Reading With Granny How many people can remember the first time they learned to read? I remember it, as if it were yesterday. In Jamaica, most parents felt that reading was the gateway to achieving your goals and dreams. If you think about it, every subject in school is based on reading and comprehension.
My Granny's Lamentation: Grandparents Aren't Supposed To Outlive Grandchildren There were not too many life events that could have left my Grandmother stricken with grief, however, when my cousin Junior died, not even God could have consoled my Granny adequately. My Grandmother did not have favorites when it came to her grandchildren, but she loved each one with a special love according to their level of mischievousness.
Granny "Gheeta Mittani": You Can't Hide From Your Culture When I was born, my parents told me I came into the world with a red bindi on my forehead. It seemed like a nice tale at the time, however it was not until I was an adult that I truly understood the omen of my birth.
Never Too Old For Granny Although, Jamaican Grandmothers are notorious for being involved in their Grandchildrens’ lives beyond the call of duty. My Granny was no exception to the rule, she was always filled with advice and seemed to have a natural ability to decipher what you were feeling or thinking. Whenever I felt ambivalent about confiding in anyone, my Granny was always my choice for a conversationalist because she never judged.
Granny & Her Sisters: Tales of Humour My Granny was blessed to have experienced the love and caring of three sisters. Because my Grandmother was the youngest, her sisters felt it necessary to enlighten her and shelter her from life’s maladies. Granny and I often spoke at length about the relationship she had with her sisters. I always found her tales filled with humour and a good dose of mischief.
Granny, Me & The Breakfast Theory Jamaican culture emphasizes three square meals a day, however, there is no meal that takes the spotlight like a Jamaican Breakfast. Whether you’re having callaloo, bacon and saltfish, ackee and bammy. Jamaicans look forward to their breakfast in the mornings, especially on a Saturday and Sunday morning.
Granny & I: Camp Survival In Jamaica, if you told someone you were going to Camp, they would ask you if you meant “Up Park Camp” which is a well known military base and detention center. While in America, their youth are always anxiously waiting for the days of summer to begin, so they can gladly scamper off to the independence of Camp.
Granny & I: The Dead Grannies' Network People may say that dead men tell no tales, but I beg to differ. As many Jamaicans may know, their deceased relatives never really just go away into the “Great Blue Yonder”. They are always around us, helping us mind our business.
Granny's Little Encyclopedia Brittanica: "Why Is Everyone Getting A Stroke?" common ailments I heard Jamaicans speak of, is their "pressure", diabetes and stroke. Granny was always hearing about someone who died from a stroke, had a stroke or thought they were having a stroke. It seemed to be the number one killer of people in Jamaica at that time.
Granny I Talk About Food Cravings Anyone who lived in Jamaica in the early seventies remembered this endearing commercial, "Lawd, mi feel peckish, mek me go have some bread and butter nuh." This commercial was probably a spoof on Jamaicans, who are usually declaring , "I could eat something nice."
Granny & I Story: "Kids Things" As most parents would know, children are famous for bringing home all sorts of unidentifiable objects. This is why it is so important for parents to remain on task, scrutinizing their children's belongings when they come home from school every evening.
A Special Granny Story: Something About Magsie I don't think there is a grandmother alive who doesn't worry about her grandchildren...... just that, as grandmothers they have that special ability to foresee certain frailties in their grandchildren and that is the main ingredient in most grandchild-grandparent relationships.
Granny Remembers Uncle Whittaker's Dance School When most foreigners think of the Caribbean they think of the natives being merry and dancing to the exotic sounds of steel drums playing calypso music. As Granny would say, "Jamaicans are jolly people and they love to have a good time." This is quite true, Jamaicans can certainly appreciate a splendid time. An evening with close friends, fine Jamaican cuisine and some reggae or calypso music, mek everyting irie!
Granny & The Dream of Royal Ascot People from the Caribbean are always talking about their dreams. Not necessarily their long term goals, but the nocturnal productions that happen in their minds when they go to bed at night. Anyone who is of West Indian descent can relate to the dining room discussions of dreams, their interpretations and significance. My granny and I were always sharing weird dream stories.
Granny, Me and The Hope Chests The Jamaican Lifestyle is filled with lots of old fashioned customs and colloquialisms which are still treasured in the modern world today. Most of these ancient ways were taught to me by my grandmother.
When Granny Was A Fashion Icon Most people who remember my Granny, often think of her as a bible toting, religious person. However, before my Grandmother kept the Sabbath Day holy, she was a staunch Roman Catholic and one of the most glamorous women, who had the privilege to live on Jamaican soil.
Prize Giving Day With Granny My Granny did not celebrate Chistmas by giving presents but she did celebrate the birth of our Lord. She believed that people should be rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Therefore, Prize Giving Days were very special for myself and Granny.
Granny's Old Wives' Tales As West Indians I am sure we can all identify with various folk lore tales, or as most people may call them "old wives tales". Some of them my seem practical, while others may resonate in our minds as being utterly ridiculous.
Granny's Tale: Beware The Border!!!!! My Granny was always receptive to saving and mentoring lost souls who were downtrodden by life, therefore it was not surprising when she told me a harrowing tale of the border from hell.
Granny And I Go To The Jamaican Embassy Every Jamaican has encountered some dealings with the Passport office or the Immigration Officers. It is a part of Jamaican life especially since Jamaicans are known as World Travelers.
"Lawd Jesus! Granny Bun de Rice and Peas!" As most people in Jamaica would know, is that Sunday dinners are not complete without a nice big pot of rice and peas. Whether it be gungo peas or red kidney peas, it is the main attraction at any Jamaican dinner table. My Granny took pride in preparing her rice and peas as if she were going to display it at the Horticultural Society.
Granny and I Receive A Visit From Aunt Flossie Jamaicans are known for their adventurous spirit and their open mindedness to experience different cultures. It is often said, that no matter where you may go in this world, you can bet your ackee and saltfish that you will surely find a Jamaican. Jamaicans are like natural astronauts, they tend to go where"no man" has gone before.
Granny and The Helpers "Helpers" were always a very important part of Jamaican life. They enabled families to go off into the world confidently to seek careers, while providing for their loved ones. My Granny was always a stay-at-home mom because, my Grandad only wanted Granny to care for his children and make sure that the household was running properly.
What A Friend I Have In Granny: Recovering From A Blasphemous Lie Most people may think that coming from a very disciplined and religious background would shelter you from all the evils and disappointments in this world, however due to my experiences, I can certainly say that it does not.
"Granny, I Think I Need A Hobby." The first time Granny and I talked about hobbies was when I told her I wanted to take up swimming. Hobbies.....the saving grace of us all. Nowadays, when I think of hobbies, I remember Granny quoting the bible saying, "The devil finds work for idle hands."
Granny and The Newlyweds As you may know by now, my Granny was a connoiseur of Peace and anyone who radiated loving feelings. She often enjoyed trying to play matchmaker or giving advice in reference to matters of the heart.
Granny and The Taxi Driver: Challenging The Caste System Jamaica, like most Caribbean countries have always prided themselves on their caste system. No one really knows their significance or purpose. However, as a child growing up in Jamaica, by the time you reached the age of reason, you basically figured out where you were "supposed to fit in".
A Special Granny Story: "The Note Home" As a child many of us have carelessly lost something and then try to “cover it up”. This month in Granny & Me, a lost note sent by the school, creates some memorable moments.
Granny:"Lord Have Mercy Dem Trying TO Kill My Grandchild!!" When you die you are usually gone and forgotten. However, in my very rich and colorful Jamaican culture, we understand how important it is to continue to pay homage to our dearly departed.
Granny And I Enjoy Fine Dining Like Batman and Robin, the two of us always had adventurous capers. Fine dining was one these capers.
Granny, Medicine and Me Granny used to always say that one of the surprises of getting old is that you have so many maladies to contend with. This month learn about the Medicine Granny liked to use.
Granny VS Granny and Me Having 2 Grandmothers can be an advantage and sometimes a "drama". This month it is Granny VS Granny and Me
Granny, Bruce Lee and Me This month in Granny and Me we see the Bruce Lee movie, "Enter the Dragon", which inspires Granny to protect herself.
Granny and I attend a Wedding This month Margaret Bailey writes about a spectacular she attends with Granny. As usual Granny provides her insight.
Granny and I visit Peadro River Penn Nothing compares to a road trip with Granny where you hear all the great stories of relatives. It is a great way to pass the time.
Granny Supports My Theatrical Endeavors This month Margaret Bailey tells the store of how her Granny Supported her Theatrical Endeavors when she was 6 years old.
