Mind of an orchid

A quick hello and a promise!

Will be back early next year..and this is a promise to myself!!

....yup! that's where I've been mostly for the last 48 hours. For those not in the know, Big Adda is the Big B's blog! Celebrities taking to the blog is not a recent phenomena. There is Aamir Khan Shekar Kapoor, Karan Johar and many more all with some kind of a personal web log. After all, their celebrity status does not make them any less human than any of us and while we have our reasons for penning our thoughts down for all to read on the virtual world, they have their's. A couple of days ago, I found myself pouring over posts in the Big Adda's archives. Of course, I am a huge sucker for personal blogs. And many of the Big B's posts are interesting little anecdotes from the past. While others are views, opinions, reflections and just plain statements... yet they make for an interesting and easy read.
Interesting this, the blog world, I mean..how else would you get to know a celebrity, especially one of Big B's might, from such close quarters. He articulates well and his thoughts are well tempered, probably the result of the vast richness of a life well lived! And here is one from his archives.
And also makes you wonder, if he can make time to write a post every single day, despite being him..why can't I ?

:) finally managed to bring my ideas to fruition! For the last year or so, I had consciously buried all ideas of creating a garden for a few reasons. Of course, I know nothing about gardening and that was reason enough. But also I knew if I took it on, I could not do a half hearted job or settle for a small flower bed. I can not make concessions and I am also very impatient. I had envisioned a garden of fairly sizable proportions given that we a have a decent sized back yard. I was not sure the time, effort and cost associated with my vision was something I could have spared in the last year. But that also meant, I was ignoring a potentially usable space and so the backyard remained largely unused barring the few occasions when Li'l A had friends over for play dates and they would kick some ball not minding the unattractive open space.
But things changed and the calling could not be left unanswered anymore. Maybe it was Altoid's home grown tulips or the spring blooms in a friend's yard that finally made me take a serious look at the vast expanse of empty space outside. We tried our hand at planting a few rose plants and of course the hardy rose plants did not fail us. Three days later, I had enough blooms to make my front yard look like a gardener's dream. Convinced about my own "green" acumen, I started making drawings for the backyard. Told you, I am ambitious! And like always, if I think big, Uj will think gargantuan and to say that in gardening terms - if I am thinking shrubs, Uj is thinking trees! We enlisted the help of a landscape contractor to help out with the more technical aspects while we ourselves handled the creative elements. I have also spent the last 72 hours at every nursery in a 20 mile radius and the babies are finally home!! It is still a work in progress and we are atleast a few years away from the envisioned version, yet... I have discovered a whole new world and I am loving it! And oh, I am also now the resident expert on perennials - the liriopes the canas, the lilies, the loropetalums , the pittosporums - I got it all down, not bad for a weekend's worth??
Well, it's never too late I suppose.

If I don't see you back before the long weekend, have a fun Memorial day weekend, y'all!

And how time flies!!....almost a month since I blogged, almost the end of kindergarten, more than a year since we moved in to the house, 10 years since I left India, TEN years since I've been married (almost).....it's just 7.30 in the Am and I don't know why I feel so rushed this morning. I actually feel burdened by the weight of time. Just one of those days, you think?
And in so many ways time does change a lot. Li'l A is not the same person he was at the beginning of the school year. I just went to his room to tidy up after he left for school this morning and what do I see neatly laid out on his bed - a pair of grey shorts and a shirt with his school logo all in preparation for his upcoming field trip this Friday and today is just Wednesday! Organization, planning, time management, what else I wonder?? When did my Li'l boy grow up and how did I miss it, can someone please tell me??
It's almost a year since I saw my parents last and some emotional clock inside of me is ticking away reminding me that it's time. But yayy!! a trip has been planned and this time they are visiting! So, we are looking ahead to summer and that is the only reason I am looking forward to summer (remember we live in Texas!!)
And coming back to the present, life is just happening in a very routine, mundane pattern - playdates, swim lessons, work stress, weekend social events and such. Does sound like I am complaining, doesn't it? Well, it's not like I have a country to run and someone's going to grade my first 100 days in office, so to say it's dull is not an understatement, just the truth!
At least, I blogged ....

and how was mother's day people?

Texas summer is kicking in! And it's always sad to bid farewell to spring. However, we finally managed to get our hands green and had our first go at planting some rose plants. I know, we didn't want to try anything too complicated especially since we both are beginning gardeners. A rose plant, it seemed, would be our best bet. The oleanders, the canas, the petunias and of course , the orchids will have to wait! We have three rose plants in place and first thing every morning, Li'L A and I take a peek outside the window to see if our labor has borne fruits (err flowers) yet....joy does (after all) lie in the simple things! While we are waiting on the roses to bloom, here's a couple of pictures of the Texas bluebonnets . We finally made that trip to find bluebonnet fields one afternoon and even managed to take a few shots.
And here's one more, of a lovely Indian Paintbrush in a sea of bluebonnets!

So, what have you guys been up to this spring??
And ladies, the tag is next!

And I have goose bumps to certify that! And if you are asking me who Susan Boyle is, then you must be living in a cave! She is the next biggest thing to happen after, I don't know - Harry Potter ? Miley Cyrus ? Barack Obama? - I don't know, I am trying to name some big names because she is bigger than big! Unfortunately, you tube will not let me import any of the Susan Boyle videos...so just go here and you'll see what I am talking about. If we ever need a lesson on how not to judge a book by its cover, then this is it! If there was an underdog, ever, then she is it , yet........
5 million hits on you tube- it's not her voice alone - it's the message, it's the hope, it's the inspiration as much as it's her conviction and her spirit! You are my hero, Susan!! I am off to watch the video at what must be my 9/10th time!! Can the talk shows bring her to the U.S already?? And let's leave her eyebrows and her hair color alone, she is a diva in her own right, a true inner diva!

and so here's one for the orchid! gorgeous, aye?

This part 4 of a 4 part series. For parts 1, 2 and 3 scroll down.

This is part DC and part Li'l A. It's been a while since I did a post on my boy or should I say my little man. Writing about a little boy who is so many different things all at once is no easy matter. However, these pictures rightfully showcase the happy and sprightly 5 yr old that he is. My boy, he is quite the entertainer yet very soulful and sensitive at times. And of course, there is never a dull moment with Li'l A around. He has many avatars too, transforming into a moose one minute, a captain the other and a pirate the next , you never really know what to expect when you are with Li'l A. His other attributes at age five include a healthy sense of humor (the dude can be a total riot), a rather obstinate advocacy on clothing, shoes and the like (my son, after all), an inflexible defiance with food (still!), a profound inquisitiveness of the world around him (the why's never end), and a fervid eloquence with words (will not hesitate to speak out). As parents, we are currently in parenting heaven (if there ever was such a thing!) - its all fun and games! Still get to cuddle him like when he was a baby and I know that phase will die soon. And a slight change of tone and a hint of authority and I can still get him into submission and I know that phase will die soon also. So, yeah all in all its not that bad as a parent. The one thing that is bothering me the most, however, is he is too much of a dad's boy. And I did not even realize how and when the loyalties shifted. He thinks dad's the coolest (hmpf!), dad's approval is all that matters and have on occasion caught him kissing the ground that dad walks on. Not that he does not give me my due - sure, he will call on me (only) to feed him, clean, bathe him - those are as important too, right?? So, yeah, if being the maid-in-waiting counts then I am IT too!

O.k this post is slowly becoming all Li'l A and no DC....just go to DC folks, it is worth the trip - especially if you love history, art, architecture, monumental grandeur, colorful landscape (or if you live in Texas!!!!!)

Anyway, where is everyone...can't say the one or two comments that I am drawing is doing much to my sagging blog-spirit. Tomorrow is my 200th post and can I get some of the same fanfare I got for my 100th please???

For part 2 and part 1, scroll down..

I am a huge sucker for well kept homes and you may have already gathered that from some of my previous posts. I believe that good home decor should include style, function, purpose and a warm inviting feel. Altoid's home was all of that and more! First impressions - what a charming little place! And when I started living in it, I realized everything was there for a reason. A very coherent, pulled together look with pieces collected over time. "Top notch decor yet very comfortable to live in" would be an appropriate description. Especially after walking around the many miles of the National Mall each day for almost 8-9 hours, we would be so ready to go back to the cozy comfort of her "Baithak" and that's precisely the warm fuzzy feeling a good home should invoke. Interesting little vignettes at every corner not only made for great eye candy but also added to the drama. And who doesn't love a bit of drama. It also made for some really nice photographs. And the outdoors were no less either, she already has a wonderful collage of her frontyard blossoms up on her blog, I just managed to take a couple of the gorgeous scarlett tulips! Hope you all enjoy looking at her home as much as I enjoyed living in it!

Image courtesy : Uj (for part-1, scroll down)

Many of you in this blog circuit are already familiar with the cherry blossoms thanks to posts by the Altoid and Sujatha. And I am sure some more of you have actually had the opportunity to visit DC during the annual cherry blossom bloom time. Well, if you do not belong to either of these categories then I say pack your bags around end of March/early April next year and make that trip - it's worth it!!
Of course, I'll stay away from giving you details on the history of the cherry blossom or the festival itself, there are plenty of resources on the www to help you with that. However, this post is meant to only inspire the traveller/photographer in you just like we were inspired by other posts I had seen. We planned to walk around the Tidal Basin and see the cherry blossoms on Saturday morning , make that early morning. Altoid had a 6.15 Am deadline for us to be out of the house. When the plan was being hatched I was not so sure especially since both Uj and Li'l A are not early morning people. In retrospect, I am so glad she insisted. Any later, our whole trip would be in jeopardy with massive crowds, lack of parking and the like. So, get up and get out pre-sunrise and you will love it. The early morning spring air (despite the heavy winds), the smell of onion bagel with veggie cream cheese, a half awake yet surprisingly cooperative 5 yr old, the over zealous photographer, and a very giving host who shared our tourist enthusiasm despite having been there a few times already made that walk up the Tidal Basin worth every cherry blossom ! The flowers themselves had a very ethereal feel to them. The contrast of the pale pink/white of the flowers against the dark boughs and branches was very picturesque to say the least . And how did I feel ? Imagine yourself being on the sets of Memoirs of a Geisha - it had the same visual appeal!

more to follow......

I have been busy....getting away from the usual. Yes, we were on a vacation. There is so much to write, I don't even know where to begin. In summary -I got to visit one of America's most visited tourist destinations, stay with an extremely gracious host who is also now a very good friend, spend quality time with my boys and bring home plenty of lasting memories. Couldn't ask for more now, could I? We were in Washington, D.C this past weekend visiting Altoid of curiously strong and what a fun time it was too! I don't know if I can actually write a post on her and do enough justice with my words but simply put she is one of the nicest individuals I have ever met and I mean it. Simple, down to earth, very affable, passionate about a lot of things (her home, her family, her photography, her music and more), very meticulous, and extremely grounded. I am inspired! Again, these are just a few things off the top of my head and does not serve well enough to describe her entire personality. We met virtually through each other's blogs a short while ago, realized we have many things in common including our roots in Banglore, our penchant for shoes and our interests in keeping a good home and therefore we indulged in conversations off the blog world. Met her once very briefly at the Frankfurt airport last year and a month ago she invited us to her home. Of course, her wonderful pictures on the cherry blossoms added just the right amount of motivation to conceive a plan and finally we made the trip. Again, thanks to Altoid's meticulous efforts and a well and pre-planned itinerary we did see the city like it is meant to be and came away very satisfied tourists. It is day-2 and I am still in DC hangover sitting here on my couch in plain and boring Texas!
Now for the vacation itself. I was totally taken in by the iconic strength of the National Mall. Despite being a young nation, the history is well preserved and reflects off of the monumental core of the National Mall. A photographer's paradise and a little kid's dream come true, D.C offered something for our entire family. And since I have so many pictures to share, thanks to the perseverance of my dear husband, I will do a 3/4 part series, so please come back.
Yet to come - the cherry blossoms, corners from the Altoid's home, li'l A on vacation and ofcourse one for the orchid!

Weird title for a Monday morning post? Not really, if you are from Bangalore, like I am, these two words actually make sense. How else would we find our way around our wonderful city? And also this happens to be the title of a fantastic photoblog that I stumbled on to a while back. The blogger has managed to showcase Bangalore in a unique light with his extraordinary pictures. Now, home is just a few mouse clicks away. I can visit the many mains and crosses (streets, actually) of Bangalore via his blog. Every time I am at his (?) blog I find myself in familiar territory yet I find it new and amazing because his perspective is unique. His take on the city that I call home is so unique. Some pictures actually made me smile. And you would appreciate many of the pictures even if you are not from Bangalore, because in reality he has also captured the true essence of India - the people, the culture, the life! What a fantastic collection of everyday sights. And if you are from Bangalore, going home was never so easy! So, enjoy.
And spring break ended well with a small spring break party for a few kids and poker night for the adults! Also, watched Gran Torino this week, finally and what can I say, yet another Clint Eastwood masterpiece!
Ciao!

The dogs were a lot of fun and I will let Li'L A explain...........

Ah, spring is in the air! And, what better than the smell of a clean home - your 5 1/2 yr old pitching in to clean as well. That's right! Who says boredom can't be a good thing? Day-2 of spring break and Li'l A decidedly announced he is bored. After turning down many a suggestion, he surprised me with a grand declaration. " I think I am going to clean my room, mommy" No, it wasn't me hallucinating he had actually said the words! And an hour later, I was greeted by the sweetest li'l spring surprise, ever! His room was indeed clean and sparkling clean at that! Sorry, no pictures. I dont know how he managed to do it , I guess there is always a first time but things were lined up, drawers were shut all the way through, the bed was actually visible(!!), the writing table had paper, pen and markers (only), the floor, yes, the floor (didn't even realise the room had one) - I could see it!! and not to mention , that we actually managed to walk to the other end of the room unhurt! And, that's why I decided to spread the joy around. Share some spring cheer. Have a happy spring folks. Who knows, what just happened here might happen at your home as well. And the cleaning ? it's 2 hrs since and he's still at it...vaccuming the family room now. If only I could teach him to make chai now, life would be perfect, what say??

Rang means color in Hindi. This being March, Indians all over celebrate Holi, the festival of colors. I love color. I enjoy being surrounded by bright colorful pieces - be it in home decor or in fashionable accessories. Color brings me joy and thankfully Uj does not mind the rather generous use of color in my life! And of course, if there was a land of color, the title would truly and aptly belong to India. And today, I want to especially mention to this truly amazing blog Rangdecor which is essentially devoted to capturing the fine and unique elements of Indian decor in all its colorful glory. I salute you Archana! And with this, my journey to find a good Indian decor blog ends. The pictures are mesmerizing and the beauty of Indian design keeps you surfing through the endless blog posts for hours! Rangdecor is simply awesome!

We at the Orchid household will be sitting Tina and Tiger this weekend while my friends take off for a camping trip to the Big Bend. Remember, a while back I wrote about how the boys have been making serious plans to bring home a dog?? Well, it's sort of been like the Obamas' plan for a puppy, yet to happen. And being entirely clueless around dogs, I decided I wouldn't mind a trial run at this before I actually committed to bringing home one of our own. Let's just say after having Li'l A I've become wiser! And so, we offered, plans were made and I am waiting the arrival of two little dogs. Of course, Li'l A is all excited and it is spring break too, so he has much to look forward to. Although, I must admit I am a wee bit anxious. And this weather!! It was bright and sunny last week and now it's been raining incessantly for the past 48 hrs and it wouldn't be much fun being holed up at home with a 5 1/2 yr old and 2 dogs, would it?
Have a good weekend, while we look forward to our weekend with our canine friends!

There's something about - a cool spring breeze , the sounds of children playing outside, a slice of the perfect gajar halwa, the excitement of an upcoming vacation, a 40 minute workout. The bummer - a brewing sinus infection. Oh well, life's like that!

If I were paid a penny for every minute I browsed, I would be ..........., alas! Anyhoo, let me share a couple of great design blogs- atleast, they are personal favorites and if you enjoy beautiful things like I do, then this is an awesome treat! Have fun folks and will see you back on Monday!

Check out this and this

Be inspired, get creative. Ciao!

The leader of the free world is an everyday ordinary man, after all and there's something reassuring about that!
Read this for more!

image via CNN

Hey, thank you! I am surprised , so many of you came back and left a note. It means much!
And as for me, I sinned! Y'day, in the little time I had, instead of doing the rounds on the blog circuit, like I said I would...I watched 2008 Filmfare awards on Youtube!! I told you I sinned!! Gawd, could I engage in anything more frivolous?? Also, on a rare monday night movie date with the husband, I saw the 2006 foreign language academy winner Das Lieben Der Anderen (The lives of Others) and I say, watch it! Started off slow but picked up pace nicely and soon enough.
The next few posts will sound very much like this and the last- random mumblings, I don't think I have any real message, I just figured I'll keep it this way.
I am on the hunt for a perfect nude lipstick , anyone have any suggestions and it has to be cheap remember, I am not spending 25 bucks on a Dior sheer rose, not in these times, anyway! And oh, it has to suit my asian lips...Aishwarya beige from L'oreal is beige and not nude, if you know what I mean.
A post on Li'L A is due, isn't it? Happy Tuesday all!