what is the book about?

As of now the book is titled “Sisters During Rocky Times,” named after a couple of previous watercolor illustrations. The story is about my relationship with my sister. More broadly, it is about the importance of fostering strong relationships between our sisters, our Creator and our other Mother, Nature. The intersectionality between the three is life-giving. 

page five from my upcoming book "Sisters During Rocky Times"

Black women know that Black sisterhood is a concept that has very little to do with blood relation. Yes, this particular story is about my sister, who happens to share the same parents as I. Tamara and I are just one example of how Black sisterhood is experienced; our sisters are also our cousins, aunties, sorority sisters and best friends down the street or many miles away. And more often than not, our relationships are strengthened through faith.

That said, Tamara and I do not see eye to eye in all aspects of spirituality and religion. She would probably consider herself a traditional Bible-reading Christian, whereas I am more a new-age Christian Mystic who believes there is one God who has many names and manifestations. The one thing we agree on is that it is important never to lose faith.

The book was part healing exercise for my inner child, a celebration of my deeply spiritual relationship with my sister and most importantly, part ode to the one Almighty who sees Tamara and I through tough times when and if we learn to wait in the silence. And I know that silence is best found being in and around nature. Nature’s stillness is restorative and essential to the balancing of our spiritual needs and our healing. 

My sister and I learned at an early age how difficult it would be to navigate life as little Black girls and then as Black women. Our school life was troubled, sometimes violent, but Tamara and I were able to find solace in our backyard, deep in the woods.

Even now, as an adult living miles away from where I grew up. I still feel the peace that surpasses all understanding when I spend time in nature. And being at peace means I can listen to God’s silence much easier.

I want more women to rely on our other Mother - Nature and meet her there in silence with their God and their sisters.