Wrapping Black History Month

The theme for 2013: Reaching back - moving forward

 Dear gentle doves,

The month of february was black history month; an annual observance and remembrance of people and events in the history of the African diaspora. Although primarily celebrated in the USA, I believe it holds true for each and every black person on the surface of the earth.

This year's theme, particularly, was very intriguing - 'Reaching back - Moving forward'. How profound and loaded is this declaration. Indeed, in order to move forward, you need to draw from the reserves of the past. Lessons learnt, skills acquired, and the knowledge obtained.

In recapping the month that was a celebration of the thriving spirit of the black human race; I've put tpgether a list of must-read books for every woman. It's african inspired, and I believe more relevant than ever to the modern African woman. I've had the pleasure of reading some of the literature, and will also be reading more.

TOP 20 AFRICAN LITERATURE READS FOR WOMEN:
1. This child will be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
2. The impact of our actions - Kedibone Mooi
3. The Joys of Motherhood - Buchi Emecheta
4. The Slave Girl - Buchi Emecheta
5. Nervous Conditions - Tsitsi Dangarembga
6. Burgher's Daughter - Nadine Gordimer
7. A question of power - Bessie Head
8. Woman at point zero - Nawal El Saasawi
9. Butterfly burning - Yvonne Vera
10 Male daughters, female husbands - Ifi Amadiume
11.Unbowed: A Memoir - Wangari Maathai
12. The Madams - Zukiswa Wanner
13. Behind every successful man - Zukiswa Wanner
14. Fat song for my girlfriends - Napo Mashiane
15. A ribbong of rhythm - Lebo Mashile
16. So long a letter - Mariama Ba
17. Our sister kill joy - Ama Ata Aidoo
18. Half of a yellow sun - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
19. My son's story - Nadine Gordimer
20. The Icarus Girl - Helen Oyeyemi

So, when you've got time; get yourself a drink, grab a book and be ready to be laugh and be fumed by some of the assertations in these books, and the role of the African woman in society, but most, of all, appreciate the strength of this beautiful, graceful, stroong African woman that you are.

With love,
Lady B

The Journey Calendar - 2013

Dearest gentle doves,

In celebration of the journey of a woman, I have put together a calendar featuring strong, inspirational women who inspire me. So, I'm sharing with you a list of some of the world's most iconic women. Women who saw beyond themselves, and lived their lives for the greater benefit of others. These women inspire me, in being a woman, more so, in my every day journey.

Yes, the year has begun, we're almost three months into it already; but there's no time limit for some inspiration:  As you engage in your journey of substance; I wish you a wonderful one, and hope you are inspired by the words of these incredible women. Here's to a thriving journey



Ms. Oprah Winfrey - "The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live out the life of your dreams."

Mother Theresa - "Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in that action."

 

Maya Angelou - "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberated the soul of the giver"

Princess Diana - " carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you"

 

Wangari  Maathai - "It would be good for us Africans to accespt ourselves as we are andd recapture some of the positive aspects of our culture".

Terrai Trent  - "My story is not about me, but it is about what can come out of my story".

 

Michelle Obama - "One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. "

Ellen Johnson Serleif - "If your dreams don't scare you, then they are not big enough"

 

Graca Machel - "If we have intelligence, imagination, and the ability to dream, things can happen"

Bessi Head - "A discipline I have observed is an attitude of love and reverence to people"



Emily Dickson - "We never know how high we are, till we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to the plan, our statures touch the skied."

Rosa Parks - "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminished fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear'.

As you go through this year, May you reflect with great pride each day, at what you've achieved, laugh, cry, and love each moment of life each day brings.

With love,

Lady B!

 

Being Enough!

 

Dear gentle dove,

 

How many times have you been told that you're not good enough, or that you're not putting in enough effort.

 

Enough, it just seems like a beautiful word; but often it is used to express the negative - unhappiness with something. Not enough money, not enough effort, you just didn't try hard enough. But where exactly do we draw the line between ambition and being content?

 

I learned, a short while back, that there will be always be someone better than you, smarter than you, more beautiful, more successful. While we strive to better ourselves, and be greater, the greatest we can be is ourselves, and know when we are enough.

 

So, today, why not join me in looking in the mirror, and uttering these self-proclaiming words:

 

I AM ENOUGH,

 

I am full of sparkle and compassion.

I genuinely want to make the world a better place.

I love hard. I practice kindness.

I am not afraid of the truth (most times (:-)

I am loyal and adventurous (or try to be), supporting and surprising.

I am woman, I am enough.

I make mistakes, but I own them, and learn from them.

 

So, take up the challenge, and Be YOU. BE ENOUGH.

 

Lots of love,

Lady B!

 

 

 

A woman's Journey!

Dear gentle doves,

Life is a journey, as we've all heard. And for a woman, it's a journey to finding one's own and fulfilment. For a black woman - it's a journey to thriving.

In this journey we love, laugh, hurt, learn and grow. It's a journey no one can travel for you. You may have people travel along with you; but mostly you travel it on your own. It's the journey within.

Each of us is guilty of losing our way. We mostly sidetrack due to peer pressure from friends, societal norms, and everything going on around us, from family, work and marriage. It doesn't matter if you get lost or sidetracked, because in the end,  you will always find your way back - to yourself.
It may take a tragic incident, or a hurtful experience to bring you back on the journey, but either way, all is not lost, cause what matters is the end of the journey. We are each allowed, a detour and pit stop along the way, but the most important thing is going back onto the journey.

So, whatever the nature of your journey; hold your head high, set your eyes, strut those beautiful hips, and make it a journey of substance, success, happines and fulfillment.

To celebrate the woman's journey, I have compiled a calendar for 2013, which is available in electronic format. to get a copy of this, send me an email and I'll gladly send it to you, and you also, can be inspired by beautiful, powerful women of our times.

Bon voyage........

With love
Lady B,

African(e)volution Series - launch

 Dearest gentle doves,

As you continue to read this blog, you will come realise my passion for Africa, and what it has to offer.

The African (e) volution series is about being Pro-Africa. Celebrating african art, the people, literature, music, fashion, and all things African.

Undoubtedly, this is a beautiful continent, and is unique in its essence; the thriving human spirit, the magical sound of the the african drum and music, the vibrant people filling the markets, the beautiful sun set, and the beautiful, colourful african art. There is more to offer, and experience in the continent.


So, why not take the time to celebrate Africa, in your individual way, be it buying an african-inspired garment or enjoying a delicacy at an African cuisine restaurant? Whichever way it may be, Let's Celebrate Africa.

Love,
Lady B!

Welcome Aboard

Dear gentle dove,

So, here we are, finally launching the Rose of Sharon blog. I hope you enjoy the posts just as much a I enjoy putting them up.

The name "Rose of Sharon" is biblically inspired, and refers to the flower of the field. As you may know, the field is a rather difficult environment to grow flowers; as such anything beautiful that comes out of there is a precious thing.

I believe that, in many ways, we live in the field and go through 'field experiences', that try us, push us to the edge, and challenge us to the core, however, coming out of those experiences, we come out as more mature, learned and inpired people. We come out as 'roses of sharon". And that's what life is about, becoming a rose of sharon, that is, beautiful and fruitful even in the midst of challenge.

Essentially, this blog is about sharing with you experiences, passion, love, life and all things inspirational.

Here's to cheerful times and a fresh of breath air.

With love,
Lady B....