14 COWS : meeshka

Meeshka Jewelry Designs makes holiday wishes come true

2011-10-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings!The holidays are fast approaching and I would like to invite you to place your orders now. By ordering now you will receive your jewelry by the middle of November. Please visit www.meeshka.net to preview the current collections. A gift of 14 COWS jewelry also gives the gift of support and hope for destitute women and orphaned children in Kenya.You can contact me with questions

Affirmative Actions

2011-09-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Affirmation Cards I made for the Blast Off class I am doing with Alyson Stanfield. Alyson is an Art Business Consultant and also the author of I'd Rather Be In The Studio.

14 Cows on CNN 9-11 Anniversary

2011-09-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

(Please forgive the poor quality of the video. I took it with my iphone.)I am so pleased that this story keeps receiving coverage. Kimeli's storyof compassionate diplomacy has touched so many people's lives andhopefully will continue to do so for years to come.Peace and blessings to all on this day of rememberance.

You can watch Kimeli's story about 14 Cows For America on CNN now.

2011-09-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

14 Cows For America on CNN

2011-09-10T18:47:00.001-07:00

You can watch Kimeli's story about 14 Cows For America on CNN tomorrow morning at 10am. Also, you may read it now at www.cnn.com, click WORLD, then GLOBAL PUBLIC SQUARE. www.meeshka.net

The Story That Inspired The Jewelry

2011-08-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

14 Cows For America 14 COWS FOR AMERICA is the true story of Maasai tribesman and Stanford University student Kimeli Naiyomah. On September 11, 2001, while visiting the United Nations headquarters in New York, he witnessed the catastrophic events that changed our nation forever. The young man traveled back to his home, a remote village in Western Kenya, with a heavy-burdened

Me!

2011-08-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Intl. Gift FairAugust 2011

Humane Accessories

2011-08-10T17:03:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased to introduce you to my booth neighbor, Dana Herbert Accessories. You will be happy to know that the polyesters used to create her faux fur scarves are free range and organically raised in humane and serene surroundings in Portland, OR. One of her customers was concerned that since she was staunchly anti-fur that these ultra soft faux fur pieces perpetuated using real fur for

SFIGF: the last day

2011-08-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a short day at the fair. We ended at 2:00 instead of 6:00. A few interesting contacts came through today but mostly it's a day to say goodbye to show friends until the next time. This show experience was very different for me from the others I've done this first year of doing trade shows. It has left me thinking about what I'm doing, where I'm headed, and how do I want to get there.

SFIGF: Day 3

2011-08-09T12:40:00.001-07:00

As the Dow continued to decline, so did the sales. I'm not exactly sure how or why one effects the other since stores still need merchandise to sell in order to stay in business. It seems the state of the global economy is wreaking havoc right here at the gift show. The buzz is that attendance and sales are down. I even had an order cancelled yesterday after the closing bell. Day 4 is a short day

SFIGF: Day 2

2011-08-08T10:35:00.001-07:00

Day 2 of the show was still slow but busier than day 1. The best part of the day was the friends and family that visited. As usual I'll be posting some of the cool things I see but hoping I'll be too busy to do so on Day 3. I'm getting a lot of good feedback on the work and my new display. I think the new booth is cleaner, more contemporary and shows off the jewelry better. And that's the whole

SFIGF: Day 1

2011-08-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

SFIGF: Day 1; a bit slow but making some great contacts and new supporters of 14 Cows. People are aware that the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 is coming up. Amazing that it's been 10 years. Onward to Day 2.

Love This Idea!

2011-08-06T15:08:00.001-07:00

You know you want one for the next time you travel to a large city with a metro!

SFIGF Moved In

2011-08-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Got the booth set up today without a problem, thanks to my BB's, Denise and Gorman. We had a little bit of a run around figuring where to drop everything off at the new location, Moscone West, but it all worked out well. I'm very happy with the new display. Great to see some familiar friendly faces from past shows. Looking forward to meeting new friends along the way. But right now I'm off to

Setting up the show today and tomorrow it's SHOWTIME!

2011-08-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Everything is ready to go... and I'm off to set up my 5'x10' booth at The San Francisco International Gift Show. (booth #1237) I am very excited as I have a new display that is more streamlined and contemporary looking. The jewelry shines as it is really the star feature and focus of the space. I will try to check in here with updates and photos, but hopefully I will be too busy to do so during

Building A Library in Amagoro, Kenya

2011-07-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I just heard from my friends at DEMCO that they are planning to build a library for the benefit of the children in their care, and for the community. The cost is modest compared to what it would cost to build such a building here in the US. Books have already been donated and shipped from all over the United States. I am very excited and hope to be able to provide as much support from here as

Welcome To Our Newest Partner

2011-05-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Meeshka Jewelry Designs and 14 Cows Jewelry welcomes our newest partner, Nevada Museum of Art Museum Store. The Museum Store is a unique shopping destination where you will find an abundance of unusual, hand-crafted gifts and jewelry, as well as books, stationery and educational toys.NMOA is a museum of ideas. While building upon their founding collections and values, they cultivate

Kenya facing condom shortage

2011-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

I remember a time when it was hard to convince the people of Sub-Saharan Africa to use condoms at all. This seems like a problem that can be fixed easily enough. I hope they do.************************************************************************************Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most affected by the deadly HIV/AIDS virus throughout the world with 22.5 million people living with

Recent Letter From DEMCO

2011-02-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Meeshka,Receive much greetings from me (Mathew), Bishop and Mama Beatrice.It is long since we communicated. We miss you and hope everything is fine with you. Mama Beatrice remembered you during new year prayers and the Bishop contacted special prayers for you. Your happiness is our happiness.On 26th of December we had Lions Group of Kenya western branch visiting all the DEMCO children at the

Welcome New Partners!

2011-02-19T11:12:00.001-08:00

Meeshka Jewelry Designs is proud to announce new partnerships with these stores:Crocker Art MuseumIsland ArtSienna RoseSullivan's Last StandVilla MarinWatercourse WayFor more information on locations please visit http://www.meeshka.net and click on Locations.Welcome to all! And thank you for your support!~meeshka

SF Intl Gift Fair: Day 4 (last day)

2011-01-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of the San Francisco Intl. Gift Fair. It's a short day, 9-2, and it's filled with everyone's hopes and dreams. It's a fun day and we say good bye for now to our show buddies. It sort of feels like the last day of school because at the end we all tear down our booths, which reminds me of cleaning out my locker and the end of the semester.I was approached today to enter into

SF Intl Gift Fair: Day 3

2011-01-10T20:12:00.001-08:00

Day 3 of the San Francisco International Gift Fair was slooooowwww. So today I'm going to show you the work of a few of my neighbors in the Handmade Pavilion. But first I want to complain about how cold it's been here. I know I know, it's nothing compared to the mid-west, but hey, we are in California and we are spoiled.Tierra Verde Soy Candle CompanySoy candles with delicious scents and the "

SF Intl Gift Fair: Day 2

2011-01-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

Day 2 went well. The San Francisco mornings are freezing at 47 degrees and the walk from the parking garage to Moscone Center is definitely exhilarating. Today wasn't quite as busy as day 1, and many buyers seemed to be in home and interior design. I did sign with a new local account that I am very excited about. There was a lot of interest in my work, positive feedback, and the possibility of

SF Intl Gift Fair: Day 1

2011-01-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

The first day of SF Intl Gift Fair was GREAT. Once again I find myself surrounded by wonderfully supportive vendors, mostly women, in the Handmade Pavilion. Soy candles, essential oil body products, cork handbags, and hand painted coasters are a few of the items for sale around me. The aisles were busy with many buyers and the feeling was good as everyone seems hopeful that the economy has

San Francisco International Gift Fair

2011-01-05T08:25:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for San Francisco International Gift Fair next week.January 8-11; come visit me at booth 927 in the Handmade Pavilion!

Salt Spring Island Gives to HIV+ Mothers in Kenya

2011-01-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

SOLID asked Salt Spring Island residents (of B.C) to buy goats to be delivered to HIV+ Mothers in Kenya. 91 HIV+ mothers will be getting a goat this Spring. Next year the kids will be passed onto other HIV+ Mothers so their generosity will keep on giving year after... year.Thank you for your generosity, Salt Spring!http://saltspringexchange.com/2011/01/01/thank-you-salt-spring/

1-1-11 A New Year...A New Website!

2011-01-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

New yearNew beginningsNew website!http://www.meeshka.netThank you all for your continued support of 14 Cows.Wishing everyone peace and many blessings in 2011.~meeshka

Lost Boys of the Sudan event at Africa & Beyond in La Jolla

2010-10-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Last week was the fund raising event for The Lost Boys of the Sudan in conjunction with the book signing of DINKA by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher at Africa & Beyond Gallery in La Jolla. The event was a big success and the signature 14 COWS jewelry set was sold the first night, the proceeds of which was donated to The Lost Boys. The event also focused on raising awareness about the upcoming

Museum of the African Diaspora Events

2010-10-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend was filled with events at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MOAD). Friday night I attended the opening of the new exhibit, Art/Object: Re-contextualizing African Art. The exhibit displays masks, costumes, sculptures and objects of everyday use and explains how they are used in their original settings, often marking important rituals and ceremonies.It was also the introduction of 14

Two new stores and a museum gift shop!

2010-10-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce the addition of two new stores and a museum gift shop to the list of places to acquire Meeshka and 14 COWS jewelry designs.Africa & Beyond1250 Prospect StreetLa Jolla, CAhttp://www.africaandbeyond.comTurn To Nature786 Higuera StreetSan Luis Obispo, CAMuseum of the African Diaspora685 Mission Street (at 3rd)San Francisco, CAhttp://www.moadsf.org/

San Francisco International Gift Fair: SUCCESS!!!

2010-08-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the SFIGF! The 14 Cows line of jewelry was VERY well received (as was the sterling silver lines) by many who stopped by my booth. We have new accounts, and great contacts for potential relationships in the future. The caliber of buyers was phenomenal and being able to meet them face to face was a gift. Thank you for your great feedback and interest in my product and the

Last minute preparations for SF Intl. Gift Fair. Booth #842 in the Handmade Pavillion. Come and visit me!!!

2010-07-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

Extraordinary Jane Contest Nominee

2010-07-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have been nominated into the Extraordinary Jane Contest on See Jane Do!See Jane Do is launching a campaign to get 1,500 women worldwide in the next three months to pledge to do their part in their communities and acknowledge an extraordinary Jane who is putting her passion into action. A panel will then award one Jane with $500 to go towards her project or business, plus professional coaching

ACRE: American Craft Retailers Expo

2010-06-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Las Vegas where I experienced my first wholesale show. It was very hot... the worst day was 110°! Luckily we were indoors most of the time in air conditioning.I showcased Meeshka Jewelry Designs, including the two new signature sets of the 14 Cows line. These feature 14 sterling silver jumping cows surrounded by beautiful antique red "whitehearts". Whitehearts are trade

A Worthwhile Read: Bono in the NY Times

2010-04-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Check out Bono's column in yesterday’s NYT "Africa Reboots" http://f.joinred.com/bwohttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/opinion/18bono.html?pagewanted=2&hp

12 Year Old Inspired By 14 Cows Story

2010-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

My 12 year old dear friend, Leila, was so inspired by the 14 Cows story that she has submitted DEMCO for consideration by her classmates to donate money raised in a school project. Her school chooses organizations to donate to during their bar/bat mitzvah year (13). In the Jewish faith this is called tzedaka. This project is called The Tzedaka Fund Project.Leila submitted questions to DEMCO in

Love

2010-02-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;love does not brag and is not arrogant,does not act unbecomingly;it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails...1 Corinthians 13; 4-8

Gratitude From DEMCO, Kenya

2010-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

I received an email this week from Mathew Okiring in Nairobi. Mathew is the son of Bishop and Beatrice Okiring of DEMCO. His words uplifted my heart and I wanted to share them with you, because YOU are the ones who have made good things happen for the women and children of DEMCO through your support of Meeshka and 14 Cows jewelry designs. (The email has been edited for easier reading.) Jairus is

Solar Maasai Project Conclusion and Celebration

2010-01-31T20:06:00.001-08:00

Solar Maasai Project Conclusion and CelebrationSaturday night I attended the Solar Maasai Project Conclusion and Celebration at the Beta Lounge in Berkeley, CA. It was also a going away party for Kimeli Naiyomah, who is going to Australia for training to become an Ambassador of Peace for Rotary International. It was a fun event and was well attended by many supporters of the project. Bravo for a

Amsha Africa Foundation helping Kenya

2010-01-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

I recently learned about this wonderful organization. I am helping them make contact with children in Kenya in Amagoro (DEMCO) where our efforts have been helping AIDS orphans and destitute women. AMSHA is starting a "pen pal" program between children in Kenya and children in the U.S. called "Dear Friend". I am also trying to connect AMSHA with the children in the village that gifted

On keeping positive

2010-01-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words.Keep your words positive, because your words become your behaviours.Keep your behaviours positive, because your behaviours become your habits.Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values.Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

In Swahili ! ! !Nakuletea salamu za heri kwa Krismasi na baraka na fanaka ya mwaka mpyaI send you happy greetings for Christmas and blessings and prosperity in the new year.Translated by The Online Swahili-English Dictionary http://africanlanguages.com/swahili/

Aid Gives Alternative to African Orphanages

2009-12-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

The New York TimesMCHINJI DISTRICT, Malawi — The Home of Hope orphanage provides Chikodano Lupanga, 15, with three nutritious meals a day, new school uniforms, sensible black shoes and a decent education. Her orphaned cousin Jean, 11, who balked at entering the orphanage and lives with her grown sister, has no shoes, raggedy clothes and an often-empty belly. Repeating third grade for the third

News From DEMCO Kenya

2009-12-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

Greetings!Here is some of the latest news from DEMCO in Kenya that I have received this past week.1. Teso Community King Visits"Bishop and Beatrice Okiring are so busy as they have just received message that the Teso Community King, who will be in a tour of one week to Kenya from Uganda will be at their house on December 2nd (yesterday) for four o'clock tea, together with all his ministers and

Sorry friends...

2009-12-01T13:33:00.002-08:00

... I just can't get that last link to work.www.meeshka.netthen click on 14 Cows.I apologize for all the re-posts.~m

Today is World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

Support AIDS orphans in Kenya by purchasing 14 Cows jewelry at http://www.meeshka.net/COWS/COWHOME.htmTHANK YOU! ~meeshka

In A Perfect World: DEMCO NEWS

2009-11-24T17:22:00.001-08:00

Recently in an email to The Okirings I asked the following question:"In a perfect world if I was able to raise a lot of money, what would your top three wishes be for DEMCO?"Here is how they replied:Hello Meeshka,Thank you so much for the wonderful mail. We pray that Almighty God may BLESS you and give you wisdom and strength during these tough economic times so that you may emerge as a winner

"14 Cows For America" on New York Times Bestseller List!

2009-11-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Kimeli Naiyomah, Carmen Agra Deedy, andThomas Gonzalez and Peachtree Press!!!http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/books/bestseller/bestchildren.html?_r=2&nl=books&emc=booksupdateemb3

Bishop Okiring and DEMCO Recognized by the Kenyan Government

2009-11-21T11:44:00.000-08:00

News From DEMCO in Kenya:"The Government of Kenya, through high recognition of DEMCO, has agreed to fund DEMCO with $5000 for this year. DEMCO was the only organization in Western Kenya to be considered for these funds. DEMCO employees have been sponsored for a one week conference on how to spend and account for the funds before the checks are sent out in March. The government gazettes and puts a

I signed up for ACRE in June, 2010 ! ! !

2009-11-19T12:12:00.001-08:00

I did it! I signed up to do my first American Craft Artist show in Las Vegas in June, 2010! I will be showing Meeshka Jewelry Designs and 14 Cows Jewelry to be available for purchase, wholesale only, to boutiques, galleries, museum gift shops, department stores, and the like. I am so excited!!!American Craft Retail Expo (ACRE)Las Vegas Convention CenterJune 5-7, 2010

14 Cows Jewelry Set

2009-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is the signature set of the 14 Cows jewelry line.14 jumping silver cows surrounded by antique whiteheart beads from Africa.

Global Colors Gives Cows To The Maasai

2009-11-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you Global Colors.

We Support Kazuri Beads

2009-11-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

14 Cows Jewelry Set For Susanna Naiyomah

2009-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Handmade by meeshka (ME!) from fine and sterling silver with antique "white heart" beads from Africa. "White hearts" have a porcelain center surrounded by glass so the beads glow from the inside out when they are hit by light.

Kimeli's Mother Receives 14 Cows Jewelry

2009-10-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Susanna Naiyomah (Kimeli's mother) shown here wearing a 14 Cows necklace (made by meeshka) while looking at Kimeli's book with the page open to an illustration of her! The necklace is part of a necklace, bracelet and earrings set that has 14 jumping cow charms. Kimeli gave the set to his mother on his last trip to Kenya in September.

Kimeli returns to Kenya with "14 Cows For America" book

2009-09-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Kimeli returned home with his book. Here are two YouTube videos seen on Kenya National Television.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YRdKYadnnA&feature=emailhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKeB_LnKb0UPS: I'm sorry if you have to copy and paste these links. YouTube is giving me problems posting directly to my blog today. *sigh*

The Face of Hope

2009-09-12T10:18:00.001-07:00

The Face of Hope is a student run, (organized by my friend Hannah Walker), traveling project to raise awareness of the vast number of children who are orphaned by HIV/AIDS around the world and to raise funding for the building and operation of a care facility for orphans in Chituka, Malawi.Hannah has done great work in Chituka, Malawi. She just returned from a trip to Malawi to hand deliver the

Shout out to SOLID in Canada

2009-09-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Salt Spring Organization for Life Improvement and DevelopmentThe Saltspring Organization for Life Improvement and Development (SOLID) is a non-profit society dedicated to support communities in sub-Saharan Africa facing the devastation of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.. SOLID identifies and supports sustainable, community led projects that address health, education, food security and promote economic

Never Forget

2009-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am making some new 14 COWS jewelry and thinking about the significance of 9/11, and how it touched and changed the course of my life. Cherish your family and friends, and live compassionately.Much Love,~meeshka

Erica Kane goes to Africa!

2009-09-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

Fans of the soap opera All My Children will see Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci, bring much needed awareness to starving children in Kenya. BRAVO! All My Children and Feed The Children!!! Needy and starving children in Kenya will soon be getting a much needed helping hand from some

Just a cool music video titled Africa that is worth sharing

2009-08-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

Enjoy,~meeshka(Click or copy/paste url)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ip-N0H1Ig

Bravo! Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment and Virtual Heroes

2009-08-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

HIV is not a game... except in Kenya...Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment publishes an award-winning video game promoting social awareness among the youth population about battling the HIV epidemic in Kenya.10 August, 2009, 20:38 What do you get when you combine slang, hip-hop, gaming and HIV? “Pamoja Mtaani,” an award-winning video game designed to change the lives of a young

14 Cows For America book celebrated

2009-08-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

Kimeli's book, 14 Cows For America, was celebrated this weekend at the Sunnyvale Public Library in Northern Califonia.The flag you see me standing next to was designed by Kimeli to commemorate the gift of Masai cows to America and is on display at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. The flag will be placed at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center in New York City when the

Video of Kimeli and his Masai tribe in Kenya

2009-08-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

Kimeli Naiyomah, chosen as Rotary World Peace Fellow

2009-08-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

In February, Kimeli Naiyomah will attend the Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Australia. "Rotary International answered my prayers to belong to an organization that embodies what I silently believe in my heart: that using compassion can help solve problems," Kimeli says. "Rotarians are ordinary people taking

Shout out to Elizabeth O. Dulemba

2009-08-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Elizabeth Dulemba (http://www.dulemba.com/2009/08/14-cows-for-america.html) for mentioning 14 Cows For America on your blog.Below is what Elizabeth wrote. Check out the cool video she included! 14 Cows For America, written by Carmen Agra Deedy, collaborated on with Kimeli Naiyomah, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. "I have to say, I am very excited about

Kenyan Man Offers Dowry For Chelsea Clinton's Hand In Marriage

2009-08-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Huffington PostNAIROBI, Kenya -- A Kenyan man's offer of 40 goats and 20 cows for Chelsea Clinton's hand in marriage may still be on the table - and Hillary Rodham Clinton has promised to convey the "very kind offer" to her daughter. To laughter at a town hall meeting Thursday in Kenya, CNN's Fareed Zakaria asked the U.S. Secretary of State if the Clintons had made a decision on the dowry

14 Cows for America: Wall Street Journal review

2009-08-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

By Carmen Agra Deedy Peachtree, 32 pages, $17.95 Of all the expressions of consolation sent to a grieving America after 9/11, perhaps none was as poignant as the gift of 14 cows from Maasai tribesmen in a remote corner of Kenya. How the offering came about is the subject of this moving and dramatically illustrated picture

14 Cows For America book available today!

2009-07-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

The first edition of the new book "14 Cows For America" is available* today!The book is beautifully illustrated and the story is accurately told. My friend, Kimeli Wilson Naiyomah, worked closely with author Carmen Agra Deedy to recreate the events that inspired my 14 COWS jewelry line. Kimeli made sure that everything was just right before going to print."14 Cows For America", has been selected

South Africa launches AIDS vaccine clinical trials

2009-07-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

By MICHELLE FAUL (AP) – 4 hours ago CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa announced the launch of clinical trials of the first AIDS vaccines created by a developing country with assistance from the U.S. on Monday.It represented a feat by scientists who overcame skepticism from colleagues and from some political leaders who shocked the world with unscientific pronouncements about the disease."It

The Good Fight: Battle For A Diocese

2009-05-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sitting in his modest office in Amagoro Township, 65-year-old Bishop Eliud Okiring exudes the air of a man at peace, satisfied with his successful past.The image he cuts is a far cry from that of the Bishop Okiring Kenyans knew in the 1980s and 1990s when he led the struggle for the creation of the current Katakwa Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese, from the then Nambale Diocese in

The Face of Hope

2009-04-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hannah Walker and I met last year before the holidays. She found me and 14 COWS jewelry on the World AIDS Orphans Day website (www.worldaidsorphans.org). Hannah hosted a trunk show for me in New York during an AIDS awareness event that she organized at her college. She has a project called The Face Of Hope from which she is helping AIDS orphans in Malawi. Here is a little bit about The Face Of

World Bank gives Kenya $4 billion Kenyan Schillings for child protection

2009-04-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

The World Bank has given the Kenyan Government Sh4 billion ($4 billion Kenyan Schillings is equivalent to approximately $50 million U.S. dollars) to scale up social protection for orphans and vulnerable children.The Bank’s board sitting in Washington on Tuesday approved the $50 million cash transfer for orphans and vulnerable children project (CT-OVC), the first major project financing since 2007

Lincolnwood, Il. students to donate 14 cows to families in Kenyan village

2009-04-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

The five students crowded into a small room at Lincoln Hall Middle School are a shy but giggly bunch, much like other students throughout the well-tended Lincolnwood school. But this mix—from the school's gifted, special education and regular programs—are proving that disparate groups of children can learn and work together, something that school officials say doesn't happen

News From DEMCO

2009-04-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

I received some emails the other day from DEMCO with news. Here are excerpts and photos:"Dear Meeshka,...DEMCO intends to hold official launching of the organization on Wednesday, after being officially given an Non Governmental Organization status by the Government of Kenya late last year. Very Senior Government official and Stake holders dealing with orphans will be in attendance. So this (the

This Blog's Intent

2009-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

(This post is in response to an anonymous comment made on my post about meeting Kimeli Naiyomah. For some reason Blogspot did not allow me to comment back to that post directly.)I want to let you know that the intent of this blog is to be a positive force that attempts to help the world be a better place in any way possible, large or small. My focus is on helping a small group of women and

Woman Are Heroes

2009-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

TRAILER " WOMEN ARE HEROES"by JR

I Met A Masai Warrior At Starbucks

2009-03-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was fortunate enough to meet Kimeli Naiyomah at a Starbucks in Sunnyvale, CA. He and I have been emailing for about a year or so and on Saturday we finally had the opportunity to meet face to face.Kimeli is the Masai warrior who was in New York City on September 11, 2001 and six months later returned to tell his tribe what had occurred. He is the man who inspired the blessing of 14

Two AIDS Orphans Start Health Clinic In Kenya

2009-03-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

I just read about two Kenyan brothers who started a health clinic in Western Kenya, where they’re from. They lost both parents to AIDS. There is a documentary that profiles the brothers and their work called “Sons of Lwala”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZNuwk4QjR8They have a website: The Lwala Community Alliancehttp://lwalacommunityalliance.org/the-alliance/sons-of-lwala/Inspirational.

14 COWS jewelry highlighted on World AIDS Orphans Day website

2009-02-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

May 7 is World AIDS Orphans DayWorld AIDS Orphans Day is a grassroots campaign to draw attention to and advocate on behalf of the over 15 million children orphaned by AIDS, founded by FXB International and supported by a network of partners. My 14 COWS jewelry line, which benefits AIDS orphans in Kenya, has been highlighted on the World AIDS Orphans website.About FXB InternationalFounded by

Meeshka meets the Okiring's

2009-02-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

In March 2007 I had the great pleasure to meet Beatrice and Bishop Okiring,while they were visiting their son, Jairus, in Florida. (Notice the peace signsthey are wearing... meeshka originals!) The Okiring's look after the AIDS orphans in their care.At that time I had a chance to see Jairus Okiring, their son, again.That is Jairus on the left. He currently lives in Florida.To read more about the

Art in Kibera

2009-02-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing project I wanted to share with you. Kibera is in Nairobi, Kenya, and is the largest slum in Africa. It has an estimated population of 1 million people.JR Finishes His Most Ambitious Project Yet In The Slums In Kibera, Kenya After more than a year of planning, 2000 square meters of rooftops have been covered with photos of the eyes and faces of

Excitement over Obama in Kenya

2009-02-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here is an excerpt from an email I received from my friends in Kenya regarding the inauguration of President Obama.January 20, 2009Dear Meeshka,I wanted to be the first to congratulate you people after being reminded by Bishop last night that immediately when the president is sworn in I should pass their message of congrats to you! We are all happy and celebrations here in Kenya started last week

Update on the 14 cows

2009-02-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

The original 14 cows have now grown to a herd of 29, and are the property of the 911 victim's families. They are cared for by the Masai in Kenya.

THE STORY OF 14 COWS

2009-02-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

In Kenya, the Masai, a nomadic tribe who raise cattle, cherish three things: their children, their land, and their cows. One September 11, 2001 they did not know what had happened in America. In fact, they did not know until June 2002 when Kimeli Naiyoman, a pre-med student at Stanford University, returned to visit his tribe in Kenya. The young elder, 25 years old, gathered his tribe and told the