Hair, Fear and other things

Some people like to see differences, and others prefer uniformity. I love to see people happy within their own skin. I love being black and petite, and I love my hair in its non-chemically processed state. Surprisingly, there are still black people in the Caribbean who feel straightened hair looks bette,r and it should be the choice of black women. What say you?

I say it's hair - it's just hair! The natural look may not suit every woman, and I will not tell any sister what she should do with her mane. The key thing with hair is care and cleansing. Nobody wants to smell funky hair, so it's important to wash your hair regularly and oil it as needed. To my people with dreadlocks - "Natty Dread, Rise Again." The oppression and discrimination against persons with locks have been crossed off the books, but seems to still be etched in the brains of certain folk.

Black, white, yellow, or pink - be yourself. We do not need to conform to the ideals of the slave masters that we have to pass to make the cut. Plus I am too dark to pass and it never crossed my mind because I have too much to do. I have a family to raise, a job to do, and a community to uplift, encourage, and inspire.

I threw away the Stuck In a Rut ideal because, as a 'Real Revolutionary', I prefer to 'kill' you with kindness to steer you my way than to argue. When I say Real Revolutionary, I don't mean that I am starting a riot. I am about positive change...even if it's a subtle change - a gradual positive movement. I am not a realist - I don't know what Real People are. We are just PEOPLE - all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Stop discriminating, hating, and belly-aching for stupidness, and be a Real Revolutionary and make positive change in our community and the world.

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Poem: Hate vs Love

as the chime of a clock..goes tick and tock
so my mind chimes..with thoughts sublime
and as I rhyme in time with lines
designed to awaken your senses so you drop your defences
without flavor I ask for one favor -
that you show love not hate
for hate... needs to depreciate
for love is a valued treasure - hate only brings displeasure
love is the answer - hate is a cancer
hate is a cancer - love is the answer

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POEM: Love....

I watch you from afar
with my mind and my heart smiling
as I think about you
I feel light-hearted and light-headed
just knowing that
the sight, thought and smell of you brings me joy
so as I express these words to you
would you be interested in loving me too?

(c) Linette Rabsatt


I wrote that for someone to use as a love poem. I hope they like and also the person who they are trying to woo. Love, o sweet love...ain't it great. LOL LOL 😃💜💚💓

Stupid Day

I call today Stupid Day and pray to the father above that we all will exercise our common sense to make wise decisions that build up ourselves, our families and our communities. It is not acceptable to act stupid or silly when you know better. It is not right to willingly act stupid for others to see. Do you like to be the butt of other's jokes or are you a hoax?

To the stupid women who hate another sister just because La Stupid's friend hates the sister - wise up and start acting like you have a brain. I mean how can you maintian hate - are you so baited and constipated that you can't think for yorself? What I have done to you that you now despise me and you wish for my demise.

Sisters and brothers, please start to use what God gave us and that does not mean only your abs, butt or breasts - the total you - the conscience, the brain, the mind.

Wake up and I dare you not to let there be another Stupid Day again!!!

POEM: Man, listen to your woman; Woman, listen to your man

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

I fight you and you curse me.
You call Susie then I call Henry.
What a calamity? What a song?
All that will do is spread HIV along.

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

On small issues, we can't agree;
For big issues, it's a fight to the next degree.
It's only my way not yours at all,
now our love is like car that's stalled.

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

The children don't which way to go,
cause the parents love can never show.
With no guidance, what will happen to them?
Because love connects the roots to the stem.

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

In church we put on a sweet, sweet face,
but at home, -it's a cursing race.
A big act putting on for the passersby -
this relationship is built on hoax and lies.

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

I want to spend all the cash
on shoes and pretty things that flash.
He betting his own at the horse race.
No structure, no rules to keep all in place.

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

So today the moral of the story
is to stop worrying about glitz and glory.
Partners who listen to each other wholly
in the future will tell some good old stories.

Stop letting the inlaws and friends take over.
Stop wasting time. Spend time with your lover.
Be faithful and playful is the recipe to read over
to build that love like a strong and sturdy tower.

Man, listen to your woman.
Woman, listen to your man.
If you do not listen to each other,
how can you build your future plans?

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It's time to DO

How can you sit in an office, in a church or just in life in general and say that you have nothing to do? What is your talent or your niche? I keep telling everyone that I take the parable about the talents literally nor figuratively. I feel that those servants did not sing, cook, plant, speak or dance in the name of the Lord and their actual talents were taken from them. Many of us sit in dead end jobs, but does that mean life must be a dead end? How can you use your gifts outside of your 9-5 to better yourself? 

I am a poet, writer, mother, coordinator and event assistant - all outside of my regular job. Why do I do this - to better myself and to strengthen my resume. In recent days, I have been calling myself the 'real revolutionary.' I don't call myself a realist because everyone is a realist living in their reality and dealing with their business. I am a real revolutionary because I grab opportunities and run with them. I make links and find ways to progress. I find other people to link so that together, we can rise and make an impact in what we do. If I say that I won't do something because I feel things are not handled right - then I am not doing it. 

While we make links, we must still be mindful of who we consort with. There are a lot of evil forces out there and I am not hating on anyone. However, I prefer to link with persons who are thinking about the betterment of the community - not the fattening of their pockets off the public's back. Why am I telling you this? I am telling you this because it's time to wake-up and move forward. Are you stuck in a rut (pardon the cliché)? Come on, it's time to wake up, get up and DO. Stop the idle talking and DO. Watch me and learn from my example, and I will do the same with you and others who are making strides to improve themselves. It's time to DO. 

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Poem: Differences

I did not know that there was still a fight
between those who are dark and those who are light...skinned
yet a man turned me down for a job
cause although my mind is bright - my skin's not light!

When since are we pitting thick versus thin
in that kind of fight - who can really win
discriminating against the voluptuous ladies
is nothing but a regular sized sin

Who said that young is better than old
only the old teaches us to be confident and bold
so the next time you are rude to one of your elders
imagine your time when you get old

imbalance or unbalanced; whatever you call it
to love one and hate the other causes conflict
we need to respect and love each other
and to the commandments - recommit

Obsessed with Writing?

I'm here just listening to some Michael Jackson and feeling inspired. I love a creative mind - it's beautiful, inspiring, raw and frivilous. I can only hope to become a writer that is half-way as good as he was.

People always seem to forget that without poetry and writing, instruments would just play and people would just hum or go 'la, la, la .....' all day. There would be no 'named' and 'themed' dances because there would be no song lyrics to direct it.

Peopl may say I am obsessed with writing but I have come a long way. I went from not liking English class in senior school to writing for CORE, DISH and Brown Eyez Magazine. It's all about taking risks and finding opportunities - that's what Terry Donovan, Hariette Cole, Michael Jackson and so many others have done. So why not you?

I have decided that no matter where I am in life, I should be able to politely express my views and give suggestions on anything. Of course now, noone likes a Know-It-All, but the only way we can move forward is if someone is willing to speak out when he or she NEEDS TO!

If you are in doubt, pray for guidance. The Father will guide you on the right part.

Summer Sizzle BVI ’09 has something in store for everyone from July 23-26, 2009

Summer Sizzle BVI ’09 has something in store for everyone:

BUSINESSES
Sponsorship Opportunities
SUMMER SIZZLE BVI ’09 provides an opportunity to partner with Signature by Terry Donovan to promote your business. By choosing to partner with us, we will in turn promote your business through the various channels and many exciting events of SUMMER SIZZLE B.V.I. ’09.

Summer Fashion & Beauty Bazaar
Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park * July 24 & 25, 2009 * 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Businesses can take the opportunity to showcase their products and/or services to residents and visitors alike. This is a great opportunity to let the public touch, taste, experience and purchase your merchandise or service.

MODELS
Casting Calls
Signature by Terry Donovan and The Organizers of Virgin Islands Fashion Week will be holding a casting for models for two of the most spectacular shows in the Virgin Islands, SUMMER SIZZLE B.V.I. ’09 & Virgin Islands Fashion Week.

Female models requirements
Attractive female runway models. Height: 5'8” or taller without heels. Dress size 2-6.
Age requirements 15-26.
Bring 3” heels or higher.
Wear outfit fitted to the shape of your body.
Walk with your swimsuit.

Male Model Requirements
Good looking, muscular toned bodies. Height: 5’11 or taller.
Age requirements 17 to 28.
Wear jeans and t-shirt and walk with a swimsuit.

All models must be in great shape and unblemished skin.
All models under 18 must have consent of parent or guardian.

B.V.I.
Friday, July 10, 2009 * Callaloo, Prospect Reef Resort * 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
USVI
Saturday, July 11, 2009 * Holiday Inn Windward Passage * 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.


FASHIONISTAS & FASHION ENTHUSIASTS
Volunteers
Signature by Terry Donovan is seeking volunteers to assist with this four-day bash which starts on Thursday, July 23 and runs through Sunday, July 26, 2009. Interested persons should provide their name, age, fashion interest, telephone and email contacts to summersizzlebvi@gmail.com by July 8, 2009.

Fashion, Fashion & More Fashion
SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 23
Time - 8:00 pm Culture and Style Welcome Party
Mariner Inn at the Moorings
By Invitation only

Friday, July 24
Time -11:00 am – 4:00pm Summer Sizzle Beauty & Fashion Bazaar
Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park

Time - 6:00pm Sunset White Fashion Fete
Lambert Beach Resort
$50
Saturday, July 25
Time - 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Summer Sizzle Beauty & Fashion Bazaar
Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park

Time - 11:00am Island Tours or Day on the Beach
Activities - Beach BBQ, Snorkeling and Swimming

Time - 8:00pm Summer Sizzle Fashion Show & After Party
U.P. Cineplex Crystal Ballroom

V.I.P. Cocktail Hour, Seating & Gift Bag & After Party –
VI.P.Tickets @ $55 (Tickets only)

Fashion Show ONLY – Tickets @ $30.00/$35 @ door
Fashion Show & After Party – Tickets @40.00/$50 @ door
After Party ONLY - $15 @ door

Sunday, July 26
Time - 10:00am Day Sail Excursion to Virgin Gorda
$80 including Lunch
Time - 9:00pm Sizzle Bon Voyage Party
Bomba Shack

V.I.P. Packages are also available which include:

V.I.P. All Inclusive Pass – $300
Summer Sizzle B.V.I. ’09 Fashion Show V.I.P. Seating, V.I.P. After Party Lounge access, White Sunset Fashion Fete, Day Sailing Excursion to Virgin Gorda & Official Beach Tote Bag and T-shirt and airport transfers

V.I.P. Gold Package II – $175
Summer Sizzle B.V.I. ’09 Fashion Show V.I.P. Seating, V.I.P. After Party Lounge access, White Sunset Fashion Fete, Day Sailing Excursion to Virgin Gorda & Official Beach Tote Bag and T-shirt

V.I.P. Gold Package I – $100
Summer Sizzle B.V.I. ’09 Fashion Show V.I.P. Seating, V.I.P. After Party Lounge access and White Sunset Fashion Fete

For more information, please contact Katherine Irish at 442-0373, Linette Rabsatt at 441-3509 or Sheroma Hodge at 543-9301 in Tortola or email us at summersizzlebvi@gmail.com. In St. Thomas, contact Verne Tonge at 1-340-998-1013.

Don't miss out on being a part of the biggest runway shows in the Virgin Islands!

Callaloo Poets ‘open mic’ on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Mellow Moods

Callaloo Poets ‘open mic’ on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Mellow Moods

Saturday, July 18, 2009 is the third Saturday of the month and on that evening, the Callaloo Poets invite you to an ‘open mic’ poetry reading themed ‘You and I bring U.N.I.T.Y.’ – a theme inspired by poet, Oren Hodge. The reading starts at 7:00pm at Mellow Moods Café in Road Town, Tortola. All writers are invited to share their inspiration and are kindly asked to arrive at 6:45pm for sign-up. For more information, please email vicallaloo@hotmail.com.

Callaloo Poets