Autumn and Me

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree" Emily Bronte

I have always loved these words and they seemed to come alive this past weekend for me!  I am happiest with a camera around my neck and when there are sights like these in my neck of the woods........I can only dance in glee :)

These are just a few pictures that I took on Sunday. I can assure you there are  a few hundreds :)

Here's wishing you a happy week ahead!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright.

Autumn and Apples At MDC

Hello All! Its been a while and Autumn has come my part of the world! I love this time of the year! Its crisp and beautiful....the sun has a golden light...the leaves turn rust, gold and brown......they rustle in the breeze and quietly flutter down to the ground below....there are orange pumpkins all around and everything seems to sparkle :) Okay, I am getting a wee bit carried away, but I can't help but clap my hands in glee :)

In Washington State the harvest season brings with it Apples galore! They are everywhere, ripe and ready to be plucked! I enjoy watching them hanging off the trees. They look so pretty and perfect :) We are fortunate that we get to see all this beauty just a short drive from home!

I am sharing a few pictures from my camera........

A host of golden trees!

To pick or not to pick :)

Sunflowers sparkling in the sun :)

Sigh! It felt good to take a mini break.....I felt like I was thousands of miles away........

Thank you all you lovely people for the fantastic response to the new collection at The Shop At My Dream Canvas. Make sure you drop by as there are treasures that await you :)

Keep on Smiling and have a Happy Monday.

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Under The Tuscan Sun

Hello Monday! Are you all set for the week ahead? I am struggling as school starts in two days for my kids. There is lots to do, and I can't seem to get over my vacation :) I need to be realistic and practical,  but I can't help myself :) Reminiscing and daydreaming is so much fun , don't you think? 

The image above is of the driveway leading up to the Agritourismo we stayed in Tuscany. We stayed at a villa with a vineyard just a few miles outside Volterra. The views were stunning. As far as one could see..... the roads and hills were dotted with these iconic Cypress trees. These trees are often called the" Tuscan Cypress Trees". These trees are quintessential and symbolic to the Tuscan landscape.

Now, here is some trivia for you! These trees are not native to Italy.  These trees were brought here from Persia or Syria by the  Etruscan tribes thousands of years ago. The tribe considered the plant to have mystical and supernatural powers. 

This tree can survive for up to 2000 years or more. While the other deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, the cypress trees remain evergreen. This is what made these trees supernatural in the eyes of the Etruscans. 

I do not know about its supernatural powers, but the trees most certainly give the Tuscan landscape a dreamy and mystical appearance :)

Sigh....now time to get cracking on the week ahead and get some work done!! See you around! Have you been to Tuscany? Do share your favorite experiences with me?

Image: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright.

Life's Little Moments!

Sometimes a crazy day takes a different turn when you spot something around you that makes you smile. In that instant, that little moment/gesture makes you take a deep breath and you instantly feel relaxed! Even if its brief it can be a wonderful feeling :) 

I have Justina Blakeney's new book " The New Bohemians" sitting pretty on my coffee table. I stopped to admire it as the light came filtering through my windows. This is a lovely book filled with tonnes of inspiration and ideas! I am having so much fun reading this book and admiring the wonderful homes and images captured in this book! 

Have you read it??

On another note, the other reason for my lethargy is this delightful cabin! Its pretty, right? I am missing it a lot! We spent three nights here last week. It was a cabin filled with 6 adults and 6 children. We were there with some of our closest friends and it was a blast. Fun and relaxing..... the best part was listening to the children run around and laugh endlessly :) 

It was therapeutic to get away and just be around people who you are most comfortable with! The cabin was lovely and the views were wonderful! Okay, I need to stop now and head back to work....

See Ya later!

Images: My Dream Canvas

Daffodils and Tulips

Hello to the new week and to all of you :) My weekend as you can clearly see was filled with Daffodils and Tulips! We drove an hour and a half away from home to see these beauties. What can I say, its become an annual ritual. Every year we think that there is no point seeing it again but there we go again :)

A drive filled with natural beauty and my family is my biggest stress buster! I really enjoy and cherish these outings. These mini breaks are such fun! Many years ago, reading was my stress buster but..... now I have to say its drives like these that make me feel happy and relaxed!

The Skagit Valley in spring has numerous fields covered in a myriad hues. On Saturday there were clouds literally hanging over the flowers. For me they added even more drama to the scene :) Our boots got muddy as we moved through the fields to get closer to the flowers. The kids picked their favorite color and posed for numerous pictures!

A host of golden daffodils............ I could happily live in that barn :)

We stopped at this ice cream place which apart from serving the best ice cream on the planet had a cute little shop selling these gorgeous baskets!!

So what's your stress buster these days?? That one thing that makes you feel happy and relaxed ?

Images: My Dream Canvas

A Road Trip and Two Birthdays :)

Hello there! How have you been? I have lots to share in the days to come  so stay tuned :) We celebrated two birthdays this weekend! I turned 40 ( yes its the big one) and My Dream Canvas turned 6 :) I wrote my first post six years ago in March!

I spent a wonderful weekend on the Oregon coast celebrating my birthday. The kids were super excited and their enthusiasm was infectious :) I am thrilled that MDC is 6 years ago. When I started the blog, I had no idea where it was heading..........today its my stress buster, my lifeline, my third baby, my pride and joy and a lot more :) I want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of this journey with me! On that note .......I have a Giveaway planned to celebrate the two birthdays. I shall share the details shortly but here's a hint.....its something to do with a Suzani :)

Driving along the coast was relaxing. Despite the overcast skies and the gusting winds....it was so beautiful! I can never ever figure out what I like more.....mountains or the beach?? 

What about you? Do you have a favorite?

Images: From my camera phone!

Autumn Hues and Diwali

Hello there! Today was one of those days where we did not look at the forecast before we stepped out. Yes, we are a crazy lot in the Pacific Northwest :) We check the forecast numerous times before making any plans! We dress according to the weather, right down to the shoes and the thickness of the jacket :) A hood is a must, umbrellas are a big no..no despite the incessant rain.

We got into the car to run the usual errands....Costco was to be the first stop! Two miles down the road from home, our plans got derailed!! We parked the car on the side of the road and I began to take pictures. My kids humor me for a while, they pose for me, even scout out the prettiest tree etc. However, soon they have a pained expression on their faces. They realize that a 5 minute stop drags on quite a bit! They smile on cue, but I can sense their frustration :) Thankfully, a big fat squirrel appeared from nowhere and they got distracted :) God bless the squirrel!!

Back to the weather now, it started off as dark and gloomy. The clouds were threatening to burst and then suddenly it was as if a veil had lifted. The sky became blue, the clouds looked happier and I got to take many many pictures. So you are getting to see the before and after pictures!

I was mesmerised! These are the colors that I have picked as my inspiration for Diwali. So stay tuned for an Autumn inspired Diwali post on MDC :)

Keep on smiling and have a great week ahead!

Images: My Dream Canvas

Autumn Days

Just popping in to say a quick hello and to wish you a great week ahead! I am enjoying the gorgeous Autumn days in my part of the world. I wish these days would linger on for a while :) I am so not ready for winter to set in! Coming up this week tonnes of ideas and inspiration for the festive season..........hope to see u here!

An update: Shot this on my walk today and the love affair continues...........:)

Image: My Camera phone!

Sentimentality in Decorating

I am working on a project that I am very excited about. It involves old family pics and their scanning and restoration. Its a bit of work and requires patience but I am loving the process :)

There are some words and sayings that stay with you forever, sharing one such thought today! “I live in my own little world. But its ok, they know me here.”  by ― Lauren Myracle

Well, I am a bit like that, I do live in my own little word :) My home is my cocoon where I live with my stories and my little treasures!  Our home tells the story of where we come from, and where we are going!

It is the people before me and the people with me today that makes my home complete! A bit of sentimentality in decorating is good don't you think :)

Keep on smiling and here's wishing you a beautiful day!


Image: My Grandmother's sister ( Mausi Nani) from the Family Archives!

Hello June and some Weekend Moments

June is off to a great start in my neck of the woods!! The days are filled with abundant sunshine and pretty wildflowers are in bloom wherever I look. My idea of a perfect weekend is going on a drive with my family. Today, we managed to steal away some time to do just that!

I took these pictures on the way to a Lake 45 mins away from home. I love living in the Pacific Northwest. Its truly gratifying to be in the midst of such natural beauty!

Driving around today, I was reminded of a quote by William Shakespeare "I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” 


Here's wishing you a great week ahead!!

Images: Instagram pictures from my phone!

Heading Towards The New Year!!

2013 is making its way out and we are getting ready to usher in the New Year! This past year has been very eventful for me. It has been both good and bad. In some ways, I end this year as a wiser and stronger person! The most important lesson that I have learnt this year is to be grateful for what I have. Life is unpredictable and its best to cherish what you have. For me, its my family, my friends and my home! I am sure its the same for most of you! I hope your New Year comes around on a positive note. Remember to smile, cherish what you have and live your dreams.....

These are some pictures I took at a family Christmas dinner! I am sending some twinkling lights your way to brighten your day :)

A crackling fire, yummy food, family and good times....

Images: My Dream Canvas

Weekend Magic and Fathers Day

Hello there! I know  I have family visiting so its been busy at the MDC Casa! Summer has arrived in my neck of the woods. Long days filled with abundant sunshine and glorious sunsets! Here is an image I took of the sunset last evening by the water! It was truly a magical sight.

Tomorrow is Father's day and these words echo my sentiments completely :) Have a great Father's Day and a wonderful Sunday!!

 

Image 1 : My Dream Canvas, Image 2 : via

 

A Special Place Close To Home

The weekend is here and we are heading towards a glorious couple of days. The temperature is going to rise up to 80 degrees!! This is a cause of celebration in my part of town :) I am raising my glass to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From the snow capped peaks....to the sea and the lakes.....to the surreal sunsets.....there is magic all around!

This is a shot of my favorite spot. I was here yesterday to watch the sun go down. I come here often to enjoy the simple things in life. Being outdoors with my family.....watching my kids play..... the sparkle in the water, the glow of the sun and .........simply to smile and unwind :)

Have a Happy Happy Weekend my friends!!

Image: Anu@MyDreamCanvas and subject to copyright.

Valentines Day and Some News

Happy Valentines Day to all my lovely readers. I hope this day and everyday of your life is filled with love, laughter, and friendship! I  have a busy and exciting ten days coming up. I might be away from My Dream Canvas for a little while. I shall try and post as often as I can. It is hard to keep me away from here! However, there is going to be so much happening that its going to be tough :) More details on that soon!

This is a picture I took last year of the cherry blossoms close to home. This image reminds me of Spring........ I hope it gets here soon :) My Valentines Day was more about writing 40 plus cards for my kids classmates. I am buried under all the paper work, pencils and rice crispies :)

Have a fun day wherever you are. I shall see you around....

 

Images: Mine and subject to copyright.

 

Joining the Aloha Friday Blog Hop at What Jean Likes.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

If I were to make a lit of things that I love to do........this would be on the top of my list. For me, its heading to the lake close to home with my family to watch the sunset. On a brilliant day there is nothing prettier than this spot in the Pacific Northwest. My kids love running around and chasing the ducks. I walk a little, play ball with them and then just sit around and enjoy the view! We never get tired of this!

I took these pictures last evening. I am always thinking that we should spend more time outdoors and enjoy the simple joys in life! What do you think?

What tops your list? Have a Happy Friday everyone!

Images: Mine and subject to Copyright

Joining the Meet and Greet Blog Hop at 2JustByou
 

Life is Beautiful

I am absolutely loving the beautiful autumn days in my neck of the woods! The days are sunny, cool and crisp. The leaves on the trees are glowing........and it is such a beautiful sight.

 I have had a crazy week. It has been unusually busy and I am exhausted. What I really want to do is, go for a long drive with my family and my camera for company:) I really hope we can do that soon. Sometimes it is nice to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.

Enjoy your Friday !!

 

 

 

Image 1 : My Home. Image 2 : via

 

 

 

A Mini Beach Vacation!!

A sunny day and a holiday almost always involves a road trip for my family. We do not travel very far from home and yet we love our mini breaks. Today was one such day. After running a few errands we drove an hour and a half away from home to Cama Beach. My kids had a blast collecting the sea shells lying around on the rocky beach. I have to sheepishly admit that I enjoyed it as much as they did :) It was really a lot of fun!! My parents are heading back home soon and I have been feeling sad! However, today was the perfect farewell to a beautiful summer!

Monday is a holiday here in the States. My mini beach vacation made for a great weekend :-)

Have a wonderful week ahead.......

Images : Anu Varma. These images are subject to copyright.


Joining the Weekly Story at Colours Dekor.

World Photography Day.

Hello my lovely readers and hello to a new week at MDC. Did you know that yesterday was World Photography Day? I really do not know what I would do without my camera. It is my lifeline, my constant companion and I believe a lifelong passion :) My greatest inspiration has been the natural beauty found here in the Pacific Northwest. There are so many places to explore.....so many moments to capture........and I am always ready to click away :) Have you ever tried photo in canvas. They can be a lovely addition to your wall space. I have one of my kids in my living room.

I spent the weekend in Vancouver and took this picture of flowers growing by the side of the road. Summer is slowly fading away but I have beautiful memories of the last few months that will stay with me forever!!
Have a wonderful week. Stay tuned for some exciting stuff coming up on MDC. Only a few more days left for you to enter my HomeGoods Store Giveaway. Make sure you click Here  to enter :)

Image : My Own. Copyright My Dream Canvas

A Love Affair with a City

I have woken up to some much needed sunshine. It comes and goes but it is there :-) I am looking forward to my summer in a lovely city. The spectacular views, the endless days and the glorious sunsets! What I love the most about Seattle are the spectacular view of Mt Rainier. With summer almost here, my  chase begins of trying to capture the mountains beauty through my camera lens. Mt Rainier's  many moods and its elusive nature makes it a very interesting volcano to photograph :-)


Let the summer begin........

Have a great Friday and an awesome weekend!!

Images : Mine. Please be polite and do not copy without permission.

Exploring Puerto Vallarta

It is so easy to get swept away and spend your entire vacation on the beach when you visit a place like Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. However, despite the obvious attraction to the endless expanse of the deep blue sea......I am so glad I discovered more :-) Long before this trip materialized I had done enough research by reading guide books and searching the Internet about this charming town.

Framed by the majestic Sierra Madre mountains, the town of Puerto Vallarta has cobblestone streets, an imposing cathedral, a bustling malecon (boardwalk), and a delightful (town square)......all of it just waiting to be explored.

Mr MDC who is usually very content to lie on the beach or be in the water very graciously obliged and joined me in my exploration :-) My two little ones were the very best. They know of their mom's love affair with the camera and realized that climbing up and down steep steps around town would make me happy. So they did just that.

Of course, after a little while, I realized that they were on a little treasure hunt of their own. You see my kids adore Herbie. For those who are not aware of Herbie, let me explain this in more detail. Herbie is a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle. Herbie is a character that was featured in several Disney  pictures starting with the 1968 feature film "The Love Bug". As we trudged along the steep stairs we came face to face with the exact replica of Mr Herbie himself :-) The car vanished from our sight pretty quickly but not before we noticed Herbie's  distinguished red, white and blue racing stripes and the number "53" painted on the front trunk lid. Thereafter, the kids were determined to find the car again and nothing seemed to stop them as they literally raced up the steps. While the Herbie mania was on, I happily clicked endless pictures. Incidentally the movie Herbie Goes Bananas was shot in Puerto Vallarta......hence the Herbie hangover :-)

The town has a delightful old world charm. We came across alleys and cobbled streets filled with cafes, galleries, homes with picturesque doors, windows, red tiled roofs looking out to the sea, Bougainvilleas hanging over walls from terraces, and from window sills almost everywhere we looked.

I could easily spend a lifetime here..........the magic of Puerto Vallarta lingers on!

Stay tuned for Part 2 :-)



Images: All mine. Subject to copyright.