Thank You

From One Writer, Who Also Reads. To Readers, Who Also Write

Time is our most precious commodity, where we spend it says a lot about us. We receive memories in exchange for our time, every second adds up to a moment we’ll never forget. Seeing that memories are unforgettable, we should always try to do things that will be worth remembering. As writers, our words represent us, for the moment, as well as long after. Now, we can be remembered in a positive way or in a negative one, it all depends on the combination of words we chose to use. “Before we begin to think of allowing our pen to start, we should always begin to think to write with a reader’s heart.”

Here are some of the people I choose to invest my time in, which has proven to be a wise choice. Above all else I’m a reader first and foremost, it’s my love of reading that led to my love of writing. Support these beautiful minded people, you’ll be glad that you did.

Amy Marley, my favorite person on this amazing platform. Since our paths crossed it has been as if we’ve known one another our entire lives, our bond is so strong that we now interact on Instagram as well. We inspire one another via the written word, in fact, I created a piece offering immediately after I read one she was responsible for creating. Her love of reading and writing is only overshadowed by the love she has for her two daughters, who are just as precious as their mother. Keep shining, Amy.

Michele Thill, second on the list for a specific reason, which is she my second favorite person on this platform. Like is was with Amy Marley, I and Michele Thill were like old friends catching up on yesterday’s events that occurred away from each other. Like myself, she writes to awaken passion in the reader. She has inspired me on a number of occasions, in fact, because of her suggestion I reactivated my T-shirt line on my website. Keep shining, Michele.

KeepingItRealWithAnnick, my little big sister. The second after we connected, was the moment I decided that we’d remain connected. I started walking beside her, and I haven’t had any regrets about my decision yet. Our bond was so great on this platform, that like with Amy Marley, we took things to Instagram as well. She’s a passionate writer, who draws on logic and reason to create her creations. And I love the love she has for her young son, who is obviously one of her many muses. Keep shining, Annick.

Gurpreet Dhariwal, my other little big sister. Like it is with Amy Marley and KeepingItRealWithAnnick, we became so close, so fast, that our interaction spilled over to Instagram as well. Her way with words is undeniable, without question she’s a “Wordstress,” one who plays with words, but whose words are not meant to be played with. Allow her poetry to captivate your attention, and leave you feeling better than you did before you showed up. Keep shining, Gurpreet.

Tom Byers, is such a heavy thinker, and his words reflect as much. When I read Tom’s creations I’m inspired to do better, by traveling a bit further off into the realm of my imagination. Our belief in something greater than ourselves brought us together, and our writing to justify said belief is what will ensure we’ll never part. As that old saying goes, “steel sharpens steel.” Keep shining, Tom.

Selma, what a way with words she possesses. Though we have just recently connected, it doesn’t feel as such. I’m a huge fan of intellect, so people who display it via there actions, I’m drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I was made aware of Selma’s presence via another individual, and thanks to her comment on the person’s piece offering. Immediately after I finished reading the comment in question, not only did I visit her page, but I began to walk beside her on her journey as well. She’s a special one folks, without doubt, or contradiction. Keep shining, Selma.

Kathryn LeRoy, Ph.D., has such an appealing way about herself. She’s the one that’s always seeking to find what will make living life better, so connecting with her was a no brainer. I saw someone not only in search of enlightenment but light as well, her shine was undeniable. And ever since our paths have crossed, she hasn’t disappointed. She’s also someone I’m now connected with via Instagram. Keep shining, Kathryn.

Terry Mansfield, the man with the plan. He wants to be the best writer he can, and what better way to make this happen than to start off writing about your life. Terry’s story is a very fascinating one, it reads like the trailer of a movie you can’t wait to hit theaters. He has inspired me to write two pieces after reading his work, he knows of one, but not of the other. Sorry, Terry, somethings you’ll just have to find out through reading and see the similarities. Keep shining.

Rasheed Hooda is a wise man, his wisdom stands out in his words. What I like most about him is that he’s also a reader, one who brings attention to what appealed to him most. This trait says a lot about him from a writer’s perspective, as does his overall comments. I’ve most definitely learned from him since we've been connected, and I’m looking forward to learning so much more. Keep shining, Rasheed.

Desiree Driesenaar, is so passionate about the planet, as well as the people who roam its surface. Her writing centers around trying to bring the population of the planet together, so that we may see that unity is how we’ll solve all the problems that exist within this world, as well as within ourselves. It’s energy like hers that I seek out when it comes time to replenish my own, seeing that energy needs to feed and be fed, we have to get back what we give out. She’s most definitely one I look forward to seeing having created something new because it’s going to provoke my thought, to the point action is activated. Keep shining, Desiree.

And last, but most definitely not least Dr Mehmet Yildiz. Since I and the good doctor have connected, wanting what’s best for others has been his claim to fame. My mission when I first came to Medium was to make myself known, by getting to know others. So, I went out reading and commenting on other peoples’ efforts.

The good doctor was amongst the first people to reach back to me once I entered this reading/writing/and mingling realm. What drew his attention to me was my comments pertaining to his efforts, which were always positive, as well as detailed. So, now he wanted to check out what I had to offer, and it was this response from him I’ll never forget: Sharp and strong! Impressive Henery X (long)

I enjoyed your positivity and determination in this article.

Here is an insightful statement of yours, which will remain in my memories:

“ Our dreams are not where we are, they’re where we’re supposed to be.”

The above response is from my sixth piece offering, “It Can Most Definitely Happen,” which just so happens to be my most popular piece offering to date. We’ve been close ever since this moment. When he reached out and said he wanted to share with me something he was thinking about putting together, I was all ears. That something would turn out to be ILLUMINATION, the place we have all come to know and love. I was amongst the first wave to join ILLUMINATION, and I’m so pleased with the progress thus far. I affectionally refer to ILLUMINATION as “Literary Heaven On Earth” because it’s where you can read, write, and mingle, all at the same time. So, thank you, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, for creating this home away from home for me and everyone else I mentioned, as well as all the countless others that make ILLUMINATION what it really is, family.

Honorary mentions: 🦄 Chris Hedges Mary Holden Bill Abbate Keira Fulton-Lees Kevin Buddaeus Jessica Cote Carolyn Riker Rosennab

Thank you for reading my words.

May all we deserve and desire flow abundantly into our lives like a river does into a sea.