Double digits

Mary's entrance into the double-digits was marked by two huge milestones: her first published piece of writing and her first public reading.

She submitted a poem to a statewide anthology project, Honoring Our Rivers. Lo and behold, her piece was selected to be part of the publication. On the heels of that news, she was invited to read her poem at Powell's bookstore, along with other student contributors.

And so on her birthday, we joined the large audience at Powell's to hear her poem. Though the room was packed to the gills, Mary did not show any signs of trepidation. Her voice was clear and bright as she read her poem to the crowd.

This girl, with those twinkling blues and creativity in spades, is already blazing quite the trail. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes in her next ten years.