TIFC-How it Sensitises our Thinking

This,Lagerterra square, was a sample which I had worked just a few months before the Tsunami[sometime in October '04]

It had been inside one of my many sewing bags, covered with the mud that the wave brought into our house.At that time,I thought I could not retrieve it.;it was covered with the red soil and other debris left by the Tsunami .Even now you can see the Reddish brown tint [burnt sienna?]of the red soil that is used for gardening on the unstitched portion of the canvas .This was designed by the Anchor Design Studio,which also publishes the needlework Magazine - Needle'n'Thread .I am yet to start the bigger piece,as the Xerox of the design has got partially damaged,and because of the several uncomfortable,but necessary changes,that was happening on my home front,since the Tsunami ,that does not contribute to making me feel settled.I seem to be in a constant state of flux,which does not help me in anyway.

I noticed a strange coincidence,happening since I joined the TIFC;I don't know if it is the same with others who have joined :- My thoughts and the words that come out of me[I don't feel as if I am in charge],all seem to revolve around the thought that is posted.It is the same with the colours.I seem to notice immediately in the surroundings ,only the colours that are given for the Challenge,especially in their combination.

This only shows that our mind is getting primed by the challenge to take note of the issues presented and the colours chosen for the Challenge.This is the basis of the psychology of Advertising/Marketing ,too-to prime the prospective consumers, by using a multi modal package that would sensitise all our senses , to take notice of their product .

Finally, A picture.

I have finally got the pictures of my work taken and also got it uploaded thanks to my husband's and childrens help.It was a total joint effort.As for me,I was feeling pretty bewildered by the wholething.My husband had to find the most appropriate setting-with flash or without flash.He also had to find the correct setting for focus.The Camera is something we bought recently to replace our previous manual one.I have to learn how to use it so that I could take pictures myself.
The work pictured here was designed By the Anchor Design Studio.I had done it in the Summer before the Tsunami.I had wanted to make it into a bag or something instead of the small cushion it was supposed to become.The threads and the stitches to be used were as per the design.But i executed the work with a variation to the straight stich recomended.[I used the economy verstion.I am feeling very sleepy so I'll sign off now.I 'll comeback tomorrow with more to share.

Little Things That Fill me with Joy.

I read a letter in AWAD by someone going through a very bad patch.I pray things will get better for his family. His letter reminded me of the things that lift my spirits &make me smile,giving me respite from my problems.So here is my list:
1. A deep red hibiscus flower that finally bloomed three days after we were hit by the Dec.26th Tsunami.I dont know why but I stll remember that picture of grime & chaos surrounding the flower which opened bravely inspite of the salt -water- drenched-pot,even if only for a day .
2.Any hand-crafted article .
3.Birds' call .
4.Sunshine steaming in through the wuindow.
5.A baby's sweet smile.(this always reminds me of my grand mother ,who used to say -a babys face will wipe away a thousand sorrows).
6. a pithy saying ,full of wisdom & humour-especially the ones that come in"Graffitti"(that comes in The Hindu Metro Plus& Awad).
7.A call from my friend especially when I am down.
I will add to this list later.