Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
A Bit of information about February being Black History Month.
Black History Month, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for the remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.
Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today. During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and their vital role in the community.
WHERE TO FIND Mama…
Mama says: Put A Hat On! and book a home Mad-Hatter-Party (performance and product showing) with a Valentine, Un-Valentine theme throughout February. You can find Mama at various community events in February.
Storytelling February 19 10:30am at Eastside Family Place (ESFP) 1655 William (for families with children under 6yrs) http://www.eastsidefamilyplace.org .
Family Storytelling Sunday Feb 25 at 3:30pm with AKOMA at the North Burnaby Boys & Girls Club 518 Howard Ave (near Hastings St) BurnabyBC. For more details: putahaton@gmail.com and @akomavancouver
Storytelling and Workshops can be booked for schools, special events and festivals at ANY time of year tailored to your theme. Contact us at: putahaton@gmail.com
In honour of FEBRUARY festivities Mama says: Put A Hat On! is offering a sweet deal. BUY a hat in combination with another Put A Hat On! product (hat, pouch, body-pouch, wishmark card set) and receive a delicious bottle of a mouth watering (non-alcohol) treat. The custom Adinkra designs featured on the two hats above are Osram Ne Nsoromma “the moon the star” a symbol for love, faithfulness and harmony. West African Adinkra symbol influences are part of my original designs.
Mama says: Put A Hat On!Mandala Wishmark card sets ($7.50 ea/ 3 for $20) and custom Mandala key chains ($5 ea/ 12 or more $3.50ea) are available for order and purchase. putahaton@gmail.com
West African Adinkra symbol chart. These symbols influences are part of my original designs
Mama says: Put A hat On! is taking NEW orders ready 1-2 weeks or less. Contact us via email: putahaton(at)gmail.com
this was my quasi-epic entry all about my four favorite teas from samples within the TeaSparrow.com tea club.
“My favourite teas (limit 4 😢) are Hands down #ONE Cream of Earl Grey by the Tea Guy. When I need an end of the day or mid afternoon hug-In-a-mug this is THE TEA for me from the slightly floral smell to the warmth that extends well beyond the actual temperature of the content- it’s perfect. Funny story after being introduced to this creamy full bodied slice of bliss, in the oh so modestly sized sample pack, I went on the hunt for it out in the Tea Wonderland we now call Vancouver. I ended up writing to the owner, who used to have NV warehouse distribution, but is now far far away. My original “tea guy” that owned Steam Tea now works with actual Tea Guy but Steam (although they carry 5 types of Earl Grey-ALL of which I tried) did not carry TG -COEG. Aargh! Just when desperAtion seemed at a peek….tahdah… from On High, or at least from across town, appeared the Holiday TS samples with a “CREAM OF EARL GREY”. (cue confetti). I’m also gah gah for TG Masala Chai (but I am not using one of the ever precious 4 votes for that gem).
After #1 the love ❤️ is shared pretty equally although I’m deeply struggling with deciding between Tea Spot; Red Hot Chai and Market Spice Sweet Cinnamon from Tea Desire both are so deliciously Spinnamony (spicy&cinnamony). Also BIG LOVE for let’s call it #3 Cherry Rose Green from Elmwood Inn. It has such a crisp cherry with just a touch of rose but without being syrupy – a delight and in the words of long ago rebel Mr Kermit “it’s hard to be green”.
Finally numéro quatre, but not for lack of love just someone has to be at the end, Rishi Tea Topical Coconut Oolong which I must say I oolove oolong most of all as the newest tea that I’ve come to know. This was NOT my mamas daily cup a tea for us while growing up and probably still isn’t (very traditional British Black tea lady). Gotta say though of my intro to Oolong is still in honeymoon stage that the buttery smooth body of this tea with the bits of pineapple and coconut -AMAZING!! This is my grown up tea. As the quote says (slightly paraphrased):
When I was a child I drank tea as a child.
When I was grown I drank TC Oolong.”
A Bit of information about February being Black History Month.
Black History Month, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for the remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.
Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today. During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and their vital role in the community.
In honour of FEBRUARY festivities Mama says: Put A Hat On! is offering a sweet deal. BUY a hat in combination with another Put A Hat On! product (hat, pouch, body-pouch, wishmark card set) and receive a delicious bottle of a mouth watering (non-alcohol) treat. The custom Adinkra designs featured on the two hats above are Osram Ne Nsoromma “the moon the star” a symbol for love, faithfulness and harmony. West African Adinkra symbol influences are part of my original designs.
Mama RENEWS the triple challenge as a collective NEW YEAR’s resolution.
DO SOMETHING – random and kind for someone else (near or far)
GO GREEN- reuse/ recycle /repurpose EVERYTHING POSSIBLE (incl. wrappings)
BE MINDFUL- Make something or Buy something locally handmade (hint – hint)
WHERE TO FIND Mama…
Mama says: Put A Hat On! and book a home Mad-Hatter-Party (performance and product showing) with a Valentine, Un-Valentine theme throughout February. You can find Mama at various community events in February.
Storytelling February 20 10:30am at Eastside Family Place (ESFP) 1655 William (for families with children under 6yrs) http://www.eastsidefamilyplace.org .
Workshop Thursday Feb 16 at (for adults w/ childcare provided) at Kiwassa NH on African Mancala game. The workshop is free with registration.
February 22nd, World Poetry Celebrates BHM, 6:30-8:30pm, 716, 6th Street (Auditorium) New Westminster. A tribute to women of colour, past, present and future.
Mama says: Put A Hat On!Mandala Wishmark card sets ($7.50 ea/ 3 for $20) and custom Mandala key chains ($5 ea/ 12 or more $3.50ea) are available for order and purchase.
Through a variety of fun, creative activities participants learn about and practice storytelling, explore colour meanings and play with a beautiful array of coloured yarns, weaving a simple piece of art.
Mandala is “sacred circle” in Sanskrit. The mandala is primarily used as a form of meditation to gain knowledge from within. Participants will learn about, and practice using, Mandalas for enjoyment and reflection. Includes a guided meditation with custom created aromatherapy oil.
A 2-hour adult focused Mandala workshop is an opportunity to connect with other community members and learn a personal meditative and reflective practice easily integrated into busy lives. Participants will get the tools to create their own Mandala and learn some of the meaning of various colours & essential oils as they explore freeing their creativity through centered reflection. It’s a fun energy-lifting practice that gives participants surprising boost.
Some colour meanings: RED for strength, high energy and passion PINK for love, intuition and the feminine ORANGE for creativity, transformation, self-awareness and intuition YELLOW for learning, wisdom, laughter and happiness GREEN for physical healing, psychic ability, love of nature and caring BLUE for emotional healing, inner peace and meditation PURPLE for all things spiritual WHITE for spiritual focus BLACK for mystery, deep thinking and individuality
Adinkra painting, stenciling & stamp making Workshop
A 2 hour family printmaking and storytelling workshop for seniors, adults, youth & children 5yrs and up, on Adinkra as Story. The workshop participants will hear Master Storyteller Siobhan, of Mama says; Put a Hat On and will explore the African oral tradition of stories of the Adinkra symbol language through paint, stencil & stamps.
February’s SWEET DEAL- buy two & bonus drinkable present
In honour of FEBRUARY festivities Mama says: Put A Hat On! is offering a sweet deal. BUY a hat in combination with another Put A Hat On! product (hat, pouch, body-pouch, wishmark card set) and receive a delicious bottle of a mouth watering treat. The custom Adinkra designs featured on the two hats above are Osram Ne Nsoromma “the moon the star” a symbol for love, faithfulness and harmony. West African Adinkra symbol influences are part of my original designs.
Happy New Year- Gung hay fat choy- Feliz Año Nuevo-Aide shoma mobarak- Bonne année – Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu- Xin nian yu kuai- Buon Capo d’Anno
February is also Groundhog day, Valentine’s day, Ash Wednesday, Family Day and the boycotted Academy awards.
A Bit of information about February being Black History Month.
Black History Month, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for the remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.
Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today. During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and their vital role in the community.
Mama RENEWS the triple challenge as a collective NEW YEAR’s resolution.
DO SOMETHING – random and kind for someone else (near or far)
GO GREEN- reuse/ recycle /repurpose EVERYTHING POSSIBLE (incl. wrappings)
BE MINDFUL- Make something or Buy something locally handmade (hint – hint)
WHERE TO FIND Mama…
Mama says: Put A Hat On! and book a home Mad-Hatter-Party (performance and product showing) with a Valentine, Un-Valentine theme throughout February. You can find Mama at various community events in February.
Storytelling date TBA at Eastside Family Place (ESFP) 1655 William (for families with children under 6yrs) http://www.eastsidefamilyplace.org .
Workshop Thursday Feb 16 at (for adults w/ childcare provided) at Kiwassa NH on African Mancala game. The workshop is free with registration.
Mama says: Put A Hat On!Mandala Wishmark card sets ($7.50 ea/ 3 for $20) and custom Mandala key chains ($5 ea/ 12 or more $3.50ea) are available for order and purchase.
We are looking for permanent residents, newcomers and other Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) eligible clients interested in an amazing Community Arts program coming up Feb 10-March 16 at Kiwassa.
The program is not exclusive to these clients but they have priority. Participants must pre-register and receive confirmation of enrollment.
GWFC leads efforts all year long in the Grandview Woodland area to increase student awareness and interest in gardening and food growing. Please join us at our annual fundraiser to support this effort!
The fundraiser will feature some very special food storytellers (w/ “Mama Says”- Siobhan B.), a full dinner, an open bar and a fantastic silent auction.
100% of the funds raised will go toward paying for gardening materials and tools, seeds, plants, as well as teaching programs that support youth and children learning of food growing and healthy eating issues. Proceeds will also go to support the Eastside Family Center Little Sprouts garden program, and the Sega Girls School in Tanzania!
tickets $25 (include dinner), available at the door, through eventbright.ca or by calling to purchase 604-718-5895
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Mama says: Put A Hat On! 