Proud to be a country girl

On many occasions people have called me a country girl. Most of the time they say it in a derogatory manner. However, for those who constantly refer to me this way I want you to know that every time you say this, pride wells up inside of me. Every time I am referred to as a country girl I remember with much joy the unique life that I have led and still lead. Most of all I remember my dear grandfather and how much he helped me to enjoy my life in the country. Papa (my grandfather) would make up stories on the spot and always end with lessons like “what is death for crappaud is joke for corbeau.” What I remember most, is going to pick coffee with Papa. I can almost smell the coffee flowers as I type this. Papa used to tell me people used the flowers to make perfume.

Stupid me mixed the flowers with water only to find out what papa said was not quite true. When he was drying the coffee I used to walk on it. Boy did that tickle, it is a feeling I wish I could bring back. Papa would teach me to save money and although, according to him, he didn’t have “book sense” he had a lot of common sense and he was successful in teaching me some of life’s most important lessons, like “don’t go on the junction to lime” and “study yuh head good.” Translation: Think about what you have to do first and what is important. So when you call me a country girl remember that I had a grandfather who loved me and I have memories I hold firm to and will not give up for anything in this world. Being a country girl can be quite an adventure. I remember going to “catch conch” with my father. I went in the river and used my feet to feel for the little scavengers. Sometimes I would even use my hands, putting them in holes that probably had some dangerous creature.

One of my happiest memories is climbing a guava tree on the farm at the back of my house. Well that tree died and everyone said “when a girl climb a tree that does blight the tree.” The poor tree, however, was really old. Being a country girl also means that you learn strong morals and values. My father never hit any of his children but he was still able, through his lecturing, to instil strong, healthy morals and values in both my sister and I. He was always able to command the respect he deserved. So when you call me a country girl remember that I possess really strong morals and values that no one can change, and remember that I have really excellent parents. I attended the Tabaquite Roman Catholic School, then passed for ASJA Girls’ College, San Fernando. Whenever rain fell the school flooded and cockroaches would appear. The first time this happened all the girls began screaming and climbed on top of their desks.

Poor me, wanting to go with the crowd joined them, thinking “stupid girls!” I also had a bat entangled in my hair a couple years ago. But that’s another long story. So when you call me a country girl remember that I am educated and that I have had experiences you can never dream of having. My diet is a unique one. In my life I have eaten rabbit, agouti, deer, lappe, matte, tattoo (armadillo), pigeon, dove, corn-bird, manicou, iguana and more. Papa used to bring the heart of a Palmiste tree for me every evening because I never liked going to school, and that was his way of bribing me. As a bonus he would bring “chinee tamarind” or cocoa. So when you call me a country girl remember that I have a unique diet and I have tried many new things throughout my life. I am not afraid of change and growth. 

I used to bathe in a pond in the farm where ducks would sometimes fly. Then I would bathe with the ducks. Well my mom caught up with me and that was the end of that. I would also chase the ducks and go dig the nest in search of ducklings. This activity ceased when I was about five. I was naked and went outside to bathe. My mother told me to stand by the barrel and not to move until she came back. Stubborn being my middle name I went to torture the ducklings one last time. I was successful in getting a cute yellow and black duckling, and as I walked away I felt a sharp pain on my behind. Yep! The mother duck pecked me on my butt! That is literally a painful memory. Walking for half-a-mile to get a taxi in high heels is probably something you have not experienced either. So when you call me a country girl remember that my experiences go way beyond the ordinary.

I have always had loving, caring parents and the most adorable grandfather. My life has never been boring and I have been bruised many times. I remember going riding with my male cousins and throwing myself off a bicycle to avoid falling over a bridge. I felt like a real stunt woman. The brave guys had given me a bike without brakes! I have been hurt many times, not only physically but emotionally too. What is important is that I found the strength in God to get over it. So the next time you call me a country girl remember that I believe in God (a huge advantage) and remember that I have led and still lead a full, beautiful, adventurous life. The next time you call me a country girl remember I am proud to be one and will always be one in my heart!