As beautiful summer is reaching it's summit and the fall season swiftly approaches, I can take some time to reflect on the challenges I have had to over come within the past few months. I am eternally grateful for the reminder of love, support and positivity from friends and family in my life whom I can always lean on in times of crisis. Although a summer vacation did not turn out how I'd hoped with a personal health scare that shifted my focus and  altered my world, I am glad to be in recovery both physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. And just as I have, I also know, many of you have also had to overcome challenges in this unprecedented time as well. Let us remember that we are survivors and every breath ​we take is an opportunity at life. Let us not take it for granted.
© 2021 Shemique Blair

Shop the 'I Survived' shirt:
https://www.sblairwritings.store/listing/i-survived-4497?product=879
https://youtu.be/lUsXTRqAdDg

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June 2021 has brought shocking historic truths to the forefront in Canada. The discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Colombia has horrified many ignorant Canadians while re-traumatizing many others who survived those residential schools. Indigenous Communities have far too long cried out for truth and justice from the Federal Government of Canada.  The time has come where many First Nations communities have taken it upon themselves to go and find their lost loved ones, to reunite broken families and bring forth the truth to light. It is anticipated that more and more discoveries will follow as across Canada, many non-indigenous and Indigenous take a stand and demand that true actions to  support reconciliation be taken by those responsible: The Catholic Church and the Canadian Government.
On this year's Canada Day, many are cancelling celebrations and taking the time to educate themselves on the true history of Canada. A history stained by colonialism and racism. Many Canadians may be wondering what more they can do? As we stand as allies with our Indigenous communities, wear an orange shirt to honour those children lost and the survivors who are still seeking justice today. Make a donation to a charity that supports residential school survivors and raises awareness of its legacy. One such charity is The Legacy of Hope Foundation. I have also created an Every Child Matters graphic design on my online store to support this cause. All proceeds from sales of this t-shirt will be donated to Legacy of Hope Foundation. We can all be a part of change. #Educate #Raiseawareness #Beanally #Understand

Family, Education and Faith. These are the 3 pillars that lay the foundation for my journey. Listen to the podcast author interview featuring Shemique Blair and fellow author-mentor, Amelia Starr. Shemique Blair will share her story and discuss her book: “Love, Marriage, Divorce & Growth: A poem anthology”, with her. Hear the interview at: https://facetsofastarr.podbean.com/

#education #love #mariage #divorce #growth #faith #lifelessons #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #poetry #writer #writersofinstagram
#wordsofwisdom #wisdom #podcast #podbean #interview

This month, May brings with it the end of one season and the start of another. With Summer drawing near, I have continued to stretch my interest and creativity in graphic design on merchandise in my store:  sblairwritings.store 
New designs such as BLM tees and hoodies are now available in various colours. With the summer season upon us, check out the 10% PROMO on all items. Just enter SUMMER21 at checkout.
Being able to share my designs is a true honour and something that has taken me a while to develop and bring forth to the world. We all have deep desires and dreams we would like to fulfill. The difference between those who can and those who won't is the small, but powerful force called: 'belief'. The power of believing in one's self is the key factor in setting goals, adhering to deadlines,  and overcoming obstacles through persistence. A person who believes that they are indeed capable, will be so. This is because they have the internal motivation to exert over external actions. Of course, simple belief on its own is not enough, but, without it- nothing can be accomplished. Why do we do certain things? Why do we make certain decisions? It is not simply because we can, but more importantly, because we believe we can. Napoleon certainly had this epiphany solidified, "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." 

Happy National Poetry Month!
April has been a busy time for poets and writers everywhere. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my writings and creativity with the world. I have been inspired by the writings of many poets including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, USA National Youth Poet: Amanda Gorman,  the spoken-word poetry of Canadian Dwayne Morgan, to the Jamaican folklore and poet Louise Bennett-Coverly "Miss Lou", to now, Ontario's first poet laureate: Randell Adjei. Poets are blazing a trail with their writings and expression from social to political platforms.
From I was a child, I knew the love of words and felt the power behind capturing my emotions on paper through poetry. When I began to share those words with others and witnessed how they resonated, it was in that moment I knew that poetry would forever be "the soul to my heart and the calm to my mind." I love writing poems because it allows me to share the most vulnerable, honest and genuine parts of myself in fearlessness. It is my medium of therapy and creative expression. So to all the poets who fearlessly share their truth, I salute you!
​© 2021 Shemique Blair

Welcome to April! Despite the challenges faced during this uncertain time in our world, the Spring season reminds us that brighter days are on the horizon. With a positive outlook, we will all be able to overcome the challenges we are facing and have a story of hope, and resilience to share with others.
I was honoured to have a couple of my poems published by my Alma-Mater: Founders College Phoenix Newsletter at York University this past month!
When the editors reached out seeking positive, encouraging content for their COVID-19 focused edition, I was more than happy to share poems written in my book: ‘Love, Marriage, Divorce and Growth: A poem anthology’.
My poems Letting Go and Growing Pains were chosen to be included in this publication. To read the Newsletter, go to The Phoenix Vol 1 Issue 8 (PDF)   or click this  link.
If you would like to view the animated version instead, click here.

March is a month of transition. In my part of the world it signals the beginnings of change: change in season from winter to spring. Families and communities begin planning for warmer weather, stocking up on goods, materials for camping, hunting season and Spring Break. It can often be called a month of mad activity! As the phrase 'March Madness' implies. Yet, it is a time of excitement! We smell the change about to take place in the air, the ground beginning to thaw and the sounds of wildlife awakening in nature. To celebrate this transition, I am having a giveaway! I have been busy exploring my creativity and I started my own online store featuring originally created graphic design images printed on clothing, accessories and more.
To check out my merchandise visit: 
 https://teespring.com/stores/sblairwritings

My March Madness Giveaway Bundle includes a t-shirt from my store, a signed copy of my book and a $15 Indigo Gift Card! If you would like to get your hands on this bundle: 

• Follow on Instagram
• Like Page on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Tag a friend in the comments who would be interested in this bundle (Instagram)
• 1 entry per task, including 1 entry per friend tagged (Instagram)
• The contest ends on Sunday, April 4th, 2021 
• For each entry, a donation will be made to Girls Action Foundation which is dedicated to girls’ healthy development, leadership and empowerment in Canada

This quote speaks volumes. After having gone through my own period of transition and discomfort, I can attest to the fact that tragedy will either break you or grow you. I chose to grow. Life is not fair. But  life is a journey that happens once, and it is up to you and I to decide what that journey will look like and what legacy will be marked by our lives. I decided to turn my tragedy into a collection of poems which I hope will encourage and inspire others. Writing my truth and sharing that vulnerability in the pages of "Love, Marriage, Divorce & Growth" wasn't always easy but the process  has been well worth it and continues to provide healing and hope. So, to whatever comes your way in life, I encourage you to choose better. As I say in my poem, "I let go to allow room for new growth..." Enjoy listening to my live reading of Letting Go!
​© 2021 Shemique Blair

Sunday February 2, 2021 was a joyous day! Thank you to everyone who attended my live virtual Book Signing Event. It was wonderful to share both my story and my poetry with you. I hope that my life lessons have inspired and encouraged you in your own journey. Don't be afraid to explore your creative space! It is with deep gratitude that I thank you for sharing your time with me and supporting this passion of mine. Autographed copies of my book will continue to be available for purchase through my website at sblairwritings.com/store. Get your copy today! Stay tuned for more poetry readings to come!

Thank you to Dawell Consulting for doing an awesome job organizing my virtual book signing event. A huge thanks to Sarah and her team! It was a pleasure to work with them and their efforts made the process very easy. I highly recommend them! Check out images of the event, coordinated by Dawell Consulting,  below on my YouTube Channel: