Krishna Art with Digital Tools

Today, I created my ishtdeva, Krishna using digital tools. I used the app SketchBook for basic structure and then applied effects using Lunapic. The effort itself was deeply fulfilling! I don’t know about the result but the process was simply – BLISSFUL! I am grateful to technology and the possibilities it offers, if we use it wisely and creatively.

Thank you for taking a look at my Krishna. Have a wonderful day ahead!

Paw Things#3 – Do Shollie pups grow this fast?

It’s more than 4 months since our impulsive adoption of the Shepherd-Collie mix puppy – Happy Singh and what an enormous learning experience it has been for a dog-agnostic person like me! I have become good at intuitively taking care of all his needs when the dog-father and dog-brothers are away.

He is a calm, nice dog and growing up so fast that it surprises everyone around. I think the credit exclusively goes to the dog-father and his endless efforts for Happy’s well being.

I often wonder what his full-growth size would be? Do Shollie pups grow this fast? Although, he looks big almost like an adult-dog but actually, he is still a puppy (He will mature into an adult in about 18 months, says Google).

Even Happy’s doctor remarked about his size. My first experience at the veterinary clinic was kind of great. I felt it was just like going to pediatrics. A cheerful place for dogs, the clinic had dog posters, rules for good behavior, dog songs and treats. Happy was scared in the beginning but his anxiety left after sniffing around the place.

And the nurses and doctor were very nice to him. Immunization shots hardly hurt him as he was busy licking treats fed by the nurse. We were told to feed him less, if we wanted his potty training to go smooth. He was declared a good healthy dog after the check-up.

I am also observing my kids’ relationship with Happy. The older kid had always been fearless about the dog and deeply caring like his father. And now, the same feelings are developing in the little one and he makes sure that Happy is happy. Dogs are really good for kids! As for me, I like to see Happy around and occasionally pet him. And he is a big fan of my chapatis (the shape doesn’t matter to him…lol)!

Happy is now well adjusted in the household and the challenges are fewer for me. Winters have arrived and thankfully Happy Singh loves the snow, so he readily goes out for doing business. Yay!

That’s the update for now. Will keep you posted about more #Happy things. Warm wishes for the Holiday Season!

Small Things#24 – Mission Tom the Turkey part 2

It is that time of the year when Tom the Turkey needs to be rescued again from those who want to eat him during Thanksgiving feast. Three years back the older one made him into a Spiderman and saved him (read here).

This time, it is the little one’s turn and he thought of turning Tom the Turkey into Tom the Super Dog. He made it into a Super Dog with some assistance from us. He thinks nobody would like to mess with this Super Dog and he would be safe in his kindergarten class. Stay safe, Tom the Turkey… oops Tom the Dog, too many people out there are looking for you!!

Happy Thanksgiving and wishing you loads of things to be grateful for!

Crimson Sunset!

Divine magic of crimson sunset caught before it could vanish forever. No two sunsets are the same and each day brings new colour combinations on sky canvas – lovely lavender, rich purple, fiery orange, spiritual saffron, sensuous red, glorious yellow and more textures, varieties, patterns…endless! This sunset was amazingly different from all other sunsets.

Paw Things#1 – Meet Happy the Puppy!

I am dog agnostic. I wish them well but I keep my distance. As a child, when a dog was around, I would sit on chair or bed with my feet up. So a fortnight back, when the lady in a pet store welcomed me with the line – ‘Here comes Mommy,’ and tried to hand me a pup, I was unnerved. Good lord, I, the mother of a pup???

Well, it was dear husband’s birthday and he and the kids really wanted a cute, cuddly, furry baby. They were all bustling with excitement, so, I couldn’t say no.

I felt I was making a mistake. Adopting a puppy was a huge, huge task! All my other plans were at risk to go awry but then I was up against three dog lovers in the family. And I didn’t want to look like some vampish, scornful lady….think Lalita Pawar!

Warning bells did ring when an unknown old lady came very close to me and whispered- Good luck with that! It was a well meaning warning since she had understood my hesitation. But I did not really pay heed to it and went with the flow.

We adopted the two-month old puppy, bought all puppy things, paid the fees. signed papers etc etc… And named him HAPPY SINGH since he was adopted on the occasion of ‘Happy Birthday’.

The real struggle started in the car. The pup wanted to wrestle out of my hand and explore around. And I was scared so I was holding him too tight. I thought he would bite me but he didn’t. Somehow, we reached home.

Happy is not potty trained. So, you can imagine the struggle again. Plus he was on deworming medicine. First two days, hubby kept cleaning huge messes as I struggled to get used to the new smell and resident.

My sisters and other family members were like – But you never cared for any dog!!! On my husband’s side, everyone loves dogs, so they were excited.

My kids were super happy and they kept goading me to be happy about Happy. I noticed, hubby looked tired but enjoyed being around the pup. Only, I felt differently.

When Monday came and the three Dog lovers left, the onus fell on me completely. Every hour I took him out to do his business. Thankfully, he complied. But it was all new to me and loads of extra work.

When the kids returned, they ran straight to Happy. They had accepted him with open hearts. And the puppy loved back. Only, I was the mean one.

Tuesday, I struggled again. By night, I felt completely exhausted. I counted days for weekend to come.

A thousand times, I thought of returning the pup. But something about Happy is so endearing that I couldn’t take the decision despite all the struggle.

By the end of the week, I and him felt little settled.

This week began with struggle again but Happy is a quick learner. And he is doing well. Only I have not gotten used to his playing with me. It is bit rough but husband is training him.

As I write this post, Happy is waiting for me to take him out. This new episode has been challenging but overall I believe that Happy has come to us for a good reason.

He is a sweet puppy and I am slowly accepting him as a part of our family.

Images – My phone

I Saw Sunset!

I was lucky enough to catch sunset through my window after a long time. Mostly I am busy or not paying attention. So many of us do not see it! We are either at the office or tied up to experience this everyday magic in the sky. I witnessed it and sat still for a while. It was a pity when the Sun folded back its rays and went down. The moment disappeared. I Caught just a teeny part of the magic and sharing my bliss! Especially for dear office goers who miss Sunset!

An Evening by a frozen Lake!

As we moved aimlessly along the roads in the Twin Cities, this lovely view brought us into a standstill! A calm frozen lake guarded by tall trees…. like a monk amongst seekers!

Glad to share this serenity with you😀

Everyday Sights of India!

Dear Confidant,

Hope you’ve been well and healthy. My recent visit to home country India was  memorable one. The familiar sights, sounds and feel of my motherland was warm and welcoming.

I miss the beloved land now that I am away from it.

I have captured a few of the everyday moments for you to get a feel of my country. I also wish that these pictures enable me to feel connected to my country whenever I am homesick. I mostly stayed in North India and here are some of my clicks.

A little garland seller at a traffic signal in Delhi.

Sight of historical monument in the midst of the bustling capital city.

The yellow green autorickshaw – most convenient mode of public transport across urban places in India.

A fruit seller and a prospective buyer.

A flower seller waiting for customers in Delhi.

Double rainbow in Ranchi. The capital of Jharkhand has lovely climate.

A picturesque hill in Ranchi. 

Famous temple of God Hanuman in Patna filled with devotees.

Common people on their way to work.

Freshly plucked mangoes of our home! Since, it is the season of mangoes, our innumerable variety of mango trees are laden with mouth watering mangoes.

Saw an elephant in Patna. It is the holy month of Saawan and Lord Shiva would be worshipped the entire month. Ascetics roam about on Elephants asking for offerings.

Goddess Kali at a famous temple in Patna.

Hope you liked the pictures!
This visit to my country had been fruitful one as I managed to meet most of my relatives and friends. It was so heart warming to see them all.

As I unpack my boxes, I am already hoping that our next visit happens sometime soon.

Do let me know what do you think of Everyday Sights of India! Take care!

On seeing a Victor at Fossil Rim

While visiting Fossil Rim in Dallas (USA), the home of  endangered species, we came face to face with one of our victims.

But behold, how proudly and victoriously he stands. His horns curved in a proud V. He knows that the loss is all ours….