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We’re less than two months away from the official Book Release Event for “Breathe” and I don’t think I can be anymore excited than I already am. The book will be my fourth publication; which is huge for me. But the fact that I’m releasing it independent from my past publishers adds to a level of intimacy that I wasn’t able to capture on my previous adventures. And, the fact that it’s a traditional chapbook, this particular collection is more familiar to me as a poet.

The event itself is going to be amazing, packed with poet friends I highly respect and admire, as well as, community groups that are in alignment with my own personal mission and vision.

But, as I’ve been reflecting about the release over the past few weeks, I’ve come to realize that the location of the event is a lot more meaningful to me than I initially thought. And I’m not specifically just talking about Green Door Coffee (although the venue is amazingly beautiful). I’m more giddy that the event is going to be held in Carson.

Because of my current work with The Branch and The Definitive Soap Box, I’ve been more tied to Long Beach than any other city. But Carson is the city where I spent most of my younger and adolescent years. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I learned how to ride a skateboard. It’s where I got into my first fist fight. It’s where I ran from fights. It’s where I fell in love with Hip-Hop. It’s where I became a Highlander and a Colt. It’s where I first met Jesus. It’s where I learned how to play basketball and football.

Carson is where I learned how to write poetry.

Whether we like to admit it or not, a person’s city plays a part in shaping him or her in a great way. We reflect glimpses of the very city that helped to raise us. Some of the nuances of the city’s fabric, as well as, some of the not so glamorous sides of the city add to the overall make up of a person.

And Carson has done that for me.

I’m excited for what’s to come and I hope you’d continue to join me in my journey toward discovering and releasing the creativity that’s dying to come out.