Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the seventh day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Imani ~ Faith!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

'This far by Faith', 'Faith of our Fathers'. Without faith (and hope) we perish. Faith, whether we are aware of it or not, is what enables us to keep going no matter what. I believe many who chose not to be here any more have lost faith. I don't believe everyone's faith is the same. What (or who) we have faith in, the level or strength of our faith etc. are as individual and changing as each moment in time.

The Nguzo Saba (or Seven Principles) of Kwanzaa are universal in their value to the world community and should become part of our daily existence. Thank you Dr. Karenga for being the vehicle to bring forth this time of reflection and re-commitment. I don't know how close the holiday is to what you envisioned as it has taken on a life of its own. I believe that as it continues to do this, it is what 'The Creator' intends. Peace, Love, Joy and Many Blessings.

Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the sixth day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Kuumba ~ Creativity!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

I sincerely believe the Creator has bought every one of us here with gifts. Some of us never figure out what they are. Some of us never figure out how to use them. But we all have them. I believe the greatest tribute we can give to the one who bought us here is to discover and maximize the gifts were were given to the best of our ability. Much Love.

Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Nia ~ Purpose!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

My understanding of this principle is that our collective purpose is to return to the magnificence established by our forebears. To reclaim our position as the best example of successful community and society. To be responsible not only to ourselves and the living generations but to our ancestors AND our descendants. Individually we are all given gifts/talents/skills/blessings by the the Most High Creator; our job is to use those blessings in harmony with others to fulfill our collective purpose. Much Love.

Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the fourth day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Ujamaa ~ Co-operative Economics!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

Feeling a little better. I expect tomorrow's post to be more informative. Today's principle is crucial to survive and ultimately thrive in the current economic climate. Take note: those who are creating this economic situation are not effected by it; they have always had and will always have. Much Love.

Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the third day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Ujima ~ Collective Work and Responsibility!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

Please pardon the late post as well as the shortness. Yesterday was great, will follow-up about it later. Recuperating (figuratively AND literally). Much Love.

Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the second day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Kujichagulia ~ Self-Determination!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

See the post below for details about our Celebration today in Queens. I hope I see you there.

Habari Gani?!

What's the News?! Today is the first day of Kwanzaa. The answer to the question is:
Umoja - Unity!

I respectfully request that you spend some time during each day of Kwanzaa to reflect on what the principle for the day means in your life and how you practice the principle everyday.

If you are in or near Queens, New York and are looking for somewhere to celebrate and/or learn more about the Cultural Community Uplifting Celebration that is Kwanzaa; come see us! On Saturday, 27 December (2nd day of Kwanzaa) from 1pm-8pm, we will be at the Rochdale Village Community Center, 169-65 137th St, Jamaica, NY for the 3rd Annual Collaborative Kwanzaa Celebration of the Afrikan Poetry Theatre and The Rochdale Village Community Center. The event is FREE but please plan to support the vendors in the marketplace and to give a small (or large) 'good will' donation and/or participate in our raffle to help fill the financial gap made by the current financial crisis. Go to my website 4dgh.com to get a pdf of the event flyer. If you come, look for me. I'm part of the collaboration team, a host and a vendor; so I shouldn't be hard to find. I hope I see you there!

Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri! May y'alls Kwanzaa be Happy!

Come See About Me

Showing 'Hand Made with Love by Zakiyyah' crochet creations and some of my 'Buttons Plus' and 'Design It!' items at Progressive Unlimited tomorrow.

If you've never been to my Sister's precious space this is the perfect excuse to come. It may also be a last opportunity to visit (though I remain prayerful that this will not be so).
Progressive Unlimited's (main) Manhattan location is
14 East 125th Street, Harlem, NY.
Chink, the nurturer of this space has graciously invited me
to show my work there tomorrow,
Sunday, 21 December 2008 between 2pm and 6pm.

Another opportunity to see my 'stuff' and enjoy the results of our (the collaboration committee)
event planning efforts is

the 3rd Collaborative Kwanzaa Celebration of
the Afrikan Poetry Theatre
and Rochdale Village Community Center.
This admission free day of entertainment and community is on
Saturday, 27 December 2008 from 1pm to 8pm.
We will be at the Rochdale Village Community Center, 169-65 137th St, Jamaica, NY.

email me at admin@4dgh.com for directions or for more info about vendor space in our marketplace. Please note: this is a full day of entertainment and community which is free to the public, but please plan to support the vendors in the marketplace; this year we will request a goodwill offering and have a few other fund raising activities because this economic crisis has affected many of our previously dependable financial supporters and we are producing this event on a wing and a prayer.

and finally, announcing the Grand Opening of my etsy shop. . .

handmadewithlovebyz.etsy.com

My Etsy shop is now open. I only have a few items listed but more will be added very shortly. Please stop by ASAP and let me know what you think. You can also RSS the site (at the bottom right) to be notified when I add new items.

P.S. visit us at 4dgh.com for more of what we've been up to.