Love – The Art of Proddy

Summer Love💕

A story about the love of my life.

Where I come from, on the eastern slopes of Mt. Kenya, in the lush green countryside of Chogoria; in a serene and quiet village that I love to call Kiriani “A” or Muthaiga, naming ceremonies are without pomp and colour like it used to be many many epochs ago. These days they go subtly unnoticed and without the ceremonial splendour that often accompanied them.

In strong opposition to this deliberate attack of my tribal culture, I decided that naming ceremonies in my family were going to be a thing.

So, when my daughter was born, in the wee hours of the morning of Thursday 28th November 2013, it was both my family and cultural duty to name this angel according to the season as my great ancestors had done before me. Ofcourse, not overlooking the fact that I was born and raised a christian and my PCEA Reverend expected certain things of me as a good christian.

The girl arrived at 2am, bouncing and with a big smile on her little face. Up to date that smile warms my insides. Bright, pure, radiant and genuine.

When the hospital attendants asked me what name to write on her notification of birth, I knew exactly what I wanted written. I had known for months that I was getting a girl, so blushing with joy and affection I said,”Allison Samara Nkatha.” These were carefully thought out names by both me and her mom, after a shortlist of over 100 names.

My baby girl was a love child. I named her Allison, which is an old Scottish name meaning Noble. Noble because I wanted Allison to grow to have fine personal qualities and high moral principles. She has already outdone my every expectation.

Like if one foreign name was not enough I also named my little princess, Samara. A name of Hebrew origin that means Guardian or Protected by God. Which is what I have always wanted for my babies; God’s Protection.

My naming rights ended there, but not my daughters’ names. In my culture, which I adore like nobody’s business, everyone has a “Ntaagu”. My daughter’s Ntaagu is a Matriarch, independent, alpha female, auntie of mine called Kaari, who’s pride in her role as a matriarch is a force to be reckoned with.

I approached her to name my Samara and she graciously accepted calling her Nkatha. Nkatha is a Meru name meaning a beautiful, dignified, strong, graceful, independent, brave and diligent woman. All the traits I wish my Allison will grow up with. To be a Proverbs 31 kind of woman.

At this point, my daughter’s naming was over. All the other names she will get throughout her life will have nothing to do with me, her mum or her Lovely Ntaagu.

Her siblings call her Sam, but I fondly call her Summer love. She is the love of my Life and today being her 12th Birthday, I don’t have enough words to express how much joy and love she has brought in my life.

All I can say to you my daughter is, I love you more than you will ever know. Nothing lights up my world more than you do! May all your wishes come true today and every day of your life. You are the LOML.

Happy birthday Allison Samara Nkatha Mutwiri!!!

I

I wake up early, 🌄
not ‘cause I’m chasing dreams,
but ‘cause hunger doesn’t snooze.
I step out with hope in one pocket,
and emptiness in the other.
Nairobi, be gentle today please.🙏

I’ve dropped CVs in places you can’t fathom.
I’ve prayed for calls that never came,
I’ve smiled in interviews like a CEO,
then walked home like an intern.😔
But still, I try again… Always.

I have loved honestly,♥️
I have been loved back, or so I thought.
I have shared peace that wasn’t mine to keep.
But in this city sharing is caring.🫂
Love, just like wifi, is strongest where it’s not yours.

I laugh with the boys,
loudly, too loudly sometimes.
We joke, we talk football ⚽, we talk life,
but behind every “bro, uko aje?”
There’s a man holding himself together with pure vibes and Inshallah.🤞

I’m too tired but I’m still here. 😩
I’m too broke but I’m not finished.
I will keep showing up, even when life treats me like a forgotten dream.
‘Cause one day, eh? One day…
My story will change and I’ll laugh for real.😂

Balancing Fatherhood and Marriage: Understanding the Differences.

Being a good dad and a good husband are two different roles. It’s possible to excel in one while struggling in the other. Both roles are very important and most men suffer trying to navigate these challenges.

A good dad spends quality time with his children. He provides emotional support and guidance. He ensures their safety and well-being. He encourages their growth and development. Fathers focus on creating a strong bond with their children and supporting them through various stages of growth.

On the other hand, good husband communicates effectively with his spouse. He shows love and affection consistently. He supports his partner’s dreams and goals. He works together to solve problems and make decisions. Marriage requires ongoing effort, understanding, and compromise. It’s about building a partnership based on mutual respect and love.

The skills needed to be a good dad and a good husband can sometimes conflict. Balancing time between children and spouse can be challenging. Providing emotional support to children might leave less energy for a spouse. Children and spouses have different needs and expectations.

It’s important to recognize that being a good dad and a good husband are both valuable and challenging roles. By understanding the differences and working towards balance, you can be successful in both areas. Remember, it’s a journey, and every step you take towards improvement counts.

I am My best Friend.❤️

Self-love is the practice of accepting, caring for, and accepting oneself as one is, without judgment or criticism.

Loving yourself and taking care of yourself are like being your own best friend. It’s about feeling good for being you, and doing little things every day to make sure you’re happy and healthy.

When I love myself, I remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I don’t have to be perfect. It’s like giving myself a big hug, even when I trip or when I fall. And when I take care of myself, it’s like making sure I eat my favorite dish, get plenty of sleep, and do the things that make me smile.

Putting myself first also means I can be stronger when things get tough, and I can share more smiles with my loved ones. It’s like when my cup is full, I can pour into others’ cups too.

So, I make sure to listen to my heart, rest when I’m tired, and do things that make me happy. This way, I’m not just getting by; I’m having a great time being me!