My dear friend presented her published work entitled [RE] Awakening The Divine Mother Earth: Women and Life affirming Journeys.  A narrative that examines the marginalization of mother earth and the marginalization of black woman around the world.

 What better title to describe my mood and inspiration on this trip.

 The experience made me aware of my own personal re-awakening  as I evolve from my identity in a brutal marriage to reconnecting with my former true self.... artist, digital media strategist , Christian, entrepreneur, inventor, lover, intellectual and my most important role,  mother. 

As fashion week was ending, we arrived to find  Beyonce on the cover of Italian Vogue , Ciara dominating the largest Cavalli billboards and Black face on the runway?  I couldn't ignore the stares we received everywhere , our faux locs were attracting attention , lots of it. 

We were not the struggling migrant street walkers they were used to ignoring, but ambassadors and intellectual women who just happen to be natural and comfortable in our own (unbleached) skin. I knew I was there to serve this community bringing awareness to another type of black woman and their jaws dropped. Most however admired us, and loved us, the charm of the city swept me off my feet.

"In many ways , Mother Earth speaks from the margins. She is resistant to dominance and is no longer silent. However, her needs and those of women in marginalized communities should not be consider(ed) the "other",....retelling our own stories and not letting anyone speak on our behalf. - Michele Stanback [RE] Awakening The Divine Mother Earth: Women and Life affirming Journeys 2015