Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Up Up Up



** Euphoria by Loreen - up, Up, UP!~ Gooo Sweden! :))

Master/Teacher/Father


Master/Teacher/Father; three very important and significant terms; which all have different associations and meanings. Many will prefer to call a person ‘Father’ because that involves forgiveness; so we can continue in our mischievous ways but know that our ‘Father’ will still always love us and forgive us over and over again. Other’s associate the word ‘Teacher’ with knowledge, respect, but discipline; we may be forgiven but not after a good scolding and lecture as to why we should stay on the path. And ‘Master’ well, most don’t use association with this word at all. We know of Masters in slavery terminology, and also in Martial Arts, as well as dog owners letting their pets know who is Master at all times. This is more of, let me take control of your life, because I am in charge and know what’s best for you. You disobey, you suffer, you trust, you succeed because you can’t see or understand all that is ahead of you. Many find the latter, the harshest of them all; because we prefer to be in control of our lives.

In life we’ve all been in situations that are beyond our control. Why did this happen? How did I get here? That’s not fair! When will it end? I can’t take it anymore! We are NOT IN CONTROL. The sooner we realize this; the more humble, accepting and grateful we’ll become. Just as man has made many things, all that is natural also has a creator; something much greater and beyond our realm of understanding; then why deny, ignore or pretend that we are in control of everything in our lives? We are in control of our mood, reactions and point-of-views. But because you don’t believe in something, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. We can’t see love. We can’t see air. But we know it’s there and that it subsists.

Therefore, instead of fighting all the time, and battling against life-situations and elements, realize that once you succumb to the simple fact that everything is not under your control, the more peace, joy and comfort you’ll have in trusting what your Supreme-Being/Universe has in store for you. When you feel cold and un-sure, filled with anxiety and fear because you are being pushed in a direction that is foreign to the norm; smile, because change is ALWAYS a good thing! We may not see it now; but we will one day and be grateful for it. Let God/Universe take the reins in your life; let him be your ‘Master’; complain, whine and worry not. He’s in charge at all times; let him take control of your life, because he knows what’s best for you. Change may be scary and un-certain but prayer is your communicator and he’ll enlighten you and take you to rewards and beauty more lovely than you could ever imagine.

Bless-up!
Jair J

Under the Influence


Many will think ‘Under the Influence’ of alcohol but what I’d like to bring to your attention is being ‘under the influence’ of positive things in life; a high worth pursuing in life! It’s easy becoming ‘under the influence’ of drugs, sex, alcohol, and even relationships, but should this be what runs our being?

Drugs and alcohol are temporary earthly pleasures that numb pain when our life-situations go awry; and people often-time try to project their realities or fears unto you, when you take what they say to heart; in turn they succeed in making you a victim of needless suffering.

STOP!

Become immune to the opinions and actions of others if you know they are negative or puts you in an un-pleasant place. Become ‘under the influence’ of true love, of the Universal love, of your Creator/Supreme Being. Whatever dreams you have in life, know that they are possible but when you dedicate your all to the one that gave you, your all, they can dream a bigger dream for you! Trust it! Trust the truth; be patient in joy because this is the greatest high and bond you can ever achieve in life.

Spend your precious time and energy with those who share in genuine kindness; for those that are positive and uplifting. And the others…fear not darlings, let go peacefully…surrender, knowing that your heavenly realm and team of angels are always available for your joy and comfort. Trust them, for they are always one step ahead of you; guiding you through the sometimes harrowing maze of life. They will lead you to the right people, take you to a better path, give you a better dream.

BELIEVE!

Now is the time to be ‘under the influence’ of something worthwhile.

Bless-up,
Jair J

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Behind the Scenes





I remember 19 years ago when I first began playing Trinidad & Tobago’s national instrument the steel-pan (drum); I started a love relationship with music that would speak to me on all days for the rest of my days. But I started on a pan that wasn’t exactly as I wanted; I played the ‘Guitar-Pan’ a bulkier, heavy, pan, standing close to the over-powering Bass pans, and only offering hypnotic harmonies. It was the tenor pan I wanted to play earnestly. They danced up front, playing the more intricate and meaningful melodies to the ecstatic crowd. At that time, I hadn’t realized why I initially played there, but looking back now I see that in life we may be put in or born into circumstances and situations that our desires don’t match with. We wonder why we start this way and how we’ll ever come out of it; it’s not because we’re meant to stay there, it’s because we’re meant for greatness. God/Universe is always working behind the scenes to make sure your desires overcome your fears, and that your struggles and dreams are not in vain.

We must remember that we can take steps always towards prominence, and just because we fall doesn’t mean that we will stay there. God/Universe always has steps in place to restore us to where we need to be – to our true destiny! What we need to remind ourselves of  is to continue with un-wavering faith and joy in knowing that your creator is the one that is in control and often-times when you are on your way to success and victory, there are moments of negativity that try to deter us from continuing to strive upwards. We come from the Supreme Being, not to our parents, but through our parents and therefore any bumps in our roads in life can be altered and repaired through the one that created us to complete our destiny.

Fear not, God/Universe always goes before you, always knows what’s up ahead and always knows how to get you out of those sticky situations! Your Creator/Supreme Being is working constantly behind-the-scenes to make sure that you are ready for your dazzling destiny. Trust that his timing is the best timing; that the story that was written for you is better than one you can dream for yourself; trust that it’s the greatest thing, better than even your most magical desires. If people or situations are negative in your life and don’t wish to add or share in it, that they and these circumstances are just not part of your destiny in life! Allow them to leave in love; forgive the falls and the pain and the hurt, don’t hold on to them, hold joy and hope knowing that when it’s time for your ‘In-front-of- the-Scenes’ moment that everything you have gone through would be worth it in carving the stronger and more confident you.

Because one day, despite it being years later; you’ll be standing on stage among the beautiful tenor pans, playing your heart out to the crowd, your heart singing and your pores raising to the sweet melodies you knew from the beginning that it was yours to play from the the start! J

I’ll leave you with the lovely calypso song from the wonderful 'Baron' of Trinidad & Tobago about pan’s sweet melody in the streets: 


Dark Shadows


Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Chloe Grace Moretz all wrapped up in a dazzling Tim Burton film; what’s there not to like? Tim Burton has had ample practice at making films and with his wife Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp at his side, he’s undoubtedly created his method for sensational films.

This 2012 hauntingly beautiful, fantasy comedy was orchestrated right down to all the ‘Collin’s Mansion’s’ secret pathways. The camera angles and techniques were remarkable, special effects marvelous but the make-up on Johnny Depp at times, a little too much. Depp’s seductive and serious acting is always wonderful to watch, and Helena Bonham Carter and Pfeiffer also portrayed great comic timing. The young blonde Moretz that has been in scores of film lately, showering her pristine talent also did a commendable job of being that ‘non-interested-angst-to-the-world type character. French Eva Green was a delightful villain and I’m sure others agree with me when I say she gave a lovely and unforgettable smashing performance during the film’s final scene; an also introducing Aussie Bella Heathcote coming on the scene in 2010, and rising steadily alongside these hard-working film stars.

Despite it being rated PG-13, I felt that there were many scenes I would not find appropriate for children of this age. Sensuality, seduction and several sexual innuendoes reigned high throughout the film. From the way Johnny Depp slowly raced his long fingers over things, to steamy red dresses, and plenty of pent-up anguish and long-lizardly tongues of lust. All well for an adult audience, but a tad too much for children to even beginning to worry about.

Writers Seth Grahame-Smith and John August set a beautiful tone for a beloved story, of un-requited love, lost love, witches, vampires and werewolves. Burton who loves the dark side took this story in his hands and turned out a fantastic feature. You haven’t begun to see what a dysfunctional family looks like till you’ve met the Collin’s family. It was extraordinary to see how they could mix such dark and serious content with incredible comedy and groovy 70’s music! J





Thursday, May 10, 2012

Tick of the Clock


Khalil Gibran [The Prophet] on TIME

And an astronomer said, "Master, what of Time?"
And he answered:
You would measure time the measureless and the immeasurable.
You would adjust your conduct and even direct the course of your spirit according to hours and seasons.
Of time you would make a stream upon whose bank you would sit and watch its flowing.
Yet the timeless in you is aware of life's timelessness,
And knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream.
And that that which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.
Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless?
And yet who does not feel that very love, though boundless, encompassed within the centre of his being, and moving not form love thought to love thought, nor from love deeds to other love deeds?
And is not time even as love is, undivided and paceless?
But if in you thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons,
And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing. 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Paradise - NOW

**When she was just a girl, she expected the world - and she still expects it! So when she closes her eyes, she's in para-para-paradise! :))