Mumbai: In ugliness there is beauty...

Having just returned from India a week ago I was saddened to hear of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. My heart is broken knowing so many innocent Indians and foreign tourists were hurt or killed in the 60 hour siege. In my recent travels I met many wonderful Indian people who were generous and welcoming - and supportive of the US. In the wake of this tragedy I hope the entire world comes together in peace and healing and forges an understanding and acceptance of all cultures and faiths. This Reuters photo brought me to tears in the wake of this tragic event - and I think it is important people remember that not all Muslims are extremists or terrorists. With more people like this beautiful child we WILL persevere in world peace. What ever the religion of the victims, I hope their God/s or Goddess/es bless them and carry their souls to their hearts. Join me in working for world peace - and please put it into effect through tolerance, acceptance, and love. Best wishes...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs
http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Doll Artist: umaiyer

Originally from India, Uma/Rama has been an artist for over 30 years, although she has only been marketing her work for the last three. I was lucky enough to stumble across her beautifully detailed dolls on Etsy the other day while searching for East Indian art. I am fascinated by the culture, food, and art of this wonderful country - and now one of it's Etsy artists. Uma's inspiration comes from "the vibrant colors of flowers, the splash of colors on the sky while the sun is setting, and any art work." She admits that she can admire a landscape for hours on end. "Right now I am in Switzerland, the cows grazing in the field, the mountains, and the beautiful houses with flowers in their windows inspire me," she explains. Although she currently focuses her Etsy shop on the traditional handmade dolls of her homeland, she dabbles in a wide range of arts and crafts - including many forms of painting. She hopes to "carve a niche for (her)self in the art world" via Etsy. Please check out her shop: http://umaiyer.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/