Why We Need Bookstores in All Communities

Article; "Why We Must Save Black Bookstores"

What happens to a world that is completely void of physical human contact? More and more we are starting to see this “Asimov” concept play out. As I type this on my computer, to send to the anonymous world of readers, I see how easy it is to get trapped. The article “why we must save black bookstores” struck a strong chord with me. I am from a single parent home, in a 99% african american community. Libraries, bookstores, and community centers were staples in my life. I went there to “stay out of trouble,” learn of my heritage, and talk about issues of the day. In many ways, these places were my first trip around the world. I learned more about my culture on a global level, more about what it means to connect to people, and how and where I could do research to find out even more information. These places taught me about life. As we advance, as technology shows us a million possibilities, there is a cosntant fear that should be present: can we come together as people if we continue to grow closer to technology? Now, I am not a technophobe. I have friends and family all over the world, and I love that I can talk to them on a regular basis. However, B&N.com, Amazon, etc. make book culture much more allusive. I can save gas, time, and patience by buying books online. Why would I ever want to leave the house?!?! This article shows us why we should. Without bookstores and libraries we lose the places that root us to one another. We lose the places that we can go to talk about issues important to our communities; not just African-Americans but all people who strive for knowledge, empowerment, and unity. These places are dying; and until we can learn to shake off the laziness, desire more community engagement, and value face-to-face interaction, we as a nation will always be divided. Our constant need, and the current ease, of staying in our own bubble is what allows hate, division, and ignorance to persist. Visit a bookstore in your community, buy something, it could literally change our lives.
Article link by:By R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy, PhD

Review: The Bourne Legacy

I got to check out an advanced screening of Bourne Legacy tonight. I think there will be a lot of conflicting views on this movie. However, I come to you tonight with a heavy heart. As a huge fan of the Bourne books and movies, a fan of Jeremy Renner, and a lover of complex-action stories, I tried to love it. I can say that… I liked it. I can say that it is worth a watch, just for Renner alone. He, as usual, is captivating, raw, unpolished. Even people like Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, and Stacy Keach were worth a listen and a watch. But the Bourne Legacy has the same problem that most movies that try to continue the franchise without having been a part of the original have: the story doesn’t fully stick. There were parts were I often wondered, “other than staying alive, what is the goal??” Apparently, a few YouTube videos and possible public links of members of the former team make it necessary to kill everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) associated or linked to the endless list of “secret” operations. Aaron Cross (Renner) knows nothing of his purpose, team status, or how many others there might be. He crosses a mountain and almost immediately must fight for his life. A few nosebleeds, an unsuspecting wolf-later and we are on a ride that while entertaining, seems forced. Dr. Shearing (Weisz) is one of the few people that Cross feels can help, and much like previous Bourne movies, he finds himself drawn to help and protect her. They eventually end up on the opposite side of the world and must find a way to complete the “goal.” Ok, so one my biggest problem is the built-up showdown between Cross and a Larx operative. It is a huge letdown. I won’t tell you what happens, but safe to say it isn’t pretty and it is very fast. So yes I can articulate a storyline, I can tell you what might be happening, but it was very hard for me to understand the importance of it while it was happening. At some points, I felt like it was made up after every scene was wrapped. The very abrupt ending, did not help the “I think they wrote this on a whim” idea either. Still, my heavy heart says go see it. It says try not to over-think it as I did. Don’t compare this to the Bourne trilogy (it is a fight that Legacy can’t win). Try not to see connections between the story and real-life events (i.e. in which governmental operations allow for innocence to be destroyed just to save a public image). Go see it because it is a fun ride. Go see it because the action is raw, there are no shaky camera scenes, and because Jeremy Renner is really on to something.

Pyscho

 Re-watched Psycho today for the 200th time. It was so captivating, and wonderfully crafted. I am a huge Hitchcock fan and I am excited to see the Hopkins’ film next year.

The Dark Knight Rises: Review

So I just finished The Dark Knight Rises. It is the end of an era and I am very sad to see it go. I am a huge C. Nolan fan and Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors. The accuracy, passion, and dedication they have brought to their respective crafts is astonishing. I am also a big fan of the Batman comics and cartoon. I love it. Going into this I already knew there was a cloud of darkness hanging over the film. With the recent heinous tragedy in Colorado and the death of Heath Ledger from the last movie, it felt like a strange aura surrounded this trilogy. As I watched, I understood why. The movie is incredibly dark; there are some parts where hope seems so small that it is almost non-existent. However, that is the operative word: almost. Batman has to face a lot, in fact the entire city of Gotham faces a lot. I have heard plenty of reviews from comic fans to economists. This movie definitely speaks to the time. It places itself right in front of the “class-warfare” and Occupy movements. It definitely does not give an opinion other than any form of extremism, whether wealthy, middle-class or the working class is wrong. It all causes suffering. Both of them are not fair and allow for people to be torn apart. It is the desire to be better, the love of friendship, loyalty, bravery, and courage that sustain life and make it worthwhile. It did give a glimpse of how people who are not the 1% or even the 10% feel. The frustration with just getting by, watching those who have a lot flaunt it around, and the lack of humility on the part of those in power. It is a heavy movie. There are heavy topics. Yet, I walk away from the film feeling hopeful; knowing that fighting for human rights, and being a hero to just one person still makes you a hero. I feel happy and vindicated. I feel that Batman and all of his allies show people what is possible in the face of evil, when hope is almost failing, and when bravery seems futile. That is what Batman has always been about: anonymously fighting for justice, while leaving traces of hope for the future. Nolan took the already amazing story and made it bigger than life, and gave it a voice in such similar times.

Thought of the day: One day soon I am going to research and do a paper on the ideas of black hair. As a natural hair woman for over 5 years now, and like many people, I am obsessed with my hair. One day I will get the courage to explore what it means psychologically, socially, ethnically to be so concerned with my hair and image.

The announcement that was made a week ago by President Obama was a milestone. It showed a progression that this country, and the world as a whole, had made. The president of the United States taking a stand and saying what he truly believes: Same-sex couples should have the right to marry. Over the last week I have analyzed the amount of support and love he received, but I also witnessed and had discussions with people on how it was tearing away the fabric of our country. Support from people was overwhelming, but stories about Bristol Palin (single, teenaged mother) saying that Pres. Obama should teach his daughters instead of them teaching him, and that children should be raised by a man and a woman was disturbing. Hearing people claim that traditional marriage should not be tainted and destroyed by “the gays” was the most common answer on the negative-side of things. Yet my stance remains true: Human rights are not just for certain humans, they are for all. At some point in history, and even currently, one of the many minorities has been persecuted, and the claim is that they deserve less because anything more would destroy America’s values. Why is it that the majority loves to brag about freedom and rights, when it has to do with a war or an outside force, but it is not true when dealing with our own citizens? Religion and spirituality is something that I hold dear to my heart. I grew up with God being important, talked about, worshipped yet I believe that my relationship is personal. In fact, through my study of life I have meshed many religions to find my way. Christianity is primary, but many other religions and spiritual paths complete me. I do understand that not everyone is like me. Not everyone has friends that are different from themselves, or walked in a Pride Parade for a friend, or love people regardless of differing values. Your religion and faith is sacred…but I do not believe that God wants you to oppress, judge, or ridicule people. We should all live under the law of love, compassion, and understanding. Love is love. God sees us all and knows our pain. He made us, and knows what he made. He loves everyone, and no one on this earth has the ability to say otherwise.

The bible should not be used as a rock to throw at people. Furthermore, marriage is not a Christian-only practice. You cannot deny people governmental rights based on religion because we do not live in a theocracy. Someone else’s marriage should not affect yours. If you are happy, content, working at it, and focusing on your fulfillment-then your marriage and values are not tied up in what someone else is doing. Things that are tearing down families are unfaithfulness, lies, deceit, disrespect, and laziness; not gay marriage. These arguments are just another excuse people use to get distracted from their own issues.

Finally, being African American and a woman makes it hard for me to be in the side of people who want to deny rights and benefits. It was only a century ago that marriages were legal for African Americans and less than that before women could vote. Blacks only received full rights less than 50 years ago. To say, “they should not be allowed to do this because THEY are that” should taste funny in all minorities mouths. Shameful that we are ok denying rights to people when we are still fighting to get all of our benefits and recognition. All in all, we should all take a step back. Stop the hate. And remember that human rights are for everyone, and when they are denied to one group it will only be a matter of time before they come for you…

The Tree of Life

I finally watched Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and I have to say that it is a beautiful film: the way the camera moves across galaxies, landscapes, and the faces of the characters. It was artisitic to say the least. With that being said, I do not really know how to tell people what it was about. It was about a lot and nothing at the same time. The movie involves three distinct story lines: A 1950's suburban family, A man named Jack, and the Universe. Brad Pitt was actually very good in his portrayal of the father. Jessica Chastain made me feel all her emotions without saying a lot. And, all the boys pulled at the heartstrings and invoked a remembrance of childhood.

The questions of faith, death and life, and relationships are constants on the minds of the characters. As Jack (Sean Penn) grows up he tries to figure out his relationship with his father. He struggled with death and living since he was young and never truly understood it. The movie also shows how complicated relationships with parents can be. How we take those first relationships into our minds as adults. How do you reconcile yourself with the ideas of your father? The heart of the movie does come from its characters. The Obrien's struggle with loss, pain, and a simple life. A father who wants his young boys to grow up respectful and disciplined. A mother who wants her family to feel loved and cared for most of all. And, boys, one in particular, who wants to understand his place, life, and what it all means. It is a beautiful story of family, that I truly believe Malick pulled from his own memories and heart. Those images and ideas could only come from personal struggle and experience.

However, for me the most prominent ideas were also the most frustrating. Life and death happen simultaneously. The beginnings of the galaxy and the end happen almost at the same time. In this long history, in this huge world our problems and issues are as big as the death of the dinosaurs or the creation of the planets. How can we make sense of our own existence in the midst of the Big Bang? If our "small" lives are all that exist what happens after the earth passes away? The movie is ambitous to say the least. But I don't know if Malick summoned Kubrick or 2001 A space Odyssey but I definitely felt its presence. The movie can be frustrating and it can be, well, weird but I do believe it tries to artistically express the questions and concerns that all of mankind has been asking since the beginning of creation.

Sarah's Key: A Human History

Finally geting around to telling all of you about Sarah's Key. It is a movie that everyone must see. Harrowing, painful, redemptive, tragic...The story is about man's treatment of man and the abilty to find forgiveness, hope, and a life-lesson in a time of great pain, a horribly-gruesome atrocity, and personal tragedies. This is not just French or Jewish history, it is Human history! The movie really struck me and had a profound impact on my view of WW2 and the Holocaust.

I think the idea that really struck me was that this all occurred only 70 years ago. This is a history that also continually repeats itself. We watch and hear of what is going on in Syria, Sudan, Rwanda, Burma and everyone just says "they will work it out." But the sad part is that it will get worked out but how many generations will it take? How many children, women, men have to die before we take action? We are so caught up in not getting in trouble, stepping on the wrong toes, and not intruding that we sacrifice innocent lives. Sarah's Key also brought up the question for me of "what would I do" or "what would my neighbor do" if this happened tomorow or next month. It is an astounding movie and I think it should be seen by all!

http://www.sarahskey.com.au/

The Hypocrisy of the Faith-Based Politician

Why is it ok for people to say hateful things in the name of Christianity? When did politics become religion? All of these hateful, ignorant, close-minded people running for President make me sick! I am not an atheist, I do believe in God and religion, but I don't think I serve the same God that Rick Perry or Michelle Bachmann serve. Can't be. The God I know is kind, accepting, and concerned with the bigger picture. All of these crazy conservatives who are quick to throw Christianity in people's faces are the same people who don't want to help the poor, could care less about the earth, and see people in hieracrchies. They are so concerned about who people love and marry, and don't think twice about compassion, kindness, and understanding of all people. Why would God want you to spew venom and curses on his children? He wants all people on this earth to be brothers and sisters. We are all from the same source, made of the same materials. However, these conservatives think that it is ok to tell the LGBT community that they are not worthy, that they are not human, and that they do not deserve anything that this "land of tolerance and peace" has to offer, but they definitely want these same people to fight for the country, pay taxes to the government, and support their policies. These politicians look down on gay/black/different people and we all laugh and say "yeah they must be the cause of the depravity in this world" when in fact, hatred and ignorance is the cause of all the bad things in this world. If we look back, this same type of anger and hatred was used against Native Americans, the Chinese, African Americans, and has now progressed to immigrants and people of middle-eastern descent (Not to say that any of this is new for any minority, nor has it stopped for any partcular group). It is sad to watch the way they can have ads on TV about how much they hate people and claim that there has been an "attack" on their beloved christianity. To quote a cliche, but would Jesus do that? These politicians are not showing anyone why people should like and hold Christians in high regard. If anything, they make people despise them, including a crazy-christian like me!

                                                              Rick Perry's Campaign Video:

                                                            Response to Rick Perry:

All I want for Christmas...

Looking for great gifts that also give back, check out these ideas from nonprofits.org:

11 Holiday Gift Programs That Benefit Nonprofits and Make the World A Better Place :: 2011 Edition

November 17, 2011

1. 10,000 Villages Online Store: One of the world’s largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), 10,000 Villages offers gifts and accessories representing the diverse cultures of artisans from 38 countries. Your purchases help improve the lives of tens of thousands of artisans worldwide. [Shop 10,000 Villages]

2. Best Friends Animal Society Online Store: There’s no reason to shop at the big box pet stores for the animal lovers in your life this holiday season when you can purchase collars, treats, and toys directly from one of the best animal charities in the United States. [Shop Best Friends Animal Society]

3. CARE Packages: CARE has a very unique holiday gift program that allows you to compile care packages to send to women entrepreneurs and girls worldwide. As a group or as an individual, CARE Packages can help send girls in Afghanistan to school for a year, or help expectant mothers in Peru safely deliver. It’s fun and you’ll be bringing hope to girls and women around the world. [Send a CARE Package]

4. Concern Worldwide Gifts: When you buy Concern Gifts, you support Concern’s work in 25 countries worldwide – bringing food, clean water, good health, education and a higher standard of living within reach of more people. Although Concern is based in the U.K., their gift program also accepts U.S.-issued credit cards. [Shop Concern Gifts]
5. Feeding America Tribute Gifts: With poverty and food insecurity at record levels in the Untied States, it’s practically your patriotic duty to donate to Feeding America! [Give a Feeding America Tribute Gift]
6. Jane Goodall Institute Online Store: You don’t have to be primate activist to shop at the JGI Online Store. Their store also offers jewelry, African art and music, and clothing. That said, there’s also some great gifts for the primate activists in your life. [Shop the Jane Goodall Institute Online Store]
7. Kiva Cards: Starting a $25, Kiva Cards change lives. You can purchase Kiva Cards which then can be redeemed by your gift recipient to fund a loan of his or her choosing. A microfinance nonprofit working to uplift entrepreneurs out of poverty worldwide, this is great holiday gift for those subscribe to the belief of giving a hand-up, not a handout. [Buy Kiva Cards]

8. Save the Children Gifts of Joy: From ornaments handmade in India to the sponsorship of a girl’s education in a developing nation to providing health snacks at school to children in the United States, Save the Children has put a together a great online catalog for giving this holiday season. [Give a Save the Children Gift of Joy]

9. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Online Store: If you have a family member or friend who supports saving the whales and dolphins from slaughter with direct action and activist intervention, then Sea Shepherd is a great choice for a holiday gift. The nonprofit behind Whale Wars, their online store also includes numerous items ideal for skaters, surfers, and other ocean-loving hipsters. [Shop Sea Shepherd]

10. Special Olympics Tribute Gifts: An excellent choice for the athletes in your life, Special Olympics Tribute Gifts enable those with intellectual disabilities to experience the power of sports to create champions. [Give a Special Olympics Tribute Gift]

11. Women for Women International’s Gifts That Give Back: Women for Women’s gifts enable you to empower women to rebuild their lives after the ravages of war. You can purchase everything from looms to farming supplies to books, rulers, and pencils which are then given in the name of your gift recipient to a woman in war-torn country. [Give a Women for Women's Gift That Gives Back]

http://nonprofitorgs.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/11-holiday-gift-programs-that-benefit-nonprofits-and-make-the-world-a-better-place-2011-edition/

"Troy Davis' execution and the limits of Twitter"

Yes, social media has changed the face of activism. I do not think it is a substitute for letter writing, phone calls, or protest but I do think it allows people all over the world to hear about issues and feel as if they could be a part of it. People not just in Georgia or America are thinking about Troy Davis, but people in Latin America, Europe, and Asia are asking questions. It has caused a line of communication to open that might not have otherwise been there. I can also see that it has created levels of arguments that reach beyond just the American south. People on Twitter and Facebook were not just discussing Troy Davis, they were having a dialogue about the dealth penalty, the justice system, etc. Seeing as though this article was written by BBC I think social media does its job... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15028665

“The strictest law sometimes becomes the severest injustice.”

Justice means that the person who commits the crime should pay for that crime. Justice means people should get what they deserve no matter rank, income level, or status. In the last few months people have been talking about Troy Davis. As they should. Troy Davis represents the flaws of the system. He will be executed tonight if the cries and protest of the people are not heard. Troy Davis is being executed because he was too poor to get the most thorough investigation and questioning by his low on money, pro-bono law firm. Troy Davis is being exectued because witnesses were bribed, coerced, and threatened to identfy him as the killer. And, Troy Davis is being executed because the system will not admit a mistake. We should all be outraged at this case. If Troy Davis dies tonight we must all recognize that human rights violations and injustice can happen to any of us. This is not the behavior of a country that claims to be enligtened, fair, and free. If troy Davis dies tonight then we are no better than the dictators, tyrants, and villains we fight against.The MacPhail family lost a loved one and that is heartbreakng, but they need and deserve the guilty party to be held accountable. If we must use the barbaric sytem, then at the very least it should be true and fair. We should all want people to pay if they are guilty, and those who appear innocent to be freed. At the very least, the system should be conciously seeking the truth. However, in this case it seems that the system is allowing a man to lose his life so that it can save face.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Seeing Beauty in the Darkness

*Picture By Anton Jakovoy *

This picture helps to remind me that there is a mystery and beauty that surrounds all of us. Even in the darkest, farthest corner of the world, one can find astounding beauty. However, it require your eyes to be open and your senses alert. Never be afraid to find beauty and miracles in the darkness.

Goapele - Play

I am loving this song...she is one of my favorite artist and I am so glad that I discovered her. Enjoy!

Female artist with talent? huh?

Can I truly understand this world we live in? What does creativity mean now?I am listening to Adele's new cd and I don't understand the world we live in. Adele's new cd is called 21 and she is truly inspiring. She encapasulates all emotions within one song. Her voice is amazing, her producers are great, and the writing is beautiful. How is it that she is not a front-runner in the academy of music? She is not alone: Ledisi, Jazmine Sullivan, Liz Wright, etc. All of these amazing women who continually show the abnormal amounts of talents that exists in the world. Every now and then they are allowed to showcase talents on smaller award shows and events. Yet, they are bypassed when it comes to grammys (except Adele who has 2) and the like. I just don't understand why people are so enamored by women of sex and never concerned with women of true talent and confidence. I mean, I listen to 'set fire to the rain' or even 'he won't go' and I can genuinely hear the pain, love, and passion that lies within the words.

It seems that appearance is the only thing that matters. I understand that from the executive level, people have peripheral decision making skills. People take the short root in understanding the world around them. Instead of truly going after talent, inspiration, etc. it is much easier to follow attractiveness than it is to seek out real talented, beautiful artist. I would love to see recognition being given to Esperanza Spalding. She is an amazingly talented woman, who the academy recognized, not for record sales and hoopla, buy because she is a promising, insparational, and talented woman. I have both cds and alway wondered why she was not talked about. The academy took a chance and gave her a grammy, because she deserved it, and outrage instead of congratulations was the talk of the town. No, she is not Drake or Justin Bieber. But she is a black, jazz singer and she is phenomenal. Her ability to be different and her amazing difference should be celebrated.

In essence, talent should be rewarded not just when it is in a sexy, provocative package. It should be celebrated in strength, creativity, and difference.

CARNAVAL AND SANTO ANTAO

So I finally made my trek to the northern islands. I left on Thursday because our flight was at 8 am on Friday and there was no way I could get to the airport that early from Calheta. We left the next morning and we got to Mindelo, Sao Vicente at 9:30 or so. The airport in Mindelo was in the middle of nowhere and we were blowing in the wind waiting for a car. The taxi ride is supposed to be 800 eschudos but we got a free ride! We went to the new volunteers house. There was ex-volunteer from Cameroon, named Byron who just finished his 4 month motorcycle tour of West Africa (Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso, Benin, Togo, Ghana-where he worked for 6 months, and Senegal) and he was ending his trip in Mindelo in Cape Verde. However we convinced him that he had to go to S.Antao and then convinced him he had to see the Island of Santiago for a totally different, non-tourist side of Cape Verde. So he stayed for an extra week and a half.


Over the next 4 days we did nothing but listen to Parades, watch the floats, party, and eat. I had so much fun. We ended up going to this warehouse party on the beach and it was sooo much fun. We danced until 5 am that night and I never thought I could be that tired. On the Saturday before carnival started we went to the really cool dance-club/bar place. It was all traditional brazillian/Cape verdean music but it was so much fun. We didn´t exactly know how to dance to it so we did the steps we did know and then made up the rest. From there we went to the street to go to the hotel party that the entire town goes to, and during our walk we danced and paraded around with the drumming bands that were goin up and down the street. The hotel party was cool because it was live music, a lot of people in costumes, on top of the roof of this gorgeous hotel. Sarah, Byron and I ended the night eating what we thought was hamburger but could have easily been some sort of dog meat sandwhiches on the side of the road. It was awesome!
Sunday was resting day. On Monday was our excursion to the warehouse party. Tuesday was all about the floats. Originally, I was thinking it was like parades in America: you get up early and you are done by 1. Not here. It was a parade from 9am until 10pm that night. I was ehausted just watching them. It was crazy because they actaully had girls on floats doing Samba and other traditional dances wearing barely any clothing for the entire event. Little kids parades were cute too. All the kids dress up in matching outfits. Like there was a group of kids super heroes, a group of ballerinas, a group of animals, a group of trees and flowers, etc. The also had Capoeiras running up and down the street which was amazing. Interpretive dancers came out for Carnival. And the highlight…the Mandigos! These are men, women, children, and older people who at one time used car grease, but now use charcoal and cooking oil to paint their entire bodies black and wear minimal clothing and they run, dance, play the drums everywhere. They are not in lines and they run up and down the streets “tagging” people. So we would see people with black marks all over their face, arms, and shoulders. They were definitely terrifying but highly-entertaining.

I mean it was non-stop dancing, singing, drums, food…it was pretty cool. After the big day, Tuesday, what we call “fat Tuesday” for Mardi Gras it was mass time. So the next day (wedenesday) everyone went to church for Ash Wednesday. That was the day we got on the boat and left for Santao Antao. It is the most gorgeous island in Cape Verde. Huge mountains, green all year round, and beautiful coastal scenery. I understand the hype completely. I went hiking twice. Once 3 hours all down hill from a crater into a valley. Beautiful! We ended up at this Bar called Bar-curral. And they make their own cheeses and grogue. Oh by the way, the best grogue in Cape Verde comes from SA. The cheese was unbelievable. They also make fresh bread to go with it. We ended up ordering food because we stayed so long. And they actually went to a garden to get herbs to put in my omelette. I mean, I do that at home but I have never been to a restaurant that did that. so good! The next day we did a 5 hour hike up and down about 4 mountains from Ponto de Sol to Cha de Igresa. It was a HARD hike and I thought I might pass out. But it was so worth it! There was really beautiful scenery and we went from beach, to forest, to plains, to valleys, to desert, back to mountains. I was very sceptical because everyone said that it was a hard hike (one person hurt their knee and one girl twisted her ankle on this hike) but they said I should go because it was unbelivable scenery and I would feel very good about myself for doing it. So I did it and they were right. We stayed in Santao Antao for 5 days. I brought back mounds of cheese for gifts.We left and went back to Mindelo and I got home on Monday around 9pm.


The language up north was sooo different. I mean I have now been to 6 of the 10 islands and I swear this was the hardest. They call the kriolu up north Sanpajudu. They speak very fast and they cut off their words a lot. They also have a lot of portuguese and european influence. So they don´t use kriolu greetings.They will say “todo bom” or “todo dretu” or “todo cool” (all of which is like How are you) it was odd. But what made me proud at times was the fact that I could communicate and understand. It made me realize just how far I had really come.

So yeah, I had a great Carnival and a wonderful vacation. I think that I would have really missed out if I had left without seeing those islands though. They are amazing, gorgeous scenery, gorgeous people, and fun times. It was a really good experience.

CHRISTMAS IN CALHETA!

(25 December 2008)


I just wanted to give you an update on my last Christmas in Cape Verde. I had a pretty awesome time. Whitney and I planned it out pretty well I have to say. We sent out the invites on Thanksgiving Day and we ended up having everyone except for 4 volunteers on this island at our house. One volunteer came from Sal and another volunteer from the island of Maio. My friend and volunteer Emily brought her friend who is a volunteer in South Africa, another volunteer brought her boyfriend and her brother who was visiting from the states, and Justin's mom was there as well. Whitney and I have been on the go… buying, planning, and organizing for over a month. We went to Praia and everywhere in-between for supplies, decorations, and food. But it turned out really well. I made eggnog that was a huge hit (I had to use grogue, which is like Cape Verde's official liquor and is like unfiltered vodka and moonshine instead of using rum or bourbon because it was soooo much cheaper) fortunately I don't like eggnog so I drank enough to taste but I couldn't bring myself to drink a full glass. I made cream of mushroom for Whitney's green bean casserole, and then I made stuffing, potato salad, three chickens, and one ham. The ham gave me small heart pains. I cooked it double the time because I could never tell if it was done, but luckily Justin's mom was here and she informed me that it was done I was just unsure because I am use to cured hams that are already brown. So I put my homemade glaze on top and it was devoured in literally minutes.
So when everyone arrived they had to read the schedule and they received the 2 page Holiday trivia (which had Christmas questions as well as Kwanzaa and Hanukkah questions and they had to complete it by 8) and then they all had to place their gift for gift exchange in the gift bucket, and place their food dish on the table. So we ate and then We placed all complete trivia on the wall for everyone to see, then Whitney and I went to Christmas eve mass at 9:00pm and during that time everyone was supposed to choose a song from our 11 hours of Christmas music ( 6 hours of which came from my neck of the woods…Oh mama, bebe, and missy, backdoor santa" was on that list but no Santa Claus wants some loving. I am saving that for next year!) that had been playing all day. We came back from mass exhausted because we had to stand for 2 hours with all the other 400 people that were there.

When we got back we set up karaoke outside. We let the three "visitors" be the judges. It was funny because none of them were shy in the way you would think that they would be. They gave constructed criticism and number amounts. It was the funniest thing that I have seen in a while. One group (adeyemi and Andrew) sang the fresh prince of bel-air theme and everyone sang along. They should have been disqualified because technically that is not a Christmas song but they added a "merry Christmas" at the end. Emily and Justin won karaoke with a pretty synchronized version of "
Feliz Navidad." It was actually pretty well done. After that we had gift exchange that we actually had the best gift winner (the gift was an awesome coffee pot) and the funniest gift (a hammer with a bag of nails). Then we gave the rest of the prizes:

Trivia Winner-Emily
Cookie decorator winner-Anne
Closest relationships to Santa or lives closest
to the North Pole- Jessica
First person to Arrive- Jackie
Most cups of eggnog-Andrew
Best Christmas Outfit- Whitney and Dannielle (self-declared)

We had a really great Christmas. I think it was the perfect way to celebrate for us. It was festive, fun, and there was enough going on that we could forget for a couple of hours the fact that we were sad not to be with our families and friends back home. I think it was a good way to celebrate and give everyone the chance to be together and celebrate. We then tried to go to the discotec (club) but it was too expensive and so we came back and hung out. Most people didn't sleep and left at 9:00am on Christmas day. But a few people stayed. Christmas morning Justin's mom came over and she made homemade biscuits (with self rising flour and Crisco!!! That she brought in her carry-on.), and we ate Whitney's awesome egg casserole, and hash browns. Before Alex and Joe left they made lakaa (I think that is how you spell it) which are Jewish potato pancakes. Those were good! We ate all the food and then everyone left. Luckily, everyone saw all the work, time, money we put into all of this and they cleaned up EVERYTHING! I went to bed about 3:00am and I heard around 5:00am my friend Brian yell to everyone "I think it would be wrong to just leave and leave this place a pigsty! " He rallied everyone together and they cleaned for a couple of hours. Sarah came from her host fam's house later that day and we watched 27 dresses, some bad lifetime movie and to end the wonderful Christmas movie night we watched Batman the dark Knight (which was a Christmas gift from my friend Endia), then we exchanged gifts, and then we ate leftovers all day. That night a really famous Cape Verdean Singer came and we went to his concert. Then Whitney, Aguinaldo, Papi, and I went to the club. It was an awesome way to end the holiday.

The next day we did nothing because we were so tired and It felt good to relax. As much fun hosting that party was, it was exhausting. Later that day we went to the beach. All in all it was a fun time. I think bing here really does make me appreciate all the Christmas "traditions" that I have with my family. I mean I do believe that I took them for granted because they were always a part of my life. But being here I now know that Christmas, thanksgiving, etc. are really important to me. I completely understand the fact that it is the happiest and most depressing time of the year. I had a great time doing this and I really think everyone enjoyed it and appreciated it but I am very excited about the holiday season next year and being home in GA!
New years is another excuse to have a 3-day party so I am now getting ready for that. I bought some material (red) about 3 months ago and I now have a man in my town making a shirt for me. If that does not go the way I want I will be wearing this really cute red dress I bought in Praia. Well I love you all and miss you more. Have a great rest of the Holiday

SAL (salt) e BOA VISTA (good view)

Well I know it has been a while since I wrote to everyone. I felt like there has been so much to write about that I sort of got overwhelmed just thinking about it. But I owe you some updates, so here goes…
Well in October I went to the islands of Boa Vista and Sal (the names of the islands literally translate into good view and Salt). Boa Vista is gorgeous! The beaches have ridiculously white sand and blue water. There is also a desert there that is so amazing and almost indescribable in its beauty. There were literally times that I just couldn't even speak, I just had to stop and stare. The pictures we have don't begin to compare to the real thing. However, even with all the beauty I could never live there. There were literally no cape Verdeans, ok there were a few, and it was so touristy. They had resorts the size of cities. Everyone we saw was either from another island, Italian or Portuguese. Even with all that I thought that I was ready for Sal…not so much.

Sal is the tourist capital of the islands of Cape Verde. There were hotels and resorts everywhere! It also had magnificent beaches and beautiful scenery. There were also…restaurants! We actually went to an Indian restaurant that was owned by a married couple from India who lived in the Canary Islands for like 20 years. They were really nice and the food was good. But the downside because the islands are relatively remote and far away from Santiago, food is very expensive, therefore restaurants were expensive and the portions were a lot smaller. Even on Boa vista an orange was 4 times more than on the island of Santiago.

In Sal we went to the salt mines. It was really cool. They have pools with water and they are filled with salt and you can go and sit in the pools and your skin comes out unbelievably smooth. People from Spain, Portugal, and Italy come just to lie in these pools and see the salt mines. It is a national park so all cape Verdeans get in for free.

Overall it was a really good trip. I had a great time although I am pretty sure I am going to avoid taking boats after the 8 hour trip to Boa Vista and then another 5 hours to Sal and then the 12 hour round trip back to Praia. I mean it is a lot cheaper but now I understand why. I am gad I went as well because it allowed me to see the beauty in Santiago in a better light. I knew that I picked the right island a year ago. I love Santiago. I love the Kriolu here, I love the culture, the food is great here, the people are beautiful. I have a connection to this island and after coming back from Senegal it definitely has a connection and strong stereotypical African essence. It is a beautiful island but also that is what I love about Cape Verde: that EVERY single island is so drastically different and EVERY island's kriolu is so different and unique but they all are proud and strong in their patriotism and loyalty to Cape Verde.

Acampamento de Meninas 2008- Sua Mente..Seu Corpo...Sua Escolha (your mind....your body...your choice)

So I am writing 3 days after the last day of our girls camp, Acampamento de Meninas 2008- Sua Mente..Seu Corpo...Sua Escolha (your mind....your body...your choice) that Whitney and I put together in Ribeireta last week. Overall it was awesome! The girls loved it and even though it was a lot of work I had a good time too. It rained 3 out of the 5 days but it was still a good time. We had around 16 girls and 4 youth leaders. The girls did the 35 minute walk from Calheta to Ribeireta. The agenda was based on a different subject for each day;

Monday-Lines of Communication

Tuesday-Making good decisions and leadership

Wednesday-Safe-sex

Thursday-Gender roles and Self esteem

Friday-Saying goodbye

Most of the subjects overlapped. We had the youth center director come and lead one session on good decision-making. The head doctor from theHospital came and talked about HIV/AIDS, Contraceptives, and Teenpregnancy. One lady from ICIEG (Instituto de Cabo Verdiano de equalidade e igualdade de Genero) which is like the national organization for promotion of gender equality came and lead a 3 hour. She did a session on Gender roles and self esteem. The session on safesex the girls were able to anonymously put questions or concerns thatthey had about those topics and the doctor randomly answered them throughout the session.Everyday they had an art projects. The did art projects where theyused whatever form they wanted to depict how they saw themselves, usedmagazines to pick out leaders and why, drawings talking about AIDS andearly pregnancy, and they made bracelets. We used one activity from the book that my sister sent me about making positive "flowers." The flowers exercise we used for the last day in which each girl was given 4 petals and had to choose 4 names (one petal for each girl), then theyhad to write a positive phrase or a word about that specific girl. They thought the activity was confusing at first but once they got it they loved it! Also on the last day we gave out completion diplomas.

This weekend the trainees came to "shadow" us in Calheta. As we were walking around we saw 4 girls who went to the camp. They were so excited to see us. The showed the trainees all the things that they made and they could explain the different topics. One girl and her mom came to my house and her mom says that the girl wants to laminate her diploma. Another mom yelled my name in the middle of the street and was going on and on about how thankful she was because her daughter had such a good time! All of them want us to do it again. I am very glad it is over but I am even more excited that I actually got to do it.

The support once we really got going was unbelivable. The friday before camp Whitney and I made a competition amongst the youth group at the CEJ to see who could get the most donations by sunday. On sunday night we had over 20 kilos of rice, over 4 kilos of corn, sugar, flour, and 6000$00 eschudos given to us from neighbors and random people in the town. The store that I go to almost every other day gave us 30 eggs for free. CCS-SIDA(comite para combate SIDA) which is the governmentally regulated sector to fight AIDS in cape verde gave us money as well! We do have money leftover and according to people in the community I have talked to it can be used for extension projects with the campers and maybe even a boys camp if we wanted to do it. I had a really great time and it seems that the girls did as well!!!