Thursday, October 3, 2024

Better Days Are Coming

 
Seagulls flying over tropics sea and beach at sunrise.

 "Sunshine Morning" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

This poem is built to be a deep, resonant meditation on hope, reminding us that no matter how hard the present may feel, there is always a better future to strive for.

 

Better Days Are Coming
(A Poem of Hope and Resilience)

The storm may rage, the skies may weep,
Through restless nights, I find no sleep,
But deep within, my soul still knows,
A brighter path, where sunlight flows.

Beneath the clouds, beneath the rain,
There hides a world beyond the pain.
Where shadows fade, and hearts can heal,
A place of peace, where love is real.

For every tear that streaks the face,
For every moment lost in space,
There lies a hope, a whispered song,
That better days will come along.

High Hibiscus

 
High Hibiscus

"High Hibiscus" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Floppy Hibiscus

"Floppy Hibiscus" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Plumbago Flowers

 
Plumbago Flowers

"Plumbago Flowers" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Yellow Crotons

 
Yellow Crotons

"Yellow Crotons" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Sweet Richard - Bahamian Entertainer

 
Sweet Richard montage image.
 
Sweet Richard
 
 

Sweet Richard - Bahamian Entertainer

Sweet Richard, born Richard George Dean on May 11, 1932, in Long Island, Bahamas, became one of the most beloved Bahamian entertainers, known for his dazzling limbo and fire dancing. His career, vibrant personality, and striking performances earned him the title of "King of Junkanoo," a tribute to his passion for Bahamian culture and street performances.

Dandelion In The Grass

 
Dandelion In The Grass

"Dandelion In The Grass" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Guard Duty

 
Potcake dog on stone wall.

"Guard Duty" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Follow Your Heart

 
man and woman looking up contemplating a decision.

 "Choices" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
This poem celebrates the courage and wisdom that come from listening to the inner voice, the heart, rather than external pressures or doubts. It encourages embracing personal truth and navigating life’s challenges with trust in the guidance found deep within.
 

Follow Your Heart

When the roads before you stretch and wind,
And shadows cast their doubts on mind,
When whispers from the world confound,
And silence seems the loudest sound—
Close your eyes, let fear depart,
And listen deep: follow your heart.

For in that quiet space inside,
Where dreams and whispered truths reside,
A voice more pure than worldly din,
Will call you where your soul begins.
Through storm or calm, through joy or pain,
That voice will guide you home again.

The world will offer maps and schemes,
Tell you to forgo your dreams.
It'll speak of caution, plan, and chart—
But none know better than your heart.
Its compass true, its pull divine,
Leads not to gold, but to a sign.

Bougainvillea Wall

 

Pink Bougainvillea over stone wall.

Bougainvillea Wall - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 4032x3024


Bougainvillea Wall - Video
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download video

Peace

 
Peace of made of flowers on tropic beach.

"Peace On The Beach" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Peace Flower Wreath on black background.

 "Peace Flower Wreath" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Colorful City Skyline - PC Wallpaper

 
Colorful City Skyline

"Colorful City Skyline" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5076x3072

Monday, September 30, 2024

The Eloise Trio

 
The Eloise Trio

The Eloise Trio
 

Eloise Lewis and The Eloise Trio: A Comprehensive Biography

 

I. Early Life and Background of Eloise Lewis

Eloise Lewis was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1935 learning her musical skills from her brother Freddie who played guitar and wrote songs.  Music was an integral part of her upbringing, and she was exposed to a rich tapestry of sounds, from traditional Caribbean folk songs to American jazz, which heavily influenced her later career. Eloise was a pioneering vocalist known for her powerful voice, emotional range, and versatility in jazz, folk, and Caribbean music.(Last.FM)

From an early age, Lewis exhibited a strong passion for singing, often performing in church choirs and local talent shows. Her formative years in the Caribbean gave her a deep connection to the rhythms and styles of her homeland. By her teenage years, Eloise had already made a name for herself locally, impressing audiences with her vocal control and stage presence. She soon set her sights on expanding her horizons, recognizing the global potential of her talents.

Fantasy Dancers

 
Fantasy Dancer

"Fantasy Dancer" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
 
Fantasy Dancer

"Fantasy Dancer" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Glow Fish

 
Neon outline fish on black background.

"Glow Fish" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 4608x3584
 

Big Glow Fish

"Big Glow Fish" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Bahamian Potholes

 
Angry driver standing next to huge pothole.

"Bahamian Pothole" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Bahamian Potholes

Da Bahamian pothole should be respected by all,
Includin' you an' me.
'Cause da Bahamian pothole has now become,
Part of our cultural identity.

Nuttin' in da worl' like a Bahamian pothole,
Dem foreign pothole is a joke to ares.
'Cause a Bahamian pothole is a special breed a pothole,
Breakin' up trucks an' cars.

Don't drive too fas' on da road,
'Cause you could lose your soul,
If you hit it a Bahamian pothole an' turn over,
An' den you lay out, dead col'.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Junkanoo Thor

 
Junkanoo Thor

"Junkanoo Thor" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Junkanoo Thor

"Junkanoo Thor" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Bougainvillea Veranda

 
pink Bougainvillea on Veranda with tropic sea in background.

"Bougainvillea Veranda" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
 
Pink Bougainvillea on veranda with tropic sea in background.

"Bougainvillea Veranda" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Friday, September 27, 2024

The Continuous Breakdown and Eventual Collapse of Society: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

 
Young men with guns and street on fire.

 "Breakdown and Collapse" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Continuous Breakdown and Eventual Collapse of Society: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

 

Introduction

Throughout history, civilizations have risen and fallen, often leaving lessons about what leads to societal breakdown and collapse. In modern times, there is increasing concern about whether contemporary society might be heading toward a similar fate. Signs of social instability, including a rise in crime, weakening family structures, political polarization, and growing distrust in institutions, have led many to fear a societal collapse.

This report explores the root causes behind the continuous breakdown of society, including the impact of bad parenting, the erosion of family values, disrespect for laws, and declining moral standards. It will also address the potential consequences of a complete societal collapse, measures to repair existing damage, strategies for preventing further breakdown, and how these solutions can create a more sustainable and harmonious world.

Fun Time Island - Happy World Tourism Day

 
Fun Time Island

"Fun Time Island" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
 
Fun Time Island Dancers

"Fun Time Island Dancers" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Junkanoo Reef

 
Junkanoo Reef

"Junkanoo Reef" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo Reef

"Junkanoo Reef" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Thursday, September 26, 2024

The Origins of Earth and Life - Genesis 1 Retold by AI

 
AI Genesis

"AI Genesis" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
I put the entire chapter of Genesis 1 into the AI ChatBot and instructed it to rewrite it scientifically.

 
Genesis 1 Retold by AI

The Origins of Earth and Life

 

Phase 1: The Formation of the Cosmos

In the initial stages of the universe's existence, a process of cosmic formation began. A vast, formless, and empty space existed, with darkness encompassing the early universe. The foundational energy, a pervasive and organizing force, hovered over the chaotic waters, representing the unstructured matter of the primordial Earth.

Phase 2: The Introduction of Electromagnetic Radiation

A sudden burst of energy, possibly analogous to an early expansion or quantum fluctuation, initiated the first observable phenomenon—light. This radiation illuminated the nascent universe. This introduction of light marked a key separation between illuminated matter and the darker, cold regions. The alternating periods of light and darkness formed the basis for what would later be understood as the cycle of day and night.

Phase 3: The Formation of the Atmosphere

As the planet Earth continued to evolve, atmospheric forces began to act, leading to the development of a gaseous layer that separated different states of water. A vast expanse, later known as the atmosphere, emerged to partition the water molecules in gaseous form above from the liquid waters below. This atmospheric boundary was critical in stabilizing the planet’s climate and hydrological cycle.

The Answer Is Love

The Key of Love

 "The Key of Love" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
The Answer Is Love

Beneath the weight of stars that burn
In skies that shift, in hearts that yearn,
When questions rise, like restless sea,
One truth endures: Love sets us free.

In winds that sweep through winter’s chill,
And mountains towering, cold and still,
In shadows long, where doubts are sown,
Love is the seed where light is grown.

The sun may fall, the moon may hide,
And tides may crash on every side,
But in the storm, when hope is lost,
Love is the compass, though tempest-tossed.

Into The Shore Pt. 2

 
Overhead view of tropics waves washing ashore a tropic beach.

"Into The Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Overhead view of tropics waves washing ashore a tropic beach.

"Into The Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Royal Junkanoo Couple

 
Royal Junkanoo Couple

"Royal Junkanoo Couple - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Mediterranean Shore - PC Wallpaper

 
Mediterranean Shore

"Mediterranean Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072


Mediterranean Shore

"Mediterranean Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

My Short Story Featured at DA

 
Bertram and the Square Grouper Dev Art Daily Feature sreenshot 1

My short story "Bertram and the Square Grouper" got a Daily Feature Award today at Deviantart.Com
 
Wow! Many thanks to Dev Art for the DD. I really appreciate it. Most of all, many thanks to my followers who continue to support me.💗 Thank you, thank you, thank you.😊


Bertram and the Square Grouper Dev Art Daily Feature sreenshot 2

I used AI to create the image but NO AI was used to write the story. I used my brain only.😊
 
Took me about 2 hours to write it, imagining and writing and putting it together.
 
You can visit them to read it here or you can read it right here on NativeStew.Com

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Exuma, The Obeah Man: A Biography of Bahamian Musician Tony McKay

 
Tony McKay, Exuma, The Obeah Man

"Tony McKay, Exuma, The Obeah Man"
Bahamian Singer/Musician
 
 

Exuma, The Obeah Man: A Biography of Bahamian Musician Tony McKay

 

Introduction

Tony McKay, better known by his stage name Exuma, was a visionary Bahamian musician and performer whose eclectic blend of folk, calypso, African rhythms, and spiritual themes catapulted him into the realms of cult legend. Best known for his fusion of Bahamian music with New Orleans blues and his deeply mystical and spiritual performances, McKay adopted the persona of Exuma, The Obeah Man, drawing from Caribbean folklore, the African-derived religion of Obeah, and his own rich cultural heritage. Throughout his career, Exuma remained a deeply enigmatic figure who defied categorization, both musically and personally.

This biography traces his life from his Bahamian roots through his rise in the Greenwich Village folk scene, his creation of a unique musical genre, and his enduring legacy in Caribbean culture and beyond.

Into The Shore

 
Overhead view of waves washing onto tropic beach.

"Into The Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Overhead view of waves washing onto tropic beach.

"Into The Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Royal Junkanoo Couple

 
Roayal Junkanoo Couple

"Royal Junkanoo Couple - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Mediterranean Shore - PC Wallpaper

 
Mediterranean Shore

"Mediterranean Shore" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Imagination is Everything

Imagination Mind

"Imagination Mind" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Imagination is Everything
 
Imagination is the spark of dawn,
A silent dream where thoughts are born.
A whisper in the quiet night,
That weaves the dark and bends the light.

It builds the bridges no hands can span,
Turns simple dreams into grander plans.
A painter’s brush in a barren sky,
Crafting worlds where spirits fly.

It knows no walls, no chains, no bars,
It dances free between the stars.
Where oceans rise and mountains fall,
Imagination embraces all.

Ancient Tech Junkanoo

 
Ancient Tech Junkanoo dancer.

"Ancient Tech Junkanoo" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Ancient Tech Junkanoo dancer.

"Ancient Tech Junkanoo" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Pastel Beach Sunrise - PC Wallpaper

 
Pastel Beach Sunrise

"Pastel Beach Sunrise" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072
 
 
Pastel Beach Sunrise

"Pastel Beach Sunrise" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072

Overcast Bahamas - PC Wallpaper

Overcast Bahamas island settlement.

"Overcast Bahamas" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size wallpaper: 5376x3072