I am filled with joy and encouragement over this award. It is a humbling experience to be listed with the other artist from the past years and those receiving it today. Many of whom are on my list of people I want to be someday.
I believe I share this award with organizations that were here long before I arrived to Bellingham, in winter of 2010. Places such as:
Village Books
Chuckanut Sandstone Writers Theater
Whatcom Poetry Series: Poetry Night Open Mic
and KMRE 102.3 SPARK Radio
that broadcasts out of the SPARK Museum on Bay Street
It was through these community centered groups that I was able to find a good reason to be busy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-3, or Sundays 1-4. 2013 was a busy and productive year for poetry, and I am glad to of been apart of it.
Roosevelt said: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” As militant as this sounds, action is required to better our surroundings. Actions. Not wishful thinking. Lets all work together to build a better tomorrow.
Thank you Mayor Linville, the Bellingham Arts Commission, and my friends and family for your support.
Thank you.
shannon p. laws 