"A wise person, like the moon, shows only the bright side of the world." African proverb for  January 31

Some people might disagree with that as it is still important to recognize the problems that exist and try to do something to change them.  Though with Africa, in general, I think the media focuses too much on the negative where people only think of Africa in terms of war, poverty and famine.  That was one the main reasons that I published my book so that this focus could be changed to a more positive one.  I would love to hear from those who have the book to know what they think about this and to share those ideas. 

I Am Because We Are: African Wisdom in Image and Proverb at www.africanwisdominimageandproverb.com

 
                                               Maasai Woman Elder, Southern Kenya

I love these proverbs.  Each one is so meaningful.  Today's proverb is very short and sweet!  "Goodness starts at home."  Kenyan proverb.

George Opondo, an organic farmer in western Kenya, was building his home in the traditional manner when I visited him.  He had a vision of what he thought would work best for his climate.  And it made it very beautiful. 

Again my apologies for not keeping up on my blog.  If you want to know what has been happening with the book please check out the news page on the website.  Lots has happened and I am so pleased with the success of the book.  I am still looking for places to exhibit a selection of the African photographs that are in the book.  If you know of a place please let me know. 

Now I am in midst of signing a book distribution agreement with the University Press of Mississippi, an excellent academic press.  The reason for doing this is so that institutions, libraries, and bookstores who want to deal with a distributor can now do so.  I hope the book will reach a larger market as it should. 

I am going to use this blog on a daily basis to post an uplifting proverb and any other thoughts that I might have for the day.  All the proverbs are from a calendar put out by Annetta Miller called "African Wisdom for Life."  The calendars are available through Ten Thousand Villages. 

Today's proverb for January 29 is "The supper of a kind person is shared with others."  Ethiopian proverb
Photo is of an Ethiopian mother and child.