pieces of yOUR heart: where poetry & therapy become one recap

A riveting journey complete with vulnerability, self reflection, and growth. Pieces of yOUR heart is a testimony which speaks to heal the inner child and acknowledge all components of our life experiences. In doing so, the text culminates with liberation through conversation, both with self and others.

- Rashaan Pace | Editor

It was a night to remember, a night filled with art, love, and a sense of divine connection. As the doors of Arts Westchester opened to welcome the eager crowd, I couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. This was the night of my first book release and poetry exhibition, "Pieces of Your Heart," a project that had been a labor of love and devotion.

Rather than opting for a conventional book release, I yearned to create an atmosphere that felt more like a museum, a place where people could explore and connect with the pieces of my heart laid bare in the pages of my book. But I also wanted to go a step further and share the stories of others, for we all have pieces of our hearts to contribute to this grand tapestry of life.

The night was designed to be a celebration of love, while keeping God at the center of it all. Each piece of art and each poem were a testament to the love that binds us all, a love that connects us to something greater than ourselves.

It had taken me three long months to complete my book, pouring my soul onto the pages, and two additional months to meticulously plan the exhibit. As the big day approached, the last five days were a whirlwind of activity, all made possible by an amazing team of individuals who shared my vision and passion.

The event was graced by the presence of guest speaker Renita Pagan, a Licensed Social Worker, who beautifully read the Preface of my book, setting the tone for the evening. As the words filled the room, there was a palpable sense of connection, of shared emotions and experiences.

A performance by Nya Vincent better known as Purposes Pen added a poetic touch to the night, amplifying the emotions and experiences captured in "Pieces of Your Heart." Poetry, after all, has a unique way of touching our souls, and it was a fitting addition to the event. A truly special highlight of the evening was the live painting by the renowned Quiana, who took her brush to the canvas, capturing the essence of the event in real time. Additionally, she created a digital art canvas that was nothing short of breathtaking, a physical representation of the emotions and love that filled the room.

The evening's culinary delights were catered by Belle Sweets, tantalizing the taste buds of all those present. Food has a way of bringing people together, and it was another avenue through which love was shared. The coordination and management of the night were expertly handled by Arts Westchester's finest, Jazmyn Thorpe, ensuring that everything flowed seamlessly and that the atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting.

I must express my deep gratitude to My Bishop and First Lady of Victory Tabernacle of Deliverance, my VTOD family, the editors Rashaan Pace, Tatyana Miller, & Renita Pagan, the host with the most Penny Jones, my aunt Pam for helping me blueprint everything and being the glue for this all, my sister Shelby for being the “Jack of All Trades” for the event, God Mommy Kym for keeping me mentally grounded, & lastly my purposed partners Alexus, Briyanna, & Olivia for their invaluable help, support, & prayers throughout this journey. They all were instrumental in bringing my vision to life.

In the end, "Pieces of Your Heart" was more than just a book release and poetry exhibition; it was a celebration of the human experience, a testament to the power of love, and a reminder that we all have pieces of our hearts to share with the world. The event was a beautiful success, a night where art and poetry converged, and where souls connected on a profound level. It was, without a doubt, a night to remember.

Thank you to everyone who came out, supported, but most importantly honored a piece of my heart. I love you all.