Editor’s Notes Feature Story: Siji Chew on this Fashion Sense Health Talk Inspiration Alita’s Travels African Fashion Renaissance
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Editor : Wangechi Ruguaru
Editor : Linda Obel
Contributor : Gerald Montgomery
Contributor : Alita Watson
Contributor : Benjamin Lebrave
Contributor : Annie Kimotho
Contributor: Rebecca Taiti
Editor : Eva Githina
Contributor : Wambui Wamutongoria
Contributor : Nana Kofi Acquah
Designer: Samuel Ndungu
The beginning of the year seems to drag on compared to how fast time seems to move over the holidays. Maybe there is less to go to, do or less money to spend. Whatever the reason for the less hectic schedule, I find that I really love this ‘bonus time’ because it allows more time for reflecting, organizing and most important of all, it is the best time to make space for the important things/people in your life. Life is short and you do not want to spend your life doing things that do not matter to you or with people that do not add value to your life. The surest way to make sure that you do what matters is to make space for what is important. Remove the clutter and fill your time doing what is important. The beauty of de-cluttering is that it can be applied to your inbox, your closet or garage, your relationships and even your mind. All areas of your life will be better if you remove the clutter and add things or people that benefit you. The process may be time
consuming and even painful, but the benefits will be priceless. All the clutter in your life amount to obstacles to the goals you want to achieve and the dreams you wish to fulfill. All this clutter ( read ‘obstacles’) prevent new opportunities from coming into your life. In order for you to enjoy these new opportunities you need to get rid of all the stuff that is weighing you down and dragging you backwards. Take charge and make space and I guarantee that you will notice a drastic difference! There is an old Chinese Proverb that says, “One cannot manage too many affairs: like pumpkins in the water, one pops up while you try to hold down the other.” Pick your pumpkins carefully and you will have a Prosperous and Happy New Year!
EvaGithina
Siji came to me while visiting good ol’ friends I hadn’t seen in awhile. We were discussing the magazine and Julia (my friend) asked me if I knew of Siji, I had never heard of Siji. She played me his video Ijo and I was blown away. The video is very soulful yet techno, you have no choice but to nod your head and stomp your feet. I then visited his website, listened to his music and I loved what I was hearing. His music is different…I am a fan of artist that dare to be different, to me they have more passion, because with different you are taking a higher risk. So I decided to email Siji and request an interview, he responded pretty fast… again the passion shows. I have pursued tons of artist and we never hear back from them…only the passionate ones, the hungry ones, the ones who understand the struggle and take it serious. So I will introduce to you ADESIJI AWOYINKA aka Siji….the passionate one.
My father had a vast record collection and the sounds that filled the household The second born of twelve children to Nigerian émigrés in London, Siji spent much of his early childhood in Lagos and London before coming to the US to further pursue his musical ambitions. His own cultural heritage combined with the political and social movements of the age, exposed young Siji to the insurgent, politicized music of the Afrobeat legends Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Tony Allen as well as the soulful grooves of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding. His parents, in particular, his father, loved music, but like most children of hardworking immigrants, Siji was urged by them to pursue a career in the professional fields of medicine or law. But the lure of the music was too strong. In the nineties, when London was bursting at the seams with new music
and groups like Loose Ends, Soul II Soul, and D-Influence dominated the scene, Siji’s attention was captured and he began to follow his passion for making and recording his own music. After completing a Masters degree in Engineering Product Design, the self-taught piano, percussion and acoustic bass player released an EP, “Facets” followed by the single “My Lover’s Embrace” on his own label IVY Records in 1996. These releases garnered much respect and admiration on the influential London underground music scene, gave Siji credibility as an artist, and eventually led to a lucrative worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. His youth and inexperience made him open himself up to all possibilities in his music, but it also lead him to sign a deal that he would find limiting to his creativity. With the publishing deal under his belt, Siji relocated to New York and performed in renowned venues—SOB’s, Bam Café and Joe’s Pub. He has worked with a number of producers, but it is his collaboration with Osunlade, who produced music for Musiq Soulchild, Eric Benet, and classic R&B vocalist Patti Labelle, that fostered in Siji a love of production. He has contributed songwriting and production talent to projects for Salif Keita, Cesaria Evora, Vinia Mojica and Wunmi. Along with those skills, Siji brought with him the immediate feedback and positive energy of the live performance into the studio, creating songs that would eventually make up his debut album God-Given (BBE Records, 2004). The album gives the listener the inspired reminiscences of the soul greats as well as traditional, Yoruba instruments, rhythms, and intricate drum patterns. Siji’s distinct vocals are an organic complement to the sound. His self-titled
newest work, ‘Adesiji’, was mostly recorded in Baltimore, a city Siji suggests is “trapped in time.” The songs he wrote and recorded there too are soulful, but capture the mood of a seasoned artist. Siji’s recent collaboration with New York based producer/DJ Alix Alvarez, yielded the crowd pleasing, dance floor hit, ‘Irinajo.’ Sung in its entirety in his native tongue Yoruba, ‘Irinajo’ (“Journey”), is about the eventful journey of life. The album also features collaborations with DJ/Producer’s King Britt and Rich Medina. Siji’s father opened up his debut album, (‘Oriki’). For Siji, it is “like a stamp of approval.” Although Siji does not consider himself an activist, he does sing about love, freedom, and self-empowerment. In this way, his music does inspire us to act—to observe, to love, to sing, and most of all to dance. What is your full name and where are you from? ADESIJI AWOYINKA. I was born in the UK but raised in Lagos at an early age after which I returned back to the UK and later on, the USA How does your family feel about your music? HIGHLY SUPPORTIVE What was the hardest adjustment to making a career out of music? Being fully independent on ones craft What inspired you to become a music artist? My father had a vast record collection and the sounds that filled the household ranged from King Sunny Ade to Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding. These sparked my interest at an early age How did you get into the music industry? Through a childhood buddy who invited me into a recording studio where he was working What is the main inspiration behind your music? Love, Humanity and Life What was the inspiration behind the albums God-given (2004 BBE Records) and ADESIJI (IVY 2008) All my recorded works are autobiographical stories about my world at any given point in time; What was similar or different in the artistic approach or your life perspectives as you worked on compiling those albums? They all tie in together. You can hear the steady progression or rather, the growing influence of my cultural heritage in my recorded work What advice would you give to young and upcoming musicians? Be original What instruments do you play? Piano. Percussion, Voice What is your usual rehearsal schedule like before recording or a performance? The usual; sleep ‘n play How do you balance your career with your family and social obligations? I haven’t been able to thus far What causes or issues are you passionate about? Humanity and education
Who are your top 5 African Musicians? In no particular order; • Fela Kuti • Salif Keita • Fatai Rolling Dollar • Tony Allen • Ali Farka Toure You have a very unique sense of style, what inspires your fashion choices, and which african designers do you favor? I don’t pay any attention to trends and/or style. Comfort comes first. I tend to wear whatever I’m most comfortable in these days
Hibiscus in My Cup I have a friend who is a coffee junkie, I keep encouraging him to find alternatives for this drink he loves so much. During my free time I love taking something warm especially in the evening. I had gotten a habit of drinking hot water until I came across herbal teas. There is such a wide range of herbal teas to choose from. One of my favorites is hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea is made from the hibiscus sabdarrifa or Roselle. It is a caffeine-free natural beverage with a number of therapeutic properties.
Dark red, dried hibiscus petals are used to make the tea, which gives it a deep red color and slightly tart flavor. The petals are steeped in boiling water, and then a sweetener is added (either sugar, dried fruit or honey. I highly recommend honey). The tea is strained and filtered, then cooled if one is looking for a refreshing cool drink. Hot hibiscus tea is tasty as well, but the tea is also a natural coolant that’s why most people enjoy it iced in the summer. The petals can be re-steeped until the dark red color begins to fade, but it’s this color that indicates a healthy quantity of antioxidants, so the darker the better (reminds me of the saying: the darker the berry the sweeter the juice). The following is a break down of the benefits and side effects of this lovely herb flower. BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS TEA • Hibiscus tea contains antioxidants and vitamin C. • It is lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, • it is a natural diuretic and also strengthens the immune system. • The antioxidants found in the red hibiscus flower are called anthocyanin. These antioxidants slow the growth of pre-cancerous cells by protecting against the negative effects of the oxidation process that occurs at a cellular level in all bodies. Though oxidation is a normal chemical reaction in the body, this cellular function allows two electrons to break apart forming free radicals that can damage healthy cells which then become cancerous. • hibiscus tea provides a healthy dose of these cancer fighting immunity boosters. • Enhances weight loss. Drinking a cup of hibiscus tea after meals reduces the absorption of carbohydrate sugars and starches hence promoting weight loss. It also contains an enzyme inhibitor that impedes the production of amylase, which is an enzyme that breaks down sugar and starches. • Hibiscus is also a mood enhancer and stress reliever as it has a positive harmonizing effect on the central nervous system. SIDE EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS TEA • • • • •
People with low blood pressure should not consume it as it lowers the blood pressure. In some cases it also produces hallucinogenic effect or you may feel as if been intoxicated. So if you are consuming it for the first time then do not go for it before driving as you may feel very sleepy. Hibiscus tea affects estrogen level. A person who has gone for the hormone replacement therapy and using birth control pills should avoid it. Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers should not take it. People taking anti-cancer drugs should not take it.
African Sensibility African Feminine Sensibility Items in this set:
$34 bankfashion.co.uk • Glamorous Navajo Box Top • Cap Sleeve tops $42 - mango.com • Trousers --L Chic-A • Highwaisted pants » $45 - dsw.com • 2 Lips Too Too Swagger Pump - Blue • Stripe shoes » $9.97 - nordstrom.com • T-Shirt & Jeans Structured School Bag • Faux leather handbags » $25 - nicolemiller.com • Indego Africa Fabric Wrap Bracelet • Nicole miller jewelry » $17 - asos.com • Made Brass Hoop Earrings Oversized jewelry » $19 - neimanmarcus.com • Susan Posnick COLORESSEN Items in this set - Mens Wear $66 - asos.com • Pointer Angus Suede Loafers $125 - paulsmith.co.uk • Paul Smith Shirt - African Print Tailored Fit Shirt $54 - bloomingdales.com • J Fold “V Twelve” Cutout Wallet $48 - jcpenney.com • TapouT® Mens Watch, Canvas Strap $49 - bloomingdales.com • John Varvatos After Shave» aliexpress.com • Wholesale Men Casual Pant Mens Designer Clothes Mens Wear Men Fashion Trousers #MS198» vinteeage.com • Men’s Africa 70 T-Shirt - Vintage T-Shirt Review - Palmer Cash | Vintage T-Shirt Design Reviews
When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is still, so is the mind still.� - Hatha Yoga Pradipika Breathing properly is one of the best gifts you can give your body. The body can go weeks without food or water, but cannot go more than a few minutes without air. If we do not breathe we die and a lot can go wrong if we do not properly inhale and exhale. Yoga, Piltes and Tai Chi are invaluable in teaching proper breathing technique because in those forms of excercise, the breath is king and everything else is secondary. The power of breath has been known in India for thousands of years. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. From a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama Yoga also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest
form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. The word “spirit” in the Hebrew language or “life-force” can be translated into the word “breath”. You may recall in the bible it describes that God literally breathed the breath of life into Adam. Our breath is quite literally our life force. Oxygen feeds every part of the body. Breathing deeply and slowly will relax you, while instantly sending powerful doses of oxygen to the brain and every single cell of the body. Breathing deeply and evenly through both nostrils helps to synchronize both sides of the brain. The right nostril tends to stimulate the left side of the brain and the left stimulates the right side of the brain. Research has proven that the brain swaps the dominant nostril we breathe through every 90 minutes. Studies also show that around 40% of people breathe incorrectly. Breathing incorrectly has definite negative consequences in that you could develop future illnesses. If you can consciously breathe the right way by forcing the abdomen out during inhalation your body will soon pick up this rhythm. The human brain has many functions and one of them is to follow the breath. If you are able to breathe anywhere from 1 to 4 times per minute , you will experience what is called the meditative state. Breathing is not about just holding the breath in or out, it’s about breathing long and deeply. Do this by breathing very slowly, using the full capacity of your lungs and completely exhaling. There are conditions that affect how well we breathe. One of the most common ones is pain. Most people in pain will breathe as if in stress i.e. shallow and an erratic breathing pattern and this will exercabate the pain or discomfort they are experiencing Improper breathing on the other hand, results in
• • • • • • • •
Mental stress Dizziness Numbness Anxiety Chest pain Digestive problems Irritable bowel Neck and shoulder pain
• • • • •
Place your hand just below your ribs, on your abdomen. Breathe as you normally do. Check to make sure that the hand on your abdominal area rise? Or does your upper chest rise? If your abdomen rises and your chest stays relatively flat, you are breathing properly. If your abdomen barely moves and your chest rises, you are not breathing properly and need to practice the breathing exercise described below.
Learning How to Breathe Properly 1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. (Although you can do this exercise while sitting or standing, it’s easiest to practice by lying down at first.) 2. Place your hands on your abdomen. 3. Breathe in through your nose, counting to four. Picture a balloon in your belly that you’re inflating with the air you are inhaling. Your hands should rise as your abdomen fills with air. 4. Hold the breath for a few seconds. 5. Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to four. Picture letting the air out of your belly balloon. Your hands should go down as your abdomen deflates. You can compare inhalation to filling up a glass of water. The first thing to be filled up is the bottom of the glass (lower abdomen), then the center part of the glass (the middle abdomen), and finally the top of the glass (chest). Likewise, exhaling can be compared to drinking the glass of water. First we drink the water in the top (chest), and second, the middle part of the glass (the middle abdomen), and last the water in the bottom (lower abdomen). Practice this exercise for a minimum of five minutes at a time, as many times as you wish in a day and then practice daily. The best way to breathe properly is to build up little by little. The lung’s capacity starts to expand, and as a consequence your mind becomes calmer, more balanced, and you will be able to concentrate more fully and make better decisions.
Proper breathing has a ton of benefits, most of which inlcude:
• Produces energy • Improves focus and concentration • Eliminates toxins • Strengthens the immune system • Improves bowel function • Reduces stress, tension and anxiety • Increases feelings of calmness and relaxation • Regulates our sleep patterns • Lowers blood pressure To ensure that you are breathing properly so that you reap all the benefits, conduct the following test in a position that is comfortable for you such sitting up straight in a chair, lying flat on your back or even standing straight. Then do the following
The best thing about deep breathing is it can be done anywhere while you’re doing others things. You can do it while driving, sitting or working at a computer. Learning to breathe the right way will help you be healthier, calmer and give you the ability to handle stressful life situations. Sources: http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/coping-162182-5. html http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_192. shtml#ixzz1cYsqz8Sw http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/
AFROPOLITAN SHOP I remember exactly the weekend I meet Bev, it was actually our first networking Happy Hour for our now Magazine, we had no clue we would have a magazine one day…and I am sure Bev didn’t have a clue that she would be a huge business woman and appearing in our magazine. But the stars aligned. I am proud of Bev, she has changed the way people do business, she is using this path to highlight talent, she is letting the designers shine. One thing that has always stood out for me about Bev, is her smile she has the most beautiful genuine smile that pulls you into her world. Beverly Lwenya was born in Kenya and raised in the UK and California. After graduating from the University of California, Irvine, she then went on to pursue a masters in African Studies from Yale. She moved back to Kenya and was inspired to start The Afropolitan Shop, a unique online boutique that helps African designers market their products on a global scale. Beverly has a knack for showcasing eye catching products and the people behind them. She is an expert on afro-chic style and incorporating African handmade products into everyday life. AIM caught up with Bev and here is what she had to say:
a part because I missed strolling through Maasai Market looking for the perfect set of earrings. What considerations are top-of-mind for you as you run your business? Quality. I am vigilant about it. I can’t stand badly made products, so its such a blessing to be able to work with people who have the same standards. I want to deliver the best possible product to my customers. I want them to absolutely love what they buy and, I want what they buy to last them a very long time. Also, I’m a stickler for great customer service. What do you see as your business’ contribution to society? This is key for me, because I love supporting businesses that give back like, for example Toms Shoes or Charity Water. I see myself as a social entrepreneur. I see The Afropolitan Shop serving black designers who are from all walks of life and struggling to get their amazing work sold. I want to help them expand their marketshare and not only make a living, but expand their business and employ people in their local communities. What are the foremost challenges you have encountered in starting and growing your company? Raising capital is always a challenge for any startup. Also, finding and maintaining access to the designers as well as distribution methods. But that’s my job. I’m doing the legwork, so my customers don’t have to.
What is your full name and where are you from? Beverly Lwenya, born in Nairobi, Kenya, raised in London, What is your favorite thing about your business? England and California I’m thrilled that people like the products that we sell, and I am equally thrilled that the designers create them from a place of passion for What inspired you to start your company? I would travel back and forth between Kenya and the US and what they do. I also have the chance to put my ideas into practice the people would ask where I got my Kenyan earrings or necklace personal satisfaction of creating my own business. or bag from. I realized there was a market for African designed products outside Africa. My own needs also played
What 5 Africans would you like to work with or meet? I’d like to work with Eric Wainaina on perhaps a fashion show? Designer Duro Olowu. Meet Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, Aliko Dangote Africa’s richest man, K’naan. There are so many possibilities! What advice would you give young upcoming entrepreneurs? I think for me I had to constantly remind myself about why I’m doing what I’m doing. Life presents us with so many opportunities to get lost in the details. I’d say have a 1 year, 5 year and 10 year plan, but also dream big! The world is waiting, and counting on us to change things. What is your guiding philosophy in life? I believe if you have big faith, God fills in the blank. Its just a matter of how much space you’re willing to give Him to work with. You give Him everything, you get everything in return. What causes or issues are you passionate about? Hands down has to be poverty. At the root of what I’m doing is the drive to be able to get to a place where I can make a change in my native Kenya. I think its deplorable the gap between rich and poor that exists, especially in Africa. We need our own Occupy Movement! I think one of the ways to kick poverty is through education. I’m actually involved with an education foundation that works in Kenya called the Deborah Amoi Foundation. It was actually started by my mother and is named after my late grandmother who was a school teacher. Its been amazing helping kids go to high school. How do you balance your career with your family and social obligations? I think balance spelled another way is time. Managing how much time I’ll have each day devoted to work, or family, or down time is crucial. What do you do on your down-time? I like to read and I’m a bit of a bookworm! Online articles, hardcover books, or Kindle ebooks you name it. I’ve taken up gardening this year, which I’ve found to be really fun! I also enjoy a good detective drama. For more information on Bev and Afropolitan Shop visit her website Contact: beverly@theafropolitanshop.com, Tel:(949) 735-1412, Twitter: @beve83/@theafropolitanshop Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theafropolitanshop Website: The Afropolitan Shop
August 22, 2011 I had been in Peru for 23 days. I had walked the daunting yet glorious Inca Trail of 53, 000 steps, and then lead a team of gringos that evaluated over 130 men, women, and children with debilitating facial deformities; operating on half of them in just seven days. Finally, I departed the ancient and enchanting city of Cusco to Iquitos – the Amazon of Peru. Here I would have several crucial days to prepare for Smiles next mission, less then one month away. Iquitos is comparable to Calcutta with its endless decrepit and abandoned buildings, the petrol-filled and sweltering air that chokes pedestrians as motorcars kick, bob and weave through the chaotic and overflowing streets. There is a looming darkness in this poverty stricken mayhem that sits along the great and rancid Amazon River. Prevalence of the mysterious tribal culture can be seen in scattered markets hawking secret piranha sex-potions, costume-shrunken heads, and animal skins of the jungles most bizarre. I was greeted at the airport by the president’s wife Maggie and her sidekick trio; colored in elaborate shades of make-up, chewing and popping gum as they sputtered a tone of Spanish it would take my ear a moment to adjust to. “Alitaaaah! Howarju? Bery nice to meetchou!” One of the women cackled as she showed of her few words of English. Maggie rolled her eyes; “She do no speak a pinche word de Ingles! Ven acqui mamita Alita,” as she planted a big pink kiss on my cheek. I got to know these fiery and rather powerful women well in just a few short days. Our conversations went far beyond the business we were attending to. As we were celebrating our last lunch on a splendid floating restaurant on the river, I looked around the table and felt grateful for the nature of this work. It brings unexpected characters together, and all too often their stories and reasons for giving back, are as touching as the mission we aim to collectively accomplish. We said our goodbyes and I found myself with one day, my first in three weeks, to myself. I had been pondering a journey to the jungle since meeting a happy longhaired chap at Paddy’s Pub in Cusco several weeks before. He had just come from Iquitos, having partaken in Ayahuasca ceremonies; an ancient Shipbo Indian tradition originating in this region. Lead by a Shaman, a concoction of two indigenous vines are blended together and consumed to lead its passengers on a journey that is simultaneously medicinal, marvelous, and potentially torturous. I had participated in a semi-traditional Ayahuasca ceremony with a group of “glorious seekers” once before, and it had indeed been a
profound experience. The consumption of this ghastly juice had me begging for mercy in its initial stages, and it had undeniably felt as though I had been poisoned! During onset, I had cursed myself for exploring this mythical venture; legend to cure everything from depression to cancer. However, once I found my way through the painful and impossibly complex passages of the “medicine,” I felt a sense of peace, clarity and strength I had never known before. Upon hearing of this fellow’s encounters, I found myself called again to explore Ayahuasca in its true authenticity. I felt a yearning to be cleansed of all that I had absorbed in the previous weeks, (months, years); the relentless stress, drama, exhaustion and an amalgamation of schizophrenic energies that seemed to now penetrate and ache in my bones! Nihe Rau was his unquestionable recommendation after traveling and testing an abundance of locations, shamans and “medicines” throughout Iquitos. Ayahuasca is by no means a recreational drug, and only with the guidance of a shaman can one supposedly be lead to their truths untold, relief of suffering, and/or “light” in life. I found the simple and newly constructed website for Nihe Rau, and contacted the owner “Cvita” for instruction; she cheerfully invited me to her kingdom, just outside of Llanchama. Before I knew it her driver “Tito” was picking me up on his moto-car in the Plaza de Armas and suddenly, I was on an adventure. A bright orange dirt road lead us further and further into the jungle, passing half collapsed fishing shacks, gorgeous children walking hand in hand that franticly waived as they spotted my foreign red hair and freckles. I lost my phone signal and surrendered doubt as we pulled through final dense emerald and colorful patches of jungle, arriving at Nihe Rau; a uniquely open thatched sanctuary of sorts, which felt a little like a scene out of Apocalypse Now. I was greeted by Cvita, a young and beautiful Canadian woman whose eyes sparkled as she gave me the tour of the Maloka (ceremony tee-pee), and prepared me for the night ahead. Ceremony would begin at 8pm, lead by three Master Shipbo Shamans: Ricardo, Julian and Olivia; together they shared over 100 years of traditional Curandero and Ayahuasquero (medicinal plant healing) mastery. For several hours I sat in a hammock and thought about my intention for this ceremony, for which I would need to relay to our guides that evening. A posse of parrots sat in the tree above me, laughing and discussing the passer buyers below. “What they must see…” I thought. I soon found my mat in the Maloka and attempted to follow the lead of the others, who organized their “Agua de Florida” (a potion that re-directs dark effects), their tobacco, blankets, and objects of support. A kind Frenchman next to me named Paulo, offered me his bottle of Agua de Florida, gave me a few friendly tips, and without words let me know he was an alibi for the evening. It was time. I approached the alter of the three shamans and was immediately struck by Olivia’s stunning and magnificent presence. Her face told a thousand years of stories, and her acknowledgement, if directed your way, compelled a grateful bow. I knelt in front of Juan and proclaimed my intention in a small and unfamiliar voice. “I have reached a crossroads,” I said. “I seek the strength, clarity and love to continue on a path that is true to my heart,” I declared; my Spanish no longer boasting its confidence or accent. He nodded in acknowledgement, poured me a shot-glass of the thick and pungent fluid which I swallowed quickly; managing the expression on my face to hide its foulness.
I quickly returned to my mat, located at two o’clock in the circle of 20 or so participants whom were clearly much more accustomed to the edicut of this ancient practice. They each approached the alter, whispered their designation, returned to their mats, and waited. The lights were turned off and we sat in pitch-black silence, listening to the sounds of the jungle that seemed to get louder and louder with each passing moment. I closed my eyes and tried to absorb and welcome each feeling and thought. Colors filled my eyelids. I kept opening them to see where it was coming from but found nothing but darkness. So I closed them again, diving back into what seemed like a dream of octagonal symbols that bloomed in and out of one another. My body hummed with an opening and at first, it was orgasmic. But soon I found myself silently calling my mother, Cvita, Olivia, anyone, for help. And just as I began to panic like a lost little girl, the shamans began to sing. The shamanic songs of the Shipbo Indians are unlike anything you have ever heard. They are an orchestra of tones and quivers; beautiful drawn out currents of words that hold different messages for each member of their audience. My body began to writhe; my bones began to ache, my mind to scream with the flooding of thoughts that traveled to indescribable places. I could only hear my voice fighting through internal chaos. But, I also heard and felt love. Olivia was singing from above me, in front of me, next to me. I could vividly see and feel joy from some of the happiest moments of my life and somehow, I could also clearly envision those to come. I wept for those that I have loved and lost, for the suffering of the families that had come to us with hope, and been turned away. I wept for the burdens we bare, and the toll it takes. I prayed with my hands clutched tightly together, for strength to carry on in this work, in any form that it may bring. Cvita came to my mat in the darkness as I was trying to find a wave of relief, and asked me to sit in front of Olivia, who had called to sing for me. A privilege that is not given to everyone; a privilege I had been hoping for. I knelt in front of her on my knees. I couldn’t see her less then a foot away from me in the darkness, but I knew I was sitting in front of an empress. She was silent. Listening to me without words. She took a long strong breath, and then began a song that evoked a surge of hot tears to pour from my eyes. I could feel her two ancient and magical hands reach into my chest and wrap around my beating heart. At a moment when I couldn’t bare the sadness of her song, her voice changed and danced like a playful violin of another world; twirling me in carefree and joyous circles. As her song came to an end, I believe we were both there in the midnight, grinning at each other. Throughout the ceremony I found myself desperately writing this experience in my mind; trying to capture each vision, message, feeling…but I realize now, this was an impossible endeavor. It is what I walk away with, what sinks in, and what sticks to soul that matters to me now. I’ll keep those secrets as my own, but I know this much is true after my Ayahuasca ceremony with the Shipbo Shamans at Nihe Rao… I will: Be prepared to let go of what has served me in the past Walk with those of wild, brave, and adventurous hearts Travel as the gypsies do with my mother and the women in my life, who’ve been knocking on my door Do everything with love Write! Perhaps this, is my Chapter One… Olivia
This post is not late, yes African fashion has been on the rise for a while, but it has even higher to soar with your help. African prints are seen on all major fashion weeks worldwide and African designers are getting more recognized on the global fashion scene. All Africans have a role to play in bringing back the African essence in the clothes, Accessories and trends that we wear every day. This is how you can participate in the African Fashion Renaissance. Buy African: Credits: sneakers by SUNO sunony.com/store/category/sneakers This is a controversial topic, because it somehow implies that you MUST buy African print mou mous and dress like your grandma…..nope. What you must do however, is consider African designers and designs when you need to buy something new. The new age African designers design everything….graphic tees, sneakers, office wear, you name it, there’s an African artist, designer or artisan that’s done it. By comparing what you would normally buy with what Africans are making, you’re making a conscious decision to look at what’s out there in African fashion, and you would be surprised to know that African designs are outstanding and pocket friendly. If you’re not familiar with African designers I recommend you check out websites like CIAAFRIQUE www.ciaafrique.com and Haute Fashion Africa www.hautefashionafrica.com that have fashion directories of designers that range from haute couture, t-shirt designer and casual wear. ATTEND AFRICAN FASHION EVENTS: Plan your vacations around some of the fabulous fashion weeks, fashion markets and fashion events. The beauty of Africans is that we are spread all over the world, so there’s a fashion event in almost all countries where people of African descent live. Here is a mini break down of consistent fashion events both in Africa and around the world. AFRICA GLOBAL · Jo’bug Fashion week- 4-19 Feb Johannesburg SA · Nairobi Fashion Market- March Nairobi kenya · Hub of Africa fashion week a.k.a clairvoyant and in the bag 25th 27th of April Addis Ababa Ethiopia · Zimbabwe fashion week-30th august 03 September · Swahili fashion week-November Tanzania · Ghana Fashion awards-15th October · Fashion business Angola-13th 16th October Luanda Angola · African fashion international- Johannesburg SA October. · African fashion week London- August 2012 · African fashion week New York – July 2012 · African fashion guide launch- invitation only London England 9th September · Brooklyn fashion weekend- Sept 30th Brooklyn new York · Black fashion week- Prague November · Ubuntu international project – London England December DO BUSINESS Own a business? Find a way to do business with African designers, stylists and artisans. The most obvious example is boutique owners who can stock designs from African designers. Often whole sale buyers like boutiques get whole sale pricing on purchased items. Also wedding parties that buy in bulk get huge discounts because of the quantities they buy. You can also get custom designed t-shirts for your business from an African designers, this can be a fun way of putting your business on blast while doing your part in promoting African designers. Restaurant owners can also have their staff uniforms designed and sewn by an African designer. Whatever business you have, remembered to consider African designers when sourcing for Aprons, uniforms, t-shirts, hats etc… This way the designers work gets promoted and allows them the opportunity to grow their skills, portfolios and their ability to expand their business. THE FASHION MAGAZINE The glossies have been used to interpret and showcase fashion trends. With the rise of African fashion has come the rise of the African fashion magazine. Online magazines and well as print magazines as well as print magazines are coming up with new ways of communicating to their readers the new wave of African fashion. The awesome thing with fashion magazines is they open avenues for all artists in the fashion industry from designers, photographers, models and editors. Magazines like Mimi magazine www.mimimagazine.com/ MIMI_Magazine/Mimimagazinesoulsubstancestyleavoiceforafricanwomen. html fashiz black www.fashizblack.com and Drum www.drum.co.za are a fantastic way to catch up with all things in African fashion. SPREAD LOVE Designers love to receive positive feedback, when you stumble upon an African designer that you dig, let them know what you love in their collection, share images on your tumblr and face book, let your friends know when you stumble upon a new African designer, blog about it.
G-Spot Q&A about Do-overs Question: Screw an “EASY” button I need a “Do-over” button. Regrets...Regrets...Regrets! Has anyone ever truly been able to get a second chance to fix what they messed up? Doshia Richardson of Columbus, Ohio Answer: Define “do-over”? If you want to go back to a time before the mistake was made you’d also have to lose the knowledge of the occurrence/incident. And without knowledge of how what you did turned out what’s to prevent you from doing it the next time, perhaps with a worst outcome? Whatever information that was available to help you make the right or optimal choice [the first time] would be the same (and only) information available to you when you get the do over. And since you didn’t heed the information the first time through, why would you on the do-over? Why then, with all factors being the same, could you expect a different outcome? Furthermore, how would you learn not to do it in the future if you never do it the first time? The whole “change one thing in the past, change everything in the future” paradox notwithstanding. Regarding second chances, if you find yourself in the same position again, meaning a chance to make the same mistake with the same person(s) under very similar circumstances, then I would deduce you are in a second chance scenario. The mere fact that the person you offended has allowed themselves to show you the same vulnerability but seem to expect a different outcome signifies a restored trust in you. I believe this is the only true measurement of a second chance. Second chances are essentially about restored trust; trust in your abilities and judgment. You will never get back the status of never had made the mistake, so don’t yearn for it. Instead work towards restoring their trust in you. Rebuttal (from by-stander): No rule saying you have to lose the knowledge of the incident, you’d just have to live with what you changed, knowing (for better or worse) that you changed it... Response: Interesting angle. I must say, I fail to see how retaining knowledge of wrong-doing while others lose all recollection of it would be beneficial to any human being, if we could do such a thing. (And how is that any different that doing wrong when no one else knows about it? It still affects the stature of your being.) Such supernatural ability would corrupt even the most righteous person. What’s to stop you from deliberately doing evil knowing you had the power to make those you violated, simply forget? And how would their forgetting and you remembering make you feel better about yourself? You would essentially lie every time you acted as if you never did it because you know that in one measure of reality you did do it. Isn’t the point of a do over to get a clean slate, like a “virgin status”, [if you will]? So a do over is only worthwhile if it brings you back to a pure state. Therefore you must forget as well.
G-Spot Q&A’s about Love and Relations Comment 1: Markayla [my infant daughter] loves her daddy! Whenever he is in the room she coo’s and follows him. If he leaves, she cries! It doesn’t matter if I’m there or not! I’m lite-weight jealous [an expression that means a little jealous] Kimyada Richardson - Columbus, Ohio Response 1: And all that’s cool; her fascination with her daddy, your “liteweight” jealousy; it’s all a beautiful thing! The key is properly acting out your jealousy. Don’t do anything to disrupt the rhythm of that daddy-daughter “thang”. It’s biological. Yes, it is just her “female side” responding to his “male side” already; His smell, his physique, the bass in his voice, his big hands. You should encourage this bond to reinforce his need to understand the full impact of his presence, or lack thereof, in her life. You will always be mom and everything that will ever mean. But she will need to, or rather she should, learn about men from her relationship with her dad. There is no substitute for this relationship. There is nothing quite like the relationship between a daughter and her biological father, no disrespect to the stepfathers out there who do a darnn good job stepping in (no pun intended). By the way, when I say “presence, or lack thereof” I only mean that he needs to understand the impact it would have on her psyche and development if he withdraws from her. Not to imply that he is an absentee father. As a side note to this topic, too many of our women have thoroughly convinced themselves they don’t need a man for their children and their children don’t need a father. That they [the women] can be both mother and father. BS! The statistics say otherwise! Look them up (smile). Comment 2: I decided that I was no longer really ready to love! I’m just tired, not a good day today! -Anonymous Response 2: Such a profound declaration! I am truly sorry you feel this way. I’d be lying if I acted like I’ve never came to the same conclusion, more than once I might add. The truth is the more you know about anyone the harder it is to love them. The same goes for you [or I]! At times it’s easy to question why others, including the God we don’t see, love us, in all of our filth and stink. But I truly believe we love simply because we have to. It’s what we humans do. We are at our best when we behave lovingly towards others. And, I must say, there is only one way to love. Anything else is merely just “acts of kindness,” “gestures of mercy” or “strategic favors.” So love, when you have the strength to do so, that is. Not because the person in your cross-hairs did anything to deserve it. Love because it’s what you do. It’s what makes us good. It’s what makes us... Lovable!
Thank you for the question Doshia! Iron sharpens iron, so lets be better because of it!
Iron sharpens iron, so lets be better because of it!
Gerald Montgomery
Gerald Montgomery
See No Evil What’s Up Africa is a You Tube series which is a product of Radio Netherlands Worldwide hosted by the goofy and unpredictable Ikenna Azuike. He tackles Africa related subjects, and most recently, he was in Kenya for the month of January where he interviewed interesting people in and around Kenya. He airs new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will always leave you laughing.
http://www.youtube.com/ikennaazuike http://www.rnw.nl/africa http://www.twitter.com/whatsupafrica
Hear No Evil Just A Band has accomplished a ton since AIM Magazine’s last interview of them in December 2010. They have conquered new territories, accumulated a lot of new mileage points and gained a massive following. They have released more albums and EP’s, the latest of which is [KUDISH! THE SOUND OF SOUP 14.4.2011] They describe this as “a collection of remixes we’ve made since 2009 when we started doing live performances and DJ sets. Released on the occasion of “Kudishnyao!” – our second video art exhibition hosted by the Goethe-Institut Nairobi.” I love that Just a band still lets the nerdy and goofy aspect of their personalities rule. This makes them and their music way more interesting to listen to and watch than the wanna-be ladies man that most male singers try to channel. I had a ton of fun dancing to KUDISH! I basically closed my bedroom door and played it as loud as I could while practicing my femme fatale sexy moves...rarrr! http://music.just-a-band.com/
Speak No Evil One Day I Will I Will Write About This Place is a book by Binyavanga Wainaina that has good writers agog. Writers are the most critical lot about their fellow writers and when I see them almost stammering with praise, I pay attention. See, I follow these two brilliant bloggers that have me confident about what an awesome read this book is. To read very enlightening reviews about this book, go to... http://kweligee.wordpress.com/tag/benga-music/ http://gukira.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/readingbinyavanga-iii/ ...and you will pay attention and grab a copy of this page turner. Please do me a favor and send us your review of it. Pretty please :-/
Rebecca Taiti is a third year student at Moi University in Eldoret- Kenya, majoring in Economics. She is an ardent reader of all types of books and developed a passion for writing a few years back. She helped and actively participated in writing various articles for her high school magazine. Rebecca Taiti is currently the Assistant Brand Manager of her school club, Business Management Students Association, where she continues writing articles for the club.
Three friends was not a bad number to go by. In case I fell out with one, there would always be two left before the other one came back to their right frame of mind and made the expected amends. But betrayal by all three! I must admit that came as a stab in the back. And now I know the colour of trepidation. They came, they saw, they conquered…and left my trust in the rubbish pit. What’s more, they did so looking me straight in the eye without batting an eyelid. It all went a little like this: Friend number one: Helen A girl of about 5’5, jolly in most cases. She often described me as sheltered, clueless and extremely trusting with no caution to whatever life blew my way. As fate would have it, a while back, my phone started having one of those problems. An indication I needed to replace it urgently. In the meantime, my loyal friend so generously offered hers whenever I was in need. I was getting international phone calls via Helen’s phone talking to my boyfriend from Australia (now ex). It had been a few days since he left the country. In my absence, Helen would dial back the number and call Michael, my then boyfriend and tell him how I was no good to him, how I had faked my phone problems and how much she wanted him. You may ask how I came to know of this. This is how: Michael pissed at the persistent nagging of Helen,called up my mother (may her soul rest in peace). After a lengthy conversation between the two they concluded as my mother later told me. Michael: Mama Rebecca, tell Rebecca to be cautious of the people she calls friends. Mama Rebecca :( in reiteration,) I will! I will! Next was the phone conversation between mama Rebecca and I(keeping it short and precise) Mama Rebecca: Keep off that man snatcher. She has been going behind your back feeding Michael lies about you and throwing herself shamelessly at him. Rebecca; I will mama but after I confront her. Our not so calm confrontation with Helen ended up in her denying everything and me giving her the benefit of doubt courtesy of our long standing friendship. A short visit by Michael later on in the month confirmed his allegations. There were phone calls at very odd hours of the night and day from Helen’s phone. Calls I definitely did not make. I confided in friend number three and she called her all sorts of names claiming she always knew she was a traitor. Conclusion: friend number one had behaved like a rat; pilfering trust and elevating suspicion.
Friend number two: Mary A stout girl same height as I 5’4 with big spread feet. We all along had been coy with each other always cautious of stepping on the other’s toes. A reserved girl, I made sure to keep my wild side at bay lest I scare her. One very wet and cold morning, she knocked on my door and our conversation went a bit like this: All smiles she asked, “Are you going to buy breakfast?” Yawning, I answered, “yes, why?” “Wanted to send you” she continued “What did you want?” getting my purse I enquired “Family loaf and milk,” giving me money, she said. On getting to the shop after wading through the mud and bearing the downpour, the shopkeeper announced she only had super loaf. I bought it anyway. Back at the hostel, I gave Mary her loaf and milk. Instantly, she turned vile shouting to all and sundry that she did not want super loaf and literally threw it at me claiming she only ate family loaf. She had no idea she had hit a raw nerve. Loudly I called her an ingrate reminding her spitefully that only the previous day she had been broke and asked me to sort her out for breakfast and how she had gnawed away at the same super loaf she now did not supposedly eat. From then on, it was silent treatment. I got the message loud and clear. I neither had the patience nor the time to be the bigger person and make amends. I was simply too pissed. We fell out. I am far from being the perfect friend but one thing I am certainly not is ungrateful; even to foes. Friend number three: Terry Terry was declared in a school assembly as being the meanest student. Back then she was in nursery school. Today, she stands tall at five feet. About two months ago, my fiancée had come to visit me at home. On the eve of new year, texts started streaming intermittently in a number we both did not recognize. After every text, the unknown number was switched off for a couple of hours (we both tried calling continuously to find out who it was) and each text got nastier describing in detail how unfaithful I had been to my fiancée. I however managed to allay his fears and doubts all the while appearing collected on the outside but seething in anger, wondering who would want to be this malicious a couple of hours before the new year. Needless to say, New Year came and a few days later, my fiancée left. Immediately, I enlisted the help of a friend, Dorothy, who lit the bulb in my head. “All you have to do,” she said, “is send money via the local phone account and the name of the cowardly idiot will show” It so happened it was the name of the brother to friend number three that popped up on my screen to confirm that indeed my money had been sent. Super pissed would not begin to express how I felt! Terry had so tactlessly sent those texts not with her brother’s number and knew I would never get to the bottom of things. I had a stark choice of either letting go of my last trusted friend or let her back in my life. I stoically choose the former. It is still early in the New Year and despite all this, I simply have to put up a spirited front and console myself saying, spero meliora-I hope for better things.
The eyes are not responsible when the mind does the seeing~Publilius Syrus~ It is amazing the things we find while browsing through the numerous number of blogs, tweets and status messages. However, very few things haunt us and completely change our perspective and even more rare are those people, things or messages that make us take action. I read a ton of blogs and if you ever check my facebook or G+ profile you will see that I share all the random things that I think are witty, smart or profound. However, whenever I look through Nana’s “Window to Ghana and Africa” I am mostly inspired and most times I am just quiet, because the photos speak so clearly about what is going on in Ghana and the other parts of Africa that he photographs. Nana Kofi Acquah is more than a photographer, he is also a brilliant storyteller and poet. Nana’s work for me is proof that we as Africans want to take ownership of our stories. We want to tell our own stories for our sake so that we understand how we got here, who we are and where we are headed. I followed up with Nana to get a glimpse of who he is, why he is at the “Window to Ghana and Africa” and where he is headed... What is your full name and where are you from?
My name is Nana Kofi Acquah and I consider myself a global citizen with roots in Elmina, Ghana. When did you become interested in photography? As far as I can remember, I have always been interested in photography but taking a job in Advertising in 2002 opened the doors for me to learn more and experiment often with a digital camera. How did you discover that you had a talent for photography and how did you develop that talent? When I worked in Advertising, there was often the need to take photos for design layouts and concepts. This offered me loads of practicing opportunities. How did your family help or challenge you as a far as your photography is concerned? I started photography before I got married to my college sweetheart. Gloria has always been supportive since I brought the first camera home. In fact, she didn’t even question my crazy decision to quit being a creative director for an ad agency to become a full time photographer. I know most photographers are not half as lucky as I am, and I feel grateful. What do you see as Photographer’s contribution to society? Photography impacts society in many different ways. For years, photography has been used as a visual documentary of national, family, organizational and personal history. It has started and ended wars. It has built and damaged relationships. There is no way to measure the full impact photographs have on societies. Do you have a favorite picture and if so, could you provide a copy and tell us why the photograph is so special to you Unfortunately, I don’t have any favorite photographs. I’m one of those photographers who keep hoping the next shot
will be better. What issues, places or spaces inspire you? I grew up on stories. Nothing inspires me more than a powerful personal story. I am a people person and really enjoy it when I get to step respectfully into someone’s personal space and document their life. I also enjoy visiting good museums and seeing great photography exhibitions. What have been your favorite projects to date and why? We spent the last quarter of last year on farms in some of the most remote, rural parts of West Africa. A lot of the time, we weren’t sure our vehicles could even make the trip but every single time, we made it. I enjoyed doing that Nestle assignment immensely. What causes or issues are you passionate about? I am extremely concerned about the environment. I’m sure the next world wars won’t be about race, religion, power or oil. It will be about water. I’m also passionate about Africa and the issues that stagnate our development. Which photographers do you admire? I have met quite a number of world class photographers and the ones I admire the most are the ones who are first and foremost, nice human beings and then great photographers. Chris Steele-Perkins, Pep Bonet, Bruno Boudjelal, Dennis Dailleux, Kadir Van Lohuizen, George Oshodi and Akintunde Akinleye come to mind. What about Africa is special to you? The people, the spirit, the cultures. What advice would you give to young and upcoming photographers? Don’t follow the money. Avoid the temptation of shooting “anything that pays”. You need to always ask yourself: “If no one was paying me, will I have shot this anyway?” This is the only way to finding your unique voice.
When African leaders lose their heads They turn their unwanted affections Towards Russia and China and anyone Who’d rather not have Democracy. When Nkrumah lost his head, it was Ghanaian hands that tore him up But it was American brains behind it. His Russian friends were too faraway. When Mugabe lost his head, China became his new found love And his people are still paying For spurning his cold, twisted love. Now Gbagbo’s fever is getting worse As he’s been left to shiver alone. Russia just offered him a blanket Full of blood-thirsty fleas. But Dear Gbagbo, pushing yourself down on a girl, is not the way to do it anymore. If she doesn’t love you, let her go. Now. Who knows? In time, they might worship you just as Ghana now worships Kwame Nkrumah.
The attached is a photo of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s statue that got vandalized when he was overthrown in a coup d’etat that was orchestrated by the American CIA. “Wikileaks, do you have more information on this?”
Clothed much is a modest fashion blog started in 2009 by Elaine Hearn when she was a “poor married college student with little clothes” as she puts it. She was following several fashion blogs for a while in which a lot of the bloggers wore revealing clothing that she would never wear or even consider; plus, their styles didn’t reflect her own. Her blog is on a list blogs that I visit as part of my morning ritual, she has brought out the best in me because she puts pieces together you would never ever think of. She is an awesome blogger and I only share the best with the readers, join her on Face Book and twitter……you will not be disappointed. Please tell us your full name and where you come from? My name is Elaine Hearn. I’m from Philadelphia but currently reside in Los Angeles. Can you tell us a little about yourself? I am Korean. I am a Mormon. I am currently employed as an account coordinator in the affiliate marketing department at Shopzilla, Inc. I have been married for four years and my husband and I just added a cat to our little family earlier this year. In my free time, I like to eat and then work out (rinse and repeat), watch movies, spend time with family, and work on my blog! How you first got involved in with blogging? I was following several fashion blogs for a while and noticed a lot of the bloggers wore revealing clothing that I would never wear or even consider and their styles didn’t reflect my own. How could they? We’re all different! So I started my own blog as a creative outlet to learn to be modest and stylish and at the same time learn to be a frugal shopper and creative with what I already had. What do you find most challenging about blogging about your topic? The different reactions people have to modesty is probably the most difficult about blogging. It’s so subjective and everyone was taught differently and perceives experiences and the world differently that there is no one definition of modesty that everyone can agree on. With this in mind, it results in a lot of different opinions in many different voices which can both be a beautiful and challenging discussion for all. Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on your blog? I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with several other bloggers that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. Some are fashion bloggers, some are readers, and some are mommy bloggers. How would (someone) describe your blogging style? I have no idea! I’d hope they would say it is consistent and sometimes funny but usually not. What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? So much! I have a full-time job, I work out every day, I clean our house, do chores, run errands.. I rarely have time to work on my blog right now but somehow manage to keep it afloat. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why? I don’t consider myself a full time blogger right now but there have been times in the past in which I’ve dedicated a lot of my time to blogging. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging
business? I actually don’t do enough! I used to hand out business cards on campus when I was a college student but now with my job I don’t encounter very many new people to do that anymore. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog. I had the same problem and then started to bring in guest bloggers and contributors to add new content that I wouldn’t have ever thought of! What’s your strategy with your blog in general? To be consistent and give my readers something new to look forward to. What’s the best thing a blogger can give to his readers? To make the reader think, ponder, and evaluate what the blogger talks about and apply it to their lives. A lot of people are interested in blogging for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging? I actually wrote a post on that here: http://www.clothedmuch.com/2010/11/how-i-makemoney-from-my-blogand-so-can.html What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made? It is different for every Blogger depending on their blog, the content, the audience, and how much time they invest in it. But there is always some money you can make from the internet. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why? I really admire Kendi Skeen from Kendi Everyday. Although we’ve never met, she’s always been so genuine and nice to her readers and throughout her blog as she and her blog grew. Plus, along with the growth of her blog, she has also opened up her own clothing boutique. She is a hard worker and it shows. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest? I also wrote a post on that here: http://www.clothedmuch. com/2010/10/blogging-tips.html Some of the tips are outdated but generally they are tips that I have found that work for me. Elaine Hearn elainehearn@gmail.com http://www.clothedmuch.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/clothedmuch Twitter: http://twitter.com/clothedmuch