Namaste,

I will probably have lots of questions, so I thought I just go ahead and introduce myself here so I'm not just some unknown element on the scene.

My name is Catherine, but love India and often play around with names from the Subcontinent.  You may call me either name.

I have 2 teens who were homeschooled for 6 years.  One just started college and the other decided she wanted to join the inmates at the local middle school.  I've been a serious student of Sanskrit and Hinduism for about the past 18 months.  I meet with my teacher as often as possible for one-on-one meetings over Skype - usually get in about 6 hours of class-time/week.

I first got a henna tattoo at an art fair in the summer of 2011.  It struck me as so beautiful.  Some Pakistani acquaintances told me that it was initially applied to honoured guests as an incentive not to work and as a badge to show their respected place amongst those at gatherings.  Anyway, I've always loved folk art - have painted textiles for year - and this grabbed my attention for that reason as well as for the sharing with others.  I can't wait to have my first henna party -- even if it's only my daughter, sister, my friend and me!  lol  I also love the history and science of it and have loved diving into the free ebooks offered here by Catherine Cartwright-Jones. 

Thanks in advance for everyone's input here.  I will certainly need some pointers!