To All Women

Today is International Women's Day. This is to all the women that I know and those I have yet to meet.

I was sent this by a wonderful woman that I know, so let me share it with you on this special day. This is an extract from an interview with Maya Angelou on her 70th birthday on the Oprah Winfrey show. She said this:


"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow." 

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." 



"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life." 


"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life." 
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance." 




"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back." 



"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision." 



"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." 



"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back." 



"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn." 
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 




She is so full of wisdom and so very sincere. 


















I Called Her "Mamma"

Happy Mothers day. This is a day to celebrate the role of women and motherhood.

I lost my mum sometime ago but spiritually we are still connected and I feel she is watching over me every single day.

Do I appreciate her more this day than I do any other day? No I don't but all the hype surrounding Mothers Day has given me the opportunity to remember that I am also a mother as well as remembering my mum (mamma).

I dedicate this piece of art, the Makonde Breast to all Mammas out there. This is another one of my favourite pieces of African art. I love its shape and its meaning.

This special body mask originates from the Makonde people from southern Tanzania and represents a young pregnant woman (amwali ndembo). It is used during the initiation ceremony of adolescent boys and girls and forms part of a costume of a male dancer who wears a matching female mask to protect his identify. Together with a male mask figure, he performs a mesmerizing dance that includes the dramatisation of the burdens of pregnancy and the agonies of childbirth.

This piece is a constant reminder to me, of the miraculous process that goes on inside that 'bump' and the joys of motherhood.

Happy Mammas Day!