Undercover Brother in SE13

Found this bust in an antique place in Lewisham (sarf London). Thinks it's plaster moulded, but that's purely a guess based on touch. Was quoted £45, if you want to know where,contact me no problem!

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Changed my mind today...



Phenomenal Woman!


...and didn't feel bad about it!  Many times I have gone through with things out of a need to please or keep the peace or worst of all I didn't believe I had a choice. Well these days I continually remind myself I do have a choice and it's OK to put my needs first every now and then.  There are people who will try and make you feel bad and 'switch' on you when you don't go their way, but take note as that says more about them than it does about you!
I changed my mind and the world didn't come to an end, no one got hurt and I can change it back again... if I choose to!


'If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. That is the lesson, and that lesson alone will save you a lot of grief.' -Oprah

Himalayan Salt Tea Light...lovely bit of rock

Stopped off at one of the numerous pop up Xmas markets over the weekend and got this lovely gift for myself. Looks stunning when lit at night and apparently has a number of health benefits.
Thanks Magna, will be getting the lamp in the new year.

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Clair Huxtable: Style Icon

Recently I was chatting with a friend about parenting and one of the questions that came up was: Which famous mother do I aspire to be like? My immediate answer was Clair Huxtable, from the eighties sitcom: The Cosby Show!

Well it looks like there are a whole heap of people who also admire this lady because blogs are springing up celebrating the style of this very smart, wise, straight talking and loved up mum.

http://clairhuxtable.tumblr.com/

http://huxtablehotness.blogspot.com/

So many clips to choose from, but I picked this one as I actually remember when I first watched this episode and just being blown away by the clever and very funny scene!

On UK television there was no one else like her. The fact that she was the first positive black female character I thought of (over twenty years later !!!!) says a lot about the show and the actress Phylicia Rashad. I was lucky enough to see her perform in the stage play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof last year in London, along with James Earl Jones.

Bet you ending up watching more clips!

Nia: Spirit of Purpose Sunday Dec 11th

Had a great time at Afridiziak yesterday!

Now onto next sunday, where you have another opportunity to get some gifts for yourself and christmas. Hope to greet you there!

nearest train station is West Norwood Rail

Alek Wek news article

Alek Wek who went hungry as a child in Sudan couldn't believe people 'chose not to eat' when she started out in the fashion industry

The model knows how it feels to go hungry. She grew up in Southern Sudan during the civil war where her family survived off food their mother had grown in the garden.

Full Story:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2068146/Alek-Wek-believe-people-chose-eat-started-model.html

Afridiziak Saturday 3rd December

I am really looking forward to this event! More news to come!

It's almost here!

I mean Christmas of course! The season has already started on our high streets with christmas decorations springing up everywhere and of course the TVads.

Anyone seen any Coca Cola xmas ads yet?

There have also been some great events happening for those interested in handmade, unique goods, with a cultural vibe.

The next one will be Afridiziak on Saturday the 3rd December. It's a day long event with workshops, childrens' activities and a raffle with the Jimmy Akingbola, off Holby City, making a guest appearence. After you've shopped there's even an after party from 7pm till late. Now you won't get that at Westfield!

 Just looking at the list of sellers it's going to a great event! I'm going be doing some gift shopping myself as I know I will be getting high quality goods at reasonable prices.

Cabbi Arts and Textiles will be there with bags, cushions and clothing and textiles accessories.

This annual event will be held in south London, do click here for directions. Hope to see you there!

All is well in the world...

...when you can spend time and laugh with old friends! Well done to the birthday girl Mrs Clarke-Grant! Had a great time cruising and dining in style on the Thames. Glad to see we're all still a little bit crazy after all these years!

Living Doll!

Not a scene from some horror movie!

I attended a first aid training day course today and these are the resuscitation models we practised on. I have been looking to do a course like this for a while, so jumped at the chance when I spotted this one on the Stephen Lawrence Centre website.
I can now put you in the recovery position, perform CPR, clear your airway if choking; as well as dress your wounds and put your arm in a sling. Of course I hope to never have to use these skills (or rather attempt to use them) but one of the many good points made today was: it’s about giving someone in trouble more time, until the professionals arrive.
Performing CPR can give someone an extra few minutes which can make the difference, of not just surviving but avoiding brain damage. Despite years of watching ER, Casualty, and Scrubs, I learned CPR is actually about pumping oxygen to the brain, not restarting the heart, that’s the paramedics and doctors jobs. Also you don’t actually have to do the mouth to mouth part to successfully perform CPR, unless the unconscious person is Idris Elba, then I think it’s actually compulsory!

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Fashion Designer Willi Smith 1948-1987

Not to be confused with Jada's man Will Smith, this guy is another under rated designer often omitted from the fashion history books.

Award winning Willi Smith was a successful African American designer who after training at the prestigious Parsons School of Design set up his own company   WilliWear. He created an easy to wear style of clothing, influenced by sportswear and it's use of fabrics such as stretch jerseys and sweat shirting, which was an innovation back in the 1970s! This designer was ahead his time. Gone too soon to see the rise of casual couture and black urban street fashion being appropriated onto the catwalks of Paris and Milan, but hopefully not forgotten.

This has got to be the cutest label ever!

Willi Smith with his model sister Toukie

Fashion Television has this exclusive video, of the designer and his work, which looks like it was filmed shortly after his death. 

Unfortunately it's not easy to find images of his work online, althought it seems his company is still active in one form or another. Have a google and try find out more or check out this link: Tribute to Fashion Icon Willi Smith

Cabbi Unisex Tunic

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INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN OF THE YEAR: Is this Britain’s most inspiring mother?

This week the Daily Mail newspaper launched their fifth Inspirational Women of the Year Awards, in association with well being of women and BHS.  This is an article about Doreen Lawrence who has continued to seek justice for her son Stephen Lawrence for the past 18 years since his death. Can't believe it's been that long!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2059597/INSPIRATIONAL-WOMEN-OF-THE-YEAR-Is-Britain-s-inspiring-mother.html

Please find out more about the Stephen Lawrence Trust and the programmes they provide benefiting a wide range of the community and nominate Doreen Lawrence!



Stephen Lawrence Centre designed by David Adjaye


You can nominate by email to: femail@dailymail.co.uk.
Or post nominations to: Inspirational Women of the Year Awards, c/o Femail, Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT. Closing date for entries is December 5, 2011.

MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week

Say Hello to My Little Friend!

After a busy weekend, glad I got this little economical juicer. I'm discovering different combinations and flavours that you just can't get from the shop bought stuff.

Favourites so far:Beetroot, Carrot and Apple. For a green juice I recommend: Cucumber,Celery, Fennel (had to google that one!), Apple and little bit of Ginger. Get juicing ya'll!

At the Mosaic event, last weekend, I sampled some lovely juice from Punch and Juicy

Home and Lifestyle Event this weekend!

Check out the link below for a sale of unique clothing, furnishings, beauty and food products.  There's a wide range of designers and makers taking part, I've already spotted some beautiful items that will go on my wish list. Cabbi Arts and Textiles will be there so hope to see you!

http://www.mosaic2011.com/_resource/111025/

Artists' talk Sunday 30th October

This sounds like another amazing event by Better Than Good Art

Guilty Pleasures

It's getting colder, wetter and darker in London town, so been on Youtube for some old school Pop! 

Africa Rocks Expo

Sunday 23rd October 2011 at Hotel Russell,London

http://www.africarocksexpo.co.uk/

Noble Peace Prize Winners

On Wednesday I met up with two close friends and at one point we talked about some of the prejudices we've faced in the workplace and within education.  However since then I've repeatly had reminders that we can overcome anything if we keep our eye on the prize, believe in something higher and persevere.

Sometimes you wait ages for inspiration, then three come along at the same time!



From left to right:

Tawakkul Karman - Democracy activist of Yemen

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Liberian President

Leymah Gbowee - Liberian women's rights activist

Three people to google over the weekend.

Inspiring Email

Received this last week:

It with a mixture and sadness and joy that I write after what seems like a long absence. I have been inspired by the death this week of a visionary leader, Dr Wangari Maathai.

For those of you unfamiliar with her journey, she was the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work -The Green Belt Movement. She could have stayed in the lofty heights of academia - the first woman to earn a doctorate in Central and East Africa - but she returned to ground - the soil and women of Kenya.

She started this organisation because she listened: to the simple needs of women: wood to cook and to shelter their family. Its mission is to mobilise community consciousness  using tree-planting as an entry point to for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation. Over 35 million trees have been planted! She has enabled people to see the holistic connection between the care for the environment, democracy, peace and sustainable income creation.

RSA Launch of "Unbowed"

It was a great honour to meet her before she died in 2006. Her wisdom, grace and keen intelligence shone through her presence and words.


I hope that her death inspires the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to award this year's Nobel Peace Prize to another African heroine and nominee, Leymah Gbowee of Liberia.

Leymah's dream led to the founding of a women's peace movement in a church that was instrumental in stopping 14  years of war in Liberia and resulted in the first and currently the only female head of State in Africa: President Ellen Sirleaf. Leymah is featured in the powerful documentary film "Pray The Devil Back To Hell"

Martha Cuffy
Team Architects - cultivating leaders with a connection to their passion, purpose and humanity. Box 2123, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies.

Treasures of the Black Cultural Archives

This looks amazing! There are daily guided tours and a souvenir catalogue available to make it a memorable visit. Definately on my priority list this week.

Wednesday - Sunday October 5th - 9th, 2011
10.30am to 4.30pm daily Free entry
Guided tours to the exhibition: Midday and 3pm daily
Souvenir catalogue £1
Travelling to Brockwell Park
Address: Norwood Road, SE24 9BJ
Brockwell Hall is on a hill in the middle of the Park
Tube: Brixton (10 minutes by bus to Park)
Rail: Herne Hill (two minutes on foot to Park)
Bus: 2, 3, 37, 68, 196, 322, 432, 468
Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park, Lambeth

A beautiful weekend

Crystal Palace park at sunset

Hope you all had a peaceful and harmonious time

Great carbooot find!

Went down to Kent with my car boot addict friend this morning and picked up these lovely place mats from Zimbabwe, still in the duty free bag, for £1.

Worth the mild heat stroke!

Going to the pictures!

Looking forward to watching this film, just about 'young' enough to catch the tail end of an era of slow dancing and being pressed up against the wallpaper!

http://www.loversrockthefilm.com/index.php?page=synopsis

The Story of lovers Rock is directed by Menelik Shabazz, who also wrote and directed one of my favourite films: Burning an Illusion. The film is bascially about a young woman seeking and finding, starring Cassie MacFarlane and Victor Romero Evans. Niceness!

Find out more about these films and more on the BFM website.

African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust

The ACLT is an amazing organistion, who I make a small monthly donation to. If you're in south London  then you can also donate to them via this recycling bin, outside the Drummond Centre on north end in Croydon's main shopping centre. You can donate your old clothes and help them raise funds to save more lives.

Please check out their website, for lots of information about Leukaemia, fund raising and donor drives, which are happening right now!  http://www.aclt.org/index.php/home/

African and African Caribbean Design Diaspora Festival

Only two days left of this amazing exhibition on the Southbank, London. Put together by the AACDD, you will find four floors of art, fashion, graphics and inspiration!

Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf,  Bargehouse Street, Southbank SE1 9PH

11am-6pm Free Admission

Juliette Goddard

Gary March

Adjani Okpu-Egbe





Gerad Hanson



Nicola Agyeman Badu Frimpong



 Up on the top floor is an array of 

fashion clothing and contemporary and tradional textiles 

 by different designers and makers

Tate Gallery starts fund to acquire African Art...what took them so long!

Had a quick wander around the Tate Modern galleries on the Southbank where I spotted this painting which is part of it's Level 3: Poetry and Dream display, and again it struck me how rare it is to see any image of a black person, let alone a female, within this nation's busiest gallery.

Agosta, the pigeon-chested Man, and Rasha, the Black
Dove. Oil on Canvas 1929. Painted by Christian Schad.
image may be copyrighted

Don't know much about the artist but read how the model was actually part of a funfair side show from that era, which basically means she was somehow seen as a oddity or figure of fun, someone to be looked at for entertainment. Ironically she is still part of a side show when you consider the lack of black peoples represented within the Tate galleries and it's collection. Apparently the collection has over 66,000 works of art by over 3,000 artists, of which only 100 works are by African artists!

Now leaving aside the vast array of traditional arts and crafts, stored away in various British museums and galleries, and the arguments of how they were obtained and classified as lesser art forms than European art and crafts; how the Tate Galleries have managed to ignore the huge source of contemporary African (and Caribbean) art and artists overseas, as well as those on it's own doorstep, is sad, predictable and 'lazy'.

However I have just read that a new fund in partnership with the Guarnty Trust Bank based in Nigeria, is to be established to develop links with artists from the African continent, and also appoint a curator for African art. As a result the Tate Modern is currently showing an exhibition 'Contested Terrains', featuring four artists working in Africa today, showing until 16th October. I missed it on my quick visit but will be back to see this rarity and maybe play one of my favourite games, spot more than ten black people in the Tate Modern!

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/contestedterrains/





Zionly Arts: A treasure trove in Peckham

While picking up a few bits and pieces in SE15, came across this shop within the arcade, near the Argos. Be warned you will want to buy everything, there is something for everyone! As the sign says: books (adult and children), framed pictures, jewellery, sculptures, musical instruments and knowledge!!

The inspirational owner told me to tell you, he's married!







Contact: 020 3489 9623/ 075 055 2348

 email: ras_jahson@yahoo.co.uk

Worth a visit or two

Down in the basement of the London War Museum, can be found some of the displays from a great exhibition held there a year or so ago.

 

Made a trip to the War Museum in London yesterday, to check out the art galleries there. First visited this museum as part of school trip way back, also last year went to see their exhibition about African Caribbean men and women's contribution to the first and second World Wars. The museum is surrounded by lovely gardens, where you can also find this Buddhist retreat.

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In need of some arts and culture

Just realised it's been ages since I've stepped foot in one of the many art galleries and exhibitions available, literately on my door step, including Tate Modern, Dulwich Gallery, Horniman and South London Gallery. So aiming to get back to looking and learning, but as well as the big well funded institutions, will check out local spaces, independent galleries and community projects. Plenty to see to on the streets too!

Two weeks left!

 Thank you for those who have managed to reach the exhibition I'm taking part in, still time to see some great artwork!

No even a riot could stop this exhibition! Lewisham Library survived last weeks events unschaved, as did much of lewisham which returned to pretty much normal within 48 hours, unlike other parts of the city.