Creation

Originally published on wildflowerenterprises.net, November 25, 2020, Written by Emily Strachan

Well here is something about me!  I was born on one of the many islands making up  the archipelago chain called the Bahamas.  Located in the Central Bahamas Cat Island shares the common qualities like all of our islands crystal clear turquoise waters an pristine sandy beaches.  Its most valuable assets are its people who are for the most part easy going, hospitable and creative.  

Growing up, I loved Island life.  Everyone was special and the village was always bustling with activities.  Nature was integral, counting stars and  keeping track of the changing faces of the moon which dictated the fruit and vegetable planting season.   Finance and other resources were limited therefore improvisation and creativity were well known to every family.  At an early age I learned to use my hands and imagination to create various items for functional use in our home.  My mother was a whiz!  Her innovative and creative spirit seemed boundless.  I have learned and inherited much of her creativity. 

My community shaped my ability to appreciate each persons gift/talent; to appreciate the differences and celebrate the similarities.  What a beautiful world we can create with so many gifted beautiful people!

After completing high school on Cat Island I moved to New Providence, the capital city and hub of the entire Bahamas.  There I attended college and university and pursued a career in teaching at the secondary level.  Working with teenagers was challenging, exciting and a two way street of teaching and learning at the same time.  I enjoyed the children but often felt too regimented by the educational system.

My love for creative expression though not as active resurfaced from time to time.  After several years in New Providence I relocated to Grand Bahama Island.

Here I continued my teaching career for the next nine years.  The classroom for me was now a creative garden growing wild with untapped possibilities.  I eventually  decided to trade the field of academics for  the brand new world of potentiality.  I wanted to provide each child with the opportunity to find and nurture his/her  creative passion.  Uniqueness lies within each of us and when one can express oneself accordingly; one experiences much joy which impacts others.    Having left teaching I began learning new skills in handicraft and activating old ones.

Currently I share my gift with others by empowering women and children to discover and nurture their god given talents and help create a world where everyone can contribute in their own special way helping to cultivate happiness, productivity and self worth.