Eat Pray Love in Theatres August 13 2010

That's right... Elizabeth Gilbert's popular memoir has been adapted for a motion picture. It will be released on August 13, 2010 under the same title.

I am one of the people who believe that a movie is hardly ever as good as the book e.g. The Kite Runner :( but I am a major Julia Roberts fan and I am sure she will surprise me with this role. Eat Pray Love was an absolutely brilliant piece of literature of which I have savoured every word of every paragraph of every page of every chapter... it is one of the books I have had to take one day at a time and it was well worth it. I think it's a wonderful book for all seasons, all genders, all sexual orientations... just everybody who has ever lived.

For those of you who have read the book... could Julia Roberts safely be described as magrafalsa ?

Have a look at the trailer!

No official schedule but Etana will be there!

Not too long ago I made a post re preparing for Calabash International Literary Festival. Well, I had indicated that the schedule and website were not yet updated... they still aren't... but on Sunday April 18, there was an article in Jamaica's Sunday Gleaner which gave some insight as to what the lineup would be like.

"The list of writers includes Nobel Prize Winner Wole Soyinka (Nigeria), Geoff Dyer (UK), Colson Whitehead (USA), Nami Mun (South Korea), Sharon Olds (USA), Sudeep Sen (India), Feryal Ali Guahar (Pakistan), Helen Oyeyemi (Nigeria) and Russell Banks (USA). Roots rock reggae superstar Freddie McGregor will headline a late-night concert that will also feature singer/songwriter Etana on opening night."

Happy reading it here...

My favourite song by Dame Shirley Bassey

You and I

You and I will travel far together
We'll pursue our little star together
We'll be happy as we are together
We may never get to heaven
But it's heaven, at least to try
You and I are going on together
'Til the time we have is gone forever
Watch the evening drawing on together
Growing older, growing closer
Making memories that light the sky
That only time can make
That only love can make
That only we can make
You and I

You and I are going on together
'Til the time we have is gone forever
Watch the evening drawing on together
Growing older, growing closer
Making memories that light the sky
That only time can make
That only love can make
That only we can make
You and I

You and I, You and I, ...

What you'll need for Calabash 2010

I have been attending the Calabash International Literary Festival, held in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica since 2006. I must say, it is one of the few local events that I have fully embraced and thoroughly enjoyed on each occasion. The atmosphere can only be compared to something from a dream. May 28-30, 2010 should prove even more enchanting than I am accustomed to, as it will be the festival's 10th anniversary.

Here is some info on the fest, followed by my personal Calabash checklist. Enjoy!

"The only international literary festival in the English-speaking Caribbean, Calabash was founded in 2001 by novelist Colin Channer. Over 30 authors feature at the festival and, together with musicians from around the world, they fill the festival agenda with readings, discussions and musical events. Calabash is 'earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse'. Its aims are to establish a world-class literary festival, with its roots in Jamaica and branches reaching out into the wider world."

The festival features readings (from 'established' and published authors as well as an open mic section for those of us who haven't quite made it yet), storytelling, music and delectable food against the most breathtaking backdrop. There are also ongoing writers workshops and seminars with the intent training budding authors.

Now, here's my officially unofficial Calabash Checklist (If there's anything missing, please feel free to leave me a comment) :-

1. Accommodation - Quite frankly, if you are looking to find room so late in the game (50 days left) you deserve a [literary] beating. I won't say that there is nothing available but it will not be easy finding accommodation for Calabash close to the venue at this time. Please make sure you have printouts of the directions or a map of where you will be staying and contact numbers.
   Here are some websites that I have found useful in that regard:-
   • www.treasurebeach.net - A community-run website with a lot of information on the area and a pretty active forum.
   • ListJamaica Hotels - A list of hotels in Jamaica, sorted by location. It provides links to the properties' websites as well as contact information. Their main site offers a free business directory.
   • CALABASH - The 'Accommodations' section displays properties in order of distance to the venue (Jake's / Jack Sprat) and filtered by the type of property i.e. Small Hotel, Guest House, Villa. This is also the festival's official website, so follow it for the latest updates... I am still looking out for the 2010 schedule.
     
     
2. Umbrella - Calabash wasn't dubbed CalaSplash for nothing. I can't recall it not raining there. The showers of blessings definitely enhance the setting, but if you aren't properly geared up for it, it could be disastrous.
   
   
3. Comfortable Shoes and Clothing - If your accommodation isn't located close enough for you to run back to change your outfit, it is wise for you to wear something that can last the day and night. Last year, Saturday's program ran from 10am to 3am on Sunday. That is a mighty long time and you don't want your clothes or shoes to be the reason you're not having fun. Going to Treasure Beach without a swimsuit and sandals is irreverent.
   
   
4. Camera, Chargers and Batteries - There will be too many photo ops to not have your camera, or camera phone. Be sure to walk with your charger and extra batteries. It would also be useful to have a case and strap to make it harder to misplace. Extra memory or film is always useful.
   
   
5. A Dusty Piece of Poetry or Prose for 'Open Mike' [sic] - This has always been my favorite segment even though my participation is solely aural. We won't judge you... freedom of expression with love and respect is the name of the game.
   
   
6. Money (Cash and Cards) - Books, food, drinks, snacks, craft; etc. will be on sale. The venue has point of sale systems for credit and debit cards but the service fluctuates. Be sure to have enough cash on you as the nearest ATM Machine (in Southfield) isn't usually working and is around 20 minutes away. The last time I made the mistake of traveling with inadequate cash I ended up in Junction (30 minutes away). If you don't feel comfortable with a lot of cash, split it up into different bags and pockets.
   
   
7. Address Book, Business Cards and Pen - Calabash is a HUGE meeting ground, it has just the right crowd for mixing and mingling. Don't forget the pen (useful for collecting autographs and phone numbers).
   
   
8. Transportation Arrangements - Treasure Beach is quite a large area and the public transportation system isn't the most reliable in Jamaica. If you aren't positive that your room is a short walk to the venue, you will need to carefully work out transportation. You can drive, pool with a friend, have a taxi on call (your hotel / guest house / villa manager should be able to help with this) or walk the walk.
   
   
9. Don't Forget Your Toothbrush - this is a useful resource for anyone going on a trip of any kind. There are several items for you to go through and select what you think will be necessary to pack. Extremely exhaustive and items are well categorized. I recommend insect repellent, whether you think you'll need it or not.
   

SEE YOU THERE!

She rants..

I hate school!
I hate homework!
I hate it all!
Nooooooooooooooo!
23 days to go and I am having alll kinds of aches!
Nooooooooooooooo!

My drunk driving policy:- Do it on a closed course.

My Own Pasta Sauce (or Pizza Sauce)

1 8oz can Tomato Sauce (I use Del Monte)
5 med. Cloves of Garlic, crushed ad diced
1 Small Onion, diced
2 ozs(fl) Chopped Parsley
1 Habanero or Scotch Bonnet Pepper, seeds and stem removed
2 tsp ground black pepper
1 oz(fl) Scallion / Spring Onion, diced
3 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Oregano flakes
1 tsp Thyme flakes

For pasta: Lightly fry fresh spices in olive oil,
add dried spices and black pepper,
add tomato sauce and stir to a light simmer. (1lb pasta)

For pizza: blend everything. (2 x 10 inch pizzas)

Lethargy

Today, there was much to be done
Today, much was left undone
Today, much became done
Today, there became much to be done
that was not.