've spent nearly the past 10 days away from home... traveling from London, to Mumbai and now I'm finally on my way back home. I'm sitting at London Heathrow airport. An 8 hour layover!! Hmm, I need to speak with my travel again. We need to plan this better next time. Anyways, the past several hours (and the past 2 weeks for that matter), have given me a tremendous opportunity to think, observe and then think some more. There's something about being away from the daily grind that gives you a sense of perspective... a little room to breathe. And as I've sitting here for nearly the past 6 hours, I've observed a sea of people from all corners of the world. Speaking languages I can't even understand. Wearing clothes of different textures, colors and fabrics. Some people are quiet. Some people are loud. Some people are holding their children, and others are holding their iPads. But no matter how things may appear on the outside, one thing appears to be true for each and every person I've seen: They're on a personal mission. Maybe the mission is just to get from one place to another. Or maybe it's to take that next step, that leap of faith that isn't just going to take them from place A to place B... but perhaps take them to a whole new place that they haven't even imagined yet. That's the funny thing about people all over the world... we're always moving and trying to get somewhere. Some people know where they're going. Others have no clue. But one thing I'll tell you for sure... not matter what, if you're true to yourself you'll certainly end up where you were meant to be. Happy Thursday!

t was a quick and dip trip to London... less than 48 hours, but we still managed to get around London style. As I mentioned the other day, my sister and I are doing a little globe trotting in preparation for her wedding in Spain this fall. While we spent Monday taking care of a little business, we were able to spend Tuesday out and about in downtown London, walking the up and around Oxford Street. The trip wasn't nearly as long as I would have liked (I love being a tourist), but I'm still happy I managed to grab a shot of a British telephone booth and the Tube signage. Don't be upset if you see me and I ask you to "mind the gap"! 
 
In other news, I managed to develop a faux British accent in under 48 hours, and I'm now trying to shake it off in exchange for an Indian accent. Just yesterday, we landed in India and we're jet setting all over trying to look for a wedding dress that my sister can call her own. I know it's tough, but someone's gotta do it. More updates about our travels coming soon. Hope everyone is having a great week. Happy Thursday.

or the next two weeks, I'll be out and about doing a little traveling. First stop: LONDON. As you may know, my sister is engaged and she's planning an intimate wedding in southern Spain later this year. In preparation for the upcoming celebrations, we're doing a little scouting of resources in London this week... and then we'll be off to India for a little more prep work. I'll keep you all posted on our travels. Until then, hope everyone is having a great week and Happy Tuesday!

ast week at Anya's school, the children hosted Spring Tea. It was completely adorable. This event was a culmination of skills that the class has been working on all year long. Everything from hosting manners, to table manners and proper tea service. It was almost as if we were in London for short minute!!  
 
Each child was allowed a guest to their tea party. Since I had volunteered to be the photographer for the event, Dhaval got to be Anya's guest. Guests greeted with a flower at the main door. The children showed their guest to their table, and even took tea orders... Would you like milk, lemon or sugar? After taking tea orders, the children had to serve and prepare the tea. Tea service was followed by fruit and cucumber sandwiches too! I was completely impressed. And more-so than anything else, the entire tea party really opened my eyes up to the fact that children really can do anything if you allow them and encourage them. I mean chances are that if Anya tried to handle a china tea cup at home, I might freak out. But with care and guidance, each of the children gained the confidence not only to handle real china, but to service an entire tea party.  
 
I guess the same goes for us too! With proper guidance and confidence, we really can do anything we put our minds too. A little food for thought this Monday morning!!

oday is officially the first day of Spring, and it practically feels like summer. This should make me feel great, but instead it just makes me feel scared. Scared that the year is flying by faster than I can keep track, and I'm falling behind on my 2012 goals. I guess that's just the kind of person I am. I make these lists of things I want to accomplish, and somewhere along the way that list just gets longer of more things I want to try and do. Sure I make small strides and can cross off a few things from the original list, but for the most part, that list just keeps growing. Growing with crazy, amazing and impossible things that I want to try and do. I haven't decided yet if this is good or bad. On the one hand, I get frustrated that I'm not able to just run down my list of lofty goals and just start knocking things off the list. But then on the other hand, it's kind of excited to see how those original goals morph over time into newer, bigger and crazier ideas.  
 
I honestly don't know where I'm going with this post today, but I just needed to think out loud. As I'm looking out the window and I see that the trees are starting to bud and flowers are peaking up out of the ground, I'm feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. I'm excited to see the Spring bring along a new breath of life, but nervous that Spring will turn into Summer will turn into Fall and then Winter. I guess that's just the worry wart in me! Nonetheless, I move forward with a spring in my step. 
 
I hope you're enjoying a beautiful day where ever you are... and here's a sneak peek of what's in store a little bit later this week! Happy Tuesday. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. For the most part, this blog is a collection of my work, ideas, inspirations and things I've learned. If you're a bride & groom: sit back, relax and soak it all in... until your fingers get pruny! If you're a photographer: I hope you can take away something insightful from what I've learned about turning my passion for photography and cinematography into a career. You can also explore more about the world of BINITA PATEL by clicking below. Until we meet... have FUN, be STYLISH.