 |
Judy H-J's Thoughts - A Twinless Twin. Jamaican Freelance writer on a healing journey after facing loss. Here I share memories, hobbies, interests, pictures and much more.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS TO A VERY GOOD FRIEND
Monday, July 18, 2011
FACING WILD WINDS TOGETHER
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
Over one month of this year's hurricane season has passed and it is a relief that so far it has been a quiet one on our tropical island. Nevertheless we dare not forget that the season is not over until November 30.
As I think about the storms and hurricanes that Janine and I have experienced over the years, I must say how much I will miss her if another one comes around. She was always great company at that time. We would sit and listen to the radio or move around the house together. Our first real experience of a hurricane was Hurricane Gilbert on September 12, 1988. It was one of the worst hurricanes to hit Jamaica.
Like so many persons who had never experienced a hurricane we kept asking the question "Can it be so scary?" Our windows were battened down and we sat tense waiting for Gilbert to arrive. I can remember that Janine and I climbed up and looked through a high window and were so shocked to see how dark and desolate it looked outside although it was only about 11 a.m. That sight kept us from looking outside until Gilbert had truly departed our shores.
Packing winds of about 160 miles (265km) per hour it was not only content to let us hear the roar of its ferocious howling winds and pelting rain but left us with no doubt that it had a special thing for roofs. No wonder some Jamaicans called it 'Gilbert Roofus Hurricane.' As Janine and I huddled in our bedroom we looked through the door and after hearing a loud sound we saw the living-room ceiling take an awful dip with water pouring in. As we moved from room to room we could see that it had done damage to several areas. Luckily our room snuggled between rooms on every side was not affected.
Electricity was dealt a severe blow and for many weeks there was no television. Janine and I occupied ourselves writing, crocheting, playing board games, reading, listening to music, chatting together and spending time with family members. We tried to be content as we gained light from candles and lamps with the familiar slogan 'HOME SWEET HOME.'
The lack of light made us learn to appreciate nature even more. As the moonlight shone around homes and on the streets the fireflies popularly known as 'Peenie Wallies' provided us with lights like flashlights to the rescue.
Being on a farm we could not help but notice the widescale destruction of trees. For example our cherry, plum, Oti eati apple and other fruit trees were destroyed. The cherry tree was laden with big cherries. Throughout our childhood days we regularly picked cherries from this tree and even ate some green ones.
It was a time for flexibility as we all had to contend with changes in the food we ate and the places we were accustomed to going. Gilbert certainly reminded us of the saying "The branch that will not bend with the wind will surely break." In true Jamaican fashion culinary experts came up with some new ideas. For example a restaurant in the capital city of Kingston served a special dish called 'Chicken Gilbert' while a bakery offered a new shaped bread called 'Gilbert.'
Our ability as a people to look at the lighter side of things was also evident. Our musicians recorded songs on the Gilbert experience but not the terrifying things in a way that made people sad. Like so many other Jamaicans we laughed when we heard the song 'Wild Gilbert' by Lloyd Lovindeer.
The community spirit displayed during and after the hurricane truly reflected our national motto 'Out of Many One People.' When disaster strikes it causes a great deal of pain, destruction and death but as many countries came to Jamaica's assistance this quotation became one of our favourites -''The earth is one country and mankind its citizens."
Over one month of this year's hurricane season has passed and it is a relief that so far it has been a quiet one on our tropical island. Nevertheless we dare not forget that the season is not over until November 30.
As I think about the storms and hurricanes that Janine and I have experienced over the years, I must say how much I will miss her if another one comes around. She was always great company at that time. We would sit and listen to the radio or move around the house together. Our first real experience of a hurricane was Hurricane Gilbert on September 12, 1988. It was one of the worst hurricanes to hit Jamaica.
Like so many persons who had never experienced a hurricane we kept asking the question "Can it be so scary?" Our windows were battened down and we sat tense waiting for Gilbert to arrive. I can remember that Janine and I climbed up and looked through a high window and were so shocked to see how dark and desolate it looked outside although it was only about 11 a.m. That sight kept us from looking outside until Gilbert had truly departed our shores.
Packing winds of about 160 miles (265km) per hour it was not only content to let us hear the roar of its ferocious howling winds and pelting rain but left us with no doubt that it had a special thing for roofs. No wonder some Jamaicans called it 'Gilbert Roofus Hurricane.' As Janine and I huddled in our bedroom we looked through the door and after hearing a loud sound we saw the living-room ceiling take an awful dip with water pouring in. As we moved from room to room we could see that it had done damage to several areas. Luckily our room snuggled between rooms on every side was not affected.
Electricity was dealt a severe blow and for many weeks there was no television. Janine and I occupied ourselves writing, crocheting, playing board games, reading, listening to music, chatting together and spending time with family members. We tried to be content as we gained light from candles and lamps with the familiar slogan 'HOME SWEET HOME.'
The lack of light made us learn to appreciate nature even more. As the moonlight shone around homes and on the streets the fireflies popularly known as 'Peenie Wallies' provided us with lights like flashlights to the rescue.
Being on a farm we could not help but notice the widescale destruction of trees. For example our cherry, plum, Oti eati apple and other fruit trees were destroyed. The cherry tree was laden with big cherries. Throughout our childhood days we regularly picked cherries from this tree and even ate some green ones.
It was a time for flexibility as we all had to contend with changes in the food we ate and the places we were accustomed to going. Gilbert certainly reminded us of the saying "The branch that will not bend with the wind will surely break." In true Jamaican fashion culinary experts came up with some new ideas. For example a restaurant in the capital city of Kingston served a special dish called 'Chicken Gilbert' while a bakery offered a new shaped bread called 'Gilbert.'
Our ability as a people to look at the lighter side of things was also evident. Our musicians recorded songs on the Gilbert experience but not the terrifying things in a way that made people sad. Like so many other Jamaicans we laughed when we heard the song 'Wild Gilbert' by Lloyd Lovindeer.
The community spirit displayed during and after the hurricane truly reflected our national motto 'Out of Many One People.' When disaster strikes it causes a great deal of pain, destruction and death but as many countries came to Jamaica's assistance this quotation became one of our favourites -''The earth is one country and mankind its citizens."
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sons of Korah - Psalm 139
My friend Julia from Germany just shared this with me on Facebook. I had to share it here! Love it!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Psalm 23 The Lord Is My Shepherd - Original Song
As I said in my previous post whenever I repeated the words of this Psalm I would picture scenes in my mind to go with the words. Well, I found this awesome video with breathtaking scenes!
Friday, July 15, 2011
A PSALM A DAY
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
We have often heard the saying "A Psalm a day keeps the devil away." Well, I find that a Psalm a day can be just that inspirational lift that one needs.
Not too long after my twin sister's death I went in search of every inspirational book that I could find in our home, even if I had read them before. I found several but I was particularly struck by a small book of the Psalms. I knew that this book belonged to my father who died over 36 years ago but across the top of it was my name Judy Haughton-James and it was in my handwriting. I could not remember when I had read it but for sure I was going to read it again. I read it quickly and found out that it was just what I needed during the low moments.
Psalm 23 has become my favourite and until today there is not a day that passes that I do not repeat the words. I remember many a sleepless night reciting the words of this Psalm as I lay in my bed. Oh, how it helped to calm my nerves. As I recited the words I pictured scenes that would go with them. For sure I was in a valley and needed to be strong to make my way out.
It is therefore no surprise that I could not resist adding the "Psalm for the day" gadget to the right sidebar of this Blog. Verses from the Psalms change throughout the day and they certainly give me that needed lift every time I visit my Blog. I hope readers will also take this opportunity to read them whenever they visit. May God Bless you all.
We have often heard the saying "A Psalm a day keeps the devil away." Well, I find that a Psalm a day can be just that inspirational lift that one needs.
Not too long after my twin sister's death I went in search of every inspirational book that I could find in our home, even if I had read them before. I found several but I was particularly struck by a small book of the Psalms. I knew that this book belonged to my father who died over 36 years ago but across the top of it was my name Judy Haughton-James and it was in my handwriting. I could not remember when I had read it but for sure I was going to read it again. I read it quickly and found out that it was just what I needed during the low moments.
Psalm 23 has become my favourite and until today there is not a day that passes that I do not repeat the words. I remember many a sleepless night reciting the words of this Psalm as I lay in my bed. Oh, how it helped to calm my nerves. As I recited the words I pictured scenes that would go with them. For sure I was in a valley and needed to be strong to make my way out.
It is therefore no surprise that I could not resist adding the "Psalm for the day" gadget to the right sidebar of this Blog. Verses from the Psalms change throughout the day and they certainly give me that needed lift every time I visit my Blog. I hope readers will also take this opportunity to read them whenever they visit. May God Bless you all.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Gregg Braden about the twin sisters born prematurely
This is awesome! The twin bond is so strong. My twin is no longer around but as we always say "Once a twin, always a twin!"
Monday, July 11, 2011
A WONDERFUL BIRD SURPRISE!
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
This bird enthusiast is certainly having a whale of a time! In an earlier post I mentioned that I won the WDC Power Reviewer Challenge based on a picture of birds. Well, things have gotten even better as one of the members of the group, Breaker, Metutera Toauriri, sent me this special signature as a gift for my poem. I was particularly pleased that he said he made sure to have 2 birds in the picture, one representing me and one for my departed twin sister. He went on to say that he hopes I will see it as in memory of her.
I am truly grateful to you Breaker! For one, he fully understands the bond that twins share and went out of his way to remember my twin even though she had already died before I joined the group. It goes to show that there are persons who truly care. Of even more importance to me is the fact that this is coming from someone who is not one of twins. I am truly blessed to be in such a wonderful group at Writing.Com. They never fail to give each other encouragement and lift one's spirit. God Bless Breaker who is from Kiribati in the South Pacific!
This bird enthusiast is certainly having a whale of a time! In an earlier post I mentioned that I won the WDC Power Reviewer Challenge based on a picture of birds. Well, things have gotten even better as one of the members of the group, Breaker, Metutera Toauriri, sent me this special signature as a gift for my poem. I was particularly pleased that he said he made sure to have 2 birds in the picture, one representing me and one for my departed twin sister. He went on to say that he hopes I will see it as in memory of her.
I am truly grateful to you Breaker! For one, he fully understands the bond that twins share and went out of his way to remember my twin even though she had already died before I joined the group. It goes to show that there are persons who truly care. Of even more importance to me is the fact that this is coming from someone who is not one of twins. I am truly blessed to be in such a wonderful group at Writing.Com. They never fail to give each other encouragement and lift one's spirit. God Bless Breaker who is from Kiribati in the South Pacific!
Friday, July 8, 2011
AVID TWIN BIRD ENTHUSIASTS!
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
The two bird figurines above have always been among the favourites that Janine and I have had in our collection. We were always fascinated when we got Christmas cards from relatives, pen-pals and friends and saw a red cardinal featured amid the snow. I have even seen pictures that my cousin Marlene took of a cardinal during winter in her state of Massachusetts and it was such an awesome sight. The other bird figurine features Eastern Bluebirds.
Year after year calendars featuring birds were sent to us as gifts from pen-pals around the world. We have also had bird books, pictures and postcards. There was even a time when we collected postal stamps featuring birds. These stamps can now be seen in an album.
Since Janine's death I have written this poem. It says it all:-
A BIRD ENTHUSIAST SPEAKS
Birds come in a dazzling array of colours.
I like to see them visiting flowers.
I had to start a bird figurine collection,
And now I have a wide selection.
They are such amazing creatures,
Some build nests of unusual structures.
Each bird's call is rather unique,
The woodpecker announces its presence by beak.
When you enter my home, you will have no doubt,
What a serious bird enthusiast is about.
Calendars and figurines showcasing these gifts of nature,
Each distinguished by a special feature.
The two bird figurines above have always been among the favourites that Janine and I have had in our collection. We were always fascinated when we got Christmas cards from relatives, pen-pals and friends and saw a red cardinal featured amid the snow. I have even seen pictures that my cousin Marlene took of a cardinal during winter in her state of Massachusetts and it was such an awesome sight. The other bird figurine features Eastern Bluebirds.
Year after year calendars featuring birds were sent to us as gifts from pen-pals around the world. We have also had bird books, pictures and postcards. There was even a time when we collected postal stamps featuring birds. These stamps can now be seen in an album.
Since Janine's death I have written this poem. It says it all:-
A BIRD ENTHUSIAST SPEAKS
Birds come in a dazzling array of colours.
I like to see them visiting flowers.
I had to start a bird figurine collection,
And now I have a wide selection.
They are such amazing creatures,
Some build nests of unusual structures.
Each bird's call is rather unique,
The woodpecker announces its presence by beak.
When you enter my home, you will have no doubt,
What a serious bird enthusiast is about.
Calendars and figurines showcasing these gifts of nature,
Each distinguished by a special feature.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDS!
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
As one can see from some of my posts and pictures on this Blog Janine and I were serious bird enthusiasts over the years. Well, I have shared this fact with so many persons that it is now well-known. At Writing.Com they had a Power Reviewer's Challenge for us to write a dialogue or poem based on a picture of 3 birds. Now you know who could not miss that! Me, of course! You can therefore imagine how thrilled I was to receive the Writing.com Power Challenge Winner Award for this small poem that I wrote rather quickly:
LIKE BIRDS OF A FEATHER
We are like birds of a feather,
When Power Reviewers flock together.
Eyeing many a poem, article and short story,
As writers eagerly seek their moment of glory.
Accolades and advice are deeply yearned,
It is the time for a lot to be learned.
Our monthly raids are so much fun,
That is when many reviews are done.
Over the years Janine and I have written about birds for local and foreign publications. I can picture this smile on her face right now if she was here with me today.
As one can see from some of my posts and pictures on this Blog Janine and I were serious bird enthusiasts over the years. Well, I have shared this fact with so many persons that it is now well-known. At Writing.Com they had a Power Reviewer's Challenge for us to write a dialogue or poem based on a picture of 3 birds. Now you know who could not miss that! Me, of course! You can therefore imagine how thrilled I was to receive the Writing.com Power Challenge Winner Award for this small poem that I wrote rather quickly:
LIKE BIRDS OF A FEATHER
We are like birds of a feather,
When Power Reviewers flock together.
Eyeing many a poem, article and short story,
As writers eagerly seek their moment of glory.
Accolades and advice are deeply yearned,
It is the time for a lot to be learned.
Our monthly raids are so much fun,
That is when many reviews are done.
Over the years Janine and I have written about birds for local and foreign publications. I can picture this smile on her face right now if she was here with me today.
Monday, July 4, 2011
YOU LIVE ON THROUGH ME!
BY JUDY HAUGHTON-JAMES
 |
| JUDY (LEFT) & JANINE (RIGHT) |
I look in the mirror and what do I see?
You who looked so much like me.
After your death it made me feel so blue
At times I did not know what to do.
Many a day I was afraid to even speak,
It sounded like your voice and made me weak.
Now as I ponder and wonder for awhile,
Thank God I can manage to smile your smile.
This has been the deepest valley of my life,
But I will fight on when low moments are rife.
For sure I will never forget that what I see,
Is that you, my twin, lives on through me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
