Happy February friends!
Much to celebrate this month and the first thing that comes to mind is Black History. Yes, February has been designated Black history month, but for me, every month is Black history month. Just like every month should be women’s history month.
I’m very proud to be a first-generation American on my father’s side. Dad, Edward Fasien Kamara, was the youngest child and the only one in his immediate family to go to school. He immigrated to America from Liberia, Africa when he was a young man. His first year was sponsored by the Episcopalian Church then he was on his own. He came to get a college education which he did and then some.
Dad didn’t share a whole lot with me so the stories I have are cherished. Once he told me that while in college there were days he didn’t eat because he didn’t have the money. When not in school one of his jobs was to mow a cemetery with a push mower, and on one hot Summer day he was so hungry he fainted. It wasn’t until years later when I was in college at the same school he and my mom went to, I saw the cemetery he mowed. It was perched on a long steep hill! I envisioned my Dad as a student pushing the lawnmower up that impossible slope while manuvering around the grave stones.
My Dad died the Summer before my Junior year of college. That Fall I lived across the street from that same cemetery and cried myself to sleep every night first semester.
Dad worked hard to try and make the American dream come true. I remember being so proud of him as I watched him graduate with his doctorate degree after years and years of hard work. It made an impression on me that I’ll never forget.
I miss my Dad. He passed away decades ago at 48 from lung cancer, but he still lives on in me and my children. I’m a stronger person and a more critical thinker because of him.
He always said I would have been a storyteller in his village. I do love history, the importance of it, the truth of it and the wisdom it brings. It leaves me wanting more.
Black history and stories need to be told. There is so much to learn from, so much to be inspired by. This month I hope you’ll treat yourself to some Black history.
Stylish design ideas I saw this week
With fresh flowers from my garden being a long ways away it’s the grocery store for me. These tips on keeping them fresh longer will come in handy.
Faux plants outside are something I started to incorporate a couple of years ago. These topiaries look stunning and like the real deal.
Looking for a good DIY furniture project? Erin’s got you covered with 15 of her favorites.
Quote of the Week
Color for the Soul
Fading a print by artist Madison Bloch
Think On These Things
Good news for the housing sector and the environment all thanks to a new kind of grass.
Great Finds to Check Out
On the Blog this Week
5 of the Best Places to Shop for Affordable Bedding
A Quick Way to Frame a Bathroom Mirror
Enjoy your weekend friends and stay in touch! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Tik Tok.
MORE LIFE AS ART
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Hi Maria! Thank you for sharing some of your family history with us! Your Dad sounds like an amazing man! It’s wonderful that you were able to follow in his footsteps and attend the same college. I’m so sorry to hear that he died at such a young age! All of your pictures are gorgeous and thanks for so many great links!
That’s so sweet of you Donna, thank you. Loved and still love my Dad so much.
Your dad sounds like an amazing man. How wonderful to have been raised by such a hard working, intelligent and loving man. He lives in your heart and memories. I am sorry for your loss.
Thanks Elizabeth, you are so right. He lives in my heart forever.