Recently, I was honored by tying for 3rd place in the 18 and under category of the Lincoln Poetry Contest! My poem “Land of Dreams” was submitted into the “Should we be thinking about today or tomorrow” category. Unfortunately, I could not attend the awards ceremony, as it was in Lincoln, California this past weekend. My poem was read there in my stead. There will be a chapbook released with all the winning poems, in which I will be included. I was elated when I found out – it is always nice to know that my poetry is accepted and appreciated.
Poetry
Art Tales 2019
Recently, I submitted to the 2019 Art Tales Writing Contest, which is based in Ventura County, California. Each year, three or four pieces of art are chosen from the Municipal Art Collection, and contestants must base their poem on one of these. Just last week I found out that I had placed first in my division! Woohoo! I was really excited when I heard the news – it is always wonderful when my poems are accepted and find a home. I submitted last year and placed third. Check out my poem:
Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest
A couple of weeks ago, I was honored to receive the People’s Choice award in the Carl Sandburg poetry contest. The awards ceremony took place last weekend in North Carolina. My family and I drove up Friday morning so that we could attend. While there, we visited the Carl Sandburg house, which is now a National Park. Check out the pictures above and my poem below!
CDA – The Charity I Support
Recently, I have picked the charity that I am going to donate all of the proceeds from my book to! It is called Children’s Development Academy (CDA). It is a school that supports early education for children ages 1-5. It is specifically for children whose families cannot afford to send them to the regular pre-k and preschool. Recently, I had the honor of visiting the charity. The director, Ms. DeCan, took me on a tour of the school and showed me where the kids study and play. They do have a wonderful playground to enjoy! Then I had the most wonderful time with the young students in all three pre-k classrooms! The kids were so happy to meet me and eager to hear some of my poems. They were so engaged in a lively discussion afterwards.
The CDA is such a special place and I look forward to visiting many more times in the future!
I would like to thank everyone who has purchased my books or who has given a donation to this wonderful cause. This would not be possible without you. THANK YOU!
If you would like to learn more about the CDA and its mission, you can follow these links:
Merci Beaucoup, Mme. Maryse!
Wow! My wonderful French teacher, Mme. Maryse, surprised me again with a beautiful collection of some of my new poems translated into French. She put so much effort into designing every page of this book and into translating every word so that it would be just right. I am so honored and lucky to have such a fabulous teacher and friend. I think that my poems sound so beautiful in French! Merci beaucoup, Mme. Maryse! ♥
My New Book, Down the Road, is Out!
Wow! I can’t believe that my new book, Down the Road, is already out for sale on Amazon! Please take a peak at the link below. All proceeds from the sale of my book will go to charities.
Down the Road
Also, check out my interview about the process of writing this book:
My Interview
The Decision
My poem, The Decision, placed 3rd in the Ventura County’s Art Tales Contest. This creative contest was inspired by works of art in the City’s Municipal Art Collection. The photograph “Tambor, 2000” by William Hendricks, sparked my imagination. This is the link to the photograph: Tambor, 2000
This was my third poem to be recognized during the National Poetry Month, which made it even more special.
The Optimist
Recently, The Holocaust Museum in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League of Atlanta held a poetry contest for all children and young adults in the south-east. The theme was ‘Imagine a World Without Hate’. I entered my poem, The Optimist, and it was awarded first place in my division. I was so excited when they notified me! Below are some pictures from the awards ceremony held at Kennesaw State University last weekend:
The Mist
A few months ago, I entered my poem The Mist into the Ventura County Writers Club’s contest. A couple of weeks ago they contacted me to inform me that my poem won first place in my age category! I was so excited! Unfortunately, I could not attend the award ceremony in California. The contest chair asked if I could record reading my poem so that they could play it at the awards ceremony. I was so thrilled to do that! You can see the link is below. Thank you to everybody at Ventura County Writers Club for their attention and kindness.
Youtube Link to The Mist
My Interview
My great mentor and friend, Ms. Dallas Woodburn, recently asked me to do an interview for her blog. I felt truly honored! Here is a link to the interview if you are interested:
Dallas Woodburn Blog Spot Interview
Please visit Ms. Woodburn’s website: Write On! Books
a little peek into my world 