Last Post of the Year

I promise: last photo from Florida. I just couldn't resist.

Drumsticks -- native plants of Kerala and other tropical and subtropical places -- flown in from Florida and drying in the dish rack. Read about them.

Happy new year...

... And More

Seffner, Fla.

More Florida

Above, my plane ride to West Palm Beach; architecture in a Seffner, Fla., home; a dried-out lake at Edward Medard Park in Plant City; Spanish moss branches at the park; and orange groves along the Florida Turnpike.

Christmas in Florida

I had a blast in the Sunshine State. 

Above, you see freshly cut sugar canes from my godparents' backyard, Delray Beach, CityPlace in West Palm Beach lit up on Christmas Day, my godparents' semi-outdoor kitchen and birds at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. 

More photos coming soon...

Sari Critique

Each sari is a work of art.

I find that the best art appears simple, but is not simplistic.

My mother brought home a few saris from her recent trip to India, only to disappoint me. 

She got herself the deep, rich hues dappled with fine embroidery. I got the "happy" saris, things I imagined cheerleaders wore (I once aspired to be one in junior high, so I'm not much better than you). 

I'd never don the aquamarine color, and the embroidery was unimpressive. She said my dad picked out the color, but she could've said no.

The cream didn't strike me at first, but I was a bit taken by the amber stones strewn delicately across the 6-foot papery silk fabric. But points deducted for the sequins.

I told her this is the last time she buys anything for me. She got the Picassos -- I got the kindergartner's construction-paper drawings. She laughed.

Also, it's over between me and Facebook. I de-activated. So you'll see me on Twitter more than ever.

Lunch Al Fresco

Her Hand

In other news, I'm looking for a digital body that allows for square compositions. Any suggestions? I can't stop looking at square photos, including these artists' -- Celine Clanet and Carrie Will.

Jasper, My New Man

He's shy. He likes being picked up like a baby. He's no replacement for Brad, but he's got charm.