Member of the Month
is
Congrats!!!
1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Zimbabwe but spent half my time in Cape Town, South Africa. I now live in the U.K. In regard to growing up, I find it very over-rated.
2. What is the first thing you remember that perked your interest in writing?
I have always loved words. In my younger years, my identical twin sister and I used to lose ourselves in the magic of books and music. When I was 18 years old, I wrote a poem which three years later, turned out to be prophetic. That was the catalyst.
3. Did you go to college/university?
I was unable to go to University or College when I left school because my parents were struggling financially and needed me to work and earn some money.
4. If so, what was your major?
n/a
5. Outside of college, how have you educated yourself beyond secondary school?
I studied Clinical Technology whilst working in the Renal Laboratory at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town. I did blood tests for the heart and kidney transplant patients. (This was the same laboratory that Christiaan Barnard used. He did the world's first ever heart transplant.) I also did a 2 year College course called 'Discover your Potential'. I learnt Photography, some I.T. and various other subjects. Upon completing the course, I was told that my strength lay in writing and poetry. I have also done a course on Palmistry.
6. What’s your favourite colour?
That's difficult to say because I adore all shades of the spectrum. I would say my favourite colour is violet.
7. Food?
I like all kinds of food, except Chinese.
8. Pastime?
Poetry (I live and breathe poetry, I even dream about it), Philosophy, Psychology, Medicine, Zen Buddhism.
9. Music?
I love most music, with the exception of Rap and Dance music.
10. Poet?
e.e. cummings, Pablo Neruda, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Leonard Cohen and many others, too many to mention.
11. TV show?
Grey's Anatomy, Documentaries/Discovery Channels, Satire, Army Wives, Comedy.
12. Movie?
Prince of Tides, The Green Mile, Apocalypse Now, Awakenings.
13. Book?
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, The Book of Counted Sorrows by Dean Koontz.
About Your Life on All Poetry:
1. Give me a brief rundown of your history on AP. In other words, how did you get here?
A friend of mine mentioned this site. I came to have a look and the rest, as they say, is history. I love AP. I can't remember what I did before I joined here. It is an integral part of my life now. Being on AP has helped improve my poetry skills. I have met some wonderful people here which are a lovely bonus.
2. How long have you been a member of All Poetry?
About 10 months.
About Your Poetry:
1. When did you first begin to write?
Growing up, I remember writing the usual poems for birthdays etc, but it wasn't until I was 18 that I wrote, what is to me, my first real poem.
2. What kind of poetry do you write the most? Dark, Sensual, Etc.
I tend to write poetry that explores enlightenment, balance, peace. Anything that feeds the soul. I also write about life experiences, it is cathartic.
3. Who are your influences?
e.e..cummings. Pablo Neruda, Basho, Leonard Cohen, my family, life and AP Poets.
4. What feeds your desire to continue writing poetry?
Throughout my life, I have been told I have a way with words, yet it was only when my identical twin sister, Sheila, died on 05/04/07, that I gave it some serious thought. It had always been her wish for me to take my writing more seriously. My family encourage me, especially my daughter, Nelle.
General:
1. Hobbies?
Knitting, Crochet, Sewing, Art, Poetry, Reading, Music and Movies.
2. Pets?
We have two cats. Jazz is my cat, black and white, normal garden variety. She always has her tongue sticking out.
Renee is my daughter's cat, a Persian Chinchilla, in shades of white to grey, with a heart shaped pink nose.
3. Talents?
Making people laugh so much that they choke on whatever they're drinking.
4. Jobs?
Clinical Technologist, Medical Aid Assessor, Receptionist/Telephonist. When Nelle was still at school, I did work at a supermarket, part time, stacking shelves. (The funniest thing about it is that my Daughter, when asked what I did for a living, told her Teacher I was a 'shop-lifter' That took some explaining! )
5. What advice would you give to growing poets?
Keep writing. Read as much poetry as you can. Experiment on different styles. Work with the premise that less is more. Read poetry aloud, see if it flows. Share it with your friends, get their reaction. Ask for feedback. Don't give up.
6. Anything else you can think of.
I am an enigma wrapped in a mystery. My daughter remains the most important endeavour I have ever undertaken. I can't live without music and words, they are so powerful. I believe in forgiveness. I try not to judge others. Regarding wisdom, I have found the more I learn, the more I realise I know. I have been blessed by the ability to find humour, even in my darkest moments. I am stimulated by debate, humanity, humility, life as we know it, the universe, animals, nature and history. I am all too aware there are things that exist beyond human understanding so I remain open-minded. I dream of a time when the human race can live in peace, united by the fact that we are connected. I have so much more to learn. I am against hatred of any kind. I find it a constant source of amusement that most people perceive me as being too serious. Those closest to me know differently.
One of Her Best Writes: |
Thank you Mariana for participating as Member of the Month for All Poetry. Thank you for all of your support here at All Poetry.
I encourage everyone to take a look at this month's Member of the Month profile! Comments have been disabled to encourage personal interaction.
