I'm even thinking maybe it could be done in reverse as well, start with $52 and work down to $1. But either way let's give it a try!!
_V
Showing posts with label Sharing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharing. Show all posts
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Saving Some Mulaaaaaa!
A friend shared this on Facebook and I thought well this should be interesting!!
I'm even thinking maybe it could be done in reverse as well, start with $52 and work down to $1. But either way let's give it a try!!
_V
I'm even thinking maybe it could be done in reverse as well, start with $52 and work down to $1. But either way let's give it a try!!
_V
A Look Back
It's December and I'd like to pretend I am able to look back all the way from January at my most memorable moments this year...the truth I can't remember that far back on my own. Maybe if I have a conversation with some friends their memories will help to fill in mine and vice versa. I should try to change that in the new year. Oh well.
There are a few moments I remember quite vividly this past year that are worth celebrating:
There are a few moments I remember quite vividly this past year that are worth celebrating:
- I graduated from university! Earlier in the year I would have said "I finally graduated from university" but I think that is a fairly negative statement to make about myself. Instead I am choosing to change the tone of the sentence and be more positive, celebrating the journey as well as the destination. See what I did there. The power is in your hand to be positive or negative about life's situations.
- I was able to celebrate my 26th birthday with family and friends, creating some lovely memories and laughter.
- I participated in a community dance project with a famous Montreal based dancer (so grateful for the opportunity!! Still rather excited about it). To get feedback about my dancing and to even learn about myself as a person, not just a dancer was amazing.
- I had to deliver some very sad news to many loved ones. But even in a time of sorrow, happy memories were made. Went to my first baseball game! Pretty lovely experience. Next goal is a hockey game. Even if I may not be able to see the puck I'm sure I'll have a grand time hahaha.
- This I took a plane and did not shed a tear. Every time I fly I always, always always always cry on the flight especially during take off and landing. One of the hardest flights to take because I had to pack up my life and move unexpectedly and not necessarily to greener pastures or better opportunities, but I did it and shed not one tear. I know the next flight I take I'll be asked to get off the plane because I'll be crying so much hahahaha. Jokes.
- I celebrated my first Saint Lucian Christmas after 5 years of being away from home. What a wonderful experience just being with family and family friends.
- Believe it or not, I had my first bite of black cake in my life this year. Still don't think I'll be eating it like crazy but hey, I tried it.
Those are just some of the many awesome and difficult things I had to deal with this year. I am thankful for all that happened and pray that 2013 closes peacefully. I also pray that 2014 opens with a grand celebration even if only mentally, for I know it is going to be a fabulous year for me!
Cheers
_V
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Let The Reading Continue!
After much wait, or at least what seemed like FOREVER!! I finally got my Kobo Mini (e-reader). I am thoroughly impressed and excited to have it. I have purchased a few e-books and have been reading once again on the bus and even in bed. I would recommend an e-reader whether it be a Nook, Kobo, Kindle, or whatever to someone who loves reading or wants to get into reading. They are slim enough to slip into almost any bag (depending on the size) and are easy to use. The only thing is the version I have doesn't have a back light and so I would need a separate light source if I were reading in the dark or on a late night bus from Toronto or something. But apart from that, I LOVE IT!!
I posted the following question on my Facebook wall - WANTED: Suggestions for books to read. I got a few replies, some of which I don't think are along the lines of the books I want to read, others definitely captured my interest. Here is a list of some of the books suggested (including those I probably won't read):
I posted the following question on my Facebook wall - WANTED: Suggestions for books to read. I got a few replies, some of which I don't think are along the lines of the books I want to read, others definitely captured my interest. Here is a list of some of the books suggested (including those I probably won't read):
- The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
- The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt
- The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
- The Other Boleyn Girl
- The Hunger Games Series
- Earth's Children (a series of books) by Jean Auel
- Eva Luna
- A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
- So Long A Letter by Mariama Ba
- The Lion and The Jewel by Wole Soyinka
- Girl With A Pearl Earring
- Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom.
Have you read any of these books or have a suggestion for a book I should read? Let me know by leaving a comment below! Also feel free to look up and start reading any of these books yourself!
Happy Reading
-V
Sunday, September 23, 2012
What's The Plan
This is something I have been struggling with for many years - what do you want to be when you grow up? True some would say I am already grown, but I don't feel like it.
I was reading Steve Harvey's book "Act Like A Lady - Think Like A Man" and in the book he says there are 5 questions a woman should ask a man to know if he's a keeper or if she should grab her purse and run. The first question is where do you see yourself in 5 years (i.e. what are your short term goals)? True I was reading the book to understand how to interact with males and get one to be mine - mwhahaha!! But the book made me question myself as well. I mean how terrible would it be for me to sit grilling a guy about where he wants to be in 5 or 10 years time and I have no idea where I want to be?! He'll get the red flag and head straight for the door.
Another minor event happened to encourage the thought process on what my short and long term goals are. My friend Bee and I were having a conversation about work and we discussed where I currently work and how much I make. I don't make minimum wage - and that is a blessing. Anything about $11 is wonderful in my mind, if you get enough hours. Anyway, in the conversation Bee says she can't wait to be making $30/hr or more. The gong went off in my mind. I had never thought about making so much money despite what job I thought I would be doing. Another part of Steve's book came to mind. I'm not going to quote what part, go read it for yourself and figure it out. But on a serious note, it was another part of the book that could have been applied to myself. What am I worth? How much do I think I should be making in my desired job? This I think helps to hone in on exactly what you want to do, how you want to do it and how much you want to get for your hard work.
So of course, I sat with my pen and paper (diary in this case) and thought long, deep and hard about what I want to do, where I see myself and how long it's going to take me. Two weeks ago, if you asked me what is my dream job I would tell you I want to be an Environmental Educator and that's it. Today I am able to sift through that fluff of a title and break it down further, pin pointing exactly what I want to do.
I want to be something similar to a curriculum officer but not on the Ministry of Education side. I want to work with businesses and organisations such as a water company, energy company, landfill, etc. in connection with schools, youth groups, churches, community organisations to develop programming/activities/curriculum for the businesses and organisations that I work with to get their environmentally friendly message out there and into the community. For example, let's say I work with a water company and the country, city, whatever (depending on where I am in the world) celebrates October as the month of Water, I would create a month long programme of activities that would help persons know more about the water in the community, how to use water efficiently, how the water gets from the source to the user. The same would apply if I worked for a recycling plant and the month of June was recycling month. A month long series of activities would be created not only for students (although focusing more on the youth) to get persons involved and aware of what really happens when we recycle, don't recycle properly, what to look for in materials before buying them, etc. The title I want is Community Environmental Outreach Manager.
So that is my long term goal. I'm still working on fine tuning the short term goals to help me get that direction. That will be another post possibly.
What are some of your short and long term goals? Feel free to share with me in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
-V
I was reading Steve Harvey's book "Act Like A Lady - Think Like A Man" and in the book he says there are 5 questions a woman should ask a man to know if he's a keeper or if she should grab her purse and run. The first question is where do you see yourself in 5 years (i.e. what are your short term goals)? True I was reading the book to understand how to interact with males and get one to be mine - mwhahaha!! But the book made me question myself as well. I mean how terrible would it be for me to sit grilling a guy about where he wants to be in 5 or 10 years time and I have no idea where I want to be?! He'll get the red flag and head straight for the door.
Another minor event happened to encourage the thought process on what my short and long term goals are. My friend Bee and I were having a conversation about work and we discussed where I currently work and how much I make. I don't make minimum wage - and that is a blessing. Anything about $11 is wonderful in my mind, if you get enough hours. Anyway, in the conversation Bee says she can't wait to be making $30/hr or more. The gong went off in my mind. I had never thought about making so much money despite what job I thought I would be doing. Another part of Steve's book came to mind. I'm not going to quote what part, go read it for yourself and figure it out. But on a serious note, it was another part of the book that could have been applied to myself. What am I worth? How much do I think I should be making in my desired job? This I think helps to hone in on exactly what you want to do, how you want to do it and how much you want to get for your hard work.
So of course, I sat with my pen and paper (diary in this case) and thought long, deep and hard about what I want to do, where I see myself and how long it's going to take me. Two weeks ago, if you asked me what is my dream job I would tell you I want to be an Environmental Educator and that's it. Today I am able to sift through that fluff of a title and break it down further, pin pointing exactly what I want to do.
I want to be something similar to a curriculum officer but not on the Ministry of Education side. I want to work with businesses and organisations such as a water company, energy company, landfill, etc. in connection with schools, youth groups, churches, community organisations to develop programming/activities/curriculum for the businesses and organisations that I work with to get their environmentally friendly message out there and into the community. For example, let's say I work with a water company and the country, city, whatever (depending on where I am in the world) celebrates October as the month of Water, I would create a month long programme of activities that would help persons know more about the water in the community, how to use water efficiently, how the water gets from the source to the user. The same would apply if I worked for a recycling plant and the month of June was recycling month. A month long series of activities would be created not only for students (although focusing more on the youth) to get persons involved and aware of what really happens when we recycle, don't recycle properly, what to look for in materials before buying them, etc. The title I want is Community Environmental Outreach Manager.
So that is my long term goal. I'm still working on fine tuning the short term goals to help me get that direction. That will be another post possibly.
What are some of your short and long term goals? Feel free to share with me in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
-V
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Cheers To The Resolutions!
In case you actually don't know, I am a HUGE fan of Those Girls Are Wild! I believe I found out about them from one of my best friends here in Canada and ever since that first video I've been hooked. I follow their blog, subscribe to their YouTube channel and of course I follow them on Twitter as well. These two young women are such wonderful, positive role models for not just women younger than them but even older.
We know how every year people make resolutions saying this year I'll go to the gym, or I'll get in shape or I'll take care of my body and we know that by February more than half those people fall off the band wagon. Don't make large commitments that are difficult to keep. Or if you do, make sure you have it well planned out. Start small and work your way up. Shannon Boodram from Those Girls Are Wild has created a video to help you get in shape! It's simple. I can't say it's easy because then you probably wouldn't see results hahaha, but it's something you can do, everyday even twice a day if you so desire, to get a body that looks amazing. Watch the video, try it out and let me know how it goes.
Happy Exercising!
-The Empress
We know how every year people make resolutions saying this year I'll go to the gym, or I'll get in shape or I'll take care of my body and we know that by February more than half those people fall off the band wagon. Don't make large commitments that are difficult to keep. Or if you do, make sure you have it well planned out. Start small and work your way up. Shannon Boodram from Those Girls Are Wild has created a video to help you get in shape! It's simple. I can't say it's easy because then you probably wouldn't see results hahaha, but it's something you can do, everyday even twice a day if you so desire, to get a body that looks amazing. Watch the video, try it out and let me know how it goes.
Happy Exercising!
-The Empress
Friday, December 23, 2011
Let the planning begin
My exams ended on Monday December 19th and I said I would give myself one week to relax and the next week I will begin my school work to get ahead and plan for my future (as I normally do). Well today is Friday and I'm tired of "relaxing" which happens to be doing nothing or just cleaning in one way or the other.
I'm here more or less alone for the holidays and although I appreciate the time alone I feel like I have nothing to do. I'm sure I can catch up on major reading or watching shows I haven't been able to follow during the semester but it's not the same. I think I'm always under so much pressure that it doesn't feel normal to not be. Anyway, so apart from cleaning and getting ahead in my studies I'm also going to look at the "Where do I see myself in x years." I'm scheduled, correction: I am going to graduate in June 2012 and receive my Honours degree in August 2012 and hence I need to have some sort of an idea as to what I want to do and how I'm going to do it.
I do know that I honestly am not ready to do my Masters just yet. I know there are a number of people who are disappointed in this. Truth be told I'd like to work for about 10 years and then get my Masters. By then everyone I know would have had 2 Ph.D's but I honestly don't care. I can't make decisions for my life based on what other people are doing. I need to make decisions that I feel are best for me and that I can handle. In 5 years time I would like to enter my field of interest with a secure foot. And that is what I am going to do.
I often say there's method to my madness, and I truly believe it. Whether others can see it or believe it is another question, but that doesn't bother me. I know me and what I want well enough. I feel grounded and focused. Now is the time to apply these emotions and secure my dreams. I should have a back up plan, but not just yet. I believe this will work out.
This is just the begin of the my rise to achieve my goal. 2012 is the year when the slingshot will be stretched and released, and I shall be propelled in the right direction to live my dreams. Let nothing stop me, let nothing stop you. We're both going to achieve our dreams.
Don't wish me luck. Help me along my journey.
Best wishes
-The Empress
I'm here more or less alone for the holidays and although I appreciate the time alone I feel like I have nothing to do. I'm sure I can catch up on major reading or watching shows I haven't been able to follow during the semester but it's not the same. I think I'm always under so much pressure that it doesn't feel normal to not be. Anyway, so apart from cleaning and getting ahead in my studies I'm also going to look at the "Where do I see myself in x years." I'm scheduled, correction: I am going to graduate in June 2012 and receive my Honours degree in August 2012 and hence I need to have some sort of an idea as to what I want to do and how I'm going to do it.
I do know that I honestly am not ready to do my Masters just yet. I know there are a number of people who are disappointed in this. Truth be told I'd like to work for about 10 years and then get my Masters. By then everyone I know would have had 2 Ph.D's but I honestly don't care. I can't make decisions for my life based on what other people are doing. I need to make decisions that I feel are best for me and that I can handle. In 5 years time I would like to enter my field of interest with a secure foot. And that is what I am going to do.
I often say there's method to my madness, and I truly believe it. Whether others can see it or believe it is another question, but that doesn't bother me. I know me and what I want well enough. I feel grounded and focused. Now is the time to apply these emotions and secure my dreams. I should have a back up plan, but not just yet. I believe this will work out.
This is just the begin of the my rise to achieve my goal. 2012 is the year when the slingshot will be stretched and released, and I shall be propelled in the right direction to live my dreams. Let nothing stop me, let nothing stop you. We're both going to achieve our dreams.
Don't wish me luck. Help me along my journey.
Best wishes
-The Empress
Friday, December 9, 2011
Mind Over Matter
I am not big on New Years celebrations. I'm one of those persons that wants to crawl into a dark hole for about two months - December and January and not think about a new year dawning and all that jazz. The primary reason for it is because twice a year it hits me, another year is dawning and another year of my life is gone, and I have nothing to show for it. I have nothing to say hey this is what I've accomplished. It weighs me down and makes me sad to know that I'm not truly happy, but happy at moments, and that I'm still not living my life, but living to please others. It bothers me that I don't feel like I'm going somewhere and I have something to do, that I'm merely floating around in this crazy world.
I usually try to hide from New Years.
But somehow, this year I don't want the stroke of midnight to catch me at home, or in my current town. No. I want to be a different place to ring in a different year. 2012 is my Champagne Year and I have dubbed it "The Year of The Empress." In 2012 it will be difficult but I will be happy. I will have a goal and I will work towards it. I will explore life and myself, and push myself to become a great woman. I will retrain myself to be mentally powerful, self motivated, hard working and fun loving. I will culture myself to not be ignorant, temperamental or short tempered. I will culture myself to be graceful, sophisticated, educated and wise. From 2012 onward I shall be responsible and build on that responsibility a kingdom of comfort for my family.
Yes, 2012 is MY year.
I usually try to hide from New Years.
But somehow, this year I don't want the stroke of midnight to catch me at home, or in my current town. No. I want to be a different place to ring in a different year. 2012 is my Champagne Year and I have dubbed it "The Year of The Empress." In 2012 it will be difficult but I will be happy. I will have a goal and I will work towards it. I will explore life and myself, and push myself to become a great woman. I will retrain myself to be mentally powerful, self motivated, hard working and fun loving. I will culture myself to not be ignorant, temperamental or short tempered. I will culture myself to be graceful, sophisticated, educated and wise. From 2012 onward I shall be responsible and build on that responsibility a kingdom of comfort for my family.
Yes, 2012 is MY year.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Words of Wisdom
A friend recently shared this with me and of course I thought it was fitting to share it with you. I'm sure many of you have heard this before of have heard about the general concept before. But here is goes!
The Power of Association is too real: "The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who is not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl, but if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends".
-Colin Powell.
The Power of Association.
The Power of Association is too real: "The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who is not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl, but if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends".
-Colin Powell.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Reminder
Enthusiasm. Passion. Dedication.
Define your career, your relationships and your life by these words and you’ll grow in ways you can’t imagine. In a world where we are reminded to “take it easy,” the ones who ignore this advice and give 110% to every thought and every action… they’re the few who will achieve the most.
Define your career, your relationships and your life by these words and you’ll grow in ways you can’t imagine. In a world where we are reminded to “take it easy,” the ones who ignore this advice and give 110% to every thought and every action… they’re the few who will achieve the most.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day Seventeen! - 30 Day Challenge
Something you're proud of
This is a tough question to answer. What am I proud of?? After much contemplation and accessing my emotion I think I am going to say that I am proud of my friend Ashni Ramsammy. I know Ashni is a someone not something, but I couldn't think of a thing.
Ashni has been such an inspiration to me in the past few months. This young lady has grown and is continuing to grow and blossom into a fine young lady who is driven, self motivated, decisive, approachable and professional. Ashni knows what she wants in life and she is making strides to get it! Nothing is going to get in her way. If something attempts to she will find a way through it, over it, under it or around it. I am proud of her because of the growth I have seen in her. When I met she was a wonderful young lady but still a fragile flower bud. But throughout the course of our friendship I have watched her grow (and I think I'm allowed to say help her grow as well) into who she is today. Another reason why I am so proud of her is that she has now become such a strong person of character that she can be a rock when I need her. The energy and synergy between the two of us is amazing!
All in all - I am proud of my friend for having a dream and working to make it her reality!
What's something (or someone) you're proud of??
This is a tough question to answer. What am I proud of?? After much contemplation and accessing my emotion I think I am going to say that I am proud of my friend Ashni Ramsammy. I know Ashni is a someone not something, but I couldn't think of a thing.
Ashni has been such an inspiration to me in the past few months. This young lady has grown and is continuing to grow and blossom into a fine young lady who is driven, self motivated, decisive, approachable and professional. Ashni knows what she wants in life and she is making strides to get it! Nothing is going to get in her way. If something attempts to she will find a way through it, over it, under it or around it. I am proud of her because of the growth I have seen in her. When I met she was a wonderful young lady but still a fragile flower bud. But throughout the course of our friendship I have watched her grow (and I think I'm allowed to say help her grow as well) into who she is today. Another reason why I am so proud of her is that she has now become such a strong person of character that she can be a rock when I need her. The energy and synergy between the two of us is amazing!
All in all - I am proud of my friend for having a dream and working to make it her reality!
What's something (or someone) you're proud of??
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Real Talk
I know we agreed to not talk about this again but I need to clear my chest so I can move on.
I know it, yet still I do contrary. After 8 years of being there for me, of frustrating me, almost getting me in trouble, making me laugh, smile and turning red like a tomato, you would think I would get it. You would think you would get it.
I don't know what to do. I want to love you and give you all of me...but the more I try and the more I think about it, the more I am beginning to think that maybe it shouldn't be. You love me for me. You see my genius, my brilliance, my beauty, my splendor, yet still I don't see half of what you see and I try to change like a sheep to please you.
We can't get married; not now, not soon. It's not that I don't love you, I do, and maybe I love you too much. But the reason why it can't happen is because I will never be happy, if now. I'm too fragile and malleable at this point and you need a rock, Xena Warrior Princess. Until that point when I can handle my own and be a strong woman not around everyone - just around you, then and only then will we be able to join in a union.
Having you end the argument is not the way for us to do things. It doesn't mean that I won. Getting you mad or flustered is not winning. This is not winning.
Sigh. Our relationship is frustrating me. I want it to work for me.
I know it, yet still I do contrary. After 8 years of being there for me, of frustrating me, almost getting me in trouble, making me laugh, smile and turning red like a tomato, you would think I would get it. You would think you would get it.
I don't know what to do. I want to love you and give you all of me...but the more I try and the more I think about it, the more I am beginning to think that maybe it shouldn't be. You love me for me. You see my genius, my brilliance, my beauty, my splendor, yet still I don't see half of what you see and I try to change like a sheep to please you.
We can't get married; not now, not soon. It's not that I don't love you, I do, and maybe I love you too much. But the reason why it can't happen is because I will never be happy, if now. I'm too fragile and malleable at this point and you need a rock, Xena Warrior Princess. Until that point when I can handle my own and be a strong woman not around everyone - just around you, then and only then will we be able to join in a union.
Having you end the argument is not the way for us to do things. It doesn't mean that I won. Getting you mad or flustered is not winning. This is not winning.
Sigh. Our relationship is frustrating me. I want it to work for me.
So much to learn. So much room to grow.
Your Nefertiti
Friday, July 22, 2011
Life, According to Bill Gates
My mom sent me this email and I wanted to share it with you.
Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: They called it opportunity.
Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room..
Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer.
Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about eleven (11) things they did not and will not learn in school.
He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room..
Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer.
*This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF.
Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF.
*Do that on your own time.
Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds.Chances are you'll end up working for one.Sunday, July 17, 2011
Hair Scans
I really love this tumblr blog - http://hairscans.tumblr.com/
I submitted one of my own scans, after trying to figure out how the heck do I use my scanner to do scans...you would think it would be as simple as pressing the Scan button on the device but nooooo it isn't. Anyways, I digress. This is the scan I submitted entitled "Floral and Naps"
I also did another one that I did not submit but will share with you
And yes I know that I could have rotated them, but I like them in this orientation. I shall continue to experiment with the hair scans adding petals, grass, fabric, words, etc to it until I have my very own hair scan portfolio.
What do you think about the idea of hair scans? Let me know...leave a comment below!
xxxo
Shani Vee
I submitted one of my own scans, after trying to figure out how the heck do I use my scanner to do scans...you would think it would be as simple as pressing the Scan button on the device but nooooo it isn't. Anyways, I digress. This is the scan I submitted entitled "Floral and Naps"
I also did another one that I did not submit but will share with you
What do you think about the idea of hair scans? Let me know...leave a comment below!
xxxo
Shani Vee
Monday, July 11, 2011
Blown Like An Appliance
There's something about the truth that gets under your skin.
I don't usually do two posts in a day, but this! this I had to share. It could not wait.
My dear friend Daryl Dujon, posted this link on my Facebook wall and I must admit that when I was done reading and listening I didn't know what to do with myself. It was like I was in a coma and I had just woken up. Simply amazing. I beg you, have a look and listen to this - http://arcthemagazine.com/arc/2011/07/de-art-junket-presents-armed-with-words/ - comment here, comment there, circulate the link, make it a discussion. Wow...I can't even finish typing. My mind is still trying to collect itself after that.
WOW!
Just, just go check it out. You won't regret it.
I don't usually do two posts in a day, but this! this I had to share. It could not wait.
My dear friend Daryl Dujon, posted this link on my Facebook wall and I must admit that when I was done reading and listening I didn't know what to do with myself. It was like I was in a coma and I had just woken up. Simply amazing. I beg you, have a look and listen to this - http://arcthemagazine.com/arc/2011/07/de-art-junket-presents-armed-with-words/ - comment here, comment there, circulate the link, make it a discussion. Wow...I can't even finish typing. My mind is still trying to collect itself after that.
WOW!
Just, just go check it out. You won't regret it.
I'm A Big Kid Now
Part of me wants to say I wish I were a child again, or I wish I didn't have to be an adult and grow up. But I know, if I say that, it will be a lie. I do enjoy being an adult and making certain decisions. Obviously some decisions are not as simple as chocolate cake or chocolate ice cream, and some require more thought and processing.
A "friend" of mine (yes, I'm back with the quotation marks) suggested that I come to visit him. If I bought the airline ticket he would take care of accommodation and everything else during my stay. Having not spent any quality time with my "friend" I jump at the opportunity. I start looking at flights and look at my schedule to see when can I get the cheapest flight out of my available "vacations." I found one available in October and said okay I'm coming then. We're both very excited at the opportunity to be engrossed in each other completely for 10 days. When all of this happened, I was dead broke and knew I had a good pay cheque coming in the following week, so I wasn't too worried about it. As time passed, and the days went by, getting closer and closer to when I receive my wages, reality started to sink in. If reality were a person, I'd punch it right there and then, but alas it's not. The truth started to creep around me like fog coming from a harbor or smoke from burning incense. The reality is that I have other responsibilities I should take care of. I don't want to say instead of spending it on a plane ticket to go somewhere. I should be helping my dad who is my provider while at university. I mean my dad has been there for me well before university, so if I can help him out and ease his load, why not right? I also a bit of debt that if I can, I should pay off right? All these things start sinking in and I beginning to subconsciously weigh in everything. The final decision is that I am not travelling, or at least not as intended, and I am going to be responsible and adult as my "friend" put it and pay my school fees or something of that sort.
This was a difficult decision for me because I have matured and I have become more responsible mentally. If I hadn't I would have easily said I don't care, I want to travel, I want to see my "friend," I'm going. But because of this maturity and this growth the reality and needs were stacked up against the wants and although there were close, the needs won. It's tough being an adult, but even with that, I still don't think I'd want to wear baby diapers again.
A "friend" of mine (yes, I'm back with the quotation marks) suggested that I come to visit him. If I bought the airline ticket he would take care of accommodation and everything else during my stay. Having not spent any quality time with my "friend" I jump at the opportunity. I start looking at flights and look at my schedule to see when can I get the cheapest flight out of my available "vacations." I found one available in October and said okay I'm coming then. We're both very excited at the opportunity to be engrossed in each other completely for 10 days. When all of this happened, I was dead broke and knew I had a good pay cheque coming in the following week, so I wasn't too worried about it. As time passed, and the days went by, getting closer and closer to when I receive my wages, reality started to sink in. If reality were a person, I'd punch it right there and then, but alas it's not. The truth started to creep around me like fog coming from a harbor or smoke from burning incense. The reality is that I have other responsibilities I should take care of. I don't want to say instead of spending it on a plane ticket to go somewhere. I should be helping my dad who is my provider while at university. I mean my dad has been there for me well before university, so if I can help him out and ease his load, why not right? I also a bit of debt that if I can, I should pay off right? All these things start sinking in and I beginning to subconsciously weigh in everything. The final decision is that I am not travelling, or at least not as intended, and I am going to be responsible and adult as my "friend" put it and pay my school fees or something of that sort.
This was a difficult decision for me because I have matured and I have become more responsible mentally. If I hadn't I would have easily said I don't care, I want to travel, I want to see my "friend," I'm going. But because of this maturity and this growth the reality and needs were stacked up against the wants and although there were close, the needs won. It's tough being an adult, but even with that, I still don't think I'd want to wear baby diapers again.
Monday, June 27, 2011
What A Birthday
For various reasons I shall not divulge the happenings of my birthday on my blog. I wish I had taken a proper photo of my hair style, because it did look lovely, and it has been a while since I've styled it up nicely.
The lessons I have learnt from my birthday may be odd ones but I know the reasoning behind it.
The first is that everyone sees things differently.
The second is that what is "normal" or a usual occurrence will take priority over that which is not the norm.
The third is that I take things to heart too easily. I need to learn to shake things off and not let it bother me so much. I'm a bit too uptight.
All in all, my birthday was a lovely 24hrs and I enjoyed those 24 hrs significantly. I don't think there is anything in particular I would change about it.
The lessons I have learnt from my birthday may be odd ones but I know the reasoning behind it.
The first is that everyone sees things differently.
The second is that what is "normal" or a usual occurrence will take priority over that which is not the norm.
The third is that I take things to heart too easily. I need to learn to shake things off and not let it bother me so much. I'm a bit too uptight.
All in all, my birthday was a lovely 24hrs and I enjoyed those 24 hrs significantly. I don't think there is anything in particular I would change about it.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Achieving Wellness and Beauty Naturally | Simplistic Chic Repost
Hey everyone!
In case you don't go through the blogs I follow on the left I'm reposting this article from Simplistic Chic. The post is entitled Achieving Wellness and Beauty Naturally.
I’ve learned from various personal trainers and health experts that diet is the key to a great waistline. While exercise helps, great abs start in the kitchen! Here are some foods that will help you to achieve those washboard abs sooner.
1. Rolled Oats
They fill you up with fat fighting fiber to not only keep you satisfied and give you the energy to start your day but this flat tummy food also helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels – which keeps your body off the fat storage roller coaster and helps to fight cravings!
2. Apples
Apples are so easy to grab and go, we always have them on hand, they are high in water content and fiber, plus research has shown the pectin in apples aids in your fat loss efforts for it causes the stomach to empty more slowly and you feel satisfied longer.
3. Blueberries
I always have a giant bag of these powerful berries on hand! Not only super high in antioxidants to keep you youthful, healthy and energetic, they are also a sweet source of fiber and they contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation – promoting a healthier digestive tract.
4. Almonds
“Portable protein” – the perfect emergency snack or pair it up with a fruit or veggie. High in metabolism-boosting Protein and Healthy Fats. Watch your portions though – measure out 1/4 cup servings and stick in a snack size baggie.
5. Eggs
Yes, they ARE good for you. They are considered the gold standard of protein quality because of their superior amino acid content, providing your body with the building blocks for lean muscle – the heart and soul of your metabolism – they keep you satisfied and energized. Plus they are affordable and super easy to make – it takes less than 3 minutes to prepare an egg.
6. Spinach
This super veggie goes with everything. At only 5 calories per cup how could it not?! Use in omelets, wraps, salads, side dishes…the list goes on. Great source of beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, folate and magnesium to keep your body healthy and your metabolism humming!
7. Yogurt
A great source of protein and the live cultures help boost immunity and aid in digestion. My favorite – Greek Yogurt. NOTE: Avoid choosing brands that contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and artificial sweeteners. Read the ingredients!!! (ex – yoplait – not so good).
*info. from Fit Yummy Mummy http://getfitandyummy.com
In case you don't go through the blogs I follow on the left I'm reposting this article from Simplistic Chic. The post is entitled Achieving Wellness and Beauty Naturally.
7 Foods for a Flat Stomach
I’ve learned from various personal trainers and health experts that diet is the key to a great waistline. While exercise helps, great abs start in the kitchen! Here are some foods that will help you to achieve those washboard abs sooner.
1. Rolled Oats
They fill you up with fat fighting fiber to not only keep you satisfied and give you the energy to start your day but this flat tummy food also helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels – which keeps your body off the fat storage roller coaster and helps to fight cravings!
2. Apples
Apples are so easy to grab and go, we always have them on hand, they are high in water content and fiber, plus research has shown the pectin in apples aids in your fat loss efforts for it causes the stomach to empty more slowly and you feel satisfied longer.
3. Blueberries
I always have a giant bag of these powerful berries on hand! Not only super high in antioxidants to keep you youthful, healthy and energetic, they are also a sweet source of fiber and they contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation – promoting a healthier digestive tract.
4. Almonds
“Portable protein” – the perfect emergency snack or pair it up with a fruit or veggie. High in metabolism-boosting Protein and Healthy Fats. Watch your portions though – measure out 1/4 cup servings and stick in a snack size baggie.
5. Eggs
Yes, they ARE good for you. They are considered the gold standard of protein quality because of their superior amino acid content, providing your body with the building blocks for lean muscle – the heart and soul of your metabolism – they keep you satisfied and energized. Plus they are affordable and super easy to make – it takes less than 3 minutes to prepare an egg.
6. Spinach
This super veggie goes with everything. At only 5 calories per cup how could it not?! Use in omelets, wraps, salads, side dishes…the list goes on. Great source of beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, folate and magnesium to keep your body healthy and your metabolism humming!
7. Yogurt
A great source of protein and the live cultures help boost immunity and aid in digestion. My favorite – Greek Yogurt. NOTE: Avoid choosing brands that contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and artificial sweeteners. Read the ingredients!!! (ex – yoplait – not so good).
*info. from Fit Yummy Mummy http://getfitandyummy.com
Monday, June 13, 2011
(8) It's The Little Things (8)
India.Arie did not lie when she said it, it is the simple things.
I'm trying to plan a little get together for my birthday and I must say it is causing me a great deal of stress. Just to go to the club people are asking me questions that I deem unnecessary. I guess I am a bit more independent than others and what I think is blatantly obvious and common sense isn't to some one else.
Although I joke about it next year, my champagne birthday, I'm not doing anything fussy. I've joked and said I'm going to go to KFC by myself for dinner hahaha. I won't do that, but I can tell you that I will invite only my dearest and nearest friends to my house wherever it will be and we will have a cooking party. This simple task will be executed to the 9, and we will all have a good time. Good food plus great people: what else can I ask for?
Anyways, I'm off to see about more details for this minor event called my birthday.
Cheers
I'm trying to plan a little get together for my birthday and I must say it is causing me a great deal of stress. Just to go to the club people are asking me questions that I deem unnecessary. I guess I am a bit more independent than others and what I think is blatantly obvious and common sense isn't to some one else.
Although I joke about it next year, my champagne birthday, I'm not doing anything fussy. I've joked and said I'm going to go to KFC by myself for dinner hahaha. I won't do that, but I can tell you that I will invite only my dearest and nearest friends to my house wherever it will be and we will have a cooking party. This simple task will be executed to the 9, and we will all have a good time. Good food plus great people: what else can I ask for?
Anyways, I'm off to see about more details for this minor event called my birthday.
Cheers
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Education
Grades are out and no comment on mine. As I peruse Facebook I see many persons advertising their grades of getting all A's or maintaining an A average throughout their final year at university. Congrats to them. I seem to treasure other things related to the school experience not necessarily more than the academic side of school but at least on the same level as it.
I've butted heads with people about this but I've heard so many other persons say such to support my view. It's not what you learn in the classroom but the experiences you endure while at school that you remember when you leave. I'm a very active person on campus. I've created a name for myself of being responsible, responsible, hard working and creative. There probably are other things people say about me, good and bad, but those are the ones I know. I take pride in these labels because I believe that those couldn't be expressed through my academic work, not because I'm not the greatest student, but because it's not the best way to prove that about myself. There are persons that their academic involvement can carry them to whatever they want to do, and other persons like me that have the academic involvement but are more engaged and expressive in the extra curricula setting. I like what I do through my extra curricular activities. What I do through my academics...that's another story. It's a love hate relationship. That's the best way I can describe it. I can't have all that I want in my studies because my university doesn't offer it, orrrrrr the professor cannot supply it. There are courses that are fabulously interesting content wise, but the professors are not stimulating enough for me. Likewise there are course that I take that the content doesn't attract me, but the professors at least hold my interest to give a hoot. The major problem comes when both bads come together, and there's a course where the content does not interest me and the professor is not engaging enough for me to be interested. I won't lie, I struggle to remain focussed. It's difficult but I try my hardest and I have good friends who remind me of the big picture when I see the one dot.
The world we live in is heavily based on having an education, although getting one is easier said than done. A lot pf people think that university is the best thing in the world. I don't. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a higher education. What I am saying is that there are options available. College provides a more hands on, practical experience which might have been a better option for me, who knows. And some people are lucky to have jobs that give them training as they go. It's good to explore your options and most importantly do what YOU want to do, not what someone else wants you to do. If you have no interest in it, it's going to be extremely difficult for you to remain focussed and motivated. Forget about everyone else. When it comes to your education, you don't want to have regrets (like certain people...cough cough). Go with what you are genuinely interested in and possibly have a passion for. You will excel easily and will be happy.
Please feel free to comment below :)
Thanks!!
I've butted heads with people about this but I've heard so many other persons say such to support my view. It's not what you learn in the classroom but the experiences you endure while at school that you remember when you leave. I'm a very active person on campus. I've created a name for myself of being responsible, responsible, hard working and creative. There probably are other things people say about me, good and bad, but those are the ones I know. I take pride in these labels because I believe that those couldn't be expressed through my academic work, not because I'm not the greatest student, but because it's not the best way to prove that about myself. There are persons that their academic involvement can carry them to whatever they want to do, and other persons like me that have the academic involvement but are more engaged and expressive in the extra curricula setting. I like what I do through my extra curricular activities. What I do through my academics...that's another story. It's a love hate relationship. That's the best way I can describe it. I can't have all that I want in my studies because my university doesn't offer it, orrrrrr the professor cannot supply it. There are courses that are fabulously interesting content wise, but the professors are not stimulating enough for me. Likewise there are course that I take that the content doesn't attract me, but the professors at least hold my interest to give a hoot. The major problem comes when both bads come together, and there's a course where the content does not interest me and the professor is not engaging enough for me to be interested. I won't lie, I struggle to remain focussed. It's difficult but I try my hardest and I have good friends who remind me of the big picture when I see the one dot.
The world we live in is heavily based on having an education, although getting one is easier said than done. A lot pf people think that university is the best thing in the world. I don't. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a higher education. What I am saying is that there are options available. College provides a more hands on, practical experience which might have been a better option for me, who knows. And some people are lucky to have jobs that give them training as they go. It's good to explore your options and most importantly do what YOU want to do, not what someone else wants you to do. If you have no interest in it, it's going to be extremely difficult for you to remain focussed and motivated. Forget about everyone else. When it comes to your education, you don't want to have regrets (like certain people...cough cough). Go with what you are genuinely interested in and possibly have a passion for. You will excel easily and will be happy.
Please feel free to comment below :)
Thanks!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Featured Artist: Claudius Medouze
Another friend of mine has granted me the pleasure of interview them. I present to you Claudius Medouze, a young spoken word artist from Saint Lucia who knows how to move you with his lyrical flow.
Hey Claudius, thank you for doing this interview with me. To get things started can you give the readers some background information about yourself.
I was born in Marisule, St. Lucia on June 8th 1987. I attended St. Mary's College, where I developed a passion for writing; however, I decided to focus on business and sports. After graduating in 2004, I was fortunate enough to obtain a position with the National Rugby team in St. Lucia, which is where I would spend the next six years developing my skills and pursuing my new passion, rugby. I also had the opportunity of being affiliated with three different Canadian Rugby Clubs, which gave me the chance to experience and explore a variety cultures and traditions. When I travelled to Canada little did I know that I would not only get to show off my rugby skills, but also discover a hidden talent of performing poetry; as I was met with the opportunity to perform a few of my pieces at an annual poetry festival in Sarnia, Canada. New to the poetry stage, I never write any of my poems, but rather memorize each of my pieces. I believe this gives me the advantage of focusing more on the performance aspect of my work. In October of 2009, I was bestowed with the honour of performing both in Trinidad, and Tobago for a campaign called "Stop the Violence", a campaign geared towards educating youths of the consequences associated with violence. I have used my gift of poetry to appeal to children in various schools throughout Tobago. I now am an active performer in events staged by Headpunk, recently took part in the Word Alive Poetry competition held in St. Lucia and was crowned the winner of the 2010 Ponm Damou Poetry Slam. i continue to pursue poetry and am hoping to make my mark not only on the stage, but also on the field, the rugby field that is.
How did you get involved in poetry and spoken word?
I got involved in poetry when I left college in 2004 writing poems for friends and for entertainment. Then I got more and more involved in performing poetry rather than the reading aspect. I wanted to express myself more so people could see a different side of me. I started writing poetry in my head. No paper or pen, just repetitive thoughts. Like memorising a song I just went over the poem several times in my head until I said it was completed. Doing this I focused more on the performing aspect of it. Leaving the audience with opened jaws. After performing for friends who were more involved in poetry than I was around St. Lucia, I was recommended by other artistes to perform. So after a few more performances, I began to take in the feedbacks from the audiences. Some of them came to me and told me that they really loved to see me perform and that they usually come just to hear me, some tell me that what I said touched them so much which usually leaves me with my mouth open for a lost of words, others finds it entertaining so from the love I have been receiving I got more and more involved in spoken word.
How do you source inspiration? What inspires you to write?
A good poet is able to find the natural rhythms of everyday life and express them eloquently in words. There are thousands of poems out there about tired subjects like love and war which got to me. As a poet, my job was to find either a new and original take on these overused subjects or bring an original idea to life. Most of my poems were based on social issues until I started branching out to areas that surrounds my life. In doing this I get to speak freely about heartaches felt, family and a lot more issues like women in society and friends. Whether they be good or bad. This gives me an advantage in performing the poem because it comes from the heart. Now I walk around and everything is inspiration to me. Look around you. Anything, anything at all can be the subject of a poem if dealt with in an original and creative matter. So most of the times I ask myself "What if?" This helps me explore everything in a poetical way. You just have to be creative. :) The way I interpret the world is different from most people so naturally my poetry will follow suite. My poems tend to be figurative and laced with metaphors but with a sense of the gritty reality that we all can touch and feel. I listen to a lot of spoken word pieces and found out that we all have different ways of saying what needs to be said. I just try to be more creative and take the audience on the journey I went on when writing my poems. Trying to make them feel what I felt, like my experiences and emotions. So to me spoken word has more of an advantage than other forms of poetry, because there are so many different ways artistes can bring out themselves that others can't.
What are your favourite pieces of writing and why?
An artiste I love would be Saul Williams. Saul Williams' tone in his poems are quite sharp and harsh. He doesn't really waste any time; the meanings are pretty much right there, but the allusions are what takes thought. In "Sha Clack Clack," Williams makes an allusion to Medusa, the woman with snakes for hair. Medusa turns her onlookers into stone, so goes the legend, and only one hero was finally able to behead her. This is an interesting allusion, and I think Saul Williams is using the character of Medusa to convey an image of some kind of horror or fear. Everyone was scared of Medusa, and this enhances the idea that Saul Williams is conveying. He is conveying a kind of fierce pride to be black in the face of racism. In "Penny for Thought," he makes an allusion to Barney, saying "A purple dinosaur that speaks of love, a black man that speaks of blood." This juxtaposition shows the violence that has happened because of racism, and how angry black people on a whole became during that time. He is just as real as it gets so I love his work.
What other elements of The Arts are you involved with?
I have been involved in drama including miming which I do in church. Spoken word is the part of the arts that I am more involved with.
What are your views on The Arts in Saint Lucia? What changes do you think will evoke necessary/positive change to The Arts?
Poetry is the study of the world around you and more importantly, the study of yourself and what you choose to speak about through the microphones. As it stands in St. Lucia, THE ARTS to me lives on in the lives of everyday people; unfounded talents, everyday living and expressive thoughts. We often say that the government isn't doing enough but forget to ask ourselves what are we doing? Even though you don't get the support you would like from the government it is up to us as a nation to understand what we want and find means and ways to achieve it. We can't wait for the government to help us, we must help ourselves before we can get help. Spoken Word in St. Lucia has now reached a pinnacle that some question, "is it a part of our culture." There is a group of talented individuals who saw a dream of reviving the ARTS in St. Lucia and did. This group is called Headphunk who single-handedly brought back hope to the ARTS in St. Lucia. They host a show every last Thursday of the month for all artistes whether you perform poetry, sing, dance, scream and shout or just a plain supporter of arts. Because of their work in St. Lucia, I can say that they are the biggest ARTS lovers in St. Lucia. At Headphunk the stage belongs to you the artiste. You get to perform with well known artistes like Boo Hinkson, Shane Ross, Naomie "Ngozi" Grandison to name a few. Now they are well known because they took it upon themselves to start a movement. so we need to learn from them.
Finally, what advice do you have for anyone who may be interested in performing poetry?
If you are interested you need to do research. Attend events, find time to explore the world around you. Take part in activities like workshops and open mics and shoot for the stars. Also you need to discover yourself as a poet, even a genius must do this. You need to peel off your skin, squeeze out your blood and soul from your body to discover you. When you are true to yourself, then and only the can you be true to the art, audience and the world around you. You must also remember that there is no greater Sin after the seven deadly than to flatter oneself into an idea of being a great .
I would like to thank Claudius for letting me pick his brain and share it with you. It truly was an honour to have interviewed him and I hope not only Saint Lucian readers but persons from all over the world can appreciate the words given to us by him. I would like to wish Claudius the best in all his future endeavours, whether on the stage or on the field.
Hey Claudius, thank you for doing this interview with me. To get things started can you give the readers some background information about yourself.
I was born in Marisule, St. Lucia on June 8th 1987. I attended St. Mary's College, where I developed a passion for writing; however, I decided to focus on business and sports. After graduating in 2004, I was fortunate enough to obtain a position with the National Rugby team in St. Lucia, which is where I would spend the next six years developing my skills and pursuing my new passion, rugby. I also had the opportunity of being affiliated with three different Canadian Rugby Clubs, which gave me the chance to experience and explore a variety cultures and traditions. When I travelled to Canada little did I know that I would not only get to show off my rugby skills, but also discover a hidden talent of performing poetry; as I was met with the opportunity to perform a few of my pieces at an annual poetry festival in Sarnia, Canada. New to the poetry stage, I never write any of my poems, but rather memorize each of my pieces. I believe this gives me the advantage of focusing more on the performance aspect of my work. In October of 2009, I was bestowed with the honour of performing both in Trinidad, and Tobago for a campaign called "Stop the Violence", a campaign geared towards educating youths of the consequences associated with violence. I have used my gift of poetry to appeal to children in various schools throughout Tobago. I now am an active performer in events staged by Headpunk, recently took part in the Word Alive Poetry competition held in St. Lucia and was crowned the winner of the 2010 Ponm Damou Poetry Slam. i continue to pursue poetry and am hoping to make my mark not only on the stage, but also on the field, the rugby field that is.
How did you get involved in poetry and spoken word?
I got involved in poetry when I left college in 2004 writing poems for friends and for entertainment. Then I got more and more involved in performing poetry rather than the reading aspect. I wanted to express myself more so people could see a different side of me. I started writing poetry in my head. No paper or pen, just repetitive thoughts. Like memorising a song I just went over the poem several times in my head until I said it was completed. Doing this I focused more on the performing aspect of it. Leaving the audience with opened jaws. After performing for friends who were more involved in poetry than I was around St. Lucia, I was recommended by other artistes to perform. So after a few more performances, I began to take in the feedbacks from the audiences. Some of them came to me and told me that they really loved to see me perform and that they usually come just to hear me, some tell me that what I said touched them so much which usually leaves me with my mouth open for a lost of words, others finds it entertaining so from the love I have been receiving I got more and more involved in spoken word.
How do you source inspiration? What inspires you to write?
A good poet is able to find the natural rhythms of everyday life and express them eloquently in words. There are thousands of poems out there about tired subjects like love and war which got to me. As a poet, my job was to find either a new and original take on these overused subjects or bring an original idea to life. Most of my poems were based on social issues until I started branching out to areas that surrounds my life. In doing this I get to speak freely about heartaches felt, family and a lot more issues like women in society and friends. Whether they be good or bad. This gives me an advantage in performing the poem because it comes from the heart. Now I walk around and everything is inspiration to me. Look around you. Anything, anything at all can be the subject of a poem if dealt with in an original and creative matter. So most of the times I ask myself "What if?" This helps me explore everything in a poetical way. You just have to be creative. :) The way I interpret the world is different from most people so naturally my poetry will follow suite. My poems tend to be figurative and laced with metaphors but with a sense of the gritty reality that we all can touch and feel. I listen to a lot of spoken word pieces and found out that we all have different ways of saying what needs to be said. I just try to be more creative and take the audience on the journey I went on when writing my poems. Trying to make them feel what I felt, like my experiences and emotions. So to me spoken word has more of an advantage than other forms of poetry, because there are so many different ways artistes can bring out themselves that others can't.
What are your favourite pieces of writing and why?
An artiste I love would be Saul Williams. Saul Williams' tone in his poems are quite sharp and harsh. He doesn't really waste any time; the meanings are pretty much right there, but the allusions are what takes thought. In "Sha Clack Clack," Williams makes an allusion to Medusa, the woman with snakes for hair. Medusa turns her onlookers into stone, so goes the legend, and only one hero was finally able to behead her. This is an interesting allusion, and I think Saul Williams is using the character of Medusa to convey an image of some kind of horror or fear. Everyone was scared of Medusa, and this enhances the idea that Saul Williams is conveying. He is conveying a kind of fierce pride to be black in the face of racism. In "Penny for Thought," he makes an allusion to Barney, saying "A purple dinosaur that speaks of love, a black man that speaks of blood." This juxtaposition shows the violence that has happened because of racism, and how angry black people on a whole became during that time. He is just as real as it gets so I love his work.
What other elements of The Arts are you involved with?
I have been involved in drama including miming which I do in church. Spoken word is the part of the arts that I am more involved with.
What are your views on The Arts in Saint Lucia? What changes do you think will evoke necessary/positive change to The Arts?
Poetry is the study of the world around you and more importantly, the study of yourself and what you choose to speak about through the microphones. As it stands in St. Lucia, THE ARTS to me lives on in the lives of everyday people; unfounded talents, everyday living and expressive thoughts. We often say that the government isn't doing enough but forget to ask ourselves what are we doing? Even though you don't get the support you would like from the government it is up to us as a nation to understand what we want and find means and ways to achieve it. We can't wait for the government to help us, we must help ourselves before we can get help. Spoken Word in St. Lucia has now reached a pinnacle that some question, "is it a part of our culture." There is a group of talented individuals who saw a dream of reviving the ARTS in St. Lucia and did. This group is called Headphunk who single-handedly brought back hope to the ARTS in St. Lucia. They host a show every last Thursday of the month for all artistes whether you perform poetry, sing, dance, scream and shout or just a plain supporter of arts. Because of their work in St. Lucia, I can say that they are the biggest ARTS lovers in St. Lucia. At Headphunk the stage belongs to you the artiste. You get to perform with well known artistes like Boo Hinkson, Shane Ross, Naomie "Ngozi" Grandison to name a few. Now they are well known because they took it upon themselves to start a movement. so we need to learn from them.
Finally, what advice do you have for anyone who may be interested in performing poetry?
If you are interested you need to do research. Attend events, find time to explore the world around you. Take part in activities like workshops and open mics and shoot for the stars. Also you need to discover yourself as a poet, even a genius must do this. You need to peel off your skin, squeeze out your blood and soul from your body to discover you. When you are true to yourself, then and only the can you be true to the art, audience and the world around you. You must also remember that there is no greater Sin after the seven deadly than to flatter oneself into an idea of being a great .
I would like to thank Claudius for letting me pick his brain and share it with you. It truly was an honour to have interviewed him and I hope not only Saint Lucian readers but persons from all over the world can appreciate the words given to us by him. I would like to wish Claudius the best in all his future endeavours, whether on the stage or on the field.
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