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Happy New Year from Chef Elle Philippe!

Elle Philippe Photo for InnerViewDon’t make a resolution, but a change in your life you can live by! The New Year is the continuation on your life; vision starts with an idea. Wishing all of you a Blissful year.  Chef Elle Philippe.

 

Read more about Chef Elle in a VOICESfromHaiti INNERview:

I was born in Port-Au-Prince. Both of my parents came from Leogane. Although I left a long time ago, Haiti will always be home. My roots are there. It is there that I took my first step. It is where I first said “I love you,” and understood what that meant. Haiti gave and continues to give me courage. It taught me to respect and treat everyone that comes into my life with dignity. I think about Haiti every day. I have nostalgie for the people, the music, the sun, the colors, Rond Point, Champs de Mars, Bicentenaire: those places may have changed significantly; some may no longer exist. In my own heart, however, they will always be there. No matter where I go in the world, Haiti will always be home.

Happy New Year, Elle! Thank you for sharing your voice on VoicesfromHaiti!

 

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Elsie Augustave, author of The Roving Tree, Sends wishes for the New Year

Elsie Gustave from KreyolishPeople in many countries of the world celebrate the first of January as it represents new beginnings, new opportunities, new dreams, and new hopes. But for us Haitians, it is also a time to celebrate our pride in a nation that marked world history.
My wish is that Haitians will, once again, rise above oppression and that our beloved country will provide us with a new sense of pride. I also wish for us to soon be blessed with a country, where quality education is attainable for children of all means. Let us all commit to making a difference in the lives of those who are not as fortunate as we are, for a better Haiti.
Elsie’s new book, A Roving Tree, is a searing tale of loss and redemption.  Check it out! http://www.huemanbookstore.com/book/9781617751653
Thank you, Elsie Augustave! Happy New Year too you!
(Picture of Elsie Gustave – Kreyolicious)
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Michèle Voltaire Marcelin Greets the New Year

michele voltaire marcelinPoet, painter, actress, Haiti Noir 2: The Classics author, Michele Vortaire Marcelin offers the following words for the New Year:

 

“In 2014,  Be Grateful for Whatever Comes! Of all the resolutions you may make at the dawn of 2014, make this one a keeper for the good and the bad times that will inevitably arise on the path to finding peace and tranquility, joy and happiness, and a more equal and just world.

We are but a guest house, and all the arrivals will make us richer in experience. Be Grateful and have an Enlightened New Year!
Michèle Voltaire Marcelin and Jocelyn McCalla”
THE GUEST HOUSEThis being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture;
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks

Happy New Year, Michèle Voltaire Marcelin!
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Jany Tomba’s New Year Wish

Jany TombaA New Year Message from The Inimitable Jany Tomba.

As 2014 approaches, I reflect on the true obsession of my soul: Haiti, the land of my birth. I reflect on Haiti’s beauty and struggle.

From the bottom of my heart, now, I want to cry all of my wishes for Haiti:  We want the 3Es: Energy, Education, and the Eradication of Cholera.

-Jany Tomba

Happy New Year to you and your family, Jany. Thank you for sharing your stories with us here on Voicesfromhaiti.com.

May your wishes come true. The 3Es. Not a lot to ask for. Just health for a people who have suffered enough.

VoicesfromHaiti INNERview with Jany Tomba: Get to know this icon of Haitian culture on a different level.

http://vimeo.com/25687796

Jany Tomba sporting her blue and red.
Jany Tomba sporting her blue and red.

http://www.voicesfromhaiti.com/kreyol/supermodel-jany-tomba/http://www.voicesfromhaiti.com/2012/06/jany-tomba-rambling-on-water/

http://www.voicesfromhaiti.com/inner-views/whats-on-jany-tombas-bookshelf/

Happy New Year, Jany!