Printed!

Monday evening we were in the 19^th Arrondissement to celebrate the launch party of the Paris/Atlantic 2016-2017. Paris/Atlantic Literary & Creative Arts Journal is an American University of Paris publication showcasing writing, art, and photography by students, faculty, and friends of the university. They provide opportunities for upcoming and professional writers and artists to share their work in a beautiful printed book and in a creative, welcoming community. It had been 2 years since the last edition came out, and we were very excited to see this year’s edition. Of course, it’s very interesting to see what Melissa and Alfredo have been able to create, but for me it was yet another reason for excitement. Simay was getting her pictures published! As I am 100% sure that all of you know how amazing her pictures are, and now she was finally going to be on print. She submitted her pictures a while ago, and she was so lucky (and skilful) to be selected to be part of this year’s edition. Not only did she get a picture printed, they decided to use 5 (!) of her pictures.

I am so proud of what you have been able to do so far in Paris, Simi, and I am sure that this is only the beginning.

Sitting on the train on my way to school on Tuesday, a song that I haven’t listened to in a while came on. It’s a highly motivating song, and I felt that it fitted perfectly with Monday night. The song is “These Hands”, by Samm Henshaw. For those of you that haven’t heard it, or if you need a little “pick me up” motivation, I suggest that you go to Spotify, turn the volume up, and lose yourself in the song. I want to quote the lyrics in today’s post, because I feel that it Samm has an important message that most people could, or at least should, relate to. 

These Hands

"I've been procrastinating for far too long
I don't know where I'm heading but I'll move further, just move further
I'm so used to rejection but I don't mind
Said I'll be alright, said I'll be just fine

I'm working on my masterpiece and I'm making it with these hands
This fate is not my destiny so I'm shaping it with these hands
Oh, well I'm giving and giving my all
Oh, well I give till I can't give no more
I'm working on my masterpiece and I'm making it with these hands

There's beauty in progression and no hope in fear
You can't keep me in the same position, I refuse, refuse to stay here
Not always learned my lesson but I don't mind
Said I'll be alright, said I'll be just fine

I'm working on my masterpiece and I'm making it with these hands
This fate is not my destiny so I'm shaping it with these hands
Oh, well I'm giving and giving my all
Oh, well I give till I can't give no more
I'm working on my masterpiece and I'm making it with these hands

These hands are only made of flesh and bone
And those hands, not ready to give up on home
And I hope wherever I may need to go
I won't give it up, I won't give up, no

So I'm shaping it with these hands
Oh, well I'm giving and giving my all
Oh, well I give till I can't give no more
I'm working on my masterpiece and I'm making it with these hands

Said I'm working on my masterpiece and I'm making it with these hands
Working on my, oh my, with these hands."

*

And you're making it with your hands, Simay.

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