You can now find me blogging here.

Have an amazing year, and walk good.

Sometime ago, I had mentioned that I would launch a spin-off from this blog. The new site will be ready in early 2012. My next (and last) post here will direct you to it.

I hope to see you there.

Walk good, my friends.

~ Jamaican Dawta

As soon as I’m ready to launch the spin-off blog, I’ll let you know by posting a notification on this space. I look forward to your continued support then. This blog would not be what it is without you, my readers. I appreci-love you all.

Walk good, my friends.

Let us keep our brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers, as they grapple with recovering from the effects of the earthquake that devastated their country yesterday.

Update: 1:30 p.m.

In addition to the gift of prayer (if that’s all you have to give), other ways in which we can offer assistance is by uniting our efforts with those of various agencies and organisations, which are already galvanised into action to provide relief for our suffering brothers and sisters in Haiti.

We can:

• Make donations to the United Way Disaster Fund at any NCB branch – a/c#: 061-048-596.
• Deliver donations, such as  canned food, linens, clothing, toiletries, medication, etc. to any NCB branch.
• Text “yele” to 501501 and donate US$5 to Wyclef Jean’s relief efforts in Haiti.
• Contact Carleene Samuels at Creative Source, 10A West Kings House Road, Kingston 10. She’s collecting relief supplies for Haiti.

Thanks to Digicel Group for its support in donating US$5M in cash to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are spearheading the relief efforts in Haiti.

Methinks my maternal instincts have deserted me!

First, let me assert that I love babies. Their gurgles of laughter, chortles of pleasure, cheeks that beg to be gently pinched, and sweet scent possessed only by infants are enough to set my biological clock booming like Big Ben.

But not on this particular occasion…

On the night in question, some weeks ago, I went to bed, snuggling under cool, cotton covers for what I believed would have been another period of tranquil rest.

When the first infant started mewling, I dismissed the gentle intrusion. I was accustomed to hearing babies crying at night for various reasons, so I wasn’t unduly alarmed. Even when the cries segued into shrieks, my peace remained intact, partly because I knew that, from previous episodes, the sounds would be short-lived.

However, as if on some conspiratorial cue, another baby began howling. That’s when my eyes shot open. You see, this baby is different. The first time I heard that baby “cry”, my ears were introduced to an otherworldly coalescence of screaming-screeching. Yes, that baby “screameeches“! I swear, my ears haven’t been the same since. So, from past experiences, I knew that my sleep was shot.

The first baby’s howls ascended, now threatening to awake even Cerberus. The second infant screeched like Ringwraiths at my door. The thought came to use my pillow to drown out the symphony from Hades, but I hate having anything over my head.

Then, when I foolishly thought that it couldn’t have gotten any worse, it did, maliciously fulfilling Murphy’s law.

In an effort to apparently calm the first baby, a parent/relative began banging intermittently on a piano. I would have laughed at the absolute absurdity of the situation, but I’m quite sure it would have emerged as a scream. So, I lay on my back amidst sheets twisted from turning and tossing, thinking that the Great Mother had a strange sense of humour, and fervently hoping that another neighbour’s three Shih-Tzus wouldn’t decide to join in the happy chorus!

It was at the crescendo of that cacophony of howling, screeching, and tuneless banging, that my traumatised maternal instincts fled in fright, and haven’t been seen since.

Which has left me with the alternative – vicarious enjoyment of babies of friends and colleagues.

I hope that you’re well on your way to seeing the fulfillment of any intentions you may have set for 2010. For myself, I had a great start to the year, and have already been receiving good news from a couple friends about exciting prospects that have arisen in their lives. Indeed, a new wind is blowing in 2010. Out with the old; in with the new!

And with mention made of the wind, wat a piece a breeze dis mawnin’! Mi seh, mi had was to tan up ‘trang ‘trang, or else it woulda blow mi weh!

“Winter” in Jamaica?

For one who is usually terrified of the cold, I’m loving this deliciously cool weather!

And for those folks who are complaining bitterly about the gusty winds and “freezing” temperature, think “blanket”, live or otherwise. Heh-heh.

The past two months an’ mash were a mixed bag.  I moved into a new space, which I absolutely love.  Ended a relationship, of sorts, that wasn’t going anywhere.  A networking encounter provided a wonderful opportunity.  Came to terms with an estranged relationship, and am hoping for a positive resolution over time.

And now, vacation beckons, only a mere few days away.  Lawd, mi kyaan wait!

So, I’m just checking in now, before I check out again, to say a huge “Thank You” to you all for your kind words and wishes, thought-provoking and even hilarious comments,  deep insight, and faithful support of this blog.  What would it be without your regular visits and stimulating dialogue?  I truly appreci-love you all and your presence here.  Once my computer gets sorted out and I have Internet again, hopefully next month, I’ll be back on the blogging trail in the New Year.

Folks, despite what ups-and-downs this year has brought to us personally; the shocking news of celebrity and sudden deaths that occurred; salacious scandals; impending taxes; and whatever else looming ahead that may cause our hearts to falter and our spirits to sag, let us hold strong and be determined to allow nothing and no one to unfound us.  Let us remember our ancestors and their valiant fight, and be encouraged that their winning blood also flows in our veins, making us victors in any situation.

The coming New Year is brimming with promise and possibilities awaiting each one of us. Can’t you already feel it?  It’s as strong as the Christmas breeze that has been stirring my senses and pimpling my skin.

So, my friends, have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.  Eat, drink, and be merry, but ensure that you have a designated driver.  Mek de early pay an’ bonus stretch a likkle longa, caw January is a long long mont’.  And may 2010 be your best year ever.  Make it so, starting now.

See y’all in January. Oonu walk good, yu ‘ear?

I’ll be without Internet access for a while, so blogging will be in snatches. Intermittent, much like the weather.

Let’s see what next week will bring. In the meantime, walk good, gentle people.

It’s that time again when we remember, honour, and celebrate the courage, faith, love, and strength of all those who have conquered breast cancer, and the many more who are pressing on forward in the fight to overcome.

Ladies, please remember to self-check your breasts regularly. I know I’m guilty of not being consistent. If the process is one that you keep putting off, get your partner involved. This type of sharing can only serve to deepen the bond and intimacy that both of you already share.

And if you haven’t already, remember to wear a pink ribbon during this month, as a symbol of the hope in your heart for a mother, sister, daughter, friend.

If yu nuh min’ sharp, we might haffi resort to this.  An’ if dem tax dat, yu know seh t’ings gawn really bad.