Reading is Fun Week 2019 Book Parade and Book Fair

Today was an exciting day in the Virgin Islands as we celebrated reading in the our territory. I participated in our Book Parade today and it was a joy being part of the activities.  Students from various schools participated including Joyce Samuel Primary, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Elmore Stoutt High School, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School, Pelican Gate School, Willard Wheatley Primary, Francis Lettsome Primary and many others. The Parade started at the Festival Grounds and ended at the Central Administration Complex.

Authors represented included Dr. Richard Georges, Rick Grant, Peggy Clyne, Reuben Vanterpool, Verna Penn-Moll, Patricia Turnbull, Michael Anthony, Donald DeCastro, Ethlyn Rymer, Maureen Peters, Norma Benjamin. Grant, Georges and Vanterpool were able to present a short synopsis of their books to the audience.

Book vendors were also on site showcasing their books. Beacon Bible Bookstore and Karyn's Place sold various children's and other books.

Read, encourage others to read and share the importance of reading.

Poem: Bedazzled

Sometimes I think my brain needs
to be bedazzled
because I have so many thoughts
happening at the same time.
I look at possibilities, eventualities,
prophesies and policies,
but I have the answer to none.
And while I think about
what I could have done,
tomorrow is in my face.
So I continue
my hamster wheel race,
trying to keep in pace
while my shoe laces
become un-draped.
My ankles are scraped
and my sleep has been raped,
because I cannot escape
this cycle which I
do not know the fate,
I pretend to have faith,
and I say I'll wait by the gate
but I may as well
buy skates, and run away,
since I have so much to say
and my brain won't
let me get away.
Then all I have to say is
my brain's bedazzled anyway.
So I have to get
it together
despite the weather,
and my personal thoughts.

©  Linette Rabsatt
Ribbon 

POEM: Music Love

This is No Ordinary Love
because it's Never Too Much
we Keep It 100
because I can't deal
with Missing You
and it's true because
We're just Ordinary People
and I love The Way You Move
You keep it Skankin Sweet
and no matter how I get upset
I have no regrets in Loving You
and the Truth Is
that Every Little Thing I Do,
you're on my mind
You're like my Supersonic...
The one I count on
and this is not Forbidden Love
because Everybody Knows
that whether or not
they approve does not dictate
the way this love grows
and that's just
The Way Love Goes

Thank you to Sade, Luther Vandross, TeeJay, Case, John Legend, Outkast, Chronixx, Minnie Riperton, Fantasia, Third World and Janet Jackson for their inspiring music, which further informed this poem.

© Linette Rabsatt
ribbon

The Hair Story

Ten years ago, I wrote a post on Facebook about black people not liking their natural hair. I said it based on what people said to me. I also said it because weave and braid sales remain high. I still see those perceptions and thought processes in how we treat our daughters' hair when they reach a certain age. This post is not about who is wrong or right. I know what chemicals did to my hair. Others have processed their hair for years, and they are fine. My advice is always to do what works for you.

Paraphrase of things people have said:

1. Friend: Why are you wearing your hair like that?
The same friend grew locks eventually.

2. Family member: Don't wear your hair like that.
Wearing hair like me now.

3. A Role Model: You need to change your hairstyle.
Switches between perm and natural from time to time.

4. Schools children to a child: When are you going to get braids or weave?
What?

I always say that our race is the one that has the worst thoughts about us. Somehow, we despise our kinky hair, dark skin, and buffness. I don't know why and have realized that this mindset may never change. Does it make any of us less than the others? No. It only becomes a problem when you try to debase another person because of how they look - something our race has been through at the hands of others.

So what's my point? Be the best you - comfortable in your skin, loving your hair, face, and body - just how you prefer.

POEM: Potential

We all have got potential
because God wasn't preferential
when he handed out the talents
and despite people's appearances
they've all got something to offer
even if it's collecting straws
and recycling them into something great
but sometimes we don't have the faith
because people tell us negative things
so we don't bring out our best
therefore, failing the test
but you can't let people hold you back
because there is nothing that you lack
to succeed - just as the air you breathe
you can perform awesome feats
just move your heart, hands and feet
be good to those who meet
and share your talents with vigor
because your energy should be your trigger
You can impact the entire galaxy
but you have to believe in yourself fully
Potential is in all of us
so don't let your talents go to rust
don't let anyone dampen your spirit
stick with it - you've got this!

© Linette Rabsatt

Belle Vue Methodist Congregation Hosts Tea Party on September 28, 2019

The Belle Vue Methodist Congregation is hosting a Tea Party on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00pm at the JR O'Neal Botanical Gardens. Tickets are being sold for $25 for adults, and $10 for children who are 12 years and under. Come and enjoy our tea, pastries, scones and other goodies, as well as various activities including a hat parade, hat competition and tea pot competition. Everyone is invited to attend and wear their best hat. Proceeds are in aid of the church's building fund. For more tickets and more information, please contact any member of the congregation.

Belle Vue Methodist Congregation

Good Hands Trucking & Water Delivery Delivers School Supplies to JSPS

On Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Anji Walters from Good Hands Trucking and Water Delivery made a special presentation of school supplies to the students of the Joyce Samuel Primary School. Mr. Walters shared that he was thankful for the support he receives, and he wanted to find a way to give back to the community in 2019. He chose the Joyce Samuel Primary School because it is the main school that serves the community that he resides in.

Mr. Walters made the presentation to students at the school in Belle Vue. Each student received a reusable bag with writing books and other essentials. In addition, students were given encouraging words to set the tone for the new school year. Mr. Walters hopes that his actions would encourage other entrepreneurs to do likewise in their community, and looks forward to doing similar in the future.