On to 2017 - these passions and loves

We are at the start of a new year. Therefore, there are new possibilities, new knowledge to be shared and learned, and new ideas to be born. I am hoping to achieve another academic qualification soon, and looking forward to getting back into my writing.

I have few passions and lots of loves. I am passionate about my children's academic progress. I have been blessed to achieve higher education and I would like to enable them to do the same. Professionally, I would like to continue to learn from the senior team that I work with because they have lots of knowledge. I am continuously looking for opportunities for growth and in 2015/2016, I was able to blossom in an area that I never imagined that I would be able to.

In terms of my writing, I want to grow my repertoire and get back into writing for a publication. I love music and while I am not that much of a singer, I want to enjoy music and dance to my heart's content.

I was able to visit one of our most popular national parks this week, and I want to do more visits and adventures. I have no excuse not to enjoy the simple things.

I encourage you to enjoy your passions and your loves - delve into your soul, build your confidence and do what you love.

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How to Prepare a Vote of Thanks and Deliver with Confidence

Being asked to deliver the vote of thanks at any event can be daunting. People are asked to deliver votes of thanks after ceremonies, services and special events. However, as with any speech,

preparation and practice are important. Organizing the thought process, writing with the audience in mind and rehearsing before the event are helpful tools that will make delivering a vote of thanks much easier. 

Writing the Vote of Thanks

It is important to consider the type event that is being held. The vote of thanks should coincide with the activity being held and must express gratitude to the different stakeholders involved. As the vote of thanks is usually one of the last items on an event program, the vote of thanks should not be too long but should be creative.

• Be aware of the audience: A key rule in public speaking is knowing the audience. Therefore, be mindful of ages, religious views and other factors that could affect content. For example, in the Virgin Islands, which is predominantly Christian, speakers usually begin by thanking God and this practice is accepted and actually expected by the community.
• Use your thesaurus: There is no need to try to impress the listeners with big words. Use the dictionary and thesaurus for synonyms that still provide for an eloquent presentation and are easy to understand.
• Make a list: Have the coordinator of the event provide a list of the persons who contributed to the success of event. As it is impossible to thank everyone who assists with an event, be sure to add thanks to 'anyone who may have been inadvertently omitted'.
• Add a scripture, quote or a poem: A relevant scripture, quote or a poem can add flair to the vote of thanks. Adding these pieces shows that time was spent preparing the speech. Search on the internet for quotes or poems that coincide with the event.
• Be creative: The writer should employ as many creative elements to make the speech interesting. For example, saying 'Thank you to Mary and John who donated the passion fruit juice' is flat. A better option is 'Our palettes today have been quenched by the hard work by Mary and John who made that refreshing passion fruit juice'. A joke of good taste can also be added.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks

Taking the time to prepare a well-written vote of thanks makes for an easier delivery of the speech. Be sure to practice the vote of thanks so that the delivery is smooth and flowing. Rehearse in front of the mirror or in front of family members to gain confidence. Try to vary pitch and tone so that the speech sounds interesting and engages the listeners. According to Carol Rzadkiewicz, she encourages speakers to "vary the rate and pace by speaking faster, for example, to convey excitement (or) happiness". 

There is no need to be fearful when asked to prepare a vote of thanks. Add creativity with a scripture, joke, poem or quote to enhance the speech. Be sure to make a list of the persons to be thanked and be aware of the audience. Practice the vote of thanks before the event to ensure that the delivery will capture the audience's attention.

POEM: Black Diamond Generation

Black Diamond Generation

Black Diamond Generation - proud to be

I don't allow just any old thing to stop me

I've got resilience, charm and diplomacy

yet I know when to say the blame should be on me

But I try to look past that kind of game

because I never want my behavior to be crappy or lame

and don't get it twisted I'm not looking for fame

but I have to be proud of my ancestor's name

They have left a great legacy for us to follow

and I surely don't see it to be like a pill to swallow

but instead an opportunity to set a positive trend

and link with a great group of family and friends

who have like minds and want to achieve greatness

and who see beyond the struggles and slackness

cause anyone who wants to make positive change

has to know that there's always up and downs in this life game

© Linette Rabsatt 2016

POEM: Family

The world has infinite treasures

many that can never be measured
but the true value
is in our loved ones
who are our support system
the ones who nurture us
teach us about nature
help us to mature
so that we know
when we need to give more
and when to store up
for a hard time
family helps us to grow
and teaches us most of what we'll
ever know
our loved ones help to shape
us into being the phenomenal
beings that God means for us to be
 - and sometimes we may not see
the good in what they do
but all adults know that it is true
that the elders give good advice
because rearing children
is not only about being nice
it take guts, patience and perseverance
to rear children in the times
we are living in
so be grateful for the loved ones
who have passed on and who are here
because without them
we would have no identity
so cherish your family
and do your best to live in unity

Chicken with 1 leg by Crafts Alive

Our Varying Beliefs

Everyone has their varying beliefs and we all get passionate about them. There's always debate about religion and Christianity presents so many different perspectives that it is hard to keep up. I am a Methodist and this is a faith that I have been following since I was a child. I am open to learning about other cultures and religions but I will keep my faith. I won't debate which one is best because there's no point in that. I think that's why there is so much division. We all want to be the boss/leader and no one wants to follow. So we jump ship and there's another religion. Religion should unify us because it is based on common belief.

I did not study theology and I am not the head of any church organization. I just feel that we should celebrate our love for God and life, and be our brother's keeper. Getting caught up in doctrine clouds the mission to share the love of God. There are basic tenets in every religion which are the same or very similar. Yet, we are caught up in the choice of day and the name of the Savior. By all means, live by your religion's principles and do the right thing.

Multiple Priorities

Being a working student Mom is not an easy task. It gets no easier when you are getting close to the 40s.  Working has its own stresses and working on a Masters degree is hard work. Children's homework and projects are tasks that you have to have patience and knowledge to help with.  The brain can sometimes feel like it needs a holiday with all the demands.

However, this is what keeps me going. Juggling the various responsibilities and managing my time keep my heart pumping! With all these tasks, I put on my music and enjoy myself. I have made music my crutch to keep me alert and in tune, literally.

When the stress hits, music is such an antidote to the stress. Right now, it's Akon in the background and earlier there was some Chris Brown, John Legend, Snoop Dog, T-Pain, Outkast, Vivian Green and much more. There was gospel earlier too! Tonight wasn't so much a soca or reggae night. I think ZBVI got me started because they've been playing some nice music these days. 

Growing up, the radio and my imagination were my friends at home. I guess that's why I became interested in learning and started dabbling in my hair and in sewing. At least these skills help me in being a mom. However, I think I need to be more patient with my children . Somehow, I think that they should know certain concepts or words because.......they learned it in the previous grades?! I am a work in progress! I am trying to be a better student as well in turning in my assignment on time. As an employee and supervisor, I'm working on that too!

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