"Dorothy loved Bennie" This is the first line of my poem "Dorothy's Loves", found in my poetry book, Sensual Sounds. Dorothy and Bennie Eanes were my parents. Long before love among African-Americans became the subject of various blogs, talks shows, articles, etc., I witnessed it firsthand for 25 years.
My parents were my first role models of what family, love and respect were within a family structure. Mom and Dad married after a whirlwind, four-month courtship. She was 24 and he 21. I was born the following year. Three sons were born in 11 years.
Everyone who knew my parents always remember little things, like rarely seeing one without the other. Or how my mother was more outgoing, while Dad was more reserved. But there was never a question of how much they loved and supported each other. Mom graduated from college in six years after giving birth to two babies along the way. Dad realized his dream of owning real estate. Both stressed their accomplishments were family achievements. So much more fills my heart as I write this. Like Dad reading bedtime stories or Mom's love of cooking. They weren't perfect. But seeing love and marriage in its many forms is a gift I'll forever cherish.
October 28 is my parents' wedding anniversary. How I long to send a card, take them to dinner or spend the day with them. But Dad was 45 and Mom 51 when death united the newlyweds. Being part of the inspiration for Sensual Sounds is a part of the legacy I have from Bennie and Dorothy. So I'll light a candle, say a prayer and thank God for my memories.
Sensual Sounds is available on http://barnesandnoble.com and http://www.amazon.com.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Flying Without A Net
"Faith is the sunstance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen." That Bible verse has kept me afloat many days. It could also be the theme of my Sensual Sounds book tour to the Philadelphia/ New York area a few weeks ago. If you read my last blog, I traveled on the prayers of those warriors who reminded me that being an author isn't all about the money. They were right. I borrowed my way to the East coast. It didn't do much for my self-esteem to ask for money to make this trip. The stress of figuring out how to pay everyone back is something I'm wrestling with as I write this. But the riches I received are immeasurable. I felt blessed when my friends and me joyously greeted one another. It was so much fun to surprise my friend Patrick when Amy and me traveled to Native Restaurant in Harlem to support him as the host of Kariokee Night. Antonio, a friend I hadn't seen since childhood, made me feel safe the minute he hugged me. I felt so welcomed in his home during the time we spent together. My greatest pleasure, however, was sharing Sensual Sounds with those who stopped by my table at Horizon Books. My goal was to sell all the books I had in my bag which would've helped me pay off those loans. God had other plans. I sold only one book. But the intimate connection I felt in reading my words to strangers literally stood next to hear me read my poems is the reason why I can't waste my gift. I choked with emotion when an elderly Jewish man, who was moved to tears by one of my poems, told me stories of how helpless he felt when witnessing the indignities his African-American friends endured in during segregation. I also received much encouragement from those who couldn't afford to buy a book that day. Yes, I came home with less money than planned. But money doesn't buy everything. The intangible gifts I received from this trip has given me the strength to keep me walking in faith, not sight.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Breath In, Breath Out
Onward to Philly for my Sensual Sounds booksigning! My bags are nearly packed, my ticket's bought and paid for. All the details regarding my appearance at Horizon Books on Saturday, October 9 are coming along well. I'm there from 12-3.
This is my first time doing an extended signing, but as my friends often remind me, I'm always up for an adventure. But I'd also like to take time out to thank the prayer warriors who are keeping me encouraged. Some of you know I've had some unexpected challenges which threatened to derail this trip.
I'm sure many authors and others who travel to share their talents know the road isn't always smooth. So many issues can potentially cause severe doubts in one's calling to share their gifts. I've found myself in this boat many times. But as long as I remember that writing is a gift I've shared in good as well as lean times, then I'm okay.
One, two, three...I'm breathing in the joy the poems in Sensual Sounds have brought to countless people, some whom I've never met. This knowledge keeps me striving for better far more than I can ever express. Hold. Exhale all the negatives. In, out, in... All the while remembering one of the greatest tragedies in life is wasting one's talents.
Sensual Sounds is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. For more information regarding my writing journey, please visit Marcie Eanes-Poetry on Facebook.
This is my first time doing an extended signing, but as my friends often remind me, I'm always up for an adventure. But I'd also like to take time out to thank the prayer warriors who are keeping me encouraged. Some of you know I've had some unexpected challenges which threatened to derail this trip.
I'm sure many authors and others who travel to share their talents know the road isn't always smooth. So many issues can potentially cause severe doubts in one's calling to share their gifts. I've found myself in this boat many times. But as long as I remember that writing is a gift I've shared in good as well as lean times, then I'm okay.
One, two, three...I'm breathing in the joy the poems in Sensual Sounds have brought to countless people, some whom I've never met. This knowledge keeps me striving for better far more than I can ever express. Hold. Exhale all the negatives. In, out, in... All the while remembering one of the greatest tragedies in life is wasting one's talents.
Sensual Sounds is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. For more information regarding my writing journey, please visit Marcie Eanes-Poetry on Facebook.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
My Adventures with Sensual Sounds
I know it's been ages since my last post, but I'm having a great time promoting my poetry book, Sensual Sounds. My travels have taken me to Los Angeles for signings at the AC Bilbrew Library and the LA Black Book Expo in August. Also did some private readings this summer. Wonderful experience.
Now I'm getting ready to come to the Philadelphia-New York area next month. I'm excitedly looking forward to sharing Sensual Sounds with the East Coast. I'm so thankful to all those working hard to make my appearances a success. No one can do it all by themselves.
Once again, thanks to all who purchased Sensual Sounds which is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Thanks to all who've read rough drafts, sat in audiences, and cheered me on along the way. May you have techinicolor dreams too. Gotta go! Sensual Sounds is calling...
Now I'm getting ready to come to the Philadelphia-New York area next month. I'm excitedly looking forward to sharing Sensual Sounds with the East Coast. I'm so thankful to all those working hard to make my appearances a success. No one can do it all by themselves.
Once again, thanks to all who purchased Sensual Sounds which is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Thanks to all who've read rough drafts, sat in audiences, and cheered me on along the way. May you have techinicolor dreams too. Gotta go! Sensual Sounds is calling...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Legacy's Challenge
Style, grace and beauty. Three distinct words which capture both Lena Horne and Dorothy Height. Their lives serve as shining examples of feminine power
in a time where African-Amercan women were expected to be subservient mutes.
As I read the obituaries of Horne and Height, I remember my parents talking to me at great length about both women and their activities in the struggle for Civil Rights in the 1960's. I marveled at their determination to make this country better alongside the male leaders. I went to school each day thinking I could do anything regardless of my race and sex.
As an adult,I aspire to leave an enduring legacy for future generations beginning with my own family. All I have to do is close my eyes and remember the names of those who walked in my shoes before before was before.
What's your legacy going to be? Are you living up to your potential? Do you encourage others with words, actions, deeds? People are watching and waiting...
in a time where African-Amercan women were expected to be subservient mutes.
As I read the obituaries of Horne and Height, I remember my parents talking to me at great length about both women and their activities in the struggle for Civil Rights in the 1960's. I marveled at their determination to make this country better alongside the male leaders. I went to school each day thinking I could do anything regardless of my race and sex.
As an adult,I aspire to leave an enduring legacy for future generations beginning with my own family. All I have to do is close my eyes and remember the names of those who walked in my shoes before before was before.
What's your legacy going to be? Are you living up to your potential? Do you encourage others with words, actions, deeds? People are watching and waiting...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April's Flowers and Showers
It's been a whirlwind of emotions since I last wrote something for this blog. Ideas have been swirling, but only now have I had a moment to try catching them.
My birthday celebration aka season began in earnest on April 11. I'm grateful to all who made it special now and whenever I travel to see others over the summer.
The offical celebration of my poetry book, "Sensual Sounds" at the Racine Library was an excellent day. Seeing family and friends enjoy the words I worked hard to breathe life into, is still hard to put into words. I feel so blessed as I begin the journey of sharing "Sensual Sounds" in both expected and unexpected ways.
But the rush to share my latest accomplishments diminshed by one. My beloved cousin, Bill West, died of cancer April 3. The private pain I always struggle with is that of seeing the twinkle of happiness in my parents's eyes. They were the first to hold my school diplomas, published articles and so many other honors.
My cousin Bill was always a part of these joyous celebrations since my birth. He, too, had that proud twinkle elders give the young. For example, when my father made the decision to drive from my small hometown of Racine to big New York City the year I interned at 'Essence' magazine, Bill not only loaned his van, but came along for the trip. The memories I have of that drive, along with who cried the most when it was time Dad and Bill to leave, are priceless.
Bill's role in my life and that of my two brothers became larger after both my parents died The one thing he was determined to do was see us suceed. He celebrated our accomplishments, but the question of what's next was always there as it was when my parents were alive.
Saying goodbye to Bill has only just begun. The angels received another good man when Bill took his last breath on earth.I still find myself wanting to rush and show him "Sensual Sounds". But I hear his voice whispering "What's next, Marcie?"
My birthday celebration aka season began in earnest on April 11. I'm grateful to all who made it special now and whenever I travel to see others over the summer.
The offical celebration of my poetry book, "Sensual Sounds" at the Racine Library was an excellent day. Seeing family and friends enjoy the words I worked hard to breathe life into, is still hard to put into words. I feel so blessed as I begin the journey of sharing "Sensual Sounds" in both expected and unexpected ways.
But the rush to share my latest accomplishments diminshed by one. My beloved cousin, Bill West, died of cancer April 3. The private pain I always struggle with is that of seeing the twinkle of happiness in my parents's eyes. They were the first to hold my school diplomas, published articles and so many other honors.
My cousin Bill was always a part of these joyous celebrations since my birth. He, too, had that proud twinkle elders give the young. For example, when my father made the decision to drive from my small hometown of Racine to big New York City the year I interned at 'Essence' magazine, Bill not only loaned his van, but came along for the trip. The memories I have of that drive, along with who cried the most when it was time Dad and Bill to leave, are priceless.
Bill's role in my life and that of my two brothers became larger after both my parents died The one thing he was determined to do was see us suceed. He celebrated our accomplishments, but the question of what's next was always there as it was when my parents were alive.
Saying goodbye to Bill has only just begun. The angels received another good man when Bill took his last breath on earth.I still find myself wanting to rush and show him "Sensual Sounds". But I hear his voice whispering "What's next, Marcie?"
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