New Years Eve........

Today is the last day of the first decade of the 21st Century. Tomorrow I will post a New Years message, but for now I would love to wish all my friends, family and blogger friends a very Happy 2010 and I hope that whatever you wish for truly comes true.

The noughties have been a great decade for me. I found my soulmate, travelled, reconnected with my family overseas and began to find happiness that so often eluded me. I also disconnected with some great friends and I hope that we will find each other in the future.

However tonight is all about partying and like the Black Eyes peas song .. its gonna be a good night!

I'm off to party at two locations before i hit the sack.

Whatever you do... Have fun and see you on the other side...

Happy Birthday Mum!

Today is my Mum's birthday and she is the author of the highly successful Gloria's Spanish View.

She is currently taking a break from her blog, but like you guys like me hope that in the new year restarts her blog.

Any how, today's post is dedicated to her and I truly wish her a great year and that whatever she wishes, hopes and dreams for really comes true.

The above picture is one of my most favourite pictures of me and my mom. It was taken during our visit to Granada, Spain inAugust 2009. We had a fab day, my mom made a gorgous picnic and the weather was heavenly. That day the highlight of that trip and the above picture

shows how much we loved the day, each other and Granada.

Happy birthday Mum!

Much love from

Your Son

John

and Sirus Black (Cee)

Merry Christmas

Sorry for the lack of recent posts, I have been trying unsuccessfully to beat a cold. However I couldn't let this day pass without wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas!

South Norwood at Night Covered with Snow

South Norwood seen from my bedroom window,

the streets, houses and cars covered by snow.

Snow, Car Crashes and Chaos - South Norwood in Snow

Last night it snowed , although some parts of London didn’t get any snow, It snowed in South Norwood, with some disastrous results.

Below are a few snaps of the snow near where I live... some people love snow, I’m not one of them!

Why is that tree in my way?

Regents Park Street - Christmas Lights

Regents Streets Christmas Lights on a rainy evening.

The Morning Commute - London Underground

Taken with my blackberry Bold.

Jounery to work using the London Underground.

The London Ice Bear - Trafalgar Square London

Copenhagen is the city on everyone’s lips. The climate change summit which aims to start to resolve the effects of Global warming by getting the governments of our world to make cuts in CO2 emmissions. We all need to focus our minds to what we all need to do to reduce our carbon foot print.

The London Ice Bear is in Trafalgar Square from Friday 11 December until Sunday 20 December, slowly melting over that time to reveal a dramatic bronze skeleton.Inspired by the Arctic landscape, it’s a life-sized representation of a male polar bear in hunting pose.Everyone is invited to touch the ice sculpture. Artist Mark Coreth hopes that by touching this sculpture audiences can become sculptors themselves and make a direct connection with the bear and its icy Arctic kingdom, now under threat from man-made climate change. It will also, of course, have an impact on how quickly the Ice Bear melts – just as we can all have an influence on the rate of global warming.

Do your bit and reduce your carbon footprint.

For ideas of what you can do click HERE

Happy Blogoversary - Trojan's Corner is One today

After 420 posts, 63 followers and 365 days, Trojan's Corner has reached it's first birthday.

I have really enjoyed showing my photographs, poetry and video blogs to a wider audience.

Thank you for your support and comments and especially a massive thank you to the following followers!

Sally's World
Sell car
Gloria's Spanish View
Christopher Raun Leth
My name is Erin

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com

Thanks again!

Happy Birthday! Much Love, Trojan

I am lucky to be surrounded by lots of great and inspirational women in my life. They both lived through challenging times whilst living life to the full. Today is their birthday and today I have dedicated this post in their honour - Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday Grandma

The above picture was taken last year on the American Independence day (July 4th) in Miami, USA. My aunt, uncle and grandma took me to watch the firework display at Biscayne, Miami.

I just bought the hat that I'm wearing from a cuban shop and we decided to take a picture together. My grandma is a lovely, super woman.

Love you and I hope to see you in the new year.

Have a great birthday Sally.

Happy Birthday Sally!

To my regular readers, you would be aware of my great friend Sally. She is the author of the wonderful blog Sally's World. Please pop over and give her some birthday love.

The above picture was taken when we went to a salsa ball, our shared love.

We had a great time and we danced the night away.

Have a great birthday Sally.

Morning has broken - Surrey, UK

A winters morning in Worplesdon, Surrey

Photo taken by JLS

M&M's World - Orlando, Florida

Me and a huge M&M.

Happy Birthday Don

I have dedicated today's post to Don who's birthday is today. Don loves his deserts and I hope he gets a big cake later today. I’ll be seeing him this coming weekend. So Happy birthday Don.
Much love , Trojan

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince -

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is now released on DVD today.

below is my review of the film. Although I have read the book, it has been pointed out to me that

the film does make some departures from the original.

However I did enjoy the film and especially after watching the recent Twilight film ,

this series is really good.

I Believe I can Fly - The Story of Aaron Stephenson

Yesterday It was Aaron's Birthday. He would have been 18 if he was still us today. The world still turns round even when we lose even we lose someone special. Sally wrote a book documenting her son's life. Its called I believe I can fly. I along with Sally put together the below video illustrating the snapshots of his life.

Below is a short poem, dedicated to Sally. I hope she likes it.

Close your eyes and believe

hold my hand

and lets go on a journey where you

make dreams com true

You believed in me

that I could fly

Throw off the shackles that this world has held me

you showed me love

Your showed me strength

Your gave me wings

and together we flew

high so high

I believed I could fly

Because I had you to believe in me

I Believe I Can Fly

Written by Trojan Gayle

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved

Remembering Someone We Lost - Happy Birthday Aaron

Happy Birthday Aaron - although you are gone your not forgotten.

Today I have posted a video recorded last year of our thoughts on remembrance.

I wrote this poem in the memory of the people that I have lost in recent years.

I wrote this from their point of view.

As I saw the tear disappear down your face

I realized at once

I was going, going

Gone

As I felt the warmth leave my body

Like a leak in my soul,

Slipping away, away from my grasp

I was going, going

Gone

Feeling your breathe

Feeling your hold

Is fading, fading

Please don't leave me

Gone

Distant voices I can’t hear you

Why can’t you hear me

Don’t go, don’t go

Gone

Floating away

Feel no pain

Peace at last

I now say good bye

I love you and I will miss you

Going Going

Gone

I realise that I live in your

heart and your memories

and it then I realise that although I've gone.

I still live on

In you.

Gone

Written by Trojan Gayle

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved

Friday Flower - Whitehorse Meadow

A simple white flower in Whitehorse Meadow

Miami Dreams

I really love Miami and for so many reasons.
The weather, beaches, shopping and most of all my family.
Been thinking about going on holiday in the New Year as I really need a break from it all and Miami is looking like the tonic I need!

The below picture was taken a few years back and it shows the approach to the beach.
I really like this photo as the actual beach is just beyond sight, but i can almost smell and feel the ocean as i think back.

Miami dreams,

is where the sky is blue,

the sand is white

and the sea is warm

I often close my eyes and dream of Miami

as it holds a certain kind of magic for me

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved.

Simon the Cat - Cat Man Do

I have discovered a series of cartoons called Simon the Cat. If you have a cat you will relate to it and like me should find it hilarious.

The picture below is of my cat Cee, looking very innocent and sweet, however, he has tendency to scream the place down in the wee hours of the morning to be let out or to be fed.

World Aids Day - Protect yourself and have safe sex

Today is Worlds Aids Day. I had planned to post a video post talking about the important issues surrounding people living with HIV/AIDS but due to techinical diffulties I was not able to.

Instead I have posted a post recorded last year with fellow blogger Sally (from Sally's World).
Please feel free to post your thoughts on the topic and any stories that you like to share with the wider public.

I have also posted a general information video -
Please protect yourself and have safe sex.

Wear a Red Ribbon!

A Flock of Geese - Taking a Stroll

A Flock of geese taking a stroll in St James Park

TO CANADA GEESE

By Belle Schmidt

There is no traffic jam in the sky

when you spread your wings and fly

south along a boundless,

trackless pathway.

In undulating V-formation

unerringly you cross the nation,

wings waving to people far below.

Day after day,

like a precision drill team,

sun catching your feathers’ gleam,

in and out you weave and waver;

but never stray.

Your hoarse honking, its purpose clear,

although strident to our ear,

conveys to the flock aloft;

there’s no delay.

Guided along by an unseen force,

you follow an instinctive course,

and make us beneficiaries

of this wondrous display.

The London Eye and the Houses of Parliament - London

Circle of Wonder

In the shadow of political power,

stands the wheel,

where,

love can blossom,

horizons broaden,

dreams born,

take a ride

on the circle of wonder

in an ancient city

close your eyes

make your wish

you never know

it just may come true!

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved.

A Poem For You

A Poem For You

Just the thought of you,

brings a smile to my face,

the guiltiest of pleasure,

those treasured memories,

beating hearts,

skips, quivers,shakes,

tattooed with your name,

tattooed with love

your green brown eyes,

brown velvet skin,

your secret smile,

it is all about you.

its all about my love,

for you

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved.

Royal Academy of Arts - 'Tall Tree and the Eye'

Anish Kapoor 'Tall Tree and the Eye', 2009. Stainless steel and carbon steel.

Tall tree and the eye, a major new sculpture, is on display in the Annenberg Courtyard. Infinitely repeating and reflecting its surroundings, like much of Kapoor’s work, this object both disorientates and distorts, challenging our traditional notion of form and space.

Simon the Cat - Let Me In!

I have a cat his name is Cee and he is simply gorgeous! I came across this video of Simon the Cat and belive me it could of been Cee. If you have a cat you should be able to relate to it.

I hope you enjoyed it... I better let Cee in... he's looking hungry!

Merrist Wood Campus - Worplesdon - Surrey

Daybreak in Surrey

Take a Moment

take a moment to watch the darkness flee the scene,
take a moment to breathe the sweet scent in,
take a moment to feel nature greet the new day,
stand and as one,
with the beauty that surrounds you,
it only takes a moment, so don't let it pass you by
© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved.

Photo taken by JLS

Welcome to Carnaby Street - Christmas Decorations - London

The award winning Carnaby Christmas decorations take on a psychedelic theme this year to launch Carnaby’s 50th Anniversary in 2010; a year long celebration of the sixties, the decade in which Carnaby became an iconic fashion destination. Launched on Tuesday 10th November with an open air swinging 60’s disco Carnaby Street on with a live DJ set from Eddie Piller, founder of Acid Jazz Records.

Carnaby is known for quirky Christmas decorations, and this year is no exception. The twelve streets of Carnaby are filled with fifteen, six metre high inflatable decorations declaring 60’s festive messages of Love, Joy, Hope and Peace, along with four, six metre high inflatable hot pink reindeers, and surrounded by brightly coloured suspended Christmas trees and sparkling lights. Kingly Court is now home to beautiful, shimmering light installations and the Newburgh Quarter is full of Christmas trees in vibrant 60’s colours.

The decorations are designed by Paul Dart, from the James Glancy Design Agency; “A psychedelic Christmas is a fond homage to the 50th birthday of Carnaby as it was the birthplace of the explosion of British fashion design and its vitality still invigorates the design world today.”

The colours are reminiscent of the 60’s including pillar box red, bright yellow, orange, acid green, purple and candy pink, making this Christmas in Carnaby a sight to be seen.

Weekend Video Post - I Am a Man - Byron Hurt

Another video post which looks at the masculinity issues that face the modern black male in western societies. Please give a little time to watch this short, but thought provoking film and share your thoughts. I would welcome your views regardless of your background.

Trojan's Corner Welcomes everyone!

This blog welcomes free speech, but please be respectful in your views.

This award-winning documentary links everyday black men from various socioeconomic backgrounds with some of Black America's most progressive academics, social critics and authors to provide an engaging, candid dialogue on black masculine identity in American culture. Featuring interviews with bell hooks, Michael Eric Dyson, John Henrick Clarke, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, MC Hammer, and others.

Hungerford Bridge - London

Many thanks for all the lovely birthday wishes I received yesterday.
Today's post photograph is of Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges seen from the South bank.

I chose this photo to represent my mindset for my 37th year.
I want to be looking up at blue skies and crossing bridges towards something new and better.
Yesterday was the start of that journey.
I hope that this change in mindset will enable me start the journey towards a better place,
spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Blue Skies State of Mind
Take a step forward.
It may be in the dark
Or sometimes in the light.
But keep stepping,
Keep moving, striving forward,
Build bridges and forgive
because pain will only hold your back,
See the blue skies above
As that’s where I want to be.
So I keep walking,
One step at a time.

because i'm in a blue skies state of mind.

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved.

It's My Birthday! 37 Today!

Today is my birthday and I now 37. Many thanks for all the wishes I have already received on Facebook, text messages, my blog, cards (sent through the post) and phone calls. I feel really blessed for my day to be recognised by so many people.

Thank you!

"Looking back without anger,

it's just a life lesson learnt,

I have disappointed others,

and been disappointed by some,

I truly learnt to accept love,

and love in return,

thank you for the journey, so far,

I feel its only just began,

so I will just say,

Happy Birthday to me!"

© 2009 T.Gayle, all rights reserved.

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leave your message and then choose name option.

Enter your detail and save comment,

Thanks :)

China Town - London

I would like to wish a colleage that I work with
a very Happy Birthday.

Today's post is dedicated to him.

J.Lek - Happy Birthday

Chinatown is an integral part of London’s history: haunt of Boswell and Reynolds, birthplace of the post office, first site of Ronnie Scott’s, host to immigrant communities from the Huguenots to the Maltese and now London’s vibrant Chinese quarter. The bustling Chinese community of restaurants and businesses has been here since the 1950s; however, the Chinatown story goes much further back – right across London and all the way to the Far East.

Ghost trees 'haunt' London Square

The stumps of 10 rainforest trees, complete with their roots, have been placed around Trafalgar Square to highlight the issue of deforestation.

Laser beams will mark the height the trees would have reached in the wild in comparison to Nelson's Column.

The legally logged trees will highlight deforestation in countries like their native Ghana which has lost 90% of its rainforest in the past 50 years.

Ghost Forest, by Oxford artist Angela Palmer, will remain there until Friday.

The installation went up at the central London location in the early hours of Monday morning.

'World's lungs'

The trees used in Ghost Forest come from the Suhuma forest reserve in western Ghana.

The artist went to a logging camp to locate trees for the exhibit.

Ms Palmer said: "The concept is to present a series of rainforest tree stumps as a 'ghost forest' - using the negative space created by the missing trunks as a metaphor for climate change, the absence representing the removal of the world's 'lungs' through continued deforestation."

The project has seven indigenous species -

Denya, Dahuma, Danta, Hyedua, Mahogany, Wawa and three varieties of Celtis.

The installation, which highlights the threat of deforestation faced by tropical forests, will be shipped to Thorvaldsens Plads in Copenhagen for the start of the UN Climate Change summit in December.

For more information on Ghost Forest Project click HERE

Redefining Black Masculinity - Byron Hurt - Re-post

This a very interesting piece talking about the concept of black male masculinity using President Barack Obama and 50 cent as role models. It really worth a viewing as it may challenge your perceptions on black men and they are seen in the wider society.

Let me know what you think and don't hold back on your opinion. Freedom of speech is welcomed here.

The O2 / Millennium Dome

The new millennium officially started in Greenwich, England on 1st January 2001; The World's biggest dome was built on the Meridian Line (The Prime Meridian of the World) in Greenwich to celebrate this historic event.

The Millennium Dome closed to visitors on 31st December 2000 a few hours before the new millennium officially begun!

The O2 / Millennium Dome

The Millennium Dome officially re-opened as the O2 on 24 June 2007

Autumn Quote - Yoko Ono

"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.

Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.

Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.

Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance."

Yoko Ono

Green Park, London

Armistice Day by Tony Channing

What does Armistice Day mean to you?

Soldiers who fought to keep us free

Gather on Armistice Day

Each one frail with a memory

Of wars fought far away

Gather on Armistice Day

Each one frail with a memory

Of wars fought far away

They fought on land, sea, and air

Gallant in their obligation

Their one and only care

To keep free, our great nation

We walk the streets free from strife

With freedom of speech and thought

Because they paid the ultimate price

In the battles that they fought

Two minutes silence is all they demand

Two minutes from our year

Two minutes to honour them for their stand

That kept our freedom dear

I wonder if in future years

When they’ve all passed away

We’ll still be shedding tears

On Armistice Day

Armistice Day

by Tony Channing

Photograph taken by Trojan Gayle

Support Our troops

Wear your poppy

Eva Cassidy - Autumn Leaves - Green Park

The falling leaves drift by my window

The falling leaves of red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses

The sunburned hands I used to hold

Green Park, London

The falling leaves drift by my window

The falling leaves of red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses

The sunburned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long

And soon I'll hear old winter's song

But I miss you most of all, my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall

Since you went away the days grow long

And soon I'll hear old winter's song

But I miss you most of all, my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall

I miss you most of all, my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall

Artist: Eva Cassidy

English Lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Music by Joseph Kosma

Pier Walk - Greenwich Peninsula - London

An exciting new development in the Greenwich Peninsula

View of the Terry Farrell designed "Pier Walk" building from Peninsula Square, North Greenwich. In the background, the not-yet-completed "Mitre Passage" building can be seen. In the foreground to the left can be seen the 45m high stainless steel sculpture, "The Mast"

Remembrance Sunday - London

"Every year at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month we remember the end of the First World War and all who gave their lives then and since."

Outside St James Palace -

Standing With Britons finest!

Support Our Troops!

Legion Values

Reflection - through Remembrance of past sacrifice in the cause of freedom

Hope - by remembering the past, a younger generation has the chance of a better future

Comradeship - through shared experience and mutual support

Selflessness - by putting others first

Service - to those in need and in support of the whole community

For more information or to support our troops please visitThe Royal British Legion

Autumn Watch - Green Park

"The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many".

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Looking up at the Autumn Skies - Guy Fawkes Night

"Remember remember the 5th of November, it Guy Fawkes night"

(Traditional English Rhyme - 17th Century)

Looking through the trees at the skies in Green Park, London

Tonight all over England, the 5th of November is still commemorated each year with fireworks and bonfires culminating with the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes (the guy). The 'guys' are made by children by filling old clothes with crumpled newspapers to look like a man. Tradition allows British children to display their 'guys' to passers-by and asking for " A penny for the guy".

Hopefully I will be able to post some pictures of my local fireworks display in a few days.

Dominica Independence Day November 2

"Celebrating Progress & Development"

A proud Dominican wearing the national flag

On November 3rd, 1978 Dominica gained its independence from Great Britain and became an independent republic within the Commonwealth.

Dominica is famous for its tropical rainforest, and the many rivers and waterfalls which result from the high rainfall in the interior. In addition, its volcanic origins manifest themselves most noticeably in the Boiling Lake (one of the largest of its kind in the world) and many other smaller fumaroles around the island (including at least one underwater).

Moreover, it is widely acknowledged to be both one of the best dive sites and a prime whale watching location in the region (if not world).There are a number of National parks or reserves on the island. Our World Heritage Site, the 17,000 acre Morne Trois Pitons National Park contains perhaps the majority of Dominica's above-water famous sights - several crater lakes and waterfalls, including the Emerald Pool, 14 miles from Roseau.

For more information on Dominica please click HERE

Autumn Watch - Green Park

The lands are lit with all the autumn blaze of golden-rod,

and everywhere the purple asters nod and bend and wave and flit.

-- Helen Hunt

Halloween 2009 - True Blood In London

"You're either on the dark side or you're on the side of the light! "

Jason Stackhouse

On Saturday it was Halloween and as I big fan of all things vampire, I jumped at the chance to dress up and party like a vampire. Unfortunately you can't see my fangs (unlike Giles - From Giles World) but I think you get the general idea.

A vampire and a tasty bird!

Autumn Watch - Green Park

"There is a harmony

In autumn, and a lustre in its sky,

Which through the summer is not heard or seen,

As if it could not be, as if it had not been!"

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

Green Park in full autumn bloom.

Autumn Watch - Green Park

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower"

.Albert Camus

A child running through The Regents Park

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run the walk, if you can't walk then crawl,

but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

— Martin Luther King Jr.