Demi! Omg, of course I remember you! Has it really been two years? And yes, if you’re still comfortable I’d be honored to read your book (and the poetry, too)! Do you have a favorite verse form or theme you adhere to? Or is your poetry an in-the-moment, whatever feels best exercise? I’m usually in the latter camp haha.
(I’m so sorry your previous account booted you, is there anyway to recover it? Your current profile picture and banner are super cool, did you create them yourself?)
In the time since we last spoke I adopted a dog, got married, got a promotion, bought a house. I’ve been blessed and I’m grateful for this chapter in my life, even if I’ve been too busy to write consistently. I hope you can say the same!
I’m having a hard time with the rest of your message, because I can’t imagine my stories resonating with anyone deeply enough for them to stick even a month after reading. To me, they’re not even stories that NEED to be told, they’re just stories I think would be fun and neat to share, so I’m always blown away when someone enjoys them! So honestly, truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I’m honored something I made could help build something good. It’s a big responsibility that I don’t take lightly.
And your comment about waist beads tickled me!! Very sweet and thoughtful of you. I, personally, would not find your wearing or making of waist beads an issue, especially if you’re respectful of the practice/buy from authentic craftswomen. If it were up to me, I’d rather people be educated and knowledgeable about them than not. There is an argument to be made that it is inappropriate for me as a Black American to wear waist beads since I don’t have any direct cultural or ethnic ties to an African nation that wears waist beads today, but I digress.
I appreciate your openness and kindness more than you know, and never hesitate to reach out. I may take a few days to respond, but I will always try to get back to you.
Take care, and stay safe out there.
