Leap Into Logic

February 29th only comes once every four years, in a leap year.

American presidential elections only come once every four years, in a leap year.

Can someone tell me why, when there are two events that only happen once every four years, the dates don't coincide? It would make sense that the elections would take place on a unique date, February 29th.

Just another thing that puzzles Lady Roots.

You Say Meme, I Say Meme

Shortly after being awarded my first Blog Brag Badge, I have been tagged for my first meme by Sistren Irie Diva of Irie Diva Rambles.

She was also gracious enough to provide an explaination of what a meme is. To quote her comment, "...according to wiki a meme (IPA: rhyming with "theme". Commonly pronounced in the US as rhyming with "gem"), coined in 1976 by the biologist Richard Dawkins, refers to a "unit of cultural information" which can propagate from one mind to another in a manner analogous to genes" which colloquially translates to "an idea, project, statement or even a question that is posted by one blog and responded to by other blogs"."

I had seen the term several times, but was never sufficiently motivated to find out what it involved. Thank you, Sistren Irie Diva, for teaching me. "Each one, teach one!"

Here is my list of 8's.

8 Things I Am Passionate About:

1. My relationship with Jah
2. My relationship with my husband
3. My relationships with my children and grandchildren
4. My relationships with my Mom and my siblings
5. Jamaica
6. Beading
7. Reading
8. Blogging

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:

1. Grow closer to Jah
2. Visit Africa
3. Teach another person to read (I'm a trained literacy tutor and have taught adults.)
4. Teach another beading class (I've taught three so far.)
5. Improve my beading skills
6. Increase my blog readership
7. Re-read every book in my personal library
8. Face death without fear, knowing I will be I-ternally safe in Jah’s heavenly mansion

8 Things I Often Say:

1. I love you.
2. Blessed love
3. Jah guide
4. Be safe
5. Call when you get home, so I know you reached safely.
6. I wish there was a decent bead shop in Jamaica.
7. Let’s dance!
8. I need a dip in the sea today.

8 Books I’ve Recently Read

1. Exile – Richard North Patterson
2. Overstanding Rastafari, Jamaica’s Gift to the World – Yasus Afari (3rd reading)
3. Lisey’s Story – Stephen King
4. Salt Roads – Nalo Hopkinson (2nd reading)
5. Natural Cures “They” Don’t Want You To Know About – Kevin Trudeau
6. Shalimar the Clown – Salman Rushdie
7. Bloodlines – Jan Burke
8. Prior Bad Acts – Tami Hoag

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over

1. Redemption Song – Bob Marley
2. Black Heart Man – Bunny Wailer
3. Steppin’ Razor – Peter Tosh
4. Young, Gifted and Black – Aretha Franklin
5. Wrong Address - Etana
6. Show Some Emotion – Joan Armatrading
7. For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton (played at our wedding)
8. At This Point In My Life – Tracy Chapman

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends

My best friends are my Mom and my three sisters, all of whom love me unconditionally, even though they can’t fully comprehend why I would choose to live in Jamaica when I have the right to live in America.

8 People Who I Think Should Do The Crazy 8’s Meme

I haven’t been blogging long enough to have established a close relationship with 8 other bloggers. If Sistren Irie Diva hadn’t tagged me for this meme, she would surely be on my list. I do not claim to have a relationship with anyone listed here. I’m just curious.

1. Pearl of Beading Gem's Journal
2. Ann of MoBay Day by Day
3. F. Wade of Moving to Jamaica
4. P. Mordeci of Jah’s World
5. Wallace of Cronicas de Vellila

Looks like I didn’t make it to 8 for the last two categories. Such is life!

ICE In Your Cell Phone

Remember when I asked each of you to put I.C.E. in your cell phones? You probaby thought, OK, maybe I'll do that one day. But how many of you have actually done it? Please don't wait until it is too late.

I have written letters to the Editors of the Gleaner, the Observer and the Star asking them to pass this information on to their readers.

No, I don't think any of them ever published the letters, but in the February 24th Outlook Magazine in the Sunday Jamaica Gleaner there was a piece by Angela Philipps about this very subject!

EXERPT FROM MY ORIGINAL POST:
"...if you were unable to communicate with police or emergency medical personnel, how would they know which of the many numbers they should call?

Please add one more entry to your cell phone list. Use the initials ICE and the number of the person who should be contacted in case of an emergency. Use the entry ICE2, ICE3, etc for additional contact numbers."

Please, Loyal Readers, Ocassional Readers, and First Time Readers, take the time to do this with your own cell phone and then encourage a loved one to do it also.

Poetry In Motion - Edutainment In Action

Jah has blessed me in so many ways that I feel somewhat ungrateful to tell you that I want more. I also want the gift of finding words that will reveal what is in my heart in such a way that will move others to action.

That said, the action I want to inspire right now is for each of you to mark your calendar to reserve the evening of Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 for the sixth annual staging of Poetry In Motion; or as Amina Blackwood Meeks named the date, February 22nd, 2K-MINE.

Poetry In Motion, hosted by Yasus Afari, the Honour Dread, is an annual celebration of music, dance, comedy, story telling, fashion and poetry. It is staged on the last Sunday in February at the Vineyard in Mandeville. We have been blessed to attend this uplifting event for the past four years. I missed the inaugural year because I took Mom to Florida. A scheduling error I won’t repeat!

I know my soul has been touched when, in just one evening, I am moved from bone-shaking, out-loud belly laughs to heartfelt tears. At the same time I am supporting a worthy cause. Each year a donation is made to an organization that benefits wi yutes (our youth). This is not just an empty pledge of a donation either. The cheque was actually presented to the Manchester Scouts Association during the intermission.

Amina Blackwood Meeks, storyteller extraordinaire, is a repeat performer at Poetry In Motion. This year as emcee she was a regal queen, reigning over her enthralled minions! Sistren Amina, don’t forget unnu did promise me one nice-nice piece of potato puddin fi mi dessert.

The positive memories that will stay with me from the fifth annual Poetry In Motion are the angelic sound of Karen Smith’s voice; the humour of Sistren Amina; the assurance of Ashley Little as she declared that she is fearfully and wonderfully made; Joan Andrea Hutchinson (dat bumpy head gal, who now flashes locks) admitting she gave her lover some “Bad Advice”; Mutabaruka’s comment on families who gather around to watch the tell-lie-vision while sitting on the sofa wi owe for; and Yasus proclaiming, “Mi nuh complain, mi complex. Who wan please, please. Who wan vex, vex!”.

Speaking of vex! My unhappiest memory will be of the intense dis-RAS-pect shown to Jimmy Riley. In the middle of his performance, the wait staff of the Vineyard began clearing off tables and stacking up chairs! Cho! Unnu too rude. Mek di man sing fi him songs and when him dun fi him wuk and lef di stage, den yu fi start di cleanup.

Please, Fadda Falloon, don’t ever let this happen to any other Poetry In Motion performer.

Order of Performances

Reggie’s African Fashion Link fashion show
Kimberly, a new PIM baby, sang
Germaine Nelson, a NCU student, rapped on the letter P
Livingston Brown recited a poem he learned 80 years ago.
Ras Padda Ishon chanted, “Tongue fi talk, talk it out.”
AnnMarie Wilmoth, teacher, read three poems
Ashley Little played keyboard and recited “I Am Fearfully & Wonderfully Made”
Osakwe recited “I Am Someone You Love To Love”
Nana Moses shared an “Ode to Ooman”
Professor Mervyn Morris read several of his pieces, including “Peel An Orange”
Kerry Ann Brown recited original works
Intermission:
Sponsor giveaways
Presentation of cheque to Manchester Scouts Assoc
Introduction of the Golden Tongue Award to promote social awareness
Presentation by Liz Millman on Learning Links International
Amina Blackwood Meeks revealed how Anancy finally got into a book
2nd segment of African fashion show
Professor Barry Chevannes played the guitar and sang
Oral Tracey read “The Ultimate Game”
Amina Blackwood Meeks sang “Keyman Lock Di Door & Gone”
Joan Andrea Hutchinson read original works
Yasus Afari chanted, chatted, enlightened and delighted
Karen Smith sang to a guitar accompaniment
Mutabaruka was fundamentally Muta
Jimmy Riley sang

(Please forgive the incorrect spelling of anyone’s name)

Parts of a Piece to Come

I don't usually show a WIP (Work In Progress), because I tend to loose the feel and momentum of a piece when I do. But I want to show you these beaded beads as separate elements before I combine them into the actual finished piece.

Let's agree for a moment that I might have even an inkling of an idea what the actual finished piece will be, let alone how I might incorporate these beads into it. But I know Jah guide, so I move Iver-forward.

They were created with various sizes of silver-lined gold seed beads and faux pearls using Nymo beading thread. I will tell you which stitch I used on each bead later, because now I am in a rush to get this posted so we can leave for Mandeville for Poetry In Motion.


If we look at them as beaded beads, they aren't technically a WIP, because the beaded beads themselves are completed. OK, so now I feel better. Hope no momentum will be lost.

You Make My Day or Unnu Mek Mi Day

Sistren Pearl writes a blog from Canada, Beading Gem's Journal, that showcases jewelry designers from around the world, links to beading and jewelry-making tutorials and has nuff-nuff (a lot of) beading eye candy.

She makes my day every time I reflect on the fact that she has invested so much time and effort in helping to increase my blog readership. She has featured several of my jewelry pieces in her posts. Now, she has given a greatly appreciated, “You Make My Day” blog award to Lady Roots here at Voice From Jamaica.

This is my first blogging brag badge! Try saying that three times fast!

Mi know seh pride goeth before di fall, and mi haffi humble miself but mi mus admit mi head an mi heart jus swell up wid one piece of sweetness from mi get di link an know di Ras-pect Sistren Pearl did show by telling her world-wide readership about Lady Roots here inna Jamaica. (I know that when you get full of yourself, you end up with egg on your face, but I have to admit that I felt really, really good when I found out I received this award from someone whom I have come to admire as much as I admire Sistren Pearl. I was so humbled that she used her widely-read blog to let her readers around the world know about Lady Roots.)

The guidelines for the award say that each recipient should:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make your day.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the You Make My Day Award logo.
4. Tell the award winners by commenting on their blogs with the news.

Here is my list of awardees. I took the liberty of adding a Jamaican flavour to the award for blogs of Jamaican origin or content.

Sistren Irie Diva on Irie Diva Rambles
I have enjoyed her posts on both Irie Diva Rambles and Fashion Over Style. Her insight into life, for one so young, gives me hope for the future of Jamaica and the world. I am selecting her to receive the “Unnu Mek Mi Day” blog award.

Sistren Ann on Mo Bay Day by Day
Her pictures of Jamaican life delight me. For the joy she brings to me and her many readers, I have selected her to receive the “Unnu Mek Mi Day” blog award.

Idren Francis Wade on Moving to Jamaica
His blog was the first one I ever read. I continue reading it to this day. Even though we moved to Jamaica many years before he and his wife did, I have enjoyed reading about his adjustment. Keep the SKIN BAG safe! For the enlightenment he gives to so many via his various blogs, I have selected him to receive the “Unnu Mek Mi Day” blog award.

Sistren Diane on Diane Fitzgerald Presents Beautiful Beads
Her generosity has allowed me to learn the Zulu Flowerette stitch and to enjoy a beautiful free downloadable beading calendar. In a world where many artisans only want to sell, Sistren Diane gives, as well as sells. For her unselfishness in a selfish world I select Sistren Diane to receive the "You Make My Day" blog award.

Many thanks to Sistrens Pearl, Irie Diva, Ann, Diane and Idren Francis for making my day again and again.

RAW Fiesta

Click thumbnails for larger image in another window.

While proof-reading the post from yesterday about my struggles with the Zulu square tube and RAW (right angle weave) beading stitches, I realized that I was giving them more power in my life than I was happy with. I want my comfort zones identified, but still expandable.

I feel truly blessed that I have found in beading the kind of soul-healing escape that others may find in music or poetry.

I started this RAW stitch bracelet yesterday and finished it this morning. It has a peyote stitched toggle clasp and is embellished with seed beads.

I am dream-, plan-, thinking about another bracelet using the Zulu square tube stitch with pearls and gold seed beads. Sounds like another comfort zone is about to be expanded!

Fiesta Zulu Square Tube

Click thumbnail to open larger image in a different window.

I have struggled with the Zulu square tube stitch.

Not with the learning curve, because Nancy Zellers’ instructions and diagrams in the February 2007 issue of Bead and Button magazine were easy to read and follow. Thanks, Nancy, for sharing! The inadequacy is mine entirely.

My struggle with the Zulu square tube was that I just could not get a “riddim” (rhythm) going. With peyote, N’debele, or brick stitch I can just bead and flow and bead and chant and bead and pray and bead and chill and bead and lyme and bead and iditate and bead and bead and it just feels so good in my hands, in my head and in my heart.

Not so with the Zulu square tube. It is just like the struggle I have with the RAW (right angle weave) stitch. I have learned the TECHNIQUES of both stitches, but neither of those stitches gives me the soul balm I feel when I bead peyote, N’debele or brick.

Even though I really like the end results of my efforts with the RAW and Zulu square tube techniques, when my soul needs comfort I will probably continue to turn to my tried and true favorites.

For those of my readers who are also beaders, what beading stitch gives your soul the greatest comfort?

May Your Heart Be Filled With...

on this day and all thru the year.

What Is The Real Message Here?

Blog Disclosure Policy

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by Lady Roots. For questions about this blog, please e-mail ladyroots at live dot com.

This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. I write for my own purposes. However, I may be influenced by my background, occupation, most recent beading project, lack of sleep or life experiences.

The owner of this blog has chosen not to receive any compensation in any form from any advertisers or politricksters for posts, comments or opinions on this blog.

The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites or any other topic. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely mine. If I claim to be or appear to be an expert on any topic, don’t be fooled. I am not an expert on anything.

The owner of this blog would like to disclose the following existing relationships.

These are companies, organizations or individuals that may have a significant impact on the content of this blog:

1-I am employed by or consult with: Jah Rastafari.
2-I blog about people to whom I am related. The most interesting such people are: human beings.
3-I have a financial interest in the following that is in no way relevant to my blogging: I want to buy more beading supplies.


To get your own disclosure policy, go to Disclosure Policy.

Where I Live

I had to choose between images that were much too large to fit the page or these smaller thumbnails. To see a larger image in another window, click the thumbnails.

Someone asked me why, if my blog is an invitation to stop by and visit, I don't show you where I live. So, OK, this is where I live.

The Marcus Garvey lithograph on the wall is a limited edition print that was a gift from my husband.

These pictures were taken from the vantage point of the living room couch where I sit to do my beading. The wooden spiral staircase was built by Jacka, a childhood friend of my husband. Jacka is now working in the Cayman Islands. The staircase goes up to a wood-panelled loft where wall-to-wall bookcases are filled with books that I love to read and re-read.

Three wind chimes hang underneath the staircase and sing as the cool mountain breeze comes thru the open windows. Visitors from America and UK are often surprised that we don't even have screens on the windows. I like my fresh air!

If you want to see more pictures, let me know.

Blessed Earth Strong, Idren Bob

I often wonder how different our world would be if Bob Marley were still alive today. In such a short time on Earth, he had a lasting world wide impact. Of all his songs, this is the one that resonates most deeply in my heart.


Redemption Song


Old pirates yes they rob I

Sold I to the merchant ships

Minutes after they took I

From the bottomless pit

But my hand was made strong

By the hand of the Almighty

We forward in this generation triumphantly

All I ever had, is songs of freedom

Won't you help to sing, these songs of freedom

Cause all I ever had, redemption songs

Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery

None but ourselves can free our minds

Have no fear for atomic energy

Cause none of them can stop the time

How long shall they kill our prophets

While we stand aside and look

Some say it's just a part of it

We've got to fullfill the book

Won't you help to sing, these songs of freedom

Cause all I ever had, redemption songs

All I ever had, redemption songs

These songs of freedom, songs of freedom

Fiesta Ndebele

Here are three pictures of the same bracelet. This one is done in the N'debele stitch. (pronounced IN D BELLY) The closure is a hidden hook and eye underneath brick stitch tabs.

This shot was taken on the top of a table in my bedroom. The material is African Kuba cloth.

Here is the same bracelet hanging in the vines on the wall outside my bedroom door.

This shot shows the bracelet laid out on a vine-covered ledge.

Why Is This So Funny To Me?