Category: Books

“Born Ya” by Judy Ann MacMillan: A Jamaican Painter’s Restless Life

May 28, 2020

But I man on ya, I man born ya/I nah leave ya fi go America/No way say, pot a boil ya, a belly full ya/Sweet Jamaica This song was recorded in the turbulent mid-1970s by a rather jolly and amusing reggae singer named Pluto Shervington. It is a somewhat patriotic song, almost defiant in a … More “Born Ya” by Judy Ann MacMillan: A Jamaican Painter’s Restless Life

COVID-19 Reflections While Staying Home: The Housework

May 17, 2020

I have been writing some rather serious pieces lately about COVID-19 – including an ongoing series on my small blog, which is tucked away on the Jamaica Gleaner website. I have written about COVID and environmental pollution, COVID and water issues, COVID and vulnerable Jamaicans (starting with those living with HIV/AIDS). There is more to come. This … More COVID-19 Reflections While Staying Home: The Housework

A Poem for Earth Day 2020: Mother Maple by Brenda Cave-James

April 27, 2020

I am copying and pasting this from my dear friend Anne C. Bailey’s blog. The link is here. I am sorry that the tree had to be felled (I don’t believe in chain saws). It’s a lovely poem though, that sums up the spirit of Earth Day. Do follow Anne’s blog. A Jamaican by birth … More A Poem for Earth Day 2020: Mother Maple by Brenda Cave-James

A Sinking Dinghy, and a Tiny Bird: Thoughts on COVID-19

April 20, 2020

As I have observed before, coping mentally and emotionally with COVID-19 is not easy. It is as if we are frozen in time. Every evening in Jamaica, anxiety flickers as we wait for the latest test results to be released. As of this evening, we are up to 196 positives. There was a grandfather clock … More A Sinking Dinghy, and a Tiny Bird: Thoughts on COVID-19

From Dystopian Visions to Soothing Beauty and a Little Laughter: Jamaican Life in the Time of COVID-19

March 21, 2020

“World gone suicidal.” So said our cleaning lady as we scrubbed the bathroom from top to bottom this morning. I think that sums things up pretty well, don’t you? A short video clip on Twitter last evening gave me chills. Darkness had fallen over the community of Seven Miles/Eight Miles in Bull Bay – a … More From Dystopian Visions to Soothing Beauty and a Little Laughter: Jamaican Life in the Time of COVID-19

Ross Urken is in Kingston to Launch His Book, “Another Mother”

March 1, 2020

Heads up for book lovers – and all the many people who I think would be so interested in this book! Ross Kenneth Urken is in Kingston and getting ready to launch Another Mother, on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Redbones Blues Café(a place that has moved quite a bit, but now … More Ross Urken is in Kingston to Launch His Book, “Another Mother”

Kingston Creative Takes You to Trench Town – Tomorrow

February 28, 2020

The name “Trench Town” is almost legendary, with strong links to music (Bob Marley, of course, and many others), sports and more. But have you ever been there? Now is your chance to see and find out so much more about the community, which has struggled through difficult times and continues to face challenges. But Trench … More Kingston Creative Takes You to Trench Town – Tomorrow

“Mary Poppins”: Grab Your Umbrella and Support Jamaica Environment Trust!

January 22, 2020

The book (or rather books, as it was a series of eight!) was a childhood favorite of mine that turned into a very successful musical. Coincidentally, I watched the 1964 film quite recently, just for a bit of nostalgia. Dick Van Dyke’s attempt at a Cockney accent still delights! Now it is the 2020 production … More “Mary Poppins”: Grab Your Umbrella and Support Jamaica Environment Trust!

Happy New Year

January 1, 2020

I wish you, my dear readers and followers, love, light and happiness for 2020. Thank you so much for reading, commenting and sharing! I appreciate you all! “And to make an end is to make a beginning.”