Weekend of Word Power

Wow, this week passed by so quickly, with the holiday on Monday and everything else at work I almost didn't have time to take a bath (just kidding). The week has been mixed though, I finally put my final thoughts together and the first completed draft of my soon to be published book of poems (One Room Shack) is ready the for the editing table. If only I had someone who could edit it for me and as usual, as I am typing this post a friend comes to mind, Celia Sorhaindo, I think I will contact her.

Another thing also comes to mind, she just emailed me about the 2nd Annual Nature Island Book Fair and Literary Festival. If you're an avid follower of my blog, you would know that my first public poetry performance was at the inaugural festival and Celia even took photos (thanks again Celia).

I am not up for any scheduled performance this year, there is a rotation in place, but I intend to stick around for the open-mic sessions and seize the opportunity. I have some new work that I would like feedback about and I definitely want to get the crowd reaction from one or two of them.

The Fair/Festival officially begins today but I have been at the UWI Dominica Campus since Wednesday participating in a creative writing workshop behing facilitated by Jamaican author, best seller and professor Colin Channer. It is, so far, a wonderful and enlightening experience. With thousands of ideas running through my head, I am looking forward to starting my first short story but I want to ensure that my book of poems sees the light of day before I change focus. I have already begun my second book of poems and working with the title And Then There Was Nesta, a small derivation of my blog.

So now that I have been able to relate my week activities and even my future endeavours, if you are in Dominica this weekend, please stroll across the Botanic Gardens to the UWI compound to enjoy the best of local, regional and international poetry, short story, music and cultural performances. There will lots of books on display and for sale as well, hopefully next year my first book will be there as well.

Nesta

A guide book worth eating: Food and Drink Dominica

It is not normal to actually eat a book, nor would I actually encourage eating a book or any of its pages for a matter of fact. But I must warn persons before they pick up a copy of the 2nd Annual Edition of Food and Drink Guide for Dominica.Wai'tukubuli 2009, that they should ensure that they are filled and not hungry or dieting. Because this book is not for the faint in spirit but for those who have a huge appetite for Caribbean/Creole cooking or the person just looking for a hangout spot around the island.

I don't normally review books, or anything at all but ever since I saw the first edition I have been looking forward to future publications and this year's copy didnt disappoint. The guide book which was created and published by Leeward Consultants and Assoc. Ltd has the dedicated and spirited Mrs Celia Sorhaindo as its Editor In Chief as well as a hardworking team that ensures that the Dominican cooking experience calls out to you once you open its pages.

Besides photos and recipies for food and drinks, the 2nd Edition also captures a number of special interest stories (Editorial Features) on organic production, sheep conservation, school feeding programs (fish), coffee production, Fort Young Hotel as well as chef profiles, Dominican products and a list of hangout spots in every nook and cranny across the Nature Island of Dominica.

Before I end this blog, I must also mention that part of my enthusiasm about this edition came from an article (sheep conservation) that I submitted to the guide. It speaks of the National Association of Youth in Agriculture's (NAYA Inc) EWES project for sheep conservation in the Laudat Community (see page 84). I dont want to give too much away, you will have to pick up a free copy of the guide for yourself.

For more information check the website or email them at foodanddrinkdominica@gmail.com or Dominican contact number 1 (767) 449 3731 as mentioned in the guidebook.

Nest@