The first year I moved to the US, it was almost the Christmas season.
I was shopping and I was a newcomer and back then; I had no friends. I had no one but the shop lady to ask how my new headscarf I just got looked on me.
The shop lady looked at me, contemplated for a few seconds, and then said,
“It looks Christmasy!”
I didn’t understand what she really meant. I looked perplexed to the point that she explained afterward.
“I mean, it’s shiny. It means bright or with a good spirit. It means good.”

And through the years I lived here, I have seen what the shop lady meant.

Through the years, I learned that December, the Christmas season is the darkest month, but with the kindness of our neighbors putting lights over their houses and lighting up the streets and around the shrubs in the suburbs, it gets brighter.

Also, I learned that December has the longest coldest nights, but with the spirit of loving, gifting, and gathering, it gets warmer!

I’m grateful for all of the lovely neighbors and friends who showed up at the Popup Shop on Main to shop with us.
Also, I’m in awe of the lovely family spirit I felt from all the hosting and neighboring businesses.
Tara, from The Painter, the Potter and The PuppeteerI felt like talking to a sister especially after you handed me the insole feet warmer. It really helped with all the slush around my feet! Brrrrr! Thank you!

And Priyanka and Krati from Bo’Bell Jewels thanks for adopting me for a few minutes in your lovely warm shed; especially after I told you that I feel like my nose will fell off -from the cold. 😀
Krati, I can’t believe that I confused you with your completely outwardly different looking twin sister. I’m appreciative of you not trying to correct me while I kept on and on about your marketing suggestions and how I implied them, while it was your sister who graciously offered the marketing advice. 🤦🏼‍♀️
🙏
Thanks Dani HappyBody Soaps!You’re amazing!

And the best for the last, it was amazing when our super Bothell Councilmember Elect Jenne Alderks braved the weather and stopped by every booth shopping, sharing ideas and offering support for all the local businesses at the popup shop!

I had an enriching conversation with Councilmember Jenne about a piece of art by an African American artist who demonstrates real interconnectedness, inclusivity in the American culture in his artwork.
Councilmember Jenne shared the artist’s info, I saw his name is Kadir Nelson. I found it fascinating because Kadir is an Arabic name that means the omnipotent. Thanks Councilmember Jenne for sharing his info and brilliant work!

Please, check out his gallery here,

https://store.kadirnelson.com

Also, find me on shef.com as I offer food from the Egyptian culture.

https://www.shef.com/refer/shef-shama-508

(Updated in May 2024, I’m no longer on Shef).
Or email me your order and get it fresh here, shama_farag@outlook.com

As an Egyptian American and with an African decent-even if I don’t look like one😬-I take pride in my roots and I admire the diversity of the rich and popular African culture and I will keep sharing my roots and my culture until you too, feel like home!

p.s: Egypt is a North African Country.

No matter how you pray, where you pray, or not praying at all, I hope you have the happiest holidays!
Stay Artistic

thanks #egypt #egyptian #culture #art #africa #goodvibes