Computer-less.... extra update delays. *long sigh* My laptop died. My desktop died. My back-up laptop that I thought...at least to my knowledge, only needed a new charger...Apparently isn't working, according to my friend who currently has it. *sigh*
Stupes. Whatever man...
"To find the balance you want, this is what you must become. You must keep your feet grounded so firmly on the earth that it’s like you have 4 legs instead of 2. That way, you can stay in the world. But you must stop looking at the world through your head. You must look through your heart, instead. That way, you will know God."
Elizabeth Gilbert
And lastly... do your part
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Last night I went to the (Grenada) National Youth Awards at the Trade Center to offer support to one of my friends that was collecting an award/certificate that night. Prior to her invitation, I didn't even know there was a Youth Awards much less that it was going to be held last night. I know, I know - that's very sad. It means I need to watch more local news and read more newspaper and get involved in more stuff.
It was lovely. I'll give my little briefing first before I speak about the event entirely. It was a little disorganized for one. It seemed as if half the awardees didn't show up. It begged the question why didn't they make it mandatory to R.S.V.P. to the event then. Or maybe they did and people didn't just bother with it, I know I hardly ever bother R.S.V.P. to functions here(Grenada) because it's not always regarded very strictly, in my opinion... and there were two awardees that had representatives sent to collect on their behalf so really and truly.. I don't know. Additionally, there was a list being ticked off at the door upon entrance... doesn't the master of ceremony receive a copy as well to work as a heads up as to who's there as of current?
Anyways, as I was initially saying, minor glitches and disorganization aside, it was lovely. At the end of it, it left me feeling very proud of our youth and very inspired by hearing the achievements that are going on right here in Grenada. To me, I think this year's awardees deserve an extra round of applause to be pulling off such feats and taking such risks with time investment, money investment, etc. in the recession economy rather than just playing it safe and curbing creativity because of the uncertainty that surrounds.
There were awards for cultural contributions, economic contributions, etc. I forgot to collect a program... but I'll get a copy from my friend and update this part again. The long short is... there's a lot of big things going on in Grenada right now. Sure the economy is tough and things are hard. Surwe it's difficult to get a job and it seems as if it's far easier to go deal drugs, or smoke weed on the block and lament about things, or just stay home and cry to your friends, or come up with a million brilliant plans but never follow through on any because there's too much financial risk involved.
Fact: It's not impossible, nothing is. And don't worry... I'm a firm believer of impossibility being impossible when it comes to fulfillment of dreams but as with most people... I forgot. As is what happens when you stop surrounding yourself with progress people and allow yourself to get caught with all the bad things happening in the world, in Grenada, in your life. I remember back in the days when Cosmogirl magazine used to have inspiring articles about young people, male and female, teenagers into those in their 20s, who are achieving great feats... Last night was reminiscent of that.
I remember Les Brown once said the problem with people is that they come up with good ideas and then talk themselves out of it... He said remember what the Bible says : "Walk by faith and not by sight." He says it's our job to come up with ideas and then start the movements, whatever you believe in - be it God, the power of the Universe, whatever, would find away to make provisions to make your dreams possible... once you start walking confidently.
Also, another two favourite quotes of mine are "Ships are safe in harbour, but that's not what ships are built for" and "Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity." The first quote is one I try to live by. Occasionally, yes, I do get scared to try new things and push new limits... But then I remind myself of that quote and I dare myself to get it done. And furthermore, the greatest things are achieved by those who dare to dream big and impossible. Without big dreamers we would not have airplanes or ships - who thought metal could fly or float? Or skyscrappers...electricity...telephones...touchscreen cellphones. It's those who dare to dream "unrealistically" and test the boundaries and push them further are those that achieve the impossible...
...and I see we have budding impossibility breakers right here. A friend of mine, Brendon, one of the most driven, ambitious, local guys I know; once told me "Shellon, Grenada is a gold mind... people are just too blind to see it. We can do it with our own people right here... We just need support and guidance as youth to tap into our creativity and make it happen." [Rather than prostitute the island as is typical when you're a third world country trying to go forward] But last night proved just that to me. How right he was/is... I mean, I've always believed and agreed with him. But when you have all that talent and achievements going on in one room it's hard not to be in awe. I heard stories of people who started selling door to door out of a van, or truck, and now have a huge business. Or this young lady who had a passion for dance and started her own company upon graduating high school that teaches (ages 2 - 16 yrs.) and her group does dance performances at various events around the island... Or even one of my friends, Rico, I didn't even realize how deep into music he was until last night. He participates in the Calypso and Soca Monarch (I can't remember which one specifically) and he has won before. He also writes songs for many local artists like Nicoyan Bain, Otis (as in this year's Carnival king) and so forth... And I believe he has also received a Grade 1 Distinction at the Royal Music School in England (again I have to get it clarified officially, but I believe this was what I heard). Additionally, there are lots of different organisations around wanting to help young people achieve their dreams or at least open up a whole new world of possibilities/horizons such as GRENCODA... There's the Lion's Club and the youth arm of the Rotary, Youth Parliament, Youth Ambassadors, etc. There's so much going on...
...Now that I feel inspired. I once more come to the conclusion it all comes down to choice. Some people choose to strive for greatness and get involved in positive ventures to help develop themselves... and others choose not to. Yes I know it's hard to dream a world you haven't been exposed to, and not "blame the system" but the truth is... There's enough Oprah television and internet great achievement stories going to make that excuse a lot less valid today.
Also... before I launch into the photos.. which are few (mostly because of where I was seated)... I must say we have a lot of musical talent. There was this boys group that sang a capella called "Victorious Brothers" - I swear, they sounded and reminded me of BoysIIMen... Then Josh Mathurin performed one of John Legend's songs "Ordinary people" and he did it beautifully... And Nicoyan Bain, she's got such a sweet voice. WHY doesn't the world know these kids?? *ahem* I mean young people. Seriously... I know we're definitely not lacking talent... Aside from them I've got a ton of friends that sing beautifully and rap craftily like... Thamara, Akeem, Chrispin, Beans... :( Why aren't these people on the map?
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Josh & Nicoyan
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During the ceremony
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Crop of above photo with the two adorable stage escorts.
I wish I could've taken a better photo of them.
It had such an informal island vibe, yet appropriate,
feel to their cute outfits.
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Nicoyan & the Victorious Brothers
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Victorious Brothers
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After the whole event was done... *sigh*
I could finally get a photo of the stage.
Carly, Kerry & Myself.
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In closing, anything is possible when it comes to fulfilling your dreams. When you want something as badly as you need to breathe... the universe has no option but to help find ways to make your dreamworld a reality.
Time to start putting your big dreams in action people.. before you get left. *wink*
Shelli out.
...Sobbing like a question mark
so full of beg...
-"The 11th Hour: Crash and Burn" Alysia Harris (poem)
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I know I keep promising proper posts and regular updates but - life happens. Also, during the course of Christmas vacay, I intend to re-do this blog template (again) but more professional looking...Or at the very least, sort out my tags (scroll down right column) and match my posts appropriately.
School's out. I've had a lot of time on my hands to reflect. Again, I know I have like a million reflection posts on these blog but I'm going to assume I'm going through that reflective period in your 20s where you're trying to figure out your life and make the right decisions slash live your life and enjoy your youth while you still have it. I'm drawing blanks. Kidding...
A few days ago I bounced into a friend of mine, Sher, that I haven't hung out with in ages... I was speeding trying to catch another friend at work before lunch and she was walking towards me. She didn't have any real plans for the day so I brought her along with me to chill.
What was different about this meeting is that... I'm finally realizing how old I'm becoming - we're becoming - all of us from my graduating year and thereabout. It's been 6 years since high school, 4 since college... and that's a long time. I remember when I was in high school and past students would visit and we'd ask them "Does it ever feel weird, do you ever miss it...?" Some would respond by saying "Yeah initially... but after a while you stop thinking about it."
It's true. I was going through some college photos that I haven't really touched in years from circa 2nd year. There were four of us at the core, Sher, myself, Shamz and Ru... But there were also many other people in the tight group such as Stef, Killy, Chad, Zeli, Greg, etc... All of this to say that those photos represented a part of my life when I was happiest and as time passed, whenever Sher and I would meet up - despite having left college, started working, and moved on with life - would reflect on how much we miss those days. How simple they were. How much a part of us it still feels. The days of rushing to go to Drama club practice, staying on campus until security has to run us, walking idly across the Carenage late and sitting on the Square until we realize what time it is and literally have to run like hell to catch the very...very...last bus almost as it's pulling out of the terminal.
But, this time it was different. Looking at the photographs were different. Speaking with Sher about it was different... It was no longer me speaking about the past and still feeling a part of it. Now, it's me speaking about the past like a still moment in time. Something that happened, I enjoyed, and has gone. I'm sure all of you have a moment like that... not necessarily college days but a period of time nonetheless.
Felt odd but natural at the same time. I guess I'm over my college days... And dealing with adult life now.
Anyways... I'm getting ready to go clubbing.
Ciao,
Shelli out.
It's been a while... It seems as if 2010 is ending on the poignant note of constantly reinforcing the fragility of life. Two young people about my age passed away over the past week and some (I *think* one from cancer, the other from lupus), and then there was a motorcycle accident over the weekend and the cyclist died. He was in his 20s as well. Ok Universe, I get your message. I shall try to actually relax more. Take life less seriously. Live each day as my last... And try to end each day on a good note with those that I care about because you never know which of your last words will be your last words..
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The above photo was from my most recent tea party pic, last Wednesday. Aunty Joann made some sort of experimental Sangria Blush cocktail that was absolutely delicious. I can't remember what she said it was called but it's comprised of wine and various citrus juices and she added in pink grapefruit slices as a garnish.
I was supposed to write about the tea party but then Uncle Eddy's passing happened and I got completely thrown off. Also, I don't really remember if I've written a post about any of the tea parties or not as yet... But here goes...
I've been to about 3-4 this year I believe. It's essentially a gathering of women for snacks and tea/juice with little mini events --- of course, performed by females. I don't think it's for everyone, as most things... However, I do enjoy it and it's quite an experience. I'm amongst the youngest at these events -- the younger generation are essentially the daughters of the women who attend.
Why do I like it? Why is it fun for me?
1. You get to dress up......any how you'd like to and it would still be appropriate. I've done long floor grazing halter dresses (the light cotton ones), strapless mini sundresses/cocktail with a slight can can under the skirt, jeans and off the shoulder tops... I mean, seriously, I'm a girl. I love to dress up on occasion as does every girl and look all pretty. This is actually the kind of forum that you win with anything except excessively casual - like going to the beach - or excessively elegant - it's broad daylight in late afternoon, no gowns necessary.
2. Girls talk. It reminds me of this movie (I never saw...but assume it must be something like) whereby there were several generations of women living under the same roof. There are all these women - married, single, divorced, I dunno... there are probably even cougars and sharks(as in women on the prowl) amongst us. However, they all have their experiences and everything gets shared on the table. The topics range from anything like relationships to even how you do your dishes or work experiences or even travels. There's really no boundaries on what is or can be discussed. I don't generally actively participate in most of the discussions. I can handle my own in general topics but I haven't been married and I'm still fresh on the relationship scene - pushing 2 years versus quarter century? Instead, I listen. Actively listen. I've learnt so many little lessons from these talks.
3. Food!! C'mon... I love food. I know my size begs to differ but I really do. Anyone who has seen me eat on my travels especially knows that I could put it down and leave you baffled. For example, the photos below are both my plates in one breakfast sitting in Brazil. I love fruits and...umm... I love ham and cheese and waffles and... err... yea... And I've done much heavier plates.
There's always a variety of finger foods such as bbq chicken wings, sandwiches, pastries, etc. And of course, tea -- and fruit juice for those who opt out.
4. Mini-events such as games, shows, surprises, etc.
So yea... I think it's fun.
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It's getting late. I'm slightly tired and in dire need of a shower.... So I'll do my other two posts I was planning to do tonight, tomorrow.
Ciao everybody.
Kisses.
