Marina The Poet

I've just heard of the passing of E. Lynn Harris and it made momentairly me sad.  I recently read his autobiography and it touched me mainly becasue he worked hard for his success.  I pray his family and friends remain strong and I can imagine he is writing a great story for God as we speak.

It has been a minute...well maybe two, I know!  However, once you find out what I have been doing, I think you will forgive me for being away so long.  I am producing and directing my very first play!  I claimed it then became it!  Hey, I like that!  I claimed it, then became it. 

 

About twenty years or so ago, I wrote a play then stuck it in a drawer.  Well today I have breathed life into it, and it will be coming to a stage near you on September 12, 2009, Black Diamonds and Pearls...Rise Up and Shine! will debut.  How's that for holding fast to a dream?  As you can imagine, I am extremely proud of myself.  I have an amazing cast, and can't wait for you all to see them do their thing.  They are doing all the hard work, so I give them all the credit in the world for bringing my characters to life.  Please continue to pray for me/us and support my work.  Many of you know how long I have been longing to follow this dream. 

 

Tickets are on sale NOW.  Please go get yours after reading this.  Don't wait until September 12, do it now!  I thank you in advance and look forward to seeing each and every one of you on the 12th if not before!

 

Peace and Blessings,

Marina

Fifteen years or so ago, I wrote a script for a play and stuck it in a drawer.  One day I knew it would come to life, I just didn't know when.  That one day is now.  To think that my play will grace a stage is almost overwhelming for me.  I have sat in numerous empty auditoriums for the sheer purpose of imagining my play on the stage.  I have seen the characters, the set and the audience.  I've listened to the applause, witnessed the tears and heard the sighs. 

 

This is a dream that I have wanted to experience for a long time.  You can only imagine what I am feeling...nervous, excited, apprehensive, creative, humble, thankful, brave.  A part of me wants everyone to love it, and another part of me knows it does not matter.  The simple fact that I allowed myself to dream, and then followed through with that dream is reason enough to be proud of myself.  If it is received well good, if it isn't good.  Both will serve a purpose, both are important, both have the same weight. 

 

The most important thing I've learned throughout this entire process of writing the script, sticking it in the drawer, casting it and then bringing it to stage, is that the journey has been the reward.  It is the journey that has allowed me to experience the rewards.  I now know that I have tenacity, perseverance, faith, fortitude and hope.  I now understand what it means to never, ever give up! 

Over the past few months my blog has been acting up and I haven't had the time to find out what was going on with it.  Well leave it to Precious, the web guru, to figure it out!!  Thank you honey, you are a God send! 

 

It feels good to be back.  There are so many things that have been happening in my life since last we visited.  Not sure where to start, but I will tell you it's all been good.  The one thing I will tell you about is my play, Black Diamonds and Pearls...Rise Up and Shine!  This is a baby that I've been birthing over the past 20 years or so.  It is one I am very proud to say has breathed new life into my soul. I promise to tell you more about it as time goes on, however, for now I just wanted to let you know that I've missed you, and it is good to be back.

 

God bless,

Marina 

I received a call from Paulina regarding the copy of my book and CD I had given to her last week, and her response to my work lit a fire under me even more!  It is so rewarding for an artist to know that her/his work has touched the hearts of others.  I took a moment to bask in her telling me that she had listened to the poem, Have You Ever Loved A Black Man, SIX times!  Wow!  I admit it made me proud.

 

I have been chasing this dream for a long time.  I’ve gotten tired and wanted to give up so many times along the way because it has been tough holding fast to my dream.  Especially when so many people want to tell me what to do with my life.  But when I get a call like the one I got tonight…that helps me to stay focused.  It helps me to know that somebody appreciates what I am doing.  Somebody feels like I

do – that my work is worth the time others take to listen to or read it.

 

I simply love what I do.  I am so grateful to God for allowing me to do it.  I don’t take my gift for granted and I desire to share it with the world.  Thank you, Paulina, for reminding me why I hold fast to my dream.  Your enthusiasm and encouragement was the wind beneath my wings for today.  God bless you my sista.