A Wannabe Farmer

My farming days are fun. I love to see the plants blooming but of course my eventual hope is that I would get a nice harvest. I look for every bit of loose soil I can find that I can stick something in the ground. Sometimes I don't always get positive encouragement like when my son said "Mommy, why don't you get a real garden?" If he wasn't a child he would have gotten some tough words for sure. I am just a novice even though I work for the Department of Agriculture. I am not formally trained in farming but I have sat in on some workshops.

I love the concept of growing food because it is raw science and our only means of survival. I have been able to secure my own chive, parsley, sweet thyme and now small leaf thyme. If the tomatoes, butternut squash and other little crops survive, then I should definitely be eating healthier. It is also a joy to share this with my children as they are doing science and it surely helps them.

I am looking forward to share pictures in the near future once the cows don't get out and get rutless and make a mess.

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POEM: To a Friend

I lost a friend
who was more than a friend
who was just like a mother
and who was there when there was no mother around
This friend was jovial
and so cordial
and so full of energy
that she was loved by all who she'd meet
she had a platinum smile
and a golden heart
it warms my soul
when she comes to my thoughts
her encouraging words
and engaging personality
she never let anyone down
or judged them with scrutiny
she opened her home
to one and all
because she hated to see
little children fall
she did not always had it easy
and she worked mighty hard
she was always willing to help others
and she was glad to praise her Lord
while we are trying to gather or feelings
wondering about this hard blow
we'll have to leave it to father Jesus
because he's the only one who
can keep this flow

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POEM: Spherical

I want to be lyrical and spiritual

but sometimes I'm so visual
that it's almost hypocritical
it's not to say that I don't feel special
but time is so crucial
and some days are not so fruitful
cause everything around us is so digital
but yet we are not physical
we're just the typical
gal or guy chilling in a cool locale
like in the islands
or a swinging spot on the mainland
so just take my hand
and let's get into the sand
cause every woman needs her man
and every man needs his woman

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Hobbies & Pets

I sew decently by hand but am leery of a sewing machine. I think I need to get the hang of it again. However, I’ll stick to gardening for the time being. I have to re-establish my green thumb and get everything growing. Then I can venture to other things like sewing and picking back up my embroidery – which I have to relearn.

The other day, I hemmed my daughter’s school skirt and I sewed some darts in it. After all of that work, I burned a hole in the skirt. I then patched it and then burned another hole in the patch. You can be sure that skirt is in the garbage now. Frustrating!

I am hoping that my tomatoes and butternut squash grow. I feel confident in the peas trees except when the cows come and bite off the tops. The next additions to the family will be a goat and a dog. I believe the goat might start acting like a dog too!

By the time the sewing machine comes, the goat will be barking, the dog will be trying to eat the peas tree and the squash will trip the cows.

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Prayer for February 22, 2012

Dear God,

We extend our gratitude for your endless blessing upon us. We praise your name for the sun, the moon, nature, our earth, our people, our agriculture and our culture. We look to you for strength, for peace and for love. We plead the granting of strength so that we can endure life in these times. Lord, we do not pray for financial prosperity but for the wisdom to innovate, make do with little and to survive under meager circumstances. Lord, bless the farmers - the people who feed us and grant them a free spirit so that they can produce bountifully. In your name I pray.

AMEN

New Reggae Music from the BVI: The Foundation by Shine-I

Shine-I released his anticipated debut album, "The Foundation," on January 12, 2012. A massive album release party is set for March 4, 2012 in the BVI.

Darius Semper, known to most people as Shine-I, is an energetic reggae lyricist and recording artist hailing from the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Shine-I released his debut album, The Foundation, on January 12, 2012. British Virgin Islanders have been buzzing with excitement as they have seen Shine-I perform at poetry readings held by the Callaloo Poets, at Farmers' Week, Artists Against Addiction showcase, BVI Festival and other events. He has also hit the stage in the neighboring US Virgin Islands, building up his performance resume.

The New Album

 His new album comprises fourteen original tracks including a poetic "Intro - The Uprise" which was wirtten by Shine-I's wife Adell and performed by both of them. The mixing was done by Marcus Mark and Lincoln Ward. The local airwaves have been booming with requests to hear songs from The Foundation, including the title track, "The Foundation", "Empress", Bright 'N' Morning Star" and "I'm Sorry".

• "The Foundation": "The Foundation", the title track, is rightly named as it is the second track on the album and gives a rousing introduction to what the rest of the album has to offer. Shine-I's lyrics begin, "If the foundation be moved/ What would the righteous do/ If Jah temple be destroyed/ What would become of the boys and girls."
• "Empress": "She is an empress/ Watch at the way she flex/ Caring with love so endless" begin this song, which expresses respect and adoration for a mighty woman. Another sample of the lyrics is "She is a true Empress/ See how she living/ Straight to her word/ Righteousness she be bringing...." Makisha Gordon, former Calypso Queen, and April Glasgow sing the background vocals on this mellow track which brings a neo-soul fusion to reggae rhythms.
• "Black Love": "Black Love" is a reggae duet sung by Shine-I and Maccabee who is also from the BVI. They sing for the need of wholesome love in the world today. The chorus is simply "Whether it is white, yellow, black love, let the peace fly like a dove/ One thing that the whole world needs from us is love." The two balance the song with their unique voices on a beat produced by Marcus Mark.
• "I'm Sorry": "I'm Sorry" is a soothing reggae song that should soon become a classic. As the track title reveals, this song is an apology for, as Shine-I states, "all the wrong I've (he's) done." In the bridge, he states "I'll cater to you girl for all the days of my life" to show the deep sincerity in the apology.
• "Universal Chant": This is the only song that Shine-I performs solo that was co-written by another lyricist. Adell co-wrote "Universal Chant" which calls for senseless violence to cease. The song starts off with a light drum beat and a soft guitar with the chilling but soft sound of a siren in the background. As the song continues, Shine-I asks for people to live in peace and unity.

Album Release Party
The Foundation was launched in January 2012 but the grand album release party is scheduled for March 4, 2012 at La Piazza, Prospect Reef in Tortola. Artists who will be celebrating and performing with Shine-I include BVI's Maccabee, Ritical, Imo, Capable and Empress Ruth. Regional artists performing include Mada Nile from St. Croix, USVI, Jah Vinci from Jamaica and Infamus from St. Kitts and Nevis. 

Shine-I has put a lot of effort and time into crafting his style and sound. His hard work has paid off with the release of The Foundation. With songs like "I Got It Bad", DreamSnatcher", "P.V." and "The Foundation", this album gives listeners a great balance of reggae music with a BVI flavor.

Simple Lessons

We learn simple lessons everyday. We watch the ants pull as a team to survive. We watch the spiders spin their webs to catch food and safeguard their young. We see how some plants die to give birth to young ones. It's amazing how nature replenishes and balances itself.

We can also learn from the way the sea rolls and the sun shines. Everything has its place and its duty. By the will of God, that will must be done. It is all about balance.

We have to take these simple lessons and apply them to ourselves too. We know that we must eat, must give off waste, must exercise, must pray and the list goes on. Life will never be a perfect day. We have to find ways to keep us in focus while keeping life light - balance.

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POEM: My Chart

Look at the person I am today

no one ever knew that I would be this way
I've grown, I've charted, I've innovated and I've survived
so that means that all of us can live meaningful lives
just keep your prayer on and keep your faith up
cause life is not only about luck
You have to persevere, strive and smile
even when hard times come for a little while
Know who you are today
Know when it's times to play
Know when and what to say
and most importantly, know when it's time to pray
© Linette

 

The Great Delegators

I used to think that being smart was a gift but I think being able to delegate is even more special. We all know someone who can delegate even the slightest task. These people are either lazy or they just mean that they will not perform certain tasks. I laugh when I look at these things.

I get that 'lol moment' especially when the person is mandated to perform that task but yet they pass it over to the next willing participant. It's great to know these awesome delegators because you can run when you see them coming. They have the best words sometimes because they can tell you how great you are! But noone can really be greater than them because they will take that credit.

Others are the 'lords over all' and their word must be done. Somehow they have made themself like a God and slave-drive everyone into oblivion.

Whatever type of delegator you work with, run or just learn how to work around them. I can't stand them and I just run.

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Feeling Sick but Getting Better

Today was one day that I spent in bed. I was warm, cold and sick with a headache out of this world. After drinking medicine and other home rememdies I am feeling a lot better now. I am going to make another mixture of lime, honey, Inflammation bush and Bay Leaf to see if the last of the flu-like symptons can go.

I was also supposed to try some garlic but I'll rock that in the morning. It's not easy when you're sick and have children to take care of. I've been so grumpy and tired that I didn't even watch Matlock today! I think the best way to deal with a cold is to nip it early. I'm going to take another dose of the medicine and home remedy and head back to rest.

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Day Tripping Week

It's another beautiful day in the Virgin Islands. Yesterday I went to Anegada and today I'll be traveling to Jost Van Dyke. My purpose is work related but I'll the opportunity to enjoy a day in a different island. On Thursday, I head to Virgin Gorda so it should all prove to be interesting.

I have lots to do and would more need a pc but I'll go with empy hands to note what's going on in 'Sister Islands'. I can always catch up another day to meet the deadlines I have before me.

Island Hopping is cool in the Virgin Islands and I would recommend for any tourist on a budget to hit the US and British Virgin Islands for a full VI experience. Each island is unique and just a day trip is not enough to see all that we offer. I say we because I've got a little bit of both in my blood. I am a United Virgin Islander (Dara Cooper said that first)!

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Prayer for February 13, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for another beautiful day. We are blessed to have this life and the blessings that you have granted us. We bless you name, Lord and say thank you thank you for all that you have done. We are not worthy of your goodness but you continue to love us. We pray that we are able to love like you do.

AMEN

This is what I see when I open the doors in the morning

This is what I see when I open the doors in the morning.

Dogs, Cows & People

Imagine, I have nothing that bothers other people but people's things are always bothering me. The cows eat down my plants and the people's dogs defecate in my yard. Now if I get lawless to the animals, then others will say I bothering them. My grandmother would always say those words and I guess I have followed in her footsteps. I say that all I have is two little children and they can't do much damage to anyone or anything.

I hardly bother people and yet someone always want me to do something for them. Everybody has sweet talk or slave driver styles of approach but I've got news for them. I wish for them to think that they are getting ahead but they are only forfeiting themselves.

Well sah - the innocent animals are innocent and their owners guilty. The lazy people are lazy and I won't be going crazy while stretching myself thin to help them.

As I live and grow I've learned that you have to find ways to deal with people. I think it's best for me to put my energy in projects that can get me to where I want to be - not where someone has destined for me. Only God can determine my destiny.

POEM: Vision is Lacking

Vision is lacking
the powers are slacking
some are losing my backing
cause the bills are stacking
high
some sly
some lie
some shy
away from the truth
while they stiff our loot
and give us the boot
how rude and uncouth
they are
they feel like they are the star
but they can't reach my bar
even when they leave me scarred
cause I'm not a flunk
surely not a punk
I know when I hit a slam dunk
their egos get sunk
in my mind I say war
but my God says stand afar
and be above par
cause I am a star

That's my word today.
Linette

POEM: Bob Marley Vibrations

As I Catch A Fire and Stir It Up
Jammin in my mind is how to
Satisfy My Soul
There is So Much Trouble in this World
but yet I feel like a Iron Lion in Zion
I know I'm never Waiting in Vain
because this Exodus
is more than a Natural Mystic
I ask myself
Could You Be Loved
but I know that while
you feel
I am on a Rastaman Vibration
I'm just gonna Chant Down Babylon
and then I'll Get Up, Stand Up
because the system that
was designed to screw us
will never beat us
because this
One Love
Positive Vibration
is all we need
to live up
free up
and sing the
Redemption Song

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Prayer for February 5, 2012

Heavenly Father,

As we begin this new week, let us go forward with vim and vigor to serve you and to be better role models for the youth. Father, comfort those who are suffering, are underpriveleged and those who are searching for you. We look to you for grace, for peace and inspiration. Dear God, you have and always will be our source of strength and life. We bless your name at all times.

AMEN

Trials on these Jobs

I am starting to wonder what really is there in a job. Many of us are disgruntled and dejected. We all say that it makes no sense for us to complain because it falls on deaf ears. We are either under-valued, over-worked or simply put on a shelf. We watch the lack of management, micro-management, waste, bickering and potential embezzlement and stay quiet. In fact, we mostly grumble or dream of how we can make change. Only some of the us ever make it in the positions where we can effect change.

Many of us who do just want power. Some of us really do want see improvement but are so frequently thrown under the bus that we become disallusioned with the job. I really do think that young professionals have to further themselves in the community to foster their growth. Join an organization or better yet create new opportunities for growth.

I realized a long time ago that a 9 to 5 is just that - 10 hours (getting to and from) to put into the system so that your income can be tracked and so that you can pay it forward in taxes to keep the country running properly. We have to find ways to stimulate our minds and use our knowledge. There are always opportunities for new business ideas to develop or for community mentoring.

It is no longer acceptable for us to sit on jobs bickering - we just have to push forward and launch ourselves to the next level. My real Marketing experience came mainly from one full-time job which only lasted a few months, the student Advertising Club at UVI, the Callaloo Poets, Miss Teen Diva Pageant and Signature by Terry Donovan. If I sit at home or wait on my employer to make anything happen, I would die very sad and miserable.

We should look forward to getting ourselves out there and rising higher! Don't sit down there like you're on trial on any job - use your knowledge to propel yourself.

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BVI Hosts Farmers' Week 2012 from February 10 to 17, 2012

The BVI is hosting Farmers' Week 2012 from February 10 - 17, 2012.

The Government of the British Virgin Islands  supports the agricultural industry and the major event that showcases the fruits of the industry is Farmers' Week. This year, 2012, marks twenty years of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Agriculture hosting the Farmers' Week event.

Farmers' Week

While Farmers' Week started in 1992, the Department of Agriculture always held Agricultural Exhibitions in Paraquita Bay in Tortola since the early 1960s. Many older Virgin Islanders can share information about the grand displays of crops, livestock, preserves and handicrafts at the past exhibitions and current Farmers' Week. Since the celebration was changed from a two-day exhibition to a weeklong celebration, the activities extended past Tortola to the other big islands in the BVI. Since 1992, Farmers' Week was extended to Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda. In addition, the date for Farmers' Week was set to start from the first Friday of February and concluding on the following Friday.

Culture of Farmers' Week

 The intent of Farmers' Week is to promote all aspects of agriculture in a fun and cultural setting while showcasing the best agricultural displays. Farmers are encouraged to include their crops and

livestock in the various competitions. The farms are judged through field judging where the judges visit the sites and score based on various criteria. There is also on-site judging where produce, livestock, handicrafts and preserves are brought to the Department for judging and then display during the festivities. The coveted prizes include Best Livestock Farmer, Best Mixed Farmer, Best Poultry Farmer and several others.

Days of Farmers' Week

On the first Friday, Farmers' Week begins with an opening ceremony in Tortola which includes various diplomatic speeches and announcements of the Tortola winners and overall Champion Farmer award. The day progresses with tours of the various  inning entries on display and other cultural entertainment. The events continue in Tortola on the Saturday with similar activities. On the Sunday, there is an Ecumenical Service on Paraquita Bay in the morning and then the cultural activities continue. On the Monday, Farmers' Week continues in Anegada as the farmers on that island showcase what they have to share agriculturally. Jost Van Dyke hosts its exhibition on Tuesday and then on the Thursday, the events continue in Virgin Gorda. On the last day, the second Friday, there is a grand Food Fair at the Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park in Tortola where vendors sell local cuisine, delicacies and beverages.

Farmers' Week 2012

 Farmers' Week 2012 is being celebrated under the theme "Celebrating 20 Years of BVI Culture Through Agriculture". Due to scheduling constraints, the opening date was moved to the second Friday of February, February 10, 2012. Preparations have been put in place so that this twenty year celebration is one that is agriculturally significant and enjoyable.

Old Music

Old music brings back old memories. Sometimes I draw back to the old video or a moment in school. I may look back and remember that I disliked a song but I like it now. In many cases my old feelings remain the same. I have pretty much given up on new music only finding a few that tickle my ears. I noticed from the time I was younger that music is just being re-invented, sampled and re-inspired.

In almost every genre, the classics stand out and that's why they have to be sampled. I still think for most of the songs the original beats the remake any day. A lot of the catchy hip hip/rap traps contain R&B or Reggae inlfuences.

My memories are good as I reminisce on an old track such as "Back To Life" by Soul II Soul or "Rumours" by Club Noveau. I revert to the old soca of Burning Flames, Eddie & the Movements or Imaginations Brass and of course the reggae by Bob Marley, Steel Pulse or Third World.

I love music and love the classics the best. The new music is just not ready for the test.

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Four Things Parents Should Tell Their Teenaged Daughters

Parents should be sure to discuss life issues with their teenaged daughters so that the girls are informed about sex, periods, self-esteem and giving back.

Today it is very important for parents to communicate with children, especially teenaged daughters. The days of giving partial advice to teens is now long gone as the internet provides both good and bad sources of information, so parents have to speak openly to their children. Parents should tell their teenaged girls about menstruation, sex, self-esteem and community service as this helps the girls to be stronger women.

What Teen Girls Should Know About Menstruation

Young ladies usually have their first period between the ages of 9 and 16 with the average age being 12 years old. Every woman menstruates differently as some have cramps, swollen glands, nausea, heavy or light bleeding and some have no additional symptoms at all. Parents should educate their daughters about the reasons for menstruation so that the young ladies can learn and understand their cycle. This will help the girls to be prepared and avoid forgetting their pads or tampons or worse, any embarrassing moments.

Tell Girls the Full Facts About Sex

In the past, parents in the Caribbean have said to their daughters, "don't go and talk to boys because you will get pregnant". Today, parents can no longer speak to children like that. Teenaged girls, most of whom would have already have had their first period, need to be told about sex so that they make the right choices. While sex is not a delicate topic to discuss, there are many references parents can reach for today. There are many books and there are articles such as WedMD's "Talking With Children About Sex – Topic Overview" that parents can peruse for information. Parents must note that it is not as simple as giving the child the book to read and hoping that understanding will come. Both mother and father must take time and make themselves available to answer questions. Contraceptives of course should be discussed - not as an encouragement to seek sex but a precaution.

Building a Teen Daughter's Self-Esteem

Self-esteem speaks to the core of a person's being with the value of self-worth and also with a focus of self-improvement and growth. Both boys and girls experience difficulties with their self-image but parents play a large role in easing the difficulties and ensuring that teenagers are well balanced and self-confident. Issues with physical appearance, involvement in sports or academic achievement can bring a young person down. Dyan Eybergen offers encouraging words in her Suite 101 article "The Development of Self-Esteem: Parenting Behaviours That Boost a Child's Self Worth" that "Children who receive support are strengthened; those who are empowered feel encouraged; children who know unconditional love learn to love themselves and when children know that their parents have faith in them, they are fulfilled as a human beings." Involvement in church activities, pageants, sports, writing songs and poetry are great activities for young ladies to develop and continuously improve their self-esteem

Community Service is Important for Girls

It is important for parents to instill in their young daughters the importance of volunteering and community service. Giving back to the community builds character, allows for networking and provides enhancement to a job application. Young ladies can take part in school or church based organizations or other groups such as Girl Guides, Pathfinders or other groups. Hopefully open communication between parents and teenaged girls will foster strong relationships between them. 

Young girls need to be nurtured so that they can be strong young women. When parents communicate with their teenaged daughters about sexual health, self-esteem and community service, the young women will be better equipped to deal with life.