So I've discovered more and more blogs and websites that continue to inspire me. Honestly, is it possible to get as much pleasure as I do through looking at such amazingly aesthetically pleasing creativity! Honestly, if I could make a living out of searching for creative stuff...I'd probably be living a very comfortable life...spent blog searching.
I've decided I need to put to paper, or action some of the ideas which float through my mind...make them real! Do my research at work (hehe) then execute during the weekends; work my other side of being a Research Executive :p
My side hustle, which would hopefully become my main hustle would be to tap in to the creative potential of this country...honestly there is so much to work with, you just need the right brain to bring it all together.
I'd love to learn how to sew...I sometimes drift-off thinking 'What if the British Curriculum incorporated Sewing as an optional A-level?? and Kiswahili as a compulsory subject?..yes would love to know how to speak that fluent Tanzanian Swahili!
Anywho...on to my creative empire. Some one I know told me I need to work with some one if I want to go anywhere with it...and I've been thinking..so true! I think when you think your own big dream, it's hard to imagine pairing up with some one who will share the exact same vision; but Rome wasn't built in a day and nor will my creativity empire..I need to stop looking at the obstacles and start looking and only focusing on the opportunities, unapologetically.It's a nice feeling,to stop what if-ing and saying that others are lucky they have time, or have this skill, or that environment to do this and that that I'd like to do. Everyone has their own path and I need to own mine; it's a nice feeling to learn and discover what mine is :)
I truly believe that all my childhood dreams are a validation to what I ultimately want to do in life; and sometimes refer to them to understand what it is I really love doing; not what the world tells me I should do. I love that feeling; I've got history with my dreams :)
Where does research fit in to all of this. Well honestly it's something that I fell into and while it's not my ultimate passion for life, it's something I find pretty interesting. I would really like to establish myself in market research; get my key learnings into how markets work and especially the Kenyan and African markets, because ultimately that is where my creativity empire will be thriving. By understanding the nature of these markets, I should be able to get an insight into how I can deliver my message to them. Although not directly related to my creativity empire, there is so much I can learn through this experience: project management being the number one, meeting deadlines, learning how to communicate effectively in life and on paper, learning how I work best, turning away from my procrastination way of working.
Nevertherless, I think I believe I understand why I've tended to work only when under pressure and it's not like most books and what not say...it really is because I deliver my best work when under pressure as I focus more and deliver better results. So I've been turning that need to putting my own pressure, setting a plan and giving myself deadlines within a cushy timeline and when I really don't have psych to do the work..when it starts to dwindle...I read my blogs! I browse my websites, stimulating my mind in the most amazing way get ideas, make my side plans and mini projects to execute on that side and when I'm done, I focus on the next paragraph or section of work I doing in the office. It's working well for me, I get the best of both worlds. Hehe and then my weird working patterns...yup I letting them be, be it weekend, morning, noon, night..when I have the psych to write that next paragraph I go and do so and when I feeling like I'm losing steam, I focus on something else I love doing. In the end I get everything I love, done. It's an amazing thing I've learnt!! Just letting myself function the way I want to and not the way I ought to and I believe my new job lets me do that comfortably and lets me work the way I want to.
This post has actually turned out longer than I expected, but anywho thought I'd finish off with two websites I love; one which has become my daily fix and another I discovered through it. The first is Afri-Love which basically incorporates what I would ultimately love to do in life...the afrinspirations are to die for!(hehe) honestly an amazing amazing site I thrive on. Then another site, which I only discovered yesterday Mutua Matheka. I love the exuberant quality of this blog and the clear creative focus plus it's just an expression of Kenyan creativity! Amazing. That's a blog I love for not being mediocre but actually showing us all how beautiful our country is and how talented and amazing our people are. It's confidence in a site; love it.
...now on to my next tamu activity :)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
What it there was a society of innovators, empowered ppl, inspiring people, finding their voices, inspiring others to find their voice?
What if there was a society of people who were living their passion, growing a generation of people living their passions, moving forward in justice and proactiveness?
What if there was a society of people who balanced each other out; picking up where others left off?
What if there was a society of people who lived for the right thing, spiritually, mentally and physically growing?
I want this society, let's create such a society.
Kuzakai.
What if there was a society of people who were living their passion, growing a generation of people living their passions, moving forward in justice and proactiveness?
What if there was a society of people who balanced each other out; picking up where others left off?
What if there was a society of people who lived for the right thing, spiritually, mentally and physically growing?
I want this society, let's create such a society.
Kuzakai.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Black Acrylic!
This is what fb "browsing" does to you: http://www.blackacrylic.net/ - I LOVE IT!! :)
...from Black Acrylic:
LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER
You cannot control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide to not be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in somebody's cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you've been thinking. You might find a new solution. Be certain you do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity.
THE HUSTLER
Some people work and some people hustle. The workers go home at 5pm. The hustler works late, the hustler goes into work early, the hustler might work on weekends. The hustlers are motivated by more than just the job. The hustle is keeping it moving even if you're not going forward just to make sure you're not moving backwards.
...from Black Acrylic:
LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER
You cannot control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide to not be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in somebody's cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you've been thinking. You might find a new solution. Be certain you do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity.
THE HUSTLER
Some people work and some people hustle. The workers go home at 5pm. The hustler works late, the hustler goes into work early, the hustler might work on weekends. The hustlers are motivated by more than just the job. The hustle is keeping it moving even if you're not going forward just to make sure you're not moving backwards.
IQ, PQ, EQ, SQ
There must be more to life than just the normal everyday processes you go through: the "norms". Working for 9 and a half months now and it has had is share of drama...huge share and the frustrations from it have been dubbed on a number of occasions as "that's work for you". I mean honestly it's like an accepted "norm" that doesn't really positively stimulate the individual and I'm sorry but that's pathetic to just accept it and not try to improve on it.
Another thing that just does not resonate with me is the world of politics and who did what to whom/ who said what to whom...which in my eyes yes do bring about debates but then it ends there I mean I can't just watch or read the news to watch and debate about topics which you may have a lot to say about but are mostly not topics with any depth or nothing that leads to the "Aha" moments.
My theory on life is...we need to find a way of life which eliminates slow processes, encourages forward movement, balance and growth as a human race. So I'm currently reading The 8th Habit - Stephen Covey which aims to help you find your voice and inspire others to do so by tapping into and individual's talent, need, conscience and passion; and I don't know but this book resonates with me, every time I get the chance to digest a few pages...I keep wanting more!! Now I'm at the point where he talks about the four intelligences of life: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual; and living by four assumptions in life:
For the body - assume you've had a heart attack; now live your life accordingly
For the mind - assume the half-life of your profession is two years; now prepare accordingly
For the heart - assume everything you say about another, they can overheat; now speak accordingly
For the spirit - assume you have a one-on-one visit with your Creator every quarter; now live accordingly.
I mean I love the balance it promotes. He then goes on to talk about learning and encorporating principle-based character education which includes the principles of responsibility, purpose, integrity, win-win, seeking first to understand, synergy and sharpen the saw.
Shouldn't we seek to constantly build our character like this in the human race, instead of mulling over the who said what and who did what when politics, which in Kenya are particularly hot topics. Unfortunately as sociology dictates the people who are most involved in such discussions are the the middle to lower class individuals who's livelihood depends on the government and it's policies and effective implementation of these policies. What we need for these people in particular is a focus where they strive to develop individually and help others to develop in their communities, to have that knock on effect to change the way the world works. Otherwise, we are just being consumed and co-exist with these things and as a result these things disempower us with the attention we pay to them instead of striving to promote spiritual, emotional, physical and mental balance, tapping into our potential and purpose in life. Now I don't mean we should completely ignore politics, gossip etc. we should instead focus our energies on forward movement promote character building in everyone make that the culture, such that when such things happen we can all recognise how it causes people to behave and possibly use that platform to promote character building, help people reach their purpose in life and move forward for the better of humanity.
This is what I love about going to church now, I find that it properly resonates with me, encourages forward movement and connects by incorporating the norms of everyday life and teaching me and everyone how to react and be proactive in such situations. This is all done by mostly focusing on spiritual intelligence, which is the most important of intelligences. However in order to get that balance I think we all need to strive to connect with all the intelligences, work with that foundation of living life then confidently work towards your purpose! I'm loving how my new perspective on life is developing :)
Borrowed from one of my friend's FB taglines: "The wisdom I try and live by - I try and keep as a basis for all my decisions; Proverbs 4:23 - Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Another thing that just does not resonate with me is the world of politics and who did what to whom/ who said what to whom...which in my eyes yes do bring about debates but then it ends there I mean I can't just watch or read the news to watch and debate about topics which you may have a lot to say about but are mostly not topics with any depth or nothing that leads to the "Aha" moments.
My theory on life is...we need to find a way of life which eliminates slow processes, encourages forward movement, balance and growth as a human race. So I'm currently reading The 8th Habit - Stephen Covey which aims to help you find your voice and inspire others to do so by tapping into and individual's talent, need, conscience and passion; and I don't know but this book resonates with me, every time I get the chance to digest a few pages...I keep wanting more!! Now I'm at the point where he talks about the four intelligences of life: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual; and living by four assumptions in life:
For the body - assume you've had a heart attack; now live your life accordingly
For the mind - assume the half-life of your profession is two years; now prepare accordingly
For the heart - assume everything you say about another, they can overheat; now speak accordingly
For the spirit - assume you have a one-on-one visit with your Creator every quarter; now live accordingly.
I mean I love the balance it promotes. He then goes on to talk about learning and encorporating principle-based character education which includes the principles of responsibility, purpose, integrity, win-win, seeking first to understand, synergy and sharpen the saw.
Shouldn't we seek to constantly build our character like this in the human race, instead of mulling over the who said what and who did what when politics, which in Kenya are particularly hot topics. Unfortunately as sociology dictates the people who are most involved in such discussions are the the middle to lower class individuals who's livelihood depends on the government and it's policies and effective implementation of these policies. What we need for these people in particular is a focus where they strive to develop individually and help others to develop in their communities, to have that knock on effect to change the way the world works. Otherwise, we are just being consumed and co-exist with these things and as a result these things disempower us with the attention we pay to them instead of striving to promote spiritual, emotional, physical and mental balance, tapping into our potential and purpose in life. Now I don't mean we should completely ignore politics, gossip etc. we should instead focus our energies on forward movement promote character building in everyone make that the culture, such that when such things happen we can all recognise how it causes people to behave and possibly use that platform to promote character building, help people reach their purpose in life and move forward for the better of humanity.
This is what I love about going to church now, I find that it properly resonates with me, encourages forward movement and connects by incorporating the norms of everyday life and teaching me and everyone how to react and be proactive in such situations. This is all done by mostly focusing on spiritual intelligence, which is the most important of intelligences. However in order to get that balance I think we all need to strive to connect with all the intelligences, work with that foundation of living life then confidently work towards your purpose! I'm loving how my new perspective on life is developing :)
Borrowed from one of my friend's FB taglines: "The wisdom I try and live by - I try and keep as a basis for all my decisions; Proverbs 4:23 - Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Boxing Kitten!
Came across this label in Big Cartel and recently rediscovered it and the main website http://boxingkitten.com/
Enjoy :)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Kenyan's need to be more creative with style
On Friday one of the more "fashion-conscious" guys in the office told me: "You dress like a white person."
Lol, I was kinda taken aback like "ook", had never thought to put labels to dress sense, the thought had never crossed my mind however what bugged me most was the fact that I really liked the combo I was wearing and yet there was a tone of slight disapproval in his voice. I guess I do form strong attachments to any "yes thank you, I came up with this" outfits and for it to be labeled so quickly was like little blow to my efforts! Anywho, the convo went on and I asked him why, and he replied "black people don't wear jackets (blazers) with jeans." Again I was like "ook", played it off and left.
But then it made me think, did I? And first thing that popped into my head: "But Karla of Karla's Closet is latino!"
So..lately I have been on a serious page after page indulgence of this blog. It's amazing what it does to me! Everything is so creative and it looks so easy and stylish and lady-like, tomboy, menswear-inspried, girly, vintage...to put it simply it's my aesthetic on a page!...(or webpage..s). Such bliss!...updated every so often! :)
My sister's coming back from the little island that is UK this weekend!! :D...and as tradition goes with "gifts from abroad" I was on a mission to channel this aesthetic, serious page by page analysis was carried out and matches to the chosen pieces were scrutinized on every valid online shop I knew. Slept at 4am.
I finally made my choices and slept happily :), but came back the next day and found even more stuff!! But I was being a bit gluttonous thus streamlining had to commence and it did. In the end I was pretty happy with my choices..
Saturday came round and it was time to go to the tailors for what was probably the fourth or fifth time to check on my jeans..see if they were ready and fitted..The tailor wasn't in so decided to walk around for a bit, see the shops; it had been a while. Since it was barely 10am, however, not many were open, or were just opening. The first one I went into was Kalabash which has the most bougie of afrocentric accessories! Ah but so beautiful, as my usual route goes, I headed straight for the jewellery section and quite a few pieces caught my eye, but not because they were pretty. They looked just like what I was frantically searching for, for the sister to buy and they were just sitting in a shop 2 minutes from home! Although pretty pricey I was pleasantly surprised and glad to have found them. The next random surprise came when I went to the previous "Mango outlet" shop which now stocked Zara clothing and found the exact trousers and variations of trousers I have been lusting over, in what else; THE blog :)
It was amazingness...and they weren't the generic shape of trousers...neewww these were edgy, (I want her earrings and scarf as well btw) sassy! Just on point, however they were all the wrong size, not too much of a downer, if I really wanted I could get a key pair and get the tailor to set them straight. Later on I found that scarf on a street corner by the matatu stop on moi lane and to top it all off, my mum had just bought one of my new shoe crushes created in my head, she had the exact style, colour, heel and height! Ala!
So this has really made me wonder if I have just been stuck in my limited bubble of what's available beyond the trends and afro-centric clothing that I know is out there in this market. I guess I could call the ever popular stalls, the "high street shops" and these more unique finds the boutiques. Boutiques, here however do not just refer to one-off shops, but actual sole trader vendors of chosen imported treasures and what's more is the fact that since they are sole traders, their stuff comes from such diverse backgrounds, Italy, Turkey, UK, USA, Dubai, Thailand and the list goes one. Honestly, there is just so much more out there, more than I originally thought there was! I'm beginning to rethink this once in a while "gifts from abroad" search, cos apparently everything I want is right on my door-step! :)
Lol, I was kinda taken aback like "ook", had never thought to put labels to dress sense, the thought had never crossed my mind however what bugged me most was the fact that I really liked the combo I was wearing and yet there was a tone of slight disapproval in his voice. I guess I do form strong attachments to any "yes thank you, I came up with this" outfits and for it to be labeled so quickly was like little blow to my efforts! Anywho, the convo went on and I asked him why, and he replied "black people don't wear jackets (blazers) with jeans." Again I was like "ook", played it off and left.
But then it made me think, did I? And first thing that popped into my head: "But Karla of Karla's Closet is latino!"
So..lately I have been on a serious page after page indulgence of this blog. It's amazing what it does to me! Everything is so creative and it looks so easy and stylish and lady-like, tomboy, menswear-inspried, girly, vintage...to put it simply it's my aesthetic on a page!...(or webpage..s). Such bliss!...updated every so often! :)
My sister's coming back from the little island that is UK this weekend!! :D...and as tradition goes with "gifts from abroad" I was on a mission to channel this aesthetic, serious page by page analysis was carried out and matches to the chosen pieces were scrutinized on every valid online shop I knew. Slept at 4am.
I finally made my choices and slept happily :), but came back the next day and found even more stuff!! But I was being a bit gluttonous thus streamlining had to commence and it did. In the end I was pretty happy with my choices..
Saturday came round and it was time to go to the tailors for what was probably the fourth or fifth time to check on my jeans..see if they were ready and fitted..The tailor wasn't in so decided to walk around for a bit, see the shops; it had been a while. Since it was barely 10am, however, not many were open, or were just opening. The first one I went into was Kalabash which has the most bougie of afrocentric accessories! Ah but so beautiful, as my usual route goes, I headed straight for the jewellery section and quite a few pieces caught my eye, but not because they were pretty. They looked just like what I was frantically searching for, for the sister to buy and they were just sitting in a shop 2 minutes from home! Although pretty pricey I was pleasantly surprised and glad to have found them. The next random surprise came when I went to the previous "Mango outlet" shop which now stocked Zara clothing and found the exact trousers and variations of trousers I have been lusting over, in what else; THE blog :)
It was amazingness...and they weren't the generic shape of trousers...neewww these were edgy, (I want her earrings and scarf as well btw) sassy! Just on point, however they were all the wrong size, not too much of a downer, if I really wanted I could get a key pair and get the tailor to set them straight. Later on I found that scarf on a street corner by the matatu stop on moi lane and to top it all off, my mum had just bought one of my new shoe crushes created in my head, she had the exact style, colour, heel and height! Ala!
So this has really made me wonder if I have just been stuck in my limited bubble of what's available beyond the trends and afro-centric clothing that I know is out there in this market. I guess I could call the ever popular stalls, the "high street shops" and these more unique finds the boutiques. Boutiques, here however do not just refer to one-off shops, but actual sole trader vendors of chosen imported treasures and what's more is the fact that since they are sole traders, their stuff comes from such diverse backgrounds, Italy, Turkey, UK, USA, Dubai, Thailand and the list goes one. Honestly, there is just so much more out there, more than I originally thought there was! I'm beginning to rethink this once in a while "gifts from abroad" search, cos apparently everything I want is right on my door-step! :)
Friday, February 26, 2010
"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. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am." - Michelle Obama
"This life yields to the thoughts of your mind and the actions you take. The goal is to be so in tune with your essence, your intuition and your Heart that this connection becomes the driving force in your life. When you are connected to your essence you are connected to the energy of the greater whole and will be guided towards greatness. When you trust yourself and express with heartfelt conviction that which you really are you flip the script on whatever is lacking in your life and draw it to you automatically."
"This life yields to the thoughts of your mind and the actions you take. The goal is to be so in tune with your essence, your intuition and your Heart that this connection becomes the driving force in your life. When you are connected to your essence you are connected to the energy of the greater whole and will be guided towards greatness. When you trust yourself and express with heartfelt conviction that which you really are you flip the script on whatever is lacking in your life and draw it to you automatically."
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lalesso
Lalesso was launched in Cape Town 2005 by Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser. The inspiration behind the brand came from a holiday to Olivia's home country Kenya where the pair travelled to the remote Island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya. The traditional attire of the local women in these coastal regions is the captivatingly beautiful 'khanga' or 'lesso'; it's intrinsic patterns and vibrant colours were the inspiration for the birth of the Lalesso brand.
Among other various temporary and permanent projects Lalesso strives to boost the income and livelihoods of disadvantaged citizens. Lalesso instigated the start up of SOKO (www.soko-kenya.com), an eco and ethical production plant (IFAT and SA8000 certifications).
Lalesso clothing can be found in U.K. shops: "Joy" and "Topshop" - boutique section!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
PROCRASTINATOR
Hehe, well yh that's what I've just realised...keep saying I'll do something and then put if off or forget. Must make a list after this...and not procrastinate!
Anywho the post is finally here...was having a mental debate on the way home today as to whether I should keep it just to creativity or include snap shot paragraphs of what's going on in la vida. Verdict...well not sure but will see how it goes. Oh and my excuse for procrastinating..my book!! Ah gosh it has just become so gripping ('Sundowners' by Lesley Lokko).
I love the last book I read by her: 'Bitter Chocolate'. What really draws me in with her writing is that she is able to combine all the elements of girlyness on a background of political international strife! Ah wow! Then the combination of fashion and driven women blazing the pages! Hallur! Hehe! Amazing...if you're not one for reading about history and politics..read one of these books...you'll be hooked on the historical references! Amazingness! :)
K, but back to the original inspiration for this blog...fashion, creativity and everything in between with the focus primarily in Kenya...although will probably throw in quite a bit about Bristol - my second home :(...nostalgia's been hitting hard over the past few weeks! But ah the quirkiness and creativity of this small city is amazing and stimulating and quite possibly bliss...walking down Woodland road, lined with Arts and Social Science Departments; I was instantly inspired! Needless to say post lectures, I spent my time window shopping found little treasures dotted on narrow off-streets, ventured into cute cozy boutiques and obviously not forgetting the typical high street shops. But it was the boutique niche shops and the arts student-trailed Woodland road that just got to me...sense of bliss!
Bringing it back home I've dedicated a day; Saturday. Saturdays have now become my dedicated days to bring such exploration back home, as it's my only true free day! And I'm discovering! So much to see...and I know there is so much more to digest!! Cannot wait to get my head around the hotspots and conquer creativity!!
...more to follow.... :)
Anywho the post is finally here...was having a mental debate on the way home today as to whether I should keep it just to creativity or include snap shot paragraphs of what's going on in la vida. Verdict...well not sure but will see how it goes. Oh and my excuse for procrastinating..my book!! Ah gosh it has just become so gripping ('Sundowners' by Lesley Lokko).
I love the last book I read by her: 'Bitter Chocolate'. What really draws me in with her writing is that she is able to combine all the elements of girlyness on a background of political international strife! Ah wow! Then the combination of fashion and driven women blazing the pages! Hallur! Hehe! Amazing...if you're not one for reading about history and politics..read one of these books...you'll be hooked on the historical references! Amazingness! :)
K, but back to the original inspiration for this blog...fashion, creativity and everything in between with the focus primarily in Kenya...although will probably throw in quite a bit about Bristol - my second home :(...nostalgia's been hitting hard over the past few weeks! But ah the quirkiness and creativity of this small city is amazing and stimulating and quite possibly bliss...walking down Woodland road, lined with Arts and Social Science Departments; I was instantly inspired! Needless to say post lectures, I spent my time window shopping found little treasures dotted on narrow off-streets, ventured into cute cozy boutiques and obviously not forgetting the typical high street shops. But it was the boutique niche shops and the arts student-trailed Woodland road that just got to me...sense of bliss!
Bringing it back home I've dedicated a day; Saturday. Saturdays have now become my dedicated days to bring such exploration back home, as it's my only true free day! And I'm discovering! So much to see...and I know there is so much more to digest!! Cannot wait to get my head around the hotspots and conquer creativity!!
...more to follow.... :)
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