This page is updated in conjunction with my monthly newsletter, "Bea's Books."

 

Happy April! The artist of the month is Robert S. Duncanson (1821-1872), a Black, self-taught landscape painter . "Landscape with Family by Lake", a painting by Robert S. Duncanson of sweeping, romantic views of the Ohio River valley. Source: Robert S. Duncanson, Landscape with Family by Lake, 1858, oil on canvas, 12 x 17 in. (30.5 x 43.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of J & R Investments, 1983.95.175. How was March, you ask? Sit back and let’s discuss 🍵 This m

Happy March! I am writing to you in the middle of a New England snowstorm. As someone who grew up in the South’s sluggish heat, I used to dream of this. I yearned for sweaters and thick socks and chilly walks and snow-covered neighborhoods. I love winter. How was Black History Month, you ask? Sit back and let’s discuss 🍵 This month’s lesson was about my righteous anger. This month’s fragrances were green apple and sandalwood. This month’s plant was a Monstera deliciosa nam

An Exciting Update on my Afrosurreal Romance Novel and Quick Thoughts on the Streaming Economy, Art as Protest, and Heated Rivalry

Happy late-November! AKA Happy I-Am-A-Novelist Month to me! And happy holidays (yes, The Decorations are up, muahaha ). Beatrice is sitting in the woods, holding the book I’ll Make a Spectacle of You. Against a red background with black trees, “Beatrice Winifred Iker is a novelist.” How was November, you ask? Sit back and let’s discuss 🍵 This month’s lesson was the power of (herbal) tea. This month’s fragrances were lemon and mango piña colada . This month’s plant was a No