The night I met Magic!!!!!!

Saturday nights mean locked up in a room with some good music, perched on my bed in a C-staring at a computer screen noting missed e-mails (though never replying to them) or furtively glancing at a list of random interests. Also, there are also those Saturday which have special biblical meanings. But generally Saturday nights for me is summed up in one phrase “peace and quiet.”

But on this particular Day of October 31, 2015 I was being rudely and persistently nagged by my thoughts to “enjoy my youth and live a little,” and because of this I finally succumbed to my  suffering alter ego’s  yearnings. Yup, I decided to interrupt my regular granny quiet time to see one of the greatest shows of the year 2015 in Trinidad- Reggae on the Bay, Hennessey Artistry. So, with that I called up my friend of three years to make plans but she had one condition and that is punctuality.

 

 Now with all of these expectations, I was mentally commanding customers to “hurry up” and silently cursing to myself when wayyyy past closing time people were still pouring in. Anyways as soon as all of that was over, and I was free…..well just imagine a wild haired petite womanchild running and hustling people on the road out of her way to get home with only 28 minutes to get ready before the scheduled 9pm. Thinking very much that I was beyond late and was going to be begging people for extra time.

It took a little while for us to get ready and we were a little late for some acts but the ladies arrived and we were on our way after a smooth drive to Port of Spain-still surprised the ride was that traffic free.

Disappointedly after trying to find our entrance to the venue  I happened to just miss a band I was sort-of -kinda –hoping to see and while in our search for a good parking I happened to hear them perform and actually announce their last song-Rude! Anyways, like magic-seriously sorry for the nerdy puns- my friend and I spotted Magic! They were crossing the street to enter into a barred-off area which possibly had their minivan. But for some reason, the band leader heard our squeals, turned in our direction almost acknowledgingly, and with that we took our que to politely request photos. Now for those, who’ve never and probably have met Magic-they are the most kind and gentle, humble bodies with the persona of celebrity. They actually patiently took the time out to wait as two other friends tried to rush with a camera to snap us, and in good grace the lead singer, Nasri even called his band mate, Mark to be a part of the picture. Now, I’ve never even been in the concert yet but my night was already made. It wasn’t even their celebrity status or music but just their grace towards us and it’s something my friend hasn’t been able to stop talking about because it was just that damn courteous and special.

 

 

 

Now with all of the magical energy surrounding us, we entered Reggae by the Bay, waded our way up top, and shortly entertained by some local performances to prepare for the King-Protoje.  Now this guy, whose music I rarely listen to (only radio versions) was smoothly energizing! His performance to me was well timed, animated (talk about a dance off with a long locked friend on stage, and army style back-up dancers) and captivating. He had a gentleman, classic type of vibes which made us sway as he played through big hits like “Criminal” and “Who knows.”

Classically and with good grace we were entertained before seeing the class act for the night, the seed of the King of Reggae: Jr. Gong Marley. His entrance came with such a hyped up energy that came out as goose pimples. He commanded the stage with confidence and went over popular hit songs including some from his Dad. But the one performance which got me was-Sabali! The moment this song was introduced to me I was asked to really listen and figure out the meaning and after it became one of my treasured songs. So, I couldn’t help raving and waving my hands in the air just mentally soaking it in and becoming overwhelmed as it was played out. All in all his performance was quite good and the crowd had the pleasure of listening to his sons who like his dad, confidently spit out tunes and owned the stage.

 

 

 

 

So, all in all it was good and I’m happy I took up pushed myself to enjoy and soak in one night of beautiful, live music!

This "blog/audio outlet" will be expanding soon into something much more! Look out in December!!!

 

Que Serra Serra-Release!



 

When I was just a little girl,

I asked my mother, “What will I be?

Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?”

Here’s what she said to me                 

“Que Serra, serra

Whatever will be will be

The furutre’ not ours to see

Que sera, sera

What will be, will be”

- Jay Livingston

Lately I’ve been channeling into the “soul searching ”station and diligently reading the bible to seek solace in the lord and his words, and I became  immersed into a great peacefulness which I still feel and it’s been two days and hey, even yoga can’t beat this. You see, I’ve been fighting with him- harsh words, anger and a great deal of fussing and “whys?” – simply, because I’ve been handling it all on my own.  But after all of this fuss he’s tempered me and it feels great. I’ve given all of my fight to him and I suddenly realize that life is going to unfold soon and he’ the only one who can reveal the way. So, in the mean time I’ll be praying and allowing myself to soak in the feeling of complete surrender and peaceful sobriety and trusting him.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of saying “que serra serra” and letting it be.

In the mean time, I've been listening to a lot of Corrine Bailey since lately and healing.

 

 

 

 

 

Behind Lady Brawls

A couple of months back while class was still in session, a couple of females were passing around this tiny note on a gum paper. On it was this phrase “you is special” among some other lines. Yet, that one - the first one - stayed with me. Somehow, it changed the monotonous dreary atmosphere and gave me a little feel good moment. However, despite all of that I was more taken aback that it was passed to me by a woman - a female kind. It was even written by this brilliant young woman who I always admired in my class.

Usually I avoid most females, especially if it’s a group of them, because I find them exhausting and I tend to be fearful of how I’ll be treated. I’m only comfortable with one-on-one friendship or just a two party of nice gals. Yet, while this may be so, I have come to realize that the fear could have stemmed from the fact that I associate females with some negative characteristics and behaviours: cattiness, bullying, gossiping, slander. These perceptions and feelings originate from bad experiences in the past, from both sides-mine and theirs.

To actually get a better perspective on our nature and this verbal and non verbal cattiness which we convey, I went to the belly of friends and family to get a gist of their experiences and how they handled it.

Sunnymountainthoughts: 1.What is your worst experience in dealing with a female?

                                                    2. How did you deal with it?

                                                       3. Were you ever deliberately mean to a female friend?

*Marcia: Not so sure about a worst experience but all sorts of things, like not speaking to me for no reason.  I actually ignore them, which I’m good at doing. No, I’m not deliberately mean; there must be a reason.

*Lisa: My worst experience was when I was working at a*resort* and the assistant manager didn’t like me for some reason. I don’t know why. She used to treat badly by frequently giving me a lot of negative attitude. There was a part of me that wanted to tell her off but eventually I resigned. She eventually left as well.

Sunnymountainthoughts: 1.How do you view most female friendships?

                                                    2. Have you witnessed any females being outright treacherous to each other?                              

*Nathan:  Most female friendships are kinda hypocritical. Yes, I have (seen that) lots of times.

 There have been so many documentations of despicable acts against each other, that it’s just pretty amazing we haven’t created a world-wide war. But I have come to the realization that this is a world-wide issue which requires an awakening and a need to instill peace within ourselves.  We need to realize how tearing down another being, whilst they be male or female may create a complex which mars the individual’s view on the world. Through our negative words and actions we can be creating an emotional burden for someone else that is self damaging.
 

 

What girls do to each other is beyond description. No Chinese torture comes close- Tori Amos

  

Men will like each other until they have a reason to hate each other..
Women will hate each other until they have a reason to like each other- Avinash Wandre
 

 

If women ruled the world there would be no wars. Just a bunch of angry countries not talking to each other.- Unknown

 

Don’t try to understand women. Women understand women and they hate each other-Unknown

 

I’m still confused by us but hopefully these may explain why we’re like this:

1. Incompatible souls/ they just don’t like you

Yes, this one is a little on the strange side, and I’ve been baffled by it but let me get to the chase. I’m Caribbean and since I was little I’ve heard many women comment on how their spirit doesn’t take a certain person. Weirdly enough, in this case, no words have ever been exchanged between these two. Yet, from a glance they were able to say “I don’t like this person” and when asked why, the reply is even more baffling, “I just don’t. My spirit don’t take on to them.” ???  

This may have to do with some deep spiritual, weirdly negatively polar souls which I am not aware of but it frightens it never fails to fascinate.

2. Misinterpreted Signals

Hmm, this one is tricky. At times we tend to read-in to another’s reaction towards us and interpret it into being unfriendly. Such misread signals usually cause us to treat another poorly and create tension.

3. Insecurity

There’s an old adage which says “if you don’t love yourself, you won’t be able to love another.” There are different versions to it but, I guess it makes sense. It can be hard to appreciate another’s flaws and beautiful parts unless we’re more accommodating of our own.

 

4. Associated/ Learnt behavior

I’m confused by this because little girls are very receptive to each other and very willing to be friends at an early age. I see this in my baby cousin and her willingness to make friends, and I can also recount my childhood and the exciting prospect of new friendship. Unfortunately, we have heard friends, aunts, mothers engage in trash talk in regards to another female, and it may seem as an acceptable part of life. So, we become it-the critical eye, always undermining another because it’s just the norm.

5. Responding to rumors

Rumors are killers of reputation. They never fail to strip a person bare of any good name they may have.  Rumors can tarnish friendships, ignite bullying, even create fights, and change how people respond to you. Have you ever just stopped talking to someone or judge them wrongly because of a nasty rumor? To me many females’ friendships and hatred toward each other because of rumors!

6. The company you keep

In being straightforward, the company we keep can greatly influence our actions. Once you’re attached to someone, out of loyalty or respect their opinions about a subject or anyone becomes law.

7.It’s in our nature

  We’re human! We’re ying and yang; we are evil and we’re good and these emotions we have are primal. So, expect that while you’re fighting to maintain the good these nasty emotions can just slip through but it’s up to us to control ourselves to live peaceably with our fellow sisters.

 

 So, until then guys be encouraged to walk on the sunny side. Bye!

Audio for podcast: Happiness from Bensound.com and Slow Burn fro Kevin Macleod.

 Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaiBlu

I am strong. I am invincible. I am W.O.M.A.N!!



On March 8, 2015, the world celebrated International Women's Day. According to an article from the United Nations’ “it is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements.” 2. (UN)

I learned that this day was inspired by female garment workers who sparked a protest in New York city on March  08, 1908 with the aim of gender equality and fair rights as it related to their working environment. In that year women were not paid equally, worked longer and were not allowed to vote.

I've got the power!

 

     Internal strength, do you have it?

 

 

(Photo: MatinaK15 https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinaphotography/)


 


Life doesn’t give us many choices. Firstly, although there are theological, spiritual arguments against this, we didn’t choose to be born. We were birthed into a world where in which one of our main missions is to survive, and in this game of survival there are many levels.

 

Be Agressive.Passive Agressive

 

Hi, there. Have you ever encountered an individual who instead of telling you exactly, how they feel about you or a situation, acts out indirectly? They slam the door, give you the silent treatment, put on memes on social media loaded with jibe after jibe well, they no longer call you. It’s a type of mode where you want control over a person, and the only way to do that is to be passive aggressive through words and actions.

However, from my experience its one of the worst and hurtful emotion you could direct towards a person. To me it’s backed up with “spitefulness,” and “revenge,” and “manipulation” But one thing I’ve noticed is that people tend to do this to get a reaction. It could be to see you hurt, like how they are hurting; to get their desired response from you. It could be something you’ve been doing over and over again and the only way to punish you is cut off all line of communication.

Sometimes instead of being rude or cutting off an individual –a lesson I have to learn, way guilty of this- maybe we can speak our mind? If the situation allows it, and if you consider them to be a friend, speak up. Tell the truth, and let them know what’s on your mind-whomever it may be. I know for a fact, parents are hell bound on using this method as punishment. But, if you want to have a good line of communication, and to get things settled and peaceful, please speak up!

Allow someone to know that you’re not comfortable with a situation. Try voicing your opinions, peacefully. Not to create antagonism but to find a centre.

Laters!

https://archive.org/embed/PassiveAgressive_201501
 

https://archive.org/embed/PassiveAgressive_201501

On my own!

"I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the light of your own being."- Hafez of Persia/ Iran.



Lately, I've realized something, in fact, I've been observing: People, actors in movies, my pets. It occurred to me how lonely we can become.  Our emotions are searching for some compatible, and fulfilling companion to mask the solitude. Normally, this is how we are created-to be in the company of another and that's 100% perfect in my books. But, then there comes a time when we take it too far. The need to always be in someone's presence, in the midst of a crowd, to be talking all the time and putting your life on hold to fill a void.