SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

                                                         BEATEN  DOWN


                                                             CHASTISED


                     TRASHED                      BASHED                                     MOCKED



                                                             

                                                            DISSECTED

                     BRANDED                    RIDICULED                                BARRED


                                                            PROVOKED






                     PEEVED                         DRAINED                                       MUTED
                                                       
                                                        DEMORALIZED


                                                               CAGED          

F O R S A K E N

                             We were pining for a new beginning
                              And it looked promising
                              When an offer was laid at our table.
                               Some said, I am not able
                               But others said it was not a bait
                               This has to happen, it is our FATE.

                               Gaining courage, she was the first
                               To step into the unknown
                               Only to meet upon a clown.
                               When she returned, the Blue Print on her face said,
                                "I am beaten down."


                                Demoralized, Agonized, Dismayed & Shocked
                                Her jaws seemed locked.
                                Then she said, "I was mocked"
                                Her stomach tightened
                                Jammed up in a ball of tension
                                And slowly she began to mention
                                What FATE had dealt her.

                                 She shook her head in disbelief
                                 Do you know we are farther away from relief?
                                 This harrowing experience
                                  Was such an inconvenience
                                  And a set back tugging at her soul.
                                  They had such gall
                                   Pinning my back against the wall
                                   There must be redemption
                                   We must settle this gumption.

                                   My shattered heart will be healed
                                   But their deal must be unsealed
                                   I will fight to the bitter end.
                                   And these words I send
                                   To let them know I will never join this CIRCUS

                                                                                        Brawta

UNBROKEN FAITH

Zara Leek stomped into the room with a scowl on her face.  Her medium sized frame suddenly grew to that of a giant,she had brought her inflated ego with her, ready to launch an attack because she was outraged that Faith decided to add more to what she called her over stacked plate.  But Zara the slickster had filled non-essentials on her plate and Faith Firm her leader had began to unravel her scheme,putting her on notice that she would be involved with sensible and defined projects going forward.

The bigger than life person, the great pretender always takes the easy road; she tried to talk her way out of the oncoming projects but Faith was relentless and would not let up.  She wanted this new style of business to take place and planned to feed it, water it, prune it until it was deeply planted.

Zara began to wag her tongue, spreading false rumours but Faith continued to lay out the fixtures on Zara's plate, creating space galore, which left her highly upset.  Zara began to venture out, stalling at times, cooking up reasons why this will not work.  Every step of the way, Unbroken Faith was there to drive home, that these are here to stay.  She knew that a steadfast dose of old fashioned, roll up your sleeves and get to work, will make this project a success.

Although unbroken, Faith cringed at Zara Leek's behavior and penned these words in dismay.

                                  Wagging  Tongues

                                         If you happen to go down

                                         what's called Gossip Lane

                                         You will find them at it again

                                         Another suspecting person has fallen victim.

                                         They will maul you

                                          stab you in the back

                                          Drag you in the mud

                                          Leaving you for dead

                                          And all this using the tongue.

                                          But just as you realized you are trashed

                                          Those same tongues begin to spew out
                                           Sweetness.

                                          You start to crawl out of your sullen state

                                          And their honey dripping words and pasted
                                           Smile.

                                          Let you rise again!

                                          Your gut is telling you

                                          What you hear is not real

                                          They are only dishing honey and spice

                                          To pull you right in.

                                          But you choose to ignore

                                          And foolish you are taken again

                                          Still a victim!

                                          Falling prey to false appearances.

                                                                                            

                                                                                               Brawta

 

HOLA PANAMA

I never know where my wanderlust will take us.  There was an urge to go some place and it did not take me long to focus on Panama as our next destination.  As our plane began to land I was surprised at the birds eye view of Panama City;skyscrapers loomed in the distance, a city that reminded me of Miami.  After settling in we got ready to explore the city, not venturing too far from our hotel and on recommendation from the front desk staff we had dinner at the restaurante Tinajas, where we enjoyed a delicious meal and watched the folkloric dancers and performers strut their thing.  Panama is all about preserving their heritage.  Tinajas they explained is the pot used in the olden days.

Our tour had began, early next morning the tour guide arrived to take us on the famous Panama Canal.  I had heard stories from my father about family members who had moved there to work on the Canal.  Every time I  see someone with my family name, I wonder if we are related.  Finally I understood what the locks were, a tour of the museum, a video with its history, brought everything to light. The Panama Canal was the bright idea of the Spaniards who arrived on the Isthmus during XV1
century; and thought  of building a route that would join the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.  This effort began with the French but troubles and diseases stopped them and the Americans took up where they left off by signing an agreement to construct and manage the waterway until 1999.  They kept their word and turned over the canal to the Panamanian authority.  The goodness of this Canal is that it serves as a maritime shortcut, saves time and costs in transporting a variety of goods.

The locks are two lanes(water elevators) which raise the ships from sea level to the level of the Gatun  Lake allowing the crossing through Continental Divide and then lowers the ships to sea level on the other side of the Isthmus.  The water used to raise and lower the vessels in each set of locks is obtained from Gatun Lake by gravity and poured into the locks through a main culvert system that extends under the locks chambers from the sidewalls and center walls. A wonder to behold! The Panama Canal  is expanding to double the waterway's capacity to satisfy the increasing demand of world maritime trade.

I am always at peace, just sitting and watching nature pass by.  The mountain, the lush vegetation, makes you want to give a standing ovation to mother nature. In Gamboa in the rainforest, nature was at its best, food was good also, a hearty breakfast each morning and I was all revved up to go exploring.  We traveled to Embera an Indigenous Indian village, via the Changres river on small but efficient wooden boats, tilapia abounds  in the river.  Along the way, a little of everything, mangrove alongside the riverbanks, tourists paddle boarding.  In the village they gave us history lessons, entertained us, fed us plantain grown around the village and fish from the Changres river. The traditional dressing, the painted faces that tell who were single or married women, cooking the ancient way, were their choices and they appeared very joyful.



Panama is a country of celebration.  In the month of November alone, to name a few, there was Independence day, flag day, children day, memorial day and on and on.  Early morning we took off on a 9 passenger plane to San Blas Island.  Later on we landed on a strip of land where a 'sailor' awaited to take us to the Akwadup camp.  My meals prepared by the caretaker and her husband for our 2 day stay consisted of potatoes and water-producing chayote. Bland!  Our lovely companions, staying at the same lodge on our first night was a couple who moved from the States and now call Panama home.  They live on another coast and was vacationing just like us.  Night fall found us under the mosquito net taking cover. We had another visitor from Sweden, the other couple had moved on, with  we swapped travel stories and enjoyed each others company for the short stay. On our walk through the village we came upon children playing, music blasting western music and women selling molas(cloth with embroidery); I bought a piece which has been already added to a decorative pillow at home.

Another day in Panama City and we decided to ride the subway at the Iglesia del Carmen, estacion(station).  We did not know the ropes to board the train but a kind soul helped us out and swiped us through just like I have done many times in NYC.  Tonight as we prepare to say adios, we decided to eat in the hotel where we stayed.  It is Indionista night{Indian cuisine} and the vegetarian choices have grown.  It was a great journey to this LAND of PLENTY, enticing enough for a second visit.

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever"
Mahatma Gandhi

PUSHED

Sephora has been pushing Maybelline's buttons. She has taken an instant dislike to her and Maybelline felt this from the moment they met. But May as her friends fondly call her, showed no sign of the tug of war and continued to pull her weight.  They had this big project facing them and it needed all the manpower and focus they could muster up to get it finished in an excellent form.
Sephora had rapidly built the almighty throne and began her immediate ascent.  Maybelline watched the movements of Sephora and her cohorts.

There were so many who used the same tactics, ploughing their way to 'fame' while shoving someone out of the way. Sephora had begun to build her empire, gathering the people for the court and Maybelline was not one of them.  Neutrogena became the high priestess and she fitted right in with Sephora.  This cunning, calculating, ambitious person was extremely competitive and likes the spotlight. Maybelline watched as her eyes sunk and her body rocked when Lancome had the floor.  Lancome had researched his role and was able to give his reason why bringing water to this village would be beneficial to the residents.  Although he did not expect acceptance of his proposal he wanted to make sure that he had thought this out well. Crafty Nuetrogena was not happy because there was a good sign that Lancome's work would be recognized.

Maybelline knew that Sephora was courting others; but they are unlikely candidates for her court,they were described as damaged goods, stained, not in good standing.  She could however use them for pushing Maybelline aside. "For you I will set them straight.  I am different, they dare not cross me, because when they do, they cross you too."  A strong statement coming from Revlona, she hopes this will have Sephora noticing.  Another recruit for her majesty's court. This is a coy one, her eyes bulge, her shoulders and her body curl up when she does not agree. She is an underground friend of those she thinks are in  in high places and will do anything to let them know she is different.You cannot take your eyes off Revlona.

Maybelline stood erect as she entered the courtyard.  She knew this is the moment she will be scalded, burnt, become cinder, whichever, the feeling is the same.  Sephora had begun to set the table, she wanted a different setting but Maybelline noticed it was the same old sisal mats, there may be shades of red where green once stood, the pattern may be thinner, they call it more refined.  Yet Maybelline knew that they had traded ineptness for more ineptness, arrogance for arrogance on a huge scale and yes the Islands had even grown wider apart.

                               Maybelline had her buttons pushed
                               They are trying to keep her perplexed.
                               She is PUSHED to the side
                               Always playing second fiddle.
                               Let's PUSH her to the curb
                               But she  managed to crawl back in.
                             
                               Now let's try PUSHING her to the edge
                               This spells danger.
                               She certainly couldn't recover from this?
                               And she did!
                               She ignored the neon exit sign
                               Flashing in fury
                               And in defiance she PUSHED back.




Q&A

1. The title "Pushed" could either give a positive or negative meaning. Explain what it means here?
2. "Sephora had begun to set the table" Translate!
3. Why is Lancome significant?
4. Describe a time you were PUSHED?
5. The "neon exit sign" why the fury?
6. What are your thoughts about Maybelline?

                     

CHOOSE TO CARE 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

MANY     THANKS 

2014 was a good year for us, we were able to help many more projects that were seeking shoes for the children they serve.

OUR      SERVICE

We provide shoes for the youth in need, whether it is for sports, for dancing or just having a decent pair of shoes so they can attend school.

We hope that this simple act of giving a pair of shoes to the child in need will trigger a sense of hope which will lead to greater confidence and their desire to strive to remain in school and make a difference in their lives and those around them by climbing out of poverty.  There are many children here at home and abroad who go without the basic needs, which includes not having a decent pair of shoes and this hinders them from participating in normal activities such as attending school, playing sports, etc.

                                                 

                                                          OUR     SOLUTION

We are hoping that working through Organizations such as DONORS CHOOSE that fund Teachers" projects, we will make it easier for teachers to concentrate on developing children who will bring new ideas to the table.

OUR      IMPACT

We provide shoes for children so that they stay in school continue to remain involved in activities that will help them develop and reach their greatest potential yet.

    2014 FUNDRAISING

In 2014 we had our biggest fundraiser event "Macy's Shop For A Cause".  This year we were allowed to bring our fundraising in-store for 2 days, allowing us to earn extra funds.  All of the money gained from selling the store's discount coupons to friends and families and to shoppers in store was used to fund our 2014 Projects.

     RESPONSES FROM PROJECTS FUNDED

This year we sponsored five (5) projects fro the Donors Choose organization and there were many letters from students and teachers filled with gratitude. Here is an example: "I am so grateful for your generous  donations that helped to achieve our goals in purchasing shoes for my dancers.  Some of my students have been dancing for years outside of public school,some have never taken a formal

class before and are developing their talents only within this class..." This came from Ms. Martine, the teacher.

SOMETHING     DIFFERENT

This year we began to highlight those who have supported CHOOSE TO CARE and wanted to hear from them why they do?  Each and every contributor is important to us and we value their loving support.

     OUR     THOUGHTS

We are seeking to grow and network with other Agencies providing for the youth in need and become more relevant in the lives of the children we wish to assist. We have been exploring ideas and looking for the best fit to sustain CHOOSE TO CARE so we have a greater impact.  Yet to come!

If you have any comments or suggestions, we would love to hear them.

                                                                    WITH GRATITUDE!

                           
 

SQUEEZED

                                                     
                                                    Simone is in a dark place
                                                    Pushed to the side
                                                    On far too many occasions.
                                                    Ignored while plans are made
                                                    Then presented with
                                                     "This is what we are thinking."
                                                      But the deal has already been sealed
                                                      And Simone knows that her opinion
                                                      does not count.




                                                      Yesterday was a bleak and dreary day
                                                       She had HOPES that today
                                                       Would end in a better way.
                                                       There is time yet, as morning
                                                       Lingers into noon
                                                       But as the end draws soon
                                                       Simone knows she has lost this bet
                                                       Today somber mood and dark clouds
                                                        Have met.



                                                         Another tempestuous being has arrived
                                                         Simone quickly derived.
                                                         What a clueless way to live, she thought
                                                          Each and every resident that entered
                                                          That zone
                                                          Has not learned what the sensible
                                                          Has taught
                                                          That kindness, fairness,acceptance
                                                           Always set a better tone.




                                                            So even if you are broken
                                                            And every word you have spoken
                                                            Is shoved aside as if meaningless,
                                                            You must never surrender nor digress
                                                             From the path of steadfastness.
                                                             For down that road awaits you
                                                             All the goodness you are due.



                                     So Simone, Simone, even though you are feeling
                                     SQUEEZED
                                     Someday, this senseless act will boldly say
                                     CEASED.

                                                         



ONE LOVE!


Q&A

• The poem is called "Squeezed"  What comes to mind with such a title?
• Simone is in a dark place, the verse begins.  Think about a time you were in a dark place and how did you escape?
• What word indicates that Simone has not given up?
• There is mention of the zone, to what is the author referring?
• What goodness may await  anyone who travels down the  path of "steadfastness"?
• There is a promise that Someday things will get better, is this too far-fetched, how long should Simone wait?
• Put yourself in Simone shoes while she is waiting for this selfish act of squeezing to end, what else would you do?