The Universal Language of Musiq

photo credit - search4tutors.ie

They say music is the “heart of our soul.” This is so true, I’m sure there is a song for every possible emotion we experience and for every symbolic moment in our life…first dances, graduations, first dates, new car, new job/promotion, wedding day, new baby, anniversaries…even in times of anger and sorrow—music can heal a wounded heart and ease grief in times of loss of a loved one. Music is timeless…it’s therapeutic and it’s the lifeblood of any party. I personally like 80s music…but I have an appreciation for all genres spread over the many different decades. Music can make anyone feel that they are the best singer or dancer in the world and music can make people do strange things! It can arouse feelings of nostalgia or produce a montage of emotions. Let’s face it --without it our life would be silent, apathetic and mundane…. well maybe I’m being a bit extreme but as you can tell I love musiq!! View my profile for a list of my favourites and share some of your own! ©

I would leave you with a quote from one of my all time FaVouriTE artistes:

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Bob Marley (1945-1981)

How many of u remember this one!!!???

Come Follow Me:)

photo credit -contentrix.com

Hey folks...I just added a new gadget to my blog....it's on the right of your screen---if you scroll across & down. If you like what you're reading, show your support by becoming a "follower" of my blog!!

Have a great weekend...whatever time zone you're in!

It's My LIFE!!!

The first quarter of the year has almost ended....tomorrow is April---aLreadY!!! Are you on your way to achieving your short term goals for this year?! Think about it...it's Your life. Time to get moving and shaking...for time waits on no man! I can happily & proudly say that last year was a milestone in my life and I achieved a lot of things that I had on the "back burner" for a while...but with perseverance and a healthy serving of faith...I made it! So my new goal for this year is to abandon my fears and try new things...stop worrying about things that are not under my control....enjoy the little things in life more and make it count and add up to Big things in the long run! Stop worrying about what people think especially those closest to you. It's your life after all and everyone has/had a shot at their own. It's My time! Yes it's your time too. I have worked hard and I deserve it and so do you!

On another note, I made a new friend at the mall today when I purchased my new blue tooth car kit and it just makes your day when you receive good customer service. It makes you appreciate your purchases even more.  This has been a good week. I got my first pedicure and manicure which I was so skeptical about for years...and why I never got it done...but it worked out well (I have had massages before though--go figure)! It felt heavenly to be pampered and given good service....made an aquaintance there too...Something can be learnt from everyone you meet in life and sometimes in the most unlikely of places. From ever since I can remember, people just open up to me after having just met...young, old, male & female. I had lots of things in common with all of these people and I don't know if it's all the endorphins talking after my post-gym workout but at the end of the day ---the exchange was interesting. I hope I was able to touch or influence them in some small but extraordinary way!! (: It also inspired me even more to start my own business...and who knows maybe this year is gonna be The yEar:-) I tried a new sushi place also this week and caught up with an old friend...even tried Japanese beer! We were pleasantly surprised. 

So here's to you! If you're feeling that it's too late to try something new and live without abandon...it's never too late. Live with exuberance so that you can share your passion for life and experiences with others--even if it's a smile or thoughtful nod of understanding...or like the gentleman this week who upon seeing my car door stuck on the pavement...ran to my rescue and said "don't worry --I'll get that!" Sounds trivial but it gives you a good feeling...totally discounts some of the other ills in the world and society today. You too can make a difference in your own little way. You would be surprised by how many people you inspire without even knowing it. Peace. ©

Sushi nite

Must see video...listen to the end!!

                            

Positive and Negative

It's true that you are an amalgamation of all the experiences you would have had in your lifetime. Every experience have shaped you into the person who you are today. But one cannot blame their present actions and the situation they find themselves in at the present moment on their past history.  

Sometimes we get caught up in a viscous cycle but we can’t allow ourselves to fall into that trap and stay entrapped forever. Easier said than done right? Hmm maybe, but whether it is an issue of trust or simply escaping an unhealthy situation there is always a way out or solution to our problem. 

Success stories are borne out of hardship and trials. When we are faced with a difficult situation, we can look at it as a test -a test of our strength, fortitude and willpower. I can certainly testify to many a test of my faith and resilience and today I can say that there is always a rainbow after the storm if only you believe. You can never give up the battle and always keep striving to achieve your true potential.

It is also important to remember that there will never be an ideal situation – the perfect situation in life does not exist…you may never have the perfect career, child[ren] or meet the perfect man or woman. These things are elusive. If someone says that their life is perfect then they are probably not telling you the whole story and we must remember that things are not always what they seem. 

You have to make life perfect in your own way. You have to be happy and grateful for your blessings and fortune in life…always looking for the good. Although it is not always easy to look at life in this way since we are human and we live in an imperfect world, however what we want is in within our reach if only we see it for what it’s worth.  

As a child my father always told me that the world is made up of positive and negative and although the details of the story are a bit fuzzy at the moment, the message stuck with me throughout my life. It is up to us to choose. The positive path will always lead to happiness ultimately. If we choose the negative we will either learn from our mistakes eventually or if we don’t we will self-destruct. So we don’t want to choose that path regardless of how alluring, exciting or glamorous it looks from the outside. 

As I reflect on all the many periods in my life ---the happiest times were when I was with company I enjoyed and doing the things I loved. If I’ve learnt anything from my years on this earth, is to keep those you love close and show your appreciation in simple but meaningful ways because you don’t know how long they will be in your life; always follow your dream and don’t put off something you can do today for tomorrow because life is short and unpredictable and you may never get another chance. 

The world is yours for the taking, free yourself of your inhibitions…be cautious especially with matters of the heart but learn to trust your instincts and let go …let it all unfold…step outside and let your dreams become reality. ©

“But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

[1 Corinthians 13:10]

Special greetings go out to the new visitors to my blog from Indonesia, China and France!! Feel free to post your comments:-)

Dreams can come true

This just goes to show that with hard work and persistence dreams can come true!

Jamaican-born Constance White is ESSENCE's New Editor-in-Chief
Sunday, 20 March 2011

© 2011 - PJM:::PANACHE JAMAICA MAGAZINE

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

It takes a certain kind of person to survive in this world. So many different personalities you need to interface with on a daily basis…some aspects you like -- some you don’t. But how do you separate the good from the bad and accept the whole person? If you were so thin-skinned to get turned off by a singular action or comment every time it occurs then maybe you won’t reach very far in life. There are all kinds of people that make up this world in which we live and sometimes you just have to put your differences aside to get along whether it’s in the workplace, with family, friends or partners. It may sound simple but if we look outside of our little realm, this is also the key to preventing wars between nations, groups and religions. In my younger years I would have immediately “written-off” a friendship, colleague, acquaintance or the like for the slightest slips of the tongue or an inappropriate action, quirk or habit that I found to be rude, annoying or just not what I was accustomed to.

I have since grown and although I still find it difficult at times to process and accept the (good), the bad and the ugly behaviours in all the persons I encounter on a daily basis, I have learnt to adapt to situations as they occur and modify my exchanges and interactions with them accordingly. It is indeed hard and at times I wonder if I am too judgmental or rigid in my worldview. Then I realize that I myself have flaws or traits that other people may find irritating, rude or just a tad bit “spoilt” so I am able to keep myself grounded and in check. Then there are other times that I just think that certain guidelines of propriety should be adhered to in formal settings and situations that require a certain code of conduct or behaviour. I may sound like a prude and stickler for perfection but heck blame it on my upbringing and Catholic schooling. Each day we learn something new and if we are open-minded we can learn a life lesson that can be passed on to others. I am still learning and I feel inspired to share my lessons as they occur. ©

A special hello to the new visitors to my blog from Australia, Denmark, Slovenia and Russia…Join me on my journey and maybe we can learn together…till next time.

Peace.



photo credit - homeofbeauties.com

Back to regularly scheduled programming

For two days we witnessed the transformation of the streets of the cities and boroughs as it exploded into a kaleidoscope of colour, creativity and energy. Masqueraders were seen sporting an array of costumes adorned with beads, paint, feathers and accessories that each told a story of the Merry Monarch. They gyrated to the pulsating and intoxicating rhythmic sounds emanating from music trucks that energized all into a frenzy of excitement and fun during our annual street parade while crossing the several judging points. Carnival is over and although I should be glad the wine and jam is over it has sort of grown on me. Flashback to Carnival Saturday saw me having loads of fun as we partied well into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Each year has its highs and lows and the music will certainly live on in time on the dance floor as seen in past years. The results for the various competitions are in and have been the talk of the town for the past few days but we have to live with it because the judges’ decisions are final. We would all miss it and I’m sure some are looking forward to next year already. Now back to regularly scheduled programming.

Today the Christian community embraces the first day of Lent – Ash Wednesday when everyone tucks away the bad behaviour and revellery of the past few months and tries to conform once again… at least until Easter:) As some of us retreat into ourselves and reflect on Christ’s suffering and temptations in the wilderness centuries ago, we offer repentance for our transgressions and try to make amends by abstaining from something during the 40 day period. The temptations can be very alluring but in retrospect we can use it to exercise our willpower and strength, which can be a valuable practice of self-restraint that can prove useful when we need it most. Even if you do not commemorate the season of Lent we can use the time for much needed soul searching and repentance thereby allowing us to practice a spirit of humility and thanksgiving. A point to consider – everything in moderation is the key to good living. We are after all human but if you can’t handle the temptation maybe it’s wise to remove it altogether.

Have you found "the one?"

photo credit - onesong-oneworld.blogspot.com

With V-Day come and gone it’s sort of ill-timed to post this mushy stuff but since I’ve been reading  about it everywhere lately and everyone is writing and blogging about this thing called love, I thought I would add my two cents. Some people tell me I need to be more daring with my posts so here I am. At the moment,  I am actually listening to one of my friends on the radio who is playing lots of lovey dovey mushy sentimental songs and right now I am hearing Fleetwood Mac and dare I say more…. “thunder only happens when it’s raining and players only love you when they’re playing…” This is just too much…. now here comes – Foreigner, followed by the Backstreet boys and 98 degrees and one recalls the days of that famous reality show of the days when Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were happily married. I said I would never blog about such things but really can couples really stand the test of time? Do people still stay together? And if they do remain together is everything really honkey dorey or just a pretence? Too much! I ask myself why the torture of listening to such music but it is indeed soothing. I was reading an article today which brought to mind a lot of familiar and somewhat shared feelings. An argument I had recently with a family member (whose name I will withhold) also brings to mind such raw but potent feelings of past loves gone wrong. Although I am over them all, one in particular seems not to want to go away and remain buried in the past. I am glad that I am in a place where I am proud to say there is no temptation whatsoever. Yet I wonder of the motives of the character in question. It is sort of an ego boost to some extent - that someone keeps coming around despite the constant insults that you hurl their way and the total disregard of their advances or actions. But what can I say such is life. Never miss the water till the well runs dry - figuratively speaking of course.

As we all look back at our past romances and relationships even if it’s in the fleeting moments of solitude as it crosses our mind while we are distracted by something else - do we ever reflect and wonder why things had to turn out the way it did? If the one that got away was actually our one true love and we missed the boat because both parties were not willing to work harder for it to work out? Do you ever think that the person you are with now is just a scapegoat in lieu of the real thing? Maybe you and the one that got away both crossed paths at the wrong time and perhaps if it were a different scenario it could have worked out. This of course is a farce though I’m sure it crosses everyone’s mind from time to time but deep down better sense prevails. Everything is exactly as it should be. There should be no "what if’s." Two souls collide at the right time because that’s how love happens. It’s not something planned or etched out as in a fairy tale. It’s something that you must work at and if it’s really meant to be, it will in fact stand the test of time which no one or nothing can separate. If you have found that special someone, show your appreciation everyday and never take them for granted. Everything is not perfect and it is continuous work. So thank God everyday for that blessing since there are several others that are still searching.  And for those that have been unlucky in love you know what they say: "it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." You've shared good times and the feelings you felt were indeed real for most and the memories are now a part of you. It's up to us how we use it - for good to be used constructively to help us in the future or for bad which can only serve to destroy us if we let the ill-feelings continue to grow and fester. The choice is ours. Our life is an amalgamation of experiences and it makes us stronger and more wholesome individuals for being brave enough to allow love in and experience all the moments that make up life. ©

And there endeth the radio show for tonight...till next time.

Blast from the past....Do you remember this one from the 80s???!!!!!

Did you give thanks for today?

I think it's high time for a new post. Lots of things have been happening to keep me away from my blog. One of which was a very brutal flu virus that had some serious lasting effects. But finally I can say I am free. And we all know that feeling all too well when we recover from the flu or any illness for that matter: you feel like your body is yours again and you can almost conquer the world. Well it's been so long in coming, I'm not really sure about the conquering the world part but you don't take good health for granted anymore. I have to admit that I have built up a pretty strong immune system over the past few years so I was taken aback by this flu. Long ago I use to catch every thing passing in the air but gone are those days (knock on wood).

Anyhew.....Carnival is in the air around here and I am not really feeling it. This is the one year that I feel kinda left out but I refuse to give away hard earned mula to say I partied hard. Spend half a gran and more for all you can eat food and drinks....just how much can I eat anyway? Well not to sound completely unpatriotic but I was planning to go to one good all-inclusive fete but I couldn't - even if my ticket source had come thru for me, because I coughed all night that night. To tell the honest truth I was never all that into the fete scene in previous years, then again I was always busy studying or doing something else and now I am free at last to enjoy it and I feel I should be and why not? We are in the heights of the season and you can't ignore it. Perhaps it's not too late. But que sera, sera. If I don't, it won't be the end of the world....there's always next year.

photo credit - elegation.posterous.com

On another note, sometimes when you really want something and then you finally get it, you wonder if this is it. Have you ever had that feeling? As I always say to myself you have to make the most of what is given to you. Something may look all glamourous on the outside until you sink your teeth into it and live it day in and day out. Everything is not as it's cracked up to be. 

When I look at my life from the outside...it looks pretty cool and comfortable. And I need to do that more. Learn to appreciate it as an outsider. You have to live life each day as if it's the best day on the planet. Marvel in it. Give thanks for it. Sing, dance and LIVE it. For it all can be taken away in a flash and there are several others that perhaps wish they had a piece of it. If you don't like something about your life, you have the power to change it and if you want something bad enough- you can have it. 

One of my co-workers sparked a light in me today and I realized that maybe I don't have all the answers. There's something to be learnt each and every day from everyone you meet. He said to me, if you want something bad enough you need to pray steadfastly and live each day as if your desire has been granted. Live as if you can see, touch and grasp what you want in your hands. Believe that you have gotten or will get your wish. 

Believe in God and it will happen. And for those of you that are thinking you have to be deeply religious to think and live this way...newsflash you don't. Just spiritual. My friend is actually a bit of a rebel and yet he seems to have it together in terms of his deeper goals, commitment to succeed and ultimate happiness. My sister also told me something similar last night and it's because of this I believe miracles can happen and there is much hope in all that we do.

Time for thinking you cannot should cease. All is possible with the power of prayer and faith. Faith can indeed move mountains. I will never forget this poster that my other sibling bought maybe in the 1980s and it still hangs on her old bedroom wall. The mind, words (spoken and unspoken) and thought has infinite power. Never forget it.

May God bless you and may all your dreams come to fruition. ©

Peace.