I thought about naming this “Green Power Ranger” but I have this feeling it would attract die hard fans of the show and I didn’t want to confuse anybody. Needless to say… I have embraced my GREEN POWER! You may possibly be wondering what in the world I’m talking about. Lucky for you, you’re at the right place to understand more. Now please, follow along and try not to get too confused.
My favorite color ever since I could remember has been green. Pale jade to be exact if we are going to get technical with things. Random thought…. pale jade is also the color of some beautiful tropical water.
Coincidence??? I think NOT! I love being in water, but that’s a story for another day. I remember trying to BEG my mother to allow me to paint my half of the shared bedroom green. That idea was a failed mission. However, she did allow my sister and I to get this terrible wallpaper trim that had both green and purple flowers ‘her favorite color’ to line the entire trim of the room. To be fair, we asked so many times and when we finally put it up, there was instant regret! We rocked with it for years though. So much effort went into getting it, how could we possibly ask to take it down? My Nigerian mother would most likely not be having any of that. I digresss…. back to the green. So yes, it’s always been my favorite color.
Here is an interesting tidbit… I could never get myself to want to willingly wear things that were solid green. Something about my skin being brown and me wearing green made me feel like a human tree. Yes, you read that right. Growing up in the Seattle area, we are surrounded by Evergreen Trees. Such massive and majestic trees that cover the entire landscape in the west side of the Pacific Northwest. My favorite tree in reality is a Palm Tree. Also green and brown. So you see, I wasn’t too keen on being a tree and I opted for anything else. My adult years most people would assume I only own black clothing. As a photographer I like wearing black but vibrant colors also make me smile. So here and there I will rock vibrant lipsticks and wear hot pink or orange. Such extremes, but that’s what I liked so that’s what I did. Running away from the color that actually brings me a calm zen feeling. Wowzers!
Why green? I see green and think of Freedom, Growth, Success, Healing, Resilience, Acceptance and Renewal. Little kid Kariba also thought about ‘CASH MONEY’ and I knew I would get LOTS of it, so yes… green was it! The fear of feeling like a human tree or being teased for my brown skin while wearing green consumed me. I remember my father wearing a solid brown shirt once and the way I came for him was so extra. I told him “If you go outside, nobody will even know you’re wearing a shirt and they might call the police… is that what you want?” Looking back now, the actuality of that happening was slim to none. Also, was I projecting my fears on him? Most likely! Thankfully I grew out of that phase. Side-note, he did change out of that brown flesh toned shirt. LOL!
Being a mid-30 something diva supreme and re-igniting my inner fire, my care factor of judgement from others has dissipated. I simply can not even be bothered by most things anymore. I have experienced WAY TOO MUCH this past year alone to even blink an eye at something so basic as wearing something that others might not like. No way… I’m back in my 100% authentic era which means doing things that make me happy. I can not, and will not let my fear hold me back anymore. If I want something, best believe I’m going to do my absolute best to get out there and get it. So I wear green… and let’s be honest, how cute is this Target Style getup!?!
3 shades of green + 1 photoshoot + pure energy = FABULOUS PHOTOS! I loved everything about getting these photos taken. Loved them so much I’m here sharing them with you. Special thanks to Lauren Cross Photography… a light worker and sparkle boss lady! She captured me in the moment rocking my favorite color green. Life is wild…. and I’m totally here for it!
XOXO - Kariba
