Rebecca Flore's first book, Elements of Life-Elementos de Vida, is an autobiographical poetry collection. The artwork, design, and layout of each page were created by the author, who arranged the poems with both the English and Spanish versions side by side and sometimes twisted them together. “Spanish is such a romantic language. Even if you don’t understand it, you still can feel the warmth and rhythm of its flow. I dream, think, write, and speak English and Spanish. I cannot be one without the other. For you, there are both.”Her parents struggled with the English language. Their children were challenged to remain Puerto Rican and also be American. She grew up in between worlds. “To be raised in the Bronx gave me the courage to meet the unexpected. Who I am today is rooted in urban concrete. Life was tough and simultaneously wonderfully enchanting.” Our cover artist admits to being a born communicator and leads motivational workshops. “I aim to inspire every age, especially the young, to embrace life.” Rebecca founded Nattie’s Galleria, Inc. in Cranston and an art gallery in Onset, Mass. She owns and operates RFA Publications and hosts a public television show called Now’s the Time. Rebecca is also a member of the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and Rhode Island Commission on Women’s Cultural Pluralism and participates in many other community organizations. She has received countless awards, including the Rhode Island Senate's Outstanding Commitment & Community Service. A portion of the proceeds from Rebecca’s book will go directly to a scholarship fund benefiting high school seniors who are first-generation college-bound.
Written by:
Dionne Montgomery 06/2006
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