This Time For Africa

It's been some time. Several weeks. Around two months since I last spoke to you here, on the blog. It was an unplanned, unintentional break and not a pleasant one. But now, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel has been spotted and after days and nights of heart wrenching turbulence, things have finally calmed down, for better. I am breathing again and my lost mojo is knocking at the door, tempting me with far away places and exotic imagery. 

I chanced upon Africa Moon a couple of days back and got lost in the stunning visuals. It was the spark that I needed to reignite my creative soul. I put together some visual boards to inspire me and hope they inspire you too!    

Sigh. Sometimes all you need, are some pretty pictures.

[All Images: Africa Moon]

I will be seeing you a lot more in the coming weeks before my wandering feet set off for the next round of travel. As always, I have been sharing all the goodness I come across on AnIndianSummer@Instagram. Oh and, I have a treat for my readers who are also cat lovers and/or illustration lovers - my other Instagram account - Catlustration. For the love of furballs, do take a look :)

And and, last few hours left for entering the giveaway to win a gorgeous cashmere scarf from Chobhi. Make sure you follow An Indian Summer on facebook and twitter so as to not miss out some fabulous giveaways coming up.

See you again soon!

Oh India!

I have a thing for maps. The thing being that I love them. Political maps, physical maps, road maps, city maps, tourist maps, hand sketched ones, vintage ones - I love them all. And you do know that I have a thing for India. I adore this colorful, eclectic, passionate, maddening country of mine. Today, inspired by both my loves, I put together some visual boards, celebrating maps, colors, India and all her eccentricities. Take a look! 

Putting this post together has put me in the mood for road trips across the length and breadth of the country! I am glad that I have some coming up in the next few weeks to take care of the itchy feet. Make sure you are following me on Instagram as I share tidbits from my travels and life in Goa.
And You, my lovelies, let me know what is it that's inspiring you these days :)

[Credits: Visual Mood Boards by An Indian Summer. Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]

Inspiración

I feel it in my fingers

I feel it in my toes

Inspiration is all around me

And so the feeling goes..

[love is all around me: wet wet wet]

Today, I sat back and soaked in. Visuals, colors, shades, textures, spaces, textiles, jewels - I let them all swirl around me and inspire me; inspire me to create these moodboards for you. 

And as I was creating these moodboards for you, I saw that my furball of a boy cat is unwell. I rushed him to the vet and he, the brave boy that he is, took in the shots, snarled just once, looked down at the two huge dogs that were waiting patiently for their turn, and now, is back home with me, curled up by my side. We have had quite a day, and thank god we had this pretty post to come back to.  

 

We both say goodnight to those who are on this side of the hemisphere, and good morning to those on the other side. Hope the ones in the middle are already having a fabulous day.

See you all soon!


[Images from: 1, 2, 3]

This Diwali..

Get inspired 

By

What is inspiring me these days

Stunning moodboards

To inspire creativity 

And a love for all things beautiful and festive

From me to you

[click to enlarge the pics]

 Love the contemporary twist to the saree/dhoti. Complemented by Lakshmi Ganesh in Madhubani, and a Kutch woman decorating her home

The elegance of subtlety

 Ah! The visual delight of this mood board! Peacock and it's hues in gorgeous forms

The eternal painting by Raja Ravi Varma of Goddess Laxmi, and Hamsa from Morocco, interpreted as the Indian sign of 'blessing' in this mood board. On the left, fresco from Rajasthan with mughal motifs

Rich and edgy textile and fashion, goes well with the simplicity of a traditional puja thaali

Jewel tones, with the woman balancing it out with a simple chiffon saree and silver adornments
[The central image is from The Unreal Bride]

Colors and textures that spell festivity!

 Warm tones of mustard and orange, and the love of Radha and Krishna in this miniature painting

The brilliance of her native jewelry and the twinkle of fairy lights. Diwali is upon us, folks :)

Do tell me how you like the visual inpsiration

And what it inspired you to create :)

Oh, and do grab the Femina Issue for Oct 30th, 2013. I have a two page spread on creative ways to do up your home on Diwali. More ideas for Diwali, people! 

[Images from: 1, 2, 3 and Pinterest]