Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 31- Creativity

Kuumba/Creativity:  Leaving our families, community, and world a better place to live, work, and love.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ~ photo credit: Andrew Eccles

• Grow in knowing that the energy and impulse of the Creator’s image and essence within you is the power that drives your desire for a world that ismore hospitable and nurturing for human existence.
• Grow knowing and showing that the talents, skills and resources entrusted unto you are never to be used without respect for the greatest good for the greatest number of family, community and humanity. 
• Always be pro-active to share and utilize this consciousness and energy everywhere you go, with everyone you meet. 

Candle Lighting :On the sixth day of Kwanzaa the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of struggle- continuous effort and work. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The lesson here is that we light the red candle to reinforce the value and priority we place struggle as the method for creating progress.

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 30- Purpose

Nia/Purpose: "Commitment, duty, and obligation to contribute to the morally serious purpose and noble goal, of nation building, i.e., the quest to recover and restore the  African American family, community, and people as a whole”

• Are you growing in realizing and appreciating that our traditional greatness includes the fact that our African ancestors were the fathers and mothers of humanity and civilization?
• Grow in knowing, receiving and revering inspiration from such a commitment (and its results) in people in every period of our history, in every geographic location.

The African proverb is insightful in illuminating the centrality of the family in the nation building project, declaring: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” And, conversely, the development and elevation of the nation begins in the home. This is an affirmation that nation building begins at the smallest level, the family.

Candle Lighting: On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the GREEN candle.  This candle is symbolic to the collective prosperity; Kwanzaa commitments are made around the Purpose principle.

~Until Next Tiime
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 26-Celebrating Kwanzaa

Just what is Kwanzaa? Unlike Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa’s unaffiliated with a major religion. One of the newer American holidays, Kwanzaa originated in the turbulent 1960s to instill racial pride and unity in the black community.

Established in 1966 by Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa aims to reconnect black Americans to their African roots and recognize their struggles as a people by building community. It is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 annually. Derived from the Swahili term, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first-fruits,” Kwanzaa is based on African harvest celebrations such as the seven-day Umkhost of Zululand.

Starting today, December 26th, through January 1st we will focus on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

SimplyShay: "Candle Light"

One thing about me is I LOVE candlelight. I think we all agree the use of candles makes anything look GREAT. Romantic and stunning, it is the easiest way to add mystery to your event design. Most, if not all, of my events involve some type of lighting. However, following a wedding where the client was responsible for the damage created from flames I do NOT use real candles (unless in cylinder situations).

Now, when I use candles (a staple with Simply Perfect Peace & Designs by Shay) I am reminded of why I use "flameless" ones.

• Voltives (safest to use) can burn the flowers or even worse.. the linen if not places properly.
• Pillars, sleeves, tablecloths or anything else in the way.
• Tall tapers (which are the worst) WILL have wax all over the place and just create a mess.

This might not seem as romantic but my preference (based on my experiences) is LED or battery operated candles. You'll get the same overall effect without the mess. Now if you insist on real candles go for it but now you know of some of the hazards.  Here's hoping for the best!

(photo credit:  Wedding Bee) 

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.