Greetings Friends! Join me on my adventures in Jamaica.
It’s another beautiful sunshiny day here in the Orange Hill, Jamaica. I give thanks everyday for this life I’m living. The life I’ve created for myself by manifesting my hopes and dreams into reality. By clearly asking the Universe/Jah/God (whatever you call this higher source) for what I want/need, and working at it daily. Putting positive light on every aspect of what I desire, speaking about it as if it already happened.
WE have the power to create our own destinies, to make our dreams reality. I’m living my dream as I write this.At times I cant even believe it i have to pinch myself. Then realize;
“Yo Erin, you did this, you are a powerful bright beam of light, and you can fucking do anything you put your mind to!!!! Memba that!”
Our thoughts become things, and we have more power than we even realize. It might sound crazy, but its true. Set your intentions, work twords them, talk them into reality. Your dreams can come true too! Make it happen. OK? OK! 😉
I’ve had this website up and running for a few months mainly focusing on Empress Roots herbs, but now its time for me to dig deep and share with you my “Life in Jamaica“. I will try to incorporate some of the Jamaican language, called “Patois” (pronounced patwah) so you can learn some of the words and phrases. Patois comes from French origin meaning “rough speech”. The language began to develop in the 1600’s in Jamaica with the slave trade—the mix of the European cultures and African created “Creole”. I’ll end up writing a separate blog post focusing primarily on language and common phrases at a later date.
In the coming weeks/months…
…you will notice content being added to the Roots Girl Radio page. My goal is to share with you some of the local music that you hear coming form the sound-systems, and some of the new and upcoming artists.
I will also be sharing photos, videos, interviews, and more!
I moved to this beautiful likkle (little) island in September 2018.
I’ve stayed here on and off for the last year and a half. 2-3 months. (going back to Madison Wisconsin when I’m not here). I live in an energetic community in the hills of Westmoreland parish called “Orange Hill”. What can I say about this amazing community? Maaaaaannnn, its got this energy like no other place I’ve ever lived. Everyone knows each other, and “hails you up” (greets you) wherever you go. Smiles, laughter, jokes, and good vibes all deh bout (all around). The people here are one of a kind. People are warm and generous., always willing to help or put a smile pon your face. The positive outlook and chill vibes is felt throughout. Below is a video of a rasta freestylin’ at Chantel’s bar – while we play dominoes. Enjoy! 😀
My body feels so healthy and strong here. My hair is stronger and shiner, my skin is soft, moist and clear, my heart, head, and soul feel free. It’s a feeling like no other….the tropical climate makes me feel alive and vibrant. I can’t even begin to explain it, you have to come here to know. Once you know, you know.
One thing that you notice right away when you enter Orange Hill…
…is the energy and the air. The air quality up here is just different. It’s clean and fresh. The cool breezes flow through the fruit trees and keep the place feeling nice. You will also notice the sights and sounds of this colorful community right away. Houses are painted bright colors and you are sure to hear music playing from one yaad (yard) to the next. The music is a big part of what makes most Jamaican communities so vibrant and uplifting. If you ask any Jamaican about what music is to them – nuff (enough) times their answer will be “Music is life!”
Orange hill is a big farming community. Dem (they) farm fruits, vegetables and herbs. You will sight (notice) many cattle, goats, chickens, dogs and puss (cats). In addition there are many different varieties of lizards, crabs, frogs and insects. It’s definitely considered “country life”…I love it.
Upon rising every morning…
…As the sun rises, I hear the roosters call and the sounds of community members “calling” to each other. Many people get up early and go to the “bush” (the woods where any of the crops are grown). Therefore, It’s best to take care of business early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. One of my favorite things to do early in the morning is to go down to the seaside, (what they all haul up) drink a jelly coconut and watch the waves…
It’s one of my favorite spots to meditate and listen to the ocean speak to me, the birds call to me as i watch the sea crabs walk sideways pon di rocks. It’s the best way to start my mornings. Many days the ocean can be “moody”. If you turn your back to it, it will swell and big waves form. If you “trouble it” it will show you who’s boss. I love it. There is nothing more humbling than the sounds of the sea in the morning. I give thanks for those mornings.
There are a few community gathering spots in Orange Hill. One is a “ball field” where pickney (kids) and adults play football (soccer) in the evenings or early mornings. This is also a location where people keep events – including birthday parties, domino tournaments, sound systems and more. In the dry months (when its not rainy season) this place is always poppin’!
The other place is the main shop in the community that most people call “Aunties”. It’s a gathering spot to watch the news and movies, play dominoes and ludi (a game introduced in England in 1896, and has become popular in the Caribbean -a game of luck and strategy), hear the latest happenings in the area, attend community meetings, and you can basically get any likkle thing at the shop. It’s the best chill spot in central Orange Hill.
One will sight many fruit trees in Orange Hill. Including ackees, mango, breadfruit, june plum, banana, plantain, sour and sweet sop, passion fruit, guava, cherries, guinep, limes, oranges, avocado (pear) and much more! I will go into more detail about Jamaican fruits and vegetables in a later post. As a result, no one can ever go hungry in this place. It’s a fruit lovers paradise. I love to blend and mix fruits to make smoothies. Sooooooooo refreshing pon a hot day.
I could go on and on about this amazing place called Orange Hill…
…The people, the climate, the land – but I will save some of my boasting for another day. I am loving life in my new community and feel welcomed and blessed every moment. More to come…stay tuned.
Thanks for reading. Love and Light. ~ Erin