Cocoa whisks

Work in Progress

Calabash

Full Harvest Blood Moon

She danced with the cherry tree after breaking free

from behind the mountain.

When the shadow of the home of humankind 

claimed her radiant face, ours upturned as one

and basked in the silent awe of her pale blood blush .

Sun, heat and shade

It is so hot. Energy is scarce and calls for a stroll in the shade of the cocoa,  yearning for a rustle of leaves from a cooling breeze.

New Beginnings

It has been  over a year and, one day, I might write about the time spent away, but for now I am happy to share the beginnings of a new project being undertaken by an inspirational friend of mine.
The space in which this story starts has held many stories before this one,

but before very long, here, as you step through the door, your senses will  be greeted by the familiar, intoxicating (and yet, surprisingly, still little known) world of all that is cocoa and chocolate.

It seems fitting that these walls will hold history, process and the magic of artisans learned over centuries, whilst providing a special space for everyone to relax  learn, unwind, share and enjoy.

I have been very fortunate to be present at the beginning of several of my friend's projects and so look forward to seeing where this one will transport us all.

Cocoa, Shells, Beans and Basket

Acrylic on canvas 30" x 36"

Today marks the start of Grenada Chocolate Fest. and the opening of the
"In Celebration of Chocolate" exhibition at the Art and Soul Gallery.

Retreat

Another island,another time.

Ios, Cyclades, Greece, 1972

Harbour

 with a rescue cat that we brought from Athens. 

Home, Mylapota Valley

Lesser Antillean Tanager

The cherry tree today was host to one of my all time favourite birds.
This little beauty is only found here in Grenada. and in
St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
You can find out more here

Mary and the postcards

Mary and the postcards Jackie Morris, an artist, illustrator, writer and dragon lady extraordinaire is holding the most wonderful give away! Why not pop over to her blog and give yourself a visual feast and a chance to win. :)

Frog

Found frog again
today.

She was lying
on top of the
newly cleared
ground where
we used to have
a little house once
upon a time.


I don't think
she is an
ancient
artefact,
possibly

she was bought
from Michael
who carves
stone items
locally
but I really
can't
remember
when or
where I got
her from.

She had
survived a
cutlass blow
or two...
but it was good
to hold her again.

In Kalinago
cosmology
'Frogwoman'
is associated
with the rainy
season so I am
hoping that our
reunion is a
good omen
and a sign
of water
to come.

Stones

There
is
a
plan,
change
is
afoot

but
first
I need
to
do
this

 free up
the
stones
so
they
can
speak

and
tell
us
what
the
truth
is.

Tina

 You came to visit
after 14 years
my friend.

It was
extraordinary
to be with you
again.

I was afraid,
at first,
to share this
space, my place

with you who
know me
from a time

 where crystal waters
never flowed
my head
bowed
in fear
of discovery
of fraud.

Uncalled for

as it all turned out

and everything

resolved, the doubt

that kept me from

myself

evapourated

fizzled out

 We took you to our sacred sites
the places where
the world is right
a glimpse of
what could be
was seen

a crack opened
and your light
shone in.

Language that was lost

to me, flowed once more,

unceasingly, we garbled,

gabbled, giggled, gagged

 with laughter
that illuminated
darkest corners,
infiltrated.

Playing tourist
seeing sights
being happy
feeling free


all the things you brought to me
the person that I want to be

It was so hard to let you go
just when I had got to know
that years are not a barrier to the thread that binds us, that love
stretches beyond oceans and hearts stay forever entwined when open.