But Do You Know Me?

 MAGPIE 70

Photograph Courtesy of Tess Kinkaid, Magpie Tales

I am a wife
A lover
Friend
But do you know me?

I am a mother
A protector
Guardian
But do you know me?

I am a friend
A companion
Listener
But do you know me?

I am a teacher
A mentor
Guide
But do you know me?

I am a servant
A worker
Humble
But do you know me?

I am a fighter
A survivor
Scarred
But do you know me?

I am a wall
A block
Barricade
But do you know me?

I am laughter
A delight
Beguiling
But do you know me?

I am gold
An ingot
Precious
But do you know me?

I am a soul
A strength
Immortal
But do you know me?

Barbara M Lake ©

Trinidad 2008

My Father.

 

Sultan's Armed Forces, Oman

 

I would have to write a book to tell you about my father but what I can say in a few words is that he was a colourful character, a disciplinarian, an achiever,  never one to take 'no' for an answer, one not always easy to live up to,   compassionate, respected by his peers and loved by his family. So many words to describe this military, highly decorated man of many talents.  Hot tempered in youth, mellowed with age, adventurer, great conversationalist with a fantastic sense of humour.

My love of books and music was inherited from this multi faceted man who had a permanent twinkle in his eye and a ferocious appetite for life.  He packed a great deal into his 65 years on this earth and on Father's Day as every day, almost 25 years after his death I still miss him terribly.  Gone too early because a medical condition was not detected during a compulsory, annual company medical.

I imagine him in heaven, book in hand listening to maybe Lehar, Shirley Bassey, Tchaikovsky, Tom Jones, The Sand Pipers or Verdi with my mother at his side and his forever faithful Golden Labrador at his feet.

I will raise a glass to you today Daddy and remember the laughter, the love, the reprimands (yes there were reprimands when my best was not good enough!) the encouragement, the debates, the heated discussions,  and the time we did spend together as we got to know each other and came to understand one another over the 65 years of a wonderful if at times trying, father and daughter relationship.

Manic Monday! No Time to Blog!

 Adele - Rolling In The Deep

No time to blog so dance instead.

Happy Sunday!

Against all family rules I have brought work home so instead of thinking sun, sand and sea I am about to get down to things I don't have time to do during normal working hours.  They say that that's bad management but I know better than that.

I am overwhelmed. Simple as that!

How is your day treating you?

Real Revenge!

MAGPIE 68

Photograph courtesy of Tess Kinkaid,  Magpie Tales

(To be recited whilst waving hands/gesticulating)

Okay okay okay
Don't shout!

I hear ya
Oy vey oy vey

Okay already

Ya gotta da eye
Now ya really vanta
Da tooth?

Barbara M Lake

June  2011

Trinidad WI

©

Immaculée Ilibagizai

Rwandan survivor, Immaculée Ilibagizai author of 'Left to Tell' and two other books is coming to Trinidad this month.  If you have not read any of her books I recommend that you do starting with her first.  This lady's story for those who don't know, is one of  horror, courage, faith, survival and forgiveness. Immaculée set up the Left to Tell Charitable Fund and a portion of all her books sales go there. The Fund helps children of Africa to build better lives.


I am working with the organizers of this visit and simply cannot wait to hear her lectures.