This is my first saree portrait, thanks to a beautiful gesture from my neighbor and friend, Anita Jayaram this past Christmas day. The saree I am wearing actually belongs to Anita, her gift was to show me how to drape it and then to create this photo. She said, “I want to help create a memory that will remind you of your time in India. Years from now, when you are going through your photos, you will find this picture and think of me and remember this day”. This was one of the nicest and most creative gifts that I have ever received! It was a fun day – and best of all, I realized that even American girls can wear a saree! I’ve since been shopping! Now if I can just manage to do it by myself, you will see portrait #2…