Float Like A Blue Lotus

Blue Lotus  page from my India Travel Journal 2024 by Meera Rao

 float like a blue lotus 

graceful, grounded 

and

unbothered by the mud 

The Blue lotuses bloomed in a mini pond on the balcony. They are small but oh so beautiful and graceful. I used my newly acquired Japanese Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints on this page and am very pleased with the results. I had penciled in the sketches in my Strathmore tan-toned sketchbook, and painting in the colors had to wait. 

Sereni-Tea

Sereni-Tea in Every Cup watermedia on Upcycled Tea Bag by Meera Rao 

There is nothing like reliving the memories of a trip than painting a scene from the days I spent traveling there. Trip to China was a few years ago but there were many scenes I have been wanting to paint - just waiting for the right time! In my series on Tea bag paintings, so far I have limited the subject to all things tea:) There were many tea ceremonies we were treated to -each extolling the teas from the particular region. The common thread though, was beautiful serene young girls in traditional clothing serving the various teas in a very relaxing and traditional settings with exquisite tea paraphernalia. I never tired of those moments of peace and quiet beauty. 

anticipation 

tea steeping serenity

swirling aroma 

~Meera Rao~

Reliving the Memories

 Misty Paro Tatsang Palphug -Tiger's Nest Monastery 

watercolor by Meera Rao

Happy New Year!! The year has started in full swing - a continuation of the busy days of the past year. The sketch above is from the inspiring, and unforgettable trip to Bhutan last year. The monastery is perched  precariously on a cliff at 3,120 meters (10,240 ft), about 900 meters (3,000 ft) above the Paro valley, on the right side of the Paro Chu (‘chu’ in Bhutanese means ”river or water”). The hike up to the monastery was arduous - nearly vertical!  But walking slowly and steadily (it took me almost 3 hours each way!), enjoying the breathtaking views was a gift. Of course, the view from the Monastery, and time inside the monastery(just about an hour) were awe-inspiring. 

In fact, I have been energized by all the wonderful sights at home and from our trips this past year to various places in the US and abroad. Observing nature, learning, doing my small part in preserving and passing it on have become my passions. It is helping me stay sane in these tumultuous days I see all over the world. I have enjoyed reliving the experiences as I was finishing my travel journal to Bhutan. I eagerly look forward to finishing half-done entries in three more journals from the other trips. Sketching and painting is my way of journaling my days :)

“Art is the stored honey of the human soul.” 

~Theodore Dreiser~