Yesterday we all found out about Maya Angelou's passing. I've never blogged about a celebrity's death or the impact a celebrity has had on my life. When I read blog posts like that I always feel a little self righteous and usually tut away about sensationalist bloggers. I feel differently right now because as a young woman growing up I often felt lost in the world. I didn't know my place, I didn't know who I was or where I was supposed to be headed. It was a confusing time for me, and I found great comfort in Maya Angelou's books and poems. Those books are some of my most cherished possessions. As Sophie grows I hope to share these stories with her.
Today I ordered Maya Angelou's children's book '
Life Doesn't Frighten Me' which is beautifully illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Have a look:
Panthers in the park Strangers in the dark No, they don’t frighten me at all. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me is an absolute treat in its entirety, a priceless primer on poetry and contemporary art for little ones and a timeless reminder of the power of courage in all of us. Maya Angelou's stories stirred a sense of courage and pride in me as a young woman and for that she has my eternal gratitude.