*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: pink purl...

As I stroll along this path called life, I have been blessed to share experiences with some incredible souls. I pause, reflect, and give thanks for friends like Tracy. For those of you who don't know her, Tracy is the author of two equally fabulous blogs, Pink Purl and A Certain Slant of Light. You need only stop by and brush spirits with her to understand what I am talking about. She is awesome!

From her delightful fingertips, came this one-of-a-kind, handcrafted necklace. I imagine clasping it around my neck and feeling surrounded by love. But it shall not be so, because one of you will be wearing it. let the good vibes flow ;)

For your chance to win this necklace, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more of Tracy's creations, you can visit Tracy's Etsy shop, where she is having a huge clearance sale with discounts of 50-70% off her entire inventory. Such wonderful treasures to behold.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

*GIFT OF JEWELS* GIVEAWAY...

Earlier this year, I hosted a pen pal project called *Gift of Jewels*. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by your incredible response and participation. I hope you were touched by the display of love, which extended to at least 12 countries all over the world. It felt really cool, like we collectively raised the vibration level here on earth.

As I stroll through blogland, I have formed some really wonderful relationships with some of you. I have certainly gained a whole new appreciation for the exponential power of love. It is no more evident that love reigns supreme around the world than through what I have seen and experienced here in blogland. You are amazing human beings who lead by example. Nuff, nuff respect.

So, one day... I had another idea. You know me and my ideas ;) I reached out to a few of my fabulous blogger friends. "When winter begins to set in here", I nervously said to them, "why don't we giveaway a few *gift of jewels*?" With absolutely no hesitation on their part, we shortly set off to make or select our gifts for you.

December 1, 2009 to December 7, 2009, I am joined by my enlisted friends to present a small *gift of jewels* package, which will be given away to one of you. Each day, one gift will be featured on this blog. You can enter as many of the giveaways as you wish by leaving a comment on the featured post. The seven (7) randomly selected winners will be announced on January 7, 2010. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010. Best wishes.

Much Love to the *GIFT OF JEWELS* GIVEAWAY contributors.
you melt me :)

*please click on the blog name below to link the respective gift.

Tracy, Pink Purl

Gayle, Planet M Files

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken

Se'Lah, Necessary Room

Margie and Kath, Souers du Jour

Vchelle, Operation You

Christina, Soul Aperture

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart

Lala, My Castle in Spain

Tara, Paris Parfait

*Please stay tuned for the presentation of gifts...

happy harvest...

I have very fond childhood memories of the harvest season. As a cultural tradition, we would bring our best crops to church where they were displayed until the day of the Bazaar. Bazaars are charity sales but as any self-respecting Caribbean island would have it, there'd also be food, drinks, the best in local products and preserves, loud music and games. we be jammin' ;)

Harvest season was always a time of celebration and thankfulness. Thankful for the richness of soil. Seeds to sew. Hot, sunshiny days. Strength to carry on. And even the rainy days which watered the plants to ultimately bring us to that moment. We gave thanks and celebrated life.

Today, I give thanks to all of you who have stuck with me through one year of blogging. A most sincere *thank you*. I have been truly blessed with the most amazing friends in blogland. Please know that you are greatly appreciated.

Wishing you all a happy harvest.

One Love.

Inspirational Monday: Addy, Harriet and me...

The moment my daughter woke up this morning, she wanted to play with Katherine Rose, her American Girl doll. Since she twisted my arm really hard, I decided I'd play along too. You know, just to keep her company.

We began flipping through the pages of the November 2009 American Girl catalogue. We perused the list of historical dolls. My daughter smiled contently when she saw Addy and commented that she was the only brown one. As we turned each page, she paused to read the description of each doll. Then something strange happened. We couldn't find Addy featured in the catalogue. All the other historical dolls were there, but Addy wasn't. After double and triple checking, we decided we'd call the American Girl company next week to inquire about what is obviously a publishing mistake.

I could see her interest pique. She quickly grabbed the holiday edition of the catalogue to see if the mistake was in there too. And I, for one, was relieved when on page 36, Addy appeared.

Beside her photo, it read, "Meet Addy Walker 1864: a courageous girl determined to find freedom and reunite her family." As politically correct as that sounds, I still had to break it down for her. "Baby, Addy was a slave girl." Her brows furrowed. "Mummy, what's a slave?"

I walked over to her closet and retrieved a vintage playset I've been saving for her, "The Story of Harriet Tubman, Conductor on the Underground Railroad." We read the enclosed pamphlet and soon after, she made the connection between Harriet Tubman and Addy Walker. I explained that even she and I are descendants of slaves. And right on cue, in a soft whisper, I heard the innocence in her voice as she asked, "Mummy, are there any slaves today?" I pray for the day when we can tell our children, "No baby, there are no slaves."

*To help stop human trafficking, please visit the Blue Heart Campaign.

*Inspirational Monday was created by vchelle over at Operation You. We miss ya Vchelle!

Conscious Friday: a little note to you...

As the end of 2009 approaches, I've been a little reflective. Next week, November 25th will be the first year anniversary of my Necessary Room. I have been utterly amazed by the friendships I have formed here in blogland. It's an indescribable feeling that touches the depths of my soul when I think of the joy I share with you. I want to thank each of you for maintaining contact despite our ridiculously busy lives, and for showing me such loving kindness. I do appreciate you and I hope that you enjoy the time you spent here with me as much as I do.

It's always very cool to share some tunes with you on Fridays as we raise our consciousness. I remain grateful for the many blessings we have, especially the opportunity to share life with loved ones who come and eventually must go.

I continue to pray for all those who survive each day despite the many inhumane challenges they face. Stand strong massive. JAH has not forsaken you. Better must come.

*Various Artists: Forever loving JAH compilation


*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

ebbs and flows...

emotions are like water

sometimes lying still, yet deep

and then there are times

when you meet a fork in the road

and a seemingly harmless trickle

becomes a gushing waterfall

Inspirational Monday: t.h.e. s.i.m.p.l.e. t.h.i.n.g.s...

trust

hope

each day i see the sun

surprising packages received

in the mail, containing

mala prayer beads from a buddhist friend

peaceful meditation begins

listen to the sound of silence and

exhale

the joy of finding

handwritten love notes from my daughter

in the most unexpected places. bliss ;)

nature walks together

grateful for each breath of life

security, nestled in the corners of a loving home.

*You can find *the simple things* at Soul Aperture. Won't you join in or simply stop by and enjoy. Give thanks Empress Christina for always being so uplifting.

*Inspirational Monday is the brainchild of the Operation You

the long walk *home*...

He deserves so much more

but here we are again

another fallen comrade

another victim of violence

The feeling, so empty inside

you never get used to hearing

the voice on the other end saying

You heard what happened to ______?

Conscious Friday: TGIF...

TGIF...indeed.

It's that time of the week again.

Time to reflect on our blessings.

Let go of worries and strife.

And just simply, live life.

*Sanchez: Never Dis De Man

*Capleton & Glen Washington: Jah Gonna Work It Out


Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

looking up...

looking up

over the mountains

at the break of dawn

the smell of burning wood

permeating the misty morning air

stop. pause for a moment. inhale.

then exhale.

*for more, please visit lens.us.together

a little hydro therapy...

a long, hot, steamy shower

a stream, trickling through the mountains

a puddle, after the rain has blessed us

a tranquil pond, lay in stillness

as empty trees bow their heads

in search of remnants

they once held

a reflection

of times

gone by

Inspirational Monday: embracing change...

*click photo to enlarge*

the rush of water

relaxes my soul

even the branches

have reluctantly released

the leaves from their clutches

they reveal empty nests

where tender eggs once lay

the birds now perch on treetops

gazing over the valley below

singing the most beautiful song

to usher in the morning.

for the babies...

just as we treasure our own,
they treasure theirs.

hey, speaking of babies and treasures, I'm off for a peaceful stroll along The Mahogany Way. Would you care to join me for another visit to our friend, Darcel?

Conscious Friday: it can't wait...

children

soldiers

burma

it can't wait.

*U2: Walk On

*Damian Marley: Burma - It Can't Wait


*Matisyahu: Burma - It Can't Wait


*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend

windows and doors, portals of transition...

come as you are
lay your burdens down
trust in me and
i will give you rest.

*for more, please visit lens.us.together

Inspirational Monday: slower pace...

when did we forget to slow down
take a stroll through the park

forget about form and labels

and simply enjoy the gift of life.

*Inspirational Monday is hosted by vchelle at Operation You.