Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Memories..
Memories are funny
sometimes they are beautiful
like pearls on a delicate string
sometimes they are transient
like the ripple in a pond
memories are interesting
sometimes they make us reflect on past actions
like light on the polished edge of a pebble
sometimes they make us wonder
like a child seeing their first firefly
memories are fascinating
sometimes they are wonderful
like the night sky lit with moonbeams
sometimes they make us cry
like our world is falling apart
memories are fulfilling
sometimes they lead to silent tears
like raindrops on a cloudless night
sometimes they help us relive our favorite moments
like the time spent plaiting my grandmother's hair :)
regardless of how we get there
or where they take us
our memories define our actions
they tell us who we were, who we are
and even where we may be headed next...
By,
Angela Archana Vincent
sometimes they are beautiful
like pearls on a delicate string
sometimes they are transient
like the ripple in a pond
memories are interesting
sometimes they make us reflect on past actions
like light on the polished edge of a pebble
sometimes they make us wonder
like a child seeing their first firefly
memories are fascinating
sometimes they are wonderful
like the night sky lit with moonbeams
sometimes they make us cry
like our world is falling apart
memories are fulfilling
sometimes they lead to silent tears
like raindrops on a cloudless night
sometimes they help us relive our favorite moments
like the time spent plaiting my grandmother's hair :)
regardless of how we get there
or where they take us
our memories define our actions
they tell us who we were, who we are
and even where we may be headed next...
By,
Angela Archana Vincent
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Elections...
Elections usually elicit a feeling of neutral boredom among young adults. If you analyze the voters in any modern day elections, we usually notice that the majority are baby-boomers, mostly male (especially in the developing countries)..In the US, President Obama's election campaign was characterized by an organized focus on reaching out to minorities, women and young adults..As they approach the mid-term elections, all the public surveys are focused on what the public thinks and feels about specific issues that will cause the voting results to 'turn'..however, in all the humdrum we forget the basics..the right to vote..why is it important for any citizen in any country to exercise that right?
I was waiting at my optometrist's office the other day and ended up reading an article about the women who fought for the right to vote..these women suffered, they were tortured and beaten because they demanded the right to vote..this suffering did not occur in an obscure third world country..they occurred right here at home in the US and it occurred only about a 100 years ago..their struggle and beliefs formed the foundation for every American woman's right to vote. On Aug. 26, 1920, the Susan B. Anthony Amendment became law, and 20 million American women won the right to vote. Almost 90 years to the exact date, I wonder how many young American women even recognize the importance of this right.
I do not mean to imply by any means that only American women are faced with this challenge. Citizens of all countries across this world take their rights for granted. We celebrate our independence days with gusto, we watch the national and local elections keenly, yet rarely if ever do we go and vote - exercise our right and duty to select our leaders. Granted in some countries, voting is such a miserable process that you may feel disheartened to even consider going to vote. Yet, isn't the mere action of non-voting similar to illegal voting practices?
My first reaction when I read the article about the Iron-Jawed Angels was anger on their behalf, and pride in their strength. Yet, I couldn't hide from the fact that I have never voted in any local or national elections. As I spout my indignation at women for not appreciating their freedom to vote, I recognize that I have been a party to that same mistake.
The story of these iron jawed angels has pushed me towards the first step of fulfilling my rights as a citizen - exercising my right to vote. This right and story is not meant to motivate only other women to vote, all the men and women need to recognize the challenges their predecessors faced to build a country where you have the freedom and the right to vote.
I was waiting at my optometrist's office the other day and ended up reading an article about the women who fought for the right to vote..these women suffered, they were tortured and beaten because they demanded the right to vote..this suffering did not occur in an obscure third world country..they occurred right here at home in the US and it occurred only about a 100 years ago..their struggle and beliefs formed the foundation for every American woman's right to vote. On Aug. 26, 1920, the Susan B. Anthony Amendment became law, and 20 million American women won the right to vote. Almost 90 years to the exact date, I wonder how many young American women even recognize the importance of this right.
I do not mean to imply by any means that only American women are faced with this challenge. Citizens of all countries across this world take their rights for granted. We celebrate our independence days with gusto, we watch the national and local elections keenly, yet rarely if ever do we go and vote - exercise our right and duty to select our leaders. Granted in some countries, voting is such a miserable process that you may feel disheartened to even consider going to vote. Yet, isn't the mere action of non-voting similar to illegal voting practices?
My first reaction when I read the article about the Iron-Jawed Angels was anger on their behalf, and pride in their strength. Yet, I couldn't hide from the fact that I have never voted in any local or national elections. As I spout my indignation at women for not appreciating their freedom to vote, I recognize that I have been a party to that same mistake.
The story of these iron jawed angels has pushed me towards the first step of fulfilling my rights as a citizen - exercising my right to vote. This right and story is not meant to motivate only other women to vote, all the men and women need to recognize the challenges their predecessors faced to build a country where you have the freedom and the right to vote.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
a new year...
the sound of splashing woke me up
I peeked outside and saw the kids
lounging by the pool, young and care free
their laughter and splashing, my alarm today
a honeybee flies past my nose
its bzz sound pesky to my ear
until i saw it sitting on the rose bush
the perfect start to spring and summer
my neighbors were up
i heard their puppy yelping
as i wave to them over the fence
i hear the sizzle of their grill
families and friends get together
to celebrate life and its seasons
the arrival of summer
and the departure of winter..
a new season is here again
a new year is here again
another one to enjoy and adore
full of blessings for us to explore..
I peeked outside and saw the kids
lounging by the pool, young and care free
their laughter and splashing, my alarm today
a honeybee flies past my nose
its bzz sound pesky to my ear
until i saw it sitting on the rose bush
the perfect start to spring and summer
my neighbors were up
i heard their puppy yelping
as i wave to them over the fence
i hear the sizzle of their grill
families and friends get together
to celebrate life and its seasons
the arrival of summer
and the departure of winter..
a new season is here again
a new year is here again
another one to enjoy and adore
full of blessings for us to explore..
Friday, May 21, 2010
Beginnings and ends..
Beginnings and Ends...
Ever wonder why it is
we always face cross-roads
over and over again
beginnings and ends criss-cross
It felt like yesterday
I started undergrad
here I am today
facing the end of grad school
My life has never been a straight path
yet many others face more tumultuous roads
yet the weight of the burden doesnt dimish
regardless of the role that I play
Daughter, friend, fiance, sister
aunt, cousin, colleague, professional
they represent facets of me
yet the facets are all truly me
I wonder if others feel the same
the end marks another beginning
the beginning marks the start of the end
the two are faithfully intertwined
The journey is always harried
in a rush forever to get to the end
yet from the beginning to the end
in the journey we learn our lessons best
I look out of my window
and expect to see my new horizons
new job, new colleagues, a new life
family, friends, and wedding preps
It's sometimes hard to see the ocean
because we focus on the pebbles
It's sometimes hard to focus on the pebbles
because the sand in our toes is a bother
I hope to see the sand, the pebbles and the ocean
the wind, the sun and the rain
while I stay within the shade of my umbrella
sipping my ice cold lemonade :D :D
Ever wonder why it is
we always face cross-roads
over and over again
beginnings and ends criss-cross
It felt like yesterday
I started undergrad
here I am today
facing the end of grad school
My life has never been a straight path
yet many others face more tumultuous roads
yet the weight of the burden doesnt dimish
regardless of the role that I play
Daughter, friend, fiance, sister
aunt, cousin, colleague, professional
they represent facets of me
yet the facets are all truly me
I wonder if others feel the same
the end marks another beginning
the beginning marks the start of the end
the two are faithfully intertwined
The journey is always harried
in a rush forever to get to the end
yet from the beginning to the end
in the journey we learn our lessons best
I look out of my window
and expect to see my new horizons
new job, new colleagues, a new life
family, friends, and wedding preps
It's sometimes hard to see the ocean
because we focus on the pebbles
It's sometimes hard to focus on the pebbles
because the sand in our toes is a bother
I hope to see the sand, the pebbles and the ocean
the wind, the sun and the rain
while I stay within the shade of my umbrella
sipping my ice cold lemonade :D :D
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Chaotic reality...
I sit with my legs crossed
imagining I am shielded by petals
huge yellow sunflower petals
and under my feet are the black centers...
I sit with my eyes closed
imaging I am in a rocking boat
a beautiful gondola in lovely Italy
with the sun shining upon my face...
I sit with clenched fists
imagining I hold a beautiful butterfly within
it's wings fluttering gently against my palms
a celebration of fragile strength...
I sit with my toes in the water
imagining I am listening to Zack Brown Band
the quintessential image of country music
relaxed music, casual folk and a lazy summer afternoon...
I sit with my feet stretched out
imagining I am at the beach
with the water lapping at my toes
a gentle breeze the only music to the chime of the waves...
I open my eyes
and wonder at the chaos I see
Closed eyes bring forth an imagination so vivid
it obliterates all the stress of a choatic reality!
By,
Angela A. Vincent
9.52pm - 2/28/10
imagining I am shielded by petals
huge yellow sunflower petals
and under my feet are the black centers...
I sit with my eyes closed
imaging I am in a rocking boat
a beautiful gondola in lovely Italy
with the sun shining upon my face...
I sit with clenched fists
imagining I hold a beautiful butterfly within
it's wings fluttering gently against my palms
a celebration of fragile strength...
I sit with my toes in the water
imagining I am listening to Zack Brown Band
the quintessential image of country music
relaxed music, casual folk and a lazy summer afternoon...
I sit with my feet stretched out
imagining I am at the beach
with the water lapping at my toes
a gentle breeze the only music to the chime of the waves...
I open my eyes
and wonder at the chaos I see
Closed eyes bring forth an imagination so vivid
it obliterates all the stress of a choatic reality!
By,
Angela A. Vincent
9.52pm - 2/28/10
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Child Labor
In my previous post I spoke about personal tragedies and awe-inspiring courage. Is it a strange coincidence then that I should coem across two intriguing stories a few hours later.
The first one was about Sarah Kruzan, a 16 yr old, African American child in CA, USA, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole because she killed her pimp. The guy who raped and sold her to others. Fascinating and absolutely disgusting sometimes, the world we live in. I am not going to ignore the fact that there may be nuances of this case that need to be closely studied, but my understanding of the justice system is that it's always about the intention. Was it malicious, was it self-defense and so on. This case seems to have an awful lot of loopholes for it to be have been neglected as such. The 16 year old child is now a 29 year old woman who has spent 13 years of her life in prison. Do you ever stand to wonder how lucky you are to have the support of your family and friends?
The second one is about child labor - specifically the irony of children in India who labor to make balloons so that our children in USA and other 'developed' countries can enjoy them at various celebrations. This story in pictures of 6 year old children in India struggling in horrendous conditions is heart-breaking. Although I have some serious concerns about the way a Texas Middle School went about teaching their students about child labor, I cannot close my eyes to the atrocities that occur in the world. I think a simulated lesson will make everyone including you and me more aware of such cruelty. Do you ever stop to think about the child whose ahnds are rubbed raw trying to create that balloon you are holding in your hand?
The first one was about Sarah Kruzan, a 16 yr old, African American child in CA, USA, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole because she killed her pimp. The guy who raped and sold her to others. Fascinating and absolutely disgusting sometimes, the world we live in. I am not going to ignore the fact that there may be nuances of this case that need to be closely studied, but my understanding of the justice system is that it's always about the intention. Was it malicious, was it self-defense and so on. This case seems to have an awful lot of loopholes for it to be have been neglected as such. The 16 year old child is now a 29 year old woman who has spent 13 years of her life in prison. Do you ever stand to wonder how lucky you are to have the support of your family and friends?
The second one is about child labor - specifically the irony of children in India who labor to make balloons so that our children in USA and other 'developed' countries can enjoy them at various celebrations. This story in pictures of 6 year old children in India struggling in horrendous conditions is heart-breaking. Although I have some serious concerns about the way a Texas Middle School went about teaching their students about child labor, I cannot close my eyes to the atrocities that occur in the world. I think a simulated lesson will make everyone including you and me more aware of such cruelty. Do you ever stop to think about the child whose ahnds are rubbed raw trying to create that balloon you are holding in your hand?
Inspiration
Ever wonder what it feels like to be hungry, tired, cold, beaten down by life and lose the hope to live life? I find it amazing that sometimes people who are victims of societal brutality and personal tragedies are the strongest people we encounter. Their will to rise beyond their circumstances, their belief in humanity at large and their hope for a better tomorrow are awe-inspiring.
I am not rambling about generalities. I, like millions of others, watched CNN's Night for Heroes on Thursday night in total silence. It seemed impossible for anyone to adopt 48 children, spend their evening preparing food for those going hungry, or act as support for other women who are as battered as you were as a child. Inspiration comes in many ways and forms, and your circumstances shape you to be who you are!
I am not rambling about generalities. I, like millions of others, watched CNN's Night for Heroes on Thursday night in total silence. It seemed impossible for anyone to adopt 48 children, spend their evening preparing food for those going hungry, or act as support for other women who are as battered as you were as a child. Inspiration comes in many ways and forms, and your circumstances shape you to be who you are!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
my 100th post
7 weeks into my expedition in Dallas, I finally have the opportunity to sit still for a second and write a posting, and my 100th one to top it all off :). Life's been pretty fascinating since I've left Baltimore.
The week long trip to TO was a great excuse to enjoy my mom and sister pamper me, meet with friends and essentially rejuvenate for a brief bit before the long haul to Dallas. We actually drove to Dallas all the way from Baltimore in our sweet lil Kia, which looked like its belly would burst open if we took a curve too fast..lol..we drove through some beautiful scenery, stopped in Abingdon and Memphis on the way to Dallas. The second day of our trip it was raining constantly, dangerous to drive potentially, but made the scenery even more vibrant.
When we finally got to Dallas, life seemed to go from 0 - 60 mph in 3 seconds flat. Settling in, unpacking, buying new furniture, starting a new job, meeting new people, adjusting to 100+ deg F temperatures, tornado warnings, not to mention a long and fabulous visit by my family for the July 4th weekend, has left me happy, tired, exhausted, stressed and contented..all in parts, yet the sum is greater than the parts I believe.
Health care as an industry has a vibe to it, which may take you a while to understand the depth and the passion people have for it, yet once you see it or feel it, you know that the passion exists for life. My stay at Children's has barely begun, yet the complexity of strengths and weaknesses that make the hospital are unendingly fascinating to me.
Personally and professionally, my move to Dallas has been anything but slow / stagnant. I can't wait for what's in store next!
The week long trip to TO was a great excuse to enjoy my mom and sister pamper me, meet with friends and essentially rejuvenate for a brief bit before the long haul to Dallas. We actually drove to Dallas all the way from Baltimore in our sweet lil Kia, which looked like its belly would burst open if we took a curve too fast..lol..we drove through some beautiful scenery, stopped in Abingdon and Memphis on the way to Dallas. The second day of our trip it was raining constantly, dangerous to drive potentially, but made the scenery even more vibrant.
When we finally got to Dallas, life seemed to go from 0 - 60 mph in 3 seconds flat. Settling in, unpacking, buying new furniture, starting a new job, meeting new people, adjusting to 100+ deg F temperatures, tornado warnings, not to mention a long and fabulous visit by my family for the July 4th weekend, has left me happy, tired, exhausted, stressed and contented..all in parts, yet the sum is greater than the parts I believe.
Health care as an industry has a vibe to it, which may take you a while to understand the depth and the passion people have for it, yet once you see it or feel it, you know that the passion exists for life. My stay at Children's has barely begun, yet the complexity of strengths and weaknesses that make the hospital are unendingly fascinating to me.
Personally and professionally, my move to Dallas has been anything but slow / stagnant. I can't wait for what's in store next!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Murky skies..
I see colors
blue, gray, pink and black
mixed in with a dash of white
the colors of the murky skies..
As words threaten my life..
words spoken by others..
words I wish I had spoken..
words I fear I will speak soon...
Life's ambiguities I'm not sure I understand
Fathom, like, comprehend, approve of..
yet we are all forced to expand our horizons
into the murky skies, even as we desist..
What can I do to minimize the destruction?
If there is any to be visualized..
What can I do to visualize the damage..
if what is lost is internal and personal...
Depth of words
Depth of thoughts
Depth of emotions
I lack nothing thereof
Yet expressing the most basic words
turn the colors darker and drearier
The blacks and grays overwhelm the pink and blues
turning the murky skies into the dark night...
By,
Angela Archana Vincent
blue, gray, pink and black
mixed in with a dash of white
the colors of the murky skies..
As words threaten my life..
words spoken by others..
words I wish I had spoken..
words I fear I will speak soon...
Life's ambiguities I'm not sure I understand
Fathom, like, comprehend, approve of..
yet we are all forced to expand our horizons
into the murky skies, even as we desist..
What can I do to minimize the destruction?
If there is any to be visualized..
What can I do to visualize the damage..
if what is lost is internal and personal...
Depth of words
Depth of thoughts
Depth of emotions
I lack nothing thereof
Yet expressing the most basic words
turn the colors darker and drearier
The blacks and grays overwhelm the pink and blues
turning the murky skies into the dark night...
By,
Angela Archana Vincent
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