Kafe lakay 1.5 [Tools: Materials needed]

 Based on the traditional, small-scale farming methods used throughout Haiti's coffee-growing regions, here are the primary materials you would need to cultivate coffee:

1. Coffee Seeds or Seedlings

The most important material is the coffee plant itself. You would need to acquire high-quality seeds or young seedlings, most commonly of the Arabica Typica variety, which is the prized species grown in the Haitian highlands.

2. Rich Soil and Organic Fertilizer

Coffee plants need nutrient-rich soil. Most Haitian farmers use natural, organic methods to maintain soil health. The primary materials for this are:

• Compost: Made from coffee pulp (the waste from processed coffee cherries), animal manure, and other organic matter.

• Agroforestry: The cultivation of coffee under the shade of other trees helps to naturally fertilize the soil with falling leaves and prevents erosion.

3. Shade Trees and Companion Plants

This is a defining characteristic of Haitian coffee cultivation. Coffee thrives in a biodiverse environment. You would need to plant a variety of fruit and shade trees, such as bananas, mangoes, and other local species. These plants provide vital shade for the coffee, stabilize the soil, and offer additional crops for food or sale.

4. Water Source

A reliable water supply is crucial, especially for young seedlings. While coffee regions in Haiti are often in areas with consistent rainfall, access to a stream, well, or a system for collecting rainwater is essential to ensure the plants thrive.

5. Basic Manual Tools

Unlike industrial farming, coffee cultivation in Haiti is done almost entirely by hand. You would need:

• Shovels and Hoes: For planting and managing the plants.

• Harvesting Baskets: For collecting the ripe coffee cherries.

• Manual Processing Tools: Simple tools like a mortar and pestle or a small, hand-cranked machine to remove the pulp from the coffee beans.

• Drying Area: A clean, flat surface, often a concrete patio or a simple mat, to spread the coffee beans out to dry in the sun.

Kafe lakay 1.4 [Pounds]

How many coffee plants per pounds?

This is an excellent question, and the answer can vary quite a bit based on the type of coffee plant, its age, and the growing conditions.

The best way to think about it is to start with the yield of a single, mature coffee plant.

On average, a single, mature Arabica coffee plant produces about 1 to 1.5 pounds of green coffee beans per year.

Therefore, it takes approximately one coffee plant to produce about a pound of coffee.

The Breakdown

• Coffee Cherry to Green Bean: A coffee plant first produces coffee cherries, which are the small, red fruits. It takes about 5 pounds of coffee cherries to produce 1 pound of green coffee beans (the roasted beans you buy in the store are even lighter).

• Yield per Plant: A single coffee plant yields about 2 to 3 pounds of coffee cherries per year.

This is a general guideline. Many factors can influence the final number:

• Variety: Some varieties, like the high-yielding Robusta, can produce more than the standard Arabica plant.

• Climate & Soil: Ideal conditions (like those in La Montagne, Haiti) with fertile soil, consistent rainfall, and proper shade will lead to a higher yield.

• Age of the Plant: A coffee plant takes about 3-4 years to produce its first harvest. It reaches its peak production between 6-8 years and can continue producing for decades.

Kafe lakay 1.3 [The Two Major Species: Arabica and Robusta]

 The idea of a single "best" variety of coffee bean is a matter of personal taste. What one person loves, another might find too bitter or too acidic. However, in the world of coffee, certain varieties and their sub-types are highly regarded for their complex flavor profiles, rarity, and unique characteristics.

Here is a breakdown of the most common and celebrated coffee bean varieties:

The Two Major Species: Arabica and Robusta

Almost all coffee in the world comes from one of these two species.

• Arabica: This is widely considered the superior bean for its flavor. It accounts for about 60-70% of the world's coffee production.

  • Flavor: Arabica beans are known for their sweet, complex, and nuanced flavors, often with notes of fruit, flowers, chocolate, and nuts. They have a pleasant, bright acidity.

  • Growing Conditions: They are delicate plants that require high altitudes (typically over 2,000 feet), specific temperatures, and consistent rainfall.

  • Caffeine: They have a lower caffeine content than Robusta beans.

• Robusta: This bean is known for its hardiness and high caffeine content. It makes up the remaining 30-40% of the market.

  • Flavor: Robusta beans have a much stronger, bolder, and more bitter flavor, often described as having earthy, woody, or nutty notes. They lack the complexity of Arabica.

  • Growing Conditions: They are much more resilient and can grow at lower altitudes and in hotter climates, making them easier and cheaper to cultivate.

  • Caffeine: Robusta beans contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. They are often used in espresso blends to produce a thick, rich crema.

The Most Highly Regarded Arabica Sub-Varieties

Within the Arabica family, there are several sub-varieties prized by connoisseurs:

• Geisha (Gesha): This is one of the most celebrated and expensive coffee varieties in the world. Originally from Ethiopia, it is now famously grown in Panama. It is known for its incredibly delicate, complex, and aromatic flavor profile with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits.

• Typica & Bourbon: These are two of the oldest and most genetically important varieties. Many other Arabica varieties are mutations or crosses of these two.

  • Typica is known for its clean, sweet, and balanced flavor.

  • Bourbon is often described as having a rich sweetness with notes of chocolate and fruit.

• Kona: Grown exclusively on the slopes of volcanoes in the Kona district of Hawaii, this is a premium Arabica coffee with a smooth, mild flavor and a buttery, nutty aroma.

• Jamaican Blue Mountain: Another highly sought-after and expensive variety. It's known for its incredibly smooth, mild, and well-balanced flavor with no bitterness, making it a favorite for many.

Ultimately, the "best" coffee bean is the one you enjoy most. Exploring single-origin coffees from different countries and varieties is the best way to find your perfect cup.

Kafe lakay 1.2 [Season]

 No, a coffee farmer in La Montagne, Jacmel, Haiti, cannot harvest coffee all year round. The harvest is seasonal, with specific periods for the main crop and sometimes a smaller, secondary one.

The coffee plant's fruiting cycle is dependent on the climate, specifically the wet and dry seasons. In Haiti and most of the Caribbean, this means there are distinct harvest periods.

• Main Harvest: The primary coffee harvest in Haiti generally runs from September to March, with the peak months typically falling in December and January. During this period, the majority of the coffee cherries ripen and are hand-picked.

• "Fly Crop": Some regions of Haiti may have a smaller, secondary harvest, often referred to as a "fly crop." This less consistent harvest usually occurs around the months of April to June. The yield from this secondary crop is significantly smaller than the main harvest.

Since the coffee is of the Arabica variety, which is known for its high quality, a farmer would practice selective hand-picking. This involves going through the coffee grove multiple times during the harvest season to pick only the perfectly ripe, red cherries, leaving the green ones to ripen for a later picking. This process extends the harvest period for a single farmer, but it is not a year-round activity.

Kafe lakay 1.1

 While maize, cassava, and beans are the most common food crops, coffee is also a significant product in Jacmel, particularly in the mountainous section of La Montagne [HomeTown 📍] ironically enough.

Here's a more detailed look at coffee farming in the region:

• Historical Significance: Historically, Jacmel was a major coffee trading center. The wealth generated from the coffee trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries is what funded the construction of the town's beautiful, ornate mansions and architecture, much of which still stands today.

• Current Status: While Haiti's overall coffee production has declined significantly from its historical peaks due to political instability, natural disasters, and deforestation, the Jacmel region remains an important coffee-growing area. The high altitude of the mountains between Jacmel and Thiotte is ideal for cultivating high-quality, specialty Arabica Typica coffee beans.

• Challenges: For a farmer, focusing on coffee has its challenges. Coffee is a cash crop, not a staple food crop, which means its profitability is tied to global markets. Also, the coffee industry in Haiti has been affected by climate change, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns making some lower-altitude areas less suitable for coffee cultivation.

• Modern Initiatives: In recent years, there have been efforts by various organizations to revitalize the coffee industry in Jacmel and other parts of Haiti. These initiatives often focus on promoting fair trade practices, providing farmers with resources and training to improve quality, and connecting them directly with international buyers, which helps ensure a better price for their harvest.

In summary, a farmer in Jacmel can certainly harvest coffee, and the region is known for producing a high-quality product. However, it is a riskier endeavor than growing food staples like maize and cassava, which provide a more reliable food source and income for local consumption.

Kafe Lakay 1.0

 To cultivate coffee in Jacmel, Haiti, you don't need highly industrialized materials, as most of the farming is done by small-scale farmers using traditional, organic methods. The primary materials and practices you would need are focused on natural cultivation and processing.

Here are the key materials and resources you would need:

1. Coffee Seedlings or Seeds

The very first step is to acquire coffee plants. Most farmers in the region use the high-quality Arabica Typica variety. You would start by either planting seeds in a nursery or acquiring young seedlings to transplant.

2. Soil and Fertilizer

• Soil: Coffee plants in the Jacmel region thrive in the deep, well-drained soil of the high-altitude mountains. The soil is naturally rich, and farmers often supplement it.

• Organic Fertilizer: Chemical fertilizers are rarely used or affordable. Instead, farmers rely on natural, organic compost made from materials like coffee pulp (the fruit skins of the coffee cherry), animal manure, and other organic matter to enrich the soil.

3. Shade Trees and Companion Plants

This is a critical component of Haitian coffee farming. The coffee plants are grown in an "agroforestry" system, known locally as a "jaden lakou" (Creole garden). You would need to cultivate a variety of trees and plants alongside the coffee, which serve multiple purposes:

• Shade: Trees like bananas, mangoes, and other local species provide the crucial shade that coffee plants, particularly the Arabica variety, need to grow properly.

• Soil Health: The roots of these trees help prevent soil erosion on the steep mountain slopes, and their fallen leaves add organic matter to the soil.

• Diversification: This system allows the farmer to harvest other crops for food and income.

4. Water Resources

While the mountainous region receives a fair amount of rainfall, a consistent water source is vital, especially for young seedlings. A reliable water source for irrigation, even if just a stream or collected rainwater, is essential for the health of the plants.

5. Manual Tools for Harvesting and Processing

Coffee is almost always harvested by hand in Haiti. You would need basic tools for processing the coffee cherries.

• Baskets or Sacks: To collect the coffee cherries.

• Mortar and Pestle: Many small-scale farmers use this traditional method to remove the pulp from the coffee bean.

• Drying Area: A clean, flat surface like a concrete patio or raised drying beds to spread the coffee cherries out in the sun to dry.

The entire process, from planting to harvest, is a labor-intensive but largely organic and sustainable practice.

Selling “Drugs” in college

 Folks don't know how much peace skills can bring into one's life. It's a quiet revolution, a fortress built against the clamor of external pressures. For me, that revolution began in the most unlikely of places: the rattling belly of a high school bus.

Every morning, the same rhythm: the low hum of the engine, the shifting weight of bodies, and the click-clack of needles. There she was, always in the same seat, an old lady whose fingers danced with a quiet intensity, conjuring intricate patterns from skeins of yarn. A knitter, I learned. And from that first mesmerized glance, I was hooked. Pun intended. It wasn't a casual fascination; it was an absorption, a deep pull into the intricate world of stitches and loops.

While my friends were discovering the dubious allure of hidden alleys and the hazy camaraderie of shared smoke, I found my escape in yarn stores, in the tactile pleasure of wool, in the quiet discipline of mastering a new stitch. Never had time to smoke 💨 weed with friends and spin the block after school. My hands, once restless, found purpose. My mind, once buzzing with adolescent anxieties, found focus. I was valid within me with what I was doing. CREATING KEPT ME INSIDE, not trapped, but protected, wrapped in the comfort of my own burgeoning talent. The rhythmic motion of knitting, then crocheting, then finally the whir of a sewing machine, became my meditation.

College years arrived, and with them, the need for a different kind of hustle. My crafting evolved. No longer just a hobby, it became a lifeline, a way to make ends meet and express a vibrant creativity that refused to be contained. I began selling custom clothes, doing alterations for dorm-mates hemming jeans, tailoring jackets, transforming thrift store finds into runway-worthy pieces. My dorm room, often overflowing with fabric scraps, design sketches, and the rhythmic pulse of my sewing machine, became my sanctuary and my workshop.

It was during this time that the absurdity struck. One sweltering afternoon, there was a sharp, insistent knock on my door. Two campus security guards, looking far too serious for a typical dorm visit, stood outside. Behind them, peering around the corner of the hallway, was my neighbor, a scrawny kid whose eyes darted nervously. "Falsely ratted me," he had.

"Mr. Francois, we've received reports of... unusual activity from your room. Possible illicit substances," one guard stated, his voice low and formal.

I stared, dumbfounded, then a slow, incredulous smile spread across my face. "Illicit substances? Sir, you've got to be kidding me."

They stepped inside, their expressions quickly shifting from stern suspicion to utter bewilderment. My "drug factory" was a chaotic symphony of creativity: bolts of iridescent silk draped over chairs, a mannequin proudly sporting a half-finished sequined jacket, spools of thread in every color imaginable stacked precariously on my desk, and my trusty sewing machine, humming softly from its last job. There were racks bursting with bespoke hoodies, stacks of perfectly tailored trousers, and bags overflowing with clothes waiting for their new life.

The *kid had apparently thought the constant buzzing of my sewing machine was some kind of strange machinery for illicit production, and the sheer volume of "inventory" meant I had to be dealing. The guards, after a thorough, albeit confused, inspection of my fabric stash and a brief explanation of "bias cut" and "invisible zippers," sheepishly apologized.

WHAT can I say? 🤷🏾‍♂️... It was a LONG STORY, but folks who know me, they know my only drugzzz are music and crafting. The peace it brings, the satisfaction of turning raw material into something beautiful, the sheer joy of creating – that’s my high. And it's a high that keeps me grounded, valid, and perpetually inspired.

A Raw Reaction to Tim Tebow's Shawn Ryan Show Interview

Finding Purpose in Unexpected Places: A Raw Reaction to Tim Tebow's Shawn Ryan Show Interview

There are moments in life that hit you with an unexpected force, leaving you profoundly changed, even in the most mundane of settings. For me, that moment arrived today, in a bustling chow hall, while watching the Shawn Ryan Show's interview with Tim Tebow. What began as a simple Youtube on an isolated island quickly morphed into an intensely emotional and deeply personal revelation.

I found myself literally weeping, tears streaming down my face as Tebow spoke. It was an uncomfortable public display, stirring a fleeting worry about what strangers might assume. Am I "going through something deeper"? Perhaps, but not in the way they might think. This was a soul-deep ache of recognition, a profound sense of clarity emerging from vulnerability. The raw emotion was so overwhelming, I had to excuse myself, leaving my meal and the curious glances behind, simply because the floodgates wouldn't close.

Tim Tebow, a name synonymous with unwavering faith and athletic prowess, resonated with me on a level I hadn't anticipated. His conversation with Shawn Ryan wasn't just an interview; it was a testament to living a life dedicated to a higher purpose. The very mention of "John 3:16" – the verse often highlighted in his eye black, a cornerstone of his career and daily existence – felt like a personal call to arms. It's a reminder that at the core of his remarkable journey is a commitment to something far greater than himself.

This experience, in its raw intensity, has brought me to a singular, undeniable conclusion: I want to live a life devoted to helping others, with every fiber of my being, with all my might and my heart. The clarity in this desire is astounding, a powerful beacon cutting through the uncertainties of my current situation. Being "stuck on an island" right now highlights the unpredictable nature of life, yet this interview has unexpectedly drawn me closer to my faith and a future that, while still unclear, now feels infused with profound meaning.

There’s a strange beauty in finding such profound refreshment and direction from a digital screen, especially when facing an unsure path. If you've watched this interview, you understand. If you've cried, you are truly not alone. This wasn't just about a football player or a TV show; it was about witnessing a life lived with intentionality and purpose, a life that stirred a dormant desire within my own heart. And for that, I am profoundly grateful. Before I go to sleep tonight, I carry not just the memory of Tebow's words, but a renewed sense of peace in the potential of a life dedicated entirely to serving others. 

👉 Click here  to watch the interview if you would like  

Dear Cephora

I still look in your direction,

Even when I know your eyes don’t linger on mine anymore.
And I get it
You don’t believe my words,
Because you’ve heard promises before that never held weight.

But from the moment I open my eyes,
To the hours I lie awake at night
You’re there.
You live in the pause between my thoughts,
In the ache behind every “what if.”
I’d stand in every line, walk every mile,
Just to know if you still care.

You once asked me to grow up,
And I didn’t then, not fully.
But I did now.
Because losing you taught me more
Than holding on to pride ever could.

And if I had one more moment just one
I wouldn’t waste it proving who I was,
I’d show you who I’ve become.

Please don’t shiver from the thought of me
Because I don’t want to haunt you.

Though, I feel like I did.

I want to heal with you.
To be your peace, your softness, your friend.
I’ll say it loud. I’ll say it clear:
I’m still waiting for you.

I know you might not even see me now,
And maybe this is my final chance.
But if there’s a crack in that wall, even a sliver of light.

Let me in. Not as the man I was.

But as someone willing to do the quiet work
To be the friend you deserve,
To be the safety I should have always been.

I’ve changed.
Not just for you but because of you.
And that’s the truth.

So if this is the part where I fall,
Then let it be with grace.
But if there’s still a corner of your heart
Where I’m not erased…
Let me start again.

Even if it’s just as your friend.
Your best friend.
The one who never should’ve forgotten how much that mattered.

Still waiting,
Still learning,
Still yours if you'll have me; 

A Softness Forged in Fire

They say steel is born in flame 

but never speak

of the silk that swaddles the burn.

Black women,

are the quiet storm,

the gentle breath between

war cries and lullabies.

For every door slammed

they opened another

with bare hands,

sometimes bleeding;

sometimes trembling,

but always holding.

A cradle in one arm,

a world on the other shoulder,

still they find a way to

hum joy into broken mornings,

wrap pain in poems,

and pour love into tea

for the tired.

Do you see her?

Not just the spine that never bends,

but the smile that softens a room

before she speaks.

The kind of grace

that dances through trauma,

carrying whole families

in the corners of her eyes.

Her strength is not the absence of tears

it’s the flood that dares to feel,

then builds anew.

She is the hymn in the hush,

the echo in the fight,

the silk and the sword, 

still exuding every bit of softness

for every ounce of her strength.

And maybe

that is the truest kind of power:

to bleed beauty into the world,

even as it forgets

who bled for it.

FYI: Thank you Black Women