1st Time Authors Appreciation Programme

  

Last month Trinidad and Tobago National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) held their Third annual First Time Authors Appreciation Programme which I attended. There were 58 new books written, including our “Birds of Trinidad” a collaboration  with my friend Beatrice Bork. It was interesting to see the wide range of topics printed. The Librarian who critiqued the books said ours was “magnificently done”, I felt honored to have our work on display. All of the Authors received a wonderful plaque. 


Denise Etienne

Yellow Oriole

Wandering me
What do I see?
A bird brilliant and yellow,
That appeared to be calm and mellow.
It sang as sweet as a flute
While I tried to be mute.
He was flying wild and free
Quite stunning, don't you agree?

~DeniseEtienne


The above is an excerpt from the book:
A Collection of Paintings and Poetry, Birds of Trinidad
Watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork, 
Poem © Denise Etienne

Blue and Yellow Macaw

Hello, thanks for bringing us back
For we were once under attack
Almost to the point of extinction
Now we are notable to distinction
Fruits and seeds we love to eat
Palms are definitely a tasty treat! 

                            ~ Denise Etienne

This poem and painting are featured in our book "Birds of Trinidad"

I will be taking two weeks off, be back soon.
Take care,
Denise

Poem by © Denise Etienne. Image: "Hello" watercolor, courtesy of © Beatrice Bork

Our book “Birds of Trinidad”

 

For the last few years I have been collaborating with an extremely talented artist, Beatrice Bork. We have been working on compiling a book, with both her watercolor paintings and my poetry. Beatrice first came to Trinidad via the Don Eckelberry Award for her achievements in bird art. 

I am happy to announce that the book is finally completed!  We both feel a great sense of accomplishment. To all those who have been supportive, thank you!

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of our book please click here

D

DBinspired Store

My artist friend Beatrice Bork and I decided to open up a store on Cafepress! It’s under the name DBinspired, between the two of us it took like almost 5 days to get it up and running! The website still needs a lot of work, but so far we have 4 mugs. I think it’s kinda cool, much to figure out still!  We intend to put lots more…

So check it out next time you’re online, http://www.cafepress.com/DBinspired

Be good!

D

Golden Headed Manakin

http://beatriceborkartistblog.blogspot.com/

 Watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork,
Poem Denise Etiennehttp://beatriceborkartistblog.blogspot.com/

White necked Jacobin Hummingbird

Watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

   Whilst on the wing

    Hovering over sixty beats a second    

    I glance for food
    Taking both nectar and insects
    Even sugar solution sometimes

    Nimble and swift am I
    Eventually sitting for a moment
    Checking out my surroundings
    Keen to defend my territory
    Even against my own kind
    Diving and displaying my immaculate feathers

    Justly, I am a site to behold
    Attracting most of the attention
    Certainly, the birders grasp at my magnificence
    Once this beautiful island was named after us
    By their fore fathers
    It was called “Iere”, Land of the  Hummingbirds
    Nowadays it is known as Trinidad, and we are still being revered 

     © Denise Etienne

 This is a sneak preview of our collaborative effort on our book which features the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as poetry.