“Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book.”
― The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book
Or in my case, a sketchbook and watercolours.
But I must admit that I’m not a huge fan of the rains, especially in Delhi-NCR, and particularly on week days. Because when it rains, the roads invariably get flooded, and new potholes appear miraculously and there’s no way of knowing where they may have decided to spring up.Continue reading
When you take on a big project, accountability and tracking your progress – both the successes and the failures – is important to not only see how far you have come, but also to see what is working and what isn’t. As I approach the half-way mark of my 100 day project – 100 days of painting intuitively, which I started back in April, I figure the time is ripe for an update.
The August 2019 new moon falls in the sign of Virgo. The Virgo archetype is logical and practical, with an eye for detail and the steadfastness to go after their goals. This is a sign that thrives on meticulous planning, on honing skills to perfection and gaining mastery over their chosen vocation.
Spiritually, the Virgo archetype teaches the principle of devotion. One way to understand this principle is by looking at it through the lens of one’s devotion to their craft. While all the buzz seems to point towards profiting from your passion, there are numerous examples of famous writers and artists who held down a day job for most of their lives. Continue reading
I’m thrilled to reveal the cover for Damyanti Biswas’ debut crime novel, You Beneath Your Skin, which will be published by Simon & Schuster, India, this September. I’ve known Damyanti as part of the blogging world since years, and though we have met only once, it didn’t feel like we were strangers – we knew so much about one another via our blogs and many shared conversations. It’s such a blessing and joy when you meet virtual friends face to face, and realize that your virtual friendships do actually translate into real-world friendships!Continue reading
The August 2019 full moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. When independent, free-thinking Aquarius hooks up with a full moon, it’s a good time to illuminate our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. And since the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get it’s hands dirty, you may find yourself chomping on the bit to act on some of the plans that have been marinating in your brain.
Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation. Continue reading
The July/August 2019 new moon falls in the sign of Leo. The Leo archetype is bold and dynamic, with a passionate zest for living. This is a sign that is creative, fiery, and confident, but can quickly succumb to its shadow aspects of overbearing pride, drama and arrogance.
Spiritually, the Leo archetype teaches the principle of creative manifestation. Clarity of thought and focus direct energy, which points to the spiritual principle that it is your beliefs about life that will shape your life. You can see this spiritual principle in play with a regular gratitude practice. As you cultivate an attitude of gratitude, you experience a significant transformation in your life and circumstances. And while your life may not change dramatically, your outlook to life changes, which leads to a shift in how you shape your life.Continue reading
Art, people think, needs to be done on canvas – if you want to be taken seriously, that is. People tend to look at paintings on paper as “less than”. But why is that? Who made the rules here?
Canvas was the preferred medium at one point because of its archival quality. It lasted longer, it was easier to transport without tearing or damage. And it’s easier to hang up without the need for framing.
But art on paper is no less durable – you get excellent quality archival paper in various paper weights that you can use depending on your medium. It is much easier to transport than canvas – less weight, easier packaging, better portability. Depending on the size of the painting, you can frame it and hang it up on your walls or stick it into a frame and display it on a table or mantle place. And most importantly, it is easy to store, unlike canvas, which requires a lot of real estate.Continue reading
The July 2019 full moon falls in the sign of Capricorn. Symbolized by the mountain goat, which maintains perfect balance while it climbs over precarious rock ledges, the Capricorn archetype is one of disciplined and dogged determination towards the attainment of our worldly desires.
Spiritually, the Capricorn archetype teaches us about integrity and helps us to harness the ability to plan our work, and stick to it, no matter what. In these times of 24×7 consumption culture, it’s easy to be addicted with shiny object syndrome and forget about our goals and plans. Capricorn teaches us about the meaning of integrity: to align ourselves with our highest ideals and actualize our potential. Continue reading
Can you imagine a time when you will go to theatre to watch a play. That you will meet the actors afterwards and compliment them on their acting. That you will forget that one of those actors is your daughter.
That’s what Alzheimer’s does to you.
Can you imagine a time when you will want, more than anything else, to go for a walk with your beloved. In the cool, crisp air. Eyes soaking in the greenery around you. But your legs cannot support you any more, they have the tremors. You may lose your balance and fall at any time.Continue reading
