"...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)

Graduation Day ( Grade 6)/ Canouan w/ Girls Home ( Pic update for my non facebookers)

The grade 6 boys

The gyals playing Go Fish

Graduation Day!

Grade 6 Graduation

My wonderful Principal and IPP

Canouan w/ the Girls Home

The gyals

Natalie Patrice, loves her!

Grade 6 Prom, fresssh to death!

They all looked so nice

Ladies night @ Girls Home

Didn't quite get to the Taboo game, next time Sisters

NatP doing it up Trini style ( Bakes n Shark)

..." There is a certain balance of letting nature provide what it may"...

A dear friend of mine wrote this in response to a post earlier this month concerning Apathy. I felt moved to share this with other volunteers that are serving and may need a gentle reminder from time to time or even for applicants that may read this prior to starting your Peace Corps experience. :


"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there and I am prepared to expect wonders."...since you are reading Thoreau, I think.

You have already identified the seed. The dilemma I see is that you are not familiar w/ the species of plants you are harvesting. Some, my dear, will sprout like bean vines at the first sign of spring waters. Others will require diligent tending to the soil, as well as experience fighting off the parasitic setbacks that are native to the region. The wise gardener recognizes that there is a certain measure of tending, and then there is a certain balance of letting nature provide what it may, and that a whole crop may not be harvested, despite the toils of labor and love.

Finally, there are seeds that will not reach their full potential in life until the cultivator is lonnng and gone. The roots of the aspens, the wisdom of the old oak, the reverence of the redwoods, all evidence of that reality. The bonsai takes careful pruning before it is considered a work of art. But the first cut decides the next cut, and the next cut, and the next. Be the first cut where you can. Be the center ring of a 9000 Year old Norway spruce where you can.

You are blocking your vision with anticipation of perfectly timed corn rows, when in fact you have the collaboration of seeds that haven't shown you their colors. The fruits might not ripen until 20 years down the road, when one recollection of one spirit that said one thing just right, pruned just the right limb, provides the life-giving profundity that you assumed to be lost in the limited ideas of what you envisioned as "getting thru" or not. It might not be the grammar limb, or the math limb, or anything taught in books limb..those might likely be of no use...compared to the one day that some piece of you became some memory for them. And that they needed nothing more".  
 - MeadowO.

                                                         

                                                  ~Some people are just good for the soul~