pieces of yOUR heart: where poetry & therapy become one

Book Release/Poetry Exhibit

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 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.

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, my sister Shelby for being the “Jack of All Trades” for the event, & lastly my purposed partners Alexus, Briyanna, & Oliva for their invaluable help, support, & prayers throughout this journey. They 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.

"You, the reader, get to witness not only her journey, but you’re able to ride shotgun to her testimonies. This is more than poetry and therapy. It’s her truest heart’s desire to minister to your spirit and soul."

- Tatyana Miller

"Remember, yOUR healing journey begins with you! “pieces of yOUR heart” is a great representation of taking ownership of yOUR story! It nurtures the inner child and creates a safe space for broken adults by uplifting the mind, body, and spirit."

- Renita Pagan