Monday, December 28, 2015

Following the Good Examples

We like to make statements like "do you and I'll do me". However, I'm one who thinks that we should emulate positive behaviors. There's a lot of negative around us but for sure there's a lot of positive too. Instead of focusing on what's sad, lame or gossip, we can make good people / good behaviors a role model for us.

Of course, I can't be exactly like you, but if you are a part of a non-profit group - then I can donate my time, funds or ideas to that group or another. If I see my neighbor making an addition to his/her home, I don't have to be jealous. Instead, I can congratulate them on the move. If your neighbor in church can tithe in the thousands and you can only give pennies, give what you can and pray that it helps someone or builds the church's mission.

Following good examples is not complicated. Just do what you know is right!

Ribbon

Friday, December 25, 2015

Christmas 2015

It's the holiday season! Matter of fact, it's Christmas Day. We have so much to be thankful for, despite what our circumstances might be. Face it, not everyone is not going to be rich and there always will be some who  are broke. We just have to make the best of our circumstances. Share what you can afford. This tends to be the season when we get lavish and want to give perfect gifts. I am thankful for everything that I have received because I can see it all came from the heart. I try to teach my children that they should share and give to others.

Adults are funny. We complain about everything and are usually not willing to try or give things a chance. I like the opportunity to share something with persons in need and wish more people would be like that. Not everyone feels this way and it get's difficult dealing with these situations in a group setting.

However, don't let other's behaviors dampen your spirit. There are non-profit organizations, elderly homes and needy families that you can give to. Do what you can to help others.

Ribbon

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

POEM: Collision

Everyone has a story
and we all have our past
life isn't easy
regardless of your race or class
We try to be good
but often there's temptation
so sometimes we get distracted
and in the process of elimination
we slide to the dark side
where good and bad collide
and evil tries to prevail
leaving us on the the failing trail
but even as we struggle
and we try to cope
and we are frustrated
and think there's no hope
the good in us can stand out
and beyond all doubt
take us on the right side
where peace and love can abide

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

POEM: Living in Confusion

Living in Confusion

We live in a disillusioned orbit
where one product tell us not to clean
because the mist will clean the germs
and another tells us that 99% of bacteria
is killed by the spray
or so they say
because over-consumption is OK
and we live by what the media says
We're unable to think beyond the fashion
to harness our true potential
the real passion
because everything today is recycled
Now nose rings are our theme
We've  just absorbed the ideas and ideals
of others and show no love for our brothers
But my brother,
you need to keep your helmet on
because I am tired of singing
and hearing sad songs
and don't forget your other cap
because that other set of
consequences can lead you to the
grave or to making a generation of
frustrated youths
who have no father figure
So add it up and then divide
because whether the planets collide
you have to know who you are
on the inside
so don't get tied up
or caught up
get your life in the right gear
and prepare yourself
for the future

© Ribbon 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

What Influences Your Choices

I am one of those persons who sometimes wonders about the choices that people make. I am not one to judge or pry but sometimes as you observe, one tends to wonder. I have made some life choices as well as situations have pushed me to make certain choices. In addition, some decisions are made because of a sequence of unrelated events or coincidences. Whether we think it is fate, destiny or it's all unrelated, is irrelevant.

I chose not to eat meat because I learned about my family's health history. I stopped chemically treating my hair because the chemicals made it fall out. I live in the BVI because the opportunity presented itself. I write poetry because I was encouraged to do so in a class. Looking back, I never considered myself poetic. I decided to become a writer because I saw an opportunity and I decided to build on it.

My present job - from my perspective, is all a coincidence that works well for me. I like challenges and I am happy to take it on. So for me, I learn, I apply and I live. I don't know what the formula is for other people but like I said earlier, I do wonder. When I see persons making what I call bad decisions, I wonder if my brain works differently to theirs. Even in the most recent elections in the BVI, I am still wondering what some of the candidates were thinking!

I grew in a strict household and there are certain things that I will just not do. There are certain decisions that are influenced by my upbringing, my morals and by the example I want to set for my children. I am sometimes happy to be the one who will stand aside and not follow the crowd.

So that's me - what influences your choices?

Ribbon

Monday, May 25, 2015

POEM: A Journey of Thoughts


I watch a horse's stride,
a mother carrying her baby at her side;
even as clouds on their journey collide
and in the highest branches
where the birds abide.
It can be as simple as a ferry boat ride
or a good friend in whom I can confide,
because you can't keep all
your feelings bottled up inside.
So I arise, although I sometimes cry
and sometimes wish for wings to fly,
let me pause and sigh.....
It's not every action that needs a reply.
It's time we decide to let certain things fly
because on your journey,
it'll never be as easy as pie
and sometimes you have to be bold and not shy,
then lift your eyes to the sky
because there are some feelings
that you cannot deny.
So take your journey
with your head held high
and know that there are tough choices
that only you can decide.

Ribbon

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Our Differing Views



Everybody has different views. That's the norm. However, it is not reasonable to be upset with me for mine or for me to be upset with you for yours. I especially cannot deal with persons who just have these offset views and will not admit that they are wrong. If there is a rule or law that is passed in an institution or something that is commonly understood and agreed, you are not correct if you go against the norm.

For example, if my children's school states in the dress code that students should wear yellow shirts, how can I send my children to school with orange or green shirts? I like to talk about 'common sense' but it really is not common.

As spring goes into summer, I see people's personal agendas being shuffled out into public forums. Have we lost the sense of the big picture? People are talking about rules that have been in place for years and research reflects that these rules are no different to those in effect in other jurisdictions - close and far.

Interpretation and perception can differ; however, when the rule or law is clearly written, there should be no question. I support that we have our opinions but I will reiterate that I will not stand by or for nonsense. We can agree not to agree with the law or rule - but that's not our fight in every case. Look at your role and act as you ought to.

Ribbon

Poem: Indecision by Linette Rabsatt