Father and Son Duet

Father forgive them for they know not what they do

My earthly father, my pappy how can I forgive you

For all the time lost, for all memories which will never be remembered

Our faces, our voices, our walks are the same yet our spirits which bring life to the superficial clash like an out of tune trumpet playing amongst the many

We can never make music because we are not on the same accord. Disharmony is what is heard.

You pluck your cord harder then mine...the vibrations of sound tower over

Who can bearly hear my precious note.

A note that has been sharp and vibrant but now is flat and melancholy.

I want us to make music. To hear the depth of your voice say "I love you son." It would reverb like a beautiful italian aria

That would surely pull my heart strings

Releasing an energy greater than a diva singing the last note of a power ballad

Even though you continue to leave me solo...I will always be there waiting to play a duet with you.

To play a duet with the man who from his seed I rose

And one day you will accept and we will make a fusion of sound so eloquent so unique...it will be unheard of

but for now...there is silence

Ridiculous & Sublime

I am so excited there is a still-image film in the works about a religious community that I visited this summer.  It is called Ridiculous & Sublime. The friars in this film are from a community called the Little Brothers of St. Francis.  They are an interesting group of men to say the least. Check out the trailer:

Ridiculous and Sublime - trailer from Maureen Cotton on Vimeo.

The Lady in the Emerald Dress

It was New Year's Eve and after almost losing my life twice, because of the icy roads and horrible driving conditions, it felt good to be home.  Before long the fears of the year ahead began to possess my mind.  Would things in my life change? Am I learning from my mistakes? Am I going to free myself of my addictions and vices?   I always wished that at midnight all my problems from the previous year would just vanish.  I wanted them to disappear like a small fragile flurry that dematerializes as it touches the pavement.  I knew that would never happen, but I still wished.  It seemed like it would be a typical New Year's Eve at my household.  An evening of boredom watching mindless TV and popping a bottle of champange with my parents, but this year we had company coming over.  Jean Rene was coming.  He was my paternal aunt's brother, but had no relation to my father.  He was a doctor.  He always impressed me.  He was so gentle and easy going, which was completely different from how older Haitian men acted. 

At 8:15 the bell rang twice in quick succesion and I went to answer it.  As soon I opened the door I saw Jean Rene's big smile.  He had to big bags in his hands and he handed me one.  We made small talk as we walked into the living room.  There was one thing that was weird though his usually date was not there.  Where was Elizabeth the plain but lovely lady from English-speaking Montreal?  Instead stood a lady at 6 feet with strong facial features and a very short hair cut, she was pratically bald.  She was in her late 50s.  She was very thin and under her cheap fur was a bright emerald dress.  Her earings and brooch twinkled as the light from the chandelier struck them.  There was something that just brought your attention to her.  I still don't know what it was.  She was not particularly pretty but certainly striking.  At first she seemed distant and high sidity, but she later made me eat my words, because she was quite warm and festive. 

When the clock struck 12:00 am, I made my usual wish and offered a prayer of thanksgiving  amidst the sounds of nose makers and drunk family.  At that same moment the lady in the emerald dress disappeared from the dining room into the living room where she kneeled near the Christmas tree and bowed her head.  Two minutes later she arose and gave everyone a hug and wished us a Happy New Year.  Then came time to make a toast and she volunteered herself to open the champagne bottles.  The first one she opened slowly and dainty.  Then she asked if we wanted to have a little fun with the next bottle as she shook it up.  My mom said, "Just a little" and took two steps back.  The lady with the emerald dress held the bottle in her hand and closed her eyes.  One of her leathery hands clenched the neck of the bottle tight as if she didn't want it to release what was held inside. She began to breathe heavy and then POP, the bottle was open.  The champagne missiled out and hit everyone in the room.  It seemed as if that was what she wanted.  If it was a blessing or curse we were all receiptants.  

I don't know what the New Year holds, but I cannot remain fearful.  I just have to grab the bottle by the neck, close my eyes and not worry about making a mess.  The New Year is unpredictable but if "shake it up" (by having good fun) and approach it with a joyful attitude it will surely be memorable and POP.

Gucci Pour Homme II

I love this cologne. While wearing it transports me to cool crisp woodland where the ground is damp, but yet still charming. The scent is so unique and soothing. It is not strong but yet people around you notice it. I highly recommend it.