Christine Chitnis: March 2010

That Fresh Mountain Air

After a few more scorching days in Delhi, we are now perched on the side of a mountain, enjoying cool breezes and cloudless skies. In the distance, shrouded in fog, I can make out the Himalayas. We have landed in Shimla, a heavenly vacation destination just a hop-skip, plane ride and two hour harrowing mountainous drive from Delhi.

What's on the agenda here? Rest and relaxation...lounging by the pool, high-tea every afternoon, hiking and umm...lounging by the pool (or did I already mention that?!). I wanted to share a few pictures from Delhi, bursting with color and life, before moving on to the mountainous town where we are currently residing.

During the car ride here, I kept wondering how in the world they were able to get all of the building material up this high? And then my question was answered...

Old Delhi

We're here and it's hot...that about sums up the trip thus far! Compared to the gentle heat of our December/January visit, it is now oppressive, hot and sticky here, which makes it a bit harder to leave the comfort of the car and hotel! Not that I was about to let a little bit of heat hold me down.

After sightseeing yesterday and a looong sleep to try and shake the jet-lag, we spent this afternoon in Old Delhi. I feel like I am just now getting back into the Indian groove, adjusting to the crowds, noise and smells.

I can't believe I didn't take more notice of the notions stalls last time we were here...the ribbons, beads, tassels and trimmings are just amazing (see first picture). I am going to need to stock up this time! Can you imagine the craft possibilities!?

Alright, off the lunch...tandoori fish and fresh-off-the-grill naan...jealous!?!

Taking Off!

It seems odd that I have not yet announced this, as it is pretty big news...tomorrow, we take off for India for a two and a half week trip! This has been in the works for quite some time now, but after the robbery, I decided to approach my announcements about going away a bit differently. I wanted to wait until the person watching our home moved in, and everything was locked down, alarmed, and secure!

So tomorrow morning, we will drive to New York, where we catch a non-stop flight to Delhi. While in India, we will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai, Shimla, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra. I will be blogging the entire time, sharing my pictures and stories just as I did on our last trip, so I do hope you will follow along!

Please wish us safe travels...I can hardly wait for my second India adventure to begin!

Desperate Housewives?

My husbands colleague saved the latest issue of The New York Times Magazine for me because there was an article on chickens. I tend to get this quite a bit! When The New Yorker ran Susan Orlean's piece on raising chickens, I received no less than five copies in my mailbox...from friends and neighbors alike! But today's article was of a decidedly different tone, titled "The Femivore's Dilemma: Can Chickens Save the Desperate Housewife?"

The title alone rubbed me the wrong way, and that was before I even got to the meat of the article. Without going into a long tirade, I will share the quotes that really seem to sum up Orenstein's argument "...The omnivore’s dilemma has provided an unexpected out from the feminist predicament, a way for women to embrace homemaking without becoming Betty Draper."

And furthermore "Femivorism is grounded in the very principles of self-sufficiency, autonomy and personal fulfillment that drove women into the work force in the first place. Given how conscious (not to say obsessive) everyone has become about the source of their food — who these days can’t wax poetic about compost? — it also confers instant legitimacy."

So now, if we are stay-at-home mothers, or "desperate housewives," we are raising chickens to legitimize our existence? Please. I find that incredibly insulting. Could it be that we raise chickens, sew our own curtains and raise our own vegetables because it pleases us...because it is good for the environment...and because we love surrounding ourselves with handmade, homemade joy?

A Mighty Fine Swap

As you well know, I love participating in swaps...whether it is a journal swap, recipe swap or craft swap...sign me up! So when my blogging buddy, Fanciful Alice, announced her swap a few months back, I eagerly threw my name in the hat. I was particularly excited because this swap was international, and my partner from Portugal happened to be extremely crafty and talented. After a few international mail snafus, her package finally arrived last week, and much to my delight, every single item was beyond perfect.

I tore through the brown box and inside, carefully nestled in a bed of colorful paper, was a beautiful purple box, which slid open to reveal little compartments, each containing a treasure. There was gorgeous artisan chocolate, and organic chocolate soap (which I am pretty sure I would have eaten if I hadn't carefully examined the label), a breathtaking amethyst necklace, a handmade music box, a print of one of her drawings and a colorful potholder.

When I wrote my enthusiastic thank-you note to Joana, she explained a bit of the background of the items. "There is a history in the necklace... The stone - the amethyst and the dry leaf behind it, both have crossed the ocean two times, from Brazil to Portugal and from Portugal to America. I have had that amethyst in my home for about 4 years... and I always wanted to use it in something, but never found the perfect reason. I think she has chosen you! She will bring you good energies... she is special!"

And the music box...oh the music box! This quickly became my favorite piece, and it now sits on my nightstand, where I like to crank its tiny handle in the morning to hear its soft, tinkling tune. Joana explained, "The music box was actually made by me and my husband. He did that fabulous metal-work! It is team work!"

I feel so lucky to be on the receiving end of this heartfelt, thoughtful bundle of handmade joy! Thank you Joana, and Alice...for arranging such a fantastic swap!

And the Rains Came

My parents and little brother were here this past week, which accounts for my light posting! Unfortunately, every time they visit, they seem to bring non-stop rain. I don't think they have ever seen a dry day in Providence. This weekend, it wasn't warm spring rain...oh no...it was cold, driving Nor'easter rain. So we spent lots of time indoors, hanging out around the house. It is always fun to see how our house expands to welcome three more people. Normally, it is just the two of us knocking around this big 'ole place, but when my family comes to town, our home seems to just open up and embrace them...like it was made to house a bustling family! Perhaps that is why we fell in love with it in the first place.

We did venture out on Saturday to Newport, where my husband was playing in a squash tournament. After cheering him on, we stayed the night at The Chanler, a gorgeous inn, set right on the cliffs of Newport, overlooking the ocean. It stormed the entire night we were there...driving rain pelting the roof and windows, and the wind howling through the hallways. I thought the entire place was going to be swept into the ocean, but luckily, we made it through the night.

Now...through all of this cold and rain, my chickens have been laying like it was a balmy spring day. Our home is overflowing with eggs...beautiful blue-green eggs. It is about the only sign that spring might still be coming around the bend!

How was your weekend?! Did all you New Englanders manage to stay dry!?

Where I've Been

This is where I've been...squirreled away in my studio planning, cutting and sewing. I finally decided on a pattern, which I kind of made up after seeing a few quilt that I liked. Basically, the colored squares are 6x6 and the linen squares are 6x2. Nothing fancy, but I am really loving it!

Obviously, there is still work to be done, like sewing together all of these strips, picking out a backing, and trim. Whew...but I am taking a break to sit back and enjoy my progress!

I Tried...

I tried to be good this weekend, I really did. But then there was the homemade ice cream vendor (check out those crazy flavors) and the bakery stand... the crepe ladies whipping up fresh crepes and the cupcake tower... the farm fresh cheese stall and the other bakery stand. Oh my...I am afraid that I failed at all attempts at goodness.

Our farmer's market is not a good place for the weak willed, to be sure! But it sure makes for a finger-lickin' good weekend! All those treats gave me the energy to start my new quilting project...which I will show you tomorrow! How was your weekend?

Could it be?

Let me give you a little rundown of the weather today- freezing cold, stop-and-start flurries, and bone chilling wind. Any yet...I walked out of my front door this morning and found this little beauty timidly pushing her way through the frost-bitten earth.

I did a little happy dance right there on my front lawn. There is hope, spring is just around the corner now. I needed to see this...I needed a sign to let me know that this dreary season is coming to an end. Can I get an AMEN!?

Homeward Bound

Five glorious days in New York City and I am returning home feeling rejuvenated. Perhaps it was all that great coffee and conversation, or maybe it was my fabulous travel companion, or maybe, just maybe, it was the visual feast that is ABC Home. I'm guessing it was a perfect combination of all of the above!

Can I give you a little travel tip? If you are ever in New York, and your stomach starts to rumble, you simply must stop for a bite to eat at Le Pain Quotidien, the charming Parisian cafe inside of ABC Home. I guarantee you will leave satisfied. If not...your lunch is on me!