As the new year is in our midst and ‘the season of good will’ begins. I reflect and I find myself thinking about the future – around this time I think about the changes I am going to make. In 2010 I will be focusing on good health, using my spiritual and creative side more, becoming even more focused, writing and persuing my studies. Every year I reflect and make changes, each year I achieve my goals next year I also aim to achieve my dreams.

Lauretta

I’ve been out of touch for a while – in this ‘while’ so many things have happened to me.  In the moment when these ‘so many things’ were happening in my life I wanted to write – I mean that is what the Diary is for right?  However rather than write I thought I’d give my power to getting through things rather than putting pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) which is not like me usually I diversify and do many things – there was a lot to be said for focusing on one thing – for me it  worked.  It now means I will be writing retrospectively for a while.  Mabey it’ll make more sense if I just get on with it.  There is so much to say I am glad I am sharing this site with my beautiful dear friend Diane.  Whilst writing at this very moment I am thinking and believing this site is such a good tool to share with the world the experiences of two black women getting by in this big ‘ol world our ups and downs, our dreams and aspirations, our loves and losses our challenges and successes.  I am so happy here right now today this very second, and the next and the next …….. this time last year I was HOMELESS yes officially homeless a year on I have my own place, working as a community worker (my love) and lecturing in a college for excluded young people.  I’ve lost weight and I have a much healthier mind, body, soul and spirit.  During the last year I have had a year of abuse at work, left and was unemployed, thrown out of college even though I got the highest marks in the class!!! (They have since apologised- and facing my solicitor) I am now facing a major operation in the next few weeks  – but hey I am still smiling because I am here! I am alive! I am happy! I pray, keep positive and focused. In the next few days I will ‘catch up with you all and fill you in – but for now I’m doin’ fine.

Lauretta

I work near Ladbrook Grove and as such I am in the heart of the Notting Hill experience – I mean the black and multi-cultural version not the ‘white/ middle-class / blanked out version’ as portrayed in the film.  It’s a lovely area but what is clear is the extremes of wealth and poverty in the borough  – never have I seen such a grand example of the social divide.  Right now the preparations for the carnival are in motion - I am talking about the physical area.   I can see the streets being prepared by the delivery of the ’barriers’ ready for distribution.  For me the ’barriers’ are part of the ‘art’ of the festivities the ‘caracture’ and the costume - a social analogy mimicking and reinforcing the division – the divide in the borough – they too are part of the spectacle.   The carnival and mass bands have been preparing for the carnival for over a year – of course you know deciding on themes, designing and making costumes, raising money, training musicians and dancers.  There is definitely a good vibe and a buzz in the air. 

I am so excited!

Lauretta