Return to Penang 2023
I am so amazed to be back in Penang. I had feared that COVID had grounded us forever. I’ve returned to my home in Malaysia. I’ve returned to the enormous pleasures of Penang, This time, in search of swimming pools, I treated myself. I determined to drive to the mountain I could see from that beach. And then there is the food… something Penang is … Continue reading Return to Penang 2023
My Lady Bischts
A bischt is a coat or cloak worn by Omani men, usually for ceremonial purposes. Actually, mostly they are worn by royalty. Being the radical that I am, I couldn’t see why women couldn’t wear them too. So I started to make some for myself.I call them “walking coats.” Some are casual and I wear them for shopping.Some are for more elaborate, and I wear … Continue reading My Lady Bischts
Fascinated by Fabrics
Romanced. I have been seduced by the look and feel of the fabrics and notions I find in the souq in Muscat. And now I have become curious about these fabrics. How did Omanis come to love the colors? Where did the fabrics come from? Did Oman ever produce materials for clothing? I’ve seen these fabric maps of continents – the patterns or designs typical … Continue reading Fascinated by Fabrics
Bright and Bold Women of Oman
Women of Oman have a gorgeous tradition of bold and bright color combinations. In fact, Omani women can be more bold and creative than most! Like beautiful birds, women have always like to show off their multi-color dresses and accessories. From an early age, there is an appreciation of color and jewelry. They may wear a burqa, but it is not always a simple face … Continue reading Bright and Bold Women of Oman
Not Without a Ghutra
The signature of #kcbDesigns is a ghutra. Nothing is complete without a ghutra somehow, somewhere. A ghutra is a square cotton scarf men in Oman wear on their heads, wrapped and folded in styles that differ from place to place. In some places, it is more common to see men and boys wearing a kumma – the round, embroidered cap. It is part of the … Continue reading Not Without a Ghutra
Becoming a Deliberati
I wrote this in 2018 and just updated it, inspired by the celebration on my 70th birthday. I feel like I am on track for adventures in the next 70. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ So, I am officially a Senior Citizen and I hate that label. Scandinavians have used the term Third Age for people who have retired but who are still active and involved in learning and … Continue reading Becoming a Deliberati
AmberCollection – the Logo Story
The story ends here: But it started with a love for shells, especially the inner workings… It added to a huge respect for Sacred Geometry and the Golden Mean But it took its shape from an image that haunted me until I accepted it as my Sacred Geometric Mean – an image for #kcbDesigns. The Amber Collection is a collaboration with my family in Oman … Continue reading AmberCollection – the Logo Story
🥂🎊✨ Introducing…kcbDesigns ✨🎊🥂
I love to travel. This photoblog has been a portfolio of my adventures in Oman and China, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Canada and the UK. But there are no posts from 2020 because…well, none of us could travel.After I got over the angst of feeling trapped, I realized how lucky I am to be in Oman and I realized I needed to do something to … Continue reading 🥂🎊✨ Introducing…kcbDesigns ✨🎊🥂
Essence of Amber
Is there a warmer, more soothing, more delicious color than amber? Amber is nature at is most serene. Amber is sunrise on the sea. Amber is the desert at sunset. Amber is the beach in the afternoon light. Amber is the desert and the camel who calls it home. And amber sunsets light the mountains. It’s called The Golden Hour – that hour of warm … Continue reading Essence of Amber
#kcbarker - photoblogger 