How Do You Deal with Opportunity or Obstacles

Life can present challenges daily. However, it’s how we handle the challenges. Do we run from obstacles or do we face them head on? There will always be difficult decisions to be made and hard struggles to overcome. It’s your outlook on life and how quickly you can recover from a particular fall.

What I have noticed is that money really causes fall out between people. Most challenges, issues, bickering etc stem out of money problems. If your cousin is trying to sell all the family land without permission, he most likely needs money or is just greedy. Sometimes we need money because we want to keep up with other people who seem to be doing well. Remember, most people are not doing as well as they may seem to. It’s all a façade to give the impression that things are so great when they are not.

Why do we have to pretend to be doing better than we actually are? Is it fair for us to set our course in life by trying to impress others? I would not say that I wouldn’t want to be a role model for others, but I have to live according to what God gives me and by using the intellect that he has blessed me with. I like finding new opportunities that fit well within my niche.

For example, writing for Suite101 is an absolute pleasure for me. I can write on varied topics and about the things I love and enjoy. The income was not so much a factor for me but every little bit counts. I wanted to build a repertoire of writings and I am able to make some pocket change at the same time.

On the other hand, I face obstacles and problems in everyday life – with my family, on the job and sometimes by just walking down the street. In some cases, I write people off. When you are cut off from me, you are truly severed. I may not curse and fight but you’ll be shut off. The people I curse and fuss with are the ones is many cases the ones that I value. I know it’s odd but sometimes they are the ones I really need to listen to or the ones who may need to listen to me.

However you choose to live your life is your businesses but I will live mine the best way I can. I never want to be rich but I would like to be comfortable in having the basic amenities. I don’t need to go to the club or the movies to prove to you that I can hang if I know I can’t afford to put dinner on the table for the children.

It’s how you live, take opportunity and face challenges that makes your definition.

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What Do My Words Count For?

What is my opinion really worth? I may feel that it is priceless while others think that it’s irrelevant. Some may not listen or if they do listen, they still may disregard the ideas.

I would not say that I am an authority on any subject. I do not have a PHD but I keep an open mind and open ear to new things. I relish in the politics of the BVI and USVI and I have an interest in agricultural development. I love my family even though I’ll be one of the parents who will honestly say that I love when my children retire for the night. I love writing articles and poetry and have opinions on tourism in the BVI. I also love music and have written several articles about R&B and reggae albums.

However, I am still not an expert nor can I say that I proficiently know these topics. I can continue to monitor, document and analyze changes in each genre. I can also read more and get involved in the activities that are relevant to my growth in the subject area.

Will that make me have an expert opinion on any topic? It may or may not. I actually don’t want to be an expert but instead a catalyst for positive change. As it says in Psalms 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

I hope that my words are and continue to be a source of inspiration and information sharing.

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POEM: Subtle

It started with a smile
a quiet blushed grin
a soft chuckle
and this opened the door
because he retorted with a wink
the eye glance that touched her heart
amazing that such subtle communication
can radiate such powerful energy
A "Hi" with no flick of the tongue
a "Hey Love" without mouth movement
just eye glances and mouth curling
that exchanged the message - the interest
there was no contemplation
or no hestitation
just love in actions
love without fractions

in subtle communication...

My Goals are ... mine

I would like to be a shining star in everything I do. I think everyone should have similar aspirations too. I believe I was born like this and I have continued the trend. What helps my self esteem? I am not sure.

So why would anyone aspire to be less? When we look at people just at a glance, we may feel that someone has low esteem and self worth. However, you do not know where their goals really lie. Some people do not aspire for greatness in their profession, but in their family life or in their community roles. Some people may aspire to be the sexiest person alive. Who are we to judge?

We would all want to think that everyone aspires to be perfect like many of us pretend to be. Many people just want to live and make it through the rough days. Of course, they may want the house on the hill but if all we can afford is the shack on the bottom - and it's safe enough - then we are living!

Everyone has to know their intimate thoughts. Get in tune with yourself and think about what you want in life. No one can dictate what you dream to be. A positive role model, a spouse, a good friend, a counsellor or a pastor may give you good advice but only you can chart your course to success.

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Supermarket Shopping Tips: Buy the Best Fruits from the Store

Fruits are essential in everyone's diet. Choose the best ones from the market to enjoy the fruits and to save money while grocery shopping.

Fruits provide many nutrients that people need from their daily consumption of food. As fruits are perishable, it is important to select the best ones when grocery shopping at the market. A careful eye must be given to tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas. Fruits that are overripe or blemished can be used in recipes or juices but it always better to select the best first to save money.

What to Look for When Buying Fruits at the Grocery Store

Look for the best quality fruits at the supermarket to save money. Any small amount of wastage can be considered lost money. Find fruits that look fresh, are free of bruises and appear disease free. Ignore fruits that look, feel or smell overripe. Oranges should be round and firm without sunken spots. Also, apples should not have soft spots. Grapes on a bunch should all look fresh and firm. Feel free to ask a clerk if the fruits are fresh and when the market will restock its produce aisles.

buying Bananas from the Grocery Store

People who live in the Caribbean today purchase bananas for cooking and for ripening. The green bananas are cooked and used a starch with steamed fish or salted fish. These green bananas should be fully green with no hint of ripening. Bananas sold as ripe bananas will be much more yellow and full in appearance. Look for ripe bananas that are free of blemishes and bruises but are not overripe or too

soft. A soft or bruised banana is still edible but if several pieces have to be cut of before eating, there will be money going to waste unless the fruit is used for juicing or in banana bread.

Enjoy Mangoes From the Market

Mangoes are a celebrated fruit as there are festivals held in several places such as the British Virgin Islands, India, Miami and Antigua that highlight the mango. While mangoes are so tasty, when purchasing look for small holes, dark spots and bruises. Bruises mean that the mango fell during harvesting and a bruise will cause a soft spot. Dark spots could mean an anthracnose infection in the fruit tree. A fruit with any small holes should be avoided because this could be the presence of worms or the Mango Seed Weevil Larvae. In some cases, mangoes will not show the presence of any pests until ripening so be sure to carefully select mangoes that are slightly softer or more closer to fully ripening.

Buy the Right Papayas from the Supermarket

Papayas are another tropical fruit that are very nutritious and tasty. Similar to the bananas, Caribbean people boil the green papayas and eat the ripe ones fresh or they juice the fruit. Green papayas should be green without any coloring on the skin. Papayas bought for ripening at the market should have orange coloring showing that the fruit will soon ripe. To advance ripening, place in a dark cupboard or in a paper bag for a couple days. Greer also notes that with a ripe papaya, the "flesh will give slightly when fruit (is) pressed in palm of hand". Papayas are also susceptible to the anthracnose infection, so be sure to inspect the skin closely for any dark or sunken spots.

When purchasing fruits from the supermarket, look for the best quality. Avoid any obvious flaws in the fruit to save money. Find bananas, papayas, mangoes or other fruits that are free of bruises and blemishes so that your family enjoys the fruits bought at the supermarket.

Pertinent. Relevant. Consistent. Decent. Persistent. Confident. Different. Prominent. Heaven-Sent.

Pertinent. Relevant. Consistent. Decent. Persistent. Confident. Different. Prominent. Heaven-Sent.
These words are so important to me. They all do rhyme, but that adds flavor.

Pertinent & Relevant - For me, these words mean that I have a say in what's going on. I am read, listened to, and my opinion matters at least to a few.

Consistent - Consistency should be my M.O. I should not be all over the place but playing the field with my head on. If I change some movement, it has to be to make a statement or take a stand.

Decent speaks for itself. Everybody wants to be decent and expects to be treated with decency.

Confident - This is something that people struggle with. We have to find ways to harness confidence so that we can face the public and overcome hurdles.

Different - I always dare to be different. I guess that's why I studied Marketing because I think people need to come up with new ideas to promote themselves and their business.

Prominent - As with relevant and prominent, I seek to have a voice that is listened to. I hope to evoke positive change. I don't need to be rich, I want to survive, but I want the country to survive too.

Heaven-Sent - We are all heaven-sent. We are all here for some reason. Even if you feel someone is a thief, murderer, or rapist, they are God's children who have just fallen away from the flock and need prayer and guidance. Plus it's the title of my favorite Keisha Cole song!

These are just some words that I thought of last night and shared on Facebook. As I looked at my status, I decided to blog about it. It's early in the morning so I thought - why not start the day on a good start!

 
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A Woman in a Black Dress: What Does This Mean?

There are many occasions for a lady to wear a black dress, but the event dictates the style. Women wear black in mourning, at work and out in the evenings.

Fashion stylists always say that every woman needs a 'little black dress' in her closet. What does wearing a black dress mean and for what occasions do women wear black dresses? The black dress has become a staple in women's wardrobe and can used for funerals, the office and for evening functions. Black dresses can easily be accessorized and an addition of color can create a fresh look.

Black Dresses Can Signify Mourning

Black and other dark colors are accepted as colors for mourning. So women wear black, navy blue, grey or purple to funerals and memorial services. A typical black dress for a funeral will not be sleeveless or tube-topped, tight-fitting or short. It would be similar to any dress that can be worn to church with an appropriate length, minimal cleavage and well-fitting. However, for funerals, it is better to tone down on the sequins and embellishments. A lady can still have fun with accessories which should be black, white, gold, silver, tan or another mourning color such as purple or grey.

A Woman in a Black Dress Can Show Professionalism

A woman wearing a well-fitting black dress that is office appropriate is sure to make a good first impression in an interview. A black dress is also a good staple in the regular work wardrobe. Again, appropriate length and fit with 3/4 or long sleeves are key to keeping a black dress work appropriate. A sheath with short sleeves can be paired with a jacket for a complete work look. You can convert a skimpy black dress into office wear by adding a nice cardigan or blazer. Accessories can be a bit more playful as red shoes and jewelry go very well with a black dress giving the work look an added boost.

Source: http://www.shape.com/shop/alfani-alfani-velvet-burnout-a-line-dress-only-at-macys-black-16-p6e0694486b387f4ae5567c8ec694a809.html

A Black Dress is a Great Look for Evening Functions

The black dress really comes alive for evening functions because that is where the dress can be worn to be more fun and exciting. For a dinner date, prom or a night of dancing, a black dress can be strapless, sequined, short or with low cleavage - all within each lady's taste. Accessories and bits of color can be added if needed so that even the black dress worn at work can be upgraded to an evening look. A black dress is a great piece for any lady to have in her wardrobe.

A woman in a black dress who wears her outfit elegantly with the right accessories will always be admired. As stylists proclaim to the world that every woman needs her little black dress, ladies should wear their dresses proudly whether it is to a funeral, to work or for a night out with family and friends.