Be a rainbow in somebody’s clouds. – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, 2012. Katarina Thorsen. Street art prep. China marker and acrylic on newsprint. 18″ x 24″

 

My dear friend and colleague, Sara Place, took notes during Unique Lives with Maya Angelou on Monday night.  She shares her notes here:

RAINBOWS IN THE CLOUDS

Maya Angelou – October 29th                  

“At the worst of times the possibility of seeing hope” – be a rainbow in somebody’s clouds

  • Canada was a rainbow during the time of slavery – accepted people – safety

“Courage is the most important of all of the virtues.  Without courage the other virtues don’t exist”

“I am a human being – nothing human can be alien to me”

  • We are all a part of one race  – humanity
  • Language – available to us – human
  • The N word – poision – racial pejorative – dangerous 

“Poetry is like storage in your brain it’s in your backbone, keeps you standing”

  • Read all poetry – all languages – it all belongs to you
  • Poetry helps you to overcome life’s challenges

“When you get: Give.  When you learn: Teach.”

  • Encouragement – tell people that they are excellent, accept that you are excellent
  • PAUL LAWRENCE DUNBAR – Poet
    • People can rarely be greater than their own propaganda
    • EDNA VINCENT MILLAY
      • Courage is the most important virtue
      • “Take Time Out” Maya Angelou
        • Remember what it was like to be young
          • Don’t be jealous
          • Take responsibility for young people ‘those are my children’
          • Don’t shoosh the ‘good’ noises – laughter etc.
          • “I’m not a cursing woman.  It’s not one of my gifts”

“I never trust people who don’t laugh”

“Be careful when the naked person offers you a shirt”

“From time to time you have to get your own back” 

“Always say yes when the good stuff is asked of you”

  • And then talk to people about it – all people
  • “I was mute so long I learned to listen”

 A Brave and Startling Truth

“WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE THE SUN WON’T SHINE ANYMORE I AM WILLING TO BE A RAINBOW IN SOMEBODY’S CLOUD”

 Be sure to check out Sara’s new blog:

 

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