2012

This year, was a better year than last, but it was not without its disappointments. I saw many of improvement in the folks around me, sadly, I also saw some folks see their family life hit the bottom of the barrel. That is one of the things that worry me the most, when one of the marriage mates decide to walk out on the other. Marriage is not easy, it was not meant to be, but giving it a fighting chance is better than getting another person only to start the whole cycle going again, especially when the problems does not include: extra-marital affairs, domestic abuse (physical, emotional, verbal, etc), and the like.

What do I know? I know that you marry because you love someone so much that you want them in your life, not because they are rich, or good looking, or any of that fluff. Some folks do not really know what love is, and unless you know what it is, stay away from the wedding fantasy.

In 2012 I have a new line up of interviews and art and house designs. I did not go to the cinema much this year, this is sad, and 3D is really irritating. I did go to see Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. My verdict: 10 full stars!!! Brad Bird was the director, and you should know by now, I am a huge fan of his movies and animations!

Finally, keep safe and think about your decisions... carefully!

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

CafféLatté magazine End of year poster for keeps!

I would like to thank all the folks who dropped by regularly on CafféLatté magazine to check it out and read some of the articles posted. It was a tough year and we made it, almost. There were highs and there were lows. Thank you for not committing suicide or any type of crime.

Most folks this year, do not realize that money does not buy class nor an extra life, so if you cheated and stole money, that was real desperate and foolish. However, if you worked hard and saw the fruits of your labour, well done. When I told my mom I did not achieve much of my dreams this year, she said, "Money will always be there, but not always your family, family is important." I thought ok, but I really missed her and my sisters. I pray everyday that no one and nothing gets between us. I have seen families break up and destroyed of petty things like money. Don't let it be you.

Mom still considers herself a single parent, although we are all grown. Last year when she came to our home, she said, "Look how we are blessed, for the first time I could come home and not have to travel everywhere, I have my girls to drive me around." Another time she told me, "I am so proud of all my girls, you all grew up to be lovely young women, if I should go, it will be with a smile on my face." I felt sad, because, lets face it, she is getting old. She had me at 24 years, two years later another girl and a year later the last girl. She had a hard life, however, she has the most amazing group of people supporting her. Whenever my sister goes to the USA, there is always someone coming with a gift for her, "I bought this for your mom, make sure and give it to her."

Growing up in Movant with three girls is not easy, but she did it, and she does not regret anything. One day I asked her, "Mommy, did you ever think we would grow up and you could relax like this?" She thought for a moment and replied, "Yes, but it was difficult, however, I enjoyed being a mother. I remember we had to go to meeting and you were 5 and Tam was 3 and Mel was 2, and we had to walk down the hill and I would be holding Mel, and you had to hold Tam's hand and we had to cross the road to get a taxi to go to meeting. Sometimes, Tam did not want to hold your hand and Mel used to be so mischievous, but it worked out for the best, look at you all now."

I miss my mama. Don't worry she is still alive and well, I miss her presence.

Anyway, I have this poster for you fantastic folks you can print it. It does not mean anything, just download it. Here is a larger version to fit your desktop. Enjoy!

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Gift Box Making

Many folks will be buying stuff this month and giving gifts. Would it be cool to recycle some of the items in your home? Sorry about the lack of photos, my camera died at the last moment. And disregard the date, it shows its ineptitude when it feels like.

For the gift above, I used the frame of a used grocery box. You can do this too!

Here are the materials I bought:
2 pieces of Wrapping Paper = $3 TTD each
Perhaps you can be a better judge of the type of wrapping paper than I, the silver there was beautiful on the rack, but it buckled so much, even after I tried to glue it neat. (maddening)

Here is what I had:
Copious amount of colourful construction paper
Glue
Masking tape
Double sided clear tape
Scissors
Ruler/ T-square
X-acto blade
Agile Fingers for bending

Here are some of the tools for making this project:

First you measure and cut the box according to the gift. I used a fairly small box for some picture frames I was sending:

And this is the the base of the cut box will look like:

Cut your construction paper to suit and leave about three inches to fold. Remember to measure and cut the base according to the box size:

Put all the suff together like this, see the unification of the colours? Unfortunately, I forgot to add on the two brown sides, but you can do that:

Do the steps for the top as well, with the same box, but seal the top and slit the edges so that it slides down effortlessly on the base.

Cover the pieces with the wrapping paper, tucking behind the standing corner flaps.

And there you have it:

What are those flowers on the top? have a closer look:

I simply folded some left over paper and then stuck them on the box. If there is another occasion and I am sending a gift, I will do this process again. What I like about these flowers is that it is flat enough, so you can stack lots of boxes, one on top the other, and it will still be neat.

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

A New Design

Do you get creative block? I am a sticker for creative block. I find it weird that I am the most creative when I am thinking about many things and I am trying to organize myself, does this mean I am bi-polar? I hope not. Folks in the Caribbean do not treat you with understanding if you are mentally ill, it comes with an insensitivity chip and they can be quite brutal.

I used to be like that when I was younger, but when I experienced meeting someone who was mentally ill, I was surprised and even a little scared. Eventually, I found that those I met were some of the most smartest persons I have ever spoken to. It just so happens that they have a little spark in their brain wiring that needs adjusting with medication or in extreme cases, shock therapy. From personal experience, I found that they were willing to answer any of my questions, and discuss their 'illness'. All they ask is that you show them a little respect and understanding.

Lesson: One of the first steps to combatting fear, is to take small steps towards it with your intuition in check.

Now don't get me wrong, I am aware of some violent mentally ill folks, and you can tell almost immediately. Its like this: Will you jump into the sea if you spot a shark, so that you can show that you are not afraid of it? I won't. Trust your gut feeling, sometimes. For an effectively gut feeling, you have to train it, work on it, mold it. Eventually, it gets better.

Saturday, I did some chores, and I started a new home design. For this one, I did a new dining table set. Have a look, and Good Night!

Glass Dining Set with Stone Base

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

CafféLatté Magazine Likes - Advertisements

This list is in no particular order. Lately, advertisements have taken a new high and some are just as entertaining, if not better than the primetime series. Superbowl ads are usually the must see, and some of them are really good. Some companies, like Orkin (Pest control), are really hilarious and have been consistently great lately, in this case, the one that really impresses will be shown here. Or just one will be randomly picked from the lot. Others may not be as impressive, but they are there for sentimentality. So lets get it on!

Orkin
Pest Control

Imagine you return from a great vacation with your family, only to return home and find two huge grimy rats in your room playing expert Guitar Hero. Grimy aside, those strings were the bomb! I liked how they are grimy, right down to the nasty claws and the gosh-be-gosh sickly yellow teeth and the sewer-looking matted fur. This is definitely one of my favorites.

Zazoo
Condoms

That child needed a Caribbean mother. Had it been me acting like this kid, my mom would first freeze, give the looks of all evil, drop her bag and give me the best whopping in the entire world, heck, the entire of world history in all the world! Genghis Khan would not even top that. And it would happen right there in that supermarket.

How many times have you witnessed a scene like this? Very good ad. If you can't stand the embarrassment rubber up! I prefer sex after marriage. Keep it simple.

PEPSI
Soda ad featuring Michael Jackson and his brothers

I was almost moved to tears for this ad, because I have almost forgotten how much Michael Jackson has influenced the world of music in the 80's. Some folks say alot of rude things about him, even now that he has passed away. However, I believe he was damaged emotionally, and that was the result of all his inner thoughts displaying itself on his lifestyle. Say what you want, you can never stop listening to his music.

This is a great ad, see young Alfonso Ribiero dancing like MJ only to meet the real MJ on the street, and then there is an impromptu street dance. Cool!

Volkswagen
Das Auto
The Force

This one is too cute to pass up and expertly acted in. Star Wars is definitely more than a cult classic and George Lucas must have thought that either, he would make alot of money, or he would make a Classic that would never die, or its possible he was just experimenting. Mr.Lucas, did you ever think that Star Wars would become one of the Best Fictional Movie franchise in the World? Sadly, I cant say that I was happy about the last three Star Wars movies. Something was missing from them.

The little Darth Vader tyke is played by absolutely adorable 6 year old Max Page. I hope to see more of him in the near future.

Twix
Candy Bar

This could happen. I think he burnt his finger on the iron. Which is awkward. It is funny though.

Not everyone can produce a great ad, but these here have some creative juices and were well thought of. About the Volkswagen ad, many ad agencies can have a Star Wars themed tv ad, but how do you put the Star Wars in the background and use the moment to sell your product. It was very well done, and the best for the year!

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Unusual House Design

I love Google Sketchup! As soon as I finish a personal project I start another one. Sometimes, I implement what I dreamed of the night before, other times I just experiment just to see if something will look awkward or uniquely gorgeous. I have about 10 - 13 such projects this year, last year in 2010 I designed about 22 houses. The year before, in 2009, I did a few strange ones. Personally, I think I have gotten better in terms of layout and structure. The only thing is that I put a little too much windows.

In Trinidad, windows are quite expensive, so you may see a new large house with a vast wall and very small windows. When you go inside, you will see a ceiling fan and outside that small window you will see an air conditioning unit. Once I lived in a home with A/C in my bedroom. The house had large windows, and lots of space and light allowance. I only used the A/C on one condition, you see at nights, there were some crazy looking insects and grasshoppers, and we had alot of trees in the yard. In addition, at the time there was a vast dense forest hill just up the road. And I am not a fan of insects of any kind. So it was better to sleep with the windows tightly shut and the A/C blasting. All you had to do was snuggle up with a thick blanket, which I had, or two sheets, doubled and you rolled up in them like a gyro wrap. Oh I can just see it now, it was a very comfortable home.

Actually, I am trying to avoid a thought in my head, and I feel time is of essence and I feel odd. Social wise, I sometimes feel inadequate about some people. Its not that I am afraid of them I just feel that I am a gnat and they are a big Tarantula, and that they may just judge me, unfairly. Sometimes, I am the African Beetle and I look at the bougie-like people as houseflies, something to be swatted. Its like I am supposed to impress them, and I don't want to, I just want to be that big ol' African Beetle and say whatever I like and how I feel. But, it irks me when they just sarcastically roll their dried yellowed eyes at me. 

Oh well! Just another day to play the time away.

I call this house The Napoleon. It is small in size and big in space:

3 Bedrooms
Bathroom
Living Room
Kitchen
Sizable yard space
Outdoor washer/dryer annex

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Colour Art

I did not do much today. I felt my asthma coming on and I did not want to pass out from the lack of breathing. Well, two things happened: I took some pics and I am on Google plus under Lisa Marie. I don't understand much about it, and I feel strange, but I thought I would try it anyway!

Some more pics for your viewing enjoyment. Don't look at it if you are dreaming of Lucy in the sky with Diamonds.

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Bronzed Masterpieces of Port of Spain

Today I made some rounds in town and decided to test an old 6 mega pixel Nikon D70s camera at the same time. I actually went to get some info which did not go so well, so the camera was a great comfort. It is surprising how creativity comes at a peak when we are at our lowest. Lesson learned: When you feel low, don't eat, create and see your soul rise!


So polish your eyes on these Bronzed Masterpieces of Port of Spain!

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Good to see the old brain is not fireburnt yet.

1940's WW2 in Techni(?)Color

Whenever you look at historical clips, you see the clips in shaky, noise filled, scratchy black and white. Look! There is Hitler screaming in all his evil black and white glory. Ok, there is Mussolini's body hanging upside down in black & white, and this I am glad for. WW2 photographs broadcasted atrocities of war in its purest forms, and most of it was in black and white or greyscale format.

Cute kids eating carrot sticks. Photo from the BBC

Earlier this year and late last year, I stumbled onto a number of photographs around the time of WW2 in colour. I was sort of stunned actually, because when I thought of my great great grandparents, I always saw them in black & white. In fact, I saw everything as black and white, even the trees, bees and breeze. Even then I thought of the muted colour scheme: beige, hunter green, baby blue, black, brown and white. The only person who seemed to have any kind of colour at those times was the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, even her dad, King George can be seen only in black & white.

HRH Queen Elizabeth II, 1952

This is where LIFE publications come in. LIFE has been documenting almost all of WW2's history as well as the Queens Coronation, and many of life back then. It would be cool if they had pics of Old Trinidad and Tobago in their coffers, we were also affected by WW2, and we still have some visual history to see. Even if all we have are car parks and dislocated, crumbling quarry stones. Where was I? Oh yes, so if it was not for certain things in this world, like the invention of photography, or, the painstaking work of adding colour to photos, so that we can watch movies like The Ten Commandments in Technicolor, we would have no idea, how exciting things were in the early days.

I still have a bit of fever in my bones, so my doctor gave me three additional days of rest, what he does not know is that sleeping is quite painful and I have not experienced that much rest, I may have to go back and get some antibiotics soon.

Here is link I wanted to show you, it has all the pics of colour in the 1940's, take a look, some things may surprise you: LIFE 1940.

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Zombies Cannot Exist...

...In a world with a positive future. 

Have you ever wonder why the future is portrayed as something to be fearful of? Why is it that some books and movies intend to eradicate mankind? The most popular way these days is by zombies.

Some folks seem to be fascinated by them. I am more amused by the stage make-up and effects, and the acting of zombie actors in the movie, or TV series.  However, I have to admit, I am a huge fan of The Walking Dead. What I love about that show are the actors, and the direction, plus, it has a pretty solid plot. I love how it leads you to question yourself. Sometimes, I found myself thinking, "I wonder if Rick did the right thing?" and "That Shane is losing his marbles with every episode." 

I do not believe that there will be a Zombie Apocalypse. Why? It is simply not feasible. When you think of a Zombie Apocalypse, you think of fear, fear that you now have to live life wielding a machete, shot gun, and numerous other weapons, fear that with a bite, or scrape, or any physical contact with a zombie, will leave you questioning whether you will kill a beloved family member, and we all know what will happen if we don't…in fiction, that is. Zombie Apocalypse equals Fear. Fear of the Future.

In the 1950s, fear of the future was unheard of. They thought of a world of flying cars, and personal flying jet-packs and, never-ending skyscrapers. We are still waiting on the flying cars. However, it was a time of improvement, a time of looking forward to a glorious future… of flying stuff.

Today, we look forward to a future of living a zombie lifestyle. Such darkness and gloom wrought with violence and anarchy… Do you honestly want to live in a world like that? Your every waking and sleeping moment mired in fear of being caught by zombies? Some folks talk about the representation of zombies, meaning this commercialized and politicized world, ruled by the elite 1% who controls the majority of the riches around the world. The 'elite' who seeks to govern our very desires to acquire more things that they are selling. Fair enough… symbolically speaking. Reality speaking, we have a whole bunch of other problems to deal with, and I really do not want to raise our blood pressure to discuss them.

Tonight, a friend and I were discussing the zombie marketing that has sprung up almost overnight. Zombie survival gear, an architecturally designed zombie survival home, a psychiatrist discussing what makes a zombie, even giving the condition a name, Ataxic Neurodegenerative Satiety Deficiency Syndrome. Uh ok. I don't have the time to even explain that to you, but then there is Google. So Google it! It would be good to remember that when you are dead, you are in reality, non-existent you won't even know the difference between a brain and a tasty Wedding cake.

I want a bright future. A future where my race is not something of distrust and disgust, where I can get up refreshed and happy, where I can meet positive and happy people. A place where I have two working ears, and a life without sickness and injustice. Yes, a world where there is no fear… A Future of millions of happy and healthy children.

A Future of True Happiness.

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Stalling again....

Sometime ago I started a piece of art... and yesterday I lost it... I can't believe that it happened, but that is technology for you.

Oh well! Stare at this until I can get something else.

2011©LisaMarieBonaparte

Studying in NYC Pic

While I was in New York, Cali Cruz, a fellow student took a couple of pictures of me for one of our photo classes. Looking at myself then and now, I think I have aged as fine wine!

Your Moment and Interview

What better time to start the week than with an interview! On CafféLatté magazine, there will be a new feature called Your Moment & interview.  This is where I scour Trinidad & Tobago for some interesting folks who do interesting stuff and they love what they do.

This week, I "interviewed" Allenoel, who runs a blog called, For The Love of Dolls. She has one of the most unique hobbies in Trinidad and Tobago. I call it "Doll Crafting", but its better to hear what she has to say about it.

Q: Briefly, what is your blog name, and what does it mean.

A: My Blog name is For the Love of Dolls. The name reflects how I feel about my favorite pastime.

Q: What is your current state of mind right now?

A: My current state of mind: CALM

Allenoel's painted doll heads

Q: I see that you have three blogs, who/what influenced you to start blogging?

A: After, at least, eight years of reading other persons' opinions on a variety of topics, as well as learning and being inspired by information provided freely over the internet, I started my first blog in 2006. It was not topic-specific, but I felt comfortable expressing myself and not really caring if anyone else read my ramblings or not. I even had several private blogs that documented personal projects. These blogs were instrumental in helping me develop my interests and to direct my focus today.

Q: Your blog "For the love of dolls", is very interesting, how and when did you start your blog hobby, and what were your challenges?

A: I started collecting dolls in 1997, after a trip overseas, where I saw the variety that was available. Acquiring dolls that I like is a challenge, as they are mostly available online, from the USA, Canada and Japan. I have so many doll and art projects floating around my head that blogging about them seems to be the best method of recording and tracking my progress. Posting regularly is a challenge, as I am constantly editing my writing before publishing, which becomes tedious after a while. The thought of the time involved in downloading photos from my phone or camera, uploading and composing a post, editing, including links, etc., is sometimes daunting.

Q: Have you set any future goals for your doll craft?

A: Doll collecting does not seem to be popular in Trinidad, so I haven't given any thought to doing anything locally. I have joined several communities online, where I can ask questions and contribute, but mostly it is a personal pastime that I enjoy. It involves sewing, making and collecting miniatures and creating dioramas.

Allenoel also specializes in various hues of Dolls

Q: What would be the best event to happen in your life as a blogger?

A: Recently, I was mentioned on a popular doll blog. 

http://phillycollector.blogspot.com/2011/09/updates-on-oldjoeinfirmary-and-yoyo.html

Q: Apart from your creative blogging, what are your other hidden talents?

A: I can sew and I can carry a tune

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: I don't have a favorite movie, but I do enjoy movies that fall into any of the categories of action, adventure, crime, thriller, fantasy, mystery, drama or comedy. I have found that I am more interested in movies that feature my favorite actors.

Q: When you are working, what type of music do you listen to, and whom?

A: I have to be in a good mood to listen to music, I like all types, but favor techno, some soca, Latin American, some movie sountracks, some hip-hop, some disco, pop and some classical. There are too many artistes to mention.

Q: If you have a comment for CafféLatté magazine, what would it be?

A: I enjoy the variety of topics you publish and appreciate your sharing your personal experiences and feelings, while keeping it non-political.

Thank You Allenoel, and I can't wait to see more of your work in the future.

2011©Lisa Marie Bonaparte

Stalling for a moment

As I write this, I feel tired. The good thing about a blog is that you can input whatever, whenever and however you want. For me its a stress reliever. I did so much things this week, that I found that it has passed quickly. 

I have a friend in Trinidad and Tobago from Canada, so I am hoping to plan a lime for them before they return to their homeland for good. For those of you who don't understand what a lime is: A Lime is a local Trinidadian term, for a get-together, or party. Liming essentially means that you are not doing anything. What do we do on a lime? We go by a friend, sit in their gallery or patio and talk about anything. If you have a car, you pass by a friend, pick them up, and you go somewhere...anywhere. The best limes are spontaneous. The best limers are almost always drunk (ok, I am kidding). I know I said when we are liming, we are not doing anything...we do lots of things... I guess it means we are not working.

The atmosphere for a lime is usually light, for instance: two people speaking, another person intervenes, and then another, and another... before you know it there is a whole group of folks laughing, playing cards, drinking juice/wine/beer or eating Crix. A lime is usually inexpensive, food for limes can range from a glass of water, to several pizzas, fast foods, or pelau. 

Pelau, is a local creole one-pot meal that consists of rice, pigeon peas, chicken/pig tail/ox tail/goat/etc. The taste of Pelau is dependent on the cook. The best pelau comes from "goldies-oldies", meaning grandmothers, and elderly folks. I have tasted some fantastic pelau in my time, but I am not a fan anymore. One day, I had burnt pelau, on a beach lime... that sort of destroyed all my desire for it. However, pelau remains a staple of beach limes here. It is fantastic meal with tomatoes, a slice of avocado (local term: zaboca), and some lettuce. Don't forget hot pepper!

2011©Lisa Marie Bonaparte

My Finished Community

Sometime ago, I posted an image of a layout for a modern suburban community named  Contemporary Gardens. Most of the designs do not have much yard space, this is due to the fact that in Trinidad and Tobago, owning your own home has remained a dream, and may keep being a dream for most non-homeowners, much to the delight of landlords. And, with the rise in the cost of building materials, homes have become smaller and more compact, thus the need for efficient space design in a multi-story layout.

Contemporary Gardens, is a unique community. Each of the homes have their own layout and furniture design. One home has a pool in the centre of it, another has a corner pool. One of the homes has a 'sun roof' that illuminates the stairs, and I believe two of the homes are one bedroom, which is ideal for singles and couples with a pet, but no children (these days it is a fad).

If possible, I will explain one or two of the homes. If you want, you can let me know which of the homes interest you.

2011©Lisa Marie Bonaparte

Return to the Past Public Relations Photography this year

As a PR Photographer, I have been around town. From the orphanages in Belmont, to the corporate functions in San Fernando and environs. What I love about this type of photography are the places you get to see, and new products and services you are exposed to.


Today, I have posted some photos that I took at Queens Hall in St. Anns (I am really beginning to love theatre). These photos are of the Moscow Ballet on Ice Production that is presented by Eastman and Associates, and attended by members of various children's homes and organizations with the proceeds going to the Rainbow Foundation.


Unfortunately, I can't remember the details of the photos, so please look at them with extreme open-hearted enthusiasm.


P.S. No part of the wooden stage was harmed in the making of the ice platform (well none that I heard of anyway). 

2011©Lisa Marie Bonaparte