CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS: Author Marguerite Orane discusses her new book, Free & Laughing, during the official launch at Red Bones Blues Cafe.

 

 

 

BOOK: Free and laughing

 

PUBLSHING AUTHOR: Marguerite Orane
YEAR: 2008
ISBN: 978-976-8203-984
REVIEWER: Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

 

From left Marguerite’s children, Shane and Victoria, are joined by her nephew Kyle for an excerpt reading during the launch.

 

THERE ARE MANY ways one can be rejuvenated, when down. Marguerite Orane though small in stature, offers to the world gigantic tips. Through her book “Free and Laughing”, she dares to tickle more than the fancy of her readers, stimulating lasting pleasure.

She dares to tell the world, how she sees it and the way things are in black and white, but her tales do not end without her showing how she has survived. Envisioning “so many people … in pain, misery and suffering, Marguerite Orane presents a different way of looking at ordinary life experiences — one that is detached, yet accepting, and rooted in trust and love. As she believes, Marguerite teaches that everyone is free to laugh, love and trust.” Interpreting life as a big playground, full of fun, joy and learning, her book is about getting scrapes, cuts and bruises, but picking yourself up and play again, when you are free and laughing!

 

LEFT PHOTO: Marguerite Orane presents her book to His Excellency Sir Kenneth Hall and his wife, Her Excellency Rheima Hall. RIGHT PHOTO: Marguerite autographs a copy of her book for Super Plus CEO Wayne Chen.

 

Free and Laughing’ is an anecdote for chasing gloomy spots, rainy days, which just about anyone can relate to. Presented through 181 pages of poetry and short testimonies, Marguerite relates her experiences, and observations of others. Her book is a map, with written guidelines through life and how to laugh and keep laughing, especially when your eyes are blinded from obvious reasons.

Chapter one opens with an inspirational account from her mom, aged 90 at the time of the book’s publication. In a real way Marguerite’s mother groomed her spirits, encouraging her anticipation for arrival at the big ‘FOUR ZERO’ (40).

This and other experiences though small and often overlooked are the reason Marguerite Orane herself developed a positive attitude on life, dismissing or overcoming bad experiences, and negative attitudes she faced throughout her own personal life. These experiences accounted in the book taught her the way to freedom and laughter.

Small accounts include “The Bombay Mango” in the seven-part book. The seven parts are Be Present; Observe; Release, Accept; Trust; Love; and Practice.

“The Bombay Mango” represents unexpected surprises. The moment Marguerite eats the mango she relives untimely moments of happiness, which are filling and refreshing to the body and mind, as perfect as the elements of the mango she keenly observes. It’s a simple mango, and perhaps not a preferred fruit for the book’s readers, but its offerings are a welcome fill.

Within the pages of the second part of the book, RELEASE, Marguerite explains that “There are no limits”. The start of every year inspires many individuals to set resolutions and goals. Margurite is no different, but writes about having achieved her listed goals without any reference to the list.

This is a confirmation of her crossing over from the realm of negativity to borderless positive arenas, where she now reigns with confidence. She can now release an immeasurable energy that becomes an inspiration to others to see and take all things, the good, the bad and the ugly positively.

The theme and title of the book “Free and Laughing” is encapsulated in this second part titled RELEASE, as readers are taught to realize their intentions by simply embracing a positive outlook on life. Thereafter Marguerite briefly accounts everyday moments, and shares spiritual insights as she teaches necessary principles such as “acceptance’, tolerance, faith, kindness and focus. Above all Marguerite inspires readers to love regardless, as she shows us that “whatever we want we must be and do”.

The book is a must read, a must have. As author, Marguerite is strategic with her experiences that she claims she started out by jotting on her electronic blog. Constantly revisiting the basics is a must for Marguerite as she brings out in the chapter (43) on plies. Some of the experiences related are not her own, but as Marguerite observes and understands through those she empathises with, in her life and biblically speaking. One of her personally memorable experiences is related in chapter 34 – “Soulmates.” Its impressive how Marguerite in her own way writes positively about a variety of experiences.

 

 

Marguerite’s sister Carole proves you can be Free & Laughing through dance.

At the book’s counted signing events, since January, members of Jamaica’s topping from the who’s who list turn out in numbers to support her, glowing with the positive energy she has infected them with. Her sister, Carole, is most times in support with a dance, which although without strict choreography, illustrates the meaning of being successful, simply by first being free through her plies.

Among those to thank for the book’s compilation and publishing are Melody Cammock, Jean Lowrie-Chin, Gill Chambers, Tamika Small-Campbell, Kellie Magnus, Robert Harris, siblings Douglas Orane and Carole Orane –Andrade; and children Marc, Victoria and Shane. The book is dedicated to Marguerite’s mother, grandmother, friend, and the world, as she promotes pure love. “Lickle but we tallawah” Marguerite is exemplary as a Jamaican female. Sharp-witted and small in structure Marguerite has a big heart for all humanity.

Anthea McGibbon, graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has over 11 years experience in the fields of Journalism and the Arts.

MultiCare students showcase talents in Visual Arts Exhibitions

BOYS AND GIRLS from the MultiCare-assisted schools and from the MultiCare Community “Art On The Street” Programme will showcase their talent in the Visual Arts in two exhibitions to be held during the month of May. The first of the two exhibitions will be held at the Breezy Castle Centre in Downtown Kingston on Friday, 9th May. This exhibition will highlight the talent and creativity of youngsters from the MultiCare-assisted schools in East, West and Central Kingston and Greater Portmore that participate in the MultiCare Visual Arts Programme.

The second exhibition will be hosted at the notable historic treasure, the Altamont DaCosta Institute in Kingston Gardens. Featuring artwork produced by students and clients from the MultiCare Visual Arts Community Programmes, the exhibition will display a variety of artforms by young participants from the MultiCare “Art On the Street” Programme, focusing on the environmental and architectural heritage of the Kingston Gardens and Southside communities. Clients of the MultiCare Art Programme at the Bellevue Hospital and the MultiCare Art Therapy Programme at the Jamaica Council For Persons With Disabilities will also display their innate talents and creativity in what promises to be an exciting exhibition.

The MultiCare Visual Arts Programme is operated in keeping with the MultiCare’s holistic approach to development, using Sports and the Arts as a catalyst to create a culture of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and understanding, and to replace the culture of violence. The MultiCare Foundation reflects the commitment of its endowing partners Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited, Caribbean Cement Company Limited and the ICD Group Limited to the building of a safe and peaceful nation, and to sustainable development.

¡Oyé! Flamenco!: Jamaica gets taste of Spanish culture

LEFT: WAYNE CHIN PHOTO: Fin de fiesta: Maribel Ramos, Jesus Corbacho, Javier Gomez, Oscar Lagos, Manuel Lombo, Oscar de los Reyes

RIGHT: WAYNE CHIN PHOTO
Alexandra Hoffer, Production Manager, Cristina Heeren Foundation chats with Ambassador to Jamaica His Excellency Jesus Silva. Four of the artists are graduates of the Cristina Heeren Foundation. The four exstudents are Manuel Lombo, Maribel Ramos, Jesus Corbacho and Javier Gomez.

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor
THERE IS SIMPLY no telling what the Spanish can do, when guided by the distinguished Ambassador to Jamaica Jesus Silva. Last Tuesday, the challenge easily overcome was the collective minds, heart, soul and sinew of apprx 500 patrons in “An Evening of Flamenco”, at the Jamaica Pegasus. Organised by Suzie Berry, returned Jamaican from Spain, patrons were hastened into a new outlook of culture in Spain through a combined package of food to superbly delivered performances by six hot blooded Spaniards.

WAYNE CHIN PHOTO
Saoirse Godfrey dances with the Ambassadors sons, Fernando and Alfonso Silva.
Early in the evening those who hungered for true Spanish tradition, turned up early to dine from the exuberant spread of Spanish tapas (hors D’oeuvres) wines and sangria by chef olbourne Saunders. The tapas included paella (spanish rice dish with seafood and various of meats in it), spanish omelettes, and fried fish. In addition, Juan de Porres of Landaluz (the Association of Quality Food Products within Andalucia), from Seville, Spain did not hesitate to capitalise on an opportunity to display their products. As promotion for their upcoming international gastronomic affair in Jamaica later this year they offered a variety of Spanish sausages, cheeses and olives by Ybarra and sweets including the popular turrones.
Human vessels, once filled, rolled into the Pegasus Ballroom for intense Flamenco - a particular blend of song, dance and guitar from Spain. The evening’s performance opened with the red and black clad couple Maribel Ramos and Oscar de los Reyes in a passionate interpretation of Farruca, a love story. Though it seemed the couple sometimes danced into a world of their own, the lone voice of Jesus Corbacho easily navigated the audience’s compassions and set pace for the acts that followed, including the selections of Manuel Lombo, special guest artist. There were many oohs, ahhs all evening as patrons absorbed lessons in the Spanish Art form of clapping.

WAYNE CHIN PHOTO: Maribel Ramos and Oscar de Reyes doing a choreographed love story to Farruca

Rythmic punctuation of clapping and foot taps completed the pattern of the evening’s already memorable package of the strunging of the guitars played by Javier and Oscar.
Equal to the variety of exquisite hors D’oeuvres had early on, were selected choice performances to love. Gypsy for the moment, Maribel Ramos was elegant, graceful and well poised in solo ‘Alegria” where she successfully cast her spell to make her audience happy and light. However, only after the improvised and spontaneous steps of Oscar de le Reyes performing his solo “Solea Por Buleria . Dressed in a black Flamenco suit, of riding jacket, trousers and boots, tapping perhaps 300 steps a minute, he commanded live action from his audience with his infectious vibrations.
Pure, unadulterated flamenco was the perfect channel to bring Jamaicans and the Spanish to the bridge of relating similar passions, tragic and happy and experiences that night we spent at the Pegasus.
Those in attendance include:
Ambassador His Excellency Jesus and Sara Silva and their three children, Fernando, Alfonso and Oliva , Mrs. Silva, mother of the Ambassador attended. Guests included Governor General and Lady Hall, Mrs. Lorna Golding, Minister of Culture, Babsy Grange,

WAYNE CHIN PHOTO: Babsy entering

American Ambassador, Brenda La Grange Johnson, Juan Carlos Gafo, Chief of Protocol to the Prime Minister of Spain, Chris Blackwell, Tony and Sheila Hart, Paul and Oriente Issa with their daughter Abra, dressed in a flamenco dress. PJ Stewart, Yvette Fontaine, Sean Paul, Russell and Carole Hadeed, Jenny Greaves, the fabulous Edith Desnoes with her daughters Joan McConnell and Rosie McIver, Tracy Matalon with her daughter Ally and grandmother Rosa Melhado, Marguerite Orane, Deborah Lopez, Anthony and Jeannie Watson, Neil and Marie Chin with their adorable daughters, Lauren, Lianne and Rachel, Dame Julie Mendoza of the Embassy of Spain, Marie Matthews, Blossom Ormsby, Beverley Kawass, Fern Proctor, Adam Hyde, Monica Ladd and her daughter Alex, Andrew and Debbie Issa with their lovely daughter Isabella.
Anthea McGibbon, graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has over 11 years experience in the fields of journalism and the Arts. Contact her at anthea@negril.com or islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk.

WELCOME!!!

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

Dear Reader,

Thanks for dropping by. We hope you will enjoy this section dedicated entirely to exposing the Heart, Arts and Culture of Jamaica, as much as it will be our pleasure to serve you.

As priority, we will update you on the latest in all our varied expressions. We will have reviews, commentaries, interviews, and tips you can use. Please scroll down or click on any of the links at the top of this section to read our exciting contributions.

If you would love to have your event, project on any area of art (visual, performing or otherwise) feel free to contact us at any of our offices in Negril (957-3191) or Kingston (797-7297). Or simply send an email to anthea@negril.com. Keep connected!! One World, One Love!

Anthea is a graduate of the Edna Manley college of the Visual and Performing arts. She has over 11 years experience in journalism and The Fine Arts. She can also be reached at islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk.