There's a brown girl in the ring
one who goes by Michelle Monkou
England to Guyana did her parents bring
but she wasn't done with traveling --boo
Hitting the land of the U.S. of A.
She loved to read and loved to write
By the end of the day,
a book was born and published with no fight
BET Books published Open Your Heart
making her an author in 2002
She didn't take for granted her wonderful start
and continued writing more than a few
Now with her series Ladies of Distinction
she publishes under Harlequin's Kimani Romance
Ten books later, she enjoys with satisfaction
bringing life to characters in a sensual performance.
Who is this lady? Michelle Monkou, of course!
Quote from adopted mother: God protects babies and fools.
Quote from biological mother: There's no sense in holding onto anger, it will gnaw at you.
10 Favorite Things (in no particular order)
1. Starbucks latte
2. Juicy Fruit gum
3. Talking with my kids, making them laugh
4. Holding hands with my husband-- thumb war will result
5. Hot stone massage
6. Reading
7. Hanging out with my brother in Atlanta
8. Watching British movies, especially comedies
9. Waking up when I'm ready and not because I have to
10. Eating a warm hunk of break pudding
MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO TWO MOTHERS
Turning 40 was supposed to be special. I saw the birthday as a time to cross over into some higher level of womanhood. Little did I know that not only did I cross over, but I pulled back the curtain to uncover that I am adopted. A fact that I always suspected based on slyly worded answers to my probing questions or family friends' attitudes and conversations around me.
Voila, I have met my biological mother, Navlette - Jamaican born living in England. I resemble her more than any of her children. Yes, I have siblings in the U.S. and England. Suddenly my two-child family has grown with four brothers and one sister. The reunion, despite my hesitation coupled with butterflies in the stomach, was touching, full of curiosity, and a mutual gentleness between mother and daughter. And before the night was over, I knew that I wanted her in my life, and she wanted me in hers. There was no drama. Life's too short for that. There's no need for explanations. Everyone did what s/he thought best at the time. There is only the future to enjoy, explore, and experience together.
Since celebrating two mothers for Mother Day (England celebrates on a different day), I have the unique enjoyment of also celebrating my adopted mother - Doreen. I only refer to her as adopted for clarification. She is the mother that I knew as an infant only several days old. My mother is from Guyana who settled in England for 14 years, then moved back to England and finally, settled here in the U.S. She represents to me all those historical figures that I had to learn in school who have been celebrated for their achievements. My mother is a fearless explorer for moving into foreign lands to raise her family where she dealt with prejudice and racism. She is a warier when it came to protecting her children against anything or anyone she saw as the enemy. My mother is the counselor for so many times when I came with my problems, dispensing her wisdom with so much generosity.
I do believe my cup runneth over with all my blessings. Happy Mother's Day!
WHAT A WONDERFUL AND LOVING TRIBUTE! Click on the blog link below to leave comments on Michelle's blog so that you can help Michelle win a cool prize and YOU can also become eligible to win an overflowing gift basket filled with books!
Visit Michelle at her official website, MySpace page and her Blog.
