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!

Accra's Art Gallery

I hope it's not too late to wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2008.

There appears to be a number of art galleries opening around the world. Here in our home town we are looking forward to the opening of two new art galleries. And, I have also learnt that Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General has just opened one in Accra, Ghana.

The gallery is a two million dollar multi-purpose Artists Alliance Gallery (AAG) which will serve as a platform for artists to display their works. He has called on Africans to appreciate their works of art and to recognise its value.

He goes on to say, "Artists tell stories that the journalists, politicians, civil society and opinion leaders would not dare say and this shows the important role arts play in the history of people".

As you already know, African art is our thing, I can feel a trip to Ghana coming on.

"African art feeds the soul and makes our world a better place to live in".

Happy Kwanzaa - Imani (Faith)

Today on the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa and the first day of the new year, we celebrate Imaani (Faith). To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.


Today as I awake from my bed, I am fighting against all the despair and negativity that I hold in the belief that eventually good will triumph over evil. This really is a time for self-reflection and re-commitment to all that we hold dear and to all that we believe in. Today I look at the work that has been done and the work that still needs to be done and I continue on my journey in the hope that justice will prevail.

My daily reflection on the Nguzo Saba and Kwanzaa in this way, has really helped me to focus, think, reaffirm my self worth and the importance of my family, friends and all around me. I would like to thank Dr Mualana Karenga for his insightfullness, his vision and his creativity. He has provided us with a set of core values that can be celebrated and honoured, not only during the seven days of Kwanzaa but throughout the year and for the rest of our lives.

Heri Za Kwanzaa (Happy Kwanzaa)

Happy Kwanzaa - Kuumba (Creativity)

On this sixth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kuumba(Creativity). To do as much as we can, in whatever way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than it was when we inherited it.

I struggle with life's social injustices and sufferings. I often think "what can I do to make things that little bit better." The fact is with a little bit of creativity we can all do our bit to make a difference to someone's life, whether at work or in our personal lives.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Nia (Purpose)

On this fifth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Nia(Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community; to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

I believe we all have a purpose in life. I believe the purpose of Kwanzaa is to make us think, not only about ourselves and our family but also about the community. To think about who we are, where we are and what the future holds. I will never be rich, not in the financial sense of the word but I do feel I am so much richer through my connection with my family, friends and the great many people I have met along the way. I will continue to strive to be the best I can be whilst promoting cultural awareness and practices within the community.

Happy kwanzaa - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

On this fourth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics. Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own shops, stores and other business and to profit from them together.

We believe in the life-affirming necessity of work. But, this should be a place where you can culminate economic practices that demonstrate dignity, respect, fairness, balance, harmony and an opportunity for individuals to grow together.