Charlie

The gif world is amazing. I found this Charlie Chaplain one on tumblr, here it is for everyone else to enjoy :)

Credits: tumblr 

Deadly tornado outbreak

My beloved state Oklahoma has been devastated by  multiple tornados over the period of three days. Fatalities at this point stand at close to hundred, including children.
Our thoughts are with all who are affected by this natural disaster. We have one more day to endure this kind of weather, let's hope we will get through this without more destruction.

Re-upholstering an antique chair...

I have this antique chair for quite some time but never had a chance to get it fixed. Though the upholstery was in very good shape but was dated and did not go with anything in any room.
Few days back got this idea to re-upholster myself. I have done some simple ones before but nothing like it. I am glad in two days time I was able to do it. (Aching knees and numb fingers are another story). :) I am full of respect and admiration for the artisans who made this beautiful furniture originally, and for those who restore and fix them so we and the generations to come can enjoy them. It is serious work.

The fabric I chose was leftover moss green velvet, for the back used a piece of left over striped upholstery fabric. I recycled all the nail-heads, had to straighten half of them but it was worth the effort. Added new batting and other material where needed. The chair has been through numerous re-upholstery jobs before, the battle marks in the form of tack/ nail holes and old brass staples were the witness. (I did not have my camera handy, these pictures are from my phone think they are not bad.) What do you say?

removal of old upholstery in progress

Battle scars

Work in progress

All done

Buy of the day...deal of the day

At the store

Well I have been very busy with worldly affairs lately. One of my rental house got vacated and we decided to sell it. It took a lot of time and effort to get it fixed in a timely manner. It is not easy to get work done when contractors and sub-contractors get involved. Though we hear a lot about bad economy news but every tradesman related to construction business is busier than ever. For a few weeks even I had to become a construction worker to get the work finished. I am glad everything turned out to be fine and the house is under contract as I write these lines.

To celebrate, relax and have fun went out antiquing today. Thanks to my dear friends at my favorite; Courtyard Antiques, who gave me a great deal  on these 19th century French chairs.

Now in my living room

Since they have already been fixed and re-upholstered, I just had to haul them in, and here they are feeling quite at home.

Hello!

Just checking what's going on in the blogging world :) will be back in action very soon.
Best wishes to all my friends.

Lack of posts

I am sorry for the lack of posts. I have been busy with worldly affairs that leave hardly any time for the blog world. It seems it will be like that for a few weeks more and hopefully things will settle down. Best wishes to all my friends and supporters in the blog world.

Mughal Architecture

The Mughal’s who were the direct decedents of Genghis Khan, ruled over a vast land (approximately 1.2 sq. miles/3.2 million kilometers). This included modern day Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Mughal dynasty came into existence in 1526 after Emperor Babur’s victory at Panipat (India).

During 16^th, 17^th and 18^th centuries, Mughal architecture evolved through the amalgamation of Indian, Islamic, Persian and Turkish architecture. The highlight of Mughal architecture is its symmetry and decorative work. Apart from extensive use of white and red marble, beautiful inlay work of semi precious stones is a highlight of Mughal architecture.

Though the construction in Mughal style started from Babur’s time but the Mughal architecture reached its zenith during Shah Jahan’s reign. Shah Jahan alone is responsible for the construction of Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Agra fort )in it's current form), Lahore fort and Jama Masjid Delhi.

Here is a little taste of architecture, pictures do not do justice but as they say they are worth a thousand words.

Agra Fort:

The first mention of the fort is at around 11th century, however when emperor Akbar realized the importance of the fort and Agra. He enhanced and fortified the fort with red sandstone and established his state capital there naming "Fatehpur". However it was emperor Shah Jahan who modified the Agra fort to it's current state.

Main entrance of Agra fort

Buland darvaza (Tall gate)

Ceiling detail of Buland darvaza

Third gate of the fort

Akbar's palace

Highly decorative columns

Detail on one of the towers

Jehangiri mehal(palace)

Khas Mehal 

Interior detail of Khas Mehal

inlay work on marble (Khas mehal)

Interior buildings of Fort

View of Taj Mahal from Musamman (burj)tower Agra Fort

The outer wall

Agra fort at night

Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)

Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan for his and the royal family's use. It is a structure of white marble the favorite construction material of Shah Jahan. Since the marble mosque shines like a pearl (Moti) that is why it is called Pearl Mosque.

Moti masjid (pearl mosque)

Interior of Moti masjid

A view of the river from Moti masjid

to be continued...

credits: google, wikipedia, indian tourism, retinacharmer.com etc