viral.

So I'm lazing and half asleep. As I've started my dose of antibiotics for this weird thing called an ENT. I've been aching for a couple of days and this morning, voila. Zukaam Zindabad and a throat to match.

Can't say I'm enjoying it at ALL. Apparently there was a riot out in the city again today as well as last night. What is happening to our country?

I believe there's behthri in everything, and well... some reasons surface much much later than we'd expect them to.

On a slightly optimistic note, I am going to try pulling out a  few minutes everyday to work on a 'Firefly-Shop' blog. I will add design codes to the existing ones and categorize them in blog format so there is an outlet/gallery space to view Firefly goodies JUST in case Facebook goes offline for us here. I've worked out a neat online ordering form too. Up til now, the test run's okay. I miss the days when I used to code my own everything. I'm sure I can do it again if I just put my head to it. But I can't right now. I need to design and experiment with my print work first. :)

Oh yes, I had an idea in one of my viral daze states.
How many of you are interested in Scrapbooking? or would like to learn how?

happenings.

I suppose this really really delayed blog post today would give the detailed insight to the Life of the Firefly Girl. It's funny. There have been so many happenings in the last few weeks that I could go on narrating the stories endlessly.

Today, Mother's Day... while I agree with the notion that for us, as Muslims and as people with roots to Eastern Cultural traditions, we carry everyday as Mum's Day. Respect and 'khidmat' to her is daily... and her of course, undying-unconditional love is overwhelming. It makes us wonder how she puts up with our 'crap' round the clock. How she listens when we're upset and frustrated. How she remains quiet about things that trouble her. And about how, even when she has a million and one things on her mind, she remembers the minutest details about our everyday lives. I know that every kid feels his or her mum is the greatest in the world. I for a fact am not one of those kids. I believe strongly that my mother is a true example of an extraordinary and exemplary woman, not because I'm being biased... but because she IS!

She has overcome and endured so many struggles in life... and I've been thinking back on those times the last few days. I snap myself out of it and remember them again a short span of time later. Mum's been so strong, in situations where an ordinary woman would have sacrificed her beliefs to keep things together. Mum's been so patient, when things people said made you wonder whether humanity existed or not. And Mum's been so so so selfless the years she taught at school and it was my little brother and me she had to think about. She's always remained so committed to her other set of 20 children in the classroom, their parents, her peers, her colleagues... she's been an all rounder. And she's never been bitter. She's been a reminder of faith. Not just the cliche faith that most people call out when they're having a hard time in life. REAL faith. Faith in the Creator and great love for the His Beloved.

Life transformed. And almost 13 years later. One can't help but smile, because life's almost a 180 degree turn. Alhamdulillah to the good, the bad, the beautiful... and of course.. Alhamdulillah to the woman I can call my Mama. I have been the most difficult amongst the three of us... and even now, I'll say Mama I can't help it. :) I love my mum. And at times I wonder how exactly I can let her know of it... working hard at school, then uni.. and recently Firefly... I suppose these are all reasons I turn to... to bring a smile to Mama's face. To make her see that her kid is out there doing something awesome and living on the values she instilled in me!

She's away with Baba and our little princess, Hayaati. They're away for Umra. And this is the fourth year that I haven't gone... simply because I can't get such a lengthy leave. The group that has left has about 3000 people traveling together with our Shaykh. And man, arranging accommodation and flights for that many people has not been easy. *nod* Baba has worked on it tirelessly. Alhamdulillah. Both my parents are really devoted to the mission... and well, may they be rewarded for all that they do.

While they're away. Nivy and I are at home. No, it's not a party. :p I have my mini thesis, and Nivy has his papers. We've been managing to fix up neat dinners and snacks for ourselves... and *cough... eating out now and then* It's always an adventure for us two.

Let's not forget the Firefly adventures now! Recent weeks have been insane. And this weekend has been the culmination point I suppose. There are some things I  would like every Firefly friend/fan to know.

• Firefly is by me, Varah Musavvir
• It is NOT a photography studio.
• There is no, 'you guys'
• I started this as a means of expression for all those special moments and true to life experiences
• Each Firefly product, by default has a logo, a tagline, Made in Pakistan, AS WELL AS: Doodled and Designed by Varah Musavvir
• There are charges for customizing at Firefly cards, keychains, magnets, etc.
• I come up with my own comments and punchlines for designs
• I do not copy from the internet... all 'quotes' have the 'quotee' mentioned
• I do not appreciate visitors pasting links to other pages on the Firefly page.
• I'm trying to find an alternate way to host designs as FB might be banned again... sigh.
• I do not appreciate being flamed for things that may arise from lack of common sense.
• I am very particular about my work being reproduced or 'copied'.
• Taking inspiration and chhapofying are two VERY different things
• I'm flattered there are Firefly-ers out there, who like Firefly have 'come up' with the 'unique and innovative' ideas for wallet cards and gift cards. Like really. That's so cool :) Firefly's totally raised awareness for that nifty card and now people want to make their own! 
• Too bad, Firefly will always be different because everything's heartfelt... there isn't the 'business' notion here.
• All info is on the Notes tab. 
• All prices are there, too.
• I do not bargain on my work.
• If a thread of 13 plus emails is in my inbox, I will go by the last said thing.
• Do not expect a 'magnet' when you've mentioned a 'card' in your email please.
• I do not check my email at 5 am. So emailing me at quarter to... and expecting a reply by 9 is kinda impractical.
• I'm a full time student, AT an Art University... STUDYING in my final year.
• Yes, that's big. 
• And yes, that's a lot of work.
• I love receiving little notes with envelopes. 
• They make me smile.
• Like a lot...
• I love all the new people I've met through Firefly.
• I feel blessed to have been given an opportunity to spread smiles and love.
• I feel I'd be rewarded for that somehow :) InshaALLAH.
• It's an honor to be an inspiration. Really. It moves me to hear that I've encouraged or motivated someone. Whether through words or my work.
• Firefly might go through some changes next year.
• Firefly will always glow bright. InshaALLAH.
• I love what I do.

I actually fell really sick 4 days before Art Showcase. I had low blood pressure. I didn't attend classes. I couldn't work. I just slept and felt tired. I panicked a day before the Exhibition and saw the doctor... and well. The answer was simple. I was thinking too much! Friday morning, I dragged myself to university. I really really didn't feel like myself. 

I haven't a clue how... but my energy was next to none, til it hit me that I have an exhibition. Not just an exhibition... but I have Firefly. I've had numerous people scold me... numerous people tell me that put Firefly on hold. You can't manage. It's not happening. Just put it aside. Focus on other things. My question was why? When I have to go to university... when I have to study... when I feel the need to commit time to family, when I feel the need to commit time to friends... why should I neglect something so strongly a part of me? That afternoon I rushed home. Pulled out pieces for the evening... display material, products, flyers... and well. That was it. I was refreshed. I pulled myself up and sat, smiling for my exhibit at Firefly showcase. 

It struck me at night that Firefly gave me so much energy. It gave me reason to pull myself up for my Mini Thesis... for my health... for my family. Alhamdulillah! God does not always speak directly to His people, and it is those moments when He sends individuals to comfort one another, to speak those words to inspire or to encourage... to let one know that everything would be fine, it would just take a bit of time til things fall into place. I'd say it's a blessing, that I am able to reflect or share a message, through a card or a keychain. 

I am most grateful to everyone that is constantly giving me new reasons to smile. :) And of course, it was a pleasure meeting all the lovely Firefly friends that came by to see me that weekend. The little girls in hijaab were the cutest! Hayaati Hijaabi was very well received. It was awesome. :)

I don't think it was unfortunate that the city became restless... there was khair in that too! 

I request everybody to keep me in their duas, the next two weeks are intense work for me. :) I was considering putting orders on hold. But Alhamdulillah, they're still running. And MashaALLAH, I'm still managing. :) 

Yesterday was spent in the bazaar looking for Mini Thesis Shopping. I can say it was fun :p I get plates back from the photo-etcher dude. And then inshaALLAH I start printing tomorrow. :) Yeay.

If I haven't gotten back to you, your email probably got skipped due to me reading it on my phone, OR, I'm working on something you requested before getting back to you. :)

TWO very big moments upcoming for Firefly inshaALLAH. Stay tuned ;) hehehe...

Love,

Me

1200 fans, we celebrate Hijabi style... with a touch of chocolate.

So Alhamdulillah! We are celebrating Firefly's 1200 fans today. :) To spread more smiles with the Firefly family, I'm giving out Hayaati Hijabi's Smile Sunshine keychains inshaAllah this weekend :) The lucky 12 were the first ones who managed to leave a comment on the post. :p How random. Right? :D I shall have those cutie keychains by the end of this week and I hope to dispatch them as soon as I do. I'm so excited. I've had a really awesome response on Hayaati Hijabi. My mum's in love with her. Given that she's a Cutieble version of my little sister. *too adorable MashaAllah* see... there goes Firefly's inspiration from life.

I have been working on my Research Document.. my Dissertation. It's based on the lack of local icons for children's textiles. And funny enough, I came across my own folk print for children's pj's... done 2 years ago. :) Praying to finish writing soon. Need to sleep and work out some sketches for Mini thesis as well. It seems so funny when everything is all vague and direction-less. Hayee. Direction come soon na. *note to self, email printer uncle today's orders*

Every day I tell myself that I will not splurge. And I tend to do the exact opposite. I think I turn to all the meetha and comfort food to make myself at ease when I have a lot of work at hand. To top it, I procrastinate my visions for exercise. :D Who else is with me?! 

Okay, so Neeners will be my support system now, as we both plan to enjoy veggies and fruits for a couple of days. Go us! :D *crosses fingers while looking at packet of Hershey's kisses* I'm not having any. Promise. *makes sad face*

Self Control is the Key to success (either to an empty, sweet deprived stomach, OR to a very very transformed you at the end of the year) I pick the latter. :) We can do it!

I had someone order this as a magnet a couple of weeks ago. It took me a really long time to decipher what it meant. Then it hit me:

It's for all those moments when you ask yourself, should I go for the Kaddu and shed a few pounds, or should I opt for the Nutella and experience chocolate bliss with maybe some banana on toast. Hehe. 

A tribute in honor of Firefly's First!

As most of you recall.. or wonder.. or noticed.. Firefly turned ONE on the 25th of March. And well, since I wasn't home for the festivities, I delayed the celebrations. :)


Now that things are slightly settled, I'd like to get back to all of you who were anticipating and wondering what I had in store for Firefly's First Birthday Draw/Contest. I read through everybody's ideas for characters and doodled them out.. including a Smurfette Sue, a caterpillar, a yellow FLY... 


What clicked to me most, was the character put forward by Sadaf Hansraj-Sabir. *waves, Hey Sadaf!* Why not? There are so many doodles in the Firefly collection, I figured I really should introduce a new hijabi cutie for Firefly family and friends. :) So here she is. looking at her reminds me of my little sister the days she likes dressing up. I suppose we could call her Hayaati ;) The name implying, 'life'. Goes perfectly with Firefly's story of life now doesn't it?

So, Sadaf. Thank you for that little inspiration which encouraged me to represent a young muslim girl... woman... who enjoys humor, has brains and bright ideas, whimsical dreams, alongside faith and ambitions for a creative future.. InshaAllah!


*cricket sound* That's not all! Guys, waitttt... 
Sadaf gets a notebook featuring Firefly's newest character along with three keychains featuring the same with personalized text. As well as a bookmark. :) Hope that adds sparkles to your day! Lots of Firefly love. ♥

Everyone else who took time to participate in the survey gets goodies too! All participants get a keychain of their choice from any of the available designs at Firefly :D ain't that neat? 

So all of those with their names mentioned below, leave a comment on this blog post with the keychain 

selection of your choice & email me your postal addresses with 'survey participant' in the subject line. :D

Ayesha Baig 

Sanum Shaikh

Sanna Hussain

Urouge Raza

Sadaf Noman

Fazli Azeem

Kiran Ali

Zareen Ahmed

Mehr Azeem

Mariam Mamsa

Manaal Memon

Sadaf Hansraj-Sabir

Yumna Ahmed

Nida Fatima

The ideas you all put forward for products are awesome.. some of them a little crazier than others :p Some of them are already in the pipeline and will be launched as early as Summer inshaAllah! Firefly will be working out some of them a little at a time in the months to come. For the moment, hold tight as the Firefly girl needs to work out a 8000 word Dissertation as well as a Mini Thesis in order to graduate at the end of this year. (inshaAllah) :D I am positive that with support and duas from all of you out there, I will do great, and will do what I can to make Firefly the best it can be when it comes to spreading smiles and sharing those happy moments. :)


MashaAllah!


A milestone it has been. Over 1k fans on Facebook, with an increase everyday. A number of you are returning Firefly customers, and it means a lot to me. Several of you have even availed your loyalty cards 
more than once by saving up purchases. :D Firefly has spread smiles to cities outside Karachi... Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore... and has even surfaced joy abroad to Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Scotland, Australia, Canada, as well as across the United States. 


Firefly has exhibited with Ghazal Pirzada Creative Studios and Lumino-city at Port Grand, has participated at SAARC, and has put up a stall several times at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. Firefly has collaborated with Firefly Photoworks at the WeldonMom's Chocolate Festival, too! It has doodled up Valentine craziness for Cupcake(s) by Cookie & Ensemble. It has designed for Kainaat Ensembles. It has put heart and soul into bookmarks for Literary Junction and has prepared keychains for Rahnuma and its projects. Firefly's goodies have landed in the hands of Strings as well as Bibi Russell all the way in Bangladesh. Firefly has been mentioned in DAWN's PGAG's online news story as well as The Daily Messenger. Firefly will be featured in the new youth magazine, Blah next month inshaAllah. What an awesome birthday gift for me :D Alhamdulillah!

Allah Kareem, all the success and all the blessings my life contains are your favor and generosity upon me. My biggest support is my family. Mama, for always being patient to our trips to the printer's. My Baba who constantly smiles at my ideas. My Mr Awesome, who's given me more and more encouragement, and tons of butterflies and sparkles. Alhamdulillah! My Papa, who gets excited about the little news clippings and of course, Mom, who believes in all the possibilities of me seeing the world and making the most of my talent. My brother, my partner in crime, Neeners, *waves* it's awesome having you help me out 24/7. My aunt and uncle, who drop in at odd hours to help me put together inventory. My little sister gives me new inspiration all the time. My unbiological sister, who tells me she's proud of me. My friends, who keep that Firefly spark glowing. I cannot forget Printer Uncle, Rauf Sahab, who is the best-est person around, who gives me enough 
morale boost to chuck out ideas round the clock and is the most cooperative and patient person ever.


MashaAllah... MashaAllah... MashaAllah...

Thank you everyone. For always being super supportive and always giving ME reasons to smile at the end of the day.

I am working out a 'faith' series... as well as some fun stuff to add to the crazy college humor as well as Indusanity. I have a splurge of ideas but right now studies are a first. :) 


Much Love,
Smile Sunshine. 

Firefly meets Ms Russell

So, a couple of weeks back, I'm sure everyone read the mad posts and comments on the Quarter Final in Bangladesh. I just wanted to let out a couple of disclaimers. :D

a) I'm not a die hard cricket person, BUT I really felt the essence and charm of the match, watching it live in  Mirpur Stadium against the West Indies!

b) I did not go to Bangladesh for the match, I went to study textiles and craft traditions.

Apart from getting published in the Bengali Newspaper and being on Live Tv for a few matters of a second, I had the  time of my life drooling over Naqshi Kantha, the running stitch of Bengal and seeing the beautiful natural dies, and pseudo Batik-Wax Resist printing. Everything I have read about in the collection of books sitting on my study shelf, came to life before me. It was precious. I learned so much. Watching the Jamdani weavers in Tangail was epic... well so were the people themselves. Remind me to post about their taboos some other time. :p *hint hint... disturbing imagery* Sonargaon was interesting. Slightly freaky with all the idols.. but the boat ride was bliss.

Anyhow, we had the honor of being welcomed at the mansion of the Komudini Foundation, we had a morning demonstration with natural dyes at Aranya Craft Center under the supervision of THE WOMAN herself, Ruby Ghaznavi. I bought her book and got her to write in it too. *gets all giddy* We were given a full tour of the Aisha Abid Foundation. Their set up is massive. What is more pleasing to know and witness for ourselves is the workforce. It is 80 + per cent women! Women screen print, dye, stitch, block and so much more. Their block library was out of this world, too. Thousands and thousands of blocks! God, I just wanted to bring some home. Aisha Abid Foundation has it's flagship Aarong. Pronounced Aa-RUNG. Which no one seemed to pronounce, even after we gave our Salaam to it almost everyday. Literally.

We went to see the  Bangladesh Institute of Textiles, was that the name? *thinks* This place was like walking into a historical museum, their equipment and facilities were awesome! BUT.. they needed to hire housekeeping. That place wasn't dusted since the partition I tell you! Anyhow, they treated us to patties, apples and tea.. AFTER serving themselves. We all slid the apple into our bags to make it look like we ate. :D

The reason this post has made it's long entry here is actually Bibi Russell. Everyone talks about her as THE model from Bangladesh for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and what not... but that's not the point! What she is today, is nothing any of us could dream up or imagine. She is the  Designer for Development, a part of the UN, she has so many mentions and honors to her name and humble personality, it's striking! She isn't at all boastful. Nor is she what you would expect to see in a designer with a name as grand as hers. Bless her, she's given all that she has for the crafts people. She works with ethnic identity. And simple traditions of Bengal. She's doing some amazing things. And May Allah Kareem give her even more to take forward the dream she's dedicated her life to.

When we met with Bibi Russell, we went to her office... or rather studio. It was totally funky! It's walls were covered with clippings and photographs along with little handicrafts from all over the globe. We all sat with fascinated faces and mesmerized vision. She was enthralling. She was really hospitable too, we had these local samosa thingies. Well.. most of us had at least 4. :P They were tempting. She was so easy to talk to. We could ask her anything. I'll post her responses in another post very soon :)  Her outlet had some kick arse accessories featuring Rikshaw Art local to Bangladesh :)



Before leaving, she gave us her cards, and we can write to her and everything! She even gave us little messages in our sketchbooks. I couldn't leave without giving her something... so I left a bit of the Firefly with her. :) That's a part of my dream.. My Firefly.

There's so much to see in this world. I wonder if I'd get to. It'd be so cool to travel. My brother teases me, saying he can so see me backpacking through Europe. :P I should start saving now. :) inshaAllah!





<EDIT>


I forgot to mention! Bibi Russell loved the magnet! She said it was beautiful :D

</EDIT>

Thank you Mercury!

I know this may sound utterly absurd, but the recent delays and miscommunication are all your fault Mercury. If you hadn't gone to sleep for a good month, I might not be having the tough situation I am at the moment with my illustrator files and keychains. *sighs*

I suppose I'll do a little at a time and refix the design formats on illustrator. Ooooh, this means I should REALLY start releasing my new doodles. *looks at pile of pending scanned doodles* Alhamdulillah, things could have been worse! OHMG.. yeaah..

Dear Sir.

Yesterday was anticipated to be a very very big day for me. Given, I was going to exhibit my Firefly dream at SAARC. I had stayed up late for days and put together things. I even worked out the collages I did for my minor with you as keychains. I had planned to come by and give them to you as gifts since you always  appreciated them, and you had given me encouragement to put forward my 'digital' prints.


I was at the mela, and the news came. I didn't know what to think at first. It was one of those situations where I couldn't sit in a corner and cry, nor could I go back a day and come talk to you with Maria about Mazaar Bazaar. We were working so hard on getting things sorted for the Bahaaron ka Mela. It was insane. 


I spoke to Ms Darr. I spoke to members of the council. I seriously didn't know for a while, what we would become or be... what we should do or not do. And I certainly did not know how I would welcome my mini thesis without your presence in the Print Making Studio. Remember? We talked about children's books. And why I'd want to work on them. After having one proposal rejected on Friday, I had thought of the books again, and how I'd apply what I learnt with you. 


In the blur of emotions, immense pressure from surroundings, and more clearly... a plea for patience... I held it in. Everything. Because I remembered the day I cam late to studio, because of low blood pressure. I know you were upset. But you very humorously told me... 


"Zindagi mein masle tu chalte rehte hain. Insaan guzar bhi jaata hai, uski zindagi khatam hojati laikin masle tu chalte rehte hain. Masle hi masle hain."


Sir, with that in mind, I couldn't back out of everything we had set out to do Yesterday. I stayed at SAARC and then came to Indus. Seeing all the flowers, I went back to my minor. Everything pretty. Everything  beautiful, that was my concept. Remember? 


I bought a digital print yesterday, it had a fish. You always worked on fish in your studio in between the time you had with your guests and green tea. That time we tricked Anamta... we all laughed so much, til we nearly cried because of how funny it was! And your collection of lawn prints... Iman Ali would've been your brand ambassador. You used to swoon over all the pretty papers and scrapbooking supplies. You appreciated all the little things... that we'd probably never think of. I can't forget the adorable 'art' masterpieces by your children up in your office. The stories you'd tell us about them. Those times you'd ask our opinion on your prints, or the excitement you'd show when the soft ground turned out successful. Sir it meant a lot, you valued our words. Our feedback. 


I felt so at home in print making. There was always freedom to explore and experiment, and after your critiques, even more freedom to explore and experiment... and those not so successful experiments led to the work I produced at the end. My six panel-prints will always be very special to me. Whatever I've learned in your company has been immeasurable. The time I have spent in your studio has been priceless. 


Sir, it's funny na... things that make you laugh or smile so much, can also be the things that make you sad. You have been a great mentor. And all your optimism has made tough days awesome. It was a little difficult understanding the splurge of ideas we'd have from you everyday. At that time it seemed like you wanted something changed. Not because you did, but because you wanted us to try out endless possibilities. I've been unnerved and stressed... but my work's always surfaced my struggle and success. For that I am grateful. For that I can never forget what you've taught me. Your patience with me was commendable, and your encouragement has pushed me to work as much as I have.


I feel it's a little late to apologize again for coming late to class that day, but I believe Allah Kareem writes stories with reason. I received your message very well in advance to be prepared for yesterday.


Masle tu Chalte rehte haina? We learn to be stronger with them, we learn to work around them, and we learn to better ourselves with them.


Sincerely,
Your Student

For all you've taught me, for all that you inspired me to do. For all that I never understood, to all that I understand now. May Allah Kareem make the road thereon easy, and let us not forget to remember... life's lessons. To Him we belong, and to Him is our return.


Inna Lilla Wainna Ilaihe Rajioon.


In Memory of Usman Ghouri. Artist. Print Maker.