WITH ALL ITS IMPERFECTIONS

                                            "Help me to help them was the cry.
                                              And you all came running, banding
                                              together for a kinder world."
                                                                                          psw

The small quarters worried me when I arrived for the fundraising brunch for the Choose To Care(CTC) organization.  I gave the butterflies a second to play havoc in my stomach and quickly flipped the "this is not going to work" button to "we have to make it work."  It was time to make lemonade out of lemon.

The dear folks came in and took their position and I no longer saw tight space.  I am of the belief that there is enough space for everyone on this amazing earth, if we just shift over a little.  This movement is about showing kindness, recognizing that someone could use a helping hand. This profound message was literally playing out before my eyes; the place seemed to have magically widened.  As old and new acquaintances began to arrive, the room was buzzing with excitement.  Each person had carved out their niche and I could feel my worry lines fading away, my face was relaxed as I scanned the room, feeling satisfied.  The revelers were settling in waiting for a bite.

I told the story of CTC and it's humble beginning and although it was delivered in a nutshell, I am sure they understood my passion and commitment to carry out the mission to provide the children in need with a brand new pair of shoes.  I am also revved up about establishing a healthy pathway for the kids and their families and at each and every gathering to continue to encourage the kids and their families to be caretakers of this wonderful world we live in; starting with the community where they call home. Later on while viewing some photos, I laughed at how the depth of my feelings was captured when I told my story; by my expressions my inhibitions of facing the crowd seemed to have disappeared as I poured out my soul. The onlookers were also at attention, listening to my simple words, that told my reasons for serving these precious kids.

                                               "How can a Title less creature be of help,
                                                I keep asking myself.
                                                This is the work of the famous
                                                 But I know better and I begin once again,
                                                 that unfinished job."
                                                                           psw

It was heartwarming to hear a representative from an organization that serves the children of Haiti spoke about what it meant to be able to distribute a brand new pair of shoes to children so they can walk to school without getting cuts on their feet. She told the story of a young woman who thanked her for a pair of shoes, she received over three years ago that allowed her to travel to college to become a teacher. This my dear friends is what we describe as "happy feet"  Oh, the power of a brand new pair of shoes.

How fitting it was that so many kind folks came out to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther  King.  It is he who said:

                                                  "Life's most persistent and urgent question,
                                                    is what are you doing for others."
My hope is that you will go where your heart leads you to be of service to others.

Thanks to the hands that prepared such great tasting food, as many reached for more helpings, there were words of praises for this scrumptious meal.  As I began to reflect, the space that seemed so small at first ,widened to fit everyone;  there were drinks and food to satisfy thirst and hunger. I did not hear any grumbling and connections were made. If anything was out of sorts, it was promptly amended. Indeed, we made lemonade out of lemon.

And for me, a little extra came my way from a girl scout leader in California who shared with me via e-mail that her troop, in order to earn their "staying fit badges" have to learn how to be their best healthy self.  She said she had been helping them research all about healthy eating habits, exercising and managing stress.  They came across health information in a blog posted on CTC's website which really helped the girls and she wanted to say thanks.  She shared a link that she thought would help others also:https://www.flintfamilydentist.com/health-and-fitness-guide-for-students.  This is icing on the cake, never underestimate the impact you can make in this world, no matter how small.

"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart"
Vincent Van Gogh

Kindness begets kindness. Your presence and assistance were greatly appreciated.
HAPPY  BIRTHDAY CTC! 10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Wishing you many more.

CHEERS!

BRIGHT SPIRITS

There was snow on the ground and chill in the air, but neither the Nutritionists And Friends In Action {NAFIA} members nor the children and their parents yielded to the less than favorable conditions.  We all came out for Choose To Care's {CTC} holiday celebration.  The theme was "Have A Snacking Good Time"  Indeed they did and left joyful after participating in nutrition and exercise activities; enjoying more than one serving of fruits and yogurt mixture, served in a cone and of course their brand new pair of shoes.

As soon as the last kid exited we began planning for our upcoming event, a fundraising brunch.  As important as this is, I knew that it was equally important for us to take a pause and reflect on the work we have done together.  The progress we have achieved is remarkable, we realized the impact of our work and noticed the gratitude on the face of the family members whose children benefit from our goal to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the child in need.We are glad that our additional platforms also aim to improve their lives:

• Leading the children and family to a healthier lifestyle
• Ways to care for the environment they live in and the world at large

Thanks NAFIA team for your enduring support, your commitment and compassion; you have given us all HOPE.   

But we  have paused long enough.  Meet you at the next shindig on 1/13/18, the Van Diemens Restaurant.  Mission accomplished we say with pride.

"If only I had a magic wand to fix the perils we face

But all I have is the belief that better will come."

BRAWTA

MAKE ME A BELIEVER

                                      For goodness sake
                                      What saddened face you make
                                       Let's meet your soul
                                       It is tapping away
                                       Listen, it says, fetch me
                                       Lest I get stifled
                                       Will you heed its plea?


                                       You have kept it in hiding
                                        Your soul is yearning
                                        Go deeper, let me show you where
                                         Be quiet, I hear a faint voice
                                         Now did you hear it?
                                         It is stronger! I am coming, it is saying
                                         Trapped so long, I am slowly making my way


                                          Surrender, your soul has been released
                                          And dullness turned to brightness
                                          Jubilant, Jovial, Joyful
                                          The tide has turned
                                          A true believer has been conquered

                                     
BRAWTA(from the bitter-sweet series)

Reflection:

• It is as if a "fairy godmother" appeared, recognized the sadness and gave a helping hand.Can you tell of a moment when someone did the same for you?
• There is reference to the soul as being buried - Explain
• What lines indicate that it was not an easy passage to find the soul?
• The command to surrender is the Poet's way of asking to remove the fear - when have you let fear hinder you?
• Make Me A Believer is the title - Interpret

HOP ON

                                                COURAGEOUS  Jamie
                                                With calm spirit and warm heart
                                                 Triumphantly awakens at the break of dawn
                                                 To face another day
                                                  And no one knows the pain she bears

                                                 And as she makes her presence known
                                                 Her kind words melt your soul
                                                 With a smile that spreads wide
                                                 She lights up the skies
                                                 Grabbed by her invigorating mood
                                                 You are pulled to adjust your ways
                                                  So you too may see the goodness of the day
             

                                                  When darkness dares to seep in
                                                   She shines a light its way
                                                   As if to say "you can't linger here"
                                                   Her good deeds soar and catch you may
                                                   It's free for the world, you need not pay
                                                   HUMBLE Jamie filled with gratitude
                                                   Has figured it out
                                                   Spreading Joy has made her journey
                                                   A worthwhile ride

BRAWTA (from: The Jump For Joy Series)

                 

      Reflection:

• It seems that the Poet intentionally inserted the line, "And no one knows the pain she bears" 

What does this tell you about Jamie?

• What does darkness refer to?
• Explain: "she shines a light its way"
• Another word for journey as it is used here
• What message(s) have you gathered from this poem?
  

                                   

FLIPPING THE STORM

                                                 They summoned her
                                                 And the butterflies came too
                                                 Shaken, she nervously entered the unknown
                                                 Poised but trembling
                                                 She faced her judges
                                                 Still unsure of the reason
                                                 For this masquerade


                                                "Where is this leading?" she wondered
                                                As she rode out the small talks with fear
                                                And out of nowhere they dropped
                                                The the dreaded words
                                                "You are not needed anymore"


                                                Taken off guard she stuttered a little
                                                 But quickly recovered
                                                 "Is this it?" she muttered in dismay
                                                 As she looked on stunned
                                                 Lips were moving, words were spoken
                                                 But she knew not what was said


                                                  "Am I deserving of this?"
                                                  "Am I deserving of this?" she repeated
                                                   No one replied, they only stared in silence
                                                   And she moved away in disbelief
                                                   SURRENDERED      REMOVED    VOIDED
                                                                       And soon after
                                                   RECOVERED           RELIEVED  
                                                                 GRATEFUL

(Brawta: From the Bitter&Sweet series)

Questions To Ponder

• The butterflies came - what is the Poet referring to?
• The word RECOVERED was used twice - what is the significance each time?
• "Lips were moving, words were spoken"  - Imagine what these words were?
• The poem ended with words describing: A sad finale and a joyful rebirth - use other words that would give the same effect
• Throughout the Poet presented a moving story of someone going through troubling times -think about a time when you were faced with a similar circumstance and how did you ride out the storm?
• Your interpretation of the title's message "Flipping The Storm"
  

DANKE SOUTH AFRICA

Before you even get a chance to properly pronounce their names, our tour guides on this incredible journey in South Africa were professing their love for their country. I share their sentiments, even as an outsider, I am drawn to this beautiful country.  We landed in Johannesburg, 50 of us had made this trip to the "Joy of Jazz festival" where we swayed and rocked to the sounds coming from the instruments of the skilled  musicians.  I did not see Hugh Masekahla, one of my all time favorites.  I later learned that because of illness he had to cancel. Those that I was fortunate to see put on a show.  I was dazzled by the energy of the performers, young and old, they were in a class of their own.

We spent two days in the wilderness with the majestic animals. On our first evening out, we began our search for the Big 5 and we were lucky to see the elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. We drove around in the dark, searching and none of my travel companions seemed to mind the fierce winds, the threatening rain; we all wanted that 5th animal, the elusive cape buffalo.  Two more outings out in the wild, searching and hoping but the cape buffalo never made an appearance.  The springbok, South Africa's national animal was plentiful.  This beautiful animal can live without drinking water for years, just by eating succulent vegetation.

Our tour of Soweto and learning of it's history, was an important part of this trip. Our visit to the Mandela Museum, viewing his life's journey left me in awe. We mingled with the bus loads of tourists who were just as curious to learn of this awesome man and the sacrifices he made.

We made our way to drop dead Cape Town.  The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront shopping center houses many shops and wonderful treasures.  Our cable ride to the famous table mountain was breathtaking.  As we trekked our way around the mountain, I am so at peace in the surroundings.

We spent an evening in the home of a South African jazz musician, who fed us and entertained us with a local band.  We sang, we danced and ate good tasting South African dishes, prepared and served by the hands of his family who showed joy in mingling with us.

Our shopping excursions were quick, bargaining with the vendors done at high speed.  Apart from the one you are negotiating with,out of the corner of your eyes are other vendors queuing up, waiting their turn to to grab you for a look at their merchandise.  I must admit I don't do well in this haste and bustle; mostly because there are too many choices and truthfully I cannot blame the merchants for going for the best price they can get.  My soft spot wants to pay them the best price, especially for their hard work.

This is not my first trip to South Africa and if I  have my way it will not be the last.  I am always in admiration of the beauty of Cape Town. Everything in its place, clean streets, modern looking buildings, even the aging ones show beauty. There is this willingness to share its beauty and eventually you will surrender.  The city beckons to you, to explore it, not to be afraid.
Johannesburg has its own share of beauty;it is vibrant, the residents seem happy go lucky.  They invite you to join them and will not wait for you to make up your mind, with outstretched hands, they take you along.

We covered a lot of grounds  in a short time.  From a trip to see the Penguins, a whole colony of them, the museum of apartheid, Pretoria, wine tour, eating at the Braai, (barbecue)that offered a spread of food and entertainment, all lasting memories.  I overdosed on my favorite Rooibos tea and came away with different ways to prepare this South African red bush tea.

Jo'Burg, as it is affectionately called and Cape Town offer different experiences, but for sure, they share the sense of community.  This is the spirit of the new South Africa.

UBUNTU!("I am what I am because of who we all are")

THE BRAGGART

                                 She flashes her freshly straightened hair
                                 Twists it in a coil, drops it again
                                 An action that continues,as if a nervous tic has set in
                                 That is the case I suspect but even bigger than that
                                  is the ego, otherwise known as
                                  ATTENTION GRABBER
                                  That has taken over


                                   Her action screams "look at me"
                                   Her eyes are dashing and a slight smile
                                   Appears on her hardened face
                                   Like a bull she is ready to charge
                                   She is sitting on a high horse
                                    She is climbing Mt. Everest
                                    She becomes that peacock, with wide-spread wings


                                     Where are the little people she shouted in anger
                                     Don't they know who I am?
                                     Why aren't they screaming out my achievements?
                                     I will show them a thing or two
                                     Her face gets harder, that wicked smile gets wider
                                     Spelling  revenge
                                     She pinned another badge of her high standing
                                     On her heavy laden lapel
                                     Let me see them top that!


                                       There is nothing else for me to do, she declared
                                        I know it all, I have done it all
                                        She closed her eyes and beat on her chest
                                        Satisfied with her grading of self