Untitled

The Universal Labyrinth of Life

Yesterday was my official last day at the studio. I had already cleared out everything except for The Enchanted Forest window lamp. When its new owner came with a friend of hers to collect it and for me to explain what each pane was and how to 'do' it (three of the four panes are interactive), her face (and her friend's face) lit up like a lamp itself. She really loved it.

She also got a little booklet explaining the symbolism of each pane, an envelope with some information explaining labyrinths (made to look like a tree - a portion can be seen in this link) and a ten minute DVD of a video story giving some background to the 'Forest' and explaining the 'mystery' of something I had asked her to do while I was making the lamp (it was interactive even before it came into full being). I'm glad she trusted me. Some people find it strange to do things that they don't understand.

It felt significant that that lamp was the last thing to go. The entire interactive process of the lamp takes the individual through a journey into him or herself and out again, just like a labyrinth. Each one of us is an Enchanted Forest with undiscovered flowers waiting deep within to bloom.

The experience of yesterday (the lamp and the departure) just had too many layers of meaning to go into right here, but suffice it to say, it was the right day to leave. In retrospect, it feels as though my time in the studio (whether I was in it or not) was a time of going deep into a labyrinth ... and yesterday was the day I came back out. More than being a physical experience the studio was also on a spirit level.

One of the girls in the office asked me how I felt to be leaving: "Sad? Bitter sweet?" she asked. I said "No. Happy. Movement."

Not that I hadn't liked my studio (in fact it had felt like a little home in its own way), but it just felt right to be leaving. Handing back the keys felt freeing and my keychain suprises me with its lightness every time I hold it now.

To top it all off, that afternoon the post lady brought me a registered letter telling me to collect a package at TTPost in Tunapuna. It was a speechless-ifying birthday gift from my friend J. A wonderful bright red round and soft-like-a-cloud labyrinth pillow with an eleven circuit finger labyrinth on it!

Why don't you suggest a woman?

About 6,000 words left to go on my 50,000 word nanowrimo novel. Some parts of it I like, some parts feel like I'm just trying to fill space ... yet somehow there's 'something' even in those parts that I feel can be edited or developed accordingly when it's all over. Or maybe it should all be left as is. I like the idea of leaving it 'as is' ... a stream of consciousness that came out as it did because that's what it was meant to be.

I haven't really had time to go back and read it over, so I don't know how it flows, but I imagine it flows fine for the simple reason that it's made up of different (independent) segments connected by the main concept that each one is a link on a chain.

So far there has been no definite geographical place mentioned. Each segment is set in an undefined location that could be anywhere. Except for ... in one segment there's the distinct feeling that it takes place in England. Another segment makes reference to the particular woman studying magic in France ... but those geographical links don't really affect what's happening.

I think I need about six more women, maybe at roughly 1,000 words each. Could be less, but to say six at 1,000 will safely take me over the 50,000 mark. I haven't counted how many women I have already throughout the whole novel. The lengths of their segments range from one page to four.

If you're inclined to suggest a woman for Daisy Chain, please do ... and I'll work her in to my ending - once I see your potential suggestion(s) in time. (I'll be working on it today and perhaps tomorrow). It would be interesting to have external input of some kind. Might give me that last spurt of inspiration needed to cross the finish line.

What is her name?
What does she do?
Is there anything specific about her that we should know?
(And anything else you might think of to say about her).

Window Lamps

I'm not able to respond to these comments from this computer which I'm using in the interim, so I'll respond here.

Kiki, here are photos of two lamps I made this year. One is named Diva (seen her at her launch one evening earlier this year). If you have time or inclination to look in the archives for May/June/July you'll see the evolution of Diva through videos, photos and blog posts.

The other lamp I did this year is Serendipity. The evolution of Serendipity is also documented in the archives, but not in quite the step-by-step way that Diva was. I do have other photos of window lamps over the years, but I'll have to dig up to find them. They may be somewhere in these blog archives. Anyway, the photographs featured in thos two links will give you an idea of what window lamps look like. Each one is different and is made for the energy of the person or persons receiving it.

Chookooloonks and Webgrl, it's not that I don't feel like doing any lamps right now, but in a way I can't. A lot of energy goes into them and I personally need to recharge. I had said some years ago that I wouldn't do any more ... and started back this year upon request from Diva's owner. I had thought Diva would be the last, then at her launch when Karen commissioned a lamp, I said "Okay" and did Enchanted Forest.

So ... who knows. But for now, I'm just recharging & plugging in my own light.

Out

Yesterday I moved most of my things out of my studio (#2), which I've had for the past few months (since July). By Tuesday I will be out completely. Working on video projects with the young children, I spend most of my time out of the studio than in it, so I made the decision to give it up. (i) It makes no sense paying rent for a place I'm barely in and (ii) someone else will have more use for it and will spend more time there.

Only three things are left in #2: one window lamp (The Enchanted Forest), waiting to go to its owner and two lovely windows waiting to become lamps. Even though several people have told me in the past few days that they want to order window lamps, I don't know if I will make more. The Enchanted Forest might be my last.

One evening a high school art student had come to my studio with her teacher and the teacher asked me to show her (the student) around. At the time I had been working on Serendipity and had halfway started Enchanted Forest. I explained them to the student, who seemed interested in the process and the symbolism. I'm thinking of calling the art teacher and asking her if I can give the windows to that student. Maybe she would enjoy making her own lamps.

Moving in to the studio had felt good. But moving out also feels right, as though I have come to the end of 'a time' for something ... something that perhaps isn't even studio-related. Symbolically, it feels like a massive clearing out and a big move to be made on other levels.

Thank you, #2 for what you gave to me.

Nanowrimo

Two days ago I had about 28,000 words and, with the computer down, I didn't know if I would have the luxury of being able to complete my 50,000 word novel by the end of November. I didn't want to give up, but, for a range of different reasons, a part of me couldn't really be bothered to do it. However, on Thursday when a prior appointment was postponed, I decided to stay home, put myself into it and write some of the nanowrimo. Amazingly, I sat there for most of the day, oblivious to time passing. By the time I called it quits, I had written about 12,000 words. I don't know where it all came from, but it emerged effortlessly. I am now over 40,000 words with 5 days to go. If I add it all up (the days spent writing) it looks like I may have written my 50,000 words in about a week and a half.

Comments: Synchronicity, Forgiveness

An update: I don't have my computer (getting it back early next week), so I'm using other computers here and there. Somehow they are not allowing me to respond to comments. Something to do with the 'cookies' or settings? I don't know and I'm not going to tinker with anything. So I will respond here for now - to Kiki and 11.

Kiki, I agree with your comment about synchronicity ... not only with blogs but with everything around. Sometimes those things that jump out at us as being 'synchronous' (is that a word?) are doing so to confirm what has already resonated within us. I think the synchronicity of life is like music. If you wake up today and your body is vibrating in the key of D, then whatever else is vibrating in that key will resonate with you and be in synch. Likewise, everything and everyone that is in musical harmony with your key vibration or rhythm will be in synch(ronicity). Alternatively, dischordant things and people may feel jarring.

To 11 and your comment from yesterday: I'm certainly no "Dear Abby", but this is my two cents. I think that 'Forgiveness' is a word that defies logical and mental definition. Like 'Love'. That's why I used the example of the stone in the sea. Prior to forgiving, a person's (whether forgiver or forgivee) emotional edges can be rough and hard, poking and painful. Taking this rough stone and putting it into the sea involves the act of letting it all go, giving it up to the elements and allowing time to do what it must without human intervention. I'm not just saying this as a metaphor. If you find it hard to forgive in a particular situation, why not go to the beach, walk along it and pick up the stone that you are drawn to. Perhaps, as with the explanation above, that stone is in synch with your desire to forgive or be forgiven. Maybe you can even look at the stone and its marking and you may see your situation in it - as if Nature has etched the issue into the surface of that little rock. Put it into the sea ... however you feel to put it. You may want to pelt it, place it gently where the waves break, swim out into the deep and drop it ... or whatever other way you can think of. Then just let go, forget about it, leave it and, as the sea goes about its natural duty of smoothing the rough edges, all will be taken care of in ways that you will never be able to think of or accomplish on your own. Don't worry about Time. You may think: "Oh, but that stone will take years or decades to become smooth." Physically, yes. But Spirit time and the smoothing of 'the issue' will be different.

(If one doesn't live by the sea, just put the stone in any body of water - large or small - and leave it with the intention of doing so for it to be smoothed).

In other news, the judges still have not received the HHHA2006 nominees. I will send them this information as soon as I get back my computer. The prize Clay Quenk (made by last year's recipient, Detta Buch) has been completed and is ready to be with his (her?) new owner.

Smoothe

To forgive is to put a stone in the sea

And let it be.

The first step

Become a cloud in human form.

Surrender to the wind.

The beginning of today

Woke up
Meditated
It was drizzling
Went for long walk
Bought newspapers
Came home
Ate oats, raisins and cinammon
Drank water

HHHA2006 Update

How strange. I'm in an internet cafe. Just wrote a short post updating on the status of the HHHA2006 awards and when posted, it did not appear. Only the headline did. Oh well. Let's see if this goes.

Dear All

... my beloved computer conked out on me on Friday night. Sigh. (I know Sarina must be whispering "Mac, Mac, Mac ..."). Anyway, I'm now on a friend's computer updating the blog. I don't want to skip a day and mess up my nablopomo, so I will find a compuer daily until I get mine back, hopefully by Wednesday.

I think my nanowrimo (the novel) may have to take a back seat for a while. Even when I had the computer, over the past few days, I was not working on it as I would have wished to ... But, why be defeated by lack of a computer now? Before computers came along, I wrote by hand. Maybe the last 22,000 words (or thereabouts) are meant to be written by hand. Writing by hand gives a totally different feel.

Today I feel especially thankful for being a creative soul. I know without doubt that this is a gift. I recognize its value and transforming power and I will honour it with even more awareness from now on.

For the Gift

in my Hands,

My Heart,

My Soul,

Thank You.

5,7,5

As I find my form,

From the ground up to the sky

I slowly become.

Take me. Show me.

7 October 2005, at the centre.

Take me

on

a

journey

to

the

centre

of

my

Self,

where

The Radiant Being

exists.

Show

me

in

every

step

I

take

more

deeply

who

I

am.

Hero (and deadline)

Ironically, this week's Sunday Scribblings topic (or 'prompt' as they call it) is HERO ... and tomorrow (Friday 17th November @ midnight) is the deadline for submitting nominations for the Happy Hippy Hero's Award 2006.

Click on the above logo to do so if you haven't already.

Some people have given me one of the following reasons as to why they haven't nominated anyone:
1. Gosh! I really have to write 200 words?!
2. I can't think of anyone to nominate.
3. I don't have time to fill out the form.

Hmmm.

For a long time there was only one nomination (received on the very first day) from a woman in Texas who nominated herself. At first I thought it was a joke ... but she supplied her website address and it led me to what appeared to be a web community of hippies. I feel she saw 'Happy Hippy Hero's Award' and thought it applied to her. On her web page, her desires for the world were listed as things like peace, love, truth, etc. and she had some very positive and uplifting quotes at the bottom of her e-mail. Maybe she sincerely nominated herself because of how she thinks and what she believes in! If you ever read this, thanks for your nomination, Dixie J, but sorry. While I didn't say that you couldn't nominate yourself (which I must remember to add to the rules next year) the criteria state that you must nominate a Trinbagonian national or citizen.
The second nomination came a few days after. That one is valid.

The third nomination came about two days ago, ironically early on the morning of my miserable day. A friend of mine sent in a nomination with the most beautifully written and heartwarming reasons as to why her nominee should win. (I was her nominee). As she told me later, she had thought of a few different people, but I was the 'Hero' she really wanted to win. Well, it counts as a valid sentiment, but unfortunately it's not a valid nomination.

The fourth nomination was sent but never arrived. Quite by chance I found out it had been sent when the person, in passing, asked if it had been received. I said "no" and asked her to resubmit, which she did. It is valid.

So ... there are two valid nominations in the box so far (... and maybe more tomorrow before the deadline?) A little disappointing in terms of numbers, but at the end of the day, when it comes to the Award, it's not quantity, but quality that counts.

Poem for a perfect day

Yesterday:

Surrender

Early morning

Choice

Go!

Old friend, 'Soul Twin'

Spontaneous

Drive

Maracas

Fudge

Swings

Suddenly!

Rain

Wet

Communication

Listening

Regrets

Realisations

"J"

Serendipity

Serendipity

Serendipity

Serendipity

Serendipity

Everywhere

Knowing

Not knowing

Knowing

Crying

Skyhearteyes

Laughing

Releasing

Returning

Evening

Yoga

Yes

Connection

Healing

Gift

"Be"

Unthinking

Feeling

Time

Wand

Power

Yogini

Ra - Sun

Ma - Moon

Da - Earth

Sa - Infinity

Sa - Infinity

Say - The totality of Infinity

So Hung - I am Thou

Light

Send

Receive

Love

Me

Now

Then

Embrace

Release

Paper planes of healing over mountains pointing back to go forward

What

will

be

will

"Be" ...

magnet.

Home.

Renewing the promise

People have often told me that I'm 'so brave' or 'so courageous' and that always surprises me, because I don't think that I am.

What does it mean to be brave? It must be a relative thing, as is fear. I think if you see someone as 'brave' it means that they are doing or being something that you are afraid of doing or being yourself. But to them, that thing may be 'nothing'.

Once I made a promise to myself that even if I felt 'fear' I would 'go ahead anyway'. (Like that saying: Feel the fear and do it anyway). There were times when I have kept that promise to myself and times when I unwittingly did not. I will consciously renew it as of today, for what lies ahead. I don't want to ever look back and regret not doing or being something because of 'fear'. But at the same time I don't want to feel 'fear' and then blindly charge into something just because I'm "feeling fear and doing it anyway." So, in addition to renewal of that promise to myself, I ask for Wisdom and Discernment to accompany my feelings.

Now and then when I am strongly moved by something and feel it to be true, I write an original quote to myself (and, by extension, others). One such quote is written somewhere in the (early) archives of this blog: What you seek is just a little beyond the point that scares you.

One year late is right on time.

Switzerland, December 2005.

*

Last year's snow: Let it go. Snow melts. Its water runs dry

or returns to the sky to fall anew.

*

Yesterday and the day before were miserable days for me. Well, the days weren't miserable, but I was ...

At one point I went outside to play with the dogs ... and on my way back in, there was a rock on the ground in front of the door which I hadn't noticed on my way out. It was a heart shaped, brown stone which seemed to have been placed there just for me at that moment, just to say: "Love is still with you. I haven't gone anywhere." I looked at it for a while then picked it up and carried it in.

After lunch it started raining heavily, tons of thunder and lightning and the place started to flood. Cosmic washing machine. It was more intense than I've seen in ages (maybe ever). The roads were rivers and the large field down the hill from the garden was a brown lake with a samaan tree in the middle. I felt like all the water from the sky had come out of me.

I had to go and give a guest presentation in a class a friend was teaching on campus. I didn't feel to go and didn't mind if it got cancelled due to the rain. But the rain eventually subsided and I gathered my spirits and went, knowing that it would at least distract me momentarily from my mood (which it did, momentarily).

My friend and I walked back to our cars after the class and as we were saying our goodbyes at our cars, she said: "Hey! Wait Spec! I have some things for you in my car! I'm so ashamed to be giving them to you now!" They turned out to be two gifts for me from a good friend in Amsterdam, sent via this other friend a whole year ago!

I said: "Well, nothing before its time." When I opened the gifts I saw that this saying was true. Apart from the two cards with beautiful sentiments written in them, there were two little draw string bags containing special items. One of the bags in particular was a small blue velvet one, reminiscent of my little bag of wow. In it was a pink, chunky Rose Quartz crystal. As I held it, I remembered the heart shaped stone I'd found earlier and felt that both rocks were carrying the same message. (There are many links to Rose Quartz that speak of its metaphysical meaning - it's seen as a stone for opening the heart, healing, self love, etc.). This, like the little bag of wow, also made me say: "Wow ..."

It's ironic that a symbolically healing gift like the Rose Quartz was given to me a whole year after it was meant to be delivered. The same amount of time as the situation which was making me feel miserable in the first place.

Thank You.

Elspeth

Transparency, Fairness and Justice for all. Inviting you to suggest a fifth judge.

In my Libran-ness, it is in my nature to always want and seek fairness and justice. Therefore I am taking 'Concerned Citizen's' concern seriously.

Yesterday, I wrote about who the judges were and included photos of the clay quenk trophy. Concerned Citizen left a comment suggesting that it would be a conflict of interest if the judges are my friends.

Wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest if the judges are your friends?I am not sure about all the criteria that goes into having a competition but I know that the judges are not suppose to be buddies or close friends of the person hosting the competition. Make the competition fair at least…

Like C.C., I am also not fully aware of the criteria that go into having a competition, but in the case of this nomination process, I selected people whom I know, based on their professional capacity and my personal experience and knowledge of their fairness. They just happen to be friends and associates of mine. But we live as we learn/learn as we live. I was considering inviting an independent international judge, someone who knows not even one of the nominees, but did not do that (yet).

Allay any fears that the HHHA2006 awards process is rigged. Even if I wanted to 'rig' it, I wouldn't know where to begin. I am not personally submitting a nomination, so there is no chance of 'my friends' choosing 'my nomination' and us splitting the prizes, etc. (E.g. Of what use is a clay quenk piggy bank cut in half?)

I have invited Concerned Citizen to submit the name of a fifth judge. I don't know if he or she will do so. As such, in the name of 'fairness', I am inviting anyone who has similar concerns to suggest the name of someone they would like to operate as a fifth judge in this process. Hopefully I will not know the person, but I will need to know why you are suggesting them. You can suggest the person (local or international) in a comment or via e-mail to me. Whichever is easier for you.

Thanks for your assistance in making this a 'fairer' procedure to all concerned.

*

Dear Concerned Citizen, thank you for your comment. Your concerns are being taken into consideration. Yes these judges happen to be friends of mine, but they were not selected on the basis of friendship. As I stated in my accont of them, I find them professionally to be fair and honest people, people whose professional opinions I respect and I trust they will judge based on the strength of the nominee/submission and nothing else. I see no potential conflict of interest here and, as I myself am not submitting a nomination, my only 'interest' is in seeing a well-deserved winner emerge - whoever that winner may be. Of the people whom I would have chosen to be judges, many are friends or associates or known to me in some way. Trinidad is a small place. However, like I said first, I value your comment, I would like everyone to feel that this is a fair judging process and I welcome any suggestion you may have for a fifth judge: someone you would like to suggest to me and why. If it turns out that that person is also known to me, maybe you may want to choose another. I am openly and honestly inviting you to suggest a fifth judge. Thanks for your comment and concerns.

Introducing the Quenk and the Judges

As mentioned before, I was looking for someone to make a special clay piggy bank for this year's Happy Hippy Hero trophy. The recipient of last year's Happy Hippy Hero's Award, Detta Buch, offered her services. Below is a sneak peek at the quenk she has so masterfully been creating for this year's winner.

Inscription (also on last year's piggy bank trophy): May all that goes into this be multiplied to miraculous proportions.

Inscription on side of quenk shows Happy Hippy logo.

*

Now meet the judges. On a professional level, they are all involved in some way in social or humanitarian work. They are excellent when it comes to fairness and evaluation of character and cause. On a personal level, they are fun loving, caring individuals who are doing their part to make the world a better place.

*

Glenford Bhagat is a dedicated Brahma Kumari and manager of Afford Office Line (Manufacturers, Suppliers, Designers, Custom Builders and Refurbishers of Office Furniture). He conducts ongoing motivational sessions at a drug rehabilitation centre and is one of the founding members of The Greenlight Network

Shivonne DuBarry is an environmental activist and longtime worker in the field of sexual and reproductive health and the rights of women and children.

Nicola Cross is an Environment and Development Practitioner. She has had extensive experience working with Community Based Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations in the development of projects that consider environmental, economic and social issues.

O'Leo Lokai is a writer, activist and founder of Red Intitiative (an HIV, AIDs and STI awareness/prevention NGO). Through Red Initiative he also assists other NGOs with programme and project development.

**********

You know of someone who deserves this award. Nominate now.

Click on the Happy Hippy Hero's logo in the sidebar for the nomination form, criteria and further details.

Deadline for submission of nominees: 17 November, 2006

"I don't want to be a passenger in my own life."

I look at it as a symbiotic co-piloting experience. Sometimes I drive, sometimes Life takes over and drives for me. Sometimes I walk, sometimes Life picks me up and carries me.

And my current favourite quote, which a friend has stuck on the dashboard of her car: "If you knew who walks beside you, fear would be impossible." (A Course in Miracles)

(For Sunday Scribblings ... #33: to respond to the prompt/statement which is a quote by Diane Ackerman and then list our favourite quote)

20,893 and counting

At the time of writing this post, I have reached 20,893 words in my nanowrimo effort.

29,107 words and 19 days to go to reach 50,000. That means roughly 1, 531 words a day (if I write every day). But considering that I've written 9,203 between yesterday and this morning, I can do it sooner. If I keep going, I can pass the 25,000 halfway mark by some time today. Maybe I can even finish most of it this weekend if I stick to it, seeing that this weekend is fairly 'free'. I should take advantage of my break from video editing (and return to the editing next week). We'll see. Either way, I have enough space and time to make the deadline.

Speaking of deadlines, those of you who are still thinking of the person you'd love to noimate for the 2006 HAPPY HIPPY HERO's AWARD should do so soon. You have until November 17th, 2006 to submit your nomination. Click on the Happy Hippy Hero's logo on the side bar of this page to get the submission for, criteria and further details.

If you have any questions about the HHHA2006 nomination process ... please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you.

Elspeth

What is an idea?

It is an unavoidable, intangible force.

It belongs to no-one.

It is a wild bird visiting an open house.

A sudden wind tossing paper over a vast lawn.

It leaps from nowhere to find itself in unexpected places.

It gives itself to me

and asks me to give it away

so that it can return

bigger

brighter

bolder

than

before.

The space

created by giving

Is the space

in which I receive.

My Nanowrimo: Daisy Chain

At this point I've only reached 11,690 words on my
attempt. 38,310 to go. By the first day I had written 2,477 words, by the second day I had written about 2,000 more, then I left it for a while due to (a) other things to do and (b) not really feeling to do it. Then yesterday I decided I would commit myself and not give up on it, so I went back to it and feverishly wrote some more. So looking at the maths, I wrote over 7,000 nanowrimo words yesterday.

I began with a vague concept and have been following it through, despite not really 'feeling' it ... even though it is interesting (in a way that I can't quite figure out yet). It's not the kind of book I would sit down and think about writing if I was actually writing a book, but this challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month (or less) gives no time to think. You just have to dive in and write blindly until you get there. Who knows? Something interesting might come out of it ... or not. At least I would have completed the challenge. And if I don't make the 50,000 words, I would have tried.

My 'novel' is called "Daisy Chain". It's not really a novel per se, but a series of segments, each of which could become a longer story of its own. Each segment is titled with the name of a woman. The first one is Clara, who is late for work and is lying in a field of daisies (etc etc etc etc). At one point she sees something glinting in the sun. It is a silver chain. She looks around but sees no-one to whom it might belong so ends up keeping it. Toward the end of her segment, mention is made of her boss, Mrs. Martin. The second segment is entitled "Mrs. Martin" and is told in a different voice as it gives us a peep into some aspect of Mrs. M's life. And so on. In each woman's segment there is the mention of another woman's name, who then becomes the woman the next segment focuses on. The novel will end up going full circle like a necklace, with each woman being a link in the chain. We get random glimpses into the lives of these women who have no idea that they are all a part of a greater whole.

It will no doubt evolve as I go along. It's not set in any particular place.
*
P.S. Those who feel like writing 200 words as opposed to 50,000 can click on the HAPPY HIPPY HERO's logo in this page's side bar and get submission forms and criteria for nomination of a 2006 HAPPY HIPPY HERO!

"Filling me softly ..."

Each nominee will fill up with pride and gratitude.

Imagine how that special someone will feel when you nominate him/her for the 2006 Happy Hippy Hero's Award. No better day than today to fill out the form and send it in.

It's very easy to do. Yesterday someone who wants to submit a nomination said to me: "Oh gosh, but I have to write 200 words?!" Don't be deterred by the fact that you have to write '200 words or less' about the person. 200 words is a drop in the bucket, as you will realise when you begin singing their praises. (Remember: International people, you can also nominate someone in T & T if you know of one you would like to).

Click on the Happy Hippy Logo (located in the right hand side bar of this page) to access criteria, submission form and further details. You have until November 17th 2006 to submit.

Never understimate the power of a snail

(First, our HHHA2006 update for the day): Yesterday morning a small crew from Gayelle TV joined me in the back yard of last year's recipient of the Happy Hippy Hero's Award: Detta Buch. First, I was asked about the Awards in general, then Detta was asked to speak about her operations at the Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre and her status as the first ever recipient of a Happy Hippy Hero's Award. To nominate your Hero, click on the Happy Hippy Hero logo (on the right hand sidebar of this page) to access submission form and further details.

There must be a quiet and unknown power in snails. A comment left on yeterday's post by Guanaguanare made me think about it.

The message I get from snails is that they move quietly and slowly, most likely experiencing everything around them with infinite depth and intelligence. They also suggest: "Be at home wherever you go." (They carry their homes with them). To be at home always requires a confidence and sureness in self. Everything that they have and all that they are is within them. Some may look at the slowness of snails as an inferior thing, but think about it: how many people can move slowly and feel comfortable in the modern world? Everything is fast and there's the general feeling that 'something is missing' or 'something else has to be done' if things are moving too slowly. Slowness is mastery.

In Capoeira class whenever we move too fast, we are reminded that the real art and strength is in being able to do the moves slowly. Doing things quickly (in general) is sometimes easier. In quickness, one can gloss over the surface and move on without having experienced fully. In moving slowly, you must get into the act or the moment.

Be slowly and fully in every moment.

Experience.

Be at home in yourself.

You are protected.

More Dona Nobis Pacem

My day of Dona Nobis Pacem opened with the sight of two snails (a big one and a small one) moving slowly along the driveway early this morning. I sat on the ground and looked at them for a long time, marvelling at their peaceful, gliding existence.

I then moved them, not wanting to see them get crushed by the garbage truck, which was due to arrive around then (but never did).

I let them walk on my feet, to impart some of their peace to me.

Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace)

P.ositive E.nergy A.ccelerates C.onscious E.volution

Good day

Enjoy it.

Clay quenk looking for loving home

Last year, because the HHHA2005 awards were so spontaneous and because I was going to be away for the month of December, I didn't have time to get a piggy bank trophy made by someone. I ended up buying a large pink plastic one in a children's toy store.

The fact that last year's trophy was a large, pink, plastic pig geared towards children didn't make the HHHA2005 any less of an award. In fact, it made it more of an award. To begin with, it made us laugh during the simple outdoor awards ceremony and it has subsequently made other people laugh and feel relaxed enough to feed it willingly. Who says a trophy has to be a stiff metallic thing that sits on a shelf doing nothing but gathering dust? The pink piggy bank has been actively collecting money for W.O.R.C. since being awarded. Remember: don't judge a piggy bank by its cover. It's what's inside that counts.

Last year's HHHA recipient, Detta Buch

This year I was looking for someone whom I could commission to make a clay pig with HAPPY HIPPY HERO 2006 etched on its side. I asked Detta Buch, last year's HHHA recipient, if she knew of someone I could approach. She said: "There are quite a few people who could do it. I could do it ..." I immediately took her up on that offer. In addition to being a wildlife rescue/rehabilitation angel, Detta is also an artist, with clay being one of her specialties. So, this year's piggy bank will be made by the first ever recipient of the HHHA! How significant is that? She says she'll make a wildlife pig: a quenk.

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You know someone special who deserves this quenk:

Click the logo to get details, criteria and submission forms
&
Nominate your nominee now.

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Deadline for submission: November 17th, 2006

Morning

Music of birds
Opens my eyes.
Rising,
Noting their presence,
I am
Nothing but
Grateful.


(for Sunday Scribblings).

Slow down

This year is going by so fast. Every day seems to get shorter. I wake up well before dawn, turn around twice and night is here. The other day I was thinking that maybe years will become months, months will become days and days will become hours ...

I myself feel like I'm on ultra fast forward (unless I'm stuck in traffic) ... and I'm thinking about what I need to do to slow down. What do I need to give up or structure differently?

When life is moving so quickly and we're trying to keep up with it, there are some things that get left by the wayside ... like a few quiet moments to stop and consider the person you'd like to nominate for the Happy Hippy Hero's Award 2006 (see below). This award embraces everyday people who are doing work and/or making committed contributions towards making our world a better place.

NOMINATE TODAY
Click on this HHHA2006 logo for more details,
criteria and your nomination submission form.

Blog of the Day (1 Nov 2006)

Hooray! It's almost like winning a little award of my own. Blog of the Day featured Now is Wow as it's blog of the day yesterday. I'll treat the little button below as my trophy since it leads to the page which announces my sur-prize .

Such a simple but effective gesture. It made me say "Wow!" Who doesn't like to be recognized in some way for what they're doing, no matter how small? Which brings us back to this ...

NOMINATE TODAY

Click on this HHHA2006 logo for more details,

criteria and your nomination submission form.

People in T & T and/or the diaspora: Someone you know, somewhere in T & T (who fits the criteria) will no doubt feel very surprised, moved, honoured and appreciated if you were to nominate them for the HHHA2006 Award. And who knows what can happen after that ...

The Happy Hippy Hero's Award (2006)

WHAT INSPIRED THE AWARDS?

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WHO IS YOUR NOMINEE?

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Last year I was spontaneously moved to start the HHH Awards and chose the first recipient, Detta Buch myself. This year I am opening the arena and inviting others to submit nominations online, via this blog (see below for link to entry forms). One nomination per person.

Internationally, there are many admirable people (both Trinis and foreigners), but please let your nominations be for citizens of T & T who are currently residing in T & T. International readers, whether Trinis or not, you are welcome to nominate someone in TT if you are aware of one you find worthy.

Flashback to November 2005: Detta Buch, first ever recipient of the Happy Hippy Hero's Award (2005) receives her cheque from Happy Hippy Productions and the trophy - a symbolic piggy bank which has accompanied her to many an event ever since. Over the past year, the pig has collected funds on behalf of W.O.R.C.

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BASIC CRITERIA:
1. Nominee must be born in T & T (or must be a citizen) and must be living in T & T

2. Someone who loves what they do/puts great love into it

3. Someone whose work or continued contribution has a positive, progressive impact on our society and/or environment (can be a 'regular citizen', does not have to be a member of an NGO, CBO, etc.)

4. Someone who, against all odds, continues to believe in their cause and work tirelessly towards the realisation of dreams and goals connected to this cause (despite difficulty in acquiring funding/having to self-fund efforts and projects).

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINEE

All submissions will be accepted via e-mail.

N.B. Due to technical difficulties with another host site, the actual form cannot presently be uploaded to the blog for your easy access. I apologise for this inconvenience but will let you know as soon as everything has been rectified. In the mean time, I will copy and paste the submission form and further details below for those who wish to submit nominations now.

Deadline for submissions: Friday November 17th, 2006

The esteemed judges will be announced shortly.

Looking forward to your nominations!

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(See below for the form)

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THE HAPPY HIPPY HERO’S AWARD 2006 (The Second Year)

******************Begin submission form**********************

SUBMISSION FORM

Once completed, please copy, paste and send in body of e-mail to happyhippyproductions@gmail.com

Your real name (or online pseudonym):

Your spot on the globe right now (T & T, USA, etc.):

Your e-mail:

Your website/blog address if any (a valid web address with evidence of the pseudonym must be supplied by those using an online pseudonym in order for their submission to be considered):

Your nominee’s name:

Your nominee’s field:

Your nominee’s e-mail:

Your nominee’s telephone number(s):

In 200 words or less (could be point form), explain why you have selected your nominee and why s/he should win the HHHA 2006.

******************End submission form**********************

Please:
Only one nomination per person
Copy and paste the submission part of this form and send it in the body of an e-mail to: happyhippyproductions@gmail.com

WHO MAY ENTER:
Anyone, local or foreign, may submit a nomination online, once their nominee is valid and fits the below basic criteria.

BASIC CRITERIA
1. Nominee must be born in T & T (or must be a citizen) and must be living in
T & T
2. Someone who loves what they do/puts great love into it

3. Someone whose work has a positive, progressive impact on our society and/or environment ((can be a regular citizen, does not have to be a member of an NGO, CBO, etc.)

4. Someone who, against all odds, continues to believe in their cause and work tirelessly towards the realisation of dreams and goals connected to this cause (despite difficulty in acquiring funding/having to self-fund efforts and projects).
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THE JUDGING PROCESS
3 stages:
(i) Nomination submissions will be assessed by Happy Hippy Productions to ensure that all entry forms have been filled out correctly. Incorrectly filled or incomplete forms will not be acknowledged

(ii) All forms will be e-mailed to the four judges. They will each select a SHORTLIST ... X amount of favourable entries ... with X to be determined based on number of submissions received.

(iii) The judges will meet in person and vote on the chosen forms together. If they all agree on one, that person will be the Happy Hippy Hero. In the event that the judges’ opinions are divided, HHP will make the final decision.
The judges have the right to deem which submissions are ‘serious’ and which are not. So please do not waste their time or yours by submitting false nominations.
N.B. Upon selection, shortlisted nominees will be interviewed for confirmation of their status, eligibility, etc.
Updates of the process will be given from time to time via http://nowiswow.blogspot.com/


As this is only the second year of the HHHA, there are still certain aspects to be refined. For example, provisions will be made for offline users to take part (if not this year, then certainly by next year).

Any questions and suggestions for improvement are welcome.

Thank you for taking part.

Elspeth.

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Elspeth Duncan,
Founder and Creative Director,
Happy Hippy Productions