Tag: Culture

Reasons Why I Wrote a Book of Poems

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Reasons Why I Wrote a Book Of Poems

Reasons Why I Wrote a Book Of Poems

I’ll just start off by saying that this is my first book. It’s a chapbook, so there won’t be a lot of pages. The maximum number of pages there will be is 43 to 44 pages with the sum of 18 poems. I say that range because I’m publishing this on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and there’s an extra page on Barnes & Noble.

The season of last summer was bittersweet for me — things just came and went. My birthday falls in July… another year of life that’s worth celebrating, meanwhile my Uncle’s in the hospital fighting for his with Cancer. Even while I took the week off to celebrate my birthday, it was hard to ignore the fact that this may be it for my Uncle; I didn’t know when, I just knew it would come, and four days after my birthday, he passed away. It seemed to be the finale of that week with my birthday.

Death puts things into perspective. Last year, especially during the summer, I was trying to find myself creative wise. I attempted to practice playing the keyboards (still an ongoing process), painted, sketched, began doing pottery, started singing again, and writing short stories that eventually turned into poetry. 

Growing up, I was always fond of poetry. I just didn’t know how to write it. It gets a bad rap for being a snobby form of creative writing, with the stereotype of having to bring a dictionary to look up fancy words hard to pronounce and intimidate many. Also, there’s that stereotype of having to rhyme per sentence and paragraph, which is beyond false. Some of the best and most notable poets barely rhymed in their poems (Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, etc.). The misconception of feeling out of place for the reader, creates the imposter syndrome not appealing to the general crowd. However, through trauma, I finally got it.

All these pent-up frustrations of why I made it feel as if I couldn’t breathe. Anxiety’s a bitch for real. There were times where I felt like I couldn’t breathe, over hyperventilating, other times it was just pure worrying. I’d worry about when and where I would have the seizure. Would it be at work? At home? While I’m out for a run, or worst event full of people? A concert, the movies, crossing the street? What about at the groceries? It was no longer me being afraid of the nocturnal seizures that I’ve had before. All thoughts let to my demise. Just trying to navigate this change in my life has been an uphill battle. Most days are good. I release the frustrations through journaling, being outdoors, going for a run, laughing, spending time with family and friends, and just being creative, but I felt mad and sad.

So, with the evolution of my writing, I journaled. The journaling inspired me to write short stories… specifically horror themed stories, in which led to writing poems. I know that’s an ironic order— from horror short stories to poems, but this was the case I couldn’t control the journey.

I didn’t want to just start off by the struggles of being black, because we all know that struggle. Despite it, I wanted to state the message of the struggles of mental health, having an invisible disability, being a woman while being black. It was a message that we’re human and we struggle too.

I’m 90 percent finished with this book. I have the cover-page; I’ve reedited the manuscript while cutting down several poems (from 30 to 18 poems). The colour theme of the cover page will be purple, which is the colour to bring awareness on Epilepsy.

Creatively, there’s joy in expressing the trauma. Overall, my life has not been an easy journey besides this condition, but I’ve always pushed forward. Poems are not about fancy words and rhyming per sentence and paragraph, it’s about painting words to a canvas creating a mental picture, in formation to any aesthetic you want in whatever rhythm you’d like.

I’m not even sure how good the poems are, but this risk is something I need to do for myself to feed into my goal of publishing a book, in my own terms and creative control. I’m not expecting this to sell a million copies (although the money would help and I’d welcome it greatly), but I hope it reaches someone who’s struggling with whatever. Because that’s the whole point:

 The writer connecting with the reader.

The name of my book: The Lover’s Pool (Out June 14th)

Trinidad: Family, Music, Life and Culture

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As someone who was born in Canada to Caribbean parents, the household had a lot of interesting, strict, and eclectic values.

You see Trinidad is a small island, and a small population, just over a million people with big dreams, and hope for a brighter future. Both of my parents come from the island known for one of the biggest carnivals in the world, the food, the rum, scorching weather, the diversity, the friendly people…a Trini, that is short for Trinidadian, or Trinbagonian for Trinidad and Tobago, and of course the adorable sing song accent.

The culture at times is an island of partying and celebration.

Long story short, the whole idea of carnival was to celebrate the emancipation of slavery in Trinidad and Tobago. For such a petite island, the immense impact is stamped in history. The steel pan is an instrument birthed by Trinidad deriving from West African roots long passed over to music genres from Calypso, Soca, Dancehall and Jazz music. Janelle Commissiong was the first ever black women to be crowned Miss Universe in 1977. There are a few female rappers of Trini descent; Nicki Minaj immigrated to the U.S. at five being born in Trinidad. Cardi B’s mother is a Trini so you know we will claim her as a Trini. Actor Winston Duke of Black Panther and last year’s horror flick Us originates from Tobago. Actors Nia Long, Alfonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton) and Tatyana Ali of Fresh Prince of Bell Air both have Trini roots. I read somewhere that Will Smith loves traveling to Trinidad. Coincidence?

Now that you got a little backstory on the big impact the Trinidad and Tobago has created, this coincides with a part of how I was raised.

Here is a  list of how I was raised from my Trini parents:

  1. Family always comes first.
  2. Music is a must in a household.
  3. Perseverance and resiliency will help you go far in this life.
  4. Thing or ‘Ting’ meant pretty much anything and you of course either understood what it meant or had to understand the meaning.
  5. Nah of nuh basically is directed to you. For example: “Go get the groceries in the car nuh.”
  6. You will learn how to eat spicy food and realize that this really is flaming hot sauce; you will cough at first but as someone of Trini descent… you will get used to it. You will get bragging Trini rights if you can handle the sauce.
  7. Callaloo is the best dish created on earth in my humble opinion, doubles are right behind and of course macaroni pie along with roti (a pita like dish with any filling like curried chicken, chickpeas, and beef).
  8. We always persevere.
  9. Creativity is everything.
  10. Always having a positive outlook on life.

Whether you know about this country or not, as a first generation Canadian born to immigrants originating from Trinidad, and despite the growing violence occurring there, it always fills a big stamp in the way that I grew up. Wherever I travel a Trini is there with pride behind that word. There is strength behind the flag with colours consisting of red, white, and black with a song or two playing in the background, steel pan following the tune and macaroni pie being baked.

This is what helped to mold me.

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How I Prepare For My Trips Abroad

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Ah it’s that time of year again… vacation time!

So if this is the first time you are reading my blog, I can’t stress how much I love to travel. Within five years, having ventured to nine countries, commuting to three continents, it’s pretty safe to say that I am a world traveler. As many adventurists know, once you get stung by the traveling bug you just cannot stop. I know that I have many more countries to explore, sightsee, and just be present in my surroundings along with experiencing a different culture.

This month I will be going on another adventure, once more. But before I disclose where I will be traveling (discreetly since more information will be disclosed when I come back), here are some ways that I prepare for my vacation.

 

 

1. Doing My Research

Doing research to any country where you may be a foreigner to is crucial for numerous reasons. If for any reasons that may require you to cancel your trip, prepare for the worst in terms of safety, poisonous insects and viruses that require vaccinations, or a water crisis (like the time I traveled to South Africa last year in April which was the height of the crisis), you need to be aware of what’s going on for the proper precautions taken. I can’t stress this enough about the importance of doing your homework.

2. Checking To See If Your Passport Needs To Be Updated

Trust me on this, you don’t want to already be commuting to the airport to a country that requires your passport to be valid within 6 months before expiration when yours expires in just a month. The security won’t have it and you will have 2 options that will not benefit you at all (one being paying a fine and two to not fly). So this is another reason as to why doing your proper research will benefit you in the long run. Different countries within different continents have different rules on the expiration date on a passport. I can’t stress this enough.

3. Getting The Best Sleep The Day Before

Because you may not get any sleep at all on the plane if you are like me. Plus once you enter the airport, if you haven’t yet… get your boarding pass, check in your luggage, and my least favourite activity, do a security check up which can include taking your shoes off. This is why there’s a requirement to show up at least three hours before the departure.

4. Jogging

I had to add this in since I love running. Pretty much before any trip, a good workout will energize you that results (may or may not in my case) in possibly sleeping on a plane.  Also there are endorphins released resulting in good moods hence since you will be on an adventure so why be mad? Plus you are doing a lot of walking especially on a layover when you arrive in one country for let’s say an hour, flying to another.

5. Drinking Plenty Water

As we all are aware of the amazing benefits of water. Another addition to the proof of benefits is the fact that drinking water before, during and after a plain ride may help improve any sort of jet lag. So drinking alcohol will not help your situation if you are trying to avoid the dreaded jet lag.

 

6. Packing Not Too Much Clothes

For reasons that include not breaking the bank when you have to pay extra if your luggage weighs more than the requirement, or it’s just too damn heavy to drag along, you want to be comfortable when heading from one place to another. Half the time you are not even wearing all of you clothes.

 

7.  Packing Enough Undergarments

You can never have enough underwear, bras, panties… you name it. This is crucial and I don’t even need to explain. Also other aspects of hygiene are applicable to this including lotion, deodorant, dentil floss, a tooth brush and mouth wash. No one wants to be around someone who does not take care of themselves… just saying.

 

8. Eating A Well Balanced Diet When Flying At Night

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, no words could be any truer. Plus a nutritious meal on a whole will benefit you in ways like for example your head. Flying thousands of feet up in the air will take a toll on you, and not eating at all will make you feel lightheaded. Don’t do that! Eat away.

 

9. Listening To All The Staff Members In The Airport and Airplane

I just think it would be stupid for you to do the opposite. It may cause you your trip.

 

10. Being Friendly/Cooperative Passenger To The Person Beside/Behind/In Front of You

Especially when you have to travel longs hours on a plane, being friendly to everyone without being annoying just makes life easier on a whole for everyone. Don’t be that person who has their stretched all the way to the back when someone behind you is pretty much suffocating, or taking up space when not necessary. I know claustrophobia is a real thing and this is also not fun to experience.

 

11. Where Comfy Clothes

Since going on an excursion requires time and effort, both mental and physical, being in breathable clothing is a must. This also goes for shoes as well. I know some people are all about following their favourite celebrities like Kylie and Kendal, and that’s cool, be Instagram ready, I love fashion and having a look so rock your style in breathable clothing. This is just my suggestion based on my experience with traveling. Doing 30 hours in total of traveling takes a toll on your body. It’s your choice though.

12. Buy Travel Medical Insurance

It does not matter how old you are. Whether you are in your 20’s or 100 years old, please do yourself a favour and buy the travel medical insurance. You never, I repeat, never know when you may need this to come in handy. Health is wealth… you will be doing yourself a huge favour.

13. Taking It All In

Just take in everything… yes I mean EVERYTHING. Because like many major events in life, like planning a wedding, a graduation or even a monumental birthday. The preparation for any milestones are part of the milestone. So just take it all in and with stride because you will get to where you need to be eventually.

So off I go on my next adventure!

Next stop… Malta.

The Photo Shoots

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The month of April was pretty hectic as I was collaborating with a few creative people from Hamilton which helped me to gain some experience with modelling. With this particular event, I took photos for Verni who has a youtube channel called Big Ups Hamilton, and  Chivo, a freelance photographer, who has jewelry line called Hip Hop Bling Show along with the hat gear called Lazy Gear. Another name that I have to mention is my good friend Gady Mayen who is an aspiring photographer and might I add has an extreme knack for the art. A special shout out to the two models, Alison Pipe and Jessica Hubbard that also tagged along with this project… all great vibes. So here they are!

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Songs That Have a Prince Inspired Sound

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It has been exactly one year since the legendary musician Prince has passed away. Like many other talented singers within his era, Prince created a legacy all in his own right.  I have love for groundbreaking singers like Michael Jackson, and respect for icon Madonna, but Prince created a new and distinctive sound in the 80’s that is duplicated today by many popular artists in the 21st century. Here is my list of songs that were inspired by Prince. I did not feel like they needed to be in order from worst to best because each song is brilliant in a Prince-inspired way!

Promise-  Ciara 

By far one of Ciara’s best songs. Miss CiCi sounded like the female version of Prince. From the falsetto singing, hypnotic beat,  and synthesizer singing in the background, the song still sounds amazing today, not feeling dated.

 Adorn- Miguel 

Miguel is basically the modern day Prince, so a song like this is right up his ally. From beginning to end, Adorn keeps up with appearances… including how bizarre the video is as well. Of course the vocals are on point.

Kiss It Better- Rihanna

Been waitin’ on that sunshine boy I think it need that back! 

Rihanna’s vocals on this song gives me life. There is strength, clarity, soul and passion burning out of Riri’s voice. The lyrics is straight to the point with no strings attached. The electric guitar and simple beat in the background all scream a classic Prince song making it a priceless moment for Bad Gal RiRi.

Rock The Boat- Aaliyah

Aaliyah was of course inspired by Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, but from the lyrics, and innovative beats, the song sounds like something Prince would written and recorded sometime back. Either way (and unfortunately) this is one of the late singer’s signature songs.

Q.U.E.E.N. -Janelle Monae

This song is a little bit more political, adding the feminist tones to it. All the more reasons why the late legendary singer has inspired Janelle Monae. I just feel like adding Erykah Badu’s name to the list since she is feature on the song just because she is cool. He was also featured on her last album, Electric Lady. It may appear on this list…

Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart- Alicia Keys

I read once that when writing and producing the song, Prince was the inspiration for Alicia Keys. Clearly! This was her moment to impress, and I think she succeeded in that.

Climax- Usher

Many compare the song to something that The Weeknd would sing which is well deserved on his behalf, but first and foremost I feel like if Prince was time travelling to the 21st century… this song would have belonged to him. This is one of Usher’s most underrated songs, but clearly hard to sing, creating the “climax.” Pun intended.

Dance For You- Beyonce 

Another underrated song that also needs to be on this list. From the horns, to the electric guitar, to Beyonce’s eclectic vocals, she shows the world why she is Queen Bey.

Until The End Of Time- Justin Timberlake ft. Beyonce

If they ever released a video for this… I will keep you all thinking the what ifs. However, every time this song is played it becomes more of a classic. Beyonce does make the song much more interesting for some reason. Listen to it without her and you will see the difference.

Umbrella- Rihanna

You probably did not think twice before hearing this song. I see some inspiration here and Umbrella somehow compliments another song…Purple Rain. I’ll leave it there.

Cranes In The Sky- Solange

Solange is not only weird like Prince, but what they have in come (or a few things) is the soulfulness that they bring to each song. In the 90’s you saw the departure of what Prince usually sang that geared towards a new genre called Neo Soul.

Motivation- Kelly Rowland

Ms. Kelly had her moment to shine here and she did not fail to. The back drop of the beat sounds classic. Her performance at the BET Awards in 2011 was by far the best that year. Rowland was just killing it!

Really Love- D’ Angelo and The Vanguard

This live performance from D’Angelo and The Vanguard gets me speechless. He sounds just like the recorded version. When Prince passed away, I remember him paying tribute to the late singer. The passion and the falsetto voice reminds me a lot of Prince.

Untitled (How Does it Feel)- D’Angelo

I am keeping things PG-13 because you have to be a certain age to watch the actual music video, so there will be no complications in watching the video, but here is the album version of the classic. I do feel like the video overshadows the actual song. When actually listening to the song, the versatile vocals, crazy riffs and rafts from the electric guitar, and tone of the song breathes Prince’s name all over it. D’Angelo is one of my favourite male artists but Prince helped to inspired this sound.

Rocket- Beyonce

I not only see a Prince comparison, but of course D’Angelo’s Untitled song as well. Funny enough you don’t have to log in to view this. The modern day Prince, also known as Miguel co-wrote the song. Need I say more?

One In a Million- Aaliyah

It’s a classic falsetto slow jam, all the more to be inspired the legendary singer himself.

Do What You Want- Lady Gaga Ft. R.Kelly

This song is as Pop/R&B as Lady GaGa will ever get. The duo with R.Kelly may sound odd but they do create the musical magic needed. I needed to post a live performance to showcase the humour and talent shown from both of the genius artists.

Future Sex/Love Sound- Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake may sound more like Michael Jackson than any other artist, accept for The Weeknd. With that being said, not in this song. The production and vocals are leaning more towards Prince’s voice.

High For This – The Weeknd

Speaking of the singer; it is known that Scarborough native The Weeknd is a fan of Prince. So when you here the similarities… you will understand why I chose this song.

Two Weeks- FKA Twigs

Visually, the video reminds me of Aaliyah from Queen of The Damned, by sound there is a mix of Bjork and Prince along with comparing the lyrics. The singer needs to be showcased for her versatile talents. What better way to compare her to the late singer.

Pony- Ginuwine

The video is so bizarre which is one reason why it needs to be on this list. Timbaland’s production seems to have some inspiration by another creative genius but I won’t say who. Lastly, of course the movie Magic Mike brought more hype to the song, retaining the classic 90’s jam back into the limelight.

Redbone- Childish Gambino


Childish Gambino surprised me here. I knew he could sing and had some range, but not in a D’Angelo/Prince- falsetto range. This is a sound that’s inspired by the 70’s funk sound in which the earlier sound of Prince was formed. The song is always on repeat…

Give Em What They Love- Janelle Monae Ft. Prince

This had to be the last song on the list… it features the late singer. What I love the most, aside from Prince singing and playing his electric guitar, was the fact that Janelle Monae kept up with his energy. If you have not heard this song before and you are a fan of the singer, I advise you to replay it. It is by far one of my favourite collaborations in music. I can just imagine what Janelle must be thinking when she recorded the song with the legend and of course after when he passed away.

To Americans Who Want to Move to Canada

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Did anyone see Barack Obama’s speech last night? Tear jerking. I cannot believe that eight years has gone by since he came in the White House as the 44th President. With the the timing it does makes sense; I was 18 at the time when he won, now I am 26 but time is flying by way too fast.

Now it is 2017, this is my 21st blog post and yes I did take a little break from blogging and work with some R&R in sweet sweet T&T (Trinidad and Tobago) where I ate all of the great foods including roti, black cake, having doubles for breakfast and drank all of the punch de creme and sorrel. Coming back to the cold weather in Canada made me want to fly back to the heat quickly, but I do love this country and I am a proud Canadian (Trini).

So back to American politics. For all Americans trying to immigrate to Canada, it will be hard, but I have a few things that you will need in order to be a true Canuck. Here we go!

Bring Winter Gear

Places like Vancouver will be nice and relatively warm this time of the year so all of you Americans who are coming from warmer climates will adjust to that kind of weather. However, if you are coming to Provinces like Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba etc… bring your winter gear. Have warm clothing that includes a nice, warm pair of water protected boots, a coat, some gloves of mittens and of course your head gear because you certainly can’t survive below zero degree (Celsius) weather.

Become a Fan of a Canadian Sports Team

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This is not a suggestion… it’s a must! Whether you like hockey, football and of course basketball (I am biased… go Raptors go), you must convert quickly or be aware of the teams that represent the great North. P.S. Drake nights are usually on Wednesdays for the Raptors team.

Don’t Forget Your Timmies

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There’s not one place in Canada where you can’t find a Tim Hortons… they are everywhere. The coffee shop’s first restaurant is located in Hamilton, Ontario; where I and of course hockey player Tim Horton is from. The prices are decent and the food is not too bad, but don’t forget your timbits. Those little bite-sized donuts are the ultimate Canadian snack… munch on!

Protective Hairstyles

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If you know about natural hair (not chemicals) with the kinks, curls, coils and any texture in between, then you will understand why protective hairstyling is so important in the colder weather. Curlier textures tend to dry out more quickly than straight hair. Hairstyles like boxed braids, (located above) cornrows and twist lock in the moisture along with cutting down the time of styling your own hair. Strategizing is always a must.

A Cute Pair of PJ’s

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You can’t hate on a comfortable pajama outfit.

The Food

There are so much variety when it comes to food. Poutine is one of the staple foods for Canada and also a must to eat; forget the calories. I’m a vegetarian so of course I will look for options like falafels (this includes chickpeas), roti and a black bean burger because… why not!

Diversity

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Unlike so many who are not Canadian, this country strives on diversity. From the Pride Parade that occurs in June to Caribana ( which is one of the biggest events in the country : 1 million people around the world come to celebrate Caribbean culture in Toronto) we get lit (or shall I say having fun). Then there is festivals that celebrate Greek culture in cities like Toronto along with other festivities going on throughout the year. You can achieve so much in this country without having to worry about not being accepted for who you are.  Like what author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said:

“Culture does not make people. People make culture,”

This is a fact.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

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From Quebec City to Montreal which gives you a feeling like if you are in France to the great outdoors of Ontario,  along with Provinces that I myself has not visited yet like Nova Scotia, Alberta and many other beautiful places. The country is big and great to explore. I may try to visit Vancouver soon.

Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residence

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These two recommendations are a must or else you will be deported back to the U.S. It’s definitely not easy getting a Canadian citizenship like some people may think. Some people opt to apply for permanent residence in order to work within the country. When you get your citizenship… this will be worth the wait.

This is to all Americans trying so hard to come here,

Good luck!