2016 marks Charleston’s 33rd annual MOJA Arts Festival: A celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts…
MOJA –
A Swahili word meaning “one”, is the appropriate name for this festival celebration of harmony among all people in our community.
The Festival (scheduled from September 29th – October 9th) highlights African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures including, visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, traditional crafts, food and much more…
HERITAGE DAY –
held downtown at Marion Square Saturday, showcased the best in local and regional talent alongside artisans of global crafts, traditional wares and activities from local cultural ambassadors. #somuchtosee
The United States Postal Service held a “First Day of Issue” Stamp Ceremony to unveil the new Kwanzaa Stamp, and we were there!…
The music, the dancing, and over all atmosphere was (without exaggeration) exhilarating!
And as if that wasn’t enough – what an honor to meet the artist of the stamp design – Synthia Saint James.
She autographed our program…
MOJA MEMORIES –
For decades, (when my in-laws were alive) Doodle Dad and I would travel back to Charleston during the MOJA Festival for a three day weekend get-away. We’d celebrate their wedding anniversary and partake in as much of the rich cultural events as we could squeeze into two days.
Now we’re here – experiencing it all AND with the Boys! #blessings
MAKING FRIENDS WHEREVER THEY GO –
Babies gravitate to Harley like bees to honey, and Simon was no different. He and Harley hung out for quite a while…
It was great to see the Mayor again too…
He still calls them the “Charleston Boys” and he’s already asking me if I plan to enter the Go Pet Friendly Best Pet Friendly City Tournament in 2017. #juryisstillout
MEET MY BOSS –
I’ve been working for about a month now, and besides my pet parent anxiety I love it. I’ve accepted a position with Mother Emanuel AME Church. I manage their website, social media accounts and I’m the E.A. to – Rev. Eric SC Manning. And he LOVES dogs #doodlerequirement…
Even though I’m out of the house during the week, our weekends are now even more precious as we jam as much fun into them as we can.
How was your weekend?
Have a great day!
May your clothes be comfy, your coffee strong, and your Monday short ❤️
October 3, 2016
Your boss is a brave man! Black suit and white dogs! My mom misses Katie’s white fur on everything and it makes her sad she can actually wear dark colors now. Looks like a super fun event.
October 3, 2016
What a fun festival! Thanks for sharing. Great pics!
October 7, 2016
Thanks Nicole – it was a great day but unfortunately the hurricane cancelled the entire festival. #sosad
October 3, 2016
Love the pics from the festival! So colorful and exciting. I can practically feel the rhythm of the music. Congrats on the job and having a terrific boss. Your boys are pups everywhere. 🙂
October 7, 2016
Thanks Monika – I truly feel blessed for getting the job too! The music was electric! Lee brought lawn chairs for us, and I could have sat out there all afternoon (practically did) listening to the beats those drums…. Yes, the Boys are everywhere – like the Mayor said, they are the “Charleston Boys” 🙂
October 3, 2016
I love art and music festivals of all kinds – love to see people coming together enjoying the outdoors and the arts, and just having lots of fun.
Congrats on your new job! Always a fun time and sometimes stressful. Hope it continues to go well.
October 7, 2016
MOJA is huge and so entertaining. Many of the events are free to the public, and with Charleston’s weather, you could find yourself hanging out at the parks every afternoon. Unfortunately, Hurricane Matthew has shut it down shortly after it get started #bummer
October 3, 2016
The picture of your boss and the boys is just precious. 🙂
I *think* you’ve told me before but what’s your background? I know you’re not Bajan, so where is your family from? Antigua? Just guessing…
I bet your homecomings in the evenings are just so special. I know when we get home from work it’s the best welcoming party ever. Every. Single. Day. There’s nothing better than seeing their happy/wiggly selves.
Have a great evening love. Xo
October 7, 2016
Hey Lindsay – He loves dogs, but he lost his boxer last year and he’s not quite ready for another, so he’s taking virtual ownership of the Boys. I am African American. Both parents from NYC. Paternal grandparents were from British Guinea. I love coming home every evening. I love being toppled over almost by kisses and wagging tails. I insist on feeding and walking them in the morning and evening. That’s always been our time and I want to desperately protect that. So no late meetings for this Doodle Mom #nothappening XOXO
October 13, 2016
See I wasn’t sure if you were an island girl or your roots were indeed Africa.
That’s really kind of you to grant your boss the pleasure of being in their company. I’m sure it brings him great joy even though I’m sure it also saddens him as he thinks of his boxer.
Have a great day my dear! 🙂
October 15, 2016
Call me an island girl – my dad would love it! My boss loves the Boys, he thinks all dogs like him too! After the photo was taken he suggested he hold onto them while I went in search for some water. I told him that wasn’t a good idea – but he insisted. I took a few steps away from them to hear him scream my name as they were dragging him across the field. So funny to watch a man try to look cool when he’s being dragged by two big white fluffy dogs!
October 4, 2016
What a fun event! I’d say you & the boys have settled into your new city quite, quite well. It sounds like your new job is perfect for you – and that has to make it a bit easier to be out of the house again.
October 7, 2016
I feel so blessed JanK. I live in a place that sees my Boys as I see them – a part of my family, I’ve got a job that fits my style, and I find myself pinching myself often.