Local Author, Heather Embree, is hosting a fundraiser called
“The Heart of Mexico” on Sunday August 16th from 7-9:30 p.m. at the
Black Heritage Society at 83 Essex Street.
It is to help her raise money to publish her book “The Stellar Queen of
Oaxaca” (illustrated by Mayra Baquedano Zenteno). It is a children’s story based
on a woman she met, named Reyna, while she was living in Oaxaca City, Mexico
for half a year in 2006.
Reyna is a single mother, who was born visually impaired,
and is economically impoverished. She was determined to not follow in the
tradition of her family to beg on the streets for money, and instead wanted to
improve her life through learning English as a Second Language and be a role
model to her daughter of a woman educating herself. Even though her family
didn’t support her, Reyna believed in her dream and received the support of a
local organization, called Esperanza Infantil, that helps children living on or
close to the streets with getting an education and learning how to improve
their lives. They provided Reyna with
the funding to translate textbooks into braille and to take courses to learn
English. Reyna was committed to meeting
foreigners and to learn more about life beyond the confines of her culture.
As much as Heather helped Reyna with her English, Reyna
helped Heather keep her heart open while Oaxaca City was going through one of
the biggest protests and revolutions in their history (which is saying a lot,
given that Mexico is known for having uprisings regularly). Reyna gave Heather meaning, focus and faith
in the power of giving, providing Heather with an appreciation for the
subtleties of the culture and the ability to see beyond the illusion of
violence, because Reyna could not see with her eyes all of the chaos that was
happening around her, including the potholes, dangling electrical wires and the
regular dangers of a developing country, much less the actual events of people
marching and taking over the city. Instead, Reyna would “see” with her heart
and intuition, guiding Heather with their regular meetings to enjoy the taste
of food, feel the flower petals on her face, listen more deeply to the music
playing and love the touch of the fabrics of Mexico.
Returning safely to Canada, Heather immediately was inspired
to write down a children’s story, making Reyna (which means Queen in Spanish),
the main character, as the Queen of the city.
Hence the title, “The Stellar Queen of Oaxaca”. In the story, Reyna
declares the day “Close Your Eyes and Open Your Heart”, handing out free
blindfolds for the citizens to learn how to “see” differently and appreciate
life in a whole new way – something all of us could benefit from. She sent the story to Reyna, hoping that one
day, if it got published, that Reyna could receive some money to help her and
her daughter. Reyna loved and approved
of the story, giving her the go-ahead with this project. Heather tucked the
story away, not knowing where to take it next.
Nine years later, Heather heard a little inner voice that told her to
take it out of the door and find a way to get it published. She trusted that this was indeed the time.
One thing led to the next – Lisa Browning, an editor for
Saplings – a children’s self-publishing company – loved the story and wanted to
help Heather get it out there. Also, Heather met one of the former owners of
Senor Chipotle Mexican Restaurant and they agreed to cater the fundraising
event with authentic Mexican food.
Then Heather asked around for an illustrator and ended up
meeting Mayra Baquedano Zenteno – a woman who grew up in Mexico and worked as a
schoolteacher before coming to Guelph. She is now working in housekeeping at
the Riverside Glen nursing home. This
project is reminding her of her love of home, her care of children and helps
her to expand her artistic talents, as this is her first time illustrating a
book. Her drawings show an intimate love and understanding for Mexico and the
mind of children, reminding Mayra of her home.
Heather re-connected with Reyna by email who is thrilled
about this possibility – it’s perfect timing as her daughter is at the point
when she needs money for College.
To make the project successful through publishing and
promoting the book, Heather needs to raise $2,000. If you know of anyone who wants to make a
donation or to sponsor the book, please contact her directly at: heather@blossomingheart.ca You can pre-order the book, along with prints
of the artwork and find out about upcoming events at: www.blossomingheartwords.com
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