HOT TO TROT

My wanderlust led me to the midst of hustle and bustle. At first sight it reminds you of any large city, people and cars everywhere but this is no ordinary city, this is Cairo, Egypt, with a mind of it's own; where antiquity exist side by side with modern. The sighting of a horse - drawn carriage or a camel in the midst of heavy traffic seemed natural. The stop lights if you can find them, I was told are for show, no one pays attention. Instead, the blowing of the vehicles horn is a language on its own and the horn is the master of the road, which the drivers understand very well. When a driver cuts off another the horn gives off an angry sound, stay in your lane brings out a warning sound. Letting a fellow driver through is music to the ears, a courtesy sound that seemed to say, thank you, and so on. The Pyramids, the sphinx, citadel and oh yes, Khan el Khalil Market, where haggling is a daily exercise; the alluring smell of incense, all add to Cairo's flavor. When I gaped at pedestrians trying to cross the highways, laden with cars, the guide put me at ease, letting me know it is a way of life. This is the city that makes no excuse for its appearance, it does not hide its laundry because company is coming. The attitude is "take me as I am." And I loved it!

The next leg of my journey took me to Aswan where my travel partners and I boarded the Sonesta for an adventure down the River Nile and to Luxor with its huge columns. The ship took off and my eyes darted from left to right, not wanting to miss the splendor of the river banks with its lush vegetation. And in each town where we disembarked, the captivation prevailed. The chapters of my history book, things that I had learned about on ancient civilization began to come to life. This tour of an historical era took my breath away. The stories, the secrets of the Pharaohs, the kings and queens revealed as we strolled through tombs and temples and listened to the tour guide translate the meaning of the hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptian script. The brilliant people who designed these structures thought about everything, the preservation, the art with meaning, the architectural designs, the calendar of different seasons which included harvesting and days of celebration.

We learned about the the valley of the kings and queens, about Queen Hatshepsut, described as the greatest female ruler who dressed herself like a man and called herself pharaoh. New information has been revealed of the life and death of King Tut. Aswan and Luxor and the towns in between that we visited have a laid back attitude but boast of importance, nevertheless. There is more exploration everywhere, looking for lost treasures and restoring the treasures of the mysterious and magical ancient Egypt. So many will keep coming to see Egypt's pride and joy.

Like the gorgeous towns, I have many stories to tell but too many to reveal here. This one however is a contender for the centerpiece of my journey. When we disembarked in Edfu, a town along the riverbank of the Nile, a young girl called out to me to buy her goods. She did not have much, a few bracelets with the scarab(beetle) in a blue stone. I was hurrying to keep up with my group and could not stop. The young girl about ten years old, told me in well-spoken English that she would see me when I returned. Sure enough, there she was and we hugged as if were long lost friends. There is something about young entrepreneurs that tugs at my heart; of course I helped to boost her enterprising spirit, bought a few of her goods and gave her enough to buy some more stock.

A new found acquaintance on the ship asked out of the clear if I was a dreamer and I answered with a resounding yes. I am always dreaming about the next destination, I love different cultures, I love learning new things, it has made my life so much richer. It has taken a longtime to get here, setting sail on the Nile has been a dream come true. As my mind wandered, while driven to yet another excursion, I peeped through the window at a horse-drawn carriage with a happy face tourist. The horse's gait was full of excitement, as if it was happy to share the road with modern transportation, bursting with pride as it kept pace. "Look at me, I am hot to trot." As it merrily galloped along.

Shokran, Shokran, Egypt for your invitation and the lessons learned. I had my fill of falafel and pita, delicious dates and yogurt and tasteful local dishes. This new year I plan to feast on koshary, a simple vegetarian delight. Thank you for allowing me to climb through the narrow shaft of the Great Pyramid of Khufa in Giza, bent over in an awkward position, determined to make it to the top. Thank you for pointing me to the Nubian village, sailing on the faluca (sailship) putting me closer to the stomping ground of Queen Nefertiti. Now when I wear my cartouch or some other Egyptian ornament, I will understand better the symbols and the history behind them.

You have guessed right, my mind is wandering to the next globe trotting but for now I will savor the time I spent with this wonder of the world. Nature has been very generous to Egypt and likewise Jordan, but Jordan is another story for another time.

KEEPING IT TOGETHER

A new season had began and the time had come for us to be back together for more of a good thing, this time around there was going to be dancing. It was three (3) months since our last gathering and we were hungry, not only for the delicious cuisine that the 20/20 Downtown Club promised but we were 'starving' for relaxation and mingling.

We stepped into a crowded room where people lined the walls and I immediately knew that we had made a huge mistake, there was music alright, so loud that it was about to pierce our eardrums but hardly any standing room. The manager politely told us that we had not made any mistakes, we had a confirmed reservation but they just could not accommodate us.

We were happy to make a quick exit and we headed to Maryannes, our stomping ground, the same restaurant where we had left our footprints three(3) months ago, at our last gathering. They welcomed us and quickly set up the tables to accommodate us. We have sang praises for the great tasting dishes but tonight Maryanne's has earned yet another stripe, this time for superb hospitality. We were off to a good start; the laughter, the chatter, the clamoring for attention set the tone for our end of year outing and we were determined to have a blast. There were a few new faces and the meet and greet and catch-up started. We studied the menu, some of us already knowing what delicious choices we would make.

The Birthday Girl was surprised when the waitstaff brought out a cake with wishes of long life emblazoned on top. We all sang with gusto, out of tune, in high pitched voices, what did it matter! We had set this time aside to perform the BALANCING ACT. Everyone seemed relaxed,it is as if we had put all our worries on the back burner and there was no room for arrogance. Tonight we were able to quiet our minds, even in this din. We had cut ourselves some slack and we had the time of our life.There was certainly a lot of energy in this place.

And the winner is? Lucky walked away with WORDS, a compilation of quotations, poems and photos. Some of us tarried a while longer as the group dwindled. "Keep it together, until the next time," was my way of bidding everyone a safe journey. This Women's Club group handled the night's missteps well; our feathers were not ruffled, we took it all in strides. As I stepped outside, the warm air hit my face, I looked up to the clear skies and whispered "color me happy."
It was Maurice Chevalier who wrote:
"Each moment is a treasure, enjoy it!
We are travelers on life's highway, enjoy the trip.
Each lovely twist and byway, each bump and dip.
Voila, that's life, enjoy it!"

A Merry New Year to you all!

Make A Difference Day - October 23, 2010

I was not sure if we needed a special day to do good deeds but each year that I read about the ideas and the effort so many people made on this one day I began to think that for those persons who gained from these acts of kindness, what a wonderful day this must be for them. Make a difference day is sponsored in partnership with the HandsOn Network and supported by Newman's Own and more information can be found at makeadifferenceday.com.
This year CHOOSE TO CARE committed to making a difference by providing a brand new pair of shoes to 20 boys and girls. When traveling in certain distant lands you inevitably come face to face with so many children and young adults walking around in flip-flops that have worn thin, sometimes a piece of bark or cord fashionably tied up what's left of the shoes on the young child's feet, while others walk around shoeless. From these experiences and knowing the importance of protecting ones feet from cuts, infections and ill-fitted shoes, CHOOSE TO CARE A Not for-Profit Organization was created to bring pride and joy to the child or young adult in need of a brand new pair of shoes.

Since taking this journey we have partnered with other Not for-Profit organization which work with the youth in various capacities, here at home and abroad. One such partnership is the Vineyard International Christian Ministries Church, located in the Bronx, through which Choose To Care has provided shoes for the children of newly arrived immigrant families or others who find it difficult to fully provide for their children. Sometimes within families, there are 3-4 children in need and only 1 child may receive so that other families can benefit also. The coordinator weighs the needs and at times boys will receive while girls have to wait their turn or vice versa. On October 23, 2010 we wanted to make a difference in the lives of the children who were passed over because prior donation could only stretch so far. On this day 20 boys and girls received a brand new pair of shoes. There are still others but next time around, we promise. We hope this small gesture will produce happy feet and place a smile on their faces.

All is Well!

HE IS WEARING THE RIGHT PAIR OF SHOES

For the past month or so I have been served up a plate full of negative encounters. Usually I have the resources to deal with the struggles of life. I mutter sayings such as "water off my back," "this too will pass," "Que sera sera" and I go my merry way, letting the chips fall where they may. But of late these ruse are coming so fast that I am working so much harder to find inner peace and inner strength.

While I was pondering these events in my life I came upon this book titled: CHANGING SHOES by Tina Sloan. I am fascinated by any reference to shoes and the settings in which it is used knowing there is always a deeper meaning. This is right up my alley and in keeping with the mission of CHOOSE TO CARE a non-profit organization, formed to provide a brand new pair of shoes for children and young adults in need, so that they may journey to a more meaningful life.

The author of CHANGING SHOES talks about the importance of wearing the right shoes for the right moment and what each pair of her shoes did for her in different situations that occurred in her life. It made for excellent and easy reading and gave me a nudge to face the albatross around my neck once and for all. What shoes should I wear while going on this venture? I brought out these well-worn pair of pumps, the one that conforms to the feet and fit so well that it painlessly takes you where you want to go. This pair of pumps says, with happy feet you will feel on top of the world and have no fear going there. Sure enough it took that albatross right off my neck.


But the story I really want to share is the story of Anthony Mulongo, Founder and Director of Mudzini Kwetu, a home for the parent less girls. He had traveled to a few cities in America{NY,Boston,Washington D.C.} from the coastal area of Kenya to tell his story of rescuing young orphaned girls from the dangerous streets of Mtwapa, Kenya. He is greatly supported by Thomas Keown, founder of One Home Many Hopes, a Boston-based nonprofit organization. To join their efforts or to learn more, go to onehomemanyhopes.org.

A rainy day calls for the right and sensible shoes but I carried along my stylish pump, the one that says, this is important business and you need to get on board. I was on my way with my co-worker to meet this man who gave up his budding career to take on this precious mission.

I did not need to change from my lowly rain boots, they were right for the setting. We were in the company of a vibrant group of people all revved up to give a helping hand. The founder, Anthony Mulongo, a humble young man was pumped with questions after questions. Some of the attendees were curious, others fact finders and a few gave suggestions on how to garner more donors. At the end of the night, this Rescuer gave sound reasons why we should help to build a school in his Kenyan community.

On the screen of the video that tells the stories of the young girls, were shoes of all sorts belonging to the girls I assume. This was a nice touch. Each pair represented a deeper meaning for the girl who owns it and for the persons who made it possible for her to own a pair of shoes and so much more. One of my newest and favorite quote comes from the founder Mudzini Kwetu. It goes:
"If we don't have shoes
no one has shoes.
If we have shoes
we all have shoes together."
He is certainly wearing the right pair of shoes and making a difference in the lives of these parent less girls.

I don't expect a pair of shoes to wipe away my troubles but I have translated my experience into a new attitude, laying my burden down and making sure I am wearing the right pair of shoes. So from October 18 to November 20 and beyond we can put our best foot forward and help ONE HOME MANY HOPES{OHMH} to reach their goal to build a school for 700 boys and girls in the Kenyan community of Mtwapa.
Keep choosing the right pair of shoes!
All is well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHOOSE TO CARE

I still remember the long flight home from Brazil. I had visited Bahia, a tropical paradise strewn with poverty. In Rio, the Favella, stretches of slum is the address for the very poor. The sight eats away at your heart. On the plane ride home I curled up in my seat, with a muddled mind, trying to get comfortable. I had put on my "thinking cap" and jostled to position it just right because I had some serious planning to do. I knew I did not have the means to do much but there has to be something I could do. In my travels and here in Brazil, children and adults were walking around in flip flops that had worn thin. Sometimes a piece of bark "fashionably" tied up what's left of the shoes to their feet. Others walked around in their bare feet. That was my AHA moment. "I will place shoes on the feet of the shoeless children and the young adults." We know the pride and joy that age group gets from having a brand new pair of shoes. That's it, I tried to make a convincing argument with myself. "I want to protect their feet from cuts, infections and malformation, squeezing into too tight shoes." And so began the idea of CHOOSE TO CARE, finally I curled up and slept peacefully the rest of the way home.

That same night after unpacking, I wrote down my plans and just to let you know, giving birth was not an easy passage and I will save you all the labor pains; but with some pushing, CHOOSE TO CARE came to life. Now 3 years old, still in the toddler stage but growing by leaps and bounds. We have made connections with a number of organizations that assist children and young adults, who are in need. So whether it is for the young athletes who need good shoes on their feet while they hone their skills, or for the children who no longer have to hold their heads in shame and will not miss a day of school because they are now sporting a brand new pair of shoes; it is our honor to protect their feet. Not too long ago I had the great pleasure of watching two very poor young girls in Zambia with brightly lit faces, choose not only one but two pairs of shoes for themselves. This was their special treat.

So as we approach another year we will buy more pairs of shoes, we hope to put more smiles on the faces of the youth in need and to erase any doubts we may harbor that all things are possible. Thanks to all who have contributed to keep this organization viable from the embryonic to the toddler stages, you have been a wonderful cheerleader."

"My vision is clear.
My mind is set.
I have gotten this far
And there is no turning back."

All is well!

The Mysterious One{Excerpt from the MENDACITY}

After a long pause from the usual fun loving activities that the villagers were used to,Caridad decided to cast off the 'mourning' and bring back the happy times. Through all of this Edra continued to strut her stuff. There is something to say about those who create discord and can live happily ever after. This was Edra, undisturbed by the rift she had caused, took herself out of this dismal picture and almost with a scorn wondered what is ailing us, as she goes about her business nonchalantly.

Here comes Edra, she was armed with boxes of her photos, singing at night clubs, community halls and weddings. Her small flier with bad spelling and bad grammar stated that she was available to perform for any occasion. But Caridad saw this as an opportunity to assist once more, maybe focusing on this talent would get her out of this rut she seemed to get herself in. Edra loved to be the center of attraction, she was a fierce competitor and shut down immediately if anyone seemed to be moving in on her spotlight.

The villagers were planning a social gathering where anyone could 'show us what you got.' This was right up Edra's alley and she began secretly to put her program together. We know this for sure because while everyone talked about their costumes, their dance steps and other plans, her lips were shuttered tight. Strange, they labeled this. Edra wore so many tags. Caridad also began to notice a splash of bright color in her clothing. The somber looking outfits were fast disappearing. Many thought that the long sleeves and polyester clothing in the midst of the summer heat were meant to draw attention to the Unique one, Edra. But this only drew more whispers and no one gave her the time of day, except Caridad; others giggled and made her the centerpiece of their conversation.

That's exactly what Edra wanted, the half smile, the tall tales became her way of operating. And through this a strange thing happened, Nubia and Sierra were drawn to this mysterious one; totally immersed in her stories even though they did not believe a word she uttered. These two villagers had their shady past also but were converts who had began to backslide when they started to keep company with Edra. The Mysterious one began to bring small tokens and trinkets as gifts to lure the villagers and once the bait had been set, she was able to reel in Nubia and Sierra. She had bought them out, they were intrigued by the imaginary life she portrayed and through the laughter and cunningness she continued to recruit.

Each of Edra's finger had a ring, a watch on each wrist. There were chains roped around her neck, some thick, some thin, all different lengths. The silver anklet hung from dry ankles and the broken down shoe with scoffed heels had seen better days but Edra was on display. This was her new thing, loads of jewelry, diamond studs in a eight-hole row alongside her ear lobe. What a spectacle she had become! Again,Caridad knew this was a cry for attention but the villagers just added this to their list of strange behaviors.

These villagers loved the excitement of celebrations, the connection they shared was further glued during these precious moments that they came together as if only this clan exist in the great wide world. This talent show had them revved up and ready for bursts of laughter. Those belly laughs were memorable as they watched their peers get down low and dirty. Caridad's mind strayed to Edra."What is the mysterious one planning for this much anticipated event?" She knows that if Edra did not win a prize, if all eyes were not focused on her, then she would act out her disappointment and bring sadness to the village.

Caridad was startled by the presence of Mercy who had returned for a visit. Everyone welcomed her and the cold reaction from Edra was expected. Mercy was cordial and as she caught up on all the happenings, Caridad knew she had to get the show on the road to avoid stirring up any bad feelings. For a long time there had not been such great fun but Mercy's presence had Edra seething, her eyes showed disapproval and Caridad knew that she was planning to do something unpleasant.

The villagers were chanting 'Edra, Edra' much to her delight. She walked in rapid pace, gyrating, swinging her hips, bobbing her head from left to right. She was stooped to the ground, her stares were directed to Mercy and seemed to say,"can you do this?" "No you can't!" "I am the star and I will never allow you to rain on my parade." She swung around with blood shot eyes and the trademark smirk on her face. She beckoned to her two posse and tried hard to engage the rest of the folks who were gaping at this pathetic scene. Some hid their faces too ashamed to look at this spectacle. Who is this mysterious woman? Caridad was certain of an unknown
past and she expected more trouble from the village braggart, another name they had put on her.

Come Join Our Community of Spirited Women Next Time Around.

Mary Ann's Tribeca Mexican moved away a few blocks but that did not stop us from hunting down the new location. We wanted to once more experience the great tasting food and free-spirited atmosphere. This gem of a restaurant is a perfect reason to get dolled up. It has been only three months since the members of the Women's Club met but everyone was greeting one another with excitement and glee, as if years had passed since we last met. This is what I am trying to tell you, the atmosphere at Mary Ann's allows that openness. We were loud, our smiles spread across our face from ear to ear. We called out the person's name as they entered, we ran over to hug another who had escaped us in all this merriment. It was as if the paparazzi was in town but no, it was the amateur photographers from our group, snapping away; bright lights shone from their cameras as they call out for someone, anyone to come over to pose for yet another photo.

The restaurant's other patrons were eyeing us with smiles pasted on their faces, the looks said, "may we join your fun loving group?" We talked at rapid speed, some worked the room, moving from table to table, meandering from end to end, bouncing into each other, until we finally settled down to allow the waitress to take our orders. Kudos to the brave soul who dressed up and modelled one of the dresses on display. I told the story of the big heart seamstress who was making these beautiful dresses for young girls in Zambia and Haiti. Thanks for the entertainment, you looked marvelous.

Our non-stop chatter was about everyday living. Among us were three retirees and three others who had flown the coop and had new employers but still wanted to hang with us. There were also new faces and of course the regulars, loyalists to the bone. The conversations became livelier, especially for those sipping liquor-infused drinks. From the looks of the empty plates, Mary Ann's had earned another stripe in the great tasting category.

Each time we meet I gain a greater appreciation for living, living with intentions. Tonight I got the genuine flavor of this gathering. Our small group of twenty-one showed sheer bliss. It was a small but mighty group, full of energy. But what was all this hoopla about? As we bid adieu, our restaurant jester, who may have taken a sip too many called for a monthly gathering, like she always does when she is 'high' on excitement. She even wanted dancing added. See you in three months my friends, by then you will be hungry again, rather starving for another girl's night out. I make no promises but I will see what I can do about us cutting a rug{dancing}.

The glow from our faces lit up the way as dusk began to fall. On the way home as my mind wanders, I couldn't help thinking why this gathering continues to gain momentum? Why the novelty has not yet worn out? Tonight we had laid down our worries, if only for a moment and brought sunshine into our lives. That's what the hoopla was about and I can still hear the chatter and the laughter even hours later.
Looking for the next cuisine, setting the next gathering date are done with doses of love for the women who warmly received the open invitations.
All is well!