Happy Birthday to Me?

This year is a year of many firsts for me. Some of my firsts include first summer in Canada, first time meeting an interesting black guy in Peterborough, and first time engaging a white guy in a game of flirting. One major first for me is my first celebrated birthday in Canada. All previous years I have been in Saint Lucia for my birthday, and that being said I usually do not do anything big for my birthday. I recall my 20th birthday was spent at the beach with my then boyfriend-thing-a-ma-bob watching the sunset. Other birthdays have had large portions of the day spent relaxing and by myself reflecting.

This year there's a buzz in me for my birthday. I am actually excited for my birthday this year, although I really am not sure why. I am also planning on taking a trip (somewhere) the big day and partying it up with friends. Although the big day is two and a half weeks away I'm still freaking out and planning like crazy. I can't help it! I'm just so excited to be able to celebrate this day with people who I haven't been able to in the past because I was home.

I'll keep you posted with the updates and with the scoop on what went down. Of course my other blog The Spotted Fashionista will have pictures of the outfit, the hair, the make up, the works and of the event. Let's hope all goes well and without a hitch.

Tributes to Wonderful People

I recall about four years ago when I was trying to decide whether I should leave the Caribbean and travel all the way to the icy cold north called Canada to study. A good friend of mine name Ana encouraged me to go and explore the world. Having studied in Canada herself Ana compared and contrasted the pros of living and studying in the Canada and the Caribbean. In the end I decided that I would go to Canada to study.

Three years later I am sitting here writing this blog post to kind of pay tribute to some of the most amazing people I have met in my life. I can truly say that these people are the type of people I love engaging with and cannot image how different my life would be if I did not meet them. I wish I could start listing and naming but that would not be fair because I don't want anyone to feel as if because I did not call their name I think less of them. I will however say that there are two young ladies I met, both have left Trent but I shall keep in touch with them as much as possible. These two ladies have different auras and spirits but they both are such inspirational and humble people. The level of admiration I have for them is astounding.

One of the young ladies if from Japan and it's hard for me to formulate words that can express how I feel about her. She is amazing. She is inspirational. She has this something about her that just captivates you, commands your attention, intrigues you and draws you closer to her. But this something isn't loud and full of powerful colours, it's soft and mystic, gentle and kind hearted. I wish she had her own tv show or radio show, because I like the radio more than the television. Or maybe her own blog. But whatever it is, I wish there was a way to capture her wisdom and maturity, her passion and love. She is so amazing. I wish everyone could meet her, could observe her, could appreciate her.

The other young lady graduated this year (on Thursday actually) and she has a bit more spunk than the first. She's from Thailand and again such a motivational person. She's one of those great supportive people you have in your life that encourage you to do the right thing without being overpowering. Her mind and aura is a very colourful one but still not loud. She has a curious mind and loves to find out things. Her thirst for truthful knowledge is wonderful. Extremely talented and just a firecracker of good energy, she draws you into her. I don't even know what to write. She's just amazing, and humble. Her humility amazes me and I admire it and her for it. She's one of those people that no matter how terrible I'm feeling that day, no matter what stresses are weighing me down, the sight of her face and her jovial smile lifts my spirit.

These two ladies are just two of many. Many that inspire and motivate me to become all that I can be; that remind me that I'm not a terrible person and I still have some more growing to do in humility, in personality, as a woman and as a person. I may in the end say that Trent could be a better institution academically, but one thing I can never say is that Trent does not have amazing people there.

"The friendships you make at university are those that you will keep with you for the rest of your life. These will be your maids of honour and bridesmaids at your wedding, your children's god-parents, and those people who will be there for you through the years." I certainly feel that way. And regardless of distance or placement around the world, these friendships I have made are too valuable for me to let go of. I am grateful that I have been given this opportunity to experience this.

Dancing Words

Dance to the rhythm to the music to the beat.

Let your feet wiggle to the groove to the boogy to the beat.

Down your spine you are mine you groovy rhythm groovy bass groovy tweet-
aerodynamically shaped
i move with the rythym with the boogie with the beat
to the tweet and the tit and the chit and the bomp and bah,
aha, oh yes, to the left to the left
and hold it,
freeze.






To the right to the right shuffle turn to the right.
you are mine you are mine away we go into the night.
Skipping shuffle side step swing
we wait for the clock to ding ding ding.
To the left to the right
shuffle front shuffle back
turn around touch your toes
wiggle wiggle and away we go!!


[I'm not really sure what this is. I just typed something that describes the bubbly mood I'm in internally. If you can figure it out or decode anything from it go for it, and let me know what you get]

Natural Belle: The Documentary: Dark Girls

Every so often I find something that I believe is worth sharing with whomever peruses my blog. This is one of those things worth sharing. Natural Belle: The Documentary: Dark Girls: "Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo ." Repost the original or this post, it doesn't matter. Just share it.

Reading Challenge

Hello folks!

I've got another book I'm going to be reading, alongside everything else I have to do. At least I will be getting my glasses soon. So that's something I'm definitely looking forward to.

The book I am going to read is one that I'm sure many readers have read already, alas I'm now reading it. The lucky book to capture my attention is "Pride and Prejudice." I've heard a few references from the book and have just in general heard the name of the book and have finally decided that I must know what this book is about. At least reading this book will not be like my failed attempt to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre.......I will never watch the movie. I just can't

Anyway, if you haven't read the book yet, get a copy and join me as I journey through the words that become a story.

What Else Can I Do?!?!

Some people think I have a laissez-faire attitude but I think I'm misunderstood.

I'm a very hard working and dedicated person and my way of dealing with some thing is just different to others. I'm not bothered by some things because to it's just something that had to happen. Other times I laugh. I like laughing and think it's healthy. I seldom cry. I believe a good cry is wonderful. It's like the rain washing the atmosphere; your tears cleanse your spirit. I try not to get mad because the negative energy associated with me being mad is too much for me. It lingers for a long time from hours, to weeks, and even months or in one case years. That's not cool.

We all are different and we all grieve and react differently. Don't judge me because I don't react like you do or don't see things like you do. Don't judge me because I'm different.

Bojolution Still

My friend Maps from Zimbabwe shared this song with me and ever since I first listened I can't stop playing it. I love this song! I love it so much I've made it my alarm. Why shouldn't I wake up to a great song and have a great day?

Do you enjoy this song as much as I do? Let me know. Leave a comment :]

Living. Learning

I try to remind myself that everything happens for a reason, and God has a plan for me; especially in the field of love.

So many times in the past few years I've felt like I've met someone amazing or awesome and want to explore the possibility of there being an "us" but circumstances beyond my control (I'm not too convinced about the control part) stop the exploration.

Being occasionally optimistic I tell myself that it was God giving reminders that there are good, cool, interesting guys out there and my husband is there too. I won't lie and say that's the end. I do feel teased and taunted by these reminders. One analogy I used to one guy was "it's like I've been given all the ingredients to make brownies and as I open all the packages and am about to dip the measuring cup in, all the ingredients get taken away."

At times I want to cry, a big cry and let past, recent and current issues be washed away, but that won't happen. I keep my head up and keep moving. It's tough but I can handle it.

"Whether the cup is half full or half empty doesn't matter. What matters is that there's something in the cup to drink - Shani Victorin"

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!!

Featured Artist: Kaylon Lovence [Coming Soon]

Hey everyone! I've got some exciting news for you!! I'm featuring another Saint Lucian artist doing their thing in the world.


I present to you Kaylon Lovence. Here's a quick bio of Kaylon. Interview coming soon...stay tuned for it

Kaylon is a young Musician born on a small island of Saint Lucia. Kaylon is an arranger, writer and a self taught guitarist who graduated from St Lucia School of Music at the age of 19. During his time at the music school he has opened stages at KALALU and St Lucia Jazz Festival for Richard Boner, Maxi Prist, Steel Pulse and St Lucia very own Ronald Boo Hinkson . After graduating Kaylon joined a rock band called RICOCHET. In his years playing with this band he developed his musical tastes and interests. It wasn’t long after picking up a guitar that he was experimenting with words and arrangements of his own, all of which have had a profound influence on the direction his musical journey has taken. He is best known for his musical arrangements by working with the company TEMPEST, Heights Production and Studio9 and currently working with song writer Christopher Hunte founder of the company TEMPEST. After realizing that making music was his main goal, he began to showcase his talent at various venues in Saint Lucia. He was quickly noted for the unique style which was influenced by his favorites and mentors: the great Sting, Norman Brown, BB King, Jimi Hendricks, The Edge and Joe Satriani. Kaylon played at numerous gigs including the St Lucia Jazz Festival where he played alongside St Lucia’s well known guitarist Ronald Boo Hinkson, and at Headphunk where he really expresses his style, his way of poetry and art in the way he plays. Kaylon's arrangement history spans several contemporary music genres, including hip hop, R&B, zouk, rock, and dancehall. Kaylon is a rare commodity coming out of St Lucia by not recreating what’s already present in the wide world of music but matching up to its standards of arrangements and writing in the music that he produce.