NECESSARY ROOM

taking light steps...

2012-01-31T18:59:00.000-05:00

these days i'm treading lightly

and my path may be uncertain

but i "know" the Most High JAH

will always guide my every step

in HIM, I can be confident.

be still and know.

*greetings my dear friends, i need to retreat to the inner sanctum of my necessary room at this moment. i hope to be back, sooner rather than later. please know that you are always close to my heart. one love.

on a conscious friday...

2012-01-20T18:57:00.001-05:00

whatcha doing? i'm here vibin' wid my bwoy Buju B...care to join me?

inviting the bell...

2012-01-17T21:36:00.001-05:00

Body, speech, and mind in perfect oneness ---

I send my heart along with the sound of the bell.

May the hearers awaken from forgetfulness

and transcend all anxiety and sorrow.

(Thich Nhat Hanh)

~~~

the Most High JAH!

having felt what it is to be loved

every single day.

shelter, clothes, food, clean water

i give thanks for these blessings

meditation in a peaceful space

prayers sent up

life (exhale)...

each breath i take.

the warm bed i cuddle in at night

haiti

i see you,

never shall i forget your suffering.

great friends like you, and all the

simple things in life that make my heart sing.

one love, always.

*The Simple Things was created by Empress Christina.

in a new light...

2012-01-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

the soft morning light

kissing my eyelids

wake up, i say.

i stretch my arms

toward the heavens

and on bended knees

i humbly pray...

may we live slowly

and more mindfully,

be gentle to our souls,

practise loving-kindness,

remember the forgotten,

help those who live in need,

and now and for always

know the true meaning of
peace and love.

p.s. Give thanks to our sweet and wonderful Selah's Angels. I really appreciate all your good deeds and your help in making a true difference in the lives of others. This year, I hope to provide you with ample opportunities to spread your wings. Another collective random act of kindness will soon follow - the stage is now being set ;). I can hardly wait...one love, my friends.

Melkam Lidet!

2012-01-07T23:18:00.001-05:00

hoping you all had a wonderful holiday season.

treasure these moments... one love, always.

old year's day once again...

2011-12-31T08:06:00.001-05:00

rejoice and be merry.

giving thanks to the Most High JAH

for letting me see another day.

praying for those less fortunate

on this beautiful and abundant earth;

that humankind shall find peace and

exhale love in every breath they take.

sending loving vibes out in the universe.

can you feel it?

be safe everyone.

one love.

selah.

twelve.21.eleven...

2011-12-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Susan & Emerson!!!

you are a most perfect union, indeed.
and oh what a beautiful moment ~ seeing
my baby sister extend her hand in marriage
~ our family grows, as do our hearts.

i love you, for always. (wavin' at Em ;)
JAH guide. Blessed Love.

ballet of angels...

2011-12-18T14:19:00.000-05:00

i am here giving thanks and praises to the Most High JAH for life and friends like you, and the words ballet of angels came to mind. it could be because i recently had the unique experience of enjoying the ballet in a church, or because i've been slowly sipping on a glass of this savory wine, or it could be because that is what life feels like being shared with all of you...a ballet of angels. i guess i really have to share a little story with you so you can understand what i am talking about.

when we started our new collective random act of kindness - Selah's Angels - i only hoped that we would offer a soft touch of loving kindness to someone whose life has been touched by cancer...and then someone shared this "testimony" with me that left me completely speechless:

Her friend (let's call her Etana) is one of the recipients on our greeting cards mailing list. These two ladies recently went to church. When they arrive, Etana was simply beaming...no one could figure out why. The church service soon began and Etana walked up to the mic to give a testimony before the whole entire congregation. Before long, she was reading from an anonymous greeting card that she recently received in the mail from Selah's Angels which had an insert tucked inside with a poem about cancer. Etana told of how she had made up her mind to just give up and was at the lowest point on her journey living with cancer when this card arrived in the mail. She moved everyone in the church to tears as she shared how this tiny little card changed her outlook on life!

...and so i thank you all once again for allowing me to dance this ballet of angels with you. one love, always.

friend-ship...

2011-12-06T06:19:00.000-05:00

There are good ships,

and there are bad ships,

but the best ships are friendships.

***

There's a special kind of freedom friends enjoy.

freedom to share innermost thoughts,

to ask a favor, to show their true feelings.

The freedom simply to be themselves.

***

A friend loves at all time. (Proverbs 17:17)

~ ~ ~

I am lost in thoughts and emotions about the formation of friendship in children.

What words of wisdom do you share with the children in your life?

practise kindness...

2011-12-04T11:47:00.008-05:00

I've been spending a lot of time lately pondering what purpose my blog serves. While I sat in silence contemplating, I received the most wonderful piece of mail - it was from a blogger, thanking me for providing her with a platform to spread love through the random acts of kindness we collectively perform here. melt my heart. I hadn't realised how many lives we touch through this little tiny blog. So, I had to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you for your generous contributions, and for the peaceful, loving vibes you share with others in the world. None of the following would be possible without you...I remain inspired.

bridge of love

let's be the village

friends of makeda

gift of jewels

gift of jewels 2

gift of jewels 3

gift of jewels 4

selah's angels

selah's angels 2

and we are currently doing

selah's angels 3

Thanks so much for all you do!!! one love, always.

untold stories...

2011-11-30T14:46:00.010-05:00

do you ever
sit and wonder
what it is really like
to live
on the other side
of the tracks?

*hailup Buju B...back in the MIA!
JAH Live! Everytime.

Selah's Angels: (a collective random act of kindness)...

2011-11-21T20:36:00.013-05:00

(photo: stephen marley)

i really thought long and hard over these last few weeks
about what i would like to do for the third anniversary
of my necessary room, coming up later this week.
can you imagine that showing love to one another
was all i could come up with? go figure. ;)

i'm over here, vibin' to the voice of stephen marley
Hail-e Se-las-sie is the cha-aa-pel-llll
po-wer of the Tri-ni-ty-y...

oh, how he reminds me of his daddy (bob marley)
yet still original in his own unique way.
love dem both. (but i digress)...

well i was over here thinking...thinking about how
even Fada Bob experienced living with cancer
while on his human journey, yet.
he kept on traveling around the globe
spreading JAH's message of peace and love.
the thought was so inspiring...

my heart began to overflow with compassion
for all those living around us today
whose lives have been touched by cancer
(and also the loved ones who support them)
prayers sent up.

and i thought to myself, maybe i could reach out to Selah's Angels
to help me sprinkle a little extra love into their lives...

*If you would like to join Selah's Angels in sending one anonymous greeting card (handmade or store bought) to someone who has been touched by cancer, please leave a comment here or send me an email at necessaryroom@gmail.com. The angels will be showering a selected few individuals with handwritten words of love in the mail on before Saturday, January 7, 2012. As is customary, no future commitment is required. Give thanks to all of you who help make these collective random acts of kindness not only a possibility, but a reality.

one love. always.

pure + innocent...

2011-11-13T18:09:00.001-05:00

i cradle my own
with infinite joy and fullness,
melting into each other
my heart overflows.
oh how i feel blessed.

but what about them?
the pure and innocent children
who endure brutal victimisation
at the hands of unrighteous men.
who will cradle them?

*Did you know that every 5 hours a child dies from abuse or neglect in the USA -- the highest/worse child abuse rate in the "industrialised" world? (exhale). prayers sent up for safety of all children. one love.

conscious friday...

2011-11-04T22:31:00.003-04:00

it surely wouldn't be a friday in my necessary room without some warm and easy reggae music.

listening to a marley-tosh combination, once again, on this blessed day...pure bliss.

one love. always.

release...

2011-11-01T19:05:00.001-04:00

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment.

(thich nhat hanh)

* * *

how have you been, my dear friends?

i've missed you so. thanks so much for being patient with me as i stumbled through life these last few months. i really am blessed to have such wonderful souls surrounding me, holding my hands from afar when i need it most.

in a few weeks, necessary room will turn 3!!! oh what shall we do to celebrate this happy occasion? any ideas?

well, i've got a quite a few friends to hail up now, so i best be on my way. keep the fire burnin'...i'll be stopping by to see you soon ;)

one love.

can you feel it?

2011-10-24T19:59:00.000-04:00

be still.
can you feel
my heart beat?
it is there, even
in my silence.
it is there.
always.

one love.

scenes from Chinatown...

2011-10-13T18:51:00.005-04:00

hey Mommy, what's going on over there?

don't know, but i think i'd like to borrow those kick-a** pants...

RUN!!!....a hungry dragon has invaded the streets of Chinatown

"HA-HA-HA! don't be afraid, little empress. i'm not hungry."

celebrate diversity. embrace culture. one love.

shhhhh, he's sleeping...

2011-10-07T19:01:00.002-04:00

welcome to the world, baby C.

little does he know that before long

he and my camera shall have a wonderful play date ;)

enjoy the present moment. one love.

to my darling BJ...

2011-09-27T19:47:00.003-04:00

it started with one random act of kindness

and before long, our souls would be forever linked

a mother, a sister, a friend to the end

you are so dearly loved, my darling BJ

(mere words just can't express)

painful - i suffer, as long as you do

so i send infinite love and pray that you feel it

my heart overflows as twilight creeps in

but i know JAH will cradle you in the palm of His hands

as you tread ever so softly on the pillow of your breath.

peace. be still.

i love you. for always.

* * *

*UPDATE: Thanks to all of you who touched BJ's life so deeply through your loving words, here and via post. She treasured each of your cards. It is unfortunate that I must share with you that our beloved BJ transitioned on Sunday, October 2, 2011. As Empress Christina so aptly put it, "An angel went home on Sunday morning."

I would be unmindful not to mention that it was also my dear sisterfriend Doris' birthday. I know that she was there at the gates waiting to greet BJ into an oasis of everlasting bliss. One love.

a little respite...

2011-09-24T14:37:00.000-04:00

taking a quiet moment to pause and reflect...

whatcha doing?

try life...

2011-09-22T17:09:00.004-04:00

i vow to develop COMPASSION

in order to protect the lives

of people, animals, plants and minerals.

~ ~ ~

I recently had a reasoning session with a very dear friend, Amani, about being mindful of the value of life for all sentient beings. We started to discuss those creepy little spiders (you know the ones) and my automatic mental response was "SQUISH." I paused and began to reflect on my lack of mindfulness as Amani expressed her amazement and fascination about the Most High taking such care in creating their tiny bodies in such great detail. She rhetorically asked, "Why would i smash it when i could just shoo it away?" Her words resonated deep within my soul...and I instantly felt remorse for my impulsive desire to squish the little buggers so that I could feel more comfortable with my existence while completely disregarding their own. (on knees, hands clasped, eyed tightly shut - whispering 'Father, please forgive me!!!!").

It is against this backdrop that my heart sank last night when I received the news that the state of Georgia and the United States Supreme Court had declined to save the life of Troy Davis, a Black man on death row who was accused and convicted of murdering a white police officer on the testimony of 9 witness (7 of whom had since recanted); a case in which no physical evidence ever tied him to the crime. (exhale). As his executioner entered the death chamber, Mr. Davis continued to profess his innocence and prayed for those about to take his life. Though his request for further investigation to seek the truth fell on deaf ears of those in positions of power, my earnest prayer is that Mr. Davis is now in a more peaceful place than he encountered here on earth and that his pain in leaving us was not too great.

I do find it quite interesting that while the debate on stopping the execution was raging on, the mother of the victim stated that she would find peace in Mr. Davis' death. (a foreign concept to me, but i can appreciate her suffering). Today, however, her statement is that "All the feelings of relief and peace I've been waiting for all these years, they will come later. I certainly do want some peace." I sincerely pray she finds it. May the truth soon reveal itself so that Mr. Davis' family can also embrace peace.

peace is every breath...

2011-09-20T21:11:00.006-04:00

we all have a beautiful, safe place inside of us

where we can go that is full of peace.

the bridge that takes us to this island of peace

and clarity inside of us is our breathing.

breathing in, i am calm.

breathing out, i smile.

(Thich Nhat Hanh)

~ ~ ~

*please be good to yourself today and visit your island of peace. one love. (exhale).

a random act of kindness...

2011-09-02T23:14:00.013-04:00

September 11, 2011 is the Ethiopian New Year
and Grandparents Day!

This year, in lieu of our traditional Gift of Jewels event, I am inviting everyone who visit here to perform a random act of kindness on the 11th of September.

Wouldn't it be divine to spoil a grandparent of your choosing with a surprise greeting card in the mail? The recipient need not be a relative - any grandparent will certainly do ;). Or maybe you'd like to go off the radar and do something completely different. Your imagination is your horizon. Just follow your heart and enjoy showering another beautiful soul with some much needed love.

as always, ONE LOVE, my friends.

they called her irene...

2011-08-28T08:25:00.002-04:00

and she blew

but i remained still

because i knew.

be still and know

one love.

breathe deeply...

2011-08-22T17:13:00.001-04:00

and exhale...

(do you feel better now?)

one love.

these are the moments...

2011-08-18T17:28:00.000-04:00

spending girl time with my little empress

oooh, she simply melts my heart.

on a saturday morn...

2011-08-13T10:02:00.003-04:00

i remember Mama baking

i was right there by her side

she had the best cake pans, i thought

and i had a tuna can (no lie).

even though i'm all grown up now

the memories still stay the same

but now i've got some real cake pans

and i love to play with them. ;)

wishing you a divine weekend.

remember to treasure the ones you love.

ode to love...

2011-08-09T22:41:00.004-04:00

i love you so much it hurts.

the art of therapy...

2011-08-06T16:54:00.000-04:00

aaaaah, i needed that.

hope you are having a divine weekend

on a wing of prayer...

2011-08-04T19:52:00.001-04:00

fasting and sending positive vibes,

overflowing with peace and love,

to my haitian brothers and sisters

and their beautiful, innocent children

who are still today living

under unsanitary conditions in makeshift tents,

while the hurricane season rains down upon them.

me? live in that situation?

absolutely unfathomable for the haves,

yet without a doubt acceptable for have nots!

may JAH infiltrate the very air we breathe

and return civility to the hearts of men

that human life will once again be valued (above all else)

regardless of race, colour or creed.

prayers sent up.

one love.

blessed earthstrong, my little empress...

2011-08-02T23:05:00.005-04:00

i am entirely convinced
that i have THE best
friends and family
in the whole
wide world.

give thanks to all who make our lives so special.
one love.

moments of tranquility...

2011-07-28T20:39:00.000-04:00

hope you are enjoying a moment of tranquility...

one love.

blessed earthstrong, Emperor!!!

2011-07-23T22:43:00.002-04:00

prayers, on a conscious friday...

2011-07-22T19:23:00.002-04:00

each day i rise, i give thanks and praises to the Most High for the blessings bestowed upon me in this life. i recognise that i am indeed blessed and privileged. therefore, i find it my duty as a living human being to do what i can to help those less fortunate. i put my palms together and lift up them up in prayer...JAH JAH, please deliver them from their suffering.

my mind is consumed with thoughts and images of our brothers and sisters in Somalia (especially the innocent babies) who are now clinging to life because of the famine, which resulted from severe drought in the Horn of Africa. even the word itself - FAMINE - evokes such strong yet surreal emotions that it gets caught in my throat when i try to discuss the real situation with my daughter. tell me how, in this rich and abundant earth, do we still have people dying from lack of food??? and it breaks my heart to know that Somalia is not alone.

if you'd like to lend a hand, please consider making a donation to Doctors without Borders or any of these charitable ONE partners.

wishing you a conscious friday and a divine weekend.

one love.

just because...

2011-07-19T09:25:00.001-04:00

smile.

'cause

you

are

beautiful.

rastaman vibration...

2011-07-17T12:31:00.018-04:00

Stephen "Ragga" Marley

if you are ever blessed with the opportunity, i strongly recommend that you experience his performance in person as he blasts across the globe on tour now. his new album, REVELATION Part 1 - The Root of Life is tuff (no doubt) and is also available on iTunes. tears fill my eyes as i revel in the beautiful moment we share this weekend. Big up you self Ragga. You truly epitomise the Rastaman Vibration.

Give thanks to all of our Rasta Kings and Queens who sacrifice (and endure) so much personally in their quest to spread JAH's message and to promote peace, love, freedom and equality for all human beings. (Buju, you are always in our hearts.)

*July 23rd marks the birth of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I. In honour of this important ocassion, i will giveaway an original 4 x 6 print of Stephen Marley to a randomly selected recipient. Register to win by leaving a comment on this post and the winner will be announced on Friday, July 22, 2011. one love.

UPDATE: All 5 guests who've registered to win a photo of Stephen Marley will be so rewarded. Thanks for playing along. Please send me your mailing addresses. one love.

celebrating life...

2011-07-04T01:07:00.002-04:00

hope you are doing the same.

have a safe and wonderful week.

one love.

on a rainy friday...

2011-06-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

every day is a blessed day
give thanks and praises for life.

have a conscious friday and a divine weekend

exhale...

2011-06-21T20:15:00.001-04:00

may your day be filled with smiles and sunshine

one love

hailup kings...

2011-06-19T15:26:00.000-04:00

(photo by Little Selah)

wishing all our kings, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
one love.

a moment of silence...

2011-06-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

words escape me today

so i ask you to please read here.

one love, always.

prayers sent up...

2011-06-14T20:55:00.009-04:00

always remember

to pray
for others

~ ~ ~

This photo was taken at an accident scene i happened upon on a bright and sunny, Sunday morning. Traffic slowly dwindled down from four to two lanes but soon screeched to a complete halt as emergency vehicles - police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and even the helicopter - encircled the crumpled SUV sitting on its roof against the inner guard rail.

While onlookers whispered unfounded rumours about the fatal condition of the occupants, who were reportedly on their way to church, my eyes glanced over their shrewn about belongings, now laying in the middle of the road, as if they never had an owner, and finally rested on their bible sitting amongst the shattered glass...(a wink from JAH, i thought). So I lifted them up in prayer.

The next day, I just had to research the accident. I was happy to learn that everyone survived! True story! one love.

*i see you, haiti, and my Rasta bredren, BUJU! prayers sent up...

Selah's Angels: (a random act of kindness)...

2011-06-09T07:05:00.001-04:00

let sisterly love continue;

be not forgetful to entertain strangers;

for thereby, some have entertained angels unawares.

~ ~ ~

Four years ago, the world lost a dynamic 39-year-old earth angel, who happened to be one of my best friends, to Stage 4 breast cancer. Doris was a wonderful soul, who did all she possibly could to help those less fortunate without seeking glory or anything in return. She just did it. Her strong, enduring spirit guided her to show love to all others, regardless of their circumstances, and my spirit couldn't resist being drawn closer to hers. (i miss you Doris). If one could make wishes, I would wish that Selah's Angels was established when she was sick - we would have showered her in love sooooo much.

Years since Doris journeyed on from this plane, several of my close friends have been touched by cancer. I felt especially broken deep within when I learned that my lovely friend BJ had been diagnosed with a terminal form of a rare cancer. While medical doctors are unable to provide her with a humanly cure to her illness, I have witnessed her faith provide her with all the spiritual cure she needs...and she is truly dignified and at peace - you can feel it in her aura. Still, she is a lighthouse emanating the brightest of light to dark corners and over foggy, rough seas. She actually told me that the love she has received from so many of you in the form of greeting cards helps sustain her soul and has rejuvenated her spirit. I may have told you that we touched her so deeply that she decided to joined us in sending notes of encouragement via snail mail to those in need. Now that's what Selah's Angels are all about...i am so thankful for all you do.

The list of recipients of our loving kindness has grown tremendously over the past two years. I receive emails on a regular basis requesting that we send someone in need a little extra touch of love and we are happy to oblige. Though most recipients are elderly or living with some form of illness, we also send notes of encouragement to those who are simply experiencing other challenges in life (and from what i hear, it has made all the difference).

So now friends, it's time once again for Selah's Angels to spread their wings and perform another collective random act of kindness by sending one anonymous greeting card (handmade or store bought) to a sister in need. No future commitment is required in this shower of love. If you are interested in participating, please leave a comment here or email me at necessaryroom@gmail.com.

*All greeting cards should be mailed before July 6, 2011*
give thanks. one love.

~ ~ ~

psssst. (in a whisper) speaking of sisterly love, i understand that a most precious earth angel is celebrating a special birthday today. big up you self, Miss Tracey Amani. Let's stop by her place and sprinkle her with some happy wishes. ;)

gone for a stroll...

2011-06-07T07:05:00.004-04:00

today, i am heading over to my wonderful friend, Anyes' place, Far Away in the Sunshine for a little reasoning session. it would mean the world to me if you would join us. hope to see you over there.

one love.

it started as a love story...

2011-06-01T10:41:00.004-04:00

it started as a love story

but soon she was cowering beneath

his raised hand and furrowed brows

like a child of God she forgave him, each time

made excuses for his unrelenting anger

until one day the unthinkable happened

he beat her til she knew not herself anymore

nor could those around her recognise her

for she became like a child

happy to have survived

the brutal beating she sustained

at his oh so "loving" hands.

*remembering victims of domestic violence*
one love.

thinking of you...

2011-05-29T11:33:00.021-04:00

you opened the window to my soul
and I and I felt pure, unadulterated joy

one love. always.

Happy Earth light, Mama T...

2011-05-28T00:00:00.010-04:00

to my best friend ever in this whole, entire, beautiful world
i wouldn't know my self were it not for encountering you
you deserve only the best, my heartical sistren
sending the most loving vibes your way
on this your special day
TO INFINITY!
one
l
o
v
e

p.s. your own copy soon come ;)

silently...

2011-05-25T08:05:00.008-04:00

stop holding on
make space for emptiness,
become silent, clear and calm

a little Zen wisdom to help you get through the day...thanks Birdie for sharing this wonderful snippet with me.

one love, my friends...wishing you all the best of days.

i'll be soon jammin' to my new Stephen Marley CD, Revelation. He's now on tour across the USA and is coming near me soon! ;)

*sketch was done by my baby sister, Belle

tender hearts...

2011-05-18T11:34:00.002-04:00

this sketch was done by my baby sister, Belle, who authors the blog still dreaming. I find it absolutely amazing! - saying so much, with absolutely no words. (exhale).

i hope you are treating the hearts that surround you tenderly today. one love.

inch by inch...

2011-05-17T11:05:00.006-04:00

thinking of you
as i crawl into my necessary room
during this allergy & asthma season

are you doing well?

*please forgive my limited appearances (and visits). i'm practising deep breathing with shallow lungs.

*p.s. have you received your *gift of jewels* yet...still tracking a few outstanding gems ;)

flying high...

2011-05-09T11:25:00.003-04:00

It's been quite a long time since I've been to a carnival or fair...but I was dragged to one recently. Inspired by Empress Christina and her bucket list, I had to sneak my camera along with me. Of course I didn't go on any of these rides :) but my high-flying daughter, little Se'lah, was happy to hop on board and ride them over and over and over again...for hours!!!

whee-e-e-e-e-e-e-e....

the cliff hanger (little Se'lah in pink)

the zipper

and pharoah's fury

i rode on some of these near-death experiences back in my heyday...didn't turn out too well...and that's all i'm gonna say about that. lol.

how are you doing today?

happy mother's day...

2011-05-07T12:15:00.001-04:00

one love, my friends.

the frilly dress...

2011-04-29T20:27:00.008-04:00

poverty is slavery
i used to think it a bit harsh
but as time goes on
and i witness with my own eyes
the incredible suffering on this abundant earth
the worst yet felt by those who are poor
i can now say i believe that
poverty is slavery

* * *

almost a fortnight ago, little se'lah began to try on her frilliest, fanciest dresses. curious little child, i thought, and then i transformed into her most loyal personal dressing room assistant. ;)

early this morning, right when it was time to get ready for school of course, she began frantically searching for her tiara. after much effort, she couldn't locate it so she settled for my humble offer to put some ribbons in her hair. (note to self - buy a damn tiara for moments like these - exhale). she was soooo happy in her dress because it was royal wedding day at school and her mommy actually let her wear a dress to school. can you say red letter day?!

as i walked mindfully throughout my day, my heart skipped a beat as i thought about my precious little princess being so amp'd up over the royal wedding, before i could find myself getting too engulfed in the fairytale, these sobering words, live within your means, rushed into my consciousness. i paused for a moment to ponder the stark reality - while $60 million was spent on this one lavish wedding, there are people still living in abject poverty in british colonies today. (exhale). my mind wandered to the people of montserrat, haiti, japan, the southern US, those living in war torn regions of Mama Afrika, and all the sufferars around the world. overflowing with emotion, i fell on bended knee and lifted them up in prayer.

please remember the most vulnerable populations of the world and say a prayer for them.

have a conscious friday and a divine weekend. one love.

listen closely...

2011-04-27T11:55:00.001-04:00

can you feel it?

Happy Freedom Day, South Africa!

it's raining jewels...

2011-04-20T14:20:00.005-04:00

do you sometimes wish

that you just could click your heels together

and make everything perfect for your loves ones?

or maybe wave a magic wand
and watch all troubles melt away
like water off a duck's goose back?

well, that may not be realistic
but a few kind words
delivered via postcard
can make all the difference. ;)

thank you Sarah for my very beautiful Gift of Jewels.
i am in awe! i absolutely love it!!!

*for those who have yet to mail their jewel, no need to panic ;) - we live more by guidelines here in my necessary room. life happens...believe me, it will definitely be delivered right on time.

one love.

take time to smell the flowers...

2011-04-17T18:03:00.000-04:00

breathe in

breathe out

pause

repeat

happy monday...

2011-04-11T08:45:00.003-04:00

these flowers are for you.
do you like them?
i have been missing you a lot lately
and just thought i would let you know
that i still hold you close to my heart.

~ Our Gift of Jewels are winging their way around the globe. I do hope you receive your postcard soon. do stop by here and let me know so that I may keep track of our precious jewels.

~ Thanks again for all those who have generously sent *Friends of Makeda* postcards to Mrs. H's preschool class. She wanted me to tell you that they are very much appreciated and the children are all excited about receiving their own mail ;). So far we've sent them over 50 postcards from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Kuala Lampur, Maldives, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, UK, Hawaii, Alaska and other states in the USA. What a joy! Thank you!!!

tell someone 'i love you'...

2011-04-03T15:00:00.002-04:00

each moment
so precious.

tell someone "i love you" today.

~ ~ ~

*Special thanks to Joanna Jenkins, author of The Fifty Factor, for her tremendous support in raising awareness about our collective random act of kindness, *Friends of Makeda*. As of date, we have bloggers from nine different countries sending postcards to Mrs. H's preschool class. Each postcard is equally precious and greatly appreciated. I cannot thank you all enough for doing this.

one love.

Friends of Makeda - a small RAK...

2011-03-28T08:05:00.003-04:00

*FRIENDS OF MAKEDA*

(a small Random Act of Kindness)

have you ever been touched so deeply by the loving-kindness of another that all you wanted to do was pass it on? Well, let us sit down and reason for a moment...

Several years ago, when my daughter started her preschool experience, our lives were forever touched by the most special of angels and undeniably, the most dedicated teacher I have ever met in this lifetime...her speech and language therapist, Mrs. H. Some of you who are frequent visitors of my Necessary Room might recall me discussing her here. For any parent seeking educational support for a child who requires "special needs assistance," I only pray you can find the support of a teacher like this.

In just a few months (May 2011), Mrs. H. is going to retire from decades of teaching her small preschool classroom, which is comprised primarily of children who have speech and language challenges. Significant financial contraints in the state's public education budget have not deterred her from weaving her magic, using a holistic approach to nurture these children and help them all realise their individual strengths. Needless to say, i simply adore her!

So I got this idea...before Mrs. H. leaves her classroom in May, I thought I would call upon you to help me with performing a small random act of kindness. To provide the children in her classroom some perspective about the global connectedness of humankind, and as a gesture of loving-kindness, would you please join me in sending the class a postcard from your corner of the world? They will track each postcard's point of origin on a world map kept in the classroom. At the end of the school year, the postcards will be evenly distributed to the children as a keepsake from their classroom experience with Mrs. H. It's sure to provide them something to talk about ;)

If you'd like to join me in sending these preschool children a *Friends of Makeda* postcard, please email me at necessaryroom@gmail.com and I will gladly provide you their mailing address. Please note that I have Mrs. H's permission to do this. She would like to thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness.

All *Friends of Makeda* postcards should be mailed on
or before May 2, 2011, Teacher Appreciation Day.

As always, thank you!
One love, Se'lah.

sprinkle the jewels...

2011-03-26T20:29:00.012-04:00

i think i will go to the post office

and pick out the prettiest stamp they have

to put on my *gift of jewels* postcard.

(little se'lah)

~ ~ ~

I want to thank you all for making this special international pen-pal project possible. By now, each of you should have received a personal email from me with the contact information for the secret intended recipient of your jewel. If you have not received yours, please feel free to notify me at necessaryroom@gmail.com.

Approximately 50 jewels are being sprinkled from 11 different countries around the globe and one of them will soon land in your mailbox. where will yours come from i wonder? hmmmm...

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

Denmark

Maldives

Puerto Rico

Sweden

U.K.

U.S.A.

Remember, since no two people have each other, no one else knows who or where their jewel is coming from so please do not spill the beans. ;) You may send your jewel anonymously if you so desire, or you may include your return mailing address. either way is love.

All *gift of jewels* should be mailed on or before
April 22, 2011, Earth Day.

One World. One People. One Love.

*may i ask one little favour of you? when you receive your jewels, could you please stop by this post and share your thoughts with us. to make it easier, the *gift of jewels* photo button in the sidebar will directly link to this post.

Happy Earth Hour!

let the festivities begin..

earth light...

2011-03-25T21:29:00.001-04:00

This Day, Empress Menen's Earth Light, I am preparing to follow her example in spreading love all over the world. Little Se'lah and I are busy as little bees randomly selecting the recipient of your loving-kindness in the Gift of Jewels project. I was thinking about making my postcard when Little Se'lah caught the card-making bug. She has offered one of her handmade creations to give away to one of you as the "secret jewel". isn't that sweet?

After the sun hides behind the horizon tomorrow, we will gladly join billions of people worldwide in turning off our lights for one hour in observance of Earth Hour. The thought of quiet time....aaaaahhhh. Time to meditate. Time to practise mindfulness. Time to pray by candlelight for all the sufferars around the globe.

There are many women and children who go to sleep at night worrying about bombs falling out the sky or cowering beneath weapons of human destruction pointed their direction. Many have nowhere to run. No place to hide. (exhale). I need not go on because that thought alone is enough to reduce me to tears.

Imagining the depth of the suffering of all people would have been overwhelming were it not for the solace I find in the stillness of JAH. So I seek peace, and embrace love until it fills my soul, and then I release it out into the universe.

gift of jewels roll call...

2011-03-24T22:06:00.027-04:00

Greetings my friends,

Only a few hours remain until registration closes for our festival of love, the *Gift of Jewels* pen pal project. I am bouncing off the walls over here, just waiting to see which one of you beautiful souls out there I will sending my shiny jewel off to...do you find yourself daydreaming too? Thanks again for your wonderful participation - this project is only possible because of you! thank you.

a simple postcard

drenched in loving words

arrives in your mailbox,
always right on time.

can there be anything

more beautiful?
(exhale).

iasa, blissfully unaware lounge singer

gayle, planet m files

ladyfi, lady fi

kim, a box of chocolates

elizabeth, landanna

dawn, may all seasons be sweet to thee

julochka, moments of perfect clarity

anu, my courageous life

teresha, marlie and me

eslocura, eslocura's asylum

sherry, indigo girl

carla, carla artesanato e croche

chris, an inch of time

sarah, circles of rain

pearl, pearl maple

bonnie, the mamma has spoken

kim, queen of arts

gail, know your its

brian miller, waystation one

tracey, quietly kickin' and screamin'

sharon, happenings on chaos ranch

angie, visually oriented blog

lisa, anali's first amendment

cinner, things about the who, what, when, where, and why

elk, red or gray depends on the day

connie, loose lemons

kath, soeurs du jour

margie, soeurs du jour

roberta granada, tita carre agulha e tricot

cathi, everyday adventures of a curious gal

vickie, operation you

libby, the art of starting over

elizabeth, retinal perspectives

marilyn, delights of the heart

joanna jenkins, the fifty factor

rayfamily, tilting at windmills

anyes, far away in the sunshine

darcel, the mahogany way

kate i, inspired

berta, kinda like running a marathon

birdie, simple ways

kamana, journalling through photos

kristin, hello sweet world

MiSspOetiCk, just me

belle, still dreaming

baracka, walk by faith

christina, soul aperture

cathie, m.e.

*If you've already signed up but don't see your name on the list above, please forgive my inadvertence and let me know so I may include you in our little festival of love.

*Also, if you are participating and have not emailed me your mailing address, please do so before March 25, 2011. one love.

a call for peace...

2011-03-21T10:02:00.001-04:00

peace is ___________

fill in the blanks ;)

we are one...

2011-03-18T19:34:00.003-04:00

just sending out some loving vibes to all of you...

have a conscious friday and a divine weekend.

one love, my friends.

*tonight the full moon is 18% bigger and 30% brighter than usual. this will not happen again until 2029. hope you are gazing at the same moon ;)

our changing world...

2011-03-17T21:21:00.007-04:00

all across the globe
there is great suffering
i can feel it in my heart

during Earth Hour 2011
i will again take 7 minutes
to pray for those in need.

* Earth Hour will be observed worldwide at 8:30 pm on on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Like our festival of love, Gift of Jewels project, this has now become an annual event here in my necessary room. Candles. Prayers. Love. what more can a girl ask for?

*Special acknowledgments:

- my sweet emerald isle. may your enduring spirit quiet the rumbling earth.

- to our brothers and sisters in Haiti, clinging to hope for assistance. i still see you.

- oh japan. first hiroshima and nagasaki. now this? i hold you up in prayer.

- to those living in areas of turmoil on the African continent, oh how i wish for peace.

- to all the sufferars, if only i had the resources...but for now, i give you my love.

- to Selah's Angels...thank you so much for all that you do.

- thanks to all of you for your continued support. i couldn't ask for better blog friends. one love.

Gift of Jewels: a festival of love...

2011-03-12T12:17:00.012-05:00

With Spring's pending arrival, I thought this would be an opportune moment to spread a little love to one another. What better way to do this than with our bi-annual spring celebration, the Gift of Jewels pen pal project. Oh how I've missed our little festival of love. This edition, however, will be a little different than the ones we've done before. This time, we will only be doing a simple postcard exchange (no gifts please).

For those interested, won't you please join me in sending a randomly selected person a postcard from your corner of the world. It can be personally hand-crafted or a purchased postcard. We must all agree, however, to honour our commitment because some loving soul will be eagerly awaiting your postcard's arrival.

If you wish to participate in the *gift of jewels* project, please leave a comment on this post by March 25, 2011.

All participants should also email me directly at necessaryroom@gmail.com with their snail mail address and preferred blog link. I will randomly select the intended recipient of your jewel from amongst the registered participants. You will receive a personal email from me shortly after the registration deadline with your secret recipient's information. As always, no two people will have each other, so you'll just have to wait and see where your jewel will come from? For the shy at heart, you can certainly send your jewel anonymously if you wish ;) Please know that your information will not be shared with anyone other than the person selected to send your *gift of jewels*.

All *gift of jewels* should be mailed by Friday, April 22, 2011.

Ooooh, I can hardly wait...

one love.

be still...

2011-03-09T09:44:00.004-05:00

can you feel the calm?

letters to buju banton...

2011-03-07T16:23:00.011-05:00

I feel like I've been absent from class lately, but I want to thank you all for the loving kindness you show me each day, whether through your thoughtful comments, emails or postal mail. It surely lightens the load when my burdens are heavy. thank you oh so very much.

It is especially important during challenging times to show one another love and compassion. Sometimes, predestined circumstances take us to the most unforeseen places. It is in these dark hours that we most need some positive light to shine through and touch our souls. While we each have our own path to walk in this life, as citizens of the world, is it not our responsibility to help one another should we stumble along the way?

In this vein, my sister Empress Marcia and I are promoting Letters to Buju Banton, a grassroots movement inviting all mindful beings and reggae fans across the globe to put their pen to paper and write Buju Banton a personal letter (or postcard) of support. May our kind words and prayers provide Buju the strength and courage he needs as he embarks upon this uncertain chapter in his life. For more details, please click here.

I take heed to no truer words, "Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up" and so I extend my heart and hands to all those in need... one love.

peace + love...

2011-02-28T08:02:00.006-05:00

February has always been a very ambivalent month for me
filled with so much good and yet at times, so much pain
but i am good, and thankful for the impermanence of life
and will continue to look to JAH for strength and guidance.

JAH is love, touch love. feel love.
JAH is light, shining bright for all to see
JAH is good, overflowing with tender mercies
JAH is peace. He lives in I and I.

unchained spirit...

2011-02-25T22:04:00.009-05:00

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

(Invictus by William Ernest Henley)

* * *

Not since Bob Marley left this earthly plane

have I touched this hidden part of my self

how can hearing his voice now make me cry

when it is the one sure thing guaranteed

to light a cozy fire deep within my soul?

the voice of the poor, innocent and downtrodden,

you are a trumpet of hope, an example of free spirit,

a source of strength and conscious enlightenment

so i wipe away these tears and lay my burdens down

as i lift you and your family up in prayer unto the Most High.

love you Buju. the unconquerable one. Selassie I know.

*have a conscious friday and a divine weekend. one love.

let go...

2011-02-24T10:43:00.001-05:00

release
set free
liberate
your mind
body and
soul

(exhale)

a sign of love...

2011-02-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

i woke up this morning
give thanks for life
said prayers unto the Most High
Oh Jah, please hear my prayers
lit a few incense to firm up my meditation
sending you positive vibes
and in the rising sun, i saw a sign
JAH is love.

can you see the heart? ;)

on a friday night...

2011-02-18T23:24:00.002-05:00

in my bachelorette days, when the lights come on each friday night, it was time to start choosing my new outfit to pose off in de dance hall. no other place like it.

a smooth yet gritty kinda place

where you can really feel the music,

fall into the arms of your king

in the dark corner over there ;)

and release the stresses of life

or you can always step into the middle of the floor

and show dem dat you are the original dance hall queen

(but you better know de latest - lol),

so nice to share brotherly and sisterly love, and
lift up our consciousness to higher heights

through word, power and sound...

even nicer still when JAH soldiers come cross.

Big up you self Buju! onward and upward.

wishing you a conscious friday and a divine weekend.
one love, my friends.

my guiding light...

2011-02-16T10:39:00.010-05:00

"so help me god," they say

before unleashing a forked tongue

to create fantasies in the minds of men

but I call upon the Most High JAH

Almighty defender of truth and righteousness

and step forth, armed only with my conscience. Selah.

* * *

*I am enjoying a week of prayer. I couldn't resist pulling out my half-a-century-old bible for this one. Closing my eyes, I exhaled. Turning the very, very worn pages, I could almost feel the earnest prayers of all those before me who held this bible while on bended knees, seeking help or deliverance from JAH. And out of this divine consciousness, came this prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world who are fighting to prove their innocence. May you all find great strength and courage in JAH.

one love.

prayer + meditation...

2011-02-13T22:31:00.009-05:00

from the depths of my very soul,
i pray for peace and love to reign supreme
throughout this beautiful universe.

oh Jah, please shield the innocents
who raise their voices against injustice,
only to be entrapped by the snares
of those who shun righteousness,

as i retreat in deep prayer and meditation

i would like to offer one of you

a set of authentic Tibetan prayer flags

as part of a special "one love" gift set.

*to be eligible for this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post on or before February 20, 2011. feel free to share your prayer for the world.

*to enter another exciting giveaway, please click here.

*CONGRATULATIONS to BUJU BANTON on winning the Grammy for Best Reggae Album - Before the Dawn. Sending positive vibes your way as you step out on the battlefield once again. May truth pave your path towards freedom. one love.

Update: Congrats to Wanda for winning the "one love" gift set. Thanks to all for your loving support.

feel the stillness...

2011-02-11T01:07:00.003-05:00

You can imagine if

everyone on earth did have

one day where we just

put all our minds together

regardless where the force is, as long as

it's positive, and just meditate for even

a hour that day.
(Bob Marley)

c'mon Sistahs,

let's be still together.

meet me wherever you are

out there in the omniverse,

if only for one minute.

at two o'clock in the afternoon

let's share a quiet moment
in the realm of our consciousness
and release positive vibes, filled of love

for someone in need of prayer.

won't you please join me?

february 14th through 20th

random act of kindness week.

*Jah Guide Buju!

before you go...

2011-02-07T22:29:00.010-05:00

what can i possibly say to you
now that death is knocking at your door?
do i relentlessly tell you how much "i love you"
or simply continue to pray that
you rest your head softly
on the pillow of your breath
and for JAH to gently cradle you
in the palm of his hands
as you prepare to enter
the gates of Zion.
(exhale)

songs of freedom...

2011-02-06T13:32:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Bob Marley !!!

Give thanks for your profound efforts in spreading JAH's message of love, peace, global responsibility and social consciousness...

despite tremendous adversity and suffering all around the world, we continue to march on...

one love.

embracing my roots...

2011-02-02T10:51:00.001-05:00

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.

(Marcus Mosiah Garvey)

Little Se'lah and I were feverishly chasing Carmen Sandiego around the globe. This vintage game is full of action, historical facts, diversity and culture. What joy it brings me to now have a legitimate excuse to play this game once again ;). We dashed over to Africa, where we were told the world's largest diamond was found. But how could I just leave that factoid so bland? We started to discuss the systemic depletion of Africa's natural resources and its relation to the cruel institution of slavery and other atrocities across the continent.

Over 100 million innocent Afrikan men,

and even the women and children too

shackled and literally packed like sardines

in the belly of slave ships crossing the oceans.

Oh Jah, they died so inhumanely.
None were properly laid to rest,

their bodies carelessly tossed overboard
and swallowed up by the vast and open sea.

The remaining survivors were held in bondage,
against their will, as the chattel of unjust men
on the shores of the Americas and
throughout the West Indies.

As a descendant of a victim of slavery

I dare never forget what they endured
as long as their blood runs through my veins.

It is, and will forever be, a special part of me.

But it is now our time,

not to ignore or rewrite the history before us,

but to steer the course of present day history

on a more loving, tolerant, and humane path.

one love.

swing low, sweet chariot...

2011-02-01T08:54:00.019-05:00

There was a special energy in the room. Little Se'lah came home singing the Black spiritual, swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home... It was the most angelic voice (if i may say so myself) and it instantly commanded my attention.

whe she hear dat from? I wondered for a moment. And then it dawned on me...Black.History.Month!

I've always been bewildered by the concept of Black History "Month". On the one hand, I always enjoy celebrating the historic accomplishments of our freedom fighters, and appreciate their brief moment in the public spotlight, but on the other hand, since I was not born in america, each month has presented me with cultural opportunities to embrace my Black.History so I can't quite grasp the limitation. I will say, however, that at no other time during the school year does my daughter ever learn Black spirituals in her predominantly white school. It was certainly food for my soul to see her joyfully exploring her own culture in this way.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?

*The "wishing stone" featured above was hand painted by Little Se'Lah. Much love to you all. To those who celebrate, Happy Black History Month!

a drop of light...

2011-01-29T11:24:00.000-05:00

one love

on a snowy tuesday...

2011-01-25T18:34:00.008-05:00

Mother Nature has been demanding my attention
so i guess i will just have to give it to her. wheee...
but as much as I enjoy playing in the snow,
i am forever thoughtful of those
who remain without food and shelter
in these arctic temperatures.
tonight, I pray deeply for them.

(exhale).

* * *

okay, those of you who know me already may suspect that perhaps, maybe some of my roots are blonde. did you realise that it is now summer in Australia and other parts of the world right now? Like this very minute? Australia has been on my mind a lot lately, especially with the recent devastating flood. I have a very good friend who lives there and she turns half a century today!!! Won't you stop over to her place and wish her very happy birthday. it would mean the world to me.

* * *

just in case you're hanging out with lady luck, stop by here before friday for a special giveaway;

and

it's definitely not to late to still join us in a collective random act of kindness, forget.me.not.

one love.

embrace loving-kindness...

2011-01-23T11:05:00.001-05:00

Recently, as we were returning home complaining of the bitter cold, my daughter and I encountered a survivor of an ongoing building fire. She was standing in a corridor, dressed only in her obviously comfy pajamas, socks on her feet, wearing a do-rag (for those who have worn them, you understand the importance of this!) and was clinging to her top trying to cover her body.

Can i help you? in any way?, little Selah asked.

Oh no, my dear. I'm just standing here keeping an eye on my apartment because i ran out, just like this, leaving the door open, the lady replied.

Her soft, familiar Haitian accent immediately warmed my heart and we burst into conversation. We shared a quick geographical lesson, because the beautiful land of my birth, Montserrat, is barely visible on most maps. A lesson I've rehearsed well by now since I've been giving it since I was a teenager. Usually, the live volcano does the trick, and it didn't fail me this time either.

We talked a little about the Caribbean...the feeling of inter-connectedness you get when you meet one another. (I wonder if it's like this for everyone.) We offered her shelter from the cold, if only to warm up, but she decided to stand guard until it was safe to return. Waving goodbye, we left.

Little Selah really wanted to help her. So, we got her a cup of mint tea (a little refreshment in times like these), some of my homemade coconut pound cake (you know, for comfort food), and a sweater to keep her warm.

...and they both smiled, and my heart was glad... the end.

what random act of kindness shall i do today? hmmm...

guest post: just me...

2011-01-21T11:41:00.006-05:00

whoo-hoo!!! i am so elated...my baby sister is getting married!!! I cannot thank her enough for gracing my space and sharing her love story with us. Her words of poetry simply warms my soul. I am speechless, at this moment.
i love you Sis (waving at Em).

you're sweet like a krispy kreme

and just as rare

if I was a songwriter

I'd write your song right here

you're better than the best that ever was.

Any person that questions that last statement gets punched square in the nose...

I'm your silly, random, violent, selfless, crazy woman

and your the muse to all my poetry and potential prose

like "the perfect verse over a tight beat"

you might be proof that movie romance is attainable

the way you make me feel: in-explainable

even if I had all the world's alphabets

to make up all the possible words in the universe

I'd have to use them all

and still couldn't compose an accurate verse.

if I were a collectors edition pair of Louboutins

for sure, you'd be the matching purse.

yang,

I'm happy to be your yin

and I jest

but you know

that forever

you're my everything

'course I'll wear your ring

and 'course I'll be your wife

there's no one else with whom I'd share

this crazy thing called life

so I'll take your hand

and kung-fu grip it tight

(so you don't do that stupid swingy thing you were doing

when we went out the other night)

and we'll figure out all that other stuff

married people are supposed to do,

know why??

I'll give you three guesses,

though you should only need one to get it right...

okay, you're taking too long

so I'll just tell you why

it's 'cause I love you.

(no takesy-backsies, double pinky swear,

promise, I'll always be there

even if your feet smell,

or you start losing your hair

know, that with rogaine and odor-eaters

I will be right here)

*image captured by Keith Claytor, Time Frozen Photography.
one love, my friends.

a moment of togetherness...

2011-01-14T23:08:00.010-05:00

I am elated to share that as of today, we are scheduled to send out 65 greeting cards filled with love from Selah's Angels. It has been such an amazing experience to connect with all of you as we collectively perform another random act of kindness (forget.me.not). Words can not describe the impact your kind words of inspiration has on our sisters in need. melts my heart... thank you all, so very much.

~ ~ ~

and as if i needed something else to amp me up...

this Sunday, January 16, 2011, a dream come true!!!
Buju Banton & friends, Live on stage in Miami. And because Buju is so mindful of the global support he has received in his time of need, the Before the Dawn concert will be broadcasted online (pay per view) so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this historical moment of togetherness. whoo hoo!!! getting me dreads all twisted up in a bunch ;)

have a conscious friday and a divine long weekend.
happy MLK day. one love. togetherness.

in the midst of a storm...

2011-01-12T09:58:00.006-05:00

no sight of sun in the sky
but i know she's still up there
shining down upon me.

so if you see someone
in the midst of a storm
shine a little light their way.

*haiti, i still see you (one year later). please take a moment to pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters today.

*p.s. it's not too late to join in on our random act of kindness, forget.me.not

a wave of love...

2011-01-08T17:29:00.041-05:00

mommy daughter time

make bath fizzies and

handmade greetings cards

send love notes from angels

pray. meditate. exhale

break bread together

hug me and dance

then shower each other
in lots and lots of kisses.
muah!

how did you spend your day?

* * *

A most special thanks to all of you for taking part in forget.me.not, a collective random act of kindness. You really inspire me with your capacity for kind deeds. I just know that your greeting cards will send a wave of love and positive vibes out into the universe, and deeply touch the hearts of the recipients:

iasa, blissfully unaware lounge singer

anyes, far away in the sunshine

cathi, every adventures of a curious gal

vickie, operation you

cinner, things about the who, what, when, where, and why

ELK, red and gray depends on the day

lyn, lyn's life pixels

m.heart, secret notebooks.wild pages

lisa, lisa's chaos

tracey, quietly kickin' and screamin'

tracy, pink purl

baracka, walk by faith

chris, an inch of time

kass, the K Is no longer silent

gail, know your it's

margie, soeurs du jour

kim, a box of chocolates

beth, be yourself...everyone else is taken

gayle, planet m files

birdie, simple ways

sharon, happenings on chaos ranch

libby, the art of starting over

kim, queen of arts

connie, loose lemons

teresa, the cottage on the corner

jessica, life is but a dream

mother/daughter, spread your wings

anu, my courageous life

vickie, nature's details

darcel, the mahogany way

lisa, anali's first amendment

One Love, Se'lah.

forget me not...

2011-01-03T20:17:00.011-05:00

changing the world
one random act of kindness
at a time...

* * *

Two years ago, my beloved friend BJ was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. (exhale). Quite a sobering experience for sure but JAH has walked in stride with me, even carried me along the way, in my attempts to shower her with as much love as is humanly possible.

At the outset, a friend suggested that I write BJ each week. It would be good for both of you, she said. I didn't know what to say at first...I mean, what could I say? I cried. I prayed. I meditated. And deep in the stillness, I found my words...

In sharing this experience, Selah's Angels soon emerged - a group of wonderful bloggers and friends who volunteered to send anonymous greeting cards to BJ at their leisure. Their words of love and random acts of kindness lifted BJ's spirits to unimaginable heights, and continue to make a world of difference in her life. thank you oh so much. BJ was so touched by your compassion, she requested that I connect her with someone in need to periodically shower with love. As you may (or may not) remember, I taught her how to quilt during our most recent visit together. Imagine my surprise when BJ called me all excited to tell me that she made a quilt and sent it to this beautiful soul she has never met, just because.

For two years now, Selah's Angels have been sending greeting cards to those in need - primarily the sick and elderly, especially those touched by cancer. The recipient list has since grown by request (which we have happily embraced).

This year, Random Acts of Kindness week will be celebrated globally from February 14 - 20, so I thought it would be a good time to invite you to join Selah's Angels in sending one of the recipients on our list a warm greeting card in the mail (anonymously of course). You need only send one greeting card (handmade or store bought) and there is no future commitment required in this shower of love. If you are interested, please leave a comment here or email me at necessaryroom@gmail.com.

*All greeting cards should be mailed by February 14, 2011*

forget.me.not

embracing life...

2011-01-02T21:26:00.002-05:00

i remember not so long ago
as i was giving birth to new leaves
you cursed the pollen i released
because it made you sneeze

but now you curse my naked branches
because they provide no buffer
to protect your frozen cheeks
from the bitterly cold wind

and then there are those
who embrace winter's arrival
because they recognise and appreciate
that each moment is precious

so if you just happen
to drive by a snow covered hill
why not grab your sleds
and go for a ride ;)
wheeeeee...

still flowing...

2010-12-30T17:44:00.001-05:00

i peered through the window
in awe of winter's fury
and oh what a beauty...

the mist arose softly
from the vast emptiness of space and time
to encircle my heart
(much like you do)

like icicles
under the warm morning sun
my worries melted away

so here we are
another year gone by
a little frozen, but still flowing
(exhale).
* * *

How can I ever thank you all for the loving support you've shown here in my Necessary Room. The joy you bring me is simply indescribable. You've helped me open my heart, even wider than I ever thought possible. I am so excited to continue this journey with all of you into 2011. Wishing all new and loyal readers the happiest new year!!!

p.s. thought I'd share that the children we sponsored for the holiday season are still on top of the moon, thanks to you. may you be continually blessed.

one love.

Se'lah

praying for peace...

2010-12-19T22:55:00.002-05:00

hi friends, i'm running over here today ;)
it would mean the world to me if you'd tag along.
one love.

powerfully free!

2010-12-16T13:28:00.011-05:00

We think of power as something physical and often it is. But, let’s consider another powerful idea. May I?

Whether we know it or not, our thoughts are one of the most powerful things we have to demonstrate freedom in our lives. We have the ability to think differently of our situations. How great is that? So, the thought of lack can actually be a thought of abundance, if we choose.

Have you ever been at the entrance of a building and your body tensed because you were afraid to go in? But, you knew you had to walk through. Once you took the first step, then the second, you were actually in. You held your breath for a second only to realize that nothing happened. So, you continued to walk looking and listening, but you never stopped. Then you felt panic and fear slowly roll down your body into the very floor or ground you walked on. A rush of relief came over you like the ocean rushing to kiss the sand. Remember the feeling when you realized that you did it! It’s powerful! I remember saying, “I did it!”

It is the same thing with life challenges. One by one, we should pick up the rocks or stones that represent perceived challenges in our lives. Look at them, study them, and then release them and all they represent. We should remove it from our walking paths or choose to walk on it turning it into beautiful white sand. Again, it is our choice. So, what is a choice? It is the ability to think one way or another. In other words, we have the power to demonstrate GOOD anyway we want through our thoughts!

We have the freedom to use power through thinking. We can choose to become absorbed in what our eyes see or we can choose to recognize it, release the thought and think about who we really are and that is power. We are powerful. We are confident. We are strong. We are brave. We are love. Because our Creator created us to use this power and to love, we know that everything we do is supported and uplifted by our Creator. What freedom! What power!

Let us use our power through our thinking. Create the world in which you know you deserve to live. I see you! One love. All love. All Powerful.

Thank you Se’Lah! I am honored and love, love this place called Necessary Room.

*A special thank you to my beautiful Sistah-friend, Vickie (author of Operation You) for sharing her wonderful and empowering words here with us today. I always enjoy having you over. You are such a valued voice here in blogland and a treasure in my life. I love you, all the way to the moon.

warmth of love...

2010-12-07T17:40:00.010-05:00

relaxing by the fire
with loved ones i hold dear
playing the polar express board game
and listening to my favourite christmas carols
fully immersed in the warmth of the season
yet thinking of those who have not...

My dear friends,

How are you doing? I've been busy wrapping the most beautiful gifts for the children in need we are sponsoring for Christmas. Thanks so much for your generous contributions thus far to the Let's be the Village donation drive. With the placement of each shiny bow, I am gently reminded of a biblical passage my grandmother would always read aloud when I was a little girl...but now I've revised it just a tad...

Let Sisterly love continue;

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers

For thereby, some have entertained angels unawares...

doesn't it just warm your heart to think maybe you have just touched an angel? such a sweet thought. one love.

a special moment...

2010-12-02T19:57:00.002-05:00

On Christmas morning,

their eyes will shine bright

because you opened your heart.

how can i ever thank you enough

for your love and support

in creating this special moment?

i remain humbled.

speechless.

thank you!

one love.

*grab button designed by Anyes, Far Away in the Sunshine

let's be the village...

2010-11-29T22:30:00.020-05:00

Few memories are more precious to me than those of my childhood. Oh those wonderful days I spent with my grandmother on my island of birth during the holiday season, how my heart aches for this time gone by. Its arrival marked by church rehearsal of christmas carols, carnivals, beauty pageants, masquerades, sorrel drink (spiked) ;) and seasonal sugary treats, and yes, the annual appearance of santa claus with his big bag of toys ready to share joy to the crowd of wide-eyed children gathered around the evergreen tree below. I had hoped to share this experience with my child one day but it is not to be. The evergreen tree which marked the centre of the capital was destroyed with much of the island when the volcano rumbled to life on Montserrat in 1995.

Each year, as the holiday season arrives, it brings with it a bit of ambivalence on my part. While I feel blessed to be in a position to share generously with my daughter, I can't help but think of the children back home who are cowering at night under the threat of volcano; those in war-torn countries seeking only the silence of peace; and even children living amongst us (and those around the world) who live in such undesirable circumstances, that the thought of christmas and santa claus are but distant glimmers in their consciousness.

Well, this year, I decided that I will attempt to change this outlook - if only on a small scale. I contacted a local organisation which provide basic support for families in need. I asked them to provide the wish list of a few children and I was most humbled by the response of the children:

*underwear

*socks

*winter hat and mittens and

*winter clothes

My heart sunk. Not one child listed a toy?????? I thought deeply about the reality (or surreal nature) of their living situations. In a country that recently spent over $4.2 Billion on political advertisements for one day of elections, how can it be that there are children needing fundamentals like underwear, socks, and clothes? (exhale)...

I thought and thought. Then I decided to meditate and pray for these children...this always brings me some clarity. Of course I can help make a difference. There is an old African Proverb - it takes a village to raise a child. So instead of just sitting back and hoping for the best, I have arranged a way for those who wish to join me to create a memorable holiday season for the children in these four families.

A friend and I created a toy wish list on Amazon.com and we are going to surprise these precious children with toys for Christmas. The gifts will be mailed directly to me and I will personally deliver them to the organisation. Oh what a Christmas morning it will be ;)

*If you wish to help sponsor these children, simply go to the wish list and purchase an item. You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish, however, should you elect to identify yourself to me via email, I will send you a blank holiday notecard from my personal stock of Empress Christina's newly designed collection over at Soul Aperture Paper Goods as a small token of my appreciation (while supplies last). Give thanks Empress!

*if at all possible, won't you please join me in spreading the gift of love to these few children in need? Let's be the Village! Thank you most kindly, from the bottom of my heart. one love.

*p.s. a few people have reportedly encountered technical difficulties with the wish list at times...the issues seem to resolve themselves after waiting a little while. So, if you do, please try again later.

*update: due to your overwhelming response, the holiday cards have been all distributed...however, don't fret. Empress Christina is clearing her inventory with a holiday sale until Thursday.

giving thanks + celebrating...

2010-11-25T10:52:00.005-05:00

Necessary Room turns 2 today!!!
+
Happy Thanksgiving ;)

~ ~ ~

Wow. I am at a complete loss for words that this space has been open for us to share for two whole years. I really want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the love, support and encouragement you've given to me and my family. It literally has been fuel to my soul.

Since the day I started this blog, I've watched my daughter (little selah) grow in so many ways. She has remained my main inspiration to continue striving to make this world we live in a better place for all. Each week (over the past year), little selah and I sit down together and create pieces of love to share with family, friends, loved ones, the elderly, sick, whomever we can think can use a little dose of love. We have been blessed to be on the receiving end, always at the right time. The feeling of love is so overwhelming that the only thing to do is to share that love to others. So, little selah and I will be soon opening the doors of Selah's Place where we will offer some of our expressions of love.

I also wanted to say a special note of thanks to:

"Selah's Angels" (you know who you are), for joining me in performing anonymous random acts of kindness for those in need throughout the year. I am blessed to be part of this wonderful community of volunteers who lead by example, demonstrating through their words and deeds, that they can be the change they want to see in this world;

and to

Empress Christina for allowing Little Selah and I to share her sweet note cards as part of our endeavour to keep the art of penmanship alive through snail mail. I am here lying in wait for her to list her holiday cards which I know are going to be just darling.

thanks to all. one love. Se'lah

freedom to love...

2010-11-21T12:30:00.006-05:00

Teach us love and loyalty on earth as it is in Zion.

JAH
my family
and lovely friends
my daughter's giggle
her soft kiss on my cheek
a warm hug from a friend
my NASCAR ~~boy toys~~, drivers
sending some love in the mail
giving my time to others
helping a stranger...

~ ~ ~

...my only thought was getting home to my baby and my king; looking forward to enjoying a quiet moment, relaxing and doing absolutely nothing, but then i stepped outside and life intervened.

He was stroking his cane from side to side, veering ever so close to the edge of the sidewalk. I watched intently as he took each precarious step, my heart racing faster as each foot touched the earth. Restraint abandoned my body.

Sir, you're getting ready to fall off the sidewalk, I said ever so eloquently.

Oh thank you, the man said with gratefulness filling his voice. He paused for a moment, Are you by any chance going up the hill?, he asked.

Sorry, I am not. I hope you have a nice day.

As I turned and started walking away, I heard the click of his cane as it hit the pavement. I glanced across the street at the Garden of Peace Memorial which always demands a moment of silence. I exhaled, remembering those who lost their lives as a result of homicide (especially those whom I shared personal moments with on this plane). I wondered if someone had had the opportunity to help them out, but instead had chosen not to. My fleeting thoughts interrupted, I turned around, quickly caught up to the man, and extended my arm.

what represents love and loyalty to you?

sweet hour of prayer...

2010-11-18T19:43:00.003-05:00

for those in need around the world
may better days soon come...

may wars cease, and poverty depart
from all corners of the earth.

wishing you a conscious friday and a divine weekend.
one love.

sharing a little secret...

2010-11-16T20:13:00.007-05:00

when i count my blessings, i count you twice. ;)

as i walked blindly through the universe today, i came to the realisation that there's something i should really tell you in order to shed some light on our relationship. you know, a little secret of mine that i've been meaning to share. but before i do, please promise me that you will keep it just between the two of us. alright? (exhale). here goes nothing. i love you. did you hear me? i. love. you. and just in case you are one of those people who think secrets are a bit too heavy to carry around with you all day, there's one more thing you should know...if you tell anybody else, i will completely deny it. lol. one love.

spreading love...

2010-11-14T11:05:00.009-05:00

Dearest friends,

What a beautiful day it was, celebrating World Kindness Day with the best group of blog friends anyone could ever ask for. I always feel so warm inside when I lend a hand to others, and try really hard to make sure that I remain conscious of those less fortunate and those living under less than desirable conditions or circumstances. (i see you Haiti).

I am really encouraged by all the wonderful random acts of kindness you performed yesterday. Amazing! simply Amazing! Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this experience with me. Hope you are blessed in kind. one love.

NECESSARY ROOM

taking light steps...

on a conscious friday...

inviting the bell...

in a new light...

Melkam Lidet!

old year's day once again...

twelve.21.eleven...

ballet of angels...

friend-ship...

practise kindness...

untold stories...

Selah's Angels: (a collective random act of kindness)...

pure + innocent...

conscious friday...

release...

can you feel it?

scenes from Chinatown...

shhhhh, he's sleeping...

to my darling BJ...

a little respite...

try life...

peace is every breath...

a random act of kindness...

they called her irene...

breathe deeply...

these are the moments...

on a saturday morn...

ode to love...

the art of therapy...

on a wing of prayer...

blessed earthstrong, my little empress...

moments of tranquility...

blessed earthstrong, Emperor!!!

prayers, on a conscious friday...

just because...

rastaman vibration...

celebrating life...

on a rainy friday...

exhale...

hailup kings...

a moment of silence...

prayers sent up...

Selah's Angels: (a random act of kindness)...

gone for a stroll...

it started as a love story...

thinking of you...

Happy Earth light, Mama T...

silently...

tender hearts...

inch by inch...

flying high...

happy mother's day...

the frilly dress...

listen closely...

it's raining jewels...

take time to smell the flowers...

happy monday...

tell someone 'i love you'...

Friends of Makeda - a small RAK...

sprinkle the jewels...

earth light...

*gift of jewels* roll call...

a call for peace...

we are one...

our changing world...

Gift of Jewels: a festival of love...

be still...

letters to buju banton...

peace + love...

unchained spirit...

let go...

a sign of love...

on a friday night...

my guiding light...

prayer + meditation...

feel the stillness...

before you go...

songs of freedom...

embracing my roots...

gift of jewels roll call...