title

the stopover

2012-01-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

Frenetic, uplifting, slightly manic, adrenaline rush-inspiring, eclectic, electric, breathtaking, historic. … Just the kind of cities I like. From the minute I stepped onto this foreign land everything seemed strangely familiar. When I heard some one mention it as “the New York of Asia”, it all made perfect sense now.

New York and Hong Kong both a metropolis, but they exemplify the old adage “east meets west.” The biggest difference I felt was the people in the city, where New York is so diverse and live in an air of their own, Hong Kong a country of 7 billion people is almost an army of silent, pleasant, smiling robots.

Hong Kong’s population density is paramount compared to The Big Apple. It’s not the densest city in Asia, because India has everyone beat. Only part of Hong Kong is developed, the rest has green pristine lush rolling green hills which form a beautiful backdrop to the skyscrapers.

The thing I absolutely loved about New York subways was they were a plethora of diversities in people, cultures, actions and stories, for me I saw it as a great inspiration for artists. Without second thought i would say New York City reigns champion for cultural diversity. As for the Hong Kong subways, most of the people were Asians of course, because 95% of Hong Kong is Chinese and the other 5% are mostly transplants from somewhere in Asia. Anyone else was rightly a foreigner.

But I must say being the first trip I made all by my sensory overload and immense crowds. It turned out to be the perfect place for a stopover – easy transportation from the airport and around the city, signs in English, 100 percent safe, kind and helpful people and lots to do. Because of the shortage of time I couldn’t really see everything possible but I felt the pulse of the city and would love to revisit it again. I definitely missed the great food I’ve heard about and will make it a point to know where I should go for good food next time.

Carpe diem

2011-08-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

A realization just came to me that we the youth today are over occupied by our gadgetry that surrounds us. The plethora of thoughts in our head make so many precious moments pass unnoticed. The last one and a half year flew by and now i look back and regret the lost time so i promised my self to cheerish every moment and sieze the day.

Little children and the elderly possess the gift of completely immersing themselves in the present moment — they can be perfectly aligned with the Here and Now, which renders them an integral part of their natural surroundings and activities. And nothing less than that can make a great picture. Often, seeing into their eyes, you feel you almost meet their souls.

i carry your heart with me

2011-07-18T04:26:00.000-07:00

I carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)i fear

no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Edward Estlin Cummings

Appreciate life

2011-05-31T00:37:00.000-07:00

I realized this past weekend of how different i was from so many people out there and how i was saddened at the plight of their situation and how much i wanted to escape. I never thought there could be people who dint appreciate their surroundings.

For the most part, I would say that some people don’t notice the world around them – they don’t notice beauty or really anything else. I wonder how many people who passed even remember, ten minutes later, that there was a painter or a musician on their way.

This weekend was just the most beautiful bright summer weekend; as i walked through the streets of a small town called carmel i was enchanted by my surroundings. It was a place where art was all around, the character of the architecture, the flowers in the windows, the wrought iron windy windows details and every small thing took my eye. And more so the sun peaking through the trees against the fabulous blue skies made everything a perfect painting.

I am saddened that people didn’t appreciate the sounds of the music or the talent and the beauty… and it doesn’t surprise me as people don’t see the glint of the sun off the spider Webb or the magic of a rain drop or take time to see the stars or delight in the magic of a smile… aspects of beauty that are a part of our every day lives are jsut overly consumed in their lifes. Lifes that they might think is perfect but might be truely worthless.

For all those who dont know how to live life... I am saddened at what they are missing.
Thank You God for making me the blessed one. I think its because i have always been with people who are connoisseurs of beauty.

Blurry + beautiful

2011-05-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all that's left of the best memories are blurry images in your mind and other times blurry images can be the memory of those best moment... they can and reflect the intensity and emotions.

I love when a drop of water reflects the light behind. It shines bling bling.

twinkle twinkle......

2011-05-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

When atmospheres are changed by the power of light. Oh what magic this plays to transform spaces into intoxicating havens for some. :) I just enjoy them to the best i can.

chai chai

2011-02-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

The intent of the design is comparision of identities of people. Every person has a certain kind of tea they like and every culture has a particular type or style of making tea. The idea of a mustache also being an identity for a man was somehting that fascinated me and i tried to explore;of how certain types of mustaches could be representative to people and their cultures.

The Brand name is i love chai (tea). The proposal is there could be 10 different kinds of teas assocated, one ot each mustache. My focus behind this project was making it something fun everyone would love to interact with.
So choose what chai are you.
PS. I would love to get comments of how it could be made even more succesful, at the moment there are unresoved questions but its all about the idea here.

Self-portrait

2011-01-29T23:24:00.000-08:00

Idea: An attempt to make a self portrait that speaks of who i am as a person.

The picture aims to convey transition. It strikes to show my interests in fashion and architecture and how both are in constant growth and mutation; developing and unfolding constantly.
It speaks of my interest in designing neckware and how i see spaces transition. It ultimate attempt is for it to convey what i am as a person.

Hidden in a cocoon...

2011-01-24T21:18:00.000-08:00

The artist beautifully expressing human emotions and relations.
A baby until it is born is so safe, hooded by his mother in her womb from all the evil: from everything that could harm it. But once it sees the light of the day there starts a new circle from which no matter how hard you try you will still be sucked in. Have you ever thought that you wish you could sheild yourself in a cocoon just like a silkworm or hide yourself in your moms womb where everythign is perfect and beautiful.

Website: http://www.kurbatov.net/graphics-2009/

Free Hugs

2011-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Its amazing how small actions can brings immense calm and joy. Just like it was the one thing that he/she needed for everything to be set things right, a remedy for all the upside down, just like its the key to everything to unlock all the happiness of the moment and to set you free. Just like your ready to fly just one more time.

Its amazing to think about how different hugs could be.

Think of how you felt after you just cried and someone hugged you
How you felt when you're father or mother hugged you?

Remember your best friends hug?

And how about when your girlfriend or boyfriend hugs you?

The hug which you gave someone when you were parting with, or the one when you met someone after a long time?

The hug that you gave a dear one who lost something or someone or the hug that was given to someone who achieved something?

remember that one hug when you just dint want to let go forever and ever?

A hug can be the best remedy to soothe someone from their pain and to comfort someone to tell them your there for them. I am not too good with words, i mess up in expressing myself but its this expression that never goes wrong, it speaks louder than words. Hug someone tightly with you eyes closed and with a smile and see your world transform and the best thing is you never give one without getting one.

It just this one hug that i wanted to give to someone dear and that one hug i longed for recently. So its important that you express yourself because at times when your not close to someone and your not good with words and silence is all your left with. So hug your dear ones whenever you get a chance be it with a reason or without one.

freedom

2011-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

Freedom, something so subjective, it means different things to different individuals. People are often a prisoner of their inner-self, others are restricted by outside factors, there can be just innumerable reasons for not feeling free.

As we drove the other day we came across these cows that were grazing in the field. They had little number tags on their ears and the grazing grounds were restrained by the barbed wire. They looked at us so helplessly i was saddened i remembered those birds that i once saw that had anklets to their feet since they belonged to someone. There are countless reasons of feeling enclosed and trapped and everyone of them wishes just if they were free.
I wonder too i had wings, just if could fly away at times, go to that distant link to my homeland, ust If I could this one time.

So cherish your freedom because remember there are many who just wish they could.

Pendleton: The Portland Collection

2011-01-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

The new The Portland Collection for Pendleton by Portland designers Nathaniel Crissman, Rachel Turk and John Blasioli certainly brings a lot of excitement in me. I am going so crazy for their bags in particular. N

The Portland collection promises is a more fashionably progressive line than their classic pieces steeped in Americana. The idea was to develop contemporary but still use the traditional Pendleton patterns as a launching pad for the pieces targeting a younger more urban bridge market. Above is the first sketch released to the public of the collection and we can’t wait to see what else is coming!

“Perennial pleated skirts, wool plaids and Western wear are the heart of Pendleton, but The Portland Collection will have a designer feel, an urba n sensibility and a versatility factor.”–Mort Bishop, Pendleton Woolen Mills President

The Land of Happy

2011-01-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

Shel Silverstein quotes

“Have you been to The Land of Happy,
Where everyone's happy all day,
Where they joke and they sing
Of the happiest things,
And everything's jolly and gay?
There's no one unhappy in Happy, There's laughter and smiles galore.
I have been to The Land of Happy -
What a bore!”

Happiness is often boring to the mind of a self-conceited person. There might be more drama attached to unhapiness but there can be nothing more marvelous, new and exciting as happiness. So as far as i am concerned i think the happiness and the happy land would be just the place id love to love in.And a just smile at every smile

Bag For Lit

2011-01-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

Library Bag Design created by Oneighty creative and in Conjunction with Lancashire County Council. Early concept and ideas by Thom Isom and developed and produced by Oneighty. The design will soon be in full mass production and used throughoutLancashire’s 74 Libraries.

Simple but unique idea, thus they say its the concept that matters in design. 75% of a great design is concept and 25% is production.

Hybrid Digital Cadavers

2011-01-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Michael Reedy works form a fascinating mixture of classic portrait and an informative guide to the anatomy naturalism. Its very accurate, realistic, fun, ethereal, hallucinogenic. Just seems like you hold an glass and you can look through and see whats in you. My recent interest in human anatomy drawings makes me wonder when i will even get close to 10 percent of his perfection. Stunning work.

Website: http://mikereedy.com/

the pure innocence

2011-01-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

As we grow mature and old the biggest change that comes in a person is that they loose that innocence and purity. Have you ever thought what a child thinks when he/she stares at you, i really wonder. You smile at them and they'll smile back, wink your eyes and they'll wink back at you: its just so pristine. It just seems that their world is magical, they sparkle in their eyes, the beauty of their smile; adventurous and wild.
So just when the word seems harsh and everything just seems upside down, don't give up. Just find the child inside you find you and let it be free and see everything fall in place.

try it on again and again

2011-01-10T01:41:00.000-08:00

I often laugh about the little things that we like to do in life, some odd tendencies.

Being a shopaholic i love to get things most of which are tried and tested before they are purchased for perfection. But there is just so much joy in coming home and trying the stuff that you just bought again, modeling it for your family and friends. No matter how creased the clothing is, how stiff, or itchy at the tag i still would run right to my room and come out with a swagger. there is a high in this that i am sure many can relate to.

picture credit : Gerd Grimm: young woman in front of a mirror (1990)

so times were bad

2010-12-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

There are times in life when everything just seems slow just like someones sucking life from you or the battery is dying; until it finally stops. And then there is a pause, a break until you recharge it with another life, another set of batteries. That was my life these past months and i apologize for not being here. But i promise this coming year being a year of another round of sharing and i hope this time it lasts really long. I would like to share here this one video that really makes me thank god for the life i have and learn from this person and say to myself its important we finish strong.

With the Christmas eve just a couple hours away and the new year around the corner i cant help but think how fast this year has flown by. It seems that with each passing year, time flies by faster and faster.

Wish all of you a merry Christmas.

food of the gods... certainly irresistable...

2010-08-16T00:53:00.000-07:00

cannot be more indian

2010-08-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Often you come across things that just amaze you and make you think of the cleverness and creativity of the designer. Whenever i come across such unique interesting items i like to share them.
Take a minute and think what would be the weirdest mint flavor you have ever had. I came across an odd flavor called the "CURRY FLAVOR". The taste of it was certainly the after taste of indian curry but certainly not a flavor i would like to feel in my mouth and definitely not a refreshing one. The packaging also was interesting and added on to the identity of the product.

saving money for real causes. :)

2010-08-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

An example of how a simple idea could be made much more interesting. I am sure everyone would want a piggy bank for themselves after seeing this.

And my own personal jar for a real big cause.

brag about it...

2010-08-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

I beleive in gifts that remain with you forever, making one remember that moment in their life when they received it. I save all my gifts and each means a lot to me coz they have so many memories attached to them they are almost my memorabilia.
I recently got in touch with this charming lady who makes some personalized gifts. Her work is just amazing, to top it all the love and affection that she puts in carving each piece certainly is transmitted to the person receiving the gift. You definitely must check out her shop on Etsy. The link is http://www.etsy.com/shop/BragAboutIt
Get something made from her and you'll believe every word i say.

Romanticism ...

2010-08-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sausalito is a charming bay side neighborhood lined with boutiques, galleries, and plenty of restaurants slightly north of San Francisco. I wandered happily on the streets gazing at the property lines and flower boxes, the patio furniture and thinking of the amazing views from the houses up there. Its a place that has a romantic aura to it where i could see myself walking hand in hand, stopping to sip coffee or have some ice-cream. The visible skyline of San Francisco adds to the romanticism, its just the most amazing view and i wonder how beautiful it would be to see lights fade into the dusk over Alcatraz and the Angel Island on a clear day.
The designer stores and galleries can keep me occupied forever. One gallery that caught me a bit because of my recent fascination to learn salsa was an artist who oil paints tango scenes they are intense and expressive. Seeing those paintings i see myself floating through life in gentle rhythmic swirl. Another fascination i have is house boats, i wish i could own one some day and take it in the middle of the ocean surrounded by nothing but water.

balance and harmony

2010-08-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

I saw an assemblage of stones balanced carefully on top of each other in Saulsalito, CA. The first time that i saw it i took it to be fraudulent to my eye they seemed to be cemented to one another, until is actually witnessed the artist making they the next time i went there. Balancing is play almost like dance. The stones rest in harmony upright against gravity, balancing on a small tip; preventing toppling forward fall. And then, of course, there is beauty in this craft. The artist who does this is called Bill Dan and you could also check his blog to see some other magnificent work.

http://billdan.blogspot.com/

I was also reminded of the artist Andy Goldsworthy whose art involves the use of natural and found objects, to create both temporary and permanent sculptures which draw out the character of their environment.

“In the End, We Are Our Choices. Build Yourself a Great Story.”

2010-07-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Jeff Bezos, speaking to Princeton’s Baccalaureate Class of 2010:

I suspected I would always be haunted by a decision to not try at all. After much consideration, I took the less safe path to follow my passion, and I’m proud of that choice….

When you are 80 years old, and in a quiet moment of reflection narrating for only yourself the most personal version of your life story, the telling that will be most compact and meaningful will be the series of choices you have made. In the end, we are our choices. Build yourself a great story.''

I am waiting for my great story.

40 and fabulous... pride parade

2010-06-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Rightly touted for its exuberance and wildness it’s an event that relates to peoples flesh and hearts, partners and passions. Tens of thousands of people came together on this day to celebrate this pride. It was a mix of all kind of people, young, old all alike having just one commonalty all of them were here to witness and be a part of the craziness. It was certainly a mixed bunch of hot gay guys and girls, of gay grandparents, people with small/medium bottoms, of multicolored stripes everywhere, of fishnets and how can you forget the ones who had totally forgotten their costumes altogether. It’s certainly a very interesting place with people all in their own air, high on energy, happiness and certainly alcohol.

I got a chance to attend this event and certainly was one of my favorite events that happen in San Francisco. In the spirit of gay pride I did wear some colors though unaware of the consequences. After two awkward incidents I definitely got rid of it as I had my share of weirdness and nervousness, certainly it’s not a place id want to be again for sure. I think the whole point was to celebrate being oneself, to shout out loud “This is me!” It’s definitely a fun event and I was almost overwhelmed and fascinated by the surrounding events.

I love SFPride. It's a glorious annual rite in a gorgeous city.

project neckware

2010-06-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesublimeSo finally i did start my small little shop on ETSY with the hope you guys like it.

Life is a roller coaster ride

2010-06-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

Life can be so unpredictable at times you plan well ahead of time and just in a minute everything changes. A moment of a state of ecstasy could turn into morose in a jiffy. The challenge then is to fight the bad times and know that everything will be perfect and will fall in place beautifully. That has been the story of my life for the past month and the reason for me vanishing. Also the absence of my camera deprived me from capturing some of the most beautiful views Ive seen in the past few days.
But i promise to be more activate from this day.

MUJI

2010-05-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

While my flight got delayed on my way back from new york i strolled in the airport stores. And as always i ended checking out the MUJI store. I found this amazing thing that i just couldnt stop myself from buying, i was so tempted. Then yesterday i opened it up.
Let me tell you a little more about the brand. MUJI is simplicity - but a simplicity achieved through a complexity of thought and design. It emphasizing earth-friendliness, the use of innovative materials, and efficient packaging for reduced cost. Their guiding principle is flexibility, providing the savvy customer with products that are beautiful, useful, and essential "objects for living."
So here is what i bought, a shirt and a scarf. I have just opened the shirt and i don't think i am going to open the scarf because it is just so impressive and there is no way to pack it back into the stunning packaging. The dimension of the shirt was a cube of 6cm x 6 cm x 6 cm.

and more polaroids....

2010-05-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

love selflessly...

2010-05-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

I recently have started working as an intern in redwood city and my office faces a correctional facility. As i wandered during lunch trying to explore the vicinity i came to a crosswalk where it was written with a chalk on the road" boo boo adam- mom and dad, love you" and i dint understand what that was. But inquisitive to know i asked a colleague later that evening and she told me an interesting fact. She said that the people wrote messages for their loved ones who were inmates in that facility since they knew they can see them from their windows. Iwas really touched and i felt the strength of ties and relations, of how we cant let go our loved ones no matter what; our family is always there by our side no matter what. I cant imagine the emotions and feelings of the person for whom the message is, i am certain they would be stirred.

I am proud to be born in a family where relations matter a lot and each one means a lot. The love and care is selfless, beyond words and just recently we were reminded of the the larger things in life. Life is not too fair at times, it gets tough but its important that you keep your belief and faith and its certainly important that you finish strong.

How Weird Faire (HWF)

2010-05-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

Dance and music staged in the backdrop of skyscrapers and high-rises, djs playing cosmic music with people bouncing in the middle of the streets, it cant get better. The event happened on the intersection of Howard and Second, a road i took everyday to work for 6 months but never did it seem to have so much fun and flare to it. Recently having moved from new york i missed the craziness there and this was the perfect place to fulfill my cravings for the crazy. The event was much like a hippie circus, girls in fishnet stockings with tonnes of make-up, men with leather fetishism dressed in the tightest leather pants with their bottoms hanging out, some in bell- bottoms while others in the tightest jackets. The theatrical costumes, techno music, Bollywood songs, Bhangra, vendors, beer and a reel to reel bus were all a part of the merriment. I always enjoy a bolt of activism to galvanize my life. Slowly i am getting to know SF and i think it has an originality, character, color and culture that i am starting to like.

Bouclé...

2010-05-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not having written for such a long time, my crazy schedule left me with no time and energy to focus on my creative pursuits.
This blog entry is to thank dear Schauleh for writing about me in her blog. I am obliged and inspired to make more interesting pieces this week. Id also love to share her blog with you called Bouclé. The name certainity reflects her as she states Bouclé stands for a French for the girl with the curls. I loved her designs and am certain ill be seeing many more.
Blog: http://bouclesf.wordpress.com/

the possessed mouse

2010-04-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Every person has their own eccentricities that are amusing to others. I am proud to have many that make people nuts. I have a lot of weird characteristics but i love to play along. Let me share a chapter from my book of those funny facts.
Chapter 1. the possessed mouse and the poor laptop
If i ask a question of what would be the best surface to work on with a mouse (computer mouse)? I am certain each one of you would have an answer that basically is a flat horizontal surface. As for me my mouse doesn't work that way, it refuses. It runs on the hilly terrain of my blanket, works on my leg and even has been well tested on my stomach. But most importantly it works on my head, call it crazy. This makes my friends nuts but my mouse refuses to like the flat surface and so do i....
And my laptop is a whole new story, the crux of which is i recently got my laptop fixed and the technician found a debris, lot of lint out of which he made a lint ball for me, traces of liquid and a penny. My aunt tells me dear its a laptop not a piggy bank.

exploring the blue waters...

2010-04-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

I WISH I WAS A FISH IN THE SEA

JUST AS COLORFUL I WOULD BE.

Such spectacular views makes me want to go to the great barrier reef (australia) even more strongly. I envisage being in the deep blue waters with the endless horizons, colorful reefs, the tiny fishes and the sea anemones. I wish at times that if mermaids were true, id be one surrounded by the implicit beauty of the oceans and discovering endless beings and creature, each so unique and stunning.

california coastlines

2010-04-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

the sandy beach...

2010-04-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

I love to walk on a beach especially when i can feel the sand in between my toes, its relaxing. A lot of people love the endless walks on the beach especially during sunset or sunrise when the suns light gives the water and sky a warm coloration. In addition i am fond of standing in the water when a wave comes, the feeling of sinking in the sand, the lightness, the water everything is so dazzling. Have you ever tried playing with the waves, run along the shore trying to run closer and away from them; its definitely entertaining and you can feel the waves responding back to you. But the waves are powerful and my physical capacities cannot surpass their speed so i tend to lose often in the run.

It amazing how these high intensity raging waters can give such a feeling of tranquility and calmness. I wonder how some people are not perplexed by the beauty of nature and the creations of god. My reasons are I am an enthusiast who totally admires God's creativity.

the tiny ones... sardines

2010-04-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

A polroid click of the sardines in the monterey bay aquarium.

Sardines are one of my favorite fishes, its a simple small fish that is silver seemingly innocent and pure, it has no personality really, no stories to tell, no flashy colors to attract people; that's why people tend to ignore its existence mostly.

What fascinates me most is the way they move together as a school and very recently came across a very interesting fact. At any particular time when we feel all the sardines are moving in the same direction there are about 15-20% of them who are moving against the flow causing friction for the rest and that causes the rest of the school to move in that particular direction. Thinking about more i realized the lesson this little one leave for us and that is in life we can be the 15-20 percent that could bring a bigger change in the picture despite the fact that we may be no one famous or known, just one in the crowd but together we can make anything happen.

PS: i am a fish lover and it makes me wonder how these taste :)

the lush greens

2010-04-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

A long drive to Santa cruz and Monterey. A perfect day, a pack of Polaroids and an amazing drive along the ocean with the view of water all along, the soaring waves and the cool breeze; i can just say it cant get any better. California in the months of lush green rolling hills is a sight i had not witnessed in the eight months of my stay earlier and certainly it is really soothing. I am waiting for a opportunity to wander on these hills waiting to get lost in the middle of nowhere, where i can lie on the green grass with the sight of the voluminous, fluffy clouds above me and the sun shining upon me. I don't think i have ever noticed clouds so much before this, one thing i love these days is the setting sun and colors of the sky, every day is a mixture of different hues each so very beautiful. But certainly it wouldn't be any fun without the company of my lovely cameras to document it.

Above is a series of three pictures i took during the drive.

Its crimson tonight

2010-04-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

In preparation of setting up my shop... comments on pieces are welcome... I hope to learn and improve with every suggestion.

books, a man's best friend...

2010-03-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at using a Polaroid camera.

the NYC subway

2010-03-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

I have always started this post and somehow left it half written. But today i felt inclined to complete it and so here it goes.

The city where cultural diversity so prominently seen, where you can meet people from any part of the world, that's the city of new york. For me a place is all about the people living there and the perfect venue to see such a conglomeration of people is none other that the new york subway.

Riding in the NYC subways was always something i enjoyed, it said so much about the place, it gave you insights of different cultures, areas, local fashion. I remember vividly how my friend and I were often given odd look because we couldn't stop staring. Everything was amusing and i tried not to keep a my constant gaze on people but there are so many interesting subjects and me being and observer could not let them pass without noticing. I don't know if you have ever seen a person and tried to make a story of who that persona is and where he is from, what he did, i do that sometimes. I often wondered where the person sitting next to me belonged to, how his family would be like, when someone got of a stop i wondered where he might be heading, whether the guy next to me is a traveller or a resident itself, of how the well dressed lady standing in the corner was so old but so hot and how i wanted to be like her when i grew old, arty people always catch my eye and i try to comprehend what their profession might be. I cannot forget the french beard guy in the weird hat whose mic was connected on the neck and who sang so well, the group that danced on the 14th street subway station , and the strret dancers that carried their amplifiers with them and break-danced, the gothic girl with her piercings, high platform shoes and red hair from my school and definitely i can never forget the girl wearing the magenta thong on her tights, there was just so much to see so much to notice. So how could you ever be bored in a NYC subways. Well but i often made people uncomfortable; but i couldn't help being flabbergasted because of anything and everything around me. In the NYC subway the glance of the eye controls people, a stern expression is enough for another to understand a persons actions aren't appreciated. And i am sure you would believe me when i say ive gotten many such looks my excuse would be i am an observer, not a weirdo.

I can never forget the feeling i felt when my stop came and when i had to get off my desire to stay in the train and go in loops just sitting there and riding it for ever. But ya besides all the character, its wide spread network is the reason for functioning of NYC and if for some reason the subways froze the entire city would go crazy not knowing what to do. I missed my NYC subway so much today when it took me forever to reach one place to another. AND NOW I MISS NEWYORK.

Oh Rang Barse......... Holi Hai

2010-03-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

Being from India I have always seen so much color around me in the places, the people, clothes, food name anything. In contrast to scenes going dull, grey and lifeless as the cold descends, much like a haunted movie scene. We even have a festival of colors known as Holi that marks the coming of spring. It’s a time to throw off the gloom of the winter adding more color and life just like in nature spring adds liveliness making life more colorful. The great thing about this festival is it gets people from all backgrounds together everyone is covered in colors much like a color palate; it’s truly a uniting experience.
I went to celebrate holi in Stanford this year which is one of the biggest holi celebrations in the bay area. Also another incredible thing is that all the funds that are collected go towards education of children. Everyone was dressed in old clothes ready to be sprayed with gulaal (color), ready to be a part of the absolute mayhem. It was a riot of colors, I felt like a chameleon changing colors that changed as the people around me changed. As I stepped into the grounds I was attacked by people and was dyed in bright green which then changed from yellow to purple finally I ended coming home like a red tomato. Everyone looked alike, the colors mixed to form just one color in the end, brown much like mud. There was so much happiness around me; my feet tingled with joy. Everyone was high on music, dancing and jumping on the tunes of Bollywood songs, “rang barse” being the highlight of course. Every expression in the crowd was so honest and the smiles pure, there was just so much positivity and inspiration.
I am just sad that I dint take my camera with me with the fear of destroying it, now i feel i should have. But to share the entire experience this is an article came across that has incredible photographs they reverberate the joy. It’s important to also notice how these pictures would definitely make you smile and make you feel the emotions that were experienced by them.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/holi_the_festival_of_colors.html
PS: the only disastrous after effect is my white shirt and socks are pink and shoes went from white to a tone of blue. I don’t care about the clothes but I loved those shoes.

black it is...

2010-03-21T01:45:00.000-07:00

spirals... twists and turns...

2010-03-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

my new friend

2010-03-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

I have recently decided to start a small shop in etsy so that i could sell the pieces that i have made so far and have been making more with that intention. So for the same purpose my aunt gifted me this cute little basket as it helps me keep my stuff organised. I call this little guy "Rotlu Patel" since it seems to have sadness in his eyes and Patel because i miss the company of the Gujratis i was surrounded by. :) In short its something i do when i miss my friends and i am sad. Atleast creating something new brings a smile back.

shoe fetish...

2010-03-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

The term shoe fetish can often be associated with humor and is even over exaggerated. But the fact is we all love shoes, right? Some love them more than others like my cousin loves Jordan's, his room is a display of the shoes he owns. When i say display i mean serious display he has cabinets where he has displayed about twenty-five pairs of his shoes. He has a shelf above his bed that also has five pairs on them, i make fun of him that they'll fall on your face while your asleep. He loves shoes. So do i, not to that extent though. Shoes are an important part of a girls wardrobe and we can have as many as a hundred but yet be dissatisfied. As for me today i was bored and thought of some interesting photography subject so i picked shoes.

beatiful rain...

2010-03-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

There is nothing as pretty and refreshing as the rain. Its amazing how it transforms people's moods, making them smile. The smell of the wet mud is something i long for, the freshness in the air, the brightness in the colors, everything seems so much more vibrant and full of energy. Have you ever looked up towards the sky and let the rain drops fall onto your face, its a wonderful feeling. Even more fun is when the drop falls on your eye lash, all this brings in a lot of euphoria in me.
Rain has always been an epitome of charged emotions; whether it be love and romance or to hide the tears of sorrow! Also how can i forget the beautiful rainbows.

How important is the term FRIENDS in your life?

2010-03-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

Every person has their own set of people they live by. For me i cannot live without friends, my energy comes from them. I have had the most amazing and memorable times with every one and each of them have an important role to play in my development. When i am with friends i am like a battery that does not get discharged, so full of life and energy. I could easily say i have people who will do anything for me if need be and so will I. As you grow up you meet new people and leave some behind but its the bond that you share with the ones you had to part that's important to me. Definitely this group of friends changes as you move places or start a new phase in life. There was a time when i was an quiet introvert person but as i grew i became an opposite of what i was as a kid. But now that i have changed i cannot live without people; those who share the same interests as me, those who know me can look through me, whom i laugh with and share my life with, the past, present and future. I make friends easily but to find the right people is tough. Now that i have moved from new york i still have'nt made any real friends and its takes half the energy out of me. I wonder how dependent i am and how i would survive if i had to live just by myself.

I miss my friends :(

Help for a cause

2010-03-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

Each one of us knows someone who suffers from cancer and is fighting it. I knew a little girl who passed away some time back and all that was left was tears in the eyes of her family; she suffered from blood cancer. Also recently someone close to me has been detected cancer, all i can say as an observer is that their pain is not easy. I cant imagine how your life would turn knowing that you may not be alive for long, it brings a tear in my eye.

A friend of mine is working towards this great cause, last year he collected money that helped funding for cures for cancer. And this year again he has committed himself to it by participating in a Half-IronMan( 1.2 Mile Swim, 56 Miles Cycling, 13 Mile Running). All of individuals on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

Donation link: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/wildtri10/mparbhakar

I hope many can help and make a difference in someones life.

The year of the tiger

2010-02-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

The Chinese new year parade in San Francisco. A great place to capture the unending smiles, the cute kiddos in costumes, the vibrancy in color and in every step; definitely a great package of fun and frolic.

It was a huge riot of blazing reds and yellows, people lined up along the street to witness the spectacular parade. An endless procession of their culture, huge floats all decorated and people dressed ready to pose, numerous tiger people doing the tiger dance of prosperity and good luck; welcoming the new year; "The year of the tiger". Such events portray the creative and vibrant character of a city. The scale of the San Francisco parade was similar to the ones in New York minus the craziness seen and the diversity and weirdness; which i miss the most. But definitely such processions are a creative experience and inspiring in many ways.

Missing the snow.

2010-02-28T19:41:00.000-08:00

I was recently gifted the most amazing gift by my friends a Polaroid camera. As i left newyork i wanted to have some clicks while trying to use the film judiciously since i just had one pack. So i neede 10 perfect pictures. Taking good pictures with a Polaroid isn't as simple as a digital camera. Here is one of my efforts.I so totally love the snow image.

Fly girl of the week

2010-02-24T01:36:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank Andrea for including me in her blog and selecting me as the Fly girl of the week. Fly is a journal of all things beautiful, creative and inspirational, you are sure to find many interesting thing that will inspire you to be creative; it promotes and fosters imagination. Cheers to Andrea.

Check out her blog http://flygirls.typepad.com/fly/2010/02/fgotw-1.html

extended tie project

2010-02-22T03:01:00.000-08:00

once again.... the uniform project

2010-02-18T01:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.theuniformproject.com/home/daily/Bibi-i-Brooklyn.html?month=February
Innovation and creativity has no end. I was amused at the way my neckpiece was used as a headgear in the uniform project again. It looked even more beautiful this time, I so totally loved it. I am honored that my piece was chosen by designer Fredikkson to compile his complete look. Definitely gives me inspiration to get back to some more neckpieces.

the little one...

2010-02-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

I recently moved to California to my aunts place. California has a beautiful weather and at this time of the year you see lush green rolling hills immensely serene and beautiful. But i definitely miss new york, no matter how dirty and untidy new york is it seems i cannot like California better. I hope as i get to know California more ill fall in love with it and find things that interest me.

My aunts house is a hundred year old house and it has all these old statues that renders it a uniqueness. As i strolled in the garden a sight caught my eye. It was a little baby that floated in a pool of stagnant water at the base of another larger statue. As i came closer a little innocent cherub lay there. Though its just a statue made of clay yet it speaks for itself, there is an emotion to it, you can feel the pain, the lifelessness, a sense of sorrow in it.

the adult outside...the kid within...

2010-02-17T00:46:00.000-08:00

You cannot replace the fun you had as a kid. How the smallest things gave you utmost joy. If you've heard the laughter of a small kid u'll see its so pure and true, so full of the joy and an angelic expressions is priceless. Try being a kid at times beleive me each one has a longing for going back to those great times, the only difference is that some go back easily than others.I still find the kid inside me pops out often and overpowers me. The immense satisfaction i get as i destroy a clean patch of snow just because it looked so perfect, the springing pace everything adds a little more life, a little more joy. That's why my friends call me crazy but id rather be a kid than be a grown up.

PS: i recently tried making a snow angel, as you lie on the snow you feel your settling in cotton so soft and smooth the ice gives you a little chill but its perfect.

beauty of a word...

2010-02-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

I love this sculpture and especially this day it seemed just so beautiful and mystical.

Hope everyone had a great valentines day with the people they love.

expressions..

2010-02-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

There was a time when i use to draw a lot more than today. Ive almost left that though, back then i use to pen down my feelings, express what i felt at a moment in drawings. I don't do that anymore but i still find myself tracing my thoughts in some medium. This is a page from my scrap book that i made long back but is one of my favorites. How do you express yourself?

Fly away

2010-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Some interesting air plane pins that i picked from a store Army Barracks, in Boston.

pylones..

2010-02-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Its an undeniably charming gift shop where you can find cute knickknacks and household gadgets. It’s all about cuteness here. Its a place you'd get enamored when you step in but this place definitely has some intelligent designs, though you may find some percent of the items that are nauseatingly colorful. The designs of the products are determined by the shape of the object and translations of animal shapes. Check out the website, the bunny scissors, the bird scissors, the dog cake servers are some great items.

gestures...

2010-01-31T01:49:00.000-08:00

I think we as humans have trained ourselves to live in oblivion about the small things like small gestures that matter and sometimes the least expected person can change your day. Like today was a blue day for me so i went out to the city (Manhattan) to get rid of it. I have a fascination of strolling on the streets of big cities, noticing people, the city, architecture, art, the smallest thing that comes my way.
Like in the past when i was doing my training in San Francisco i use to go around the city on foot in my free times. Its my personal feeling that you can best admire a city this way. The stories of street walks reminds me of those times when i use to get off the BART, not really wanting to after a nice half hour nap. Walking to work was a torture for me but i couldn't keep sitting in the train for eternity no matter how much my heart wanted. Craziness is an inseparable part of me, its better that i warn you in advance because this thought may cross your mind in a minute. My office was a couple of blocks from the stations and just so that i dint get bored while i walk there i use to try to catch up with people also so that i could wake myself up. It was real fun and i was amazed at the capacity of women to walk at that pace in silhouettes also that's when i realized you could actually tell the pace of the city by the pace of the people. In the beginning i could never catch up but by the end i was well in pace and so walking in new york wasn't much of a task.

You can commonly find me on the street walking in my own air and thoughts, smiling away at anything and everything at times. And often i tend to get smiles back. But today i thought of the time that Ive spent in this city and how it never fails to charm me no matter what. This past one and half year was the best time of my life, each phases in life beholds something new and exciting and it keeps adding to your experiences in life.Sigh...

Going back to small gestures. Even in the midst of trials, I absolutely can't deny that my life is so blessed with so many people who love and support me. But yet the most unknown person could be the one who may have done a small thing, that meant the world to you today. I went to have dinner at a vegetarian falafel place, the person on the counter was super courteous and sweet, he seemed to make everyone smile as they left the place. I was a little upset and with me the problem is my face is very expressive, I hate this fact about myself at times. Anyways so just as i left the place and went to the counter to get a bag to pack my stuff he handed me a rose made out of tissue. Just this simple thing and it cheered me, i wasnt upset anymore, i felt nice and happy just because of this one kind and thoughtful gesture!!

Remember, its not the big things that count, but the simple things that do not cost money, like one rose, or a bunch of wild flowers or just a tissue, that could matter. It mattered to me for sure.

i am an architect...

2010-01-27T00:51:00.000-08:00

It was only yesterday that I was going through my pictures and organizing them that i realized AS ALWAYS that yet again i have more pictures of buildings than people in my Boston trip.

Right then I was reminded of my professor who during my under graduate college course told us a story of how he dreamt of buildings than girls, of how he imagined touching walls and looking out of windows, envisioned perfect poetic spaces. When most of his guy friends looked at hot chicks he'd look through them and notice the details on the building behind her and how it stood so perfectly in the brick cladding. It amusing how a person first notices stuff he/she is passionate about. Till date i cant forget how much my dad wanted me to become a dentist and i couldn't see myself anywhere close to being one. And after all his effort trying to convince me and later even bribe me, i finally did become what i wanted to be and pursued my passion. So id say its okay for an architect to know more buildings that people, that's us.

Just one of my favorite clicks from the Boston trip of a building i admired for its architecture.

Collections

2010-01-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

I recently came across this interesting blog.. i like the idea ...It aims to document collections this person has collected for years now and document them for a period of one year... I am not too fond of the collections themselves as i think they should be a little more bigger in number but i definately like the things she showcases, as they are'nt the usual items.

The link for the blog is http://collectionaday2010.blogspot.com/

And here my small little borrowed collection some coin purses.

serendipity...

2010-01-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

A small little dessert place in uptown Manhattan. Decorated in rococo style, highly ornamented this place serves the best desserts ever. If you are an ice cream lover you must come to Serendipity. Known for the frozen hot chocolate which has the hot chocolate taste with the frozen drink feel. Also if the name is reminds of any movie, this is the restaurant you saw in "Serendipity".

gift time ... :)

2010-01-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

I love peacocks and i got the most beautiful thing possible from my aunty..

another memorable journey ends today

2010-01-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Finally today all my submissions and work for school are over and now i am heading on towards a new life.

Every phase in my life has been memorable and the friends i made along the way remain forever. I wonder when we will meet again. Uncertainty is a part of life, we meet to part. This reality became more prominent to me in these recent years, but that's life. You have to keep moving on, all you have to do is smile and accept what comes your way.

memories... sweet memories

2010-01-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

You can never really wipe off all the memories. The remnants always remain inside you for eternity. Some so precious treasures you don’t want to let go, some you try to forget but remain deep-rooted inside you and others that you just don’t care about and become unresponsive to.
I like making memories and I try to treasure them by scrap booking. It helps me relive the moments. Some bring joy while others a tear to the eye. But they all are precious in their own ways.
Time goes by swiftly and this hobby gives me a chance to let my memories be an echo that never fades away and will remain sounding through the years….

PS: i recently completed a scrap book on my London trip.

let it snow, let it snow

2010-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

I stood at my window gazing at the winters first snow fall, sensing a delight in my heart. Floating in the air the flurries danced with the wind and I stood there watching with awe and glory, admiring the enchanting beauty. As the wind swirled around and blew and it accumulated delicately like big piles of icing. Everything was so pure and heavenly, the snow rendered the landscape white, everything looked so totally the same but yet so different.

I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than a tree dusted in fresh snow. I also love how things pause for a while, and we get the chance to take a break from the hectic pace of our everyday life’s. I love the stillness and peace it brings. I also love how it sparkles like diamonds in the in the sun.

I recently got a chance to study more about snowflakes and I realized these were miracles of beauty less appreciated. Each crystal is a masterpiece of design and not one is repeated. It’s amazing to see how god creates beautiful things with so much detail and precision, it’s simply breathtaking. When I think of snow it reminds me of how god created them with as much precision as we humans as no two are alike.
The gentle touch of the snow on your skin, a whiff of breeze on your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of baby, all seem so magical to me. I fail to understand how some people can't find it in their hearts, the ability to enjoy this overwhelming making.

As it snows I put on a coat, raise my hands and feel the snow, spinning in circles to the music of chimes; rejoicing in its dance sublime.

the uniform project

2010-01-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.theuniformproject.com/home/daily/Hello-Teensies.html?month=January

The new year started with a bang for me, i was elated to see my neck piece showcased on the very first day of new year. This surely made my day and the beginning of a perfect new year...

My heartiest thanks to the uniform project for selecting my piece and to all who liked it and wrote inspiring comments. Also i commend the uniform project for the fabulous idea and their contribution to such a Nobel cause, congratulations for the success so far.

ball drop in the big aaple

2010-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

10...9....8....7.. and the lighted ball begins picking speed 6...5...4.... and its almost time....3....2.....1...... the crown enchanting .....the moment everyone holds their breath and BANG its the new year....... .a roar goes out, screams, emotions and a wave of immense energy transmitted in the crowd.

Definitely worth it.....

new year wishes

2009-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

The last year began with hope and smiles. But consistency is not life. There were more downfalls than rise.... but then again you dont leave hope, you have to stay optimistic as its important you finish strong.

As the new year sets in, as the clocks ticks twelve i hope that this new year symbolizes the beginning of a better and brighter tomorrow than just a change in the calender. I wish all a magical year ahead filled with smiles, hope and love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Chai + conversations = timeless

2009-12-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

I would admit that i have recently been little careless, so sorry for that. The truth is Ive been barely keeping up, with so many things ending in my life there was loads to be done. By the way i have an MS in Architecture, yay...... definitely makes me happy.

Now coming down to business, this entry is dedicated to the "JOYS OF CHAI".

Tea or "Chai " is definitely seeped into the Indian culture because of the British influence. Chai is an integral part of everyone's routine in India. To truly understand the joys of drinking chai you would have to guzzle down sips on the platform of a railway station. I remember vividly the "chai wala" who came in train shouting on the top of his voice "chai chai". Being not too fond of the food served in the train this was all i longed for, a cup of the masala chai coupled with the famous PARLE -G biscuit (the unofficial national biscuit). The only thing better than a tasty cup of chai, is a cup of chai with some chai dipping biscuits to dip in it. Also you can never really appreciate its flavor if you haven't had it in the canteen of a hostel of some college, the watery tea is something you long for. But you can never truly enjoy it till you let the it soothe you heart and brain and lets the secrets loose, for what is tea without a dainty conversation.

Its December now and I'm thinking suddenly of the Decembers gone by. I begin to reminisce December and the chai chin-fests, the cold lured us to the canteen more than ever. The gingery flavor and the mingling conjoined with Rumjhum bhaiyas singing made most of our day. It recharged our batteries and broadcasted our feelings into the stratosphere. The PGI bun omelet and tea at three at night also had another whim that struck us mostly when we were barred like inmates by the hostel timings. How could i fail to remember the jacketed aloo samosas (boiled with its peel) at Des raj in the PEC market, and when served with tea in CUTTING glass is something i long for sitting here in New york. To top it up when enjoyed with the best buddies its indubitably priceless.

Towards the end came days of sipping endless cups of tea with our eyes filled with tears. When we fell short of tea but never short of the chit chats, we re-winded every moment that we spent together in those 5 yrs and we went over and over again like a broken record but it went on. Oh i miss those college days. I remember them and will always do and will perhaps, hold onto it like a slice of time, always beautiful.

As i write this all i can think of is making myself a cup of steaming hot tea, though i will be missing my old friends to share my stories, but then again i have made new friends with whom i made new stories and shared the old ones. That's life and you have to move on and keep pace with it. And its almost time for me to move on again hoping i make new friends that share the same passions as i do and who listen to all the endless stories that i want to share.

explorations....

2009-12-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

As i eagerly await the showcasing of my neck piece in the uniform project.

fashion+passion

2009-12-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

As my new college life started my first project dealt with fashion design, that was my first step into the creation of something that wasn't conventional, unlike the suits and Indian costumes that i designed for myself. Recently Ive been watching a lot of project runway which was an idea and that was the point i started experimenting.

The one below is something that i designed for the donating to the uniform project and they accepted it, which makes me happy as i in a way get to make a contribution to the Nobel cause.

And the one below was an experiment of recycling material and it turned to be sheik. And i guess i have plans of reproduction of necklines on similar lines.

my favorite jewelery findings from the flea market

2009-11-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

I love the ice cubes here in particular

People who know me would also know my innate love for jewelry. Above are my favorites out of the pieces i picked from the flea market, The first is a travel charm bracelet and the other piece is designed pendant by a lady who does a lot of similar work and i totally love each one of them. Only if i could own them all....

Brooklyn flea market

2009-11-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

The joy of going to a flea market on a Saturday evening in the summer is one thing you should not miss because often you end finding great treasures there. Its a plethora with small knickknacks to huge antiques. I enjoy going to a flea though i could only go there about three times this summer, half the times being a little lazy and the other half not going with the fear of spending money on things that are totally not desired, especially in case of shortage of funds. Its especially hard on me being almost a compulsive shopper, rarely do i come home empty handed, and rarely do people going shopping with me come empty handed.. Jewelry is what lures me most, the designs are novel though mostly overpriced. Often the bargaining skills gained back home do come handy. Now with me the problem is if i like something i want it, id try to get the price down and even pose that i am not spending one penny more but towards the end i am taken down by my emotions and end up buying it at the same price. For people who collect antiques and vintage items this is the place to be. I just wish i had a house so that i could buy some of the marvelous furniture items, but being an international student that is my last preference for now also because of the uncertainty of where id be settling.

chicago+smiles

2009-11-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Bio-Diversity

2009-11-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sitting idle at work where i almost get paid for surfing, i spent a little bit of my precious time doing nothing by looking out of the window just noticing stuff. The leaves, the bark, the library that stands in front of me, the sculptures, the students walking, their clothes in particular and anything that catches my glance.

Today i sat noticing the few leaves that still clung to the branches as the wind made them waver crazily. Soon the wind will conquer and gain victory over the leaves and finally take them to ground. Now this is where i pick them from and pin these different leaves on my board.

So while surfing i stumbled upon this project by Christoph Niemann and i think now this is creativity.

signature lounge

2009-11-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

The best view of Chicago downtown at night is from the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock center to add on it has no entry fee. But the big joke here is that the best view of the city from this floor is from the window in the ladies room. And believe me when i say this because i have seen both. If your a guy whose reading my blog i would empathize its beauty and also sympathize with you as you will never get to witness this spectacle.

A friend questioned me how i was so sure that the mens room dint have a similar view as well to that i would say no it doesn't. The reason for my certainty and how i know it for sure is because on our boat tour the guide acknowledged the fact and seeing me nod in approval he goes "this is the 106th head count that I've got to this statement". So i guess i am right.

state of awe + cloud gate

2009-11-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

It's like the antithesis of huge buildings, being a great gathering spot that people can interact with. It's the quintessential symbol of the city.

The 'Bean' is absolutely worthy of the appreciation it has received. On any day, it would be a singular experience to walk by (and particularly, through). You've might seen a lot of pictures of it, and might have wondered , "is it really that pretty" but there is not one picture that does justice to how it looks when you're actually there.

I totally commend Anish Kapoor for this amazing state of art that seems to be sitting there with such a larger than life attitude. Its one of those rare sculptures that will never get old, mostly for the people watching from the groups of prom-goers having their photos taken to the tourists doing handstands, feet on the bean, the crowds never fail to amuse.

PS :The underside of the bean is the best part, where the images get all swirled and beautiful and amazing. I am sure if you stand underneath it and spin around it'll be the worst hangover.

A plane smaller than a subway / bus an experience for sure

2009-11-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

No matter how much I've flown by air in my whole life, I can never get over the feeling that the airplanes tail would hit the ground as it soars into the sky. The feeling seems to grow stronger and deeper as I get older. It’s funny how I imagine moments or scenes almost like they would be in a Tom and Jerry cartoon; I guess it’s because of the animator in me or admitting that I have seen just too many cartoons as a kid and as an adult. The truth is I just can’t get over the creativity and the ideas in them.

I am writing this entry as I sit in the plane I have boarded to Michigan from New York which managed to remain in one piece even as it took off. Now let me take a minute and describe this plane to you. It’s definitely the smallest plane I have been on with dimensions close to 20m*2m*2.25m. To high lighten the size without any exaggeration if an average statured person stood with his arms wide open he would touch the sides of the plane with his head barely away from the top. And to underscore my experience of this journey I flew just at the perfect time when half of the flights were delayed and other canceled on account of the generousness of the weather. And sitting there I ask myself why today also as I get nausea's more because of my fears and a little bit because of the claustrophobia.

It’s funny how at such times you tend notice the things that you would least pay attention to. As the plane set on the run way it seems like the airplane was more like a car turning, I could precisely imagine myself driving it and while it took off I realized that I could accurately calculate the angle of inclination, gosh that was weird. While it cruised up in the altitudes I could feel every bump every time it pierced through the clouds. The constant shivering was also something that never went unnoticed.

No matter what I did and how hard I tried I could not distract myself , the maximum successful time that killed was while writing this entry which was about 10 min, but what next was the bigger question. And just at this perfect split second another thought struck me and that was that I had to board the same plane back to NYC and my heart silently shouted ”god save me”.

Gotham city at its best.

2009-11-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

See all the stars – so fine tonight…
Shots of the night- I love New York.

auburn+chrome

2009-11-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever picked up something from the ground which you happened to see as you were passing by. Well i have, tons of times not really being bothered of what people would thinking of me collecting trashy tit- bits. Being in an art school this is way easier now as i have an explanation of all crazy acts "oh that's for my project at school" and being creative enough to make a story but thatch only if someone asks which is rare though.

One evening on my way back from work, i walked back looking at the beautiful leaves that lay on the ground and was really fascinated by their colors and shapes. Since its fall leaves are all over the ground but often you see some that seem more beautiful than other and stand out in the lot. I collected as many different sizes and colors that i could as long as i dint have any hands left for more. Enamored by their beauty i saved them in a book and later put them on the board in my room, it vividly reflects God's creativity , detail and preciseness in even the smallest thing that he has put on this planet for us to enjoy this variety and beauty.

altered experiences

2009-11-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

Today my philosophy professor with some connections talked about sensory isolation chambers that are designed for sensory deprivation that has a deliberate reduction or removal of stimuli from one or more of the senses.

Scientists estimate that up to 90% of the brain's normal workload is caused by the effects of routine environmental stimulation the combined effects of gravity, temperature, touch, light and sound on the muscles, nervous system and sense organs of the body. The float tank screens out these external physical stimuli, creating a pure state of "sensory" relaxation.

In my undergraduate study my hostel had girls who were deaf and i often wondered how they were not able to listen to sounds like the mellifluous chirping of birds, the gushing of ocean waves, music. Even th very thought of such a think made a bead of sweat trickle down my brow and i shuddered by the mere thought of me being in their shoes. Also it was interesting to see two such people have a conversation they talked they smiled they shared everything often just by expressions, their eyes did a lot of work as well.

I remember vividly of another instance where i saw a young child about the age of five who was blind and i couldn't help myself from crying seeing the plight of the young one. The blind have a world which is a black void that is endless and dimensionless with no color what so ever. Even today if i think about a life in which i cannot see anything i dont know if i could survive , if i dint know what red is like, i dint know how my mother looks, how beautiful it is to see someone smiling, what a tear is like, or see any expressions, landscapes, the rainbow, flowers, the very thought kills me and makes me remorse. Linking this thought to the isolation chamber where you are deprived of sight, sound, smell, touch , taste and even gravity i wonder what would be my state of mind. Initially my thoughts would go crazy not knowing what to think and how to react. They would go hay-wire and i would reach a state of delirium or the silence could expand into seemingly infinite dimensions — vast as a galaxy.

On some level I will feel the storm of thought pulling my feelings and shifting my moods, often toward the negative and then you would need to gain control over the errant mind. Also the mind begins to unfold in all kinds of unexpected and fascinating ways. This is often when a lot of great ideas can come to you that could be radical to your life.

For now i really don't know how this will actually affect me but i do hope i get a chance to do this once in my lifetime and see the potential in me and try to thrive with it. Well that's just hope.

Ps: It is the same feeling that some people gain by lsd but that should not be tried.

craziness+fancydress-thats halloween

2009-11-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

Halloween and the tradition of illogical dressing. I went to a Halloween costume store last year and all you could find are costumes made of cheap fabric and fits, that are unimaginative, and often offensive to one group or another. They are shinny fat suits, black make-ups, wigs red, blue and green, many fictitious characters, demons and the ugliest individuals that you can find.

New york Halloween parade is one gigantic event that happens in new york and a place to witness all the craziness that can be. Bodacious males parading around in long wigs and gigantic fake breasts, because that’s there idea of a woman, without much care for how the people they imitate may feel. But more often you see costumes that play on stereotypes, or fantasies, and allow people to become someone they normally wouldn’t be. Girls in particular can be seen going out of the way to do what can be called "slutting it up" and embracing the inner hooker in them just because it was Halloween, whatever that means. In many cases, on Halloween women readily objectify themselves, men become sleazy archetypes as well. I don't think i could ever take this scantily clothed route and wear such outfits also as i still don't know how to respond to that.

Does this mean Halloween is the day when everything unacceptable and typically considered crass is acceptable? Or is this day about the immorality that is itching to be released ?

I guess sometimes things just are what they are. If you don’t like it, and look away or look at the brighter things but you have to play along. Personally i enjoy this day a lot because of the craziness though just hoping the craziness would be more towards creativity than the weirdness. It seems like a big fancy dress show or a play organized, a stage where every person has a role to play that is equally important. But one thing that i really appreciate about this day is the spirit of individuals and their willingness to participate in this feat, be it young, teen or old. So i hope each one of you had a great Halloween and as for me i became a bird of paradise, nothing big just something small i made in an hours time out of kite paper. But it dint last long since it rained in NYC on Halloween and the feathers got all wet and soaked and had to be shed away.

when a dress speaks

2009-11-02T00:50:00.002-08:00

WHEN EVERY DRESS CALLS OUT LOUD "PURCHASE ME".

A dress by Heidi Elizabeth Rodriguez
Working with paper and much more!

hues-red+yellow+gold

2009-10-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

A year has flown by, seems like yesterday that I was in the central park trying to capture dramatic and evocative images of this time of the year. I had experienced nothing like it before back home, in India. It’s October again, the scenery is a colored palette with hues of reds and yellows.

I got up rather early today morning and I could not go back to sleep. I looked outside the window it stillwas dark and raining lightly but I could still see the red tree in the corner of my building as the street light spread its light onto it. There was a nip in the air mixed with the smell of wet soil that stirred my senses and urged me to go down. I waited a little so it got a little brighter and walked down the lane with an umbrella since it was still drizzling. The droplets of water falling from the leaves, the flowers, the dry leaves on the ground, the red hues, the seeds, the little chirping of birds, the ripples in the water by the droplets of rain every small little thing seemed so much more to me, making me stop about twenty times in a stretch of thirty feet. I was sure people thought I was crazy but I was so caught up in the moment and in a world of my own, seemed so much like Alice in wonderland.

The leaves floated in the atmosphere as the surges of wind blew, bringing them to the ground. Seemed so much like petals of flowers showered onto me by the almighty as he wanted to make me feel happy, loved and most importantly special. The crooked shapes of the branches stood out more in contrast to the bright leaves and sky. Also i realized the best way to appreciate fall foliage is by looking up. When leaves are backlit by the sun their golds and reds looked even brighter than the whole tree at a distance also i could hear the crunching of the leaves as people stepped onto them adding more sensation to the present scene.

But i fear that pleasant sight will soon seem haunted. It's been raining here for what seems to be forever. Soon all that is left dangling the tree branches would be a few of those the plain and sometimes pale leaves of yellows and browns. The branches will stand naked as the wind washes off its envelope. On flip side of things I also feel the season of no color and white landscape has another spectacle to it, rendered by the white snow much like a beauty of black and white picture.

All of it is too wonderful for me. My heart sings when I consider the extent of God's creative ability.

favorite things + moments

2009-10-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

The sweetest birthday gifts. A plant with touches of red and pink flowers and the lens with which um taking this picture..... two things that would foster my enthusiasm towards life and capturing life.

It was absolutely wonderful of my roomies who organized a surprise party and even sweeter f everyone who came and shared my happy moment.

A womans classic line

2009-10-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

A womans classic line " nothing to wear".

I am sure every female here has some time or the other been frantically running around in her bedroom half naked with heaps of clothes that belong to the wardrobe lying everywhere except where they belong. And this is because her problem is she has nothing to wear.

A piece of advice to everyone, believe us when we say this as we actually don't have anything or at least that's what we feel then. This is also why we are late at parties or anywhere we are going. Such days happen to us frequently, ranging from a nothing to wear week to a nothing to wear month. But the panic strikes us mostly right before a party and often we resort to instant shopping but waking up next morning with a plethora of options we could have worn the night before.

Oh God i often wonder why don't these options dawn upon us at the time needed. But deep rooted is a happiness of shopping that most girls live for.

I am sure anyone who has been around a woman has always heard this one line and you must have wondered of how many clothes she had, knowing her well. And being a woman i am sure each one of you must have had such days despite clothes oozing out of your wardrobe every time you open the door.

But we all need to swallow this bitter fact that we are girls and will always remain so and me myself being the biggest example of one such person who has "NOTHING TO WEAR".

lights+sweets+flowers+colors- thats Diwali

2009-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yay Diwali is here.

The view of diyas and light sparling in every house. The twinkling flames, the beautiful lanterns spreading colored light in hues of red, green and yellow. The flower petals carefully organized in beautiful patterns - "a rangoli" are my favorites. This view of the Indian cities is a spectacle. Its a time everyone is celebrating in ways of their own. Oh i miss this view.

Also since i belong to Amritsar there is one view that is embedded in my memory as the most spectacular view on Diwali and that is of the GOLDEN TEMPLE. This is a time the golden temple is covered with lights and the reflection of the lights in water in the pool is breath taking. I still remember sitting there soaking the atmosphere which was filled with lights, crackers, the chanting of the sacred book and people dressed in beautiful outfits that added bright colors to the entire picture making it just perfect. So i strongly recommend everyone to experience this demonstration if you get a chance and u will remember it for a lifetime.

Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated by almost every Indian though for different reasons in every religion.

So here are some wishes that go out to the world.

For happiness. Good health. For smiles. For wisdom. For kindness. For faith. For giving. For reflection. For time. For life. And for living.

Happy Diwali people.

International Literacy Day - Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar

2009-10-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was shown this picture by one of my friends and i really liked the idea behind this poster and i think its a great attempt towards illiteracy in india.

"Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar" - It's an old saying in Hindi which means a black alphabet is equal to a buffalo but it still seem's so true and accurate for those who are illiterate. This image is itself self-explanatory yet humorous with a Question mark (? )...

But i think its very important that we realize that 40 percent of the population of India is illiterate? I think we should give this a deep thought and being an Indian, we have to unite and "Help fight illiteracy in India"

P.S. My favorite "NACHTI BHAINS"

Remember the water is rising......

2009-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

A Great effort by a Brazilian artist Nele Azevedo that speaks of urgent matters that threaten our existence on this planet.

The installation aimed to create a realization amongst the people about global warming and its outcome. Her art piece had numerous small ice men that sat on the steps of squares that melted away on a hot afternoon. The installation lasted about 30 minutes leaving behind just water trying to verbalize that the glaciers are melting away at the same rate.

That’s a lot of work to watch melt away, but at least her message created an impression in the minds of the people and an effort not in vain.

P.S.: The melting ice will eventually cause sea levels to rise more than 3.3 feet (1 meter) by 2100.

PHANTOM KI DIBIYA

2009-09-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

My first blog entry dedicated to my childhood love whose presence during the nitty gritties of life has made my feelings for it die hard. "Meri pyaari phantom cigarette”.

My fascination for this brand of smoke is very deep rooted. I remember smoking it in my college days. Oh I remember those days as it were yesterday, when one smoke would be enough to relieve all stress, as if the smoke took away all the fears and the burning tip would incinerate every evil. Those were the unforgettable days.
But today in the era of Mars and ferrero rochers and zillion other options Phantom is losing its identity and cannot be found ordinarily in the market. As for me my want for them makes me know exactly where I can find one.

Staying with a graphic designer I guess she would have a lot to critic upon on the packaging, I am sure she would say”god there cannot be anything worse”. But there is a nostalgia associated to it that drives you to those times of life when u were unaware of anything, where all u were bothered about were little things like phantom and picnic. Those were the times that everyone wants to relive and phantom helps you relive and re smoke a part of your childhood. The only cigarette sticks whose sweetness gives you a taste of childhood. Have a fag and u won’t forget it forever.

Everyone has their own favorite smokes but my all time favorite “phantom”. I will never forget you my dear phantom cigarette or “Phantom sugarettes” as my friend calls them.

PS.: one consequence of this smoke - diabetes.