I am here, now
I am here, now. I have always wanted a canvas to sketch on, and now I have one in this website–a new venture for me. I am always learning and am someone who thinks deeply about what is going on around me. I always have pen and paper at the ready to jot down notes, in case I do not remember a detail.
Early Childhood
My earliest memory of being creative is of writing with a pencil on a wall in the wooden house in which I grew up, and of my father asking my siblings and me, “Who did that?” “Not me,” we all answered. I told a lie because I was afraid I would get a spanking.
Spanking Days
Because he did not know who was telling the truth and who was lying, my father gave us all a spanking and had us clean the wall. I was around six years old. I carried around the guilt for years because I allowed my siblings to be punished for something I did, and I knew better.
My parents taught us all we should not tell lies or “stories;” we should always tell the truth. I have since tried to do that. So, after all these years, I owe it to my siblings to finally confess I was the one who wrote on the wall and made them suffer punishment. I hope to tell each one I am sorry before they read this article. At one time, I used to rehearse by singing into a broomstick for a microphone and had my two youngest sisters serve as back-up singers. I have been writing verses and short stories since age twelve.
My birthplace is Antigua, West Indies, and my family members and friends call me “Sister.” I like that. It sounds so … well, endearing, and I am very much endeared to all of them. I note here that they do not all share my sentiment. Some have left off calling me “Sister.” Instead, they call me “Sislyn,” which makes me feel as if they are subtly putting a little distance between us.
Adolescence
In 1967, after high school, I worked part-time in the Shipwreck Shop, in Kensington, for several months, selling souvenirs to tourists. In the meantime, I applied for a civil servant position of junior clerk in whichever government office I would be hired. I was finally called out to work in the Legal Department for two years before moving to New York, in 1970. I spent long years in the big city before getting a green card and then citizenship. At that time, I felt as though my hands were tied regarding continuing education and moving ahead.
Tough Times in New York
Those times were tough and lonely. But thank God I never drank, smoked any kind of anything, or got involved with undesirable company. And there was no shortage of vice and temptation around me. For a time, I spent my weekends at the Matthews’ home in Harlem, visiting my friend, Yvonne, and her siblings. I sometimes got in arguments with her brother, Ronan, over English grammar in headlines we saw in the local newspaper.
No one in Antigua ever wondered what had become of me, because I wrote to everyone, every week. That included family and friends alike.
I Am Chill!
I am chill, though. And how do I know that? A teenager recently told me I am hot. What can I say? Who am I to contest that opinion?
Unlike authors who have been exposed to readers all over the world, I have had a small audience. It is not because I have not tried to go wider. But my audience has helped keep me focused on my craft. I have read at church functions, open mic nights, in bookstores, and in cafés, all in New York. They were fun and fulfilling. I also attended countless readings and enjoyed listening to authors read their works. I have tutored college students in English. I never charged them, but they would always give me a donation.
I have tried to conduct reading sessions in Antigua and prepared to do so. When the time came and I showed up at the venue to set a date for the readings, I was sent to a radio station, instead. I was disappointed, but the radio interview went well, and Mitzi Allen was gracious. When I tried selling my poetry book to bookstores, Mr. and Mrs. Richards, at that time the Map Shop’s owners, were gracious and helped me when no one else would listen. For that, I am most appreciative. One of my joys back then was reading to a class of seven-year-olds at Mary Piggott school.
After receiving my last rejection letter, years ago, I self-published four books, as I worked in the corporate world. Those books are listed under “Self-Published Books” on this website. Now that I am retired, I can spend a couple of hours daily on the computer, and if I so choose, go for a walk, call my peers, and ask them how they are doing, or sew a quilt!
Changes I Have Seen in Antigua
Each year I visit Antigua. While there, I wash, cook, garden, go to the supermarket, and visit relatives. Over the years I have seen changes in the population. Some of my friends and relatives have moved away–as is the case with other families–but there are residents from neighboring islands who help make up the population.
Recently, I was taken aback when I went into a government office and was told not to enter because my arms were bare. I was horrified and disappointed. Now, whenever I enter a government office, I am sure to have my arms covered. It is an odd requirement. When I once worked in a government office, in Antigua, I wore sleeveless tops and could enter the courthouse as part of my job as junior clerk. One would think those were the modern days.
A Little History and Shoutout
Here, I am giving a shoutout to Pat Edwards. We go way back when I used to sing with his band, The Playboys when Antigua had several James Browns who could really dance. My first love was one of the “Flames.” I also sang with Vere Anthony’s Teen Stars and could not walk the streets without being cat-called “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” and “Girl from Ipanema.” I loved it, then. In fact, I will use this paragraph to hail Inez Howe, Barry Harvey, Valerie Henry, Genevieve Samuel, and the old singing gang from the days of Antigua’s Big Talent Shows!
Embrace Today!
So, my advice to seniors and young people is this: To the youngsters: Pick a career path you are enthusiastic about. Muster your courage and stay the course. To the seniors: Harness your energy and do something even if it is writing in a journal each day. This way, you can pass on your personal written history on to your offspring. Try to engage in some form of exercise or hobby. Seniors have gone to high school and graduated, late. Good for them! Do what you can that you could not do in your junior years. I’m still learning.