Books -n- Smiles

Students w/ the newer books

stay tuned for more updates on the books and the library :)

...Vincy Vibe

Today was beautiful! Walking through the streets of Kingstown I felt so vibrant and alive. The sun was beating hot 'pon me skin but boi it sure beats the rain!! I felt like I was in tune with the hum and rhythm of the city. Beautiful faces, beautiful smiles. It was contagious, I couldn't help but notice my face relax a bit as I mirrored the lovely people I encountered along the way. I would describe it as feeling that Vincy Vibe as my friend  Lizzie Davies has so eloquently described it in her poetry.  I kept thinking... I kinda love this place.

Today was a good day. Me nah stress.

I confess, I did it.

How it started: So this was my first Thanksgiving away from my family in a long time. I was just fine most of the day. Most of the island post hold their own version of a Thanksgiving gathering and celebrate with local friends as well as Peace Corps Staff. It is a nice way for volunteers to share our various Thanksgiving traditions with one another as well as local friends.

Where it when wrong: Skype date with the family- Fail. We tried to get a connection for about 10 minutes. Sensing my frustrations they tried to keep a smile on their faces but it just wasn't going down.  resulted in a stream of unpleasant emotions accompanied by an empty house  topped with a dollop of self-pity.

Solution: revert back to the insane logic that material things can make you happy aka retail therapy.  12:01am Black Friday online, yes I did it. And honestly clicking away adding items to my shopping cart offered a moment of comfort.

Side note: After sharing this minor meltdown with a Vincentian friend she inquired about Black Friday. She said it seems  bizarre and contradictory that Americans have such a day directly after Thanksgiving. She kept asking but why after Thanksgiving?...after responding with a slew of programmed answers we both laughed because we knew she was right. It makes absolutely no sense. I think many of us know this, and many people have removed themselves from all the hype. So no, it is not ALL Americans but obviously a significant amount of us, and this year I became part of the masses.blah.

Results: a few good deals on items I actually really wanted and can use (can't even fudge and say need).  Oh well the damage is done but I will say I feel 100% prepared to step into 2012 with appropriate wrinkle, rust, hole, mold free attire. Maybe this will end the ongoing discussion between my coworkers and I about my wrinkles and permanent lint ball fuzzy things that I refuse show much concern about when highlighted by my coworkers.

Countdown is on, 14 days until I am back home for a visit!!!!!!

The Books are here!!

I wanted to let everyone who donated to the school via Hands Across the Sea that the new books and arts supplies have arrived at the school!

It was quite an exciting day for all of us. I will be posting pictures and videos soon.

We are still in the process of working out a few minor details within our library center (i.e. library cards, a few more shelves). Once this is complete we intend to hold a special ceremony to present the new material to the students and parents. The goal is for the teachers, students and parents  to recommit to care and upkeep of the library and new material.

Again, thank you for all of your support. Pictures and thank you notes coming soon :)

Morning Assembly

Students with older books ( going in the give away pile)

Grade 1 reading corner- older books

Sunday reflections

...I have come to the conclusion that I am much more of an introvert than previously thought

Photo by KP

...with that said, cooking is more fun when there is someone else to enjoy the meal with.

...we create our reality which is largely defined by our perception of our experiences

...I plucked another gray hair today *sigh*

... in life the RESTART button works wonders (try it!)

...I will be home to visit  in less than a month (big big smile)

...Silence is as essential as sound, listening and speaking with your heart takes practice

#30daythankyou

#30daythankyou

Final post of the 30 day gratitude campaign. Thanks again to up and coming  author Kenya Jackson for setting this in motion. A wonderful way to celebrate 11.11.11. (World Day of Interconnectedness) and Day of Thanks this month. I just love November- Sweet Sweet November. The big day is right around the corner sending you much support. Remember it is what we do  "in the meantime" that keeps our innermost desires on target."Your energy is where you last left it"...

Day 27: I am thankful for my Angels (Caroline, Chel and Lainie). Life has taken us many directions at this point but you all still hold a dear and special place in my heart.


Day 28: I am thankful for Meadow. You have been a guide, confidant, friend, advisor, sister- you role in my life shall continue to evolve  just as you do. Happy Birthday my love!!


Day 29: I am thankful for Fousey, Doc and my PR family. Your support, love and encouragement over the years has been akin to  a big sister. Thank you for welcoming into the PR fam years ago. Thank you for being the voice of reason  time and time again :)

Day 30: I am thankful for N-butter P. Through it all, you were there. Many a lesson we have shared. Thank you.

#30Daythankyou

#30daythankyou

Day 23: I am thankful for Nurse Freda. Your loving kindness and open door make the not so great days more bearable.


Day 24: I am thankful for sweet lil Talucia who helps me bring in each day by shouting J-e-uh!!


Day 25: I am thankful for KH (and her insomnia). Thank you for all your support and encouragement the last few months. Thank you for just listening when the rest of the world is sound asleep.

Day 26: I am thankful for my Brother and his family. The little ones are a source of my joy and smiles on many days.

#30daythankyou

#30daythankyou

Day 17: I am thankful for Dianne, my guide in the world of emotional wellness and spiritual healing. The year of work we shared allowed me to embrace this experience with a fearless wide open heart. Thank you.


Day 18: I am thankful for Nat-P and your many pep talks my first 8 months in SVG. Thank you for taking the time just to listen.


Day 19: I am thankful for SMV. Your support and encouragement over the years has been a subtle guiding light in many ways. Thank you for pushing me to find comfort in my own skin.


Day 20: I am thankful for my Aunt Anita. Thank you for helping me navigate the tricky years of early-mid 20's. Your voice continues to help me live from my truth and embrace the fact that in life, we change.


Day 21: I am thankful for Heather Rango Dollins for taking the time out to show my locs some love. This process would not have been nearly as exciting without you :)


Day 22: I am thankful for mini me, Juelle. Your spirit continues to brighten my life and at the same time shine a light on those dark places that need tending to. Such a wise young soul.

#30daythankyou

#30daythankyou

Day 8: I am thankful for all those who took time to donate to Hands Across the Sea in efforts to raise funds for a shipment of books, school & art supplies to Cane End Government School. You guys are truly appreciated!!  :

** MEADOW OVERSTREET**, Kara , Bridget Woods,  Astrid Prudent, Jessime, T-Free!, Aunt Gloria &Uncle Rodney, Aunt Vikki & Rinson, Solimar & Mateo :), Celesteeee, Doc Anita, Ilona Gordon, Danyel Hickling and Jocelyn Taylor. 

And thank you to Harriet and Tom for doing what you do.Thank you!!

Day 9:  I am thankful for Everlyn, you are so on it!

Day 10:  I am thankful for Lizzie and her circle of peace movement!
Day 11:  I am thankful for my Grandmothers and their ongoing support :)

Day 12: I am thankful for the Yoga instructor who shared her practice with me today.

Day 13: I am thankful for all the wonderful PCVS in Dominica who showed us around their beautiful country! (Alex, Wil, Amirh and Sam)

Day 14:  I am thankful for Wil and Alex!! You guys are truly amazing. Thank you.

Day 15: I am thankful for to Father J. Christmas and his generous heart.

Day 16: I am thankful for the van driver who squeezed me in today.

#30daythankyou

#30daythankyou- Myquaterlifespace.com


Day 5: I am thankful for my Principal , Mrs. Ave Stephens Weeks and Mrs. Rouna Burke for their ongoing support and encouragement with everything I do inside and outside of the school.


Day 6: I am thankful for Camille A. and her divine Yoga offerings she shares with this island. My neck , shoulders and spirit thank you soo much!


Day 7: I am thankful for Biggs not only for her amazing care packages but also for always  checking in to make sure I am solid on the inside.

#30daythankyou

So I am joining this 30daythankyou campaign started by aspiring author  Kenya Jackson. The 30 days of gratitude was inspired by her countdown to hearing news about a recent proposal she submitted to HayHouse, very exciting! The 30 days is also in memory of her mother who transitioned from this life 17 years ago. What a beautiful way to honor her spirit.

Check her out at Myquaterlifespace.com  and feel free to join the campaign.


Day 1: I am thankful for My Parents - I love, admire , respect and appreciate you both more than words can ever express.


Day 2: I am thankful for Mr. E for giving me a ride home in the rain today :)


Day 3: I am thankful for baby M, the newborn  spending the first 6 months of her life in prison with her mom. I get to hug and love on her a few hours each week. Her sparkling eyes and innocent smile brighten my day so much.


Day 4: I am thankful for Michelle Saulters- my heart sister :) I can't even begin to express my gratitude and love for you in this post because this will turn into a novel. *cheers* to many more nights filled with fishnets and fancy penguins :)

For the Love of : Simplicity

I was chatting with another volunteer that just completed her 2 years of service about how my school year was going. Almost automatically I responded: " It is great , I enjoy the kids but not so much what I am doing with the kids. I could stand to be there just 2 days a week". I think many of us share the sentiments that teaching might not be our life's aspiration. I have said this in many previous post but shot out to My mother and all my friends that are dedicated, passionate teachers- you all have a gift !!


Anyway, so I am on my spiel about wanting to find a way to reach the kids and connect with them in my own way but also feeling as if the need to help them strengthen their reading and writing abilities is far to great to bypass.


She commented on having similar thoughts over the last two years. She said it all became pretty simple after having a close friend that attended schools here his whole life tell her " All I needed was someone that cared, someone like you that showed they care".

(I can't speak on all of the schools here but some of them continue to utilize fear based tactics to keep order. Some of them still use physical lashing as means of discipline, belittling and berating as means of correcting. Often times the students have been so conditioned by this method of learning it is difficult for them to respond to a more egalitarian, empathetic method. )

In that moment - ...well yea, a lot  made sense. So simple. Why do I keep trying to make this more complicated than it is?? *chuckle*  ...just keep showing them that you care, period. Got it!

This one, is a handful. Mirror work in the flesh!
 She keeps me soft hearted during trying moments.

First year at the top Secondary School for Boys! So proud of him.

"Sovereignty of the imagination is the greatest liberation"

In honor of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Independence Day on October 27th, I attended the Annual Independence Lecture put on by the University of the West Indies. The guest speaker was  Dr. George Lamming. I knew nothing of him prior to this talk, however I felt strongly compelled to attend. I am glad I followed my gut on the WHAT and allowed the HOWS to be ironed out along the way.


Dr. Lamming's official lecture was "Rethinking Perspectives on Independence". Being honest, the hour plus talk did not do it for me. It would have been heaven for a history buff though! Thank goodness patience is one of the many virtues being fine tuned during my Peace Corps experience. Once the formal speech was done the floor was opened up for the Q&A session and before I knew it 2 more hours had passed! This 84 year old precious white haired artist/poet/philosopher- creator in every sense of the word began to reveal his true vibrant colors. His words appeared to transcend chronological age, linear time, color, region, religion...he spoke from his hearts truth, his experience with the dance of life- Wisdom.

The discussion shifted to more of a focus on modern citizenship and social issues that currently exist in St. Vincent in the Grenadines. Much of the Q&A was centered on the education system. It was so refreshing to be amongst individuals that are not only aware of the problems that exist in their country, aren't afraid to verbalize this problems to "save face" but most importantly crave CHANGE and ACTION. I am just about 2 months into the 2011-2012 school year and this burst of energy and light was right on time.

Some points made by Dr. Lamming that stuck out to me:

• The purpose of having a higher education campus such as the University of the West Indies in SVG should not be solely to produce academics with degrees. The University should expand its mission to include producing citizens that will transform the current reality of its people for the better. The education system doesn't need more teachers doing the same thing, it needs to be completely transformed from within.

• A culture of collaboration over competiveness appears to have greater benefits, especially in the world of politics. When one party wins, 50% of the people are disenfranchised for 5 years. This cycle of competition serves very few.

• The foundation of primary school education should be founded in the arts. The Arts sharpen your observation skills, release the imagination, cultivates higher order functioning. Dr. Lamming focuses on reaching out to kids at the primary school level . He emphasized this is where the major change needs to occur. Dr. Lamming inquired if St. Vincent created an environment in which imagination has a place to live.

• He went on to criticize those who seek PhDs as "Terminal Degrees". Meaning, some people lose their lives to academics, knowledge, facts. They lose sight of humanistic side of research. He wonders how effective one can be if they spend years upon years reading about life and people instead of experiencing life and people.

• And in closing, as most people above the age of 80 often do (rightly so, they have earned it!) - he completely removed his filter and spoke very candidly about "off shore" campuses and institutions from other countries coming into the islands and setting up shop. He spoke on the underlying implications of hosting "parasites in paradise".

...to the little people , to life, to imagination *cheers* Dr. Lamming. Thank you.

...virtual hugs

The past few weeks have been wonderful. I am finally feeling at home here, enjoying the school year (I LOVE the little kiddos). I am creating opportunities to travel, collaborating on some powerful exciting projects (VSPCA, Basic Computer Skills @ the Women’s Prison, afterschool reading group with STAR APPLE, mentoring at the girls home and HIV/AIDS outreach with CARE SVG) . I am full in so many ways.

At the same time I have continued to ensure I have my down time to indulge in inner work. This has become essential to maintaining my sense of balance and stability here. Reading, writing, reflecting...I crave this space - transformative, truly.  

As the countdown nears to my visit home in December about (10 weeks out), I remind myself not to get caught up in plans of the future.  This can be quite difficult on some days (I have already started a list of places to go, people to see and  things to eat!) . At times I miss my friends and family more than I ever imagined I would. In those moments, I try to give thanks to the feeling of love and life shared between those I hold close to my heart and I .  

My wish is  to continue to live each day fully here, keeping in mind that each day is indeed a gift. 24 hours of this life on earth that I will never get back. One less day in my 27-month experience as volunteer. Yet also one more birthday, one more celebration,  or family gathering that I am unable to attend.

As I countdown the days until I am in the comfort and presence of my loved ones, I try to remember to continue to breathe in all that is before me.

This might sound dramatic but it is as if I am existing within two worlds right now. Slowly giving more of myself to one  while reluctantly retreating a little more each day from another. I guess that is part of exploration? You must set sail in order to reach new lands.

~Drifting somewhere in-between~

...so when skyping just doesn't cut it, just know I miss you guys- very  very  very much.

“love one another, but make not a bond of love:
let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.”
― Khalil Gibran     

Precious Moments: Life lessons from a 6yr old

So the school year is off to a pretty good start. I am working with grades 1 & 3 this year instead of 4-6. The principal shook a lot of things up. She created an entire remedial class for grade 4 boys that were held back. This motivated her to put a lot of emphasis on early intervention strategies. I applaud her for trying new things to see what combination works. I tease her and call her Joe Clark :) As you can imagine, working with the little kiddos is quite different. I am enjoying it so far. They are full of smiles, hugs and giggles.

...part of my conversation with Tia as we walked home from school:

Me: Tia, why did you pour out your drink???
Tia: It nah have no sugar
Me: Tiaaaa you can’t only drink juice, water is good for you !
Tia: Teacha, me drink wata me cough, wata make me sick
Me: for true?
Tia: Me take cold shower, me get sick. Wata make me sick. Me nah like wata.

…I guess that makes perfect sense J

Much love to the little people

Perhaps...

There is no longer a line, there was never really a line.

 Integration is a creation of the mind - US and THEM, Me on the outside.

 It was all an illusion. How can I integrate into what is already a part of me?

like a child...

http://webdesign.about.com/od/graphics/a/aa020801a.htm
Daily Mantra: Patience. Simplicity. Compassion.

Each passing day, I realize how very little I actually know. Humbled - It is pretty exciting to become aware of the fact that there is still SO  much to be learned in this life. There comes a point when all the knowledge gained from textbooks, trainings, degrees and certifications become secondary. This time around, soul to soul my lessons shall be understood through my heart, soul and spirit. To move beyond analyzing and enter the realm of understanding.~ Wisdom ~

Live, Learn and Love

Why is it so easy to complicate things? There are moments where I feel  as if I get so accustomed to resistance that swimming against the current begins to feel natural. You forget what it feels like to truly let go and allow the harmonic flow of life to accompany and guide  your footsteps.

Heartfelt thanks to my dear friend for the reminder:

You are living a dream right now....how simple is it to accept that for what it is? Don't search for a goal, just live, learn and love.-SMV

"...to say more with less words"

Thirsty for a change, I jumped at the invitation to attend a poetry book launching Friday night.  I prayed that the launching would be as exciting as it sounded. It was, and then some.

This weekend was one of the most enjoyable ones to date since moving to St Vincent. It started Friday night with attending the launching of the book “ Seen and Heard” an anthology of art and poetry by Vincentian women. Let me repeat that, AN ANTHOLOGY OF ART AND POETRY BY VINCENTIAN WOMEN.  This is pretty groundbreaking for the country. It turns out this event was  the manifestation of an idea birthed in 2009 after a group of creative minds gathered to share their talents with others.  The launching was hosted by the Embassy of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in conjunction with the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family Affairs, Gender, Youth Sports and Culture and the National Council of Women.

 

I was in awe most of the evening. To be in the presence of so many passionate, talented, progressives souls was a very  uplifting  experience. To see the result of various entities collaborating in efforts to create a living breathing work of art that will impact generations from here on out left my heart on high. I was moved, simply moved.

One of the highlights of the evening was being informed that Simmony Azul Urdaneta, a special guest from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was conducting a FREE poetry workshop the following morning. SOLD.

During the book launching ceremony Sister Nel mentioned that she was a “closeted poet” who has “scribbled for years” but recently decided to share her work with others which resulted in one of her pieces being published in the book. I began to wonder what could come of my own scribbles if I put a little more effort into shaping them into pieces of work to share. I also felt it would be a wonderful opportunity to connect with other individuals locally that are a part of the creative community in SVG. The poetry club I started last year could surely use as much support as possible from local artist. So I jumped on the opportunity and attended the workshop!

I entered the workshop with an open mind, no idea what to expect but willing to take whatever I could get from the opportunity. Simmony has such a friendly, calm, soothing way with people. After admitting that she is not 100% comfortable speaking English in formal gatherings, I realized this would be just as much of a learning experience for her  as  it would be for the participants.

The workshop was from 9-3. Catered by the Embassy, I must say the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela surely knows how to treat their guest ( food, food and more food)!! About 8 participants took part in the workshop, perfect size. The day included a series of exercises exploring various topics and writing techniques. Each person shared their work with everyone else at the end of the exercise.  The final activity was to create a collective poem titled Poetry. One person starts with a line and folds the paper to cover what they wrote, the next person adds a new line and it continues until everyone has contributed.  The final product appeared to be the work of one person, the power of the collective conscious in full effect.

After this weekend, I feel a sense of calmness with the worries of not fitting in. Just like moving to any new place, we all have to allow time for things to settle. Finding your niche, your little pocket to immerse yourself into might not jump out at you right away. This weekend reminded me that by following my heart, doing things I enjoy, connecting in an authentic way with those I encounter will continue to lead me right where I need to be. The right time, the right place, creating a space where I am comfortable just being. With patience and compassion for myself and others as I appreciate the simplicity of that which is, I am able to allow this experience to remain boundless , growing beyond any constraints that I or anyone else may attempt to place on it.

Here is the piece the group created Saturday: ( each line is a different person )

Poetry By the group

Poetry is an expression of you inner self

The expressed consciousness awakened from life’s experiences

The emotional expression of thoughts pulled from within the depths of your soul

A road to self realization

It is the inner expression of who I am, human being with feelings of love and passion

My words pave the way, your dreams follow. Open your mind, allow our hearts to dance, hear my voice- we are united as one.

The feminine energy birthed this today: Life, Body Home. Nature in its boundless grace. Love pours from the heart. For this, let us give thanks.

Because WE, all nurture, I

Less, more, speaking? No, writing words over and over

And IT is ALL.

ram-ble [ram-buh'l]

 ... intransitive verb. 1. a: to move aimlessly from place to place b: to explore idly . 2: to talk or write in a desultory or long-winded wandering ...

yep , that about sums it up.

Last week I was having a moment of “outsiderness”. I felt that I had to be doing something wrong because after 6 months, I still have days where I feel like even more of an outsider than when I first came. I was in my head all week. Part of Integration is networking. I’ve never been the best at networking; it just feels so forced and calculated from my experience. But integration as a whole, the blending in with a new community is a bit different, that seems more genuine and natural to me- so I thought.

The tricky part of having a set time frame in which you are expected to be integrated into your community is finding the balance of what feels natural to you and what has been “proven” to be successful. Spelled out black & white in books, manuals and handouts- successful integration seems like a pretty attainable goal. It’s a little different once you live it. I find myself questioning habits, patterns, preferences, values, morals- pretty much all that I have known myself to be. (Losing yourself (identity) to find yourself ( core ) right?)

Do I compromise and scale back on being opinionated at work or do I use it as a moment to reveal I actually do have thoughts independent of the previous volunteer? Do I walk home because I like the exercise or do I accept a ride offered to me so that next time I WANT a ride you won’t pass me by? Do I give the Van driver my number after he studies my every curve so I can have another way to get home after 6pm or say no out of protest for being looked at like a 6pc chicken dinner with fries on the side?

Self talk-(Patience. Simplicity. Compassion.)

Also, the monotony of casual small talk is beginning to take a toll on me. Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening. Hi, how are you? You Good? Good Good. Fine, yes? Great. Ok, buh bye. Rain ah come again?, more rain? The monotony of being monotonous is enough to drive one mad. ( Yes, at times I am the crazy lady who walks around talking to herself - well I just mouth thoughts, no sounds come out usually)

RAMBLE: R-A-M-B-L-E, RAM-BUH'L

It's like Netball but so much better!

Last week I  was a camp counselor/assistant coach for a 3-day overnight basketball camp. The camp was put on by  Adonal Foyle and his Kerosene Lamp Foundation.  I must say I was quite impressed by the camp. The popular sports here in St. Vincent are  Cricket , Futbol and Netball. Volleyball is somewhere in the middle. Basketball is along the lines of Tennis I believe. There are a few courts and a few organizations that attempt to offer competitive leagues to those interested, but generally they don't get too much attention.

This was the first year that the foundation held an extended overnight camp. They wanted to make it more intense and comprehensive for the campers. The kids not only benefited from physical activity and the many by products that come out of organized sports like discipline, respect and focus; they also participated in daily life skills sessions.

From 9-2 the kids attended sessions including : sports psychology, reading, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and Sports not Drugs just to name a few. Then they loaded up into buses to head to the basketball courts. From 3-6  they were involved in various stations where they were taught an array of basic basketball skills.

I truly had a great experience and I am so happy I was able to be apart of the camp. ( And of course get a lil 2 on 2 in on the side) . Although long and draining, it was worth every minute of it. ( Especially relieving the sleep deprived camp counselors at 8am from the night shift! haha, brave souls )

The highlight for me was  seeing a 13 year old female  picked to be part of the All-Star team. The foundation is doing great things. Check'em out!

Photo by H.dollins
PUMP IT UUUP! GET HYPE LINES

Photo by H.dollins
...MORE DRILLS

Photo by H.dollins
GET LOOOOW, 123 DEFENSE

THE  PC CREW

Adventures with Elvis

Tiny Friend we met along the way

ELVIS, DETERMINED TO GET SOME COCONUT WATER!

After the 2nd unsuccessful attempt to visit the Montreal Gardens, we settled for a tour around the mountains with a new found friend- Elvis. He is an interesting little guy, friendly and very in tune with nature. Although we didn't make it into the gardens because they were closed, we still enjoyed an amazing trek through the lush hills nestled in the heart of the valley.

Surrounded by the magnificence of life, nature, and beauty- it really helped put things into perspective. Perceptions of problems, daily stressors, anger and hurt that have fueled parts of your existence all seem to become very minuscule when you accept the vast offerings from nature, just for that moment. The chaos of  the mind quiets with ease once you openly receive what is generously being presented to you. Taking a step back an soaking in the bigger picture, how we are all so very interconnected allows a stream of life/love/pure energy to rejuvenate your spirit and soul. Thank you Elvis :) And special thanks to Candice for "WOmaning" up and surviving the hike in her chucks!!

Vincy Mas 2011 ( Soca Monarch & J'ouvert)

So Vincy Mas has officially ended. Back to life as we knew it before all the madness. Special thanks to Candice and Wilmina for traveling down to see me (and check on me haha) and take in my first carnival experience in SVG. Love you ladies!!!   Great time for sure but I am TIRED.

  School is out for the summer so I am in the process of restructuring my schedule with a few exciting projects I will get to work on from July- September. I will post more about them once my words come back to me. For now, enjoy a few pics!

Soca Monarch with the girls :)

Soca Monarch Pre- game

Down n Durty, Soca Monarch Style

Candice arrives!

MY LITTLE WOMEN VISITORS!! :)

Candice's T-Shirt band Jump up!

From Tyrone , GA to Edmond, OK to SVG- this one is a lifer :)

'NUFF SAID

Still clean, must be about 1 AM

Miss Dominica - J'ouvert

J'ouvert

83 Love!! - J'ouvert

J'ouvert (3 AM ish)

J'ouvert- ( 4 AM ish)