Serene...

LIFE

Sometimes in life we need to stand up for ourselves

Trust the unknown.

When we are faced with situations

That will either make us stronger, bigger, better humans,

We need to look internally

But often we just cower away from such strengths.

Because of fear which cripples us,

We rely on others to make decisions for us

That would impact the rest of our lives.

This is your life, this is my life

Live it before it’s over!

~Din

"Clouds"

White and greys

Puffy, heavy and light

Floating, dancing and swirling
Evolving, shapeshifting and fading

Peaceful, majestic and tumultuous.

"Opinions"

The sculptor etches away

Creating this masterpiece he has in mind,

And so we too etch at ourselves, at the end of the day

Hoping to reveal our real humankind.

How honest can you really be?

Knowing only the truth will set you free.

There are days when I think it’s my last

But somehow they usually past.

On this journey we call life

We all have our own share of strife.

This somehow jolts us into reality

Where we sometimes find true tranquillity unexpectedly

El Cerro Del Aripo

Photos by Eddison Baptiste

 Some of you may know my heart is in the forest ~ it brings me a sense of calm and always refreshes my soul! Today we took a hike with the Field Naturalist Club to El Cerro Del Aripo, which is the highest point in Trinidad and Tobago just about 3,084ft.

Our hike started at about 9:00 am from the lower end of La laja road. We walked along an old road that was once used as a short cut to get to Brasso Seco by some of the villagers many years ago.

As we started to ascend on the ridge to our destination you could feel the coolness in the air. The forest was vibrant with many shades of greens, all the rainfall over the last few days had the leaves looking shiny and new. We heard many calls along the way including Wrens, Bellbirds, Thrushes, Trogons, Toucans and even a Black-faced Ant-thrush walked by and said hello!

As we reached the summit we were greeted with a fleeting glimpse of a Red Brocket Deer! It was the first time in my life that I saw this animal in the wild; it literally took my breath away! I think I was happier to see him, than I was to realize that we were at the peak of our destination.

It was noon as we stood there in the open having our lunches, and the rains came down and washed us off. Then it was time to descend again, going back was trickier and I only fell twice! I have not had this much fun in a very long time. I do look forward to more exciting times ahead with the Feild Naturalist Club. Thanks for a wonderful day and a great experience!  

Denise Etienne

Millipede

Millipede   © Denise Etienne

Yesterday I was weeding my garden and came upon an interesting pair of Millipedes. Perhaps they were mating? 

Millipedes do not bite and are harmless to humans. Usually they are found in damp or moist areas.The word Millipede means 1000 legs, but in reality they have a lot less. In fact, the more common ones usually have 200 to 400 legs on average, having two pairs of legs per body segment.

Their diet consists mainly of decaying plant matter, such as leaves, wood and rarely ever green leaves.

Serendipity...

Life sure is full of unexpected twists and turns,

Sometimes you wonder why things happen

At the time it all seems pointless

But when things eventually fall into place

Then it all begins to make sense

© Denise Etienne

Guava

Guava  © Denise Etienne

I consider the Guava fruit to be a powerhouse of nutrients. It is low in calorie and rich in dietary fiber, protein, potassium, vitamins A & C (it is know to contain over four times the amount of vitamin C than an orange) and lots more.

There are several species of Guavas. Usually they are green in color, but as they ripen they turn yellow.

The Guava has many health benefits including; helps with coughs and colds, helps to reduce blood pressure, the juice of the leaves cures tooth aches and swollen gums, helps with diarrhea and the list goes on.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Red-eared Slider

Red-eared Slider © Denise Etienne

Here are a few shots I took of the Red-eared Slider when I was last at the Emperor Valley Zoo. Their name is derived from the red skin around the ear region, and the fact that they are known to be extremely brisk creatures! They are fresh water turtles and excellent swimmers.

Red-eared Slider © Denise Etienne

These turtles are omnivores, some of their foods include; fruits, vegetables, fish, aquatic plants and insects.

As you can see they also enjoy basking in the sun!

© Denise Etienne

Ending...

Each ending is a beginning

A part of me dies with you

While the rest of me creeps onward

Trying to make myself whole

Once again