My mom is a great letter writer. Whether it's a letter to a friend, a relative, a congressman or newspaper, she's not afraid to express herself. It's a trait that I've inherited from her as well. I've received some wonderful notes from her throughout the years but a few days ago I received the best letter ever. I asked her if I could share it on my blog and she gave me her blessing. Although it is somewhat personal I'm posting it because I feel that it might inspire others to NEVER give up on their dreams. One of my mom's dreams finally came true at the age of 88! I am honored that I was able to play a part in making it happen (with a little help from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and the e-book revolution).
HERE'S THE LETTER:
Dear Janine,
In Munhall, Pennsylvania as a young girl, about 11 years old, I stayed with my Grandmother Milko and my Aunt Marian during the summer months. They owned a delicious pear orchard surrounded by a stone wall that Grandfather Milko built and as I would walk around the grounds I dreamed of writing a book some day. (I was inspired by my literature teacher, Mrs. Renfro who was a great storyteller.) Any way, one day I got a piece of paper and wrote on it, "Some day I will write a book". I folded the paper, removed some stones from the wall and hid the paper inside, then replaced the stones. It was my dream, and Janine, you helped make it come true.
Love always, Mom
The book that my mom is referring to is called SELF PORTRAIT - A Collection of Poems. She wrote most of these poems in the 1970's while raising four daughters. My father was playing the part of the busy executive in downtown Detroit, working long hours. My mom spent much of her time doing menial tasks around the house, but also within the poems it's clear that there was also a lot of soul searching going on. As her Christmas present this past year I edited her poems and created a book for her.
If not for the internet and on-line e-bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble my mom's poems would've stayed in her notebooks. They would have been passed down to one of us - but otherwise never to see the light of day - or should I say, the light of the computer screen. But, it's a new world now. It's an amazing time for writers, artists and musicians who had to rely on publishers, movie studios and record labels in the past. As an artist I'm thankful to be living during this time in history. How many creative souls never had this kind of opportunity to express themselves in the past? To be seen or heard? To be acknowledged? Thousands if not millions I am sure.
If you would like to see some of my mom's poems, please click on one of the links below. You'll be guided to a page where you can read the first several pages at no cost. Or, if you would like to purchase her book the price is $2.99 for both the Kindle or nook. (It's also available as a regular book for $4.99 plus $2.00 postage & handling (contact me at: j9art_music@yahoo.com if you'd like to purchase a printed version and I'll send one your way.)
There's one more thing I'd like to mention (or confess). Artists are generally somewhat needy and insecure - often seeking attention & approval from others. Unfortunately, I am no exception. I guess I just want to acknowledge my mom as an artist in her own right and to apologize too for not supporting her sooner. Better late than never I suppose, but it took way too long and for that I am sorry.
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| Editor and Poet (daughter & mother) |
