Invictus

I watch tons of movies and remember practically everything about them. Yes, seriously! And I am told I am a smart movie viewer and asked to be a reviewer. I accept the former and will consider the later part :-)

Anyhow, I watched Invictus and have to give three cheers to the director. He is a excellent storyteller and showman.

The story is woven around the new era of South Africa after Mandela took over as the new President. Actors have done their part well and the message of love and forgiveness has been conveyed effortlessly. "Try to forgive and you will overcome the fear." He says to one of his bodyguards when he is hesitant to accept new team of staff under his subordination. That sort of nails it. Another moving scene is one in which Francois visits the prison where Mendela was held of over three decades. He simply gets overwhelmed by the enormity of the heart of the man who holds no grudges whatsoever and dreams of a nation free of hatred.

I loved the movie. I like 'based on true stories' stuff anyway, but when its done sincerely it makes you feel good inside out. This one gets my recommendation. You can sure watch it.

Beautiful Days and Festival Season

The days are shorter but brighter as the Fall finally settles in.  The day begins with hazy mornings, progresses with welcoming Sun, slows with unpredictable showers, and may end sooner than you expect. This season is almost synonymous with life, isn't it?

This just distracted me. I wanted to write about the colors of Fall that I saw in the pictures of North Carolina but I am shocked still by the news of sudden (yet not so unpredictable, afterall) passing away of Jobs. Death is dubbed as the ultimate truth and yet something we cannot ever prepare ourselves for. How strange is that! And how depressing. There should be a better way to handle things than this.

Have you see a movie 'Fast Food Nation'. Based on a book, it shows how meaningless life could be. Animals, humans - nothing matters much! Oh well, the power of thoughts! Makes you sad and can make you happy... We choose to be happy. Most times. Its just a state of mind, right?


I guess the post unfairly dampened with depressing thoughts. Not right for this beautiful day and so let me  sign off with a happy note by recognizing the special people who make things worthwhile, who make others feel better.  And we are lucky to have them around. I love you back!

Painting - why we paint

Its almost a fourth week into the painting class that I am taking. There is so much opportunity to grasp what's all been there since forever. I still ponder over 'why I paint' questions, get confused when no sensible answer pops out and then try to go deeper into or out of the paintings to seek wisdom.

There are more wider canvases to paint, beyond myself, beyond my surroundings and beyond everything that meets to the eye. And often this emotional aspect of journey dwarfs the physical one. I know other people face similar tussle among themselves, a process of self evolution, so private yet so impersonal. And that helps me put things into perspective.

Things uncover for the better or for worse, there is this spark that makes you to to rise to the occasion. I hope this hurry, this rush, this urgency gets me to my right answers sooner! 

 

Why, if you read this, do you paint?

The color purple

The colors have immense power, we all know that. Black is synonym of dark, white for light, red, is almost a statement. But I never realized the power of color purple. The color of shade, the shadow, the negative space! Boy, does it do wonders to the canvas. How it changes the mood, how it enhances the ambiance, how it fills the void and how it calms you down.

One doesn't have to be an artist to appreciate what a color holds within. A surprise, a provocation, a curiosity, and a deafening silence! Its magical. Its musical. Its pure fun. One has to experience their own color. Yes, their own color. That holds an entire canvas together, like a undercurrent through the painted scene. A harmony than keeps everything balanced.

I had to share what plein air taught me - the sense of immediacy. The light changes as the painting progresses and the artist moves further within the realm of the work. One moves another races. Who wins - only one can say. There is no right answer to that one. And that's the thrill. The artist knows when he won or won. There is no loss only a fleeting moment of the feeling of not winning, if at all.


Just like life, you see what you choose to see. And that's the way it should be. Compassion, concentration and a hope for the best. Things just happen. Keep smiling!

The Fall - Season of Colors

I recently closed the blog on my firstborn soon after she turned 5.  As I reflect on it the journey of five years seemed just too brief, punctuated by special moments and milestones. Look, here she started her kindergarten. Really? She barely learnt to walk yesterday, didn't she? No dear,  it is that long already! Now it's the turn of the little one's to take his first step any day now. Boy, time does fly faster when you have so much affection flowing all around you.

Kids have a way to invoke what lies deep within. You never think you could ever be able to that giving or forgiving for that matter...and yet, you do without much effort. Its amazing how our perspective for life changes as the time passes. What you were in your twenties, are no longer in thirties and most definitely in your forties (have yet to experience that, no rush, seriously!).

As my birthday approaches, I take the moment to take a moment to thank everyone who ever made an impression on me and turning me into the person I am now. I think, I sure do know now what I do not want to be. Guess that wisdom comes from years that follow late twenties :-) Having said that, I will sign off with the note that I hope to be more regular on this online journal so that I can be more accountable to myself.

I will post what's new and how things are moving forward. Let me know (via comment) how things are at your end?

And baby makes it four

When my daughter was born, I thought I could not be more blessed than this. Until we had the new baby. As the family grew to four our joys and blessings grew manyfolds.

As I hold my newborn in my arms it feels far beyond being blessed. The baby is a perfect, absolute flawless creation! Its hard to imagine how something can be so beautiful and tender. I cannot be more thankful for anything than this. The feeling of being parents cannot be compared to any other. It has so many stages and levels of bonding that every aspect of life becomes meaningful.

With new baby in our lives, we are experiencing all the fun all over again. And thank our stars in all possible ways.

Life as we know it...

Who would have thought the life has so many surprises especially when you are quite sure you have seen it all.

We just celebrated our little angel's birthday. There were many things that kept us occupied and finally when the last guest left and she hit the bed, we realized the day is finally over. The special day, we had been looking forward to for so long, is finally over. I laid next to her and looked at her innocent face and thought to myself. If blessing has a name, that is it. The joy a child gives to a parent cannot be defined in words. It can only be experienced. And then it struck to me. At many moments my own mother might have felt the same way. And her mother must have done so before that. This is a bond that connects us all and will continue to keep us the way we are.

My Angel

Oil

What an honor mother nature blesses us with. Once we become parents, the world not only turns upside down, it also become more beautiful and more rewarding in more than one way. That little bundle of joy transforms into a whole universe of inspiration. There are times, when things may seem to  go out of control, you feel completely out of place, and your to-do calendar is so off-the-mark its pointless to look at - but only a smile or a hug makes it all worthwhile. There is this little angel who trusts you unconditionally and you totally look forward to the day ahead.

I am sure we are not the only ones feeling this way. Previous generations and then the new ones would experience these emotions. This all has made me think about my mom a lot lately. She is one of those people who wouldn't let you guess how many qualities they have until you have really found your way into their heart. There is this connection that may weaken by distance or birth-order but still stays intact nonetheless.

Mother

Oil

 

She has had her life's first surgery this week. I wish I could be with her right now. Last I saw her was a couple of years ago and I was almost shocked to see how fast aging had taken a toll on her. Graying hair, loose skin and above all the surrendering attitude has changed her into a completely different person. It was as if I hardly knew her. Do we all have to change like this? Does life even give us a choice? Many debate it does but I think many are not so fortunate. They do not have much of an option but to agree with the decisions others are making for them. I am not sure what's her take on her life so far and I try not to judge her but sometimes I just want to know it.

As I type this I am feeling so much thankful for the emotional cushion that the family provides. It makes you stronger and more productive every moment of the day.And we live for that!

Chenille Baby Girl Cardigan

I made this for my niece this Summer.

Chenille Sweater

Each part is made separately and then joined together. I have some more yarn left in chenille that would probably be used to make matching hat and booties.

Baby boy cardigan

Baby boy cardigan

This is a no-sew top-down cardigan for a baby boy due in winter. The yarn is a leftover from the Sky and Clouds sweater I made a few years ago for my husband.

I was super excited by the top-down method that I learnt very recently. The gauge was a little off so I unraveled it completely and redid it now. I shall have pictures of the newer and smaller version.

Complete Baby Set - Pictures

Baby Hat

Baby Booties

Baby Set

Peepli Live (& Swing Vote)

This is another movie about good direction, excellent casting and solid story telling. A satire set in Indian village makes you feel the world differently. Forces you to think about need and want. Want to watch it, sure, go ahead. If you don't understand Hindi, avoid it because most jokes are for Hindi speaking people only. When translated (or subtitled)they kind of lost the punch.

I also watched "Swing vote" and funny how similar two movies are! Some sequences are eerily identical.

Everybody is fine

Did I mention this before (in that case just ignore the rest of the sentence and read below)that I try not to read the synopsis of story of the movie before I watch it? Well, that's what I try to do. The reasons why I do that - one, it helps me enjoy it more thoroughly rather than coming to that turn where the rest is lying. Downside - sometimes I waste my time figuring out the point the director is making!

But I like to take that chance anyway. This week I saw "Everybody is fine". What can I say about this movie. You know, if a movie is about sad reality then there are two possibilities. Either it is good or bad. If bad, your time is wasted, but if it's done well it makes you feel connected to the story and hence more sad afterwards. So what's there to gain? Oh well, that's just me then.

This movie is beautiful. Makes you sad for obvious reasons. Parenting is never easy. There are things you wish you could change when there is no scope of change at all. Despite all good intentions, you have to lose control over the lives of your children, someday.

Creative Blogger - Julie

I just learnt something super exciting that I would love to share. Converting a highneck to a cardi! Its awesome. Check for yourself.

Pink & White Stripes Baby Cardigan

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This cardigan is knit in one piece from the top down. The sleeves are knitted in the round using Magic Loop method. There is no sewing in the entire sweater.

Baby Sweater

Last Class

I can't believe it's already over! The class that I began with so much anticipation, curiosity and confidence has finally come to an end. When you are having fun, time flies like a jet. No wonder, it seems it ended just too soon.

In this class, I was forced to apply my abilities and skills to a great extent. I wouldn't have known I could do until I did it. For instance, the first day of cast drawing. He put a cast on the stage and asked to draw. And I thought, 'Really? No warm up, no here is how you start - just draw?' turned out, that was the case. Draw what you see. If you don't see it, this is not the class for you! I knew I was scared for my mind told me 'There is no way that's happening. Why did I sign up for this class in the first place? Oh me and my inner artist!'

But an hour or so later I could see the likeness of cast appear on my very drawing pad. No way! I did this? I thought! So I do see it. It was until now nothing or nobody pushed me this hard to create. I have to give points to this class to bring that out of me. By the time I finished the drawing, my confidence knew no bounds. "I did it! I did it!" I later told my handsome(oh I have to tell this story) husband. He thought it was strange that I didn't know if I could do it! "Sure! You are so good!" "You have no idea what I found out about myself!" I told him. There were so many eureka moments after this and each one intrigued my curiosity for learning some more.

Final day concluded with critique of the final project. Went well. We got the final grade. I got A-. Expected for more but hey, you can't really have it all. More in the next post and I hope to post pics up very soon.

Exam Week

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This week is our final week for this class. I have to submit the final projects in the last class. I would have been quite excited about it but I haven't done enough to sit back and look forward to the presentation. Have many excuses to justify but what difference does it make when you are answerable to nobody but yourself. Well, grade matters too.

I promise to do something tonight so that I can sleep better :-)

Resolutions and life

2009 was the year of resolutions. Despite my best intentions and efforts 9 remained an elusive number. But I still take pride in fulfilling that one resolution that was made on a whim. I knew I will break it in less than a month but to my own surprise, it made it to and beyond one whole year. It was about not buying any new clothes for next 12 months. It was hard at first but after the mark of a month was crossed the idea slowly started sinking in.

There were so many of it in the closet that I hardly wore or not wore enough. So whenever the need be, I would dig in it and to my wonder, discover some pieces that was fit for the occasion. This gave me hope, relief and satisfaction. Who would have thunk this! After I crossed the 2-month bar, rest was easy. Mix and match! It doesn't have to be brand new, we can always create new out of an old one, sure!

Around six months I shared it with others and the initial reaction was it was impossible! I agreed, I thought so too but it was happening and at this point I was almost sure I could do it. There were temptation and one proved near fatal. I still debate if this broke it or not. Case in point - city fair where local artists showcase their work for exhibition and sale. One such artist was a Mexico born seamstress who made one of a kind dresses. The gorgeous dresses were totally to die for. I inquired if she took orders that can be delivered later, which she didn't, nor was she coming back anytime soon. My resolution was hanging on a balance. What to do! Okay, so I guess I sort of cheated there. I asked my husband to buy it for me and I would wear it only after the said year is over. After deliberation, purchase was made. So that was the only blip! The rest of the time, I stayed true to my resolution and soon, the rest of the time passed without much trouble.

Once I reached the mark, I looked back and realized how much more I gained beyond just something denied to self. Besides saving money (you don't spend on clothes, you save on accessories and shoes too), I learnt self-control, the fun of not letting go, contributing towards environment and above all , forgiving myself (about the blip).

After safely crossing a year-mark (its 14 months of staying sober) couple of weeks ago, I went shopping for a new baby's clothes for gifting. As I entered the store, I couldn't help but notice new Spring collection vividly displayed. So what I can't would have been my earlier reaction but out of nowhere I reminded myself that now I can let myself buy for self. I found that feeling so very liberating. Oh that's right. But a year is a long time. My innerself whispered to me - sure I can but I didn't want to. Now that was new! I won't because I don't have to. I smiled at this new me. I made the purchase I had come in for and got out of the store. I feel like a winner. I will when I want and I won't when I don't.

Art Class 11 to 20

Class 11

For the 11th class we had a demo from the instructor. We had a model sit for almost 1:30 hours and he drew it using vine charcoal. It turned out to be a wonderful experience to watch a portrait coming to life from a real person in front of you. Mr Wu has speed and talent, the result was beautiful.

Class 12

I was the model for this class. I was drawn by everyone. I had to sit still for the 2:30 hours with 5-10 minutes break every half an hour. It was something you'd do atleast once to understand what meditation is all about. I would surely do it again if paid well. :-P

I fell ill couple of days after this class. So missed 13th and 14th. That was a major toll. I didn't only miss the class but also a good part of my enthusiasm. Okay, I would recover it soon but for the time being it dampened my spirits big time.

Class 15

Okay, this time my instructor fell sick. Class got canceled.

Class 16

Last session of portrait drawing practice and try quite hard for me to concentrate. Thats sucked. I had trouble sitting straight for more than 20 minutes at a stretch. I whine quietly and try to work. I thought I did not do so bad for the first time live model drawing. But I am sure I could do better. Oh well, I have excuse for not doing the best so I move on.

Class 17

We get a demo of pastel portrait drawing. Totally amazing results with those crayon-like sticks. What wonders the right tools can do in the right hands. Awesome. Even if you are not an artist, you should try to take an arts class, the experience will liberate you like nothing before.

Class 18

Our turn to try any medium of our choice. I stick to charcoal. We have a live model. She looks composed and oblivious to her surroundings. I was late for the class. I look for a better spot to sit and draw but all are taken. I chose to sit where I see her but not to the satisfaction. So I did a half-baked job that day. Moral of the story. Be prepared and prepared well.

Class 19

Homework was due and we had presentation.

Class 20

Another portrait practice session. I made sure to sit at the advantageous spot and take it slowly. I think I did one good job this time. Hello quality work, here I come! This one is somewhat presentable by my standards.

Upcoming class 21

The last(I think)portrait practice session. I hope to try pastel for this one. I am excited like a child.

Where is the mojo?

The past few weeks had been rather rough on me especially on my artsy craftsy side. I just don't like being sick but that's what I got. Thank you food poisoning :-( All I had to do was to eat something that didn't sit well with my stomach. It made me so sick that I threw up everything I ate till then that day. Afterwards I could not eat or drink for 3 full days. Whenever I tried to eat or drink it came out of my system in seconds. By the end of the third day, I was admitted in the hospital for a couple of hours so that I could be given saline water to keep me hydrated. Once I was discharged, I could take one sip of water every five minutes. That seemed to work and after another couple of days I could finally eat some solids. I think, by then my body had been terribly bored with no-fun routine and decided to give me a break. :-)

There is always some good that comes out of situations like this. For example, this sick-period gave me ample time to think over things. And I did a great job in that department. Oh well, the super positive thinker's attitude! We cannot think any other way but this. Oh and about all that thinking I came across some very bright ideas that I have to share with the readers here. But in small installments. So, stay tuned.

For now, first things first. I have to finish 75 more sketches to finish my sketch-book. Yeah, that's right! I have done only 25 so far and it has to be before May 15. I know, I know. Outrageous, isn't it? But wait till you hear what else is left to do. 1 full master project that will make 50% of the final grade again before May 21. Plus three profile pictures to complete the final submission. Okay, now tell me am I entitled to be freaked out or what! (Deep breath, deep breath...)

Okay, after a 10 minutes break, a glass of cold water and three phone calls later I have decided to focus on the very first step that I have to take rather than getting overwhelmed by the whole scary big picture. Woah, that feels nice. Baby steps. One at a time. I think my mojo is back. I will post some pics soon to prove that. :-)

Art Class 8 Through 11

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We learnt to draw drapery mostly. Its tedious, inanimate but necessary. So spent three class sessions on drapery. Then there is homework on this. I have yet to decide what to draw for the Monday's submission. Gotta work!

Only relief came in the 11th class when we began portraiture. It sounds very challenging but I am sure there will be great deal of satisfaction waiting at the end of it.

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