Sumtime Yu Haffi Tan Pon Crucked Fi Cut Strait

"Sumtime yu haffi tan pon crucked fi cut strait."

Translation:  Some times you have to stay on the crooked to cut straight.


What does this mean?  You have a goal and what you are currently doing is sustaining you but it's not a direct route to that goal.  In order to encourage you to stay on the path and keep trying, the old folks would say something like this "nuh worry missis, sumtimes yu haffi tan pon crucked fi cut strait".



           

You want this ..............................                                             But can only afford this!

Enjoy the burger while you work your way up to lobster!

 

 

MissSam

April 11, 2014                   

When Yu Put Yu Han Inna Lian Mout Yu Tek Time Draw It Out

"When u put yu han inna lian mout yu tek time draw it out."

Translation:  When you put or place your hand in the mouth of a lion,  take your time to draw or pull it out.

What does this mean?  This is truly words of wisdom that I have called upon frequently over my lifetime, and as recently as this past week.  If you find yourself with problematic situation that is potentially damaging, dangerous or otherwise unpleasant, use wisdom to extricate yourself from the situation or solve the problem.  Do not use tactics or language that will escalate the situation. In extreme cases were folks insist on having "their rights" you could be right but dead! What is the use being DEAD right!  And what's the use of winning when it leaves a very bitter taste in your mouth or cost you time and money, especially when both are in short supply?  There is another popular saying that sometimes you win the battle but you lose the war or vice-versa.  What this is saying is that sometimes when you win you actually lose!

 Use this  very powerful proverb when asked for advice in handling problematic situations with difficult people, it will shine a new light or give new perspective.  The "grandmothers" who came up with this were very wise in deed.  In spiritual terms when we step back, remain calm and level headed amazing things happen.

See how you can apply this gem this coming week, school, work or play.

MissSam
April 5, 2014

Mangoose Seh If Yu Nuh Tek Chance Yu A Nuh Man

SNOWSHOEING ACROSS SUSPENSION BRIDGE - SCENIC CAVES

"Mangoose she if yu nuh tek chance yu a nuh man."


Translation:  Mongoose say if you do not take chances you are not a man.

What does this mean?  This proverb is about taking risk.  In my own experience, people used it to justify taking a risk, make excuses for haven taken an over-aggressive risk or trump up the courage to take a chance with something. 

The proverb came out observation of the need for the Mongoose to cross the road from one cane field to another.  The risk here is that the Mongoose might get killed by a vehicle while crossing the road, yet, to get to the other field it is necessary to cross the road.  It can be applied to just about any situation that involves taking a chance, like deciding to pull up stake and relocate in another town, city or even another country.  By taking a chance you show what you are made of - big and tough, or small and weak!

The thing is, without taking risks, you accomplish nothing.  Like the Mongoose, muster up the courage and cross that road!

Look what this Mongoose goes up against!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdg9gkmWsEA


Happy day dreaming today.

MissSam

March 30,2014

Pick Yu Breed Before Yu Breed

Pick yu breed before yu breed.

Translation:  Pick (or choose) your breed before you breed (procreate)!

What does this mean?  I give +Sonia Mundle-Smith, my Facebook friend & high school alumnus,  for this one.  She posted a picture of a scene where the roads some place in the U.S.A. were under lockdown after a bank robery, and made the statement that her grandmother used to say "pick you breed before yu breed".  Oh, those grandmothers!  Most of these incredibly wise Jamaican proverbs originated from these witty grandmothers, stated with humour in the language they knew.  The caution of this proverb is if you want to avoid scenes like the one pictured on her post happening with a member your family being the bank robber, know the family you are getting involved with. 

This is nothing new of course, families have been "picking thir breed" from bible days.  The Royal Families around the world do it and even my father said he picked the prettiest girl in the district to marry.  Turns out she was not only pretty, she was smart, ambitious, forward thinking and hard working too.  With industrialization where masses of people moved to cities and peoples identities and background are hard to verify the art of "picking your breed" has lost it's importance somehow and yet, in my opinion, it is still very relevant if you want to - as +Bob Proctor would say "improve the breed".  Bob Proctor is a motivational speaker who was ahead of the curve in self development.

If you are single and dating, be conscious of this proverb.  If you have children, impart this gem to them early!

Enjoy your Saturday & walk good,


MissSam

Saturdy Mar 15, 2014

Yu A Mek Pavement Fi Monkey Skip

"Yu a mek payvement fi monkey skip".

Translation:  You are making pavement for monkey to skip.

What does this mean?  I nearly fell off my chair when my friend, upon enquiring why a certain friend and her child's father broke up she blurted out "her aunt didnt like him, she thought Mabel (not the real name) was too good for John (not his real name) and she used to say - heh, Mabel a mek payvement fi monkey skip"!  Mabel was a hard working woman, working two jobs, John was somewhat of a playboy, so the aunt thought Mabel was working so hard to make life easy for John. 

That was the very first time I was hearing this proverb, I had to ask my friend to repeat it sevaral times - and of course, I couldnt stop laughing.  How these old folks come up with some of these proverbs is beyond my imagination!

Enjoy, and remember, dont do all the work by yourself, it will be appreciated more when those you are working for have skin in the game.

Blessings,

MissSam
March 8, 2014

TROUBLE DEH A BUSH, ANAASI BRING IT COME A YAAD

Memories of Spring

"Trouble deh a bush, anaasi bring it come a yaad"

Translation:  trouble is in the bush, anansi bring it come home.

What does this mean?  I was visiting with a dear friend and she was telling me about her efforts to reconnect with a close childhood frind who happens to be her cousin.  She hasnt seen this cousin in over 30 years and wondered how she would feel if he didnt make the effort to communicate with her even though a direct message was relayed.  Then she said, you know, I have thought about it, and I would be ok with it - afterall, who knows what this person's life situation is like now, maybe it would be for the best because "trouble deh a bush, anaasi bring it come a yaad"!  In reality, somethings are better left alone or we inadvertently invite misery into our lives.  I thank my friend for this one.

Application:  Another example would be to offer to do a favour for someone and this favour end up costing you money and grief.  I had a classic example of that in a work place situation in December.  Lesson learned, and unfortunately it takes the humanity out of some situations because you not only learn think twice, but also count the cost instead of just responding to a need or an opportunity to be helpful and considerate!

By the way, for those who dont know, Anansi stories is a big part of Jamaican Folklore.

As we say in Jamaica, keep on chucking,

MissSam
February 5, 2014

WAH NUH DEAD NUH DASH WEH

"Wah nuh dead, no dash weh"

Translation:  What is not dead, dont throw it away.

What does this mean:  Another way of saying where there is life there is hope.  There is always hope.  I was reading this article, and the story touched my heart.  So many times we are quick to pass judgement and declare someone or something hopeless.

Application:  The story speaks for it self!  Google the story and read about this amazing transformation.  There is also an article about +Orlando Franklin in the Jamaica Gleaner.

Just an anecdote:  In 1981 I was working in an office building at Yonge & Sheppard.  One of the offices on our floor put on a plant that was almost dead.  The plant makes a lovely house or office plant.  I broke off the top which was still good, took it home and planted.  I had that plant up until 2008 when I had to give it away as I was moving from a house to an apartment and did not have room for it.

Walk good, and remember, it it nuh dead nuh dash it way!

MissSam
February 5, 2014