Being an Author Presentations

Being an Author Presentation at Bimini, The Bahamas

“I Have a Dream”:  Martin Luther King wrote this speech approximately one year before visiting Bimini.  I presented to the Louise Mc Donald High School.  I was in good company, if not alive but in spirit.  I had written a poem called "Follow Your Dreams", before I even knew I would be presenting to the same school as did Martin Luther King.

The first time I landed on the shores of Bimini, I felt at home.  It is a quaint little island with friendly people.  The homes are modest and the people welcome you into the Bahamas with their smiles, hospitality, and easygoing manner.

 I wanted to give back to the Bahamas.  Jon and I got on our bicycles and headed to the nearest school, which was the Louise McDonald High School.  A young student said to her group, but within our earshot, “Look at those white people, as if they have some children here”.    I turned and smiled, “No, but I am an author and I want to present, “Being an Author” to your school. 

 I met with the principal, Stephen Sands on March 20, 2013, and we discussed presenting “Being an Author”.   He was a polite nice-looking, tall man, who ruled with an actual stick, which was very similar to my childhood experiences.    I knew when he said jump, the children did.  He scheduled my presentation for March 21, 2013 at 2 PM. 

Of course, I did not sleep that night.  I was nervous about expectations from my new audience. We had already been, momentarily exposed to the words of the young student on the playground.   Jon and I arrived at the school early to set up the electronics.  The children began arriving bringing their chairs and also Mr. Sands with his big stick.  

As has happened in the past, some children were interested and some were not, however, the reception was warm and friendly, and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to these young people.  The joy of presenting to the children comes from within, since you never know, which child will be touched, and in what manner.  I asked for participation and the children began volunteering to read “Follow Your Dreams”.  I requested that Jon read, “Large Foreheads” as he enjoys it so much.  The children went crazy with his dramatic sales and theatric experience.

Large Foreheads

Have you ever seen a Rocket Scientist?

Strange words flow from this linguist

Using the square root and major modes

To determine the navigational loads

What is the common delineation?

Large Foreheads used for contemplation

Wide Space between hairline and brow

Explain their smart mind somehow

But yet one must remember gorillas have large foreheads too

Could this be the missing link? Could it be true?

Yes, it must be what one would logically suspect

So I will continue to research and inspect

Large Foreheads (Onboard Software Space Shuttle Program written during a Requirements Meeting)

At the conclusion of my presentation, I was surprised when Mr. Sands and a young gentleman came to the front of the classroom and “Thanked us for sharing our time with the children".
  It is such a small effort on our part to share “Being an Author” presentation.  Jon and I  truly enjoyed doing it more than I can express in words.  It is giving back to The Bahamas.

Bimini Primary School

Afterwards, a young lady came up to me and said, “I want to be an author, just like you.  Thank you for you being here”.   Then she hugged me.  Her words moved me deeply.  I had touched that one children. 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Follow Your Dreams

I had an incredible experience presenting to Sigsbee Charter School in Key West.  I presented to four groups: First Grade, 2nd and 3rd Grade, 4th and 5th Grade and Middle School  to 550 children.  The children were wonderful and such a joy.  One hundred children wrote me wonderful Thank You notes that warmed my heart.   It took me back to a time long ago when I was a child.  They interpreted 2 poems, "Large Foreheads" and "River of Dreams".  Each had a special meaning to them.   I wanted to write them Thank You notes but that would take me too much time so I wrote a poem about, "Follow Your Dreams".    I would like to share this poems with my friend and some of the pictures taken during the presentation.  Share this with all your children, grandchildren and ones you love.

Follow Your Dreams

Find a path in which to follow

Taking you toward tomorrow

It may be crooked or may be straight

But, have a dream that you relate

With that vision, you will set the path

Staying away from all tempting wrath

Find a path in which to follow

Make selections high not below

Life is making your plans around

It is exciting college bound

Select your friends along the way

Choosing wisely ones not astray

Find a path in which to follow

Have a vision the way to go

Teachers, parents, or your friends

Will guide you until the end

Playing, learning and working each day

Handpick your roads black, white, or some gray

Find a path in which to follow

Your choice a leader, a hero

To follow your dreams

By Renne’ Siewers

Dedicated to Sigsbee Charter School, Key West, Florida 2/23/2013