Celebrating Small Business Month

 It's Small Business Month and your humble blogger is excited to highlight Small business, especially BIPOC ones. Here's some that I've personally patronized:

Denisio Truitt Atelier- denisiotruitt.com 

(The crop top and earrings are from this shop)

This store has been mentioned before on this blog, but Denisio Truitt Atelier deserves all the love. Denisio is an artist through and through and her wares definitely deserve to be in your closet, jewelry chest or on your wall.

Woodward Throwbacks -https://www.throwbackshome.com/

Love home goods? Shop Woodward Throwbacks. Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay bring new life to salvaged pieces in their furniture work. Check out their home decor and drinkware as well. If you're in Detroit, check out their showroom in Hamtramck.

Studio Nena- https://studionena.co/

Based in Miami, Studio Nena has one of a kind pieces begging to be part of your wardrobe .

Baobab Fare- https://baobabfare.com/

Of course your humble blogger has to highlight another Detroit spot. When in town, grab a bite at the restaurant. Their east African fare is sure to please. For those unable to make it to the Motor city, order a bag of their Burundian coffee or other east African goods through their Soko Market.

Nur Ceramics- https://www.nurceramics.com/

(Incense from Soulful Vibes Co. https://soulfulvibesco.com)

Anyone in love with design, especially minimal design, will love Dina Nur Satti's ceramics. In fact, to speak of Nur Ceramics strictly in terms of design is an understatement. As stockist  Covet + Lou notes, Satti's pieces are "vessels rich in culture"

If you have the chance to enjoy any of these brands, don't hesitate to do so.

-Msranadee

Back again at U.S. Catholic

Check out the April 2025 issue of U.S. Catholic 

Help Tahiri Broom's Family

 You may have heard of the murder of Tahiri Broom last month. On this Trans Day of Visibility, it behooves your humble blogger to boost her family 's GoFundMe. They're almost at goal. She deserves to be remembered with dignity and her family deserves all the support they need. If you're able to do so, please donate or share 

https://gofund.me/fe5f2938

-Msranadee

Leaving this here

Once again, Janelle Monáe comes with a quote that stops you in your tracks and begs to be shared.  This time, it's in their forward for Octavia Butler's Kindred:

The idea of a 'hero' asks that we think about not only their bravery but also who or what is being saved

Humanity has been enamored with the hero's journey since time immemorial. It seems to be always taught as a lesson on how to behave,  especially in trying times. Yet, Janelle breaks down the idea of heroism so well in just one sentence. It's something to meditate on and take to heart, as life calls us to always stand for what's right and those most vulnerable.

I made it to AZE Journal

You humble blogger's poetry has been accepted by AZE Journal! Check it out-

 https://azejournal.com/article/2024/12/22/does-there-have-to-be-a-reason

Going into 2025

What to say upon entering 2025? What's coming to mind is embrace the blank slate, whether it begins with the New Year, or months down the road. The great thing about the metaphor is it evokes the possibility that even if you make a mistake, you can erase it and do over-whether it's one stroke or the whole thing. Or, you can morph what you're doing on the slate like kitsugi, if necessary. As your humble blogger usually doesn't do resolutions, as have mentioned before, this whole idea might be the theme for 2025.

May you and yours be blessed this New Year,

MsRanaDee

(Image from istockphoto.com)

A Tanka

 Inspired by Sabrina C.

What are the small wins?

Lean into that my dearest

But balance it out

Let it be fire for you

Proper for your greatest self