Monday, September 3, 2012

A Special Tea Party


One morning Archana called up and invited Aarohi and me over for tea so that me could meet before she left the shores of India. I took her flowers and Aarohi brought her one of her beautiful painted kettles.

There was a wonderful spread at the table - cold salad, muffins, banana chips...

...and deep dark fruitcake on pretty plates.

Of course there was piping hot perfectly blended Masala Chai in the most enormous cups that I have ever seen.

We ate and we talked and talked and ate some more, we laughed and clicked photographs and shared memories...
This was a warm and happy morning that I would not forget.

While we may grumble about the internet and how much of our time it takes from us, I do believe the pros outweigh the cons. Some of the nicest friendships with inspirational people have been made due to blogging.
Please take some time to read about both the extraordinary women that I had tea with at my other blog called Gilaas of Chai >>
I thought it would be more appropriate to shift the rest of this post there because the pictures are BIGGER which is when they look best. Also more importantly, that is where I first met Archana which  eventually led to the now famous tea party :)



14 comments:

Aarohi singh said...

:-) Thank you so much for the words. They mean more than I can say. And another round of chai is due. This time I hope to let you experience me like still waters :-)

And I hope the conversation on health scared you enough to go get regular check ups!!
As to those on family... I am waiting for your family letters to come out as a book or a huge painting.

And your description of Archana is so apt. The impact she has had on all our lives is unmistakable.
I am indeed blessed to have you both and (the many other bloggers) in my life.

I wish you a life as rich and intense as charcoal dust!!

Priya Kuriyan said...

Hi Priya
Just dropped by to tell you how much I like your work :). I stumbled upon it recently and I think your charcoal drawings are some of the most powerful ones I have ever seen .
warmly
from another priya

Vineeta said...

What a special special post. And what a beautiful thing to come back to after an untimely break from blogging and the online world. Your post gives me faith in what each of us does in Indian blogland. That you chose to illustrate and your meeting is such a tribute to the beautiful time all of you spent together. That you chose to write what you did also says a lot. It reminded me of the many conversations we've had over the past years, I could hear your voice and that is what is so priceless.Your post once again makes me feel sad that I don't live in bangalore & proud to know and be friends with each one of us mentioned in this post, but most of all proud to know you. I agree ith each and every word you spoke of Aarohi & Archana & I am SO glad you put it here on record for the world to know. It is one of the most honest and deserving acknowledgements I have had the pleasure of reading in the recent times.

Sangita PIllai said...

LOvely post, Priya. Having read about the tea party on Aarohi's blog, one can almost smell the muffins and the chai, and hear your laughter through your drawings. I couldn't agree more with your apt descriptions of the two wonderful ladies. Even though I've met them only in the virtual world, your words make them so real. And yes, very truly said - some of my nicest friendships with inspirational people have been made via the internet, too. Keep up the good work! Cheers.

Shreyas said...

I just cannot stop staring at those black mugs of masala chai with curls of steam rising from them. Amazing!

Nancy // and while we are here said...

What a strong post! So full of kindness, heart and inspiration! Great women you all are!

And as my predecessor: I also fell in love with the chai-drawing! I love how you show colours and moods. Your drawings are wonderful!

Priya Sebastian said...

Thank you so much all of you for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure doing this blog post as something special for my two lovely friends. I am glad all of you have enjoyed it.

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

Blogged like a 'true' artist! This post really shows how visually you have captured the mood through your beautiful drawings! Kudos!

Aarohi Singh~ I am just amazed at how 'priya-ized' she has made the kettle you painted!
Thanks once again for all the beautiful words, colours and art. You ladies made me carry such wonderful memories as I left Bangalore.

THANK YOU!

Miss Frangipani said...

What a beautiful post! Love you all, ladies! You brighten up my day and I cannot wait to have new posts show up in my reader.

Shanthi said...

This is my first time here - What an amazing post !!! Have never seen anything like this before - such a beautiful capture of moments! Truly enjoyed it.

A Sunny Yellow Window said...

Thoroughly enjoyed this post. And those moments are beautifully illustrated, powerful strokes and brilliant colors.

Unknown said...

Really impressive and novel, the charcoal works are quite fascinating

Perfect Witch said...

Now that was a nice cuppa - with friends and conversation and food.

pRiyA said...

hi Perfect Witch, long time no see... :)