MONIKAHOUSE is a non-profit all-ages venue that provides a stage for all genres . Monday nights are their open mic night. A friend that I recently met said ” You should read your poetry on open mic night”. That lit a light bulb in my mind. Although I had some reservations because I am naturally nervous about getting on stage, I thought it would be enlightening experience.

I want to thank all of my supporters, whether able to make it to the read or not, I have so many family, friends and work family that have been wonderful supporters of mine. I would also like to thank MONIKAHOUSE for this opportunity.

I have been writing poetry off and on since 2000. Creativity has opened me up to so many new opportunities. Hopefully this blog will help people in my local community find out about different options in town that are available for expressing their own creativity no matter what it may be.

It is important to have a safe place to express ourselves and feel welcome to do so, especially when we are willing to be vulnerable and let others into our own world. The fact that this venue is all-ages helps us bring out our inner child because children are welcome as well. Children express themselves without any inhibitions, and teach us how to do the same.

This was a wonderful experience and I look forward to having more of them here and at other venues.

See you all on the other side. Love and light to all!

Xochi Colbert

December 20,2022