Monday, September 17, 2012

Jewel of the Tropics

India Art Journal Aug 23 by Meera Rao 2.5x4"

I drink the water from tender coconut, the natural energy drink,  almost every day.  I stop by a streetside vendor who now starts hacking at the tender coconut as soon as he sees me walking down the street. I like to drink it right out of the coconut and don't like to use a straw :) While I am relishing my drink the vendor fills a bottle for my Mother-in-Law. 

The water is absolutely refreshing - especially after I have been out marketing and running errands under the tropical sun! The coconuts on the sidewalk are a sight to see -- piled precariously high, with touches of yellow, green, red and oranges. The vendor skillfully removes one just right for the customer as per request - with lots of water or with some water as well as some white jelly like tender coconut flesh.  The list of health benefits of tender coconut is long and ancient but I don't need any convincing! In Sanskrit, coconut tree is named "kalpa Vriksha" -  the tree that gives all that is necessary for life ! Check here if you need proof :)

He who plants a coconut tree plants food and drink, vessels and clothing, a home for himself and a heritage for his children."
- South Seas saying

I have been told by those who have seen my journal that I am not doing justice by just posting the page with four sketches all together! So at the urging of my well wishers, I have decided to post individual sketches as well as a photo of the page after I post them singlely.   I am going back in time too. So here is my very first sketch from the journal all on its own :) You may check here to read more about it.  Please do let me know if you think this works!

India art Journal July 30 Sketch 1 by Meera Rao

7 comments:

padmaja said...

The tender coconuts piled up will make a lovely big painting as well.. just felt like having one right away! I love to drink everyday, the sound of elaneer is a trademark of a Bangalore morning :-)
I used to enlarge all your sketches and enjoy them, individual sketches look more authentic Meera!

Meera Rao said...

Padmaja, thank you ;) elaneeru is indeed a special treat for me and I am taking full advantage of my stay here :) I am really glad to know that you have been enlarging the sketches! Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I'm looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!

Jane said...

Lovely sketches and tale !

angela recada said...

I'm always fascinated by tales that seem so exotic compared to the life I'm familiar with. Thank you for sharing your colorful sketches and impressions!

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Jane;) I am really liking the daily sketching !

Meera Rao said...

Angela, thank you! Your comment gives me an entirely new perspective on my situation here! - especially since life has been very busy and I have had to be determined to carve out time for my sketching! Thanks again for making me see it differently!

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