I wish I hadn’t neglected my blog for so long, but work and other responsibilities got in the way.
In regards to my art, I’ve exhibited my paintings at a café called
“Loop” in Tremont, between March and June 2021 and sold 18 paintings.
Then I exhibited at GIO (Gifts in Ohio) a gift store in The
Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted, from August to October 2021 and sold 3
paintings. And now I’m exhibiting at Phoenix Café on 3000 Bridge Avenue in Ohio
City, my show there will continue until December 12th 2021.
I got a job teaching art (drawing and painting) at BAYarts, an
art academy in Bay Village, which I enjoy. Bay Village is a beautiful picturesque
area, and I find my work in the academy fulfilling and my students
appreciative.
I turned 41 on October 22nd and was too busy and
tired to celebrate, I didn’t even eat cake! *sigh*
On November 9th 2021, my piece “Baby” was
published by Literary Cleveland (whom I am a member of) in an online anthology.
The anthology is called “Voices from the Edge.” Lit Cleveland commissioned
essential workers to write about their experience working during the pandemic.
Here is the link to “Baby” https://voices-from-the-edge.litcleveland.org/stories/baby
On the morning of November 9th, I was interviewed
on a radio show called “Sound of Ideas” where I discussed my piece “Baby”, my
experience as an essential worker, and Lit Cleveland’s role in amplifying the
voices of writers who are essential workers, and providing them with free
writing workshops and a generous stipend.
In September 2021, my piece “Geese” was published in Scene
Magazine, in another literary collection facilitated by Lit Cleveland called “Stories
of Immigration in Cleveland” which as the title suggests are stories written by
immigrants. Scene Magazine also used my painting “Geese” as a cover for that
September Issue. You can read “Geese” here https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2021/09/08/know-no-boundaries-stories-of-immigration-in-cleveland
Jori turned fifteen and a half in June 2021, so she learned
to drive and got her temporary driving permit. She has proven herself to be a
good and careful driver. She will be eligible for her permanent Permit in late
December 2021. As a mother this is both a terrifying and exciting prospect.
My website: www.fatimaalmatar.com
