Life experiences often prompted my thoughts about situations and occurrences in what were “inspirational now moments.’ Paper and pen were tools for expressing those thoughts. The words would erupt without warnings as I put pen to paper. And the words would flow continually until a coda or ending felt like an arrival at a desired destination.
The urgency to periodically pick up my tools always came as a result of something or anything – sometimes as a reflection as simple as the smell of honeysuckles or something as serious and complex as love and heart-break or death and grief. Never prolific at one time were my writings. Always timed in time and place in the “inspirational now moments” of life was the birth of another verse.
One by one, I began to compile “the writings” as I called them into a composition notebook, (old school) before the computers and tablets. I kept these writings as a personal keep-sake never thinking of sharing them with others. The first writing dates as far back as fifty years ago.
Many years later, my first attempt to self-publish thirty-nine writings with illustrations into a booklet was printed and ring bound at Kinkos. I had 100 copies printed and sold them for $10.00 each to family and friends. Years later, I started thinking about taking my writing and publishing efforts to another level.
More tools were added to my tool belt such as paints, brushes, found objects, canvases, and sand paper as I began my journey as a visual artist. I began painting in the 80’s without any formal training. I went to LeMoyne Owen College on scholarship as an undergrad and majored in Art in 1987. I took classes at night, on Saturdays, and during the Summer because I was a full-time Elementary Teacher. I earned my degree in Art in 1990 and began teaching Elementary Art (Grades 1-8) that same year at Ellendale Elementary, the same school where I had taught First Grade for twelve years. My tenure as an Elementary Art Teacher extended twenty years until I retired. Periodically, during those twenty years, I would write, and I would paint.
In 2006, I entered a national competition sponsored by The Lilly Oncology On Canvas Art Competition and Exhibition “Expressions of a Cancer Journey.” This exhibition of all accepted artworks would travel on a world-wide tour, first being exhibited , at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York and The Royal College of Art in London. All applicants were required to write and paint about their feelings and experiences during their cancer journey. From this experience, the writing and painting “Not By Bread Alone” were inspired. This experience birthed a new inspiration and aspiration to write and paint the same subject-matter. Later, I painted and wrote “Joy and Frustration” which related to my cancer experience. In 2017, the life-styles of President Barak and First Lady Michelle Obama, inspired the writing and painting “Integrity and Elegance.”
About three years ago, while sitting in morning worship, I felt the unction to proceed with taking the publication of a book to another level and envisioned combining all of my works (writings and artworks) into one book. The title was clear “By Inspiration “Poetry et Cetera”. I conferred with several published authors seeking advice and directions on how to proceed with this project. Much of the information was helpful. Through trial and error, I proceeded gathering information here and there. I talked to publishers and some local printing companies submitting my manuscript for review. I searched for the one that was most cost effective, credible, and with the services that would best meet the needs of my book.
I made a vow to myself not to take my dreams, gifts, and aspirations to the grave. I prayed in and out of the challenges I encountered. I prayed for directions and patience not to get ahead of God as I had done earlier on my journey. Deliverance and a settling in my spirit to proceed with caution came.
One of the most helpful comments came from a friend who told me that my manuscript was not “reader friendly”. I understood and thanked him for his candid – to the point – constructive criticism. I sat down and began to revamp the total manuscript into nine sections, each beginning with an inspired quote. The writings, which were similar were placed along with accompanying artworks – some relative and some not, into perspective sections according to related thought or subject-matter. By Inspiration “Poetry et Cetera” began to evolve into a more “reader friendly” manuscript. Thanks Melvin.
God inspired, I am happy to be credited for every part of By Inspiration “Poetry et Cetera” which includes the Cover Page, Layout, and every Visual Expression. As a self-published author, I am proud to leave as a legacy to my family, friends, and people in general both young and old an accomplishment left on record to inspire others to be uniquely themselves doing what they do best being themselves. As we pass this way, it is important to be thankful for who we are totally. By Inspiration “Poetry et Cetera” is the essence of a reflection of the inner me portrayed in words, thoughts, images, lines, shapes, and colors that I hope will connect soul to soul.
