Love is in the air?

The origins of Valentine’s Day dates back as far at the 5th Century with the Romans around a holiday called Lupercalia. It also has ties with Julius Caesar; the Ides of March. Critics believed that Shakespeare "joined together the night of the Lupercalia and the eve of the assassination". The Lupercalia, Feb 13-15th  is referred to now as Valentine’s Day; a month in Roman times to end the year, get rid of the old and start again in the New Year (March). The Lupercalia had two stages; the first involving sacrifice, male nudity and a feast followed by the naked men running around and hitting the women. The hitting of these women could be seen as a symbolic form of penetration, therefore suggesting this was a festival of fertility. The connection that is therefore suggested between this Roman festival and Valentine’s Day is to do with nudity, fun, fertility and erotica (http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/socialcustomsdailylife/a/010908Lupercal_4.htm).

Today, Valentine’s Day is seen as day of love; showing appreciation and showering each other with gifts. Some people see it as a commercial hype, a day where lots of money is spent in order to fulfill what is expected of them from society. Others however see it as a day that is special- it may be a day where society dictates you have to be romantic, but it is a day you know that your man/ woman will show you some appreciation. Not all of us are lucky enough to be with someone that is romantic, who doesn't need a specific day to show you how they feel. For those of you that have that, I envy you.

This Valentines I will be spending alone- but you know what, its ok! I decided not to hate on Valentine’s Day, because I am all mushy and I do like what it represents. I am going to have a great supper, then stuff my face with popcorn and chocolate and put on a good movie or series. No, it won’t be the Vow or the Notebook because I have no intention of crying and feeling sorry for myself.

A few months ago there was a prospect of something, there was a feeling of excitement that I might be spending my valentines with someone special, but it didn’t pan out how I wanted or had hoped. It obviously wasn't meant to happen, and I am ok with that. Being single sucks at times, but it is certainly not the end of the world. I have so many other important things I need to worry about! I am envious of all those people today, everyday really who get to be with the person they love, but at the same time I am happy for them. My turn will come eventually (unless I’m totally horrific and repel the male species!!).

Happy Valentine's to everyone out there.

xox

Vivid Memories

Sitting having a cup of Java’s House Coffee, I am trying to think of characters and a plot for a new short story. I am sketching and drafting and taking in my surroundings, looking for inspiration. As I gaze out to one of the buildings entrances, I begin to think about Westgate. In the back of my mind I feel it is still here. Food shopping, the banks, Mr Price, the cinema and our favourite restaurant were there. When I think to myself that I need to buy plates for example from Mr Price, my brain immediately tells me Westgate. Four months later, I still find that it is a topic of conversation every time I meet up with new people.

Here I am now, watching the entrance and trying to imagine what it was like to all those affected at the time. I find that when I am in a shopping centre, I look for places to hide in, trying to determine where I would be the safest. It is an awful but necessary reality to be aware of.

A couple of weeks ago there was an apparent level 5 threat. Fortunately nothing happened, but people are still edgy. I was speaking to a family friend the other night that used to go to the gym at village market- now she is too scared to. We don’t want to be scared, we don’t want to be cowering but the reality of this situation is that there is a possibility that this can happen again and because of that everyone needs to be vigilant at all times. Kenya is a beautiful country, and I am proud to call it home, but it makes me sad that people are worried about coming here.

Throughout the world unnecessary events happen, but people pick up the pieces and carry on with life. I remind myself of September 11. I can recall where I was and who I was with at the exact moment that I heard about it. I was just a child then, but the memories don’t go away. That tragic event affected the entire world, and since then terrorism has been an unfortunate reality.

What is of the upmost importance is to not to let this take over our lives.