INTERNET PRODUCTIVITY AMIDST PANDEMIC

@aishaprendy

It’s very important to stay home and stay safe. Some people don’t have the luxury to do this, they are out there in the midst of the chaos; providing medical care, serving and protecting, securing and sanitizing and doing what’s necessary to assist in controlling the outbreak of the virus; COVID-19.

Being “home” is getting unbearable, however, it’s time to be with Self and for self. When life was fast, all self desired was attention, more care. As we suffer this Pandemic, the government are doing their part to keep the economy strong and to regain all that was lost. What are we doing as individuals to combat this pandemic?

Practice Internet Productivity 

The internet is most accessible to us and unlimited information is in our palms. Do not limit yourself to social connections and fake news. The internet is a platform which provides us various ways to make us learn more about the things we are passionate about, it has tools to develop new skills, there are articles and books to take us to places we dreamt of being, lessons we missed in the classroom and some, just never taught to us. Tap into new and interesting skill like Microsoft Excel, Graphic designing, Coding, Blogging etc.

Learn how to be a better student with an app like Quizlet. Quizlet is a mobile and web-based study application that allows students to study information via learning tools and games.

Fiverr gives freelancers, like me, a source of income. This online app provides a platform for freelancers to offer services to customers worldwide. Services such as Voice Overs, Writing, Graphics, Instrumental tracks, Translations etc. 

Skilled workers, such as Hair Dressers, Designers, Barbers, Technicians and Artistes, take the downtime to develop your craft practically and theoretically. The internet is accessible to you, use it productively.

Children are off from school and parents need to spend more time being creative with their young ones; Arts and Crafts, Board Games, Educational Apps and Websites such as Trivial Pursuit, Cross Word Puzzles, Scrabbles, PBS kids etc. It's all just a click away.

Get Strong to be Strong 

We must limit our access to ´too much information´, especially if it’s developing fear and anxiety. We need to avoid, as much as possible, the overflow of fake news and timelines that are feeding unproductive (to you) activities.

Being there for your loved ones is important, however,´Your´ mental, physical and emotional strength is necessary, if you want to be strong for others. We need to take pride in protecting ourselves. There are activities we can indulge in that will take us through, practices beneficial to us such as Yoga, Reading Exercises, Cooking, Gardening, Workouts, etc. 

There is a pandemic that’s cancelling all our events and big plans for 2020 but let´s not forget, regardless of the chaos, nature gives hope, the universe is not failing us - Spring is still happening- Don´t Forget to Spring Clean! 

Instagram, Podcast, YouTube, Facebook, they are all crowded with people making a change, inspiring, instructing and even entertaining. Subscribe to the people whose influence has meaning to you, whether it makes you live better or laugh louder. Control your information, choose your teachers, locate your classroom and walk in and out as you like- that’s the beauty of the internet- you rule!

A new world is unfolding, adjust your life, take care of yourself and others, be kind, be vigilant, be safe. I pray for your remarkable resilience. Love and light my dear.

Aisha Prendy 

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/isha26prendy

California Named after a Black Queen

Not much is known about black history beyond slavery and fights for equal rights and justice. We also don't hear much black ´Herstory´; This is History about a powerful, black and very wealthy woman who reigned as Queen Califia.

copyright image; Queen Califia

QUEEN CALIFIA 

Her story is another one of those that was erased from America’s history but as always, what’s in the dark must come to light and it's oftentimes Golden.

I am captivated; staring in amusement- an ancient beauty with a striking frame. I saw strength in her muscles, fire in her eyes and her locs with long tales of sacrifice bordering her chiseled face. I got more intrigued as my eyes linger on her melanin covered skin, imagining the sunlight hitting the crown nestled atop her head painting glows golden all over her perfectly postured body. A portrait of untold stories, depicting power and undoubtedly a thousand words; that which I'm beckoned to read.

Her name is Queen Califia (Khalifia)

 Queen Califia is a Strong Black Queen after whom the state of California was named. She was of African descent; graced with thick wooly hair, full nose and thick lips. “A black Amazon queen who rules a land at the edge of the world, where the women were warriors and decked in gold (Ordonez de Montalvo). Califia ruled in the same era, as the Nubian queens from Africa. Her followers and fellow traders across the Mediterranean gave her utmost love and respect; she was significantly powerful though she reigns in peace.

Her Reign

Califia ruled in the 15th century during a time prior to Columbus’s visit and even prior Slavery. She traded gold tip spears, gold, diamonds, precious stones, furs, food, plants, rare birds and animals.  According to Diane Blackmon Bailey writer of the History of Queen Califia and the California Blacks, “Queen Califia ruled a civilization with an abundance of natural resources: gold, diamonds, vast quantities of precious stones and metals, with a territory spanning thousands and thousands of miles throughout California. From the coast of San Francisco to Bahia Mexico, as far inland as Colorado, Utah, and all the Pacific Ocean Island Nations including Hawaii, and Australia.”

Fact or Fictional?

Many view Queen Califia’s story as mythical, however, artefacts that are visible today in California state and sources of historic facts have proven that this story, if not true, is somewhere close to the truth. The most dominant story of Queen Califia was written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo’s in his 16th-century romance novel, Las sergas de Esplandían, where Califia’s story was written as fictional. It's also very popular for Spanish writers to portray black women rulers in their novels back then. In West Africa it was a tradition where descendants and relationships were determined through the female line, this was also practised throughout the world. In such times, society was based on maternal values, hence the ruling of a powerful woman such as Califia.

Various online sources have mentioned recent discoveries of cave arts in California. Such pictures depict matriarchal society, trade, and exotic animals.  It is said that ancient artefacts can be found in California on what is now an army base for US Military. The Queen Califia Magical circle can be found today in Escondido, California. It is a sculptural Garden created by world-class artiste Nikki De Saint Phalle. It is a garden of colourful sculptures of the state’s historic, and of course, mythical past.

The writings of Queen Califia’s existence, whether fact or fictional, is of significant inspiration to myself and other black women. Knowledge about this powerful female leader fuels confidence in black women around the world and our black nation in general. We are truly powerful, wealthy and strong. We need to grasp that mentally before truly regaining our physical strength to own our worth as we continue to fight for equal rights and justice. Our history didn't begin at slavery and poverty; next time you celebrate black history, let's celebrate our historical wealth, power and royalty.

PS- It is rather impossible for us to view the cave arts where the military base is now located but “The Queen Califia magical circle” is definitely something I would love to be kicked off my bucket list. I will continue to research more on this inspirational figure from an era where women ruled!

Thank you for reading.

Happy Women’s month!

 Read more at http://www.eurweb.com “The History of Queen Califia and the California Blacks” – Researched and written by Diane Blackmon Bailey

My article was published in the Campus Press; March.2016. Written in celebration of Women´ s History Month.

Check out cover page story - "The State of California named for Queen Califia"; continued on page 5.

LINK TO STORY: https://camdencc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Campus_Press_March_2016.pdf

1)      PHOTO CREDIT: Online source “Published in 1510-Queen Califia, is this legend or fact?” by Sola Rey

2)      Photo taken by Jeff Rozwadowski at the Mark Hopkins Hotel – San Francisco, CA.

 

YOU TRIPPING?

¨Once a year, go somewhere you've never been before¨  Dalai Lama.

Most of us love the sound of this, but, is it really possible?
The answer is yes! Travel doesn't have to be overly expensive and an out of the budget lifestyle. It can be near or far, local, domestic or international. The exciting part is the desire to take the adventure, take it and say you´ve done it.   

Desire is one thing but the reality oftentimes kicks-in. There are some major things to consider before making travel arrangements, eg. purpose, availability and the most prominent of all, expense. Everyoneś lifestyle is different and as you make plans to travel choose the destination that fits your budget OR Hey! Why not budget for the destination? (Wink)

Photographed by: Marc Pickards 
Let´s go Island hopping! (Spoiler alert; Title of an upcoming feature )

Choosing a travel destination can be super exciting. Whether its a trip to the neighbouring city or a week cruising the Mexican Riviera. No matter the choices, there must be a reason. Most of us choose to travel during college breaks, winter holidays and according to popular studies, the majority of us choose to travel around summer time. We also have spontaneous travellers who just love to take advantage of a quick getaway weekend and of course, those who can only take it when their employer permits.  (Sings Dolly Paton´s 9 to 5)

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers. It is greatly appreciated for its beautiful beaches,  warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. 

¨LET´S GO!

Who you choose to travel with makes the trip a unique experience. Sometimes it's the people in your life; friends, family, partner, coworkers, that inspire you to take a trip. However, if you have an idea of an ideal travel destination then it's on you to decide who is best to share the experience with and YOU BETTER choose wisely (wink). If finding a perfect travel partner is ever an issue, I will share with you one of my favourite quotes of all time ¨Traveling alone can be one of the scariest most liberating, life-changing experience of your life, try it at least once.¨

MONEY FOR TRAVEL 

You don't need to be rich to travel. With the right motivation, you have already arrived. You need to be creative about savings and money management. There are so many ways you can do this. For example, identifying the things you spend on monthly, separating wants from needs and eliminating some of the things you spend money on like, eating out, excessive entertainment activities and shopping for new clothes. You would be surprised by the amount of money we spend throughout the year on things that are materialistic and unnecessary in our basic lives.

I agree strongly that the theories on saving and budgeting can get pretty cliched. However, the things we choose to priorities during different stages of our lives are the things that are important to us and if you always have a desire to travel somewhere special now is the time.

A travel experience does not only bring leisure; it educates, inspires and impact our lives in many different ways.

I love travelling. I love going to new places to experience different cultures, meeting people and listening to their stories (give me a different accent! I love it!) A new atmosphere refuels me and I am reminded that there is much more to learn and to live for.

¨Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in this world ¨ Gustav Flaubert

Visit a few islands in Alaska. The cold was rigid but according to the locals ¨this weather is unusual for us; you guys brought sun, which we haven´t had all year round¨. It was a great week! One of the Best! 

MAKE TRAVEL MORE FUN BY SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE 

If you´ve travelled somewhere interesting. Share your experience. Send a photo and your best caption to be featured in our next publication of ¨Travel Diary¨

Email primaryproject01@gmail.com