AIB at Bourbon Coffee House - Book Discussion and Signing

Africans In Boston played host to African- born author S. A . Abakwue for a discussion of his most recent projects; Heavens at War and Boko Harem.

Heavens at War is a fictional religious narrative while Boko Harem is a collection of Poems. I thought it was interesting that he choose to use the name of a northern Nigeria terrorist group. Boko Harem is against western education and is known for attacking schools and christian churches.

Some of the discussion topics where

- Challenges faced by African authors to get their works published

- Africans telling the African narrative and how that perspective differs from the western point of view

- Boko Harem and its influence in Nigeria. Who is really behind the terrorist group

- Why we need more African Authors. Similar to the lack of good black shows and movies in american TV, African kids should be reading books fictions and non fictions about characters and environments that they can relate to. The reason most of us loved authors like Chinua Achebe was because we could identify with the characters in his novels. We were familiar with the backdrops of his novels. They were relate-able.

Bourbon Coffee

I didnt get a chance to look at the whole coffee shop but from the little I saw, I loved it. I plan on going back for a proper sit down and enjoy coffee date. Perhaps then, I can write a review about it. Bourbon Coffee is a Rwanda international brand that has stores in Cambridge, D.C , New York and Kigali (Rwanda).

Stretching

Its that time of the year. Where it takes me jogging 1+ mile in gloves and winter hats to get a proper warm up. Coupled with extending your warm up during the cold season, its very important to spend additional time stretching.

Our body's natural reaction in winter is to become lethargic + hibernate + conserve energy. Some of us experience seasonal fatigue (Seasonal Affective Disorder) that results in depression, tiredness and constant hunger. Also, our muscles are more tight than warm and loose. Tight muscles lead to tight joints.

Whatever time you typically spend stretching, increase it by 2X

If you are stretching outdoor, make it an active dynamic stretch. The last thing you want to do is sit down relaxed in 40 degree weather.

Use a stretching device if need be ( cord, foam roller, strap ) . Lately I've been using yoga blocks. These props are not only meant for beginners. You can use them in different ways to improve your stretching routine and flexibility.

On a non-winter related note, for those wanting to improve their flexibility, its important to practice daily. When you stretch, its okay to extend to a slight uncomfortable level. However, understand the difference between subtle discomfort and point blank pain. It takes time and consistency to improve your flexibility. And even then, some days you'll find your muscles too tight and unwilling to corporate. The key is to listen and respect your body. And to never "rush" it to a limit its not ready for.

Don't forget to B.R.E.A.T.H through your routine.

GoodLuck.

Sweater Weather TAG

I don't think there's ever been a tag post on this blog. Part of

 the reason is, I've never been tagged by anyone. 

Here we go. 

1. Favorite candle scent? 

I'm not crazy about fruity or food scents. I prefer scents like...Evergreen Forest, Pines, Clean 

Laundry, Burning wood  etc


2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Coffee - BLACK but am trying to be good and step down to healthy Tea options


3. What's the best fall memory you have?

It isn't so much a  memory but a state of mind. We spend more time indoors in the fall and 

winter seasons because of the weather. My indoor time during those months is spent catching 

up on books/novels, finding new music artists online, doing Yoga and rediscovering ME. I love

 fall for forcing me in a sense to get to that state of mind because its too cold to be outside. Its 

also a time for me to spend looking back on the year and accessing my growth or lack off...


4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner? 

Dark Lips. You can play with different colors. Dark Red, Dark Purple, Dark Brown......a wing 

eyeliner is a wing eyeliner. Plus I don't know how to do it. Everyone can apply lipsticks.


5. Best fragrance for fall?

I don't have seasonal fragrances. I wear one thing 24/7 until it runs out and then at that point I 

may try a new scent. Or not. I don't like to change my scent. Especially if my significant other 

loves it :)

6. Favorite Thanksgiving food? 

Green Beans Casserole. 

Sorry there's nothing special about the good old turkey.....#inmyhumbleopinion.

7. What is autumn weather like where you live?

Its Beautiful. Its Unpredictable. Its the best weather to run in. Its chill enough where its not too 

cold so you can run without many layers but at the same time keeps you cool when you're body

 heats up from exercising

8. Most worn sweater? 

The Ones I use to run outdoors. My Old faithfuls. 2 of which are my college soccer 

sweaters/jackets.


9. Must-have nail polish this fall? 

"Do You  Boo" . Does it really matter what season it is with nail polishes?


10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

Jumping In leaf piles and fraternizing with squiggly worms and the occasional snake #TrueStory


11. Skinny jeans or leggings?

Leggings.....they are more forgiving and more stretchable for those holiday food binges


12. Combat boots or Uggs? 

Combat boots. I WALK EVERYWHERE in ANY weather and sometimes I have to do things

 like.....climb a fence...... I thought I left that in my youths but apparently not.


13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? 

YES + YES + YES. Specifically pumpkin spice lattes, pies and soups.


14. Favorite fall TV show? 

The Originals. I thought I liked Damon from Vampire Diaries but seeing Klaus show so much

 vulnerability in the new spin off is sexy. I know he is a horrible person but he is my horrible sexy

 vampire. #DontJudgeMe


15. What songs really gets you into the fall spirit?

I'm not sure if there is a generic fall spirit that defines the season. My fall spirit is LONG 

DISTANCE RUNNING.  I love songs that allow me to get into the "zone" . Lately I've been 

running to a playlist made up of African artists which am currently working on a blog post about. 

Check the blog later for my fall running play list and let me know what  YOU<~~~ listen to.

Xoxo Mapetiteniche

I hope it helps you get to know me a little better. And feel free to answer any of these questions 

and tag me on twitter @mapetiteniche or Instagram @laurettaashu