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Poetry, Astrology, and More!



Raise your hand if you believe in or like astrology—I do!


 It was brought into my life at an early age. I remember my mom going to Walgreens or any drugstore or bookstore and stocking up on every available edition of daily forecast magazines. In the morning, with her coffee, she'd mull over them to get a glimpse into the day ahead of her. Each month, before those roamed into the following month, she would make sure to go get the updated ones—all with Aquarius printed in bold letters on the front.


Curiosity got to me, and I skimmed through them and soon requested a Virgo one, which brings me to today. Western Astrology describes me as highly organized, clutter-free, meticulous, practical, etc. It sounds about right in my home, although you might find some drawers and closets in disarray. Shh . . . it's our little secret, okay?


 The funny thing is that I'm Oscar Madison regarding the computer. I can't keep things orderly, even when I try, and I've attempted to . . . many times.


 It feels too time-consuming. Yes, I admit, so does searching for photographs I need. I occasionally have the thought, If only I named them correctly and put them in a folder.


 But, as people with messy rooms say…I pretty much know where my things are (most of the time). But no one else would if someone had to run my online gift shop for me.


 Virgo's are also described as thinkers who plan. I, on the other hand, prefer spontaneity. If I make plans and appointments, it causes me to overthink and feel anxious. I like to just go when I feel moved to. To trust the universe! (The meditation teacher and Zen girl in me) Be in the moment…


 And that's what I did with my poetry chapbook, Pieces of Me, on presale by Finishing Line Press today. ( A middle schooler named Monique's dream)


 When I saw the last day to submit my poems to a contest was the exact date on the calendar, I only had a few hours to try and manifest a worthy manuscript with a title, poet bio, and more. My husband and son thought I was insane to give it a go, but I said, "I CAN DO IT!"  George Lopez taught me long ago I'm a MexiCAN, not a MexiCAN'T!


 And do it, I did. I found my one folder in order—the final draft poems, which I knew had been edited with my poetry critique group. I stayed glued to the computer and clock and got it sent within a few hours.


 After a meditation session the following day, I thought about what intention I should set next. I said out loud, "I'm going to publish a poetry book."


 A few months later, I heard from the publishing company, who said I did not win the contest, but . . . they wanted to publish my manuscript anyway!


 I share this with you because there has yet to be a roadmap for art to its destination. Astrology is just like creativity and people. There are layers upon layers (rising sign, where all your planets align), and we're the sum of all our beautiful parts.


 The same thing happened with my memoir. I didn't set out to write it for publication, so I didn't really edit, censor, or write everything in my thoughts. I wrote to one person and with one person in mind. I thought I was only sharing it with him and his family, but with their permission, it was published to help others and is still well-received by readers.


All this is being said so you can see there is no one right way, and anything can happen . . . even your wildest dreams. <3


Monique


 "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." 

-Wayne Gretzky



Pieces of Me Poetry Chapbook - Monique Rardin Richardson


Reading Pieces of Me, snippets of memories, of loves, of hopes, of losses, and of dreams, we see a thread of kindness that strings them together like beads. There is healing in these poems such as all art must have, and reading them, a feeling of privilege like being made privy to a sensitive diary.


–Rafael Jesús González, Poet Laureate, Berkeley, California




Presale begins June 24, 2024

Please reserve your discounted copy today!






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