Taking on Challenges - Go For It

I am a sucker for a challenge. I just can't resist. I love to conquer what others think is difficult and I don't taking it on head first. I guess I am kind of a thrill seeker and I do get bored fast. However, my aim is always to complete a project. I'm working in my yard right now and it is hard work but I see progress which I am proud of. I am doing several special projects at work including one which had to be put on hold - but little by little I am getting there.

I really do believe in taking small steps to meet the big goal, and I see the results of that daily. I do get frustrated along the way but I have accepted that I can't change everything and everybody. Sometimes, you just have to let things fall apart for things to be fixed. I smile at those moments. While it may seem conniving, I accepts when certain things are beyond me. My challenges that I take on- I am on a mission to conquer.

Now don't get the bright idea that I will take on the challenge that you want to give me because it doesn't work like that. You take on yours and ask for help if you have any challenges - not because you are lazy. Can't stand people who give up before they try - pet peeve. I do know when it is time to give up - because some things are better left alone or unsaid.

I am going to continue on my little projects and do the best that I can to be a good citizen and good public servant.

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Inaction is not the Answer

I went to a policy workshop the other day and it was said that policy includes the action or inaction taken in relation to a problem. I am a publicofficer and the "inaction" part makes me smile. Actually, even in my personal life, I can see that inaction causes situations to become the norm. If I see my child doing something wrong, and I don't address it, the child will think that particular behavior or action is okay. I see it more when you get those reactions that "others are doing it so why can't I".

This lack of action is definitely not a good thing and it permeates the community. Somehow, we just don't like to address issues because of relationships. However, something has to give. My children will tell you that I will address their bad behaviors as soon as I can. If I don't, then they will go into the world feeling that no one should correct them. Where do people who think that way end up?

A lot of the lawlessness and slackness in the world can be attributed to the lack of inaction to address problems in the home, in the schools and in the workplace. I saw a situation where a student was hit by an object by another. The student who was hit hurled an expletive and was reprimanded and suspended. The student who hurled the object was not reprimanded in any way. Great action for the expletive but inaction for throwing the object.

I encourage you to take positive action where you have the power to. If you are not in a power position, then please bring attention to the issue.

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Songs to "Keep On" Your Playlist - Third World, 2Pac, Curtis Mayfield and Sounds of Blackness

There are four (4) songs that will always stay in my playlist. These songs bring a positive message about keeping it together.

"Optimistic" - Sounds of Blackness
"You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky". Can you ask for a more positive message? This song was released in 1991 when I was still in high school and BET was the link to black music. I always loved how Sounds of Blackness performed in their videos with such a unified presence. "Be Optimistic!"

"Keep Your Head to the Sky" - Third World

Third World is a reggae band which is internationally known and has released countless hits. This song, which was released in 1991, is mellow and beautifully performed. The hook is simply the song title which reminds us that we should keep a positive mindset.

"Keep Your Head Up" - 2Pac
"Keep your head up ... and don't let up" is the hook on this powerful song, which is one of 2Pac's most positive songs. His lyrical finesse and passion for the people came out in this song. It was released in 1993 and samples Zapp's "Be Alright".

"Keep on Keeping On" - Curtis Mayfield
This song is two decades older than the others listed. Curtis Mayfield's talent was truly a gift to music. He has countless hits but beings that message of keeping the faith. This song was sampled by two artists, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Freeway.

Anyone who knows me or reads this blog will know that I love music from different times and genres. I love music with a positive message and these four songs have that. Each song literally tells you to keep it together and these days, we need more of this type of music over the some of the stuff on the airwaves. Keep your head up!

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Music Video: Imo - "Life Line"

Coming out of the British Virgin Islands: "Life Line" by Imo! Enjoy!

Starting to write .... backspace ..... restart

More than once I have started writing a blog entry, and I would delete it. Sometimes I do not feel that it is the right timing, and other times, I just do not want to expound. There is a lot going on - locally, regionally and internationally - and it impacts us all in one way or the other.

The purpose of this blog is not to dwell on the negative, but to share poetry and personal experiences, inspire positive change, share tips and other noteworthy thoughts and to make you smile. There might be one or two vent moments in there too, because venting can be good for the soul!

This blog was actually started as an avenue for me to improve my writing and also to build a repertoire of work. I actually just spelled repertoire correctly on the first try! Proud Moment! 

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Giving and Taking Correction ... Not an Easy Road

On my Linette - Inspire VI Facebook page, I recently made a comment about taking correction. Giving correcting directives is not the easiest thing either. Sometimes, you have to build the courage to talk to loved ones, co-workers and friends to tell them that they are doing something wrong. It doesn't matter what level you are at because having to tell someone that what they have been doing for years is wrong can be daunting.

There's no easy way to do it. Sometimes, it comes out nice and other times it won't. The best thing is not to hold things in and try to speak about the behaviors or concerns early - regardless which team member it is - family, friend etc. I guess it's easier to speak to children but we have to be so careful because our behaviors better not reflect what the reprimand is about. The Lord knows I try!

I would want to scream sometimes but having a vent moment with a friend helps. What helps is to know that I am not the only one facing the problem. It's not that we are celebrating mediocrity or bad behavior, but it will be mutual discussion about solving the problem.

In terms of taking correction - take it. Of course, you have to first accept that you are wrong. I'm not always right - but I know when I am wrong and when I am right. It gets harder if you feel like you're getting thrown under the bus. Been there - Done that!!!!!! The bus runs permanently in my alley ... and that's ok. I want to be in leadership and these are some of the things that you have to deal with.

I am working on taking my correction without remorse. Of course, there's always that condescending person or the petty peever who is going to find ulterior motives in everything! My God - they are not the easiest people to deal with. As we Caribbean do....STRUPES! Give me faith, dear Lord!!!!

I am working on me daily! I am moving forward every day! I am improving me and my situations consistently!

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POEM: A New Page

At this stage

I'm ready to start a new page

A new phase

because in any case

you have to be ready to lead

you can't be afraid to win

cause winning

is not a sin

once you don't cheat

and even if you get beat

don't fall out of your seat

but keep your faith

and keep your pace

cause there will be other

times to take 

on the challenge

but you still have to

keep things in balance

so even with a new page

you have to

maintain

your stance

and take a chance

and take lead

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A Classic Reggae Album is The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die

Peter Tosh was a brilliant reggae artist and his The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die album was released in 1996 with "Crystal Ball" and "Fools Die."

Reggae music lost Winston Hubert McIntosh more formally known as the reggae artist Peter Tosh on September 11, 1987. Despite his death, Tosh's musical legacy still remains relevant and influential to the new reggae artists of the 21st century. Peter Tosh is well known for being a member of The Wailers with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. A compilation of some of Peter Tosh's top songs can be found on The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die.

 

Peter Tosh's Musical Legacy

The Wailers sang several songs written by Peter Tosh including "One Foundation," "400 Years" and "Stop That Train." Tosh also co-wrote "Get Up, Stand Up" with Bob Marley. According to Carol Cooper in the essay of The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die, Tosh left The Wailers in 1974 and to pursue a solo career in reggae music. Tosh released several solo albums throughout his career including Equal Rights in 1977, Bush Doctor in 1978, Wanted Dread And Alive in 1981, Mama Africa in 1983 and The Toughest in 1986. His last album was No Nuclear War in 1987, just before he died.

The Songs ofThe Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die

Released in 1996, The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die has twelve of Tosh's well known songs. From "Crystal Ball" to "Wanted Dread or Alive" to "Coming in Hot," this album contains some of Tosh's big hits. While this compilation does not include favorites like "Brand New Secondhand" and "African," it does include the duet with Mick Jagger - "(You Got to Walk And) Don't Look Back." There are two live songs from Tosh's 1984 Captured LIVE album: "Equal Rights" and "Downpresser Man" which were performed as one continuous song.

• "That's What They Will Do" is About Friendships Gone Bad: From the Wanted Dread And Alive album, Tosh sings about bad experiences with friends in "That's What They Will Do." With lyrics like "They will come with great pretence to gain your confidence" and "..dress up in your shoes and still carry false news," Tosh wrote this song to express the heartache that comes when someone is betrayed by a friend. "That What They Will Do" can even be considered as a warning about friendships.
• Tosh's Duet with Mick Jagger "(You Got to Walk And) Don't Look Back": "(You Got to Walk And) Don't Look Back" is written by Ronald White and William Robinson and comes of Tosh's Bush Doctor album. "So if you just put your hand in mine / we're gonna leave all our troubles behind / keep on walking / don't look back" is the hook of this catchy reggae song.
• "Glasshouse" is a Reggae Fable: This song comes from Tosh's Mama Africa album and starts off with the sound of broken glass and the chorus "If you live in a glasshouse / don't throw stones." Tosh sings "all behind I back you like to grumble / and before I face you always a fumble" to express his thoughts on this 'glasshouse' concept.
• Tosh Sings of the Love of Reggae in "Reggae Mylitis": "Woke up this morning / with a funny funny feeling / and that feeling / was an unusual feeling" start off this mellow reggae song. Tosh sings of this 'funny feeling' that ran all over his body and that a doctor diagnosed him with "Reggae Mylitis." This 'condition' can be considered the love of reggae music which any fan would concur that this type of music is infectious and highly contagious.

Peter Tosh was a gifted musician who sang in the reggae group The Wailers. The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die includes some of his hit reggae songs including "Johnny B. Goode," "Where You Gonna Run" and "Coming In Hot. "This talented reggae artist also recorded with Mick Jagger. Tosh was killed in 1987, but his music remains socially conscious and inspiring.

1990s Reggae Music Album: 100% Silk by Garnett Silk

Garnett Silk released a lively and inspiring reggae album, 100% Silk, in 1993 with songs like "With Your Mercy" and "Zion in a Vision."

Garnett Damon Smith is known to reggae music fans as Garnett Silk. His music was calming, inspiring and very deep. Silk was a popular reggae artist but he tragically died in 1994 at age 28. Silk died on December 9, 1994. While his reggae music career was short, Silk gave a fresh flavor to the reggae music of the 1990s by using the popular riddims, also called instrumentals, to send positive messages to listeners. After his debut album in 1992, Silk released 100% Silk in 1993 and captured fans with tracks like "Oh Me Oh My," "Nothing Can Divide Us" and "Everything I Got."

Garnett Silk's Reggae Music Legacy

Garnett Silk released his debut album It's Growing in 1992 with the songs "It's Growing" and "I Am Vex." Then there was 100% Silk in 1993. Love is the Answer was released in 1994 shortly before

Silk's death. Popular songs from Love is the Answer are the title track "Love is the Answer" and "Friends And Lovers" which was originally sung by Carl Anderson & Gloria Loring. Silky Mood was released posthumously with "Let Them Talk" along with Nothing Can Divide Us in 1995 with "Man Is Just A Man" and the title track "Nothing Can Divide Us."

These albums were all released through VP Records. Compilations of Silk's music include Garnett Silk: The Definitive Collection CD which was released in 2000 with Atlantic. There is also the Reggae Anthology: Music Is the Rod with VP Records in 2004 which has "Splashing Dashing" as the first song on the CD. "Splashing Dashing" is sung on the "Death In the Arena Riddim" and was also released on Reggae Gold 1994.

The Songs from Garnett Silk's 100% Silk

The 100% Silk album provides mellow reggae music that has powerful messages about love and hope. Some of the songs fall on riddims that were powerful and popular during the 1990s. Of the thirteen songs on 100% Silk, Garnett Silk wrote eight of the songs. "Everything I Got" was written by P. Barnett and "Love Me Or Leave Me" was written by A. Rochester.

• Silk Saw "Zion in a Vision": Silk begins this song "I saw Zion in a vision / Jah was there amidst everyone." This song was written by Silk and shares his idea of what Zion or heaven would look like. Silk refers to unity, happiness and righteousness. He sings that "that there is no room for the ungodly / not for the workers of iniquity / only pure in heart..." "Zion in a Vision" is sung on the on the "Friends For Life Riddim," a riddim that Capleton (http://www.capletonmusic.com/) with Josie Mel sang "Youth Fi Big" and Anthony B. sang "Fire Man"
• "Oh Me Oh My" is Reggae Music for the Ladies: "Oh Me Oh My" was written by Silk and A. Rochester and sung on the "Love Bump Riddim." This riddim also features Don Campbell's "See It In Your Eyes" and Frankie Paul's "Stuck On You". In "Oh Me Oh My," Silk sings of how he is taken aback by a positive and beautiful woman. "For you they'll make vacancy / baby you've got your PHD" and "darling I'm so proud of you / your intentions are so true" are some of the lyrics.
• Reggae Lover's Anthem "Nothing Can Divide Us": The chorus in "Nothing Can Divide Us" is "Nothing can divide us / nothing separate us / nothing can divide us / no one can stop me from loving you." Silk wrote this song and sang it on the upbeat and re-mastered "Full Up Riddim." He sings this entire song in dedication to the love of his life.
• * "With Your Mercy" is Roots Reggae: "With Your Mercy" was written by Silk and A. Rochester and was sung with a passionate voice that recognized the shortcomings of the human race while giving praises to God. Silk quotes Matthew 4, Verse 4 in singing "Man shall not live by bread alone but by the words that proceedth from Jah Jah." This is a very spiritual song that is sung on the "Truly Riddim". Another reggae artist, Pam Hall, sang "Truly" on the "Truly Riddim."

Garnett Silk was an inspiring reggae artist who sang passionately about love and spirituality. He released his second album, 100% Silk, in 1993. 100% Silk gave listeners "Necessity" and "Blessed Be the Almighty." While Silk died in 1994, his music still sends a powerful message to anyone who is listens.

Caribbean Christmas Music: Christmas in Paradise by Lincoln Ward

Lincoln Ward is a musician from the Virgin Islands who released a Christmas album in 2009 featuring classic Christmas songs with a fresh twist.

Lincoln Ward is a talented musician from the Virgin Islands. He writes, produces, sings and arranges music for himself and several other artists. His Christmas in Paradise album was released in 2009 and its nine Christmas songs are performed with a fresh approach to traditional Christmas music. This album also features other artists who hail from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).

Lincoln Ward is a Rising Star

Lincoln Ward has been featured in Core Magazine from the USVI and on Tempo Networks. According to his biography, Lincoln has performed in Nevis, Dominica, St. Vincent, St Croix and New York. He has released several albums including Me And You in 2006, Soakin Wet (Maxi Single) in 2007 and Four Seasons of Summer in 2010. His music videos, which have all appeared on Tempo Networks, include "Soakin Wet" shot in Nanny Cay in Tortola, "Poison", "Slowly Me and You" and "The One." This bright Virgin Islander holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science but his love is music. His parents both have a musical background and one of his uncles, Watts Pemberton, now deceased, was an acknowledged poet, musician and painter.

A Caribbean Christmas Album is Christmas in Paradise by Lincoln Ward

Lincoln Ward's Christmas in Paradise represents a Caribbean Christmas album with an international flavor. Lincoln collaborated with Virgin Islands' vocalists: Mckenzie Baltimore, Sandra Pemberton, Kirk Adams, Tamisha Georges and the Acappella Fellas. This album also features two popular DJs - DJ Poppy Pops from Isle 95 radio station in St. Croix and Gadiethz from ZROD radio station in Tortola. The saxophone showcased in two of the songs is played by Jeremy Vanterpool, another Virgin Islander.

• The Title Song "Christmas In Paradise": "Christmas In Paradise" by Lincloln and Mckenzie Baltimore begins with the chorus "This is the time of the year, when friends and family draw near, Christmas in Paradise." "Christmas In Paradise" urges the listener to want to spend Christmas in paradise as it refers to coconut water, guavaberry wine, the beaches, the pastries and the friendly people. "I invite you from far and near to come take a taste of our atmosphere, the Virgin Isles is the place to be so tell Santa Claus to be on the beach" are lyrics that call to the listener to visit the Caribbean for Christmas.
• "Oh Holy Night" Performed in a Fresh Way: Lincoln along with USVI Soca artist Rudy give a powerful performance to this traditional Christmas song. With the infusion of Beyonce's "Halo," "Oh Holy Night" comes alive. "You're everything I need and more and it's written all over your face, Jesus I can feel your halo, you know you're my saving grace" are the words that end this song.
• An Entertaining "Drummer Boy": Lincoln sings the traditional "Drummer Boy" lyrics with the addition of DJ Poppy Pops from St. Croix as the MC on the track. This song has a hip hop appeal with the mixture of drum beats which bring the literal drumming to the "Drummer Boy."
• The Bonus Track "Sweetest Drug": Although "Sweetest Drug" is not a Christmas song, this soothing and melodious song is itself like an addictive drug that keeps the listener wanting more. Produced by Alton Bertie, Lincoln sings in the chorus "She's the sweetest drug, I can't get enough of her...I can't help myself".

Christmas in Paradise Bonus DVD

Lincoln has also included a bonus DVD with the Christmas In Paradise album. The DVD includes the music video for "Give Love on Christmas Day" featuring Gadiethz. The video was produced by VI Lander Films. There is also an interview with Lincoln and excerpts from the studio sessions with the other artists on the album.

Lincoln Ward is a multi-talented musician, song-writer, producer and singer who continues to improve his musical repertoire. He released Christmas in Paradise in 2009 with nine Christmas songs that he performed with an artistic and fresh style. This album also features a bonus song, "Sweetest Drug" which is not a Christmas song but makes a great addition to Lincoln's album. Christmas in Paradise is an album for anyone who wants a Caribbean Christmas album that remakes the classic Christmas songs in an innovative and enjoyable way.

Update: Lincoln released, "The Reason for Christmas" in 2016 featuring twelve (12) songs including "Carol of the Bells," "Happy Christmas," and "Do You Hear What I Hear." This album also includes "Christmas in Paradise."