There is hope....

There is truly a time for everything. I see happiness while I see people struggling. I personally have my struggles too. This is truly not a time to rejoice in another person's downfall. It is seriously today for me and tomorrow for you. Everybody gets a taste - that's what life is about.

It is important that I reiterate that we should not rejoice when we see someone fall. Instead, think about you being in that position. Criticism even when it is constructive can be harsh. I am seeing the struggles at all levels, genders and ages. We have to stand firm and pray for each other. This is not the time for pettiness because we have to love our brothers and sisters. We have to encourage them when they fall short. We have to remember that we also have faults.

While things may seem dark for a moment, there is hope. Rather than sit and hope -  pray, walk and do with faith. Make something good happen. Let us learn from the things that are happening around us so that we do not repeat the same mistakes.

As Pressure Buss Pipe sang in "Stand Firm": "Stand firm, be wise and open your eyes - it's the signs of the time, don't you be blind and realize".

Ribbon

Time to Answer Back - in writing

If you have seen my blog, you would realize that I am not afraid to write. Where I get apprehensive is when I am angry and I need to send a correspondence to an agency. I have had to deal with tough and weird issues locally in the BVI, USVI, regionally and in the USA. When you are angry, it is best to calm down before you write or ask a friend to check it over.

There are some instances, like when you have a time limit, where you have to go with your instincts. I am the first to admit when I am wrong and sometimes I take the blame to keep the peace. However, when it is time to fight with words, I can give them to you - diplomatically or blunt but I always try to be thoughtful of the reader's reaction.

It's hard to be in tough situations especially when you have already lost a battle. However, I always feel that it is important to put your comments in writing. Never accept a loss without giving your side. I may not be liked for it but at least the record would reflect that my thoughts (if it is not thrown in the garbage).

I feel that you should stand up for yourself and speak out when there are issues. We never want to hurt a relationship but why should I stay hurt and not let my feelings be known. It's not about revenge but we too many times let people beat us and we do not answer back.

Be thoughtful of your reader but express what you have to say.

Ribbon

Inside Out: The Message for All of Us

I like the movie Inside Out because it shows how we really act in life. We all want to be happy all the time and that just will not work. Life brings us varying days of anger, fear, disgust, joy and sadness, which were the emotions depicted. In that movie, Joy was the overpowering emotion who wanted to make everything right without looking at the big picture. I applaud her energy but the other emotions are just as important.

We all get angry whether it is with our family, at work or in traffic. The main thing with anger is managing it and channeling it the right way. Sometimes, we just have to show aggression when our views are not heard or when we are taken advantage of. In some cases, we just have to walk away and calm down, and then deal with the issue. You cannot get away from being angry but you do not have to be disrespectful or violent.

Fear is inevitable despite how some people will say that they are fearless. I am scared of tarantulas and just last week, I saw one in my yard. I got goosebumps and ran. Sometimes, I am fearful of speaking in front of crowds but I have worked on that over the years so it is not that bad. I think most people are fearful of failure and this really keeps us from excelling. However, you have to use your inner motivations to help you move forward.

Merriam-Webster defines disgust as a "marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful". Disgust is one of the emotions that people do not often speak of. However, many of us turn up our noses at others in their situations. Disgust is needed for us to maintain certain ethics and standards such as cleanliness. We can use disgust to help our brothers and sisters when they are in tough situations.

Sadness is something that we cannot avoid. Sometimes you just have to cry to get over things. Frustration, loss of a loved one, problems on the job and other issues can make us sad. No one can live day to day without some level of sadness in their life. The world is in a tumultuous state and this is enough to make you sad. We all lose loved ones and we also get sick. We cannot internalize these feelings and just put on a front. While you may be sad for the moment, feeling and dealing with the emotion is essential to healing and trying to get over the situation. This is what Sadness brought out in the movie.

Joy is something that we all need despite our fears, sadness, anger and disgust. Joy can come from the little things like helping someone in need, remembering a cherished memory of someone who passed away, getting over a tough situation or overcoming a fear. Joy comes when you look for the positive and are thankful for the small blessings which are granted to you every day.

Inside Out was a cool movie that did catch me off guard. It was an animation that took a realistic slant despite it not being real, and I have to commend the writers. Remember to be in touch with your emotions and just try to live being your best. Every day is not going to be the same and if you are angry or sad, find someone to talk to so that you can vent. If you realize that you regularly feel sad, angry or fearful, you may need to speak to a professional.

Ribbon

Poem: Actions

Speak
Dance
Listen
Actions to be taken
Grimace, smile and frown
Emotions that are reflected on our faces
Sigh
Pant
Scream
The audible expressions
coming from our heart and body
We, the simple beings
are the ones who
add complexities to everything
Sometimes
it's more important to
analyze the next move
than to jump for prompt action
So
Listen, smile and sigh
in the order that you need to
and display the other action words
as the emotion and the vibes hit you

Pink Bliss VI now Serving Customers in the BVI

Pink Bliss VI is now open to serve customers who love confectioneries, are planning parties/showers, who work with crafts, and have school projects. Pink Bliss VI, which is located in the Skelton Baylot in Fish Bay, was officially opened today by the owner, Rashada Robinson. The store has a welcoming ambiance which further enhances the shopping experience.

Confectioneries
Gummy worms, M&Ms, chocolate, mints, trail mix, Jolly Ranchers and candy corn are just a few of the sweets available at Pink Bliss VI. Therefore, you have to visit to see and learn about the variety.

School and Craft Supplies
Anyone who has a child in the school system can attest to needing supplies for projects. Pink Bliss VI offers general supplies including pens, markers, paper, rulers etc, as well as foam balls, pipe cleaners, and much more for projects. For those persons who are into crafts, there are supplies for you too.

Party Supplies
If you are planning a party, Pink Bliss VI is your place to get your invitations, plates, napkins, forks, decorations, party bag stuffers etc. If you are hosting a party for a child or an adult, or a shower, most of what you will need can be found at the store.

Therefore, you can make Pink Bliss VI your one-stop shop for your party/shower items. While you are there, you can get school supplies and plan for the next school project. If you are into crafts, you have some great products available. The sweets are enticing and there is a wide variety of candies that you can select from.

Be sure to visit Pink Bliss VI to check out the variety of items available!

Poem: Opinions and Decisions

Opinions and decisions sometimes collide
and tend to slide
down a wet hill
with no personal will
despite who might fit the bill.
They are never meant to kill
but until
we start thinking - thinking
independently
and sometimes move
silently
we leave ourselves
to be violently
led astray
like livestock to
the slaughter.
So we need to tell
our sons and daughters
the stories of how we fell
prey to the opinions
and how they offset
our decisions
because
why should history continue
to repeat
as we sit in defeat
on the scorned seat.
You have to build that confidence
and know when to filter the nonsense
and use common sense.

Ribbon

POEM: Seeing Red

Time changes
and we are just as fickle
so even if we are tickled
we don't laugh anymore
because sometimes we are sore
and other times we may
have a score to settle
but don't get caught
in the nettle
or get burnt by the kettle
cause the pot's bottom is also black
and when we act slack
we often times do not
see that we lack
manners and discipline
but these negative twists
can spin
but you can win

you have to think ahead
and refrain from seeing red
for every little thing
if you have to - sing
and dance a little too
because you can't take it all on
and while this plays
like a song
you have to admit when
you are wrong
let go
and move on

Ribbon

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.

Ribbon

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.

Ribbon

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!

Ribbon