COLOR BLOCKS OF HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES
Brown is not my favorite color. It’s far from it. It’s on the bottom of the barrel of colors I am drawn too. Why probably because I had to wear that color for five days a week when I was in primary school. Then I ended up in a high school whose main color was brown.
I had to wear it for another four years! Goodness! Brown tie, brown sweater, brown skirt with a box pleat. We got blessed with a nice burgundy (maroon) color for a blazer. Probably to break down the boredom of brown. I lost mine my blazer my first year of high school or to put it succinctly, it was stolen.
I have so many memories of my high school life. Like random punishments I ended up doing because I laughed too loudly or being a noise maker. My second year of high school I sat infront of my friend, Samora, and man, we would crack jokes and laugh forever. My name was always on the list of noisemakers but Samora’s name was never to be seen. Why? Because I have a habit of bursting out loudly. I can not contain my laughter. It has a mind of it’s own. It starts as a small titter, then gradually becomes a shout, then my body shakes and the next thing my whole body convulses and I am bellowing. Samora on the other hand would laugh so hard but no sound would come out of her mouth. You can see the tears streaming down her face, eyes shut in that euphoric laughing bliss but not a peep. I always told myself that I was done talking to Samora while vigorously sweeping the pavement or washing dishes or whatever form of punishment the prefects came up with. Then back in class, we would be at it all over again, and I would be on another list of noisemakers.
I was eventually moved to the back of the class. The back bench. The teacher thought placing myself next to my new Deskie, would deter me from showing up on the list. Unbeknownst to my teacher, Mrs. Kamau, my Deskie, Winnie and I were in Drama club together. Drama club was one of the most fascinating clubs to be in. We played out characters,laughed, sang, and went out for Drama festivals which to someone who was in a boarding school was like the most amazing thing everrrr! Well anything that pertained to going out of school was a great thing! Knowing this inspired me to joing a gazzilion clubs.
My eyes light up when I was told to move to the back but I pulled myself together and swallowed the smile that was forming on my face. We became deskies and even call each other desky today. My siblings don’t even know her name. We still squeal “deskkkkkiiieeeee” each other deskie. If there is one person with a ton of stories to tell about my highschool days, it’s my deskie!
Another punishment that fell on me now and then was not having the bed well made. Ahhh boarding school life. Yes! That was a thing. I had to wake up early in the am and go for my study group. I'd straightened my bed to the best of my ability. But on the Friday assembly. If your bed was not properly made, they would call out your name. You would then step in front of the whoooolleee school, teachers, students, school bus driver, watchman - everyone. You would receive that sad blank look because one, you can’t make your damn bed or execute a mitered corner and two you had to face the whole school with everyone looking at you until after the assembly was done. You never wanted your name called. You would be the butt of jokes. Then assigned bathrooms and toilets to clean on the weekends. On top of that, if you were a Home Science student like I was, you would receive another punishment because how can a Home Science student not know how to make a bed? I lowkey dreaded Friday assembly. Like a well trained soldier, I still make my bed up to today.
Sometimes, I can hear the principal saying “ Beds of the following NOT well made!!!”
Amid punishments, laughing, drama clubs, and studying it’s also where high school discovered that I enjoyed writing. I started writing in my first year of highschool. We had so much time to kill, and then there was the network of novels that seem to be floating about. You had to know someone who knew someone. Plus you had to be a fast reader. I digested novels like meals. When I was not reading a novel, I was writing my own novellas. I wrote novels or little stories. I wrote them during preps, breaktime, lunch ime, any free time I had - when I was done studying. The little books I wrote circulated in and out the classes. There were lines and some of my buddies took it up to themselves to bring them back, especially when I had left the story dangling.
Suspense was a huge part of the plot. It was like wondering what would happen on the next episode of Game of Thrones. Marion Mungasia, a buddy a class behind me would ask me if I wrote a page or even a paragraph. The thing with writing, these stories needed to marinate and simmer to make the tale super interesting. That would take a few days. The wait would make my dear readers incensed. Please remember I still had to study, turn in assignments, go for my study groups and so forth. How I created time to write novels is beyond me.
I stopped writing in my third year in high school. Maybe it was a sign that I needed to focus more on my studies who know.
Here’s what happened. I had just finished a writing several pages. At this stage the books had become somewhat “famous” . I had written close to over 400 pages. This damn story was on three 200 page notepads (exercise books) and it had a que. My buddy Ejidia had finished reading or was reading it when our Math teacher found it on top of her desk. My Math teacher took the book and I just wanted to diffuse in the air. Never to come back!
The book had my name all over it. Ejidia had also written her name on it too. To put it mildly, this manuscript of a book had some graphic and intense stories. I had poured my active imagination in it, and it had been confiscated. I was worried when the teachers read my writing I would be expelled. Sent home to my mother. Good Lawd!!! What would I tell her? That I was writing semi - romantic books laced with other stuff I had picked up from other books for what? The thought of being expelled was enough to put the fear of God in me.
Ejidia and I were called to the staff room the following Saturday afternoon. Head hung low, hands in front. I was trying to put a brave face but I failed miserably. We humbled ourselves before the Lord so that we could be lifted upM from whatever was coming our way. Mrs. Kamau did not ask a lot of questions but had a few sentences for us. To never repeat it again and get back to our studies. We apologised and promised never to repeat it again. We walked out of there gulping deep breaths of air, as if a narrow escape from deep waters. I promised not to write again but I still held storytime sessions with my home science crew Ade, Beato, and the gang. It was in the home science room that I first learnt to stitch a garment.
I have no idea where I was going with this post when I started typing. I made a skirt that was brown in color and it brought all these high school memories. I had not planned on shooting this look against a colored back drop however, this location presented itself and here we are.
I probably need to do a part two of this post. My high school years bring carry a lot of memories. I’ve poked a tiny whole in this bag full of memories. If I were to write about them, I would be here forever. There were days when I disliked high school, especially when doing those punishments. Then there were days I really, really loved it. Actually, I loved it most of the time. That’s just me. Life was good. Simple even. Just study, do your duties, go for clubs or sports, wash your clothes on saturday, show up for class and live.
I made really, really amazing friends. Friends that I am in contact with even today. Friends that will go see my family when I things are thick. Friends that give my mum a hug in those Nairobi streets because my mum is their mum and their mums are my mum. Friends that I have to link up with when I’m back home for vacay. My girl Nyambu is my go to reggea partner. Wapi doba? The stories, the laughs, and oh how the jokes will fly! Friends that will make me the the butt of jokes and can’t wait to rip my “accent” too smithereens. My buddy Nat and Sash are famous for it. Fortunately, I execute my kiswahili sheng perfectly. What accent? Friends who became family. Friends who taught me the that true friendship isn't about being inseparable, it’s about being separated and nothing changes.
Dressed in that drabby brown color, we made colorful memories. Damn, I miss the heck out of you all.
Today my country KENYA exercises democracy by voting for it's leaders.
May peace reign. One KENYA.
Skirt: ROSHIE ANNE
Body Suit: Local Store
Wedges: ShoeDazzle.com
Accessories: Maasai Market - Kenya
ICED TEA
Happy New month beautiful people!
The other day I was trying to put a glass of wine back in the cabinet however, the stem of the glass happened to be too long so putting the glass in that cabinet space would result in to breaking the glass. No need to force things.
Then a while back, I was trying on a shoe at the Steve Madden store. Usually I put on the shoes, stand up, bust a move, a mini walk, then stare at the shoes trying to figure out if they would come home with me and join the family. I know this is ironic but if I am wearing high heeled shoes, I have to feel comfortable in them thus my little ritual in the store. Since they did not have my size I figured I should try the smaller size. Maybe just maybe, my foot would have shrunk. Never a good idea.
After staring at the shoe for a while, I knew buying those shoes would also result in to acquiring some nasty corns and weird calluses on my toes (eeww) and no matter how gorgeous the shoes were, it would be best to let it go. My toes were mashed in there, wailing in agony. I walked away from the store, another time perhaps when they have my size. No need to force things.
I have been thinking force lately. The energy exacted in the pushing or pulling of something. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where things are not working out. Dead - end friendships, situations that leave you feeling more awkward than my girl Isaa Rae, relationships that are not going anywhere. It’s simply a merry go round that makes you feel nauseous, light – headed, tired, and there is nothing merry about that. It’s like forcing pieces where they don’t fit.
You wonder why you are holding on to something that won’t work.So like the shoes, no matter how pretty, or gorgeous, they will hurt and damage my feet so the best thing to do is walk away. I found that walking away part hard especially from gorgeous shoes ugghh but once the decision is made. It’s final. Moral of the story, never force things to happen, allow them to happen. And if there is no space for you darling, don’t push it. Just let go and walk away.
This applies to friendships, people, hairstyles, shoes, wine glasses, yoga poses, interactions – everything. And if you are wondering if you are trying too much, squeezing that foot in a shoe like one of Cinderella’s Step-sister’s or going round and round like a child on a carousel with no direction, you are forcing it. Let it go!
And because I always sing about this ALL the time. Vibes don’t lie. J
This casual look has been served courtesy of some iced tea.
White Jeans: Express
Boyfriend Shirt: Zara
Maasai Sandals: Giftes
Sun glasses: Ray Bans
BABY DOLL POLKA DRESS & GROWTH
Today’s post is a beautiful read I picked up from Medium. I am always interested in growth and personal development. This article resonated deeply with me. For a minute, I figured may be I should paraphrase it but I would like you to enjoy it in its entirety.
THE ONLY TIME YOU ARE GROWING IS ONLY WHEN YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE
If everything is too good, you’re probably stuck not being awesome.
Don’t join an “easy” crowd. You won’t grow.
Many people are so comfortable they’re miserable.
Breaking a habit, trying something new, taking a risk, making new connections, or putting yourself in a totally new situation won’t be easy, but it’s worth it. It’s exhausting but rewarding.
Calvin Coolidge says “All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.”
Comfort can lead to self-absorption, boredom, and discontent.
You can either be comfortable and stagnate or stretch yourself — become uncomfortable — and grow. Choose the latter.
Go where the demands are high. Go where the pressure is to perform.
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Psychologist and author of “Better Than Perfect, says people who regularly seek out fresh experiences tend to be more creative and emotionally resilient than those who remain stuck in routine.
“Breaking your own mold can only make you stronger and more confident to reach higher levels in your professional and personal life,” she says.
To grow, you have to embrace the discomfort. The transition will be uncomfortable and scary, but that’s the nature of the beast.
Stretch yourself. You might just like what’s possible.
Peter McWilliams once said “Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort.”
Discomfort is a catalyst for growth. It makes you yearn for something more. It forces you to change, stretch, and adapt.
The secret to success lies in the very thing you’re avoiding. Those things that seem to break you down and humble your spirit.
Seek out discomfort. Be deliberate about doing things that push your limits magnificently. Difficulty helps you to grow.
If you want long-term success, stop avoiding what’s hard.
If you’re truly pushing yourself to improve — in any capacity whatsoever — you are uncomfortable.
When you are challenged, you are asked to become more than you were. That means creating new perspectives, acquiring new skills and pushing boundaries.
In other words you have to expand your understanding in order to be able to overcome the obstacles facing you.
Learning to be comfortable with discomfort is one of the most important skills you can ever have to live a truly fulfilling life. If you learn this skill, you can master pretty much anything.
Getting out of your comfort zone from time to time challenges your mental skills. Mentally active people are constantly building dense networks of connections between their brain cells.
Scientists call that “cognitive reserve.” Continuing to learn new things builds and maintains these connections.
Mentally challenging tasks have the biggest impact on the health of your brain. Be open to new experiences that cause you to see the world and do things differently.
If you master discomfort, you can master just about anything!
Discomfort can be the joyful key that opens up everything for you. You can beat procrastination, start a new habit, learn a new language, make it through challenges and physically gruelling events, explore new things, speak on a stage, and even embrace the minimalist lifestyle.
Jonathan Lethem says, “Discomfort is very much part of my master plan.”
These tasks may seem more ‘painful’ at first, but you’ll achive more that can impact your end result. And that will be just the start.
Repetition expands your comfort boundaries. If you practice your discomforts enough, with different activities, your comfort zone will expand to include discomfort. And then you can master your personal bubble.
Think about it. How many things were once uncomfortable for you which you now accept without difficulty?
Unfortunately, many people avoid discomfort. They do everything they can to avoid it. They are just too comfortable to be pushed or bothered to make a change or improve their lives.
This is perhaps the biggest limiting factor for most people, and it’s why you can’t change your habits.
But the good news is, whatever you are feeling discomfort about, there is someone else out there, feeling exactly the same thing. You are never really along in your discomfort. Sometimes just knowing that can make us feel more comfortable in pushing beyond the obvious.
Discomfort is a catalyst for progress!
Think of the mind as a muscle that naturally tightens up over time unless it is consciously worked upon. Your personal growth significantly depends on new challenges and activities.
Tackle the fear that has kept you from living your best life. Your mind has a way of rising to the occasion. Challenge it, and it will reward you.
Jerry Dunn once said “Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits.”
Challenge your mind — even making it a little uncomfortable by pushing yourself to learn tasks that may not come naturally. Most things seems impossible until they are done.
Give yourself permission to think and act beyond the usual.
Stepping up when it’s annoying or painful or draining builds character.
Be good at making time for what matters to you — especially when you don’t feel like it.
Thomas Oppong is a columnist at Inc. and has been featured on Huff Post , CNBC, and the New York Observer.
I have had moments where I just want to be comfortable. But I have end up feeling ridiculously bland. Boring! Everything in life seems tasteless. I have always wondered if that's the main reason I look for challenges. Be it running a half - marathon, trying something new, or my latest one, to create something even if it sucks.
One of my favorite quotes in this article.
The secret to success lies in the very thing you’re avoiding. Those things that seem to break you down and humble your spirit.
Challenge yourself to try that something new, something you have been putting off. Or that resolution you made this year. There is still time. GO FOR IT! :)
HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND.
Polka Dress: Zara
Heels: Zara
Fedora: Street Vendor
SAFARI CASUAL IN HARLEM
Happy July beautiful people.
The heat is on. Literally!
I have been watching documentaries on Africa, and the wild life and as you know it, I was there craving a Safari. Acacia trees, endless grasslands, blue skies. Sigh**
Then I recently saw a video of snow – pure, white, SNOW carpeting the roads in the highlands of my home country Kenya. Kenya!! It reminded me that Global warming is real! Scary indeed.
Safari's on my mind, the heat, I was thinking of a loose shift like dress. Can I get an Amen for shift dresses!!
I gravitate to any clothing nowadays that won't feel like second skin unless I am going out for a night out. During the day time, I want to be as airy as possible. The dress I am rocking is a cut when mumu meets shift dress then you reduce the hemline to thigh heights. I wanted it to feel like a puff pastry - light and airy. As fate would have it, I found the fabric gazing at me while trying to figure out what to make. The print was of course, all thing Safari, with little gold elephants, olive greens and dusty hues to make me a park warden - off duty! LOL. I could have worn flats but I love jazzing up my outfits now and then by throwing on some heels and my Adidas gym cap to hide the fact that my baldie hadn't seen the barber! Casual indeed.. :)
Safari Dress: Roshie Anne
Heels: Aldo
Kiondo Bag: Maasai Market
Cap: Adidas