What is KWANZAA? & Cha Cha Cha

I think this Sesame Street video sums up what Kwanzaa is about from a child's perspective.

Kwanzaa means "first fruits" in Swahili. It is a weeklong cultural celebration that honors African American heritage and celebrated by many in the African American community.  It  begins on Dec26th and continues through January1st.


The 7 core principles (Nuguzo Saba)  pronounced (N-goo-zoe-sah-ba) with the English meaning are:

 

                           Celebration on the 3rd day of Kwanzaa here:

 Memphis Kwanzaa International Center for Culture, health and education

 

 

Beautiful  Nuguzo Saba on the wall. 

 

 

  Spoken word by "Inner City South"

 

 

Message by Dr. Noel G. Hutchinson, First Baptist Lauderdale.

                                   And  music "Soul Man from Senegal"

And what I am most proud of is this Kwanzaa Quilt I made and presented to a dear friend and longtime neighbor. It is machine pieced and machine quilted, with various kwanzaa fabrics.

 

And this is what Kwanzaa is about.  Happy Kuumba (creativity) to all and to all a good creative year.

 

Peace, love, and art,

Angela

 

 

 

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Maya Angelou on “It’s Christmas Time”

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.
On this platform of peace, we can create a language to translate
ourselves to ourselves and to each other.
At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ.

Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices to celebrate the promise of
PEACE…maya angelou

I cooked Christmas dinner, enjoyed Christmas candlelight service at Church, had lunch brunch with family and am looking forward to a Kwanzaa celebration on Friday.

May beautiful moments and memories be with you this holiday season.

Peace, love, and art,
Angela

Merry Xmas To all of You

I felt a little better today after feeling flu like symptoms the past few days and  did a little decorating.  Many years ago I love making ceramics and made  this tree.

Mama liked it so much I had to make one for her.

Here is another take on a tree that a quilt guild member made for our xmas party table.



A  few of the quilts displayed for the Viewers Choice Awards.


And lots of entertainment including a skit called ‘It a wonderful day in the life of a quilter”. Can  you relate?


And finally lots of yummy party foods. This one was a favorite. It’s called crock pot peanut clusters. I have not tried the recipe and was amazed that they were prepared in a crock pot. But I can tell you they were delicious.


Here is the recipe.


And another holiday party at my friend Lester Jones studio. Here is the link to his website  http://lesterjones.com

I bought a lovely piece and I plan to make a necklace. Lester is a Memphis City Schools art  teacher by day and Raku Sculpture artist in his free time.



Lester’s work includes a combination of pottery , sculpture, title work, and jewerly. I  am saving to buy one of Lester’s bigger pieces.


Peace, love, and art,
Angela

My Handmade Marketplace

I have decided to take a risk (that is my resource of time) and open a Etsy shop. Please take a look by clicking on the Etsy badge on this page or use this link  http://www.etsy.com/shop/eshopping

 I would love to hear  your comments. Not sure where I am going with my handmade crafts or if  I will have to modify my products but I  am giving it a try.  The heeded age old business advice is to listen to customers and I would love to hear your comments.

Peace, love, and art
Angela