Winter wonderland

We stepped out early this morning to attend to some chores. The roads were deserted and a thick fog engulfed the few cars and pedestrians brave enough to battle the icy weather. As we drove to the outskirts of the city, a most beautiful sight greeted us - the dull grey had transformed into a most soothing shade of white. Bare tree branches were adorned with a velvety white powder and people walking their pets stood to take pictures of the serene landscape. My first thoughts were - 'Narnia!' Remember the snowy winter wonderland where possibilities are endless and success a matter of seeking the courage within to overcome all obstacles? Beautiful world of childhood literature, brought alive one random morning on a drive I hadn't expected much from.

What a lovely greeting on what could have been just another cold winter's day.

Cornered

A and I have been organising the house in preparation for the baby. And we are a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work that it requires. The task is rendered a shade more challenging by the sheer lack of space. And necessity being the mother of invention, we have had to improvise, and look at space innovatively.

As part of this grand design project (which in reality is anything but grand and design only in our un-artistic heads), corners have suddenly become very significant. They seem to have a life of their own and provide a canvas truly exceptional in that while spatially definitely limited, if used well, they can add value and character without making a small space look smaller

After many many negotiations, arguments, back and forths on how we wanted to see it evolve, this is how one corner cornered us into turning it into a drinks area.

A sober corner unit by the day that transforms itself into...

...a wild party animal hosting exciting boozy adventures in it's belly!

No that is definitely not the route we were thinking we might go down when we started preparing the house for the baby... but I tell you, these corners have a way of cornering you into submission...

Giggly, tickly, happy new year!

The new year is here

and I must confess,

I haven't prepared

for it's focused hastiness...

32 weeks of little life

safely moves inside of me,

Fear, anxiety and delirious excitement

make me blush bright pinky!

Opposites are the flavours of the season...

hot and cold, sweet and sour,

I have taken leave of sense and reason,

so close, ah! but still so far!

Sitting, sleeping, eating, drinking,

All I think of is you,

you jumpy little thing who

loves to play knock-knock with a kick or two!

Is that a foot?

Is that a knee?

Surely that's the head, can't you see!

Unseen, unheard, unknown as yet

we'll fall in love for sure, wanna bet?

cold cold day

Temperatures have dropped with a vengeance. I remember looking forward to the winter, cosy evenings, warm cups of tea and jammy scones. And I still love the cuddling up in front of the TV with a hot, post-supper drink or meeting up with friends in the warmth of the fire/heating in the evenings. But what is one to do with the dreary, dull, grey and intensely depressing day?

I know, I know, you are going to come right back and say well, the day is for working, for earning the rewards of the evening. But every once in a while, one needs that much needed break, a peek out of the window or a stroll by the street. And when all you see around is bare, icy coldness, you do think, inspite of your firm resolve to love the winter, just for a split second, 'oh! where did the summer go?'

Favorite things

The year is tip-toeing to an end. I cannot believe with what incredible speed 2008 appears to be flying past. It's been a great year in so many ways, and a disappointing one in so many others. Perhaps no year can be truly great for everything - no that would be too much to ask for.

As we grind to a halt for the holidays, and wish each other season's greetings, I am delighted to share with you the little bundles of deliciousness that make my days happy and contented!

Sparkling spidery webs

Lights on Regent Street, London, this year.

A surprise of a shower!

I am given to understand that baby showers are not as popular in Britain as in America and India. In America, the mum-to-be's best friend organises the shower, and in India, the vallakappa ceremony is organised by her family. But what if you are lucky enough to have best friend and family rolled into one? And they decide to treat you to a surprise baby shower, full of fun and games, as well as a traditional ceremony? I'd say, a girl couldn't ask for more!So that is how I spent my Sunday evening. I was told that we were going to some friends' place for a pre-Christmas get-together. So it was rather surprising to see all my buddies gathered around a lovely fire with cheeky grins on their faces! Great spicy Indian food, lots of games, loads of laughter and cute presents - one of the best Sunday evenings I have ever had! And I have to thank my best friend, my wonderful hubby for it. I have some very pretty green and red bangles to show for my evening of fun! Really, I couldn't ask for more!