Imagine this gift from the Universe. I came to support Sophia N. Lee the first Simon and Schuster’s Filipina published children’s author, who chose another Filipina illustrator Isabel Roxas at a pre-order book launch at a 38 year old Filipina run Philippine Expressions Bookshop owned by @Linda Nietes-Little.
Linda shared the center stage to talk about my book, an anthology of distinct artistic Legacies, called Even The Rainbow Has A Body. I told the audience that the book cover design was done by a 19yo who drew a half face, to reflect we come from our parents’ genes, while half comes from ourselves designing our own lives, like Sophia N. Lee who is doing this book launch.
Sophia shared her childhood raised by her grandparents where she thrived in their love for her, her freedom to do what she wants to do and celebrated her birthday with the townspeople. She felt surrounded by that love that she is now writing about her lola with such love and generosity.
Same for me, I love writing about folks in our community designing their own lives around their own artistry.
One subject in that book is a 12 yo poet who grew up, and just graduated from GWU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications, Summa Cum Laude. The long and short of it, folks were gracious and bought my book, not just a book, but books and a special buy came from Nathan’s mom who bought it for him, an arts teacher in high school.
Gosh, when the Universe gives you a gift, be prepared to accept it with gratitude and grace. No wonder I was wearing my favorite t-shirt, a gift from a very generous friend who treated us to 2 cello tickets from the Hollywood Bowl.
Prior to leaving to go to San Pedro, a 44 miles round trip, I talked to my neighbors who loved the blueberry cheesecake I gave them from Max & Lucy’s and raved about it. But not just rave, they asked if they were Filipinos, I said yes, and they even gave me a beautiful orchid plant.
Yesterday, I came home to a beautiful card from my neighbor who enjoyed the treats from Max and Lucy’s and he wrote that he rationed it for three days to savor its sweetness. Imagine that coming from a very conservative Republican?
We can co-exist provided it is our loving hearts that we connect.
Lord, when you surround me with love and generosity and kindness, I am lifted up by Your love! Thank you po, Lord! The world is in Your good hands.-Prosy Delacruz