Windows. Eyes. Souls. #siwelives

There is SO much mental and physical preparation that goes into living. So you cannot begin to imagine the amount of mental and physical preparation that goes into honoring a loved one AND taking care of myself as the date approaches. 

A limited, yet beautiful, view from my window in Nairobi, Kenya 3/7/2018

As I sit in my favorite spot on the living room floor looking out of this window in Nairobi, Kenya, I was "called" to snap a physical picture of my "happy place." I am wondering how I will honor her birthday posthumously. She would have been 22 years old on March 8th, 2018. She was born exactly on her due date, International Women's Day, March 8th, 1996. 

"The eyes are the window to your soul."

-William Shakespeare

Siwe was FASCINATED with eyes. She drew them CONSTANTLY. There is actually one of her drawings that I intend to have tattooed on my right wrist. (All of my tattoos represent Siwe in some way.)

I am fascinated with windows and souls. When I look out of a window I find beauty in what I can see and am always amazed by the depth and breadth of what cannot be seen. It is the same with people. We see their bodies, but what of their souls? 

Siwe's Naming Ceremony in Harlem, NY on April 6, 1996

Every moment in time is but a glimpse of an evolving soul. We do not know what the future holds. #tomorrowisnotpromised We do not know the complexity that is both inside and outside of our view. And quite often what we see is shaded by our own experiences.

I ramble... I remember... I evolve... I appreciate...

Siwe painted this oil on canvas circa 2010 while we were on vacation in Vermont.

The self portrait above was never named, but IF it had been named, it could have been:

Windows.

Eyes.

Souls.

I remember you Siwe, your talent, your drive, your eyes, your smile, your laugh, your birth, your death... #stopsuicide #loveNEVERdies 

March 8th, 1996 - June 29th, 2011

Happy 22nd Birthday Siwe!

#siwelives

INjoy,
dionne