Words Blossom into Beauty with Orange Blossom Poems
When life unexpectedly brings people together, it's as if fate has a way of weaving connections that transcend time and circumstance. Such was the case when Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes, the brilliant mind behind Orange Blossom Poems, and I crossed paths back in March 2021. Our journeys were uniquely intertwined as we both embarked on the path of entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 shutdown. Little did we know that our shared passion for the community would pave the way for beautiful collaborations.
Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes has always had a deep love for language—a fascination with the way words can paint vivid pictures, evoke emotions, and create lasting impressions. It all started back in sixth grade when a simple line from a story struck a chord within her. As the words described teeth chattering "like a pair of dice in a cup," Diana's appreciation for the artistry of language was awakened. Her keen observation caught the attention of her teacher, Ms. Tuske, who applauded her for recognizing the power of such language play. From that moment on, Diana's journey with words became a collection of awe-inspiring moments. She found herself captivated by the lyrical, colorful, and descriptive nature of language. But it was during the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic that Diana wondered how she could bring a sense of community to a world consumed by solitude and separation. It was then that poetry entered the chat, whispering its timeless wisdom and offering solace amidst the chaos.
In the midst of uncertainty, Orange Blossom Poems blossomed, creating a space where words come alive, emotions are embraced, and connections are forged. Diana's poetic prowess and unwavering dedication to building a community through verse have become the guiding forces behind her enchanting creations.
From the moment I discovered the captivating world of Orange Blossom Poems, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. It all began with a simple request to Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes, the creative genius behind Orange Blossom Poems, to write a poem about our beloved city, Lakeland. The result was a breathtaking masterpiece that beautifully captured the essence and spirit of our vibrant community. That first encounter sparked an ongoing collaboration that has become a cherished tradition in my life. Diana has since crafted exquisite poems for various occasions, including a heartfelt "Lakeland at Christmas" poem, a tender Mother's Day tribute, and even personalized best friend poems that celebrated the unique bonds we share. Most recently, she wove her poetic magic into a love poem that left my girlfriend, and me, speechless on Valentine's Day. Diana's ability to infuse her words with deep meaning and personal touches has made her poems the perfect gift, capturing the essence of special moments and relationships in a way that no ordinary present ever could. Her artistry continues to astound and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience her one-of-a-kind creations.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating world of Orange Blossom Poems. Together, we'll explore the power of language, the beauty of expression, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Diana's extraordinary talent, we'll witness how poetry has the remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of those who dare to listen.
Stay tuned for an insightful interview with Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes as she shares her poetic journey, the inspiration behind her evocative verses, and the profound impact Orange Blossom Poems continues to have on the community.
How would you describe your unique writing style and the themes that inspire your poetry?
My favorite themes are things like nature, home, sounds, and smells. I start with things that are universal and work backward from there. Always knowing that the more individual, the more universal. Because being a human on this planet means a lot of sameness, and I’m here for it. Also, as humans, we like to define ourselves often by what we are not, always relying on divisions to tell us who we are. But I know that doesn’t make good poetry, so I go deeper. I go searching for the similarities. Love. Family. Friendship. Passion. That’s who we are. Tell me what you love, and I’ll tell you who you are.
Could you share a bit about your creative process? How do you find inspiration and bring your poems to life?
My creative process includes a ton of reading. Fiction. Nonfiction. Poetry. Works in Spanish. I’ll learn idioms and saying in different languages, and knowing the translation will make for fun wordplay. I’ll highlight phrases and sentences I love. Then I’ll save them into my good line graveyard. Many poets have one. There the lines will rest dormant until I find the perfect poem to bring them to life.
Have you published any collections or collaborated on any poetry projects? If so, could you tell us more about them?
I have published individual poems in zines like Muchacha and Yes Ma’am, as well as online publications. Haven Lkld magazine publishes a monthly poem of mine, and for that, I am so grateful. To think of my words reaching all those readers. Love it. I am currently working on a collection for a chapbook (these are shorter than actual books, usually 20-30 poems) that will focus on different gendered experiences I have had. Some poems are related to body image, others to relationships, and others to female friendships, motherhood, the love of food, music, etc. My Ph.D. in Multicultural Women’s & Gender Studies invites me to consider how my girlhood and womanhood inform a lot of my experiences. I want to share that in this first collection.
What has been the most rewarding experience or achievement in your poetry career so far?
Two moments immediately come to mind. One was when I wrote a Mother’s Day poem for a woman’s mom, and she loved it so much that she decided the poem would be framed and passed down through generations. Can you imagine? My work, my words, a type of family heirloom. I felt like, in a way, I was going to live forever. Because as long as future generations read these words, then a part of me will continue to live. That’s quite an achievement.
The other was when one of the women who takes most of my poetry workshops, a beautiful soul with stage IV breast cancer, used one of my prompts to write a heart-wrenching poem about a day in her son’s life twenty years in the future. When she is no longer here. The poem was poignant. Full of sorrow and hope. When she shared it in the workshop, there was not a dry eye in the house. To learn that she planned on gifting the poem to her young son felt like this beautiful connection I had with this family that would now exist beyond time. Beyond life. It’s one of the most rewarding moments of my poetry journey thus far.
How do you engage with your audience and community through your poetry? Do you perform at events or conduct workshops?
At markets, I like to invite the reader to read their poem in front of me. I live for the moment when they meet their poem for the first time. Read it and experience it. Sometimes tears make their way into the moment, and I just love it. To be able to pull at the heartstrings like that. It’s an honor.
I have performed at poetry events both locally and in the digital space. The same is true for conducting workshops. Workshops are truly some of my favorite spaces. The generative work that happens there is its own kind of vibe. I may be biased, but I highly recommend it.
Are there any particular messages or emotions you hope to convey through your poetry?
Big emotions. Always encourage folks to feel all the feels. Our time here on this planet is incredibly brief. It may not feel like it when you are in traffic or when you’re pressing 7 for representative, but it truly is. So if an emotion makes its way to the forefront, please let it have the stage.
How has your local community in Lakeland influenced your poetry and the way you connect with your readers?
I am obsessed with Lakeland. That may feel like a strong word, but it isn’t. I wish there were a stronger one. I am of the mindset that location is our second skin. That we are who we are because of where we were when. And to be in Lakeland here and now is a good place to be. This community has opened its arms and hearts to me and my work. It’s where my family lives, where my children are growing up. It’s full to the brim with creatives and makers, and community-oriented folks who want to shift things for the better, towards representation and inclusion. I love the moments when I see people wearing an Orange Blossom Poems shirt at the farmer’s market or first Friday. I’m just like, what kind of luck?!?!
Have you faced any challenges as a poet and business owner? How have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge is the idea of hustle culture. As a mother, wife, poet, cat owner, and full-time human, I simply don’t have the time and capacity to push and do the grind. I also just don’t see that mindset aligning with being a poet. Kudos to you if that brings you joy, but for me, my joy meant overcoming the feeling that I needed to be doing more, writing more, and producing more. There’s no word count I have to hit at the end of the day to feel like a successful poet.
Can you share some insights or advice for aspiring poets who want to turn their passion into a successful business?
I would say to start with the knowledge that what you have to say is important. That your story matters. From there, I like to encourage workshops and community with other poets. Remembering that in art, no one is your competition.
Dr. Diana Álvarez-Hughes, the creative force behind Orange Blossom Poems, has not only carved a path for herself in the realm of poetry but has touched the lives and hearts of her readers in profound ways. Through her unique writing style and exploration of universal themes, she reminds us of the shared human experiences that connect us all.
Her poetic journey has been filled with rewarding moments, from crafting words that become cherished family heirlooms to witnessing the power of poetry in bringing solace and hope. With unwavering passion and a deep appreciation for her community in Lakeland, Diana has found inspiration in the vibrant and creative energy that surrounds her.
As a poet and business owner, she has overcome challenges and embraced her own definition of success, inviting aspiring poets to do the same. Through workshops and performances, she encourages others to embrace their emotions and experience the power of words firsthand. As we delve into the enchanting world of Orange Blossom Poems, let us be inspired by Diana's journey and the profound impact poetry can have on our lives.