Sunday, October 2, 2011

Monthly wrap up???

OK, so like Patty's weekend wrap ups, I am going to do a monthly wrap up cos I have been completely MIA on my blog for way too long now. Maybe a sporadic post now and then, but for those of you who think maybe I fell off the planet....nope, I'm here. 


So I've been reading a lot, had way too many books collecting dust on the shelf. 


Loved this book, I cannot believe it took me this long to read it...its been around for years!
Great book, very inspirational on how women fought hard to go to school, get educated and start their own small businesses after the Taliban came into Afghanistan and tried to put a stop to all of that. The story focuses on the tailoring business started by one Kamila Sidiqui. An easy read.....but very inspiring!
Am reading this currently.....about an Indian girl who comes back to visit India after being away for 7 years in the US. She arrives right in the middle of the mango pickling season. I can so relate to this especially as it is set in the city I live in - Hyderabad!
Then I've been painting a lot, just gifts for friends......



Then I've been gardening a lot, the weather has cooled down and its perfect fall planting time. Fall? In Hyderabad? Yes, when the temp is 80 degrees F as opposed to 100 degrees F, that's Fall! 
I've been harvesting insane amounts of organic basil and making insaner amounts of basil/walnut pesto. 

As well as harvesting and eating ginormous amounts of salad
 Then I've been sneezing a lot because the allergy season really socked it to me this year. I fought it via steam inhaling and neti pot-ing, but that didn't work. Then I tried Allegra...that didn't work either. Then I tried Homoeopathy...no good. Finally after 2 weeks of sniffling and sneezing and congested insomniac nights, (I was getting to a point where it was dangerous to be around me), I called my good old antibiotic dispensing doc, he did the needful and after one day of his potent medication I feel terrific! In fact, almost giddily light headed.......(the last time he gave me something, the right side of my face got numb and on googling I found the medication was banned in developing countries!!!!!))). Really. 
Then I've been blogging a lot for Saffron Marigold. Well, change that....blogging a bit, but messing around with their gorgeous samples a lot. I took all their lovely voile curtain swatches and hung them up in my studio......not only do they look fabulous, they're easier to look at and feel and touch when I need to write a post on them.


Do read my posts on their blog when you have time, In fact, I just posted one on India and the significance of flowers in our daily life here.

So see? I have been busy......!

16 comments:

Poonam said...

Ok..next on my reading list: The dressmaker of Khair Khana (if i can lay my hands on it). And loved the third painting..very modern n vibrant! been rading your blog for quite some time..but this is my first comment!!have a great week ahead!:)

Srija Padmnanabhan (Chickoo) said...

Got nostalgic on seeing the pic of the book "Chasing the Monsoon". I had interviewed Alexander Frater when he came down to Mumbai to launch the book in late 2005, October I guess. He was a treat to talk. Back then I was a journo

Anonymous said...

Oh.. Kamini.. nice to see you.. linking in … Where have you been?? Guess this post explains it… Just for you to know.. I truly miss you.. and your blog posts… But haven’t been a very good blogger lately.. (that’s my new excuse)..

So lovely to read.. I don’t remember the last time.. I held a book in my hand and read it.. front to back… ‘me’ times.. seems to be a bit of a sqeeze these days..

Oh your paintings.. looks lovely.. Gorgeous!! You are very very good at this..

And so do your greens..

Oh wow!! I didn’t know you blogged at Saffron Marigold.. I do have a sneak peak at their stuff.. sometimes.. Oh wow.. their samples… look lovely… I’ll hop on and see your posts now…

My Inspired Reality said...

So enjoyed that post Kamini:) I am taking some time off to do some reading too:):)

Aathira Nair said...

Beautiful paintings ! You're really talented.

Leslie said...

Thanks for the book selections. I am just starting "White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga. Your blog looks so warm and inviting and inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Your Paintings look lovely Kamini :) Those big canvases would look gorgeous in any living room :)

Sarmistha said...

Those paintings are gorgeous!basil pesto and some toasted French baguette with aromatic tea...good for a fall even g snack:)

Iniyaal said...

The curtain swatches hung up together look pretty with their mix of motifs and soft colours. Glad to know that you also blog for Saffron marigold. I am heading straight there to enjoy your posts.

A room with a view said...

You have been busy - thx for book suggestions - could use some for my book club - and your artwork is amazing.I do read Saffron Marigold. In fact, today my post is on some curtains I bought from them. I love the size of their swatches.

Shilpa Kamath said...

The curtain swatches are gorgeous and look so pretty they way you've arranged them. Love the paitings too.Please give one away sooooon!

Sunita Mohan said...

I can't believe that I haven't stopped by here ... and lingered ... yet! Forget eye-candy, your blog is real soul-candy. Love how your days are stuffed with so many diverse things :)

GB said...

:) I just crawled out of hibernation to do a wrap up post too (great minds and all that jazz!)--good to see what you've been up to! Sorry to hear about your allergies, hope you're better. Those paintings look phenomenal!

Richa said...

you have been truly busy..i love those swatches..They do have a fabulous collection!.
not much of reader unless theres an audiobook for the lovely books. will check some out.
once i can get those white flies under control( they are almost gone now), i am making some major amount of pesto here too. Feel better soon!

Richa @ Hobby And More Food Blog

Rama Ananth said...

Hi Kamini,
Nice, interesting things have been happening in your life seeing from your update. In Bangalore the sudden abrupt weather changes are giving us all allergic cough, cold and what not. I am waiting for winter to come.

Shalini said...

I want to read The Dressmaker of Khair Khana too. It just sounds like such an interesting tale. And I love what you did with the fabric swatches...such a great way to see which one you like best!