Do you compare elements of your own life and existence to be like Tessa's?

Written by Kay Patterson

Much of Tessa's explorations are my own and I now like Tessa does in Zainad am venturing out into a world that is full of possibilities. I harbour the same sense of excitement and wonder as I learn to explore my current opportunities.

Tessa actually restricting her own movements to just staying in the carriage are how I came up with the concept originally. This was how I felt I had behaved, I had restricted my own movements and entertainment and pleasures in life by not taking action and moving on. I think a lot of us do this on many levels and I see it a lot in workplace situations in particular. For example we all know someone who will drift along in a job that they do not enjoy and then clain its because they 'have to' of course they don't have to there are a whole heap of alternatives that probably could serve them better but the familiar, even if its dismal, restrictive and even damaging will often feels safer than something unkown.

Some of Tessas adventures and experiences in Zainad also map out the way I would like things to be in my own future. Erutuf Stead and the Habit Plantation are ideas that I work with for my own present and future.

 

How did you first get the idea for The Raiway Child

Written by Kay Patterson

In October 2006 I approached a gentleman who said he may be able to help me, my home business ventures were failing to provide an income. Energy, finances and my own courage to survive was dwindling rapidly. This man - Dave - became my mentor and coach and I worked steadily through the issues that were hindering my progress.

In one of my early sessions with Dave he asked how I felt at this time and I explained that I felt like I was sat in a box and that I had been for some time - it is not unusual for me to describe feelings as images its how I think I suppose.  My feelings on this matter were very vivid and very visual and I went on to describe that I felt like this "box" was actually an empty freight railway carriage and that I was sat in it as a result of being there to escape from some previous dangers, but I had not got out when it had arrived.

Dave and I discussed how I could deal with these feelings and we set up a mental scheme to remove the shutters on the carriage - although they had not been locked. I had distinct feelings about the quality of light and some of the plants that were growing near the carriage. I was aware that I needed to take action and nurture some of the plants and care for them as they represented specific ventures.

My aim then turned in my own vision of my feelings and in my lifestyle to leave the carriage and begin exploring. These impressions were very vivid and remained with me.

One of the first things I purchased as my financial situation improved was a graphics tablet with the intention of trying to capture what I had been thinking about. This is how the first ideas of the Railway Child started.

What do you mean about the Railway Carriage is like individual and social behaviour?

Written by Kay Patterson

Well, there are actions that were suitable yesterday but are not suitable today because the action yesterday changed the ongoing requirements. For example a skin cream that may help remove a spot should not be applied once the blemish has gone as this may actually damage the skin that it previously healed.

Tessa should not have remained in the the carriage once she had arrived but should have disembarked and moved on. The carriage that brought salvation to her became her self appointed prison cell.

Likewise there are social examples of Tessa's Railway Carriage one of these would be a child progressing through schooling. To remain in a class once the basics have been taught and to do it all again may cause frustration and boredom possibly humiliation. Yet the first time round was a joyful learning experience.

Eccleciastes 3

A time for Everything

There is a time for everything and a
seaon for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep up and a time throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Tessa in the story of pictures of The Raiway Child is finding her times and seasons for peace, war, planting and uprooting.

 

What does the Railway Carriage represent, is it a prison or a safe place?

Written by Kay Patterson
The Railway Carriage at one point in Tessa's life was her means of salvation and was at one point her sanctuary. The Railway Carriage brought Tessa to safety. However once her destination had been reached, in this case the magical land of Zainad, then Tessa should have got out. Tessa once her transport arrived (allbeit by the unconventional method of the Coin Dragon in a large state hurling it there!) did not leave it. It was this action or lack of it that caused Tessa potential harm. There are many aspects of individual and social behaviour that this mirrors.

What happened to the Lassyabetev that were in the carriage with Tessa.

Written by Kay Patterson

When the railway carriage arrived in Zainad - with the help of the Coin Dragon - the Lassyabetev did not hesitate like Tessa did to get out and begin exploring the new territory. They have lessons and adventures of their own and may well meet up with Tessa again to share some experiences.

Slate is one of the eight characters. He is a Lassyabetev.