Black genius

Pandora is giving me life today! Stevie Wonder, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.” Lianne La Havas. George Michael and Mary J. Blige covering Stevie’s “As.” Lauryn Hill. D’Angelo. Solange. Goapele. Sade. Beyonce. Alice Smith. All shining examples of Black genius! I’m still thinking about my trip to DC and the time I spent on the top floor of the NMAAHC. I tried to explain on Facebook how layered the experience is—there might be an image but over top would be a quote by a Black icon, then audio playing of another Black leader’s voice, and then you experience all of it with others—you sense their pride, their joy. One woman took the time to read the panel dedicated to Dr. Ben Carson before turning to me and rolling her eyes, which made me laugh out loud. You feel rich amidst such accomplishment, knowing how hard each artist had to fight to share their talent with the world. You feel like an infant swaddled by love, wrapped tight in a blanket woven by hands that would not be stilled or used only to hew wood and draw water. You feel that you have not just permission but an obligation to add to the wealth that future generations will inherit.

I got up and went for a run this morning. My sciatica’s acting up and it’s hard to get used to typing with these stiff wrist guards on (carpal tunnel syndrome—self-diagnosed, of course), but the sun is shining and it’s mild outside. A friend is making hoppin’ john and invited me over to share her New Year’s meal. I enjoyed a quiet morning in the apartment since the gamers downstairs just woke up (after sleeping off their hangovers, I suspect). I’ve got The Return out of the stack of books and papers I keep in the living room. Maybe if I look at it every day, I’ll be inspired to start writing again. I spent a lot of the holidays getting The Ghosts in the Castle ready for publication. The printed proofs are on the way and I’m hoping to make the novel available by the end of the week.

I ended the year on a high note—Debbie Reese let me know that Melena’s Jubilee made Betsy Bird’s list of the Best Picture Books of 2016. Then today I learned that The Door at the Crossroads is a finalist in the Cybils YA Speculative Fiction category. It’s gratifying to know that people are finding and appreciating my work! I’ve got two school visits scheduled for this week and can’t wait to share Ghosts with the kids. One group will be working on their own time-travel stories…lifting as we climb.