Why this title? Well, the word “laughter” itself has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? I feel like it’s impossible to say the word without smiling. I like saying it almost as much as I like partaking in the act of it. I figured, hey, whatever the content of this blog may be, at least my loved ones will get to behold the word “laughter” each time they open the page. 🙂
Also: my first exposure to anything related to the Caribbean was, I believe, that wonderful Harry Belafonte song “Down the Way.” I’m not sure if that’s actually the song’s title, but I was enamored of it as a child, and it was usually my first request when my father sat down at the piano. Is it just me, or is there something universally magical about this song? I realize it was written about Jamaica, not the Commonwealth of Dominica…but, well, it’s the same region. And it’s part of the 12-Island Caribbean Initiative, too (I will try to explain a bit more about this initiative in next week’s posting). And very nice salt fish can be had here. And the sun, indeed, shines daily on the mountaintop. In fact, flying into Dominica, the island appears to be nothing but sunshiny green mountaintops.
Mainly, though, of all the joys and wonders of my new home in the Carib Territory, the most beautiful of all are the sounds of laughter that permeate the air. They are even sweeter to the ear than the sound of the ocean, the chirping of crickets, and the whispering of a warm island breeze.
Denali my precious one,
This is so heartwarming. Your stories are full of joy, song and laugther. Thanks for the photos. They remind me of when you visited my family in Brooklyn and my little grand neices all gathered around you and braided her hair. God willing, I will come and assist you with your work.
Much love,
Auntie Clyde
i love you auntie denali!!!!
Denali, I love you so much and I miss you even more! I am so proud of you and inspired by you! Keep it up! I am with you in spirit! I will be reading your blog and using it to inspire others. I love you so much! Perhaps I will come visit you and teach with you!
lots of love,
Anna
When can I come over to visit you and spend some time in that amazing community so that you can put me to work?
I love this! Thank you so much for posting it. Keep it coming, keep it coming.
Loveyouloveyouloveyouloveyouloveyouloveyouloveyouloveyou!
-your sister
Denali,
I just struck it rich when I found this little goldmine of a website. I love reading you and blue, eggs and spiders. I will assume you are still there?
If you have some time could you tell be what led you there and the work you’re doing? I long to pioneer and my time is getting closer. You are an inspiration to this aging woman who longsssssssssssssss to pioneer!!
Love to you and all the children that meet you!
Nancy