come in for a minute.

Les Nubians

They painted, (and continue to do so) a portrait of poetic reverence of Azania’s historical strength, and their combined will to fight for the perpetuation, justification and protection of her prowess ever so brilliantly in their famed single, Makeda, a composition I only recently developed a higher sense of appreciation for succeeding my efforts to learn the fiercely captivating French language.

Les Nubians, an ‘Afropean Soul‘ duo comprised of Celia and Helene Faussart [chuckling to myself at the irony of my pronunciation of their surname - 'force art?'] exudes a slightly detached yet all the same powerful aura (both in their lyrical and physical exhibits) which to me honks (for lack of more pleasant-sounding adjective) of a regal brand of authenticity in the way in which they have kept to their cause and root: empowering the African story, and telling it with a graceful yet assertive sense of ownership.

Enjoy their new selection mix.

Bisous, mes amis.

Queen Mariah

 

 

Biblically Speaking

Because GOD uttered these words, I have no other reflex than to BELIEVE them. Being in a brand new relationship, and choosing to grow our friendship first and foremost is something I feel is a mega blessing to both beautiful (inside and out) lover and I, and to our benefit.

Almost directly after reading Kahlil Gibran’s note/poem on Love whilst cleaning up my room, this beautiful scripture presented itself to me.

 

 

Honour Love. Happy anniversary to me*

Necessary is Focus

It’s a chilly Sunday evening, and I’m just about ready to continue studying for my exam taking place this coming Wednesday. I can’t exactly define how I’m feeling at this point – I have had a few uncomfortable thoughts revolving in my mind all weekend. Lately, I’ve been working on that emotional aspect of life a lot more, and training myself to conquer it, instead of it conquer me. We are not what we think we are; but what we think, we are.

 

I have so much to do, and all of which I want to do properly. Work keeps our minds off a lot of things, so I have been told. I don’t know how accurate this is, or how ‘all inclusive’ it is. At  a point, during my early morning session, I found my mind wander off into some other space – regardless of the work I had/have to do. I was more surprised at this, than, say, ‘disappointed’ because I know how I can be when it comes to focusing. I’m a work in caterpillar-type progress, quite honestly. Blame it on the Aries-ness? No, I won’t…not anymore.

The problem with horoscopes, I’ve grown to believe, is that if (or when) we submit ourselves to their will, we let go of our own – and ultimately GOD’s…and end up living out lives beneath that which is expected of us by the Creator. So, although the ‘aggressive, easily bored‘ prophesies of who I am have been so engraved into the fabric of my mind after all these years of subscribing to the monthly (and at a point, daily) prophesies, I’m no longer about them.

So, next time I find myself losing focus from what’s important and requiring my immediate attention…I want to always remind myself of my Greatness. I decide.

 

 

 

 

& today’s my handsome lover and I’s one month anniversary! So happy and excited about it all

This song came into mind…I just love Mariah Carey

 

 

Russel Simmons, international HipHop mogul who co-founded DefJam with Rick Rubin 28 years ago, regularly communicates this message of work unparalleled work ethic and unbreakable focus via his twitter account. Here’s one of the thoughts that often keeps me when I feel like I’m struggling:

 

Russell Simmons ‏@UncleRUSH

When u are able to lose yourself in the process and stay completely engaged in your work, you are going to become a star at whatever you do!

Evian Water

Talk about intelligent, sleek design! I came across this stunning image whilst studying for my Public Relations exam this morning.

Upward product stretching well done. I do ofcourse realise that I just gave them free advertising…but I wonder if it’s available anywhere in Africa. Surely, I haven’t heard of this brand in South Africa. The packaging is everything!

Loving their current ad campaign around the ‘living young‘ theme. See it here.

 

Wrought: Pakisa Tsekiso

sometimes you gotta bring your own torch

instead of seeking light at the end of the tunnel

 

 

Rock of Gibraltar

 

 

 

Words fail – dismally.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4

PS please read this. I hope you are blessed by the message written so finely and truthfully.

Image credits: http://en.loadtr.com/Rock_of_Gibraltar-420971.htm

The Bane of Political Illiteracy

Semester Synopsis: Vol1.

As the exam season nears, as happens every time the season says ‘good morning’, I’m in a state of excited panic. This semester has been one where I believe I have grown the most – emotionally more than any other way. It’s a little overwhelming and intimidating to try and gather into one post the occurrences and subsequent semester borne gems in a manner that will both do justice to the magic God has blessed me with, and tie a mighty ribbon on my more successful mini ‘era’ yet.

While trying to edit a photo, this was the result. Lost the picture, but fell in love with this

At the start of this semester, I chose my subjects with most care and made sure to make well informed and inspired decisions – of which I am proud to have done today. After standing for about little less than an hour at the Law department, itching to enroll myself into the Legal Theory program (in a bid to ‘cross over’ degree wise in a sense)…the Universe directed me to the French department, rather. And, man am I glad this happened. French is a beautiful language, as I am sure you’ve heard, read, been told, or imagined.

I have thoroughly enjoyed having my mind both bulldozed and stretched – and can quite confidently say, I’m becoming rather competent at speaking and writing. My listening skills need a sharpening up…but, I’ll get there!

Crossing fingers that I get picked as a part of the few to help facilitate the FIPF conference, an international event held every four years in celebration of the French language (visit the website for more info).

Although it’s the 13th installment of the prestigious event, the ultra special thing about it this year is that it’s making its debut on the continent of Africa, and having had a spacious field  to pin it’s interest on (there are 31 francophone African countries), chose South Africa (a non-francophone region) – and particularly, my home town, Durban. I just think that’s a big deal that they did that on the year that I started doing French. Universe at work, perhaps? Haha.

I was just going through the thoughts I’ve favourited on Twitter, and was stopped in my tracks by this short little remark made by a man I think quite highly of. His name Victor Dlamini (renowned photographer, South Africa).

To fit in is to give up on yourself

I always try to remind myself of this whenever I feel down or ‘defeated’ as it were. And, it helps.

Here’s one of my favourite photos by him.

Two nights back, this notion on self presented itself in a more feminist branding way as my sister granted me the honour of being her ‘plus one’ at a Lil Lets product branding briefing she was invited to at the plush Espresso Advertising agency at River Valley Estate’s River Junction. It was rather layed back, and not the kind of ‘sit-up-straight-and-nod’ type of vibe which I anxiously was anticipating. Thank the stars for that. Haha.

We were presented with petite, environmentally friendly goody bags with Lil Lets products inside – any woman will tell you how helpful this is. An ease off heading out to buy supplies for ‘that time’ of the month, which might I add isn’t the most exciting of trips. So, thank you Lil Lets for being so thoughtful.

Here are some pictures I (and we) took:

Thandolwethu Tsekiso (sis), Choki Dlamini, Zanny London, myself, and Khabonina Shabangu

the products

the healthy treats

my sister & moi

and we got schooled

loved the artwork on the walls along the corridor

Well, I also turned 21 in March which has been the highlight of my year thus far. My parents organised a nice little family soiree at my favourite place – Tashas – at Gateway. Here I am, smiles and all. Oh, yes…I also got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the handsome Manager.

this cake was SO divine! thanks, dad.

That’s my 1st semester in a nutshell!

Until the next post, be good to one another.

XO