Kalman, Here We Come!

After a morning of confusing miscommunication and several trips back and forth to the bus stop, we were finally picked up in a small SUV at our hotel and taken to Kalman. What had started out as a rather frustrating day, turned out to be a great experience, as ICRISAT's field worker at Kalman was terrific in his role as interpreter.

Small children were brought by their mothers to the meetings and once again thought my winking was hilarious. Why, I do not know, but didn't care as it had the effect I wanted any way - just to break the ice and get everyone comfortable. The village children thought it was funny enough to follow me through the streets, even climbing onto the neighboring building's rooftop to giggle and wait for me to do it again.

Men joined the women in the second meeting and wanted to learn more about how much we pay for cattle, marketing, questioning me after I commented that I had grown up on a farm, too. It was a lively discussion that I very much enjoyed - what an experience!

Rooftop view of village

Children that kept returning to their doorway to get me to wink.

Village women that wanted a photo with Ali and Oliver.

Children that followed, climbing onto rooftop across the street.

Decorated entrance to a newly married couple's home.

Shirapur Visit

The first village we visited was Shirapur, where Ali interviewed two groups of women. We were picked up at the hotel in Sholapur by a husband and wife hired to drive us. Many bumpy miles later, we arrived in Shirapur.

In between the interviews, we were shown the fields surrounding the village, including a banana grove.

With the first group of women. The woman on my right was so funny and wanted to "come to America" with me.
I'm holding Krishna, who instantly warmed to my winking, which turned out to be a great ice-breaker.

Receiving a Hindu blessing from our hostess - a very humbling experience.

Little Krishna - what an adorable little girl!

Oliver and our hostess.

Oliver playing with the translator's little daughter.

Photos from Village Visits

(The next couple of posts will wrap up the time spent in India, specifically around Hyderabad).


My daughter, Ali, having been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to India, was conducting research at ICRISAT in Patancheru, near the city of Hyderabad. I joined her from January 11 through March 3, 2011, to take care of my grandbaby, Oliver.


I felt very privileged to join her on visits to two villages where she interviewed groups of women and men (mostly women) about changes in agricultural technology and its economic impact on women, family planning, and other topics.


It was very humbling to experience such gracious hospitality and openness - the home-cooked meals were amazing - and yes, we did drink the well water with no after effects.

India's Version of a Truck Stop

This man flew around the cooking area, making eggs, rice, and more for hungry bus passengers.

The local bus

Oliver taking the express route

Traffic on the way to Sholapur

A man white-washing a building near our hotel - a frightening sight!

Back At It

It's time for a mid-year resolution - I will post to my blogs every week. I had great intentions while in India, but due to the internet being erratic, so were my blog postings. Since returning home, my time has been consumed with finding work, designing and creating commissioned artwork, but more importantly, spending time with loved ones, doing some soul-searching, and growing a relationship. 


With so much to do, I need to be more organized with my own time. It's easy to do on-the-job professionally, but at home, I have been more relaxed. Having a schedule, even a basic one - not highly detailed, can best be described as "disciplined freedom".


"Disciplined freedom" - I used to think that was a true oxymoron. By scheduling some activities that need to be done on a regular, weekly basis, I actually create more freedom for pursuing the things that are not as easily scheduled - like artistic inspiration, designing, making art - activities that require the right frame of mind to do well.


So here it goes...the next post is this week's post...