I returned to India at the beginning of October; it has been so wonderful to be home again. Nothing comforts me like the chorus of temple bells chiming softly on these winter mornings. Everything becomes calm and cool at this time of year.

I am still staying in Gopal Krsna Bhavan, but I have shifted to the ground floor apartment. The light pours in through the front room’s windows from about 8 am until 4pm, so it’s perfect for painting. I cannot express in words how nourishing to the spirit it is to have a room of one’s own.

Some of my young friends made a welcome home party for me with pizza, ice cream, and a brand new badminton set. We had so much fun playing in the front yard!

I have accomplished so much since my last post; and unfortunately it’s not possible to recapture the moments of joy and frustration that have passed. I am in the final days and hours of completing “The Beggar of Prem”. I have never painted such a deep subject before. I become so engrossed in every detail, and the psychology of the characters…I practically fall into the abyss of magenta (my nick name is Magentasaura, after all).

I have made a decision to spend six months in America every year. My heart is so much a part of this place, but I am optimistic about my new plans to make a base in the Northwest (Seattle). This move could mean a lot of good things for me, for my art, and for CHARM.

Good news: a beautiful new website for the Children’s Art Mission will be ready by the new year (cross our fingers).