tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910Fri, 29 May 2026 15:17:22 +0000StoriesAfricaKenyapoetryPaa Ya PaaWorld Cup 2010parentingwritingMichael Jackson (1958-2009)As quiet as it is keptInspirationhealingChinaDiasporaHomeHumourNigeriaPassionPerserverancePoliticsRebeka Njaucultural awarenessculturefamilyfreedomAfrica Cup of NationsArtistsHaiti earthquake 2010KangasKenya DiasporaKilimanjaroSocial GracesSouth Africa 2010TanzaniaUtuZimbabwe Stone Sculptureafrican cultureeducationhuman rightsimmigrantjoypovertypowerrhythmsAKPAAdulteryAfrica Cup of Nations 2010Africa YetuAfrican YouthAfrican leadersAfrican politiciansAfrican trailblazersApartheidAtlantaAwardsBarack ObamaBeautyBen OkriBiennial Ambassadors ConferenceChild SoldierChristmasDay of Resolve 2011Diaspora ConferenceElimo NjauEmploymentEmpowermentEthnocentricityFIFA 2010Family FootballFemale genital mutilationFootballFriendshipGeorgia SoccerGreen Belt MovementHaiti earthquakeIgnoranceInnovationInternational Women's DayIyeoka OkoawoJames KangwanaJohannesburgJohn OliverKibo Art Gallery PowerLagosLanguageMARTAMau MauNadiaNew FrontierNneka EgbunaOppressionPioneersPubertyShukraniSoccerSufferingThank YouThis Is My AfricaToday ShowTourismVanpool Diary Entry #1Vanpool Diary Entry #2Wangari MaathaiWorld Aids DayWorld HistoryZachary Muburi-Muitabirthdaysdreamsdrumelectionsglobal warmingglobalizationheadachejusticelawlesslifeliteracylovematriarchmothermoviesopportunitiespetspolygamypolygynyrefugeesrelationshipsrhythmself-determinationstrepteam managertonsillitisThis blog is my drum. Beat it with me. http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)Blogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-8034296182759965024Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:10:00 +00002025-03-09T09:18:04.863-04:00The weaving of moments that have altogether formed the woman I am today.The DNA that formed the foundation.The mindful acts that brought me grace, joy and freedom.The valleys that served as fertilizer of the seeds of faith.The insights that caused me to pause and connect the dots.The wings clipped in order to grow stronger.The inward journey to thank God, who is my hiding place.The awe of the http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2025/03/international-womens-day-2025.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-7017597081644864604Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:52:00 +00002021-04-29T04:57:17.133-04:00This morning I stood on the small dock. I accommodated my concerns for a few minutes. Then I cast them into the murky depths of the lake. I meditated upon God’s will and my getting out past the harbor into the great depths of knowing things for myself. Growing and developing spiritual discernment. Happiness is the joy you feel, when moving towards your potential.Onwards and Upwardshttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-dock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-5948330189704140023Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:39:00 +00002021-04-23T04:39:30.977-04:00I am woman. I am not a strong womanI do not have girl magicI am more vast than strength and magic. Sometimes, I want to be protected, to be vulnerable, to be desired, to be understood;within contexts that display the depth and scope that I am. Because #BlackGirlMagic does not Always help me in my day to day.But I do strive to use all of my might and ability to be fully present in order to capturehttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/04/i-am-woman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-6501707893421791660Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:10:00 +00002021-04-15T20:10:36.037-04:00Not everyone got admitted into the DJ Booth back when Club Harambee dominated the nightlife in New York City.  I did, and it felt special, cool and exclusive. This was in the late 80s, early 90s and the highly sought after DJ Beto, had a permanent the gig at hottest African spot in town.  His music was kicking every weekend! It represented a variety of countries from all over http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/04/music-as-form-of-transportation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-3457742677777860235Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:28:00 +00002021-04-12T16:28:29.164-04:00When I have time to think and dream...I think about my novel.It is about geographic and social mobility. It is about characters who try to find their rightful "place" in post-colonial Africa.And immigrants in America who try to find "belonging."It is about Outsiders and Insiders.  The stratification of society,Caste, Class, Culture, Ethnicity.It explores trust, adaptability and http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/04/shifting-identity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-2805248048881833176Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:52:00 +00002021-04-09T05:52:22.229-04:00What I have learned is that vibrancy comes from wellness, wellbeing, good health, and confidence, to name a few elements. As I approach my sixties, I am more self aware than ever. Four years ago, I took charge of my own health, and began my wellness journey. Of the multiple roles I take on in my daily life, number one is now to put myself first. Self care is not selfish. “Put your mask on first,http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/04/wellness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-7870970270401347086Wed, 31 Mar 2021 19:45:00 +00002021-03-31T15:45:51.592-04:00I complete the front of the card. I lift it carefully and carry it out to the yard.  The sun is high in the sky. It will take a short time for the watercolors to dry.  I set it carefully on the grass.The divisions between the colors are barely discernible.But in the clarity of the sunlight, I can see where the fresh brush strokes collided in a damp spot and forced an irregular fusion ofhttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/watercolors-and-roses.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-1574661261495022572Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:11:00 +00002021-03-29T10:48:46.002-04:00It was all too much for her to consume.  A waterfall of sheer satin plunged over rocks lined with a draping of moss. Was the doorway behind the curtain of water? The gates to heaven that Rahab had told her about.  Where the washing away of sins took place?She looked at Mo. His arms were crossed over his chest - his right hand cradling his left elbow, his left hand cradling his right http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-waterfall.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-7704771427955314334Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:33:00 +00002021-03-18T07:33:08.512-04:00Twigs creaked beneath my feet as I emerged from the shady path onto the clearing. And my chronic homesickness resurfaced. Before me were twelve tree stumps, just like the ones we sat on at the Gallery during bonfire nights, circa 1975-1980.Bonfires that were lit to unleash the creative energy of those gathered - artists, writers and poets. When the sky was so black and life seemed so simple. http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-prayer-trail.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-2628145843808100578Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:24:00 +00002021-03-16T05:24:56.573-04:00 I am writing a novel.As I walk through my already written work, rewriting - scenes to be added or taken out - it is a revelation to me how many times roads and trees come up. Tarmac roads, murram (dirt) roads - which way do they lead? Inwards or outwards? Roads are a force, static yet powerful, causing movement. The major conflict in the book is duality of being. The culturalhttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/roads-and-trees.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-7950445720814703160Fri, 12 Mar 2021 11:31:00 +00002021-03-12T06:36:03.697-05:00The birdsong is louder than usual this morning.I think the birds are excited about Spring, and all the bugs they are going to eat as it gets warmer... We are also excited about Spring!xoxohttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/a-sneak-peek-of-spring.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-760402024400924550Thu, 11 Mar 2021 01:51:00 +00002021-03-10T20:52:36.283-05:00"There is no moving up and out in the world unless we are fully acquainted with the person we are meant to be.  Whatever your calling, it is already rooted within, and while those roots may get trampled on or tugged at, they can never be removed." - Oprah.As I rewrite my novel, I am revisiting shadow work that I have needed to do for awhile.  Not with a trained specialist, just with my http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/game-face.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-5336475222385481727Mon, 08 Mar 2021 11:54:00 +00002021-03-08T07:01:11.952-05:00The time of day when the sun is high above the horizon, is my favorite instance of time. Today is a day remembered especially for women. I add my voice to the thousands praising.As we pause to take stock of all that we have accomplished for the good of man and wo(man), I pause to pay homage to Mama Shujaa, my blog.  We launched in November of 2008 and I called her Mama Shujaa (http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/i-am-international-woman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-8937873588216259140Sat, 06 Mar 2021 13:17:00 +00002021-03-06T08:17:40.861-05:00Yes, the time comes when you must write that letter to yourself.  Because only you can.In this digital age we live in where a lot of communication is via Facebook, Twitter, instant text messaging and emails, write a missive that bears the hallmarks of great correspondence. Break it up into digestible chunks that will become slices of social Herstory.  Start with your childhoodhttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-time-comes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-1124396928447095276Fri, 05 Mar 2021 11:33:00 +00002021-03-05T06:33:40.027-05:00When I received that check in text from my coach, why did I feel like sprinting?Phew! Let me get to work!Who is your Wellness Accountability Partner?I have got lofty body goals so I am thankful for mine.Hana. http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/wellness-accountability-partner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-803696466217524411Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:52:00 +00002021-03-04T05:52:54.663-05:00I practice remembering who I am. Daily.  I surround myself with people who will help fertilize and till the organic soil upon which I stand, the roots of my existence.  And for that I am grateful.The journey continues...you can watch the full 6 min video on my IG page @ mamashujaa.Blessings.Hana. http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-do-you-overcome-imposter-syndrome.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-1171350002958169901Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:29:00 +00002021-03-02T14:38:03.476-05:00This morning as I was leaving for the job:Hubby:  “You forgot your wig!””No, I’m going in like this!” pointing to my freshly twisted locs. Hubby: “cool.”****Isn’t it amazing how we are constantly evolving? A lot of us women did not get the memo for years…that our lives belong to us. We’ve allowed that instinct to prevail, that we need a permission slip from the principals http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/we-are-constantly-evolving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-8895954082642920913Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:42:00 +00002021-03-01T06:42:03.722-05:00THANK YOU for the many ways your lives have enriched mine. For your love, friendship, intelligence, grit, resilience, irreverent wit, courage, and the vibrant joy you spread.  I reach across this internet we share to say:Asante Sana, my impeccable friends! I am grateful for you and this wonderful world of special connections.Hana. "The smallest act of kindness is worth http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/03/it-is-world-compliment-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-745571342587612055Sun, 28 Feb 2021 18:22:00 +00002021-02-28T13:22:57.250-05:00I love looking up and realizing that 36 years have passed without my really noticing because all the while we have been immersed in raising a family, in pursuing personal goals, in a sense, we have been immersed in our book of life. Transporting ourselves along, bumpy roads notwithstanding, gliding over the smooth tarmac, crunching through graveled throughways - With God's Grace Always.Love http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-road-we-have-travelled.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-4273257161442838741Wed, 17 Feb 2021 12:23:00 +00002021-02-17T07:42:44.565-05:00It is the most validating thing you can do.Do you ever feel out of balance?Like you’ve been running ragged, trying to live up to someone else’s vision for your life?Juggling roles throughout life – daughter, son, father, mother, sister, brother, husband, wife, team manager, coworker, boss, friend volunteer…You can get into alignment. Just like tires need alignment, you can align and get to http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/02/can-you-own-your-greatness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-6555099167672000596Sun, 14 Feb 2021 13:53:00 +00002021-02-14T08:53:20.382-05:00It is always like this: after you start something you discover you love, you ask yourself why did I not begin sooner?The crafts business that I launched in November, 2020, is sprouting and stretching.  It all began with a friend's request:  "You must do something with your penmanship!"That led to intentional conversations...and the universe was captivated! God put me in the http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/02/creative-adventure-my-crafts-business.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-8215807075501108850Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:17:00 +00002021-02-11T07:30:27.111-05:00Can you trust what you see in your mirror?Yesterday, I was prompted to reflect deeper on Who Hana Is and Why she does what she does - from the most unexpected source. I had sought the assistance of a personal branding consultant with the intention of executing on goals I have set for 2021. Maybe I knew that personal branding delves beyond beautiful selfies and orchestrated photo shoots but that http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2021/02/on-voice-and-dissonance.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-996159943533074585Thu, 03 Sep 2020 11:15:00 +00002020-09-03T07:22:05.561-04:00Mother Nature has given us this challenge.We are fighting it with terms of imprisonment.Lockdown. Quarantine. Isolation.I am cultivating seeds of compassion in this war. I am planting bulbs tolerant of cold temperatures, resistant to threats of frost, that will grow deep roots to anchor us against the ephemeral fashions of the world.Mother Nature gives and she takes.  It is time tohttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2020/09/my-body-is-garden.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-6284282171953072401Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +00002020-08-18T06:00:03.346-04:00Watch my short video here:https://www.facebook.com/hana.njauokolo/videos/10221275218402688/?extid=KpuleuuEcVWENE4Y&d=nMama Shujaa xoxoxhttp://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2020/08/why-i-do-what-i-do.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614816848877821910.post-5185168880655523398Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:30:00 +00002020-08-17T13:30:17.240-04:00 Honored to be published with others here:https://silverbirchpress.wordpress.com/2020/08/08/kilimanjaro-by-hana-njau-okolo-landmarks-series/Cheers!Hana. http://mamashujaa.blogspot.com/2020/08/my-kilimanjaro-poem.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hana Njau-Okolo)0