This week, America got a new president and history was made. Philip and I wanted to watch this moment as a man with Kenyan roots was sworn in as the American President. We drove as fast as we could from Nairobi to Olkerii, our camp in southern Kenya, in order to catch the swearing in of Barack Obama live.

We made record time and the excitement was at such a fever pitch around here that we all were frantic as the television slowly warmed up running through it’s paces as it loaded the satellite data. We were just barely in time and frantic to not miss the president elect put his hand on the Bible to become our next president. Radios were blaring around the camp as those who couldn’t watch television listened to the live broadcast, all of us huddled in groups at whatever form of transmission was available. You could almost hear a collective sigh of relief when he completed the oath and everyone tearfully hugged each other after it was over.

Kenyan’s are so very proud of “one of their own,” but more than that is the significance of someone making it to the top that came from such a non-traditional background. The most common statement being, “it shows that no matter where you come from if you work hard and apply yourself you can make anything happen.” A timely sentiment during these difficult times.

Great hope and inspiration abounds in Kenya as people everywhere see that people can truly chart their own destiny. The “American Dream” (where hard work intersects opportunity to become a dream that can be attainable) has been rekindled and it will be exciting to see what that ignites in us all.

Beads, beads and more beads! I sit on the floor of my office tent surrounded by pools of colorful beads designing a new line of products. The thoughts that fill my mind are of the global economic crisis, of the many boutiques across America and Europe that are struggling as we are to keep going under such dire circumstances. Not the usual inspirations I draw upon to create a new line but potent ones.

The rains have abandoned southern Kenya again this year and the cattle wonder the hills, ribs showing, browsing for any shoot of green to eat. I hear their pitiful moos frequently throughout the day as I work stringing vast combinations of beads. Young Maasai herders flash their brilliant smiles and call out, “Hello” in their best English and I become rejuvenated again and filled with hope in the knowledge that life will swing back into balance and that all of us need to learn the lessons that the Maasai carry in their blood, that by working together we will again prosper.

Inspired by the resilient Maasai youth the New “Action Line” was born. A 7” bracelet and a 15” necklace ast a lower price point of Zulugrass so stores can provide beautiful gifts for cost conscience shoppers that stands for Faith, Hope and Strength and the knowledge that by working together we can help each other continue to make the world a better place.

Take heart and hope from the youth. Keep positive and keep active. Give wisdom, guidance and warmth to those around you. Thank you for your continued support of Zulugrass and all that you do to build a better world!