Priya's Online Scribblings

General update

2009-08-31T10:27:00.003Z

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately- I unexpectedly had a job offer from a printers after designing a poster as a favour for my Dad and the local temple. They liked my layout and I am officially a graphic designer of sorts... there is so much to learn and it is all fascinating!

While the creative juices were flowing I also redesigned the temple website. If you are interested in having a website designed, or any printed material then please contact me!

Deity Jewellery

2009-07-23T08:30:00.003Z

Something special made for the most special couple! I used freshwater pearls, rondelles, and beautiful pendants sourced from Hong Kong.

Mission: Read the following books before I die

2009-07-20T08:52:00.009Z

The list is huge but I will get through these books as I've given myself plenty of time (hopefully lol).

1. A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
2. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
3. Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott
4. ~~Brick Lane by Monica Ali~~
5. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
6. ~~The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood~~
7. Emma by Jane Austen
8. Darkmans by Nicola Barker
9. Circles of Deceit by Nina Bawden
10. The Sea by John Banville
11. Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes
12. Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs
13. Possession by A.S Byatt
14. The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
15. Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta
16. My Antonia by Willa Cather
17. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
18. ~~Wild Swans by Jung Chang~~
19. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
20. ~~Bitter Fruit by Achmat Dangor~~
21. ~~The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai~~
22. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
23. Deliverance by James Dickey
24. ~~The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Conan Doyle~~
25. The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble
26. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
27. City of God by E.L. Doctorow
28. ~~American Psycho by Bret Easton Elliss~~
29. ~~Middlemarch by George Eliot~~
30. The Gathering by Ann Enright
31. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
32. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
33. Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster
34. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
35. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
36. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
37. The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
38. The Liar by Stephen Fry
39. The Good Doctor by Damon Galgut
40. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
41. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
42. ~~Catch-22 by Joseph Heller~~
43. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
44. The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
45. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
46. Carry Me Down by M.J Hyland
47. The Cider House Rules by John Irving
48. The Wings of the Dove by Henry James
49. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome k. Jerome
50. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
51. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce
52. Kim by Rudyard Kipling
53. Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
54. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
55. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
56. ~~Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos De Laclos~~
57. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
58. Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee
59. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis
60. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
61. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
62. Amsterdam by Ian McEwan
63. Angela's Ashes by Frank Mccourt
64. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
65. Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry
66. Sour Sweet by Timothy Mo
67. Jazz by Toni Morrison
68. The Beloved by Toni Morrison
69. Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov
70. A House for Mr Biswas by V.S Naipaul
71. A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor
72. ~~The English Patient by Micheal Ondaatje~~
73. ~~Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys~~
74. Teachings of Queen Kuntī
75. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
76. ~~Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie~~
77. Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
78. Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
79. The Raj Quartet by Paul Scott
80. Staying On by Paul Scott
81. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
82. The Accidental by Ali Smith
83. ~~White Teeth by Zadie Smith~~
84. The Autobiography of Alice B. Tokias by Gertrude Stein
85. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
86. Sophie's Choice by William Styron
87. ~~The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien~~
88. The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
89. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
90. Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse
91. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
92. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
93. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
94. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
95. Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe
96. ~~Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf~~
97. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
98. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
99. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton

I figured if I make this list public it will motivate me to get on with it. I am curretly reading the Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai and am really enjoying it!

I am living the dream...

2009-07-02T16:12:00.002Z

One of the countless memorable moments while away. I loved Jaipur- and Chokhi Dhani was certainly an experience. The Kathputli (puppets) in Rajasthan are a great form of entertainment. In the show there were seven beautifully decorated wooden dolls.
A dholak begins and the show starts with humerous noises and whistling accompanying the equally entertaining puppet actions. Definitely fun for the whole family!

The Midas Touch

2009-03-08T09:45:00.003Z

Here's a sneak preview into one of the designs I have been working on. This one is called "Midas" and is embellished with gold sequins and hand embroidery. I like creating vibrant designs and this would appeal to anyone who likes bright colours.

Busy Busy Busy!

2009-02-28T14:11:00.012Z

Apologies for not posting for a while, I have been working hard and playing hard. I went to London recently and enjoyed wondering around a busy bustling city. Personally I wouldn't want to live there, I am not patient enough to deal with how busy the place is. But I do like having a lot of options of things to do and see!

My friends and I went to do 'The Walk of Death' at the Tower Bridge and imagined a very scary walk on glass from a very great height. Unfortunately we were very disappointed as it was not like that at all. But it was a good day out and I did enjoy taking photographs of the interesting buildings I saw while aimlessly wondering around.

I snapped this outside London Dungeon and am fascinated by it. I am sure it will inspire a dark piece of art at some point. Right now it makes me think of all sorts of things from a funeral pyre to reincarnation.

Today I am organising my workspace so I can get more designs done! I will be posting what I am currently working on very soon.

Snow memories

2009-02-13T18:27:00.002Z

I was just looking through some holiday photographs and came across some I took while visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time. It was on my 24th birthday and I still remember my disappointment at not being able to see the wonders of the canyon due to the heavy fog. My birthday has a strange link with snow, even when I was born there was heavy snow. Unusual seeing as I was born on the first day of spring!

Then there was my 21st birthday where it also snowed (heavy enough to warrant my friend and I to actually wear jackets when going out clubbing). I wonder if it will snow again this year, we have had a Siberian winter the last few weeks and it will be interesting if it hits my birthday! If it does I will probably drag my friends out to build an igloo!

The Curse

2009-02-05T19:34:00.005Z

Relief so tangible I can taste it.
The concern has completely disappeared,
evaporated into an empty pit.
Harsh words contradicting all previous statements;
bring forth true realisation.
You can never understand truth driven by the ego,
nor love without compassion.
Just be happy and let the light flow;
pain is just temporary.
Though fuelled by angry and envy.
You cannot wish others ill
and hope to be fulfilled.
Let it go, and look within
Life isn't a game to lose or win.

Sky Blue

2009-02-04T18:03:00.002Z

The sky is a deep blue,
with hints of turquoise.
The sprinkling of stars are gone,
like mischievious boys
playing hide and seek.
The moon is a witness to the farce,
the beings obsessed with their toys.
Rushing, always impatient and
angered when not getting their way.
It is a mystery in this land.
Who is happy? No one can say.
Joy is in the present moment,
forgetting the past and future.

Let it snow!

2009-02-02T18:27:00.011Z

Yesterday was the typical Sunday where I spent the morning pottering around the house, tidying and painting and making as I buzz from room to room. One moment I was aware of the sun streaming through the window, the next minute I look out of the window to see... yes you've guessed it... SNOW!

Few things captivate me as much as snow, just watching it fall is so relaxing. As a child I really enjoyed playing out in the snow, having snowball fights and building snow-people. Unfortunately over the years as a grown up (who drives a hundred mile round trip to work everyday) nothing fills me with dread as much as snow. Instead of the childlike awe of beautiful falling snowflakes my mind drifts to icy roads, black ice, poor visibility and general nightmare driving conditions. This realisation of my change of thinking depressed me, so today I was determined to enjoy the snow after returning home from work.

After changing into my furlined boots (fake obviously, I wouldn't hurt a fly) I took my camera and went to enjoy the fresh air and pretty scenery. I definitely managed to capture my youth when wondering around in blizzard conditions. I hardly even felt the cold, it was so much fun. The size of the snowflakes was mindboggling- oh and check out the coolest snowman ever...

If it snows a lot overnight and school is closed tomorrow then you will know what I will be doing. The British weather is notoriously unpredictable so it may rain tomorrow and all traces of snow may disappear. So if you are a snow-lover enjoy it! Anyone who has to drive please be careful, the roads are icy and black ice is everyway. Apart from that have lots of fun, I certainly intend to!

Shree Ram Krishna Centre website

2009-02-01T19:13:00.001Z

Please take a wander over to the Shree Ram Krishna Centre website which I am working on at the moment. It is nowhere near complete, however the pictures in the gallery section are lovely. The Shree Ram Krishna Centre is our local temple in Loughborough and holds several memories for many people as it has been there for a long time. It has been there since I was a baby so I have a soft spot for it.

Here's to an exciting 2009!

2009-02-01T18:20:00.006Z

I am not really one to make New Year resolutions, I don't believe in waiting until a certain time of year to do anything that will improve myself or my life. I do like to make plans and I have a fondness of organising things. Recently I have become very aware that life is a journey, rather than just where you bide your time till you find your destination. That would just be pointless and you wouldn't learn much. It helps being organised when juggling different interests (Yoga being the new one in the mix!). Here are some things that I want to do to this year.

Focus purely on my business
I've always juggled things, apart from a spurt in 2005 where I worked purely on my art, I have always worked in education alongside my creative work. This has worked well in the past however now I need to give fuel to this creative energy that has been suppressed due to other commitments. The value that I am delivering is diminished as my mind is on other things and this leaves me dissatisfied. This year things are going to change and it is very exciting!

This image on the left is from a series I have been working on since just before the new year called 'Ray of Light'. I really cannot seem to stop working, and it seems like a range of greetings cards is going to be made based on this work. It has been a while since I have relished working on a project for well over a month and still retained enthusiasm for it. Let's hope this sustains into other projects I work on!

Fit in fitness
Regular exercise is important, while I am imprisoned in this body I should make the most of it. I have started a 30 day trial of doing Yoga everyday. I need to get my breathing right, and balance my body and mind. It is proven that exercise reduces the risk of disease, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood and is something that I should do to better my health. I am pretty good in the summer and walk a lot, however in the doom and gloom of winter I rarely do any physical activity. This is not good and must change, I also find I have more energy the more exercise I do. If I spend all day at my desk than I am shattered, therefore this one is an important goal in 2009.

Have more fun
I have already become more peaceful by moving away from materialism. Having fun involves bringing balance to your body, mind and soul. I want to do lots of photography, paint and draw in my free time, I am really enjoying revisiting Krishna's pastimes whether by watching Mahabharata or reading the Srimad-Bhagavatam. I also plan to go to the theatre more and generally find activities that expand my horizons.

Random acts of kindness
Life has been kind to me and I feel like I need to give something back. I prefer not to disclose what I do as this works best when done in secret. It is fun doing something kind with no motive at all. I was probably inspired by Amelie...

Craft fair!

2008-11-12T19:00:00.003Z

It is getting close to Christmas and if you are stuck for ideas for presents why not visit Rawlins Craft Fair in Quorn, Leicestershire? I will have a jewellery stall at Rawlins Christmas Craft fair on Sunday 16th November. This will be at Rawlins Community College, Loughborough Road, Quorn, Leicestershire,LE12 8DY.

The fair will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm and will feature over 70 stalls of hand,ade crafts and food, plus refreshments and children's craft corner. Entry is £1 and 50p for concessions.

Last year was a resounding success- especially for families as they had something to entertain young children too. Some of the crafts on sale were beautiful from unique ceramics to custom handbound books.

Fashion frenzy

2008-10-31T19:00:00.003Z

I took part in an interesting style workshop yesterday with stylist Susanna Kelly. She went through the basics of how to flatter your shape, using accessories to your advantage and the importance of colour. She had a wonderful manner which put everyone at ease, and it was interesting to find out just how many women aren't sure of how to dress with confidence. It was a great opportunity to glean knowledge from one who dresses the stars as well as networking with style conscious women. It helped me get some ideas for jewellery designs so it was very worthwhile.

Website revamp

2008-10-24T20:07:00.003Z

I have been wanting to redesign my website for a while now and after being inspired by Steve Pavlina (what a motivational writer!) I have got my act together and almost finished. Please feel free to wonder over there and let me know what you think. I will be adding jewellery which can actually be purchased on the site.

I am looking forward to catching up with family and friends over Diwali, so I'd better get a move on and complete as much work as I can to scrounge some leisure time for myself.

New work

2008-10-16T16:17:00.003Z

I have been pretty busy recently and have been enjoying every minute. New jewellery designs are made using reclaimed silks, wool, gemstones and more. My current popular item are the wrapped bangles which are very bright and unusual. I have used rare salk fibres hoarded over the years (some are offcuts of saris that were adjusted to fit me). Beads and sequins are also reused from fabrics to offset the fibres I use.

My personal favourite is a turquoise bangle covered in silk fibres accented with a jade gemstone and teeny tiny reclaimed glass pendant bead.

Each piece of jewellery is one of a kind and I take commissions to your specifications. My next craft fair will be at Rawlins Community College in November where I will be selling many of these designs.

Butterfly heaven

2008-09-21T15:39:00.002Z

My garden has attracted an array of butterflies, many of which I have never seen before. I went out with the camera today trying to get some photographs.

Although it was a mission to get close to them I managed to get a couple of shots. I love to see them bask in the sun, the colours of their wings are beautiful. I like the different wildlife that visit my garden (well the non-furry kind lol).

Recycling (my new obsession!)

2008-09-11T17:25:00.005Z

Over the last few months I have been so busy that I have missed a few bin collections, meaning I have been forced to be very discriminative about what goes in the bin until the eagerly waited next collection. So I have been recycling everything- plastics, tins and glass. I am usually good with glass and tins but plastics can get overlooked. I am lucky enough to have a composting bin and now am meticulous with recycling greens.

So why recycle? UK households created 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, and only 17% of that was collected for recycling (stats from defra.gov.uk). There has been a lot of publicity geared towards recycling lately but how well has it worked? It is obvious that there is still a lot of waste which could be recycled that ends up in landfill sites.

Not only is recycling an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment it can get you becoming healthier, and save you pennies too. For example I don't eat ready made meals, and rarely get takeout to minimise on packaging. Well okay that isn't really my reason- I don't really like either of them and becoming more green has helped me cut both out. Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled, and around half of waste in the average dustbin could be composted. I was surprised to read that £36,000,000 worth of aluminium is thrown away each year.

My current bug bear is the way supermarkets pack everything in plastic, and I notice that most vegetables cost MORE when buying loose rather than in those awful plastic bags. I am now trying to buy as much fresh produce locally as possible. Food tastes far yummier when it is homegrown rather than when flown over from Egypt.

Anyway I have found a really cool site which I must tell you about- remarkable.co.uk.
This site sells fun recycled items that are well-designed and made using only UK recycled materials. The company has got it spot on by showing recycled products can be fun and not dull at all. My favourites are the pencils made from CD cases, they are really cool and if I was going to buy any stationery that is where I would go.

Better late than never.

2008-09-09T18:03:00.004Z

Every time I go away anywhere I have good intentions of recording it by writing a blog/ diary/ taking photographs. Unfortunately the minute I set foot off the plane everything goes out the window.

A good example is my recent trip to Amsterdam where I have some photographs, funnily enough I am not in any of them. I have a slight contempt for posed grinning photographs in front of landmarks. Why are people so desperate to show other people where they've been? I like to categorise photographs due to my secret OCD-like tendencies. I love to organise things and am an avid list maker. Ask me to do an itinerary and I feel like I have won the lottery. Try to take my picture and I will punch you in the face.

Anyway I digress, here is one of my favourite photographs that I took on my most recent escapade. If you want to see more check out my Flickr photos link. I was astonished at the massive number of push bikes in Amsterdam, but the Dutch have it right with the prices of fuel being hiked regularly. My next holiday will be somewhere hot...