Family Time

This summer has been one of quality family time. I basked in the warmth of the safe, comfortable place called home. Not the physical space of a house, but the home-is-where-your-heart-is- kind of place. Here are some snapshots from my trip to the States:

This film begins at sunset.

Sleep is of essence on an overnight bus journey.

Cats. They make it a point to make sleep happen.

The working people of DC area squeezing in fun where they can.

Drab paperwork at the embassy is part an parcel of any "alien's" family holiday.

Treat yo' self with some delicious local, organic food.

Hair dresser by day, super mom by night.

Travel companion becomes a travel pillow. 

(On a side note, the guy here looks like Joe Satriani. If you don't know who that is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsJisD7n8_Q)

Mom discovers binge watching with the help of netflix. 

Parallel parking is a joke here.

The woman in black at the National Portrait Gallery. 

Here are some tough ladies- they discuss quantum physics over drinks. I, on the other hand cannot.

Oh ya, and my wonderful sister married a wonderful man.

Inside and out: at Kaivalyadham

A little over a year ago this time, my mom and I were exercising our body and mind, at a yoga centre in Lonavla, India. We spent a beautiful week at Kaivalyadham, drinking tea concoctions, eating wholesome food, interacting fondly with the happy people, grumbling secretly about the annoying ones. Each day involved two yoga sessions, some meditation in the evening and generally a lecture after dinner. There is a college of yoga attached to the centre, comprising of erect, sometimes somber, sometimes high spirited young students. The aura of calm seemed to have set in on the resident dogs as well.

Flower arrangement outside the admin office

While many of the others taking the course were busy getting oiled( inside and out- oil seeping in through their pores, oil seeping in through other holes), or caked with herbal powders, I spent my time walking/ reading within, writing about, and drawing the serene compound of quiet corridors, green gardens, cows and other life forms. There was also a tunnel you could walk through to find a school on the other side, and beyond that, lush hills. One squishy step at a time we climbed them, all the way to the top, where the vibrant green met the cloudy grey.

Plagued by the seriousness of my self, and doing things on my own, I at first intended on taking the course alone. However, I'm very glad my mom was interested and keen to go. She spearheaded the trip and having her around made it complete. The journey through the self might be a singular one, but I’ve come to realize, I like being alone together. I absolutely cherish our shared experience at Kaivalyadham. How else could this fantastic moment come about to be:

Are you Steve?

Ever had one of those moments when you’re so wrapped up in yourself that you respond out of turn? 

Sometimes, however, people just have strange responses to your responses.

White, Gold and Serene

The Golden Temple- tourist spot for some, a second home for others. Heads shrouded, feet cleansed, we push forward through the mass and into the clear white. Other than the thick crowd lined up to see the inside of the temple, there were the walkers, talkers, listeners and snoozers- harbouring the area surrounding the main temple, settled in their spots- sunny or shaded.

The air peacefully carries the music being played, resonating throughout the temple. As I walk on with chilly feet on the cold marble, a different sound echoes in my ear. Three singers and their instruments, singing songs fresh and lively. I am drawn. Around them are laid some carpets, with people sitting- listening, not listening. I stand by them, stealing a moment of stillness, feeling the energy of the sun and sweet sound. I think to myself- this is it, nothing else matters. Then a woman shoves me aside, shaking me awake. I guess nothing else mattered to her either.

Meanwhile, there was this boy...

Lets Play Catchup!

It all started with a thought: "This weekend I have to catch up with a lot of stuff. including myself."

Catching up with oneself never happens over a couple of days. It involves a whole lotta jumps, dives, surfs and elephants...or maybe thats just for me. 

Some ice creams and many drawings later:

(Blogger doesn't allow HD viewing here. Check out the direct vimeo link for better video)

We keep catching up with things, or things try to catch up with us.

 Regardless, it is a constant game of catchup. So lets all just play!

Fridays at The Tampered Press

I had a ritual a few months back. A weekly visit to this warm, cozy cafe- a routine set outside the usual routine. Here are some sketches made in between thoughts and treats.

There was a table of three fathers having very entertaining conversations about their lives. 

If you live in Toronto and haven't been to The Tampered Press, you should definitely check it out! Its located just across trinity bell woods on Dundas and Shaw. 

That Wonderful Feeling

A few sips of the coffee, a bite of the cake, and some eavesdropping later, a profound thought arrived. 

Here it is: