MOM of Chennai Meet October 2010

The D Day 30 th October started with the rains and the early birds to arrive were the Witty sisters Rajam and Jaya. Kudos to the Pachai killi for flying from Bangalore. The entire décor of the living room was in green to match our Killis.Others started coming, the meet gained momentum and reached the peak with the arrival of Rani. There were funny noises and Sumathi’s house turned out to be a typical classroom. Ashwini (Sumathi’s daughter) and lakshmi were the official photographers of the day. Jenny came with a Rose bouquet and Laks with a Jula Pillayar. Intro of the new faces Manju, Ramya, Jaisree, Naveena and Kala aunty went on simultaneously as they entered. Everyone was served with hot hot Masala vadai followed by Aachi bad am milk. Then it was time to declare our meet open .The official lighting of the Kuthuvilaku was done by Sumathi’s mom Gowri and her aunt Kala on one side and Suba,Rajam team on the other side with the Ganapathy bhajan by the Co-sisters Bharathi and Pinky. Saras rendered a divine melody “Manika Vennai”. Viji got a promotion as GM and was giving Snickers to everyone (not for a company but as a Grand Mother).We had our first caller for the day Lata coming on line and talking to all the members. This was followed by enthusiastic callers Nithya Ashok from Kovai and Brindha from Kolkotta. Pre Lunch Session: The demo session started with Kala aunt’s cushion work assisted by Chitra. All were seated around her watching her step by step explanation. As the stitching was in progress Rani was out in the garage with her “Kuzhal”. Immediately everyone was seen out running like kids and trying their hands on it. It was a successful outdoor demo inspite of the gloomy weather. Meanwhile Sumathi’s neighbour Rasiga joined us and did a free hand “Welcome Lady Rangoli” for us. She taught some of them to do the double ezhai kolam. We all had a look at the ikolam bag carried by Jaya presented to her by Lata during her US visit. The next indoor session started with Garland tying by Sumathi’s mother Gowri aunty. Ikolamites were trying to twist and turn themselves along with flowers and the string .It was fun watching everyone doing snake dance. Bharathi took over the centre stage with her fabric printing technology. Some creative vegetable printing with carrots, beans onion and ladyfinger was done.Chitra was busy seen trying to finish the cushion..Gowri aunty was sharing her creative Jadais and malas done for the deity by her. Arthi thalis done by Sumathi was at display at one end. Multiple activities going on simultaneously in different areas of the house. The meet looked like a one day mela For some time Jaya was missing, suddenly she appeared with a container in her hand looking like Jyothika in “Ethiyam Nalannai” advertisement. Yes she was ready with her Kai Murrukku dough .Both sisters Rajam and Jaya went about with the making of spirals.Infact Rajam was seen making kolams and designs out of the dough . Everyone was trying their hands on it. Judy was moving in between serving Tangy tomato soup. It was 1 pm and time to take a break. Main course started with Veg Pulav/Raita Bisi bela /Potato Curry Chappati/Channa Curd Rice/Pickle/Chips Paneer Payasam (prepared by Kala aunty) Ice Cream It was time for group photo with multiple cameras capturing the “Pacha kalaru Jinguchas”. Post lunch session: Started with gaming and quizzing. The event manager for the games where the Witty sisters Rand J.The thought provoking quiz started with a great hype .Sudden silence prevailed like a exam hall all trying to finish their answer sheets fast. Finally it was game of concentrated reading of the instructions which said answer question 1,2,10, only and Judy turned out to be the winner. The next game was kolam extension on a Xeroxed centre design widely enjoyed by everyone .It was time for a drink: Miranda, Coke, and Fanta Sponsor: Lakshmi. Meanwhile Saras and Ramya wanted Photoshop demo and Subashini became the tutor of the day.Rajam too was watching it keenly. Now it was Viji’s turn to show some quilling work. It was a cute chain which she had finished and brought it for us .Nice to see the quilling coming out of its instrument. Judy was all set ready to show her stencil work. Seated in the centre of the hall with the black board, stencil and Rangoli powder (scale missing in her hand), Judy looked like an enthusiastic entreprenur, can call her a preschool teacher with all the toddlers around here. Amazing creations and variations of stencil kolam of different colors, combinations and textures. Jayanthi gave a demo on Velvet thamboolam bag making, cute colorful bags. The day ended with Laks giving a demo of making of rose petal garland. Tea break was followed by our Super singers rendering songs. It was time to wind up things as it was 4.30 pm.All faces were gleaming with happiness as they left Sumathi’s house with a small token gift (White metal cup)from her. The 30th October to be marked in our diary as a memorable day with unwinding of lot of creativity filled with fun and learning. This lovely meet came to an end happily. Yes Lata, thanks to you for getting all liked minded people together. The next meet was decided to be the Annual Mega meet. Bye hoping to see u all soon friends with yet another Big bang!!!!!! Yes Three Cheers to the Chennai ikolamites, Hip Hip Hurrah !! Hip Hip Hurrah!!! Hip Hip Hurrah!!!!!