Saturday, July 27, 2013
Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child feat. John Martin (Pete Tong...
Heaven's got a plan for me ;-)
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Way Forward
I have often felt like I'm in a maze but I can see the exit. I knew exactly where the exit was, and I knew the route in some areas, but many areas were still very unfamiliar to me. Every day is a learning process and an opportunity for growth.
For quite some time I knew that I wanted to be an Environmental Educator. I didn't know how I was going to achieve this but I knew it was my calling. I recently figured out that my next official academic step would be to pursue my Masters in Environmental Education and Communication at Royal Roads University. Figuring that out was such a joyous moment for me. The realization of this step also created yet another grey area which I had to shed some light on. How do I get from where I am now to Royal Roads?
Plagiarism is something I try my level best to avoid, hence I shall not claim this light bulb moment as my own thought process but as the resurfacing of an idea planted by my father. Many moons ago he suggested that I write for Saint Lucia newspapers, just little articles on environmental issues plaguing the country or region. I did not feel prepared to take on such a task because I felt very out of tune with what was going on in the country and region. However, in hind sight this, I believe, is going to be a valuable tool in securing a job and hence my spot at Royal Roads.
I have decided to build a portfolio of my own writing not just personal but educational. Surely this is an excellent way to work towards my goal.
As that light bulb came on, so did another. Although previously acknowledged it really dawned on me that I am losing my Caribbean culture. I dance with a close friend as part of a duo, Nafsi Dada, and looking back at the vast majority of our routines they have had a very Afrocentric aura. We are yet to do a Caribbean inspired routine. By Caribbean inspired I mean music and/or dance style.
The urge to develop my dance/choreographic skills has not been present until a few days ago. I began researching the "competition" if you may and I was not too impressed with that was available on Caribbean dancing. Jamaica has it on lock, yes, but that is with dancehall. In terms of southern Caribbean music i.e. soca there seemed to be only one woman who owned the arena. I'm not a hater. I'm just not fully impressed by her dancing. I shall spare you the details of my thoughts of her choreography and instead tell you about my personal challenge.
The desire to film choreography for Mongstar's Saint Lucia We Love has been steady. The problem was to develop the choreography itself. I struggled with getting something solid on the ground. I fiddled with the song for a month or two and still had nothing solid. I decided to listen to some other music from the region for inspiration.
I love my country but the truth is very little music produced locally has an international flare. Most of the music is thoroughly enjoyed and understood by Saint Lucians. I did stumble upon on song by Teddyson John (Take Over) that hit me the right way. I quickly got choreography done for the chorus of the song and knew this would be the one.
I think the choreography is not difficult or thoroughly challenging in the sense of learning it. For me it was a push out of my norm and into a combination of traditional/folk dance movements mixed in with a bit more modern moves. I am hoping to have the video recorded next month and possibly released in July. I believe the routine and subsequent video will be of an excellent quality and will be enjoyed by many all over.
The belief is that this will be a diving board which I can use to explore myself as a Saint Lucian/Caribbean women living overseas through dance, as well as hopefully bringing in a bit of revenue and an opportunity to perform for other Saint Lucians.
For quite some time I knew that I wanted to be an Environmental Educator. I didn't know how I was going to achieve this but I knew it was my calling. I recently figured out that my next official academic step would be to pursue my Masters in Environmental Education and Communication at Royal Roads University. Figuring that out was such a joyous moment for me. The realization of this step also created yet another grey area which I had to shed some light on. How do I get from where I am now to Royal Roads?
Plagiarism is something I try my level best to avoid, hence I shall not claim this light bulb moment as my own thought process but as the resurfacing of an idea planted by my father. Many moons ago he suggested that I write for Saint Lucia newspapers, just little articles on environmental issues plaguing the country or region. I did not feel prepared to take on such a task because I felt very out of tune with what was going on in the country and region. However, in hind sight this, I believe, is going to be a valuable tool in securing a job and hence my spot at Royal Roads.
I have decided to build a portfolio of my own writing not just personal but educational. Surely this is an excellent way to work towards my goal.
As that light bulb came on, so did another. Although previously acknowledged it really dawned on me that I am losing my Caribbean culture. I dance with a close friend as part of a duo, Nafsi Dada, and looking back at the vast majority of our routines they have had a very Afrocentric aura. We are yet to do a Caribbean inspired routine. By Caribbean inspired I mean music and/or dance style.
The urge to develop my dance/choreographic skills has not been present until a few days ago. I began researching the "competition" if you may and I was not too impressed with that was available on Caribbean dancing. Jamaica has it on lock, yes, but that is with dancehall. In terms of southern Caribbean music i.e. soca there seemed to be only one woman who owned the arena. I'm not a hater. I'm just not fully impressed by her dancing. I shall spare you the details of my thoughts of her choreography and instead tell you about my personal challenge.
The desire to film choreography for Mongstar's Saint Lucia We Love has been steady. The problem was to develop the choreography itself. I struggled with getting something solid on the ground. I fiddled with the song for a month or two and still had nothing solid. I decided to listen to some other music from the region for inspiration.
I love my country but the truth is very little music produced locally has an international flare. Most of the music is thoroughly enjoyed and understood by Saint Lucians. I did stumble upon on song by Teddyson John (Take Over) that hit me the right way. I quickly got choreography done for the chorus of the song and knew this would be the one.
I think the choreography is not difficult or thoroughly challenging in the sense of learning it. For me it was a push out of my norm and into a combination of traditional/folk dance movements mixed in with a bit more modern moves. I am hoping to have the video recorded next month and possibly released in July. I believe the routine and subsequent video will be of an excellent quality and will be enjoyed by many all over.
The belief is that this will be a diving board which I can use to explore myself as a Saint Lucian/Caribbean women living overseas through dance, as well as hopefully bringing in a bit of revenue and an opportunity to perform for other Saint Lucians.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Journey of A Thousand Wines and Cheeses
I have decided to embark on a mission to learn more about wine and cheese. I purchased a book entitled Cheese and Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying by Janet Fletcher (photographs by Victoria Pearson). In celebration of nothing really I went to my favourite little joint Le Petit Bar to have a glass of wine, some cheese and charcuterie.
My housemates and I shared a cheese board and a meat board. For the cheese I selected Fleuron described as organic cow's milk blue veined, semi firm, natural rind, Les Fromagiers de la Table Rone, Quebec, salty, mushroomy, grassy, slighty granular texture. My housemates opted for the Provincial Smoke - thermalized cow's milk smoked cheddar, made in Quebec, cold smoked in Ontario, Provincial Fine Foods, Toronto, smooth and creamy with a smokiness that doesn't over power the cheddar flavour.
For the meat board one housemate opted for Spicy Chorizo which is spiced Spanish style dried sausage and Pingue Prosciutto which was from Niagara Food Specialities, natural, ethically raised pork, cured and dried for a minimum of 16 months. For wine I chose a white wine - 2011 Normanno, Insolia.
I preferred the blue cheese to the cheddar, although the after taste of the cheddar was more pleasant than the blue cheese. The cheddar was a bit sharp for me, while the blue cheese was more mellow. Hands down the chorizo was more enjoyable than the prosciutto. The wine was a bit mild and fruity. Enjoyable but not greatly satisfying. I believe for white wines my preference is Pinot Gris.
Til I eat again
-V
My housemates and I shared a cheese board and a meat board. For the cheese I selected Fleuron described as organic cow's milk blue veined, semi firm, natural rind, Les Fromagiers de la Table Rone, Quebec, salty, mushroomy, grassy, slighty granular texture. My housemates opted for the Provincial Smoke - thermalized cow's milk smoked cheddar, made in Quebec, cold smoked in Ontario, Provincial Fine Foods, Toronto, smooth and creamy with a smokiness that doesn't over power the cheddar flavour.
For the meat board one housemate opted for Spicy Chorizo which is spiced Spanish style dried sausage and Pingue Prosciutto which was from Niagara Food Specialities, natural, ethically raised pork, cured and dried for a minimum of 16 months. For wine I chose a white wine - 2011 Normanno, Insolia.
I preferred the blue cheese to the cheddar, although the after taste of the cheddar was more pleasant than the blue cheese. The cheddar was a bit sharp for me, while the blue cheese was more mellow. Hands down the chorizo was more enjoyable than the prosciutto. The wine was a bit mild and fruity. Enjoyable but not greatly satisfying. I believe for white wines my preference is Pinot Gris.
Til I eat again
-V
Saturday, January 5, 2013
One Isn't A Lonely Number
I had a tough day at work today. True I've had worse, but when you have to take a 5 minute break because you're crying, it's pretty tough. I had been putting off going to my favourite little bar downtown partly because I had no one to go with and the other reason was because I was too lazy once I was done work at 8. I decided that I would go tonight. No excuses. I needed a glass of wine and just to relax...and not at home.
Once my decision was made I asked a couple of people if they would join me, hoping that one would say yes. I never got a no answer from either but decided I don't care, I'm still going to go. My work day finally ended and I got a ride to my spot. Went in, sat at a table (not at the bar - my dad taught me that ladies don't sit at the bar) and ordered my white wine. I don't normally drink white wine, but every so often I crave a semi sweet white wine. Tonight was one those nights. I ordered a cheese and meat board with chicken liver and thyme and mullet.
My meal for one was exquisite. I thoroughly enjoyed my company. I didn't take the chance to think deeply about anything that was floating on my mind. I didn't take the time to sit and plan what I would do with my life. I just sat back and relaxed, let myself unwind and let myself be at peace. The spot soon got a bit too crowded for my liking so I finished up my meal and headed home. A lovely stroll in the snow while I told myself a story built on possibilities. After all, those are the stories I believe in the most.
It truly was an enjoyable time. I'm glad I'm not afraid to spend time alone, with myself. I'm not scared or embarrassed of having a table set for one. And I know someone probably looked at me and said to themselves poor girl has no one to keep her company, which is actually the contrary to the situation. I'm sitting there going lucky me, I get to enjoy my silence.
Once my decision was made I asked a couple of people if they would join me, hoping that one would say yes. I never got a no answer from either but decided I don't care, I'm still going to go. My work day finally ended and I got a ride to my spot. Went in, sat at a table (not at the bar - my dad taught me that ladies don't sit at the bar) and ordered my white wine. I don't normally drink white wine, but every so often I crave a semi sweet white wine. Tonight was one those nights. I ordered a cheese and meat board with chicken liver and thyme and mullet.
My meal for one was exquisite. I thoroughly enjoyed my company. I didn't take the chance to think deeply about anything that was floating on my mind. I didn't take the time to sit and plan what I would do with my life. I just sat back and relaxed, let myself unwind and let myself be at peace. The spot soon got a bit too crowded for my liking so I finished up my meal and headed home. A lovely stroll in the snow while I told myself a story built on possibilities. After all, those are the stories I believe in the most.
It truly was an enjoyable time. I'm glad I'm not afraid to spend time alone, with myself. I'm not scared or embarrassed of having a table set for one. And I know someone probably looked at me and said to themselves poor girl has no one to keep her company, which is actually the contrary to the situation. I'm sitting there going lucky me, I get to enjoy my silence.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Year. New You.
It's January 1st 2013. Happy New Year.
All around the world there are people celebrating, hoping, praying and possibly dreading a new beginning, a new opportunity, a new life. I've never been big on New Years, usually hate it because I sit and think "Well Shani, what have you really done with your life? Hmmm NOTHING!" This year I was working so I guess I didn't have much time to be my usual cynical and slightly depressed self. But seeing everyone else's excitement made me think as I often do.
Each day should be a "new" for you. Why wait until January 01st to do something. Every day that you are alive and able is a day of new opportunity, a day of growth. Every day is a new day to try something new, to get better at something, to become a better person. I don't wait for January to say I'm going to stretching every morning, or I'm going stop drinking regular milk (as much as possible) and start drinking almond milk instead. No. If I feel like I'm ready for the change today or tomorrow or seven months, twenty one days, three hours and forty nine seconds from today, I'll make it on that day. There's no need to procrastinate your greatness. Make the change in the moment as you think of it.
Challenge yourself constantly to grow, to change for the better, to be stronger not just physically but mentally, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically as well. Challenge yourself to become the person you've always dreamed you could be.
Why wait for a new year when you can have a new day!
-Empress Vee.
All around the world there are people celebrating, hoping, praying and possibly dreading a new beginning, a new opportunity, a new life. I've never been big on New Years, usually hate it because I sit and think "Well Shani, what have you really done with your life? Hmmm NOTHING!" This year I was working so I guess I didn't have much time to be my usual cynical and slightly depressed self. But seeing everyone else's excitement made me think as I often do.
Each day should be a "new" for you. Why wait until January 01st to do something. Every day that you are alive and able is a day of new opportunity, a day of growth. Every day is a new day to try something new, to get better at something, to become a better person. I don't wait for January to say I'm going to stretching every morning, or I'm going stop drinking regular milk (as much as possible) and start drinking almond milk instead. No. If I feel like I'm ready for the change today or tomorrow or seven months, twenty one days, three hours and forty nine seconds from today, I'll make it on that day. There's no need to procrastinate your greatness. Make the change in the moment as you think of it.
Challenge yourself constantly to grow, to change for the better, to be stronger not just physically but mentally, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically as well. Challenge yourself to become the person you've always dreamed you could be.
Why wait for a new year when you can have a new day!
-Empress Vee.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Girl With The Tattoo
She clutches to this imagination, a belief that he is someone he is not;
that he's someone he doesn't want to be.
She clutched to the hope,
to the illusion,
to her false comforts
of Him existing.
Superimposing her wishes
from her mind's projector unto his wall
her eyes are blinded
her mind clouded
her thoughts - dreams.
She wants to wake up and see the truth
but she knows not how to let go of her fantasy.
She knows not how to see reality and not her dreams.
Life has become so dull that she can't bare to live in it without
those false comforts,
those illusions
those desires.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Inspiration To Explore
Well I've surely been MIA recently. I've just been focusing on finishing my undergraduate degree and staying out of the limelight at Trent. My days for being a socialite at the school are long gone. I'm enjoying my retirement from it, although some people expect me to still be in it. Anyways, on to better things.
On December 1st I went to Rochester, New York to participate in a North American Indigenous Culture Exhibition. The exhibition was entitled Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 3. It was my first time in Rochester and I must say from what I saw the city is beautiful. It has a rich arts culture and not just an indoor one in terms of exhibitions at the museum or art galleries but street art is alive and visible.
The exhibition was amazing. Although I did not go through every single exhibit, the ones I did stop by were very interesting. It rekindled my desire to explore not only my own art form but others as well. I felt inspired to explore my own Saint Lucia culture a bit deeper as well. Although this may not be possible any time soon, it would be interesting to host or be a part of a team of persons who can make something similar happen. It would a great opportunity to work with current and upcoming artists to hone the skills of newer ones and with time create the exhibition. My vision for it would be one that is so renowned and amazing that it would even travel the Caribbean and possibly the world! I should get started on that. Start looking at who I could collaborate with to develop the idea and then present it to the necessary bodies in Saint Lucia that can further develop and expand on it. A look at not only traditional but contemporary Saint Lucian art.
What do you think about this idea? How could I make it happen? Feel free to share a comment down below! Thanks for reading
-Shani V.
The exhibition was amazing. Although I did not go through every single exhibit, the ones I did stop by were very interesting. It rekindled my desire to explore not only my own art form but others as well. I felt inspired to explore my own Saint Lucia culture a bit deeper as well. Although this may not be possible any time soon, it would be interesting to host or be a part of a team of persons who can make something similar happen. It would a great opportunity to work with current and upcoming artists to hone the skills of newer ones and with time create the exhibition. My vision for it would be one that is so renowned and amazing that it would even travel the Caribbean and possibly the world! I should get started on that. Start looking at who I could collaborate with to develop the idea and then present it to the necessary bodies in Saint Lucia that can further develop and expand on it. A look at not only traditional but contemporary Saint Lucian art.
What do you think about this idea? How could I make it happen? Feel free to share a comment down below! Thanks for reading
-Shani V.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Show Me Your Friends...
Surround yourself with people who will
uplift you,
encourage you
and
motivate you.
It's so easy for us to get bogged down with comfortable people. I'm talking those people we've known for ages, or we've just grown accustom to having in our close proximity.
Sometimes we need to take a step back and look critically at these people - are they still (or ever did) serve their purpose in our lives? Are we holding on to relationships that hinder our progress?
Everyone comes into your life for a good reason. Not everyone deserves to stay in your life. Ultimately you make the choice as to who stays and who goes. It doesn't make sense for you to chase someone down and that person constantly hurts you. Let them go. It doesn't make sense for you to keep that person around yet still as soon as they're gone you're relieved and relaxed, able to be yourself and be happy. Get rid of them. It doesn't make sense to keep that person who you keep giving your all to but won't give you a thought. Leave them down. No space on your minivan of life for that!!
Instead find people who uplift, encourage and motivate you. I've come to learn that this does not mean surround yourself with people who enable you. Having friends that enable you are just as detrimental if not worse than those that are just dead, useless weight. Have friends that are critical, smart, and look out for your best interest. Friends who aren't afraid to tell you "hey you're forming the ass now" or "No...you're not doing that because it's a stupid idea and in the end you're gonna regret you did it." Surround yourself with people who have a great vision for themselves and want to surround themselves with equally or more greatness.
In the words of the great Tess M J. "...and with that I resign."
-V
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