About Shirley

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  In my very early teens, a great-uncle of mine nicknamed me "Gypsy",  because of my penchant for, among other things, hoop earrings, little imagining, I am sure, that most of my life would indeed be spent traveling the world.

I do that for work, wisdom-gathering 

and pleasure.

  Shipping was our family business. 

I had wanted to go to sea and be 

a ship’s captain. I could swim before I could walk.

My mother said a hard, "No." 

My father was a politician. I thought I would join him on campaign platforms and podiums various. "I'll be good," I  said. I was an excellent speaker even when I was very young. "You would, actually, and you are," my father agreed, 

but he still said, "No."

I asked to go to university in the Caribbean, our home region. 

Both of my parents said, 

"No. Off to England you go." 

Turns out parents do often know best.

Over the course of my journey, a veritable  odyssey at times, I've endured some very hard lessons and losses, laughed at myself  and with others – a lot! – and cried for myself and others at least as much. 

I came through intact. 

Mostly!

I've met some wonderful teachers and enjoyed some great  successes.

I am proud of my accomplishments and I love the work that, "No!" 

has made me do.

  In my very early teens, a great-uncle of mine nicknamed me "Gypsy",  because of my penchant for, among other things, hoop earrings, little imagining, I am sure, that most of my life would indeed be spent traveling the world.

I do that for work, wisdom-gathering 

and pleasure.

  Shipping was our family business. 

I had wanted to go to sea and be 

a ship’s captain. I could swim before I could walk.

My mother said a hard, "No." 

My father was a politician. I thought I would join him on campaign platforms and podiums various. "I'll be good," I  said. I was an excellent speaker even when I was very young. "You would, actually, and you are," my father agreed, 

but he still said, "No."

I asked to go to university in the Caribbean, our home region. 

Both of my parents said, 

"No. Off to England you go." 

Turns out parents do often know best.

Over the course of my journey, a veritable  odyssey at times, I've endured some very hard lessons and losses, laughed at myself  and with others – a lot! – and cried for myself and others at least as much. 

I came through intact. 

Mostly!

I've met some wonderful teachers and enjoyed some great  successes.

I am proud of my accomplishments and I love the work that, "No!" 

has made me do.