The Origami Bandit.......

     Many people don't know me, they might have exchanged words with me here or there, we may hang out, or know some of the same people but they don't know me. They don't know what keeps me going everyday, what makes me get up out of bed, what makes me smile, what makes me laugh, what makes me hurt. Many people don't know ME. Persons may perceive me to be a certain way, but they don't know me. Yes I can be loud, opinionated  overbearing, annoying, that thorn in your damn side, that person that just says stuff. I am that person. 
    
 Though I might be that person I have through the stars of the universe managed to find myself befriended by some of the most talented people alive. Singers, artists, writers, teachers, students, parents, fashion designers, beauty queens, economists, doctors, lawyers, these are people who are just bursting to the brim with talent. Some are limited to one area which they excel, others are multifaceted (yes like the l 'O real hair colour) but all are amazing.  One of these persons is Alex Akande who is Chief blogger over at Origami Bandit, you can check him out here. http://www.origami-bandit.com/blog.html 
   
 I would like to share some of his wisdom as we head into the second half of the first year of a new decade on a new century.  Bandit Theory'. Evil masterminds in movies all seem to have read this imaginary book (though it seems they all skipped the chapter on "ethics").

• Never step out in an outfit you wouldn't be confident being photographed in. For in your tiny little world, YOU are a celebrity.
• Your sneakers/shoes should ALWAYS be fresh. Always.
• Be cool, calm, and always retain your composure. Today, the world just may be counting on you. DO NOT mess it up.
• Knowledge is power, you should work out more often. Stay smart.
• Above all, stay cool. Never take yourself too seriously.

Now I take myself very seriously, I will always be the first to admit so I don't know about that one lol but his other points do make sense. Present your best self to the world always. 

Summer House Happenins: Jill Scott and Common reading at the white house poetry night

Listen and enjoy 

Costume Warranty.....

Fresh on my Carnival 2011 euphoria I came across this blog post on the Trini carnival diary blog. 


COSTUME WARRANTY AGREEMENT


All costumes come with a standard 2 day natural Carnival wear warranty, which covers popped gems, loose beads, detaching parts, broken belts and bras. Warranty also covers variation from prototype, loss of costume, late delivery of costume or costume pieces and incorrect sizing if the error occurs from the Band.

In the event that the costume needs repairs before use you are entitled to free costume repair. If the costume varies from the prototype you are entitled to 50% refund. If the incorrect size of costume was given with the fault being the Band’s you are entitled to have the costume replaced with the correct sizing with free costume delivery. If your costume was lost or misplaced by the band you are entitled to a 50% refund, replacement of your costume in any section of your choice (excluding Frontline if your selection was backline/floor member) and free costume delivery. If your costume or any piece of it is not ready for collection on the assigned collection date you are entitled to free costume delivery.

Not covered are accidental damage, broken plumage, unnatural stains and damage due to excessive wining and jamishness.

..........................................................................................................................

Now we have all been there at some point in our masquerading life, you received a costume that has no resemblance to the one they showed at the launch, the costume is unfinished,  it fell apart BEFORE you reached on the road, or mid way down the road when you just warming up the chipping. . What ensues is mayhem as you try to patch up this costume with the help of friends, or the ever elusive mas band leader. Costume distribution as well is a big big one that has caused many a fustration over the years.Many times has resulted in some covert operations to collect, one year I had to leave jouvert on Carnival Monday to collect my costume. Now what Saucy over at trini carnival diary is proposing that mas bands offer a costume warranty. The warranty would cover the costume for repairs if needed BEFORE you take the costume on the road, (ie braiding becomes undone, beads falling off etc) or in the case of pieces missing, or costume delay in distribution. According to saucy this ensures that standards are kept up and customers remain happy. 

you can read her full post here http://networkedblogs.com/h0A3S 

xxXXxx

Carnival cannot die, we will never say bye bye.....

Its here Carnival 2011 has finally launched praise to ye Jah RAStahfar-I.

Its here its here Antigua Carnival 2011Officially kicked off last night in the midst of the 44th Annual Antigua Sailing Week celebrations last. night. I tell you with many a baited breath I awaited this weekend, first it was the royal wedding, then Carnival launch and now tonight Myst will "Unveil" their costumes for season 4. One of my friends has a running joke going that if one particular costume which I LOVE does not unveil tonight she thinks I will cry. Which I probably will, but honestly I think its more of a strong possibility I might not play mas this year. Sorry the heart wants what the heart wants. However we can hope that some other costume makes me fall inlove, but I am sure one my girl will just be like Kae-Toya please and come Monday and Tuesday I will be chipping all over St John's sipping on the Belvedere and Cranberry.

Now is where the excitement really begins, and conversations turn to things like, prices please? when can we register? what is new in the package this year? What accessories do you want to get? Are you doing mas makeup? Who going queen show? How you doing your hair for mas? When you buying your stockings? what shoes you playing mas in? We going pan yard? Carnival is sweet eh. I have the biggest smile on my face right now, Claudette Peters is playing on my itunes, the sun is shining.

Jump if you love Soca, tell me you agree, and BRING IT ON.

xx