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Reflections on Turning 35 – Embracing the Best Years Ahead
28th of February, a day I celebrate a new age milestone in my life. This time, as I bid farewell to my early thirties and step into my mid-thirties, my heart is full of emotions and reflections. If someone asked me if I’ve achieved everything, I set out to do, I’d have to admit, no, I haven’t. And that’s okay.
This journey, filled with twists and turns, has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, teaching me invaluable lessons along the way. Turning 35, I find myself still in pursuit of some dreams I held dear in my twenties. There were moments of doubt and despair when I considered giving up. But then, a thought would tug at my heart: what story would I have to tell my children if I abandoned my dreams? So, I press on, even when the road ahead seems daunting.
In this journey, I’ve had to bid farewell to certain dreams, friendships, and even family relationships. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t because I stopped caring, but because I needed to accept that some chapters in life must come to a close for new ones to begin.
The family has become my anchor, my safe harbor. From my parents, siblings, and grandparents who have stood by me through thick and thin, to my husband, who has been my rock, and my children, who bring me endless joy—my family is my greatest treasure.
My early thirties were marked by personal growth and the arrival of my first child. Amidst the moments of joy, there were also tears shed in solitude. I faced setbacks like a job offer retracted on the same day it was given or the silence that followed countless job applications. I’ve experienced the sting of criticism, both professionally and personally, and the pain of disagreements within my family.
But in the midst of it all, there were moments of triumph and pure happiness. My family, with their unwavering support, lifted me. My siblings became my pillars of strength and my parents, my guiding stars.
And then there’s my husband, my partner in every sense of the word. I realized that we’re opposites in many ways, having been raised in different households, and him being a scientist and I being the artist but our love has helped us grow and evolve. Despite our differences, he has been my constant source of encouragement and love. He’s seen me at my lowest and never once stopped believing in me.
I’ve also celebrated significant milestones that brought me to tears, like finally graduating—a dream I’d held since my teenage years. It was a testament to the unwavering support and sacrifices of my loved ones. And being nominated Mrs. Kenya World was not just a title, but a symbol of my resilience and determination to dream big, I am still in pursuit of this dream.
As I embrace my mid-thirties, I do so with a mix of excitement and apprehension. There may be more challenges ahead, but I am ready to face them head-on. With each passing year, I gain more wisdom and understanding. I am grateful for every experience, both joyful and challenging, as they have shaped me into the person I am today.
Here’s to the next chapter—may it be filled with love, growth, and endless possibilities.
Do you happen to have sisters or friends that are like sisters to you? Well i have three sisters who are also my best of friends, which makes us four girls but this is about three of us and our style sense.
This specific dress belongs to one of my sisters called Selina and you can find her at https://salamaa.co.ke/, anything she buys is always classic and speaks elegance. This is one of those dresses that can fit us all even though we have different body shapes and sizes.
FROM LEFT, PEGGIE RUA, SELINA RUA AND LAUARA RUA
It is a classic dress that is elegant made of flowing tulle with gold embroidery at bottom . Its inner wear is figure hugging that emphasizes the body shape, its knee length height allows one to show just the right amount of legs they want without revealing too much in a sexy yet mysterious way.
The outfit put together can be worn to different events, I have narrowed them down to cocktail parties, dinners, weddings and even red carpet events. It’s one of those dresses we marvel at and the fact that it’s a sister favourite makes it warm and love for each other as sisters.
I accessorized it with a belt to highlight my waist, and earrings because I believe the dress is elegant and needs to speak for itself.
As soon as I returned home from the premiere, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the movie “Mvera” seized my attention. It ignited a profound desire within me to delve into this cinematic gem through a video discussion. However, sleep eluded me that night, as my enthusiasm refused to be contained. It compelled me to transform my thoughts into written words. So, please join me as I embark on a journey through my reflections and express them on paper.
In our vibrant Mijikenda culture, the word “Mvera” resonates profoundly, signifying gratitude or “Asante.” My initial encounter with this name occurred in 2017, and the individual bearing this name exceeded all expectations. Infused with unwavering zeal, boundless energy, and an indomitable commitment, she embarked on a mission to champion the cause of the Mijikenda child, particularly the girl child, through her noble initiative known as the Fimbo initiative.
As I ponder the movie’s title, it becomes clear that the writer drew inspiration from her, bestowing the film with the name “Mvera.” This realization fills me with immense pride.
Nostalgia: As “Mvera” unfolds, the opening scene featuring Mvera’s grandmother narrating the story of Mekatilili wa Menza conjures nostalgia. Any Mijikenda child who has experienced life in a village setting can attest to the captivating tales handed down through generations. For me, it rekindles cherished memories of my grandparents’ recounting stories under the starry night sky during our visits.
Being a modern-day Mekatilili woman, I acknowledge that navigating life’s challenges is no simple feat. Yet, when we reflect on the trials endured by Mekatilili herself over the years, all in the name of our freedom and courage, it ignites our determination to persevere.
Reasons Why I Watched “Mvera”: To be candid, my initial motivation for watching “Mvera” revolved around three remarkable individuals: Hillary Namanje, the visionary who first recognized my artistic potential and offered me an opportunity in theater; Carolyne Rita Mutua, my friend since our first encounter in a Kenyan theatre company; and the remarkable queen herself Stephanie Maseki, whom I had the privilege of meeting through art advocacy. These individuals have consistently served as my sources of admiration and inspiration, standing as the leading voices in the coastal region’s arts scene.
Memorable Characters: Now, let’s dive into the characters that etched indelible impressions on me, some evoking tears and others sending shivers down my spine.
Thabiti: This character portrayed his role with such conviction that he sent shivers down my spine. Thabiti’s narcissistic behavior was profoundly unsettling, yet it’s essential to consider that his tumultuous upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping his character. Blaming children for the consequences of a toxic environment is fundamentally wrong. While some may escape its clutches, not all can, and Thabiti stands as a poignant example of this.
What struck me was the actor’s unwavering commitment to his character, maintaining his portrayal from start to finish. His enigmatic facial expressions left us questioning his motives, and the revelation behind them was a testament to his brilliant performance.
Mvera: Mvera’s character moved me deeply and reminded me of the emotions I felt whenever I heard the story of Mekatilili wa Menza. Her relentless fight and unwavering courage filled me with immense pride. While society might deem her actions as wrong when she stole her friend’s letter, her character exemplified the notion that sometimes, we must take matters into our own hands.
Her selflessness and determination were the driving forces behind her struggle, and her quest to find her mother only intensified her resolve. When it seemed her adversaries had won, she astounded us with a brilliant twist, showcasing her brilliance amid adversity.
Saumu: Saumu’s actions in her final phone call left me torn between admiration and frustration. While I appreciated her sacrifice in allowing Mvera to escape, I couldn’t comprehend her trust in a man responsible for the deaths of countless youths. Trusting him to care for her family and bidding farewell with an “I am fine” was almost unbearable to watch.
However, in a way, her sacrifice facilitated the capture of Mr. Thabiti and, like many heroes, she sacrificed her life for the greater good. Saumu, unspoken but evident, possessed the spirit of Mekatilili, fighting for others by giving up herself. She is the unsung hero of this movie, and I salute her.
Mzee: Mzee epitomizes what has been wrong with our society throughout history a sobering reality illuminated by the movie. Prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of our community members has been a persistent issue. His ability to feign friendliness while concealing sinister motives was portrayed masterfully by Hillary Namanje, making me proud of my “Mwalimu” to the very end.
Thabiti’s Mother: Thabiti’s mother represents a troubling facet of our society—the profound impact of our choices on our children. She chose bitterness over happiness, and her toxic environment molded Thabiti into a monster.
Abuse should never be endured, but her inability to seek help or change her ways highlights her deeply flawed character. Her shock when she asked him to burn her husband was palpable, but by then, it was too late.
Both the older and younger women left me with a profound sense of disdain, and even in her demise, I could only feel sorry for Thabiti’s unfortunate upbringing.
Maid 1 (Carolyne Rita Mutua): Carolyne Rita Mutua, my favorite actress, once again displayed her remarkable talent. Her portrayal of Maid 1 was a rollercoaster of emotions, from obedience to desire, and fear. Throughout the film, she held onto her character with unwavering dedication, eliciting a mix of love and exasperation from the audience.
Mvera’s Grandmother: Mvera’s grandmother struck a chord with me, reminiscent of my own grandmother, Selina Mbalazi Mashamba. Each time I watched her on screen, I felt pride and affection. Having such a woman in your corner instills unwavering courage.
In her character, she showcased the stark contrast in society between raising a child with love and how Thabiti’s mother raised her child in hatred.
To Producer David Anguka: I must commend you for your outstanding work in producing “Mvera.” As an artist and a daughter of the Mijikenda community, I’m particularly grateful for your authentic representation of our culture, from the music to the outfits, cultural practices, and language. Your meticulous research ensured that no aspect was left unattended.
Thank you for being a voice for our community through this compelling storyline. We eagerly await your next project, with the anticipation that it will be even grander and more impactful. Keep shining as a beacon of inspiration that we can continue to support.
The Premiere Guest: For the premiere, I meticulously crafted a three-piece outfit that paid homage to my Mijikenda heritage. A red jumpsuit shielded me from Nairobi’s chilly weather, and detachable hands added a dramatic flair. My outfit, inspired by the Mijikenda hando, signified my coastal identity and pride. The statement necklace I crafted, adorned with shells from Marikiti market, underscored my roots and ocean.
My goal was to give my best to this movie, and dressing the part was my way of doing so. I’m grateful to producer David Anguka for recognizing my efforts with the outfit, and I say “Namvera” to him.
To my friends: I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friends Ritah Kanja and Margaret Arome for joining me to watch the movie. The experience wouldn’t have been complete without the two of you by my side.
In closing, “Mvera” has not only captivated audiences but has also illuminated the richness of Mijikenda culture and the depth of our societal issues. It is a film that leaves a lasting impact and a desire for more. Kudos to the entire team behind this.
When I welcomed my son into the world, I knew I wanted his name to be a departure from the traditional English names we bestow upon our children. While family and friends offered suggestions, none seemed to spark the inspiration I longed for. As a creative, I anticipated a name that would resonate like a radiant glow or a brilliant spark of creativity.
With traditional names already chosen for him – Bungule, his middle name, derived from his paternal grandfather, and Deche, his surname, passed down from his father’s family – I found myself admiring these African names, celebrating their uniqueness. However, the quest for that special name continued.
In our Mijikenda culture, naming the first child typically follows the tradition of naming them after the first child of their paternal grandfather’s family. In this case, his name would have been Kai, after his grandfather’s elder brother. If I had a girl, she would be named after her father’s aunt (Shangazi), the eldest among the ladies in the family, and her name would have been Chitsaka, just like I was named Mati.
Times have changed, and families no longer strive for the multitude of children our grandparents had. With smaller families in mind, it made sense to name our children after our parents. Thus, my son was named Bungule Deche.
The journey to Yakuti:
But how did the name Yakuti come about? I’ve always had an affinity for the sapphire gemstone, with its various colours. My favourite shade has always been royal blue. I yearned for a name that would be strong, protective, and unique, and imbue him with a sense of individuality.
I embarked on a quest to find the African translation of sapphire, paying homage to my beloved continent. After exploring numerous translations, I came across the Swahili word “Yakuti.” When I pronounced it, that elusive spark and glow I sought finally manifested, and I knew I had found the perfect name.
Convincing my husband and family:
Having made my decision, I sought to understand the meaning of Yakuti to convince my partner and family. My research unveiled the profound symbolism and qualities associated with sapphires. These precious gems are believed to attract abundance, blessings, and protection from negative energies. They possess the power to calm the mind, enhance intuition, and promote spiritual clarity.
Royal blue sapphires, in particular, activate the third eye chakra, fostering self-awareness and responsibility for one’s thoughts and emotions. This activation is thought to elevate integrity and wisdom.
Throughout history, sapphires have symbolized wisdom, loyalty, nobility, and royalty. They have adorned the jewellery of monarchs and continue to captivate people worldwide with their allure and mystique.
I delved into the history of sapphires, discovering their cherished status in ancient civilizations, medieval Europe, and Asia, where they were considered sacred. Renowned sapphires like the Star of India and the Star of Bombay have captured global attention. Even in modern times, sapphires remain highly valued for their durability and beauty.
Facing questions and traditions:
As I shared the name Yakuti with my family, questions arose. Some wondered if I would also give him a Christian or English name. In Africa, naming children is a significant cultural aspect, and naming ceremonies hold great importance in a child’s life.
I explained my preference for African names over English ones, with the utmost respect for differing generational perspectives. I would choose heritage over convention any day.
To address their concerns, I turned to the Bible, searching for verses that mentioned Yakuti. I found several references that reinforced the name’s significance:
Exodus 24:10 described a pavement of sapphire beneath the feet of the God of Israel.
Job 28:6 spoke of sapphires among the stones of the earth.
Isaiah 54:11 mentioned laying foundations with sapphires.
With these biblical connections, my family began to embrace the name Yakuti.
The profound meaning:
Yakuti, meaning sapphire, resonates deeply with its connection to the sky and heavenly realms, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and faithfulness. In Christian traditions, sapphires signify divine protection and blessings, paralleling their hardness and endurance with God’s love. In Christian art, sapphires represent the majesty of Christ and His kingdom.
Mentioned in the Book of Revelation, sapphires adorn the foundations of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the beauty and purity of the heavenly city. While interpretations may vary among Christian denominations, these associations convey deeper spiritual meanings through religious art, jewellery, and traditions.
A name that stands out:
With my husband and family on board, my son was officially named Yakuti Bungule Deche. The name piqued the curiosity of those we met, who often wondered if it hailed from West Africa or South Africa. To clarify, Yakuti is Swahili, while Bungule originates from the Chonyi community within the Mijikenda culture.
Choosing this name wasn’t merely about its appealing sound but the profound meaning it carries. When asked why I chose such a strong name for my son, I responded that it mirrors my strength and occasional dramatic flair. I wanted him to carry a name with a story, one that reflects the interesting aspects of his life. And together, we laughed with joy, knowing that Yakuti embodies the uniqueness and depth we wished for him.
They say that art imitates life, and for me, life has always been a canvas painted with the vibrant colors of my Mijikenda cultural background. As a child, I was deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of traditions, stories, and customs that surrounded me. These early experiences laid the foundation for my enduring passion for style, art, and culture—a passion that has been an integral part of my journey.
However, life often takes unexpected turns. Two years ago, I embarked on a new chapter filled with both immense joy and overwhelming responsibilities as I welcomed my son into the world. This life-changing moment altered the course of my world in profound ways.
Amidst sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the ceaseless cycle of feeding, I found myself grappling with a formidable adversary: writer’s block. It loomed over me like a shadow, casting doubt on my ability to express myself through words and visuals.
IMAGE TAKEN BY SIZLOPIC
Yet, today, I stand before you with renewed purpose and determination. I am back, prepared to rekindle my relationship with creativity and self-expression—a core aspect of my identity.
One of the most profound realizations during my hiatus is that I am no longer the same person I was two years ago. In the past, I was simply Peggie—the wife, artist, pageant queen, and journalist. Today, I wear multiple hats, juggling the roles of mother, wife, artist, pageant participant, and journalist. These newfound responsibilities have broadened my horizons, enriched my experiences, and reshaped my perspective on life.
As I return to the world of blogging, I am acutely aware that the tone of my posts will evolve in harmony with my personal growth. The stories I share will reflect the multifaceted person I’ve become. I write not only as an artist and journalist but also as a mother who views the world through the innocent eyes of her child and as a wife who has experienced the joys and challenges of nurturing a family. I remain an individual who continues to explore the depths of her cultural heritage.
In this new chapter, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention alongside me. Together, we will explore the intersections of style, art, culture, and the profound journey of motherhood. I will share my experiences, inspirations, and musings on the ever-changing canvas of my world.
In the weeks and months ahead, anticipate a blend of heartfelt anecdotes, artistic creations, and thought-provoking commentary that reflect the diverse facets of my life. As I navigate the intricate dance of motherhood, marriage, artistry, and storytelling, my aim is to inspire, entertain, and connect with you on a deeper level.
IMAGE BY SIZLOPIC. OUTFIT BY RIKA AFRIKA CREATIVE.
Life may have presented its challenges, but I am now ready to embrace them as opportunities for growth and creativity. Together, we will embark on this journey of rediscovery—a journey where style, art, culture, and motherhood converge to weave a tapestry that tells the story of the evolving Peggie.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for being part of this transformative adventure. Let’s together paint the future with the vibrant colors of our shared experiences, and in doing so, create something truly beautiful.
Welcome to the new chapter of my blog, where style, art, culture, and the joys and challenges of motherhood intertwine with the ever-evolving narrative of my life.
As we observed the oscars, golden globes and other red carpet events in awe, the events allowed some of us to dream. But if we are honest enough, most of us didn’t know about such events while growing up.
My platform was KTN, I observed women such as Catherine Kasavuli, Janet Mbugua, Julie Gichuru looking confident, vocal, poised, and sure of who they were on screen.
These women defined my moment and allowed me to feel that I belonged in a world where we were expected to either be doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, or nurses.
So this time when asked who I wanted to become, I had an answer. Because these women became my red-carpet moment.
Most of us grew up wearing what our parents gave us to wear, yes we had those few rebelling moments whereby we refused to wear what they gave us but those tantrums as they dubbed them lasted barely a few seconds or minutes, then we gave in or if they did give in, it was only a couple of times.
Such moments allowed me to desire the freedom to be able to dress in what I chose. This led me to amazing moments in my life. thus I want every day to be a red-carpet moment whether I am just going out to meet friends, on a date, or even to work. Why limit yourself when you can have a red-carpet moment on a daily basis. I believe we all desire that deep within us.
As a result, my two in one dress was born, for that red carpet moment and feeling. Most of us never get to experience that moment until when we are getting married but today I say, make every day a red-carpet moment.
THE DRESS:
This dress is made of embellished lace, while purchasing the fabric I was enamored by it immediately I set my eyes on it and that’s how I buy fabric or even my clothes. I have to have that gut feeling deep within me, like love at first sight. Am inevitably a midi dress kind of lady but in my head, midi didn’t go with the vision I wanted and so I decided something short won’t hurt because unleashing this dress would represent the moment for me to dance and party.
People ask me this, and my answer is NO, the lace didn’t come with the inner fabric. I purchased them separately, the inner fabric is called matte bridal satin. If you are a fabric person, you will discover that satin has all types of diverse versions that can either awe you or make you run away, you just have to know which one you need.
THE HAT:
Nothing is wrong with my head or hair; I don’t wear them because I have bad hair days, it’s just that I love hats. When I was around 10 years, I discovered the French barrette hat bought for me by my mother and that became my poison up to date. When you walk into my closet, you may find that each outfit I made, must have a headpiece. This was created with lace fabric, matte bridal satin, canvas, and wire to make it firm so that it could embody the appropriate shape.
THE TRAIL:
The trail is the one that emits my energy and the red carpet feeling I yearn for. It’s removable, the flowing skirt can be worn comfortably and voluntarily removed at any given time. When I don it and walk, as it follows from behind I feel self-assured.
The trail developed of chiffon fabric and bridal net, to execute a puffy yet elegant shape. It gives one that ample space to swirl around feeling dramatic yet have the modern princess moment.
THE SHOES:
Why these shoes, you may ask? My first answer is for comfort, I could run in them. My second answer is because they are red just like my lips and the third is because they are embellished just like my dress at the back. They make sense to me because they are comfortable yet give me that courage of drama and zeal for that moment I want to be in.
ACCESSORIES:
When I have such a dress on I don’t need a lot of accessories so I go for my minimal yet elegant accessories. Pearl earrings that go together with the embellishments of the dress. No necklace because my dress has already covered that part with the embellishments. A watch is a must for me to make sense of my time and my rings to stamp the full look.
With all that I am ready to be on top of that mountain because I feel elegantly ready to strut the red carpet.
