Join us for Kundalini Yoga every Friday

Public group classes

Every Friday from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Kariwak, Crown Point, Tobago.

More info: www.thouartyoga.com

Review of my book, Tobago Peeps, by Shivanee Ramlochan

(Review by Shivanee Ramlochan for Paper Based Bookshop)

 

A collection of Duncan’s columns on living in Tobago, originally published in the Trinidad Guardian, these pieces have at their core a steadily reflective heart. The author, who wears many creative hats — also working as a Kundalini yoga teacher and boutique restaurateur of Table for Two, Made For You — distinguishes herself from a herd of lukewarm, generic presenters, who offer vapid portraits on Tobago as an “idyllic paradise”. There is much that is sublime and magnificent about the island, her people and their particularities: the strength of these assembled columns is that they view the space and its inhabitants from an embracing and inclusive perspective.

Whether ruminating on the inquisitive jaunts of her rehabilitated canine companion, Venus, or sharing the first-hand thoughts of Tobagonians on life, love and the Mystery Tombstone, the centre of each column basks in a generous, good-spirited light. In her “Peace and Love” discourse, Duncan shares the spirit of a timeless message in patience, showing how it resonates not just with her, but with her Kundalini yoga class at Castara Retreats:

“Now with this pebble returning to me full circle, I am reminded of the message that if you let love go and it comes back, it’s yours. I look around the class, sensing that each person has established a meaningful connection with his or her trinket. I don’t ask what their symbolic associations are, but I make my own for each: hope, blessings, insight, luck, more luck, guidance, fulfillment, release.”

From rescued roadside birds reposing peacefully in Heineken boxes, to empowering and rib-tickling anthems printed across the windscreens of idling gas station cars, the vision in Tobago Peeps is of a steady, connected gaze — one that sees smiling dogs, sage rastamen and seven-ingredient health juices in all their limitless, love-strewn potential.

We recommend it for: fans of Elspeth’s short story collection, Daisy Chain, who’re eager to sample her nonfiction style; those seeking a uniquely charming read for their next Store Bay stroll; anyone interested in Tobago’s richness and depth, beyond the brochure signposts.

TOBAGO PEEPS, the book, is AVAILABLE AT:

1. Things Natural (Crown Point, Tobago)
2. Time to Wine (Shirvan Plaza, Tobago)
3. Shore Things Cafe & Craft​ (Lambeau, Tobago)
4. Healing with Horses (Buccoo, Tobago)
5. Paper Based Bookstore (Hotel Normandie, Trinidad)
6. International Orders please request details by messaging via Tobago Peeps Facebook page.

 

PHOTOS OF "TOBAGO PEEPS" READING

Last night was the first public reading of my new book, TOBAGO PEEPS. It was held at Time to Wine (wine shop), Shirvan Plaza, Tobago. Cosy setting, intimate crowd, lovely evening.

 
For more photos of the reading, click here to be redirected to the TOBAGO PEEPS public Facebook page.

The next reading is at Paper Based Bookstore's 'Tea & Reading' event tomorrow, 28 November 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Hotel Normandie.

The next Tobago reading is on Wednesday 9 December 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Shore Things Cafe, Milford Road, Lambeau. Please visit the event page for details and to sign up
https://www.facebook.com/events/1099479620076344/

TOBAGO PEEPS is available 

In Tobago at:
Things Natural, Crown Point
Time to Wine, Shirvan Plaza
From me via the Facebook page (international orders in particular)

Available in Trinidad at:
Paper Based Bookstore, Hotel Normandie

The anonymously written play ... which turned out to be mine & is now showing.

Click on image to enlarge

Some years ago I attended a playwriting workshop where I wrote a script called "The Perfect Place". It subsequently went on to win an award, as one of four 'best new plays', selected by NDATT. Years passed and I forgot about this play. The computer I had at the time crashed and, having not backed up, I lost all my files (the one with the play included). More time passed ... until about two months ago—I got a call from Trinidad Theatre Workshop. Director Timmia Hearn Feldman was calling to find out if a play called "The Perfect Place" was mine.

"Yes, it is."

They had found the script while cleaning out their office. It had no name on it, but they managed to trace it back to me. They were very intrigued by it and wanted to produce it for their new theatre season starting in September ...

Click on image to enlarge and read their version of the 'mystery of the anonymously-written play'

So, The Perfect Place is now running at TTW with another play (also written in that workshop)—"Same Ol' Mas" by Randy Ablack. Last night was opening night, but I did not attend. I will fly over from Tobago to see it a few days into its run. I hope those of you who live in TT and are reading this will book your tickets soon and come. An evening I am sure you will be glad you were a part of.

Booking info, dates, play synopses and relevant info below:

Theatre Season 2013 / 2014 at Trinidad Theatre Workshop launches with:

DOUBLES: two new plays for the price of ONE.

Long-time Globe vibes: two features, with a break in between. Except here it's two NEW TRINIDADIAN ONE-ACTS, with a free drink in between.

The Perfect Place by Elspeth Duncan
A chance encounter between a waiter and customer develops and reveals secrets about each, and forces them to face the lies under which they have been living.

Same Ol' Mas by Randy Ablack
Four vagrants living in Woodford Square as long as anyone can remember, claim squatters right.... and get the deed to the Square. The Prime Minister and the other Ministers throw the country into crisis in order to get their Square back.

directed by Timmia Hearn Feldman

DATES:

September 19, 20, 21, 8pm
September 22, 6pm
September 26,27,28, 8pm
September 29, 6pm
October 3,4,5, 8pm
October 6, 6pm

Tickets: $150.00 and are available at Trinidad Theatre Workshop

Call 624-8502 or email: trinidadtheatre@gmail.com ... Tickets are going fast

Weekend Healing Retreat in Tobago (Sept 2013)

Visit this link for more info on the SPIRITS OF NATURE weekend healing retreat in Tobago

21 - 23 September 2013

Kundalini Yoga

Acutonics (Tuning Fork Therapy)

Shamanic Journeying

SPIRITS OF NATURE Tobago Healing Retreat (September 2013)

Click on flyer jpg to enlarge

Gather in Tobago with kindred souls to experience 24 hours of deep inner and outer connection and transformation through Kundalini Yoga, Acutonics (Healing Fork Therapy) and Shamanic Journeying.  

 

Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 September 2013

Richmond Great House, Tobago.

Please click on this link for more retreat details and information on the three facilitators:

Elspeth Duncan (Thou Art Yoga) - Kundalini Yoga

Arune Pooransingh (Chrysalis) - Acutonics (Healing Fork Therapy)

Eva Gheorghe (Chrysalis) - Shamanic Journeying

FINDING YOU: One Day Healing Retreat (Trinidad)

Please click on flyer to enlarge.

KUNDALINI YOGA with Elspeth Duncan (Thou Art Yoga)
ACUTONICS (Tuning Fork Therapy) with Arune Pooransingh
SHAMANIC JOURNEYING with Eva Gheorghe

SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2013
6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
39 - 41 Montano Street, Vistabella, Trinidad

Please visit this link for more information at the website and/or call 381-8359.

"Just for You" Self Love Weekend Retreat (Tobago)

Please click on image to enlarge and see details.

Choose any weekend ... and it is yours (availability permitting)
 
Each customised "Just for You" Self Love Weekend Retreat caters for one person at a time. If that person is you, you are dreaming of spending quality personal time in a supportive, relaxing space ... to let go, find answers, be inspired, create new possibilities and meet someone wonderful ... Yourself.

Please click here to visit the site for more info and images.

The Just for You retreat is a product within Thou Art Yoga's W.O.W. (Wonderful One Weekend) retreat series.

The one and only gift voucher

The Table for Two gift voucher is like no other voucher. Like everything else that comes from Table for Two, it's made FOR You ... and, in fact, BY You.

The Table for Two gift voucher is a small, handmade six-page booklet. All of the pages are blank. The Table for Two logo, my signature (for authenticity) and "redeem by" date are the only printed elements. The rest is up to you. Draw or write whatever you want to make this gift voucher even more personalised and special for the one(s) who are to receive it.

Be sure to take pictures of your TFT voucher before you give it away. The most creative vouchers submitted to TFT may be in for a lovely sur-prize!

The TFT Gift Voucher can be created as a voucher (to give to a couple) ... or as an invitation (e.g. you want to invite someone special to dine with you at Table for Two and would like the invitation to be uniquely made for "them").

To order your TFT Gift Voucher, please email tablefor2tobago (at) gmail (dot) com Please note, purchasing a voucher means you are paying in advance for the TFT experience.

For more information on Table for Two, please visit the website:
http://www.tablefortwomadeforyou.com/ and/or "Like" the Table for Two. Made for You Facebook page.

What's in a name?

Yesterday, in a maxi taxi from St. Augustine to Macoya, I jotted down the names and symbols I saw on the windscreen of each vehicle that approached, heading in the other direction (see list at end of this post). For those who don't live in Trinidad and may not know, some drivers stick names or phrases on the windscreens of their vehicles as a form of identification.

Looking at the list below you might deduce that we live in quite a spiritual society. The most repeated name was OM (ie. the symbol, not the letters OM). Interestingly, yesterday I came across some information (click here for the online source) on the threefold symbolism of OM. The first in a list of symbolic equivalents for OM is: COLOURS: RED, WHITE AND BLACK. For those who don't know, those are the colours of T & T's national flag.

Jai Hanuman
OM (symbol)
Bless Child
OM (symbol)
King of Hearts
Who God Bless
Fires
Yin/Yang (symbol)
Web
OM (symbol)
Frankenstein
Thumbs Up
Praying Hands (symbol)
Earthquake
God is Love
Hurricane
Precious Babes
Super Fats
Moos
Sweet Rose of Sharon
God is Good
Praying Hands (symbol)
Sai Baba (image)
On My Own
Sinfull Effects
Rustic
Bless
Road Trip
One Super Power
Live & Let Live
God's Gift.

"Important Pubic Notice"

Yesterday, walking with a friend along the waterfront from the Breakfast Shed to the Hyatt, I saw this sign. My eyes first fell on "Pubic Notice" and I chuckled. Some idle person had removed the "l" from "Public" to be funny.

As I read on, the message began to take on disturbing undertones. It seemed like a warning message to parents and guardians "of all children" to "be extremely vigilant" and "be alert & careful" in open public spaces where who knows what can happen. Suggestions of predators/male exhibitionism ("while he front off") and nuances of incest/child abuse (perhaps because cases of such are prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago) seemed to be at the core of this warning.

Did someone deliberately rip these letters off in fun ... or to sound a warning?
Did those particular letters just happen to peel off for themselves in all the rain we've been having?
Did I happen to read "more" into what is actually there?

Whatever the answer, the fact is, parents and guardians do need to be extremely aware and vigilant of what is happening with their children ... in public and private spaces.

Suggestion for decreasing/eliminating road carnage, crime and pollution in Trinidad and Tobago

In an ideal Trinidad and Tobago, someone with a technical mind would invent a computerised mechanism (to be fitted to all vehicles in TT by law) which prevents cars from increasing speed above 50 mph. This will drastically reduce or eliminate completely the amount of 'innocent bystanders' being killed by runaway vehicles that fly off the road and slam into them. Speeding, alcohol-fueled cars will no longer be able to flip the median and crush unsuspecting vehicles on the other side of the highway. The only vehicles legally allowed to drive without these devices would be fire brigades, ambulances, police and army vehicles.

This computerised device will also help to lower the crime rate as criminals won't be able to make speedy getaways. People will complain that their cars are too slow to take them to work on time (as if Trinis care about time). This grouse will be addressed by the introduction of (a) mandatory classes in time management for employees of all businesses and (b) a world-class nationwide public transport service---preferably trams and trains, accompanied by legal mandates about car pooling (at least 3 people in a car allowed on roads at peak hours). Lorries and delivery vehicles will complain about slower speed of delivery affecting business, but less traffic on the roads will give them the extra time they require, even when driving at a decreased mph/kmph.

An additional transport alternative will be provided by clearly marked bike lanes or a special "Bike Route" (akin to the bus route, but for bikes only). After a period of complaining and protesting, people in T & T will surrender to the inevitable and start riding bikes, realizing that they can get around faster and more safely and economically. Pollution & the demand for gas will be drastically reduced and we will begin to see a much healthier population, resulting in less of a strain on the health sector (which will also be eased up by not having so many road accident victims to deal with).

Some other enterprising person will invent a special lightweight protective covering that sits on the head and stretches over the body to connect like a tent to the handle bars and back of bikes. The front of this 'bike tent' will be transparent and polarized to cut glare and prevent sun damage to eyes and skin. The rest of it will be made of a cooling fabric which allows air to circulate as the person rides.

The U of I & I (University of Innovation & Invention) will be established, training young people to conceptualize and develop their minds—to think out of the box and create the amazing products and equipment they have imagined. This process will empower the youths, enabling them to develop concrete creative solutions to the nation's multiple problems. Their level of self worth, self esteem and sense of social importance will sky-rocket.  Marked reduction in drug use and crime levels will be recorded.



 

Something T & T can learn from India

Close up image of sacred garland,  Kolkata

In India I was impressed by the girl at the grocery entrance greeting customers each time in prayer pose, with a slight bow and pleasant "Namashkar". In general, interactions with people felt sacred. Being there, if you have any inherent respect for each other, it is inevitable that you also start putting your hands together and even just bending your head to others as you meet or part. 

The meaning of "Namashkar" was real: "The spirit in me respects the spirit in you." Humility and reverence for everyday people. 

On Sunday, I briefly went out for the first time since returning to Trinidad and was met in stark contrast by a sour-faced girl mumbling at me from behind the cash register. I'm not saying people in India are perfect and Trinbagonians are not, but culturally this is not a society where we naturally treat each other with reverence ... Which brings to mind Kamla (our Prime Minister, for those who don't know) bending to touch the Indian leader's feet. So what? Maybe instead of wasting time complaining about that, Trinbagonians should take an example from her . . . not to literally touch each other's feet when we meet, but to have some more "Namashkar" between us in our everyday lives.

Trini shack meets Canadian flag

I've driven by this shack many times on the way to the Mount, but never really noticed it until yesterday with the unexpected sight of a brand new Canadian flag hanging in front of it.

I wonder who lives there and what the story is behind their display of the flag.

Beautiful

Timelapsing Through Trinidad from Kevin Huggins on Vimeo.

When I first saw this video it made me cry. Such beauty . . . and yet (not shown in the video) such ugliness. Get your act together, Trinidad & Tobago. Crime does not pay. The majority of us would rather peaceful, harmonious living. It takes less energy to be that way. Just as it takes less muscles to smile than to frown. Try it. You just may like it.

Police Numbers and Curfew Measures

(For article on T & T's limited state of emergency click here)


Police Numbers and curfew details below:
Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force will have powers of
arrest as well as the power to search and seize without a search
warrant; they will work either independently or with members of the
police service;

. The limited State of Emergency will be for a period of 15 days and
will be reviewed daily.

. Persons who must be on the streets during the curfew hours must
secure a permit from the police station nearest to their home;

- Companies whose employees must be on the road should apply for permits
from the Police Headquarters at Sackville Street; Acting Police
Commissioner Williams said all those who need permits should have them
by 6 pm today (Monday); He advised persons to also have two forms of
identification and police and soliders have been advised to exercise
discretion and leniency; As a precaution, persons should have two
forms of identification on their person;

. Persons travelling to the airport should obtain a permit; a booth
will be set up next to the domestic terminal of the Piarco
International Airport to process permits for those travelling out of
the airport;

. An inter-ministerial team comprising the Attorney General Anand
Ramlogan; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications Dr.
Surujrattan Rambachan; Leader of the Government Business in the House
of Representatives and Minister of Housing and the Environment Dr.
Roodal Moonilal and Leader of Government Business in the Senate,
Minister of Public Utilities Emmanuel George  has been set up to
oversee the Independence celebrations during the limited State of
Emergency;

. If you have to access hospitals and other health facilities, use the
normal routes and police and soliders will exercise discretion;

. Persons arrested during the limited State of Emergency can be held
for up to 24 hours and a senior officer has the authority to detain
the person for a further seven days;

. No bail for those arrested during the period; discussions will be
held with the Chief Justice to set up a tribunal to hear greivances;

. Allegations of police brutality will not be treated lightly; police
and soldiers will approach their duties in a mature and sensible
manner and law abiding citizens have nothing to fear during this
period;

. Persons with information about criminal activity are urged to share
the information with the authorities;

. The limited State of Emergency is not about the deprivation of human
rights but about restoration of all human rights to citizens;

Telephone Contacts for Police Service
PABX connecting all offices 624-4140
Northern Division- 640-8854/ 643-1223
North Eastern Division- 625-3283/ 624-4316
Eastern Division- 668-2542/ 668-3377
Central Division- 665-5324/636-2559
Western Division- 628-8377/ 628-0817
Southern Division- 653-8258/ 652-2032
South Western Division- 649-2343/ 649-0166

Try the Water Taxi

Boarding the water taxi

On Monday my friend Patti and I took a trip from POS to San Fernando on the water taxi, to see what it was like.

Sadly, in T&T we encounter a lot of poor customer service, things not working properly, poor time management (i.e. things running late), etc.

However, the water taxi is the exact opposite of this. As Patti kept saying to me in genuine amazement: "Are we still in Trinidad?"

Courteous employees, all smiling, saying good morning, gently guiding us along the plank, telling us to watch our step, telling us to have a good trip, etc. The water taxi was on time, clean, crisply air-conditioned, comfortable (we fell asleep), speedy and super smooth. Those who suffer with motion sickness (as Patti does) need not worry.

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. $30 return and they leave at different times during the day (on weekdays only). The journey takes 45 minutes.

The name of our water taxi was Paria Bullet, but I was walking along the plank while taking this shot and didn't get the full thing.

May be just what you or someone else is looking for

Click image to enlarge.

Please find more information here: http://kundaliniyogatt.blogspot.com

In the eye of the beholder

One of the many dangerous uncovered manholes I met on my walk yesterday

It's a long story as to why, yesterday I was in Santa Cruz market, wearing a white kurta top with fine gold embellishments, blue jeans and sneakers. Also a long story as to why I made a two hour trek from that point at the Croisée to St. Augustine. Let's call it a spontaneous moment. One that I enjoyed and found very enlightening and productive.

Along the way, I used the opportunity to take photos of the sidewalk and the dangerous manholes—for a project I decided to embark upon after I saw the elderly man fall into the manhole on Friday.

In Trinidad, whenever I am out somewhere taking photos of anything other than the traditional (posing people), citizens stop and ask: "Gayelle? TV 6?" FYI, one does not have to belong to a media house in order to be out in public with a camera.

There were times on my walk yesterday when I sensed cars slowing down, most likely wondering what a lone woman wearing a kurta top, jeans and sneakers was doing striding along in the hot sun, taking photos of manholes and garbage on the sidewalk. Maybe, to some of them, I appeared "mad".

There are some things I do/have done which, to me, are perfectly normal, but which some people question.
"What did you smoke?"
"You're crazy, yes!"
"Only you would do something like that!"

Super-conventional thinkers, is all I have to say.

As I passed La Joya and neared the silver bridge to Curepe, I saw a woman at the side of the road in front of me. She was casually dressed, but the way she furtively smoked her cigarette and looked shiftily at me made me feel that something wasn't quite right. As I got closer, she reached into the grass, quickly picked something up and dropped it into her market bag. I heard the thump of what I believed was a sizeable rock.

Immediately, what came to mind was a story a friend had told me the night before, after yoga. Some hoodlums had pelted a rock at her back as she and her then boyfriend escaped potential robbery by running down a track. The impact had drawn blood. Now, here I was, walking in front of this woman. If by chance she was a "madwoman", would she pelt the rock at me from behind? In the past, I, and others I have known, have experienced sudden erratic behaviour by people on the streets.

To be on the safe side, I quickly crossed the road and kept walking.

Later, talking to a friend on the phone, I told her of the woman and the rock and that the incident had made me think about how it is so easy to perceive someone as 'mad' even though they may not be.

My friend agreed. "What if she collects heart-shaped rocks and she was just picking one up at that moment?" she asked. "You would have done the same thing."

So true.

Letter to the Editor (re TT's dangerous sidewalks)

The gaping manhole into which the elderly man fell

The Editor:

At about 1:30 p.m. today, Friday, I was driving in pouring rain from Port-of-Spain, heading east. The roads were like rivers of brown water. As I hit the traffic on the Eastern Main Road, I was tempted to pick up two people just to be eligible to drive on the bus route and get home quickly. But as I passed the gas station and neared the traffic light in Champs Fleurs, I saw that the road ahead was clear and changed my mind. Good thing. As I reached the next corner, Gordon Street, I was just in time to see an elderly man get out of a maxi and step straight into a gaping manhole.

I quickly turned the corner, parked my car and ran to help him. A male youth also came to his assistance. The poor man was down in the manhole. Raging brown water was running through the drain. He could have been swept away. Luckily he had the presence of mind to save himself by using his arms. By the time he was back up on the pavement, he was shaking like a leaf, his left leg was bleeding under his pants and the underside of his right forearm from elbow down was bleeding profusely.

I got some napkins from the nearby parlour to place over his wounds. The elderly gentleman was shaking so much that he could barely hold the napkins in place. The youth and I put his umbrella and groceries in my car and I drove him home. He was telling me that as he stepped out of the maxi, his glasses were foggy, so he did not see the manhole.

This manhole is at the corner, where students of Mount Hope Secondary School gather daily, sometimes jostling each other and not looking where they are going as they move in large groups. A small-bodied student falling into that manhole may not be able to save himself/herself as the old man did. When it rains, the flood waters passing through those drains are relentless. How many times do we read about children getting swept away by flood waters in rainy season?

The sidewalks in this country are deplorable. Manholes without covers seem to outnumber those that have covers. And even most of those with covers are either broken or function as see-saws. This country can more than afford to provide new covers for all manholes nationwide. Relevant authorities, please look into this as soon as possible, before worse occurs.

Elspeth Duncan,
St. Augustine