Ilona ( pronounced “Ee-loh-nuh”) is by far one of the most thoughtful people in our Instagram Poet community. She makes sure we remain a cyber family by looking out for the poet behind each poem. Be it health issues, life changes or an extended absence; Ilona reaches out to everyone. In addition to being considerate, she has the nerve to be one heck of a writer. Actually…she’s pretty darn amazing.

One of my favorites…

She speaks…

I was born in Philadelphia. My parents were teachers and an odd interracial couple, in the midst of the late 60s and early 70s. My mother, a third generation Japanese American that was a toddler when put in the internment camps in Arizona during WWII and my father, a Hungarian- Gypsy immigrant, who escaped Russia’s invasion of Budapest at 14 years old. My mom taught world cultures and was very creative. My father was an instrumental music teacher and strolling violinist, on the side.

I wrote my first poem at 6 and by 8 was writing lyrics for my dad. I was surrounded by books with an extensive library, even from a very young age. Mostly, folklore, mythology and Fairytales from around the world, because my mom loved them.

I have always loved words. Totally and completely. I’m the geeky girl that loves her dictionary app the most on her phone. Got caught under the covers, with a flashlight reading until 3 – 4 in the morning. I wrote everyday when I was young. Short stories, poems, lyrics…eventually, I, also, discovered painting and sculpture. And went on to get a degree in Fine Arts with a minor in storytelling and mythology.

But eventually life happened. During a long and life draining 20 year marriage/relationship. I stopped writing, stopped creating…for 19 years…nothing. When he left me, suddenly, on Christmas day for another woman…with a 3 line note on a 5 x7 card. My world changed forever.

I began to journal and then, write poetry, to handle the ensuing PTSD and depression, as well as my exacerbated bipolar disorder. Over a year later, I changed my IG (Instagram) to mainly a poetry page. I wanted to express my journey to a new life. I, honestly, never thought anyone else would read my work. But I discovered a world of supportive and creative people that understood me, in ways no one else had.

I try to get naked with my words. I write about everything…stories, my loves, my pain, my changing mind, erotic desires, nature, and healing. It is the one way I reveal myself to myself. And scream out all the things I cannot process in my head.

I am so grateful for this path. For the wonderful community, I’m now a part of here. It has been a powerful part of my healing.

 

e Speaks…

Thank you for joining us here at http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com and stopping by the #WriterCrushSeries Ilona!!

SUPPORT ILONA ON LINE!

IG: @lotusheart.romanisoul

Previously @iggylolo

All written work now signed as •iAikoG

Previously signed as @iggylolo

Poetry, bio and photos included in this piece are the exclusive property of  Ilona Aiko Gaspar, No copyright infringement intended.

*CLICK BELOW TO SHARE THIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA & VIA EMAIL! ENCOURAGE ANOTHER TODAY!! BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE!!*

LIKE/FOLLOW e ON FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM

@authenticiteespeaks – Blog/Love Poetry Fan Page

@InspirationWithE – Inspiration Fan Page

FOLLOW e ON TWITTER

@authenticitee – Love Poetry Page

@EAInspiration – Inspiration Page

BLOG – http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

Don’t forget to keep in touch & share with a friend!

Much love & welcome new faces!e

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content