What is music? This is a very good question and its answer varies depending on where one is located, the creation, performance, significance and cultural, depending on the social context. We are aware that music has to do with sound and that it is an art form. As an art form it can be classified as fine art, performing art, and auditory art. With this in mind, we can conclude that music is an art form communicated through sound.  It is somewhat a language we all recognize and it is very diverse. Even though the diversity varies, there are some commonalities such as pitch (melody, harmony), rhythm (tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (volume, sound, and note), timber (quality) and texture (melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic). To the many people in the many cultures, music is an important aspect of their way of life. Music makes you feel good. It excites the emotions; both new emotions and the ones we already there and it make us want to dance or sometimes cry, both joyfully and sorrowfully. Listening to music from a CD, looking at a music video, or listening to it via any other source, often triggers people’s response.

The common saying, “it is music to the ear,” points to the notion that music is often pleasant to listen to but that is not always the case. We tend to judge music bases on our taste and our cultural background. Who determines what music is and what is noise?

Nevertheless, I thought it would be important to share:

1.            The word Music was derived from the Greek word pronounced mousike, which means, art of the Musis.

2.            Interestingly, there is a strong connection between music and mathematics. 

Mathematics is said to be the basis of sound and in a musical sense the sound produces an amazing array of numbers properties.   I recall some years ago there was a study conducted and it was found that children who listened to a lot of music while growing up were better math students than their peers. I must say I found the finding to be true as it relates to me. One neighbor in particular feared that I was going to fail my Common Entrance Exams because music was constantly being played in our house and I was often singing and dancing. Nevertheless, to think of it, nature is amazingly mathematical. 

Caribbean Music

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Thoughts, Words- Their Impact

When it comes to certain aspects of our lives there are a few words we need to work on eliminating from our vocabulary. To move boldly forward in this beautiful life, we need to think and adapt positive, affirmative thoughts and actions. The power of positive thoughts and positive words have Impacts one’s life in ways we sometimes did not expect.

I am positive that most people desire a better life; one which is full of joy, happiness, peace, perfect health, better relationships, financial freedom, the whole works. However, our mind, thoughts and utterances tend to effortlessly embrace words and phrases such as no, not, can’t, never, don’t, if, but, is difficult, is impossible, and such like.

It is so easy for us to doubt ourselves and our abilities. We seem to be always ready to say no, I can’t, but it is difficult, or something to that effect to ourselves when we encounter a perceived challenging situation.

I recall growing up in the countryside in Guyana, where fruit trees are almost everywhere. Looking up at those trees and longing for some of the best looking ripe mangoes and guavas from some three feet plus off the ground brought numerous thoughts to my little mind. There were thoughts of doubt, fear, and determination and yes, there were tears too. I tried using sticks to knock those fruits down, and when that did not work I asked my older brothers and cousins to grab them for me.

However, as I grew I found that hitting the fruits damaged them and often times there was no one there to get them for me. So, I had to find another way to get to them. It was funny because my confidence seemed to have grown as I was growing. Thoughts of climbing those trees like my brothers did lingered until I ventured out and did just that. I was labeled a “tom boy” because I became a prow at climbing those trees and grabbing fruits not just for myself, but for friends and cousins. The confidence I developed to climbing trees was as a result of my positive thoughts and actions. I recall thinking and saying to myself no, don’t try you may fall, I can’t do this, what if I fall, and all such like. I guess my desire for those fruits were so strong I had opposed those thoughts with thoughts and words like yes, I can, I will be fine, I will get to the top and to the fruit etc. in order for me to develop the courage and confidence to climb.

The doubt negative thoughts place on our minds, are the first barriers we need to bring down. They will only defeat us if we permit them.

I love this verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me and Bob Proctor’s quote, “thoughts become things.” I use these two statements and a few others daily. They keep me positive and focused on what I am pursuing.

Thinking positive thoughts, using positive words and phrases, taking affirmative action and letting go and letting God be your guide are the basics for making a better life. 

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Pictures from the Caribbean

Breathtaking Beaches, some of the most gorgeous hotels, fun, Sun shine, Sunset, hospitality and cruses are all words many people around the world can easily associate with the Caribbean Islands. Unfortunately there are too many people world wide who have not experienced this wonder. As such, we have  aome pics for those of you who have not had the experience. Here is a sneak peek.

                                                                        Barbados

                                                                          Bermuda

                                                                       
                                                                          Beautiful

After everyone left

What is he doing out there!! Barbados

What a Beauty

                                                       
                                                                        Relaxed! Bermuda

                      Night fall in Bermuda

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Bake & Saltfish

                       Bake & saltfish

Bakes or floats are made from flour, sugar, salt to taste, margarine, a dash of nutmeg, some essence (vanilla extract) yeast, baking powder and water.

 

                                                              Bakes of Floates


Saltfish, is actually fish preserved in salt. As the name suggest, the fish is extremely salt. To eliminate the excess salt it needs to be boiled at least three times to reduce the amount of salt. Tasting a piece of it prior to using it for whatever purpose you wish is advised.  As the saltfish boils it usually give off a not so nice odor. A little trick i notice my mother would do is to put a stick or cinnamon and a few cloves in the pan with the water or she would boil same in a separate pot. It miraculously takes away that offensive smell. Most people here in the northern hemisphere may know saltfish as cod or Alaskan Pollock. 

 

               This is sold in most grocery stores

 This is what the Pollock saltfish looks like before it is boiled.

 Fried saltfish is very tasty when sautéed with oil and a generous amount of onions, Garlic, celery, tomatoes, some lemon or lime juice or vinegar and peppers. 

Fried saltfish

Yumm... I am sure the pic below tells the story.


Saltfish is prepared and served in different teritories in different way. In Jamaica it is served with Ackee. In Grenadian, St Lucians, Guyanese and a few other territories it is served with ground provision. It is also use to make fishcakes, cooked with vegetables and served with dhal which I will be telling you about really soon. It can be served with bread, rice, Rori, or flat bread. However, to me it taste the best with bakes or floats.

Have you ever had a Guyanese bake and saltfish? 

Nicky
Blessings
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West Indies Cricket – The way forward

West Indies Cricket – The way forward

Millions or should I say billions of cricket fans in the Caribbean and around the cricketing world followed the just concluded tenth International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup on TV, the internet, their smart phones or practically anyhow they possible could. Congratulations to India, a co-host and deservedly, the 2011 World Cup Cricket Champions. They won the finals match against Sri Lanka by six wickets with 10 balls to spare. Sri Lanka played some entertaining cricket throughout the tournament but they were simply outplayed by a group of men who were full or determination, loyalty, and zeal.

Now with that been stated, the questions that are probably on most Caribbean cricket fans mind are:

What has happened to West Indies Cricket?

How can this problem be fixed?

What should be the plans for the way forward?

Pakistan tours the West Indies in less than a month. Will the young me get it together by then?

The West Indies showing in their last match they played in the World Cup against Pakistan left a bad taste in the mouth of its fans. It would seem as if these guys forgot the basics of cricket in their back yards. I have heard a few other reasons for such a embarrassing performance, which does not resonate well with me and thousands I am sure. Nevertheless, I am concerned and I know you are too.

How can this mess be fixed?

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About Caribbean Frames

The phrase, "thoughts become things", is one of the many sayings that stuck with me from the Secrete DVD I bought some years ago. A few weeks before this blog idea came about, my thoughts were, I am always writing stuff on Facebook which sirs the thoughts of my friends, I would love to have a wider platform to share my views. Hmm...That would be something… and my thoughts went wild. As I was thinking I was smiling inside and outside. I am a strong believer in the word of God. With that being said, there is no explanation as to how my thought, request, prayer became a reality. What can I say? God has been in the miracle business long before my time. Believers in the Secret's point of view may be inclined to say the universe responded. That would lead to the question. Who made the universe? The answer to this question has been debated in many circles long before our time. I guess our experiences and other’s testimonies would lead us to the answers.

The name, Caribbean frames, was inspired from my background. As is stated in my profile, I was born in Guyana, the lone English speaking country in South America, which is a member of CARICOM. The latter part of the name FRAMES is actually an acronym. F- foods, R-religions, A- activities, M- music, E- education and S- sports. These are all areas I am comfortable discussing. The literal meanings of the word frame were also considered when this choice was made. My aim is to frame each territory’s experience and bring same to the world. A total stranger to the Caribbean should be able to read, comment view pictures, view videos, listen to music and be wowed into visiting either of the 15 member states or their five (5) associate members. The experience is unforgettable.

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The Caribbean

 The Caribbean is unlike any other place on this Earth. There is fun, sun, rain, music, carnivals, cricket, soccer, food, endless beaches and diversity. Most of the Islands are located on the edge of South American continent, as such it is considered to be the Southern Caribbean.

The weather is simply either rain or sun. The equator is located just below the islands thus producing tropical weather all year round.

Growing up in the Caribbean is fun all year round. Each territory has unique cultures. However, sports, CARICOM, and music unite the countries. Caribbean Music, Sports, beaches, and entertainment styles are becoming a phenomenon worldwide. 

When it comes to music, Reggae and Dancehall music were birthed in Jamaica, the county of birth of the famous Reggae Supper Star, Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob Marley and the 100 and 200 meters Olympic record holder Usain Bolt. Calypso, Chutney, Soca and Steel Pan music originated in Trinidad and Tobago birth country of Soca sensation, Marshall Montano, who was recently on the GMA show, and Brian Lara, former West Indies Cricketer, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, holder of the highest score (501 not out) by an individual in first-class cricket, and the highest score by an individual in test cricket (400 not out).

As it relates to Sports, Cricket, athletic, body building and Soccer are holding its own in the world. Guyana’s Hugh Ross, who is based in the US won the Mr. Universe title in the Men Masters over 40 category. As was mentioned above, Usain Bolt is a record holder. Unfortunately the West Indies Cricket team is currently going through a bad patch. Fans are hoping that the West Indies Cricket Board would resolve this situation ASAP.

Nobody entertains like the people of the Caribbean. They can PARTY!!! Each territory has significant events which they celebrate in a carnival like style.  The parade, the costume the music the revelers, the food and the fun are memorable no matter which event or territory. Among the most popular are, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, Barbados Crop over, Guyana’s Mashramani and the Jamaica Carnival.

The beaches are gorgeous. White sand, turquoise water, resorts, hotels, cruses and the whole shebang is absolutely an experience I look forward to continue to explore and I suggest you consider experiencing at least once in your life time. The resorts and beaches in Guyana, brings a different flair to nature. The sea water and sand are brown. Most resorts are located away from the hustle and bustle of life. One can enjoy the fresh green forest creek water, which is dark (black water) and is said to be therapeutic. Nature at its best! Most of these countries’ main source of income is from tourism. Tourists visit for the whole package, the weather, the beaches, the food, and the experience. Some people even move to the Caribbean to live. Living in the Caribbean is inexpensive. The weather permits one grow fruits, vegetables, and animals. This must be said, the pure, fresh, air, is theraputic.

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