Sunday, July 01, 2012

Moving on...

I usually type directly on to my blogger template while composing a post but this post has been written on pieces of paper, crumpled, picked up, re-written, edited on Microsoft Word and finally comes to you in this final form.

In a state of mixed feelings I want to share some news with all the lovely readers of Rang Décor who have supported the blog and me to grow and evolve over the last 5 years.

We are moving to the US in the end of July this year. 
Minnesota: The Land of 10,000 Lakes will be our new home.

We leave behind our home, our city, Bangalore, that we love dearly and carry with us jewel boxes filled with innumerable precious nuggets of memories of life spent here.

This move will mean a big change for me personally, my family and also for
Rang Décor.
The interior ideas that I have shared on Rang Décor have been ‘predominantly Indian’ because of that which inspires me, that which surrounds me, that which I love so deeply.
India.
Everything India.
Everything about India.
Everything about my life in India.
As I move on, Rang Décor too will hopefully evolve into a space that will be a grand mix of Indian aesthetics along with global inspirations. An interesting combination of eclectic ideas curated with my design sensibilities!

Glimpses of our life, our travels & home have been posted on Rang Décor many times before. Today I share with you few more frames of the home that we have nurtured as a family with great love.
 Eastern light bathes our terrace in a golden hue every morning...
 A wide angle of our study...
Priya Sebastian's self portrait watches over our study, a Pepperomia plant grows wild in a bottle...
 Blogging one quiet afternoon in our study...
 Aarohi Singh's Goddess Saraswati Thali blesses the music corner of our home...


 Will miss the morning sunlight the most, where I have shot so many of my photographs.
 My frangipani trees, so long!


As I embark on this new journey, a new chapter of my life in a new land, I hope all of you will join me. 
 This is how the road ahead looks at this time of the year. (We just returned from a hectic week in Minnesota) 
The sun sets  around 9 p.m. leaving behind an orange glow in the sky. 


“I don’t know where I am going from here but I promise it won’t be boring.”

~ David Bowie.

Amen.


Signing off the India chapter, will see you all on the other side of the globe.

(Would appreciate any kind of suggestions, tips and virtual hand holding that all you Rang Decor readers can offer! Thank you!)

103 comments:

arundati said...

That's big news! Congratulations and Goodluck with the move.... I have no doubt that you will carve out a piece of India wherever you are....Rang will spread its wings some more... goodluck again....

pRiyA said...

There are some people who notice, nuture and create beauty wherever they are and you are such a person.
It has been so great getting to know you on this blog and outside it. The American chapter will be as beautiful as the Indian one. Goodluck Archana.

Unknown said...

That's big news but I'm sure you'll create an equally beautiful home and continue sharing those lovely pics with us that will be a reflection of your life there :) All the very best to you. Will be here to hear from you soon :)

Malathi said...

Wow...how can you bear to leave that beautiful home of yours? but again, am sure you'll create another beautiful one there! do let me know if you are looking to sell any of your stuff....would love to take a look...esp your oonjal :)

The Ketchup Girl said...

This is news, indeed :). I look forward to newer images and styles, perhaps a different color palette and mini tales from a brand new exciting home :-). All the very best!

Unknown said...

I've really enjoyed the Indian chapter of rang decor and I wish you lots of luck for the American chapter of your life and your much loved blog.

Anonymous said...

This is so sad...I am actually crying..I will miss the insights you give about all the lovely handicrafts we have in our country..so much more to explore!!...Anyway it is a big change for you and I wish good luck..and hoping to see that country thru your eyes!!

Sangeetha said...

Hi Arch love your work ,your home ,your pics everything that you put in your blogs :) look forward more of the beautiful things and wish you all the very best :))

Swati Seth said...

I am sure that you will create an equally beautiful home in Minnesota and continue to inspire us with your wonderful ideas & lovely pics :)

All the very best with the move, Arch. :)

Vineeta said...

This is SO EXCITING!!!! And so BIG and interesting. And without beating about the bush - Your readers can now look forward to how you will once again create beauty in a new home :) Something that you do so masterfully, creatively & inspiringly. I can't even begin to imagine how you will be feeling. Leaving our country and home behind, to go to the unfamiliar, to begin anew. Know that all your reader's love and goodwishes will go with you. I have personally met so many people who have so much regard and respect and awe for what you do here on this blog and with your decor and with your photography. They have asked me in hushed tones, you've met her? she is amazing. All of that will go with you on your journey. ROCK IT!! I am very happy for you!

Anita said...

Good luck with new beginnings!

Nandita SS said...

WOW!!! Congrats!!! Now I am so looking forward to some design ideas from the US. The pictures in this post is simply amazing. Loved the shot of the light falling on the balcony. I will be looking forward to your next post probably from America??

Nisha Vikram said...

Great news Archana.. I love your blog and it has inspired me in more ways than just picking up decorating ideas. I am sure you will take a lot of India with you, add in a little west and make it a wonderful cocktail. All the very best and looking forward to your blog going places.. We'll all be there reading every bit of it :)

Jwala said...

Good luck for the great move and for all the future endeavours.

Malini.

notyet100 said...

Luv the decor of ur Bangalore home,,.:)

Unknown said...

Am really happy for you archana...but would certainly miss all the stuff you would post on bangalore. But looking at it..may be it will be a fresh change and a new perspective to your blog! All the very best!

sulagna said...

heyi archana..i am one of those ardent followers of your blog who got home a black slate seeing yours, who picks up bring flowers, maybe just one and puts it in a tea cup on the coffee table, but does not comment much cuz i have a"personal" blog !

but yes this post made me stop by and write that i am keeping my fingers crossed for the even more amazing things that are all set to happen on Rang !

Anonymous said...

Wonderful and all the very best with your move- look forward to your world inspired blogs as well....

harinim said...

Having followed your blog, am sure I speak for so many of your readers when I say we feel like part of us is moving as well! Weirdly enough, I can't help but feel sad and nostalgic about moving on from india and the beautiful home and accents we have come to see and love over time. Am sure your next move will be fantastic and you will continue to inspire us through what you do best! Good luck! Looking forward to the next chapter when you add a little rang to Minnesota.

Anitha said...

Archana, You will remain an inspiration wherever you go.
Sincere wishes for yet another colourful journey!

Vasudha Somayaji said...

You have been a great inspiration for me in decorating our little abode here in Bangalore. I first saw the Pepperomia plant growing in a bottle in one of the photos that you shared. Since then they are there every corner of my home. Wish you all the best for you life in the US..

Amtrips said...

So you are gonna rebuild an India soon in Minnesota..! Wish youa great journey Arch.. As regards to RD, it will be always my favorite and many of RD readers too.. You have been truly an inspiration to me since day 1(in 2010, Feb) I came across your flickr page and RD blog. And the journey will continue always.. I also hope you will show us the colourful not-so-Indian world design on this page very quickly.. Till then I know you will brew lots of tea and plan out new new ideas to settle your new home. I will only regret for one damn thing that I have been in Bangalore since 5 years and I never met this vibrant inspiring person.

Hugs and Best Wishes
Amtrips

Dithi said...

OMG! OMG! Archana! I can hardly imagine that home without you and you without India..... but I know that you will carry that beauty n warmth in your heart that makes everything bloom and shimmer and dance - wherever you go. Strangely enough, I feel almost like I am moving with you from that home to explore new paths. Sending you bag-fulls of love and positive energy, have a glorious new start in a new world and colour it with your own gifted hands - in all the rainbow colours of your mind and spirit! God bless, we are ALWAYS with you our rang-n-chai Goddess!

nandita said...

All the best Archana, would have loved to meet you when in bangalore. It's so tough to leave that home you put together bit by bit so beautifully behind you. Looking forward to hearing from you from a new home:)

Moushumi - Rainbows and Cloudbursts said...

Wishing you all the very very best for your move Archana! I shall be looking forward to your blog even more now - while your and its Indian roots always remind me of things back home, I wait eagerly to see what global inspirations you bring to surprise and wow us! :)
As someone who has moved 5 countries in the last 10 yrs (thanks to frequent transfers), I can tell from experience that while there shall be the inevitable stress and the teething problems that come from moving to a new place, but there is also the excitement of doing up your house all over again,finding that balance between keeping some things the same and doing some things differently, making new friends, finding new things to love....
Wishing you all that and more. Bon Voyage

Shubha said...

all the best with the move! have always enjoyed reading your blog(one of my fav) and will continue to do so..
am sure rang decor will color the other part of the globe too! :)

Priya said...

Love your work.. your pics are almost always exceptionally beautiful. Have been hooked ever since I've discovered you.. though have commented rarely.
Good luck with the move. Look forward to many more awe inspiring beauties from you Arch!

Smitha Pulipra said...

Hi Arch,

Congratulations and all the best for the American innings.

Sure, I am feeling the blues and is already missing you!

Looking forward to the posts from there.

Cheers

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

Thank you each and everyone for the wishes! I am completely overwhelmed and speechless.

This support and encouragement is truly appreciated:-)
Thank you once again all you lovely people!!

P.S. For the readers who wrote in asking about our furniture. We will be taking all of it with us:-)

Unknown said...

good luck, Arch...just saw this post...will sorely miss ur very Indian posts, but I so look forward to the posts from your new beginnings...happy moving!

sharon

Shalini said...

Oh wow, arch, it's going to be a big move! You're going to love it there, I know it. M too will love it. The light is wonderful there too, I'm sure you'll find a place with warm and welcoming light to take your shots at home. And the sky, I love the great big midwestern sky. It's all encompassing, it's one of the best places to be outdoors as you will discover, lots of places to go for the weekends.

And see, then you'll be closer to comd and you might even be able to sit down and have an actual cup of chai with her!

Brinda's Art for Heart said...

wow!!i am quite sure this move is going to be awesome for you and for Rang Decor!all the very best to you!!:)

Anonymous said...

Minnesota has been my home for 6 years and i'm thrilled that you're moving here. Finally someone with Indian sensibilities to show what this place has to offer. Glad you're coming in the most beautiful time of the year...summer slowly fading and on the brink of fall. I'm sure you'll find a million places and things to capture.

~Mad Minnesotan

Praveena said...

It is a big move indeed. I am one of your silent readers and now I am hoping to see the beauty of the other side of the world through your eyes and camera. Good luck settling down in the new land and finding a great school for your daughter.

Niki said...

What an exciting time! It will be amazing to see how Rang Décor evolves. I’ve recently moved to Bangalore from the UK and love it already. It’s the most inspiring place I have ever lived and can feel my business and blog evolving and growing as I do, here. Good luck with everything, I’m sure you will be inspired all over again, Niki x

Anonymous said...

If you carry your heart with you wherever you go, I believe you can bring out the same 'MAGIC', so much you...wherever on this earth you are. Good luck Archana, Srinivas and dearest Mallika. A new land, the same sun shines everywhere...

regards,
Jaicy

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the move! While I cannot offer any help with the Minnesota area, if you ever find yourself in the Atlanta area and need any help or recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out! I love your blog - it has been a great inspiration!

healthyforbetter said...

As much as I want to welcome you to USA , there is a small disappointment in me. I will definitely miss seeing the Indian nooks and corners. But yes we can never take the Indian out of your heart. So here is a big welcome!
Excited to see what will follow!

Simply trying said...

Oh my God!!!

Its almost like a friend who I know in flesh and blood telling me this!

Hope the harsh Minnesota weather treats you and Mallika well and I'm sure you'll find new inspiration in all that you find there.

You will now perhaps be able to gossip with Nahal over a real cup of tea!

Best wishes to you and the family....

aydiv said...

Everytime i have taken a 'Feet' shot i have thot how Archana would have taken it :P :)..everytime there is a cup of tea with the hot fumes i have remembered your tea shots ..eveytime i see an art peice or an artifact i have thought about Rang Decor.. Good luck with the move..will wait for regular updates on US home on Rang Decor..Ek chai aap ke naam :)

My Dream Canvas said...

Good luck with the move and welcome to this part of the world :)

Aarthi said...

goodluck Archana... Welcome to this side of the world...

Green Mirchi said...

Archana,

I am so excited that you are moving to the States. Would love to meet you in person some day. You must come visit me in Michigan.

You will experience true 4 seasons and I promise you will love it! Pachhai Milagai

Sudha said...

wishing you the best and waiting to see ur new home done up and ur take on international and indian inspiratons.all the best arch

Unknown said...

Good luck with the move...As everyone said...looking forward to teh Ameerican chapter of Rang decor

Sharmila said...

Don't know if I have left behind a line here before but am delurking now to wish you all the very best for your future. Am sure you'll have a house just as pretty and we'll keep getting such wonderful snapshots as usual. Good luck Arch! Have a wonderful journey ahead. :-)

geetha said...

Hi Archana, Good luck for the move. I am sure you will create a little india in US. Look forward to seeing lots of posts on how your new home evolves. Take care.

Mohammed Nasir said...

Shocked on redaing thhis first, happy that you are moving in life. Surely another land would add a new dimension to your approach towards the creative genius that you are. Will miss the regular dose of Indian craft on rangdecor.I am one of those old hats who is enamoured by everything Indian,. so for me nothing can fill the vaccum that winding up of Rang Decor would create. I am actually saddened by this new! Was wondering for few months, why you are so irregular with your post??

WeekendTweaks said...

Archana, This is a great news. Wishing you Good luck and best wishes. Yours was the first Indian blog I came across in 2007 and I have been visiting it everyday since then.

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

Thanks again everyone for your wishes!

Mohammad Nasir~ I am guessing things will mostly be same at Rang Decor, considering my love for Indian Arts and crafts, The exciting part would hopefully be an addition of a new global dimension to it. So pl.do continue to drop by and support Rang Decor!

zobars said...

wow that is some news Archana !!! Welcome to USA. I hereby give you a very very warm invitation to visit me in Portland, Oregon if you ever decide to come on the west coast. It is an official invitation to my home which is by the way nothing closer to your beautiful home but I would love to welcome you here.

Libby said...

All the best Archana! Your blog was the first decor blog I ever read.In fact i stumbled into it while looking for decor tips after moving to Bangalore post marriage.It introduced me to so many international blogs.Thanks a lot for the inspiration..I am so sad to have not met you.Looking forward to your blog posts from Minnesota!!

Wayward Harper said...

New adventures and magic await! stay positive and happy and all will be fine :) xx

Pavani said...

Welcome to Minnesota! I am a loyal reader of Rang-decor from Minneapolis.. you will love it here.. its a wonderful city brimming with nice folks all around :)

Lakshmi said...

Hi Archana....

Good Luck on the move... You are not alone..Welcome to USA... Love to see the Global side soon.

Anonymous said...

Hello Archana, Good Luck to you,
Mangala

Rainz Collage said...

Congrats Archana! That sounds exciting. Good luck!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the amazing news !!!!!!!!!!! I'll miss the posts right from the beautiful city of bangalore .. I loved the southern india touches .. will surely misss that alottttt . best of luck for this new journey ....... Am looking forward to your posts even more as usual ... as i'm sure that there something still to explored and tried .. Love Ur Blog

Shilpa said...

Have been a long time reader and admirer of your style of photography and design....all the very best for this new chapter of life, can't wait to see how it unfolds :)

Shree said...

Hi Archana,

Congratulations! and all the best for a great future ahead. Yours is the first blog I read on home decor tips; you are the inspiration behind our essentially 'Indian' look we want our house to have (The house is under construction now). I will share the photos once it is complete. .... Meanwhile, we will wait for the next post as unabatedly as before....goodluck and take care.

Meena said...

Wish you the very best for your big move! Welcome to US!
You can make any place warm and cozy with your touches. I never left a comment in your blog though I am a regular reader, admirer of your blog. You truly inspire me in so many ways. Eager to see your future posts.

Simple Me- or rather Complex Me? said...

Right here virtually holding your hand. You have inspired me and continue to do so. I cannot imagine how you can leave your beautiful home in Bangalore, but I know you will make an even more beautiful one and will share with us. Here is to your new life and hopefully I will embark on a new journey soon myself. All the best Archi!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see your Indian touches in your Minnesota home. Good Luck with your move.

- Karthika

Anonymous said...

Hi dear,
Its been a pleasure knowing u thru Rang decor.All the best!!Life is beautiful all around us,its ppl who make them.
Take care Archana,you have been an inspiration for me.
Sangitha
www.sajavat.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Archana, I have stayed in MN for 6 years and would love to connect with you to provide tips etc. please email me at rainlovingbeing@gmail.com
I am an Indian too and have loved your blog. I am a mom and have moved to seattle after years in Minneapolis.

Anonymous said...

Hi archana

wishing u goodluck... wherever u go indianrang follows you

Divya@The Craft Angel said...

Dear Archana
I'm a Bengaluru girl living in Sydney, Australia. Your blog is delightful and I'm a frequent visitor, though I haven't commented here once. This post kind of reminded me of our own big move. I thought I'd stop by to say good luck. And no matter where in the world we are, we always carry our passions with us. So I'm sure it won't be long before you start enjoying creating a whole new home in a new place :)Keep Rang going, it's great!

Priti said...

Hey, that's awesome. Well, I love to visit your blog and will surely be waiting for your posts on your new home. Congrats and wish you all the best.
XO :)

Little Red said...

Good luck with the move. I'm here in the US too, in the DC metro area. Just be prepared for the super-cold MN winters. Otherwise, I've always heard good things about the place.

Deepa said...

Archana, All the best with your move. Rang decor is going global!!!! yay!!!

C said...

congratulations and looking fwd to the new chapter!! i am a bengaloru gal who spent 4 years in MN and when i saw that pic of road and vegetation, i knew it was MN. Its been 8 yrs since we moved out but,still miss MN. you'll love it. send me note if u need anything. good luck!

Shari said...

I have just stumbled across your blog...and I love it! I am also from Minnesota--married to a Bengali. I hope you enjoy it here, and if you need any advice about where to shop or anything, let me know. :)

Unknown said...

Hi Archana,

Was quite shocked/surprised reading your post.. I cant imagine leaving behind such a lovely home and moving out of our Incredible India! But I guess everything happens for a reason. So, Good luck and All the Best !

Manjula

Unknown said...

hey Archana

just read your blog. Will definitely miss you here :(
but am sure you all will have a great time there. Good Luck :)

Bong Mom said...

Welcome to USA Archana...very excited to see your home unfolding here too. I am sure you must be bringing some of your treasured pieces along to light up MN :)

rk said...

That's a big move alright, welcome to USA! All the best. I am in the midwest too but Minnesota winters are quite harsh compared to where I live. You will definitely be able to capture new images/experiences/memories in MN. Kamini of Saffronandsilk just move back to US and now you :)

rk said...

I forgot to mention that if you are able to bring the gorgeous Indian furniture to MN in a container, that would be the first step to creating your Indian home in the USA. However, please double check the effects of really cold/dry winters on Indian woods. My friends that got beautiful wood furniture with inlay work etc have mentioned that it suffered damage from cold weather.

A CaT Production said...

First n foremost....Congrats n all the best!!!!Secondly, I am gonna really miss ur posts.....the only reason I got hooked to ur blog was coz it was all about INDIA, i mean the colorful side of INDIA....the side which many ppl like me dont c....hope u wud find the colorful side of MN...but i guarantee it wont be as colorful as "our" INDIA!!!!anyways all the best archana and safe journey....

Sound Horn Please said...

Let me add my two cents to the list here- Good luck on the move Arch, I'm sure you'll make any home that you live in beautiful, country no bar1

Shilpa said...

Hi archana
You will surely carry all the enthusiasm and creativity with you. Good luck on the move and welcome to the US

Ruta Pandit said...

Hi..Archana, sure this is a big move..but "it won't be boring." On the contrary things will get more interesting..so can't wait to see more images from MN. TC

Shalini said...

No kidding, You are coming to the most perfect place to live... I love and live in twin cities, Minnesota. Let me know if I can be of any help. And dont worry you'll find plenty of design inspiration here :-)
Good luck with the move!

ಸೌP said...

Archana, as I am reading felt like someone dear to me is parting away... my eyes r filled....Its strange.. i don't kno u personally, still.

All the best! Waiting to see your new inspiring home.

S S said...

Fate! Synchronicity?
Your blogs always held out the hope for a security, a loveliness available to all of us in the simplest of moments if only we had the eye and the heart, I have wished to keep a home like yours when I do marry! All this was when I have been going through difficult times in my own life. And for all of this, I offer you heartfelt thanks and wish you godspeed on the way ahead!

Synchronicity? The blog that was a virtual idea of home for me is shifting bases. Bangalore to Minnesota. Just when I am moving abroad as well.

Love and light!

Satya devi dasi said...

Wow, big change. You'll love it, I know. Piece of advice: Don't leave your water bottle in the car in the winter. :)

Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story said...

Congrats on the big move. Welcome to the US. No worries you will soon make this a confortable home totaly refelcting your style. Trust me this is DIY/craft/ home decor projects heaven.

Reena said...

I may sound selfish in saying this, but I am glad yu are moving to the US. Let me tell you why.
I have been following your blog for almost 2 years now and tried to imbibe some of your ideas into my colorless American home. But now after you move here, I am hoping you will give us ideas on how to do our American homes to look more Indian - more at home...

GoodLuck :)

Ketki said...

Having followed your blogs and getting inspired by those little things ..we now look forward to your new creations and findings from the US.

lovelifeunderthesun said...

All the very best to you...Rang Decor will have some new and interesting write-ups and images for readers like us.....

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

Thanks a bunch each and everyone for your support:-)
Really appreciate it!

Malaysian Woman said...

I enjoy reading each and every post of yours. Will be moving house next year hopefully, finding ideas through your blog now ;)

Amruthavarshini said...

Your home will miss you in India.. But I am super excited and looking forward to the lovely new posts that I expect will come in a torrent as you bring a slice of India to every room in your new home in Minnesota!! It's not easy but I am sure you will manage just great! All the very best and thanks always for being an inspiration!

Sunehra Koshy said...

Wow beautiful post Archana and beautiful photographs. Hard to believe that you guys won't be around anymore. Your aesthetic I'm sure will remain resolutely Indian with a slight 'firang' twist. All the very best!

I'm writing for a gifting site now and they have some really quirky home decor items. Drop by some time.

The GoGifts Blog

Unknown said...

congratulations on your new venture though I feel sad that you will have to leave your lovely home behind (my sadness is nothing compared to yours, I am sure!) I wish you the best of luck. I already live in California, US and you are most welcome to contact me/visit me!!!! Looking forward to reading more about your move!

OrangeJammies said...

Welcome to the U.S. of A, Arch! You will find many wonders here, I know, because finding beauty and wonder in our world frequently depends on a person's propensity to do so and not on the qualities of the place itself. :)
I am in California, but available over email or phone.
Best wishes, I hope you are very happy in your new (and sure to be gorgeous) home!

Anonymous said...

All the best with new beginnings!

Anonymous said...

Hello Archana- This is Chitra. I'm a silent follower of your blog for about almost since you have started. Welcome to MN. I live in Minnesota. World is very small:-) I'm happy to help you out with anything in your move to get settled in your new home. Let me know your email id and I will get in touch with you. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

You India home was beautiful Archana. :)

but will talk about it at length some other time. :)

Congrats and all the best with the move. And like all your blog friends have said... am sure you will carry the Indian-ness along with you and create a unique blend where ever you go. :)

Jyoti ( Suravarjula)

Unknown said...

Good luck with new beginningsAm sure your next move will be fantastic and you will continue to inspire us through what you do best! Good luck! Looking forward to the next chapter when you add a little rang to Minnesota. .

Sai Sharanu said...

Every ending is a beginning of new journey. Wishing you all the best and hoping to see more refreshing posts from you as the art neither has language nor tied to a place..
Good luck with blogging

Anonymous said...

My first reaction to your post was 'oh wow! So Close! We might be able to meet one of these days' . I guess I have mixed emotions about your move. I hope you keep posting as often and in fact have tips on mixing Indian sensibilities with resources here. I stay in Ames Iowa, 3 hours drive south of twin cities and hope to catch up some time. Good luck and stay happy!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck for your move. I am sure you would have a great time there.

Sriprabha

Karishma said...

First time here. I'm already moved. Hope the new place treats you just as well. And don't forget to share all the inspiration with us.
Love,
K