think of this and wish I had known him! Fortunately I have collected a lot of information and photographs about him and his work. These are my prized possessions and a wonderful legacy for generations to come!

I apologise for the long post........I seem to have got carried away :)

 

Image : via

The Blogging Fraternity and Some Thoughts

Hello there! There have been thoughts in my mind for a while now and today I need to share it with you. Join me for tea and lets chat shall we :) I believe that you are not just my readers but also my friends. Your continued support is what has made My Dream Canvas a happy place for me. Your emails and your comments brighten my day :) While I started this online diary purely for myself.....today it has taken a different turn. I was coaxed by my family and friends to spread the word about MDC and I am so glad I did :)

I have always said that My Dream Canvas is my happy place and I wish to spread happiness around. I want you to smile when you read my post. I want you to browse through my site as you would a magazine, that you look forward to reading. I created My Dream Canvas for myself but it has been gratifying to make you all a part of it :)

Now for some other things that have been on my mind. Unfortunately, this is something I never ever want to do in " my happy place" but then sometimes you just have to share your thoughts with your friends :) So here goes.......

It is sad when people in the blogging fraternity rave and rant about copycats in the blogging world and do the same themselves. I have noticed this many times. What I want to say is please look at what you are doing yourself before you judge others. If you can't say something nice please don't say it. My Mother and Grandmother shared this with me in my early years and it has stuck with me. It is a tough act to follow sometimes, but I do try :)  I like to believe that most of us in the blogging fraternity are decent human beings. Drop a mail and clarify things before publicly commenting about other people and spreading rumors. However, I do agree that there are  some copycats who need to be stopped immediately.

Let me end by saying that just because you are more vocal does not mean you are right!!!  I like to believe that most of us blog with honesty......maybe I am  an idealist but then I would rather be an idealist than a cynic! I am not here to win a popularity contest but here to make friends with you :)

Okay, I am going to stop rambling now .....see you around and have a lovely day!

Thank you for being you :)

Image: via

A Room For Today

 It is a dark and dull day in my neck of the woods. It has been raining since the morning and all I want to do is curl up on my favorite chair and read a book!   I have finally picked up a book after ages and loving it :)

These two rooms are caling out to me today. I could spend hours here with
not a care in the world :) Me and my books and endless cups of chai!

Image 1 : via, Image 2 : via

Waiting for Summer!

It is the 7th of June but in my neck of the woods there is no sign of summer!!! I cannot say that it is very cold but it has been raining incessantly the past few days. It is ironical that growing up in India, I waited for the monsoons (rainy season) eagerly :-) The excessive heat gave way to showers, the dusty trees got a new life and everything looked green and beautiful. I actually thought the rain was rather romantic!! I would call it my "dreamy weather." Now, it is just the opposite :-) While I do not dislike the rain but after living in Seattle......... I seem to love the sunshine more :-)


My  house is quiet today. I have one kid tucked in bed while the other is in school. A little bit of reading, a hot cup of tea and my camera......sheer bliss!! I can hear the pitter patter of raindrops......and I have to admit that it sounds nice :-) Do you have some fun plans for the weekend?  I am hoping for some nice weather so we can head outdoors! The rain does look pretty when you are looking at it through the window :-) I shall sign off now and wait for my summer to get here :-)

Enjoy your day! A few rainy day pictures from my home.........

Images : Mine. These pictures are subject to copyright.

La Pause ( A Desert Oasis)

I cannot help but love the desert :-) The stark and arid landscape has a beauty of its own. During my teens, I spent two years living in the middle of a desert. Being an army kid we moved around a lot. One of my Dad's posting was in a remote desert town in Rajasthan (India). My playground was a huge sand dune behind my house :-) Sand storms were part and parcel of every day life! It was truly a glorious life in the middle of nowhere :-)

These images of La Pause near Marrakech remind me of a time gone by and rekindle the love I have for the desert.  La Pause promises a simplistic way of life where the guest house walls are built using traditional mud and straw. Hammocks hung under olive groves, glorious views of the vast Moroccan wilderness and spectacular sunsets......what more can you ask for?

Sounds like the perfect getaway to me!

Images : via

Living in a " Real Home "

Another week dawns after a rather busy, but fun weekend. I spent a lovely evening with a college friend who is moving to our town. We also went for a kiddie birthday party, ran the usual errands, and cleaned the house a wee bit. Gosh! I need another weekend just to recover from this :-) My cup of tea and  spending some quality time with My Dream Canvas is my stress buster.  This is the time I reserve just for myself!

A lot of people have been asking me how I keep such a tidy house with a 3 year old and a 6 year old. Seriously, it is not at all as neat and clean as you see it on My Dream Canvas :-) Often, there are toys strewn around, mail lying unopened, and stacks of laundry that need to be folded.  The trick is that my camera happily composes a shot that eliminates some of the mess around :-) After all none of you are coming to my home to see those messy parts :-)

The desire to decorate my space started very very early for me, long before I became a design blogger :-)  I started by decorating my room in my parents house. In fact, I often spent my pocket money (allowance) in college buying bed covers, lamps, and other trinkets for "My Room.". My closet was another story. My room was pretty and tidy but my closet was sometimes messy:-) So while it pleases me that there a quite a few people who appreciate my home via My Dream Canvas, the desire to create a pretty corner is something I do for myself. It makes me smile :-) Now, through photographs and blogging I am happy to share my passion with all you wonderful people :-)

I do admit that I like to keep a tidy house. However, it is a relaxed home where I think a little bit of mess is normal. One thing I really strive for is to keep my home clutter free. I might have a lot of stuff but I don't display everything at once. I know that might seem like a waste but it works for me.  I want my home to look spacious all the time. I believe that you can appreciate things only if there is not too much of it. Otherwise, it loses its beauty. A room with too many things makes me uneasy:-) I like changing things and putting stuff away and then bringing it back out. It helps to give my room a new look :-) 

I am sure that most of you will agree that although highly stylized spaces look good in magazines and design blogs, they are really not practical for everyday living. That untouched look is really not realistic since even the most beautiful home has to have real people living in it :-) Every home needs people to give it character and warmth. The other things around are simply accessories.  I believe that the beauty of a home comes from the people who live in them :-)

My ever changing canvas............my home...... and the corners I create to bring a smile to my face :-)

Image : My Home. Image is Copyrighted and cannot be reused.

Follow your Dreams

My Dream Canvas has been a Dream Come true for me! I love blogging, sharing my ideas, discovering the world of design and decor and making friends with some incredible people in the blogosphere :-)

I like having something that is mine that I can turn to everyday to relax and de stress. I am lucky to know some incredibly talented people who share this interest and passion with me. There is so much to learn from everyone, so much to share and so much more to discover. My Dream Canvas is my exciting journey where everyday I stumble upon something beautiful that I am eager to share with you.

We all have to live in the real world and have responsibilities of everyday life. However, I do believe that it is rewarding to step away for a few hours everyday and do something just for yourself. Spend time doing something that makes you smile :-)  Trust me, it can be very theraputic :-) I do agree that on most days, it may not be the easiest thing to do. While "Tomorow is another day"  when you want to follow your dreams.......... "Today" is the day you should begin. Don't you agree??

Don't postpone doing the things you love to do.......go on and create that little world just for you :-)

This is my nook where I spent hours thinking, dreaming, researching and creating my little world I call My Dream Canvas.  I would love to invite you over to chit-chat and for a cup of tea.......but for now, I guess this will have to do :-)

Have an absolutely wonderful day!

Images: My Home


Joining the party at Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ SomewhatSimple