Mama Shujaa

I am woman. I am not a strong woman I do not have girl magic I am more vast than strength and magic. Sometimes, I want to be protected, to be vulnerable, to be desired, to be understood; within contexts that display the depth and scope that I am. Because #BlackGirlMagic does not Always help me in my day to day. But I do strive to use all of my might and ability to be fully present in order to capture snapshots of brilliance within me. Who is the woman I am becoming? My Truest Authentic Freed Self.

Not everyone got admitted into the DJ Booth back when Club Harambee dominated the nightlife in New York City.   I did, and it felt special, cool and exclusive.  This was in the late 80s, early 90s and the highly sought after DJ Beto, had a permanent the gig at hottest African spot in town.  His music was kicking every weekend! It represented a variety of countries from all over the continent.  It transported us back to the motherland, with our homesickness. And we felt a sense of belonging, even if for a few hours, like we were beneath African skies. Shaking our bodies, dropping our bones to our ancestors. Those were powerful days in our thriving as newbie immigrants in America.  Never to be forgotten. We were babies in this photo. In our twenties, all decked out in grand style.  Every week, we'd show up at Club Harambee to have a couple drinks, dance and network with so many amazing people.  We had the good life.  And decades later, DJ Beto is still kicking it with the best Africa

When I have time to think and dream... I think about my novel. It is about geographic and social mobility.  It is about characters who try to find their rightful "place" in post-colonial Africa. And immigrants in America who try to find "belonging." It is about Outsiders and Insiders.   The stratification of society, Caste, Class, Culture, Ethnicity. It explores trust, adaptability and creativity.  Passages and Boundaries. It is about duality of being (fence-straddling) and the ambivalence (unsettledness) of it all.   Do you know what Identity does to people?  According to Seth Godin: "Identity is often used against us.   Identity feels permanent, powerful, emotional and fragile.  Evolving our choices and our tastes is part of being human. Establishing your identity as someone who is not static, open to change and eager for better makes it far easier to engage in a world where some would prefer us to do precisely the opposite." Part 1 of 3 is underway and

What I have learned is that vibrancy comes from wellness, wellbeing, good health, and confidence, to name a few elements. As I approach my sixties, I am more self aware than ever. Four years ago, I took charge of my own health, and began my wellness journey. Of the multiple roles I take on in my daily life, number one is now to put myself first. Self care is not selfish. “Put your mask on first,” hubby always used to remind me. Or, “if I had what you have, Hana, I’d be so far...” I never quite GOT what he was talking about. But I’m glad he stuck with me long enough for me to get it. Let’s see how much light we can shine on things. It’s like a song. You hear the words but you cannot memorize them, but every cell in your body gets the melody. And your body vibes to it until the words sink in and become the soundtrack of your life. Lawyers need CLE. Doctors need CME. Nurses need some kind of continuing Ed. Professionals in general. And we all are professionals: we earn our “living” from

I complete the front of the card. I lift it carefully and carry it out to the yard.  The sun is high in the sky. It will take a short time for the watercolors to dry.  I set it carefully on the grass. The divisions between the colors are barely discernible. But in the clarity of the sunlight, I can see where the fresh brush strokes collided in a damp spot and forced an irregular fusion of colors. Creating a darker composition than I intended.  The two shapes look like teardrops, swimming towards each other. The story I am telling is of an unplanned course that I had to embrace.  I did not plan to separate myself from home for more than four years.  But when I met my husband, the son of a career diplomat who was accustomed to establishing belonging, we found comfort and love in our commonality of status.  We married, started a family and settled in New York. **** I've had these dried roses for over two decades; they have outlasted any longevity predictions...aren't they beautifu

It was all too much for her to consume.  A waterfall of sheer satin plunged over rocks lined with a draping of moss. Was the doorway behind the curtain of water? The gates to heaven that Rahab had told her about.  Where the washing away of sins took place? She looked at Mo. His arms were crossed over his chest - his right hand cradling his left elbow, his left hand cradling his right elbow.    For as long as she could remember, that was how he opened up the airways to his asthmatic lungs with his stomach drawn in and shoulders lifted.  His eyes were as luminous as the silvery light penetrating through the canopy of trees above. "How did you find this place, Mo?" She asked. "Clement found it. He made me promise not to tell anyone. It is his hideout for him and his chicks." "You won't tell anyone..." Mo smiled. "I won't." - a snippet from my book. *** My photographer friend Diane and I visited Freeman's Mill Park (Gwinnett County) this