Rare Spotlight: Lisa Unger

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed. They are poets. They are artists. They are singers. They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions. They are beautiful, and we should pay attention. Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

Not long ago, I sent out an ambitious email, addressed to one of my favorite authors, thanking her for enriching me with her amazing words.  I also made a request, but didn't expect a reply.  Picture my 8-year-old-on-Christmas-morning expression in that moment when the first email came.  Not only had this author responded, showing appreciation for my interests in her work and support, but she also agreed to the request.  And so, this spotlight was born.

It gives me an immense amount of pleasure to present the Spotlight that is forthcoming.  As a fan, I view the featured writer as one of those rare gems whose words leave me glued to the page.  As an aspiring writer, I extend her respect and gratitude, because she is a beacon to that place that I strive to reach.  I am in awe, in this remarkable moment that I have been given, and hope that I do it the justice it deserves.  Here goes.

Lisa Unger was born in New Haven, Connecticutt, in 1970, but grew up in the Netherlands, England, and New Jersey.  A graduate of the New School for Social Reseach, she spent a number of years living and working in New York City.  She eventually left a career in publicity to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time author.  She currently resides in Florida, with her husband and daughter.

From a reader's perspective, Mrs. Unger is a master of words.  I can't begin to note all of the times that I read through her words, greatly pleased and desiring more.  Her plots are rich and intense, carried at a pace that will keep any reader on edge, thirsting for the next twist or turn.  Although I will not include an excerpt of her work, I adamantly suggest that all who love a great read to seek Mrs. Unger's works out. 

I must add that I was a bit skeptical about contacting an author of Mrs. Unger's stature.  In most of our minds, it seems that a New York Times best-seller would understandably be far too busy to offer this her attention and time.  But Mrs. Unger quelled any predispositions that I had, and proved to be both amiable and willing to help.  I offer her my deepest thanks for this, and hope she understands what it means to me.  If I am fortunate enough to be a writer in her position, her example will be held within my mind.

It is my esteemed pleasure to shed spotlight on one of my favorite authors, Mrs. Lisa Unger.

Questions

1) Name

Lisa Unger

2) Current City/Hometown

Tampa Bay Area, Florida

3) Right now, you are (literally).....

Drinking coffee in my office, finally answering the questions you sent me too long ago!

4) When did you fall in love with writing?

I don't remember a time before I defined myself as a writer, so I'm not sure I fell in love.  I suspect I was born with the need to write.  It's a congenital condition, rather than a love affair ... happily, no escape.

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph

It might be impossible to describe myself in one paragraph.  But I'll say I'm a mother first, a wife, always a writer at my core.  I am in love with my life and dwell most often in a place of gratitude.  I am nourished by family and friends, travel, books (naturally), physical activity, great food.  I am depleted by the internet, stress, pressures internal and external.  But mainly, I'm kind of a happy, normal girl who is very grateful to make my living doing what I love.  

6) Five years ago, you were.....

a new mom, struggling to find a balance between the two most consuming creative endeavors of my life!  Five years later, some semblance of balance has been achieved (most days) ... of course, it always tips in favor of my daughter who is the sun and the moon.

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....

As happy and healthy as I am today.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....

I am not sure any one thing has the power to ruin my day.  But I will say I am happiest when I feel like I wrote well, spent great time with my daughter and my husband, and managed to get some exercise. That's a perfect day!

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in  one of these type questions)

I'm my daughter's favorite color: Rainbow!

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest

The day my daughter told me that when she grows up she wants to be a "mommy writer."

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most

No regrets. Never look back.

12) Write whatever you feel

Thanks so much for thinking of me and including me in your blog!  It means a lot that you reached out to me. 

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work

Everything you never knew you wanted to know about me can be found at: www.lisaunger.com  The best way to keep connected with me is to like me at www.facebook.com/authorlisaunger.  I'm doing lots of giveaways there through the new hardcover release in August of DARKNESS, MY OLD FRIEND.

Again, I say thank you to Mrs. Unger.  You are truly an incredible author whose works have entertained, inspired, and influenced me beyond words.  I look forward to reading many, many more.

Readers would greatly benefit from clicking on one of the links included above.  It will begin your journey into the world of a woman who is not only an amazing writer, but a truly rare person indeed.  Enjoy!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Rare Spotlight: Robin Mills

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

She is a woman of many talents, and quite frankly, you'll enjoy them all.  Artist.  Poet.  Businesswoman.  Promoter.  Motivator.  Mother. Sister. Daughter. Friend.  Cool.   It is my pleasure to introduce to you Ms. Robin Mills.  Take one look at her paintings and you'll understand the power of emotion and vision captured in brushstrokes and spread across canvas to be shared as a gift.  Listen to her talk about promoting local businesses and you'll become moved by a lover of her community, eventually willing to believe that you too can make a difference.  Hear her words flow from her pen to receiving ears, and be lifted into awe for so much talent spilling from the same veins.  A North Carolina native, Robin is constantly creating, constantly organizing, constantly uplifting, and forever inspiring.  Whether through her business, Wall Tales, which specializes in murals, creative wall designs, and original paintings, or through her projects, Breathe to Think and Visual Artists Realm, Ms. Mills is always doing whatever it takes to promote her talents and those of others.  I gratefully extend this bit of spotlight on Robin Mills.

Questions:

1) Name/ Stage Name
I am Robin Mills, A School of Thought, Wall Tales, Breathe to Think, The Visual Artists Realm and The Exchange Vendor Market

2) Current City/Hometown
Raleigh North Carolina

3) Right now, you are (literally)

typing these words on this page answering a questionnaire that I sent you out the blue and having fun doing it.

4) When did you fall in love with art?
I was born that way. Art is natural to me.

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
One of them plays with words while the other one writes them down. One of them hears rhythm in every sound. One marvels over paint while the other plays with a brush. One dives into a project with a lover’s lust. One is a daydreamer all of the time. One takes to the stage and shines. One can tell stories. One can hear. One can see. One knows no fear. One is a philosopher to the bone. They are all Africans far from home and all live deep in my heart and dome. They set the pace they set the tone…in my world…in my home. They represent the one you see when you look directly at me.

6) Five years ago, you were.....
Five years ago I was finding myself and defining what it is that I was put here to do. I was laying a foundation, upon which I build.

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
In five years I expect to be successful in all aspects of being. I expect the freedom of movement.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....

It is hard to ruin an entire day. That’s 24 hours in a purely negative state. People are my greatest disappointments and have been known to steal my joy for a spell. But it never lasts. It’s my joy and I won’t let anyone or anything have it anymore,

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)

I’d be Black. Because. You can’t mix black. You can mix yellow and blue and get green.....

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest.I don’t know that I have ever been proud. I’ve been excited and pleased with myself and the way of things. I have been pleased about many things

11) One moment in your life, which you regret mostI could write a book. But I don’t dwell on regret. What can I do about it? If I could fix it it would not be a regret.

12) Write whatever you feel- I am a writer, visual artist, performing artist, art agent, promoter and educator.....among other things

• Owner of a business based in Raleigh NC...but servicing everywhere called “Wall Tales” specializing in creative wall design, accent walls, framed phrases, creative yarn design and original oil and acrylic paintings.

• Founder of “Breathe to Think,” an open forum from which performing artists display. Breathe to Think meets every 4th Sunday at Loco Lu’s, a local coffeehouse (specializing in coffee products, smoothies, danishes, brownies and a lot of other goodies and a Pure promoter of the Arts) located at 5210 Holly Ridge Drive in Raleigh NC. BTT consists of open mic, feature business man or woman spotlight, feature poets, musicians, comedians and vocalists.

• Founder of “Visual Artists Realm.” Commonly referred to as VAR, an open forum from which visual artists display. VAR meets every 1st Sunday at Loco Lu’s, a local coffeehouse located at 5210 Holly Ridge Drive in Raleigh NC. VAR consists of meeting and greeting 5-8 of the area’s finest emerging visual artists, feature business man or woman spotlight, feature poets, musicians, comedians and vocalists.

• The founder of The Exchange Vendors Market, an open air market designed to promote the entrepreneur spirit. The Exchange meets on a monthly schedule at 1201 Cross Link in Raleigh NC

• Poetess and Spoken Word artists and available for gigs. Purchase your copy of “A School of Thought” my debut CD

• Art instructor at Rehoboth Consulting in Garner NC. Teaches cognitive art therapy to ages 12-21

Information on the above mentioned can be obtained at the sites listed below. Contact me at breathetothink@aol.com

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
http://breathetothink.ning.com/
http://walltalesnc.blogspot.com/

I would like to thank Ms. Mills for completing this.

You can find her on facebook here: Robin Mills

And I leave you with just a taste of Robin's amazing artistic works, just one facet of a rare individual indeed.  Enjoy.

the Rare Poet

Rare Spotlight: Amanda Stockham

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

Listen to her speak, and you're immediately taken in by a voice that is as inviting as her pen.  Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Amanda Stockham.  From listening to countless shows on Blog Talk Radio, I discovered in Ms. Stockham a creative mind and spirit that shines many times over.  Born in Michigan, Amanda continues to elevate the masses, whether through her blog, her weekly radio program, or her poetry that channels emotions and creates many positive experiences.  She is also co-owner of Freedom Ink, an innovative publishing company.  The spotlight shines brightly on Amanda Stockham.

Questions:

1) Name/ Stage Name
My name is Amanda Stockham. My stage name is “Paradyme” and I have been using that since ’04.

2) Current City/Hometown
I currently live in Benton Harbor, MI. I grew up in Michigan, and lived in Atlanta for a few years.

3) Right now, you are (literally).....
LOL. Filling out this questionnaire that I am so honored to have been asked to write. Also, laughing at my twin sons watching G.I. Joe.

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
When I was about 12. I started reading Maya Angelou and also Edgar Allen Poe (The Raven). I have always loved to read. I never believed then there would be a day that someone would call me a Poet though. Still blows my mind. To me it’s a journey and I am not there yet.

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I am a big bag of contradictions. However, the things that stay constant are that I am great person. I am loving, loyal and honest.

6) Five years ago, you were.....
I was working as a CNA and never thought in a million years that this would be the direction my life has taken. I love it.

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
Exploring my creativity and still moving forward.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....
Listen to music. No matter the genre, I love my music.

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
Just as my favorite color changes, so would my answer to that question. I am so orange today. That will change in five minutes though.

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
When I finished my first book of Poetry. It was something that I never thought that I would do, yet at the same time always wanted to.

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
I don’t use that word. I refuse to spend a single moment regretting anything. I make a choice and I move on. The only thing that I could possibly regret is not believing in myself sooner in life. However, that gave me the point of view to be able to relate to people who are still struggling to find out who they are.

12) Write whatever you feel
I feel hungry. I still haven’t eaten breakfast. I want some sausage but I don’t eat pork. I wish turkey sausage wasn’t so bland. I recently tried Almond milk it’s the bomb. Random I know, but you asked.

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
Of Course….
http://freedomsinkpresentsthespot.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paradyme
http://www.reverbnation.com/paradymepoetess
http://www.twitter.com/paradymepoetess
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSpotwithParadyme
http://www.myspace.com/551409

My thanks to Ms. Stockham for completing this.

Check her out on facebook here:  Amanda Paradyme Stockham

And I'm hoping that you enjoy this video, available for viewing on her YouTube page.  She is clearly an amazing artist whose words and performances captivate an audience.  Enjoy.

the Rare Poet

Rare Spotlight: George Yamazawa Jr.

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.


"....and my goal is to really win in my daily life more so than competitions, to really be able to encourage people with my life condition, more so than my poetry."

With this quote, I introduce George Yamazawa Jr., an outrageously talented young poet who already stands on the cusp of greatness, as much through his demeanor as his ability.  Born and raised in Durham, NC, George began to participate in slam poetry, during his freshman year of high school, and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since.  Recently a high school graduate, and currently a college student, George continues to be an example of the positive accomplishments this generation is capable of.  As a member of the Bull City Slam Team (2010 NPS Finalists, 2010 Southern Fried Champions), Sacrificial Poets, as well as a participant in many competitions, workshops, and slams, including Brave New Voices, George continues to motivate and inspire the youth of today with his pen.  His performances spark the heart and mind with poems that range from cultural to conscious to humorous, and he has a stage presence that demands notice.  I remember seeing a video of one of his performances and thinking 'this is the future of poetry'.  It is my pleasure to shine the spotlight on George Yamazawa Jr.

Questions:
1) Name/ Stage Name
George Yamazawa Jr., "G"

2) Current City/Hometown
Bull City born and raised.

3) Right now, you are (literally).....
tired...about to play spades with some poets...Asian...on the computer...

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
Didn't know it at the time, but when I fell in love with hip hop.

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
Short, Asian, creative, family oriented, Buddhist, humanistic, peaceful, writer, hip hop head, southern, fresh, self-conscious, nervous, confident, dedicated, random, artistic, indecisive, ready. I live for my life, my loved, and my lost.

6) Five years ago, you were...
getting suspended from school, selling quarterpounds of weed, failing two classes, writing rhymes, and constantly fighting with my parents. Literally.

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
speaking to people.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....
chant, pray, and sleep.

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
haha I guess I'd be yellow...

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
Truly cannot narrow that one down. I know it was a moment when my parents were the proudest. Maybe graduation.

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
the day I called my mom a bitch.

12) Write whatever you feel
Yo I'm G it's short for George lol, I feel like I should say something deep and profound and inspirational but I'm not, so I'll just say that I appreciate this spot light, and big ups to the Sacrificial Poets and Bull City Slam Team!

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your workGeorge Yamazawa Jr (facebook)
georgeyamazawa@gmail.com
http://www.youtube.com/gyamazawa
www.youtube.com/sacrificialpoets
http://www.sacrificialpoets.com/
www.bullcitypoetryslam.com
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/ever-victorious/10970276?showPreview

Thanks again to Mr. Yamazawa for completing this.
Look for him on facebook here:  George Yamazawa Jr.

And I'll leave you all with this performance by an outstanding poet, who I am proud to call one of my favorites.  Enjoy

the Rare Poet

Rare Spotlight: Jeffery A. Sanders Sr,

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

They say everything starts with a vision.  From that which is seen comes that which is enacted.  Jeffery A. Sanders Sr. is a poetic vision of creating positive possibilities and ideals and using them to effectively change our world.  I remember reading his words and feeling a sense of empowerment, knowing that I could do anything I put my mind to, if I took the correct steps to get there.  Mr. Sanders is a testament to the power of second chances, the power of positive words, and the ability that we all have within us to think better and be better.  It is my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. Jeffery A. Sanders Sr.





Questions:
1) Name/ Stage Name
Jeffery A. Sanders, Sr. aka Cali_isms (California 'N' Boston)

2) Current City/Hometown
Boston, MA / Los Angeles, CA

3) Right now, you are (literally).....
commenting on other poets notes/pieces on facebook

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
While serving time on the new plantation (federal prison)

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I'm a syllogism of wordplay and mastery, a bottomless pit of word and life knowledge, traveling slowly through the mud and swamps of life, creating a beautiful path into glory, so that I can touch the face of God.

6) Five years ago, you were.....
on the New World Order's plantation, incarcerated in the guts of man's earth. (federal prison)

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
a well known published author.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....
write.

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
Brown because it is the color of earth, the last remaining solidified foundation from which man occurred.

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
When my children were born.

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
Infusing myself into the world of drug dealing, destroying my community and the people in it, and being sentenced to 140 yrs in federal prison because of this.

12) Write whatever you feel
Hmmm...I am a walking miracle, touched by the grace of God. It is He who leads and guides me on a daily basis. I sit in silence and I listen for His guidance, enjoying every moment of my new life, not worrying about a thing. I am like the eagle in flight.

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
Facebook/Jeffery Sanders
and on Saturday nights @ 11:00pm until 3:00am @
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/poetically-spoken


I'd like to thank Mr. Sanders for completing this.

Check him out here on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1518733561

And I'll leave you with an amazing piece by a dynamic poet and an inspiring man.  Enjoy

the Rare Poet

SINGLE BLACK WOMAN....BORN FROM A CONVERSATION.....BY CALI-ISMS

by Jeffery A. Sanders Sr.

All Rights Reserved © 
Jeffery Sanders
(aka) Cali_isms
California “N” Boston
Chapters: Library of Thoughts
mcn/C5BMM_SVLJF_SAUNW' 


SINGLE BLACK WOMAN
BY JEFFERY SANDERS
AKA-CALI-ISMS
CALIFORNIA "N" BOSTON

THIS PIECE WAS BORN OUT OF A CONVERSATION
WITH A FRIEND AND SINGLE BLACK WOMAN, AND
THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS BORN OF THAT CONVERSATION,

SINGLE BLACK WOMAN
YOUR ARE THE BLACK-MANS SHINING LIGHT,
HIS BEACON, HIS CANDLE THAT BURNS INFINITE
SHE IS THE FLOWER THAT BLOOMS, BEFORE OUR EYES

THE CLEAR SKY'S OF OUR DARKEST DAYS,
BECAUSE OUR MINDS HAVE NOT LEARNED,
WHO SHE IS THAT STAND BEFORE US,

YET BLACK-MAN
YOUR ARE HER MORAL FORCE, HER
INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL, AS SHE STEPS
INTO YOUR LIFE,

SINGLE BLACK WOMAN, YOU ARE THE PILLAR OF
A BLACK-MAN, EMBEDDED WITH YOUR WOMANLY
INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL, THAT STATES YOUR MENTAL,
EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL PURPOSE,THAT BRINGS THE BLACK-MAN
CLOSER THAN EVEN YOUR BREATHING,

SINGLE BLACK-WOMAN,
A GOOD BLACK-MAN, WILL GUIDE YOU,
LEAD YOU, AND TEACH YOU, WHAT GOD
REVEALS FROM HIS PLAN OF ACTION, AND HIS
COMMON SENSE,

SINGLE BLACK-WOMAN,
YOU ARE,

YOU ARE THE BACKBONE OF AN INCEPTION OF
A BIRTH THAT GROWS A NATION, A MORAL SUBSTANCE,
THERE WILL BE PAIN, THERE WILL BE HEARTBREAK, AND
YOU WILL THIRST FOR THE BLACK-MAN,

SINGLE BLACK-WOMAN,
BUT YOUR STRENGTH IS STRONG ENOUGH TO WITH STAND
AND UNDERSTAND ANY STORM, INCLUDING THE ONE'S YOU
CREATE YOURSELF,WITHOUT FIGHTING THERE CAN BE NO VICTORY,
YOUR STRENGTH HAS BEEN  TESTED AND PROVED,

BLACK-WOMAN
MOTHER OF EARTH AND FERTILITY, RULER OF QUEENDOMS,
THE FACTS STAND BEFORE THE BLACK-MAN, YOU ARE THE
PHENOMENAL WOMAN, THAT ONLY A BLACK-MAN WITH ,
A CALMNESS OF MIND WILL RECOGNIZE , THAT YOU OPERATE
FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH, KNOWLEDGE, VILIGENCE,
SIMPLICITY AND DIGNITY,

BLACK-MAN, THE BLACK-WOMAN IS OUR EMOTIONAL SECURITY,
SHE MUST BE HONORED, CHEERISH, ACCEPTED AND APPROVED,
WITH RESPECT AND HER REFLECTIVE S OF ALL THE LOVE SHE FUELS,
FROM LEARNED WISDOM,

SINGLE BLACK-WOMAN,
YOUR UNIQUE EXPRESSIONS OF LOYALTY, ESTABLISHES,
THE RHYTHM OF THE BLACK FAMILY UNIT, AS ONLY A PHENOMENAL
BLACK-MAN CAN REPRESENT THE BLACK FAMILY PLAN,

SINGLE BLACK WOMAN
THIS POET AND STRONG BLACK-MAN GIVES YOU PRAISE
IN A VERBAL PERSONAL ASSERTIONS, SINGLE MARRIED OR UNMARRIED,
YOU ARE DISCIPLINED, MINDFUL, SUPPORTIVE, SOFT-SPOKEN, RESPONSIBLE,
COLLABORATIVE, COMPASSIONATE, SIGNIFICANT,

SINGLE BLACK-WOMAN,
YOUR ACTIONS, SPEAKS COURAGE, THAT'S ADEQUATELY STRONG,
INDEPENDENT, AUTONOMOUS, UNBROKEN, YOU ARE PHENOMENOLOGICALLY
UNBROKEN, UNBEATEN AND FREE, NOW STOP SAYING YOU DON'T NEED THE
BLACK-MAN.....

THIS PIECE IN ITS PRESENCE IS AN INDICATION OF A RIPENED EXPERIENCE OF
A BLACK-MAN AND A PARTIAL MEASURE OF A BLACK-WOMAN, IN A CALM MEASURE THAT NECESSITATES AN UNDERSTANDING,THAT THE BLACK-MAN AND BLACK WOMAN NEED AN UNDERSTANDING, TO STRENGTHEN THE BLACK FAMILY ....THE EMPHASIS ON SINGLE BLACK WOMAN IS BECAUSE WE AS BLACK MEN, ARE NOT ENGAGING THE ACTIONS  NECESSARY FOR THE BLACK-WOMAN TO BELIEVE IN THE BLACK-MAN...AS THEY BASICALLY STAND ALONE......BLACK-MAN! WHAT WE GONNA DO, SUGGESTIONS DO SOMETHING POSITIVE...EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT WHAT YOU MAKE....INSTEAD OF MAKING FATHERLESS BABIES........CALI-ISMS HAS SPOKEN....THANK YOU......

Rare Spotlight: LaToye Manley

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

A messenger is a living, breathing extension of their message.  Nowhere else is that more the case than with LaToye Manley.  I remember not being able to sleep one morning, which with me is nothing new, and I found my way to a Blog Talk Radio program (shouts out to the host, Huniie the Messenger) where I discovered Ms. Manley.  I was overwhelmed.  Captivated while thinking "who is this woman was fuels me to be so much better than I am", I did some research and what I found continues to leave me in awe.  Ms. Manley is a unique force that reiterates the words when you hear her speak them, "I was born a poet..."  Her writing is crafted of powerful words, meant to move and motivate.  She is a poetic breath of fresh air blended with a rush of needed truth.  Socially conscious, ever aware, Ms. Manley lists Sonia Sanchez, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Charlotte Bronte, and Edgar Allen Poe among her many inspirations.  I am full of conviction, knowing that upon entrance into her world, you will forever be changed for the better.  Introducing the phenominal Ms. LaToye Manley.

 

Questions:
1) Name/ Stage Name

born LaToye Manley/Lyrical~Toye

2) Current City/Hometown

Bellefontaine OH/Newport News VA

3) Right now, you are (literally).....

Eating

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?

10 years old 1986

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I am a Spoken Word Artist/Poet/Writer/Mother/Student. I know thats a lot of slashes but I wear alot of hats. I am honest giving nurturing & genuine. I spend so much of my time trying to inspire change not just in myself and others. I like to have a good time and laugh and enjoy myself. I can be overly impulsive. I am a true friend and believe in loyalty and fidelity.

6) Five years ago, you were.....

working as a shift manager at Rally's

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....

running my own business Lyrical Vizhen

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....

have a pepsi...

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)

I am many shades but I guess blue...its tranquil calming and vibrant.The shade of me thats blue is down to earth and people love that side of me.

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
When I read my first piece out loud at my mothers funeral

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
I dont live with regret and wouldnt change one thing in my life the circumstances that i have walked thru have all made me who i am.

12) Write whatever you feel....

As a poet(any entertainer/artist) I believe that we have a responsibility to those that follow us and support our work. To be irresponsible with peoples heart spiritual mental conditions I think to not just be insensitive but completely short sighted. I am my brothers keeper. I heard a quote not sure who by but it said "A community is only as strong as its women" as a woman of color I believe its my job to hold other women accountable for their actions just as they should do me, as well as holding men accountable for their actions. We are a collective so we should start living like it.

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
www.lyricaltoye.com

(I'm going to add an additional link, because I think her opinions are very relevant and inspiring www.lyricalvizhen.blogspot.com/)

Also you can find her on facebook here:  http://www.facebook.com/HisPoetess

Of course, I'd like to thank Ms. Manley for completing this.

And I'll leave you with a poem that I feel best captures the prolific messenger.  Enjoy.

the Rare Poet

Rare Spotlight: Tzynya L. Pinchback

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

If interesting were a writer, then it'd be called Tzynya on the sixth day, and on the seventh day, it'd rest.  The untameably eccentric side of me was immediately overjoyed when I came across the musings of Tzynya L. Pinchback.  She is a mimosa-sipping, Billie Holiday listening, confetti lentils stew cooking, passion poetry writing good time, all rolled into one.  'Out to sea' vessel, home seeking gypsy who is a testament to determination, she simply enjoys adding a little pizzazz.  The author of several poetry chapbooks, it is my pleasure to introduce Ms. Tzynya L. Pinchback. 





Questions:
1) Name/ Stage Name
Tzynya L. Pinchback or simply Tzynya or Hey Girl.

2) Current City/Hometown
In Atlanta, but not of Atlanta/California native all day!

3) Right now, you are (literally)...
Totally freaking out that my book releases in less than a week and hoping people will at least enjoy it.

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
I am still courting poetry, not ready to make a commitment. At present we're shacked up in a subsidized apartment with free cable and an ice chest for a fridge, but the wood floors don't scuff easily, and poetry is a good romp after a long day.

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I'm short. People are suprised to learn that about me. Apparently I write like a tall person (how does a tall person write, I don't know?). I have very thick eyebrows - like a monster or something - that I tame with wax and persistence. I really like love poems, good love poems, especially those written by Pablo Neruda. I love cats, and believe dragonflies are actually mechanical GPS tracking devices created by the CIA. I'm neurotic as hell and should probably be medicated, but I try to be a good person, and an even better friend.

6) Five years ago, you were.....
Leaving the heartland for the heart of dixie. Suitcase stuffed with a road atlas, bootleg CDs, old loves and a new narrative.

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
Picking out pillow shams for my daughter's dorm room, teaching and capturing stories, retiring my bra, living somewhere with snow. In love.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....
Hear my daughter's laugh.

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
I would be a few colors. Red, because I am quick to emotion, and the color red seems quick and dirty to me (sometimes that's a good thing); Pink because it's dainty and pretty and sweet and it reminds me of being a girl when my bedroom was a sea of chiffon and ruffles and lace, and I feel safe there, still; Blue because it's the color of water and the sky and antique English china, and the hottest part of a flame. I am like a blue dress you hang near an open window to reflect sun or to make dry after a hard rain.

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
Easy. When I gave birth to my daughter 13 years ago. It was the most lucid I have ever been, and I was present for it all. In bed in the birthing center - my husband on the other side of the room, my father in the chair next to my bed - pain curled behind me wrapping me around its fist. I was there for that. No drugs to take me away from any of it. I needed to be present for it, to connect to the priviledge of motherhood and to understand the miracle of life passing through me I had to experience that loop of pain. Then she was born and I was born too.

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
I regret the leaving. I am good at leaving. I am good at finding a new place to plant a garden- like rows of corn and squash and butter lettuce and snap peas just growing wild in the footsteps behind me, ya know. No one to tend to them because I've moved on to another place. Yet, no place is home for me. I regret I don't know how to create a home anymore.

12) Write whatever you feel
I am ashamed, well not really, but sort of, how much I enjoy zombie movies and really cheesy musicals and show tunes. I lie in bed all night at times streaming nonsense on my laptop and it makes me completely happy when I should be sleeping or cleaning my house.

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
My blog: www.tzynyapinchback.com
Youtube Channel: PoemsbyTzynya (www.youtube.com/poemsbytzynya)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TzynyaPoems

I'd like to thank Ms. Pinchback for completing this.

She can also be found on facebook here:  www.facebook.com/tzynya

Here is a small sampling of an intoxicatingly intriguing poet.  Enjoy

Rare Spotlight: Rachel Benson

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.

Often times we are introduced to a person who just has that down-to-earth appeal that makes you desire to know more and more.  This would certainly be true when describing Rachel Benson.  Currently hailing from College Park, GA, she is a delightful twisting adventure along verb avenues and adjective miles  (I mean, there's some serious wordplay!!).  Also a talented singer, Ms. Benson is self described as "...a woman, deeply defined.. far beyond the simplicity of Webster's kind. A creature of femininity.. misunderstood because the sex of me.. represents many levels of complexity. I am a woman of authenticity, falsified by society's unyielding critique.. of who I should be....."  Hopefully, this helps shed some light on who she really is.  Introducing Ms. Rachel Benson.

Questions:
1) Name/ Stage Name
Rachel Benson aka Poetic Ray

2) Current City/Hometown
Hi Marcus College Park, Georgia

3) Right now, you are (literally).....
Filling out this questionnaire!

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
At the age of 17

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I am a single, proud auntie, with no kids of my own. I take pride in knowing that I play a significant role in the lives of my siblings’ kids. I’m somewhat of a loner who doesn’t really get out much. My aspirations in life are greater than what I am right now. I hope to travel and teach English in my near future. Poetry gets me through many hurdles, while writing fiction extends my stay in the world of writing. My story is still in the making, so stay tuned for what’s to come!

6) Five years ago, you were.....
Going to school for business

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....Traveling with my many books and plays

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....Get some kind of writing done

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)I’d be black.. Simply because no matter what colors life throws at me, my foundation cannot be denied.. But still recognized.

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudestWhen I received my 1st check in the mail from my online book purchases!

11) One moment in your life, which you regret mostI regret not finishing school when I was younger

12) Write whatever you feelI’ve studied my reflection
Found many results to my inspection
But what holds true with no discretion
Are the flaws that show with no protection
~I am who I say I am~

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
http://www.poeticray.ning.com/, www.myspace.com/poeticray, http://www.reverbnation.com/poeticray, and poeticra25@yahoo.com

I'd like to say thanks to Ms. Benson, for completing this.

She can be found on facebook, here:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000838651871

And I'll leave you with a taste of a creative poetic soul.  Enjoy.

the Rare Poet

Rare Spotlight: Joyce Lee

Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed.  They are poets.  They are artists. They are singers.  They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions.  They are beautiful, and we should pay attention.  Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.


I wish I could remember exactly what I was doing when I first discovered the poetry of Joyce Lee, because it is definitely something worth repeating.  An extremely talented spoken word artist from Oakland, California, Ms. Lee is a stick of dynamite set off in a room full of glass.  The passion delivered in each of her pieces has set crowds on fire.  Crowned Oakland, California's 2009 Grand Slam Champion, it is my pleasure and priviledge to introduce the inferno that is Ms. Joyce Lee.

Questions:

1) Name/ Stage Name
Joyce Lee

2) Current City/Hometown
Oakland, Ca

3) Right now, you are (literally).....
staying over a heartbroken friends house after taken her to dinner and a slasher movie and calmin her down with wine.

4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
When I first interpreted Biblical scripture for myself.

5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I am human. I am ever changing. I AM.

6) Five years ago, you were.....
Newly divorced and just stepped down from being a minister.

7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
Whatever I will be five years from now.

8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....

Nothing, not even death can ruin an entire day.

9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
The color I am. Its absolutely gorgeous. Brown with red highlights. Just the right amount of death and life made me. I wouldnt change one thing.

10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
When I went against religion and sided with my gut. Everyone told me I would go to Hell for leaving my ex husband, but I stepped out on faith and it established a life long relationship with my Creator. I thought I would die - that I would literally burst into flames and God would ball me into a stone and crack the gates of hell open with my body. But God is Truth and Love. I would've NEVER known that had I stayed miserably married and praying in pews.

11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
Being an obedient child. I shouldve given the women in my family way more Hell much sooner. Haha!

12) Write whatever you feel.

Alive.

13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
Facebook in my notes section or www.youtube.com/justjoycelee

I would like to thank Ms. Lee for taking the time to complete these questions. 

Check her out on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=101800708

And I'd like to close with just one of my many favorite performances by a truly outstanding poet.  Enjoy

the Rare Poet