My name is Paul Watts (that's one of my names anyway), and I was your mother's creative writing student at NCSU four years ago. I can't believe it has been that long. You actually were a very important reader for me during that time. You and your mom read a story of mine about La Llorona and a girl named Paulina. Your perspective as a young reader was just as valuable to me as any other person's in that program, so thank you. It is no surprise to me that you are already engaging with the writing process at a very high level, from thoughts to art. The empathy you show for the planet Earth is also inspiring, and your anxieties resonate within me. I'm currently reading "The Climate Book" by Greta Thunberg, who is one of my favorite activists (one of many). I wonder who your favorite activists are? The Climate Book breaks down some ugly realities. Maybe your snail comic can inspire somebody to think and act differently. I would love if my art and teaching was capable of doing that. I'm still trying. I haven't reached my goals yet, but I haven't given up either. I have not failed until I give up, and my disappointments are how I learn to succeed. I'm working on a new novel right now that I am very excited about, some climate-inspired middle grade science fiction (is that a term? maybe I should use it as a genre). Anyway, I'm not ready for readers yet; if all goes accordingly, I will be by the end of the summer, and I am hoping that you and your mother can still be a part of my writing process.
Dear Paul, Thank you so much! I would love to read your new book! Of course I remember La LLorona and the Little Free Library! I hope that you remember my snail suggestions every time you make an eco-friendly choice--also, snails always get there, even if it takes them a while. I like Greta Thunberg too. -Beea
Bea, what a wonderful post! I love the snail comics! What a great experience. It is so hopeful to think of all you students in one place thinking about our planet. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Love the snails. Please do more and share with us. I would enjoy their adventures. Thank you for the song. Very powerful, very beautiful.
Thank you! I will draw more snails! -Bea
Bea,
My name is Paul Watts (that's one of my names anyway), and I was your mother's creative writing student at NCSU four years ago. I can't believe it has been that long. You actually were a very important reader for me during that time. You and your mom read a story of mine about La Llorona and a girl named Paulina. Your perspective as a young reader was just as valuable to me as any other person's in that program, so thank you. It is no surprise to me that you are already engaging with the writing process at a very high level, from thoughts to art. The empathy you show for the planet Earth is also inspiring, and your anxieties resonate within me. I'm currently reading "The Climate Book" by Greta Thunberg, who is one of my favorite activists (one of many). I wonder who your favorite activists are? The Climate Book breaks down some ugly realities. Maybe your snail comic can inspire somebody to think and act differently. I would love if my art and teaching was capable of doing that. I'm still trying. I haven't reached my goals yet, but I haven't given up either. I have not failed until I give up, and my disappointments are how I learn to succeed. I'm working on a new novel right now that I am very excited about, some climate-inspired middle grade science fiction (is that a term? maybe I should use it as a genre). Anyway, I'm not ready for readers yet; if all goes accordingly, I will be by the end of the summer, and I am hoping that you and your mother can still be a part of my writing process.
Keep up the good work,
Paul Mikel Watts-Offret
Dear Paul, Thank you so much! I would love to read your new book! Of course I remember La LLorona and the Little Free Library! I hope that you remember my snail suggestions every time you make an eco-friendly choice--also, snails always get there, even if it takes them a while. I like Greta Thunberg too. -Beea
Bea, what a wonderful post! I love the snail comics! What a great experience. It is so hopeful to think of all you students in one place thinking about our planet. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Thank you so much, Sherri! -Bea
Oh Bea ! I absolutely adore your post and your snail comics! Brilliant! Also very inspiring and I think college schooling for you is right on ! Xxxooo
Tell that to my mom, Mamie!
Bea, your great Grandpa went to college when he was 14!
Do the snails have names? I'm thinking they might not want to share their secret names, but maybe they would let you help to name them.