Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book

I introduced you to Gabriel Skelton-Bardo with her first book, "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book."

Her next project, the "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book," was launched in 2023 and co-authored with Bernadine Walters-Louis. The book highlights the significant activities that occurred on Sunday, November 24, 1949, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Three young Virgin Islanders led about 1,500 others in a demonstration that shaped the political landscape in the territory.

These historical figures were:

• Theodore Faulkner (1914-1989), aged 35 at the time
• Isacc Glanville Fonseca (1923-1995), aged 26 at the time
• Captain Carlton L. deCastro (1915-1991), aged 34 at the time

Faulkner, Fonseca, and de Castro were not pleased with the suspension of the Legislative Council and that Antigua ran the territory. They rallied other Virgin Islanders and presented a petition to Commissioner John Augustus Cockburn Cruikshank. Their efforts yielded success, and in 1950, Virgin Islanders had their Legislative Council restored.

The "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book" teaches children about the Virgin Islands' history with interactive activities that sharpen fine motor skills.

The authors include these fun activities:

• Coloring
• Crossword Puzzle
• Color by numbers
• Letter practice

This activity book provides readers with essential information about Virgin Islands' history. I encourage you to get copies for yourself and your family members.

Visit the Colour ME BVI History Facebook Page to arrange copies of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book" and "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book."

POEM: Clerical Sense

one's preferences are either rational or irrational

although turbulence is neither defined as partial nor impartial

but you see that pretense is always intentional

and if I'm on defense, it means things have gotten critical

because an offense is usually described as something 'criminal'

while lenience could be viewed as an action that is non-committal

yet our differences encourage constant rebuttal

I know that reverence does not mean that you are spiritual

and using incense could never mean you believe you are magical

same way, having a license is not only what qualifies a professional

because competence is developed from doing practicals

we know that diligence may not put you on a pedestal

and common sense is not always available and perpetual

but having excellence means that your thinking is tactical

so your intense words should be for things that are unusual

go build your patience by reading something historical

because losing your conscience is indescribably brutal

never resort to violence because things become crucial

since indifference could be a strategy for survival

and severance is always an option, but so is reprieval

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Intensify

ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱɪꜰʏ

Emotions ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱɪꜰʏ
as I search for a sense of satisfaction
in a topsy-turvy life filled with distractions
yet my heart calls me to diversify
my intent and decisions
to become more productive and intentional
not that everything has to be transactional
or by allowing my actions to be irrational
but I can't keep investing in other's progress
when I know I should be vested in my success
through continuous learning and growth
and surrounding myself with like beings
who don't judge people by what they are seeing
but look forward to conscious and upright living

© 𝕷𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖊 𝕽𝖆𝖇𝖘𝖆𝖙𝖙 12/15/2024

Showcasing My Culture through Agriculture and Poetry

The BVI celebrated Culture and Tourism Month in November. While I was not very much involved in planned activities, I participated in cultural activities in a more subtle way.

I was born in the 1970s when the people were still dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. I grew up with a farmer who relied heavily on her garden for income. Today, I maintain a small backyard garden to improve my access to wholesome produce, earn extra funds, and share fresh fruits and vegetables with family and friends.

I have also been sharing poetry locally and internationally as part of my contribution to cultural activities. November 29 was significant because my poetry was shared during two live online events:

1. I participated in the live-streamed Poets and Praise Open Mic hosted by Cicely Carr. I'm on from 12:45 to 15:39.
2. My poem, Cohesion, was featured in the Key-Notez Corner Call Out hosted by PAPI'S POETRY CORNER. I'm on from 22:12 to 22:58.

Check out the YouTube links and enjoy a variety of poetry from several talented writers!

I want to say a special thank you to the organizer of the poetry events for creating avenues for poets to share their work!

Poem: Love Above the Label

Love above the label

Love above the label

is more than what you

see in shows on cable

it's more than what you've

read in the fables

love itself is just

unstable

and I am incapable of 

using labels to define anyone

there are times

when we are all unstable

when we feel like

jumping off the table

and that's okay

because love should

be the connection 

that tight-knit cable

that serves to disable

judgmental actions

criticisms and sanctions

we are all different

yet we are the same

all insane but some

are just more contained

so don't call anyone

by a defined label

else you'll be liable for libel

don't let anyone
classify you
because of your stance or style
because in time
you will be defiled
stand in your strength
and love above the label

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Insistence

To insist is considered a sin
because people resist
when they see passion on display
but I cannot desist from being me
because my energy consists of
pure, purposeful, and positive
intricate pieces of my heart
I cannot help myself
despite the trials
I must persist
because justice is the
system's quelling
and there's no
compelling reason to
exist within borders
that have been
too long in disorder
it all conflicts
with the verdict
and socializes me as
an indigenous terrorist
who should be inflicted
with what the exorcist
exercised on those
with the evil eyes

© Linette Rabsatt

New Album from Banco Bizmol - "Last Man Standing"

Banco Bizmol, who hails from the Virgin Islands, released his album, "Last Man Standing," on September 20, 2023. He was the 2020 winner of the Virgin Islands Qua-rap-tine Battle. Banco Bizmol has built an impressive discography of music, including EPs, "Route 88" and "Banco Bizzo Day." This artist captured over one million views with the music video for "Who Boost," which featured Prince Swanny.

Here are the eleven tracks on "Last Man Standing."

"Double Down" featuring Iyaz
The first track on "Last Man Standing" features Iyaz, another Virgin Islands artist, who is well known for the 2009 hit "Replay." "Double Down" is an excellent opening for this album, which balances Iyaz's soulful vibe and Banco Bizmol's witty lyrics.

Lyric Snippet: "Every man does get a shine when the time right/ but when you get the shine/ better shine bright, do it dawg for the cause/ don't get lost in the sauce/ never do for the likes or limelight."

"Never Fold" featuring Pressure Buss Pipe
The song opens, "This is the making of my history/ preaching to the world/ do it lyrically like a ministry/ all respect to God for the blessings that He has given me/ feel like I could make it, thankful for my ability."

Pressure Buss Pipe, an internationally recognized reggae artist from the Virgin Islands, is featured in "Never Fold." The refrain reminds us, "Give up don't live around here."

"For Me"

This song offers a softer, lovey-dovey side of Banco Bizmol. With the soulful vibe, the artist delivers with cadence and deep lyrics. He chants, "I still giving out the love I ain't receive yet/ some people stab me in the back and leave me speechless/ if I overthink and push away, it's just a reflex."

"My Life" featuring Timo Makaveli
"Good days, bad days, down times, up times/
rough nights, backstab, friends bite, heart breaks/
love fights, hurts right? Sudden highs, goodbyes/
big lies change lives, soul ties, my life, my rights/
one shot, one strike, three points"

"My Life" features Timo Makaveli, an international recording artist from the Virgin Islands and a member of the duo Rock City.

"Something to Say"
"You gotta keep going when you fed up/ it got times I feeling to quit but my people be like nah dawg keep your head up/ focus on music and go get your bread up/ shoot for the stars and see where you end up."

As the lyric snippet shows, the artist definitely has something to say in this track. He shares his journey about how his music and life have evolved.

"All Going Shine" featuring Theron Theron
Theron Theron is the other half of international recording duo, Rock City. In "All Going Shine," Banco Bizmol re-emphasizes his philosophy.

He chants, "Doing my thing, don't hate - just watch/ come from ground but we going up top/ I ain't going stop till they put we on the map/ and they fully realize that we more than a dot/ things ain't right but I love my life/ real ones in the pic, fake ones getting cropped."

"Fully 8" featuring Kalonji
"Fully 8" features Kalonji, who is known for "Apply Pressure" and "Chop Stick."

Lyric Snippet: "Lotta them a yes men, all they say is "Yes, Boss"/ I don't really talk much, I don't really take talk/ I be trying to keep calm, but my head sick, dawg/ I does see the devil on my shoulder with the pitchfork."

"Whole Time" featuring Th3rd
"I does go through the street like a Cadillac/ I maneuver the beats like an Acrobat/ mehn, this **** could get sticky like cataract/ cause we up like we deh on a flight/ cut off the ones who were there for the hype/ I see the duppie-dem, I see the blights."

"Whole Time" features Th3rd, who is also from the Virgin Islands. Th3rd's discography includes "Heartbreaker," "Best Things," and Higher."

"Retaliation" featuring Pediko
Banco Bizmol does not disappoint in "Retaliation". This high-energy track features Pediko, another Virgin Islands artist. We know Pediko from his tracks, "Bacck Seat" and "Grease" and his feature on Pressure Buss Pipe's "Who Feels It Knows It."

Lyric Snippet: "Just run your race, dawg, trying to keep my name good/ always need a face card/ n***as think they booming but it sound like the bass gone/ blind to the bull ****/ I feeling like Ray Charles."

"Donz Dem"
"Donz Dem" is another lyrically hitting track with Banco Bizmol's usual on-point delivery.

Lyric Snippet: "People always want to bring news and it don't even be the right set/ move on with your fake ***/ when I gone is bad talk and when I there is big laugh/ study long and you playing wrong/ in the game, you gotta think fast/ they be saying I the one now/ but I used to get picked last."

"No Problems" featuring DynamiQ
DynamiQ's discography includes "Dangerous," "Send Dem Home" and "Bad Inna Real Life."

Lyric Snippet: "I going hard till my last breath and my heart stop in my chest plate/ me and life in a chess game/ make the right moves and I checkmate/ one shot - get your best take/ don't want fame - we want estates/ and real moments that breathtaking - a blessed place."

Banco Bizmol absolutely delivers a powerful album with these eleven tracks on "Last Man Standing." You will enjoy the featured artists' performance, catchy instrumentals and Banco's usual on-point lyrical delivery. I commend this artist and his team another awesome release because the album is enjoyable from track one to track eleven.

POEM: Broken

too light for a burden

too bright for the vision

so much light on the path

of my inconceivable past

it's all revealed

in my inconsistent parallels

with the deceivably and diagonally designed

pieces of my mind

an interloping intertwine

of randomly revealed revelry

to be truthful

I possess no camaraderie

because I'm drearily built for

anti-socially sociable solitude

my attitude is not the most

commendable force

as it is usually the unfortunate source

of my wreckless bearings

confused utterings and irrefutable mutterings

although I'm hurting

because my stomach

is bursting

from trying to digest my feet

because we don't

like to admit

that we worship seats

yes, be seated for the

next session

of broken impressions

incessant ravings

unsettled cravings

and yet I stand

light as a feather

brightness dimmed

my past in front of me

© Linette Rabsatt

Book Review of "Flying 16" by Alexandra Psaropoulou

I first interacted with Alexandra Psaropoulou at an online poetry reading last year. Most poets recite their pieces during the recitals. However, Alexandra shared her screen to reveal intense yet soothing artistry while she read her poem. She also captured me with her performance because her voice was breathtaking. Alexandra composes her poetry with an immense vocabulary that often has me searching on Google for definitions.

During one of the more recent online poetry events, Alexandra shared that she has books available on Kindle. I logged on and searched for "Flying 16: New age, illustrated poetry books, taking the reader on an uplifting, spiritual flight. (The Flying series) [Print Replica]," which is part of her "Travelling beyond: Illustrated poetry books."

As I shared above, Alexandra's performance is encapsulating and energizing. As I read Flying 16, I imagined her voice performing the piece.

The poem begins,

 
"Do they know
the throbbing
of my aura
is shaped with
storms and sunrises..."

The author then takes the reader on a journey filled with beautiful and artistic displays as she wends her words and tells her story. This poem challenges the reader to consider spirituality, conscience, nature, empowerment, and self-awareness. Alexandra makes natural references to the "shimmering oceans" and "olive trees" while pushing your mind to wonder about "Gaia's expression of wedded earth and sky" and "Panentheism." The poem is rhythmic with its tone and references to instruments and other movements that can be musical.

The author shared that Flying 16 is "...a poetical, philosophical, metaphysical, linguistic journey."

"Do they know
the euphoria
of my triumphs
is shaped with
steel and devotion
pyrrhic dances
and ecstasies..."

Alexandra's work will challenge, amaze, and awaken you. She is a talented wordsmith who masterfully intertwines her words with art. I highly recommend her for her written work and performance.

Out of Breath by Linette Rabsatt - Entry for The Poetry Archive Now! WordView 2023

Here is my entry, "Out of Breath" for the The Poetry Archive's Poetry Competition. Do like, comment and share! 

https://youtu.be/bViaoBqJlWg?si=yZEhQQBTyLfQmJQz

POEM: Visually Versed

visually versed
in virtual form
in the endless storm
of my thoughts
gives me
poetic license
to fly freely
across the spectrum
of wizardry
whimsicality
and wild dreams
manipulating time
intensely
disturbing
the wavelengths
of all that exists
in my head
too many ideas
too many concoctions
that lead to misdirection
deflection and insurrection
no room for hiatus
just hallucinations
and hyperaction

© Linette Rabsatt

Virgin Islands Talent on the Rise: Renique

Renique, aka Tymia Fahie, is an eighteen-year-old singer from The Virgin Islands who aspires to become a world-renown artist. People know her from the local Gen-Y Factor Competition and her performance at the 2022 Elmore Stoutt High School Valedictory Service. I featured her in my 2020 BVI Youth on the Rise article with other young creatives and entrepreneurs. Renique shares her inspiration, supporting cast, plans, and ideas in this article.

Renique's Musical Journey
Renique shared, "I started singing when I was approximately two years old. It was at my church's Christmas concert when I bravely took the stage." She comes from a family that loves music. Her father is an avid old-school reggae fan. Her mother sang in a church choir and was a member of an all-girl singing group. She stated, "I guess it’s fair to say that music is within me." Renique sings at her home church and other sanctuaries when invited to perform.

Who Writes Your Songs?
She shared: "I write the lyrics to all my songs. Sometimes, I share what I write with a friend to get feedback. Constructive criticism comes more from my mom."

"Liar"
Renique's latest release is "Liar." She wrote "Liar" after a friend told her about a recent breakup. "The things that she told me - I kept in mind and added the additional words to create the song. That’s how the song got its title, “Liar.” "Liar" was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Brent Hoyte and Jougo in November 2022.

Lyric Snippet: "But things have changed and I see who you really are/ You're out here collecting hearts in a jar/ You lied to me/ Said that you gon' ride for me."

Renique's Inspiration
Renique shared that her inspiration comes from "things that happen in life, not just mine, but things that I see on a day-to-day basis."

Renique's Favorite Track of Hers
Renique shared that her favorite track she has created is “Heal Me.” She has not released "Heal Me" yet, but she is working to share it soon.

Advice to Youths Wanting to get into Music
According to Renique, "My advice would be to stay focused and remember that good things take time. And always put God first."

Renique's Proudest Moment
Renique said that her proudest moment was winning the 2023 TropicSpin Music and Song Competition with her video for "Liar." According to TropicSpin, the competition was open to "musicians and singers who have not won any national, regional, or international awards." According to Arawak Media and Caribbean Magazine Plus, "Liar" was declared the winning song after amassing "the most votes on [the] platform after all the votes were tallied. No one else came close." They also shared that entries came from Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Grenada, and other countries.

Something Most People Don't Know About Renique
She said, "I'm an introvert at heart."

Renique's Message to the World
Her message to the world is: Be yourself - real people will accept you for who you are."

Who Renique Listens To
Renique enjoys old-school music, including Percy Sledge and Otis Redding. She shared, "When it comes to finding inspiration for writing my music, it would be Ann Marie, Tink, Sydney Renae, Sam Smith, and Antonio Sanders - mostly R&B artists.

Shout Outs
Renique would like to thank everyone who has supported her with her music. She would like to highlight the following persons:

• "Shout out to my mother for getting me to and from my studio sessions."
• "Shout out to Tre, Oreo for their listening ear and telling me what could be fixed and done better."
• "Shout out to Mrs. Desiree Flanders-Harrigan and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports for allowing me to share my music with The Virgin Islands community."

This young singer is a talented performer and lyricist with immense potential. Please subscribe to Renique's Facebook, Soundcloud and YouTube pages for updates and new releases.

POEM: Out of Breath

panting while I stand still
it's like I'm haunted
or maybe I'm hunted
I can hardly catch my breath
it's not like I'm close to death
but the breadth of my pressures
knock my wind out
and even though the pain
winds down
I whine constantly
I'm not a wine drinker
but I am an overthinker
classified as a sunk cost
described as a soul that's lost
and as my heart overbeats
and my breath cannot be controlled
my mind is swimming
while my hair keeps thinning
and breaking and shedding
like a feather plucking bird
in a destructive behavior
I am in constant upheaval
in a consistent erracticness
never without distraction
disagreement
and disgust
with no rescue diver
no designated driver
and no CPR giver
I pant
as I
stand still

© Linette Rabsatt 2023

POEM: cohesion by Linette Rabsatt

Check out my latest recorded poem, cohesion.
https://youtu.be/uj4oGnaJOlA
It's one of my pieces in Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt.

Happy Father's Day 2023

Wishing all dads, grandpas, uncles and godfathers a blessed Father's Day. I'm sharing a piece I wrote when my Grandpa passed away. I hope it will inspire someone.

Original post can be found here.

POEM: Vivid Visions

I see vivid visions
that are often far
from any version of reality
these sights don't 

match my vigilance

but insight vengeance 

and vain thoughts

but I do not support

irreverence
because these experiences

let me venture

from places unknown
to worlds untold
I am invigorated 

by the possibilities
and intoxicated with these synergies
that connect me to an alternative life
so as my vices and the shrill voices
sometimes offset my vibes
making it so intense

that I become valiant

and versatile

I cherish these sights

and though vague and repetitive

they make me want to visit

some new place 

where the vultures

feed on nightmares

and the velocity of nature

is variegated by the vernacular
valued by the villagers 
and vaulted from virtuality
into reality

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Where is the Love?

Black Eye Peas asked,
"Where is the love?"
but "Love doesn't live here anymore"
Cost of living high
Status ain't for all
They refuse to answer your questions
or requests for clarity
And when you speak up,
they are ready to write you up
or write you off
But all water ain't salt
And all salt ain't seasoned
But for some apparent reason
The power has gone to our heads
while many people's bank accounts
stay in the red
and theirs stay in the color of greed
But I hope that we bear that in mind
that today may be my turn
and as I nurse my burns,
I know that love's been gone
it's been broken, tainted, and forlorn
lost in the sea of difficulty
discarded beyond the moon's opacity
forever gone from this time

Written on the spot.... I guess the thoughts were hot.
© Linette Rabsatt

World Poetry Day 2023

Today is World Poetry Day! It is a day that I can celebrate one of my pastimes. I started writing poetry in an English course at the University of the Virgin Islands in 1996. Since then, I have compiled over 200 pieces, some of which I have published on this blog. I have performed in the USVI, BVI, and Guyana, and online with other poets from all over the world.

Poetry is one of the outlets that I use to harness my energy. I was one of the people duped by poetry.com, but it did help me to hone my talent. The site had haiku writing exercises that challenged writers to create poetry based on photos. I use that insight to participate in Visual Verse, which has published some of my poetry in 2022.

My journey includes rejection at events and from The Caribbean Writer. Interestingly, the rejection from The Caribbean Writer inspired Virgin Islands Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean. I vividly remember performing original poetry at a competition that someone reading popular poetry won. However, I stand resilient and share my work. I have learned my audiences and share to suit.

After being encouraged, I published a small collection of poetry for Kindle titled, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt." Publishing printed books is expensive. Sadly, support is often implied, but not always actualized. Therefore, for 2023 World Poetry Day, I want to encourage writers and artists to continue to hone their crafts and inspire others. I hope I have helped to pave the way for others to grow and develop.

Here are some poems from my overall collection!

This is one of my first poems, written for the English course.

For Real
Who am I that I want to be you
How to myself I am so untrue
To bleach and blush my beautiful face
Throw down my blackness for the next man’s race.
O how the lye has burned my head
Sobs, as hair morphs, then falls dead
The stress, money, the tears, the burns
Must raise my blackness. Oh when will I learn?
© Linette Rabsatt


I shared this poem on my blog on April 21, 2008.

My jeans tell the story of time
As we walk down the runway line
Bell-bottoms
Stone-wash
high waisted
and low rise
Pleated front
And faded
From back then to now
The fashion shows
That fashion comes
And goes
And comes back
And is unique
To each soul
© Linette Rabsatt


This piece was submitted to Visual Verse in December 2022.

Sight
I faded
like primary colors fade
when they are mixed with white
like the moon disappears
when the sun shines bright
not unlike my heart
when my mood is not right
I've got stains on my hand
because food security is the fight
complex and crazy
to sore eyes, I'm the sight
the key is a puzzle
to take you into the light
it has all the right colors
to get you ready for the flight
looking for your ticket?
it's turquoise, yellow, and green
with pink highlights
neatly packaged and
all enveloped in white
© Linette Rabsatt

Recorded Poem: One With Words

This is a Poetry Recording of "One With Words," one of my poems in my new Kindle book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcgsjxWpsQI

I usually share this poem when I visit schools to read poetry. Feedback always welcomed!

Book Review: Build Your Own House, Vol. 1 by Stephon Mactavious

Have you been thinking about building a home? What preparations have you made so far? I know you will ensure adequate space, a well-drawn plan, and a legitimate funding source before construction.

"Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success"
This ebook, "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success," is not about construction in the traditional sense. However, it is all about planning, construction, and enjoying the finished product. The author, Stephon Mactavious, created this inspirational book to assist readers in improving their outlook on life.

The first in a series, "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success," includes five chapters that lay the blueprint for helping you to achieve your goals:

1. Finding Your Inspiration
2. Making a Plan
3. Overcoming Challenges
4. Building Your House
5. Living in Your Dream House

This ebook contains valuable tools that you can use. Here are three quick takeaways:

Chapter 1 - "Don't be afraid to dream big, and to let your imagination run wild": I equate this to keeping your childlike tenacity and putting that energy into everything you do.

Chapter 3 - "I Got This" Motivation: Positively assure yourself that you can achieve your goals.
Chapter 4 - "Be flexible": We must adapt to this ever-changing world of surprises.

According to the Author
As a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and personal growth, I always gravitate to finding ways to help others achieve their full potential.

"Building a house" is a metaphor for building a foundation for one's life. Just as a house needs a solid foundation to withstand challenges, our lives also need a strong foundation to achieve success, love, and happiness. In my ebook, I provide practical tips and exercises to help readers build this foundation and create a life they love.

The inspiration for the ebook came from my own journey and the struggles I faced along the way. I realized that many people face similar challenges and often lack the motivation and direction to overcome them. I wanted to create a resource that would provide guidance and support to help people build the life they desire.

In short, my passion for personal growth and desire to help others inspired me to create this ebook. I believe everyone has the potential to build a fulfilling life, and I hope that "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success" will serve as a tool for those seeking to do just that.

Who is Stephon Mactavious
Stephon is a Virgin Islands author, entrepreneur, and Youth Parliamentarian, who is passionate about seeing positive change in the community. He is the CEO of Go Royal Events and Dream Big Group.

Did I mention that "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success" is free of cost? Follow the link and get your copy today!

POEM: Sides by Linette Rabsatt

This is my latest recorded piece. It was written in 2018. I sometimes feel more of a connection with the earlier pieces than those written in this decade. 

Poetry is important to me because I can exceed normal boundaries by playing with the creativity of words. I think I was all over the place in this piece but in the end, it is simply saying that we need to take care of our business.

Ribbon

Book Review: 99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures

I had the pleasure of reading "99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures" by Stephanie Bailey. I enjoyed reading about the 99 types of men shared in the book because it made me reminisce, laugh, and ponder. I have seen many of these guys as family members, work colleagues, and friends.

Here are 6 of the 99 types:

#5 HIMship: Stephanie describes HIMship as a gentleman who is into himself. After going to extremes to woo you, he will leave you hanging to focus on himself.

#19 In-Between: The In-between is the hook-up guy after a breakup, but never a serious relationship. I guess you can call him the "no-strings-attached boo." When you find someone new, you move on with no emotion.

#31 Holiday Saboteur: The Holiday Saboteur that I am familiar with is one who breaks up just before your birthday, Valentine's Day, or Christmas to avoid buying a gift. In this book, Stephanie refers to a man that will break up with you during the holidays, leaving you with that lasting memory.

#59 Health Care: Not all men are bad! Mr. Health Care is one who will take care of you when you are ill. Stephanie's advice is to thank him and be there for him when he is unwell.

#66 Vapid: Mr. Vapid is boring. He may have great looks and success but does not keep you entertained. Stephanie encourages women who meet Mr. Vapid to keep themselves entertained and engaged if they want to keep the relationship going.

#85 Guy's Guy: The Guy's Guy is what it sounds like. Sadly, you will be the second fiddle to him hanging with his boys. Stephanie suggests you must manage your expectations if you meet a Guy's Guy or walk away.

The title of the book states that the dating tips and mishaps are humorous, but I find them insightful. The author has chronicled an extensive and descriptive listing of personalities we know or have met. The advice is practical and common sense. I also got some laughs at a few of them because the recounts brought back memories.

I commend Stephanie for compiling this book and sharing her experiences, ideas, and understanding of navigating dating. Grab a printed copy or the Kindle version to read about the misadventures and dating tips.

Stephanie Bailey is the Chief Executive Officer of Miss-Adventures, LLC, and a seasoned writer, podcaster, and relationship coach. She also wrote, "Miss-Adventures Guide to Ultimate Empowerment for Women: Harness Your Power and Thrive in Every Area of Your Life".

POEM: Shock Therapy by Linette Rabsatt

Polka Dots inspired my first recorded poem for 2023. This poem is one of my earlier pieces, "Shock Therapy." Do share and give me your feedback in the comments section.

https://youtu.be/Tr7pM4exBg0

POEM: A Refugee Where I Pay Taxes

I am my ancestors' seed
I have DNA from a strong breed
I am a Black Diamond in the blood I bleed
I work hard to give my children all they need
yet I stand today
where millions chill and relax

as a refugee where I pay taxes
© Linette Rabsatt

As a poet and writer, I struggle with what I want to say (I can deliver what I need). Certain tenets dictate that I should remain quiet about things that concern me. However, I will never quiet my poetic voice.

This poem forms part of my 30 Second Inspiration shares that I post on Facebook. I wasn't trying to be creative or innovative with my words. It's all true. At another phase in life, I will have the opportunity to chronicle this story in plain words.

I work hard every day. I give it my best shot. I have felt like a martyr, refugee, and fool in 2022. However, I would not change anything I did. During those tough times, I would think of my grandmother/surrogate mother and the things she would say. She would speak about praying for people who did her bad things. She would use a lot of fables and local sayings to describe karma.

It's funny because I still think a green grasshopper means money is coming. I'm not superstitious, but if I see a black bee buzzing by, I look out for news from overseas. She was wise.

I continue to learn and grow from those wiser than I am. The tenets will dictate as they should. I will write and act as I should. Karma will evolve as it should. I'll keep my path positive to derive what I need for my family.